A fundraiser set for this Thursday night will help support a safe haven for GLBTQQ youth in Clackamas County.

“Art for The Living Room” — an evening of wine, cheese and chocolate held at Ainsworth House — includes live entertainment and a silent auction. Just Out’s Ryan J. Prado previews the event — and the organization — in the current issue:

Formed in fall 2009, The Living Room came together as a group of youth and adults seeking to develop drop-in services for GLBTQQ youth in Clackamas County. Now fitted with an all-volunteer board, the nonprofit agency’s mission to provide a safe, healthy and empowering space for GLBTQQ youth — ages 14-20 — and their allies to connect with one another and with resources in the community is stronger than ever.

The group held its first Clackamas County Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) Summit in January, which included representation from seven county high schools. Since that impressive stepping stone, The Living Room has held monthly events and Youth Advisory Council meetings every other week. The group plans to start weekly drop-in and GSA support services this fall using funds procured from the Clackamas County Mental Health Organization. The Living Room has 501(c)(3) nonprofit status as a project of Oregon Safe Schools and Communities Coalition.

The Living Room is seeking donations for Thursday’s event in the form of art items for the auction, smaller raffle items and food. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can also be made by sending a check to: The Living Room, P.O. Box 11671, Portland, OR  97211.

For more information, contact R.E. Szego, co-chair for The Living Room Board of Directors, at reszego@gmail.com or TheLivingRoomEvents@gmail.com, or call 503-449-1526.

The “Art for The Living Room” benefit runs 7-10 p.m. July 29 at Ainsworth House, 19130 Lot Witcomb Dr., Oregon City. Tickets are $35.