CLGBTCC dedicates a night to the LGBTQ+ Community with 2024’s Thrive Gala

Tuesday night, December 10, the LGBTQ+ community along with many of its allies showed up in style for a jubilant affair that was the Charlotte LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Gala. Taking place at Camp North End’s The Revelry, this year’s name for the gala, Thrive, celebrated all of the work done in 2024, along with calling members of the community to action for the coming year.

Pressed between the devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Helene and the results of the 2024 election, the occasion also acted as a short respite and a perfect chance to lay down arms long enough to enjoy each other’s company.

The night began in the lobby area, curtained off from the main event space. Every attendee for the night came in their finest garb, many hidden behind optional masks, but others left to be seen with smiles and laughter all around. On either side of the room, bars were positioned, serving droves of guests. To the left, Charlotte Strings performed a few seasonal and classic selections near a few of the couches set up, and to the right, a 360 camera station was available for friend groups to get a little wild on film.

At 7:30 p.m, the curtains opened and the crowd was invited to their carefully set and assigned tables. The proceedings of the night were opened and closed by DJ Quelle and Upbeats Entertainment. As soon as all were in place, Chad Turner, CEO and President of CLGBTCC, officially welcomed the crowd for the night’s festivities.

Following a few brief announcements, one of Charlotte’s most tenured drag companies Vanity House took to the stage with performances by Vanna Vanity, Dorae Saunders and Erica Chanel.

Serving as the musical guest for the evening was Mercury Carter, a singer-songwriter based in the Queen City. Draped in a kaleidoscope of colors accompanying his evening wear and cape, Carter entertained the audience with his versatile voice, all while keeping his space next to DJ Quelle at the front.

Chamber Chair Mel Morris (left) and CEO Chad Turner (right) present Bethany McDonald (center) with the President's Award. — Chamber Chair Mel Morris (left) and CEO Chad Turner (right) present Bethany McDonald (center) with the President’s Award. Credit: Jonathan Golian

After attendees enjoyed the event’s catered entrees, Turner, alongside Mel Morris, served as the MC for the awards sections of the gala. Following recognition of the organization’s corporate sponsors, winners for the year were announced.

Among the awards given at the function were Non-Profit of the Year, with Twirl to the World winning the honor, the Teresa L Davis Legacy Award, with Lucky Anneheim clinching it, and the President’s Awards, with both Rhys Chambers, of the Human Rights Campaign and Bethany McDonald, of Hearts United For Good, being called to the front to receive plaques.

Turner praised McDonald for making time to appear at the event and her efforts with the community. “Bethany McDonald never gets to sit at a gala table. She never gets to participate because she’s always giving something. She [occasionally] sleeps at Hearts United For Good so that she can be there for the people that come in the mornings, for the puppies that live there, in case there is a need for food [or other requests].”

Much in line with QNotes’ recent article about the work HUG has done this year as Organization of the Year, Turner also spoke about the break-neck pace McDonald has kept in helping bring relief to Western Carolina.

Soccer player Vicky Bruce talking to attendees about the challenges and rewards she has experienced during her career. Credit: Jonathan Golian

Another special section of the evening was given to Vicky Bruce. She used her time to speak on her career as a soccer player where, in her own words, she’d been able to play for everyone everywhere but back home in the United States. Bruce happily announced this was now a rewarding reality for her, as part of Ascent FC and after so many of the hardships she faced to be able to do what she loved for a living.

After an evening of highlights, gratitude, and togetherness, the dance floor opened up for first the Gerem3 & Company dance troupe, offering both song and in-time movements to the audience. Afterwards, DJ Quelle took back the reigns and played the hits, inviting all onto the floor from what had been a magical evening among friends and loved ones.