What do you get when a bunch of badass b*tches get together on a mission to help?
You get The Modified Dolls (TMD). “The different making a difference,” a unique non-profit on a mission to erase negative stereotypes associated with modified women by doing important charities.
Holly Roettger-Duncan, founder of TMD in 2011, faced several stereotypes at work and in public because of her body modifications. Many modified employees are asked to cover up tattoos and remove piercings. She wanted to show that a woman with modifications doesn’t indicate that she has a lack of character or small heart.
TMD has grown exponentially since, providing fundraising, volunteering and awareness to all sorts of very important charities through one of their many affiliated chapters across the US and UK.
Lisa Erkert, Head Doll of the Oregon Chapter, sat with us to gain a clearer understanding what they do.
HS: How do you guys select the charities?We pretty much just select the charities we feel close to and run them by our Board of Directors. Last year the Oregon Chapter chose a few charities based on personal reasons, for example one of our member’s teen daughter was a victim of rape so we had a fundraiser for Warrior Sisters, a women-based nonprofit that provides free self-defense classes. We work on a wide variety of causes from animal-welfare, assisting homeless, health and wellness, various children based causes, and many more. Since I majored in Environmental Science, I love supporting causes that are environmentally based. Nonprofits can apply to be our charity of the month on our website, www.themodifieddolls.orgHS: In what ways have you seen the TMD help?
We have bake sales, car washes, plant sales, dunk tanks, chili cook-offs, conduct clothes drives and toy drives, have yard sales, an annual zombie prom, and host many other events to raise awareness and funds or volunteer for a different charity each month in order to improve the communities in which we live.HS: What do you have upcoming?In May the Oregon Chapter is volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in Salem, helping to build a home in our community.Then, July’s Charity of the Month is the Capes and Crowns Foundation, a non-profit organization designed to bring joy to children who need it the most through superhero and princess themed photo shoots.August will see VFW National Home for Children,– where the Oregon Chapter will have a dunk tank, raffle, and bake sale at the Festival of Eugene to raise awareness and help raise funds for the living memorial to America’s veterans by helping our nation’s military and veteran families during difficult times.They are also working with Bikers Against Child Abuse (B.A.C.A) another amazing organization.HS: What got you into the Dolls?I’m a huge fan of hardcore music. Hardcore music is music with a message. They are screaming for what they believe in: not judging others, unity, standing up for what you believe in, creating strong bonds, equality, having an open mind and questioning everything. I feel as though this is similar to what The Modified Dolls represent. I love the idea of working with a group of strong women who help so many causes throughout the year.HS: How do these events impact?The main impact is within the members of TMD. There is a bond formed with the Dolls in our chapter as well as our sister dolls in other chapters when working together in order to help causes in our communities.It is also awesome when we can get representatives from the local charities that we chose to support to attend our events and provide everyone with information about their organization. There have been thank you notes sent from several of the local charities for the support we were able to. A motto we have is, “do what I can when I can”, so every little thing we do to help counts!
To be a Doll, apply to be a charity of the month, or check out upcoming events, visit their site,www.themodifieddolls.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/themodifieddollsorg
