Star-Filled Evening Provides Encouragement and Support for LGBTQ Students

Robin Roberts & Michael Lombardo Recognized at Point Honors Gala in Los Angeles

News provided by

Oct 03, 2016, 01:38 ET

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 3, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Point Honors Los Angeles brought 400 guests to the storied ballroom of the Beverly Hilton Hotel for a celebrity-filled gala evening in support of Point Foundation (Point), the nation's largest scholarship-granting organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) students of merit. Nearly half a million dollars was raised for higher education scholarships, as well as Point's mentoring and leadership programs.

Click for hi-res images of arrivals and event highlights via Getty

Photo Credit: Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation

At the gala, Robin Roberts, anchor of "Good Morning America," received the Point Courage Award, which recognizes an individual who advocates for the future of the LGBTQ community and that investing in today's potential will produce a brighter tomorrow. Upon being presented with the award by reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump, Roberts stressed, "Everyone is deserving of equality, of inclusion and no one should be denied an opportunity to be everything they can be; especially because of who they are. These scholars - they're truly courageous for living their truth."

Michael Lombardo, producer and broadcast executive, received the Point Impact Award, which is presented to an individual making a significant impact on improving the LGBTQ community. Molly Shannon, star of the comedy-drama "Other People," presented Lombardo with the award. In his acceptance speech, Lombardo said, "Point inculcates in its scholars a clear mission to give back. Moreover, without that circle, we stop growing. This award not only honors me and my family: it honors a long line of gay men and women who came before me, paving the way and lending me a hand."

Comedian Cameron Esposito hosted the inspiring evening, with a performance by Our Lady J, as well as an ensemble performance by India Carney, Jennifer Foster, James Harper, Mario Jose, and Lydia Luce. Celebrity attendees included Cas Anvar, William Belli, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Hayden Byerly, Steve Cederquist, Suzanne Cryer, Jack Falahee, Wendi McLendon-Covey, John Savage, Jason Stuart, Matt Walsh, and Morgan Walsh. Also attending were past Point honorees, Adam Shankman, Neal Baer, and Pete Nowalk.

"The encouragement and support for LGBTQ students from everyone who attended and made Point Honors Los Angeles a great success, will allow our scholars to complete their degree, face the world head on, and help make our communities, our nation and the world a better place," said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation.

Presenting Sponsors for Point Honors: HBO, Hilton, Wells Fargo
Premier Sponsors: Gilead, and HSBC
Principal Sponsors: Neal Baer, Cadillac, Jim Cummings & Justin Mohatt
National Media Sponsor: The Advocate and Pride.com
Local Media Sponsors: The Pride LA
Friend of Point: Edelman

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 $18 million in the education and support of Point Scholars. The Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training.

Media Contact:
Eugene Patron
Point Foundation
(212) 512.7807
Cell (917) 501.5881
[email protected]

Available Topic Expert: For information on the listed expert, click appropriate link.
Jorge Valencia
ProfNet - http://www.profnetconnect.com/jorgevalencia

SOURCE Point Foundation