The sixth annual Women’s Pride in the Pines celebration and fundraiser took place on June 11. The lavish event, given by the LGBTQ Focus Foundation, headed by its President, Linda Gottlieb, principally raised funds for the Hetrick-Martin Institute and its Ali Forney Center, educating, empowering, and advocating for LGBTQ youth.
Women’s Pride, with a dress code of Classic White, began in the afternoon in the pavilion at Whyte Hall, with dancing to music by DJs Susan Levine and George Marchelos, drinks and tasty hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction of such items as theater and event tickets, restaurant gift certificates, Tiffany jewelry, Ralph Lauren products, vacation packages, artwork, Derek Jeter memorabilia, and professional services. A 2016 Mini Cooper two-door hard top was raffled off for the benefit of, not only Hetrick-Martin and Ali Forney Center, but also the Pines Foundation and Stonewall Community Foundation.
A pool-and-bayside VIP Cocktail Party at sunset at the Pines Club, on Beach Hill Road at the Great South Bay, where the Fire Island Dance Festival will take place from July 15 to 17, followed, catered by Stephen G. Daniello’s Share Chef, with raw bar from the Cull House.
Guests returned to Whyte Hall in the evening for comedy by Jessica Kirson and songs sung by disco diva France Joli.

photo by Bruce-Michael Gelbert

VIP Cocktail Party (inset: comic Jessica Kirson & disco diva France Joli)

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