Perhaps a surprise storm was unable to stop people from thronging Cipriani Wall Street to help. On Thursday night, the firm raised $1.3 million during its nickname Center Dinner, which celebrates the organization’s area and health plans.
Nymphia Wind, Jan Sport, Sapphira Cristal, Plane Jane (Breanna Johnson/BFA.com)This year, the event was hosted by RuPaul’s Drag Race castmates Nymphia Wind, Q, Sapphira Cristal, and Plane Jane, honoring those sparking change in the LGBTQIA+ community, including Richie Shazam, who presented Gaultier’s flower company with the Business Impact Award, owed to its dedication to inclusivity—a shared price of the Center, as well.
Shazam said, “The Center is a significant component of our gay community here in New York.” It speaks to the necessity of bringing things together and the primary community. It’s a place where people of all ages may occur and mingle. It’s an important resource and needs to continue to be amplified, especially during all of the deadly, chaotic, ridiculous stuff that we’re living with proper now—it’s important for us to come along and honor each other.
Richie Shazam, Chelsea Coley (Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com)The Eagle NYC, whose owners Robert Berk and Derek Danton have raised more than $2 million for AIDS through Team Eagle’s Cycle for the Cause over the years, was also honored at the prizes. While backstage, the set toasted the venue’s dedication to gay nightlife spaces—which was also appreciated by attendees.
“The Eagle! The iconic Eagle,” said Nymphia Wind. “Everyone knows the Eagle, and if you’ve ever been to the Eagle, you’ll usually have a tremendous time—especially in the dark areas.”
Richert Schnorr, George Alford (Deonté Lee/BFA.com)Overall, the evening commemorated the Center’s longtime role as a resource and safe haven for New York City’s LGBTQIA+ residents. The event even honored its potential, marking the debut of its new CEO, Dr. Carla Smith.
“I’ve been to some plans and benefitted from the Center, [and] I may say that it’s a place that brings our community up,” said. It actually gives you the idea that you are not the only one.
Jason Wu (Breanna Johnson/BFA.com)A silent auction, a concert by Brittney Mack, and a World of Red Ballroom display were part of the evening. Customers including Honey Balenciaga, Hunter Abrams, Taylore Scabarelli, Willie Norris, Andrew Lee Taylor, Brien Kent, Chelsea Coley, Briana Andalore, Marti Cummings, Connie Fleming, Patrick Rose, Eric Viner, Jordan Wise, Ben Djaha, Ian Paget, Susanne Bartsch, Don Lemon, Michael Hsu Rosen, Joshua Allen, Anna Baryshnikov, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Tyler Lain, and more celebrated through the night, concluding with Emil Wilbekin’s afterparty—which even celebrated Dr. Smith’s birthday—at The Virgin Hotel.
