A triannual update on the latest happenings at
Volume 2, Issue 4 - Fall 2009
AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL From New York, NY to Alpharetta, GA and an assortment of places in between, the 18 members of The Trevor Project’s recently-established Youth Advisory Council (YAC) hail from a diverse variety of geographic locations and compelling backgrounds. Officially established this February, the YAC serves as a liaison between youth nationwide and The Trevor Project. While the YAC typically convenes via conference call, they will meet in person for the first time this month to advise The Trevor Project on its programs and outreach efforts. Trevor News recently caught up with Andrew Striker, a 21-year-old member of the YAC, and a senior homeland security major at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida. Read on to learn more about Andrew’s involvement with The Trevor Project. Trevor: What sparked your interest in The Trevor Project and its Youth Advisory Council? Andrew: Last year, I made a video [about Trevor] for YouTube’s “Project 4 Awesome,” an online initiative that encourages YouTube members to create videos about their favorite charity. Then, I was contacted by Ryan Lombardini at The Trevor Project who told me about the YAC. It sounded like something I would enjoy doing, so I applied. Trevor: What goals have the YAC set? Andrew: The YAC has two significant roles. The first is to have someone within the Trevor family that can reach out to communities all across the U.S., and spread Trevor resources to as many as possible. The second role is to be the advisors to The Trevor Project’s target audience. This helps Trevor to better shape its efforts into strategies that will have the greatest impact on the youth we focus on. Trevor: Why do you think the programs at The Trevor Project are important? Andrew: Anyone who has ever known someone who has completed suicide can easily explain to you the importance of the work Trevor does. If all the work I ever do for Trevor helps to keep just one person from completing suicide, then not a single minute of my time will have gone to waste. Specifically, LGBTQ youth often go through so much during their coming out process, and during their everyday lives, that just having that one other person to talk to is a godsend. In my opinion, to be there to help young people through their struggles is something we can never put too much emphasis on. > To read the full transcript of Andrew’s interview, please visit TrevorBLOG at: TheTrevorProject.wordpress.com.
Daniel Radcliffe Joins the Circle of Hope Last month, The Trevor Project was fortunate to receive the support of a new, young donor. Daniel Radcliffe, the 20-year-old star of the Harry Potter film series and Broadway’s Equus, joined The Trevor Project’s Circle of Hope. Daniel’s contribution was a true validation of his support of the LGBTQ community. “I am very pleased to begin my support of The Trevor Project, which saves lives every day through its critical work,” said Daniel Radcliffe. “I deeply hope my support can raise the organization’s visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline’s highly trained counselors and Trevor’s many other resources.” In addition to his financial contribution, Radcliffe expressed his intention to become involved with the organization in other ways. He was drawn to The Trevor Project’s unique mission after learning of the organization from friends he made while working on Equus in New York. The Trevor Project is incredibly grateful to Daniel Radcliffe for his generosity.
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CHARLES’ CORNER
National Suicide Prevention Week This week of September 6 through 12 marks National Suicide Prevention Week. The
In the last issue of Trevor News, I mentioned that call volume on The Trevor Helpline reached an all-time high in January, when we fielded nearly 2,400 calls. I now share the same news yet again. In July, nearly 2,700 calls were fielded on The Trevor Helpline by 136 lifesaving counselors. The number of callers requiring emergency services also reached a record high in June when nine rescues were initiated. Despite this increase in call volume, we know that the need for our services has always been great. The difference is that as more LGBTQ youth and those who interact with them learn about The Trevor Helpline and our other important programs including TrevorSpace, “Dear Trevor,” the Lifeguard School Workshop program and the Trevor Survival Kit, they are able to take advantage of these resources and discover that they are not alone (read our Program Update on page 4 to learn more). As you’ll read on the cover of this issue, we were so grateful when Daniel Radcliffe pledged his support to The Trevor Project with a generous donation last month. His commitment ignited a firestorm of media attention, increasing our visibility nationally and internationally. Likewise, when Kate White, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, mentioned The Trevor Project and her experience at Trevor New York in this month’s issue of the magazine, we were very appreciative. The tremendous increase in The Trevor Project’s visibility is truly a testament to all of you, our supporters and allies. Because so many people are passionate about The Trevor Project, word continues to spread. This ultimately means that more young people who are feeling helpless, hopeless or alone are finding out about the programs we’ve created just for them. As we recognize National Suicide Prevention Week, we’d like to thank you for being a friend of The Trevor Project. If you’d like to become more involved, visit us online at TheTrevorProject.org. Best wishes for a wonderful fall season! All my best, Charles
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annual observance is sponsored by the American Association of Suicidology, and is aimed at raising awareness about suicide and suicidal behaviors, and celebrating the efforts of all those who are working to prevent it. This week is an important opportunity for The Trevor Project to educate the public about the epidemic of LGBTQ youth suicide.
