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Star Wars fans bring the 501st Legion's charitable works to Rochester
Rochester members volunteer as Darth Vader and other villains, raising donations for charities and visiting patients while following strict costume rules.
- Rochester hosts several members of the 501st Legion, an international organization dedicated to celebrating Star Wars by portraying "villainous, morally ambiguous or non-partisan" characters; these volunteers perform charity work and community appearances without charging fees.
- Members describe their mission as "bad guys doing good," focusing on authentic costumes for Star Wars villains, with over 15,000 active members and more than 20,000 approved costumes globally.
- Teacher Kelly O Laughlin and banker Chris Popham volunteer across the community, from hospital visits to supporting Voices Against Cancer, with O Laughlin wearing his costumes for 12 years and encouraging young patients.
- Popham granted wishes for Make-A-Wish, escorting a child through a museum exhibit in Huntsville, Alabama; the group also supports the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, personally significant to him.
- Maintaining strict authenticity remains essential; Douglas Smith notes that 3-D printing has simplified acquiring high-quality parts, requiring prospective members to submit photos to a Garrison Member Liaison for judgment on accuracy and fit.
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13 Articles
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Star Wars fans bring the 501st Legion's charitable works to Rochester
When you see Chris Popham on the street, wandering around Rochester as an average everyday earthling, you might think there's nothing nefarious underneath. Alas, Popham, like other members of the 501st Legion, is something of a rogue, a villain, a part of an evil galactic empire — yes, that Empire — that comes from “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.” And he's not alone. Rochester is home to several members of the 501st Legion, an intern…
·Cherokee County, United States
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Total News Sources13
Leaning Left0Leaning Right8Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution80% Right
Bias Distribution
- 80% of the sources lean Right
80% Right
C 20%
R 80%
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