A Night of Celebration & Impact: The Alexis Project & The Arquette Family Host a Tribute Event at Poppy Nightclub on September 11th

September 11th, 2024, at Poppy Nightclub (755 N La Cienega Blvd), was a one-of-a-kind tribute to Alexis Arquette and fundraiser for The Alexis Project, a program of VIP Community Mental Health Center (VIP). Rosanna and David Arquette were on hand for an incredible night featuring: hostessing by L.A. drag legend, Jackie Beat; The McLarens spinning at the turntable; special performances from Sherry Vine and trans actress Candis Cayne; personal remembrances from Rosanna and David Arquette, Stephen Baldwin, and  Milla Jovovich; delicious hors d’oeuvres and Alexis-inspired cocktails from Poppy; and more!

The red carpet event was media sponsored by Gurus Magazine, with sponsorship support from Pritzker Foster Care Initiative, The Tom Petty Family, and The H.wood Group. “We are so grateful to the incredible people and organizations that made this fabulous event happen!” said Director of Development and Communications for VIP, Billy Ray Brewton. “Thanks to our sponsors and guests, we were able to raise over $25,000 for the crucial, sometimes life-saving work being done by The Alexis Project. And none of that would be possible without the support of The Arquette Family, who are partners in this endeavor in every sense of the word.”

Notable attendees at the event included: David Arquette (Scream series), Rosanna Arquette (Desperately Seeking Susan), Candis Cayne (Dirty Sexy Money), Milla Jovovich (The Fifth Element), Joely Fisher (Ellen), Frances Fisher (Unforgiven), Barry Shils (Wigstock: The Movie), Michael Des Barres (MacGuyver), Derek Warburton (Gurus), Jackie Beat, Sherry Vine; Stephen Baldwin (Last Exit to Brooklyn); and representatives from Los Angeles Board of Supervisor Lindsey Horvath’s office.

A highlight of the evening was a “Dessert Dash”, with all proceeds benefiting the important work of The Alexis Project. Participating bakeries included: The Abbey We-Ho, Brady’s Bakery, SusieCakes, Winston Pies, Proof Bakery, and Flouring LA. A staple of Pacific Northwest fundraisers, a “Dessert Dash” invites guests to bid on high-end desserts from bakeries in and around Los Angeles County, with all proceeds benefiting The Alexis Project. Participating bakeries included: The Abbey We-Ho, Brady’s Bakeries, SusieCakes, Winston Pies, Proof Bakery, and Flouring LA. 

When Alexis Arquette tragically passed away on September 11, 2016, she left behind a legacy of art, activism, and community. A partnership between the Alexis Arquette Family Foundation and VIP Community Mental Health Center, The Alexis Project was formed that same year to honor Alexis’s memory, while also serving the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals across Los Angeles County. Today, The Alexis Project remains steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive, integrated care for transgender, non-binary, and gender diverse patients. Members of The Alexis Project staff and team were on-hand at the event, with founders Dr. Astrid Heger and Dr. Tracey Samko delivering keynote addressed to the rapt Poppy audience. Poppy Nightclub, known for its whimsical and luxurious ambiance, was thethe perfect backdrop for an evening that celebrates the life and legacy of Alexis Arquette. The venue, which blends high fashion with a storybook fantasy setting, is a reflection of Alexis’s vibrant spirit and commitment to the LGBTQ+ community.

Special Quotes from the evening: 

“Thank you so much Dr Heger & everyone who has come here to celebrate Alexis & the amazing work being done in her name…The Alexis Project. provides trans & LGBTQ+ youth access to VIP’s hallmark medical, mental health and support services specifically targeted to the LGBTQ+ community. In today’s climate, their work is more important than ever – as we see dangerous attacks on the trans & LGBTQ+ community everyday. The Alexis Project is committed to normalizing health & mental health support for all LGBTQ+ patients, and creating a standard of care that will spark a national movement to improve access and services for all people without prejudice. LGBTQ+ youth can find safety at The Alexis Project with specialized medical and mental health staff, who understand their needs. We are honored to have this important work being done in our sister’s name & thank all to all of you who support this incredible work: wether it’s through donations, working at the facility or spreading the word.” -Rosanna Arquette

“I know Alexis would be really happy, the fact that the Alexis Project is being celebrated tonight and Alexis is being celebrated is really important. I know Alexis would say something like, “what took you so long?” -David Arquette  

Thank you, Jackie. And thank you Rosanna and David and Dr. Heger. Yes, many of you may be asking yourselves, “What is Stephen Baldwin doing here?” Well, let me answer that question – as a man of faith, it’s a blessing for me to be here, and to honor a dear friend and to show love and support at this important event.

Tonight, we gather to celebrate all things “Alexis” and I would like to take this moment to honor the unforgettable talent of Alexis Arquette. Alexis was a true artist—bold, fearless, and always unapologetically Alexis. In 1989 Alexis and I worked on the film “Last Exit to Brooklyn”, directed by Uli Edel, where Alexis brought to life one of the most powerful and raw performances we’ve ever seen. Playing the character of georgette, a transgender woman caught in the brutal realities of 1950s Brooklyn, Alexis captured vulnerability, power, and beauty in a way that few actors ever could.

Alexis gave a voice to characters on the margins of society, and the stellar performance in this film was not just acting—it was an embodiment of Alexis’s truth. Last exit to Brooklyn asked a lot from its actors, and Alexis answered with grace, authenticity and courage.

Beyond this film, and as you’ve heard from others here tonight, Alexis was a trailblazer, not only as an actor but as an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Alexis’s legacy is one of resilience, compassion, and fierce dedication to art. Alexis didn’t just play roles—Alexis transformed them, and through this dedication and commitment, touched countless lives. 

Alexis, your light continues to shine, and tonight, we not only celebrate your artistry, your creativity, and your undeniable contribution to cinema, but your heart and spirit… and everything that made you, you. I truly hope that my being here might help show, in some small way, that love and friendship are what can bring us all closer together.

-Stephen Baldwin

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About the Alexis Project:

The Alexis Project, established in memory of Alexis Arquette, is dedicated to providing affirming care and support for transgender, non-binary, and gender-diverse individuals. Through healthcare, advocacy, and community-building efforts, the Alexis Project strives to create a world where everyone can live authentically.