Holiday spotlight: Gauge Xavier’s Annual Coat Challenge
Gauge Xavier just doesn’t just share updates with his friends on Facebook. He also uses the social media site to get friends involved in their communities.
An active supporter of LGBT causes and member of the Dallas Bears, Xavier has plenty to occupy him already. But the one event he organizes that can have the most impact is also one of the easiest to set up.
Every year, Xavier sets up a simple Facebook event page asking friends to “donate a new or gently used coat, gloves, scarf and/or hat to the local charity of your choice, preferably one that does not resale the item, to bring the gift of warmth to someone desperately in need.”
This year’s clothing drive runs through Dec. 20.
Xavier started the coat drive a few years ago while living in Pittsburgh. “It was a way for my company to give back,” he said.
When he moved back to his native Texas in 2011, Xavier brought the tradition with him.
“Facebook is another way to help communities and carry on an annual tradition first begun out of state,” he wrote via e-mail. “I have 700-plus friends out there to get the word out and challenge them to do the same in their communities world wide.”
Xavier, who now lives in Arlington in a polyamorous relationship with his “three wonderful husbears,” said response has been wonderful.
While he does not track donations, Xavier said he doesn’t need to; he trusts people.
“There is no official tracking, as the challenge is designed to get people thinking and doing in their respective communities. Those who share on the Facebook event are the only tracking.
“I have to trust if they say they gave, that they gave. I can’t be distrusting of humanity and micro managing the giving of others.”
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 12, 2014
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December
Through Dec. 14: Linze’s Toys for Tots Drive
Linze Serell’s eighth annual Toys for Tots drive and Christmas party begins at 8 p.m. at Garlow’s, 308 E. Main Street, Gun Barrel City.
Through Dec. 20: Gauge Xavier’s Annual Coat Challenge
Dallas Bears member Gauge Xavier challenges you to donate new or gently used winter clothing to the local charity of your choice, preferably one that does not resale the item. https://on.fb.me/1Begw3s.
Through Dec. 24: 16th Annual
CoH Christmas Gift Wrap Service
Drop off gifts in the reception area at Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road, before Sunday morning and Wednesday evening services throughout December and they will be wrapped and ready for you when you leave. Purchase gifts at Sources and use the CoH Gift Wrap Service to receive a $2 Sources gift card.
5:30–8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, 10 and 17. 8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, 14, 21. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24.
Contact Paul Kolasci at paulkolasci@gmail.com to make an alternative appointment.
Dec. 12: AIDS Walk South Dallas launch party
Fifth anniversary launch party hosted by Dallas Black Dance Theater, 6:30-9:30 p.m. at 2700 Flora St. AIDSWalkSouthDallas.com.
Dec. 13: Women’s Chorus of Dallas presents HoliDAZE
TWCD sing holiday classics with a twist, 7 p.m. at City Performance Hall, 2520 Flora St. Tickets at 214-520-7828 or TWCD.org.
Dec. 13: LEGACY Christmas Event & Planning Session
Cathedral of Hope’s monthly social group for adults 50 years and older meets for A Christmas Carol potluck dinner at 1:30 p.m. at Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Dr. Contact Roy Joplin via e-mail at rvj5868@att.net with questions.
Dec. 14: Advent: Joy, Music
Sunday, 9 and 11 a.m., at Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road.
Dec 14: Worship Service and Holiday Potluck
Following the 10:30 a.m. service, stick around for the 11:45 a.m. Holiday Potluck Dinner at Agape Metropolitan Community Church, 4615 E. California Parkway, Fort Worth.
Dec 14: Community Cantata: “Noel Celebration”
Former WFAA news anchor Gloria Campos narrates the production featuring churches from the region, 3 p.m. at Celebration on the Lake, 9120 S. Hwy. 198, Maybank.
Contact Kathy at 817-602-4645 for more information.
Dec 14: Alexandre’s Wreath Auction
The Seventh Annual Christmas Wreath Auction is from 8–10 p.m. at Alexandre’s, 4026 Cedar Springs Road. The pre-party begins at 7 p.m. with catered food, drink specials and the opportunity for silent bidding before the auction. Wreaths will be on display for viewing and silent bidding inside Alexandre’s before and on Dec. 14.
Dec. 15: Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats Holiday Party
The Tarrant County Stonewall Democrats host a free holiday party from 7-10 p.m. at The Phoenix Apartments, 429 College Ave., Fort Worth. Catering will be provided as well as mulled wine and beer. RSVP here: facebook.com/HolidayParty.
Dec. 14: Oak Lawn Band Concert
Join the Oak Lawn Band for a free silent auction and concert at 7 p.m. at Cathedral of Hope, 5910 Cedar Springs Road. Donations encouraged.
Dec. 15: Resource Center Open House
Drop by and meet the staff, 5:30–6:30 p.m. at Resource Center, 2701 Reagan St.
Dec 16: DFW Trans-Cendence Holiday Party and Potluck
7 p.m. at Agape MCC, 4615 E. California Parkway, Fort Worth.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition December 12, 2014