Foundation Businessmen Luncheon Honors Legacy and Expands Vision

Sarasota, FL — The Gamma Mu Foundation hosted its annual businessmen’s luncheon on Friday, May 9th during the 2025 Gamma Mu Spring Fly-In (May 8-11, 2025) bringing together more than 100 Gamma Mu members and Foundation donors at the Art Ovation Hotel. The luncheon provided an opportunity to share program milestones, honor key figures, and reflect on the Foundation’s lasting mission.

A standout moment of the luncheon was the tribute to Cliff Pettit, the visionary founder of Gamma Mu. His leadership and foresight were instrumental in shaping the Foundation’s mission. Recognizing the potential to broaden Gamma Mu’s core values and commitment to service, Cliff played a key role in establishing the Gamma Mu Foundation in 1989. Under his guidance, what started as a private social network evolved into a powerful force for philanthropy and service.

The event also featured a presentation by Foundation President John Ellis, who detailed the Foundation’s cumulative impact since its founding. As of 2025, the Gamma Mu Foundation has awarded more than $5.2 million in grants and scholarships, supported over 215 organizations in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and funded 373 scholarships to more than 300 students. The Foundation’s total funds raised now exceed $11 million, with an endowment of $5.5 million and more than 700 Cliff Pettit Fellows.

The luncheon also celebrated the induction of Larry Kam as the 701st Cliff Pettit Fellow, honoring his commitment to advancing the Foundation’s mission. Reflecting on the award, Kam shared: “It’s an honor to be named a Cliff Pettit Fellow. Coming to the U.S. in the 1980s to pursue my education while working multiple jobs taught me the value of opportunity and resilience. Supporting the Gamma Mu Foundation is my way of giving back—helping ensure LGBTQ+ students have the support they need to succeed.”

In addition, the Foundation expressed its gratitude to the Executive Committee, Board of Directors, and the chairs of its two key committees-Mark Hendon of the Grants Committee and Doug Morton of the Scholarship Committee-for their outstanding leadership and service.

On Saturday evening, guests gathered at the Sarasota Yacht Club for the Gamma Mu Gala Dinner. During the event, John Ellis announced the creation of the Cliff Pettit Founder Award. This award embodies Gamma Mu’s core mission by backing grassroots LGBTQ+ organizations and offering scholarships to LGBTQ+ students addressing current challenges while nurturing tomorrow’s leaders. As the final Gamma Mu Fly-In, the gala reflected on more than 50 years of history and celebrated Cliff's legacy, the founder of Gamma Mu.

“Many of us grew up with Gamma Mu being a major part of our lives,” said Eric Baker, Foundation Director. “We are better men and people due to the incredible people we have met along the journey, most notably our own Cliff Pettit.”

The weekend began on Thursday with a Kick-Off Party at the home of Chairman Dr. Ron Stanish, and concluded on Sunday with a farewell brunch and Stragglers Party hosted by Jeremy Wright and Andrew Basco. Attendees also toured Selby Gardens and the Ringling Museum and Estate, enjoying Sarasota’s cultural sites.

The Gamma Mu Foundation thanks everyone who participated in the Fly-In weekend. Your involvement ensures the continued growth and impact of our shared mission in LGBTQ+ communities nationwide.

More photos from the weekend can be viewed here.

Gamma Mu Foundation Hosts Inaugural Celebration West in Palm Springs

Palm Springs, CA - The Gamma Mu Foundation proudly hosted its inaugural Celebration West weekend in Palm Springs, March 28–30, 2025, bringing together some 70 participants—including donors, board members, and friends for three unforgettable days of celebration, shared purpose, and legecy building. The weekend honored the Foundation’s enduring commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in underserved communities across the United States.

The festivities began on Friday evening with a lively meet and greet at the Thompson Hotel Pool Lounge, where guests gathered under the desert sky to connect with fellow supporters, Foundation leaders, and friends old and new.

On Saturday, the weekend’s signature event—Celebration West 2025—was held at the stunning Palm Springs home of Dr. John Block and Chuck Kuglen, longtime champions of the Foundation. The evening featured elegant dining, heartfelt conversation, and a captivating musical performance by acclaimed pianist and songwriter Jason Webber, whose artistry added a powerful and personal touch to the night.

The weekend continued on Sunday with a relaxed brunch and classic car show at the private O'Donnell Golf Club, offering guests a chance to enjoy vintage automobiles and sun-drenched views while reflecting on the weekend’s themes of generosity and progress. The celebration concluded with farewell cocktails at   the   EIGHT4NINE Restaurant and Lounge, where gratitude and plans for the future were shared.