For the second year in a row, New York Governor David Paterson has proclaimed Sept. 10 as “The Trevor Project Day” throughout the state of New York as part of National Suicide Prevention Week. In West Hollywood, home of The Trevor Project’s administrative offices, Mayor Abbe Land made the same declaration throughout the city. Moreover, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released a substantive letter this week recognizing the important work of The Trevor Project. In recognition of National Suicide Prevention Week, The Trevor Project launched a variety of initiatives - including a t-shirt design contest and a youth essay contest - to raise awareness of its mission and encourage young people to become active preventers of suicide among their friends, families and peers. To learn more about these activities, visit TheTrevorProject.org. Please join The Trevor Project in helping to prevent LGBTQ youth suicide. The following warning signs of suicide can be useful in identifying whether someone you know is at risk:
• A tendency toward isolation and social withdrawal • Substance abuse • Expression of negative attitudes toward self • Expression of hopelessness or helplessness • Loss of interest in usual activities • Giving away valued possessions • Expression of a lack of future orientation • For someone who has been very depressed, when that depression begins to lift, the individual may be at increased risk of suicide, as the individual will have the psychological energy to follow through on a suicidal ideation.
If you or someone you care about is exhibiting any of these signs, please call The Trevor Helpline at 866-4-U-TREVOR.
Trevor New York Inspires Attendees The ninth annual Trevor New York gala was a tremendous success! More than 415
guests enjoyed the June 29 gala in New York City, hosted by the hilarious comedienne Caroline Rhea. Guests were wowed by a memorable and moving performance by Jewel, who sang several songs, including her classic hit, Who Will Save Your Soul. She explained that she was inspired to write the song when she was homeless and encountered many young LGBTQ people on the streets. Gavin Creel of Broadway’s Hair also delivered a noteworthy performance. Three inspiring LGBTQ young people, Francisco Armenta, Jr., Lance Hicks and Tara Tempest Moore, were presented with the Colin Higgins Youth Courage Awards for overcoming adversity. Dustin Lance Black, screenwriter of Milk, who was also presented with the Trevor Hero Award at the gala, was very inspired by these youth and spoke with them at length about their accomplishments. CNN received the Trevor Commitment Award, and Jane Velez-Mitchell, host of “Issues with Jane VelezMitchell,” accepted the award on the network’s behalf, saying: “CNN is a great place to work if you’re a lesbian like me.” Trevor New York raised approximately $210,000. Thanks to everyone who attended for making the evening impactful, inspirational and a fundraising success!
Fundraising with Facebook The Trevor Project leads online giving among LGBTQ non-profits The Trevor Project’s Facebook presence has grown tremendously in just one year’s time. Launched on September 9, 2008, the Cause membership has surpassed 8,600, driving more than $12,000 in donations from 300+ donors and contributions ranging from $10 to $500. This overwhelming philanthropy has catapulted The Trevor Project to the number one LGBTQ Cause on Facebook measured by donations and the number two suicide awareness/prevention Cause. Some members have embraced the viral power of social networking by leveraging their virtual influence to recruit even more members to our Cause. Geo Bustamante from Miami, FL has risen to the top of our Facebook Cause Hall of Fame with his 300+ recruits. Similarly, Charlie McBrearty is the top fundraiser, utilizing the newly-launched
causes easy way to give so I could still feel a part of the incredible commitment Trevor has given to the community and to our youth.” birthday wish campaign to bring in $2,340 on his 40th birthday. The birthday feature allows any Facebook user to create a birthday wish and ask their friends to donate to the Cause of their choice as a gift. Charlie says that he chose to raise funds for The Trevor Project on his birthday because “it is an organization I have a lot of respect for. I’ve wanted to go to the fundraisers in the past but seemingly always have another obligation at the same time which has prevented that, so I wanted to find an
Setting up a birthday wish is fast and easy, and Charlie was able to involve his friends: “My friends were exposed to Trevor and I now feel involved and hope to become even more involved by volunteering. I don’t think I would have been that energized without the birthday wish as the spark.” In addition, Causes allows members to set a donor match or make a personal fundraising pledge. If you would like to join the Cause and explore these options for yourself, please visit The Trevor Project’s page at Causes.com/ TheTrevorProject. While you’re there, become a fan of the official Facebook fan page at Facebook.com/TheTrevorProject to keep up to date with all the events, announcements and promotions regularly pushed to Trevor’s fans.
