John Amaechi, Chip Arndt, Reichen, Robert Gant and more at Silence The Hate 08 Fundraiser!
On a cool rainy afternoon in Los Angeles, the gay mafia were out and about at East West Lounge for the SILENCE THE HATE 08 Fundraiser benefiting Gay American Heroes Foundation.
The DIVA/Nelson Melegrito were one of the proud Committee Host for the event, but alas, we had an 11th hour family gathering that evening that we can't say no to. Bummer. Oh well. At least, judging from the pictures taken by our trusted photographer Brian Putnam, the event was a success!
Among the attendees include Founder Scott Hall, board member and activist Chip Arndt, Chip's Amazing Race co-winner (and former boyfriend) Reichen Lehmkuhl with Ryan Barry, John Amaechi, Queer As Folk's Robert Gant, Christopher Rice, host Daniela Sea (The L Word), Thea Gill, Shelter producer JD Disalvatore, Tony Miros, Gay Days' Jeffrey Epstein and Eddie Shapiro, Billy Masters, Trevor Project's Charles Robbins, POWER UP's Stacy Kodikow (who brought her family with her), Sam Page, YPC's Christoph Babka, LK Avelar, Guy B, Sean Lewis, Kevin Barry, Alan Uphold, Tommy Woelfel and more.
Elke Kennedy was the evening's special guest speaker. She is the mother of slain teen Sean Kennedy, a 20 year old who spoke movingly and eloquently about the organization and honor her beloved son.
We strongly urge you to make a contribution or spread the word about this amazing organization and stop hate and violence to our LGBT citizens! We cannot tolerate any more hatred in our community and we should, as Americans, do what is the basic essence of humanity by bringing justice to heinous crimes committed to our brothers and sisters in our society.
Please make your contribution to Gay American Heroes: www.gayamericanheroes.com
In the meantime, enjoy these pictures taken by our DIVA friend Brian Putnam.
www.myspace.com/brianjp
The HEROES traveling memorial replica on display with being shown by Scott Hall to Robert Gant.
East West Lounge was the venue host for the fundraiser, the sight of many DIVA events.
Board member Chip Arndt with Reichen and Ryan Barry.
Out basketball star John Amaechi lending his support to the cause.
Trevor Project's Exec Director Charles Robbins, special guest Elke Kennedy and GAHF's Scott Hall.
Chip with Thea Gill and Gay Days' Eddie Shapiro.
With the dashing Robert Gant.
Chip with Bronson and Sam Page.
Daniela Sea served as the Evening's host.
Christopher Rice (second from left) with friends.
Christoph (wearing blue shirt) is all curious about GAHF. He runs the Youth Professional Council
at LA Gay and Lesbian Center. At the background is the towering John Amaechi.
Heroes come in all sizes, we both love John and JD and their amazing work for the community.
Guy B (middle), Tommy Woelfel, LK Avelar and Craig Jordan in a boyband reunion.
POWER UP's Stacy Codikow keeping it real with a family affair.
Robert Gant with Gay Days' Jeffrey Epstein join Billy Masters.
Tony Miros (center) holds court with Sam Page, Kevin Barry and John Amaechi.
Thanks for publicizing this important cause. Meeting Elke, and the others personally affected by murder reminded me that hate is still alive and well in the world.
Posted by: Sam Page | March 13, 2008 at 05:13 PM