Marriage equality advocate Marc Solomon received the Congressman Gerry E. Studds Award at Fenway Health’s Men’s Event on Saturday, March 9 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. From left to right: Dr. Stephen L. Boswell, Fenway Health President & CEO; Men’s Event Co-Chair Matt White; Men’s Event Co-Chair Brandon O. Smith; Fenway Health Board Chair Douglas Spencer; Dean Hara, Congressman Studds widower; Marc Solomon; Men’s Event Co-Chair John Winterle; Massachusetts State Treasurer Steve Grossman; and his wife, Barbara Grossman.
Photo: Marilyn Humphries ©
By: Christine Nicco/TRT Reporter–
BOSTON, Mass. — The Fenway Health Clinic Men’s Event hosted on March 9th at the Boston Mariott Copley was well attended and raised over $500,000. The funds were raised through cash donations, pledges, in-kind support and via the Live and Silent Auction.
The gathering, according to WCVB TV video, drew over 1,300 gay men and their allies together for a night of love, support and commitment to Fenway’s mission.
Boston-based Fenway Health provides medical care and other services and programs to LGBT people.
A highlight of Fenway Health’s 2013 Men’s Event was honoring Marc Solomon — former executive director of MassEquality, now at the helm of Freedom to Marry — with the Gerry E. Studds Award, named after the late Massachusetts congressman. The award is given each year at men’s gathering to honor individuals of “integrity and selflessness who embody the spirit of service and provide positive leadership for the LGBT community.”
Fenway’s selection was based on Marc’s work for marriage equality locally and nationally. According to a press release from the organization, “Marc has shown a level of commitment to community service that was exemplified by the late Congressman Studds. We are proud to acknowledge how important marriage has been for LGBT citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
“Solomon joined Freedom to Marry after serving as Executive Director of MassEquality, where he led the campaign to defeat two constitutional amendments in the first freedom to marry state in the nation, beating back attacks by the Catholic Church, President George W. Bush, Gov. Mitt Romney, and the right-wing anti-gay industry.”
Last year’s Congressman Gerry E. Studds award went to former U.S. Congressman Barney Frank. In 2012, the Men’s Event raised over $600K. For those who were unable to attend, since the event was sold out, you can still donate to this cause via Fenway’s Secure Donation page.
As the Men’s Event comes to a close, Fenway now prepares for its Women’s Dinner Party to be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at the Boston Marriott Copley Place. For more information call 617.927.6350 or visit the Women’s Dinner Party page online.
