Part 1 of 4,
by Bob Kecskemety
Florida’s oldest and largest LGBT political organization, the Dolphin Democratic Club, will be holding their annual Dolphin Democrats’ Awards Reception on Sunday, October 23 at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame and Museum, 300 Gulf Stream Way in Dania Beach near Griffin Road and I-95.
The annual Dolphin Democrats’ Awards Reception is its premier event that recognizes outstanding leaders who have demonstrated their strength to lead and a vision to improve the lives of the LGBT community and all deserving citizens. Honoring these special members of the community celebrates the accomplishments and strengths and hope for the future.
The proceeds will benefit the Dolphin Democrats’ 2012 “Get Out the Vote” campaign with a portion going to the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center (children with AIDS), the House of Hope and Stepping Stones.
A total of twelve awards will be given out. This year’s recipients are: Jennifer Morales and Laurie Whittaker of Sidelines (Jamie Bloodworth Award); Patricia Windowmaker, Senior Legal Council of the Broward Sheriff’s Office (Trailblazer Award); Congressman Ted Deutch and Oakland Park Vice Mayor Anne Sallee (Political Alliance Award); Peter Clark of Hotspots (Media Award); Salvatore Torre (Volunteer of the Year Award); Broward House (Community Service Award); Women in Network (Broward Leadership Award); Tim Ross (Distinguished Service Award); Gail Butler of Auto Nation/Maroone Ford (Humanitarian Award) and Michael Albetta (Dolphin of the Year).
This year’s Honorary Chairperson is Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
“This is not a rubbery chicken political dinner,” said Richard Cimoch, events co-chair for the Dolphin Democrats. “It’s excellent food from over a dozen restaurants. The theme this year is ‘A Taste of Broward’ and the International Fishing Hall of Fame is magnificent – spectacular. The place is absolutely beautiful.”
Cimoch has been busy the last few months coordinating the event and getting participation from local bars and restaurants. Jennifer Morales and Laurie Whittaker of Sidelines Sports Bar, Carol Moran of Blue Moon and Victor Zepka of Boardwalk are providing the liquor and wine and over a dozen restaurants have confirmed their participation with more to come. Also The Manor Entertainment Complex has been very involved.
“I firmly believe that this event will make or break the election,” said Cimoch. “The Dolphins are usually very successful in its get out the vote campaigns and if [President] Barack Obama doesn’t win Florida, I don’t think he’ll get reelected. So it’s really crucial we have a very strong get out the vote center and we get the people to the polls like we did the last time. If he doesn’t get in, God only knows what we’ll get.”
Membership to the Dolphin Democrats is around 200 for a non-election year and closer to 500 in election years. In 2008, the year of the last Presidential election, member was around 450.
“This is a very crucial event,” added Cimoch. “Every person in the community is needed to help make a better future of the gay community and the whole community in general. We could have better influenced the 2010 Congressional elections with a better gay Get Out the Vote campaign mobilizing people here in Broward and helping in Palm Beach.” In 2010, the voter turnout in predominantly Democratic Broward County was very low.
Next year, the Dolphin Democratic Club will be 30 years old. The organization was started by a small group of people that originally called themselves the Tuesday Night Meeting. Some of the original members are still active today such as Barbara Stewart and Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Tom Green.
Today, many of the local politicians are members and attend regular Dolphin Democrats’ events and speak at their meetings.Salvatore Torre, recipient of this year’s Volunteer of the Year award said, “There are so many people that volunteer every day and give so much of their time. I appreciate getting the recognition.
People don’t realize how much work goes into setting up the events and setting up the meetings.”
Torre has been a member of the Dolphin Democrats for the last two years. He currently sits on the board of directors of the organization. He said he does a lot of behind-the-scenes work and helps set up the meetings.
Dolphin of the Year award recipient, Michael Albetta reflected on his history with the organization when he found out he was receiving an award.
“As John F. Kennedy said, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.’ This [the Dolphins] is my participation in regards to making sure that all people are regarded equally – regardless of race, color, creed, religion or national origin. All people must be treated equally, it’s in our Constitution.”
Albetta has been a member of the Dolphins since 1997 and has served on the board since 1998. He has served as either president or vice president from 2003 through 2005 and was elected president again in 2009. He has also served on the state’s LBGT Caucus.
The Dolphin of the Year Award generally goes to a former president of the Dolphin Democrats.
Tim Ross, who will receive the Distinguished Service Award, has been a member of the Dolphins since 2006. He served as secretary of the Dolphins from 2009 to 2010 and is currently still serving on the board.
Tickets for the Dolphin Democrats’ Awards Reception can be purchased online at its website, www.DolphinDems.org. Individual tickets are $75 which includes the reception, dinner, awards presentation and silent auction. VIP tickets of $150 per person also includes the VIP reception.
For additional information, either visit the website or call (866) 478-8262.