PHILADELPHIA – Sapphire Fund’s annual Blue Ball, a weekend of major parties, will be held in collaboration with Equality Forum 2006. From May 1 to 7, Equality Forum 2006 is the nation’s largest national and international GLBT civil rights forum with over 80 programs, parties and special events.

“Blue Ball’s ‘Best of Philly’ parties intensify the celebratory impact of Equality Forum 2006,” stated Malcolm Lazin, Executive Director of Equality Forum. “Equality Forum commends the Sapphire Fund for donating Blue Ball’s net proceeds to GLBT charities.”

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with such an outstanding national organization,” stated Brad Richards, President of Sapphire Fund. “As a national event, Equality Forum brings a wealth of educational and cultural opportunities to the GLBT community. Blue Ball has always been the premier dance event in the mid-Atlantic region. Together, we will provide a one-of-a-kind experience for gay travelers while raising much-needed funds for organizations serving Philadelphia’s GLBT community.”

ABOUT EQUALITY FORUM

Equality Forum is a national nonprofit and 501(c)(3) GLBT organization headquartered in Philadelphia. Equality Forum undertakes high impact initiatives, produces documentary films, highlights GLBT history and presents annually the largest national and international GLBT civil rights forum. For more information, visit www.equalityforum.com.

ABOUT SAPPHIRE FUND

Sapphire Fund was established in 2002 to support the efforts of organizations contributing to the health and well-being of Philadelphia’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and those who support them. Sapphire Fund is a non-profit, volunteer organization, conceived and run by members and supporters of the Philadelphia GLBT community. The Fund is an outgrowth of the long-standing annual Blue Ball fundraising event, which was first held in 1991 and has given away more than 1.5 million dollars to GLBT and HIV/AIDS service organizations in Philadelphia. Beneficiaries for 2006 include the William Way LGBT Community Center, Mazzoni Center and The Attic Youth Center. For more information, visit www.sapphirefund.org.