Local and National Advocacy Work for LGBTQ Youth The Trevor Project is proud to play an active role in various advocacy initiatives that will positively impact LGBTQ youth. Since Queer Youth Advocacy Day at the California State Capitol this past April, the Minor Mental Health Services for At-Risk Youth Bill (SB 543) passed in the state Senate, and is expected to pass in the state Assembly. This vital legislation would allow youth under the age of 18 to access outpatient counseling without parental consent. The Trevor Project is also a member of the LGBT Health and Human Services Network of California, which pursues funding set aside by Governor Schwarzenegger to help eliminate mental health disparities, specifically those faced by LGBTQ youth. In Los Angeles, The Trevor Project is a member of the LGBT Youth Advocates group, ensuring local advocacy engagement in the community surrounding its national headquarters.
In addition, through membership in the National Safe Schools Partnership, The Trevor Project is working with other national organizations to amend the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act to include bullying and harassment prevention programs. To coincide with this, The Trevor Project is also involved in the New Beginnings Initiative, convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force - a collaboration of expert organizations working toward concrete federal administration policy and regulatory changes directly benefiting the lives of LGBT Americans. As a coalition member, The Trevor Project is working on policies related to better suicide prevention education that includes LGBTQ young people, more policies against bullying and harassment in schools and increased LGBT representation in the Department of Health and Human Services, including research and better data collection to determine the specific mental health needs of the community.
Dave Reynolds, The Trevor Project’s advocacy and education manager, also sits on the Federal LGBT Youth Policy Workgroup to ensure that the organization is aware of all policies impacting LGBTQ youth. If you are interested in learning more about The Trevor Project’s advocacy work, please contact Dave at: Dave.Reynolds@TheTrevorProject.org.
New Beginnings Initiative
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VOLUNCHEERS Program Update All of The Trevor Project’s core programs
SPOTLIGHT: Scott Boute
have expanded significantly in the last year. In the month of July alone, call volume on The Trevor Helpline was at a record high. This can be attributed in part to the end of the school year and the beginning of summer, when many LGBTQ young people become lonely, isolated and depressed as they spend more time at home with families who may not be accepting of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Luckily, the dedicated counselors on The Trevor Helpline are available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to offer young callers hope.
Two years ago Scott Boute was asked to participate
Depression is one of the top presenting problems reported by callers to The Trevor Helpline. Counselors are trained to de-escalate crisis calls and provide resources in order to expand callers’ networks of support and decrease feelings of isolation. TrevorSpace, The Trevor Project’s social networking Web site for LGBTQ youth and their friends and allies, is one of the best resources to offer young people with limited or no access to local LGBTQfriendly spaces. TrevorSpace has grown to more than 5,000 young members in less than one year, equal to approximately one-quarter of the total amount of calls received on the helpline annually. Many youth are learning about The Trevor Helpline and gaining access to suicide prevention resources through TrevorSpace.
Seeing volunteer work as highly enriching, Scott believes everyone should help out with a cause that affects them personally: “As an openly gay man, I can appreciate what The Trevor Project does. I was lucky in that I had great support from my friends and family when I was growing up, yet I realize that not everyone has this. I understand and see the need for this type of organization.”
The Trevor Lifeguard School Workshop Program takes another effective and unique approach to preventing youth suicide by bringing trained representatives from The Trevor Project into classrooms to educate students about sexuality, the impacts of language and behavior and suicide prevention. Facilitators have conducted nearly 50 school workshops this year in both New York City and Los Angeles, more than tripling the number of annual workshops since the inception of the program three years ago. If you live in the Los Angeles or New York City area, and are interested in becoming a workshop facilitator, please e-mail Dave Reynolds, advocacy and education manager, at: Dave.Reynolds@TheTrevorProject.org for more information.
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Highlighting the contributions of Trevor’s volunteers
in a project that brought more magic into his life than he could have ever imagined, even as the director of Warner Brothers’ East Coast publicity. His friend and fellow colleague at Warner Brothers, Jeff Hare, asked him if he would be willing to assist with PR efforts for the event that is now Trevor New York. Since his job largely consisted of organizing movie premieres, Scott had no problem finding celebrities and recruiting members of the press to cover the gala. With its astounding success on his record, Scott was then asked to become the communications co-chair of The Trevor Project’s New York Steering Committee, as well as co-chair of event PR on the Communications Committee.
