Point Foundation Honors Cherry Jones

By Layla Dhere, http://www.advocate.com  

       

       The Point Foundation announced Wednesday that the Courage Award for 2009  will be given to award-winning actress and out lesbian Cherry Jones.    

       

       “In addition to being one of the most respected actresses in her profession, Cherry Jones has lived her life unapologetically as an out  lesbian and gives hope to young people everywhere, including our Point       Scholars,” CEO and executive director of the Point Foundation, Jorge Valencia, said in a statement.    

       

       “I was honored and humbled when I learned that I would receive the Point       Courage Award,” Jones said. “The Point Foundation is a wonderful       organization, granting scholarships to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender students across America, and I am proud to be associated with such a worthy cause.”    

       

       The Point Courage Award is given each year to an individual who has “advocated for the future of the LGBT             community.” The Point Foundation is  the largest scholarship granting organization for LGBT students. They             offer mentoring and leadership training in addition to financial assistance for LGBT students who have been             ostracized because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.    

       

       Jones, who plays President Allison Taylor on the hit series 24, is an Emmy nominee for Best Supporting Actress for that show and a two-time Tony Award winner for The Heiress and Doubt.        

       

       The Point Foundation also announced that its Inspiration Award will be given to Motorola for the company's “commitment to the LGBT community, as well as their unfailing support of Point Foundation’s leadership conferences and events.”    

       

       The awards will be presented at the foundation's annual Los Angeles benefit, Point Honors, which will be held September 26 at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel in Los Angeles.