Lambda Legal’s 47th Annual Fire Island Pines Fundraiser Raises Record Amount
Lambda Legal’s annual Fire Island Pines fundraiser—one of the longest-running LGBTQ+ fundraising events in the country—returned on Saturday, July 26, and marked the most successful event in the organization’s history. Photos: Santiago Felipe
Thanks to the efforts of hosts James Dale, Andrew Mitchell Namdar, and Todd Sears, the event raised nearly half a million dollars—a new milestone for Lambda Legal. These vital funds will help power the organization’s mission to protect and advance the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV.
This year’s Presenting Sponsor was Tristan Schukraft, founder of Mistr, a leading HIV telemedicine platform, and the new owner of most of the Fire Island Pines commercial district. Schukraft contributed more than $75,000 in support.
Tristan Schukraft, Todd Sears, James Dale, Kevin Jennings
Entertainment included:
· Julie J – Drag performer, activist, and co-author of the upcoming book No Tea, No Shade: Life as a Drag Queen. She has raised over $100,000 for LGBTQ+ causes.
· DJ Mascari – International DJ (Brazil → São Paulo → Buenos Aires → NYC), who spins at top venues and has opened for Tedd Patterson.
For over 50 years, Lambda Legal has served as the legal backbone of the LGBTQ+ community—from marriage equality to workplace protections— and its work has reshaped American law. Currently, Lambda Legal is litigating nearly 60 cases in 24 states. As trans rights face renewed attacks and anti-LGBTQ+ efforts escalate, the fight is far from over.
Mikey Keen, Kevin Santos, Kevin Cuenca, Akash Kar
One of this year’s hosts, James Dale, knows that fight personally. Expelled from the Boy Scouts in 1990 for being gay, he brought his case to the U.S. Supreme Court with Lambda Legal at his side.
The July 26 event was a joyful afternoon of community, music, and resilience—reminding us that when we stand together, we move history forward. The location was 144 Ocean Walk, Fire Island Pines—the historic “Normal Heart” house from Ryan Murphy’s HBO adaptation of Larry Kramer’s play.
Find out more about Lambda Legal and LGBTQ civil rights here.