Scott recalls a meeting he had with James Lecesne, one of the founders of The Trevor Project, as a very memorable event. Scott recounts that it was over a cup of coffee with James when he saw the passion that fueled The Trevor Project, and he truly realized that he was working for something meaningful. These days, Scott now heads up his own entertainment publicity company, Scott Boute Publicity. The Trevor Project thanks Scott for his hard work and dedication to The Trevor Project and LGBTQ youth!
Thank You, “Trevorthon” Volunteers! The Trevor Project held its firstever phone banking fundraiser on July 19 at its West Hollywood headquarters. During the “Trevorthon” event, volunteers phoned more than 500 donors to thank them for their support and explore their interest in making a second financial contribution to the organization. Volunteers listened to many heartwarming stories from donors about why they support The Trevor Project and believe in its mission. Several of the volunteers were also current helpline counselors, and shared stories about some of the most memorable calls they have received from young people. At the end of the day, the effort raised enough funds to support 54 calls on The
Trevor Helpline – an amazing accomplishment! Thanks to all of the volunteers who participated in this new event!
Left to right: John Palmer, Richard Horton, Lisa O’Neill, Claire Massey, Julia Cohen, Bryan Keller, Shelli Boone
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HAPPENINGS
Images from Trevor Events
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Trevor NY - June 29 The ninth annual Trevor NY gala was held at Capitale in New York City. The event drew approximately 415 guests and raised more than $210,000 for The Trevor Project.
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1. Meghan McCain and guests 2. Dustin Lance Black, Trevor Hero Award recipient 3. Trevor co-founder James Lecesne with CNN’s Jane VelezMitchell, recipient of the Trevor Commitment award, & guest 4. Joel Flatow, Trevor NY co-chair, with Jewel, Lance Bass and host, Caroline Rhea 5. Executive director Charles Robbins with the Colin Higgins Youth Courage Award winners 6. Gavin Creel and Robbie Roth
Pool & Garden Party - July 26
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On July 26, more than 350 people gathered at the beautiful Hollywood Hills home of Yawar Charlie and Chris Baker. Thanks to this incredible turnout, more than $16,000 was raised toward saving young lives. 7. Trevor supporters enjoying the pool 8. Guests sunbathing by the pool 9. Trevor staff, volunteers and friends
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Photo Credits: Jeff Swartz/ Retna Ltd, Robert Esmundo and The Trevor Project Trevor News Editors: Al Duncan, Ryan Lombardini, Heidi Schulz and Jacqueline Wing
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Stories from the
Helpline...
Since its inception in 1998, counselors on The Trevor Helpline have fielded hundreds of thousands of calls from young people in crisis. In July of this year, call volume on the helpline reached an all-time high, with nearly 2,700 calls fielded during that month alone. No call to The Trevor Helpline is ever the same. Below are selections from two recent call reports, demonstrating the unique and complex issues that LGBTQ youth report experiencing. ALIAS: Derrick AGE: 14 STATE: OK Derrick called The Trevor Helpline several times, but when he called on June 7, he had a noose around his neck. As a gay young person growing up in a small Oklahoma town, Derrick said he wanted to die to “be rid of” his problems. Many helpline counselors had spoken with Derrick before, and all felt he was a very brave and self-aware person. Sadly, Derrick’s parents were killed in a car crash when he was only 18 months old, leaving him to be raised by his homophobic grandparents, who never provided an opportunity to talk about how he was affected by the death of his parents. Instead, he bottled his feelings inside and lived in fear of his sexuality being discovered by his grandmother. Derrick said he felt alone in his small town, surrounded by people who accepted the abusive tendencies of his grandparents and that he simply could not bear it any longer, and felt that his call on June 7 to The Trevor Helpline would be his last. The counselor listened to Derrick and let him
know how much he cared for him, while the co-counselor on duty initiated a rescue that ended successfully. With the help of an understanding police officer, Derrick was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation. A Trevor Helpline counselor called Derrick the next day to check in on his health and safety, and was elated to find him in great spirits and excited to have found someone at the hospital to talk to about the death of his parents. He said he was thankful for The Trevor Helpline, and for the counselors who helped him feel more hopeful and optimistic about his life. ALIAS: Brent AGE: 15 STATE: IL Brent called The Trevor Helpline two days in a row, expressing thoughts of suicide. On the day of his second call, he had cut himself deeply on the tops of his wrists, but stopped because of the pain. Brent said that his grandmother had passed away in April and that her death was an intensely profound experience for him. Brent was also struggling with being gay, and did not know how to come out. He knew he needed help, but expressed discomfort with being on medication for back pain and allergies, and did not want to be on any more prescription medication. An extremely smart and intuitive young person, Brent spoke with the counselor about his fears and negative feelings, expressing some hope for his future and his desire to someday have a successful career. Through this, he informed the counselor that he “feels safer if he has information,” which is why he called The Trevor Helpline. After an hour, the counselor de-escalated the call so that Brent was at low risk for suicide. He felt much better knowing about TrevorSpace and thanked the counselor for empowering him to seek out a therapist he had been to in the past. At the end of the call, Brent told the counselor how glad he was to have found The Trevor Helpline and TrevorSpace and thanked him for being there.
