Philadelphia – January 14, 2011 – Philadelphia, January 14, 2011 — Sapphire Fund, a nonprofit organization serving the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer community (GLBTQ) and Philadelphia's HIV/AIDS community, will present the 2010 Tony Sparacino Memorial Scholarship, in an award ceremony & fundraiser held at The William Way Community Center (1315 Spruce Street) on January 19, 2011 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.

The Sapphire Fund created this scholarship in honor of local activist, business owner, and Sapphire Board Member 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 2010 scholarship recipient is Zachary Mosley, a student attending the University of the Arts for an MFA in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design. It was not only Mosley's passion for his museum designs but also his commitment to community in Tony's memory that won over the scholarship committee – which consisted of Tony's partner and friends.

"Zach is an extraordinary young man, one whose passion for his work and those he will reach through it is impossible to ignore and truly in line with the spirit of the man for whom this scholarship is named." said Domenic Gallelli, President of Sapphire Fund.

Mosley selected museum exhibit design because "it is the most creative and comprehensive of the fields in which I have had experience. My love for the arts is infinite, but my artistic skills are nothing compared to those who truly deserve to have the world see their work." Mosely's commitment to community is shown through his work with The William Way Community Center. As a member of the art committee, he documented the center's entire permanent art collection. He also continues his volunteer work at the Philadelphia Museum of Art assisting with children's education programs during Sunday family events.

Sapphire Fund is a completely volunteer driven 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.