Black Tie Dinner, a cornerstone event dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, is gearing up for its 43rd annual gala on November 16, 2024, at the Sheraton Dallas. This year, the event is making headlines not just for its long-standing tradition of philanthropy but for breaking a nearly two-decade-old record by selecting the highest number of beneficiaries since 2005.
In an extraordinary showcase of commitment and support to the LGBTQ+ community, the Black Tie Dinner board announced a list of 20 non-profit organizations that will be the local beneficiaries of this year’s event, alongside the return of The Human Rights Campaign Foundation as the national beneficiary. The rigorous selection process this year was a testament to the event’s growing impact, with 35 applicants vying for the opportunity to be part of the 2024 giving season.
“I am proud of the outreach the Black Tie Dinner board has done to further diversify the organizations we support,” said Black Tie Dinner Senior Co-Chair Dustin Vyers.
This initiative not only demonstrates the event’s commitment to diversity within the LGBTQ+ community but also marks a significant focus on uplifting the transgender community in North Texas. For the first time in recent history, three of the local beneficiaries are organizations specifically serving the transgender community, highlighting a significant step forward in embracing and supporting all members of the LGBTQ+ spectrum.
“We have a notable increase in trans-focused beneficiaries which marks a significant step forward as we embrace the opportunity to make a lasting impact and pave the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for all, especially in North Texas,” said Black Tie Dinner Junior Co-Chair Liliana Villarreal.
The 2024 beneficiaries include a diverse array of organizations, each playing a unique role in serving the community.
- AIDS Services of Dallas
- Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star
- Cathedral of Hope United Church of Christ
- Celebration Community Church
- Dallas Hope Charities
- Equality Texas Foundation
- Finn’s Place
- Galileo Church (Project: North Texas TRANSportation Network)
- Grant Halliburton Foundation
- HELP Center for LGBT Health & Wellness
- Legacy Cares
- Northaven United Methodist Church
- Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
- Pride Frisco
- Resource Center
- Synergy Wesley Foundation
- Transgender Education Network of Texas
- Transition Resource Action Center
- Turtle Creek Chorale
- Uptown Players
- The Human Rights Campaign Foundation (national beneficiary)
This eclectic mix of beneficiaries underscores the Black Tie Dinner’s comprehensive approach to support, aiming to address various needs within the LGBTQ+ community.
As we look forward to the main event in November, the Black Tie Dinner is also hosting a ‘Dessert B4 Dinner’ kickoff event on May 9, 2024, at The Empire Room in Dallas. This event promises exciting announcements and a sneak peek into what the 2024 dinner will offer. Tickets are already available at blacktie.org/kickoff, signaling the start of what is sure to be a remarkable season of giving and celebration.
The Black Tie Dinner has come a long way since its inception in 1982, evolving from a small fundraising dinner among friends to the largest fundraising dinner in the nation for the LGBTQ+ community. With over $30 million distributed to various organizations over the years, the event continues to be a beacon of hope and support, reinforcing its mission to celebrate diversity and foster an inclusive future for all, especially in North Texas.
