March 15, 2017 (New York, NY): Bailey House is proud to announce that the organization raised more than a half million dollars at the 29^th Annual Bailey House Gala & Auction. The 2017 Gala & Auction took place Thursday, March 9^th at Pier 60 in New York City. This marks the most successful Gala & Auction since February 28, 2008, prior to the stock market crash. The annual benefit event supports Bailey House’s more than 30-year mission to provide housing and vital services, including care coordination, mental health and substance use treatment, forpeople with or at risk of HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

The success of the evening was marked by the celebratory warmth of the sold-out Gala Awards Dinner for 241 guests, with awards honoring the heroism of individuals and allies who work to further and fulfill the Bailey House mission. The dinner was followed by a festive and colorful Live and Silent Auction that welcomed just over 400 attendees. 

The evening was hosted by Alan Cumming, Tony Award-winning stage, television and film actor and New York Times best-selling author. Cumming was joined by Michael Friedman, historian for Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet, who served as auctioneer for the evening. 

2017 Bailey House Awards:

Gina Quattrochi Arts & Legacy Award – Presented to David France & Jonathan Starch for their long-time support of Bailey House and on-going work to amplify LGBT equality efforts, especially for people affected by HIV/AIDS. France is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and New York Times best-selling author of How to Survive a Plague, as well as an award-winning investigative journalist. Starch is the longtime Executive Producer of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”  The award was presented by Tony Award-nominated stage and television actor, singer and voice artist Raúl Esparza. In 2017, the Arts and Legacy Award was renamed in memory of Quattrochi, the late Bailey House CEO who passed away in December 2016.

Rodger McFarlane Social Justice Award – Presented to Patricia M. Evert, a committed fundraiser and philanthropic advisor who has been responsible for raising more than $250 million for LGBT, HIV/AIDS, political and social rights movements. The award was present by Tom Viola, Executive Director of Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS.

Rodger McFarlane Youth Activist Award – Presented to LaQwanna Finkley, a junior at Lehman College, for her work to engage and empower disadvantaged youth, particularly women of color, as a leader of community health education and job readiness programs. The award was presented by Jeanette Ruffins, Bailey House Senior Vice President of Housing Resources and Development, and Jon Sands, who leads the Bailey House client poetry group.

The Gala Dinner was followed by the famous Bailey House Live and Silent Auction. Auction highlights included stunning works by legendary photographers Robert Mapplethorpe and Herb Ritts; a Bruce Sargent portrait sitting; two Air France Business Class tickets coupled with a three-night stay in Paris at La Maison, Champs-Elysées in a couture suite designed by fashion house Maison Margiela; an evening with New York Giants All-American quarterback Eli Manning, to name just a handful.

The Silent Auction featured nearly 450 items, including art, home design, fashion, restaurant and entertainment items. Four special home décor vignettes were curated by media sponsor NYC&G (New York Cottages and Gardens) presented by Baker Furniture; the New York Metro Chapter of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers); ATG Stores, the home furnishing company, represented by Creative Director Alexa Hampton and President Michelle Newberry; the New York Chapter of IDS IMPACT (Interior Design Society); and the New York Metro Chapter of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers). The vignettes were created under the creative direction of leading interior designers including: Robin Baron, Kara Mann, Drew McGukin, David Santiago and others.

Through generous sponsorships, celebrity support and phenomenal auction items, Bailey House has raised nearly $20 million since its inaugural Auction. All proceeds from the event go directly to providing housing and supportive services for Bailey House clients – formerly homeless and low-income men, women, children, veterans and LGBTQ youth living with or at high risk of HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

Photos from the evening will be posted to the Bailey House Facebook page. To request select images of VIPs contact Clayton Neighbors at cneighbors@baileyhouse.org.

Special Thanks: