HEDWIG, Andy Cohen and More to be Honored at Hetrick-Martin Institute's 2015 Emery Awards

Hetrick-Martin Institute (HMI), the nation's oldest and largest LGBTQ youth service organization, will hold its 2015 Emery Awards annual gala on Tuesday, November 17 at 6pm at Cipriani Wall Street. This year's theme is "The Future." The annual event honors individuals and organizations that exemplify HMI's mission of providing a safe and supportive environment for all young people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Hosted by Tamron Hall, co-host of the third hour of NBC News' TODAY and anchor of MSNBC's MSNBC Live, this year's HMI Emery Awards will honor executive producer and host of "Watch What Happens Live," Andy Cohen, Chris Salgardo (President, Kiehl's USA), and the 2014-2015 Broadway production of Hedwig and The Angry Inch. The evening will feature Tony Award winner Lena Hall performing a tributary homage to the much beloved and world-renowned musical phenomenon. The Emery Awards recognizes individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership within the LGBTQ community and those who work to address some of the most critical issues affecting HMI youth, namely the prevention of HIV/AIDS, housing and homelessness support, education, and health & wellness.

As an active supporter of a huge range of LGBTQ causes and charities, and the only openly gay talk show host on late night television, Andy Cohen is the epitome of an overarching role model to LGBTQ youth. His distinguished career and dedication to the community demonstrates unequivocally that thriving professionally and personally as an openly gay man in this world is well within reach.

Through personal dedication and persistence on multiple fronts, Kiehl's Since 1851 USA President and MANMADE author Chris Salgardo is an undeniable voice and advocate for progress. He has led the beauty industry toward not only allowing, but also generating supportive and creative ways to further propel our society's movement toward full equality. Actor and LifeRider Teddy Sears will present his award.

Itself a story of transformation and self-discovery, paralleling a major part of the work we do, the 2014 - 2015 Broadway production of Hedwig & The Angry Inch raised $590,000 for HMI. This generous act of love follows in the show's creative team's footsteps of a long history of contributing to HMI, through the 2003 Tribute album "Wig in a Box". For this substantial contribution to HMI's funding, we honor them.

The 2015 Emery Awards are co-chaired by Alfredo Paredes, HMI board member and Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer for Ralph Lauren Retail and Home Design, Store Design and Visual Presentation, Rob Smith, Chief Merchandising Officer for Haddad, and Chairman of the HMI Board, and Partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, Wesley R. Powell. Kiehl's and the Greater Gotham MINI Dealers are the top level sponsors for the event, which will have nearly 1,100 guests. The after party, directly following the Emery Awards, will be sponsored by Vh1, LOGO, and GO Magazine.

Tickets are currently on sale at www.HMI.org and start at $600 for an individual ticket that includes a cocktail reception at 6pm, dinner & awards ceremony at 7pm, followed by after-party at 9:30pm. For those who can't make the dinner, tickets for the after-party are sold separately at $65 per person. Andy Bell of ERASURE and International Legendary DJ Lina will co-host.