Springfield hosts premier LGBT event Nov. 8

Each year, Springfield holds its Black Tie charity event. It’s known as southwest Missouri's premier fundraising event and benefits local and state-wide charities which serve the LGBT community.

“We've raised almost $350,000 over the past eleven years for these beneficiaries,” said John Gray, one of the volunteer organizers of the event. “Our demographic consists primarily of households with incomes double that of the median household income of Springfield. Aside from their brand loyalties and frequent patronage of restaurants, our guests are those of significant disposable income while being wonderful, loyal customers.

“Our event is focused as an evening of philanthropy, entertainment, and empowerment with a guest list over 500 strong. Our guests enjoy socializing and networking over hors d'oeuvres and cocktails, a delicious dinner and decadent desserts, hundreds of fabulous silent auction items valued at over $50,000, notable guest speakers (Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court in 2013), and dancing into the early hours of the morning. All-in-all, it's a beautifully glamorous evening that serves the sole purpose of benefitting the LGBT community while empowering their voices.”

Gray said they have raised money for beneficiaries through sponsorships (either cash or in-kind service donations), advertisement purchases, Black Tie Silent Auction item or service(s) donations, and ticket sales.

“Our beneficiaries are very notable LGBT organizations as well,” he added. “These organizations include the AIDS Project of the Ozarks (APO), Gay & Lesbian Community Center of the Ozarks (The GLO Center), the Focus Foundation, Men's Chorus of the Ozarks, Ozarks Lesbian and Gay Archive, Promo Fund, and PFLAG of The Ozarks.”

Springfield Black Tie 2014 will be held November 8, from 6pm till midnight at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center here in Springfield, MO. For more information and tickets visit www.SpringfieldBlackTie.org.

by Robin Dorner, Editor in Chief

The Gayly – November 4, 2014 @ 10:35am