Making Equality Count with the 2012 HRC Chicago Gala
April 10, 2012 by Guest contributor
Guest contribution provided by Justin Metzler, HRC Chicago Steering Committee, Web Content Coordinator.
The past year has been very busy for fairness with marriage equality being added in three new states; New York, Washington and most recently Maryland. The theme for this year’s Human Rights Campaign (HRC) gala dinner “Make Equality Count” really touches on the work we have accomplished and that which lies ahead. We cannot sit idly by and simply take for granted the progress we have made. We must take what we, the LGBT community and allies, have done and build upon it to create even stronger momentum moving forward. This is an election year and gains for equality can be easily wiped away should fair-minded officials not attain office.
HRC has an active network of grassroots volunteer supporters throughout the nation. Together we work to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other LGBT organizations. The gala dinner and auction is one way that we here in Chicago are able to help fund the vital advocacy work HRC does on a daily basis and there are many ways for you to get involved!
Ways to get Involved
Attend
The most obvious of all ways to participate in the Chicago gala and by extension support HRC is to attend the dinner. The HRC Chicago Gala is on October 20, 2012 and tickets are available starting today! If you want to purchase later, save the date to your calendar.
Table Captain
Since you are going why not invite your friends, family and colleagues to attend with you? The easiest way make sure you all sit together, short of purchasing everyone’s tickets, is to captain a table. This will allow your invitees to choose your table when purchasing their own ticket.
Auction
A great way to promote your business in the LGBT community is to donate to the silent and live auction. Every item is listed along with the donor's name in the our Silent Auction Catalog, which is distributed as guests arrive. If a donor provides marketing materials (business cards, brochures, etc.), our team displays them alongside the item on the auction floor.
Sponsorship
Corporate partners play a large part in the Chicago gala each year because they know the LGBT community is loyal to brands that support causes important to them. A 2011 Witeck Communication survey found that 74 % of LGBT adults are likely to consider brands that support nonprofits.
Volunteer
Last but certainly not least you can volunteer to make the dinner program successful. There are many opportunities to use your skills, abilities and talents to create a gala to remember.
