Connection Keeper
The Connection Keeper tier is the ideal entry-level sponsorship for individuals or micro-supporters who want to make a meaningful impact in the Garden State gay men’s social community. For just $100 per month, sponsors in this tier become recognized pillars of the Garden State Gay Socials (GSGS) network, helping support and sustain inclusive, fun, and engaging social events for gay men across the Garden State. By becoming a Connection Keeper, sponsors are directly contributing to the growth of LGBTQ+ networking, friendship-building, and community development in New Jersey, ensuring that every event remains vibrant, welcoming, and accessible to all participants.
Connection Keeper sponsors receive recognition on the GSGS website sponsor page, where their name or small logo is prominently displayed for attendees, visitors, and community members to see. This placement ensures that even at the entry-level, sponsors enjoy consistent visibility and acknowledgment across all online platforms, establishing their support as part of a recognized and respected social network. In addition, Connection Keeper sponsors are featured in a quarterly social media “thank you” post, providing further exposure and signaling their support to the wider LGBTQ+ community. Social media posts reach hundreds of engaged followers across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook, creating meaningful visibility for sponsors at a low entry cost.
While this tier does not include event tickets, newsletter features, goodie bag items, or speaking opportunities, it offers a unique opportunity to be seen as a foundational supporter of GSGS events. All recognition applies to every event hosted during the active sponsorship period, meaning that attendees will know sponsors are consistently supporting the community month after month. Sponsors are listed alongside other dedicated supporters, emphasizing their role as part of the broader network of men and businesses committed to LGBTQ+ social connection.
The Connection Keeper tier is perfect for individuals who want to demonstrate their support for gay men’s social networks, show alignment with LGBTQ+ community values, and engage with a growing regional audience without committing to a large financial investment. By joining this tier, sponsors help Garden State Gay Socials continue hosting informal walks, hikes, brunches, mixers, and other social networking events designed to foster friendship, connection, and meaningful interactions. Connection Keepers are recognized as the heartbeat of the organization, providing the essential support that allows Garden State Gay Socials to grow and thrive, creating opportunities for hundreds of men to meet, socialize, and form lasting friendships.
From a marketing and visibility standpoint, the Connection Keeper tier provides ongoing benefits across multiple channels. Sponsors gain online exposure, social media recognition, and acknowledgment in every event’s digital presence. This includes the GSGS website, event pages, social media posts, and other online promotions. It also signals to the community that the sponsor is an ally and advocate for gay men’s social engagement, making it ideal for individuals, small businesses, or organizations seeking a meaningful way to connect with the LGBTQ+ community in New Jersey.
Furthermore, by sponsoring Garden State Gay Socials, Connection Keepers contribute to the mission of inclusivity, safety, and community building. Their support helps fund venues, event materials, and other logistics necessary to host events that are casual, fun, and welcoming. This tier emphasizes that even a modest contribution has a significant impact on the lives of gay men seeking community, friendship, and opportunities to socialize in a safe, affirming environment.
Connection Keeper sponsors are also part of a recognized network of supporters, providing opportunities for informal networking with other sponsors and community members. Although the tier does not include direct event participation perks, it creates a foundation for potential upgrades to higher tiers, offering more visibility, event access, goodie bag inclusion, and even speaking opportunities at larger events. Connection Keepers are essentially the first step in becoming a recognized supporter of the Garden State Gay Socials brand, allowing sponsors to gain credibility, exposure, and recognition within the regional LGBTQ+ social community.
By choosing to become a Connection Keeper, sponsors demonstrate their commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and social connectivity for gay men across the Garden State. They join a growing network of men and allies who are passionate about creating opportunities for friendship, networking, and shared experiences. This tier not only provides modest online visibility but also positions sponsors as active contributors to a thriving social ecosystem, supporting events ranging from informal hikes and walks to brunches, mixers, and other structured social gatherings that are open, welcoming, and designed to foster authentic connections.
In summary, the Connection Keeper tier is the perfect starting point for individuals or small organizations who want to support gay men’s social events, enjoy modest recognition, and play a key role in building and sustaining an engaged, vibrant LGBTQ+ social community. At $100 per month, this tier offers high value for low investment, with recognition that applies across all events during the sponsorship period. It establishes sponsors as foundational supporters, signaling their dedication to fostering friendship, connection, and community engagement for gay men in the Garden State.