Ragers for Charity Hosts Fundraiser for Trans Day of Visibility

The nonprofit's fifth event raised money for LGBTQ+ organizations amid anti-trans legislation in Iowa.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 4:40pm

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Ragers for Charity, a nonprofit founded in 2025, hosted a transgender visibility fundraiser on Friday night in Iowa City. The event, which ran from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., supported Trans Mutual Aid and Lavender Legal, two organizations that provide grants, legal assistance, and other resources for the LGBTQ+ community. The fundraiser was part of Johnson County's Trans Visibility Week and featured several DJs, with 100% of proceeds going to the two charities.

Why it matters

This event highlights the ongoing challenges and discrimination faced by the transgender community in Iowa, particularly in light of recent anti-LGBTQ+ legislation passed by the state government. By raising awareness and funds for supportive organizations, Ragers for Charity is working to create a safe and affirming space for transgender individuals in the Iowa City area.

The details

The fundraiser brought in over 40 people in its first two hours at the Willow Creek Theatre. Ragers for Charity, founded by Todd Burzynski, Della Caldwell, Phillip Ricks, and Anne Ventullo, holds dance parties quarterly and donates all proceeds to two charities. Featured DJs included DJ Jack Morgan, DJ Fuego, DJ Whatever the F*** My Name Is, and PhDJ. Ventullo said the event provides an opportunity for people to 'take out their anger' through dance while supporting initiatives that help vulnerable communities.

  • The fundraiser was held on Friday, March 28, 2026 from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.
  • Trans Visibility Week in Johnson County took place the week of March 24-30, 2026.

The players

Ragers for Charity

A nonprofit founded in 2025 that hosts quarterly dance fundraisers and donates all proceeds to LGBTQ+ organizations.

Trans Mutual Aid

An organization that provides grants for gender-affirming medical and personal care to transgender individuals.

Lavender Legal

A nonprofit that assists the LGBTQ+ community with legal matters such as name changes, wills, and healthcare cases.

Anne Ventullo

A co-founder of Ragers for Charity who believes events like this provide an outlet for 'righteous rage' against anti-trans rhetoric and legislation.

Della Caldwell

A co-founder of Ragers for Charity who wanted to create a safe space for individuals over 18 to dance and be themselves.

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What they’re saying

“A righteous rage is one of the ways to kind of cleanse the system and shake out some of that rage, and gather with people through dance.”

— Anne Ventullo, Co-founder, Ragers for Charity

“We really want to remind folks that they are welcome.”

— Anne Ventullo, Co-founder, Ragers for Charity

“I've never personally experienced discrimination for myself, but I want people to know that there are cis people out here who are supportive of trans people.”

— Della Caldwell, Co-founder, Ragers for Charity

“I really just want people to know that people who are LGBTQ+ are just like them. It's not a matter of, I don't see, what type of gender you are or what you identify as. It's, we are all just people. Why would you be negative towards your fellow sister and brother?”

— Alex Lovejoy, Volunteer, Ragers for Charity

“As the state and now the nation continue to attack the trans community, we need to continue to make sure that we're providing both practical support for them.”

— Mandi Remington, Southwest Iowa Organizer for Trans Day of Visibility and Johnson County Supervisor

What’s next

Ragers for Charity plans to continue hosting quarterly dance fundraisers to support LGBTQ+ organizations in Iowa City and the surrounding area. The group is also working to expand its partnerships with local businesses and venues to increase the reach and impact of its events.

The takeaway

This fundraiser demonstrates the resilience and community-driven spirit of LGBTQ+ advocates in Iowa, who are working to create safe and affirming spaces in the face of ongoing legislative attacks on transgender rights. By supporting organizations that provide critical resources and services, Ragers for Charity is helping to empower and uplift vulnerable members of the Iowa City community.