Last night's Legends Gala to benefit Equality Virginia was a wonderful event and attendees seemed to truly have a wonderful time. Folks REALLY got into the masquerade theme as the picture of the individual honorees and a past honoree at left demonstrates. As a member of the Legends committee that put on the event, will confess that I am definitely glad to have the event now successfully behind us. In addition to being a fundraiser for EV, the event honors local "legends" who have worked in the community, both the LGBT community and the wider community, to expand equality and justice for all Virginians. I believe that it is important that those who give of themselves year after year be recognized for their contributions. *
Which brings me to the title of this post. In past years when asked, the Office of the Governor has supplied a signed proclamation congratulating the honorees. In the grand scheme of things, it is an innocuous request and one would think a public office holder would be more than happy to honor outstanding citizens. But sadly, not this year with Bob "Taliban Bob" McDonnell in the Governor's mansion. It seems that in Taliban Bob's mind not only should LGBT Virginians not receive the same legal rights as other citizens, but they don't even merit the courtesy of congratulations routinely dispensed by the Governor's Office to all types of citizens either. Since Taliban Bob refused to honor the Legends honorees this year, I wanted to to highlight them. First, some highlights on our individual honorees, Laurel Quarberg and Sarah Munford:
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Both Laurel and Sarah have been active members and supporters of Equality Virginia since its days as Virginians for Justice in the early 80’s, with Laurel serving on the Board of Directors for several terms.
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They have been strong supporters of Access Aids since its early years, co-hosting several “Dinner is Served” events and serving as ambassadors for “Dining Out for Life.” The New Leaf was a founding member of HRBOR, the Hampton Roads Business Outreach, the only LGBT The Chamber of Commerce in Virginia, and they have been involved with Candii and Access Aides since the late 80’s.
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The two have hosted several fundraisers at their shop, asking area restaurants and retailers to donate food and gifts for a dinner and auction. Among their successful efforts were a “Flamingo Auction” for the SPCA, (raising over $7,000), a dinner for Funds for 9/11 Victims (raising over $12,000) and a 2005 dinner for victims of Hurricane Katrina (raising over $8,000). Recently their home was on the Virginia Garden Tour, with funds raised helping support the maintenance of Virginia Gardens and Historic Sites.
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They donate their time and floral designs to The Virginia Symphony, The Chrysler Museum, The Virginia Stage Company, The Virginia Opera, Horizons, the YWCA, “Dress for Success”, and many other community organizations and educational institutions.
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As you can see, they are amazing women. But in Bob McDonnell's Virginia, no amount of good deeds compensates for one's failure to be straight. Besides these individual honorees, Taliban Bob also slighted an entire church congregation. The community organization honoree this year was St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Here are some highlights on this wonderful and accepting congregation:
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Proudly accepting the very first EV Legends Community Award, lead by Reverend Peggy Buelow is St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Hampton, Virginia. For more than 20 years, St. Mark’s has opened its doors to everyone, creating a truly inclusive congregation.
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The congregation is involved in the LGBT community and serves as members of Equality Virginia, HRBOR, a regular sponsor for Out in the Park and an active member of ACCESS Aids.
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Both Laurel and Sarah have been active members and supporters of Equality Virginia since its days as Virginians for Justice in the early 80’s, with Laurel serving on the Board of Directors for several terms.
*
They have been strong supporters of Access Aids since its early years, co-hosting several “Dinner is Served” events and serving as ambassadors for “Dining Out for Life.” The New Leaf was a founding member of HRBOR, the Hampton Roads Business Outreach, the only LGBT The Chamber of Commerce in Virginia, and they have been involved with Candii and Access Aides since the late 80’s.
*
The two have hosted several fundraisers at their shop, asking area restaurants and retailers to donate food and gifts for a dinner and auction. Among their successful efforts were a “Flamingo Auction” for the SPCA, (raising over $7,000), a dinner for Funds for 9/11 Victims (raising over $12,000) and a 2005 dinner for victims of Hurricane Katrina (raising over $8,000). Recently their home was on the Virginia Garden Tour, with funds raised helping support the maintenance of Virginia Gardens and Historic Sites.
*
They donate their time and floral designs to The Virginia Symphony, The Chrysler Museum, The Virginia Stage Company, The Virginia Opera, Horizons, the YWCA, “Dress for Success”, and many other community organizations and educational institutions.
*
As you can see, they are amazing women. But in Bob McDonnell's Virginia, no amount of good deeds compensates for one's failure to be straight. Besides these individual honorees, Taliban Bob also slighted an entire church congregation. The community organization honoree this year was St. Mark's Episcopal Church. Here are some highlights on this wonderful and accepting congregation:
*
Proudly accepting the very first EV Legends Community Award, lead by Reverend Peggy Buelow is St. Mark’s Episcopal Church of Hampton, Virginia. For more than 20 years, St. Mark’s has opened its doors to everyone, creating a truly inclusive congregation.
*
The congregation is involved in the LGBT community and serves as members of Equality Virginia, HRBOR, a regular sponsor for Out in the Park and an active member of ACCESS Aids.
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Taliban Bob, you are truly a bigoted ass.
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