20th Annual SAGE Awards and Gala
On Monday, October 19, 2015, SAGE (Services and Advocacy for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender Elders) held its 20th Anniversary Awards & Gala at Gotham Hall in New York. The event raised over $750,000–a SAGE record–and served to recognize SAGE’s achievements throughout the country, as well as honoring five leaders committed to improving life among diverse LGBTQ+ aging populations. The honorees included Jim Obergefell, who will be presented with the LGBTQ+ Pioneer Award by SAGE board member emerita Edie Windsor. This was Mr. Obergefell’s first award from a national organization.
The 20th Anniversary SAGE Awards & Gala also introduced the Jack Watters Corporate Advocate Award, honoring Stephen Simcock of JPMorgan Chase for his leadership on LGBTQ+ senior housing. Assemblymember Deborah Glick—the first openly gay member elected to the New York State legislature—received the Paula Ettelbrick Community Service Award. SAGE also acknowledged Ted Snowdon & Duffy Violante for their continuous support of LGBTQ+ community programs, and the Macquarie Group for its commitment to SAGE Center Harlem and SAGE’s national programs.
Gabriella Pizzolo, child-star of Fun Home—Broadway’s first-ever musical with a lesbian protagonist and winner of five 2015 Tony Awards—rounded out the evening with a special performance of “Ring of Keys.
