The Human Rights Campaign Greater Philadelphia Gala returns next week, this year at a new location.
The 19th-annual gala will be held March 21 at Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel.
Marvin Rocha, who is returning in his second year as event co-chair with Katherine Sprissler-Klein, said the event was moved from the Loews to accommodate a growing guest list.
“Last year we sold out at Loews, and Sheraton has the potential to expand beyond the 500-person seating capacity,” Rocha said. “We’re always looking for ways to grow the dinner and to work with new partners. We know we have the potential to grow at Sheraton and we’re thrilled with the extra space.”
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Rachel Levine, Pennsylvania’s acting Physician General, and the state’s first out transgender cabinet member. She will be joined by HRC national field director Marty Rouse. The entertainment lineup includes performer Bebe Neuwirth and out “American Idol” alum David Hernandez.
This will be the first gala since Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage last spring.
Rocha said that, while the win will be celebrated at the event, it will also be used as a jumping-off point to discuss other ongoing LGBT-rights issues.
“The gala is always a celebration of the victories over the last year,” he said. “This was a huge accomplishment and it will be important for us to recognize that same-sex couples can get married in Pennsylvania now. But, across the state, we still don’t have LGBT protections, particularly in the workforce. One of the things we say when we talk about continuing this fight is that you can now get married over the weekend in Pennsylvania and fired on Monday for being gay. We have a lot to celebrate in Pennsylvania, but there’s still a lot to be done.”
The event will raise funds for HRC’s work to advance LGBT-rights causes. A portion of the evening’s fundraising derives from its silent auction.
Rocha said volunteers have been canvassing area businesses and organizations for auction donations.
Rocha commended the hard work that volunteers have put in, and said their dedication will help make the event a success.
“The gala is a great celebration of the LGBT community,” he said. “It’s a great opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate our many victories and also to acknowledge that we need to keep fighting.”
To purchase tickets, visit http://bit.ly/1BnRu1w.