The Q Foundation Aims to Help Club Q Shooting Victims

EDITOR’S NOTE: This article was written before controversy regarding this fundraiser was addressed. To see all of our coverage on Club Q, click here. 

LGBTQ bars and nightclubs are supposed to be safe havens of authenticity and inclusion, but that was shattered over the weekend when a gunman opened fire at Club Q in Colorado Springs, killing five and injuring several others.

Since the tragic news broke, the country has been rallying in support, especially those living in the immediate and surrounding areas. Denver locals Richard Guggenheim, Art Garhagen, and Brian Allen have started a nonprofit called the Q Foundation to raise funds and assist the shooting victims, as well as everyone else who was impacted.

“We want to help with funeral expenses, medical bills, mental health, and any other expense related to what happened,” Guggenheim says. “We want it to be a legitimate source and a primary place for people to donate, instead of 50 different GoFundMe’s that may be of help or not. We would love for everything to go through one source, and we know this will really help the community.”

Over the coming days and months, the trio will plan to organize various fundraisers and events, such as beer busts and drag shows, with local LGBTQ businesses and restaurants.

According to Guggenheim, the response has been overwhelming.

“It’s been great,” he exclaims. “Resoundingly, it’s been, yes, we want to help. Even the restaurants I’ve been talking with, they’re all like, absolutely. Let’s do this. It’s been almost as emotionally overwhelming as when you woke up Sunday morning and saw what happened.”

Since the Q Foundation is a brand new organization, developments will evolve quickly. More details will be provided once they emerge.

“I was in Orlando when Pulse happened, and the recovery process was long,” Guggenheim explains. “Same with Club Q, it’s going to take a couple of years for people to move on from this and really start to heal. Whether it’s emotional or physical, this is a long road, and we’re committed to the long-term. That’s what our community is about, but the reality is, I don’t want this to become an organization that outlives its mission once everybody has healed and moved on. I think there are definitely other areas within our community that we can look at, and we’ll see how we can benefit those people.”

Additionally, the Q Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with event organization, social media outreach, and fundraising. Businesses and performers who are willing to donate time, space, and talent are also requested.

One of their first events will be Dine Out for Q, which is currently scheduled for December 1.

For more information and to volunteer or donate, follow The Q Foundation Colorado on Facebook, or email theqfoundationco@gmail.com.