A Night to Remember — View the Gala Photo Galleries
Photos by John Colombo
Photos by John Altdorfer
Photos by David Bachman
Why This Night Mattered
Because 50 years of dedication deserves to be celebrated in joy.
​For five decades, Persad has been a safe space for LGBTQ+ people and those living with HIV/AIDS. This Gala honors that legacy with an evening that’s not only impactful—but also deeply meaningful.
​
It was a chance to honor our visionary founders, uplift our beautifully unique community, and celebrate a world where everyone shines!
.jpg)
How Your Support Changes Lives
It was one night of joy for a lifetime of change.
​
Our "50 & Forward" gala was a bold commitment to the future of the region's mental health and a powerful way to stand up for our community with love and purpose.
​
✨ The Gala will build on that momentum—helping us expand mental health affirming services for the next 50 years.
.jpg)
An honor to our Visionaries
Celebrating Dr. Jim Huggins & Randy Forrester.
Their courage built the foundation for Persad’s mission: a safe space where LGBTQ+ lives are seen, celebrated, and supported.
.jpg)
Our Esteemed Host Committee
Gene Welsh, Chair
​Community leaders standing proudly with us.
The evening shined thanks to the generosity and leadership of our Host Committee. We are deeply grateful for every name on this list—each one a light in our community.
County Executive Sara Innamorato
The Honorable Judge Christine Ward
County Councilperson Jordan Botta
City Controller Corey O’Connor
City Councilperson Erika Strassburger
Gene Welsh and Marty Healey
Jerad Bachar and JP O'Connor
Justin Beck, Esq. and Nicholas Bell, Esq.
Paul Block
Dr. Christian Bolea
Christine Brondyke and Steve Grair
Candi Castleberry
Denise and Mark Chisholm
Doug Clewett
Michael and Laura Currey
Joe King
Barrie Denmark
John and Virginia DiPucci
Jeffrey Dormish
Victor Dozzi and Rich Eckman
Michele Fabrizi
Christina French and Mark Willson
Bill Friedlander and Drew Sloan
Dr. Mark Friedman
Alice G. Gelormino and Dr. Susan C. Hunt
Dr. John Gillespie and Jorge Ramon
Nachum Golan and Steve Hough
Christopher Hahn and Ronald Booth
Mike Hanlon and Glenn Lautenbacher
Keri Harmicar and David Seman
Travis and Stephanie Hawes
Dr. Lathe Haynes
Ellie Siegal
Dr. Lester Olson
​​
Dan Heit
Dr. Ken Ho
Dennis Howsare
Jo and Mary Incorvaia
Dr. Jeffrey Jackson and Antonio Beltran
David Jobin and Angel Burgos
Abass B. Kamara
Elise Keely
Mark Kempic and Craig Ryan
Bernie Kobosky and Dr. Lisa Cibik
Austin Kyle Rusert
Richard Le Beau and Dr. Michael White
Dr. Larry Leahy
Hon. Lisa Lenihan (Ret.) and Marie Cini, PhD
Chuck Lynn
Michael Madden MD
Justin Matase and Dr. Elie Aoun
David McDougal and Jeff Miller
Dr. Jack Montini
Scott Noxon and Russell Bruner
William Powers
Oksana Prysyazhnyuk
Paul Purdy and David Onufer
Dr. Joseph Pusateri
Mary Sue Ramsden and Karen Peters
Kenneth Regal and Judith Ruszkowski
Dr. Manuel and Dr. Debra Reich
Jeremy Reynolds
Matthew Ripple and Jack Lawlor
Michael and Gretchen Rizzo
Douglas Root and Luke Miller
Kathleen Schneider Esq & Dr. Patricia Hayes
Nancy Simpronio
Joseph Hearn
Matthew and Beth Schwartz
Dr. Robert & Dr. Sheri Sclabassi
Steve Seibert
Drs. Robert and Janet Squires
David Sufrin and Diane Samuels
Gene Svrcek
Janice Talerico
Mia Tarducci and Jason Lancaster
Katie and Tawni Toole
John and Nancy Traina
James Turnbull
Tom Viola
Tommy Walters and Dr. Marshall Stewart
Will Wenger and Ian Price
Izear Winfrey
Tim McVay, Esq. and David Bush
Abby Morrison and Paul Teplitz
Dr. Lisa Pan
Ralph Morrow
Pete and Patty Fuscaldo
Victoria and George Rose
Robert Boldin
Dr. Michael Lewis and Dr. Katia Sycara
Deedra Knaus
Michael and Maria Healey
Dr. Juergen and Julie Kloo
Dr. Brian Bonczek and Jeff Wetzel
Kendra Whitlock Ingram and Ben Ingram
Dr. Stacy Lane
Mary Bockovich
David and Katy Caliguri
Richard Parsakian
David March​
​Timothy Yeager
Sarah Rosso and Sarah Miller
Thank You to our Generous Sponsors
%20(002).jpg){kind=small}
LUXE Creative Underwritten by Gene Welsh and Marty Healey
In Loving Memory of Mrs. Rosemarie Kutsenkow. From the Toole Family
Joseph Hearn