Stars Turn Out, Raise $1.8 Million at The Center’s Annual NYC Dinner

Author: Mikelle Street

In a return to large scale events, New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (The Center) put on its annual dinner earlier this month. For the first in-person iteration of the event since 2019, over 700 attendees came to celebrate the likes of activist Cecilia Gentili as well as philanthropists like Tim Gill and Scott Miller. They were also treated to performances Alex Newell.

The effort raised more than $1.8 million and featured a silent auction.

“The funds raised tonight will help The Center remain a vibrant, welcoming home where LGBTQ New Yorkers can organize, grow, and thrive,” Glennda Testone, The Center’s Executive Director, said in their remarks according to a release. “It is a joy and a relief to be able to return to this iconic Center event after two years apart, and to recognize outstanding leaders who advance equity and justice for LGBTQ people everywhere.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul, of New York, also appeared and made statements.

“This is what New York is all about,” she said. “We embrace each other. We embrace our individuality and it’s so good to know that the work of this organization continued on through the pandemic…I’m so proud to be here tonight as an ally and as a supporter.”

Gentilli, an activist who has worked tirelessly around the trans community and Issues that impact them like sex work as well as the HIV and AIDS epidemic, was honored with the Visibility Award. Bank of America was honored with the Corporate Impact Award.

To an audience that included the likes of Gigi Goode, Chella Man, Senator Brad Hoylman, Congressman Ritchie Torres, and more, Newll performed “Don’t Rain on My Parade from Funny Girl and “One Moment in Time” by Whitney Houston.

All photos from BFA. 

Original Article on The Advocate
Author: Mikelle Street