By Claudia Taller
The Human Rights Campaign Cleveland’s 20th annual Gala and Auction raised awareness for LGBT issues on Sat 8/24 at the newly-renovated Cleveland Public Auditorium and Convention Center. During cocktails and dinner and into the night, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra took guests back to the golden roaring 1920s. People had fun dressing up in flapper dresses and bowties.
Charter One received the 2013 Corporate Equality Award, which is given to an organization that supports HRC’s mission of bringing equality to the workplace. Charter One has long supported the organization. Dr. Henry Ng, an internist-pediatrician with the MetroHealthSystem and Clinical Director of the PRIDE Clinic at MetroHealth, who leads Ohio’s only medical home that provides culturally competent medical services for LGBT, won the Leadership Award.
Proceeds from ticket sales and the live and silent auctions provided funds to promote equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans. HRC’s grassroots efforts across the country raise awareness of human rights issues. Through innovative communication and education strategies and political lobbying, the organizations reaches out to the public and political leadership.
With 1.5 million members and supporters, HRC is the largest national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender civil rights organization. The organization works toward basic equal rights for LGBT people while allowing them to be open about who they are at work, in the community, and in their homes. Supporters who attended the event could captain tables of ten and reserve a room at a special rate at the Cleveland Marriott Downtown at Key Center.
Heterosexual guests were welcome to join lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender guests. Nationally, celebrity supporters include Sally Field and Brad Pitt. The 150 staff members are a diverse group of hardworking and courageous people who work with the board of directors and advisory counsel to advance the mission of creating a diverse and inclusive environment for LGBT people. All are welcome at HRC events; after all, the point is to pull down walls and establish personal ties.
If you missed the Human Rights Campaign Cleveland’s 2013 Gala and Auction, look for it next year at http://www.hrc.org. In the meantime, donate your time and money to this passionate organization that seeks to help all people be accepted by our society.
[Photo via https://facebook.com]
Claudia Taller is the author of Ohio’s Lake Erie Wineries and has been a Cool Cleveland contributor for many years. She helps writers and other creative people discover possibilities for their lives through Igniting Possibilities events, including Word Lovers retreats. She has written articles for numerous publications over the last decade and blogs at http://ClaudiaTallerMusings.blogspot.com. Her book can be purchased at http://OhioLakeErieWineries.blogspot.com and makes a perfect gift for history buffs and wine lovers.