LOS ANGELES — The results are in and they reveal an unprecedented outpouring of support for the two major organizations serving the adult industry — the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) and the industry’s national trade association, the Free Speech Coalition (FSC).
Earlier this year, XBIZ held its annual charity fundraiser as part of the star-studded 2017 XBIZ Awards show in Hollywood, providing an opportunity for industry leaders to give back to the community, by giving the organizations a bonus infusion of funds to kick off the new year, bolstering their efforts for the challenges posed by the year ahead.
The annual fundraiser drew participation from 20 companies and individuals, which collectively raised more than $30,000 to be evenly split between ASACP and FSC.
“We believe in corporate responsibility, self-regulation, and the need to take extra care of those who shield our industry from hostile forces,” explains XBIZ senior editor Stephen Yagielowicz. “Unity has not come easy for our industry, but there is unanimous support for the FSC and ASACP and their decades of selfless service that we all benefit from. Our annual fundraiser seeks to shore up this support in a tangible manner, and we are grateful and humbled by the industry’s ongoing generosity.”
Established in 1991, the Free Speech Coalition is a registered 501(c)6 non-profit trade association serving the adult entertainment and pleasure products industry with a mission to lead, protect and support the growth and well-being of the adult industry.
FSC Executive Director Eric Paul Leue says the coalition is grateful for all those who participated in the fundraiser, and for the many more who have been so generous this year, but also notes that the FSC has “no time to rest on our laurels.”
“More than thirty states have introduced legislation that attacks, censors or scapegoats our industry,” Leue explains. “We will fight them, and we will win.”
Founded in 1996, ASACP is a non-profit organization providing resources to companies that help them protect children online, and also battles child pornography through its CP Tipline, while helping parents prevent children from viewing age-restricted material via its Restricted To Adults (RTA) website label.
According to ASACP Executive Director Tim Henning, in an era of declining budgets and rising expenses, non-profit organizations such as ASACP must increasingly seek donations over and above what they are able to bring in through memberships and sponsorships.
“This annual fundraiser allows everyone in the industry, whether they are our sponsors or not, to support ASACP in its vital struggle to protect children online,” Henning stated. “By allowing ASACP to carry out its initiatives, this support proactively demonstrates that the adult entertainment industry is a responsible partner in doing what’s possible to keep minors out of and away from age-inappropriate materials.”
Among the donors who contributed to the 2017 XBIZ fundraiser are:
- CalExotics
- Chaturbate
- Corey Silverstein
- Eldorado
- EroAdvertising
- FUBAR Times
- Good Vibrations
- Grand Slam Media
- Humboldt Merchant Services
- Larry Walters
- Met-Art
- MojoHost
- Mr. Skin
- NakedSword
- Nasstoys
- Paradise Marketing
- Penthouse
- SegPay
- WankzVR
- XR Brands