CASE STUDY
Youth suicides open national dialogue about LGBTQ bullying and suicide prevention In April, two tragic stories
gained national attention when Carl Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera, both 11 years old, died by suicide in Massachusetts and Georgia, respectively. Although neither of the boys identified as gay, both were subjected to repeated anti-gay bullying at their schools by peers and classmates. Their mothers complained to school administrators to no avail. In light of these unfortunate losses of life, The Trevor Project prioritized communicating the importance of all students learning the potentially deadly effects of bullying, and the need for schools to initiate suicide prevention education curriculum in their classrooms. In conjunction with GLSEN’s
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executive director, Eliza Byard, Charles Robbins (executive director, The Trevor Project) released an op-ed about LGBTQ bullying and suicide prevention that ran in media outlets across the country, including The Advocate and Anderson Cooper’s AC360° blog. After the mothers of both boys appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, a link to The Trevor Project’s Web site was placed on Oprah. com, as well as on Ellen DeGeneres’ site, following an article she posted about school bullying. Sirdeaner Walker, Carl’s mother, has become an inspiring advocate in the days since her son’s death, even testifying before two congressional subcommittees in July about the importance of the Safe Schools Improvement Act. The Trevor Project submitted testimony to this same hearing
in support of the act and bullying prevention programs that will certainly be integral parts of suicide prevention initiatives in schools. Although these incidents were overwhelmingly devastating, The Trevor Project will continue to work tirelessly to memorialize both Carl and Jaheem by advancing its work toward mandated suicide prevention programs in all schools, and preventing any student from being bullied because of their actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity.
Sirdeaner Walker, Carl Walker-Hoover’s mother
Circle of Hope members play a critical role in providing the financial leadership that makes the work of The Trevor Project possible by donating $500 or more annually in non-event related contributions. The donors listed below are current as of July 31, 2009.
Guardian $25,000 +
Bryan Bantry Jodie Foster Daniel Radcliffe David Rosen & Paul Reitz Bill and Austin Smolka Jeffrey R. Stone
Counselor $10,000 - $24,999
Tim Aldrete Brian Bish* & Jack Winn Cold Stream Productions Credit Suisse Frank Pond Walter Schild & Dilson De Almeida Quinn Taylor Jennifer & Anthony Zuiker
Advisor $5,000 - $9,999
Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS Andrew Cohen Sacha Baron Cohen Jeffrey Epstein Jennifer & Scott Frank JSY Enterprises Michael A. Graham* Gary Hand Kathy Kinney Michael Leppen Suzanne Saperstein Ricky Strauss* & Tom Newman Ron Valdez* Don Zuidema, Alfredo Izaguirre & Mike McGinley
Mentor $2,500 - $4,999
Christopher J. Baker & Tim Smith Alicia & Michele Celmer Jack Corwin Greg Emmerth Douglas Ferguson The Flag Art Foundation Siana-Lea Gildard & Edgar Aguirre Anne Hathaway Ronald Holliman & David Rosen Albert Hornberger George Larribas & Ed Hornberger William Lucia Ned J. Lustbader* McPhail*/Poston Family Harley Neuman & Daniel Lam Jason R. Oclaray* Earl L. Plante Charles Robbins & Damon Romine Tara Sandler Heidi Schulz* & Michael Ryder Philip Selway Erik William Smith
Supporter $1,000 - $2,499
Christopher Allieri & Gene Fischer Ezra Alvarez Jirka Ambroz Alan Arrigoni Richard Ayoub* Scott Baker & Jason West Otho & Deborah S. Behr Jim & Jane Berk Bradly Bessey & Frank Sanchez
