About 40 people attended the Vernita Gray LGBTQ Youth Fund inaugural fundraiser at Windjammer Room, 6033 N. Sheridan Rd., July 8. Gray's widow, Pat Ewert, hosted the event.
Activist and community leader Mary Morten ( Gray's longtime friend ) served as the emcee for the evening.
Additional photos at the link: www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/photospreadthumbs.php .
"Several months ago Pat and I were talking about the best ways to continue the important work that Vernita did. ... I think most of you know that she had a very special place in her heart for young people. It made a lot of sense for us to establish a fund so that programs that support youth led organizations would continue to have some support," said Morten.
"When Pat and Mary came to us and said this is something we want to do we couldn't imagine a better person to name a fund after than Vernita and we are honored to be chosen to hold the Vernita Gray LGBTQ Youth Fund," said Crossroads Fund Executive Director Jeanne Kracher.
Nino Dorenzo, Gray's unofficially adopted nephew, spoke about the impact Gray had on his life for the last 10 years, including the work he does to help young people at the National Youth Pride Service of Chicago, on which he serves as board treasurer.
"Vernita will be missed but she will never be forgotten because we are going to keep her legacy going. Thank you everyone for being here this evening," said Ewert.
Among those in attendance were Gray's mom Fran "Toots" Hariston, Judge Judy Rice, state Rep. Kelly Cassidy, former state Sen. Carol Ronen, Commission on Human Relations Chairperson and Commissioner Mona Noriega, and Evette Cardona.
The event netted about $6,000 for the fund, which the Crossroads Fund will hold.
To donate to the fund see donatenow.networkforgood.org/crossroadsfund. Please note "VG Youth Fund" in the comments/questions box of the donation page.