In times of uncertainty, community and creativity sustain us. As our nation faces a federal shutdown and devastating cuts to SNAP and other safety net programs, local organizations and artists are once again stepping up to fill the gaps — offering food, comfort, and hope when systems fail.

Ohio Equal Rights is organizing this effort as a part of our broader series of giving back to the community. You can read about the other actions on our Substack, and in this space, we want to keep focused on the task at hand — celebrating Ohio and two of its strongest attributes: community and the arts.

This fundraiser honors two extraordinary forces for good: Hiram-native artist Xyl Lasersohn and Dayton-based nonprofit Have A Gay Day, led by the endlessly compassionate Michael Knote. Together, they remind us that resilience is built through care — whether it’s a hot meal shared, a bright mural that sparks joy, or a space where everyone belongs.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 (with a stretch goal of $20,000), to be shared equally between Xyl Lasersohn and Have A Gay Day, helping sustain both creative and humanitarian work right here in Dayton. As a gesture of gratitude, Xyl’s award-winning painting, Cheesecake, will be gifted to Michael — a small token of thanks for his years of tireless service to the LGBTQ+ community and to anyone in need of kindness, warmth, and dignity.

Many of us in Ohio's LGBTQ+ community are familiar with Have A Gay Day and its founder, Michael. He's best known for his kindness, flair for rainbows, and love of cheesecake, so that's exactly what we're aiming to give him!

Have A Gay Day operates a free food pantry, the Ada Gaden Project (emergency fund), and a community resource hub, serving hundreds of people across the Miami Valley each month. Under Michael’s leadership, it has become more than a nonprofit — it’s a lifeline. A place where people can walk in hungry or hurting and walk out fed, seen, and loved.

Xyl Lasersohn’s art, like Cheesecake, captures that same spirit — turning color, texture, and emotion into a shared language of healing. In moments when the world feels heavy, art gives us space to breathe and imagine better futures.

Cheesecake, in particular, has that Ohio grit and has graced multiple exhibits with its unique charm. In fact, "grit" was the name of the exhibit it appeared in before its present show, where it won first place. Cheesecake's travels have taken it to:

Now, we invite you to join us in building that future. Every donation — no matter the size — helps support the arts and local aid, highlighting the better side of Ohio that continues to shine as a beacon of generosity, creativity, and pride.