16 local organizations including one newcomer will participate in this year’s event
Black Tie Dinner announced its 2014 theme and beneficiaries at its first event of the season on Thursday night at Fort Worth Botanic Garden.
The theme, “Forward,” focuses on the diversity of Black Tie Dinner’s beneficiaries, who provide programs and services in the areas of community, marriage equality, arts, family, health, faith and civil equality.
In addition to national beneficiary Human Rights Campaign, 16 local organizations will participate and receive funds. Of those, 15 return from last year. Uptown Players is the only new beneficiary. Two organizations — White Rock Friends and East Texas Cares and Resources Center in Tyler — are not part of this year’s Black Tie Dinner.
“After years of setbacks, recent advances in local, state and national LGBT equality have created momentum that is affecting our personal, work and civic lives, and having a profound impact on our community,” returning co-chair Ken Morris said. “Our 2014 theme, ‘Forward,’ is a reflection of the direction we are moving.”
“We cherish the long-term partnerships we’ve had with many of our beneficiaries, who represent the full spectrum of our community,” Co-chair Debra Davis said. “We are especially delighted to welcome Uptown Players as a beneficiary this year, and look forward to supporting their important cultural outreach.”
Tickets for this year’s dinner have increased from $300 to $400 a seat. Black Tie board member Philip Weir said this was the first increase in more than a decade. Sponsorship tables are already on sale. General sales begin in June.
Raffle tickets for a 2015 Mercedes Benz GLA250 are also available.
Since its inception, Black Tie Dinner has distributed more than $18 million. The event takes place at the Downtown Dallas Sheraton Hotel on November 15. Turtle Creek Solutions is this year’s presenting sponsor.
