Thu, May 14 2009
Media Contact
Keisha Bush
kbush@gaycenter.org
212-620-7310
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Advisory / Calendar Item
Gourmet Editor-in-Chief, Ruth Reichl, serves as event chair
The only LGBT tasting event in the country to feature more than 35 restaurants to kick-off Pride Week in NYC
Garden Party started in 1984 with 1,000 donors and friends and one catering company. Nowadays, Garden Party attracts over 2,300 friends and supporters and features over 35 food participants. Our celebrity chefs this year include Daniel Angerer (Klee Brasserie), Rebecca Charles (Pearl Oyster Bar) and Dave Pasternak (Esca). And back as our Event Chair this year is Gourmet Editor-in-Chief, Ruth Reichl!
Once upon a time, Garden Party was what we lovingly refer to as a “smorgasbord of Pride.” But three years ago the Center began an overhaul of its largest annual fundraiser, and now Garden Party is the only LGBT culinary festival in the country!
We are proud to welcome back longtime supporter Prudential Financial as our Principal Sponsor, and thank all our corporate sponsors, including Food Network, Gourmet Magazine, the film Julie & Julia, Zagat and our Exclusive Spirits Sponsor SKYY Vodka.
And we are thrilled to feature a very special Foodies’ Silent Auction, made up of some extraordinarily unique items like the "Live from New York" package that includes tickets to a rehearsal of “Saturday Night Live” and dinner at a great restaurant; “Dinner and a Movie,” a collection of movie passes and restaurant certificates; or "A Year of Coffee,” which gives the winner one pound of coffee every week from Porto Rico for 52 weeks! Also featured at the event is our Pick-A-Box raffle offering a chance to win a VIP Backstage Tour of the “Iron Chef America” kitchen and Food Network studio, VIP tickets to a taping of “Iron Chef America,” and so much more.
As the only LGBT tasting festival in the country, Garden Party is definitely a tasty treat every foodie can enjoy. For a full listing of more than 35 participating restaurants, visit gaycenter.org.
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Garden Party raises much-needed funds that allow the Center to build and support our community through advocacy, culture and health programs, as well as meeting and conference services, while providing a safe and welcoming environment. Garden Party is generously supported by Prudential Financial as returning Principal Sponsor.
Interview / Photo Opportunities: Select chefs will be available for interview; please inquire to the Center. High-resolutions photos are also available and pre- and post-event.
WHAT The only LGBT culinary festival in the country, benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center
WHO Daniel Angerer (Klee Brasserie), Rebecca Charles (Pearl Oyster Bar) and Dave Pasternak (Esca), Event Chair, Gourmet Editor-in-Chief, Ruth Reichl, and many more… Visit gaycenter.org for a full listing of participants.
WHEN Monday, June 22, 2009
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
WHERE Pier 54
Hudson River Park Trust
14th Street and the Westside Highway
New York City
HOW Tickets vary in price, but start at $85; General Admission prices increase to $100 after June 1, 2009.
Tickets are on sale exclusively through gaycenter.org.
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About the Center
A beacon of hope for 29 years, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center builds and supports our community through arts and culture, wellness and recovery, family services and life-saving youth programs designed to foster healthy development in a safe, affirming environment. The Center envisions a world where LGBT people will no longer face discrimination or isolation because of who we are or who we love. We offer a welcoming home to 300,000 visitors each year and we are committed to serving all LGBT people through a variety of programs, services and activities that are designed to meet existing and emerging needs.The Center is many things to many people. We invite you to experience our home at 208 West 13th Street in person and online at gaycenter.org
