The Center’s annual Gala is one of our most cherished traditions. And I’m pleased to be able again this year to invite you to this wonderful “family celebration” that marks our 33rd anniversary of service and commitment to LGBT San Diego.

This year, The Center will recognize two individuals, an important community organization and one of our region’s largest corporations 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, we’ve combined our volunteer awards – the M. Corrine Mackey Award and the Dennis Howard Award – to honor MARYAH, a group of realtors that has generously banded together to raise $30,000 in order to sponsor two apartments for The Center’s Youth Housing Project. Members of MARYAH include: Dennis Murphy, Jim Dax, Bruce Weinkopf, Lucy Abernathy, Bill Vivian, David Yoder, Gail Hillen, Josh Bottfield, Ivan Solis and Richard Woods.

Scott Allen is the recipient of the Brian S. Mullin Youth Award. Each year, this award recognizes the outstanding commitment and dedication to the well-being of our LGBT and questioning youth. Scott first came to The Center’s Hillcrest Youth Center when he was 14 years old. Shy and guarded at first, he soon became an active participant in Hillcrest Youth Center life and volunteered to help with various events and outreach efforts. Scott has become a facilitator with the Youth Leadership Council and is a shining example of a youth who deeply appreciates the support he’s received at the Hillcrest Youth Center and is compelled to give back to others.

We are also very aware that our goal of full equality for the LGBT community will not be reached without the support and loyalty of our non-LGBT allies. The Friend of The Center Award, created in 1993, honors these non-LGBT individuals, organizations and businesses whose support has helped improve the lives of LGBT San Diegans. This year, I’m so pleased that we have the opportunity to honor Qualcomm, a leading corporate sponsor of The Center. The generous financial support of Qualcomm has impacted nearly all of The Center’s core programs, from the Youth Housing Project and Latino Services to the Women’s Resource Center, our Marriage Equality and Education Project, and AIDS Walk San Diego. We remain grateful for their generosity and look forward to a continued partnership with Qualcomm

The Center’s highest honor is our Jess Jessop Founders Award, which is given to an individual who has made a significant contribution to enhancing the health and well-being of the LGBT community in San Diego. This year’s recipient is a man who has shown tremendous commitment and generosity to the betterment of our San Diego LGBT community. Jim Ziegler presently serves on the board of governors at the San Diego Foundation, where he is a member of its executive committee. He also serves on the boards of the San Diego Regional Disaster Task Force and AIDS Foundation San Diego, and is a member of the San Diego HIV Funding Collaborative housed at The Alliance Healthcare Foundation. Jim also served on The Center’s board, including a term as chair in 2000, and has served on the boards of Diversionary Theatre, La Mesa Chamber of Commerce, Mission Beach Precise Planning Board and the El Cajon Boulevard Businessmen’s Association. He is a U.S. Navy veteran. Jim has also challenged our community’s organizations to better plan for their financial futures by encouraging and personally supporting the development of endowment funds. He has generously provided two endowment challenge grants to The Center. We are so pleased to honor Jim for his years of commitment and leadership.

The Gala is The Center’s largest fund-raiser every year, and we count on this annual event to help us serve our community all year long. This event funds important programs like the Hillcrest Youth Center, our seniors program, the Women’s Resource Center, Latino Services, the Youth Housing Project, the Cyber Center and our public policy and marriage equality work. No matter which program means the most to you, it is supported, at least in part, by the funds raised at the Gala.

The Gala will take place at the Marriott Hotel and Marina on Saturday, Oct. 21. There are a limited number of tickets still available. Please call (619) 692-2077 ext. 246 if you want to attend.

I personally invite you to join us at The Center’s Gala and become a part of one of our community’s best traditions!