2023 Kickstart Change!

What is it?

This is a one-day fundraiser kickball tournament hosted by the Sanctuary of the Treasure Coast, a non-profit LGBTQ+ community group raising funds to build a center on the Treasure Coast.

What is an LGBTQ+ community center and why do we need one?

Community centers play a crucial role in fostering a sense of belonging, support, and empowerment for individuals, especially those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or other sexual orientations. They are the meeting places for intergenerational exchanges of cultural ideas, education, and centers for activity and experiences. Historically, bars served as community centers for adult LGBTQ+ individuals, however, the Treasure Coast of Florida has only ever been home to a few, all of which are now defunct. Even if we still had a gay bar, younger generations who are seeking a place to belong while developing their identities would be excluded.

In the last 20 years, American culture has changed tremendously, allowing for the acceptance and discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity with teenagers during important developmental years. Despite cultural advancements, recent harmful legislation and a rollback of gender-affirming healthcare and educational freedoms now threaten the progress we’ve made as a society.   We need safe spaces in our community for vulnerable individuals who are seeking nothing more than self-understanding, love, friendship, and acceptance within the context of our greater society. An LGBTQ+ community center is that safe space. You can help change the trajectory of our community’s mental, emotional, and physical health, support social well-being and community-wide education about LGBTQ+ culture and history by donating to the Sanctuary, the non-profit organization that is tackling the development of a Treasure Coast LGBTQ+ community center.

How does it work?

Fundraising should be FUN and this event promises to be just that! We’ve invited three (3) other non-profit, LGBTQ+ supportive organizations to join us for one day of healthy competition. Each organization forms one (1) team and will compete in a total of three (3) kickball matches against one another for the glory of winning the PRIDE CUP as well as other fabulous prizes. Each match requires a minimum of 10 players per team, however, team participants are unlimited. In fact, we’re counting on each team to have as many participants as they can muster.

This is JUST FOR FUN, with some unique raffles, awards, and prize categories.

Who can play?

Anyone ages 6 & up, but fair warning – there are no *official age or size divisions. Each team may have up to 30 players and an unlimited number of team participants, which include volunteers, fundraisers, and contestants for mini-competitions (TBD).

All players must donate a minimum of $20.

All mini-competition contestants must donate a minimum of $5 to compete.

*Special divisions may be agreed upon per round depending on participation.

How do participants join a team and donate?

All participants will need to register through the Sanctuary’s Kickstart Change! Event (RSVP). 

On the form, participants will select which team they want to represent, choose what role they’d like to perform, provide some personal details, and acknowledge waivers.

Registration for each team will be open until TBD, or until the team fills all its playable roster. 

Donations can be made electronically via our PayPal Donate Button. As long as you've registered prior to making a donation, your donation will be assigned to your sponsored team. Cash donations will be accepted in person on the day of the event along with donation collection forms until 4:15 p.m.