Club X has a new location for the New Member and Guest Orientation which will take place on Monday, Oct. 19, (third Monday of each month) Time: 7:30 – 9 p.m. Plan to arrive early so that you can find parking and not interrupt the meeting. Late comers will be tied up and beaten. The new location is WildSide Photography, 4020 30th St. over the H&R Block Tax office. This location is not wheelchair accessible but Club X offers one on one meetings as an alternative if you cannot attend at this location. How about that for community spirit? I don’t know of many other leather groups who would make themselves so readily available. The meetings are open to all adults and are the best way to gain information about San Diego’s Leather/BDSM community. Club X is one of the most respected leather/BDSM organizations in the country so please take advantage of this opportunity.

A few weeks ago I received and urgent message form my friend, Durk Dehner of the Tom of Finland Foundation. For years Durk has generously donated artwork to the San Diego Leather Pride Committee to use in fundraising efforts. The past few year’s donations to the foundation have dwindled and the foundation is now in dire straits just like many other non-profits all over the country. Since its inception the foundation has dedicated its services to “Protecting. Preserving and Promoting Erotic Art.” Ironically and without going into too many details here, a significant amount of artwork was stolen from the Tom of Finland Collection while it was touring Europe. The artwork was finally recovered earlier this year but in doing so the Tom of Finland Foundation had to hire detectives, lawyers etc. at a huge financial loss. Our friend, Durk also took a huge hit to his personal finances in an effort to supplement the foundation. Now, the Tom of Finland House is in foreclosure. The Tom of Finland Foundation is being forced to sell of valuable pieces of artwork in an effort to survive. Anytime in the past we have asked the Tom of Finland Foundation for donations or help with our leather events they have come through for us. Not only has the foundation generously donated artwork to help with San Diego causes but Durk and members of the board have made countless trips to San Diego to show support. The artists who are represented by the foundation have also donated their work and services to the San Diego Leather Community. Axel, who has won awards with the Tom of Finland Foundation, donated his work for use as posters for Leather Pride and also designed the Mr. and Ms San Diego Leather vest back patches. The list of the foundation’s generosity to the San Diego Community is quite extensive. In the past the San Diego Leather Community included the Tom of Finland Foundation in its fundraising efforts. There are many worthy charities in San Diego and elsewhere that need assistance. Please consider adding the Tom of Finland Foundation to your list of beneficiaries in your fundraising efforts. Times are hard and philanthropy is no longer the norm. If you can help out in any way, please contact the foundation today! Tomorrow may be too late. The direct number is 213-250-1685. Seriously folks…this is urgent!

With all that said, have a great time at BearQuake 2009 – Charting a New Course this weekend. Give and give generously to those I need. Se ya In the Pit!