#mdglcc

By Michael W. Sasser

The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) will honor corporate and individual supporters of the Miami-Dade LGBT community at its 12th Annual Gala and Awards Presentation, “Celebration of the Sun - The Yellow Gala,” on Saturday, June 22, at the Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel, 1601 Biscayne Blvd., Miami. The honorees were selected for their long-term commitment to fostering diversity, as well as for their efforts in contributing to the overall well-being and quality of life in South Florida. This year’s Gala will be presented by Wells Fargo.

“From an international style setter, to a thoroughly inclusive professional services company, to the fourth largest school system in the country responsible for the next generation of business men and women, this year’s gala honorees are as diverse as the LGBT community itself,” said Steve Adkins, MDGLCC president. “As the voice of the LGBT business community in Miami-Dade, the Chamber is especially proud to have such an accomplished and extraordinary group to recognize this year.”

David Bromstad is being presented with the Sherwin-Williams “Businessperson of the Year Award.” The award is given annually to an individual who embraces diversity in all forms and demonstrates savvy business acumen and leadership skills.

“David jumped into the American consciousness as the first winner of HGTV’s Design Star series and continues to capture our imaginations with his infectious enthusiasm, impeccable design sense and community involvement,” Adkins said. “He is the first ever HGTV personality to be named to the Out Magazine 100 List, alongside international superstar Ricky Martin and Oscar-nominated actress Julianne Moore. In 2011, he was given the prestigious HRC ‘Visibility Award’ for living an out and proud lifestyle in the public eye. Here at home, he graciously donated some of his colorful artwork to adorn the walls of the LGBT Visitor Center and for this year’s gala silent auction.”

The AT&T “Business of the Year Award” is being presented to Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A. This award is presented annually to an organization whose commitment to diversity is unwavering in its inclusion of LGBT and allied community issues. Mark Scott, principal, will accept the award.

“Community involvement plays an integral role in Kaufman, Rossin & Co.’s culture,” Adkins said. “Any company that puts an ad on the back cover of Clarity magazine with a shirtless model and the headline ‘even sexy people pay taxes’ deserves a shout-out for inclusiveness. Beyond the LGBT community, many of their employees dedicate substantial time to do good works in our communities, and they clearly take pride in their passion and commitment. You’ll often find members of their firm out in the community volunteering, fundraising or participating in local events.”

Miami-Dade Public Schools is being honored with Regions Bank “Non-Profit Organization of the Year Award.” This award is given annually to a non-profit organization whose philosophy embodies the highest standards of outreach to the LGBT and allied communities. Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho will accept the award.

“The School Board of Miami-Dade County adheres to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment and educational programs and activities while affirmatively striving to provide equal opportunity for both teachers and students,” Adkins said. “The system advocates gay/straight clubs within the schools following the guidelines developed by the American Civil Liberties Union Lesbian and Gay Rights Project, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the National Center for Lesbian Rights.”

For the past several years, the MDGLCC Gala Committee has selected a different color of the rainbow flag for the gala’s theme and has encouraged attendees to wear a splash of that color to the event. The color for this year’s event is yellow, which represents joy, happiness, intellect and energy. This annual event, MDGLCC’s principal fundraising effort of the year, helps sustain operations and the ever-increasing demand to expand programming.

The 12th Annual Gala and Awards Presentation, “Celebration of the Sun - The Yellow Gala, Presented by Wells Fargo,” starts at 6 p.m. with a reception and silent auction which will be followed by dinner, the awards presentation and an after-party in the hotel’s new nightclub ENCORE. The Yellow Gala will be one of the first events held at the Hilton following the hotel’s multi-million dollar, top-to-bottom renovation.

Tickets are $2,000 for tables of 10 or $200 for individual tickets and include reserved seating, grand buffet dinner, open bar with Bacardi brands featuring GREY GOOSE® vodka and Hatuey beer, a VIP gift bag, parking, raffle prize participation and complimentary admission to the after party at Hilton’s new ENCORE Lounge for dancing and entertainment. Tickets are available online at www.gaybizmiami.com, by calling 305.673.4440 or by emailing [email protected].

“Celebration of the Sun - The Yellow Gala” is produced by the MDGLCC. In addition to the presenting sponsor Wells Fargo, sponsors of the Gala include Bacardi / GREY GOOSE® vodka; AT&T; Sherwin-Williams; Regions Bank; Kaufman, Rossin & Co., P.A.; GMCVB; Port of Miami; Hilton Miami Downtown; American Airlines; Williamson Cadillac Buick-GMC; FVR Group; Balloon Expresso; and The Murry Agency Public Relations. Media sponsors include MIA93.9, Y-100, Classical South Florida 89.7, Hotspots Magazine, Genre Latino, She Magazine, SFGN, Mark’s List and Wire Magazine.