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Ellane Austin is co-creator and co-captain of the Villainous Vixens, a dragon boat team raising money to fund research against cancer with Dragonheart Vermont.
TARA: How did you get involved with the Vixens?
ELLANE: I am the co-creator and co-captain of the Villainous Vixens dragon boat team. We saw an opportunity to bring something to the Dragonboat Festival and Dragonheart Vermont that was unique in comparison to other dragon boat teams. We strive to raise as much money as possible as well as to bring as much fun as spirit to the festival and the events we are a part of leading up to the festival every year.
TARA: Of which of the Vixens’ accomplishments are you most proud?
ELLANE: As Vixens, we are most proud of the spirit and creativity we bring to the festival and the community. After winning Top Spirit awards each year, in 2018 we won a new award for going above and beyond in spirit, the Over The Top award. We are also proud that we have been in the Top 5 Fundraising Leaders in the whole festival since our establishment as a team, raising over $17,000 for our local cancer charity pledge partners over the last 3 years.
TARA: If people want to contribute to Vixens fundraising, where should they go?
ELLANE: People can come to one of our many events, make a donation through the Dragonheart website, go to our Facebook page, visit our web store, or send a check or M/O payable to Villainous Vixens, 240 Guptil Road Waterbury Center, VT 05677. We also have a website coming soon, www.villainousvixens.org.
TARA: Why should people come and find you at Carnage this year?
ELLANE: We bring a unique energy to every event. We enjoy meeting people, have fun interactive games and opportunities like face painting you might not get otherwise at a convention. Also, we are raising money for a cause that in some way affects us all.
Did I mention we also cosplay?
TARA: What’s your favorite thing about going to gaming conventions?
ELLANE: The community is my favorite thing about gaming or fandom conventions. In my experience, the community is what makes or breaks a show. Carnage has a wonderfully kind community of gamers, artists and players. It’s everything you should strive for in a convention, with stability and progressive growth.
You can find Ellane and the Vixens on Facebook and Twitter, and make a donation through their team page on the Dragonheart Vermont site. At Carnage, the Vixens will be tabling in the Northstar Lounge and offering facepainting for donations on Saturday morning.
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