The local chapter of the Human Rights Campaign is gearing up to host its annual gala, with some help from a popular sitcom star. The HRC Greater Philadelphia Gala will kick off at 6 p.m. March 8 at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, 1200 Market St., and will include dancing, food and music. Organizers will present the Visibility Award to NBC’s “30 Rock” actor Maulik Pancholy. HRC vice president of policy and political affairs Tom O’Donnell will serve as keynote speaker. First-time gala co-chair Katherine Sprissler-Klein said O’Donnell will help bring in a new energy this year. “We are super excited because we have a brand-new HRC staffer delivering the message and he is from the Philadelphia area,” she said. “He knows the hometown and the issues here and he will speak on what Philly is interested in hearing.” Pancholy, who recently came out and was named one of Out Magazine’s top 100, contacted the HRC about getting more involved with LGBT advocacy. Sprissler-Klein said celebrities such as Pancholy are helping to improve the environment for others to come out. “HRC is really working with celebrities at large to make sure that when they come out they feel comfortable,” she said. “That is an important message — not only for celebrity partners but for everyone. Everyone should be able to live comfortably in their community, at work and at school. Pancholy embraces that message and came to us to ask how he could help share this message.” According to HRC Board of Governors member Jonathan Gundersen, this year’s gala will include some local flavor for attendees to enjoy. “I think every year is a little bit different because you have the unique point of view of the co-chairs who take the format that is handed down from the national organization and make it unique to each individual city,” he said. Out state Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd Dist.) will also participate in the program, and Sprissler-Klein said there will be a performer with Philadelphia roots but said further information couldn’t yet be released. The gala will include a silent auction where attendees can bid on luxury items such as vacation stays and shopping sprees. Tickets for the event range from $125-$225. For more information, visit www.hrc.org/events/entry/hrc-philadelphia-gala-dinner
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