The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, has announced that global pop icon and longtime equality advocate Katy Perry will be honored with HRC’s National Equality Award at the 2017 Los Angeles Gala Dinner on March 18.
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Ground-breaking actress and LGBTQ advocate America Ferrera will be also be recognized with HRC’s Ally for Equality Award. Lena Dunham, actor, writer, director, creator and star of HBO’s GIRLS and co-founder of LennyLetter.com, will present the award to Ferrera, her friend and fellow advocate.
HRC also announced that U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, (D-VA), will be the featured speaker at the gala. And singer/songwriter Troye Sivan will perform. Special guests include Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
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“We are thrilled to honor Katy Perry for using her powerful voice and international platform to speak out for LGBTQ equality,” said HRC President Chad Griffin. “Her compelling advocacy, from the stage to the campaign trail, has had a profound effect on the lives of LGBTQ people — and, in particular, young people. Katy’s message of inclusion and equality continues to inspire us and the world.”
“America Ferrera has shown an unwavering commitment to advancing equality for all people and sets a stirring example for others to follow,” Griffin said. “As we continue the fight for full equality during this very uncertain time for our country, we are constantly inspired by America and our friend, Lena Dunham — both fierce and outspoken champions of equality.”
“Senator Tim Kaine is a true ally who has dedicated his career to fighting for the equal rights of all Americans,” Griffin said. “With Hillary Clinton, he was part of the most pro-equality presidential ticket in American history. We are honored to welcome him to our Los Angeles Gala, and heartened to know we have him fighting for us in the U.S. Senate to protect our progress and advance equality in this country and around the world.”
“Troye Sivan is a visionary young artist who has been a committed and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ people,” Griffin said. “Through his music, Troye has paid tribute to the fight for LGBTQ equality, and we are thrilled he will be performing at HRC’s LA Gala.”
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Katy Perry is an international music superstar, and has emerged as one of the entertainment industry’s most powerful voices for LGBTQ equality. She was a tireless campaigner for equality champion Hillary Clinton during her historic 2016 presidential campaign, including performing at the Democratic National Convention, and has been recognized for using her global platform to inspire LGBTQ youth. In the 10 years since her Capitol Records debut, she has sold over 40 million adjusted albums worldwide, over 125 million tracks worldwide and her songs have been streamed over 18 billion times worldwide. Her new song, “Chained To The Rhythm,” broke the record for most streams by a female artist on Spotify in one day, and views on the accompanying video made her the most-viewed female artist on VEVO. Perry’s 2015 Super Bowl performance was the highest-rated in the event’s history.
America Ferrera is an award-winning actress and producer best known for her breakthrough role as Betty Suarez on ABC’s hit comedy, Ugly Betty. She has received a Golden Globe®, Emmy® and Screen Actors Guild Award®, as well as ALMA and Imagen Awards, and produces and stars in the NBC comedy, Superstore. A strong advocate for LGBTQ, women’s and immigrants’ rights, Ferrera spoke at the 2016 Democratic National Convention as well as at the historic Women’s March in January. She has been featured in roles on television, stage and screen, and is executive producer of Refinery 29’s Behind the Headlines, a multimedia project dedicated to humanizing the conversations around issues that matter to women.
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Senator Tim Kaine has a strong commitment to LGBTQ equality. In addition to supporting marriage equality, Kaine is an original co-sponsor of the Equality Act — federal legislation that would finally guarantee explicit, permanent protections for LGBTQ people under our existing civil rights laws. One of Kaine’s first actions as Virginia Governor in 2006 was to sign an executive order adding sexual orientation protections to the non-discrimination policy for state workers. Kaine also recently signed onto an amicus brief in the 2nd Circuit case, Christiansen v. Omnicom Group Inc., arguing that sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination are prohibited under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He has voted in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) and co-sponsored the Student Non-Discrimination Act (SNDA).
Troye Sivan’s debut album, Blue Neighbourhood (Capitol Records) topped over 50 iTunes charts around the world. Billboard praised Troye as “the voice of a new more tolerant generation”, while The New York Times dubbed him the “prototype for tomorrow’s global pop star”. Blue Neighbourhood is RIAA Certified Gold in the U.S. and contains hits “Youth,” which is certified Platinum, and “Wild,” which is certified Gold. Troye has 20 million combined online followers and over one billion streams to date.Troye relentlessly supports LGBTQ causes and the fight against discrimination through education, awareness and advocacy. The recently released video for “Heaven” has over 8 million views and was wildly commended for celebrating LGBT history.
