In what's quickly become a tradition for the members of the 501st Legion, public transportation was used to get to ECCC 2018. New for this year were the newspapers that were made and sold to raise funds for the True Colors Fund, a nonprofit formed to help end homelessness among LGBTQ youth. #badguysdoinggood
Read MoreFor the 501st Legion, the chance to see the fruit of their charitable labor doesn't come often, but when it does, it's usually very meaningful. In this case, Fireteam Orca Stormtroopers from Garrison Titan made an appearance for a local family who has benefited directly from the cause that they care about the most: The Seattle Children's Hospital. This year, Garrison Titan has raised a record-breaking $70,000 (and counting) for the Children's Hospital. 18-month old Ben, already a Star Wars fan, was a recipient of a custom Stormtrooper prosthetic leg and was certainly overwhelmed at seeing his action figures come to life.
Read MoreThe good and evil of the Star Wars world joined forces in the annual Puget Sound Buddy Walk, a day of celebration, inclusion, and respect for those across the community with Down Syndrome. Since 1995, the National Down Syndrome Society has celebrated October as Down Syndrome Awareness month and raised funds for their local communities through the Buddy Walk.
Read MorePrior to the Buddy Walk for the Down Syndrome Community of Puget Sound, Garrison Titan and the Rebel Legion were invited to tour the Museum of Pop Culture at Seattle Center, where Star Trek and Jim Henson were on exhibition.
Read MoreGarrison Titan, Alpha Base, and the Jet City Saber Guild all took part in the Everett Aquasox Star Wars night, as the home team donned Star Wars themed jerseys that were auctioned off in a benefit for Seattle Children's Hospital.
Read MoreA record-breaking heat set in over Seattle during the 2017 Seattle Pride Parade, but the Garrison Titan of the Star Wars 501st Legion wasn't fazed. Dawning their dark robes and sweltering armor, dozens of members took part in the parade to a huge turnout of over 200,000 onlookers. With the help of dedicated spotters, including one who was delighted to go by "waterboy," everyone stayed happy and hydrated during the 3 mile walk to Seattle Center.
By the end of the parade, most of the Garrison was speechless at the overwhelming enthusiasm emanating from the crowd. The excitement continued with a surprise stream of confetti in celebration of Matthew Brown, the Garrison Commanding Officer's 150th troop. Even better: the Garrison's presence was so well received that they were asked to return for next year's parade just the day after.
Read MoreThe Star Wars 501st and their Rebel Legion counterparts, both fan-based Star Wars organizations raising money through appearances for charity, invaded Emerald City Comicon 2017. This exciting event raised over $23,000 in donations for the Seattle Children's Hospital. Photography by Anthony Allison.
Read MoreA rainy Saturday in March did not stop the 501st Legion from taking part in a lively St. Patrick's Day Parade held by the Irish Heritage Club. Bagpipes echoed throughout the streets beginning on James St and heading north to Westlake Center, where the festival continued via a short monorail ride to Seattle Center. The costumed Stormtroopers were asked to escort St. Patrick himself, as well as Seattle Mayor Ed Murray and Galway, Ireland Mayor Noel Larkin to the stage.
Photography by Anthony Allison.
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