News Briefing: June 9-15, 2017

Biz group to raise funds for first-time LGBT youth scholarship

The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce will change up fundraising efforts for its third-annual LGBT Business Council Gala.

“We had an interest in how LGBT youth may suffer more than other kids in school [because of] bullying and how that affects their likelihood to attend college,” said Angela DelGrosso, the chamber’s vice president of business and diversity councils.

The resulting research ultimately helped the chamber start a scholarship fund for LGBT high-school seniors. In the future, DelGrosso said she hopes the scholarship will expand to adults planning to return to college.

The chamber will raise funds through a silent auction, flower sales and the first-time live auction at the event. Last year’s gala raised $5,000 for the Valley Youth House. DelGrosso anticipates more funds will be raised for the scholarship with the new addition of the live auction.

This year’s event, modeled after “An Evening in Paris,” will feature a roaming mime, a strolling accordionist and themed décor. DJ Brad Scott will provide music for the evening.

The LGBT Business Council Gala will include cocktails and the silent auction starting at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 and dancing until 11 June 16 at the Bear Creek Mountain Resort and Conference Center, 101 Doe Mountain Lane, Macungie. Visit http://bit.ly/2sw762L to purchase tickets.

Action Wellness hosts free HIV testing and STI screening 

A local nonprofit organization will host free HIV testing and STI screenings on the second Friday of each month. Action Wellness opened the effort to the public May 12, with no requirements for patients to have health insurance or to make appointments. The organization will also give away gift cards, SEPTA tokens and snacks. 

Testing is available noon-3 p.m. at the Annex West Health Center, 3990 Filbert St. Action Wellness is currently offering services June 9, July 14, Aug. 11, Sept. 8, Oct. 13, Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.

— Jeremy Rodriguez

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