THE MAX Challenge Celebrates Pride Month 2021

THE MAX Challenge is honored to have partnered with The Trevor Project during the month of June for the 3rd year in a row. The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people under 25.

In 2019 THE MAX decided that it was time to elevate the importance of pride month and the ways in which they supported it as a company. With so many amazing organizations out there, it was nearly impossible to choose just one. Ultimately, they chose to connect with The Trevor Project because of their esteemed values, national presence, and the incredible resources they offer to young people. 

LGBTQ adolescents face many challenges; bullying, discrimination, mental health struggles, fear, and familial rejection. In addition to the trials LGBTQ youth face on a daily basis, the past year has brought an additional onslaught of challenges. According to The Trevor Project’s website, a recent survey reported that “More than 80% of LGBTQ youth stated that COVID-19 made their living situation more stressful — and only 1 in 3 LGBTQ youth found their home to be LGBTQ-affirming.” The Trevor Project offers an abundance of support services, including a recently instituted text support line which gives easy, accessible, and discrete around the clock assistance to youth in need. 

THE MAX Challenge decided to build out an entire campaign in order to raise funds for The Trevor Project. Hayley Guerra, Director of Marketing and Development for THE MAX, said, “We separated our challenge marketing from pride month marketing. We made it entirely separate to celebrate the month in its own right. That was really important to me, and to our team. We provided different ways for centers and members to participate. This included an online donation webpage and the production of our pride month t-shirts – a portion of the proceeds from t-shirt sales are also donated. Finally, we encouraged events in the centers including fundraising classes. It’s always great to organize a class where everyone wears their pride shirts together.” 

In 2019, THE MAX attended one of the larger regional Pride Festivals in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Hayley said, “It was incredible. We met thousands of people. Tons of festival goers engaged with us and had a bunch of fun taking pictures in our “photo booth.” We just loved being out there, showing our support, and having fun. Although we were not able to participate this year, largely due to the event’s cancellation in 2020, we look forward to participating again in the future.”

THE MAX stands by the values of The Trevor Project and looks forward to a continued partnership in the coming years. They know that it is imperative that we, as a community, continue to support some of the most vulnerable members of our population, LGBTQ youth, not only during Pride Month, but every single day. 

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