Town and Latino History Project to host fundraiser for Orlando shooting victims
100 percent of proceeds from Thursday night event will be donated to Pulse Victims Fund
“In the LGBT community, nightclubs are our safe place,” says Ed Bailey, co-owner of Town Danceboutique, reflecting on Sunday’s mass shooting at Orlando’s Pulse nightclub. “For this event in Orlando to have taken place at what is historically the safe space for our community is a very horrifying moment for us, because it strikes right at the heart of the place where we generally feel the safest.”
Recognizing that many in the LGBT community want to do something for the families and victims of the Orlando tragedy, Bailey approached the Latino History Project to do a joint fundraiser. On Thursday, June 16, Town will donate 100 percent of its proceeds to Equality Florida’s Official Pulse Victims Fund. While there is no cover charge, it’s suggested patrons give a small donation at the door.
“Hopefully, this is a way for some people to express themselves, however they feel that’s appropriate for their own [grieving] process,” says Bailey. “It’s also important that when we do what we can to honor those who lost their lives, we do it in a place to reclaim the space that is ours. And for us to make that statement at a nightclub feels appropriate to me.”
The Official Pulse Victims Fund fundraiser will take place on Thursday, June 16, at Town Danceboutique, 2009 8th St. NW, at 9 p.m. No cover, but donations suggested. For more information, visit towndc.org.
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