In the company of elephants, dinosaurs and a giant inflatable whale, the Point Foundation celebrated 10 years of LGBT scholarship at The Field Museum July 22. The event was the first-ever Point Foundation fundraiser at which all of the current Point Scholars and many of the alumni were able to attend. During the event, the Point alumni presented the foundation with a donation check of $25,001.
Scholar Relations and Selections Program Director Vince Garcia said, "We have over 130 scholars and alumni here. The scholars and alumni come back and mentor, they serve on the board of regents and the board of directors. They also read applications; they really are making a difference."
The foundation selected 34 individuals to receive scholarships this year, including Tommy Craven who said, "I am ecstatic. I was originally going to attend Indiana University but because of the Point Foundation and the scholarship I am able to go to my dream school, which is NYU. It's life-changing."
Jonathan Doucette, one of the alumni who attended, said, "I became a Point Scholar in 2008 and, due to the generous funds of the Point Foundation, I was able to transfer from an incredibly homophobic institution my first year of college to an incredibly progressive liberal queer community at Oberlin College. Without their support that would not have been possible, and I am eternally grateful for that."
After enjoying drinks on the upper floor of the museum, guests were treated to a three-course meal on the main level. Thomas Roberts hosted the event, with Bruce Cohen presenting celebrated actress and keynote speaker Judith Light.
Several individuals spoke during dinner, including Point Foundation Executive Director and CEO Jorge Valencia. Valencia said, "When I hear how much this means to the scholars where they can be themselves and not be judged in any way. When they can gain the support from each other then you know you are doing your job."
Photos by Kat Fitzgerald ( MysticImagesPhotography.com )