From Sexy Calendars to Abstract Drag Shows: Denver Black Ice Rugby Knows How To Fundraise

Denver is home to the longest-standing women’s rugby club in Colorado. Denver Black Ice Rugby, established in 1991, competes at both a Division 1 and Division 2 level against teams from all over the country.

As a nonprofit organization, the club functions financially on donations and funds generated by the team. Year after year, they find ways to stay creative in how they raise those funds. The two most notable forms of fundraising by the team are returning this year as they host their seventh annual abstract drag/burlesque show and shoot their second edition of a sexy rugby calendar. 

As a team that proudly puts inclusion, diversity, and empowerment to the forefront, we wanted to get the insider deets on what goes on behind the scenes to make that possible. OFM got to chat with two current players and board members from the team: Kendra Wright (she/they) President of Black Ice Rugby and Vice President of Rocky Mountain Rugby Union, and Madison “Oats” Benson (she/her) Outreach Chair. 

Bonus: unless you own a copy of the sexy calendar, the digital world has not yet seen those images—until now. 

What makes rugby unique from other sports?

Kendra: I grew up playing many different sports. Rugby is different because you truly lay yourself on the line for your teammates. It requires a unique balance of power, fitness, skill, aggression, discipline, and passion.

Oats: Rugby is unique not only in gameplay, but also in the people it attracts and the community it creates. It creates a sense of empowerment and camaraderie I haven’t experienced in any of the other sports I’ve played.  

Why is playing rugby important to you, especially in today’s world?

Kendra: Playing rugby is important to me because it gives me an outlet for a part of myself which the rest of the world might not perceive as appropriately feminine. We live in a world which, for most of my lifetime, has pushed women to be skinnier, smaller, quieter, meeker. Rugby is a showcase of the sheer athleticism and power potential of women. Particularly in today’s political landscape, rugby is an unapologetic celebration of the passion and strength of our athletes. 

Oats: Rugby is important to me because it allows me to express the power and strength I sometimes forget I possess. It has an incredibly grounding effect on me that allows me to deal with a lot of life’s other stressors. Additionally, playing rugby has allowed me to find my community and maintain a sense of connection to something larger than myself, which I find invaluable. 

Why is fundraising so important for the team?

Kendra: Fundraising is incredibly important for our team because, like the vast majority in the U.S., our league is pay-to-play. Each season, we pay dues to the team in order to afford practice space, pay coaches, pay league dues, and travel to play league matches. We use additional funds to support those who might have financial barriers to play. 

Oats: Fundraising allows us the funds to not only support and provide opportunities to our current players, but it also gives us the ability to expand. We are not only able to welcome more people into our community, but we can connect with other communities and more clubs around the world. The networking through local teams and the larger global rugby community provides so many people with communities and opportunities they might not have otherwise have had access to. 

What was the inspiration for a sexy calendar shoot? 

Kendra: The sexy calendar shoot gave us the platform to promote our team, fundraise, and showcase the fact that healthy and athletic bodies come in all shapes and sizes—all of which deserve respect and celebration.

Oats: We are all sexy and deserve to be celebrated. We also are so incredibly unique and make an effort to come together on (and often off) the field to work toward a common goal. I feel like that’s a really important message to spread in the current state of the world.

What was your experience like being a part of the calendar shoot?

Kendra: Overall, incredibly positive. Our team supports each other through and through. The sport of rugby, like this calendar, serves to reinforce the idea that the value of humans is not limited by shape or size. 

Oats: SO MUCH FUN!!! Like most of the worthwhile things in life, there could be small moments where you were near the edge of your comfort zone, but having the rest of your teammates around doing the same (or more) silly things was such a fun and empowering experience. A fantastic reminder that life really doesn’t need to be serious, and being silly is SO HOT.

What other forms of fundraising does the team do?

Kendra: Each year we host an abstract drag/burlesque show which brings in the majority of our fundraising money for the year. This year, Sin Bin Sensation: the Red Card District will be August 2 at Mile High Spirits! There’s opportunity for spectator involvement and it is an absolute blast of an evening!! Come out and join us by purchasing tickets here. 

Oats: Along with our drag show, we often do a yearly tackle-a-thon where you can pledge a certain amount of money to donate each time a selected player makes a tackle. Not only is it fun to watch, but a really fun motivation for the players on the field. 

You guys really put the “fun” in fundraising! What is the team’s experience participating in these, what appear to be, empowering events?

Kendra: These events are in general great fundraising, but also incredible opportunities for team bonding. They branch out beyond our sport into the other facets that make us up as individuals. 

Who can play for Black Ice?

Kendra: ANYONE can play for Black Ice Rugby; we are welcoming of all regardless of experience or background. Black Ice is inclusive of all people including those who exist along the spectrum of gender identities. 

Oats: People come to join Black Ice from all over the state (and the country!) Whether you’ve been playing since you could walk, or you’d never heard of rugby before coming to practice, Black Ice will make you feel welcomed and provide a place for you to grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person.

How can people find out more information? 

Visit our website here; come out to matches; check us out on socials @blackicewrfc on Instagram and @denverblackicerugby on TikTok.

Oats: Odds are you’ll see us at any queer bar/club on any given weekend. We would absolutely love to recruit you on the dance floor, so don’t be shy! 🙂

All photos by Becky Duffyhill. Check out more of my work here!