Paris Hilton

Jimmy  Darts

Flavor Flav

SB Mowing

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Carlos Eduardo Espina

Samuel Weidenhofer

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

<div>My name is Hammam Hamouda. I am 36 years old, and I live in Gaza with my family. Today, I am asking for your help after our lives were completely changed by the war.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>During the war on Gaza, I was shot in my leg and suffered a serious injury that has left me in constant pain and unable to live normally. The injury caused severe damage and has affected every part of my daily life. Simple things that many people take for granted, like walking, standing for long periods, carrying items, or sleeping without pain, have become difficult for me.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Because of this injury, I am unable to work and support my family the way I once did. Before this happened, I worked hard to provide for my loved ones and create a stable life for us. Now, I struggle every day with pain, weakness, and uncertainty about the future. Losing my ability to work has been devastating, especially while my family is also facing displacement, fear, and extreme hardship.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I urgently need medical treatment, medications, and rehabilitation, but the medical situation in Gaza is extremely difficult, and I cannot afford the costs on my own. Without proper treatment, my condition continues to affect both my physical and emotional health.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>On the other hand, our house was bombed. Everything we worked for where we felt safe is gone. My family and I are struggling to survive without stability, security, or basic necessities.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Our living conditions have become unbearable, and there is no clear future for us here.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I am raising this fund to get your support for:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>* My medical treatment and recovery
</div>
<div>* Medications and rehabilitation for my injured leg
</div>
<div>* Basic living expenses for my family
</div>
<div>* Help rebuilding our lives after losing our home
</div>
<div>* The cost of leaving Gaza and finding safety for my family
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Leaving Gaza is our only hope for safety, proper medical care, and a chance to live a normal life again. More than anything, I want my family to have peace, security, and the opportunity to rebuild our future away from war and destruction.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As we can’t use Gofundme in Gaza, and most of banks are destroyed. I have my friend in Canada Sara who created this fundraiser for me and she’ll be receiving the money and make sure I will receive it. She’ll keep you posted.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Any donation, no matter how small, will help us move closer to survival and hope. If you are unable to donate, please share my story with others. Your kindness, support, and prayers mean more than words can express.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for standing with me and my family during this painful time.
</div>

Help Hammam recover from his injury and get to safety 

<div>We are eight members of RLP1, a leadership and personal transformation program, based in the San Francisco Bay Area. As part of our commitment to creating positive impact beyond ourselves, we are partnering with St. Vincent de Paul San Francisco to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, and hardship.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This project is about more than fundraising. Our team is committed to volunteering our time, preparing meals, sharing professional skills, organizing supplies, and building genuine human connection with the people served by St. Vincent de Paul. We believe that every person deserves dignity, belonging, and the experience of being seen and cared for.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Together, our Bay Area team has committed to raising $4,000 and contributing more than 40 volunteer hours in support of St. Vincent de Paul’s mission. Funds raised will help provide essential services including meals, shelter, housing support, case management, and other critical resources for people working to rebuild their lives.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Every donation directly supports St. Vincent de Paul’s efforts to bring hope, stability, and opportunity to members of our community who need it most.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for helping us turn compassion into action and create meaningful impact in San Francisco.
</div>

Help Our Team Raise $12,000 for St. Vincent de Paul

<div><strong>Be a part of bringing two beautiful teahouses to Burning Man!</strong>
</div>
<div><a href="http://www.playatea.com" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">http://www.playatea.com</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Chaiberpunk Tea Terminal</strong> (Center Camp)
</div>
<div>The Time Bandits have traveled from a future that’s running out of time, creating this 24/7 cyberpunk teahouse to help slow time down.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>KeyHaus Teahouse</strong> (9:30&amp;E)
</div>
<div>This key-themed teahouse, located within the Foam Hub (9:30&amp;E), will be gifting literal and metaphorical keys of liberation. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thanks so much for your support!
</div>

Playa Tea at Burning Man

<div>Hello friends and community,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My name is Emily Lewis and I'm one of the many people that have the pleasure of being a dear friend of Chris James.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Recently, Chris's life has been radically altered by the diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of plasma cell cancer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>*Contact Request from Chris as of May 22nd*</strong>: Chris has been super grateful for the HUGE outpouring of support and messages but has respectively requested if you would like to contact him directly, please <strong>only use fb messenger or comment on facebook posts directly</strong>. <strong>Please refrain from texting or calling him directly at this time. </strong>He wanted me to relay that he may not be able to respond to everyone individually in a timely manner as he needs to reserve his energy and prioritizing focusing on his health - but he will get back to people as he can over time. He assured me is<strong><em> super grateful</em></strong> for how much support he is receiving but he is also in a fairly internal process right now as he is navigating all of this.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Health Details:</strong> Chris went to ER at Sutter Health on Saturday May 18th after being advised to do so by one of his health practitioners. Upon being admitted to the ER, Chris was in sepsis. After lots of various testing they were able to confirm he has Multiple Myeloma.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Treatment Details: </strong>He's currently under the care of a specialist, Dr. Behl at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center in Oakland, CA. He will be starting chemo May 22nd and it's a 2-week session plus getting a bone marrow stem cell transplant. I'm sure Chris will also want to incorporate complementary forms of treatment into his plan but I don't have those details right now. As I get more info I will update this page.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As of the start of this fundraiser (May 21st) I don't have all of the medical cost info to report in detail but as soon as I have that I will update this fundraiser to more accurately reflect what funds will be needed.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Chris's state of mind: </strong>
</div>
<div>Chris is handling this with grace - he is holding himself with compassion and is taking utmost care to feel safe and just taking it one day at a time. He knows that starting the allopathic chemo treatment is the best course of action to take immediately and he will of course also be focused on healthy diet and all of his other health habits that he is already proficient at. He still has a sense of humor but recognizes that now is the time to firmly hold his scared inner munchkin with his adult embrace...
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>About the funds raised:</strong>
</div>
<div>All proceeds raised will go towards Chris's medical costs as well as cost of living expenses while he is recovering from his treatment protocol. Rest assured he is handling this diagnosis with as much grace as one can muster during such an intense time.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>How You Can Help: </strong>
</div>
<div>Any amount you can donate is extremely appreciated. We truly are an interconnected community and the ways that we all show up and care for each other matter. So <strong>ANY</strong> amount is helpful. No amount is too small.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong><em>Other ways you can help: </em></strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Meal Train: Please sign up for meal train <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1kr1jY8_CdXpNEa3k6zgqLf2sbpuQe2nfbh0TpvP2h2c/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>HERE</strong></a><strong>.</strong> He needs food deliveries while he is in the hospital until at least June 5th. Please read all the info on the sheet before signing up. thank you!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Please Share with the Community and Spread the Word: </strong>
</div>
<div>Chris James has been a pillar in the dance and other east bay communities for decades. He has offered his services and skills to many folks over the years and now is the time to help support him in his time of need. I offered to help him create this fundraiser and he has given his <strong>full blessing</strong>.
</div>
<div>Please share with your community and anyone you know who may be able to help to ease the financially burden of this reality he's facing.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Share: </strong>Please amplify this message. Share this link on Social media, email lists, and even direct conversations are all good ways to help.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong><em>Prayers: </em></strong>Chris understands we are all part of a larger web of connected consciousness and energy. He welcomes your prayers and healing thoughts right now. Chris is so grateful for incredible support and JOY you bring to his life. Your prayers and support is filling him up daily!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Be Part of his Care Team: </strong>
</div>
<div>This is still in development. I would love for a few dear friends that live closer to him (East Bay) to volunteer to help with day to day support once he gets out of the hospital. Please contact Emily Lewis through facebook or text for more info on this.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for your time in reading this and thank you in advance for your generous donations. Chris James is one of the most amazing humans I have ever had the honor of knowing. He has brought lots of love, laughter and creative expression to my life and so many peoples lives! He has dedicated his life to healing and to living a life full of love and open-heartedness and creative expression. Lets rally to show him we support him and love him.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>THANK YOU!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>In Gratitude,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Emily Lewis
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/80266207_1716338796236778_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>

