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WILKES-BARRE — Justin Correll and Martha Zabriski were celebrating 25 years of friendship on Saturday night — in a big way.
The two turned the benchmark into an opportunity to raise money to establish the NEPA Pride Humanitarian Scholarship at an event that drew nearly 500 people to Genetti’s Princess Room for an inaugural gala that offered food, entertainment and fun.
The Gayla NEPA 2019 geared to the LGBTQ community was aimed at providing a night of “food, fun and fabulousness,” and by all accounts it did just that.
Correll emphasized that the event supported a scholarship program awarded to an LGBTQ individual or ally enrolled in a college program studying any aspect of the arts.
Both Correll and Zabriski said they were overwhelmed with public response to the event which sold out early and was well sponsored.
Both were also grateful for dozens of donated gift baskets which provided a chance to win everything from a tattoo to spa services to a night on the town.
A favorite part of the event, he said, was the presentation of the Sally Healy Community Impact Award. Healey passed away earlier this year after a life known for education and public service.
“She was one of the first members of the community impact team and we’re so glad we can honor her,” he said.
Chris Lafrance, Luzerne, said he came out to support a good cause while spending a night out filled with food, fellowship and entertainment.
Lafrance was with his boyfriend, who traveled from New York for a night on the town and a unique event.
Wendy Cominsky, an event organizer, said the event reflected growing community support for the LGBTQ and its next generation.
Organizers, she said, are already looking forward to next year’s Gayla, with a theme of “Roaring Twenties, the Great ‘Gay’tsby Party.
Jacinta and Seana Barnes, Wilkes-Barre, standing in the midst of a multitude of color and glitter which defined the evening, said they were looking forward to spending time with friends.
Chris Salvo, Wilkes-Barre, said he would have come out to the event even if it wasn’t LGBTQ related.
“It’s a chance to raise money to help young people,” he said. “And, I think that’s the great part about it.”
Mayoral candidate George Brown who had attended the multicultural festival earlier in the day, said both the festival and the Gayla reflected the city’s commitment to diversity and community.
