In Support of Audrea "Cheeks" Brooks

What brought us here is that we believe that family isn’t just something you’re born into—it’s something you find. For our dear friend Audrea "Cheeks" Brooks, finding her family meant finding us: a group of friends who met through video games, shared art, and a common bond of support.

The Dream Audrea has been playing the clarinet since she was a child. Music isn't just a hobby for her; it’s her voice. She has worked incredibly hard to earn an acceptance into St. Thomas University, where she plans to study to become a music teacher. She wants to spend her life helping the next generation find their own voices through the symphony.

The Hurdle Audrea was supposed to start her journey this semester, but she is facing a $8,000 tuition gap for her first term. Life hasn't been easy for her; after being kicked out and losing ties with her biological family, she has had to build her life from the ground up.

She is currently working a minimum-wage job, and even though she doesn't drive, she makes the effort every single day to get to work on time. She is the kind of person who always puts everyone else first—now, it’s our turn to put her first.

The "Adopted" Family is us: King, Huffy, Low, Jakalyn, Cyn, Panda, Mack, Plane, Rage, Onyx, Cujo, JY, Brandon, Slayer, Toaster, Rafiki, Mike, and CC. We’ve watched her grow mentally and emotionally, by turning hardships into strength. We know how smart, kind-hearted, and talented she is, and WE refuse to let a price tag stop her from becoming the teacher, instructor, and mentor that she is meant to be.

How You Can Help Every dollar raised goes directly toward her $8,000 tuition for St. Thomas University. Whether it’s $5 or $50, your contribution tells Audrea that her dreams matter and that she has a whole community behind her.

If you can’t donate, please consider sharing this story. Let’s get Cheeks to college!