Our Mission

Ricky’s Pride was formed in acknowledgment of the growing awareness within the Democratic Party that lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual people, and non-binary people (LGBTQIA+) should be fully and equally represented both in the community and in the nation.

It shall be the purpose of Ricky’s Pride to make the Democratic Party, the body politic and its’ elected officials, responsive to and responsible for the needs of all people, particularly, though not exclusively, the LGBTQIA+, feminist, people of color, members of the differently abled community, deaf and hard of hearing, and the intersectionality of these communities.

Ricky’s Pride seeks to eliminate discrimination based upon real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, age, and disability, while promoting freedom of choice and furthering
economic and social justice for all people.

Further, Ricky’s Pride shall seek to promote legislation in conjunction with our goals and to vigorously oppose legislation that oppresses and/or restricts basic human rights. We also encourage LGBTQIA+, feminists, people of color, members of the differently abled community, deaf and hard of hearing people to run for public office.

Ricky’s Pride believes that we have the responsibility to ourselves and to our society to affirm our role in the political arena. In pursuit of our goals, Ricky’s Pride will work within the Democratic Party and other institutions.

Why We Are Democrats?

We Democrats are the oldest political party in America and the youngest in spirit. We will remain so, because we enjoy the challenge of government. Time and again, for almost two centuries, the Democratic Party has made government work — to build and defend a nation, to encourage commerce, to educate our children, to promote equal opportunity, to advance science and industry, to support the arts and humanities, to restore the land, to develop and conserve our human and natural resources, to preserve and enhance our built environment, to relieve poverty, to explore space. We have reached difficult and vital goals.

We recognize that the capacity of government is limited but we regard democratic government as a force for good and a source of hope.

At the heart of our party lies a fundamental  conviction that Americans must not only be free, but they must live in a fair society.

We believe it is the responsibility of government to help us achieve this fair society
A society where all people can find jobs in a growing full-employment economy;
A society where all workers are guaranteed without question the legal right to join unions of their own choosing and to bargain collectively for decent wages and conditions of employment;
A society where taxes are clearly based on ability to pay;
A society where the equal rights of women are guaranteed in the Constitution;
A society where the civil rights of minorities are fully secured and where no one is denied the opportunity for a better life;
A society where both public and private discrimination based upon race, sex, age, color, creed, national origin, religion, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, economic status, philosophical persuasion or physical disability are condemned and where our government moves aggressively to end such discrimination through lawful means;
A society where we recognize that the strengthening of the family and the protection of children are essential to the health of the nation;
A society where a sound education, proper nutrition, quality medical care, affordable housing, safe streets and a healthy environment are possible for every citizen;
A society where the livelihoods of our family farmers are as stable as the values they instill in the American character;
A society where a strong national defense is a common effort, where promoting human rights is a basic value of our foreign policy, and where we ensure that future by ending the nuclear arms race.

This is our purpose & our promise.

Section 17 of The Charter & The Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, as amended by the Democratic National Committee, January 19th, 2002

Meet The PAC

RICHARD (RICKY) BUTTACAVOLI
CHAIRMAN


Ricky’s local work has inspired the passing of historic non-discrimination ordinances throughout Montgomery County. He worked with Montgomery County’s Department of Health and Human Services to create an LGBTQIA+ health link on the HHS website, founded the Montgomery County Qmunity Center, and co-founded the Montgomery County LGBT Business Council.

Ricky has assisted various political campaigns including races for borough council, State Senate, State Representative, county row offices, school boards, and presidential delegates.  Most recently, he served as the Human Rights Campaign’s Field Manager for Bucks and Montgomery Counties for the 2020 presidential election. Ricky also serves on the Board of Directors for Montgomery County Community Colleges Foundation. Ricky holds a Bachelor of Professional Studies from LIM College in New York City and currently resides in Lansdale, PA with his precocious puppy, Greco.

Check out Ricky’s recent Family Portrait article in the Philadelphia Gay News here.

RICHARD DETWILER
TREASURER


Richard (he/him/his) grew up in Bucks County, and after obtaining a graduate degree in anthropology, he lived in Spain for several years. After returning to Pennsylvania, Richard worked in refugee resettlement programs at Lutheran Children and Family Service. Richard and his wife Hong-Nhung met, were married at Trinity Lutheran Church, and started their family all in Lansdale. In 1991 they moved to Souderton, where they continued to raise their three children Elizabeth, Sarah, and Peter.

The Events Team

STEPHANIE JAMISON

Stephanie (she/her) has spent the past 24 years working as a social work clinician, administrator, and consultant. Stephanie received a Bachelor of Science from DeSales University and a Master of Social Work degree from Marywood University. She is an advocate and community organizer with a passion for disability justice, harm reduction, LGBTQIA youth and their families, community power-building, and the use of peer support and mutual aid as alternatives to traditional models of social service. Stephanie is the co-founder of Souderton Area for All a grassroots advocacy organization for equity, diversity and inclusion and is the Strategy and Operations Advisor for the Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network. 

COLLEEN COLBERT MROZ

Colleen has been an Educator for nearly 15 years. She has earned 2 Masters Degrees and holds a B.A. from Temple University with a concentration in Political Science and Public Administration. Colleen sees herself as an advocate whose life trajectory has been shaped by roles and accomplishments driven toward diversity and change engagement both personally and professionally. She is a current education Administrator and previous teacher for North Penn and Philadelphia School Districts.

Colleen has been an active and involved member of Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) and has worked on numerous state and national campaigns. Her two biggest passions are safeguarding and improving public education and creating inclusive structures, systems and communities. She believes increasing access, rights, and equity for every person is good for all people. As an educator, Colleen has extensively researched the impact of trauma on disenfranchised and marginalized students and works tirelessly to ensure they are not re-traumatized by the climate, culture, or policies of our education systems.

