Last night’s event honored Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Frank Stark posthumously, and Evercore for their crucial support for the LGBTQ+ community
[New York, NY] SAGE celebrated its annual Awards & Gala last evening with an electrifying program hosted by the unmatched Nina West, best known from the eleventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
“I’m so excited to be here to support the incredible mission of this magical, fantastic organization that I love so very much,” West said in their opening remarks.
A packed room of over 600 LGBTQ+ people and allies joined together at Cipriani Wall Street to celebrate the ingenuity and strength of LGBTQ+ elders. The Gala focused on thanking and centering these trailblazers, and the event raised over $1 million to ensure LGBTQ+ elders get the care and supports they rightfully deserve.
“Our elders didn’t accomplish all of this because it was easy,” SAGE CEO Michael Adams stated in his remarks. “No, they pushed through times when it was downright life threatening.”
One of these incredible elders is Barbara Abrams — daily attendee of SAGE Center Brooklyn at Stonewall House. Abrams gave a touching speech about her journey from Jacksonville, Florida, to finding community in New York City, and brought the entire room to their feet.
“Because of SAGE,” Abrams said. “I feel like something was ignited in me that brought me back to life.”
Throughout the evening, community activists and supporters were celebrated for their outstanding contributions. Beverly Glenn-Copeland received the Joyce Warshow Lifetime Achievement Award for his transformative music career and influential activism on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. As he sang, the Kristin Sudeikis Dance Company captivated the crowd with a moving performance.
The program also posthumously honored Frank Stark as the recipient of the Ken Dawson Award. Stark served on the SAGE Board of Directors for 17 years, and his admirable dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ rights will live on for many years to come. Evercore, a premier global independent investment banking firm, received the Corporate Leadership Award for their service to the LGBTQ+ community.
SAGE thanks the Gala Co-Chairs Jonathan Carter, Dawn Fischer, and Josue Santiago for their care and planning. Additionally, SAGE is extremely grateful for the generosity of its host committee, sponsors, Board of Directors, and attendees.
The evening was filled with contagious laughter and palpable joy as everyone came together to support SAGE in its mission to ensure LGBTQ+ elders thrive. Stay tuned for more coverage on SAGE’s Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
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ABOUT SAGE:
At SAGE, we envision a world where LGBTQ+ elders are valued, have limitless opportunities, and thrive. Since 1978, we have led the way in advocating for policies, services, and resources that empower LGBTQ+ elders to live openly and authentically. Our dedicated team members work nationally and globally to protect our rights, build health and longevity, and preserve the vibrancy of our community as we age. Each one of us has a place to create a bright and vibrant future for the LGBTQ+ community as each one of us lights the way for the next generation to follow. Learn more at sageusa.org.
