HRC Dinner: Oh, What a Night

HRC Columbus wants to extend a huge, thankful hand to every person who helped make the 26th Annual Dinner an outstanding success!

"We have surpassed our goal for attendance tonight," said Dinner Co-Chair Joel Diaz, the night of the event. "We're at about 604 people, so far -- which is phenomenal. And, we have a great program in store, so I'm really, really excited about everything."

People from all walks of life mixed and mingled for the Saturday evening that featured a live and silent auction and a four-star dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Columbus. Stirring messages of struggle, triumph and hope were delivered by noted speakers, including Governor Ted Strickland, Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy and HRC Chief Diversity Officer Cuc Vu.

Fellow Co-chair M. Mason said, "It's a great dinner. Folks are all having a good time, they're all bidding." Some of the top-dollar items donated to the auction included "Ellen" show VIP passes, a week's stay at a condo in Ft. Myers, Fla., and dinner with Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy.

Coming on the heels of a bi-centennial dinner, this year's celebration still seemed particularly special to many who attended.

HRC Board Member Terry Penrod said, "I think there's an air of excitement because we have a new administration that is pro-equality. We have a Senate that's pro-equality. We have a House that's pro-equality. We need to get some legislation passed and move toward equality."

Rep. Kilroy (D-OH) said, "This is a year where we can make some great strides toward equality; already starting with passing The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act at the United States Congress. We're going to move forward and bring more legislation forth to help end discrimination."

You can also learn more about HRC Columbus' activities by checking the following links:
• HRC National Web site
• HRC Columbus at Facebook
• HRC Columbus at Twitter