Following a successful inaugural benefit last year, honoring Broadway legend Stephen Schwartz, Mazzoni Center aims to raise the bar even higher this year. With George Takei, known for his Star Trek roles and tireless advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, as the honoree, the event promises to be both inspiring and star-studded.
Takei, a multi-talented actor, author, and social media influencer, has championed equality and social justice throughout his career. Since publicly coming out in 2005, he has become a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ community, using his platform to advocate for equal rights and acceptance.
Joining Takei and host Soledad O'Brien will be a constellation of talent, including Grammy Award winner and Tony nominee Celia Rose Gooding, Grammy-nominated singer Martha Wash, Broadway star Reanne Acasio, and Philadelphia's own BalletX. With musical direction by Nick Wilders and a house band featuring members of the Philadelphia Orchestra, the evening promises to be a musical and artistic extravaganza.
The funds raised from Mazzoni Center Honors will directly support the organization's comprehensive services, including primary medical care, HIV and STI testing, gender-affirming care, behavioral health care, legal services, housing support, and a food bank. True to its core principles, Mazzoni Center never turns away any client due to a lack of financial resources, making this event crucial in ensuring that all members of the LGBTQ+ community have access to the care they need.
Don't miss this extraordinary evening of entertainment and philanthropy. By attending Mazzoni Center Honors, you'll not only celebrate George Takei's remarkable career but also contribute to a vital cause that directly impacts the lives of thousands of LGBTQ+ individuals in Philadelphia.
