Ruben Jauregui, Jr., founder and CEO of QueerBFF, announced on March 8 that his company will host an April 11, online Insta-thon to benefit San Antonio’s Thrive Youth Center for homeless LGBTQ young people.
The fundraiser, which will be streamed via Instagram Live, will be headlined by San Antonio’s own American Idol semi-finalist Ada Vox. There will also be performances by comedians Sydnee Washington, Jake Noll, and Calvin Cato. Drag performer Delighted Tobehere and DJ John Michael round out the list of performers. The event will be emceed by Sander Jennings, star of I Am Jazz.
Sander Jennings
QueerBFF is an LGBTQ+ friendly app that is dedicated to helping people find platonic friendships within the community.
The Thrive Youth Center is the only overnight shelter for LGBTQ youth in Texas and the Southwest United States. In 2015, Thrive partnered with Haven for Hope which provided an over 1400 square foot space that includes dorms, bathrooms, offices and a reception area.
At the time of its opening, Sandra Whitley the founder of the Thrive Center, told Out In SA that partnering with Haven for Hope had its advantages. Thrive’s clients will be able to use Haven’s comprehensive range of social, spiritual, medical and behavioral health services.
At Haven, Thrive residents can take classes that teach the necessary skills to work and flourish in society while tapping into other resources. These include GED and employment readiness classes; opportunities for higher education; medical, dental and vision care; case management; and counseling. The goal is to create self-sufficiency and to work toward providing permanent housing opportunities.
In a press release for the fundraiser, Jauregui says that due to the coronavirus pandemic “many of Thrive’s clients have recently lost their jobs, as a result of staff reductions or business closures, and are now facing food insecurity.”
“The funds raised during our QueerBFF Insta-thon will help Thrive restock their food pantry and provide their young adults with food, hygiene, and home good items to get them through this challenging time,” he added.
QueerBFF Insta-thon benefitting Thrive Youth Center, April 11, 2020 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (CST) on Instagram Live (account: @QueerBFF).