Support Chris James' Cancer Treatment

<div>Vezelda Allen has been the dedicated cleaner at East Bay Community Space for over five years. Two weeks ago, her husband was riding his scooter when he was the victim in a hit and run accident. Not only did the car not stop, but it pulled the scooter for one and a half blocks before it sped away.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Derek has been in the hospital ever since. Vezelda needs to care for him and their children, so she is unable to work. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please join me in appreciating Vezelda's many years of service by making a donation to help her and her family. I will distribute all funds directly to Vezelda after they are received from GoFundMe.
</div>

Help Vezelda's Family

<div>Hi, i´m Lucy, age 42, mum to 4 cats, living a simple life in south of Spain. Never thought i´d be here writing this for myself.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>On January 26th, 2024 after months of back pain (that was believed to be from a herniated disk) - i was rushed to A&amp;E after i collapsed at home on the bathroom floor - the pain got too much and i could no longer walk.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/78594893_1709330445506578_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><em>(Here is me, reluctantly being admitted to hospital 26th Jan)</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Placed on morphine and confined to a hospital bed as recent news of a ´Fractured´ spine meant i was no longer allowed to move. Several tests, scans later... on February 1st my doctor stands in front of me and asks:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong><em> "Lucy, WHO is going to take care of you?... you have advanced stage lung cancer which is also in your spine and liver. It is a tumor in your spine that has broken the L3 vertabrae causing your mobility issues"</em></strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Well.. i did NOT see THAT coming!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Needless to say, i am STILL trying to digest the enormity of all this. Trying to get my head around the diagnosis, what my cancer type means, treatment options and facing some BIG decisions This is evolving on a daily basis and i´m still not 100% sure of how this journey will evolve.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>DIAGNOSIS:</strong>
</div>
<div>So, in black n white. I have Stage 4 (IVc), Adenocarcinoma of the lung with metastasis to L3 vertabra, liver and lymphs. They told me it is non operable, not curative, surgery is not an option. All they can do is... send me home with paliative care and pain management.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Then, they discovered I have a rare mutation of my cancer (a 5% chance of that) which, despite not having any cures for it, people  have responded well to one medication (Osimertinib) that aims to slow down and stop the spread of cancer which buys me... time. (they explained that if i do NOTHING, we are talking 3 months. If i start the meds and get to work i can add years, 2,3,4...5?..)
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/78594893_170932999518140_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><em>(here are some images that show how my spine fractured due to the tumor that has pretty much devoured my L3. I have lost 1 inch in my height)</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/78594893_170933069466620_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><em>(pesky tumors in my spine, lung and liver)</em>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>TREATMENT:</strong>
</div>
<div>I received 2x sessions of Radiotheraphy on my spine. That is as much as they can do using Radiotheraphy on that specific area.
</div>
<div>Asides from the tablets to help win me time. There is no other ´conventional´ medical treatment options for me at this point. They have said NO to chemo. And a MAYBE for immunotheraphy depending how i respond to the new drug.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT OPTIONS:</strong>
</div>
<div>And so, i am NOT one to shrink back and give up or do nothing. Not while there are TONS of alternative approaches to treating cancer out there now and so many people who have written books about how they survived!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I was once here fighting my mums corner during her cancer journey and from that i built a big network of support, alternative treatment routes, resources and so i am revisiting those.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>My plan (right now) is radical diet changes and support from a nutritionist to boost my immunity. Taking necessary herbs/supplements. I’d like to try other supportive therapies (acupuncture, ozone thereapy, physio etc). I will then follow a holistic treatment plan with a supporting doctor / clinic and my oncologist all on board.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>One huge relief is that for now, i still get support through my employer. So my day to day expenses are more or less covered. But at some point this financial support stops. I should be ok for 1 year.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>HOW DO I NEED HELP?</strong>
</div>
<div>Where i WILL need help from you, my supporting COMMUNITY will be, for everything else - the cost of private treatment : supplements, nutritionist, treatment like ozone therapy, other immunotherapies. I don´t know exactly how much everything will cost.. I am starting with 30K. The cost of private clinics, natural treatments, thereapies, consultations with specialists.. the numbers add up quickly from 10k to 40, 50k and up depending on so many factors.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>NEXT STEPS:</strong>
</div>
<div>I had 3 treatment options in mind already.. but i have opted for the one i could start the soonest, that was the most affordable and give it a chance. If in the future I feel i need to try other methods/clinics i know of at least two clinics i would reach out to.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>HOPE:</strong>
</div>
<div>I have read sooo many articles and cases of people who have successfully overcome their cancer or continue to live with, thrive with cancer for many, many years despite being given a really gloomy outlook like mine!. I do truly believe that Cancer no longer needs to be the immediate death sentence it´s believed to be and that there are options out there. We just have to find the route that works for us as an individual.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>I am SO determined to be one of these miracle people who overcomes the cancer diagnosis, so i can then move on to fix my spine start to move, dance, practice yoga again and dedicate my days to helping people in the future to walk through such a path.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you so much for reading and being with me.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Any questions, please reach out and I’ll do my best to answer.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Much love,
</div>
<div>Lucy
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>PS - If you wish to see some of my resources which i have found so helpful for family/friends, check here (these are 3 amazing cancer thrivers with incredible stories):
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.chrisbeatcancer.com/</a></a>
</div>
<div><a href="https://kriscarr.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://kriscarr.com/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://kriscarr.com/</a></a>
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.anitamoorjani.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.anitamoorjani.com" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.anitamoorjani.com</a></a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/78594893_1709330250406215_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><em>Some pics from while i was in Hospital (Jan 26-Feb 9th)- soooo grateful for all the support, visits, gifts, love, massages, food packages..</em>
</div>

Help me be a Medical Miracle by overcoming stage 4 cancer

<div>Hi, everyone. As many of you know by now—Barak—whom many of us call a dear friend, was diagnosed in August with stage 4 renal cancer that spread from his kidneys to his lungs and brain.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>He went from being healthy and strong to sick suddenly without warning. So far, he has undergone two cancer treatments: brain radiation, and immunotherapy, as well as brain surgery.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Considering everything he and his body, and spirit, have gone through in a short amount of time, Barak is being a real warrior, truly inspiring.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Barak and his incredible wife, Dinara, are being super strong and committed to staying positive, but to say that this crisis has turned their life upside down is an understatement.<strong> They need our help.</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<ul>
<li>In addition to keeping up with endless doctor appointments and post-surgery therapy, Barak and Dinara are also caring for their energetic toddler, 17-month-old Olivia.
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<ul>
<li>They also have little support. Both Barak and Dinara's families live far away in other countries. They have no relatives nearby.
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<ul>
<li>Additionally, Barak and Dinara have had to put their business on hold for now, and because of Barak's condition he cannot drive. (And Dinara does not drive.)
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>As a member of a beloved community, please continue to send prayers for Barak, and also <strong>please consider donating ANY amount</strong>, no matter how big or small, to help them through this incredibly difficult time. Every bit makes a difference.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you've ever been on the receiving end of Barak's warmth, sweetness, gentle smile and wit, now's the time to give him and his family a hand. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>These funds will go toward defraying their medical expenses as well as helping to provide them with financial relief.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Please continue to send your prayers and <strong>please share this GoFundMe page</strong> to anyone who knows Barak and/or Dinara, or even those who don't know them but would be moved to support. It takes a village. Thank you!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>PS: My name is Sharline, and I'm a longtime friend of Barak's, and more recently, Dinara's. I am working with Dinara directly. The funds from this GoFundMe will go directly into their account. And I will be working with them to post updates on Barak here.
</div>

Help support Barak, Dinara, and Olivia

<div>This community service project provides foster kids with backpacks of essential and comfort items to inspire joy and connection in their homes and communities!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This project provides not only an opportunity for the greater bay area community to connect with those in foster care, but also a tangible gift that our recipients can carry with them as they move through their journeys.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are committed to raising $7k+ to fund the project and support the foster children in our community. Please donate any amount you feel called to in your heart to help make this dream a reality!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Time is of the essence, as most of the above will take place within the next few weeks.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>*Let’s help these children know that THEY MATTER and that they are LOVED*
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>From the bottom of our hearts–thank you thank you thank you thank you.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>-The Mighty 7 Team
</div>

Fill a Backpack for a Child in Foster Care!

