On Friday, May 15, Gov. Tom Wolf made his first appearance as governor at an LGBT community event.
The Mazzoni Center held their annual fundraiser, “Elixir: The Cure for the Common Gala” at the Fairmount Water Works. More than 400 attendees gathered for the evening to celebrate the Mazzoni Center’s 35th anniversary. The Mazzoni Center is the premier LGBT healthcare provider in Philadelphia, offering critical general health, mental health, and social services. The Mazzoni Center welcomes patients from throughout the commonwealth.
Gov. Wolf’s attendance was not announced before the event.
This year, the Mazzoni Center honored Franny Price, Executive Director of Philly Pride Presents, with the inaugural Gloria Casarez Leadership Award. Price leads the planning and execution of Philadelphia Pride and OutFest each year.
Also honored, was Michael Tambón, known as the drag performer Cherry Pop. Tambón has been a visible entertainer in Philadelphia speaking out for those living with HIV in the work to end stigma.
Before his election to the governorship, Tom Wolf attended Philadelphia Pride in 2014 to rally his supporters within the LGBT community.
Photo: Mazzoni Center CEO Nurit Shein, Gov. Tom Wolf, and Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs Director Nellie Fitzpatrick (Freedom G Photography)