James Cook – “Stay positive and stay in touch”
The COVID-19 pandemic has reached into nearly every aspect of daily life. Local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment spots have all been feeling pressure over the past few weeks. In these uncertain times, emergency responders are often the ones affected the most. Changes have come quickly and harshly. With such a cultural shift happening so quickly, it’s so important to help those in our local communities as much as we can. One group’s fundraising will directly affect those emergency responders in the Pittsburgh area.
James Cook, known also by his performance name Miss Shantay, is the founder of the Allegheny Drag All-Stars. The All-Stars put on performances and events to help fundraise for those in their community. James explained how their efforts have felt the effects of the pandemic firsthand lately. We discussed how firefighters and emergency responders (especially those that volunteer) have been hurting a lot through all of this.
The Allegheny Drag All-Stars have been working constantly to help their community. The group often raises money through their “Drag Bingo” nights and these funds go towards helping local fire departments and volunteer firefighters, many of which are being postponed or cancelled entirely.
“It’s a really shame” James said. “These shows go towards helping the volunteers.”
Though much of their schedule hasn’t been going to plan, The Allegheny Drag All-Stars have kept up-to-date on social media and have been staying in contact with their followers through all of the uncertainty. They are still supporting the community that has supported them and will continue to do so through the COVID-19 crisis.
Through all this change and ambiguity, James has been staying optimistic.
“Stay positive and stay in touch” James said. “Do whatever you can to stay creative. We all can use support in this tough time, and we all need to stick together.”
Support the Allegheny Drag All Stars by catching their Facebook Live show this Saturday, April 11th. All proceeds for the event go towards helping Lucy’s Place during the quarantine.