A special thank-you goes to Dr. John Block and Chuck Kuglen, whose warm hospitality and thoughtful planning made the entire weekend possible. Their generosity and vision brought Celebration West to life and created an unforgettable experience for all who attended.

Celebration West was organized in direct response to recommendations in the Foundation’s Donor Survey Report, which called for more opportunities to bring donors together, celebrate shared impact, and recognize grantees and scholarship recipients. The event delivered by creating a meaningful space to honor progress, build momentum, and inspire continued support.

This was more than just a gathering it was a powerful expression of commitment to equity, inclusion, and hope. Celebration West has created a new tradition that brings our mission to life on the West Coast.

The Gamma Mu Foundation looks forward to building on the success of this inaugural event and continuing to foster a vibrant, engaged donor community committed to uplifting LGBTQ+ lives.

Celebration East 2025: Building Community, Empowering the Future

Fort Lauderdale, FL - This past weekend, the Gamma Mu Foundation hosted an unforgettable Celebration East event, culminating in a beautiful evening on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at the Manor House at Richardson Historic Park in Wilton Manors. It was a weekend filled with friendship, inspiration, and shared purpose, bringing together over 100 members of the Gamma Mu family, including board members, long-time donors, and friends from the local community.

The festivities kicked off on Friday with a lively happy hour at No Manors Bar and Lounge, where guests connected over drinks in a welcoming and vibrant setting. On Saturday, the energy continued at The West End Lounge, where the evening featured music, good company, and more opportunities to bond. The weekend’s daytime highlight came on Sunday morning, with a private tour of the Dauer Museum of Classic Cars, offering exclusive access to an awe-inspiring collection of automotive history.

The main event, Celebration East, brought the weekend to a memorable close. A special highlight of the evening was the attendance of Mayor Dean J. Trantalis of Fort Lauderdale, who inspired guests with his heartfelt support for the Foundation’s mission. During the event, Foundation President John Ellis proudly presented the Gamma Mu Foundation Impact Award to Mayor Trantalis in recognition of his unwavering dedication to the LGBTQ+ community and his advocacy for inclusivity.

Throughout the night, guests enjoyed the captivating music of The Synergy Twins, whose performance added an extra layer of energy and excitement to the celebration.

Congratulations to Frank Maguire and his team for expertly planning the events, from venues and décor to food, drinks, and entertainment. And, specific thanks to  Impact Encounters, and John Knox Village for setting up sponsor displays. 

As the evening unfolded, we celebrated the strides made in empowering underserved LGBTQ+ communities and renewed our commitment to building a brighter, more inclusive future. The weekend's success left everyone energized for what lies ahead.

Looking forward, we’re excited to bring this spirit of connection and celebration to the inaugural Celebration West, set to take place in Palm Springs, California, on March 29, 2025. We can’t wait to reunite with our West Coast friends for another extraordinary event.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this weekend so special. Here’s to another year of impact, togetherness, and progress!

Book Signing with Larry Chrysler

Palm Springs, CA - On November 24, 2024, Dr. John Block, Vice President of the Gamma Mu Foundation, and Chuck Kuglen hosted a book signing at their Palm Springs home with long-time Gamma Mu member Larry Chrysler. The event celebrated the release of Chrysler’s new book, "Scattershot – My Journey from the Projects to Rodeo Drive."

Praised by Kirkus Reviews as "a frank and touching look at being gay in America throughout the 20th century," the book resonated deeply with attendees. Approximately 50 guests joined the gathering, and all proceeds from book sales were donated to the Gamma Mu Foundation.

The Foundation is grateful for Larry’s continued support and generosity, as well as the community members who contributed to making the evening a success.

Gamma Mu Foundation Businessmen's Luncheon: A Celebration of Progress and Community

San Antonio, TX - The Gamma Mu Foundation held a prestigious Businessmen's Luncheon on Friday, April 12, 2024, in the elegant St. Anthony's Grand Ballroom during the Gamma Mu Spring Fly-In Event in San Antonio (April 10-14, 2024).

Foundation President John Ellis provided an inspiring update on the Foundation's impactful work including the premlimary results of the donor survey, and took the opportunity to celebrate the induction of three new Cliff Pettit Fellows: Jeremy Johnson, Brandon Houge, and Myles Montano.