<div>Dear SoulPlay Community,
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We hope this message finds you well, although we must share some heartbreaking news with you. Our storage trailer, containing everything that SoulPlay owns, and a lot of what makes it special, has been stolen from its resting place on the Mandala property. The theft has resulted in a loss of over $50,000 worth of inventory, including a mix of both replaceable and irreplaceable items. Unfortunately, none of this loss will be covered by insurance.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>SoulPlay has always been about creating experiences that nurture vulnerability, open-heartedness, joy, and connection. So we are vulnerably reaching out to let you know that we need your help to overcome this. The theft of our storage trailer is not just a financial blow; it's an attack on the very essence of what SoulPlay stands for.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are asking for your financial donations to help us cover these costs and get back to a place that will allow SoulPlay to continue creating events.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Why this Fundraiser is Crucial</strong>
</div>
<div>The stolen inventory includes all the items that helped transform SoulPlay spaces into welcoming havens of colorful comfort that support our individual and collective journeys. These spaces have held us through countless moments of ecstatic bliss, grief, joy, peace, and connection. So many breakthroughs, learning moments, and life-changing realizations were had on our mats, rugs, backjacks, or pillows, all under the adornment of luxurious fabrics, collected meticulously from around the globe.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Rebuilding our inventory is crucial for us to continue spreading the magic of SoulPlay to all who seek it. Without these essential items, we are unable to host the events and gatherings that have brought us all together and touched the lives of so many.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>How the Funds will be Utilized</strong>
</div>
<div>We are now launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise $50,000 to help SoulPlay rise again from the ashes of this devastating theft. The funds will be used in the following ways:
</div>
<ul>
<li><strong>Replacement of Storage Trailer:</strong> We need a new storage trailer to safely house and transport our inventory. This is the first step towards rebuilding what was lost.
</li>
<li><strong>Rebuilding Inventory:</strong> Rebuilding our inventory of puzzle mats, rugs, backjacks, decor fabrics, sound equipment, shade sails, shade structures, lights, signage material, paint, building and crafting supplies, and all the other items that make SoulPlay possible and unique. Your support will help us recreate the vibrant atmosphere that our community cherishes.
</li>
<li><strong>Supporting Community Artists and Creators:</strong> We aim to use a portion of the funds to give grants to talented community artists who can recreate the hand-crafted signs, art pieces and other hand-made materials that were stolen. This way, we not only recover what was lost but also foster the growth of local talent.
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Join Us in Rebuilding SoulPlay</strong>
</div>
<div>Our community has always been our pillar of strength, and we know that together, we can overcome this adversity. Your contribution, no matter the size, will make a significant impact on our journey to rebuild. Every dollar donated will go directly towards restoring SoulPlay and enabling us to continue creating the magical experiences you have come to cherish.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>If you cannot contribute financially at this time, you can still support our cause by spreading the word. Share this campaign with your friends, family, and anyone who has ever experienced the joy of SoulPlay. Every little bit helps.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Gratitude and Hope</strong>
</div>
<div>We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude for being a part of the SoulPlay community. Your unwavering support has always been the driving force behind our success, and we believe that together, we can rise above this setback and emerge stronger than ever before.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for helping us turn this dark chapter into an opportunity for growth, creativity, and resilience. Let us come together as a community to rebuild SoulPlay and continue the journey of joy and wonder that we've all embarked upon.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With love and gratitude,
</div>
<div>The SoulPlay Team
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/74351203_169049726530386_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>

Help SoulPlay Recover after a Devastating Theft

<div><strong>UPDATE:</strong>
</div>
<div>Thank you, EVERYONE for Donating to our GoFundMe. We are now a registered 501C3, and do not need to rundraise through the LGBTQ Asylum Project. Please use the below link to donate to us moving forward:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/alwanfoundation" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New Alwan Foundation GoFundMe</a>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>Overview:</strong>
</div>
<div>Together, <a href="https://www.alwanfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>The Alwan Foundation</strong></a> and <strong>The Proud Maroons</strong> are looking to turn the most silenced fans in the world into the loudest. Named after Qatar’s national football team’s nickname, the Maroons, the <a href="https://proudmaroons.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Proud Maroons</a> was created to highlight the persecution of the local LGBTQ+ community in Qatar despite their temporary PR message: “Gay fans are welcome.”
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The Proud Maroons is the only LGBTQ+ National Football Supporters’ Group that can’t have fans from its own nation because homosexuality is <a href="https://www.humandignitytrust.org/country-profile/qatar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">currently illegal in Qatar</a>, with punishment ranging from three years in prison up to the death penalty.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The Proud Maroons was founded by <strong>Dr. Nas Mohamed</strong>, along with his non-profit, The Alwan Foundation. Dr. Nas serves as the group's president and is the first Qatari to come out as gay publicly. With your support and donations, <a href="https://www.alwanfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Alwan Foundation</a> hopes to advance LGBTQ+ rights in the Middle East with a focus on the Gulf region.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/68915911_1668778752720636_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>With the upcoming football championship games putting a spotlight on Qatar, there’s no better time and no better stage to show global support for their local LGBTQ+ community.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>More about The Alwan Foundation</strong>
</div>
<div>The Alwan Foundation aims to collect evidence-based data to accurately reflect the circumstance and living conditions of the LGBTQ+ community in different Gulf countries. Whatever the path is to change, visibility is the first step. The Alwan Foundation aims to help local LGBTQ+ Qataris through support, advocacy, and research—areas that are currently nonexistent.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>More about Dr. Nas</strong>
</div>
<div>Nas Mohamed is a primary care physician and is the first queer Qatari to come out publicly—and he did so bravely in <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-middle-east-61500137" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an exclusive interview with the BBC</a>. He has been campaigning to bring visibility to the LGBTQ+ community in Qatar, and documenting evidence of persecution, as demonstrated in <a href="https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/10/24/qatar-security-forces-arrest-abuse-lgbt-people" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">his report</a> with Human Rights Watch. You can hear more from Dr. Nas by following him on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dr._nass/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Instagram</a>.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Here’s how you can help:
</div>
<ul>
<li>Donate to this GoFundMe
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.proudmaroons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Join the Proud Maroons</a> and share your love on social media
</li>
<li><a href="https://action.allout.org/en/m/b050d85/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sign our campaign pledge</a>
</li>
<li><a href="https://www.alwanfoundation.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Volunteer and support The Alwan Foundation</a>
</li>
</ul>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>Thank you for your support and solidarity!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>~ Dr. Nas Mohamed, The Alwan Foundation, and The Proud Maroons
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>----
</div>
<div><strong>TAX DEDUCTIBLE STATUS</strong>
</div>
<div>The Alwan Foundation is raising tax-deductible gifts through the Center for Immigration Protection, DBA as LGBT Asylum Project. ​All contributions are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by the law.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><em>More information about The Center for Immigrant Protection:</em>
</div>
<div>The Center for Immigrant Protection was founded by two San Francisco-based attorneys who identified a critical need for high-quality pro-bono representation among vulnerable immigrant populations escaping violence and persecution in their home countries. The Center offers pro-bono legal representation to LGBT immigrants seeking freedom from persecution within the borders of the United States. Typically, this protection will be in the form of asylum but may include other protective statuses.
</div>

