Kaleidoscope Youth Center

My name is Thomas: husband, dad, writer and schlub.

Like many, I have a lot on my mind when it comes to my Columbus community. With hatred and fear taking over at every turn, I wanted to do something positive for my community. That's where this campaign comes in for Kaleidoscope Youth Center.

Kaleidoscope works with kids and young adults in the LGBTQIA+ community. It offers support and gives a welcoming place for kids in this marginalized community. More than marginalized but actively attacked at the state and federal levels.

If I had the means of a tech mogul, I'd give this group and countless others in the state all they need but I'm like you - not a billionaire.

So, I'm putting my beard where my... mouth is? I'll work on the catchphrase later but I'm asking you to join my Save It or Shave It campaign.

I'm doing a Hike-A-Thon across most of the Columbus Metro Parks on October 4 & 5. When you donate, the money you give goes directly to Kaleidoscope and never touches my hands.

When you donate, leave a comment (called Words of Support) on GoFundMe) saying to either "save it" or "shave it" and whichever side donates the most will end in either this majestic, uncontrollable, beard living another day or turning me into a baby again.

Watch this campaign and social media as I share more about the hikes, date and more ways you can support.

Thank you!

A little background about Motherhood Minis:

If you’ve been following me for awhile you know that each spring I host an annual fundraiser. As a family photographer in Columbus, Ohio, I have met some of my most loyal, wonderful clients through these events AND I get to do something that positively impacts my community, so it’s a tradition I cherish and want to continue. It started in 2016 when I was asked to donate mini-sessions to raise money for the Columbus Babywearing library, which I did for three consecutive years. I also participated in a Front Steps Project in 2020, raised money for the Young Mother’s Fund with Elaine at Columbus Birth Arts in 2021 and raised $850 for Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed in 2022.

More information about Kaleidoscope Youth Center: Kaleidoscope Youth Center (KYC) is Ohio's largest and longest-serving organization in Ohio solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth ages 12 - 24. Services include a Drop-in Center, community education and training, advocacy and civic engagement, health and wellness programs, and housing opportunities.