More than 300 filled The Mezz on Nov. 2 for the 2012 Equality Florida Greater Orlando Gala. They were treated to news that the fundraiser cracked six figures for the first time, eventually raising more than $120,000 for the respected statewide LGBT advocacy organization. A $25,000 matching grant from local benefactors Jim Blumenfeld and Chris Cooney provided the needed boost.
See Watermark‘s Shot on Site gallery of EQFL’s 2012 Greater Orlando Gala!
Equality Florida executive director Nadine Smith thanked attendees for their support, and listed recent accomplishments including stopping anti-gay legislation in Tallahassee and passage of Domestic Partner Registries locally. Orange County Comptroller Martha Haynie received the “2012 Voice for Equality” award for her important behind-the-scenes work in obtaining a countywide DPR. Donning a tiara and sash, Haynie said the honor “means more to me than any award I’ve received.”
“I’ve faced down people with guns at the recording office, so this took very little courage,” Haynie recalled before paraphrasing actress Anne Hathaway. “I am not being braveâ┚¬Â¦ I’m being a decent human being.”
