Queers in solidarity with 5E

Why 5E Matters to Me:

There is no greater freedom than the gift of being in the fullest expression of your own body while being in connection with other heartbeats all around you. While I find that within authentic and values-dricen yoga spaces, my dear friend and co-conspirator, Janei Maynard, is creating space for youth in Aurora, modt from families with low incomes and Black and Brown communities, space to DANCE, belong, connect to their inherent worth.

At 5th Element Center, they provide more than just dance instruction; they offer a safe space where youth can explore their passions, build their confidence, and connect with their heritage through hip hop culture.

Support 5th Element Center for Dance (5E): Keep Our Doors Open!

This Black-led organization centers hip hop pedagogies, culture, and dance forms, offering a vital medium of expression and reflection for our students. Despite serving over 100 youth in Denver and Aurora with free dance classes, tutoring, social emotional and relational wellness classes, hip hop history and culture classes, and pre-professional dance opportunities, they are facing financial challenges that threaten to close their doors.

This past year has brought unexpected financial difficulties. They opened a brick-and-mortar dance center and signed a lease, expecting increased grant funding. However, due to the economic downturn, grant funding has decreased, and our fundraising campaigns have raised less money. We urgently need to raise $47,000 to cover our rent and keep our programs running through the end of the second quarter (November).

How Your Donation Will Help:

Your contribution will be used to:

• $6,000: Pay the rent for July.
• $23,000: Get current on rent payments through July.
• $35,000: Get current on rent payments through July and pay rent through September.
• $47,000: Get current on rent payments through July and pay rent through the end of Quarter 2 (November).

Join Us in Making a Difference:

We invite you to be part of our community and help us keep 5E open. Your donation, no matter the size, will have a significant impact on the lives of the youth we serve. My personal goal is to raise $500 towards this campaign, and I would deeply appreciate your support in helping me reach this target.

First Campaign Goal: Raise $35,000 by the end of August to get current on rent payments through August and ensure our programs continue uninterrupted.

Ongoing Support:

After reaching our initial goal, we will continue to raise funds to support our rent and operational costs through quarterly campaigns. This will help us maintain stability and continue offering our essential programs without interruption.

Ways to Help:

1. Donate: Every dollar counts. Your contribution will directly support our mission.
2. Share: Spread the word about our fundraiser on social media, with friends and family, and within your networks.
3. Participate: Join our upcoming events and activities to show your support.

Together, we can continue to provide a transformative experience for our youth through the power of dance. Thank you for your support!