Saturday, I attended Women’s Night, an annual benefit for the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center. It was a uniquely all-female gala, complete with both a silent and live auction, celeb guests and honorees, as well as quality performers and an after-party.

Held at the historical Henry Fonda Theatre in Hollywood, the event raised more than $210,000, earmarked specifically for the Center’s women’s services. I attend dozens of these gay galas and I’m shocked if women make up 10% of attendees, so it was refreshing to see women supporting a fundraiser that, in turn, benefits women.

The red carpet was buzzing with stars including comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer (with girlfriend Jenn), Thea Gill, director Jamie Babbit and her wife Andrea Sperling (who was being honored), Bridget McManus, Jill Bennett and Jane Lynch, pictured above with L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center executive director Lorri Jean.



Presenter Rosanna Arquette arrived in an econation.com-sponsored Towncar (pictured above), which brags about emitting 90% less CO, 50% less NOx and 23-30% less CO2 than gasoline-fueled vehicle. Green is good!

The night started with a sizable silent auction. My favorite item was a signed guitar from honoree Linda Perry. Sipping cocktails from sponsor Pink Vodka, I ran into fellow OurChart blogger Gigi Nicolas (above).

Sharon Stone — who was about to be honored by the organization — surprised the crowd and nervous event organizers when she suddenly sprang from her seat at dinner, grabbed a microphone and wrested control of a live auction.


The crowd of more than 600 chatty lesbians hadn’t been bidding or paying much attention to the auction, but went wild when, in less than 10 minutes, the gorgeous Stone — who playfully told the crowd, “You people need to shut the fuck up. Do you think Bette Midler would put up with this shit?” — raised a record $55,000 for the organization, selling an opportunity to meet Midler and see her show in Vegas for $20,000 and a walk-on role on the final season of The L Word for $10,000.

To spur bids for a Caribbean cruise, Stone suggested the wealthy and high-powered women in the crowd have fun by buying it for a straight friend without telling them it was a lesbian cruise — or “give it to your parents.”


Later, Stone walked on stage to accept the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center’s Board of Directors Award, presented by friend and actress Rosanna Arquette. Stone said, “We have to be able to know that the way we’re made is right. The way we are being sent is our path.” She also vowed that the struggle for equal marriage rights will succeed. “I promise you, you will be married,” Stone proclaimed.


Singer/songwriter/producer (formerly of 4 Non Blondes) Linda Perry played a few songs and received the Center’s Creative Integrity Award. The night was rounded out with a performance by one of my favorite bands, Redcar. Lead singer Heather Reid never disappoints with a sweet voice and foxy fashion (legendary mauve, knee-high, velvet boots).


Following the dinner and awards, we headed up to the rooftop for mingling and cocktails. I love events like this where I can manage to see 20+ people from various aspects of my life. It was a mix of both networking and play as the lesbian movers and shakers gathered to support their own.