YFT benefit goes NASCAR with grown-ups playing with toys
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| BOYS AND THEIR TOYS: If all goes well, Youth First Texas’ Johnny Cooper hopes to make the Gaytona 500 an annual event. ARNOLD WAYNE JONES/Dallas Voice |
The racetrack is not a 1.5-mile asphalt oval with a turn radius of 750 feet. It definitely doesn’t have a 2,250-foot long stretch with 45 pit stalls. Nope. With the sweltering summer sun on a cement parking lot, this is not the Daytona 500.
But it is the Gaytona 500 — and racecars aren’t even needed. Well, at least the kind the big boys play with. This is a race where quick fingers matter more than down-shifting a clutch, because these racecars are of the remote control kind.
"It’s gonna be awesome," says Johnny Cooper.
Gaytona 500 is Cooper’s baby. As the marketing and development director for Youth First Texas, his goal is to develop stability for the group through fundraising. Coming off a successful first event with the Hall Street Journal fundraiser at Zubar in March, Cooper saw the July 4 weekend as another opportunity to spread the word about YFT … and bring in some scratch.
"We had no real comprehensive plan to bring money in. My goal is to promote YFT within the community. It surprises me how many people don’t know about YFT and that we’re here and we’re a resource," he says.
Wanting more than just a barbecue, he thought nothing said Texan more than NASCAR; thus was born the Gaytona 500. YFT will take over the back parking lot of Station 4 and Sue Ellen’s with a 65-foot long track in the shape of a pink triangle. With five racing lanes, checkerboard finish lines and flag waving drag queens, Gaytona 500 will play out in heats in the heat. Prelim winners will compete for first, second and third place trophies.
"We’ve got a little over a dozen racecars sponsored for $500 and up to $2,500," he says. That’s a pretty big chunk of change, and YFT needs all of it — the group is about to move.
"The board just approved to relocate Youth First Texas to a new space. We’re growing and with the development in this area, we don’t have long-term stability in this space. We developed Gaytona 500 to fundraise for the new space. The lease should be signed this week," Cooper says.
Although they have raised a significant amount of money already, costs for the move along with renovations keep YFT in a deficit. For construction alone, they need up to $60,000 but Cooper’s plan is to raise a third of that over the summer. They expect to be moved in by October.
While the sponsors help YFT financially, Cooper hopes for a big turnout from the public. "Attendance is going to be crucial for us. It will generate funds. The $10 admission gives people free barbecue and plus, we’ll be selling cold drinks and having a raffle, "Cooper says.
It wouldn’t be NASCAR without the right merch either — who could pass up embroidered trucker hats and event tank tops?
One word should prick up your ears, though: Barbecue. Don’t expect dad’s grilling either. Providing food for the event will be Central 214 executive chef Blythe Beck, host of "The Naughty Kitchen" now filming for the Oxygen Network with her TV crew in town
"We are really excited about the national exposure," Cooper says.
In the meantime, he’ll take all the local exposure YFT can get. If all goes right this weekend, Cooper plans to make this an annual event. Armed with a strategy of getting money into the group, he now looks forward to its growth and of course, Youth First Texas’ newest home — a finish line he can’t wait to cross.
Sue Ellen’s parking lot on Throckmorton Street. July 5, noon–5 p.m. $10. Youthfirsttexas.org.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition July 3, 2009.
This will be an over the top fundraiser bringing a fresh tradition of giving and having Fun! doing it. The cause is Youth First Texas, an organization that serves the LGBTQ youth. Sure wish it had been around when I was younger!Thanks for the great article.
This has been such a highly anticipated event for us! I would like to thank everyone in advance for coming out and showing your support but also just to come out and have fun! This even is truly like none other in our community before and will be one everyone will remember.
Thanks for the article Rich.
P.S. YFT is holding volunteer training this month if any are interested in becoming a YFT volunteer.
