On Wednesday, June 24, Fenway Health will host both its annual Dinner Party and Men’s Event gala online for the first time. Every year at these two benefit bashes, Boston’s LGBTQIA+ community comes together to “celebrate how far we’ve come and pledge to keep fighting for Fenway’s mission: that health care is a right, not a privilege,” reminds Fenway in a June 1 press release.
It almost goes without saying now that both events, gatherings that traditionally bring hundreds of people together each year, went online this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“While we may be apart physically this year, we continue to be a community united in spirit. It is in that spirit that we bring you our first ever, virtual Fenway Health gala! This reimagined event will include many of the fun and festive moments that you’ve all come to love about the Men’s Event and Dinner Party, with some very special added twists!,” states Fenway’s release.
This year’s Susan M. Love Award will be presented to Rev. Irene Monroe and Dr. Thea James, and the Fenway Health LGBTQIA+ Impact Award will go to the FLAG Flag Football League. More about the honorees in upcoming posts.
There’ll also be comedy from Dana Goldberg, piano bar favorites from cabaret singer Jon Richardson, dancing to DJ Nat Bluhm and a chance for everyone to welcome Fenway’s new CEO Ellen LaPointe. Most importantly, it’ll be a chance to raise funds for the lifesaving work of Fenway Health while having a great time doing it.
To virtually attend, make a donation of $100 or more, and Fenway will provide a link to access the event to all registered participants a few day prior to June 24.
The release goes on to say:
Thank you for your patience the past few months, as we’ve worked hard to bring you this redesigned event for the age of social distancing.
Stay tuned to the Fenway emails and social media for some fun updates and competitions between now and then! Here’s a hint about one of them: We’re all going to have a BALL together that night! While a donation is not required to submit a competition entry, it is still greatly appreciated!
Fenway Health has survived tough times before, and we will make it through today’s challenges together. We will always be here for the people who depend on us, no matter what. We hope you’ll join us for this special virtual evening of fun, friends, and philanthropy!
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