SAN DIEGO – The San Diego Human Dignity Foundation (SDHDF) and the San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) hosted the “Reunion on the Bay” fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 8 on the Bay View Lawn at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina at 1380 Harbor Island Drive in San Diego. Organizers say the fundraiser was the “biggest one yet,” attracting nearly 300 guests. Proceeds from the event provide a $25,000 grant to the San Diego LGBT Community Center for their Senior Resource program, and the remaining proceeds are given throughout the year as part of the SDHDF’s Aging with Dignity initiative.
At the fourth annual Reunion Party, guests enjoyed a silent auction, hosted bar, gourmet food and live entertainment, including performances by the Imperial Court de San Diego and special guest star, comedian and actor Hal Sparks. Sparks starred in hit shows like “Queer as Folk” and “Talk Soup,” and performed standup comedy from his one man show at the event.
The Senior Services at The Center program provides an inclusive community for LGBT seniors ranging from ages 50 to 90 years old. Senior Services – 50 and Better Together – strives to create a safe space where those 50 years and “better” will have access to important resources and referrals regarding health care, social services, and community activities. Reasons why funding for local LGBT seniors is important include that they are at a higher risk for a lack of access to healthcare and basic needs, at a higher risk for discrimination at the hands of healthcare and social service providers, as well as they are at a higher risk of abuse and neglect by healthcare providers and family members.
