All posts tagged with: Trevor project

Event producer, Tom Whitman, has been putting together high-energy parties across the United States for over a decade. But it’s his philanthropic actions, which have earned him the 2012 LA Pride Berman Schaffer Service Award.

As a producer and entrepreneur, Tom has put together some amazing events in the LGBT community, including ones for HRC, GLAAD, LA Gay & Lesbian Center and LA Pride’s 2012 Community Grand Marshall, The Trevor Project.

One of Tom’s recent initiatives was The Gang of 100; an informal group of friends, 100-people strong, that used their social connections to raise funds for a number of Los Angeles not-for-profit organizations. 100% of the funds raised goes directly to the benefit organizations. Over the past five years, The Gang of 100 has raised $700,000 for The Trevor Project, The Point Foundation and AIDS Project Los Angeles.

For the past five years Tom has served as the Chair of APLA’s Board of Directors. It’s his dedication, influence and philanthropic attitude which has earned him the Berman Schaffer Service Award.

Volunteers of the The Trevor Project march in the 2011 LA Pride Parade

The Grand Marshal of any parade is an important position. It’s especially important in the LA Pride Parade. For 42 years, Christopher Street West has hosted the annual parade in Hollywood, California. This year The Trevor Project, an LGBT organization headquartered along the parade route, will be the Grand Marshal for the Sunday, June 10, 2012 event.

“Today, throughout our country, many parents, teachers, councilors, legislators, advocates and event the White House know that Trevor is the default when it comes to supporting kids struggling with their sexual orientation,” said Owen Ward, Christopher Street West Board of Directors. “LA PRIDE has always served as a beacon of hope and inspiration and that is why we are so pleased to bestow the honor of Community Grand Marshal to The Trevor Project.”

The Trevor Project has used their exposure to build awareness of its life-saving and life-affirming services for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered youth. Their volunteers across the country have helped thousands of young people who are in crisis or considering suicide.

They also offer secure online services including TrevorChat, an online instant messaging service and TrevorSpace, a social network for teens and youth, to connect with real, live counsellors.

“On behalf of the teens and young adults who need The Trevor Project, as well as the many volunteers and supporters who make our work possible, we are honored to be recognized as this year’s Community Grand Marshal,” said Abbe Land, Executive Director and CEO of The Trevor Project.” We are grateful to Christopher Street West and the community of West Hollywood for supporting a culture that encourages young people to reach out for help. You help make sure The Trevor Project is there for young people whenever they need to talk live,”

The Trevor Project at the 2011 LA Pride Parade

Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is a leading American national organization focused on the prevention of suicide for LGTBQ youth.

Through a toll-free telephone number, The Trevor Lifeline has trained counselors that provide guidance and vital resources and other confidential services.

The Trevor Project was founded in West Hollywood, California by James Lecesne, Peggy Rajski and Randy Stone; the creators of the 1994 Academy award-winning film, Trevor. The drama short film was about a 13 year-old boy who was rejected by his friends because he was gay and he attempts to take his own life. The creators of the film learned there was no helpline and decided to start The Trevor Lifeline to promote LGBTQ youth and to help prevent suicide in the vulnerable group.

Today The Trevor Lifeline is an American national crisis and suicide prevention help line open 24/7/365.

In August 2010, Harry Potter film star, Daniel Radcliffe made a significant cash donation to The Trevor Project.

“I am very pleased to begin my support of the Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work,” said Radcliffe. “It’s extremely distressing to consider that in 2009 suicide is a top-three killer of young people, and it’s truly devastating to learn that LGBTQ youth are up to four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers.”

The Trevor Project has expanded into other areas including online chat, online social networking community, a youth advisory council and offers internships and workshops as part of their education and development programs.

To find out how you can get involved, make a financial contribution, or if you are an LGTBQ youth in crisis and need someone to talk to, please visit The Trevor Project website.

An exclusive message from Jake Austin for myWebbSite.ca readers and followers of @br_webb:

Photo Credit: Mocha

If there is only one thing readers walk away with it is “Bullying should be a crime!” The unnecessary death of youths in our society is of great concern to me.

There is no reason that any person, gay or straight, should think that there is no alternative to suicide. As citizens, we need to stand up and raise light to this issue. FUCK HATE! NO HATE!!!

Show your support, go buy the shirt and wear it with pride, donate to the Trevor project (or any fundraiser), or next time your friend or family member uses a degrading homosexual word confront them.

Do your part to help stop the HATE!

I know I do!

Jake Austin