'Elixir' event on Friday, May 18 - Mazzoni Center

Master of Ceremonies for the Elixir <strong>event</strong> will be Jim Donovan, CBS 3 Eyewitness News
Consumer Reporter.
“Mazzoni Center was founded by volunteers who were both community members and
allies, and we have been fortunate over the years to receive an increasing amount of recognition
and support from individuals and organizations outside the LGBT community,” Mazzoni Center
Executive Director Nurit L. Shein said, adding: “without their involvement we would not have
been able to grow the organization and to make the significant gains for our communities that we
have seen in recent years.”
“Knowing that we have allies on the federal level, like Secretary Sebelius, gives us the
opportunity to address the needs and health concerns of our community,” Shein explained.
“Under her leadership the Department of Health and Human Services has made significant
changes in both pr<strong>event</strong>ion and care that have advanced the well being of LGBT individuals. The
Peter Mazzoni Award is our way of acknowledging the Secretary for her support, and celebrating
what it represents for our communities.”
Guests at this year’s Elixir <strong>event</strong> will enjoy cocktails, a selection of passed hors d'oeuvres
and buffet, musical entertainment by DJ Carl Michaels, plus a silent auction, and more. Newly
crowned Mr. Gay Philadelphia, Sean Green, will also be on hand to mingle with guests.
Guests who purchase VIP tickets will also enjoy complimentary champagne, free valet
parking, plus cocktails, appetizers, and live jazz by the Behn Gillece Duo. All VIP guests will
automatically be entered into a special drawing, and will mingle with honoree Joe Valentine and
some of the <strong>event</strong>’s honorary committee members. Tickets for the VIP <strong>event</strong> are $250, and
general admission tickets are $125. Tickets are available online at: www.mazzonicenter.org
Elixir co-chair and Mazzoni Center Board President Kelly Harris said: “In addition to
celebrating the work of allies who have made a difference, our goal with this <strong>event</strong> is to raise
funds for and awareness about those members of the LGBT and HIV/AIDS communities in our
area who continue to need our support and direct services, whether in primary medical care,
mental health, legal, or social service programs.”
Honorary Committee members for this year’s Elixir <strong>event</strong> are: Robert L. Barchi, M.D.,
Ph.D., President, Thomas Jefferson University; the Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown; Vik