The Human Rights Campaign 2009 Gala, “Imagine,” comes complete with a series of fabulous events all week. Here’s your guide for the complete series of events in Charlotte, Feb. 15-22.
Feb. 15 – HRC Tea Dance
Join HRC Carolinas for the kick off to a week’s worth of events leading up to the 2009 HRC Carolinas Gala. Come out for this Sunday afternoon dance with friends, plenty of fun and drinks, to boot! The Garden & Gun Club, 820 Hamilton St. 4 p.m. $10 cover at the door.
Feb. 20 – Westin Takeover
Takeover Friday heads to their favorite Uptown hang out, Bar 10 at The Westin Hotel. The must-attend start to the HRC Gala weekend. 601 S. College St. 7 p.m. www.takeoverfriday.com.
Feb. 20 – ‘Block Party’
Head out to some of Charlotte’s hottest clubs and nightspots, including Petra’s, Sidelines, Liaisons, Tutto Mondo/Pewter Rose, Hartigans and the Garden & Gun Club. 10 p.m. A $10 souvenir HRC Carolinas bracelet, available at the Westin during Takeover, provides free admission to any or all of the Block Party events. Without the bracelet, individual cover charges at each club apply.
Feb. 21 – HRC Gala
Join the HRC Carolinas Steering Committee for their 14th annual social, black-tie event. Special entertainment including comedienne Suzanne Westenhoefer and keynote speaker U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan. HRC President Joe Solmonese will appear. Silent auction, social/cocktail hour and more. Charlotte Convention Center, 500 S. College St. 5 p.m. $175 regular ticket price.
Feb. 21 – Gala After-party
Join Gala attendees and the hottest Carolinas guys and gals for the official HRC Gala After-party at The Garden & Gun Club. Kristine W. will perform live. 820 Hamilton St. Doors open at 10 p.m. $20 general admission. $15 club members and Gala ticket holders.
Feb. 22 – Brunch
Rejuvenate yourself with friends and colleagues at the HRC Gala Sunday Brunch at The Westin. 601 S. College St. Reservations are required and tickets must be purchased in conjunction with the Gala.
— For additional information and late breaking news, visit www.hrccarolias.org.
I guess you guys up in the Carolinas have escaped the recession. Let the po’ folk down in Florida know how attendance fared at all these pricey events, esp. that “gala.” We are in the midst of planning our Pride events and we’re trying to keep costs bare-bones. More of our energy is going into supporting food and clothing drives for the rapidly growing number of needy. I wonder if HRC would send someone to a hot dog & beans “gala.”