The
accomplishments of all three honorees extend far beyond the
organization: Edie Windsor, for her long-standing contributions and
whose case went before the Supreme Court in late March to challenge the
Defense of Marriage Act; Terrence Meck, Executive Director of the
Palette Fund, which makes grants in support of queer youth, patient
navigation, and nutrition and wellness; and Neil Tallantire, Senior Vice
President, Diageo, for his leadership of Diageo’s philanthropic support
of the LGBT community.

“We’re fortunate this year to have such
wonderful friends who stand up every day for fairness and equality for
LGBT people,” said Glennda Testone, the Center’s Executive Director.
“Years from now, history will remember Edie Windsor as a hero of the
LGBT civil rights movement. Her long history with the Center and her
contributions to the community overall inspired us not just to honor
her, but also to name the award after Edie and her late wife Thea. From
this year on, the Center will recognize outstanding activist individuals
with the Edie Windsor and Thea Spyer Community Trailblazer Award.”

Center
Dinner Co-Chairs Timothy Chow and Greg Zaffiro join Testone and the
Center’s Board of Directors in hosting the evening. The dinner will also
celebrate two important milestones in the Center’s history: the 30th
anniversary as the heart of the LGBT community in New York City, and the
commencement of a transformational building enhancement project
designed to expand on the vision of its founders and meet the needs of
the community in the years to come. For more information on the Center’s
renovation, visit www.gaycenter.org/buildingforyou.