Meredith Vieira hosted the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association’s 20th annual New York Benefit last night. The NLGJA is also celebrating its 25th anniversary.
“Wow. 25. You know what that means: too young to run for President and too old to date Andy Cohen,” Vieira joked in her opening remarks.
The event was held at the Prince George ballroom in the Chelsea neighborhood. “I almost didn’t make it here tonight,” Vieira said. “I went in the wrong door and ended up at the Museum of Sex. Turns out that’s where the after party is. If you don’t know, the password is Jeff Zucker or as most people refer to him, ‘Mother Zucker.'”
Actor Tyson Beckford made a surprise appearance supporting the cause and even getting into a Chippendales outfit, or lack thereof.
Added Vieira: “Now, more than ever, our business boasts a field of prominent out and proud gays in key positions: Robin Roberts, Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, Thomas Roberts, Rachel Maddow, Sam Champion and of course America’s closeted sweethearts, Kathie Lee and Hoda.”
Gifford and Kotb hosted this event in 2010.
A silent auction and other donations raised tens of thousands of dollars for the organization’s programs and scholarships for aspiring LGBT journalists.
(Photos: Anthony Morrison Photography and Darren Gantt/NLGJA)