David Beugen & Joe Grandinetti Ray Bidenost David Bolz Lisa Brende* Tammy Bruce James Burba & Bob Hayes Denis Cagna & Carlos Medina Paul G. Cavalli & Jack F. McKenney Sophia Chauchard-Stuart Warren Cohn* Jeremy Coleman Mark Consuelos David C. Dinielli Wendy Dio Padavona Brian J. Dorsey* & Marty Sellers Tim Field Ph.D. Jeffrey Fishberger, M.D.* Frederick Frazier Brenda and Tom Freiberg Lee B. Friend Anthony Glomski Ruben Gonzales & Joaquin Tamayo Stuart Gordon Dennis P. Grant Bonnie Graves* & Adrian Sexton Joshua Greer Jill Grey James Hancock & Stephen Mathis Darren Hayes Greg S. Heanue Mark D. Heidel Michael Hershberger & Daniel Mitchell R. Glenn Hessel Michael Hyman Meredith Kadlec* William Kaiser Steven Kanner Bryan T. Keller & Brian Baldwin Elizabeth Kelly Robb Kempken & Jeff Hobbs Simon & Mali Kinberg Patricia Kirsch Kyle D. Kusche Ricki Lake Lauren B. Leichtman & Arthur Levine Simon S. Leo & Mark P. Bement Jonathan Lewis Jane Lynch Mich Lyon Kevin MacLellan & Brian Curran Christopher D. Man Sean R. Mc Manus* Meghan McCain Michael Medeiros & David Henry Jeff Meleski & Steven J. Markov Shannon Millard Jim Murphy* Max Mutchnick & Erik Hyman Gaynon Oclaray & Linda Oclaray Gary Orgel Jeff Paramore & Jonathan Smith Richard & Ellen Passov Mark Perin Kevin Piper Steve Pollard Sean Radford* C. Wight Reade Randy Reiff William Resnick & Doug Cordell Brian Robinson
Rashad Robinson Luis Rodriguez-Villa Stephen Roselius Chris Salgardo Gumercindo Samson Matthew & Nancy Saver Kevin Schoeler & Philip van der Voet Jeff Shade Duncan Sheik Clay Smith David Stainton Steven Stepanian & Jeffrey Roy Mark Stephanz Stephen Stonehouse Matthew Tumminello & Dominick Marangi Wes Walraven Eric A. Webber & Gerard C. Kraaijeveld Bryce West Jeff Whaley Jeffrey Paul Wolff* Scott Zimmerman*
Members $500-$999
Barbara Abis Moiz Alladina David Allen & Matthew Karimi Adrian Armas Nikhail Asnani Matt Austin Robbie Bagwell Leslie Barclay David S. Beard Anthony Bianchi Gary Bitner Robert & Connie Brown Macaulay Bruton David C. Bryan Jeep Bryant David Buchan & Jeff Ryel Mark Albert Burstein Hector Camacho Andrew Cannava Fred Caruso Tom Cashin & Jay Johnson Kevin Chase Francis Clark Dwight Coates Jr. Heather Cohen Peter Cole & Robert Talbot Colin Kim Yoga Troup Coronado Kevin M. Cronin & David Alexander Armand Cucciniello Eric D’Arbeloff & Howard Cohen Kenneth Davis Charlie Dawson Jonathan Deason Didier Debaud Gary DeLossa Nicholas Donatiello Jr. Christian C. Dowell Brad R. Downs Joseph & Maggie Drake Clay Drinko Al Duncan* Matt Edwards Michael Epstein & Scott Schwimer Linda & Alfred Espinoza Julio Robbie Fabian Erik Feig Steve & Andrea Fishberger Raymund Flandez Joel Flatow* John B. Fleming Jean-Marc Frailong Paul Fulkerson Gina Furth David Galgano Karyn & Justin Gallen Dr. Robin Gans Chris Garvin & Todd G. Sears Harry Gittelson & Albert Silva Neil Giuliano Daniel & Rhoda Glickman Tracy Gluck Stephen Golemme Mark Gordon
Donald Gray Marcus Gray Brunson Green Maria Gust David Guzman William E. Hall Michael Harrell William Harrison Ryan Hart Brad Harvey Eric Hassel Kevin Henderson Debra Ann Herrick Cathy Heumann Aaron Hicklin Wayne Hill Michael J.W. Hines Jeffrey Hobgood Mark Howell Michael Hughes Helen Hunt Elizabeth Huntley & Linda Ketner Antonia Hutt Paul Jaramillo Stephen Jarchow Michael Jarvis Ph.D. Blanding U. Jones John Kannegieser Robert M. Kasunic Mark Katz & Bob Goodman Billy Kelly Jonathan King Henry Koelsch Paul Kolpin Marc Korver & Steven Jones Marty Kovacevich & Chaz Stevens Peter W. Kraus M.D. Lisa Kudrow & Michel Stern Rocky & Trinette La Fleur Donald Langworthy Kevin Lesser John & Melissa Linden Pamela Liss-Burdett Mark Lombardini & Cynthia Kim Dennis Lonergan & John