The Black Tie Dinner board presented a record $1.45 million to its beneficiaries at the distribution party held at Gilley’s on Dec. 16. (David Taffet/Dallas Voice)

Officials with Black Tie Dinner distributed a record $1,450,000 to its 17 beneficiaries during its 2021 Wrap Party, hosted Thursday night, Dec. 16, by 2021 Presenting Sponsor PNC Bank and distribution event underwriter Lexus, at Gilley’s South Side Music Hall. Co-chairs Brad Pritchett and Terry Loftis noted that 2021’s record fundraising pushed Black Tie Dinner’s total distribution since its inception to more than $27 million.

Pritchett, who completed his two years at the head of Black Tie and his tenure on the board with the distribution event Thursday, said, “After the challenges of 2020, we are excited to announce a record-breaking distribution this year. It is because of the dedication of our board, the support of our sponsors and the commitment of our community we are achieving this milestone.

“But we know it is really the hard work and services provided to our community by our beneficiaries that make all the effort worth it. This is truly a celebration of them,” Pritchett added.

Brendan McGuire, PNC’s regional president for North Texas, noted “Black Tie Dinner is one the most critical fundraising movements in North Texas and across the U.S. for our LGBTQ community. As presenting sponsor, PNC Bank is proud to be among the groundswell of volunteers, supporters, funders and leaders in North Texas who ardently support the impact of their significant work.”

Loftis steps into the role of senior co-chair for Black Tie in 2022, and on Thursday, Regina Lyn Pierce was announced as the new junior co-chair. Dustin Vyers is co-chair elect, and Dana O’Connell is secretary for 2022. First year board members introduced at the meeting were Martise Cooks, Jacqueline Evans, Blake Griffin, Vaughn Nguyen, Jaylen Page and Jason Thompson.

Black Tie on Thursday handed out checks to 16 local organizations and to national beneficiary Human Rights Campaign Foundation. HRCF received $615,275.

Local beneficiaries are:

  • AIDS Services of Dallas: $57,347
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star: $50,500
  • Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ: $48,897
  • Celebration Community Church: $52,658
  • Coalition for Aging LGBT: $49,169
  • Dallas Hope Charities: $51,130
  • Equality Texas Foundation: $59,974
  • HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness: $63,758
  • Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund: $41,779
  • Legacy Counseling Center (now known as Legacy Cares): $35,773
  • Northaven United Methodist Church: $71,485
  • Planned Parenthood of Greater North Texas: $51,855
  • Promise House: $35,170
  • Resource Center: $66,936
  • Turtle Creek Chorale: $46,897
  • Uptown Players: $51,396.

Loftis and Pritchett also introduced Black Tie’s new development director, Mauri Douglas, during the Thursday evening gathering. Douglas “has a proven track record of fundraising, donor development, strategic planning, brand strategy and operations for companies such as American Cancer Society and the East Texas Food Bank,” according to a press release.

Loftis said, “We are excited to have Mauri join our Black Tie Dinner family. Her fundraising experience and successful track record will be a great addition to our team as we move into 2022 and beyond.”

For more information about 2022 Black Tie Dinner and the 2021 beneficiaries, visit blacktie.org.