October has been declared "Gay Crisis Month" and we're all being asked to get our thinking caps on, to help hardworking community groups who are struggling to survive. Body Positive, the Charlotte Museum and Rainbow Youth are the three organisations which arein the most financial needright now. OUTLine's basic needsare secure after last year's fundraising drive, but totake any further steps forward andhelp even more people the phone support servicedesperately needsfunding. October is your chance to help raise a pile of cash, which will then be distributed to the groups. Several events are already being organised in support of fundraising drive Help Out in October, but we want more! If you are already planning an event for October, why not put it under the Help Out in October umbrella? If you're not planning an event – well why not plan one?! To get your event listed on the official GayNZ.com Help Out in October calendar, just email: gaynz@woosh.co.nz Help Out in October events: October 1 Furry Friday, Auckland The monthly meeting of the Bear NZ group starts at Kamo at 8pm with nibbles before the boys move on to Urge. We're launching the collection and volunteers will be out on K' Rd with buckets tonight - look out for us! October 1-3 Candy Bar closing weekend Due to lesbian winter hibernation, girl's venue Candy bar is moving to one night a month. Head along and say goodbye this weekend as they pull out their favourite DJs and performers for a three-day closing party. Look out for collectors with buckets so you can donate to Help Out in October! October 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Kamo Saturday night karaoke K' Rd bar Kamo is throwing its support behind Help Out in October. There will be collection buckets at the bar throughout the month come along and belt out a song then make a donation! October 9 The Alternative Ball, Auckland Be who you are and look great doing it at the Rainbow Youth Alternative Ball! The all-ages, all-inclusive, alcohol-free ball is from 7pm till midnight at Galatos, with tickets just $15 from Rainbow Youth, iticket and Kamo. October 22 Kamo burlesque night Miss Phloss and her troupe will present an eye-popping series of burlesque shows at Kamo. Come along and make a donation to Help Out in October. October 24 Urge Underware Party Half of the ticket sales from this ever-popular event will go to Help Out in October. Family Help Out In October Fundraiser Full details of Family's fundraiser will be revealed soon, keep an eye on GayNZ.com! October 29 and 30 Collection weekend! Volunteers will be out in the street collecting for Help Out in October. If you can lend a hand, email gaynz@woosh.co.nz October 30 Urge Slave Auction Any businesses who would like to donate a prize or any 'slaves' who would like to present the auction items should email urgebar@ihug.co.nz. Last year $6,000 was raised for OUTLine October thanks to Urge customers, so the bar is hoping for a similar amount this time around. All month Naval and Family is selling special Help Out In October cocktails called Out of Passion for $12, with $2 from every sale to go to the fundraiser. Can't run an event? Then donate! Out In October collectors will be stationed at every GLBT venue and event on Friday and Saturday nights throughout October and collection buckets will also be widely distributed. The bank account number for donations for HelpOut In October – Gay Crisis Month is as follows: ASB 12 3064 0216613 00 Donations can also be made by credit card here: https://www.givealittle.co.nz/org/GABA Jacqui Stanford - 1st October 2010