CHARLOTTE — Time Out Youth, a local LGBT youth support and social organization, has been presented a national award honoring LGBT counseling.
The 2009 Joe Norton Award for Outstanding Contribution to the LGBT Community was presented by the Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues in Counseling (ALGBTIC). It was presented at the conference of the American Counseling Association, held in Charlotte in late March.
Time Out Youth CEO Steve Bentley said the award came with a $300 financial contribution. The award is named after ALGBTIC’s founder.
Bentley said the organization is excited about the hire of former intern Laurie Pitts. Her employment with the agency increases part-time staff from two to three. Bentley said increased staff numbers mean increased services and more availability for LGBT youth in need.
The group will hold its annual fundraiser, A Celebration of the Arts, on May 5 at Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd. A silent auction begins at 7 p.m. The arts show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Some of this year’s performers include The Chuckleheads, The Gay Men’s Chorus of Charlotte, The Charlotte Community Drummers, Susan Roberts Knowlson, Robbie Jaeger, Viscera Dance Theatre and others.
Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door, and can be bought by calling Time Out Youth at 704-344-8335 or online at www.acelebrationofthearts.com.