Center on Halsted celebrates LGBT community at annual Human First Gala
Tue. May 21, 2013 10:33 AM by Terrence Chappell
chaka khan closed out the night with a special performance
photo credit // anthony meade
Annual Human First Gala, May 18
Chicago, IL -
The black and white tie dinner, a first for Human First, welcomed dignitaries, activists, and other community leaders to a special cocktail reception and awards dinner, which paid homage to those that have dedicated their life to change and equality for fellow LGBT members.
Center on Halsted's CEO, Modesto Tico Valle attributes each award recipient's character as a vehicle for progression during the May 18 event at Chicago's Hilton Hotel.
"I would like to congratulate our honorees for their courage and inspiration. They have truly helped to advance our movement of full equality," said Valle.
Keeping in line with the gala's theme this year, Human First, a theme that promotes equality and respect for all people regardless of their sexuality, race, age gender, religion, and other labels, award recipients were awarded the Human First Award for the role in moving the LGBT community forward.
Human First Award honorees included couples Sarah Schmidt and Julie Matthel and Brad Lippitz and Jonathan ‘Yoni' Pizer for their work on marriage equality; as well as Richard Turner for his decades of work on AIDS/HIV. Allstate Insurance Company was awarded with the Community Spirits Award for their support of Center on Halsted's mission and programs.
(View photos from the event: Gallery One | Gallery Two )
Prior to each award being given out, guests were streamed video clips that offered an inside look into the lives, passion, and work of each honoree. Both couples included their children in the video clips, which Tico noted was a first for the annual event and added a personal touch to the evening's celebration. Honoree Richard Turner was just simply honored to be gifted with the Human First Award.
"After looking at the list of those who received this award in the past, I am humbled to be in their company. With this recognition tonight and the great spirits of our community, I am very grateful and proud. I look forward to the next chapter in this journey," said Turner.
Special guests included Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Other special guests who took to stage to present the awards included: Willard S. Evans Jr., president of People's Gas and North Shore Gas; Laura Ricketts, director of the Chicago Cubs, chairperson of the board of Chicago Cubs Charities and co-chair of the Human First Gala as well as state Rep. Kelly Cassidy.
Ricketts and Charles A. Schrock, chairman, president and CEO of Integrys Energy Group co-chaired this year's Human First Gala, while Billie Jean King (who did not attend) served as honorary co-chair. Other honorary co-chairs included: Amina Dickerson, Anne L. Kaplan, Abby O'Neil and Carroll Joynes, and Maria Bechily and Scott Hodes.
NBC Chicago reporter Natalie Martinez emceed the gala while Valle and Marcus Brady, chairperson of the board for Center on Halsted welcomed guests and concluded the event with closing remarks.
The gala ended in celebration as Chicago native and Grammy award winning artist Chaka Khan closed out the night with a special performance of several of her famous award winning songs.
Bottom line, the Human First Gala raised over $500,00 with over 800 attendees.
(View photos from the event: Gallery One | Gallery Two )
Center on Halsted's CEO, Modesto Tico Valle attributes each award recipient's character as a vehicle for progression during the May 18 event at Chicago's Hilton Hotel.
"I would like to congratulate our honorees for their courage and inspiration. They have truly helped to advance our movement of full equality," said Valle.
Keeping in line with the gala's theme this year, Human First, a theme that promotes equality and respect for all people regardless of their sexuality, race, age gender, religion, and other labels, award recipients were awarded the Human First Award for the role in moving the LGBT community forward.
Human First Award honorees included couples Sarah Schmidt and Julie Matthel and Brad Lippitz and Jonathan ‘Yoni' Pizer for their work on marriage equality; as well as Richard Turner for his decades of work on AIDS/HIV. Allstate Insurance Company was awarded with the Community Spirits Award for their support of Center on Halsted's mission and programs.
(View photos from the event: Gallery One | Gallery Two )
Prior to each award being given out, guests were streamed video clips that offered an inside look into the lives, passion, and work of each honoree. Both couples included their children in the video clips, which Tico noted was a first for the annual event and added a personal touch to the evening's celebration. Honoree Richard Turner was just simply honored to be gifted with the Human First Award.
"After looking at the list of those who received this award in the past, I am humbled to be in their company. With this recognition tonight and the great spirits of our community, I am very grateful and proud. I look forward to the next chapter in this journey," said Turner.
Special guests included Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. Other special guests who took to stage to present the awards included: Willard S. Evans Jr., president of People's Gas and North Shore Gas; Laura Ricketts, director of the Chicago Cubs, chairperson of the board of Chicago Cubs Charities and co-chair of the Human First Gala as well as state Rep. Kelly Cassidy.
Ricketts and Charles A. Schrock, chairman, president and CEO of Integrys Energy Group co-chaired this year's Human First Gala, while Billie Jean King (who did not attend) served as honorary co-chair. Other honorary co-chairs included: Amina Dickerson, Anne L. Kaplan, Abby O'Neil and Carroll Joynes, and Maria Bechily and Scott Hodes.
NBC Chicago reporter Natalie Martinez emceed the gala while Valle and Marcus Brady, chairperson of the board for Center on Halsted welcomed guests and concluded the event with closing remarks.
The gala ended in celebration as Chicago native and Grammy award winning artist Chaka Khan closed out the night with a special performance of several of her famous award winning songs.
Bottom line, the Human First Gala raised over $500,00 with over 800 attendees.
(View photos from the event: Gallery One | Gallery Two )