Without fundraisers in bars for the past year, the annual Bare Chest Calendar men have faced challenges. But the finals for next year's calendar, an alumni edition, will go on, May 8, on Twitch.
Fundraising efforts have swiftly switched gears, as clients of Positive Resource Center, the donation recipient nonprofit, face urgent and increased need during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly 300 San Franciscans have been sheltered-in-place through PRC's Residential Services. Their Emergency Financial Assistance program (formerly AEF) has seen an exponential growth in need.
The calendar and contests held at SF's Powerhouse and other bars, have a long history of fundraising, initially for AIDS/HIV causes, going back to 1984. Since then, the events have continued to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for Bay Area nonprofits.
In 2019, the collected efforts of the participants raised more than $200,000.
As returning contestant Rebel (Mr December 2012 ) wrote on his fundraising page, "The fact that this past year has been very isolating and challenging for many of us makes me want to show up and strengthen our community even more."
Contributing photographers to the project are veteran cameramen Rich Stadtmiller, Dot and Bill Weaver.
You can help out by donating before the event by selecting one or more (or all!) of the contestants' links on the Bare Chest website. 2021 calendars are also available. Enjoy archived chats with Bare Chest men on Twitch.
Tune in May 8, 3pm at https://www.twitch.tv/barechestcalendar