One of the great gifts of The Center – in addition to the services and programs it offers our community – is its rich and storied 32-year history.

What comes with history and continuity are traditions. For our community, The Center’s gala event is one of our most cherished “family” traditions.

Each year, The Center’s gala serves many functions. It allow us to share the accomplishments of The Center with many of our stakeholders, it provides us with an opportunity to recognize local individuals, organizations and businesses who have made outstanding contributions to our community, and it serves as an important fund-raising tool for The Center’s vital programs and services.

This year, The Center will recognize seven individuals and an important community organization as part of our festivities. Named in honor of important contributors to the long history of The Center, these awards recognize achievement in a variety of areas. This year, the two volunteer awards – the M. Corrine Mackey Award and the Dennis Howard Award – will go to Maxine Lynch and Miguel Criado. Dr. Jennifer Tuteur will receive the Renee E. Richetts Lesbian Health Award, and Rafael Colonna will be honored with the Brian S. Mullin Youth Award. Dale Kelly Bankhead and Sid Voorakkara will both be recognized with the Ordinary Miracles Award, while San Diego Youth and Community Services will receive the Friend of The Center Award. Finally, our highest honor – the Jess Jessop Founders Award – will be presented to Alberto Cortés, executive director of Mama’s Kitchen and a longtime LGBT, HIV/AIDS and people-of-color community activist.

In addition, The Center’s gala brings together our community – as we do in so many ways throughout the year – to pause, celebrate and re-commit ourselves to the dual mission of The Center: to provide services and programs specially designed for our community and to fight for our full equality.

And the truth is that The Center’s gala is fun. There’s dancing, there’s socializing with old and new friends, not too many speeches, the food is great (no rubber chicken dinner here) and the silent auction is loaded with tremendous items with all proceeds benefiting the work of The Center.

The gala is The Center’s largest fund-raiser every year, and we count on this family tradition to help us serve our larger family all year long. This event funds important programs like the Hillcrest Youth Center, our seniors program, the Women’s Resource Center, the Cyber Center and our public policy work. No matter which program means the most to you, it is supported – at least in part – by the gala. The Center continues to serve as the place for LGBT San Diegans to connect to information, to programs, to services, to each other. Supporting The Center supports us all.

The Center’s gala takes place at the Marriott Hotel and Marina on Saturday, Oct. 22. For tickets or additional information, please call (619) 692-2077. I invite you to join us for this wonderful community celebration. Become a part of our family tradition.