“We had no real comprehensive plan to bring money in…………..” Well, that’s not entirely true Mr. Cooper, is it ?? Doesn’t both the “Board Contribution Policy” and more specifically the “YFT Give or Get Policy” and the “Fresh Start Method” as illustrated in the YFT bylaws state such a comprehensive plan ??? Doesn’t the “YFT Give or Get Policy” specifically state, and I quote: “Each board member will raise a minimum of 2,000 dollars a year towards the financial support of YFT through: 1. Fundraising efforts in association with the agency (this does not include sales of tickets to black tie as this is a part of our black tie requirements). 2. Soliciting individuals or organizations to contribute (this does not include grant money as this is a board duty) 3. Personal contribution…………..So Mr. Cooper, I am a bit confused as to why you would appear to project to the media that the fund raising efforts are all your idea, when they have been specifically stated in the YFT bylaws for some time now……… And regarding sponsorship money, I sincerely hope that those kids don’t learn how to sell out their own GLBT community and be bought off by corporate sponsorship dollars like the directors at YFT and other Dallas non-profits have appeared to have done, especially when it involves free airline vouchers and corporate perks. And Mr Dowdy, concerning your invitation to “volunteers”, why don’t you tell everyone the REAL invitation…….that a volunteer will only be welcomed as long as he or she doesn’t rock the corporate boat, challenge the Dallas GLBT non-profit status quo or have issues with a corporation which shovels out corporate sponsorship dollars and corporate perks to YFT. Thank you for your time.
Thank you for your insight and opinions and for remembering the the greater good. Have a wonderful and safe fourth of July weekend!
Narcissistic personality disorder
has a grandiose sense of self-importance
is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty or ideal love (megalomania)
believes that he or she is “special” and can only be understood by, or should associate with, people (or institutions) who are also “special” or of high status.
requires excessive admiration
has a sense of entitlement
is interpersonally exploitative
lacks empathy
is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her
shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
GP,I have read many of your comments and you sound very bitter. Your message is being lost in the delivery. I am sure, at least hope, that the Voice would publish a well written article about the corruption of local groups. I am sure they would want you to cite sources, etc… I would be greatly interested in said article. I would hope such article would include how you would fund a non-sellout organization. What I would not be interested in is a bunch of whining or unsubstantiated allegations.
boB, interesting wish to see such an article published in the local GLBT media, however realistically, I doubt highly an article of that nature would ever come to fruition. There are too many close relationships and too much financial support there for that to happen…….
I am not a journalist, therefore it wouldn’t be my job to cite sources, only the reporters doing the story. Please know, however, that I never make blind statements in comments without having the sources and documentation to validate my “unsubstantiated allegations”.
Actually you have proved the main point that I have been making all along in that when someone ruffles a few feathers in the GLBT non-profit/activist/corporate leadership circles, the protectionist cronies come out of the woodwork and circle their wagons, quick to label that person as “whining”, “part of the problem”, “miserable”, “bitter”, “unsubstantiated” or any other colorful adjectives they wish to use to try and ruin their credibility and reputation……..And these “leaders” are supposed to be “professionals”, “mentors” and “role models”….. Again, I hope those kids don’t learn the same bad habits as their adult leadership…….
Concerning the issue of funding a “non-sellout” organization, the solution is simple. HARD WORK, rather than “alleged” corporate and political palm greasing (aka easy money) !!!
Besides, being that they have so many big shot professionals on these organization’s Board’s of Directors, I would think folks of such an “esteemed” caliber would be smart enough to find all of the solutions as to how to fund their organizations in an ethical manner.
There is more here to my “bitterness” that meets the eye. Do your research concerning these organizations and especially said organization above and then you can talk about “allegations” and whining.
Thanks for your insight and have a SUBSTANTIATED day !!
Gp, as a Youth who participates in Youth First Texas, I am astonished by your comments. I’d like to state that I have commented at my own will. Don’t make assumptions that the Board of Directors is sending the youth to fight their battles. I know from experience that adults tend to say that when a “child†intervenes. But you see I am here because, Youth First Texas has taught me that we need to believe in unity and working together as an organization, as a community. If ever we are to accomplish our goals for equality and a successful organization that can aid youth around the nation. And as to this comment,
“Actually you have proved the main point that I have been making all along in that when someone ruffles a few feathers in the GLBT non-profit/activist/corporate leadership circles, the protectionist cronies come out of the woodwork and circle their wagons, quick to label that person as “whining”, “part of the problem”, “miserable”, “bitter”, “unsubstantiated” or any other colorful adjectives they wish to use to try and ruin their credibility and reputation……..And these “leaders” are supposed to be “professionals”, “mentors” and “role models”….. Again, I hope those kids don’t learn the same bad habits as their adult leadership…….â€
I proudly say here I am. I proved you your main point wrong. It has nothing to do about protectionist cronies coming out label someone because someone is ruffling feathers in the GLBT non-profit/activist/corporate leadership circles. What it has to do is why in the world someone would volunteer their time to strike negatively at a non- profit organization. Instead of getting to know it first from the inside out by volunteering their time there, but from this comment,
“That a volunteer will only be welcomed as long as he or she doesn’t rock the corporate boat, challenge the Dallas GLBT non-profit status quo or have issues with a corporation which shovels out corporate sponsorship dollars and corporate perks to YFTâ€.â€
My first insight is that you must have participated in our volunteer training program. Or else how would you know that YFT might state such things. I understand your entitlement to your opinion ( I am too) but unless you have reliable sources that this has been mentioned. I’ll be honest no one wants to hear drama.
