What becomes a legend most? Well, how about kudos from the British Prime Minister and the widow of one of the LGBT community’s greatest allies? That’s what happened Thursday night when the Point Foundation honored author, political strategist and civil rights activist David Mixner with their Point Legend Award In New York City. (Mixner is pictured here on the left with fellow honoree Jane Krakowski and her “30 Rock” co-star Cheyenne Jackson, who also sang a heartfelt song at the event.)
Here’s Prime Minister Gordon Brown of Great Britain and his wife Sarah Brown:
Victoria Reggie Kennedy, widow of the late Sen. Ted Kennedy, presented Mixner with the award, which the Foundation says “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.”
In presenting the award, 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.’”
Jane Krakowski, (“30 Rock,” Tony for winner “Nine”) received the Point Courage Award; Citi received the Point Inspiration Award. The event 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!”
Judith Light with Point Foundation Executive Director Jorge Valencia
On the rosters of presenters was Mixner’s close friend, actress Judith Light, whose close friend and manager Herb Hamsher is on the board of the Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBT students of merit. The gala raised $ $600,000.
Jorge Valencia, Point Foundation executive director and CEO, said:
“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.”
On a personal note – my congratulations to David Mixner, who I’ve known since I moved to Los Angeles in 1984. I also humbly thank him for including me in his list of “Twenty Most Powerful Lesbians In American Politics.” It’s a real ah, shucks moment that I’m not sure I deserve – but sure do appreciate.
{ 1 trackback }
{ 0 comments… add one now }