Fire Island Black Out (FIBO), an annual party that takes place in the Cherry Grove section of Fire Island and is enjoyed by the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community of color, has announced that this year's event, their sixth, will begin on Friday, August 8, 2008 and continue through Sunday, August 10, 2008. FIBO has also announced its partnership with The Ali Forney Center, a New York-based 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, which houses homeless LGBT adolescents and provides these young persons with the skills necessary to help them transition to adulthood.

"FIBO is proud of its track record of providing our guests with an exceptional beach experience over these past five years, and we are excited to introduce our guests to the Ali Forney Center, and encourage the type of altruism that will directly benefit LGBT youth in need," said James Wellons, FIBO Vice-President. "We were inspired by the mission and achievements of the Ali Forney Center and are proud to donate a portion of our proceeds to this great organization."

"We greatly appreciate FIBO for choosing the Ali Forney Center to be the beneficiary of this exceptional event," said Carl Siciliano, Executive Director of the Ali Forney Center. "We are thrilled to begin a partnership with the wonderful members of FIBO, and hope this event is only the beginning of a continuing, rewarding relationship."

Fire Island Black Out begins with a Friday evening after-work social in New York City. The next two days' events - Saturday's day at the beach and "Bump & Dip" dance party, and Sunday's midday brunch - take place in Cherry Grove. The full schedule of events will be published to FIBO's website - www.fireislandblackout.com - in March.