FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 17, 2009

CONTACT: Ginny Apuzzo 845-331-5300

HUDSON VALLEY LGBTQ CENTER HOSTED THEIR SECOND ANNUAL GALA DINNER DANCE FUNDRAISER AT THE GRANDVIEW IN POUGHKEEPSIE

KINGSTON, NEW YORK (Mar. 17) – On Saturday evening, March 7, the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Community Center hosted its second annual Gala Dinner Dance and Fundraiser at the Grandview in Poughkeepsie. The event attracted more than 200 attendees who enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, both silent and live auctions, and a sit-down dinner followed by dancing. The evening’s festivities and auctions raised more than $25,000 for the Center. The annual GALA is a major project of the Center's Capital Campaign Committee.

During the dinner, Center Vice President Lance Ringel welcomed guests and introduced Center President Ginny Apuzzo, who talked briefly about the many programs the Center has developed over the last year. Of particular note is the Center’s cultural competency training, which has been attended by over 250 local social service providers. In addition, the Center’s efforts to help make our schools safer for all students have been welcomed by the Kingston and Rondout Valley School Districts and discussions have begun with the Onteora Central School District.

Apuzzo introduced the keynote speaker, New York State Assemblyman Daniel J. O'Donnell, the first openly gay man to serve in the NYS Assembly and the prime sponsor of the Marriage Equality Act that the Assembly passed in June of 2007. Elected in 2002, O'Donnell represents the 69th Assembly District, which includes Manhattan Valley, Morningside Heights, and the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He is an outspoken advocate for civil rights and gave impassioned closing remarks during the Assembly debate on the Marriage Equality Act. O’Donnell congratulated the Center on its success and its visibility and work in the community. He encouraged every one to do more, however, on behalf of young LGBT people everywhere.

Photo by Gene Knapp

Photo Caption: NYS Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell addresses LGBTQ Center Gala attendees

A significant portion of the evening’s proceeds stemmed from the pre-dinner silent auction and the post-dinner live auction conducted by Fred Mayo, who servers on the Capital Campaign Committee. The auction items donated by local artisans, crafters, businesses, and individuals included paintings, crafts, services, and everything from antique porcelains to a slot machine.

On behalf of the LGBTQ Center, Harris Safier, Principal Broker at Westwood Metes and Bounds and a Center Capital Campaign Committee member, and Marcuse Pfeifer, member of the Center’s Board, presented the first Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center Center Lifetime Legacy Award to Ms. Mary Johnston and Dr. Melva Wade, a couple who, over many years, have by their very example contributed immeasurably to the vitality and growth of the LGBTQ Community in the Hudson Valley. The award acknowledges their long-standing commitment to the community. Ever since making the Hudson Valley their home over 30 years ago, Johnston and Wade have lent their talents, energy, and resources to numerous local organizations including the Stone Ridge Democratic Committee, the DePuy Canal House Museum, The Ulster Performing Arts Center, and the Hudson Valley LGBTQ Center.

Photo by Gene Knapp

Photo Caption: Ms. Mary Johnston and Dr. Melva Wade received the Center’s First Annual Lifetime Legacy Award

The evening’s event concluded with dancing to the tunes of DJ John Martin of Superior Sounds.

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* LGBTQ refers to the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of the people the Center serves: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning individuals.