Rosie and Kelli O'Donnell receive Family Tree award

The Family Pride Coalition announced Monday that Rosie and Kelli O'Donnell will receive the group's Family Tree award for their work in advancing the rights of lesbian and gay couples and families. The award will be presented October 2 in Los Angeles at the coalition's first awards dinner. Family Pride will also honor Wells Fargo with a Corporate Community Responsibility Award. Kelli O'Donnell is a cofounder of R Family Vacations, a travel company serving GLBT-led families. Rosie O'Donnell is founder of For All Kids Foundation Inc. Both have been outspoken advocates for GLBT equality, particularly around issues of parenting and marriage. They are the parents of four children. "The Family Tree Award was designed to recognize excellence and leadership on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender parents and their families," said Aimee Gelnaw, executive director of the Family Pride Coalition, in a press release. "No one family has done more to raise the visibility of lesbian and gay parents than the O'Donnells. They continue to shine a light on the issues LGBT parents face in this country." "We are honored to accept the Family Tree Award," the O'Donnells said in a statement provided by the coalition. "Tolerance starts in the home but must have community reinforcement. That is why we are proud to be working with the Family Pride Coalition. All families are entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." The Family Pride Coalition is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to securing equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered parents and their families.