Lisa Lampanelli to Visit and Present $50,000 Donation to GMHC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Krishna Stone | 212.367.1016

New York, NY — On Friday, May 20, Lisa Lampanelli, known as "Comedy's Lovable Queen of Mean," performed her comedy showcase at the Topeka Performing Arts Center in Topeka, Kansas. Members of Topeka's Westboro Baptist Church, headed by Fred Phelps and known for its extreme anti-gay views, planned to protest Lampanelli's show because of her steadfast support of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.  In response to the protest, Ms. Lampanelli pledged to donate $1,000 to Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC), the nation's oldest HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment and care services provider, for each protestor who showed up.

Initially, there were 20 protestors which increased to 44. However the church issued a statement that 48 members protested.  Consistent with Ms. Lampanelli's immense generosity, she decided to donate $50,000 and will bring the check to GMHC on Wednesday, May 25 at 3:00 pm.

"We are grateful for Lisa Lampanelli's kindness and courage to fight homophobia," said Marjorie Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GMHC.  "She is holding up a mirror to bigotry and hatred, and reflecting back love and generosity."

Ms. Lampanelli is a vocal supporter of GMHC.  She attended the 25th annual AIDS Walk New York in 2010, the proceeds of which benefit GMHC and other New York based HIV/AIDS organizations.   Founded in 1982, GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported, and community-based organization that provides prevention and care services to thousands of men, women, and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS.

"In the 30th year of this epidemic, we know that to end HIV/AIDS, we must also continue to address homophobia and stigma which are lethal drivers of this disease," added Hill.  "We need more people like Lisa Lampanelli to help us by utilizing their creativity, talent, skills and generosity." 

EVENT INFORMATION

Who:     
Lisa Lampanelli to visit GMHC and present donation check of $50,000

When:   
Wednesday, May 25, 3:00 pm

Where:  
GMHC
446 West 33rd Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues)
NYC

Photo and inteview opportunities will be available.

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About GMHC:  GMHC is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported, and community-based organization committed to national leadership in the fight against AIDS. We provide prevention and care services to men, women, and families that are living with, or affected by, HIV/AIDS in New York City. We advocate for scientific, evidence-based public health solutions for hundreds of thousands worldwide.  Our mission:  GMHC fights to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected.