Star power met scholar power on Saturday, September 15 at Voices on Point, a concert and dinner benefiting Point Foundation, the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit.
Performing at The Wiltern in Los Angeles were Robin Thicke, Mark Ballas, Rock Mafia, John Tartaglia and Ellen Greene. Celebrity presenters included Lance Bass, Mob Wives´ Drita D’avano, Queen Latifah, Judith Light, Jenny McCarthy, Busy Philipps, Jamie Pressly, Brandon Routh, Thomas Sadoski and Michael Urie.
Hosting the evening was comedian Hal Sparks, who welcomed some of Point’s 76 current scholars to join the celebrities on stage and share with the audience their compelling stories of perseverance as they pursue a higher education degree. A highlight of the evening was when Michael Urie, star of CBS’s highly anticipated Partners, presented the Point Inspiration Award to Josie Thomas, CBS’s Senior VP & Chief Diversity Officer. The award was given to CBS in recognition of the company being a champion for respect and inclusion of the LGBTQ community; both in front of and behind the camera.
Summing up the memorable evening, Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation, said, “Voices On Point presented the positive side of young LGBTQ peoples’ lives – voices of resilience, inspiration and determination – as expressed by our Point Scholars. They shared the stage with talented artists who came to raise their voices in support of these young people, and the work we are doing at Point Foundation to empower them. Hearing these positive messages gives LGBTQ youth the hope they need to fulfill their dreams and aspirations.”
Proud Sponsors of “Voices On Point” included Audi, Clear Channel and Wells Fargo, as well as 42 Below, American Airlines, “Dexter”, Edelman, Hilton, Garry Kief, PWC, VH1, and media sponsors The Advocate, Frontiers, 104.3MYfm and Hot92.3.
