Auction house Paddle8 is set to hold an online art auction that would benefit the LGBT Community Center offering artworks by Alex Katz, Deborah Kass, Kenny Scharf, Walter Robinson, and February James.
This auction will conclude at the Center’s annual dinner, which is set to honor Anna Wintour as LGBTQ ally, as well as singer Ricky Martin and activist student Emma Gonzalez this coming April 19.
Paddle8 auction to benefit LGBT programs
The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender (LGBT) Community Center of New York offers life-saving and life-enhancing programs for the LGBTQ community, especially for the LGBTQ youth.
To support its programs, the Center organizes an annual fundraising dinner that would recognize members of the LGBTQ community, organizations, and allies for their support in the community’s work to achieve equality.
In this regard, Paddle8 is handling an online auction curated by art collector and consultant Racquel Chevremont that would raise funds as part of this effort culminating during the dinner.
Chevremont narrated that she set out to help in the auction after an event wherein she heard the experience of an LGBTQ girl that had been helped by the Center.
“The Center is incredible” Chevremont said, adding that people should support them in their work to help LGBTQ youth.
Last year, Paddle8 held a similar online auction that coincided with the Center dinner honoring Hilary Clinton.
LGBT Community Center Dinner honorees
In the upcoming dinner, the LGBT Community Center will honor Wintour, Martin, and Gonzalez at Cipriani Wall Street in New York.
Wintour, as head of Condé Nast, will receive the Visionary Award for her support of the LGBTQ community within the fashion and media industries through the coverage and amplification of LGBTQ voices.
Meanwhile, Martin– aside from being an influential Latino voice– will receive the Trailblazer Award for his championing of the community through his foundation as well as his relief efforts in Puerto Rico.
Gonzalez is being honored with the Community Impact Award for her gun control advocacy as one of the survivors of the Parkland shooting in Florida and co-founder of the #NeverAgain movement.
Geena Rocero, founder of the advocacy and aid organization Gender Proud and a member of the Center, will receive the Community Leader Award for her work on behalf of trans youth of color.
Last, actor and LGBTQ advocate Keiynan Lonsdale will be honored with the Youth Advocacy Award for her performance in Love, Simon.
Check out the auction here.