Hurricane Helene has impacted many local LGBTQ+ spaces, but Q-Hall is still here....
Community Update Post-Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, our hearts go out to all of our neighbors and fellow business owners who have suffered tremendous losses. Many of our beloved community spaces have been destroyed or are temporarily closed, and we are all navigating a challenging road to recovery.
Impact on Q-Hall and Our Plans
While Q-Hall was searching for a permanent location, many LGBTQ+ and allied businesses in the RAD and across WNC faced devastating losses, including Plēb Urban Winery, which was completely washed away by floodwaters. We had several pop-up events planned there, making it a significant loss for our efforts as well as a total loss for the generous owners of Plēb, who were key supporters of our community. Despite these challenges, we remain committed to supporting those rebuilding and continuing our pop-up efforts, while also seeking our own permanent home.
Q-Hall remains committed to finding a permanent location and being a vibrant, welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community in WNC—especially now, when so many of us need places to gather, find comfort, and rebuild. We will continue to seek out new partnerships and locations to host our events and bring our community together.
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How You Can Help
We are asking for your help in a few ways:
Purchase Q-Hall Merchandise: Hats, stickers, and other items are available for purchase, and your support through these sales will help us manage our debt and keep planning future events.
Make a Donation: Any contribution, big or small, will help us continue moving forward. You can donate directly through our Crowd Source Fund donation page.
Stay Tuned for New Events: We are actively looking for venues and opportunities to keep Q-Hall's spirit alive through pop-up gatherings. Follow us on Instagram or Facebook for updates.
Spread the Word: Let people know that Q-Hall is still here, still fighting for community spaces, and still working to make a difference.
Moving Forward Together
The loss of physical spaces is a heavy burden, but it won't keep us from our mission of creating safe, celebratory gathering spots for the LGBTQ+ community. Now, more than ever, we need each other. Q-Hall is determined to adapt and grow—and we hope you'll be with us every step of the way.
Thank you for standing by us.
🏳️🌈 The Q-Hall Team
Dear Supporters,
I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who contributed to our Q-Hall's Journey: From Popups to Permanent community fund fundraising campaign. Although we didn’t quite reach our goal of $2,500, I am incredibly encouraged and supported by the outcome, and I consider it a success.
Our Journey So Far:
Our journey took an exciting leap forward with several vibrant pop-up events that embodied our dream and showcased our community's spirit and vision. Here’s a summary of our events to date:
Kick Off Kiki, 3/16/2024: 75 attendees
Valley High LGBTQ+ 4/20 Chill Craft & Play, 4/20/2024: 30 attendees
Q-Hall @ ACSC USL W League Kickoff Trivia Challenge at The Pitch, May 18: (CANCELLED for weather, rescheduled for 6/8 Pride Night game)
NCAA Women's College World Series Watch Party, May 30: 12 attendees
The success of these events, powered by your support, underscores the community's enthusiasm for a space like Q-Hall and marks significant steps towards establishing our permanent home.
Amount Raised: $883.77
$703.77 (Paypal campaign page)
$180.00 (cash from pop-up event donations)
These contributions are instrumental in bringing Q-Hall to life, and we have been diligent in using the funds to further our mission. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the expenses incurred to date and where these funds have been allocated:
Expenses So Far:
SquareSpace, Web Domain: $12.00
Sec State Business registration: $128.00
NC Sec State Annual reporting: $203.00
Canva, Stickers for promo: $28.80
Staples, Logo banner and supplies: $22.00
Facebook advertising: $25.00
Party City, Balloons and decor: $36.91
Canva, Marketing subscription: $30.00
Printify, Merch trucker hats: $85.09
Canva, Purchase stickers: $67.50
Vista Print, Visors: $127.00
Printify, Merch hats/tanks: $170.73
Staples, Info fliers: $68.46
Ingles, Refreshments: $21.08
Staples, Biz cards: $26.74
Total Expenses: $1,121.31
Next Steps:
Enhance our pop-up events
Empower our community through collaborative events
Cover essential expenses for future events
Expand our reach through digital marketing and promotional materials
We are committed to keeping you updated on our progress. Look out for regular updates via our social media channels and newsletters.
Thank you for believing in Q-Hall and being a part of this journey. Your support means the world to us and is paving the way for a vibrant, inclusive space in Asheville. A new donation link is coming soon on our website, Facebook, and Instagram.
Yours Truly,
JJ Pope, Founder |OWL
P.S. When we open our doors, everyone who donated to the campaign will be on the guest list for our soft opening and will have early access to any exclusive or limited attendance ticketed events. This campaign will be closed, but I will have a new donation link up on the website, Facebook, and Instagram.