Showing posts with label Fundraiser. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fundraiser. Show all posts

Friday, March 24, 2023

Drag Isn't Dangerous

A coalition of LGBTQ media groups and companies is teaming up to fight back against harmful political and media narratives about drag performers and trans people. The "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign aims to raise awareness and funds for LGBTQ causes and organizations that support drag and trans performers, especially in areas that are under attack.


Led by Producer Entertainment Group (PEG), GLAAD, Q.Digital, OUTtv, Five Senses Reeling, Trixie Cosmetics, SERV Vodka, and other companies, the "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign will kick off with a social media and digital awareness campaign. The campaign's website, www.dragisntdangerous.com, will offer resources and information on how to support local drag performers and LGBTQ causes.


The highlight of the campaign is a one-night-only telethon on Sunday, May 7, at www.moment.co/dangerous. Hosted by a wide range of drag performers and celebrities, the event will feature a mix of live and pre-taped performances, appearances, and testimonials from drag performers, LGBTQ entertainers and straight celebrity allies. Initial confirmed talent includes Alaska, BeBe Zahara Benet, Bob The Drag Queen, Brandon Stansell, Darienne Lake, Desmond Is Amazing, Divina De Campo, Eureka O’Hara, Frankie Grande, Ginger Minj, Jackie Beat, Jiggly Caliente, Jinkx Monsoon, Jujubee, Justin Martindale, Katya, Kerri Colby, Laganja Estranja, Manila Luzon, Miz Cracker, MonĂ©t X Change, Nina West, Peppermint, Salina EsTitties, Sherry Vine, Trinity The Tuck and Trixie Mattel with many more names to be announced. All net proceeds from the event will be divided among approved charities that support LGBTQ causes and drag performers in need, especially in states where they face discrimination and bans. None of the performers or organizers are taking fees for their work on the campaign.


The only place where men in dresses sexualize children is church” said drag artist Trixie Mattel, star of Viacom’s RuPaul’s Drag Race, Paramount+’s Queen of the Universe and HBO Max’s Trixie Motel.


The most traumatizing thing about drag isn’t harming kids, it’s getting sent home first on drag race. . . but I can't relate” said Bob The Drag Queen, star of HBO’s We’re Here and special guest on Madonna’s upcoming world tour.


"We are sick of it. These bans are not just about trans people or drag performers. It is a systematic subjugation of LGBTQ people," said Jacob Slane of Producer Entertainment Group, the management company behind many of the world’s top drag artists. "Through the 'Drag Isn't Dangerous' campaign, we want to show that drag performers are not dangerous groomers, sexual deviants, criminals or whatever is the latest evangelical slur du jour. We want to raise awareness and funds to make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ people who are under attack."


“In a time when bans and attacks on the LGBTQ community continue to escalate, it is more crucial than ever to remind the world that drag is art, drag is inspiring, and the politicians spreading lies about drag are only seeking cheap political points. Not only do our beloved drag performers have to be protected, they should also be celebrated” said Anthony Allen Ramos, Vice President of Communications & Talent, GLAAD.


“We cover the dangerous rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ bills every day, giving us a front row seat to the fact that LGBTQ+ people are being used as political pawns on the path to the upcoming election,” said Scott Gatz, the CEO of Q.Digital, whose sites include Queerty, LGBTQ Nation, GayCities, and INTO. “We proudly stand up and fight with the most vulnerable in our community to  make people aware that drag queens and trans people are not a danger to anyone. Quite the opposite, they are shining examples of what it means to live our lives authentically, even in the face of adversity.


At HeadCount we believe in amplifying the voices of individuals who have been marginalized in the past!,” said a representative. “One of our initiatives is Vote With Pride in which we encourage members of the LGBTQIA+ community to take action and contact their lawmakers to ensure we are being heard! We are super grateful to join PEG and all the other amazing organizations who are leading the charge, especially now that voting and speaking up are crucial to our community!” 


As an organization whose entire mission it is to amplify queer artistry, we are outraged by the collective efforts to send queer culture, creativity, and people underground,” remarked Jason Brotman, Founder and President of Obsessed, the company behind several worldwide drag tours. “We are devoted now more than ever to creating safe spaces for our brilliant artists and our wonderful fans. We are honored to join forces with colleagues across our industry and beyond to say loud and clear: we are here and we will not be going anywhere any time soon.


“Drag artists and trans people are not harmful to the community in any way, however recent legislation is harmful and dangerous to the LGBTQ+ community” said Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv, the world’s leading LGBTQ+ streaming service. “These extremist anti-LGBTQ+ bills that are designed to restrict rights, erase members of the LGBTQ+ community and cause people to live in fear.  We cannot stand by and allow these laws to stand.  We are proud to join this initiative and we want trans people and drag artists to know that they are not alone, we are in this fight with them.


“As the proud son of an openly gay pioneering father and as a longtime television, film and theater producer, I am outraged that my LGBTQ colleagues and friends are still having to fight for equal rights in 2023," said Matt Weaver, prolific executive producer of projects like Rock of Ages and the upcoming Drag The Musical, who is co-executive producing the telethon. "It is an honor to join this distinguished group of organizations in doing something about it."


