Despite a year of providing entertainment both in-person and online through the pandemic, the drag-focused nightclub Oasis still needs fan support to remain open. So owner D'Arcy Drollinger will host a 12-hour telethon with dozens of performers on March 6.
Scheduled for noon to midnight, the telethon will include live and pre-recorded performances, testimonials, hourly interactive events, fabulous items up for auction from our community.
"As we approach the one-year anniversary of Oasis shutting down our normal operations due to Covid-19, the financial situation has become dire. It literally costs us money to be open right now, due to our size and location," wrote D'Arcy Drollinger, Owner and Artistic Director of Oasis, in the fundraiser page.
The performer line-up of live and recorded acts includes Sister Roma, Heklina, Juanita More, Glamamore, Peaches Christ, Alaska, Lady Bunny, Ben De La Creme, Justin Bond, Leigh Crow, Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine, Trixie Mattel, Honey Mahogany, Rock M. Sakura, Snaxx, Matthew Martin, Chyna Maykit, The Baloney Boys, Mario Diaz, Patty from HR and many more fabulous performers who have graced the Oasis stage over the years.
"While bars in the Castro have foot traffic and smaller spaces, opening our roof and parklet is actually more expensive than staying closed," Drollinger added. "We are counting on grants from the City and Federal government, but the process for those hasn't even started and I fear will come too late."
Along with multiple screenings of fully staged show, Drollinger produced the popular Meals on Heels (their drag food and cocktails delivery service), produced shows on the club's rooftop and outdoor parklet.
With the help of a PPP loan, they were able to employ the staff for a short period, and hire out-of-work performers. But the monthly cost to maintain a business like Oasis is extremely high. The club's debt is mounting as shows continue online-only.
Noted Drollinger, "It would be tragic to have come this far and not survive."
Just like traditional TV telethons, a phone bank of drag queens to take your call. Fans can also donate at any time online. All funds raised go directly to business expenses for the club: rent, utilities, operations, as well as paying off debt accrued while being closed.
The goal is to raise $100,000 to save our iconic queer SOMA nightclub. As of Feb 25, the fundraiser has already added $25,000 from nearly 300 donors.
"This is just a start!" wrote donor Ginger Jenny Collins, who gave $200. "I'm gonna spread the word (and go couch diving for coins), so hopefully more to come! Love to you and the entire Oasis crew, we need you in our lives!"
"Oasis is a critical queer space in SF' so happy to donate," wrote $250 donor Alex Kirschner. "Oasis can't close!"
The Telethon will air for free on the OASIS TV network and on givebutter.com/saveoasis, Saturday March 6, from 12pm PT to midnight. www.sfoasis.com
Watch archived shows on YouTube.