The Human Rights Campaign proudly announces the Twin Cities Human Rights Campaign 18th Annual Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, September 29 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Co-chairs Deborah Graves and Heidi Schreiber have led a team of over 30 volunteers to produce this award-winning fundraiser. This year's theme is Equality: IT'S TIME. "Although we have made great progress in certain areas such as the Pension Protection Act legislation and in states like Massachusetts and Vermont which support civil unions, we still do not have true equality. We are not equal in areas that affect everyone's lives like work place discrimination, tax law, hate crimes legislation, and military service. This dinner furthers this important work," says Deb Graves, 2007 Twin Cities Human Rights Campaign Co-Chair.
Kathy Najimy, actress and long-time advocate and supporter of the GLBT community, will give the keynote address. Najimy is best-known from her role as Sister Mary Patrick in the 1992 film Sister Act. She also appeared on television in Veronica's Closet from 1997-2000 and was the voice of Peggy Hill for 11 seasons on the Emmy Award-winning FOX hit, King of the Hill. Self-described as an activist who makes her living as an actress, Najimy is a passionate advocate for causes including AIDS, Choice, Arabic Pride, Women's and Animal Rights.
Also featured, HRC President Joe Solmonese will present an update from a national standpoint of the organization. Recording artist and songwriter Erin McKeown (www.ErinMcKeown.com) will perform numbers from her newest album, "Sing You Sinners." Known for her unique fusion of pop, swing, and rock, McKeown is on a U.S. tour and was recently featured in the magazine Curve. Additionally, local community leaders-all Quorum members-will be honored for their contributions to the Twin Cities GLBT community:
National Leadership Award - John Sullivan, Former Member of the HRC Board of Directors; Brian Coyle Award - Laura Smidzik, Former Executive Director of Rainbow Families; and Brian Coyle Award - Philanthrofund. Sullivan received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Quorum Community Leadership Awards this year.
As in past years, Quorum is taking a significant leadership role at 2007's Twin Cities Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner and auction. Beyond event sponsorship, Quorum will be captaining as many tables as can be filled by members. Tickets for the Twin Cities HRC Gala may be purchased through Box Office Tickets by visiting www.boxofficetickets.com/hrc/ or by calling 1-800-494-TIXS (8497) (Be sure to choose Quorum for table captain).
The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian and gay political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans can be open, honest, and safe at home, at work, and in the community.
