6 PM. April 9th, 2010. The Sunset Tower Hotel on the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles. All the good work that had been done was about to come to fruition. Having produced LOTS of events, I'm familiar with how the cycle goes for me. The "day-of" hustle and bustle, and then, just moments before the first guest arrives, that instant of calm. I looked out across the terrace pool at the City of the Angels, stretched out before me. Beautiful music played in the background, palms swayed in the breeze, and I was truly overcome with appreciation.
So many people had contributed to make the night a success: our Gold, Silver and Friend Sponsors, individual ticket purchasers, product sponsors, our event co-chairs Brenda Strong and Stuart Miller, and our amazing honorees. We walked in with over $100,000 in hand, and by the time the event was over, would add nearly another $10,000 to that amount.
As has become our custom at Illuminations events, we highlight one of the four strategic goals of The AFA: Infertility Prevention, Male Reproductive Health, Trying to Conceive/Trying to Adopt, and LGBT Family Building. Illuminations LA highlighted LGBT Family Building. The money raised at the event will go to further our education and support work for LGBT persons wanting to create families.
The evening was spectacular from beginning to end. Actors Kevin Rahm, Matt Bomer, Constance Marie, Holly Robinson Peete and Brenda Strong, among others, graced the space with their presence. Marc Cherry, creator of Desperate Housewives, (and a very funny man!) presented the award to Will Halm, Esq. Will's legal work led to he and his partner being the first gay couple in a gestational surrogacy case to ever receive a judgment ordering their names placed on the birth certificate as parents.
Actress and philanthropist Holly Robinson Peete presented the award to Guy Ringler, MD. Guy is a reproductive endocrinologist whose patients, gay and straight alike, praised him for his compassionate care. Guy's parents were at the event, making the evening that much more significant. Guy also recalled that 14 years earlier, he and Will had met for lunch to discuss what seemed normal to them, but what was radical at the time: helping gay men build families of choice through surrogacy.
Everyone gave great speeches, but there was one that really stood out: the "thank you" speech given by Malina Simard-Halm, on behalf of her dad:
"Hi, my name is Malina Simard-Halm. I am the daughter of Will and Marcellin, my two loving fathers. I told my dad Will that I would accept this award for him tonight because he is a lawyer --- and we all know they talk way too much!
Seriously, I would like to acknowledge the pioneering work of my dad. Because of his profound commitment, hundreds of children have been born to gay parents through assisted reproduction. I literally would not be here tonight if it were not for him, and the many people present tonight, who have opened doors for people to create their families through surrogacy and egg donation. My dad not only helped create my life, but the lives of hundreds of other children. And I hope thousands more will follow. I feel so fortunate that I have two amazing dads, two brothers, and a world of growing acceptance. I am truly proud to be a part of a community where all families are supported, embraced and loved. Thank you for honoring my dad."
Not a dry eye in the house.
In recounting this evening, the appreciation floods back again. Thank you. Thank you to each and every one of you who help us continue the work of providing educational resources and support to those seeking to create their families.
On a very personal note, a special thank you to The AFA's Development Director, Lisa Van Ness. Her support in making this event a success was crucial, and a great reminder of how efficient and effective The AFA is.
Ken Mosesian
Executive Director
The dress up and the haircut are looking so nice on the couples.
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