It Gets Better and Rudy’s Barbershop launch collaborative tee
Rudy's Barbershop is pleased to announce a partnership with the It Gets Better Project, the non-profit organization that has inspired more than 50,000 videos of support and encouragement for LGBT youth. The collaboration includes an exclusive, limited run T-shirt to be sold online at Rudy’s Barbershop and Ace Hotel, with proceeds benefiting the It Gets Better Project. The T-shirt was inspired by artwork done by National Forest, whose creative talent is featured at Rudy’s Main St L.A.
In September 2010, syndicated columnist and author Dan Savage created a YouTube video with his partner Terry Miller to inspire hope for young people facing harassment. In response to a number of LGBT youth taking their own lives after being bullied in school, Savage and Miller wanted to create a personal way for supporters everywhere to tell LGBT youth that, yes, it does indeed get better.
Less than two years later, more than 50,000 videos have been viewed more than 50 million times, with submissions from celebrities, organizations, activists, politicians and media personalities, including the cast of True Blood, Adam Lambert, Ellen DeGeneres, Colin Farrell, and President Barack Obama. Monies raised help the It Gets Better Project provide important resources for LGBT youth, help raise awareness, and support suicide prevention and anti-LGBT bullying programs around the world.
“Rudy’s Barbershops have long been a vocal and active supporter of the LGBT community and came to us with the idea of creating a limited run t-shirt to benefit the Project,” Terry Miller, Co-Founder of the It Gets Better Project said in a statement. “They are passionate about the Project, and that dedication has translated into a beautiful, collaborative tee that allows people to participate in the cause and that represents work we’re doing to make things better for LGBT youth.”
“We continue to support “It Gets Better” because of its efforts in helping others to overcome adversity through strength. Rudy’s is honored to have a hand in building solidarity and respect for individuality within our communities.” Vy Le, Rudy’s Barbershop Chief Executive Officer.
The It Gets Better collaborative T-Shirt will be available June 1, 2012 online through Ace Hotel, Rudy’s Barbershop and It Gets Better’s websites. A limited run will also be available through selected Rudy’s locations in Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles and New York.
About Rudy’s Barbershop: More than a barbershop, Rudy’s is an experience. In 1993, Alex Calderwood, Wade Weigel, and David Petersen expanded upon the traditional notion of a barbershop to create a sense of community. Rudy’s organic experience is curated with a well-articulated blend of art, music and sense of place. To this day, the initial vision of a cross-generational ‘community center’ that acts as a source for creative energy, while offering a great haircut at a great price, remains the basis of Rudy’s mission.
Currently, Rudy’s maintains 14 locations in Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles with a new shop opening in New York City on 29th and Broadway Summer 2012. Rudy’s Barbershop is a privately held, limited liability company with corporate headquarters in Seattle, Washington. For more information on Rudy’s, please call 206-726-4916 or visit www.rudysbarbershop.com. Follow us on https://www.facebook.com/RudysBarbershop
