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SALT LAKE CITY — This holiday season, Utah’s geek scene is doing a lot of good for families in need.
Fantasy Con and Comic Con may be a hub for donning costumes and making superhero references, but some of its members are teaming up with local non-profit organization The Giving Grinch to provide Christmas for 50 Utah children.
On Nov. 29, members of GeekGirls Corp will sponsor Cosplay for Charity, a family event at Mod A Go Go featuring a group of cosplayers who will take pictures with children free of charge while collecting donations for local families in need.
Together, GeekGirls Corp and The Giving Grinch will donate socks, a coat, two outfits and a few items from each child’s Christmas list in addition to Christmas dinner for the whole family, according to The Giving Grinch.
The event organizers will also surprise one family with an all-expense paid trip to Disneyland.
If there's any family that needs to get away, it's them. I want them to be able to go to Disneyland and remember the good times and not how strapped they were.
–Sheena Rose
Cosplay for Charity event manager Amber Dahl said the mother of the family it's chosen to honor has suffered from breast cancer, and it recently advanced to her brain.
“Her husband works two full-time jobs to try and make things work, and they have three little girls under the age of 12,” Dahl said. “This family never gets to do things together, so we wanted to send them on a vacation together.”
Cosplayers will dress as Minnie Mouse, Snow White, Ariel, Jasmine and other Disney characters to represent the daughters' favorite princesses.
Dahl set up a Go Fund Me* account for those who wish to donate money for either the family’s trip to Disneyland or to assist with their medical expenses.
The Giving Grinch founder Sheena Rose supplied part of the family’s Christmas last year when their mom was first diagnosed with breast cancer.
“If there’s any family that needs to get away, it’s them,” Rose said. “I want them to be able to go to Disneyland and remember the good times and not how strapped they were.”
Any family can attend Cosplay for Charity for free as long as they bring a donation such as canned food, a toy or clothing.
Guests may buy baby blankets, jewelry and artwork from event vendors, and they can also participate in a silent auction.
“We’re trying to make this family friendly so people don’t feel like they have to spend a lot of money to come and enjoy,” Dahl said. “It’s great for people to get together and form friendships while helping those in need.”
*KSL.com has not verified the accuracy of the information provided with respect to the account nor does KSL.com assure that the monies deposited to the account will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
