Merrill Lynch Hosts US Open Event and Auction with Martina Navratilova & Mitchell Gold to Benefit MCC Children & Youth

Merrill-Lynch, Martina Navratilova and Mitchell Gold have partnered with Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) to host a US Open Event and Auction to raise money for four programs serving vulnerable children and youth:

• MCC New York Homeless Youth Services (Sylvia's Place)
• MCC Global HIV/AIDS Ministry
• MCC Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Alliance
• MCC Youth & Teen Curriculum A Faith that Fits! YOU

On August 27, 2007, Martina Navratilova will conduct a tennis clinic at the Manhattan Plaza (482 W 43rd St.) where she will sign autographs and photos.  Auction options include:

• Twenty-five observers are welcome in the observer court - minimum bid of $250 each 
• A Game Ball from Ms. Navratilova's final Grand Slam at the U.S. Open (2006) and a private tennis lesson during the first week of the U.S. Open (August, 2007) - starting bid of $15,000 
• Seat with Martina Navratilova at the U.S. Open, August 28, 2007 - winning bid in excess of $25,000
• Shopping Spree at Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams newest location in New York City (opening October 11, 2007) - starting bid of $5,000
• Five day stay at the Fairmont Princess Acupulco (including air fare)
• Blackberry Curve
• A weekend stay at a private residence in historic Provincetown, MA, USA

Auction items not related to the U.S. open will remain open for bid until December 22, 2007.  Go to www.MCCchurch.org/Auctions to place bids or call 1-866-HOPEMCC.

Martina Navratilova is the official host of all 2006-2007 global events and conferences for Metropolitan Community Church. She says, 

I like the fact that MCC is willing to step up when something needs to change in the world. It takes real guts to ask the kinds of questions MCC asks in the world and let people harass and threaten and still stand their ground about what is right. MCC is a great investment for anyone who cares about a just world where people can live healthy physical and spiritual lives. (www.martinanavratilova.com)

Mitchell Gold-Bob Williams first partnered with MCC in the Mattresses & Microwaves project to assist in the relocation of 541 people displaced by Hurricane Katrina.  This project was commended by Senator Ted Kennedy as one of the first responders to the crisis.  Mitchell is the founder of Faith in America, Inc., the strategic partner of MCC for the first Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign in Indianapolis.  Faith in America has provided funding for two rounds of the campaign in Indianapolis in partnership with Jesus MCC under the leadership of Rev. Jeff Miner. 
 
Merrill Lynch now holds the MCC Endowment Management Account funded with the proceeds of the sale of MCC property in West Hollywood.  Vice-President of Philanthropy, David Ratcliffe and the Director of LGBT Programs at Merrill Lynch recently developed and presented a seminar on planned giving for the General Conference in Scottsdale.

Sylvia's Place & MCC New York

People come to Metropolitan Community Church of New York from all walks of life and for many different reasons. Some people come to find a spiritual refuge. Others come to connect with people in the community. And, still others come to get involved in changing the world. Whatever the reason that initially brings someone here inevitably they use one word to describe MCCNY, "home." (from www.MCCNY.org/aboutus.html)

An estimated 25% to 40% of New York City's 20,000 runaway and homeless youth are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered. These young people, many of whom have faced harassment and discrimination from the very people that should protect and nurture them, are in desperate need of services to achieve independence and self-sufficiency.  Metropolitan Community Church of New York, a faith-based nonprofit organization located in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen and Harlem neighborhoods, has responded to meet the needs of this disenfranchised and marginalized group of young, homeless people.  Since 2002, the Homeless Youth Services of Metropolitan Community Church of New York (MCCNY) has worked tirelessly to meet the unique needs of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender runaway and homeless youth of New York City.  Starting with a 6-bed emergency shelter housed in the church itself (Sylvia’s Place), MCCNY’s services have expanded to include an additional shelter (Sylvia’s East), a range of social services offered both to shelter residents and other runaway and homeless youth, and a soon-to-opened 24-hour drop-in center, the Marsha P. Johnson Center. (from http://www.homelessyouthservices.org/aboutus.html)

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