Date:         Fri, 26 Apr 1996 10:47:42 -0400
From: LGCSCNYC@AOL.COM
Subject:      Launch Gay Pride Week - GARDEN PARTY Returns June 24, 1996

Calendar Alert

LESBIAN & GAY CENTER GARDEN PARTY

-- Launch of Lesbian & Gay Pride Week; The 13 Year-old
Tradition Keeps Getting Better !!--

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
New York City (24April96) -- On Monday, June 24, the Lesbian & Gay Community
Services Center will host its 13th annual Center Garden Party from 6:30 pm to
11pm -- the Center's most popular annual benefit.  A block party
extraordinaire, Center Garden Party is the traditional launch for Lesbian and
Gay Pride Week in New York City.  This year, lesbian comedian Kate Clinton
returns as emcee, joined by other great entertainment including the
inimitable impersonator Jimmy James; The Lavender Light: The Black and People
of All Colors Lesbian & Gay Gospel Choir; The Flirtations; the Lesbian & Gay
Big Apple Corps marching band; and other talent to be announced.  As
appropriate to cap off a night of gay celebration, Hot Lavender Swing Band
will play for those dancing in the street under the stars.

Benjamin Stilp, spokesperson for the Center, said, "The Center Garden Party
is a great community event that draws a fascinating diversity of community
activists, artists, politicians, and everyone in between.  Despite the fact
that New York has an enormous gay population, it's truly rare to experience
the sense of community that is captured by the Center Garden Party."

A great community tradition that keeps getting better, the Garden party is a
memorable occasion to catch up with old friends, browse information tables
and meet representatives from more than 70 lesbian and gay organizations, and
socialize with community leaders and public officials.  In addition, guests
can win fabulous prizes in the Center's raffle and silent auction.  All
proceeds benefit the Center's life-saving and life-affirming mental health
and social services, educational, recreational and cultural programs.

Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and growing corporate
sponsorship, the Garden Party raises more than $100,000 annually for the
Center and its 27 life-saving and life-affirming programs.  Save the date --
you won’t want to miss the kick-off Pride event of the year!  Garden Party
tickets are $40 for Center members and $50 for non-members.  Sponsorship
opportunities are available beginning at $100 to $1,000.  Partner tickets (2)
are $150 and Patron tickets (2) are $250.  All tickets include box supper.
 For more information contact the Center at (212) 620-7310 x358.

CONTACT:                Benjamin Stilp, Director of Communications
                        tel (212) 620-7310      FAX (212) 924-2657
--[END]--