Giving Life To A Haven
Donation protected
The Birth of a Haven:
In late 2014 Shane Brown decided to create HavenCon, the first LGBTQIA Geek and Gaming Convention of Texas. While promoting HavenCon at another game convention, some very friendly and excited staff members of Texas Furry Fiesta approached him, and they asked him to join them at TFF to promote HavenCon. A couple of months later, Shane loaded up his car and headed to Dallas not exactly knowing what to expect when he arrived at the host hotel. Dressed in casual suit attire he initially felt a bit out of place:
(Oh yeah, totally going to fit in with the furries, but I have to represent HavenCon..be a pro, be a pro…)
Now, Shane always had a fascination with the Fur Suits he'd seen around various places.
(Exact quote: “<Audible squeeel of joy> Shut up, don’t judge me! Just take a picture! <does happy dance after picture>” Thank you Tofu!
But after getting to know some of the fellow convention goers and getting a few AMAZING hugs, Shane decided to become more involved in the goings on around him.
(These two would hug Shane every time they walked by. It really helped to open him up and make him feel welcome. Thank you!)
The next day, Shane was able to explore some of the events happening, like walking through the “Dealers Den” and talk to more people about the Furry Fandom. Before too long, he felt at home, amazed with the diverse, friendly and fantastically accepting community he found himself in, a community not unlike the one he hoped to bring together with HavenCon. But with so many HUGS!
Shane went on the hunt for ears or a tail, trying to show solidarity. Sadly, none were available to his liking. But he did find this!
(Badge created by Marymouse. Pretty sure this is how they get you, Furry Jedi mindtricks. )
After an amazing second day, Shane packed up the HavenCon table. The evening festivities were filled with great conversation, dancing with some adorable suits to some great retro dance beats, and a couple of really fun panels. Shane wrapped up the Con by attending his first ever Furry Dance Competition. Sold!
Fast forward to April 4th 2015, the first day of HavenCon – The First LGBTA Geek and Gaming Convention of Texas. The furry community came out in force, jumpstarting the HavenCon After Hours party with a standing-room-only panel enjoyed by all along with an awesome Furry DJ Gryphon!
(That’s Organizer Shane gushing over the Furry Fandom along with presenter Sable and a few of his friends. The blue Gryphon put together a fantastic set list for the after hours dance party!)
Then, the following Sunday, it happened. Shane got to wear his very first Fur Suit.
(People had no idea, and when they found out they actually squeed! Thank you, Avery!)
AND DOUBLE SOLD!
Which brings us to today. Because the Furry Fandom and HavenCon found places in each other’s worlds, we want to make the bridge between the two even stronger.
How will we do that, you may ask? With this adorable fuzz ball.
Introducing Haven:
Haven is the physical manifestation of the love, curiosity, and joy that has come from the gathering of these two amazingly supportive groups. Haven will be the mascot for HavenCon, out promoting HavenCon wherever he can. He will be seen at conventions, picnics, and countless other events, including TFF-run events.
But we need your help to give birth to Haven. Funds are tight for HavenCon at the moment while we work on creating its second year, so we are reaching across the communities that came together for HavenCon to help get this cute little guy created.
We’re looking to raise approximately $2500 (based on current quotes) for his creation in time for upcoming events as well as next year’s convention season.
We have some fun perks set up, including the chance for 5 people to take Haven out on the town (at his own expense). There will also be a “coming out” photo shoot that you can purchase a ticket for to have your picture taken with Haven on his first day in public.
If you want to officially “Sponsor” Haven, he will be happy to attend your event or other function to help you promote it. The smiles people will have when they see Haven walk in will make it well worth it. He can even hand out flyers for you!
Questions:
Q: If you don’t raise all of the funds, what will you do?
A: If not enough funds are raised, we’ll work on creating a partial suit. It may not be as fun to hug as a full suit, but it’ll still be cute!
Q: What if you go over the amount being raised?
A: Any funds remaining will first be used to purchase proper travel and care items for Haven. (We don’t want him getting hurt, do we?) Any funds left over after that will go toward funding next year’s HavenCon!
Beyond that, if you have questions you’d like to ask, please do! You can email Shane directly at [email redacted] (remove spaces to ensure delivery).
