San Diego nonprofit Photocharity is a youth support organization with a twist; and at this weekend’s fundraising gala event, organizers hope to bring the San Diego community together to share in their mission and create solutions for homeless and LGBT youth throughout the city.
Designed to serve the severely underrepresented population of 18-24 year-old homeless youth in San Diego, Photocharity raises a large percentage of its charitable funds through the acquisition and sale of signed photos and memorabilia. Over $650,000 of Photocharity’s total proceeds have come from memorabilia sales alone; and thus far the organization has raised $1.6 million total for San Diego’s homeless youth through auctions, performance events and other fundraisers – and directed those funds towards the establishment of equality-focused, universally tolerant after-school programs, artistic initiatives and shelters throughout the city.
Photocharity is directly tied to San Diego’s LGBTQ community. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth constitute a significant part of the city’s young homeless population, and Photocharity is eager to create solutions that welcome all youth, regardless of their sexual orientation or status. Over the past year, 17.5% of homeless youth at the Photocharity-funded Storefront shelter were LGBTQ – and upon arrival, everyone accepted into the shelter learns the required mantra of tolerance that demands respect for all residents and prohibits homophobic comments of any kind.
With other LGBTQ-specific projects in the works, including a 2-year old LGBT youth ZINE developed through the group’s Expressive Arts program, Photocharity seeks to make a positive impact on San Diego’s LGBT community and the youth community at large. And at the upcoming Celebration of Hope Gala event, Photocharity will showcase its mission for new and current supporters alike.
Scheduled for Sunday, April 17th, the Celebration of Hope Gala will take place at Anthology in San Diego and will feature dinner, a silent auction and musical performances by Eve Sellis and Missy Andersen. Tickets are $125 and can be purchased through the Photocharity website.