With nearly 70 attendees, the luncheon was a resounding success, raising over $70,000 to support the Foundation's mission.

This gathering was a testament to the power of community and the shared commitment of the Gamma Mu family to advancing the Foundation's initiatives.

From Preparation to Reflection: The Foundation's Commitment to Transparent Grantmaking

On August 26, 2025, the Gamma Mu Foundation hosted a 90-minute post-application webinar for organizations whose proposals were not selected. Building on two pre-application webinars held earlier in the year, this follow-up session reflects our commitment to accessibility and transparency in grantmaking.

Together, these sessions create a full-cycle approach that supports applicants before, during, and after the process, ensuring every organization benefits—regardless of funding outcome.

More than 30 organizations participated, receiving constructive feedback, insights into how the Grants Committee evaluates proposals, and practical tips to strengthen future applications.

The webinar focused on common challenges in lower-scoring applications and shared strategies for improvement, not only to strengthen future submissions to the Gamma Mu Foundation but also to other small grant funders.

Mark Hendon, Grants Committee Chair, emphasized: “While some proposals were not selected for funding in this cycle, we value the vital work these organizations are doing to support the LGBTQ+ community, and our goal is to help every applicant grow stronger for future opportunities.”

Key recommendations included tailoring proposals to the funder, aligning activities with donor priorities, setting realistic targets, and demonstrating both clear outcomes and organizational capacity. Participants also provided feedback to help improve the clarity of the application process and template, making the grantmaking experience more accessible for all. View the presentation here.

Participants underscored the value of this approach, sharing reflections such as:

• “Thank you for putting this on. It's rare to have such great transparency from a funder!”
• “Thank you, John, Mark, and Edmund! Thank you also for being so willing to accept feedback.”
• “This post-application opportunity is also very appreciated to get some meaningful feedback.”
• “Webinars before and after are a really generous and helpful resource!”

By offering resources both before and after the application process, and by listening closely to feedback, the Gamma Mu Foundation continues to strengthen its role as a supportive partner for LGBTQ+ community-based organizations. This process not only improves applications to the Foundation but also equips organizations with tools to succeed with other funders, extending impact across the sector.

If you are interested in being part of the grant making process, please contact the Grants Committee Chair at grants@gammamufoundation.org.

Gamma Mu Foundation Hosts Summer Meeting in Chicago

Chicago, IL - The Gamma Mu Foundation is celebrating a year of record-breaking scholarships, stronger grants, and deeper connections with our donor community. Together, we’re not just funding programs, we’re building a shared story of impact, community and lasting change. That spirit came through clearly at the Summer Meeting, held on July 9-11, 2025, at The University Club in Chicago, where Board members, the Executive Committee, and donors came together to review this year’s achievements and talk about what’s ahead.

“At 92, I was once again impressed at the Summer Meeting by the quality of work and dedication that has defined the Gamma Mu Foundation since its beginning. Escaping the Texas Panhandle in the 1970s. I remain especially grateful for Cliff’s friendship and his introduction to Gamma Mu, which gave me both community and a way to give back, including through my future estate plans."

~ Glenn Stevens, Oak Tree Society Member

Financial Update

President John Ellis shared that the Foundation’s accounts stood at $5.4 million as of June 30, 2025, with final year-end financials to be presented at the Annual Meeting. He emphasized that this strong position reflects both careful stewardship and the generosity of donors, ensuring the Foundation can meet today’s commitments and grow its impact in the years ahead.

“Our financial strength ensures we can meet today’s commitments while building for tomorrow’s opportunities. Thanks to the loyalty and generosity of our donors, the Foundation is positioned not only to sustain its impact but to grow it for years to come."

~ John Ellis, President.

Grants Update

This year, the Foundation received 133 grant applications, with 77 moving forward to review. After careful evaluation, 21 grants totaling $193,399 were approved. While the number of awards was smaller than in past years, the average award was larger, allowing us to make deeper, more meaningful investments in organizations doing outstanding work.

One highlight of this cycle was the noticeable increase in quality. More than 200 people joined our first-ever pre-application webinars, and clearer guidelines made it easier for applicants to align with our mission. Sixteen of the funded organizations had previously received Gamma Mu grants, showing the value of long-term partnerships.

