STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- In the early 1980s, a small group of Staten Islanders decided to organize a "gay" dance at a housing development near the Staten Island Mall. Although details were only communicated by word of mouth, to their surprise, more than 300 people attended.

More than three decades later, having accomplished the monumental task of founding and directing the independent Pride Center of Staten Island, Ralph W. Vogel is announcing his intention to retire from his leadership role.

In a statement, the Board of Directors of the Pride Center expressed its "deepest appreciation and gratitude to our founding Executive Director for his selfless work, his vision, and all he has accomplished."

An executive search committee is seeking qualified and passionate candidates to lead the Pride Center into the next phase of its existence. To review the full Executive Director job description, qualifications and how to apply, check out PrideCenterSi.org/employment.

Check out the 2017 Staten Island PrideFest Schedule at the link below:

RALPH'S PRIDE CENTER JOURNEY

After the runaway success of that inaugural event in the 1980s, the group recognized an unmet need for socializing and advocacy and responded by creating the Lambda Associates of Staten Island. Lambda hosted monthly meetings with guest speakers, summer picnics, an annual Pride dinner dance, and other events throughout the year. They dreamed of someday having a safe and welcoming space where they could gather to share their stories, support each other, and work towards equality. It was in this spirit that the Staten Island AIDS Task Force submitted a grant proposal to open an LGBT Wellness Center. In May 2008, the Staten Island LGBT Health Center officially opened its doors.

The Center soon became a central meeting place for members of Staten Island's LGBTQ community and their allies.

THIS ISN'T RALPH'S FIRST RETIREMENT

Two years later, in 2010, in response to community members' suggestions to transform the LGBT Health Center into an independent LGBT Community Center, CHASI Executive Director, Diane Arneth, coaxed Ralph from retirement to lead the Center program and to create an independent LGBT Community Center with a broader scope and purpose. Under Vogel's leadership, the Center began a comprehensive community initiative to support and coordinate existing various LGBT groups to work together to produce community-wide programs and events. The Center broadened the scope of services and programs, expanded its staff, and have become the cornerstone for LGBTQ Staten Islanders as well as a hub for events, programs, and services on Staten Island.

Ralph has more than tripled the amount of money the Center brings in to operate and fulfill the mission. He built a Board of Directors from the communities and created the infrastructure required to form an independent non-profit and local LGBT Community Center.

He worked tirelessly towards the goal of forming the LGBT Community Center and on June 29, 2013, the Pride Center of Staten Island, Inc. was officially recognized and Incorporated by New York State and awarded IRS 501c3 status. Under his leadership the Pride Center has continued to grow. Its signature event, the One Island One Pride Dinner Dance, has become a not-to-be-missed annual gathering for the LGBTQ community to celebrate its founders, heroes, and traditions. The annual PrideFest outdoor celebration has been transformed from a small afternoon event to a full week of special pride events and program including a 5K Run and a PrideFest festival held on the grounds of the beautiful Snug Harbor Cultural Center with a festive showcase for community organizations, vendors, musicians, artists and artisans.

Under Ralph's leadership, the Pride Center of Staten Island, the second largest LGBTQ center in New York, has fulfilled the dreams of those early pioneers in ways they could only imagine.

AMONG VOGEL'S MANY OTHER ACCOMPLISHMENTS: