Celebrating Marriage Equality In New York

Marriage Equality New York Announces its 13th Annual Gala. End Quote

New York, NY (1888PressRelease) May 04, 2011 - Marriage Equality New York ("MENY" www.meny.us) announced today preliminary details of their 13th Annual Supporter's Gala on Thursday, May 19th at 7:30 pm. Taking place at the rooftop garden terrace of the offices of advertising giant, Ogilvy & Mather (located at 636 11th Avenue in Manhattan), the gala is the grassroots organization's signature event and largest fundraiser of the year, drawing a diverse crowd of hundreds of activists, supporters, celebrities, and politicians to raise awareness and support for marriage equality for same-sex couples in New York State.

Ron Zacchi, MENY's Executive Director, spoke about the Gala recently, "MENYs 13th annual gala is a testament to our organization's commitment to being the voice for the community activists in the marriage equality movement. We thank all our supporters for continuing to advocate for marriage equality in New York State."

With marriage equality at the forefront of political battles nationwide, MENY had been leading the charge in New York. Drawing support from celebrities and influencers, including Carson Kressley, Del Shores (creator of Sordid Lives), Jason Dottley, Nick Adam (co-star of Broadway's Priscilla), Robbie Cronrod & Allen Artcliff (Love At First Wink contestants in Crate & Barrel's Ultimate Wedding Contest), Adam Bouska & Jeff Parshely (A-list fashion photographer & creators, NOH8 Campaign), Bil Browning (The Bilerico Project), Ryan Nickulas & Desmond P. Smith (from Logo TV's A-List reality show) and Claire Buffie (reigning Miss New York who brought gay rights to the Miss America Organization), Marriage Equality New York will also use the evening's festivities to recognize trailblazers in the arena of marriage equality.

"It is my great pleasure to announce the recipients MENY will honor with our Trailblazer Awards at the Gala, which will be hosted by Hedda Lettuce: In entertainment, actor Michelle Clunie; in media, Paul Schindler, co-founder and editor-in-chief of Gay City News; in law, Edith "Edie" Windsor, Roberta Kaplan, Esq. (of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, LLP), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU); in politics, the Honorable Diane J. Savino, New York State Senate; and in community, activists Andy and Penelope Hort" stated Cathy Marino-Thomas, MENY's President.

Attracting a who's who of New York society, Hollywood and the political worlds, tickets for the A-list event are available for purchase via MENY's website at www.meny.us/gala. A VIP cocktail hour, which includes performances by Lea Delaria and David Raleigh, will kick off the event at 6:30pm. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Hedda Lettuce and begin around 8:30pm.

For those interested in sponsorship, donorship and advertising opportunities, email Peter Frank at pcfrank ( @ ) meny dot us or call him at 914-417-9579 dot For press inquiries, contact Tamara Walker at 347 dot 827 dot 1284 or via email at tamara ( @ ) nyprdiva dot net dot

ABOUT MARRIAGE EQUALITY NEW YORK (MENY)

MENY was founded over a decade ago and is the oldest grassroots organization in the state of New York dedicated solely to achieving marriage equality for same-sex couples. The organization is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation, boasting over 7,000 members. Most recently, MENY was instrumental in bringing 250+ pro-marriage activists to Albany to educate the New York Senate on why marriage equality matters.

With local chapters throughout New York State, MENY is leading the fight for equality. Our record of helping educate local and state politicians and candidates to support equal marriage rights legislation, and our continuing work through coalition building, public education seminars, political actions, and media campaigns keeps us at the forefront of the marriage equality debate, and establishes us as the "go-to" organization for marriage equality in the state of New York.

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