Side by Side launches the “LGBTQ Challenge” – “Let’s Get Better in Quarantine”

Richmond-based LGBTQ+ youth nonprofit Side by Side is announcing a new fundraiser – and there are some self-improvement opportunities involved.

Side by Side’s LGBTQ Challenge, which stands for “Let’s Get Better Together in Quarantine,” is a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign where participants commit to personal betterment goals while raising funds for LGBTQ+ youth in Virginia.

Presented by Capital One, the “30-ish” day challenge runs from National Coming Out Day on October 11 to Friday, November 13.

Personal betterment goals can focus on the mind (reading all the Hunger Games books; learning a new language), the body (running or walking challenges; attending regular outdoor yoga classes) or the spirit (sewing 30 masks for a local charity; learning 30 new TikTok dances).

Participants are encouraged to share their progress on social media with the hashtag #LGBTQChallenge and ask friends and family to support their hard work with donations to Side by Side.

Side by Side aims to raise $30,000 by the end of the challenge.

“We’re excited to create an engaging, socially-distant event that builds community,” said Side by Side executive director Ted Lewis. “All the money raised will go to support LGBTQ+ youth living in Virginia.”

During the LGBTQ Challenge, Side by Side will host virtual events via social media with raffles for prizes from local Richmond businesses. The fundraiser culminates with a grand prize for the individual or team that raises the most money for Side by Side.

Side by Side organizes weekly support groups for LGBTQ+ youth 11-20 in Richmond, Petersburg, and Charlottesville throughout the year as well as homelessness services for LGBTQ+ young adults 18-25. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit switched to hosting virtual meetings to keep youth, volunteers and staff safe. Side by Side also offers mental health counseling, training for K-12 schools, and more.

To participate in the LGBTQ Challenge, visit https://secure.frontstream.com/lgbtqchallenge. There is a $25 fee to register.