The Center OC celebrates 40 years of serving the Orange County LGBT community

Press Release

The Center OC Celebrates 40 Years of Serving the Orange County LGBT Community

The Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County (The Center OC) commemorates 40 years advocating for the LGBT community on Saturday, June 4, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Special guest honoree is Estelle Harris, who voiced Mrs. Potato Head in Pixar/Disney’s Toy Story 2 & 3.

Santa Ana, CA, May 20, 2011 –(PR.com)– The Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County (The Center OC) commemorates 40 years advocating for the LGBT community on Saturday, June 4, at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana.

The elegant evening begins at 7 p.m. and includes dinner, auction items and dancing, all with the theme “Picture This: Imagine the Future.” A special VIP reception, hosted by Michael Niemeyer of Mickey’s in West Hollywood, will begin at 6 p.m. and will feature musical entertainment by acoustic duo Makena.

“Building on our rich history of 40 years of service, The Center OC is very excited about the future,” said Executive Director Ginger Hahn. “The Gala plays such an important role as we move forward, because it raises much-needed funds to help us create lasting solutions to help LGBT youth and adults in Orange County.”

The Center OC annually serves more than 10,000 LGBT adults, families, youth and allies who come for support, education, HIV testing and counseling, and mental health services.

Special guest Estelle Harris (Toy Story 3, Seinfeld), will receive the Torchbearer Award not only for her stellar real-life role as the mother of a gay son, but also for being an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community. The Outstanding Role Model Award will go to Mark Guillod and Alan Miller for their many years of visibly supporting the community as a couple.

Special thanks to the Gala Honorary Host Committee: Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez and Santa Ana City Council Member Sal Tinajero. Sponsors for the event include: The California Endowment; Wells Fargo; Collette’s Catering; OC Printing Services and Disneyland Resort PRIDE Diversity Resource Group. Sponsorships are still available.

The Gala is a well-attended event that sold out in advance last year. To purchase tickets, call (714) 953-5428. Tables of 10 start at $2,000 and individual tickets are $200. VIP tickets are $300. The Bowers Museum is located at 2002 North Main Street in Santa Ana. For more information, visit www.thecenteroc.org.

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Gay & Lesbian Community Services Center of Orange County
Thomas Soule
714-953-5428
thomas.soule@thecenteroc.org
thecenteroc.org