The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth, raised approximately $210,000 at its ninth annual East Coast fundraising gala, Trevor New York, last Monday, June 29. Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black was honored with the Trevor Hero Award and CNN was named as the Trevor Commitment Award recipient, both for serving as inspirations to LGBTQ youth. Tony Award® nominee Gavin Creel presented to Black and Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of HLN's (sister network of CNN) "Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell," accepted the award from broadcaster Keith Boykin, on behalf of CNN.
"The Trevor Project really is the organization that is closest to my heart; it always has been, so this means so much to me," said Black as he accepted his award. Black spoke articulately about his own struggles with suicidal feelings as he came to terms with his sexual orientation in Texas, and the importance of providing LGBTQ youth with hope for a brighter future. "To all those kids that are afraid...you are not alone. You have
Brothers and Sisters, gay and straight, black and brown and white; thousands of us - and your struggle and your fight is our fight. And most importantly, life is worth living and there is still hope for a better tomorrow," he said.
More than 415 guests attended for an evening of comedy, musical performances and special honorees at Capitale in New York City. The event was hosted by comedienne
Caroline Rhea and included special performances from Grammy Award ® nominee Jewel and Tony Award® nominee
Gavin Creel. Other celebrity guests included
Lance Bass,
Cheyenne Jackson,
Mark Consuelos,
Keith Boykin,
Carson Kressley,
Judy Gold and
Meghan McCain.
"Each year at Trevor New York, we look forward to connecting with our East Coast community of supporters and the opportunity to raise vital funds to fuel our lifesaving programs," said
Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO, The Trevor Project. "Especially in today's economic climate, we are grateful for the support of each and every guest who attended the event and whose contribution will help us ensure that all young people have a safe place to turn in times of crisis."
All funds raised at Trevor New York directly benefit The Trevor Project's programs. These programs include The Trevor Helpline, the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBTQ youth; The Trevor Lifeguard School Workshop Program and the Trevor Survival Kit for educators and youth service providers; "Dear Trevor," an online, non-time sensitive question and answer resource; and TrevorSpace.org, a social networking community for LGBTQ youth and their friends. The event was co-chaired by Trevor Project board members Brian Dorsey and Joel Flatow.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. Every day, The Trevor Project saves young lives through its free and confidential helpline, in-school workshops, educational materials, online resources and advocacy. The organization was founded in 1998 by three filmmakers whose film, "Trevor," a comedy/drama about a gay teenager who attempts suicide, received the 1994 Academy Award® for Best Short Film (Live Action). For more information, visit TheTrevorProject.org.
Photos by Jeff Swartz / Retna Ltd.
Gavin Creel
Gavin Creel and Robbie Roth
Gavin Creel and Robbie Roth
Jewel
Jewel
Caroline Rhea and Jewel
Dustin Lance Black
Bill Veloric, Marc Consuelos and Caroline Rhea
Joel Flatow, Jewel, Lance Bass and Caroline Rhea
