Rodemeyers attend LA gala with Gaga

LOS ANGELES, C.A. (WIVB) - A local teenager's heartbreaking suicide has touched many lives. The family of Jamey Rodemeyer traveled to California over the weekend to spread their anti-bullying message and to meet the pop star whose music comforted Jamey.

At a sold out fundraiser called, "A Hot Ticket In Hollywood," Trevor Live lit up the Hollywood Palladium Sunday night. Tim and Tracy Rodemeyer of Williamsville were invited to the front row of this event, aimed at preventing suicide of young people struggling with their sexuality.

Trevor Project interim executive director David McFarland said, "It's a tragedy that needs to end because no young person should take their life for being who they are."

The Rodemeyers lived that nightmare when their 14-year-old son, Jamey, took his life in September after years of bullying.

Tracy said, "If we would have known about this, and Jamey would have known about this, something tells me he would still be here with us."

The Rodemeyers say they will likely work with the Trevor Project to spread the message about its crisis intervention services and spare other people their pain.

"We're going to get that word out, that there's help for these kids, and things like this, what happened to Jamey, should never, ever happen again," said Tim.

Many of the stars who walked the red carpet said they understand the need for greater understanding of the differences among us.

Talk show host Ricki Lake said, "With all the bullying issues, the suicides you hear about, the tragic stories, it's amazing this kind of money can be raised to raise awareness for something that's so important."

"I have a huge fan base within this community. It's really who I'm out here for, is them," said entertain Leann Rimes.

Trevor Project co-founder Peggy Rajski said, "What the message of the Trevor Project is and what tonight is about is really a celebration of life. And how precious that is."

In a video taken on a cell phone, you can hear that the benefit ended with a tribute from Lady Gaga, who was introduced by the Rodemeyers.

Tracy said, "We are very proud to present the Trevor Hero Award to Lady Gaga."

The pop star, in turn, paid tribute to Jamey, saying, "I appreciate this award so much, but truthfully, I am not the hero. The hero is Jamey."