Culture

Bea Arthur left 300K to LGBT youth center

by smkovalinsky | October 28, 2009 at 12:35 pm

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Actress Bea Arthur who died in 2009 of cancer, has reportedly left 300 thousand dollars to a youth shelter catering to LGBT youth, called the Ali Forney Center in New York.

I am sure this generous move will make her more endearing, if possible, to her millions of fans world-wide: especially those who loved her for years on the hit series loved by gays and straights alike, The Golden Girls:

The center supplies a number of services to youth around the city, including food, emergency housing, medical treatment and HIV testing. The announcement of Bea's donation came with the center's plans to build a house that will shelter 12 homeless youth and name the building in her honor. Executive director Carl Siciliano said they were "overwhelmed with gratitude that Bea saw that LGBT youth deserve as much love and support as any other young person and that she placed so much value in the work we do to protect them and to help them rebuild lives." Thank you, Bea.

The Ali Forney Center was named after a homeless queer teen who dedicated his life to helping other homeless queer youth, was an HIV prevention worker, and advocated for the NYPD to investigate a series of murders of homeless queer youth in New York City. In December of 1997, Ali was murdered. Check out more about the orghere.

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Amy Judd

at 12:48 on October 28th, 2009

Oh, that's nice

a211423

at 13:52 on October 28th, 2009

A gracious and generous gift.

Rest in Peace Bea Arthur

smkovalinsky

at 15:19 on October 28th, 2009

Yes, A: she was a woman who maintained a large and generous mind, and was all heart. She also advocated for abused animals. One of those people born with open warmth toward all.