Campaign merchandise can be purchased on PEG’s webstore, with all proceeds going to charity. 


For more information and updates on the "Drag Isn't Dangerous" campaign, visit www.dragisntdangerous.com.


Direct ticket link for “Drag Isn’t Dangerous” fundraiser: www.moment.co/dangerous

Tuesday, November 17, 2020

Shine A Light

Johnny Rzeznik
The Goo Goo Dolls


SHINE A LIGHT

A Special Light of Day Concert Stream Fundraiser for Asbury Park Dinner Table

 Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik Highlights 19-Artist Fundraiser from Producers of Annual ‘Light Of Day’ Winterfest Extravaganza – Sunday, Nov. 22

 

Proceeds Support Pandemic-Challenged Restaurants and the Food-Insecure in Legendary Seaside Resort

 

Joe Grushecky & The Houserockers, Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, The Weeklings, John Easdale of Dramarama, James Maddock, Richard Barone of The Bongos, Ben Arnold, Danielia Cotton also among Performers

 

"As winter approaches, The Light of Day Foundation shines its light on the growing issue of food insecurity during the Covid crisis in an effort to raise money and awareness to support its spiritual hometown and the great work of Asbury Park Dinner Table”

- Tony Pallagrosi, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Light of Day Foundation

 

The world seems to change on an hourly basis, but there is at least one thing that remains constant: When help is needed, Light of Day’s musical family is always there to lend a hand — and a tune.

 

That’s been the case countless times, and will be once again beginning 11:15 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 as 19 Garden State music makers combine their talents for SHINE A LIGHT, a streaming musical event in support of ASBURY PARK DINNER TABLE.

 

The non-profit organization is dedicated to helping Asbury Park’s dining industry — a key component of the town’s stunning rebirth as a leisure and entertainment destination — which has been severely affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and to helping local residents who are experiencing food insecurity as the pandemic rages. The concept behind APDT is that donations it receives are spent at local eateries to purchase meals for those in need.

 

Heading up the formidable talent roster is Johnny Rzeznik, lead singer of superstar rock act, The Goo Goo Dolls. He’ll be joined by 18 other artists including longtime Bruce Springsteen collaborator Joe Grushecky and his band, The Houserockers, Jim Babjak of The Smithereens, Jersey Shore favorites The Weeklings and a host of acclaimed singer-songwriters, among them Richard Barone of The Bongos, James Maddock, Ben Arnold and Danielia Cotton. Each artist will perform one song. See below for the complete list of participants.

 

The event will formally kick off right before 11 a.m. as Tom Cunningham, host of the Jersey Shore Sunday morning radio institution Springsteen on Sunday on 107.1 “The Boss,” will “shine a light” on the presentation and direct his listeners to Light of Day’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAxn20nnBJoPVkfyiqxjcLg) channel and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/LOD2000).

 

You can also join the APDT Watch Party at https://www.facebook.com/APDinnerTable.

 

This very special event is being staged by the Asbury Park-based Light of Day Foundation (LOD), whose annual January-long concert series in support of Parkinson’s Disease research and treatment have been a Jersey staple for more than two decades. “As winter approaches and the issue of food insecurity during this COVID crisis grows, The Light of Day Foundation will ‘shine its light’ in an effort to raise money and awareness to support its spiritual hometown and the great work of Asbury Park Dinner Table,”  said Tony Pallagrosi, LOD’s executive director and co-founder.

 

“The Asbury Park Dinner Table is honored to have the Light of Day Foundation “shine a light” on us as we now face the Winter months, which normally are stark in Asbury Park, but now are at a crisis stage with the addition of the pandemic. We also thank and appreciate the artists donating their time and talent to this concert fundraiser in the Asbury Park community spirit that many of us know is something very special,” added Allison Kolarik, co-founder, Asbury Park Dinner Table.   

Saturday, September 15, 2018

The Goonies Live!


The MontalbĂ¡n Hosts
The Goonies: Live! A Fundraiser for RAICES
[Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services]
All-Star Cast Includes Gina Rodriguez, Brittany Snow, Haley Joel Osment, Nicole Byer, and More
At The MontalbĂ¡n in Hollywood
Saturday, September 22, 2018

The More You Know...

 On Saturday, September 22, 2018 at 8:00pm, The MontalbĂ¡n in Hollywood will host The Goonies: Live! A Fundraiser for RAICES, a live read of the script to the 1980s cult-hit film The Goonies. All proceeds from the evening’s event will be donated to the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Texas. The Goonies: Live! features an eclectic crew of stars from television and film such as: Gina RodriguezJoe Lo TruglioBrittany SnowHaley Joel OsmentNicole Byer and more. Tickets are $35 (balcony), $55 (mezzanine) and $75 (orchestra) and can be purchased at http://bit.ly/thegoonieslive. The historic theater is located at 1615 Vine Street, Hollywood, CA 90028. For more information on this event please call the box office at 323-461-6999 or visit https://www.facebook.com/thegoonieslive2018.


