Diversity Richmond, Richmond Region Tourism, and Richmond ToolBank Unite to Build and Paint Vibrant Spaces for the LGBTQ+ Community
July 6, 2026
Volunteers paint the rainbow pride flag on Richmond ToolBank built picnic tables. Photo courtesy of Alex Smith-Scale from Community Foundation of Greater Richmond.
RICHMOND, VA — July 6, 2026 — Diversity Richmond, Richmond Region Tourism, and Richmond ToolBank recently joined forces for a dedicated project day to paint and assemble picnic tables for LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion across the region.
The hand-built, vibrant tables are being donated directly to VA Pride (a program of Diversity Richmond), a pillar organization leading an effort to sustain a permanent, supportive non-profit structure in Greater Richmond dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community, families, and allies.
Bringing together teams from all three organizations, volunteers worked side-by-side to build and paint heavy-duty picnic tables in an array of Pride flag colors, including the traditional rainbow, bisexual, and transgender pride flags, at Richmond ToolBank’s warehouse.
“When we heard that Richmond Region Tourism and VAPride were interested in not only assembling outdoor furniture but also painting the built outdoor furniture with pride colors, we were compelled to see the outcome,” said Colton Lee, Development Manager at Richmond ToolBank. “The ambition to build and design picnic tables for the LGBTQ+ community, is right on target with our vision in building a more vibrant, and equitable Richmond.”
Volunteers build and assemble heavy-duty picnic tables at Richmond ToolBank’s warehouse. Photo courtesy of Alex Smith-Scale from Community Foundation of Greater Richmond.
Creating Visible, Vibrant Spaces
Part of Richmond ToolBank’s program model with their one-of-a-kind giveback experience, Building Change, strives to create more vibrant and equitable places for everyone in the community to enjoy. ToolBank provides community groups during Building Change events with pre-cut lumber kits, tools, guidance, and expertise to assemble and craft outdoor furniture for communities in need on their day of service.
With true teamwork, dedication, and support for the Richmond community, Diversity and Richmond Region Tourism leveraged their non-profit work day to build vibrant landmarks in the community that will live on for years to come. Built to withstand the elements, the results from this day of service will be placed and provide functional seating at major upcoming regional events, including the Virginia Pride Festival this September, and inside local neighborhood parks.
These outdoor furniture pieces will live on in the community, in several different Richmond neighborhoods including:
- Alice Fitz Community Garden on Perry Street in South Richmond
- Broad Street Pollinator Park near Scott’s Addition
- Midtown Green on West Leigh Street
- Bill Robinson Park in Church Hill
- Fonticello Park on Bainbridge Street in Swansboro
- Scuffletown Park off Strawberry St in the Fan
The collaborative project highlights the unique intersection of Richmond's booming tourism appeal, community-led non-profit strength, and dedication to equity. Placing these highly visible pieces of functional art in public spaces, partners hope to remind residents and visitors alike that Richmond is a place where everyone belongs.
Volunteers painting during Building Change project day event at Richmond ToolBank. Photo courtesy of Alex Smith-Scale from Community Foundation of Greater Richmond.
About Richmond ToolBank
The Richmond ToolBank is a nonprofit organization dedicated to lending tools, equipment, and expertise to community-based organizations and individuals. As part of a national network of ToolBanks and Disaster Services hubs, the Richmond ToolBank serves as a force multiplier for the community.
Its flagship Tool Lending program bridges financial gaps by providing access to tools at just 6% of their retail value. To date, Richmond ToolBank has supported hundreds of organizations, generating more than $10 million in tool cost savings reinvested directly into nonprofit programs and projects.
Building Change is Richmond ToolBank’s group volunteer program for corporate and community teams looking to give back in a truly unique way. The ToolBank designs turnkey, one-of-a-kind give-back experiences that combine team building with hands-on tool training. Corporate and community teams of all backgrounds come together to roll up their sleeves and build placemaking furniture for local organizations in need. The result is something meaningful for the Richmond region and a deeper sense of connection with the teams building outdoor furniture.
Learn more at
richmondtoolbank.org
About Diversity Richmond
Operating as a vital initiative under Diversity Richmond, Virginia Pride strives to cultivate an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals throughout the Greater Richmond area are authentically safe, visible, and honored. By leveraging strategic community alliances, advocacy efforts, and hallmark celebrations like the Commonwealth’s premier Pridefest, the organization champions a culture of inclusion and regional connectivity within the RVA landscape.
Learn more at
diversityrichmond.org
About Richmond Region Tourism
Richmond Region Tourism’s mission is to share a passion for the Richmond Region with the world. Richmond Region Tourism enriches the lives of residents and visitors by sharing the unique culture and humanity that is the Richmond Region.
Learn more at visitrichmondva.com
Media contact:
Kayla Telleria, Marketing Coordinator
Email: Kayla@richmondtoolbank.org
Website: richmondtoolbank.org
###
