From left, 2024 Senior Co-Chair Dustin Vyers, Junior Co-Chair Liliana Villareal and co-chair-elect Deirdre Coleman

Black Tie Dinner this week distributed a record-breaking $1.73 million to its 18 local beneficiaries and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, dinner officials announced Thursday night, Dec. 14, at the Black Tie Wrap Party, held at Gilley’s South Side Music Hall and underwritten by Lexus.

Proceeds from this year’s 42nd annual event brings Black Tie’s total since 1982 to more than $30 million distributed to LGBTQ, LGBTQ-supporting and AIDS service organizations.

“We are not merely donating; we are investing in the profound potential of these organizations to drive positive change” said Black Tie Dinner Senior Co-Chair Regina Lyn Pierce. “As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we look forward to the countless lives that will be touched and transformed in the years to come, united by the common thread of love, acceptance and progress.”

She added that this year’s record-breaking total would not have been possible without the support of PNC Bank, presenting sponsor for the 2023 Black Tie Dinner.
Brendan McGuire, PNC regional president for North Texas, said, “It’s important to support organizations like Black Tie Dinner that work to deliver real impact to the North Texas community. Communities that are inclusive are more resilient, and I am proud of the impact we’ve made together on our region.”

According to a press release announcing the distribution total, “Black Tie Dinner is deeply grateful for the support of all its sponsors, attendees, volunteers and every individual donation received since its first dinner more than 40 years ago. Their contributions are instrumental in financing crucial initiatives for Black Tie Dinner’s beneficiaries which address unique challenges faced by different segments of the LGBTQ+ community in North Texas.”

Junior Co-Chair Dustin Vyers added, “Our beneficiaries’ dedication to serving the LGBTQ community uplifts, and in some cases, saves lives. We are beyond grateful for the support we have received this year to reach this milestone distribution.”

Also at the Wrap Party, this year’s co-chairs introduced Liliana Villarreal as junior co-chair and Deirdre Coleman as co-chair elect for 2024. New members elected to the Black Tie Board are Ulises Alvarado, Raven Clark, Jonathan Crouch, Brett Farrar, Charlie Foster, Carter Hehir, Chelsea Knox, Austin Lamirand, Tina Niewiadomski, Daniel Okun and Ryan Tomlinson.

The 43rd annual Black Tie Dinner is set for Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, at Sheraton Dallas Hotel. For more information on how to get involved, visit BlackTie.org.

This year’s beneficiaries and the amount each received are:
• AIDS Services of Dallas – 55,292.27
• Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star – 66,730.52
• Black Trans Advocacy Coalition – 62,536.02
• Cathedral of Hope UCC – 52,386.02
• Coalition for Aging LGBT – 54,102.52
• Dallas Hope Charities – 52,337.77
• Equality Texas Foundation – 55,517.27
• Help Center for LGBT Health & Wellness – 73,443.52
• Legacy Cares – 51,732.02
• Northaven United Methodist Church – 85,020.27
• Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas – 80,883.27
• Pride Frisco – 28,258.64
• Resource Center – 67,214.77
• Synergy Wesley Foundation – 51,923.27
• Texas Health Action – 25,280.51
• The Women’s Chorus of Dallas – 54,483.02
• Turtle Creek Chorale – 61,886.02
• Uptown Players, Inc. – 64,722.27
• Human Rights Campaign Foundation – 686,250.00