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The HRC Ally for Equality Award and National Equality Award recognize the outstanding efforts of those who use their voice and publicly stand up for the LGBTQ community. These allies commit time, energy and spirit to improve the lives of LGBTQ people and advance equality for all Americans.
The HRC Los Angeles Gala Dinner, which is expected to draw more than 1,000 guests, will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2017, at the JW Marriott LA Live. Tickets and more information are available here.
Mar 10, 2017 09:30 am
Earlier this week, fine jeweler Gabriel & Co. hosted a shopping event with Afghan Hands, where all proceeds from the night were donated to Afghan Hands and the women supported by this organization.
Christine Gabriel, Berna Gabriel, Claire Danes, Jack Gabriel, Dominick Gabriel
VIPs and celebrities were in attendance, including Emmy Winners Claire Danes and Cynthia Nixon, as well as Good Morning America Anchor Amy Robach, Opera Singer Isabel Leonard, Actress Amy Hargreaves and Fashion Designer Nicole Miller.
Cynthia Nixon at Gabriel & Co. and Afghan Hands Shopping Event
The event was part of Gabriel & Co.’s charitable efforts through their Gabriel Love Foundation. Gabriel & Co. jewelry and Afghan Hands embroidered shawls were sold during the event to raise money. The shawls are embroidered by the Afghan widows effected by Afghan Hands. Afghan Hands is a nonprofit organization that teaches skills to help Afghan widows gain independence, literacy, and livable wages. These women learn to create embroidered shawls and scarves, while also attending classes. For most of these women, this is the only way they are educated.
Select Gabriel & Co. pieces will continue to be sold on the Afghan Hands website with a 25% discount. All proceeds will benefit Afghan Hands.
The National Father’s Day Council announced today that Michael Strahan has been named a 2017 “Father of the Year” Honoree.
Mr. Strahan will be honored alongside JCPenney Chairman and CEO, Marvin Ellison. The 76th Annual Father of the Year Awards will be presented at the New York Hilton Midtown Hotel on Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 12:00pm. As part of its commitment to support meaningful philanthropies dealing with issues affecting mothers, fathers and children, proceeds from the event will benefit Save the Children’s U.S. Programs. For tickets and sponsorship, please contact the Council office at 212-594-5977 or www.fathersdaycouncil.org.
Emmy winner and Super Bowl Champion Michael Strahan currently co-hosts ABC’s “Good Morning America” and serves as an analyst for “Fox NFLSunday.” Currently in production for its second season, Mr. Strahan is also the co-host of the top-rated primetime game show favorite, “$100,000 Pyramid” on ABC, produced by his own company, SMAC Entertainment, in association with Sony Pictures Television.
Through SMAC Entertainment, he is Co-Producing “Religion of Sports,” an original documentary series now in its second season. The show examines unique examples of sport’s cultural and spiritual impact in regions around the world, airing exclusively on AUDIENCE Network on both DIRECTV and AT&T U-verse. Mr. Strahan is Executive Producing “Tackle My Ride,” on the NFL Network, a series about current NFL players helping restore dream rides for fellow auto enthusiasts.
Prior to joining the ranks of the top sports broadcasters in the country, Mr. Strahan’s entire 15-year football career was typified by the charisma and sportsmanship that made him a seven-time Pro-Bowler and one of only four players ever to lead the NFL in sacks for two seasons. His spectacular NFL career resulted in Mr. Strahan being named to the 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, the sport’s highest honor.
Mr. Strahan led the New York Giants to a dramatic Super Bowl victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in 2007. In 2001, he completed what is widely considered to be one of the greatest seasons ever for a defensive player, breaking the 18-year-old NFL single season sack record with 22.5 sacks. His record still stands today. The leader of the New York Giants was named the NFL’s 2001 Player of the Year by Sports Illustrated and the 2001 Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press, making him the first New York Giant to win the award since Lawrence Taylor in 1986.