Graves Stephen Lucin Jose Lugaro John Lyons Patrick Mahoney & John English Scott W. Mann Donato & Markes Marangi Jhoni Marchinko Nicholas Martinez Eric J. Maryanov & Gene Hubert John McAllister Shawn McPherson H. Christopher Meade Lou Anne Mele Steve Mele Bernard Milan Carl Moellenberg Vizhier & Andy Mooney Jonathan Morris Adam Moss & David Karza Charles Mostella John Mullican & John Squatritto Solmaz Nabipour National Business Insurance Agency Dan Neisen & Spencer Yu New Hope Chamber Of Commerce Tracy C. Nickl Darrell Nooner Stephen Nuskiewicz Debi Olcese & Deborah Shapiro Marc Olechnowicz Jenifer Ortiz & Monica Taher Patrick Owen & Mark Anton John Palmer Richard & Karen Panse Paradise Spirits Robert Parker Jamie Paul Catherine Paura Mark Perrin James Petrone & Keith Kauhanen Kevin Philip
Dr. Joseph H. Phillips Allison Herring Poster Brian N. Potter & Joey Pierre Stewart Powell Bryan Prado Pablo Prietto Richard Raddon Peggy Rajski* Erik & Ranesh Ramanathan Charles A. Ranberg & Bob Fisher Charles F. Reynolds III & Ellen Detlefsen Stephen Reynolds Christopher Rice Kathleen Rivera & Sally Lewis Lorna Robbins Robert Holgate Philanthropic Fund Diane Robinson Carol & Wayne Rogers Elias Rojas Frank Rorie & Dianne Molina Russell Roybal Scott Salik David W. Salvaggio Brooks S. Salzwedel Richard Savage & Lane Adams David Schneiderman & Bob Nitkin Booh Schut Ezra Shalam Dr. Ronald Shaw Caroline Sherman & Kimberly Dean
Catherine Shitara Chad Simpson & Chad Corning Justin Sobodash Howard Stahl & Dr. Michael Frese St. Nicks Andrew Stearn Alan M. Strasburg James Sullivan Rich Sullivan Dominick & Sally Taglialatella Anthony Tan & Jeff Brown Barry & Jan Teter Stephen Theiss Brian J. Theobald Brian Tobin Jamie Towey Jorge Valencia Scott Vaughan Bruce Vaughn Frank Voci Diane E. Wade Steve Weisbart & Shami Arslanian Valarie Westberg Kate Wheatley Thomas & Nancy Wheatley Mary & Tom Whitman Tom Whitman Martha Wing Kathleen Wood Mehmet Yalin Rachel Zoe & Rodger Berman Ryan Zynger* & Justin Warren
Foundations We extend our thanks to the following foundations that have provided general operating and program-related funding to The Trevor Project:
$20,000 +
$5,000 - $9,999
AT&T Foundation The Calamus Foundation H. van Ameringen Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation Zarley Family Foundation
The David Geffen Foundation Gesso Foundation Bruce J. Heim Foundation Johnson Family Foundation KTLA-TV Charities Fund of the McCormick Foundation Rainbow Endowment
$10,000 - $19,999
The Sheri and Les Biller Family Foundation The Helene Foundation David H. & Barbara M. Jacobs Foundation Joseph H. and Florence A. Roblee Foundation Small Change Foundation
$1,000 - $4,999
Delaware Valley Legacy Fund Disney EARS to You Program Employee Community Fund of Boeing California Kicking Assets Fund of the Tides Foundation The Livney Foundation National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Lloyd Russell Foundation
Circle of Life The Circle of Life was established to recognize individuals who have created gifts to The Trevor Project through planned giving either in their estate planning or as a bequest. Rick and David McGilton-McGlamery Arlene Reed Bequest Tithe on behalf of Hollywood Lutheran Church
Eleanor J. Ross Trust In memory of Aleida Estela Santiago Valarie K. Westberg
Special thanks! We would like to acknowledge the following for their recent fundraising efforts on behalf of The Trevor Project: Ross Anderson & Michael Westrick John Bartlett Mike Blank & R.B. Sistek Yawar Charlie & Chris Baker Michael Corbett Anthony Fleming David Fong Bob Greenbaum HOMOtracker
Kevin Lesser Momma’s Day Brunch Spartans Softball Team Springfield High School Gay-Straight Alliance Truett Vaignuer WeHo Supper Club Woody Woodbeck Don Zuidema
