Black Tie Dinner – the nation’s largest LGBTQ fundraising dinner – distributed $875,000 to its 17 beneficiaries during its Digital Wrap Party, which was underwritten by BBVA & Lexus. Most of the distribution amount was generated through the Black Tie Dinner’s first-ever “Black Tie LIVE” give-a-thon television special, which reached an audience of 30,000+ on television and digital platforms in nearly 100 Texas cities, 47 U.S. states, and 8 different countries. “As we know, 2020 has proved to be a year of challenges and pivots. We were blown away by the support of our sponsors, allies, and the LGBTQ+ community throughout 2020 and for Black Tie LIVE. We were able to reach nearly more than 10 times the audience than an in-person dinner through our very first give-a-thon television special. Due to the success of Black Tie LIVE and the dedication of our board, supporters, and sponsors, we were able to distribute close to and/or over the previous year’s total for most of the local beneficiaries which is a huge accomplishment”, says Jeremy Hawpe, Black Tie Dinner Co-Chair.
The 2020 Black Tie Dinner Board voted to distribute all funds evenly during this difficult and unprecedented year. Organizations always have the ability to increase their respective distribution amounts by going above and beyond with assigned requirements such as raffle ticket sales, donated auction items, etc. Black Tie Dinner distributed the following funds to this year’s beneficiaries:
- AIDS Outreach Center: $48,546
- AIDS Services of Dallas: $48,996
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star: $49,296
- Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ: $49,101
- Celebration Community Church: $50,421
- Coalition for Aging LGBT: $25,136
- Equality Texas Foundation: $49,221
- Health Education Learning Project: $53,091
- Human Rights Campaign Foundation: $76,001
- Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund: $50,021
- Legacy Counseling Center: $49,371
- Northaven United Methodist Church: $75,147
- Planned Parenthood of Greater North Texas: $52,491
- Promise House: $48,546
- Resource Center: $50,271
- Turtle Creek Chorale: $49,746
- Uptown Players, Inc.: $49,596
Black Tie Dinner announced November 13, 2021 as the date for their 40th Annual Dinner being hosted at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. After serving as Black Tie Dinner Co-Chair for 2019 and 2020, Jeremy Hawpe will be stepping down as Co-Chair and Terry Loftis will be moving into the Junior Co-Chair position starting in 2021 and serving with Senior Co-Chair Brad Pritchett. “We would like to thank Jeremy Hawpe for his service and leadership over the past 2 years. He leaves an incredible legacy as Co-Chair including 2019’s record distribution amount and the successful very first Black Tie LIVE give-a-thon television event. I’m looking forward to partnering and leading with Terry Loftis as we move into our historic 40thyear”, says Brad Pritchett, Black Tie Dinner Co-Chair. They also announced the first-year members for 2021:
- Mackenzie Salenger
- Lec Garcia
For more information on the Black Tie Dinner, please visit www.blacktie.org