Love is not a crime! Alwan Foundation LGBT Rights

<div>We are a passionate team committed to securing funds and providing support for the Homeless Youth Alliance.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are currently raising funds to support the Homeless Youth Alliance in their mission to support young people facing homelessness in San Francisco. We hope you'll join us in our endeavor to establish a secure and nurturing environment that enables youth to break free from the hardships of homelessness and find lasting, sustainable homes. Your support will make a genuine difference in their lives, providing them with the opportunity to build a stable future filled with hope and promise.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are a close-knit group of chosen family brought together by the Atlas Project, united by our shared goal of creating a brighter future for our world!
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>The mission of the Homeless Youth Alliance (HYA) is deeply meaningful:
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>“The Homeless Youth Alliance (HYA) exists to meet youth experiencing homelessness where they are and to help them build healthier lives. We believe that reducing harm is possible through the provision of accessible, non-judgmental outreach, one-on-one counseling, and medical and mental health care, as well as creative and educational workshops, syringe access and disposal, and accurate up-to-date referrals and information. We strive to empower young homeless people to protect themselves, educate each other, reduce harm within the community, and when they are ready transition off the streets.”</strong>
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>This cause holds profound significance for our team as we strive to make a positive impact on society's future. Our love and dedication drive us to create an inclusive and supportive environment where homeless youth can flourish.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>We are committed to helping young folks without safe housing, addressing youth safety concerns, providing access to food for those in need, and fostering a community where equity prevails, reducing disparities and promoting well-being for all.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>By supporting our mission, you actively contribute to a more compassionate and just world. Your generous donation will make a tangible difference in the lives of these resilient young individuals, offering them hope, opportunities, and the chance to reclaim their power.
</div>
<div><br />
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/73316807_1686848073146295_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>

Empower Bay Area Youth Experiencing Homelessness

<div> 
</div>
<div>  
</div>
<div>Hey there! we're launching this campaign to help us secure a third space for <a href="https://thesfcommons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Commons</a>. We’ve found a beautiful space in Hayes Valley and would love to call it our home.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div><strong>✨WHAT WE DO </strong>
</div>
<div><a href="https://thesfcommons.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Commons</a> is a community space rekindling thoughtful dialogue, playful curiosity, &amp; community, in the heart of SF. We’re building a multi-purpose space in Hayes Valley featuring a co-working cafe, communal library, event space, and a meditation studio.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>Along with being a serendipitous place for you to converse or go deep in reflection, we’re hosting events to nourish playful curiosity and exploration. These include group junto dinners, salon talks, essay clubs, contemplative reflections, maker nights, game nights, meditations, creativity workshops, communal art, &amp; much more.The topics will range from tools for thought to urbanism, solar punk futures to philosophy canons, and creative writing to personal flourishing modalities. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div>It’ll also be a place you can go on a Friday night to listen to jazz and thumb through a book, as opposed to partying or drinking at a bar. 
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>THE SPACE</strong>
</div>
<div>Our space is located in the heart of Hayes Valley with 4 main experiences: the main events areas, a meditation room, a cafe, communal library and a co-working space. Cozy reading nooks and conversation cushions will fill all liminal spaces. Every piece of decor and furniture in the space will be specially curated to evoke a sense coziness, warmth, and vitality (plants galore!).
</div>
<div> 
</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64834125_1651091269387939_r." width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>THE COMMONS SPACE - HOW IT LOOKS TODAY</strong>
</div><img alt="64834125_1651092985446481_r.png" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64834125_1651092985446481_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>SPACE MOOD BOARD AND FUTURE VISION </strong>
</div><img alt="64834125_1651538315413909_r.png" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64834125_1651538315413909_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="64834125_1651538284895546_r.png" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64834125_1651538284895546_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="64834125_1651538384987958_r.png" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64834125_1651538384987958_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div><img alt="64834125_1651681457824142_r.png" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/64834125_1651681457824142_r.png" width="100%" />
<div><br />
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>♥️ WHY WE'RE DOING IT</strong>
</div>
<div>In America, studies suggests that we’ve lost half of the casual gathering places, or “third spaces”, that existed at midcentury.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>The Commons is our dream of revitalizing cities by creating new community spaces designed for belonging, serendipity, and intellectual / emotional nourishment.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>In talking to hundreds of friends and strangers about what was missing in San Francisco, we too often heard the yearning for community and connection. The kind that blooms in places like college campuses and small close-knit towns. In thinking back to our college days, the places we grew the most were the communities that were able to create heartfelt relationships. Spaces we were allowed to simply be, explore, and learn. Places like salon groups, student commons, and group houses.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>Those experiences inform our deeply held belief in the power of a culture dedicated to open-ended forms of play, curiosity, and dialogue. In a city where technologists, artists, community organizers, healers, writers, and researchers are constantly pushed to work, what’s sorely missing is a respite to wonder with like-minded peers.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>The Commons is our answer to those needs. A place where connection to self &amp; others through mind &amp; body catalyzes personal &amp; communal transformation.
</div>
<div><br />
</div>
<div><strong>HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL SUPPORT US</strong>
</div>
<div>Right now, we’re raising $60k-$70K to build and design our space in Hayes Valley. The proceeds will cover our security deposit, furnishing, plumbing + heating fixtures, and light renovations to bring our vision to life. We believe this will enable us start off on the right foot, so we can fully focus on what comes next - serving our community.
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>All of our donors in SF will be invited to a welcome party upon our opening – and any amount helps. We’ll also be launching The Commons with both a membership program and public, open hours. This allows us to both cultivate a more intimate, regular, and connected community that can easily build shared context, while also remaining accessible to anyone interested in our space and events. Donors are welcome to all our public hours and events, and everyone is more than welcome to inquire about our membership program!
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>We’re excited build something new in San Francisco and hope you'll contribute to our community effort. Please stay in touch through our <a href="https://twitter.com/thesfcommons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Twitter</a> , <a href="https://thesfcommons.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">website</a>, and <a href="https://thesfcommons.substack.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">newsletter</a> as well! 
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>Warm Wishes,
</div>
<div> 
</div>
<div>Patricia, Adi, Jason, and Rose
</div>

Help Us Launch The SF Commons!

