RCU Raises Funds for Rustin Center

Rubber City Underground participated in the Prideraiser campaign this season for the first time. Prideraiser is a movement where supporters groups throughout the country partner with LGBTQIA+ organizations to raise both money for and awareness of the mission of those organizations. People make a pledge per goal scored by their team during the month of June, and at the end of the campaign they fulfill that pledge directly with the organization. Neither Prideraiser nor the supporters groups benefit monetarily from this effort.

For our inaugural year, RCU chose to partner with the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center (Akron AIDS Collaborative). Located on Exchange Street in Akron, the Rustin Center is “…the only statewide LGBTQ+ drop-in facility, our range of services includes testing, housing referrals, mental health support, anti-violence programs, a food pantry, clothing closet, community meals, and discussions. Our compassionate team is committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can access the support they need to thrive.”

RCU members and friends pledged at total of $6.00 for every goal that Akron City Football Club scored. We extended the campaign period to include the three games in July in addition to the games in June, bringing the total number of games to ten. During that period ACFC scored 17 goals, for a total donation of $102.00.

Thank you to everyone who pledged and donated. Even the smallest donation to the Rustin Center is helpful to support their mission in our local community. Rubber City Underground is looking forward to participating in Prideraiser again next season with an even larger pledged amount, and more ACFC goals!!