DENVER — Wicked Pictures contract star Jessica Drake has announced that she will perform onstage and host a meet-and-greet at PT’s Showclub in Denver, as part of a fundraiser for a dancer who survived a recent assault at the club and remains hospitalized with serious injuries.
Drake’s one-time-only performance will take place this Saturday, May 11 at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit the woman, who performs as "Luna," to help her pay for her medical expenses.
“This event and Jessica’s appearance are an invitation for everyone to take a stand against violence, as well as crimes targeting women and sex workers,” said a rep. “Those interested in donating online may do so through the GoFundMe page set up by Luna’s family.”
According to local publication Westword, the attack occurred on May 28, when a man, identified by authorities as Ryan Ashland, allegedly beat several people at PT's Showclub with a baseball bat, killing one person and sending Luna to the hospital.
"The attack happened around 1 p.m., an hour before the club opens and security arrives on Sundays," wrote Westword's Ana Campbell. Another dancer she interviewed revealed that "the building stays open so girls can get in, and the manager's usually in the office or at the bar." According to that fellow stripper, Luna "always sets up the bar for the bartenders. She was there, and [the suspect] snuck up behind her and hit her, started attacking her with a baseball bat."
Through a network of sex worker activists, specifically Gizelle Marie, the community-service-minded Drake "was made aware of what happened, and after being in contact with a close friend of Luna, I decided that for me, donating wasn’t enough."
“I’ll be at PT’s in person on Saturday to show my support for Luna and in solidarity with strippers everywhere, performing onstage and selling merchandise, lap dances, VIP rooms and holding raffles all night long to raise money,” added Drake. “Sometimes showing up is the most powerful thing we can do for someone.”
The benefit will also include an auction of donated items, including Wicked Sensual Care lubricants, Wicked Pictures DVDs, Lewand massagers, a StrongBoard Balance board and other items.
PT's Showclub Denver is located at 1601 W Evans Ave, Denver, CO 80223.
For more information about Jessica Drake, follow her on Twitter.
For the GoFundMe benefitting Luna, click here.