By Bob Kecskemety

Photo: President Barack Obama and Democratic National Committee Chair, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. step off Air Force One in Miami, Friday, April 29, 2011.

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 evening will include a VIP reception and/or cocktail reception in the main lobby from 6 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., with a dinner and awards presentation from 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will also be a silent auction starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 7:45 p.m.

This year’s Keynote Speaker will be US Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz. Representative Wasserman Schultz is also this year’s Honorary Chairperson and she represents Florida District 20 in the House of Representatives. In addition to being in the House, Wasserman Schultz is the Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee. She previously served in the Florida House of Representatives and the Florida Senate. Her district covers parts of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties, including the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, and Miami Beach.

Wasserman Schultz has been one of the leaders in the House when it comes to equal rights for the gay and lesbian community. As founding Vice-Chair of the House

LGBT Caucus, Representative Wasserman Schultz has consistently voted to expand civil rights for the LGBT community by ensuring federal protection from hate-motivated violence and by providing remedies for unfair discrimination in the workplace. She has fought for equality for all of Florida’s families – from full marriage equality to repealing Florida’s painful ban that prohibits gay and lesbian parents from adopting children. Late last year, she voted in favor of repealing the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” that prevented gays and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces. She also supports the Obama administration’s decision to stop defending the unconstitutional “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) in federal court.

The annual Dolphin Democrats’ Awards Reception is the premier event that recognizes outstanding leaders who have demonstrated their strength and a vision to improve the lives of the LGBT community and all deserving citizens. Honoring these special members of the community not only celebrates accomplishments and strengths, but also extends 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.

Recipients of this year’s awards are: Jennifer Morales and Laurie Whittaker of Sidelines Sports Bar (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 is not a rubbery chicken political dinner,” said Richard Cimoch, events co-chair for the Dolphin Democrats. “It’s excellent food from some of the finest restaurants.” Food is being provided by Rosie’s, Christina Wan’s, Jet Pizza, Casa D’ Angelo, Beefcakes, Café Seville, Lola’s on Harrison, Moments in Time Catering, Croissan’Time, Pastry Chef Anthony and Sweeter Days. Java Boys are supplying the coffee.

New Moon Bar, Sidelines Sports Bar, Boardwalk and The Manor Entertainment Complex are providing the liquor and bar service.
Some of the prizes for the silent auction include: a one-week stay at beautiful chalet in North Carolina, a painting by artist Al DiMaio, a photo shoot with Dennis Dean, an autographed photo of race car champion Andy Pilgram, legal services, website design and hosting, wine and liquor baskets, gift certificates, hand-made Christmas wreaths, cleaning and lawn services.

Tickets for the Dolphin Democrats’ Awards Reception can be purchased online at their 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 their website or call 866-478-8262.