https://www.glwd.org/blog/2024-pride-proudly-making-a-difference-one-meal-at-a-time/

7.1.24
/ Events

2024 Pride: Proudly Making a Difference, One Meal at a Time

Dear Friends,

At the end of last month, we celebrated Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community at the 2024 Heritage of Pride March! This year’s theme, “Reflect. Empower. Unite.” inspires us all.

We were excited to march with Pride Ambassador Michelle Buteau and our staff, volunteers, and partners at Out@L’Oréal. It is always a joyful and moving experience to see all of the love and pride along the march route. When I look out into the crowd, I am always reminded why this is one of my favorite days of the year.

Our History

God's Love at the pride March in 1991

Our organization began during the height of the AIDS crisis in 1985, with the delivery of one meal to one man struggling with HIV/AIDS. This year, we are on track to cook and home-deliver more than 4.3 million meals to more than 16,000 individuals across the New York Metropolitan area. As we celebrate Pride Month this year, we also remember the ongoing spirit of community and the power of coming together to both celebrate and advocate for our neighbors in our vibrant and diverse city.

Stonewall

God's Love President & CEO David Ludwigson and Stephen Covello with staff members and Adam Lambert at the Northern Dispensary

On June 28, God’s Love was honored to be a Community Partner of the Grand Opening of the Stonewall National Monument Visitor Center. This space in the historic Greenwich Village denotes the rich cultural center that exemplifies the legacy of queer life in New York City. God’s Love We Deliver moved in to the Northern Dispensary, the new monument’s neighbor, as our second home a few years ago. We are proud to support the Northern Dispensary’s vow to “Heal the Sick,” as is emblazoned on the entrance, through our advocacy for and service to New Yorkers of all sexualities and walks of life who live with or care for individuals with severe and chronic illnesses. I was thrilled to join hundreds of New Yorkers and special guests including President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, Governor Kathy Hochul, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, Elton John, Cynthia Erivo, Adam Lambert, and Katy Perry. What a special night.

New York Mets Game

President & CEO David Ludwigson with Alex Cohen and LaMont Craig

Other highlights of the month of celebration included God’s Love staff attending the New York Mets Pride night together. We also partnered with Ellen’s Stardust Diner with proceeds of their Pride milkshake, Pride cake, and co-branded merchandise benefitting God’s Love. Melba Wilson, Board member and founder of Melba’s Restaurant in Harlem, created a spectacular Pride cake to benefit us as well. And, we hope you saw God’s Love featured on a special Pride episode of Table for All on PBS.

Sweet Pride

The sweetness of Pride Month didn’t stop there! We were thrilled to collaborate with several incredible organizations, spreading love and support through our famous brownies, co-branded to celebrate each occasion. Here’s a look at the partnerships that made this Pride Month unforgettable, with SAGE, Braodway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, the Stonewall National Monument Visitors Center Grand Opening, and Pride Live’s Stonewall Day Concert.

Proudly Delivering

David with client Robert (seated) and Robert's husband and God's Love volunteer Michael (standing, with their dog, Nico)

I was proud to close out Pride month by making a delivery to our longtime client Robert, and his husband Michael, who volunteered with God’s Love for many years. It is so special to celebrate Pride with our clients and their families.

Thank you, as always, to all of our friends and supporters who helped us celebrate Pride Month! You make us all proud.

Sincerely,

David

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