Thank you to everyone who participated in the 16th Annual Cleveland Gala Dinner and Auction!

Over 500 HRC supporters packed the ballroom at the Cleveland InterContintental Hotel and Conference Center on Saturday evening, March 28, to enjoy an array of entertainment, guest speakers, and fine food in support of GLBT equality.

See more photos from the evening!

The event lived up to the theme "The Fine Art of Equality" with roaming performance artists from the SafMod Performance Ensemble and three dances by Cleveland's renowned Verb Ballets, including one world premiere.

Also entertaing the crowd were the Cleveland State University cheerleaders!

The 2009 HRC Cleveland Equality Award was presented to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral and the Very. Rev. Tracey Lind and the 2009 Leadership Awards were presented to Case President Barbara Snyder and Deputy Provost Lynn Singer.

Beth Grant of "Sordid Lives" was introduced by her daughter, a young GLBT supporter from Southern California.  Grant entertained the crowd with anecdotes from her rich career.

We would like to especially thank our presenting sponsor for the event: Time Warner Cable.

HRC Board of Directors member from Cleveland, Jane Daroff, said of the event: "It was just one of the very best!! Thanks to everyone who helped to make it so."