The Diana Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization recognized as the oldest continuously active gay organization in the United States, will host its 63rd Diana Awards show on March 19 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in Houston, TX. Tickets are on sale now at www.thedianafoundation.org.
The black-tie gala event is one of Houston’s most historic and entertaining evenings featuring live stage performances and a fun-filled roast of selected award recipients. This year’s event will feature an after party with performances by the Spazmatics, a popular 80’s cover band that will keep party goers dancing untilmidnight. Special surprises will be planned throughout the night. Complimentary valet parking and open bar starring Ketel One Vodka will be provided for all attendees.
The Diana Foundation will present its distinguished “Diana Award” to the Honorable Ellen Cohen, who serves as a member of the Houston City Council and Mayor Pro-Tem. The Diana Award was created in 1984 to recognize individuals for their outstanding contributions to the Houston community. Past recipients have included Mayor Kathy Whitmore, Marion Coleman, Charles Armstrong, and Mayor Annise Parker. Cohen will become the sixteenth person to receive this high honor.
“I am thrilled to receive the prestigious Diana Award from the oldest continuously active gay organization in the United States,” said Cohen. “Equality under law is the cornerstone of our democracy and I am committed to fighting for the rights of all my constituents and all Houstonians, regardless of what their sexual orientation or gender identity might be. Thank you to the Diana Foundation for this great honor and for your long history of fighting for equality.”
Tanner Williams, president of The Diana Foundation, said that the foundation’s Board of Directors had a clear choice to honor Cohen. “Ellen is a dedicated ally to the LGBT community and demonstrates the courage needed to stand up for the rights of all Houstonians. Her tireless efforts throughout her career and her commitment to pass a citywide equal rights ordinance make Ellen our hero. She is truly deserving of this honor.”
The Diana Foundation will also present the “Golden Bow Award,” to recognize a member the foundation who has made significant contributions to the organization. The Golden Bow recipient will be revealed during the show as will the good-humored awards which make the Diana Awards a truly special experience in the style of the Academy Awards.
Proceeds from the evening will help support the five 2015-16 beneficiaries of The Diana Foundation. Beneficiaries this year include AIDS Foundation Houston, The Botts Collection: University of Houston Endowment, Homeless Gay Kids-Houston, Lesbian Health Initiative (LHI), and the University of Houston LGTBQ Resource Center. Opportunities to support these organizations is provided through a direct donation on the Diana Awards ticket page, show program advertisement sales, underwriting grants, and a silent auction during the show.
The Diana Foundation was formed on March 19, 1953 as a viewing party for the 25th Academy Awards, which was the first year it was televised. Attendees lost reception of the broadcast, but continued the party with their own version of the Academy Awards. The following year, this same group of friends presented the first Diana Award on March 25, 1954. The fun and exciting roast of friends has continued now for 63 years, and proceeds raised from past events have helped thousands of charities and Houstonians. Historical photos and videos from past Diana Award shows are available online at www.facebook.com/TheDianaFDN.
Tickets are now on sale for the 63rd Diana Awards. Attendees should be 21 years of age or older. This annual event does sell out, and guests are encouraged to purchase tickets at their earliest convenience.
For more information about The Diana Foundation, visit www.thedianafoundation.org.
The 63rd Diana Awards
Saturday, March 19
Royal Sonesta Hotel
Start Time: 6:30 p.m.
End Time: 12:00 a.m.
Tickets available online.
