ORLANDO | About 180 revelers filled The Abbey, from bar to dance floor, for Central Florida’s answer to an LGBT prom on Nov. 16. The Black and White Gala is a new event which raised $15,000 for The GBLT Center – and that number may rise, as donations were still being counted as of press time.
“We were very happy with it,” said Randy Stephens, executive director of The GLBT Center, who said tickets sales and silent auctions were huge fundraisers but the biggest asset was sponsor support, including their main sponsors the Orlando Immunology Center, Hilton Vacation Club and Rangers Outpost.
The food and music were also donated, compliments of Funky Monkey Restaurant and MPIRE, respectively.
“We’re already looking at reserving the same time next November,” Stephens said. “We’re going to try to do it Saturday night this time; I think that might be more successful. We’ll keep using it as a kickoff to the holiday season.”
He added that the turn-out was “fantastic,” a mixture of gay and straight allies with plenty of volunteer support to make sure the night ran smoothly.
Stephens said local attorney Gary Israel had the idea for the event.
“He wanted to give something back to the community,” said Stephens, who added that Israel also chaired the gala. The board also included Michael Wanzie, Margo Dixon, Skyy Robinson, Rob Ross, Bill Flegal and Stephens.
The funds will not be used for The Center’s ongoing capital campaign, Stephens said, “We are doing different fundraising for that.”
He said the Center will use it for general operations and to continue to expand The Center’s programs, including HIV education, working with LGBT seniors and outreach to minorities and women.
