Sold-Out Black Tie Kickoff Stands Up for Diversity in Dallas

What: 2018 Black Tie Dinner theme kickoff party

Where: The Hall on Dragon

PC Moment: In anticipation of the 37th annual Black Tie Dinner, the nation’s largest LGBTQ fundraising dinner, Eighty Three Creative sponsored a sold-out evening at the chic, geometric Hall on Dragon in the Dallas Design District. The grand reveal of this year’s theme: “Visible” was made as the crowd sipped fittingly-named “Eye Opener” signature cocktails.

The theme reminds individuals that they should not be afraid to be their authentic selves and that, by doing so, they can inspire others. “You never know who is watching, hoping to see themselves in the reflection of others, to feel less alone and isolated,” co-chair David Gifford-Robinson said.

Amid the sparkling lights and clinking glasses, Black Tie Dinner welcomed new Development Director Tony Velluci before announcing the 18 local beneficiaries of the 2018 dinner, which include AIDS Outreach Center, AIDS Services of Dallas, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Cathedral of Hope, Celebration Community Church, Congregation Beth El Binah, Equality Texas Foundation, Lambda Legal, Legacy Counseling Center, Legal Hospice of Texas, Northaven UMC, Promise House, Rainbow Roundup, Resource Center, Turtle Creek Choral, Uptown Players and The Women’s Chorus of Dallas.

“Beneficiary selection is one of the most important decisions our board makes every year but also the most gratifying as we see the incredible work these organizations are doing in our North Texas LGBTQ community,” said co-chair Idelisa Benjamin. “The impact and diversity amongst this year’s 18 local beneficiaries will continue to push the needle forward in our community.”

Who: LeeAnne Locken, D’Andra Simmons, Brandi Redmond, Joe Pacetti, Thomas McShane, Brad Pritchett, Rey Ocanas, Paul Hollowell,  Adam Logsdon, John McGill, John Mason, Matt Ginn, Josh Bloodworth, Madeline Skaggs, Tim Berry, Steven Martinez, Kyle Watson,  Amber and Thomas McShane, Josh Lara, Ray Scott, Rey Ocanas, Denise Mason, Mark Zachies, Ricardo Spears, Terry Loftis, Stephen Gilhooly, Scott Bates, Joseline Boamah, Sherrell Cross, Amanda Robinson, Jeremy Hastings, Zac Rudd, Brian Millage, and Travis Reams.

The Black Tie Dinner is scheduled for Saturday, November 3.