The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the largest national gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) advocacy organization, effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support to fair-minded candidates, and works to educate the public on a wide array of topics affecting GLBT Americans, including workplace, family, discrimination and health issues. In addition, the HRC Foundation, an HRC-affiliated organization, engages in extensive research and provides education and programming.

Founded in 1980, HRC currently has more 500,000 members, including more than 18,000 in North and South Carolina. Among the organization's 27 regional steering committees throughout the country, the Carolinas is the only true statewide steering committee and membership base. Other steering committees include Dallas, Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

"HRC hosts annual dinners throughout the country to raise funds, attract new members and celebrate the organization's role in promoting equality and fairness in the United States," said Joni Madison, 2005 Carolinas Dinner co-chair and North Carolina Board of Governor.

The 2005 HRC Carolinas Dinner was the 10th annual event scheduled for Sat., Feb. 26 at the Charlotte Convention Center. The HRC Carolinas Dinner was first held in Greensboro (1996-1997) and the Raleigh-Durham area (1998-2002) before moving to a successful two-year run at The Grandover Resort in Greensboro in 2003 and 2004. Last year's Charlotte dinner attracted a record attendance of more than 1300.

Past speakers at the Carolinas Dinner have included Robert Gant, Judy Shepard, U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, Betty DeGeneres, Queer as Folk's Scott Lowell, HRC Former President Elizabeth Birch, Ret. Col. Grethe Cammermyer, Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., the Rev. Jimmy Creech, Donna Red Wing, Tipper Gore, former Texas Governor Ann Richards and actress Judith Light. The 2006 speaker will be announced later this fall.

"We are thrilled that Charlotte has a chance to host this educational event and exciting celebration," said Shane Windmeyer, 2005 Carolinas Dinner co-chair. "The annual Carolinas Dinner not only serves as an effective way for HRC members in the two Carolinas to gather for support and fellowship, but also serves as a key educational role for outreach and to share a timely message with speakers and other event highlights."