Love Is Love
Famous Dallas LGBT gala celebrates milestone year with wedding cakes for all
When the event is called Black Tie Dinner, you'd better dress your best. More than 2,600 guests did exactly that at the downtown Sheraton for the 34th annual gala, which benefits local and national LGBT organizations.
Since 1982, close to $20 million has been raised, but 2015 co-chairs Mitzi Lemons and John Lawrimore made it their mission to grow that number even more.
The evening started with New York-based quartet Well-Strung and comedian Dana Goldberg taking the stage to set the evening's fun tone. Other special guests who addressed the crowd included Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings, Houston Mayor Annise Parker, and Jim Obergefell. You might remember Obergerfell as the plaintiff and victor in the U.S. Supreme Court marriage equality case.
It was then time for the annual awards. Jeff Olde and E! Entertainment were given the Black Tie Dinner Media Award. Olde was introduced by Caitlyn Jenner in a video that also recapped the first season of I Am Cait. Melissa Grove, executive director of the Legacy Counseling Center, also received a standing ovation while accepting the Kuchling Humanitarian Award.
The Sheraton culinary crew delighted the crowd by creating a mini wedding cake for every guest to celebrate the marriage equality ruling this year. Post cake, it was time to party. Guests spotted in the crowd included Guillermo Diaz of ABC's Scandal,Chad Griffen, Will Sale, Lanie Kritser, Jeff Zarillo, Paul Katami, Danny DiGiacomo, Chuck Steelman, John Terlingo, and Kellie Rasberry.
The crowd danced and sung the night away with country star Ty Herndon and Australian singer-songwriter Betty Who. Guests who wished to continue the celebration headed to the Stoli After Black Party for more food, drink, and dancing (DJ and disco ball included).
The funds raised at this year's Black Tie Dinner are being distributed between 15 local beneficiaries and the national beneficiary, HRC Foundation.