<div><strong>OXYTOCIN</strong>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>OXYTOCIN (n): a neuropeptide involved in <em>social bonding</em>, reproduction, and childbirth.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>The OXYTOCIN project was born from our shared belief in the importance of physical and emotional intimacy, coupled with a sense that finding it is sometimes harder than it ought to be.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>The landscape of our modern world seems to be pushing people to greater and greater distances, both physically and socially. <strong>OXYTOCIN seeks to break down those walls and invite people to reconnect, to inspire and reward authentic presence and bonding between humans in the embodied space.</strong>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>When people connect inside of OXYTOCIN, it gently comes to life, tuning the environment to the people inside. The structure rewards the connection by evoking sensation (auditory, visual, and somatosensory); enhancing but not distracting from the authentic human connection.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>The funds will be used for building materials, fabrication, lighting (LEDs), load sensors, solar power, and transportation of the art in and out of playa.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>This is a day/night composite of the structure and how it will appear on playa:
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<iframe media_type="0" media_id="Yyeof7DeU8A" class="youtube-replace" title="YouTube video player" style="margin-bottom:20px;width:560px;height:315px;" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Yyeof7DeU8A/?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="1"></iframe>
<div> 
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>A simplified orthographic view of the structure from the sky at night:
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/65994641_1655500899953152_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>

<div>A view of the dome:
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/65994641_1655501248638669_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>

<div>A scale render of the individual molecular components (atoms and bonds):
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/65994641_1655501305727666_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>

<div>Jade, one of the founding members of VALENCE, is so passionate about this element of our shared humanity that she had it permanently inscribed on her body:
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div> 
</div>
<img class="m-text-editor-image" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/65994641_1655501864585469_r." alt="" width="100%" media_type="3" />
<div> 
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong>About us</strong>
</div>

<div>We are a multi-*asterisk* collective of friends, family, artists, performers, makers, dancers, and technologists. We want to create inspired realms in which people can connect, grow, and play.
</div>

<div><a href="https://opencollective.com/valence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">More information about the builders of OXYTOCIN</a> .
</div>

OXYTOCIN - An Interactive Art of Love & Intimacy

On Friday, our friend Destiny Grace was robbed at gunpoint in Oakland on her way to the airport. The thief smashed their car window while they were a few feet away, grabbed her bag, and upon her partner and her chasing him to his getaway car, he pulled a gun on them. Thankfully no one was physically hurt, but the thief successfully got away with Destiny's bag which contained her laptop, all of her camera gear + lenses, external hard drives, as well as many other irreplaceable personal items. Additional losses are the files from her most recent photoshoot as well as hundreds of hours worth of all of her musical project files (which were backed up on the now stolen hard drives).<br /><br />Destiny makes her living and her art with this equipment, and we want to help her get back on her feet ASAP!<br /><br />Please consider donating in whatever amount you can to help our friend at least recuperate the needed materials for her art and career, as well as to seek healing &amp; support from this traumatic event.

Help our Destiny Grace

Recently Amanda had a loss of a partner and is grieving. At the time of Peter's death, Amanda had been about to start fundraising for her new nonprofit collaboration. Now, she is unable to push that project forward at the moment and is facing many expenses (rent, therapy, acupuncture, and other crisis and medical support, car expenses, etc). She is embarrassed about asking for support, so I offered to help her by creating this campaign. If you have the ability to help Amanda, we would greatly appreciate it. Thank you <br /><br /><br />Here is Amanda's FB post in her own words:<br /><br />I don't have the energy to keep telling everyone in my life what's going on and don't want to pretend it's not happening... so, here goes. <br /><br />The magical human Peter Rubin who I was dating for the past couple of profound months (and building a deep friendship with for the last year + a couple of months) took his life in late January. I was the last loved one to see him and we were supposed to meet up again that night. I kicked off the search, called his family, and despaired as I awaited the news I didn't want to be true. I am an utter mess. I was falling for this man and he wanted to build a partnership with me.<br /><br /><br />Peter, you were such a light. You had so much wisdom, helped so many, and ultimately, suffered so deeply. This pandemic crippled the light of your core joy in life: connection - deep, intimate, uninhibited, physically loving. Your community is simultaneously devastated and working to celebrate your large life - lived fully and so OUT LOUD. I will always miss you and hope you can feel our love and gratitude.

Supporting Amanda's Recovery

<div><span style="font-size:1.0625rem;">A beautiful life was cut short on September 15th. We lost our amazing Aspen (Amanda). After hearing from so many people Aspen touched three words were repeated: love, healer, and light.  She brought joy, love, warmth, laughter, and healing to everyone who met her. Our hearts are broken into a million pieces with her passing, but comforted in the peace that she has finally found.</span>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>With our sudden loss a large expense is now upon us.   We are bringing Aspen home, and want to have a wake in celebration of her life. Our hope is to defray the cost, and honor Aspen.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>We greatly appreciate all the love and support from everyone.
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div><strong>If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health: depression, anxiety, or thoughts of suicide please let someone know.</strong>
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>“When you don’t have the strength to take another step, ask those you love to pull you.” - Unknown
</div>

<div> 
</div>

<div>“Never let a stumble in the road be the end of the journey.” — Unknown
</div>

<div><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/60072571_1632374605651223_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="60072571_1632374605651223_r.jpeg" />
</div>

Help Bring Aspen Home & a Life Celebration Wake

<p>On Monday, September 6th, a fire broke out at Frank’s Floral Shop, a neighborhood florist that has been serving San Francisco’s Sunset and Richmond Districts and beyond since 1934. While we are blessed no one was hurt, the damage from the fire is devastating. The financial impacts are even more painful when it is compounded on top of the negative impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.<br /><br />Located at 1825 Irving Street, Frank's Florals has arranged flowers and plants and provided gifts for many of our weddings, parties, and other special occasions for years. The owner, Sona Pehlivanian, has been an active and beloved merchant along Irving Street for over 35 years. <br /><br /><br />Please help support Sona and Frank’s Floral Shop by donating to this GoFundMe and sharing this fundraiser with your network.<br /><br />Thank you to Bill Barnickel and the Outer Sunset Merchants and Professionals Association (OSMPA), Dennis Wu and Drew Min from SFCAUSE, and others who helped make this GoFundMe possible.<br /><br />For more information, please contact Bill Barnickel at [email redacted] or at [phone redacted] or Drew Min at <a href="mailto:[email redacted]">[email redacted]</a> or at [phone redacted].<br /><br />Thank you for your support in advance. <br /><br /><br />Sona's story:<br /><br />Sona Pehlivanian has been the owner of Frank’s Floral Shop for the past 36 years, after having bought over the small family business from its original owners, Frank and Gladys.  Frank’s Floral was established since 1934 on Irving Street in the Sunset district of San Francisco, nestled between a pizza parlor and a deli.  It’s easy to miss this small “hole in the wall” and the business has survived over the years from loyal repeat customers and through word of mouth.  Around midnight, on September 6th, a burglar broke into the flower shop, stole $8 in cash and then torched the 87-year-old flower shop, setting fire to the second floor, burning through the roof and spreading to the first floor.  All the flowers, pots of orchids, vases, ribbons, supplies, cards, teddy bears burned to ashes.  <br /><br />For over eight decades, this flower shop has served the neighborhood’s floral needs and has been a happy place and brought joy to everyone that entered the shop.  Sona had first entered the shop when she was planning her wedding at the time.  Nine years later, when Sona became a single mother of a young toddler, she left the banking business to become the owner of Frank’s Floral and ran the shop with Glady’s, after Frank has passed away.  Since then, this shop has meant everything to Sona and a place where Sona spread connection, love, and joy through flowers for every occasion, from birthdays celebrations to graduations, retirement parties, memorials, and weddings, or a simple thank you gift.  She often worked long hours (16-17 hours per day) to single handedly raise her son.  In the beginning, there were late nights when Sona would put together floral arrangements while her three-year-old son slept in a sleeping bag on the floor and then she would carry her son back to the car after finishing the arrangements.  Sona’s loyal commitment to all her customers is unfaltering, continuing to fulfill her promises no matter what, even surviving through cancer the past several years.  There were days when Sona would head back to the shop after chemotherapy to finish floral arrangements.  She always delivers the most stunning bouquets and pots of orchids with just the right touches and going the extra mile.  Sona would help us send sweet messages with a precious little heart in a nest telling someone we loved them, or a colorful bird sending "get well" wishes or words of gratitude.  With hard work and determination, her business had flourished over the years, providing for her and her son.  <br /><br /><span style="font-size:1.0625rem;">Sona is a kind, thoughtful, and loving grandmother, mother, a compassionate friend, and an active citizen  in her community, often donating floral arrangements and centerpieces at charity events.  It is shocking that a stranger would commit such an atrocious act to burn down this shop and everything inside.  This burglar’s act of monstrosity has not only destroyed the history of a beloved neighborhood shop, but also Sona’s very livelihood.  Let’s come together as a community to send Sona some love and help rebuild her livelihood and keep this 87-year old shop history alive. </span>
</p>

