Over a dozen Hudson County officials came together to help host a fundraiser for the Orlando massacre victims at the Liberty Prime Steakhouse last night.
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“Tonight though, I’d just like to mention not how we are different, but how we are all alike. We are all Americans. And when you hurt one of us, you hurt them all,” reflected Hudson County Executive Tom DeGise.
Hudson Pride’s Director of Operations Jonathan Lucas added that the LGBT community is one of the least likely groups to reach out for help during a time of need, which made the out pour of support that much more special.
“Being part of the LGBT community, we are among some of the most vulnerable people. We are probably least likely to come forward when we have suffered discrimination or some type of violent crime,” he explained.
“So it really means a lot to our community, in our organization, to see all of you come out to show your support, not only for us, but for the larger LGBT community.”
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez also spoke out against all “senseless violence,” including the five slain Dallas police officers.
Jersey City Freeholder E. Junior Maldonado (D-4) one of the main organizers of the event, said there is still time to donate to the cause and encouraged anyone interested to give him a call at 201-344-2323.
Others in attendance included Assemblywoman Maria Rodriguez-Gregg (R-8), Bayonne Freeholder Kenny Kopacz (D-1), Jersey City Freeholder Bill O’Dea (D-2), Hoboken Freeholder Anthony Romano (D-5), West New York Freeholder Caridad Rodriguez (D-7), DeGise’s Chief of Staff Craig Guy, Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari – among many more.
