Grammy Award-winning pop-rock trio FUN has announced plans raise $250,000 towards building a community health center for Highland Park’s Ruth Ellis Center, which specializes in care for Detroit’s at-risk LGBTQ youth.
Funds for the campaign will be raised through The Ally Coalition (TAC) – a collaborative endeavor created by FUN and designer Rachel Antonoff (sister of FUN member Jack Antonoff). According to the Ruth Ellis Center’s website, TAC’s mission is to “create a coalition of allies that will aid and encourage fellow artists and people from every walk of life, to use their voices and influence to end discrimination against LGBTQ people.”
Since 1999, the Ruth Ellis Center has served Metro-Detroit at-risk LGBTQ by offering food, clothing, supplies, shelter, support groups, case management, and counseling to those in need. Last year, more than 50% of homeless LGBTQ Detroiters benefited from one or more of the foundation’s services.
As of Monday, donations exceeded $100,000, as TAC and FUN have promised to match all donations up to $50,000. Currently, 40% of Detroit’s homeless youth are members of the LGBTQ community.
Watch Michigan-native FUN member Andrew Dost’s Ally video below:
Get involved / donate / purchase Ally Coalition merchandise here.