In late 2014 Shane Brown decided to create HavenCon, the first LGBTQIA Geek and Gaming Convention of Texas. While promoting HavenCon at another game convention, some very friendly and excited staff members of Texas Furry Fiesta approached him, and they asked him to join them at TFF to promote HavenCon. A couple of months later, Shane loaded up his car and headed to Dallas not exactly knowing what to expect when he arrived at the host hotel. Dressed in casual suit attire he initially felt a bit out of place:
(Oh yeah, totally going to fit in with the furries, but I have to represent HavenCon..be a pro, be a pro…)Now, Shane always had a fascination with the Fur Suits he'd seen around various places.
(Exact quote: “<Audible squeeel of joy> Shut up, don’t judge me! Just take a picture! <does happy dance after picture>” Thank you Tofu!But after getting to know some of the fellow convention goers and getting a few AMAZING hugs, Shane decided to become more involved in the goings on around him.
(These two would hug Shane every time they walked by. It really helped to open him up and make him feel welcome. Thank you!)The next day, Shane was able to explore some of the events happening, like walking through the “Dealers Den” and talk to more people about the Furry Fandom. Before too long, he felt at home, amazed with the diverse, friendly and fantastically accepting community he found himself in, a community not unlike the one he hoped to bring together with HavenCon. But with so many HUGS!
Shane went on the hunt for ears or a tail, trying to show solidarity. Sadly, none were available to his liking. But he did find this!
(Badge created by Marymouse. Pretty sure this is how they get you, Furry Jedi mindtricks. )After an amazing second day, Shane packed up the HavenCon table. The evening festivities were filled with great conversation, dancing with some adorable suits to some great retro dance beats, and a couple of really fun panels. Shane wrapped up the Con by attending his first ever Furry Dance Competition. Sold!
Fast forward to April 4th 2015, the first day of HavenCon – The First LGBTA Geek and Gaming Convention of Texas. The furry community came out in force, jumpstarting the HavenCon After Hours party with a standing-room-only panel enjoyed by all along with an awesome Furry DJ Gryphon!
(That’s Organizer Shane gushing over the Furry Fandom along with presenter Sable and a few of his friends. The blue Gryphon put together a fantastic set list for the after hours dance party!)Then, the following Sunday, it happened. Shane got to wear his very first Fur Suit.
(People had no idea, and when they found out they actually squeed! Thank you, Avery!)AND DOUBLE SOLD!
Which brings us to today. Because the Furry Fandom and HavenCon found places in each other’s worlds, we want to make the bridge between the two even stronger.
How will we do that, you may ask? With this adorable fuzz ball.
Introducing Haven:
Haven is the physical manifestation of the love, curiosity, and joy that has come from the gathering of these two amazingly supportive groups. Haven will be the mascot for HavenCon, out promoting HavenCon wherever he can. He will be seen at conventions, picnics, and countless other events, including TFF-run events.
But we need your help to give birth to Haven. Funds are tight for HavenCon at the moment while we work on creating its second year, so we are reaching across the communities that came together for HavenCon to help get this cute little guy created.
We’re looking to raise approximately $2500 (based on current quotes) for his creation in time for upcoming events as well as next year’s convention season.
We have some fun perks set up, including the chance for 5 people to take Haven out on the town (at his own expense). There will also be a “coming out” photo shoot that you can purchase a ticket for to have your picture taken with Haven on his first day in public.
If you want to officially “Sponsor” Haven, he will be happy to attend your event or other function to help you promote it. The smiles people will have when they see Haven walk in will make it well worth it. He can even hand out flyers for you!
Questions:
Q: If you don’t raise all of the funds, what will you do?
A: If not enough funds are raised, we’ll work on creating a partial suit. It may not be as fun to hug as a full suit, but it’ll still be cute!
Q: What if you go over the amount being raised?
A: Any funds remaining will first be used to purchase proper travel and care items for Haven. (We don’t want him getting hurt, do we?) Any funds left over after that will go toward funding next year’s HavenCon!
Beyond that, if you have questions you’d like to ask, please do! You can email Shane directly at [email redacted] (remove spaces to ensure delivery).
Organizer
Shane Brown
Organizer
Austin, TX