Help Frank's Floral Shop Recover from Fire

<p>Hello Dancers!
</p>
<p>We are excited to help bring back Ecstatic Dance to Fairfax, Oakland, and San Francisco!
</p>
<p><br />
</p>
<p>Scheduled Return of Ecstatic Dance:
</p>
<p>Fairfax: Friday Nights @ Fairfax Community Church - starting July 16 : 7:30pm - 11pm
</p>
<p>San Francisco: Sunday Mornings @ Church of 8 Wheels - starting July 18 : 10am - 1pm
</p>
<p>Oakland: Date &amp; Location - To Be Determined (Sweets currently unavailable)
</p>
<p>We have incurred some additional costs since we stopped dancing 16 months ago, including storage fees, insurance, and increased rent at the venues. We are also not certain how long it will take before we have sufficient numbers of dancers to cover the additional costs of the Dances.
</p>
<p>In order to bring back dance to San Francisco &amp; Fairfax this mid July (and to find a suitable replacement for Sweets Ballroom in Oakland)
</p>
<p>We would love your help in making this a reality for us again.
</p>
<p>Please give what you can to help bring back our Beloved Ecstatic Dance Community.
</p>
<p>And please spread the Good Word.
</p>
<p>Dance On.
</p>

The Return of Ecstatic Dance Bay Area!

Our dear friend Reuben lost his battle with cancer on February 23rd, 2021. <br /><br />There isn't a single person who knew Reuben who won't miss his kindness, sincerity, smile and laugh.<br /><br />As a way to honor Reuben, we have created this College Fund to supplement the fund Reuben had already started for his &amp; Nicole's 10-yr old daughter, CC. <br /><br />Any contribution, no matter the size, will go a long way in supporting CC's education, something Reuben cared so deeply about. <br /><br />Thanks to all for your support.<strong><br />XO<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845320694805_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845320694805_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614847914509008_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614847914509008_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_161484537460406_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_161484537460406_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614847998177541_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614847998177541_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845388923280_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845388923280_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845748170026_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845748170026_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845411404196_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845411404196_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845446664389_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845446664389_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845465453149_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845465453149_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/55052624_1614845527994123_r.jpeg" alt="55052624_1614845527994123_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /></strong>

College Fund for CC Collins - in Memory of Reuben

<br />The Valencia Corridor Merchants Association (<a href="https://valenciastreetsf.com/"><a href="https://valenciastreetsf.com/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://valenciastreetsf.com/</a></a>) is planning to beautify our beloved corridor with a set of ambient string lights. We need your help to get it done!!<br /><br />To Valencia Street we say “LET THERE BE LIGHT!” What better way to brighten up Valencia Street, our spirits, and the future of our country with gorgeous warm glowing globe lights??<br /><br />Your donation will go directly to covering the cost and maintenance of top quality, full weather globe lights spanning from 14th to 24th streets. Be a part of bringing light to our precious corridor when we need it most!<br /><br />Top reasons to donate today:<br /><br />1) Attract more foot traffic to give the Valencia businesses a fighting chance to survive <br />2) Receive VIP invitation to the lighting ceremony (scheduled for election night)<br />3) Inject a brilliant sunburst of optimism into our community and connect us through light!<br /><br />Any amount helps but we’re asking folks to consider these amounts:<br /><br />$9 - sponsor one light bulb!<br />$18 - sponsor two light bulbs!<br />$36 - sponsor a two child family of light bulbs who love each other! (4 bulbs)<br />$71 - sponsor a socially distanced party of light bulbs (8 bulbs - each 6 feet apart)<br />$99 - sponsor a basketball match of light bulbs (10 bulbs - all kneeling)<br />$149 - sponsor a super baker's dozen of light bulbs (15 bulbs - because it’s super sized)<br />$1,800 - sponsor a county of light bulbs (half a block on Valencia)<br />$3,600 - sponsor a country of light bulbs (full block on Valencia)<br /><br />We are going to be using Greenforce to install the lights. They also did the lights for 24th Street in Noe Valley!<br /><br />-Manny, Tyler, and the Valencia Corridor Merchants Association<br /><br />About the VCMA:<br /><br />The VCMA is a member-operated neighborhood association including merchants in and around the Valencia Corridor. Our mission is to cultivate and beautify the corridor for the benefit of visitors, residents and merchants. Additionally, we endeavor to combine our voices and views toward the goal of maintaining the unique identity and independent spirit of the neighborhood.

Help Light Up Valencia Street!

<img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/47007400_1589237367627294_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="47007400_1589237367627294_r.jpeg" /><a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/%E2%80%A6/local-couple-coordinates-co%E2%80%A6/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://sfrichmondreview.com/</a>…/local-couple-coordinates-co…/</a> <br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/47007400_1585625891227461_r.jpeg" alt="47007400_1585625891227461_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/47007400_1585625901542002_r.jpeg" alt="47007400_1585625901542002_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />Hope everyone is staying home and healthy! In this crisis of Covid 19, please support our local hospitals and community health workers.<br /><br />Background about our team:<br /><br />Edwin and Tina, realtors of California, are longtime resident of San Francisco.  We have been volunteered with Neighborhood Emergency Response Team (NERT) and Auxiliary Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) for disaster and emergency.  We actively involve activities in our community and neighborhoods.  Tina is leader of IFPTE Local 21 and she is heavily involved with labor contract negotiation and constant fighting benefits for union members.  Besides her own union, she is also delegate of San Francisco Labor Council and delegate of Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) to advocate solidarity.   <br /><br />Our goal:<br /><br />As you know, our health workers risk their own safety and health to take care of people in need.  They are experiencing very limited Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), we want to raise fund to buy PPE for our medical health workers and frontline responders in San Francisco and the surrounding cities.   <br /><br /> If you have extra PPE, please consider donating. I can pick up from your front door and deliver to hospitals. <br /><br />Actions:<br /><br />My friend is able to order masks from China, a Manufacturer with FDA approval.  They are manufacturing 24 hours a day and should have the stock timely. Masks will directly ship from manufacturer to  us at SF.<br /><br />Last month  2,000 masks were donated to San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH), UCSF, Kaiser and Seton Hospital.   At the same time, 140 of N95 masks were distributed to these hospitals.  April 14, we donated 4,000 masks to SEIU 2015 for long term home care providers.  We are donating 12,000 of medical masks to Seton Hospital and SFGH, local post office and Glide foundation who provides service to homeless and underserved residents. Another order for 20,000 of masks is placed, and will be here by April 21,2020. <br /><br />Costs:<br /><br />We brought 140 N95 masks for $550 and 20,000 surgical masks for $12,000.  I have funded 20,000 masks with my own money for $12,000.  Fund from this fundraising will directly draw to my personal account to reimburse the costs of masks. <br /><br />This is time sensitive race; we need to protect our front-line heroes now!   <br /><br />Let’s get through this together ❤️ God bless you!<br /><br />Please watch the press conference videos of SF Supervisors, health workers and union leaders about PPE shortages. I was doing translation for Mr. Poon who is the union leader of home care providers.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/courtney.mcdonald.9887/videos/10158138288032354/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/courtney.mcdonald.9887/videos/10158138288032354/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/courtney.mcdonald.9887/videos/10158138288032354/</a></a> <br /><br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/courtney.mcdonald.9887" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/courtney.mcdonald.9887" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.facebook.com/courtney.mcdonald.9887</a></a><br /><br /><a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/%E2%80%A6/local-couple-coordinates-co%E2%80%A6/"><a href="https://sfrichmondreview.com/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://sfrichmondreview.com/</a>…/local-couple-coordinates-co…/</a><br /><br /><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=p2aDiqJvXe4"><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=p2aDiqJvXe4" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&amp;v=p2aDiqJvXe4</a></a>

