On Sunday, a vibrant crowd attended a drag-themed Loteria fundraiser at Williwaw Social, which raised funds for Choosing Our Roots. SafeRoot Anchorage, a transitional housing project for queer Alaskan children in need of stable housing, was the beneficiary of the Anchorage LGBTQ+ housing fundraiser.
Before the event began, Choosing Our Roots, a group that supports LGBTQ+ Alaskans, had already raised $3,000. By the end of the evening, according to Chami Krueger, co-director of programming, $20,000 had been raised to pay for two flats.
Drag performers hosted rounds of Loteria, a Mexican bingo game that replaces numbers with illustrated cards and blotters with beans. Anchorage’s drag community regularly includes Loteria in shows, making it a favorite among attendees.
The event brought together supporters who enjoyed the game while contributing to an urgent cause. SafeRoot Anchorage requires an estimated $60,000 annually to provide transitional housing, and Choosing Our Roots continues to seek grants to close the gap.
The nonprofit operates with a team of five, all dedicated to giving queer youth a safe and supportive environment. Ensuring stability for LGBTQ+ young people remains the organization’s mission, as many struggle with finding secure housing in Alaska.
The Anchorage LGBTQ+ housing fundraiser highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting queer youth through entertainment and generosity. With continued efforts, Choosing Our Roots hopes to expand resources and secure long-term solutions.
This news article was originally published by Alaska´s News Source.
