An enthusiastic and supportive crowd of LGBTQ+ community members and allies showed up Saturday, October 3, for “T.H.E. Night Hits the Runway,” a fundraising gala for Charlotte Trans Health (CTH).
CTH Executive Director Holly Savoy told Qnotes the number of individuals in attendance was over 175 and their $100,000 fundraising goal was achieved.
“It was definitely a success,” Savoy said. “Especially with the kind of reaction we’re seeing towards trans individuals right now,” she continued. “It’s very empowering to know that we can raise funds working with our own community and use it how we need to, and not have to rely on grants and government funding.”
The event was held at Lenny Boy Brewing Company in South End and the facility was filled to capacity.
Keeping the crowd entertained during the Race to the Runway segment were Lilli Frost and Thomas Dawson Tripodis; Dorae Saunders and Beverly “Mecca” Moss; Lolita Chanel and Devon Pelto; and Nova Stella and Joe Pope. Ultimately, Team Nova Stella captured the crown for a second time in the event’s history.
Sherman Jones emceed the event and his House of Mulan kept the ballroom spirit alive and energetic.
Also on hand for the event were Charlotte City Council Members LaWana Mayfield and JD Mazuera Arias.
Among the community members honored at the event were Debra J. Hopkins, recipient of the 2026 Griffin Visionary Award; and Beverly “Mecca” Moss, recipient of the 2026 Savoy Mission Embodiment Award.
With the success of the fundraiser comes a matching funds grant from event sponsor Bay Gallant.
Those funds will help Charlotte Trans Health launch a medical access fund to help uninsured and underinsured individuals access medical care and treatment.
“There is something amazing about watching the hard work of so many people come together and seeing our vision for Charlotte Trans Health’s T.H.E. Night actually come to life,” Savoy said in a social media post. “I am so grateful to every[one] who helped make the night possible. This one really took a team of people, and I’m incredibly proud of what we created together.”
For more information on Charlotte Trans Health, visit their website at https://charlottetranshealth.org/.
This story is brought to you by Rosedale Health and Wellness and Dudley’s Place.
