Last week, comedian Lisa Lampanelli told her Twitter followers that she would pledge $1,000 to the GMHS (Gay Men’s Health Crisis, one of New York’s most venerable HIV/AIDS prevention organization) for every protester sent to her Friday performance in Topeka by the violently anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church group.
A long-time advocate on behalf of the LGBT community and the GMHC’s initiatives against HIV/AIDS, Lampanelli told reporters for the Topeka-Capitol Journal that she decided to “put my money where my mouth is” and use her celebrity to advance a cause she believes in.
Sure enough, the comic’s plan bore fruit. Westboro Baptists Church regularly sends protestors to the Topeka Performing Arts Center (where Lampanelli took the stage Friday night) in the past; but Lampanelli attracted more than her fair share of dissenting audience members – nearly 48, according to a spokesman for the church, by the end of the evening. Some observers claimed there were only 44 protestors; but not being one to split hairs when it comes to charitable giving, Lampenelli rounded up to an even 50.
When Lisa Lampanelli presents the $50,000 donation to the GMHC today in New York, she will credit Westboro Baptist Church with the generous gift in support of gay men’s health and HIV/AIDS prevention.
In response to the comedian’s gift, GMHC executive director Marjorie Hill noted that homophobia and stigma are still clear enemies in the fight against HIV and AIDS. “We need more people like Lisa Lampanelli to help us by utilizing their creativity, talent, skills and generosity,” Hill said.
- Lisa Lampanelli donates $50,000 to GMHC\\Source: GMHC
Watch Lisa Lampanelli confront the Westboro Baptist Church protesters before her show in Topeka last weekend. YOUTUBE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntPOCnIVFgs