The San Diego LGBT Center will host its 38th annual gala, Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. This year’s event plans to follow feedback from previous years and keep the speeches short and focus more on bringing a diverse range of community members, leaders and public officials together for a night of fun and entertainment.
Dr. Delores Jacobs, who has been the chief executive officer for The Center since 2001 said that this year the gala promises to offer a night where attendees will have the opportunity to socialize, relax and enjoy each others company.
“The event is mercifully short on speeches and long on opportunities for attendees to see friends they haven’t seen in some time, listen to great music and dance,” said Dr. Jacobs.
Attendees at this year’s event will also enjoy a cocktail hour, silent auction, live entertainment including the band Haute Chile (who have been a popular favorite from years past) and a delicious gourmet dinner.
Proceeds from the gala will help support the The Centers’ numerous vital health and human rights programs. The Center, which was founded in 1971 by Jess Jessop, has been crucial in providing human services to the LGBT community and helping to lead the fight for human rights. Every week, The Center opens its doors to more than 2,000 people. The Center is key in providing the community with information on services and outreach programs that help to address issues such as HIV/AIDS, behavioral health and homeless youth, to mention a few. The Center also provides more than 100 community groups a safe place to meet and organize.
Dr. Jacobs said, “Every day The Center touches your life. Whether your passion is social justice and full equality for all or the provision of affordable, quality health and human services – or both – the staff and volunteers of The Center touch your life and the lives of your friends and family.”
While this year’s gala is one way to show your support for The Center, there are also other ways that the community can help. The Center organizes or participates in numerous events throughout the year, such as AIDSWalk San Diego, Dining out for Life, The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast and Nightmare on Normal Street. According to Dr. Jacobs the supporters of these events and the volunteers that help The Center on a daily basis are the reason The Center is able to do what it does.
Dr. Jacobs, who is always pushing for more community involvement, added, “The San Diego LGBT and allied community have been involved at The Center for more than 40 years. Incredibly talented and generous volunteers, supporters and stakeholders are the lifeblood of The Center; each one offering what they can to move the mission forward. Join Us. Do the Work.
Gala tables are now sold out, however some individual tickets are still available.
The Center’s gala draws hundreds to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront to help support all of the Center’s works, including health and human rights programs, as well as Latino community issues, and of course services for people with HIV/AIDS.
