Celebrate, Connect, Give Back: One Event at a Time
Events with heart. Dinners with flair. A venue with purpose
Project Description
Celebrate, Connect, Give Back - One Event at a Time
Events with heart. Dinners with flair. A venue with purpose (and probably glitter).
Who the Heck Am I?
Hey! I'm Robin Smith, and I want to open Belleville's first-ever venue where you can get married on
Saturday, eat pasta served by a tap-dancing waiter on Tuesday, and play Glo Bingo with a drag
queen named Miss Understood by Thursday.
I've spent years helping small businesses protect their assets-now I'm creating a space where we
can celebrate those assets (and maybe shake them a little on the dance floor).
This is about more than weddings and trivia nights (though we'll have those too). It's about building a
space that's loud, proud, and a little extra-just like the people it serves.
The Big (Fabulous) Idea
True Legacy Events is a full-blown, glitter-soaked, dance-floor-ready event space with a big heart.
Here's what we're planning:
- Themed Dinners - Think Murder Mystery + Mac & Cheese. 80s Prom Night with punch bowls and
power ballads. Waiters who twirl.
- Drag Brunches & Glo Bingo - Every Sunday should start with sequins and mimosas.
- Weddings & Rentals - For couples who want more sparkle and less stress.
- Cocktails for a Cause - 5% of all liquor sales go to local LGBTQ+ charities. Yes, even your vodka
cranberry can be part of the resistance.
Our Slightly Sparkly Fundraising Goal
We're raising $500,000-not to buy a yacht (tempting), but to create this one-of-a-kind venue. Here's
what your money supports:- Building purchase: Buy a forever home for fabulousness
- Renovations: Stage, lighting, mood-setting glitter (OK and HVAC)
- Staff: Pay the people who make the magic happen
- Bar & kitchen build-out: Food. Drinks. And more drinks.
- Marketing: Let people know it's not your grandma's banquet hall (unless your grandma is
awesome)
Why It Matters
Southern Illinois is ready for something new. A place that's inclusive, playful, professional-and yes, a
little bit fabulous. We don't just want to rent a hall. We want to build a stage. For joy. For pride. For
people to feel seen.
This isn't just a business. It's a movement in heels (or sensible flats-whatever you prefer).
How You Can Help
1. Back the campaign - Toss in $100 or $20,000. Both come with good karma and our eternal
gratitude.
2. Choose a reward - Brunch invites? VIP trivia nights? Custom cocktails named after you? We got
it.
3. Share the sparkle - Send this campaign to your friends, your grandma, or your favorite TikTok
influencer.
Final Words (Before the Glitter Settles)
This is your chance to say, "I helped build that place"-the one where everyone belongs. Where drag
queens read bingo cards. Where themed dinners make your Tuesdays feel like Saturdays. Where
joy and justice meet at the bar.
Let's celebrate, connect, and give back-one fabulous event at a time.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
🔹 What is True Legacy Events?
True Legacy Events is an inclusive, themed event venue based in Belleville, Illinois. We’ll host weddings, drag brunches, immersive dinners, Glo Bingo, trivia nights, and more—all with heart, flair, and a mission to give back to the LGBTQ+ community.
🔹 Where is the venue going to be?
We’re currently securing a property in downtown Belleville, IL. We’ve identified several historic spaces that can be transformed into a high-energy, inclusive venue with the right amount of sparkle (and HVAC).
🔹 What makes this different from other event spaces?
So glad you asked! We combine:
- 🎭 Immersive entertainment (think murder mystery dinners + dancing waiters)
- 🏳️🌈 LGBTQ+ celebration and inclusion
- 🍸 A purpose-driven bar that donates 5% of all liquor sales to LGBTQ+ charities
- 💍 Customizable private events for couples, companies, and communities
It’s not just another banquet hall—it’s a stage for connection, joy, and authenticity.
🔹 How will the money be used?
Great question! Here’s a breakdown of our $500,000 goal:
- 🏠 Building acquisition and renovation – 40%
- 🍽️ Kitchen & bar build-out – 20%
- 👥 Initial staffing and payroll – 15%
- 🎉 Event setup, décor, and stage infrastructure – 10%
- 📣 Marketing, branding & launch events – 10%
- 💼 Working capital/reserve – 5%
We’ll post updates so you can see exactly where your investment is going.
🔹 What happens if you don’t raise the full amount?
We’re using this campaign to launch momentum. Even partial funding lets us secure a location, start renovations, and host pop-up events to build community while continuing our fundraising. Every dollar brings us closer to opening day—and you’ll be along for the ride.
🔹 Is this a donation or investment?
This IFundWomen campaign is rewards-based crowdfunding, which means you’re backing the business in exchange for fun perks—not equity or repayment. Think of it as joining our founding family and getting exclusive access to the party (and maybe a cocktail named after you).
🔹 How can I support beyond donating?
We love this question! You can:
- Share the campaign on social media 🧡
- Tell your friends, coworkers, and cool aunt 👀
- Book a future event or buy a gift certificate 💌
- Sign up for our email list and attend preview pop-ups 🎟️
🔹 I have more questions. Who do I contact?
Send a message through the IFundWomen platform or email us at [email protected] (placeholder email—you can change this).
We’re happy to answer questions, collaborate on ideas, or just trade brunch recipes.
Contribute $1000 and a cocktail will be named after you! You will even get to choose the main liquor used in the cocktail. Plus you will be listed on our donor wall!
Contribute $5000 and you will have a meal named after you! You can even pick some of the items used in the meal! Plus. You will be listed on our donor wall
Your name will be prominently listed on the donor wall for all to see!
Your name will be placed on a plaque and displayed on the donor wall and will have one to keep. A monthly event will be named after you and you can choose which event you would like to be held that day! Choose between a list of approved events.
Rewards
Contribute $1000 and a cocktail will be named after you! You will even get to choose the main liquor used in the cocktail. Plus you will be listed on our donor wall!
Contribute $5000 and you will have a meal named after you! You can even pick some of the items used in the meal! Plus. You will be listed on our donor wall
Your name will be prominently listed on the donor wall for all to see!
Your name will be placed on a plaque and displayed on the donor wall and will have one to keep. A monthly event will be named after you and you can choose which event you would like to be held that day! Choose between a list of approved events.