Witch, Please Support Compton's Table's Capital Campaign

Julia Carden

Local LGBTQIA+ advocacy group Compton's Table held their annual fundraiser at the Erie Art Museum, but the needs of the organization continue beyond the gala. Consider contributing to the organization's capital campaign to help secure a permanent building which will help expand their reach.

The Erie Art Museum buzzed with queer joy and lavender elixir during Compton's Table's annual fall fundraiser, Witch, Please! A Queer Gay-La on Friday, October 24. The event welcomed over 200 attendees, raising nearly $17,000 of support. 

Compton's Table, an Erie-based nonprofit, is more than its mission statement — it's a beacon of hope for many in the region, providing a space where folks can feel free, safe, and supported. That spirit was on full display at Witch, Please!, where attendees in whimsical attire cheered on drag performers, donated generously, and danced the night away.

The proceeds raised during the fundraiser will support the Sonni Day Mutual Aid funds, which are designed to address urgent needs within the queer and trans community. The fund is named in honor of Sonni Zambino, who was recgonized at the event for her five decades of leadership and dedication to advancing the rights and well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"Whether someone needs groceries to get through the week, a ride to a doctor's appointment, safe shelter after family rejection, or help replacing essentials stolen or lost, this fund steps in quickly with dignity at the center," said Dr. Tyler Titus, founder and chairperson of Compton's Table. 

Debbie Does Drag and Shea D'Heaux delighted audiences with lively drag performances. After the program, guests explored the museum's exhibits, while local tarot readers offered readings throughout the night. 

Ember+Forge, a beloved cafe in downtown Erie, took home the Ally of the Year award. Coffee shops often provide an accessible third space where community, connection, and support thrive. Herb & Honey Bakery, located on Cherry Street, was awarded Safe Space of the Year. Employees from both local businesses attended the Gay-La to accept their awards and celebrate, including Rie Witherow, barista and professional witch, who volunteered their time for engaging tarot readings throughout the fundraiser. 

"There are a multitude of reasons I believe spaces like Compton's Table, Ember+Forge,  Herb & Honey Bakery, and any other queer safe spaces, they're not crucial but mandatory in our current political world," Rie Witherow (40 Under 40) says. "Compton's Table is providing services for the truly downtrodden and underserved in our community." 

Building a Permanent Home

Launched on October 30, Compton's Capital Campaign aims to raise $50,000 in six weeks to secure a permanent building, a long-term home for Erie's queer and trans youth and the broader LGBTQIA+ community. The new space would host the organization's core programs, while also expanding access to counseling, peer support, and emergency assistance.

"Erie's queer and trans community deserves a permanent home. A place where everyone who walks through the doors immediately feels safe, valued, and welcomed. A place built on joy, celebration, and community care," reads a statement on the organization's fundraising page.

The vision is to create a space that not only responds to immediate needs but also nurtures long-term growth, empowerment, and belonging.

Community members and allies can contribute to the campaign through direct donations, corporate sponsorships, or by organizing fundraising events. Every dollar raised helps build stability — not only for Compton's Table but for the hundreds of people who depend on its presence and care.

As the year draws to a close, the energy from Witch, Please! lingers. With the Capital Campaign underway, Compton's Table is taking the next step toward ensuring that spaces of joy and resistance are lasting and sustainable.

Julia Carden can be reached at juliacarden91@gmail.com