Direct from Town Hall, Tony Award®-winning actress and recording artist, Idina Menzel, to perform new songs from her latest hit album, I Stand, at Trevor New York, the eighth annual New York City gala benefitting The Trevor Project.
Presenters at the event include: Lauren Collins (actress, Degrassi: The Next Generation);
Gideon Glick (actor,
Spring Awakening);
Cheyenne Jackson (actor,
Xanadu);
Heather Matarazzo (actress, Welcome to the Dollhouse);
Rosie Perez (actress, The Take); Adamo Ruggiero (actor, Degrassi: The Next Generation)
The Trevor Project (Trevor), the non-profit organization that operates the nation's only around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth, today announced the recipients of its annual New York honorary awards. Award-winning actor Alan Cumming and The N, the 24-hour network for and about teens, will be honored at the organization's eighth annual New York City gala, on June 30, 2008 at The Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Mr. Cumming, whose many film credits include The Anniversary Party, Eyes Wide Shut, and Circle of Friends, and a series regular on Showtime's hit series The L Word, will receive The Trevor Hero Award. The Trevor Hero Award honors an individual who, through his or her example, support, volunteerism and/or occupation, is an inspiration to gay and questioning youth. Past recipients of The Trevor Hero Award include Tony Award®-winning actor
Nathan Lane (2007) and Pulitzer Prize-winning author
Michael Cunningham (2006).
"
Alan Cumming's unique and successful career makes him a wonderful role model for gay and questioning youth, and we are excited to honor him with The Trevor Hero Award," said
Charles Robbins, executive director, The Trevor Project. "From his brilliant performance in Cabaret to his role as host on PBS's upcoming Masterpiece Mystery! 2008, Alan has been an important and highly visible example to gay and questioning youth."
"For a long time, I've admired the work of The Trevor Project and the support they give to America's gay youth, so I'm really delighted and honored to be given this award by such a great organization," said Mr. Cumming. "The Trevor Project really inspired me so this award truly is special, and I will continue to try and further their goals in my life and work."
The N, whose award-winning television shows including Degrassi: The Next Generation and South of Nowhere have broken new ground in the positive representation of gay and questioning youth, will receive The Trevor Commitment Award. The Trevor Commitment Award honors a company or organization that, through its policies, initiatives and other efforts, demonstrates a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender causes and is a prominent, public example of corporate acceptance of individuals regardless of sexual orientation. Last year, cable television network Bravo was the inaugural recipient of The Trevor Commitment Award.
"The N increasingly captivates the attention of today's young people and provides entertainment and solace to gay and questioning youth who may be suffering discrimination at home or at school," said Mr. Robbins. "The N has further demonstrated its commitment to gay and questioning young people by airing The Trevor Project's public service announcement, increasing the visibility of our toll-free crisis and suicide prevention Helpline and letting young people know that they are not alone."
"The N's commitment to diversity is highlighted in our programming slate, and our programs reflect many issues that real teens grapple with every day," said Sarah Tomassi Lindman, senior vice president, general manager, The N. "We are honored to receive The Trevor Commitment Award and hope that our work with The Trevor Project continues to help raise awareness for this important organization and create ways for young people to express their feelings and discover they are not alone."
In 1998, The Trevor Project held its first annual Cracked Xmas fundraising gala in Los Angeles to keep the newly established Trevor Helpline open and available to gay and questioning youth. In 2001, the organization held its first New York fundraiser. The two galas, both now annual events, bring together top entertainers to raise the financial resources necessary to fund the organization's services.
The Trevor Project is a non-profit organization that operates the only nationwide, around-the-clock suicide prevention helpline for gay and questioning youth. The Trevor Helpline, 866-4-U-TREVOR, is a free and confidential service that offers hope through its trained counselors. In addition to the helpline, the organization's website provides information on identifying and assisting potentially suicidal youth and "Dear Trevor," a confidential resource where youth can ask questions about sexual orientation and identity issues. The Trevor Project also provides lifesaving guidance and vital resources to educators and parents. The organization was founded by three filmmakers whose film, Trevor, about a teenager who attempts suicide after realizing that he might be gay, received the 1994 Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action).
For more information about The Trevor Project, please visit
www.TheTrevorProject.org. The Trevor Project is a 501 (c)(3) organization.
