Be the Change | Stand with the Paiute Tribe | Make a Difference

Welcome to our 12th Annual Paiute Food Drive and Fundraiser, brought to you by Comfort & Joy, a longstanding queer camp at Burning Man. We are dedicated to supporting the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and increasing awareness within the Burning Man community about the Tribe, its people, and their presence on the land for thousands of years.

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, residing in the Pyramid Lake in Northern Nevada, has a rich cultural heritage and a deep respect for their lands and water. Comfort & Joy has a strong connection with the tribe, as they share values of inclusion and acceptance. The food drive, led by Maureen Williams and Gwendolyn “Bunny” Pancho, has been successful in delivering necessary supplies to Paiute families and elders in need.

This year beneficiary of the Fundraiser is The Victim Services Program of the Tribe. The program provides essential services to victims of crime, and the fundraiser aims to support and expand this program's reach within the Paiute community. Contributions can be made through financial donations, participating in the food drive, spreading awareness, or volunteering. By joining together, the community can make a tangible difference and support the Paiute Tribe.

Donate Here!

How You Can Contribute:

• Donate Funds: Click here, then click "Get Tickets" to contribute financially via Eventbrite. Your donation is tax deductible, and will directly support The Victim Services Program of the Paiute community and their services.

• Take Part in the Food Drive: After Burning Man, drop off your non-perishable food items at Bunny’s Tacos in Nixon - look for Comfort & Joy’s iconic flags so you don’t miss the turn. Buy a Taco or two and give Bunny and Maureen hugs for all they do for their community.

• Spread the Word: Share our cause within your network, through social media, email, or word of mouth.

• Volunteer: Join us in spreading awareness about the food drive and fundraiser within the Burning Man community. Click the 'Volunteer' button at bottom to express your interest.

About the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe

The Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, also known as Kooyooe Tukadu, is a proud and resilient community now residing in the Pyramid Lake and whose historical territory includes The Playa and most of Northern Nevada and Western Oregon. The Tribal territory is a vast and culturally significant expanse spanning over 475,000 acres in Northern Nevada. The Pyramid Lake, a desert lake known for its unique pyramid-shaped island formation, is a spiritually significant location for thousands of years.

Historically, the tribe has demonstrated deep respect for their lands and water, which have sustained them for generations. They have overcome numerous adversities, maintained their cultural heritage, and continue to strive towards a brighter future.
 

Comfort & Joy's Connection with the Tribe

Comfort & Joy has a long-standing connection with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe, a bond forged out of shared values and mutual respect. One of the things we admire most about the Tribe is their commendable acceptance of their queer members. Unlike many societies, the Paiute Tribe didn't ostracize their queer members. Instead, they were given positions of honor and importance in the community, roles that allowed them to teach and serve others.

This approach mirrors the ethos of Comfort & Joy — we believe in inclusion, acceptance, and the importance of every individual in the community. We strive to foster a culture where everyone is respected and cherished for who they are. Our engagement with the Paiute Tribe is an expression of this belief, as we work together to support and uplift each other.
 

The Food Drive and Maureen & Bunny Williams' Exceptional Contribution

For over a decade, our food drive has aimed to deliver necessary supplies to the Paiute families and elders who need them the most. The success of this drive has been largely due to the tireless efforts of Maureen & Bunny Williams, dedicated members of the Paiute Tribe.

Each year, Maureen generously takes a week off from her work to coordinate the distribution of food to the elderly and families in need, along with help from her mom, Bunny. Her selfless contribution is a testament to her commitment to her community, and we can't thank her enough for her hard work and dedication. We honor Maureen's efforts and extend our sincere appreciation for her invaluable contribution.

The Beneficiary of 2023 Paiute Fundraiser is The Victim Services Program

The Victim Services Program of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe provides essential services to victims of crime and their families. These services range from running an emergency shelter called “Our Mother’s House,” to providing assistance with crime victim compensation applications, vital referrals to medical, counseling, and legal resources, to arranging transportation to court and medical appointments. They also provide much-needed necessities such as food and clothing.

In 2022, the Victim Services Program supported over 100 families. Our fundraiser aims to bolster this invaluable program, allowing it to extend its support further within the Paiute community.
 

C&J's History and Impact

Comfort & Joy has been organizing the annual Food Drive for the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe for 12 years, providing much-needed support to local families – in 2022, we were able to directly help 75 families through the food drive. Our annual Fundraiser is now in its 10th year; we are committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of the Paiute People, and seek your support in our efforts. In 2023, Beardhaus joined in with Comfort & Joy to help spread the word and support operations. If you camp with a theme camp, please share this information with your kitchen leads - and encourage them to get involved by donating all unused non-perishable food to the food drive by dropping it off in Nixon after the Burn.

Volunteer Here!