I spent a wonderful Saturday night rubbing elbows with the elite of Austin's gay and gay supportive community. It was my first time to attend the gala, and I realize now that by not attending I was skirting my civic duty to my community. Especially now that I'm the President of the Austin Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, I need to make sure that I'm present at all of the important events that affect the community.
The event itself was fantastic. It started with cocktails and a silent auction then moved into the ballroom at the new Hilton by the convention center. We had signed up late, so our table was in the back corner but we still felt part of the action. Several people got awards for their service to the community, including the whole Austin city council for their role in reinstating domestic partnership health benefits for city employees. I take special pride in that as well since we donated all of the web development and hosting to the effort last year. No web company in the city gives back more than we do!
During the live auction, I bid and won a lunch with Austin Mayor Will Wynn. I'd been wanting to take the mayor to lunch ever since he attended the launch party for the AGLCC magazine, Forward Austin. After spending several futile weeks trying to get on his schedule, it was fate that this opportunity arose... and I get to support the HRC at the same time.
As the evening wore down, I was able to meet-and-greet many of my colleagues who were in attendance and really experience the most positive aspects of the LGBT community in Austin... successful, intelligent professionals who are united for a common goal of equality.