If we have inadvertently omitted or incorrectly listed your name, please contact Scott Meckling at 310.271.8845 x257. * Denotes Board Member
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Circle of Hope Event in New York
TREVOR EVENTS SEPTEMBER National Suicide Prevention Week
On Wednesday, September 16, supporters of The Trevor Project will gather for the second annual “End of Summer Soiree” in New York City. This year’s event will be held at the beautiful Chelsea home of hosts Ken Hunt and John Cassese. Ken and John have graciously offered to underwrite the entire event so that national sponsor Credit Suisse’s support goes directly to The Trevor Project’s programs. Guests will enjoy scrumptious food and drink, a great crowd to mingle with and the opportunity to take in Ken and John’s impressive, eclectic and beautiful art collection. Additionally, Charles Robbins, executive director and CEO of The Trevor Project, will be on hand with news about all of the organization’s programs and achievements during the past year, especially in the New York area. Most importantly, all guests will be invited to join the prestigious Circle of Hope. For as little as $500 per year (only $42 per month), these major donors play a critical role in providing the financial leadership that makes the lifesaving work of The Trevor Project possible. If you feel ready to join this exclusive group of supporters, you won’t want to miss this incredible night. It’s going to be one to remember!
2nd Annual
End of Summer Soiree
Can’t make the event? You can still join the Circle of Hope: Guardian
$25,000 +
Counselor
$10,000-$24,999
Advisor
$5,000-$9,999
Mentor
$2,500-$4,999
Supporter
$1,000-$2,499
Member
September 6 through 12
I am Trevor September 10 Los Angeles, California
Women’s Event September 12 Los Angeles, California
Circle of Hope End of Summer Soiree September 16 New York, New York
OCTOBER Gay Days Anaheim at Disneyland October 2 through 4 Anaheim, California
DECEMBER Cracked Xmas 12 December 6 Los Angeles, California
$500-$999
by visiting us online at TheTrevorProject.org/circle.aspx Help earn valuable points for Trevor! The Trevor Project’s Business ExtrAA account number: 786674
Win two tickets to Sydney, Australia! Enter by visiting TheTrevorProject.org/qantasraffle.aspx
The Trevor Project
9056 Santa Monica Boulevard, Suite 208 West Hollywood, California 90069 Telephone: 310.271.8845 / Fax: 310.271.8846 Email: Info@TheTrevorProject.org
Staff
Charles Robbins
Siana-Lea Gildard
Phoenix Schneider, M.S.W.
Scott Meckling
Dave Reynolds, M.P.H.
Jenifer Ortiz
Michael Vacha Jr.
Erin English
Kelli Peterman
Richard Rocha
Executive Director & CEO Program Director
Advocacy and Education Manager West Coast Call Center Manager East Coast Call Center Manager
Jacqueline Wing
Communications Manager
Ryan Lombardini
Communications Associate
Board of Directors James Lecesne Founder
Peggy Rajski Founder
Randy Stone
(1958-2007) Founder
Sean Mc Manus Chair
David McFarland Vice Chair
Ricky Strauss Vice Chair
Michael A. Graham Secretary
Jason Oclaray Treasurer
David Anderson Richard Ayoub Brian Bish Lisa Brende
Institutional Giving Director Major Gifts Officer
Special Events Director Database/Volunteer Coordinator Administrative Assistant
Rene Melara, Andrea Parada, Genevieve Sublette Interns
Ken Campbell Warren Cohn Brian Dorsey Al Duncan Jeffrey Fishberger, M.D. Joel Flatow Bonnie Graves Meredith Kadlec Ned J. Lustbader Scott A. McPhail Jim Murphy Sean Radford Ruben Ramirez Jamie T. Ranieri Heidi Schulz Ron Valdez Jeffrey Paul Wolff Scott Zimmerman Ryan Zynger
www.TheTrevorProject.org
NONPROFIT PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID BEVERLY HILLS, CA PERMIT NO. 74