Family Equality: We show up.
In this moment, we show up for the 5 million kids growing up in LGBTQ+ families — like we’ve been showing up since 1979. We show up for parents and parents-to-be searching for guidance, community, and hope. We show up in moments of crisis — and in moments of possibility.
This May, become a part of our legacy of action. Show up for LGBTQ+ families on Monday, May 11 at Family Equality’s Night at the Pier fundraising gala in New York City for an evening of incredible performances, storytelling, and change-making — and show out for the millions of families who need our support all year-round.
Luminary Award Honorees: Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka, fathers to twins Harper and Gideon, will be honored at its annual Night at the Pier fundraising gala on Monday, May 11 in New York City. The couple will receive the Luminary Award in recognition of their visibility, advocacy, and enduring commitment to LGBTQ+ families.
The award will be presented by fellow fathers, Elton John and David Furnish, Founder and Chair respectively of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and longtime champions of LGBTQ+ equality and family affirmation.
Hostetter-Habib Honoree: Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara
Longtime LGBTQ+ advocate Rev. Jasmine Beach-Ferrara has been named the 2026 recipient of Family Equality’s Hostetter-Habib Family Award, recognizing those whose work strengthens and protects LGBTQ+ families. She is the founding Executive Director of the Campaign for Southern Equality and has spent fifteen years building support and visibility for LGBTQ+ people and families across the South – including launching the Trans Youth Emergency Project in 2023 to help families find care and support.
Performances by
Show up and show out for LGBTQ+ families.
Purchase tickets for you and your family
Bring your whole crew to festivities! Night at the Pier is an event for families of all shapes, sizes, and make-ups. Kids are welcome!
Become a sponsor
Discover how your company can lead in supporting LGBTQ+ families by sponsoring this exciting event.
Host a table
Night at the Pier is a space where LGBTQ+ families, friends, and allies come together! Purchase a table to celebrate Family Equality with people in your network.
Donate to the auction
Help make this event even more fun with auction items that showcase your business, offer unparalleled experiences, and help raise funds for the work of Family Equality.
Family Equality’s Night at the Pier is made possible by…
Honorary Chair: Nick Scandalios
Honorary Committee: Kristin Caskey • Jeff Daniel • John Gore • Lori Hotz • Jef Kaplan & Amanda Green • Sean McClenahan & Michael McGraw • Margo & James L. Nederlander • Lauren Reid • Daryl Roth • Jordan Roth & Richie Jackson • Christine Schwarzman • Robert E. Wankel • Jason Weinberg & Merritt Johnson
Event Chairs: Scott Drummond • Adrienne Ellman & April Barton • DJ Martin & Aaron Lustbader • Christy Kennedy Messina• Kelly Moffat • Brandon Penn-Whiting • Jeannie Uyanik
Honorary Producer: Bruce Cohen
Producer: Zac Walker
Host Committee: Dog Day Afternoon •Jim & Phil DeCarlo-Schnepper • Dan Gettings & Mariano Gaut • Bess & Leor Landa • Jim Marrocco & Joe Zagame • Brooks & Lila Preston • Brendon Ratner & Eric Palanko • Rumbold & Seidelman, PLLC • Edward Van Saders & Paul Shusterman • Damn Yankees
Board of Directors: Scott Gatz • Alexis Kantor • Alex Habib • Don Hribek • Alvin McCray • Scott Ammarrell • Elisea Arebalos • Adair Curtis • Rahsaan DeLain • Tony Hynes • Vanessa Leon • Nancy Lyons • Doug London • Jim Obergefell • Debbie Rice • Stephen Switzer • Bethany Snyder • Terry Young
Event Details
Learn more about what to expect!
6:00 – 7:00PM — Cocktail reception
7:00 – 9:30PM — Dinner and program
9:30 – 11:00PM — Dessert reception
Festive cocktail! Explore our Night at the Pier albums to see some of the best dressed attendees at our previous east coast galas.
Family Equality’s Night at the Pier is at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers in New York City.
- Parking is available on all three piers, and lots are located directly in front of the venue. Chelsea Piers hourly parking rates will apply. For parking at Pier Sixty, take your second right into Pier 60.
- Pier Sixty is accessible to walkers via crosswalks at 22nd Street, 20th Street, and 18th Street. After crossing, turn off the Chelsea Piers cobblestone roadway and into Pier 60 and walk to the back of the pier to find the front doors of the venue.
- Taxis, Uber & Lyft can drop visitors off at the front doors of the venue. Upon entering the Chelsea Piers complex, instruct your driver to turn right into Pier 60 (Pier Sixty) and drive all the way to the back of the parking lot, to the glass front doors at each venue, for drop off and pick-up. Drivers will not be charged for drop-offs and pick-ups.
- By bus, the M23 crosses 23rd Street and drops visitors within the Chelsea Piers complex on the North side.
The M14D crosses 14th Street and drops visitors at the South side of Chelsea Piers on 18th Street and the West Side Highway.
- By subway, take the following subways to the 23rd street stop and follow walking instructions:
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6 (Park Avenue)
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R/W (Broadway/Fifth Avenue)
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F/M/PATH (Sixth Avenue)
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1 (Seventh Avenue)
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C, E (Eighth Avenue)
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7 (Subway stops at 34th Street & Eleventh Avenue, it’s a 10-15 minute walk south to Chelsea Piers)
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The health and safety of our guests, performers, and staff are a priority for Family Equality and we are committed to creating a safe and enjoyable experience. We all play a part in keeping each other safe.
Coat Check: Refrain from bringing any large bags or backpacks. Coat check will be available, should you need to store any bags or heavy coats.
Stay home if you’re feeling sick: If you or someone in your party is feeling unwell, we ask that you stay home and email us directly to let us know you can’t attend.
Accessibility: Family Equality is committed to ensuring that no individual with a disability is excluded or denied access to our programs or facilities due to barriers to access. Individuals who may need accommodations please email me directly prior to the event for coordination. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, inclusive environment for you and our guests.
Family Equality is THE organization to support if you care about family justice.
“If you care about kids. If care about a future where love defines family – not politics. Let’s protect the families we love. Let’s fuel the future we believe in.”
Thank you to our early Night at the Pier sponsors!
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Advocate Sponsors
Friend Sponsors
Cocktail Reception Sponsor
Speciality Cocktail Sponsor
Dessert Reception Sponsor
Photobooth Sponsor
National Corporate Sponsors
“Night at the Pier is proof of what’s possible when community, creativity, and courage converge.”
More than 1,000 guests joined us for Night at the Pier 2025, and with their support, we raised a record-breaking $1,500,000 for LGBTQ+ families.
With dazzling performances by Tony Award nominees Darren Criss, Megan Hilty, and Nicole Scherzinger—and on-stage appearances by Demi Moore, Debbie Harry, and Marlo Thomas—the night honored entertainment industry icons Jason Weinberg and his husband Merritt Johnson, and trailblazer Peggy Gillespie. Check out some highlights from the event below!
