Fuel Comfort & Spark Joy: Stand with the Paiute Tribe
Comfort & Joy is proud to announce the 13th Annual Burner Paiute Food Drive and Fundraiser.
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe geographically resides around Pyramid Lake and the Black Rock Desert. The Tribe has a rich cultural heritage and a deep respect for their lands and water.
C&J is a queer camp that has been sharing our dayglow art, performances, and hospitality at Burning Man since 2003. We have a strong connection with the Tribe and their Two-Spirit members through shared values of inclusion and acceptance.
For the last two decades we have worked to support the Tribe directly and increase awareness within the Burning Man community about its people, and their presence on the lands of Northern Nevada for thousands of years.
Comfort & Joy’s Fundraiser benefiting the Pyramid Lake Victim Services Program and Food Drive:
The Pyramid Lake Victim Services Program provides essential services to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse and more. The Fundraiser aims to support and help expand this program's reach within the Paiute community. For more information check out Victim Services Program.
Fundraiser Impact in 2023:
$16,518 contribution to the Victim Services Program supported numerous local families.
Food Drive, led by Maureen Williams and Gwendolyn “Bunny” Pancho, has successfully delivered supplies to Paiute families and elders in need over the years. Camps and individuals will be able to drop off non-perishable food in Nixon during exodus. More information is coming soon HERE.
Contributions can be made through Fundraiser donations, food drive participation/donations, spreading awareness, and/or volunteering. By joining together, we can make a tangible difference and support the Paiute Tribe
Let’s Spread Love, Together ❤️
2024 Goal $8,000
How You Can Contribute:
Donate Funds: Your donation is tax deductible, and will directly support The Victim Services Program of the Paiute community and their services.
Take Part in the Food Drive: After Burning Man, drop off your non-perishable food items at Bunny’s Tacos in Nixon - look for Comfort & Joy’s iconic day-glo flags so you don’t miss the turn.
Spread the Word: Share our cause within your network, through social media, email, or word of mouth.
Volunteer: Join us in spreading awareness about the food drive and fundraiser within the Burning Man community. Click the 'Volunteer' button at bottom to help out!
About the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe
The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, also known as Kooyooe Tukadu, is a proud and resilient community now residing in the Pyramid Lake and whose historical territory includes The Playa and most of Northern Nevada and Western Oregon. The Tribal territory is a vast and culturally significant expanse spanning over 475,000 acres in Northern Nevada. The Pyramid Lake, a desert lake known for its unique pyramid-shaped island formation, is a spiritually significant location for thousands of years.
Historically, the tribe has demonstrated deep respect for their lands and water, which have sustained them for generations. They have overcome numerous adversities, maintained their cultural heritage, and continue to strive towards a brighter future.
Comfort & Joy's Connection with the Tribe
Comfort & Joy has a long-standing connection with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, a bond forged out of shared values and mutual respect. One of the things we admire most about the Tribe is their commendable acceptance of their queer members. Unlike many societies, the Paiute Tribe didn't ostracize their queer members. Instead, they were given positions of honor and importance in the community, roles that allowed them to teach and serve others.
This approach mirrors the ethos of Comfort & Joy — we believe in inclusion, acceptance, and the importance of every individual in the community. We strive to foster a culture where everyone is respected and cherished for who they are. Our engagement with the Paiute Tribe is an expression of this belief, as we work together to support and uplift each other.
The Beneficiary of 2023 Paiute Fundraiser is The Victim Services Program
The Victim Services Program of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe provides essential services to victims of crime and their families. These services range from running an emergency shelter called “Our Mother’s House,” to providing assistance with crime victim compensation applications, vital referrals to medical, counseling, and legal resources, to arranging transportation to court and medical appointments. They also provide much-needed necessities such as food and clothing.
In 2023, the $16,518 contribution to the Victim Services Program supported numerous local families. Our fundraiser aims to bolster this invaluable program, allowing it to extend its support further within the Paiute community.
The Food Drive and Maureen & Bunny’s Exceptional Contribution
For over a decade, our food drive has aimed to deliver supplies to the Paiute families and elders who need them the most. The success of this drive has been largely due to the tireless efforts of Maureen & Bunny, dedicated members of the Paiute Tribe.
Each year, Maureen generously takes a week off from her work to coordinate the distribution of food to the elderly and families in need. Her selfless contribution is a testament to her commitment to her community, and we can't thank her enough for her hard work and dedication. We honor Maureen's efforts and extend our sincere appreciation for her invaluable contribution.
C&J's History and Impact
Comfort & Joy has been organizing the annual Food Drive for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe for 17 years, providing much-needed support to local families.
Our annual Fundraiser is now in its 13th year; we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of the Paiute People, and seek your support in our efforts.
In 2023, Beardhaus joined in with Comfort & Joy to help spread the word and support operations. If you camp with a theme camp, please share this information with your kitchen leads - and encourage them to get involved by donating all unused non-perishable food to the food drive by dropping it off in Nixon after the Burn.
Thank You!
