Photo Credit: Scott Beale/Laughing Squid
Who is ready to party on October 24th?
Get ready to show your pride and support at the Stonewall Inn. After President Obama's historic announcement for the designation of a new national monument at the site of the infamous Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan in 1969, charitybuzz.com and Pride Live Nation have partnered with some of the biggest names in entertainment to raise funds. Pride Live Nation, an advocacy organization that supports the LGBT community, was founded by Diana Rodriguez who previously worked with The Clinton Foundation and GLAAD. The National Park service, in partnership with online auctioneer Charity Buzz and online fundraising platform Prizeo, is running the auction with all of the proceeds going to the National Park service and earmarked for maintenance of the Stonewall National Monument.
Some of the superstars who are helping take part in this wonderful auction include Madonna, George Clooney, Cher, Andy Cohen, Neil Patrick Harris, Cyndi Lauper, Anderson Cooper, Michael Bublé, Taylor Swift, Demi Lovato and Troye Sivan. The opening launch of the event celebrating Stonewall will happen on Monday, October 24th from 6 - 9 P.M. at the Stonewall Inn.
The magnificent auction will offer various items personally donated by the charitable celebrities. The festivities will begin on October 25th and will run for two weeks. The legendary Cher will be auctioning off a Couture hat that she purchased in London a few years ago that was created by the famous Gladys Tamez. The gorgeous hat is one of her favorite pieces that she loves to wear when she travels. The iconic singer and Oscar-winning actress handpicked this hat for this once in a lifetime event. It will be housed in a box that Cher has signed that will also include a special message to Stonewall. Madonna has also donated a pair of autographed Prada shoes to the auction. In addition, Stevie Nicks has contributed an autographed tambourine that she personally embellished and played on stage. It will be signed "Love to You Stonewall '69." All of the money that will be raised will go to create and maintain the park. It will honor the history and significance of the birthplace that started the modern day Gay Rights movement. On June 28th, 1969, police conducted what began as another routine raid of the gay hot spot. The mounting frustration felt by bar patrons and nearby residents over continual harassment and arrests culminated in their refusal to comply with police orders. It sparked several days of riots and protests. The brave individuals who took part in the riots created new possibilities for generations to come.
On June 24th, 2016, President Obama proudly stated, "I'm designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America's National Park System. Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights. I believe our national parks should reflect the full story of our country, the richness and diversity and uniquely American spirit that has always defined us. That we are stronger together. That out of many, we are one."
The Stonewall Inn is located on 53 Christopher St, New York, NY 10014. You can place a bid on the fabulous items mentioned in the article by visiting Charitybuzz and clicking here.