Senator Harry Reid and Comedian Alec Mapa to Headline 2009 Las Vegas HRC Dinner Gala

The HRC Las Vegas Gala Dinner is the largest fundraising event of the year for the nation’s largest civil rights organization. Now in its fourth year, the Gala Dinner raises funds to fight for fair minded elected officials and laws which protect the community against hate crimes and discriminatory practices.

This year’s keynote speaker will be Nevada’s own Senator Majority Leader, Harry Reid.  Reid has served Nevada in the Senate since 1986, and still calls Searchlight his home.  He is committed to putting his leadership position to work to deliver meaningful results for all Nevadans.  The Las Vegas Sun summarized Reid’s story by saying that he “has gone from underdog to Senate’s top dog.”

Just added to entertain at the event will be award winning actor/comedian Alec Mapa.  Alec is best known to LGBT audiences for his thought provoking columns in The Advocate and his 2005 LOGO comedy special, WISECRACK.  He has also entertained and charmed mainstream audiences with his roles on Desperate Housewives, Ugly Betty, Zohan movie with Adam Sandler, and over 40 other television/film/broadway appearances.  “America’s Gaysian Sweetheart” is sure to ignite and excite all at this year’s event.

The 2009 Las Vegas Gala Dinner will be on Saturday, August 29, at Paris Las Vegas.  Now more than ever, support from HRC members and allies is critical in the progressing fight for equality. With a fair minded administration in place and the recent passing of Senate Bills 207 & 283, we have the opportunity to continue making progress in ensuring LGBT equal rights.  In addition to Harry Reid’s address, this year's honorees will be Bob Forbuss and County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani.

The Las Vegas Human Rights Campaign Steering Committee grabbed top honors at the 2008 national HRC board meeting held earlier this year in Washington, DC, including: Best All-Around Gala Dinner Fundraising of the Year & Top Gala Dinner Co-chairs of the Year: James Healey and Gwen Migita, Las Vegas.

This year’s Gala Dinner is poised to be even better than last year’s event.  Join this year's Co-Chairs James Healey, Missy Morgan and Josh Miller as we honor Bob and Chris, our very own Senator Reid addresses his Nevada LGBT constituents, and Alec Mapa entertains.  It will be an evening filled with a VIP celebrity filled cocktail reception, silent auction, entertainment, moving messages and dinner.  Support HRC by securing your tickets today.

Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009
Location: Paris Hotel, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd, So., Las Vegas, NV
Tickets: www.boxofficetickets.com (Search for "Las Vegas")