Though it’s often a frightful proposition for anyone in the gentlemen’s club industry to find a charity that’s willing to publicly accept donations, feature entertainer Bellzora and her manager, Skyy, have done just that. For the past few years, Skyy and Bellzora have found opportunities in Carlsbad, New Mexico with their “Caveman Strong Foundation,” as well as in Tucson, Arizona, to either create their own charities or find charities that are happy to accept their donations.
“Our Cavemen Strong Foundation [‘Cavemen’ are the mascot for Carlsbad High School—Ed.] started when Bellzora and I were driving down the road one day and we happened to see a panhandler and his sign read that he was trying to raise money for his friend that died so he could have a proper burial. That instantly hit our hearts, and we decided to form our Cavemen Strong Foundation. We met with the mayor and city officials in Carlsbad, and they were on board from the start.”
Each year, Skyy and Bellzora honor three first responders with a $500 “Gratitude Award.” “We started honoring first responders when saw that there was in increase in policemen getting killed in the line of duty, as well as the alarming amount of police suicides,” says Skyy. “We wanted to let them know they’re absolutely appreciated, loved and have our support 100%.”
Another annual cash gift they provide is to students, grade K through 12. They present four $500 “scholarships” to those students who are “making a positive difference in their school or community.”
But that’s just the start.
“We honor a ‘Woman of the Year’ with a $500 ‘Gratitude Award,’ and we also honor one ‘Outstanding Citizen’ with a $500 ‘Gratitude Award,’” says Skyy. “In addition, we help out four families through ‘Transitional Housing’ with a list of Christmas gifts of their choice, and $500 for food or to help with bills.
“My home town (Carlsbad) is in the bible belt and is a very conservative town, but our mayor, superintendent and city officials have never judged me or Bellzora, even though they know what we do for a living.” – Skyy
“We also give $1,000 to the Battered Women’s Shelter for families who are displaced,” Skyy adds. “And finally, we honor retired teachers and coaches for their dedication and contributions they made to students and their communities.”
All told, that’s several thousands of dollars per year that Skyy and Bellzora donate to charities and deserving members of their community. But that’s certainly not all. When they’re touring from club to club, Skyy and Bellzora find even more opportunities to be charitable.
“When we’re on the road, we are often affected by things that are going on in the city where we are performing or clubs that we are at,” says Skyy. “For example, when we were in Milwaukee we found out about a family that was displaced from the Puerto Rico hurricane. We asked that the family come to the Airport Gentleman’s Club so we could help them and the club matched our donation. There have been many other different situations where we feel that we can help. We’ll do a free show and donate all the money we make to the cause or family. We believe it’s important to give back to cities and clubs who graciously book us.”
Two people, acting independently, are making a huge difference in their community and while they’re on the road. And they are able to do this despite the fact that they work in the “strip club industry.”
“My home town (Carlsbad) is in the bible belt and is a very conservative town, but our mayor, superintendent and city officials have never judged me or Bellzora, even though they know what we do for a living,” says Skyy. “So many people want to place judgment and aren’t willing to look past their own beliefs and religion, so we are incredibly grateful that they treat us with respect and support all of our causes.”
As Skyy points out, their next event is Wednesday, December 4th where they will be celebrating their fifth year of the “Cavemen Strong Love For Carlsbad Christmas Event.”
“This will be the biggest one we’ve had,” says Skyy. “The mayor, superintendent of schools, police chief, fire marshal, judges and the high school band will all be in attendance. We make it a big deal, honoring these heroes, students and families. It’s always a packed house and one of our biggest joys of the year. I think it’s awesome that Bellzora finds so much joy in honoring these folks and putting smiles on so many kids’ faces. I’m incredibly proud of her.”
For more information on Skyy and Bellzora’s charitable efforts, please call 520-977-7599 or email skyy911@msn.com.