Mike Yetter

Mike Yetter (he/him)

Mike Yetter (he/him), a beacon of leadership and advocacy, joins Ricky’s Pride LGBT political action committee team as a dedicated ally, enriching our mission with his commitment. Last year, Mike’s remarkable contributions left an indelible mark on our endeavors, steering the course of justice and celebration through his involvement in the Justice and Joy Awards event and the revolutionary Guerilla Gay Bar event during Pride Month in 2022.

As an executive leader and healthcare technology consultant with Infosys Consulting, he demonstrates professional prowess and dedicates himself to the betterment of healthcare through his work with national and regional healthcare organizations. Within his professional sphere, Mike Yetter’s impact is profound as he spearheads transformation programs, champions the adoption of Generative AI, and leads the integration of digital health solutions. His unwavering dedication to enhancing healthcare affordability, elevating patient outcomes, and fostering superior customer and healthcare professional experiences underscores Mike’s commitment to creating a world of betterment.

Mike’s advocacy extends to the realm of politics, where his involvement in supporting democratic causes is highlighted by his leadership of a successful primary fundraiser for now Senator John Fetterman. He supports initiatives rooted in education, healthcare equity and access, and economic growth, showcasing his vision for a brighter future for all.

Mike’s journey is one that epitomizes excellence and community involvement. Mike’s passion for running and hiking reflects his determination to stride forward, echoing his commitment to progress. An embodiment of support and friendship, Mike Yetter’s multifaceted engagement with Ricky’s Pride resonates deeply. His sage counsel has proven invaluable time and again, underscoring his role as a steadfast confidant to the cause.

Mike resides in Lansdale, PA, alongside his lovely wife Daria and their blended family encompassing five remarkable teen and young-adult children. His active engagement in Montgomery County’s community fabric showcases his dedication to fostering unity and inclusion, values that align seamlessly with the ideals of Ricky’s Pride.

As Mike Yetter joins Ricky’s Pride LGBT political action committee team as an ally, his presence resonates with hope, progress, and unwavering support. With a biography that weaves together professional excellence, community engagement, and advocacy, Mike’s story aligns harmoniously with the spirit of Ricky’s Pride, bolstering our resolve to drive positive change and inclusivity.

Jenny Anderson

Jenny Anderson (She/Her)

Jenny Anderson is an invaluable member of our Ricky’s Pride team. As a resident of Upper Dublin and a loving mother to her four children, three of whom are part of the LGBTQIA+ community while one stands as a fierce ally, her dedication and support shine through.

In her role as co-chair of the LGBTQIA+ Equity & Excellence subcommittee in the Upper Dublin School District, Jenny’s passion for advocating for LGBTQIA+ students and families is remarkable. Her mission to create safe and inclusive schools, where every LGBTQIA+ child can embrace their authentic selves, resonates deeply with our team’s values.

Jenny’s commitment to fostering inclusivity extends beyond the school district, as she played a pivotal role in raising the pride flag for the first time at Upper Dublin schools, making history as the first school in Montgomery County to do so. Moreover, her involvement in hosting a local pride event, which just celebrated its third year and featured a teen drag queen for the first time, showcases her dedication to creating vibrant and celebratory spaces for the community.

Not only is she a pillar of support within her family and the community, but Jenny also works alongside her husband, who is the pastor of Upper Dublin Lutheran Church, to ensure it remains a welcoming and safe space for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Her involvement in co-hosting a biweekly support coffee for caregivers and loved ones of LGBTQIA+ youth highlights her commitment to nurturing a loving and understanding community.

Jenny’s active engagement with the Upper Dublin Democrats to promote equity and inclusion at both the school board and local township level showcases her dedication to making positive change within the community.

As a valuable member of our Ricky’s Pride team, Jenny’s boundless love, compassion, and dedication to supporting the LGBT community make her an inspiring and cherished asset to our cause.

Tom Frey

Tom Frey (He/Him)

Tom has long had a passion for being an ally and advocate for the LGBT plus community. You can often spot his work truck with a pride flag flying from the back. He founded Free Dad’ Hugs Philly In 2017. Tom is also an advisory board member of Project Ride plus at Penn, which he provides mobile HIV testing and addiction help. Tom provides extensive safe, inclusive homeless outreach in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. He is also the food coordinator for the Everywhere Project, which provides harm reduction services and training. Tom is also on the ground coordinating transportation supplies and raising donations tirelessly while working with unsheltered people food insecure people and anyone in need. You can find him on Wednesdays and Saturdays preparing the meal site at the Love Lot in Kensington. This initiative serves thousands pounds of food each year Tom is heavily involved and his son’s boy scout troop 437 and recently accepted the job as scoutmaster. He looks forward to building a more inclusive intolerant boy scout troop in Pennsylvania there is no time Tom is off duty. He does all of this with genuine love and endless compassion for all of the people. Tom resides in Abington Township with his lovely Jessica of 17 years, and their two children, Greg and Jolene.

IN MEMORIAM- JOHN LYON

John was a tremendous help with getting the committee off the ground as treasurer. He was always available to help out at LGBT events. He could always be counted on. We continue our work in his memory.

 Yaniv Aronon- Mayor of Conshohocken

“Richard is a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. He is one of the hardest workers that I have ever met, a loyal friend and fierce organizer. He stands up for representation of minority communities and champions diversity through networking, major events, fundraising and trainings, among many other forms of advocacy.”

Ricky’s Pride PAC
PO Box 312

Lansdale, PA 19446

[email protected]


If you’d like to donate by check, please make the payable to Ricky’s Pride PAC and mail to:

PO Box 312

Lansdale, PA 19446

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