About This Event

      Dee Dixon

This year’s gala is going to be a 20-year celebration on Saturday, Jan. 19, at The Westin. “Reflections” is our theme, and we’ll take a look back as we celebrate the impact Pride has had on the community. Twenty years have passed since Pride Magazine and the Pride Awards came to life as a part of The Charlotte Observer. Rolfe Neill was the newspaper’s publisher, and Vintage Foster was at the helm of Pride. They both plan to attend this year’s gala, along with other special guests. I wish I had time and space to tell you about all of the great things we have planned. We have lots of surprises in store and will unveil a new Pride Award of Eminence, called the “Pride Magazine Heritage Award.” Gala attendees will select the winner from three finalists, and that person’s favorite nonprofit will receive the monetary donation. It’s going to be a blast, so don’t delay. Reserve your seating today and get your gowns and tuxedos ready.

Finally, I want to give a shout-out to our loyal Pride Magazine and Pride Award sponsors. Some, such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo, have been with us since inception. And, I can’t say enough about our title sponsor Lowe’s Home Improvement. They have promised to make this the MOST memorable occasion ever. They won’t even reveal some of the exciting details of the evening to me! They have given us a decade of support, and are going way above and beyond to make this anniversary celebration special. Other sponsors include Carolinas HealthCare, Food Lion, Snyder’s-Lance, Compass Group, Presbyterian Healthcare, Belk, NBC Charlotte, The Charlotte Observer, Husqvarna, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated and TPM Consulting, Inc. Many heartfelt thanks to all.