Gala Brings in Record Donations for LGBTQ+ Elders
SAGE Participant George Stewart: “SAGE feels more like a family than an organization.” Photo: Dan Klein Photography
On October 17, LGBTQ+ leaders and allies came together for the 21st Annual SAGE Awards & Gala to honor those whose contributions have profoundly enhanced the LGBTQ+ aging community. Held at the Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, the event drew more than 800 attendees and raised a record $900,000 on behalf of LGBTQ+ elders across the country. SAGE CEO Michael Adams, who was recognized on his 10th year leading the organization, described the night as “a true testament to the generous support of our many partners.”
See a timeline of the event on Storify.
SAGE unveiled two new national programs designed to help LGBTQ+ elders combat social isolation and strengthen ties across generations. In November, in partnership with the GLBT National Help Center, SAGE will launch the first-ever hotline for LGBTQ+ elders. In 2017, SAGE Table, produced in partnership with AARP, will bring together LGBTQ+ people and allies for a unique intergenerational experience in their communities.
See photos from the event on Flickr.
In his speech, SAGE participant and White House “Champion of Change” George Stewart drove home the importance of these programs: “It’s no exaggeration to say that SAGE has added at least 10 years to my life.” Watch “Nothing About Us Without Us,” a video made for the event:
