LAMBDA LEGAL’S 25TH ANNUAL WEST COAST LIBERTY AWARDS

This was perhaps the perfect soiree.  My friend Lucia and I sang its praises all the way home. (Here’s how shallow I am—since this was a Gay Pride Month event, I brought my prettiest pal, just in case anyone thought we were an item! And she was rocking her impressive engagement ring, so people might have also assumed that I’m rich! Like I said—shallow.)

Lambda Legal is a very charitable organization that fights for the rights of the LGBT community.  This fete was to honor Toyota North America and Asian Pacific Islander Equality by bestowing upon them the Liberty Award, which Lambda presents annually to “individuals, organizations, and leaders whose efforts, advocacy, and policies contribute to a world of greater equality for all.”  But isn’t that what everyone should be doing?! It’s so sad that so many in this world, including our country’s current shameful administration, have not received that memo.

Even though it was a fundraiser, this was far from a stuffy awards type of evening.  First of all, the reception was held in the hip, recently-opened restaurant, Tao, which is in the also-hip Dream Hollywood Hotel, which is located in the even more hip (now) area of Hollywood.  Except for the early evening hour, I felt like I was back in my clubbing days!  (But that time frame of the party was part of what made it so perfect; it was like the Baby Bear’s bed–just right.  It was not too early, not too late, and the whole shebang was done in about two hours!  I was home in time to watch my DVRed Game 3 of the NBA play-offs shortly after it had ended in real time, and not have to stay up until the wee hours, throwing-up over the Cavs losing again.)

The fascinating venue was totally packed.  I’ve rarely seen anything like it.  And I must laud everyone there for something; for once, every single guest was dressed appropriately! The invitation stated “cocktail attire,” and even on a week-day evening, the assemblage complied. I really appreciated that. I never understand what exactly can be in someone’s mind to choose to dress contrary to what is called for by the host. [Note: I’m serious about this. A (formerly) really good friend of mine recently decided to wear jeans to a major theatre’s opening night, despite my having outlined the attire for the event for her! On top of that timely info, she had been to many opening nights with me before! I was so mortified that I had to cross her off my “accompanying me to good events” list. No lie.]

Tao is a gigantic space, with many levels, which the exterior gave no clues to.  The silent auction (part of which is depicted in the big photo at the top of this page, taken by Karen Salkin) was set-up on the ground floor, across from the pretty bar, which served a special cocktail all night.  On one side of that level, which overhangs the main floor, there was a fun photo booth set-up.  (The guy who ran it was kind enough to allow Lucia and me to take three pictures until we were both satisfied with our images. I saw some other groups take even more shots! And, by the way, the photo booth guy was also dressed-up for the occasion! There were no slouches there at all.)

All the dining tables were on several more levels going down the stairs.  And three food stations were set-up on the bottom level, where there were high-top tables to stand at to eat.  One station was all sushi, which Lucia was happy with, and another one had several dishes, including lobster fried rice, skewers of chicken and sea bass, (not together, of course,) and a basic salad in individual Chinese take-out containers.  (Although we never made it over to the other side, we assume it featured the same items.)  There were also hors d’oeuvres, such as potstickers, egg rolls, and sliders, being passed the whole while by a very amiable and attractive staff.  It was all delicious and uber-generous.  (Too bad for me that I had just begun eating better—read: “not as much as usual”—the day before.)

After just the right amount of time had passed for mingling, chowing-down, and imbibing, the awards presentation began.  It was hosted by actor Amin El Gamal, who’s on the new version of Prison Break.  (Sadly for me, who was an avid watcher of the original series, I haven’t had even one second to watch this new one.  And I really need to begin, because it’s the perfect diet show—I’ve always lost my appetite watching those brutal prison scenes!)

In addition to the awards and brief speeches, there was also some live auction action.  Gavin Keilly, who owns GBK Productions, auctioned-off the opportunity to be a guest at one of his impressive gifting suites.  As one who’s been to multiple GBK events, I can attest to the fact that whoever claimed that item is due for a wonderful experience.

The evening concluded with a mini-concert by singer Brian Justin Crum, who came in fourth on America’s Got Talent last summer. Quite the accomplishment.

The only things missing from this event were desserts and goodie bags. But knowing that we were supporting such a a worthy organization was gift enough for us!