West Hollywood, California (Thursday, October 15, 2009) - On Sunday Oct. 4, the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel played host to the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce’s (LAGLCC) 2009 Gala, and a gala it was. 
West Hollywood Mayor Abbe Land (in glasses) and winners of the Best Business prize, Misti Cooper and Marta Knittel, owners of WeHo’s The Yogurt Stop, with LAGLCC President Anthony Vulin. Photo by Brian Putnam. WeHo News. |
Comedian Hal Sparks, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Michael Novotny in Queer as Folk, hosted a star-studded event, in which numerous gay, straight, bisexual and transgender celebrities presented the LAGLCC’s annual awards to businesses and not-for-profits in the Los Angeles area.
The evening was packed with awards and performances. It all got off to an exciting start when the Balliamos Dance Studio (a West Hollywood business and new member of the chamber) presented both mixed gender and same-sex ballroom dancing.
These are the people who gave So You Think You Can Dance the first same-sex ballroom couple ever to advance on the show.
Then Mr. Sparks introduced past presidents of the chamber as well as its current President Anthony Vulin. In his opening remarks, Mr. Vulin noted that in addition to member businesses and corporate sponsors, his entire family was in attendance that night, which got the crowd cheering.
Adam Bouska, creator of the NOH8 Campaign for marriage equality, presented the LAGLCC-RAYTHEON Community Advancement Award to the Point Foundation.
Point Foundation representative Dennis Wilstead was clearly moved in his acceptance speech.
Balliamos Dance Studio (a West Hollywood business and new member of the chamber) presented both mixed gender and same-sex ballroom dancing. Photo by Brian Putnam. WeHo News. |
Legendary transgender writer, performer and activist Calpernia Addams was on hand as she put it, “just one letter” out of the oft-used phrase, LGBT.
After some flirtatious fun with host Sparks, Miss Addams presented Equality California with an award as Outstanding Fundraiser. Joe Guardarrama, Betsy Butler and Ellen Evans accepted on behalf of EQCA.
Kate Linder, a 27-year veteran of the Daytime Drama The Young and Restless was on hand to present BUD LIGHT with an award for Corporate Partner of the Year.
Del Shores and Jason Dottley, the “brains and the brawn” behind Sordid Lives, presented the Bud Light Young Business Professionals Scholarship to Ray Noll and Jennifer Wohlner.
Kate Flannery of NBC’s The Office contrasted her on-camera workplace (in her words, “delightfully dysfunctional”) with The Yogurt Stop, to whom she awarded the Business of the Year Award.
Kate Linder, a 27-year veteran of the Daytime Drama The Young and Restless was on hand to present, as was Kate Flannery of NBC’s The Office. Photo by Brian Putnam. WeHo News. |
Misti Cooper and Marta Knittel, who accepted on behalf of their business, appeared overcome with joy and honor.
Other highlights of the evening included a coveted appearance by Alan Ball, creator and Executive Producer of HBO’s smash hit, True Blood. Ball presented the enthralled crowd with a rare live performance by series’ composer Nathan Barr, who was joined by vocalist Lisbeth Scott.
Together they performed the haunting “Take Me Home,” which so perfectly described the longing to be in a place where you are both accepted and comfortable that several audience members were seen weeping.
The amazing dancers of Yogen’s Bollywood Step Dance Troupe performed a colorful, energetic and precise rendition of the famed “Jai Ho,” which they’ve performed on stage and screen.
Adam Bouska, creator of the NOH8 Campaign for marriage equality, presented the LAGLCC-RAYTHEON Community Advancement Award to the Point Foundation. Photo by Brian Putnam. WeHo News. |
Local Out Latino singer Ben Roman added his own brand of musical flair to the night, as did Dennis Hensley who made a surprise appearance by calling on Kate Linder to play The Mis-Match Game” with a random audience member.
The amazing Frenchie Davis of American Idol fame capped off the entire evening with a spectacular performance.
The audience gave her standing ovations while she was singing, and it was clear no one wanted her to leave the stage.
The Chamber’s leadership reported that this was its most exciting and successful Gala in its history and that this night launched them into newer and bigger projects through which they can serve the LGBT and allied business communities even more fully.
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