Acting on his entrepreneurial spirit, Mr. Strahan introduced Collection by Michael Strahan™, a line of tailored clothing, dress shirts, neckwear and accessories, in the fall of 2015, available exclusively at JCPenney. The brand has been very successful and Strahan and JCPenney expanded their partnership to launch MSX™ by Michael Strahan last May. Inspired by Michael’s active lifestyle, this exclusive line of athleisure for men includes tees, polos, jogger pants and chinos. In February, MSX by Michael Strahan expanded to include boxers, briefs and undershirts, offering men everyday essentials in premium, comfort-stretch fabrics.
From 2012-2016, Mr. Strahan co-hosted the top-rated, nationally syndicated entertainment talk show “LIVE with Kelly and Michael.” He and co-host Kelly Ripa were the co-winners of the 2015 and 2016 Daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host.” In addition, Mr. Strahan was nominated for a 2014 Sports Emmy Award in the category of “Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst.”
Dedicated to many charitable organizations, Mr. Strahan donates his hands and heart to numerous charities including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, The USO and HELP USA. A father of four, he currently spends his time between New York and Los Angeles.
“It is a pleasure to honor a legend like Michael Strahan, who displays an incredible amount of dedication and passion in every venture he pursues,” said Dan Orwig, President & CEO of The Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council. “His enormous success in both football and entertainment, as well as his commitment to his community and family, serves as an inspiration to so many fans worldwide.”
The National Father’s Day/Mother’s Day Council, Inc. has donated more than $30 million to date to meaningful charities nationwide.
Mar 10, 2017 06:30 am
The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) announced that the 7th annual BROADWAYBELTSFORPFF! raised a record-breaking $250,000 (a 35% increase over the previous year’s revenue).
Broadway stars belted their favorite hits during 7th annual Broadway Belts for PFF! fundraiser
The event, an exclusive fundraiser at New York City’s Edison Ballroom, was hosted by Broadway star and comedienne Julie Halston and featured Grammy and Tony Award winners on Monday, February 27.
BROADWAYBELTSFORPFF! was co-founded by Halston, an award-winning actress whose notable roles include THEBABYLONLINE, GYPSY, YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITHYOU and MURDER ON THEORIENTEXPRESS. As a leading advocate for the PFF, Halston and her husband Ralph Howard co-created the event after their friend, Associated Press theater critic Michael Kuchwara, passed away from pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Coincidentally, Howard was subsequently diagnosed with PF and successfully underwent lung transplantation.
“To say the show was a smash is an understatement. Our performers were so incredibly gracious and everyone brought the house down,” said Halston. “Ralph and I are grateful for the opportunity to promote awareness of the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation’s important work in helping patients and funding research for a cure.”
Broadway stars belted their favorite hits under the direction of Carl Andress (THEDIVINESISTER) with Christopher McGovern (CAGNEY) as Musical Director, Greg Santos as Stage Manager and produced by D. Michael Dvorchak, Sue Frost (COMEFROMAWAY) and Ed Windels. This year’s performers included Grammy-winner Stephanie Mills (THEWIZ), Orfeh (Tony-nominee for LEGALLYBLONDE), Lucas Steele (NATASHA, PIERRE & THEGREATCOMET OF 1812), NBC’s Gus Rosendale (“WEEKENDTODAY IN NEWYORK”), Stephanie J. Block (FALSETTOS, and Tony-nominee for THEMYSTERY OF EDWINDROOD), Mandy Gonzalez (HAMILTON, IN THEHEIGHTS), Mario Cantone (“THEVIEW”), Robert Creighton (CAGNEY), and Tony-winner Randy Graff (CITY OF ANGELS, THEBABYLONLINE).
The proceeds from the show are donated to the PFF’s work aimed at finding a cure for pulmonary fibrosis, a devastating and relentless group of progressive diseases that result in scarring of the lungs. Presently, there is no cure for PF.
“Enhanced awareness and expanded research are vital to support those affected by pulmonary fibrosis and to continue to identify effective therapies,” said Gregory P. Cosgrove, MD, FCCP, Chief Medical Officer at the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation. “We thank everyone involved in supporting our efforts and helping to make Broadway Belts For PFF! the success it has become.”