Health Workers and Frontline Responders First

<a href="http://www.thecentersf.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Center SF</a> is a community hub dedicated to personal, spiritual, and social transformation through movement, tea, healing arts, service, and community building. The Center SF has been a refuge for people to gather, to connect, to heal, and to grow since 2016.<br /><br />On March 15, we closed our doors to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. Since then, we have moved our workshops and yoga classes online and offered the majority of them as donation-based in order to continue to be a source of support, healing and connection during these challenging times. <br /><br /><strong>With the Shelter in Place lasting through the summer, The Center SF is once again facing serious financial challenges to survive.</strong> That's why we are launching our Summer Solstice Fundraiser. Amidst all the difficulties and isolation, we invite you to come together as a community to send out tidal waves of love, inclusion, and change. Through music, community, and wellness, we will honor the new season of summer, the beauty of our planet earth, and new beginnings. <br /><br />Our goal is to raise another $20,000 to cover the essential costs of keeping The Center SF running through our tentative reopen date in August. This includes rent, staff salaries, and business expenses. Donations of any size count and will go to support The Center SF during this trying time. 20% of the donations from the fundraiser will go to two organizations doing important work towards eradicating systemic violence and racism towards BIPOC:  Transgender Justice Project (<a href="http://www.tgijp.org/">www.tgijp.org/</a>) and Black Lives Matter (<a href="https://blacklivesmatter.com/" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://blacklivesmatter.com/</a>). <br /><br />TGI Justice Project is a group of transgender, gender variant and intersex people—inside and outside of prisons, jails and detention centers—creating a united family in the struggle for survival and freedom.<br />They have been fighting for Black trans freedom for over 16 years - TGIJP was initiated in 2004 with the help of a Soros Justice Fellowship from the Open Society Institute to provide legal services for transgender and gender variant/non-conforming people, primarily those in CA prisons, jails and detention centers.<br /><br />#BlackLivesMatter was founded in 2013 in response to the acquittal of Trayvon Martin’s murderer. Black Lives Matter Foundation, Inc is a global organization in the US, UK, and Canada, whose mission is to eradicate white supremacy and build local power to intervene in violence inflicted on Black communities by the state and vigilantes. By combating and countering acts of violence, creating space for Black imagination and innovation, and centering Black joy, we are winning immediate improvements in our lives.<br /><br />Join us in the celebration of the Solstice and supporting these important organizations.<br /><br />Thank you for being a part of this community. Together, as a community, we will overcome this challenging time and continue to be a space for healing, connection, and transformation.<br /><br />With gratitude,<br /><br />The Center SF

Support The Center SF To Reopen In August

<p>Hello folks,<br /><br /> <br />A few weeks ago we had to make the hardest decision of our lives: to close the doors of Khamsa due to the mandatory shutdown for COVID-19. We never anticipated a day like this would come, or the hardship it would put on our team. Without our wonderful staff, Khamsa would not be possible, and during this uncertain time, they need your help.<br /><br />We have started this GoFundMe campaign to raise money to help cover our staff's lost income while we remain closed. 100% of the proceeds we raise will be donated and distributed among the team.<br /><br />Please stay healthy and safe.  We look forward to welcoming you back into our restaurant when San Francisco lifts its closure order. Until then, we must remain shut. Remember, we are all in this together!<br /><br />Thank you kindly for your support,<br /><br />The Khamsa Team
</p>

Khamsa restaurant staff relief fund

Together, we find ourselves in an extraordinary situation with COVID-19. This has been an unprecedented few weeks, things have moved very quickly, and this pandemic is affecting all of our communities, our families and our very way of life.

The goal at The District Barbers is to pour out heart and soul into ensuring that every haircut, beard trim, manicure, facial, etc, is to the satisfaction of all our clients. As much as the team would rather service the clientele of The District Barbers, our main objective is doing our part to flatten the curve of COVID-19 spread by observing the city and state mandate to shelter at home until April 7th.  


This temporary closure, while in the best interest of our community, is not in the financial best interest of the barbers that are completely dedicated to serving you. We are appealing to our clients and our community to contribute to providing a little financial relief until The District Barber Team is able to get back to doing what they do best.  


We hope that you can find it in your heart to lend a hand as we navigate these difficult times together. We look forward to continue providing The District Barber experience just as soon as we possibly can. 


Thank you for your continued commitment, please stay safe and healthy during this time and public health crisis.


Bryan H

The District Barbers - Barber Relief Fund

Have you ever met someone who radiates positivity, exudes gratefulness, gives of himself and his talents freely and without any expectations, AND is incapable of speaking ill against anyone? That's Ken Trough. Ken is the first person to welcome the new kid to the team, to check in, to remind you that you are special, the team is lucky to have you, and he'll do anything he can to help you succeed, because "empowering you multiplies our efforts." And he goes out of his way to learn about you, to fix problems for you, to make sure that you are happy, well-fed, and taken care of. Ken is the first person to champion your achievements, no matter what form, raising a glass and cheering you on.<br /><br />Ken sees the talent and the potential in everyone he meets, and he invests much of his own energy and time in building others up. Just last week, Ken had been exchanging text messages with a close friend, and gave her an assignment for the week. He told her to "be more purposeful with whatever you are doing...don't run on autopilot...think about everything you do and do it with purpose...it should inform all your decisions. This is a way to be more present in every moment and more effective in your 'energy output' to 'positive results' ratio." He saw the amazing in everyone. <br /><br />On October 25th, 2019, the beloved husband to Karma and friend to many, Ken Trough, succumbed to a sudden and extremely rare Cardiac Tamponade event. Ken was traveling for work at the time, but having committed to never spending a night away from his wife, Karma was always by his side as she was for the entirety of that fateful day.<br /><br />We--his colleagues at work--love Ken. Everyone who meets Ken loves Ken. We were fortunate to have him on our team for the past three years, and we are grieving his loss. Please join us in raising funds for his memorial service and to help get Karma on her feet after this devastating loss.<br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/43060166_1572533455323819_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="43060166_1572533455323819_r.jpeg" /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/43060166_157247077485621_r.jpeg" alt="43060166_157247077485621_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Love for Ken and Karma

<p><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/41530740_1567529992357317_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" alt="41530740_1567529992357317_r.jpeg" />In the past month, I have gotten three head injuries and have been deeply struggling with the intense discomfort and disorientation from these impacts. Not to mention, the waves of grief and depression I have felt in needing to stay more isolated in dark spaces.
</p>

<p>Sleep has been challenging to get, which is also influencing the quality of my life's experiences.
</p>

<p>I am recognizing how much extra support I need.  Truly, I can't do it on my own.<br /><br />After a great deal of research, I am making this vulnerable reach for help so that I can go see a specific kind of neurologist.  With his support, I will be able to get the pathways of my brain that are not currently firing, to be engaged and working again.
</p>

