“I’ve Been to a Marvelous Party!” – One Big Event was That
Much Fun!...
…guests of
the Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective’s 9th One Big
Event were heard remarking as they left the Hilton Hartford
Hotel last Saturday evening. But that’s par for the
course. Friends of the Health Collective always enjoy
themselves as they turn out in mass to support Connecticut’s
largest organization devoted to the LGBT and HIV/AIDS
communities. The evening had all the hallmarks of a great
time: cocktails, silent and live auctions filled with
wonderful items to bid on, fine dining and Shaded Soul to
provide the soundtrack for the festivities.
This year’s
One Big Event was notable for the number of dignitaries who
came out to participate in this stellar evening. Indeed, if
ever there was a doubt of the respect and esteem felt
towards the LGBT population, one had to look no further than
the assemblage of politicians who came to salute the
Hartford Gay & Lesbian Health Collective and the community
we represent and serve. Hartford Mayor, Pedro Segarra, was
once again the Honorary Host joined by his husband, Charlie
Ortiz. Also in attendance were Governor Dannel Malloy,
Senator Richard Blumenthal and Lieutenant Governor Nancy S.
Wyman demonstrating their commitment to our issues. Few
states and fewer organizations could say they had so many
legislators at one LGBT event. Truly, our time has come.
Executive
Director, Linda Estabrook, was deeply touched by the turnout
and enthusiasm of the audience. Board President, Ali
Svenson, reminded everyone that the work of the Hartford Gay
& Lesbian Health Collective is ongoing and that HIV/AIDS
which is regarded as a “treatable” disease in the U.S. is a
critical and dangerous threat in many nations around the
world. David Saling and Lindsey Rutka of Van Horst General
Contractors saluted the impact that the Health Collective
has made in the greater Hartford area. The evening was also
marked by a heartfelt tribute to E. John McGarvey, Chairman
of One Big Event. Indeed, Michael Wilson, former Artistic
Director of Hartford Stage, returning as Master of
Ceremonies, made a special trip just to salute his old
friend. John was visibly moved by the plaque which was
presented in recognition for his work for the Collective.
Through the efforts of many the
goal of $100,000 was reached! Congratulations to everyone!
The Biggest Sponsor is Van Horst General Contractors, LLC.
Our Really, Really Big Sponsors are The Hartford Courant,
Hartford Insurance, Macy’s and TD Bank. To see who was
there, go to our website:
www.onebigevent.org
for photos. For any more questions, contact OBE
Coordinator, Dan Millett at (860)278-4163 x 18 or email him
at danm@hglhc.org.
One Big Event - a
Benefit for the Hartford Gay
& Lesbian Health Collective
