The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) is the largest civil rights advocacy group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals in the United States. Founded in 1980 by Steve Endean as The Human Rights Campaign Fund, the HRC seeks to ensure LGBTQ equality in political, professional, healthcare, and educational spaces.
On March 9th, The HRC hosted its annual Greater Philadelphia Gala at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel, raising awareness and funds for its advocacy efforts. Speakers at the event included HRC leaders, government officials, and advocates from the entertainment industry. In addition to listening to these speakers and networking opportunities, attendees had the chance to bid on items like regional theater tickets, artwork, HRC Merch, and gift cards to local businesses at a silent auction early in the evening. Later, attendees could bid on higher-end prizes like luxury vacations to Puerto Rico. By the end of the night, about $26,000 was raised for the HRC.
This year, seven members of TU-AMA traveled from campus to Center City to volunteer from 3:00 – 11:00 PM. Members spent the day at the Loews Hotel in Center City helping at the event by signing attendees in, aiding during the silent and live auctions, distributing the prizes won, and helping with clean-up. Though members were kept busy, the event was enjoyable as always, and TU-AMA is excited to volunteer with the HRC again.