Following the states of emergencies declared by Los Angeles County and the State of California due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, the Los Angeles LGBT Center announced today it is canceling Simply diVine.

The premier food and wine event for LGBT people and their allies had been scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Hollywood Forever.

“This event is attended by more than a thousand guests and we are canceling it in adherence with current public health guidelines,” said Center Chief of Staff Darrel Cummings. “Although it was difficult to make this decision, we do so out of an abundance of caution, seeking to protect the health and well-being of our guests, volunteers, and Center staff members who would have attended Simply diVine. As this pandemic evolves, we will continue to evaluate and navigate what protocols are needed to ensure the well-being of our clients and community based on state and local public health recommendations.”

Proceeds from Simply diVine provide vital support for the Center’s program and services. While the event is canceled, the demand for the Center’s free and low-cost services continues.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that our services continue, particularly at a time when the need is so great,” Cummings said. “As many of our supporters who have been part of Simply diVine through the years know, the care and well-being of our community is at the forefront of the Center’s work and is really the driving force behind the event.”

At this time, the Center is still evaluating whether to reschedule the event when the current public health concerns have subsided. Those wishing to support the Center in the meantime can visit lalgbtcenter.org/donate

Updates on the Center’s response to COVID-19 can be found at lalgbtcenter.org/updates