The funds raised support the Foundation’s continuing work to “Replace Hate with Understanding, Compassion and Acceptance” through educational outreach programs in high schools, colleges, workplaces and community organizations nationwide. The Foundation visited 60 such sites with speaking engagements and workshops in the last 12 months, and added a wide array of new interactive tools to its signature youth resource site, MatthewsPlace.com.
Bishop Gene Robinson of the Episcopal Diocese of New Hampshire received the “Making a Difference” Award, given annually since 2006 to someone making a strong impact for equality. Robinson has been active particularly in the area of full civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. “God loves you beyond your wildest imagining, and so do I,” Robinson remarked from the podium in accepting the award.
Udi Behr, creator of Love and Pride and a native of Israel, was honored with the “Essential Piece Award” for his commitment to ‘Celebrating Love’ and ‘Erasing Hate’ within the GLBT community through his design of pendants through his company, the proceeds of which benefit the Foundation. More than 5,000 “Erase Hate” pendants have been sold in 40 countries worldwide, he noted.
Also awarded for his longtime service to the organization was former MSF Development Director Andrew Tweedie, who helped originate the “Bear to Make a Difference” concept in 2002.
Hosted by ABC7News Chief Meteorologist Mike Nelson, the dinner also featured a special welcome and remarks from Judy Shepard, a presentation by Reichen Lehmkuhl, and an update on the organization’s work by Executive Director Jason Marsden.
An after-dinner live auction of personalized and autographed celebrity teddy bears provided a critical fundraising component, including signed bears from Sarah McLachlan, Sharon Osbourne, Madonna, Bobby Flay, Naomi and Wynonna Judd, Meryl Streep, Garth Brooks, Gloria Estefan and many other notable personalities.
