CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Human Rights Campaign Carolina Gala is set for Saturday, Feb. 22. As the Carolinas’ movers and shakers file into the Charlotte Convention Center, they’ll be treated to a night full of entertainment. For two award winners, though, it will be a night to honor their work in the LGBT community.
Ron Johnson of Greensboro will receive the 2014 Equality Award. A partner in the law firm of Johnson, Peddrick & McDonald, PLLC, Johnson is a co-founder of Triad Health Project, the area’s local HIV/AIDS service organization. He’s also served as a past president and director of Triad Health Project. During that time, Johnson raised more money than any other individual for the project’s Winter Walk for AIDS. He served as the fundraiser’s chair and co-chair in 2007 and 2011.
Additionally, Johnson has been involved in a number of other civic affairs, including serving on the board and advisory committee of Guilford Green Foundation, one of the state’s leading LGBT philanthropic foundations. His community service has garnered several awards, including Triad Health Project’s Founder’s Award, the Mrs. Leon’s Award, the Governor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, the Greensboro Bar Association award for “Outstanding Pro-Bono Service” and the Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro “Thornton Brooks Award” for outstanding service. Ron and his life partner, Bill Roane, have been HRC Federal Club Members for over 20 years.
Salisbury Pride will be honored with the 2014 Trailblazer Award. Founded in 2011, the organization has made great strides in promoting visibility, increasing public support and increasing education of the LGBT community in rural Rowan County. Despite the area’s rural nature, Salisbury Pride has worked to make their hometown one of the most inclusive communities in the North Carolina Piedmont.
For more information on the gala, visit hrccarolina.org. : :
— Compiled from release
Be sure to check out a full list of HRC Gala weekend events…