New York City's LGBT Community Center recently hosted its annual Center Dinner, a major fundraising event that saw prominent figures, including Jill Biden, participate in an exclusive charity auction. During the event, Jill Biden submitted a bid of $35,000 for a walk-on role in the second season of the HBO Max series "Heated Rivalry," a queer hockey drama. Despite her participation, Biden was ultimately outbid, with two separate bidders each securing the package for $125,000.
"Tierney and Brady have elevated and centered queer characters as fully realized leads whose desires, conflicts and tenderness are treated with dignity. By championing our voices, they have brought queer joy and storytelling to the mainstream media and have created work that affirms and advances our community." — Dr. Carla Smith, CEO, LGBT Community Center
The auction package offered attendees a unique opportunity: a walk-on role in the upcoming season of "Heated Rivalry," alongside a dinner with members of the show's cast. The series, based on Rachel Reid's bestselling "Game Changers" book series, has garnered attention for its LGBTQ representation in entertainment. Production for the second season, which will adapt Reid's novel "The Long Game," is scheduled to commence later this summer, with an anticipated premiere on HBO Max in April 2027. Stars Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams are expected to reprise their leading roles, joined by returning cast members François Arnaud, Robbie G.K., Christina Chang, Dylan Walsh, Nadine Bhabha, Sophie Nélisse, and Ksenia Daniela Kharlamova. Series creator Jacob Tierney has expressed his intention to remain faithful to Reid’s novels in the new season, stating, "I think I realized a little while ago that what I have to do is go back to where my head was at the first time I wrote, which was love these books and try to make the smartest thing I can make of it."
Following the auction, Jill Biden acknowledged the outcome in a post on X, writing, "Guess I won’t be heading to the cottage after all — but it was worth a shot! What a wonderful evening supporting @LGBTCenterNYC." Her involvement underscored the high-profile nature of the event, which serves as a crucial fundraiser for the LGBT Community Center, supporting its wide array of programs and services for LGBTQ individuals across New York City.
The Center Dinner also served as a platform to honor key contributors to LGBTQ advocacy and representation. "Heated Rivalry" creator Jacob Tierney and producing partner Brendan Brady were presented with the Cultural Impact Award for their significant contributions to LGBTQ storytelling in entertainment. Rachel Reid, the author of the original book series, presented the award, highlighting their work in bringing queer narratives to a mainstream audience. Dr. Carla Smith, CEO of the LGBT Community Center, praised Tierney and Brady's efforts, noting, "Tierney and Brady have elevated and centered queer characters as fully realized leads whose desires, conflicts and tenderness are treated with dignity. By championing our voices, they have brought queer joy and storytelling to the mainstream media and have created work that affirms and advances our community." Brooks Brothers CEO Ken Ohashi was also recognized during the evening for his contributions. The event was further enlivened by a performance from Melanie C, famously known as Sporty Spice of the Spice Girls.
The auction's success, particularly the sale of the walk-on role packages for a combined $250,000, demonstrates the significant philanthropic support for the LGBT Community Center's mission. The funds raised are critical for sustaining the Center's initiatives, which include health services, mental health support, youth programs, and advocacy efforts for the LGBTQ community. The Center Dinner remains a cornerstone of the organization's fundraising calendar, bringing together supporters and community leaders to advance its goals.
