YUMBO CASH FOR DISASTER FUND

taken from RTN News Gran Canaria

T

he Madrid Air Disaster Fund has received a boost, thanks to the efforts of a much-loved drag queen and various bars in the Yumbo Centre, Phil Jackson reports.

August’s air disaster in which 154 people lost their lives, when Spanair flight JK5022 – bound for Gran Canaria – crashed just after take-off in Madrid, has prompted local individuals and businesses to get involved with fundraising efforts for families of the victims. And at the forefront of the campaign has been the Yumbo Centre in Playa del Ingles.

Bars and businesses in the Yumbo contributed to fundraising efforts arranged by TJ Michaels, resident drag queen host and venue manager at Veuvettes, a successful karaoke and cabaret bar based on the ground floor of the Yumbo. And as TJ explained to Round Town News, donations have been flooding in:

‘The total we’ve all raised so far is around the €1500 mark, with further pledges of up to €400 – but we’re hopeful we can do even better than that. We are still accepting donations over the bar at Veuvettes, and every bit really does count. Even if it’s just a bit of loose change from your drinks round; it all helps to give the fund a real boost.’

Highlights of the fundraising efforts arranged so far include a successful auction at Veuvettes Bar, with many of the lots donated by other businesses in the Yumbo, while an impromptu double act comprising TJ Michaels and Cafe La Belle’s Belinda Scandal had the entire bar doubled-up with laughter. Adding to the hilarity was a sponsored stint by TJ Michaels – in full drag – on the Yumbo’s famous ‘Bucking Bull’.

‘I’d really like to thank all the bars and businesses over the south of the island for their support with everything, and in particular the owners and show team from Cafe la Belle and the guys behind Blue Tomato Productions for their invaluable input into the fund,’ said TJ Michaels.

Congratulations to all the staff at Veuvettes for helping to raise such a substantial sum for the Madrid Air Disaster Fund. And for anybody reading this who has yet to donate, don’t forget to pop in to Veuvettes next time you’re in the Yumbo – where not only will you be assured a warm welcome, you’ll still be able make your own personal donation.