CAST 
Marc Evan Jackson (The Good Place, Brooklyn Nine-NineJumanji: Welcome to the Jungle) as The Narrator 
Brittany Snow (Pitch PerfectHairspray) as Andy 
Eliza Coupe (Happy EndingsScrubsFuture Man) as Stef 
NoĂ«l Wells (Master of NoneSNL) as Mikey 
Nicole Byer (Nailed It!, *Loosely Exactly Nicole) as Chunk
Joel Kim Booster (Funemployed) as Data
Gina Rodriguez (Jane the VirginAnnihilation) as Mouth 
Joe Lo Truglio (Brooklyn Nine-NineWet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later) as Francis Fratelli 
Haley Joel Osment (The Sixth SenseA.I. Artificial IntelligenceSilicon Valley) as Sloth
Jessica Rothe (Happy Death DayLa La Land) as Irene Walsh
Frankie Quinones (Bound by Debt) as Rosalita 
Echo Kellum (ArrowRick and Morty) as Mr. Perkins
The event’s producer and coordinator Molly Shalgos reflects on The Goonies connection to RAICES and the importance of continuing to pay attention to the current state of affairs:

“The footage coming from the border over the last few months is sickening. It’s not just that it’s heart-wrenching; it is a helpless sort of rage, the rage that comes from knowing you cannot drive down to Texas and forcibly hurl your body against the fences. You can’t crash into those cages and scoop every child into your arms and swing to the rescue. There is no magic wand to wave that will undo the damage that’s been done. But that does not absolve us from the responsibility of trying.

That’s The Goonies in a nutshell: we keep fighting even when it seems like a done deal – a home in foreclosure, the papers all but signed. RAICES has been on the front lines of this humanitarian crises from the beginning. They haven’t stopped. They won’t stop, but they need our support – now more than ever, in these days when every week in the news cycle brings something worse than the last. They need us to keep paying attention.”

ABOUT RAICES –
Founded in 1986 as the Refugee Aid Project by community activists in South Texas, RAICES (Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services) has grown to be the largest immigration legal services provider in Texas. With offices in Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston and San Antonio, RAICES is a frontline organization in the roiling debate about immigration and immigrants in the world. As an organization that combines expertise developed from the daily practice of immigration law with a deep commitment to advocacy, RAICES is unique among immigration organizations. A diverse staff of 130 attorneys, legal assistants, and support staff provide consultations, direct legal services, representation, assistance and advocacy to communities in Texas and to clients after they leave the state. In 2017, RAICES staff closed 51,000 cases at no cost to the client. The nonprofit’s advocacy and commitment to change are driven by the clients and families i t serves every day as its attorneys and legal assistants provide legal advocacy and representation in an immigration system that breaks apart families and leaves millions without pathways to legal status. For more information: https://www.raicestexas.org.

LINKS:
• The Goonies: Live! Tickets - http://bit.ly/thegoonieslive
• Twitter Event Page - https://twitter.com/thegoonieslive

Monday, July 31, 2017

Just Because...It's Monday

LOL!
Melissa Joan Hart & Anna Chlumsky

Just Because it's Monday, just because girls just wanna have fun & just because they look so darn cute together I present this image of Melissa Joan Hart & Anna Chlumsky whooping it up at a fundraiser in the Hamptons.

From the looks of it, these two look like they know how to put the "fun" in fundraiser. I'd love to be a fly in the air zipping around them to find out what they are chatting about. 

Perhaps their conversation isn't as entertaining as it looks, but if it is, well let me join in, please!

Moving on, if all of you enjoy your Monday even half as much as these wild and crazy gals are enjoying their moment together then you are going to have one terrific day!

Ciao!

Melissa on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/melissajoanhart/?hl=en

Anna on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/annachlumskyoficial/?hl=en  

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Frock Off! Dragstrip 66


There's a "Frokumentary" brewing about the legendary club Dragstrip 66. Why they passed up a chance to call it Dragstrip 69 is beyond my comprehension.

Wanna party? There's a fundraiser tomorrow night at Akbar in Silverlake, CA to kick it all off and, to celebrate the crowdfunding page. As you know crowdfunding is all the rage these days.

So rather than my prattling on, hit the links below.

Happy Throwback Thursday, indeed!

Party at Akbarhttps://www.facebook.com/events/499352446771669/

Crowdfunding Page: https://www.tubestart.com/projects/dragstrip-66-the-frockumentary/7996 

Monday, March 2, 2015

Lady Gaga & Taylor Kinney Take The (Polar) Plunge

Baby It's Cold Outside: Taylor Kinney & Lady Gaga
Recently engaged couple Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney took part in the Polar Plunge on March 1st.

Participants in the plunge jump into Chicago's icy & frigid Lake Michigan as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

Gaga shared the experience to her Instagram followers telling them: "My weave froze!!" further spilling "Taylor gave me his hat I thought my wig was gonna freeze into and become one with the lake."

Awwwwwwwwwww.....these two sound like they are made for each other.

Hey, the couple that freezes together, stays together.

Find out more about the Special Olympics at: