Fenway's 11th annual "Men's Event" to raise more than $275,000 for community healthcare, nationwide outreach, and worldwide contribution to AIDS education and awareness

Black Tie Fundraiser Honors the Bishop Gene Robinson and will Entertain more than 1,400 Guests with the Talents of Martha Wash, DJ Barry Scott and Comedian Scott Kennedy

Boston, MA (PRWEB) March 5, 2004 -– Fenway Community Health, home of the nations first community-based HIV research program and the largest provider of community based HIV care in New England, will host its eleventh annual Mens Event fundraiser on March 13, 2004 at the Westin Copley Place. The annual see-and-be-seen event provides some of the critical funds needed for Fenways mission to enhance the physical and mental health of the community, which includes those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, as well as individuals who live and work in the neighborhood.

The Mens Event is an opportunity to herald the political and social accomplishments made in the gay community throughout the past year. With recent landmark SJC rulings such as, Goodridge v. The Department of Health and Lawrence and Garner v. Texas, legal discrimination against individuals is being questioned and ruled unconstitutional. To continue carrying the torch of justice, Fenway will illuminate its vision of a community that is healthy physically and spiritually by presenting the Rev. Canon Gene V. Robinson with the Congressman Gerry E. Studds Visibility Award. As the first openly gay man in the Episcopal Church to be elected as a bishop, Rev. Robinson embodies the spirit of the award that honors an individual who provides leadership and positive visibility for the gay male community. The award follows the example set by the Honorable Gerry E. Studds – the nations first openly gay member of Congress who proudly acknowledged his sexual orientation standing on the congressional floor before the House of Representatives.

I've been presenting this award since day one of Fenway's Men's Event and it is such a pleasure to share the stage with amazing individuals year after year," says Congressman Gerry Studds. I am honored to present this year's award to Bishop Gene Robinson who is a remarkable man that has shown quiet strength, dignified leadership, and grace under pressure."

What a privilege it is to be honored with this award, named for one of the pioneers of our community," says Bishop Gene Robinson. And to celebrate Fenway Community Health, which for so many years, has provided quality services to gay men, lesbians and the larger community alike. I am delighted and look forward to being a part of this years Mens Event."

The Mens Event has sold out over the past several years and organizers are anticipating another sold out venue for 2004. Many of the attendees come from a wide array of socio-demographic backgrounds and political affiliations. This years event will boast headline talents such as Martha Wash, DJ Barry Scott and Comedian Scott Kennedy. There will also be a silent auction that will feature unique items as well as interesting travel and touring opportunities. For most of these individuals, attending the Mens Event is a fun and exciting opportunity to be part of something bigger than oneself – to play a role in combating the worldwide effort to put an end to the AIDS pandemic.

Fenway, for the last 20 years has made parenting for the LGBT community possible through our Alternative Insemination program," stated Dr. Stephen Boswell, executive director of Fenway Community Health. In May Fenway will continue in our leadership role by offering pre marital clinics to the LGBT community. The funds raised at the Mens Event will help Fenway continue to respond to our communitys needs and deliver high quality, culturally competent healthcare to all our clients."

Mens Event Details:
Date:      Saturday, March 13, 2004
Time:      6:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
Location:   The Westin Copley Place
Boston, Mass.
Web site:   www.fenwayhealth.org

About Fenway Community Health
Fenway Community Health, a community based health center based in Boston, provides high quality, culturally competent health care in a welcoming environment to all people, especially those who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender. Fenway operates the nations first community-based HIV research program, and is credited for being the first to diagnose the first cases of HIV in New England. Fenway has become an international leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS and is the largest provider of HIV and AIDS medical care in New England. For more information, visit www.fenwayhealth.org.

Media Contact:
Frank Sutter
PR Manager
Phone: 617-495-7588
Email: franksutter@hotmail.com

Jerry Fensterman or Niamh Foley
Development Department
Fenway Community Health
Phone: 617-927-6350
Email: jfensterman@fenwayhealth.org or nfoley@fenwayhealth.org
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