The Green Gala

The Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce proudly presented their seventh annual awards dinner on the June 28th at the Hilton Downtown Miami. Each year the Chamber Gala Committee selects a color from the rainbow flag as the theme for the event; with so much talk about issues relative to the environment, it was only appropriate that the 7th annual awards dinner reflect the Chamber's consciousness of “green” issues. With corporate sponsorships from such businesses as American Airlines, The Miami Herald, Hilton Hotels, AT&T and Tiffany and Company, the Chamber is not only able to educate us on the virtues of the environment, but it also provides the appropriate outlets and resources for GLBT grassroots organizations and business to excel.

The event was done with a level of sophistication that is consistent with Miami's personality, complete with cocktails, appetizers, a three-course dinner, entertainment and a silent auction. Among those in attendance for the evening's celebration was City of Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower, officers from the City of Miami Beach Police Department and several state and federal legislators.

The main reason for the awards ceremony is to honor excellence in the local gay community. Williamson Cadillac, awarded by the Chamber with the AT&T Business of the Year Award, was recognized for their commitment to GLBT issues in the local community. In addition to dedicating time and resources to GLBT organizations, the leaders of the automobile sales company took a very public stance in support of the Dade County Human Rights Ordinance in 2002. Alison Burgos and Yesi Olivera-Leon of Pandora Events received the Chamber's Hilton Business Persons of the Year award. This team of intelligent, sophisticated women is behind the success of some of the country's popular events, including Aqua Girl, Girls in Wonderland at Gay Days Orlando, Women's White Party and Peach Pride Atlanta. More importantly, they have elevated the profile of and brought to the forefront issues that are of particular concern to lesbian, bisexual and transgendered women. Last, but by no means least, SAVE Dade was awarded the Not for Profit Organization of the Year Award by the Chamber for their grassroots style approach to earning GLBT individuals rights throughout Dade County.

In all, the evening was quite a success! We at Hotspots Magazine and Latino Boys Magazine congratulate the evening's award recipients and the Miami Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce and look forward to being a part of the 8th Annual Awards Dinner next year!