As I read through the comments Brandon and boB have made. Not once were they trying to mask things with labels. They were simply stating what is obvious. I mean after all you wouldn’t have made such negative comments if it wasn’t for that fact that you were trying to ruin credibility and reputation of our YFT. OUR, because YFT is a community organization, it belongs to everyone. Even “professionals†like you who are childish by making silly non-creditable remarks.
This made me realize as well that if you participate last time I checked someone who comes to volunteer and give up their time comes because they feel it in their heart. If I were a volunteer coming in, my concentration would be direct onto how can I help these Youth to have a more meaningful and successful life.
But I have attended several times at the center, I who have witness things first hand. And can say I have Seen that every move the Youth First Texas Board has made, has been for the sake and well being of the Youth who come in through those doors. I do not see us as a sell out or heading that way.
I find it even more interesting that our first major event would be criticized. That showed YFT was not crippled or slowed down after a disastrous event.
Anyways, as far as Mr. Cooper I believe he deserves credit for coming up with such a successful and splendid idea to raise money. After all it doesn’t matter if his name is mentioned several times. We all know the money is going to go to Youth First Texas. I would like to also mention he didn’t write this article someone else did. So he isn’t being a Narcissistic. I think someone needs to look up the definition to this word up again.
Here, we are after all a community let me help you out. https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Narcissistic
Narcissistic:
Inordinate fascination with oneself; excessive self-love; vanity.
Johnny was simply the one who was in charge of making sure this fundraiser was a big hit, therefore he had to know every angel of it. And a good journalist knows he needs to find the one person who knows the details. And any publisher of any written work also knows that you need to give credit to whomever or whatever gave you the details you needed to write your paper. Well, I better go do chores before dad scolds me. Ciao!
P.s.
By the way here is my cited work for the definition of Narcissistic
American Psychological Association (APA):
Narcissistic. (n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved July 10, 2009, from Dictionary.com website: https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Narcissistic
Chicago Manual Style (CMS):
Narcissistic. Dictionary.com. Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Narcissistic (accessed: July 10, 2009).
Modern Language Association (MLA):
“Narcissistic.” Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Random House, Inc. 10 Jul. 2009. <Dictionary.com https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Narcissistic>.
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE):
Dictionary.com, “Narcissistic,” in Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Source location: Random House, Inc. https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Narcissistic. Available: https://dictionary.reference.com. Accessed: July 10, 2009.
BibTeX Bibliography Style (BibTeX)
@article {Dictionary.com2009,
title = {Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)},
month = {Jul},
day = {10},
year = {2009},
url = {https://dictionary.reference.com/browse/Narcissistic},
}
Mr. Moasgis, interesting references, however I didn’t write that comment concerning narcissism, so please check your facts before assuming……..
Yes, I am very experienced and aware of the history of YFT and of the prior Board of Directors which was active a few years ago and which gave rise to the current board. The items I had cited in an earlier comment came directly from a past copy of the YFT bylaws sent to me by a committee co-chair at the time. I also was interested in volunteering both as a board member and also as a youth volunteer and had made requests to be a youth volunteer, but was snubbed, slandered and prevented by some people whose name I will not mention, but who were considered “mentors” according to the Dallas Observer.
And if there is any question of credibility concerning these facts Perhaps you will consult with Mr. Dowdy and he will, I’m sure, be more than happy to tell you all about the e-mail he sent to this person acknowledging such discrimination and also about the evidence he received concerning the slander and conspiracy made by some the “mentors” at the time, all with the promise of legal action if it continued.
So Mr. Moasgis, there is much more to the inside workings of organizations such as YFT. Do your own research into the facts rather than appearing to rely on what they want you to believe.
I commend you for speaking up and for returning to work with your fellow youth !!