HRC ARIZONA 6TH ANNUAL GALA DINNER BRINGS COMMUNITY TOGETHER

PHOENIX, ARIZONA—January 20, 2010—Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is pleased to announce the 6th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner will take place on Saturday, March 20, 2010. HRC Arizona is the local committee of HRC, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization. The theme of this year’s annual event is “Together,” representing how collectively a community has made progress in the past year, yet faces a future that requires commitment to work together to end lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) discrimination.

The 2010 Together Gala is an annual celebration that brings entertainment, dignitaries, business leaders and members of the community together, with a pledge of achieving fundamental fairness and equality for all. The annual gala is the largest fundraiser of the year for HRC Arizona. Attendees will enjoy a memorable evening complete with fine dining, a silent auction, awards and honorary guests. The festivities begin at 5:30 PM at the newly renovated Phoenix Civic Plaza, North Ballroom. Information about sponsorships, donations and tickets is available at www.hrcazdinner.org.

In recognition of activism and achievements made in pursuing equality for the LGBT community, Neil Guiliano, former GLAAD President, will be presenting the HRC Arizona Corporate Equality Award and Attorney General Terry Goddard will be presenting the HRC Arizona Individual Equality Awards.

“We are excited about the event we have planned this year as we centered on a theme that truly represents our commitment and dedication to work as one to end discrimination,” said Nathan Treanor, co-chair HRC Arizona Gala Dinner. “We have planned a spectacular evening that is certain to be a memorable occasion. Mark your calendars and get your tickets today to ensure you have a seat at the table!”

Allyson Robinson, Associate Director of Diversity is a featured guest speaker at the gala. Ms. Robinson leads HRC and its volunteer base in promoting awareness of transgender issues and to make certain that all program areas demonstrate measurable commitment to transgender equality and inclusion.

“Together is a true celebration of community, diversity and commitment that enables us to raise funds critical to support the HRC mission and progress toward our ultimate goal of equality for all,” said Claudine Sanchez, co-chair of the HRC Arizona Gala Dinner. “We are thankful to all the dedicated volunteers, our generous sponsors, artists and entertainers that are working to make our annual gala unforgettable.”

The 6th Annual Gala will again host a silent auction featuring an exciting array of exquisite merchandise, luxury services and astounding art from local and national artists and businesses. Donations are showcased at the event and the auction preview party. To inquire about donating your products or services, or participating in the HRC Arizona Art Auction contact auction@hrcarizona.org

To attend the 6th Annual HRC Arizona Gala Dinner, visit www.boxofficetickets.com/hrc for tickets or call 800-494-8497. Individual tickets are $200. Student tickets are available for $100 with a school ID. Corporate sponsorships also are available.

There are currently opportunities to participate in the dinner as a Gala Table Captain. Table Captains select their table in advance of the event and help raise awareness of the festivities by inviting friends and colleagues to the dinner. Contact tablecaptain@hrcarizona.org for details. Visit phoenix.hrc.org for more information about HRC Arizona and www.hrcazdinner.org for updates about the dinner.

ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN – The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equality. By inspiring and engaging all Americans, HRC strives to end discrimination against LGBT citizens and realize a nation that achieves fundamental fairness and equality for all. HRC seeks to improve the lives of LGBT Americans by advocating for equal rights and benefits in the workplace, ensuring families are treated equally under the law and increasing public support among all Americans through innovative advocacy, education and outreach programs. HRC works to secure equal rights for LGBT individuals and families at the federal and state levels by lobbying elected officials, mobilizing grassroots supporters, educating Americans, investing strategically to elect fair-minded officials and partnering with other LGBT organizations.

Media Contacts: