Return Of Lazy Bear, Celebrating Milestone By Giving Bigger

The nonprofit marked its 30th anniversary by directing historic funding to two organizations serving LGBTQIA+ communities.

By Angela Woodall, Patch Staff

Jul 30, 2026 12:52 PM PDT

Lazy Bear Fund Executive Director David Barker (left) announces a record $100,000 grant to Lyric as Executive Director and President Gael Lala-Chávez reacts during a 30th anniversary celebration at the R3 Hotel in Guerneville. (Lazy Bear Fund )

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Lazy Bear Week has spent three decades drawing thousands of visitors to Guerneville for a celebration of community, entertainment, and philanthropy on the Russian River.

For its 30th anniversary, organizers decided to do things a little differently.

Instead of spending money on a marquee performer, they donated a record $150,000 to two LGBTQIA+ nonprofits.

The nonprofit presented a $100,000 grant to Lyric, a San Francisco-based organization that provides education, support services, and leadership development for LGBTQIA+ youth.

Positive Images of Sonoma County received a $50,000 grant to expand its work providing support, advocacy, education, and community-building programs for Sonoma County's LGBTQIA+ community.

The announcement came during a poolside gathering at the R3 Hotel in Guerneville, marking the organization's pearl anniversary.

"As we planned for the 30th anniversary of Lazy Bear Week, we considered bringing in a major headline entertainer," Executive Director David Barker said.

"Instead, the Board decided that the best way to celebrate this milestone was to invest directly in our mission by making the largest charitable grants in our history."

Organizers said the awards were the largest charitable grants in the Lazy Bear Fund's history.

Founded in Guerneville in 1995, Lazy Bear Week grew from a small poolside gathering into one of the world's largest events for the gay bear community, attracting thousands for entertainment, outdoor activities, and fundraising.

Originally organized by founders Harry Lit, Allen Eggman, and friends, the event expanded from a weekend to a week under new leadership in 2017 and is now run by volunteers.

The Lazy Bear Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has combined philanthropy with community-building since its founding, supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations while producing one of the world's premier bear gatherings, organizers said.

Lazy Bear Week continues through Aug. 3 in Guerneville with community events, entertainment, outdoor activities, and more fundraising.

Lazy Bear Fund leaders joined representatives from Lyric and Positive Images of Sonoma County after announcing the largest charitable grants in the nonprofit's 30-year history during Lazy Bear Week in Guerneville. (Lazy Bear Fund )