Help Rainbow Cafe: Water Damage

Hello everyone, my name is Kodi I am Rainbow Cafe's fundraising co-chair, a board member, and most importantly a volunteer. I am here today to ask for your help; on December 19th 2016 the water pipes burst in the complex where we operate our LGBT+ youth center destroying many of our items, many of which are replaceable but plenty that we now must move forward and try to replace for our center.

While the insurance from the landlord will be covering for the damages to the property itself, and we will be receiving a sum for some of the damages to replace items inside the building, it will be nowhere near enough to replace everything we need for our youth. For those who have kept up with Rainbow Cafe's news this year you've likely heard that we've had consistently high numbers in our youth attendence week after week this year! This is fantastic, we're so happy to be here for our youth and give them a safe space in Southern Illinois.

For those who do not know the history of Rainbow Cafe; we are an LGBT+ safe space and drop-in youth center located in very rural Southern Illinois. Youth come to our center from not only the local area, but have driven from out of state to have a place where they can truly be themselves and feel safe in their identity among their peers and mentors.  Rainbow Cafe relies on the donations of individuals to continue keeping its doors open to our youth year after year.

We really appreciate your assistance especially during this busy holiday season. Thank you so much for all you do to help keep our little LGBT+ youth center open in rural Southern Illinois, our space is a bright spot in the world for many of our LGBT+ youth in the surrounding area. By donating, sharing, and volunteering you all provide a great space for some seriously amazing youth. Thank you again, and happy holidays from all of us to all of you!