It’s no secret that Black Tie Dinner devotees know how to party. Even more commendable, they never waver in their support of LGBT organizations.
To celebrate the table captains and excite patrons about table sales for the upcoming fundraising gala, guests — including Brian Long, Robert Camina, Michael Abela, Tammy Fletcher, Cordey Lash, Michelle Salazar and Ron Corning — gathered at the Angelika Film Center for a special event, which included a private screening of the HBO documentary The Out List.
The film features interviews with a cross section of people from the LGBT community, including celebrities such as Neil Patrick Harris, athlete Wade Davis and Dallas County sheriff Lupe Valdez. It premieres on HBO June 27.
In an interview with CultureMap, director Timothy Greenfield-Sanders said he wanted to include Valdez because he considered her such an amazing person. “The struggle that she has gone through — it’s an incredible life story. I think she’s come to terms with who she is as a woman and a lesbian and a Latina. She’s just an incredible, exciting person.”
Prior to the screening, guests mingled with table captains — current and veteran — and urged attendees to buy a table. The Black Tie Dinner does not offer individual tickets; instead, individuals purchase a table of 10 (as a table captain), purchase a seat through a table captain or a 2013 beneficiary (who also have a table commitment), or become a sponsor.
The grand finale was a riveting discussion with Valdez, Greenfield-Sanders, and producers Catherine Pino and Ingrid Duran.
Tables are still available for purchase for the 32nd annual gala on November 2, themed “One Voice.” The Black Tie Dinner benefits up to 20 North Texas organizations and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. To date, Black Tie Dinner has distributed more than $17 million to its beneficiaries.
David Sassano, Calen Bedford, Jarrod Freeman, Cameron Wetzel
