Diversity Honors 2016

Posted on: By: |   Categories: Philanthropy

This year, Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood once again proudly hosted Diversity Honors on May 13th, benefiting the Harvey Milk Foundation, who’s mission in these awards is “Honoring those who are transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness.”

The event was beautifully decorated by the Special Events team, with special guitars at every table auctioned off to support the Harvey Milk Foundation.
The event was beautifully decorated by the Special Events team, with special guitars at every table auctioned off to support the Harvey Milk Foundation.

With a motto like “Love All, Serve All” at Hard Rock’s around the globe, it’s easy to see that we think diversity rocks!

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Our very own Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events, has become known as a Straight Ally in South Florida and continues to involve Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood in philanthropic efforts to support our local LGBTQ Community.

Local talent Daisy Deadpetals helped commemorate the evening with a performance Madonna would be proud of, “Vogue-ing for Charity.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BFcalHPszmN/?taken-by=daisy_deadpetals

Another performer in attendance, Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly. “God has chosen me to have a blessed life,” the Indian actress notes in her speech. “My country is just one of 76 that still considers it a crime to be gay.” Celina Jaitly takes risks everyday when she vocalizes her support for the LGBTQ community, and for that, she was the 2016 Harvey Milk Foundation “Lilla Watson” Global Companion Medal Recipient.

Global human rights activist and nephew to Harvey, Stuart Milk, continued the evening from recognizing International supporters to backyard advocates.

Ryland takes the stage to give his speech and gratitude to the Harvey Milk Foundation.
Ryland takes the stage to give his speech and gratitude to the Harvey Milk Foundation.

Watch the video below to see the adversities the Whittington family continues to overcome each day, and understand why Ryland Whittington was chosen as the 2016 Milk Foundation Milan Rosza Youth Award Honoree.

Warning: This video may cause tears!

 

 

We know the fight is far from over, but in the words of Harvey Milk himself, “Rights are only won by those who make their voices heard.”

Love All, Serve All

– The Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Team