SOLD OUT! We’ve been hearing and reading that a lot lately about fundraisers and galas across Austin. Saturday’s 16th-Annual Human Right’s Campaign (HRC) Gala Dinner  is no different…sold out! But why wouldn’t it be? Austin has a long history of being a place where people of all stripes and creeds can feel equal to their neighbors. It’s really no surprise that this (and many other) similar events bring out their supporters in record numbers…and with record tallies generated from event going directly to the cause! In case you’re unaware, the HRC is America’s largest civil rights organization working to achieve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality.

Co-Chairs Lynn Yeldell and Billy Wilkinson have put together dinner at the at the Four Seasons Austin that is sure to have people talking until…well…probably until next year! With a theme of “Feel the Love,” the event will honor the Austin Chapter of the Anti-Defamation League, JoAnn McKenzie of Atticus Circle, Ballet Austin’s Stephen Mills and Dr. Brent Hasty of The University of Texas for their work to end discrimination against the LGBT community.

As an added bonus, Yeldell’s childhood friend (and fellow New Orleans native) Bryan Batt, of AMC’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning series ‘Mad Men,’ will speak at the 16th annual Austin Gala Dinner. Yeldell jokes that “Bryan was my date several years ago for social events in New Orleans.  We joked that this will be our second ‘coming out’ together and what a perfect venue and evening to share with our friends, family, allies and supporters.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. Congratulations on an already-successful party, HRC!

The Bottom Line:

The 16th Annual Human Rights Campaign Gala Dinner
When: Saturday, February 12, 2010 — 6pm
Where: Four Seasons Austin
Benefiting: The Human Rights Campaign
For More Information: http://www.facebook.com/HRCAustin