Date: Mon, 2 Nov 98 18:16:58 -0500 From: NGLTF Subject: GameWorks Scores Big for Task Force Policy Institute *********************************************** NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE PRESS RELEASE Contact: Tracey Conaty, Communications Director 202-332-6483 ext. 3303 800-757-6476 pager tconaty@ngltf.org http://www.ngltf.org 2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 *********************************************** GameWorks Scores Big for Task Force Policy Institute SEATTLE COUNCILWOMAN TINA PODLODOWSKI NEARLY EATEN BY A JURASSIC PARK DINOSAUR! Washington, DC---November 2, 19998---More than 500 people attended a Seattle fundraiser that raised $61,000 for the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force (NGLTF). The Policy Institute is a think tank dedicated to the development of public policy, research, and strategies that advance lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender equality. The fundraiser was held at GameWorks, a giant state-of-the-art gaming arcade in downtown Seattle on Tuesday, October 20. That day was also proclaimed "National Gay and Lesbian Task Force 25th Anniversary Day" by unanimous vote of the Mayor and City Council. The fundraiser was attended by scores of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth from Lambert House and the University of Washington, as well as employees from Seattle area high-tech companies like Microsoft, Adobe, and RealNetworks. The evening included a silent auction and hours of electronic game playing. Skip Paul, the CEO of GameWorks, donated the venue. A host committee of 37 Seattlites helped produce the event. Major donors contributed heavily to the affair, including a personal check from Stephen Spielberg for $5,000 and donations from the Geffen and Wasserman Foundations. The event was the first of its kind in Seattle for a GLBT organization. A fabulous time was had by all. The evening was especially appreciated by many youth, who found an outlet for their anger and grief in the wake of the brutal murder of Matthew Shepard. "The event was a huge success," said Kerry Lobel, Task Force executive director. "A few hours of lightness and joy was most welcome after a week heavy with grief stemming from the Matthew Shepard murder." Seattle City Councilwoman Tina Podlodowski organized the fundraiser. Podlodowski is also a new NGLTF Board member. "It's great to be able to do this sort of work for NGLTF, and raise the visibility of the organization in my hometown," Podlodowski stated. "We had representation from all aspects of Seattle's GLBT community here tonight, as well as our straight allies. I'm so proud we could all come together for a moment of fun in a struggle for civil rights that we all believe in," she added. -30- _____________________________________________________________________ Founded in 1973, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force works to eliminate prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people at the local, state and national level. As part of a broader social justice movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where all people may fully participate in society. _________________________________________ This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media Department. If you have a question regarding this post, please direct it to the contact at the top of this message. If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with "UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to . You may also unsubscribe by visiting http://www.ngltf.org.