May 21, 2025 The Newspaper Serving LGBT Los Angeles

Scholars and stars rub elbows at Point Foundation Honors

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Robin Roberts speaks onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )

BY TROY MASTERS  |  LGBTQ youth often face enormous educational hurdles. Some examples are: an inability to feel they fit in or that they are safe from bullying; they are often immersed in poverty; frequently they lack family support; suffer resulting depression, etc.  Sometimes all that’s needed to turn things around is a little help from some friends.

That’s why The Point Foundation (Point), the nation’s largest scholarship-granting organization for LGBTQ “students of merit,” and more than 400 friends gathered last weekend to celebrate at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.  Hollywood celebrities, scholarship recipients, local advocates and activists, politicians and friends of the LGBTQ community all came together at Point Honors Red Carpet gala event, raising more than $500,000.

At the gala, Robin Roberts, anchor of “Good Morning America,” received the Point Courage Award, which recognizes an individual who advocates for the future of the LGBTQ community and that investing in today’s potential will produce a brighter tomorrow.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Lisa Vanderpump speaks onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Lisa Vanderpump speaks onstage at Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )

Upon being presented with the award by reality TV star Lisa Vanderpump, Roberts stressed, “Everyone is deserving of equality, of inclusion and no one should be denied an opportunity to be everything they can be; especially because of who they are. These scholars – they’re truly courageous for living their truth.” Michael Lombardo, producer and broadcast executive, received the Point Impact Award, which is presented to an individual making a significant impact on improving the LGBTQ community.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Honoree Michael Lombardo speaks onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Honoree Michael Lombardo speaks onstage at Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Actress Molly Shannon speaks onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Actress Molly Shannon speaks onstage at Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )

Molly Shannon, star of the comedy-drama “Other People,” presented Lombardo with the award. In his acceptance speech, Lombardo said, “Point inculcates in its scholars a clear mission to give back. Moreover, without that circle, we stop growing. This award not only honors me and my family: it honors a long line of gay men and women who came before me, paving the way and lending me a hand.”

Comedian Cameron Esposito hosted the inspiring evening, with a performance by Our Lady J, as well as an ensemble performance by India Carney, Jennifer Foster, James Harper, Mario Jose, and Lydia Luce. Celebrity attendees included Cas Anvar, William Belli, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Hayden Byerly, Steve Cederquist, Suzanne Cryer, Jack Falahee, Wendi McLendon-Covey, John Savage, Jason Stuart, Matt Walsh, and Morgan Walsh. Also attending were past Point honorees, Adam Shankman, Neal Baer, and Pete Nowalk.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Honorees Michael Lombardo, Robin Roberts, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation Jorge Valencia and Point Honors Shelley Freeman attend Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Honorees Michael Lombardo, Robin Roberts, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation Jorge Valencia and Point Honors Shelley Freeman attend Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )

“The encouragement and support for LGBTQ students from everyone who attended and made Point Honors Los Angeles a great success, will allow our scholars to complete their degree, face the world head on, and help make our communities, our nation and the world a better place,” said Jorge Valencia, Executive Director and CEO of Point Foundation.

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Host Cameron Esposito speaks onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Host Cameron Esposito speaks onstage at Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Television personality Robin Roberts and Amber Laign arrive at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Television personality Robin Roberts and Amber Laign arrive at Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )

Point Foundation has invested more than $18 million since 2001 assisting in the education and support of Point Scholars. The Foundation promotes change through scholarship funding, mentorship, leadership development and community service training.

