The Center building located on Mills Ave. (Photo by Emily Paul)
ORLANDO | The Center Orlando is set to host its annual Diversity Lunch & Awards July 28, starting at 12:30 p.m. at The Sheraton Orlando North in Maitland, where they will honor local champions, change makers and trailblazers during the lunch.
This year, The Center will present nine awards and 13 scholarships to local people making changes and fighting for the LGBTQ+ community. They will be giving away $25,000 in scholarships to local LGBTQ+ youth and allies. All proceeds from the event will benefit The Center.
George Wallace, CEO of The Center, said it’s especially important to empower LGBTQ+ youth and to recognize those in the community who are fighting for equality.
“It’s crucial to keep elevating our voices and to be visible, especially when legislation is trying to erase us. Now is the perfect time to get in front of the community and celebrate,” Wallace says.
Adam Miller of the Orlando Counseling and Therapy Group will be receiving the LGBT+ Ally award. Rebecca Desir of the Black Health Commission and Jen Cousins of Florida Freedom to Read Project with both be awarded the Trailblazer Award.
The Champion of Equality award will be given to Nancy Alvarez from WESH, Chris Manley from Gay Days will be awarded the LGBT+ Center Lifetime Achievement award and Neil Rios of the Central Florida Foundation will be honored with the Emerging Leader award.
The Non-Profit Partner award will be going to AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria will be honored with the Business Partner award, and the Corporate Partner award will be given to Turner Construction.
Tickets are $75 and are available for purchase here.