<p>These funds will also be used for sessions at a hyperbaric oxygen chamber (hbot), which will provide the cells with extra oxygen to repair the tissues and restore my body's ability to function well.
</p>

<p>I am waiting to start these treatments until I can get $2600 so that I could buy a package of 20 sessions - the recommended amount for those with multiple head injuries.  The price per session significantly drops down when committing to a package ($128/session vs $160/session).<br /><br />I would love to start working with a neurologist and getting hbot sessions, so any amount of generosity you can give would be so deeply appreciated.
</p>

<p>Thank you for the love and support &lt;3
</p>

Help bring light back into Maya's life

Help us save Planet Earth from 650,000 lbs of greenhouse gases! <br /><br />Hey y'all. Kat here, the Leave No Trace lead for camp IDEATE. We are running our third Compost Project at Burning Man this year! If you care about the planet, it's inhabitants and would like to make a difference, please consider contributing at least $4. <br /><br />Burning Man is more than a festival. It's a family, a community, a support network, a growth incubator. And our camp needs your help in making it more sustainable. <br /><br />And if you're coming to BM and would like to bring us your compost and/or volunteer for a compost shift, <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/8pPxHQ6ebM1s3P7j1">REGISTER HERE</a> .<br /><br />Thank you. We appreciate your support!<br /><br /><strong>Opportunity</strong><br />This year an excess of 70,000 burners will meet, build a city from scratch, like a mirage erected in the middle of Black Rock Desert, and make it home for a week. With lots of people comes lots of waste, and large amounts of compostable matter such as food scraps and soiled paper are wasted to landfill, creating copious amounts of unwanted CO2 (the stuff that harms our atmosphere).<br /><br /><strong>The Solution</strong><br />In the spirit of Burning Man, IDEATE is committed to sustainability. For the third year in a row, IDEATE, in collaboration with like-minded Burning Man camps, is eager to provide a Composting Initiative to the playa. A comprehensive program including compost awareness, hands-on education, and the facilities to collect pure compostable matter, placed directly into the funnel of regenerative farming. <br /><br /><strong>How It Works</strong><br />We are providing not one, but THREE 30 cubic yard Compostainers (6,000 gallon dumpster) on playa this year to the members of participating camps. We will also be setting up daily compost drop off times with sorting stations supervised by our trained compost teams! <br /><br />If you'd like to bring us your compost and/or volunteer for a compost shift, <a href="https://goo.gl/forms/8pPxHQ6ebM1s3P7j1">REGISTER HERE</a> .<br /><br />Provided sufficient capacity, on the last two days of Burning Man, our compost dumpster and sorting stations will be opened to the community and will accept drop offs from non-contributing camps, on a first come first served basis.<br /><br /><strong>Impact</strong><br />With the collaboration of small, medium, and large sustainability friendly camps, we aim to provide compost awareness to SIX TIMES as many burners as 216. We estimate a reduction of 650,000 lbs of greenhouse gases. Our long term plan is to collect all compost from everyone at Burning Man.<br /><br /><strong>Target Contribution</strong><br />In order to cover the cost of the program, the target contribution is set at $4 per person. We do not require camps to pay in order to participate. However, your support will be greatly appreciated and your impact will ripple out into the world. <br /><br />Your contributions will go towards procuring the compost dumpsters, purchasing gloves for those who don't want a sticky mess on their hands, and hauling the compost to a nearby facility to be turned into nutrient-rich soil. Yum! <br /><br />Thanks to our Partners <br /><a href="http://fullcirclecompost.com/">Full Circle Compost</a> <br /><a href="http://empirewastesystems.com/">Empire Waste Systems</a>

Compost for a More Sustainable Burn

Geo Morjane

Community

Disaster and crisis relief

Animals

platform

Platform is iOS

Android

Adyen Google Pay Development Audience

$opt_dummy_attribute

English only

Deprecate Stripe Legacy

dyn_template_ids

Adyen V6 Bene Transfer & MyMoney Campaign Organizers - test01

Bene transfer V6 and AdyenV6MyMoney Campaign Organizers - production

OneTrust next-app audience

fundCountryCode

NextDoor Share Option Users

Fundraisers with Reactions feature capability

fundCurrencyCode

US + Non-charity COs Only

locale

fund country is US and user language is English

personId

comms-internal-person-ids

Enhanced Story Experience Users

Suggested Goal Experience Users

user language is English and fund country: US, AU, DK, FI, IE, NO, SE, CA, GB; 

Poster share - new funds eligible (newest 9/18)

Streaming widgets beta user

paymentProcessor

3DS payment method

user language is English and fundCountry: US, AU, DK, FI, IE, NO, SE, CA, GB; 

GoFundMe Employees

ipAddress

Mark Rieth IP Address

Version 9.2.0 and above

Fund is in English speaking country

desktop

Android v12.11.0 and above

Platform is Android

paymentMethodType

checkoutType

Payment method type group to be vaulted on success

admin pr kit prod

EUR Donation Upsell

Share Text generation Skip Fundraiser

(prod) new funds eligible for amp12 (UGC gallery)

fintrac_cad_idv_form_v2 audience

paymentProcessorAccountId

fallback mode accounts

proCampaignId

p2p legacy startfundraising page

be_supporter_comments_enabled_supported_funds

AMP24 New Funds Only PROD (DO NOT MODIFY)

countryCode

charityId

UKCharities

Federated Search Internal Testing

route.pathname community

US Donation Upsell audience 

Auto Thanks Feature Audience

Supporter Comments Eligible Funds

International Only

fundId

braze fundraiser group 

Payment Identity Transfers ATO Risk Check (Targeted) - Production

Fundraiser Saved Payment Method Rate Limit Bypass (Production)

leaderboard-partner-id-audience-givepanel

Version 9.2.1 and above

AUD Donation Upsell audience

fundraiserCountryCode is US/EN

Active Fundraiser - Smart Default Cadence

DAF Internal

Vault on success card payment method

Platform is iOS v11.0.0 and above

Desktop users

Person ids

United States (US) users

allow yuno fundraisers for test

Mexico country code

Posters INTL

NPO Profile Opted-In

iOS at or above 12.4.0

non-US recurring donors

Canada Campaign Owner Group

Fundraiser Without Meta Link

Scheduler payment tester gorup

charityCommunityId

Charities allow to be claimed unclaimed (PRD)

Canada (CA) users

currencyCode

UC Tipping v20250115 International

pymk_production_xplr_fe_team

Android at or above 12.2.0

Profile photo entry point audience

smart goals (fundraiser/manage) on test01

Activity Tracking v1 Beta Testing

writePath

Stream Notification

start gfm intl allowed locales

Platform is iOS v11.2.0 and above

prod_ach_audience

AI Chatbot Audience

amp13 only new funds (prod) (anyword auto)

UC Flow Enabled (Prod)

Payment Identity Beneficiary Verification - Production

shared notification bell audience

Custom users

ach frontend audience

Android v11.0.0 and above

Users Receiving Payments Paused Notifications

smart goals test01

Manage Coach - US English Organizers Only + new funds only

Team EGG - IP Address list

Fundraiser Without Instagram Deep Link

Native 11.4.0 and above

UC Tipping v20250107

Users Receiving Braze KYC Validation Failed

Native 11.3.0 and above

Influencer - Prod

US fundraisers and US users

userEmail

template_id

userId

fundUrl

isCharityCo

email

Geo Morjane

Geo Morjane

What they care about

Featured causes

Help Hammam recover from his injury and get to safety

Help Our Team Raise $12,000 for St. Vincent de Paul

Playa Tea at Burning Man

Support Chris James' Cancer Treatment

Help Vezelda's Family

About me