Point Honors Benefit – New York 2010

Point Foundation (Point), the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students of merit, hit a new high by raising more than $600,000 at its annual Point Honors - New York fundraising gala. The contributions came from corporate sponsorships, table and ticket sales, as well as items sold at the live auction.

“At a time when giving is still difficult for so many, we’re thrilled that there are numerous individuals and companies that share in our belief that educational support today is vital to the future of our society. The evening’s honorees, celebrity co-hosts and participants are a vote of confidence in our mission to provide financial support, mentoring, leadership training and hope to meritorious LGBT students,” said Jorge Valencia, Point Foundation executive director and CEO.

“30 Rock” star and Tony® Award winner (“Nine”) Jane Krakowski, received the Point Courage Award; Citi received the Point Inspiration Award; and author, political strategist and civil rights activist David Mixner received the Point Legend Award, which was prefaced with a video message from Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain and his wife Sarah Brown, both of whom are in the forefront of the cause of full equality for the LGBT community.

Victoria Reggie Kennedy presented Mr. Mixner with the Point Legend Award, which is presented to an individual who has, through the course of their lifetime, achieved greatness in their professional career and unapologetically supported the LGBT community. Referring to her late husband Senator Ted Kennedy’s relationship with David Mixner, Mrs. Kennedy said, “My husband was honored to be in the fight with him. And Teddy never doubted that in the end, the cause will be won – not partial equality, but full equality; not second-class equality, but the right to live free, and to marry and raise a family. My husband said: ‘Equality is a continuing struggle and America is a continuing revolution.’”

The evening was hosted by Kelly Ripa (“LIVE! with Regis & Kelly”) and Andy Cohen, Bravo’s SVP Original Programming and Development and host of Bravo’s “Watch What Happens Live!” Presenters included, among others, Mark Consuelos (“Oprah,” “All My Children”), Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife,” Tony® winner “Cabaret”), Judith Light (“Ugly Betty”), Susan Sarandon (Academy Award® and Emmy Award® winner) and Harry Smith (CBS’ “The Early Show”). Grammy® nominated saxophonist Dave Koz performed with pianist Billy Stritch, while Broadway star Orfeh and Tony® nominee and “30 Rock” co-star Cheyenne Jackson each sang heartfelt songs.

The Point Courage Award recognizes an individual who has advocated for the future of the LGBT community and lives with the vision that investing in today’s potential will produce a brighter tomorrow. The Point Inspiration Award recognizes a corporation that champions respect and inclusion of the LGBT community, and operates with the vision that the success achieved by talented young people is limited only by the resources and opportunities they are given to help them fulfill their potential.

Students who are awarded the organization’s prestigious scholarships, known as Point Scholars, are selected through a rigorous and highly competitive process that requires a track record of demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills and financial need. A number of Point Scholars attended the benefit.

Presenting Sponsor was Audi. Premier Sponsors included David Bohnett Foundation; HBO; Motorola, Inc.; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Amy L. Robbins and Time Warner. Principal Sponsor was Estée Lauder Companies. National Media Sponsor was The Advocate and Media Sponsors were MetroSource and Next.

Event co-chairs were Shelley Fischel, Dan Osheyack, Andy Towle and Richard Ziegelasch.

Jane Krakowski with Andy Cohen and Kelly Ripa, who
co-hosted the awards program.

Actress Susan Sarandon with Point Scholars.

Honorees David Mixner and Jane Krakowski
with performer Cheyenne Jackson.