PHILADELPHIA — August 27, 2009 —Sapphire Fund, a nonprofit serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community (GLBTQ) and Philadelphia's HIV/AIDS community, will award the 2009 Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship, in an award ceremony & fundraiser held at PRE55ED Gallery (Piazza at Schmidts) on September 11, 2009 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

The Sapphire Fund created this scholarship in honor of local activist and business owner Tony Sparacino. The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered or queer (LGBTQ) student -- or a student supportive of the LGBTQ community -- who is majoring in the arts at a Philadelphia college or university and who has a history of community service.

Sparacino was deeply involved with Philadelphia's LGBTQ, arts and business communities. A founding member of the Sapphire Fund, he helped to shape its mission of raising funds to address health and social issues within Philadelphia's LGBTQ, and more broadly, its HIV/AIDS communities. His passion and hard work helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars.

The 2009 scholarship recipient is D'Angelo Keyes, a student attending the University of the Arts majoring in Vocal Performance in Jazz Studies. It was not only D'Angelo's passion for his art but also his commitment to community that won over the scholarship committee – which consisted of Tony's family and friends.

“Through his artistry and community outreach, D'Angelo epitomizes the spirit of this scholarship,” said Ryan Maxwell, President of Sapphire Fund.

Indeed, D'Angelo has overcome remarkable life circumstances at a very young age: He is a foster child and is openly HIV+. He came to the University of the Arts on scholarships and loans. When he arrived, the University did not have housing for him. He lived for a time with friends bouncing from home to home. He works, goes to school and demonstrates a remarkable sense of community dedication.

Since coming to Philadelphia, D'Angelo has volunteered for the Youth Health Empowerment Project (Y-HEP), a program of Philadelphia Fight, as a peer counselor and life skills coordinator. Additionally, he has served on planning committees for a number of community-based non-profits. And, most recently, D'Angelo was hired by Y-HEP as the director's assistant where he coordinates the youth development programs (among his many other duties!)

Sapphire Fund is a volunteer organization, conceived and run by members and supporters of the Philadelphia GLBTQ community. To help support this scholarship, please donate online at http://www.sapphirefund.org/scholarship.php

Additional information about Sapphire Fund is also available online at www.sapphirefund.org.