It was a night all about love. The Wall Street Hotel partnered with the Perry Moore Hero Fund to host the Summer Sunset Rooftop Pride Celebration.
The soiree benefited the fantastic work of the fund, which is an initiative of the Hetrick-Martin Institute.
Spotlighting the importance of mental health and educational support for LGBTQIA+ youth, advocates and supporters were some of the biggest and brightest names in New York City. The lineup included TV personality Andy Cohen, fashion designer Cynthia Rowley, PAPER Magazine editorial director and socialite Mickey Boardman, Hero Fund founder Hunter Hill, and celebrity manager and producer Jason Weinberg. The event drew a dynamic crowd of Bravolebrities, NYC tastemakers, creatives, and media. Highlights from the evening included poignant toasts from Cynthia Rowley, Mickey Boardman, and Hunter Hill honoring Perry Moore’s memory and the Hetrick-Martin Institute’s meaningful work; Andy Cohen, Luann de Lesseps, and Meredith Marks holding court with friends including Hunter Hill and drag artist CT Hedden; The Misshapes playing the summer’s biggest songs; Amber Ruffin and partner Kelsi Cleary-Hammarstedt enjoying the sunset views; The Muses’ Jack James and socialite Dianne Brill laughing with drag queen Aquaria; and more.
“As a proud gay man and hotelier, creating spaces where people feel safe, celebrated, and seen is deeply personal,” said Prince A. Sanders, General Manager of The Wall Street Hotel. “Partnering with the Hetrick-Martin Institute and the Perry Moore Hero Fund is not just about a celebration—it’s a call to action to uplift LGBTQIA+ youth and ensure they know their stories matter.”
Hunter Hill, Andy Cohen, Cynthia Rowley ( Madison McCaw, BFA.com)
Guests enjoyed signature Pride-themed cocktails and a curated culinary experience by Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, music by The Misshapes, and poignant moments honoring the legacy of Perry Moore and the mission of Hetrick-Martin Institute. Three-time Perry Moore Hero Fund Scholarship recipient Alex Withers gave a toast emphasizing how he has benefited from the scholarship, noting that “when you have HMI, you don’t need anything else.”
The Perry Moore Hero Fund is an artistic scholarship that celebrates literature’s ability to inspire and have a positive impact on the lives of young people. The Perry Moore Hero Fund will award college scholarships annually to young writers who best express stories of understanding, tolerance, and strength within the LGBTQIA+ community.
