-SPECIAL EVENTS-
Another group trying to gain the attention and support of the younger professionals is Quarter Share, Stonewall Community Foundation’s innovative giving initiative for young gay philanthropists. On Mar 24 they will host Girls Night OUT, an evening of cocktails at the SoHo house, sponsored in part by GO, where there will be a obligation-free information session detailing the group’s membership and goals. If you’ve ever wondered where to find young professional women who are looking to make a difference in the LGBT world, this is the place.
The 20th Annual GLAAD Media Awards takes place at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square on Mar 28th. One of three events for the awards, the NYC gala will honor Tyra Banks with an Excellence in Media Award, Suze Orman with the Vito Russo Award, Phil Donahue with a Special Recognition Award, and will be hosted by Kate Clinton. There will be a silent auction during the cocktail reception and a VIP Celebrity After Party immediately following the Awards Show.
Taking place at the Jacob Javits Center on Mar 21 & 22 is The Original GLBT Expo. This year marks the event’s 16th anniversary and will be the first year the expo will feature a large-scale wedding pavilion to address all the gay wedding needs a couple could possibly have. There will also be a mechanical bull to ride for those cowgirls out there, as well as a plethora of amazing performances by musicians, comedians and dance groups. Be sure to stop by the GO table while you’re over there!
Looking to outdo last year’s Dinner, which raised over half a million dollars to support the Center, this year’s Center Dinner takes place at the Hammerstein Ballroom on Mar 25. Hosting this year will be Michael Urie from television’s Ugly Betty, who will introduce the tribute to Richard Burns for his 22-year-long career of service with the Center.
-UPCOMING-
On Apr 28 more than 30 stars of the cabaret world will be acknowledged at the 24th Annual Back Stage Bistro Awards Gala, which will take place at the Gotham Comedy Club. The night will honor Charles Aznavour and Liza Minelli with a Lifetime Achievement Award and an Enduring Artistry Award, respectively. For more information see bistroawards.com.
On Apr 25 thousands of New Yorkers will come together for the 15th Annual Hands on New York Day, where they will revitalize the city parks, gardens, playgrounds, community centers and schools across the five boroughs. As one of the biggest New York events for National Volunteer Week (Apr 19-25, 2009), the event is organized by and a benefit for New York Cares, which brings vital volunteer support to nearly a thousand organizations in the city. Registration is now taking place at handsonnewyorkday.org.
Just when you thought you couldn’t take it anymore, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel called Spa Week! From Apr 13 – 19 hundreds of spas nationwide will be offering a delightful sampling of some of their signature services for just $50 each. Stay tuned to spaweek.org beginning Mar 16 for a complete list of spas and services.
In what’s bound to be a sold-out block of performances, the ever-popular dance group
Ailey II returns to the Ailey Citigroup Theater from Apr 15-26 for the first time since their sold-out appearances in 2007. The schedule includes both new works and repertory favorites in the group’s home theater, which is sure to be filled with an excited and electric crowd. Tickets are already on sale, so don’t hesitate if you’re interested in checking out some of the country’s best young dancers.
Next month also brings the return of Night at the Tavern, the benefit for Family Equality Council, taking place at Tavern on the Green. There will be plenty of opportunities to show your support for the effort being made by this important organization, including a silent auction, sponsorships and advertising space in the program book. See familyequality.org/tavern for more details.
It’s never too early to start making plans for the Center’s Garden Party, the annual benefit that kicks off Pride Week celebrations, taking place this year on June 22. This benefit is the biggest fundraiser of the year for what could be argued to be NYC’s most important LGBT organization. Not only is it a great cause, but it also offers the opportunity to hobnob with the “who’s who” of the LGBT community in New York.
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