Plea in Clementi case
One of the two former Rutgers University students implicated in a webcam scandal that may have led to gay student Tyler Clementi’s suicide accepted a plea deal.
In an agreement with the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Molly Wei will enter a pretrial intervention program, including 300 community-service hours and counseling. As part of last week’s agreement, Wei will testify against Dharun Ravi, Clementi’s roommate, indicted last month on invasion of privacy and hate-crimes charges. If she completes the program, she’ll avoid jail time and charges will be dropped.
Investigators say Ravi remotely activated his webcam from Wei’s computer to spy on and broadcast video of Clementi in a sexual encounter with another man. Days after learning of the video, Clementi jumped from the George Washington Bridge.
Pleasing fundraisers
Pleasure Rush will stage two fundraisers this weekend for the Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative.
From 5-7 p.m. May 13, Pleasure Rush will debut the first of a series of short films on safe sex, “What If, Encounter 1,” at GALAEI, 1207 Chestnut St. on the fifth floor. All proceeds from the $15 cover will benefit GALAEI. Guests must be 18 or older and 21 to drink.
From 9-11 p.m. the next day, Pleasure Rush will present a women’s sex-toy party at Marathon Grill, 200 S. 40th St., which includes a class on masturbation and sex toys by GALAEI and Sexploratorium.
The event is free, and guests must be 21.
Ten percent of proceeds from purchases made will benefit GALAEI.
Visit www.galaei.org for information.
ASIAC opens doors
ASIAC will host an open house from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. May 19 at the agency, 340 N. 12th St., Suite 305, in recognition of National American and Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.
The organization will offer free HIV- and STD-testing throughout the day.
Food and drinks will be available.
For more information, call 215-629-2300 ext. 123.
Cut for a cause
Salon Vanity by Edmondo Blando, 1701 Walnut St., will fuse philanthropy with style during a daylong fundraiser May 15 for HIV/AIDS causes.
All haircuts at the Rittenhouse Square salon will be $60, with proceeds and donations benefitting Hairdressers Against AIDS, an international agency that raises funds for and awareness about the disease.
Call 215-925-2211 to make an appointment.
Dancing for MANNA
The Pennsylvania Ballet will present its annual “Shut Up and Dance” fundraiser for the Metropolitan Area Neighborhood Nutritional Alliance at 8 p.m. May 21 at the Forrest Theater, 1114 Walnut St.
MANNA provides meals for those with life-threatening illnesses, such as AIDS.
Tickets start at $50 and can be purchased at www.mannapa.org.
Looking to adopt?
Representatives of the Finding Shelter Animal Rescue will be on hand from 1-4 p.m. May 15 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St., along with dogs and cats looking for good homes.
The Pet Adoption Open House will allow prospective pet owners to meet adoptable animals and will also feature vendors selling pet-related goods for current owners.
For more information, call 215-732-2220.
Dr. Ruth at Mazzoni
LGBT health agency Mazzoni Center will host its annual “Elixir: the Cure for the Common Gala” from 7-10 p.m. May 20 at the Loews Hotel, 1200 Market St.
The gala will include cocktails, a buffet and a silent auction. Awards will be presented to special guest Dr. Ruth Westheimer, state Sen. Vincent Hughes and his wife Sheryl Lee Ralph and The Trevor Project.
A VIP reception will be held from 6-7 p.m., at which guests can meet Dr. Ruth, and VIP guests will be entered into a raffle for a trip to the Grenadines or Antigua.
General admission is $125, with VIP tickets for $250. Tickets can be purchased at www.mazzonicenter.org.
Sapphire rolls the dice
LGBT grantmaking agency Sapphire Fund will host its annual casino-themed fundraiser from 2-5 p.m. May 22 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
“Brunch at the Casino Royale” will feature food, drinks and gaming.
The annual event will raise money for the organization’s 2011 beneficiaries — The Attic Youth Center, Mazzoni Center and William Way LGBT Community Center.
Tickets are $45 in advance, $60 at the door.
To purchase tickets, visit www.sapphirefund.org.
— Jen Colletta