The 23rd Annual Pride Banquet and Awards Ceremony will salute the efforts and achievements of businesses, groups and individuals for their dedication to Michigan's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied communities. The organizers are inviting all members of the community and allies to help celebrate at 6 p.m. on June 19 at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Warren.
This year's banquet theme, We the People, will emphasize not only the importance of the upcoming election, but the presence and achievement of LGBT people in the fabric of the larger metro Detroit community.
The banquet is the longest-running annual event in the metro Detroit LGBT community. It began in 1986 and has been honoring local individuals and organizations ever since. Six local LGBT and HIV/AIDS organizations – Affirmations, Black Pride Society, Ruth Ellis Center, The Forum Foundation, Midwest AIDS Prevention Project and Triangle Foundation – co-present the event yearly, recognizing the outstanding efforts of those in the southeast Michigan LGBT community.
Awards are given in several categories and may be presented to a business, individual, group or organization. Single awards are given in 11 categories, including such honors as the business award, which is given to a business that has worked with and for the LGBT community, and the rising star award, honoring a community newcomer who is on their way to the top. This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award – the banquet's highest award honoring someone who has worked tirelessly their whole life for the community – will be presented to Penny Gardner.
Additionally, two awards – the Spirit of Detroit award and the Community Service award – will be given to multiple winners. The Spirit of Detroit award recognizes outstanding leadership and exceptional achievement specifically directed at improving the quality of life in Michigan's largest city, while the Community Service award honors individuals or organizations who have worked to better their communities.
Dinner will be served and entertainment provided at the event. To purchase tickets to the Pride Banquet, call the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project at 248-545-1435 or go to http://www.pridebanquet.org. Tickets are $39. For more information on the event or to get more detailed information about the awards and the winners, please contact Chene Koppitz, Triangle Foundation director of community events, at 313-537-7000 ext. 103.
23rd Annual Pride Banquet and Awards Ceremony
6 p.m. June 19
Ukranian Cultural Center, Warren
248-545-1435
http://www.pridebanquet.org
