DEMOCRACY TAKES ACTION
About Democracy Takes Action
Why Support the BCDP?
The Berrien County Democratic Party's “5th Annual Fundraising Event: Democracy Takes Action" (formerly the “True Blue Gala”) will be held on Friday, June 12th at 6:00 PM at Shadowland on Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan.
A keynote will be delivered by Barbara McQuade, former U.S. Attorney, New York Times Best-Selling Author, Co-Host of the #SistersInLaw Podcast, and University of Michigan Law Professor. McQuade's latest book, “The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government” will be released on June 2nd, providing a call to action, outlining common-sense reforms and strategies that can reclaim the rule of law and recenter democracy with the power of the people.
Denise McGowan Tracy will be our emcee. Additional speakers include:
Curtis Hertel, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party
Joey Andrews, State Representative, Michigan's 38th District
Amy Scrima, Chair of the Berrien County Democratic Party
Attendees will also enjoy visits with local candidates and elected officials, the talents of several musicians, and the presentation of the Gloria Weberg Lifetime Leadership Award to local residents.
Overall, it will be an evening of inspiration to take action in the coming months to engage fellow voters, protect our elections, and elect Democrats up and down the ballot in November.
The Berrien County Democratic Party (BCDP) is a grassroots, volunteer-powered local Democratic Party. While BCDP is associated with the Michigan Democratic Party (MDP), it is not funded by the MDP or Democratic National Committee (DNC). We rely primarily on donations from our local friends and neighbors.
Over the past decade, we’ve steadily expanded our impact: growing our membership, increasing opportunities to take action, supporting greater numbers of Democratic candidates, and getting Democrats elected, including State Representative Joey Andrews. In 2024, Berrien County was one of just three counties in Michigan to shift left, even as the state trended right overall. In 2026, we’re preparing for key elections—from the State House to the Governor’s office, and open U.S. Senate and House seats.
Your support of our 5th Annual Fundraising Event: Democracy Takes Action will help us continue vital operations, increase community outreach, and provide direct resources to candidates, such as yard signs, voter guides, and individual voter outreach. Democratic momentum in Berrien County is growing, and with your help, we are determined to Turn Berrien Blue!
How to Register or Donate
We have reached our capacity of 275 guests and we are grateful for the community's enthusiastic support. Please call, email or visit the BCDP office at 269-588-3300 or info@berriendems.org if you would like to be placed on a waitlist in the event of cancellations.
Thank you!!!
All funds solicited in connection with this event are by Berrien County Democratic Party.
THANK YOU SPONSORS
Dinner Sponsor
Democracy Sponsors
- Barry and Jody Conybeare
- Marilyn Bell and Bern Schwartz
Constitution Sponsors
- Gretta VanBree and Alan Bulgrin
- Eric and Audrey Lester
- Eugene and Faith Schoon
- Anonymous
Thank you to Forever Books, St. Joseph's community bookstore, for coordinating the purchase of Barbara McQuade's book for our Sponsors, Award Winners and Young Voters.
Additional copies will be available for purchase at the event.