Sandra Bernhard Headlines 28th Annual NIGHT OF A THOUSAND GOWNS Benefit Tonight

Actress/comedienne Sandra Bernhard will headline the 28th annual Night of A Thousand Gowns gala tonight, March 29th, at the Marriott Marquis hotel on Times Square, along with performers Martha Reeves from the Vandellas, international recording artist, Kelly King, 80's girl group Exposé and the cast of Broadway's Pippin.

In addition to being a lavishly regal celebration, the gala serves as fundraiser that contributes to ICNY's longstanding history of contributions to LGBT and AIDS service organizations. The Imperial Court of New York (ICNY), the state's most regal organization serving the LGBT community and people living with HIV/AIDS since 1986, will honor groundbreaking advocate Edith "Edie" Windsor with the Imperial Diamond Award at the Night of A Thousand Gowns even, which is presented by the ICNY membership and Their Most Imperial Sovereign Majesties Emperor XXII Wen-D Bouvier Pinkhouse and Empress XXVII Gracie Steeles.

Bernhard will give guest a taste of her own one-of-a-kind live show, "Sandyland," that sharply blends theatre, rock-n-roll and stand-up with a little burlesque & cabaret. The actress/singer/comedienne kicked-off her 2014 tour in early January, right after bringing 2013 to a riotous close by performing a five night sold-out stint at New York City's famed Joe's Pub over New Year's Eve.

This year's event will benefit God's Love We Deliver and The True Colors Foundation, with Quest Diagnostics serving as Presenting Sponsor for gala.

The Imperial Diamond Award is ICNY's most prestigious way of recognizing a member of the greater community whose service to LGBT and HIV-related causes is exemplary. This year's honoree is the formidable Edie Windsor! Edie Windsor has been active in the movement for LGBT equality since the Stonewall Inn uprising of 1969. Her advocacy reached new heights in the summer of 2013 when she won United States v. Windsor, the Supreme Court case that brought an end to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As a result of her landmark case, Section 3 of DOMA was found unconstitutional and loving gay couples' marriages throughout the country are now recognized by the federal government.

"Edie Windsor and the Imperial Court of New York are integral fixtures in LGBT community's history and advocacy," said Gary Cosgrove, President of the ICNY. "Edie's excitement for life, dedication to helping LGBT people thrive makes her the perfect recipient for this year's award. A demonstrated matriarch of the movement in her own right, Edie embodies the Imperial Diamond and Night of A Thousand Gowns."

Previous winners include political author and activist David Mixner, former Speaker of the New York City Council Christine Quinn and celebrity photographer Mike Ruiz. Additional sponsors include: Stoli, JetBlue Airways, Li-Lac Chocolates, Barefoot Wines and Best Ad Promo.

About the Imperial Court of New York: The Imperial Court of New York, a 501(c)3 corporation, is New York's most regal fundraising organization serving the LGBT community for the past 28 years. Part of a proud tradition, the Court has raised millions of dollars for charitable organizations including: ACRIA (AIDS Community Research Initiative of America), the Ali Forney Center, amFAR,, Bailey House, Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center, Gay Men's Health Crisis, LIFEbeat (Music Industry Fights AIDS), and Live Out Loud, , among many others. For more information, please visit: http://icny.org.