"In the 2025–26 Grant Cycle, we saw a real jump in the strength of applications. A lot of effort went into improving the process, and it showed—more organizations came in well-prepared and aligned with our mission.”
~ Mark Hendon, Chair, Grants Committee

Scholarships Update

The Scholarship Committee also had big news to share. This year brought 231 applications—and from those, 47 scholarships were awarded, totaling $160,000. That’s the highest in our history, representing a 37% increase in scholarships funded and a 41% increase in total funding since 2023.

The Board also approved an additional $5,000 for the Cliff Pettit Founder Award. Along the way, several named award winners shared heartfelt thank-you notes and personal stories, reminding us just how life-changing these scholarships can be.

“This year, our Scholarship Committee is thrilled to share that the Board has approved 47 scholarships totaling $160,000. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donor community, more students than ever before will receive financial support, opening doors for future leaders in the LGBTQ+ community.”
~ Doug Morton, Chair, Scholarships Committee

Strategic Framework and Communications

A lot of this year’s progress has been guided by feedback from the donor survey report. Over the past 12 months, Edmund Settle worked closely with the Board and committees to turn those ideas into action. His focus has been on keeping communications, fundraising, and donor engagement aligned so that every effort reinforces the others. Just as importantly, he’s kept donors and Board members involved throughout the process, building stronger internal capacity and a greater sense of ownership across the Foundation.

This approach is paying off. In 2025 alone, more than $100,000 was raised through the Celebrations and the Foundation Luncheon, proving once again the power of pairing community connection with our mission. At the same time, our refreshed communications, through newsletters, the new website, social media, and impact reports, are helping supporters feel informed, valued, and part of the Gamma Mu story.

Behind the scenes, the Foundation has also made big strides in modernizing systems. By streamlining our customer relationship management (CRM) platform and digital tools, we’re improving efficiency and transparency while freeing up more time and energy to focus on what matters most our grantees, scholars, and donor community. [See Progress Update]

Board Discussion

Looking ahead, the Board talked about ways to keep growing donor engagement through regional gatherings and other in-person events. Members agreed these opportunities are critical for visibility and building relationships. The Board also emphasized the importance of succession planning to keep leadership strong and ensure continuity for years to come.

Connecting Beyond the Meeting

Of course, the Summer Meeting wasn’t all business. On Friday evening, Board Secretary Bill Hayden opened his home for dinner, giving everyone a warm welcome to Chicago before the meeting. Then on Sunday morning, several participants joined a Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise, with Bill himself serving as the tour lead. The cruise offered views of the city’s historic and modern skyline, making for an unforgettable finale to the weekend. Others also took the opportunity to visit the Art Institute of Chicago or see Cloud Gate (The Bean) in Millennium Park. These experiences added a fun backdrop to the Foundation’s important work.

Moving Forward

The 2025 Summer Meeting showed how much we can accomplish together, record-setting scholarships, stronger grants, expanded communications, and modernized systems that will carry us forward. Most importantly, it underscored that Gamma Mu’s story is powered by its donors. You’re not just seeing the results of your giving, you’re part of the work itself, helping to build a future defined by equity, opportunity, and lasting impact in our community.

Gamma Mu Foundation Hosts First-Ever Grant Application Webinars

This year, the Gamma Mu Foundation’s Grants Committee launched an exciting new initiative to support prospective grantees—our first-ever informational webinars. Held on February 6th and March 4th, these sessions provided organizations with key insights into our funding priorities and application process.

The response exceeded expectations, with over 100 participants joining from across the country—from Hawaii to Puerto Rico, and New Mexico to Minnesota. In addition to thoughtful questions and follow-up comments, attendees shared their appreciation:

• “The presentation and webinar were great! Understanding what you're really after makes the process so much better!”
• “Thank you for hosting this! Feels like a community event!”
• “Thank you, everyone, for the work you're doing on behalf of our communities.”
• “Thank you so much for being so accessible to us potential grantees. It was a more informative webinar than the majority of ones I have attended from much larger foundations.”
• “Definitely lifts my spirits to see all these incredible orgs!”

The webinars were designed not to coach applicants on what to submit, but to ensure they fully understood the Foundation’s goals—especially the importance of proposing specific projects with clear objectives. By clarifying these priorities, the Grants Committee aimed to help organizations submit stronger, more aligned proposals.

This initiative marks an important step in increasing accessibility and engagement with our grants program. We look forward to seeing how these efforts translate into stronger and more innovative project proposals that uplift LGBTQ+ communities across the country.

If you are interested in being part of the grant making process, please contact the Grants Committee Chair at grants@gammamufoundation.org.

Stay tuned for future opportunities to connect and learn more about our work!