These social butterflies are super excited as we got to attend the Human Rights Campaign’s National Dinner Gala at the Washington DC Convention Center. HRC hosts a gala/event annually in major cities, and members, supporters, and corporate sponsors rally behind civil rights. National Dinner was our very first to attend one of the main LGBTQ+ and Civil Rights events of the year. During this event, you can win a car, bid on auction items, and buy some art. All proceedings go to day-to-day operations and the political activities of the event.
We attended because being loud and proud is extremely important. Visibility is essential to showing those who hate that we won’t go into hiding. The land of the free is for everyone, not a few selected people. This organization is vital for LGBTQ+ allies and anyone with a gay friend or relative. As an individual, it costs about $250 to attend. We attended the event for free as part of Oracle’s corporate sponsor delegation.
About Human Rights Campaign
“The Human Rights Campaign is the leading national advocacy organization working for the equal rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans through education, research, and political activities. The HRC National Dinner brings together more than 3,600 HRC members, friends, families, and allies for an evening of celebration and inspiration. Featuring a cocktail reception, an extensive silent and live auction, an elegant dinner, live entertainment, and thought-provoking speakers and guests, the HRC National Dinner attracts the nation’s top figures in entertainment and politics. The event was held at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Pl NW, Washington, DC 20001.” source HRC.org.
Reception
The vent starts at 4:30, when people must register and go through security, which is necessary for any big and important event like the HRC National Dinner. The event begins with a general reception, where you can see displays by various corporate sponsors like Macy’s, a photobooth by Wells Fargo, and more. Also, you can see art donated to the event by the artists and available for purchase.
Vice President Joe Biden’s Speech
Vice President Joe Biden delivered a beautiful, touching speech that brought many to tears. Make sure to watch the rest of his speech.
Eric Holder Speech
Anne Hathaway Speech
Anne Hathaway was awarded the 2018 National Ally for Equality Award. As a straight ally and sister of a gay brother, she delivered a powerful message.
Dinner & Drinks
The gala is a multi-course foodie event with starters, entrees, desserts, and drinks. Some bars allow you to open any cocktail or drink you would like throughout the event. The corporate sponsor tickets come with two free drinks; others must purchase a drink ticket. Also, each table had several free bottles of wine for us to enjoy.
The dinner starts with a salad, more than half a cabbage head with some cheese and tomatoes. The salad didn’t look so impressive but surprisingly tasted good and healthy. For an entree, we got chicken with mashed potatoes and some veggies. Overall, the dish was delicate, but it needed some more seasoning. It didn’t leave much of an impression on our taste buds. The dinner ended with a nice, light dessert already on a table with the starter when we arrived. Now, that made an impression. In case we needed extra sweetness, there were a few boxes of Hershey’s Kisses.
Auction
As with any charitable event, people could bid to win various items. A few bidding wars were ongoing—fun things ranging from mixers, jewelry, and wines to an ample supply of kind bars.
Sponsors
A portion of the event is dedicated to the corporate sponsors who provide political and financial support for the organization that empowers and supports its employees.
Musical Entertainment by Shea Diamond
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