For Immediate Release
HEADLINERS & NEWSMAKERS SUPPORT LGBTQ STUDENTS
Uzo Aduba, Dustin Lance Black, & Thomas Roberts Honored at Point Honors Gala in New York
Click for hi-res images of arrivals | Click for hi-res images of event
Photo Credit: Jason Kempin - Getty Images for Point Foundation
New York City, April 4, 2017 – Point Honors New York brought 400 guests to The Plaza hotel last night for a celebrity-filled gala evening in support of Point Foundation (Point), the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. The evening raised much-needed funds for Point’s higher education scholarships, as well as mentoring and leadership programs.
Emmy Award-winning actress Uzo Aduba was introduced by “Hamilton” star Javier Muñoz before she received the Point Courage Award; recognizing those who have advocated for the future of the LGBTQ community and believe investing in today's potential will produce a brighter tomorrow. Addressing Point’s LGBTQ scholarship recipients in the audience, Aduba said:
“I want you to know that each of you is a member of my chosen family and that every single day – so long as I have breath in my lungs – I chose to fight for your cause, to stand beside you, and serve as a reminder that we see you.”
CNN’s Don Lemon introduced his Emmy Award-winning MSNBC peer Thomas Roberts, who received the Point Impact Award; presented to an individual making a significant impact on improving the LGBTQ community. Accepting the award, Roberts said:
“I decided long ago that a successful professional life and a successful personal life didn't need to be mutual exclusive. That’s what I truly have wanted younger people. I firmly believe we can all have an impact when we just show up and remain honest.”
Richard Socarides, who served as a special assistant and LGBTQ adviser in the Clinton White House accepted the Point Leadership Award on Dustin Lance Black’s behalf. Black was unable to travel from London to New York for the event due to U.K. visa regulations which would impact his upcoming marriage to British Olympic diver Tom Daley. In a video message, Black conveyed to the audience at The Plaza his deep commitment to LGBTQ rights and social justice.
“Until we have increased understanding and dispel the myths, the stereotypes, and the fears around being an LGBTQ person in this world, we must have safety nets like Point Foundation to take care of our young people.”
Reflecting on the inspiring evening, Point Foundation Executive Director and CEO, Jorge Valencia, said, “We are so appreciative of having sponsors and supporters that made it possible for Point to celebrate three champions of diversity and inclusion who are role models for our LGBTQ scholars.”
(cont.)
Point Honors New York 2017 cont.
Comedian Emma Willmann hosted the festive evening which featured performances by Matt Doyle and Emily Skeggs. Additional celebrity participants included Bob the Drag Queen, Ivory Aquino, Michelle Collins, Gideon Glick, Taylor Louderman, Denis O’Hare, Zuri Marley, Ashley Park, Charles Socarides, Valerie Smaldone, Peter Staley, Nico Tortorella, and others.
Presenting Sponsor for Point Honors: Well Fargo
Premier Sponsors: Hilton Worldwide, HSBC, Janssen Therapeutics, and James Cummings and Justin Mohatt
Principal sponsors: Cadillac
National Media Sponsor: The Advocate and Pride.com
Local Media Sponsors: Gay City News
Digital Media Sponsors: Edge Media Network
Friends of Point: Christie’s, and Logo TV
About Point Foundation: Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.
The Foundation is supporting 84 scholars for 2015-2016, and there are 214 Point Alumni. The Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training. www.pointfoundation.org| facebook/pointfoundation | twitter/pointfoundation
Media Contact: Eugene Patron Point Foundation (212) 512.7807 Cell (917) 501.5881 [email protected]