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Slo 'Mo Holiday Spectacular: Donate Your Ticket to Homeless Youths

By Erica Demarest | December 12, 2013 8:06am
 All proceeds will benefit Project Fierce, a new non-profit for homeless LGBT youth.
Slo 'Mo Holiday Spectacular
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WEST LOOP — Even if you can't make it to the Slo 'Mo holiday shindig this Saturday, there's still one way to give back — donate your ticket to homeless or at-risk youths.

On Saturday night, the monthly dance party Slo 'Mo ("slow jams for homos and their fans") is hosting a holiday "spectacular" to raise money for Project Fierce, a new non-profit that helps homeless LGBT youths.

The organization is eyeing houses in Austin, South Shore and West Garfield Park, said founder Cassandra Avenatti, and plans to launch a transitional housing program for homeless youth next year.

Saturday's show kicks off at 8 p.m. with performances from hometown favorites like JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound, Matthew Santos and Sidewalk Chalk. Guests can expect to hear Mariah Carey and Wham! holiday tunes, and tickets start at $15.

If you can't make it (or even if you can), you can donate a ticket to homeless or at-risk youths by buying one online and emailing your name to organizer Kristen Kaza at kkaza@no-small-plans.com.

Kaza is working with Broadway Youth Center, an LGBT youth program in Lakeview, to distribute tickets.

"Fundraisers often shut out the people they're trying to reach," Kaza said, citing ticket prices. "It's a really big problem, and it becomes a class issue, honestly. With this party, we wanted to make it accessible."

Performers are donating their time on Saturday, and all proceeds will go directly to Project Fierce, which hopes to house eight to 10 young people by next fall.

Saturday's show will be held at Bottom Lounge, 1375 W. Lake St. Guests must be at least 17 years old to attend, and "creative holiday looks" are encouraged. Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door.

Event highlights include a raffle, GlitterGuts photo booth, live band and songs from a "queertet." For the full line-up, visit the event page.

Donations of hygiene items and warm winter accessories such as gloves, hats and scarves will also be collected for Broadway Youth Center, Kaza said.