It was an evening of glitz and glam as hundreds from the LGBT community packed the Starlight Lounge to honor volunteers for Resource Center Dallas on Sunday.
More than 1,000 people contributed more than 47,000 hours — valued at about $985,000 — to RCD in 2010.
On Sunday night, RCD honored them — Retro Hollywood style.
The moment volunteers and guest stepped out of their vehicles, they were met by valet and shown to the red carpet. Upon entry, they were invited to the posh open bar as well as catered hors d’oeuvres and dinner.
“This event is excellent for the community,” said James Weber, a supporter of the event. “It encourages support, involvement and gives a sense of appreciation to a whole lot of people.”
With more than 100 volunteers to recognize, RCD utilized a dual host technique and a team of (what else?) volunteers to hand out awards.
The true star of the night was longtime volunteer Barbara Foster. For her significant contributions to RCD and various other community groups over the years, Foster received the 2010 Martha Dealey Volunteer of the Year award.
“Come see what a difference — it’ll change in your life — see what you’ll get out of [volunteering],” said Foster. “Because I’ll tell you, I get more out of [volunteering] than I give.”
She added that being recognized by others she works with at RCD felt wonderful.
Cece Cox, executive director of RCD, said the power of volunteers to help an agency succeed in serving the community is what it’s all about — having fun networking but contributing back to the community.

RCD also recognized the following others:
• Richard Allen received the Randolph Terrell Community Service Award, given to a group or individual for exceptional service to the LGBT community and/or people living with HIV/AIDS;
• David Donnelly was given the Suzanne Wilson Award, presented to the year’s most significant volunteer in Client Services;
• Vanessa Torres received the John Thomas Award, in recognition as the Gay & Lesbian Community Center’s exceptional volunteer of the year;
• Nell Gaither was awarded the Bill Nelson Award honoring the Nelson-Tebedo Health Resource Center’s outstanding volunteer of the year; and,
• International Special Events Society received the Bruce Long Award for outstanding development department volunteers.
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