PRESS CONTACT: John McGill Black Tie Dinner PR [email protected] 37th BLACK TIE DINNER LINE-UP CONTINUES TO GROW Opening Speaker Beto O’Rourke and Award Recipients Announced (Friday, October 5, 2018) - The list of speakers and award recipients continues to expand as the Co-Chairs of Black Tie Dinner, Nathan Robbins and David Gifford-Robinson, announced more featured and honored guests for the November 3rd event. Black Tie Dinner, held in Dallas at the Downtown Sheraton Hotel, is one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ one-night fundraising galas. The annual event, in its 37th year, has raised more than 22 million dollars for numerous organizations that support and provide vital services to the LGBTQ community. The opening speaker for this year’s gala will be U.S. Representative Beto O’Rourke, who is currently receiving national attention as candidate for the U.S. Senate. "During his time in Congress, Beto O'Rourke has consistently been an advocate for the LGBTQ community. His message of equality and his willingness to bring visibility to all issues facing our community makes him an ideal person to open this year's Dinner," stated event Co-chair, Nathan Robbins. In addition, the chairs have highlighted some of this year’s award recipients including actor/entertainer Erich Bergen who will receive the organization’s Media Award and Jessi Cruickshank who will receive the Ally for Equality Award. As previously announced, Kay Wilkinson will receive the Kuchling Humanitarian Award. “The Black Tie Dinner Board is excited to honor actor Erich Bergen, star of Madam Secretary, with its 2018 Media Award for his contributions through stage, song and film to raise positive awareness of LGBTQ issues.” stated Co-chair David Gifford-Robinson. “We are also pleased to share we will be joined by TV personality Jessi Cruickshank, who will be accepting the Ally for Equality Award. Both honorees personify what it means to live as your authentic self.” Popular comedienne Dana Goldberg will be returning to the stage as the events luxury Auctioneer and will be joined by surprise guests and entertainment. Additional speakers and entertainers will be announced leading up to the November 3rd gala. For more information and tickets for Black Tie Dinner go to blacktie.org. Bios and photos attached. About Black Tie Dinner BLACK TIE DINNER, INC. 3824 CEDAR SPRINGS, #335 DALLAS, TEXAS 75219 WWW.BLACKT IE.ORG Black Tie Dinner is a non-profit organization that raises funds for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) supportive organizations serving North Texas through a premier event of empowerment, education and entertainment that has grown into the nation's largest LGBT fundraising dinner since its inception in 1982. The first dinner produced a $6,000 donation to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and has since raised over $23 million for national and local beneficiaries. Black Tie Dinner continues to be the most successful dinner in the country supporting the Human Rights Campaign Foundation and has the distinction of being the only dinner also benefiting local beneficiaries. The event has headlined local and national celebrities and leaders such as Maya Angelou, Geena Davis, Lily Tomlin, Martin Sheen, Connie Britton and Dustin Lance Black. In addition to live entertainment, Black Tie Dinner honors outstanding service to the LGBTQ community with the Elizabeth Birch Equality Award, the Black Tie Dinner Media Award and the Kuchling Humanitarian Award. Recipients have included Debra Messing, Greg Louganis, Elizabeth Birch, Sharon Stone, Judy Shepard, Alan Cumming, Showtime Networks/Robert Greenblatt, Bishop V. Gene Robinson, Cyndi Lauper, Logo Network/Brian Graden, Chely Wright, American Airlines, Chaz Bono, JCPenney and Scouting For All founder Zach Wahl. For more information about Black Tie Dinner or this year’s event, visit blacktie.org. .