Celebrities Praise Accomplishments Of LGBTQ Students At 2013 "Voices On Point" Gala

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Students making great strides to become the leaders of tomorrow were celebrated by stars of today and celebrity legends at the "Voices On Point" concert and dinner benefiting Point Foundation (Point), the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit.  Performing at the Sept. 7 event at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles were Melissa Manchester, Alex Newell (with Lindsay Arnold and Whitney Carson), Richard Marx, Deniece Williams, and G.R.L. Celebrity presenters and guests included Victoria Justice, Carmen Electra, Derek Hough, Bob Harper, Florence Henderson, Judith Light, Greg Louganis, Wendie Malick, and Bai Ling.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Point Courage Award to Dean Pitchford who wrote the screenplay and songs to the film "Footloose," and won an Academy Award and Golden Globe for the song "Fame." The award recognized Pitchford as an inspiration to young LGBTQ artists, and his generous and steadfast support of many LGBTQ organizations including Point Foundation.   

"Talent and creativity flourishes when it has support and encouragement, and tonight's Voices On Point event was a wonderful opportunity for our scholars to receive encouragement from accomplished artists they admire," said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of Point Foundation. "Point is honored to celebrate the work and life of a great talent like that of Dean Pitchford. We are also tremendously grateful to our sponsors and everyone who came out to this evening to raise the much-needed funds that make it possible for us to help Point Scholars pursue their laudable aspirations."

The event raised $400,000, making it Point Foundation's most successful fundraiser ever in Los Angeles. The total includes a generous commitment for a new $100,000 Named Scholarship funded by Joni Rim and her partner, Point Board Member Shelley Freeman. During the memorable evening, a number of Point's 78 current scholars and 165 alumni joined the celebrities on stage and shared with the audience their inspiring stories about the challenges they have overcome in pursuit of their higher education degree. 

Proud sponsors of "Voices On Point" included Audi, Wells Fargo, Macy's, Delta, Hilton Worldwide, "Dexter" on Showtime, PwC, Grey Goose and media sponsors The Advocate and Frontiers Magazine.

About Point Foundation

Point Foundation empowers promising LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential – despite the obstacles often put before them – to make a significant impact on society.  Since 2001, Point has invested more than $15 million in the education and support of Point Scholars. Point Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development, and community service training.  www.pointfoundation.org | facebook/pointfoundation | twitter/pointfoundation - #VoicesOnPoint

SOURCE Point Foundation

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