Reggie’s Sleepout turns to at-home event
Reggie’s Sleepout, the annual fundraising campaign to raise awareness of the plight of homeless youths, is being moved to an at-home event this fall because of safety concerns surrounding the coronavirus pandemic and the gathering of large groups. The fundraiser has been held at Drake Stadium every fall since 2005. It was created after the death of Reggie Kelsey, a participant in programming at the Iowa Homeless Youth Center who had aged out of the foster care system. All proceeds from Reggie’s Sleepout help provide supportive services for over 650 transition-age youths and families each year. This year’s event is scheduled for the week of Sept. 4-13. According to a news release, participants will choose one or more nights to sleep in their yard or living room to raise awareness of the issues facing homeless youths in Central Iowa. “Reggie’s Sleepout – At Home is a unique, social distance designed, opportunity for Iowans to actively participate in the conversation surrounding youth homelessness from their own home,” Toby O’Berry, IHYC Director said in a news release. “Despite the challenges that this pandemic have caused, we have created an event for the whole family to experience Reggie’s Sleepout in this safe at-home format, while also helping to raise funds that directly benefit homeless youth who need help getting back on their feet.” For more information go to reggiessleepout.org. Registration begins July 1.