Lorain's 'Back to School Bash' fundraises for schools, stands for freedom of expression

LORAIN — As Chappell Roan's "Pink Pony Club" blared out from nearby speakers, hundreds of kids and young adults sang the lyrics in unison — many of them donning masks, fur, ears, tails and other animal-themed apparel as they joined in. There in the parking lot of Lorain's Mild2Wild Salon on Sunday afternoon, some 400 individuals gathered to support one another, their freedom of expression and to raise money for the Lorain City Schools. Sunday's "Back to School Bash" raised approximately $2,000, according to Caitlin Smith, a nail technician at the salon and one of the event coordinators. "We want something positive in the community," Smith said, noting last year's event raised approximately $10,000. "People come from all over, they donate school supplies. … We do this because we need to help the community." Donations to aid the school district included 300 drawstring bags, as well as items for sale, like specialty themed baskets and baked goods from local community members. "Everything that is here has been provided by local families," Smith said. Along with donations and prizes, the money raised for Lorain's public schools came, in part, from the young individuals and their families in attendance Sunday, Smith explained. As music continued to blare outside, a line of attendees waited outside the door to the salon. Inside, along with Smith, was CatLynn Gattis, a local social media influencer and one of the main reasons 400 individuals had traveled to Sunday's event. Some of them, Smith said, had traveled from places as far as New York, Colorado and Canada. Others were closer to home, like one individual from Finley. "Cat is gracious enough to help us get the people here and we just do everything else," Smith said, referring to Gattis. "Her whole premise is 'you are valid, the way you feel is valid.'" Inside the salon, Gattis waited for each individual, complimenting their outfits, styles and attires as each came through the door. "To be here today means the world to me because I'm able to see the changes I've made and the influence I've become," Gattis said. Gattis said that as she interacted with those in attendance Sunday afternoon, many of them told her how she has helped them overcome difficult situations in their lives. "They've told me that I've saved their lives, that I've saved them from a lot of bullying, a lot of self-hate," Gattis said. "Knowing that I've helped save them means the world to me. … They were no longer afraid to be themselves, that they feel like they can be who they want to be, and not be ashamed of it." Because of that impact, Gattis said she made sure to see each person who wanted to see her. An added benefit, she said, was the help that will go to Lorain's schools. "I love being able to give back to the kids," she said. Sunday's event was more than just a fundraiser for a local school district, organizers said — it was a chance to show young individuals that they can be who they want to be, express themselves in any way. Contact Garrett Looker at glooker@chroniclet.com