On the evening of November 14, the Torch Alliance was engrossed in setting up and decorating Babbio Atrium for their annual Trevor Project Fundraiser.
“Besides fundraising, this is an event that connects us with the community,” Isabelle Joyce, President of the Torch Alliance, said. “Since the prizes for our raffle are donated from local businesses, our students get the opportunity to explore the city of Hoboken and meet new people. It is also a big social event with food and games, so we want people to have fun in an inclusive environment.”
Moreover, according to Joyce, last year’s Trevor Project raised around $300, and she was optimistic that this year’s fundraiser will be even more successful. Earlier this semester, the club went on a field trip to the Museum of Sex in New York City.
While enjoying some of the delicious food at the event, Alexis Paolella stated the crux of the fundraiser: “I believe the fundraiser is for LGBTQ+ teens struggling with mental health issues and suicide.” As a matter of fact, LGBTQ+ youth are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide compared to heterosexual youth, according to The Trevor Project. When asked about why he chose to attend this event, Christian Catanese simply responded, “I am a brother Alpha Phi Omega (APO) and I am volunteering for the Trevor Project because I believe people should be free to love whomever they want without fear of judgement or rebuke.”
Lily Haynes, one of the club members in charge of decorating the venue, said that she was glad to have attended this fundraiser for the first time and that she looks forward to participating in future events. Although attendees shared overwhelming positive feedback, some expressed concern about the low turnout. Liam McMurtry, a senior, said, “I heard about this event through APO … [and] the turnout is not as big as I expected.” It is not far-fetched to presume that several of the attendees were allies of the LGBTQ+ community as Sean Willemann, a sophomore attending this fundraiser for the second time, confidently expressed, “The foundation raises money for the prevention of LGBTQ suicides. I feel like this event not only provides a welcoming environment for all students but also a safe space for non-conformists.”
Other than the Trevor Project Fundraiser, the Torch Alliance holds regular GBMs where students can talk about their gender expression and sexuality.
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