Lambda Celebrates 25th Anniversary in San Francisco with Politicians, Entertainers, and Activists

(SAN FRANCISCO, April 13, 1998) -- Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund celebrates its 25^th anniversary this Thursday, April 16, in San Francisco with a host of prominent politicians, entertainers, and activists.

The gala will take place Thursday, April 16, in the Gold Room of the Palace Hotel. It will feature Lambda plaintiff Peter Mackler, a survivor of anti-gay brutality by the Los Angeles Police Department for whom Lambda won a record settlement last year, comedian Marga Gomez, vocal artist Paula West, and long-time legal activist Mary Dunlap.

Members of the City Board of Supervisors and other community leaders will also attend.

"San Francisco has been a beacon to the country leading the way toward fairness and equality for lesbians, gays, and those with HIV and AIDS," said Lambda Executive Director Kevin Cathcart. "Lambda is honored to have such celebrated guests join us in this city to commemorate our 25 years fighting to end the discrimination suffered by lesbians and gay men and their families."

Jennifer Pizer, managing attorney of Lambda's Western Regional Office, said, "We are proud to stand up for extending equal benefits to the employees of those who contract with San Francisco; for halting discriminatory insurance and workplace practices targeting Californians with HIV and AIDS; and for protecting the safety and self esteem of lesbian and gay youth." The WRO's legal staff has taken on these and many other challenges in nearly eight years in California.

Almost every major San Francisco law firm has purchased a table at the event, making it a record show of support for Lambda by the San Francisco legal community.

Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund is a 25 year old national organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV and AIDS through impact litigation, education, and public policy work. Headquartered in New York, and with offices in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Atlanta, Lambda has regional and national expertise in all aspects of sexual orientation and HIV-related law and policy.

WHO: A host of politicians, entertainers, and activists celebrate Lambda's 25^th anniversary

WHAT: San Francisco Celebrates Lambda 25

WHEN: Thursday, April 16, Cocktails 6 PM, Dinner 7 PM, Program 7:15 PM

WHERE: Gold Room, Palace Hotel, Montgomery and Market Streets, San Francisco

CONTACT: Kathy Strieder, 212-809-8585, ext. 241; 888-987-1984 (pager)
Gale Richards, 510-419-1000 x 243
Jennifer Pizer, 213-590-5903

For tickets, please call the Bergman Organization at 213-655-4134. Patron tickets $250, Donor tickets $150.

Media interested in receiving complementary tickets please contact Kathy Strieder at 212-809-8585 x 241.