Family Equality Raises $1.5M at Annual Gala Honoring Jason Weinberg and Merritt Johnson with Demi Moore, Debbie Harry, Marlo Thomas & More
A record-breaking 1,000 celebrities, advocates, and movement partners raised funds at Family Equality’s Night at the Pier in New York City, celebrating a decade of marriage equality and helping to create brighter futures for LGBTQ+ families.
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New York, NY — On Monday, May 12, 2025 Family Equality raised $1.5 million at their annual Night at The Pier gala, a star-studded evening of love, equality, family, and inspiration celebrating a decade of marriage equality and honoring champions of change, Jason Weinberg and Merritt Johnson.
The night included musical Performances by 2025 Tony Award nominees Darren Criss (Maybe Happy Ending), Megan Hilty (Death Becomes Her), Nicole Scherzinger (Sunset Blvd) with additional appearances by Academy Award nominee Demi Moore, Tony Award nominee Cole Escola, two-time Grammy Award nominee Debbie Harry, Tony Award nominee Bill T Jones, Jim Obergefell, and Presidential Medal of Freedom Honoree Marlo Thomas among others.
Night at the Pier, Family Equality’s signature fundraising gala, returned on Monday, May 12 for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and show-stopping Broadway performances. Held at the stunning Pier Sixty in New York City, this annual event brings together LGBTQ+ families, allies, and advocates to honor the changemakers who have fought for equality and shaped a more inclusive world.
This year, entertainment industry powerhouses Jason Weinberg and Merritt Johnson were honored with the Luigi Caiola Luminary Award presented by Academy Award nominee Demi Moore, two-time Grammy Award nominee Debbie Harry and Presidential Medal of Freedom Honoree Marlo Thomas. Weinberg and Johnson are steadfast supporters of Family Equality and their continued advocacy and leadership have made a lasting impact, helping to ensure that every LGBTQ+ family has the legal protections, visibility, and support they deserve.
Peggy Gillespie, co-founder/director of Family Diversity Projects, a national nonprofit organization devoted to helping eliminate discrimination, received the Hostetter-Habib Family Award presented by Tony Award nominee, renowned choreographer, Bill T. Jones.
While headlines talk about shrinking donations and sponsors pulling out of Pride and LGBTQ+ causes, our sold-out event tells a different story. The support is real. The community is strong, and when individuals come together, we can move mountains.
Darra Gordon, Family Equality CEO
The guests included Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos, Billy Eichner, Molly Ringwald, Jessica Lange, Lucy Liu, 2018 Family Equality Night at the Pier honoree Katie Couric, and so many more.
The event also included a celebration of ten years of marriage equality with Jim Obergefell, the lead plaintiff in the 2015 U.S. Supreme Court case that ushered in marriage equality, Obergefell v. Hodges.
“Night at the Pier is proof of what’s possible when community, creativity, and courage converge,” said Darra Gordon, CEO of Family Equality. “While headlines talk about shrinking donations and sponsors pulling out of Pride and LGBTQ+ causes, our sold-out event tells a different story. The support is real. The community is strong, and when individuals come together, we can move mountains.”
Honorary Chairs for the event were Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka and Nick Scandalios. Members of the esteemed Honorary Committee included Kristin Caskey, Bruce Cohen and Gabe Catone, John Gore, Kevin Huvane, Jef Kaplan and Amanda Green, Bryan Lourd and Bruce Bozzi, Joe Machota and Michael Russell, Margo and James L. Nederlander, Zac Posen and Harrison Ball, Lauren Reid, Daryl Roth, and Robert E. Wankel.
There’s still time to donate to Family Equality!
PHOTOS
GETTY IMAGES COURTESY OF FAMILY EQUALITY: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCe9S8
ABOUT THE EVENT
The 2025 Night at the Pier Honorary Chairs are Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka and Nick Scandalios. Members of the esteemed Honorary Committee included Kristin Caskey, Bruce Cohen and Gabe Catone, John Gore, Kevin Huvane, Jef Kaplan and Amanda Green, Bryan Lourd and Bruce Bozzi, Joe Machota and Michael Russell, Margo and James L. Nederlander, Zac Posen and Harrison Ball, Lauren Reid, Daryl Roth, and Robert E. Wankel.
About Family Equality
Family Equality is creating a world where everyone can experience the love, safety, and belonging of family. As the leading national organization for current and future LGBTQ+ families, we work to ensure that everyone has the freedom to find, form, and sustain their families by advancing LGBTQ+ equality through advocacy, support, storytelling, and education.
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