Jennifer ended by encouraging everyone to donate to this wonderful organization as she said, “And if you can’t do it with a pure heart, then do it with a really selfish heart, because giving feels good. It’s a form of healing. Not just for you as an individual but for everyone. You just have to ask the Shepards.”

(last part of Jennifer’s speech)

Jennifer left right after her speech but the evening continued with a keynote address by John Berry, director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, who oversees the federal government’s civil service workforce and who is the highest ranking gay person in the present administration.

It was a wonderful and a very educating evening. If any of you are interested in learning more about this organization or if you want to donate “with pure or selfish heart”, please visit www.MatthewShepard.org and www.MatthewsPlace.com