Wed, June 11 2008

Keisha Bush, Publications Manager (212) 620-7310 X227, kbush@gaycenter.org

Cathy Renna, Renna Communications, 917.757.6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Advisory / Calendar Item

Gourmet Editor-in-Chief, Ruth Reichl, serves as event chair; April Bloomfield, David Chang and Johnny Iuzzini to serve up special concoctions made for Garden Party

The only LGBT tasting event in the country to feature more than 35 restaurants to kick-off Pride Week in NYC and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center

Garden Party started in 1984 with one catering company and 1,000 donors and friends. This year, with over 2,300 friends and supporters in attendance and over 35 food participants, clearly Garden Party and the Center have grown. Garden Party has become the only LGBT tasting festival in the country, and this year marks the 25th anniversary of the event and the Center!

The culinary treats to be featured at Garden Party include some of New York’s most celebrated chefs such as David Chang of Momofuku, Ssam Noodle Bar and Ko; April Bloomfield of The Spotted Pig; and the king of sweets, Executive Pastry Chef at Jean-Georges Restaurant, Johnny Iuzzini. In addition to Momofuku, The Spotted Pig and Jean-Georges Restaurant, other food participants on board for the Center’s tasting event include Citarella, Rickshaw Dumping Bar, Sonnier & Castle, Woody McHale’s, Treats Truck, Smörgås Chef and many more. For a full listing of more than 35 participating restaurants, visit gaycenter.org.

But the fun doesn’t stop with the food tastings, because Garden Party will also feature three large food-themed raffles, including the opportunity to win a lunch date with Season 4 “Project Runway” winner Christian Siriano, a silent auction to feature tickets to the “Project Runway” Season Finale in Bryant Park this September, open bar, and entertainment hosted by longtime Center supporter and friend, Kate Clinton. Some of this year’s slated performers include Eric Himan, Robert German, Stewart Lewis, and Tony Award Nominee Gavin Creel, the star of the upcoming Godspell revival.

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 Presenting Sponsor.

Interview / Photo Opportunities: Select chefs will be available for interview; please inquire to Renna Communications above. High-resolutions photos are also available.

WHAT The only LGBT culinary festival in the country, benefiting the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center

WHO David Chang (Momofuku Noodle Bar, Ko and Ssam Bar), April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig), Johnny Iuzzini (Jean-Georges Restaurant), and many more… Visit gaycenter.org for a full listing of participants.

WHEN  Monday, June 23, 2008
  6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

WHERE Pier 54
  Hudson River Park Trust
14th Street and the Westside Highway
New York City

HOW Advance tickets are $85-$1,000.

Tickets are on sale exclusively through gaycenter.org..

CONTACT Cathy Renna, Renna Communications
917-757-6123, cathy@rennacommunications.com

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