Presenting Sponsors for Point Honors: HBO, Hilton, Well Fargo
Premier Sponsors: Gilead, and HSBC
Principal Sponsors: Neal Baer, Cadillac, Jim Cummings & Justin Mohatt
National Media Sponsor: The Advocate and Pride.com
Local Media Sponsors: The Pride LA
Friend of Point: Edelman

BEVERLY HILLS, CA - OCTOBER 01: Our Lady J performs onstage at Point Foundation's Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 01: Our Lady J performs onstage at Point Foundation’s Point Honors gala at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on October 1, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rich Polk/Getty Images for Point Foundation )
in NEWS
Related Posts

Thieves Use Cars to Smash Into Fairfax Stores in String of High-End Burglaries

May 21, 2025

May 21, 2025

LAPD Investigates String of Vehicle-Driven Break-Ins at Specialty Boutiques Storeowners in the Fairfax District are grappling with concerns about safety...

State Farm Seeks New Insurance Rate Hikes for California Homeowners and Renters

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Insurer Aims to Raise Premiums by up to 52% for Some Policyholders by 2026 Just one week after receiving approval...

Mayor Bass Launches Major Initiative to Boost Film Production in Los Angeles After Years of Neglect

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Facing Industry Setbacks, L.A. Rolls Out Plan to Attract On-Location Shoots In a renewed effort to preserve Los Angeles’ status...

Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd Settle Labor Lawsuit with Former Pump Employees for $490K

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Judge Approves Final Class-Action Settlement in Long-Running Wage Dispute Lisa Vanderpump and her husband, Ken Todd, have reached a final...

Michelin Three Star Institution Brings 20th Anniversary Culinary Experience to Beverly Hills

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Grant Achatz’s Alinea Heads to Beverly Hills for Summer Residency Renowned chef Grant Achatz and his team at Alinea, Chicago’s...

Deadline Approaches to Apply for GLAAD’s 2025 Black Queer Creative Summit

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Program Returns in September to Support Emerging Black LGBTQ Creatives The deadline to apply to the 2025 Black Queer Creative...

West Hollywood City Manager David Wilson to Retire After 26 Years of Public Service

May 20, 2025

May 20, 2025

Wilson to Retire After Guiding West Hollywood Through COVID and Beyond David Wilson, West Hollywood’s City Manager and a longtime...

L.A. County DA Files Over 1,000 Felony Theft Charges Under Prop 36 in Retail Crime Crackdown

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

DA Nathan Hochman Unveils Major Enforcement Effort Targeting Organized Retail Theft Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced...

LGBTQ+ Advocates Condemn Newsom Administration Over $17 Million Health Equity Cut

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

LGBT Center Calls State Funding Rollback a ‘Betrayal’ of Queer and Trans Communities LGBTQ+ advocates are sharply criticizing Governor Gavin...

Getty Villa Museum to Reopen After Months-Long Closure Due to Palisades Fire

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Limited Public Access Resumes With Major New Exhibition on Mycenaean Greece The Getty Villa Museum will reopen to the public...

Woman’s Car Stolen from UCLA Valet in Santa Monica While Visiting Husband in ICU

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Couple Left Without Vehicle During Cancer Treatment After Thief Stole Keys Brittney Mickles-McQuirter, a local Montessori school teacher, says she...

Celebrity-Owned Cannabis Dispensary The Woods WeHo Hit in Smash-and-Grab Burglary

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Shop Co-founded by Woody Harrelson, Bill Maher, and John McEnroe Targeted The high-profile cannabis dispensary co-owned by actor Woody Harrelson,...

Pasjoli to Temporarily Close for Redesign, Unveil New Menu June 12

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Santa Monica French Bistro Will Pause Service Starting June 1 Acclaimed French bistro Pasjoli will close temporarily starting on June...

Hollywood Man Charged in Deadly Attempted Robbery on 3rd Street Promenade

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Santa Monica Police Say Planned After-Hours Sale Turned Violent Hollywood resident Karen Melikyan, 41, has been arrested and charged in...

Del Rey Man Pleads Guilty to Child Exploitation Using Social Media Apps

May 19, 2025

May 19, 2025

Man Used Apps to Contact and Coerce Children to Produce Explicit Images Mark David Wallin, 44, of the Del Rey...