Avatar's holiday wreath auction nets $1700 for local charities

Above, Avatar's Jeff Wacha and Sanctuary's Willie Robinson greet the winning bidder for the wreath contributed by Eagle L.A. Mr. Leather 2009 Jasun Mark. The wreath is liberally decorated with silicone toys from Ox Balls and an assortment of DVDs.

On December 11, 2009, Avatar held its annual wreath auction, with over 20 kinky-themed wreaths decorated by individuals and organizations. The proceeds of $1700 will be split between Roots of Equality and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Roots of Equality is a young organization centered in downtown Los Angeles, and is building grassroots LGBT advocacy efforts. They will present an Avatar program in the summer of 2010.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention funds research, education, and treatment programs aimed at preventing suicide. In September, 2009, members of the Los Angeles leather/fetish community carried the leather flag alongside national, state, and institutional flags in the Los Angeles "Out of the Darkness" walk to help prevent suicide, and to honor the memory of those we have lost.