LGBTQ+ venues Legends Brighton and The Two Brewers in London have announced a fabulous £15,000 has been donated to local HIV charity Sussex Beacon from joint fundraisers held earlier this year, following the passing of the community champion and drag icon Jason Sutton (Miss Jason).
In a joint statement, the LGBTQ+ venues said: “When we started the fundraisers, we said that any money raised would help cover the costs of Jason’s funeral, as well as supporting his long-term partner, Terry.
“The fundraising far exceeded all our expectations which was a glorious tribute to Jason and to everyone who donated. After further discussions, it was requested that a significant portion of the total be donated to the Sussex Beacon, a charity very close to Jason’s heart and of which he was a much-loved patron.
“To this end, we are delighted to announce the incredible sum of £15,000 was presented to the Beacon in June, which will go, in the main, towards their In-Patient Unit refurbishment and garden upgrade plans.
“The fundraising far exceeded all our expectations which was a glorious tribute to Jason and to everyone who donated. After further discussions, it was requested that a significant portion of the total be donated to the Sussex Beacon, a charity very close to Jason’s heart and of which he was a much-loved patron.”
“Specifically, for the garden, this means repairing broken paving in the garden, whilst inside a complete refurbishment of the In-Patient Unit’s Communal Area – with a wall dedicated to the Beacon’s patrons, including Jason. Also, a memorial wall in the Beacon’s dining area will also include a tribute to Jason.
“On behalf of Terry, Legends and The Two Brewers we want to thank the community for the outpouring of love and appreciation for everything Jason did for us. Thank you to our incredible performers and hosts who lit up the stages for our respective fundraising days.
“Thanks also to the management, bar staff, security and volunteers and a huge amount of thanks to everyone who donated online or at the events, as well as those incredibly generous people who donated items to the auctions and raffle. We will continue to remember and celebrate Jason, and his ongoing legacy to the LGBTQ+ community.”
