Center on Halsted's Annual Human First Gala

Center on Halsted is pleased to announce its Annual Human First Gala, Saturday, March 21, 2009, in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago The Reception, featuring cocktails and hors d’oeuvres begins at 6:30 PM, the Human First Awards and the evening’s programming begins at 7:30 PM, Dinner commences at 8:30 PM and dancing to the sounds of Malik’s Ultimate Band begins at 9:30 PM. The Human First 2009 co-chairs are Greg Cameron and Greg A. Thompson, Todd A. Hatoff and Marshall M. Erb and Sarah Schmidt and Julie Matthei. Valet parking is available, reservations will be held at the door, a sign language interpreter will be provided, dress is Black Tie optional . To make reservations please visit www.centeronhalted.org or call 773-472-6469. Each year the Center recognizes individuals and organizations with its Human First Award for significant contributions to LGBT causes while promoting diversity and combating homophobia in Chicago. This year’s awardees are; State Representative Sara Feigenholtz Currently in her seventh term as State Representative for the 12th district and now a candidate for the Congressional seat vacated by Rahm Emanuel, Feigenholtz has proven herself a dedicated public servant. She has advocated for effective HIV prevention strategies, passage of the Illinois Human Rights Act including provisions banning sexual orientation discrimination and the expansion of Illinois’ AIDS drug reimbursement program to include all persons living with HIV/AIDS. Feigenholtz was selected a “Friend of the Community” by the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2001. Having served on the House Human Services Appropriations and Environmental Health Committees, Feigenholtz is a vocal advocate for the long-term health of Illinois’ citizens. State Representative Greg Harris Greg Harris was elected to the Illinois General Assembly in 2006 where he serves as State Representative for the 13th District. An openly gay member of the State Legislature, and only member openly living with HIV/AIDS, Harris has co-chaired the City of Chicago’s Task Force on LGBT Substance Use/Abuse and is a Founder of Open Hand Chicago and AIDSWalk Chicago. He has served on the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and on a number of Boards including Heartland Alliance, the Non-Profit Financial Center and AIDS Legal Council. Greg has been a member of the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame since 1997. His current political interests include homeless youth, accessible healthcare, comprehensive breast cancer services and property tax reform. Mr. Joseph Loundy Now a retired social worker and mental health professional, Joseph Loundy has lent his vast expertise and time through the years to numerous organizations addressing issues of importance to the LGBT community. He served as Chair of the Gay Horizons’ Board of Directors for four years -1978 to 1982 - and subsequently as the organization’s first Executive Director. During his tenure he oversaw the establishment of programs that continue to this day to be the core of Center on Halsted’s services. Without Joseph Loundy’s leadership and commitment to Chicago’s LGBT community, there may never have been a Center on Halsted. The Night Ministry The Night Ministry will receive the Center’s Community Spirit Award for serving Chicago’s most vulnerable adults and youth since 1976. Committed to building relationships with at-risk and vulnerable individuals, The Night Ministry empowers people of all ages to address their own needs by providing basic self-care supplies, free healthcare, housing and supportive services and referrals to other resources. The Night Ministry reaches out to those struggling with challenges such as homelessness, depression, substance abuse and poverty. With a dedicated staff and more than 2,600 volunteers, The Night Ministry implements five critical programs: Outreach and Health Ministry, Rapid HIV Testing and Education, Youth Housing and Case Management, Youth Outreach, and Continuing Care. Human first is generously sponsored by ChicagoPride.com, Allen Brothers, JPMorganChase, Kraft, Robert Kohl & Clark Pellet, Exelon, Target, Comer Foundation, David Herro & Jay Franke, Harris Bank, Goldberg Kohn, Sara Lee, Walgreen’s, United Healthcare, The Adler School, Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Raymond Crossman & Christopher B. Dillehay, Duane DesParte & John C. Schneider, Todd A. Hatoff & Marshall M. Erb, Phil Lumpkin & William Tedford, Charles R. Middleton & John S. Geary, Chastity Lord & Zakiya Johnson, Ken O’Keefe & Jason Stephens, Sarah M. Schmidt & Julie Matthei, Gregory A. Thompson & Greg Cameron, Sidley Austin, Wachovia, American Airlines, Clos Du Bois, BBJ Linens, Miller Lite, Progress Printing, WTTW/98.7wfmt, Instinct magazine, Chicago Free Press, Gay Chicago magazine and Windy City Media Group. For more information or to make reservations online, visit www.centeronhalsted.org. or call 773-472-6469. This is a Make A Difference Partner Event