By Kevin Ferrisi –

BRIDGEPORT, CONNECTICUT – What began as a small fundraiser has grown into an annual event that brings together Connecticut’s drag community for a cause that reaches far beyond the stage. The fourth annual Drag Me to Life charity benefit will return Saturday, September 12, this time at Foolproof Brewing Company in Bridgeport, with proceeds benefiting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Connecticut Chapter (AFSPCT). Hosted by Frankie Cyanide, Tiana Maxim, Kiki Lucia, and Clementine KuLayd, this year’s event is already shaping up to be one of the largest yet, with more than 30 additional performers expected to join the lineup. Performer announcements have just been announced.

The fundraiser has its roots in an event originally called Drag Saves Lives, which launched in Hartford before becoming Drag Me to Life and moving to Trevi Lounge in Fairfield. By its second year, the event had grown into a marathon evening of drag, burlesque, dancing, live vocals and other performances. The 2024 benefit featured artists from across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York and ran for more than six hours. Raffles, donated prizes and a tip drive helped bring in nearly $6,500 for AFSPCT that year.

The event’s first year also established that this was more than a one-night experiment. According to the Connecticut Suicide Advisory Board, the inaugural Drag Saves Lives fundraiser raised more than $6,000 for AFSP. That early success helped set the stage for the event’s continued growth and its eventual transition into the Drag Me to Life fundraiser.

Last year’s third annual benefit continued that momentum. Held at Trevi Lounge on May 4, 2025, the show brought together more than 40 performers for another six-plus hours of entertainment. The event included drag, burlesque, live singing, dance numbers, raffles and a tip donation drive. The fundraiser had collected $5,704 toward a $10,000 goal, with the donation page remaining open after the event. More than a dozen local businesses and individual community members contributed raffle prizes.

This year’s move to Foolproof Brewing Company in Bridgeport gives the fundraiser another opportunity to expand its reach. The organizers are also looking beyond individual donations and are actively seeking businesses and organizations interested in becoming sponsors. Multiple corporate sponsorship levels are available, along with opportunities for vendors to take part. For a fundraiser that has consistently relied on performers donating their time and community members opening their wallets, additional business support could make a significant difference in how much the fourth annual event ultimately sends to AFSPCT.

The organization benefiting from that support is the Connecticut chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, a statewide chapter of the national nonprofit established in 1987 by researchers and families affected by suicide. AFSPCT works in several areas, including suicide prevention education, research funding, advocacy, community programming and support for people who have lost someone to suicide. The chapter also offers educational presentations and professional trainings to communities, organizations and employers throughout Connecticut.

The need for that work remains significant. AFSP Connecticut notes that suicide is the 12th leading cause of death in Connecticut, while suicide is the 11th leading cause of death nationally according to current AFSP event materials. The organization supports prevention programs in schools, workplaces and communities, as well as outreach to people affected by suicide loss. Its Connecticut chapter is also preparing for a full schedule of 2026 Out of the Darkness walks in communities around the state this fall.

With more than 30 performers just announced, a new Bridgeport venue and sponsorship opportunities now available, the fourth annual Drag Me to Life is looking to make its biggest impact yet. Those interested in helping can support the fundraiser through donations, sponsorships, raffle contributions or vendor participation. Businesses interested in sponsorship packages or vendor space are encouraged to contact Frankie Cyanide through Instagram or email. The goal is straightforward: bring people together for a night of drag and entertainment while raising as much money as possible to help AFSPCT continue its work preventing suicide and supporting those whose lives have been affected by it.

Tickets and donations can be made ahead of time or at the door. From 4:00 to 7:00PM, there is a suggested $5 donation to attend, though it is not required. After 7:00PM, the donation to enter is $15. Those who can’t attend but still want to support the cause can also make a donation to help them reach their fundraising goal.