Final photo: American Airlines exec Robbin Burr was introduced as the incoming executive director of the Center on Halsted/Horizons Community Services last Saturday night at the agency’s Human First gala at the Hyatt. Center honorary fundraising co-chair Billie Jean King was introduced with an inspiring video looking back at her amazing accomplishments as a tennis player and now out lesbian. She spoke of how important a Center would have been to her as she dealt with coming out issues. She also said that dealing with her sexuality was far more difficult than playing tennis in front of millions of people. Awards were presented to Lambda Legal and Jenner & Block, Art Johnston, and the Elizabeth Morse Charitable Trust. Singer Kristine W got the sold-out crowd of 900 dancing. The event raised nearly $400,000 for the Center, which is expected to break ground this summer and open in 2006. A half dozen protesters picketed outside in response to the Center’s announcement that Whole Foods would be the anchor Center tenant—they are protesting because of Whole Foods’ alleged union-busting tactics. On Thursday, Robbin Burr and her partner Lisa Louden met with lesbian singing sensation Melissa Etheridge before her House of Blues concert to get a guitar autographed for the Center’s silent auction. Photos by Tracy Baim
Tennis legend Billie Jean King helped raise nearly $400,000 for the Center on Halsted Saturday night at the Hyatt. She is co-chair of the Center’s fundraising board with Mayor Richard Daley, who did not attend. King is pictured with acting Center on Halsted/Horizons Executive Director Modesto Tico Valle (left) and Board President Patrick Sheahan. LEFT: Melissa Etheridge was in town for four sold-out shows at the House of Blues. Thursday night she signed a guitar for new Center/Horizons incoming Executive Director Robbin Burr to auction at the Center benefit. On Friday, she held a meet-and-greet with Chicago Gay Games people. Photos by Tracy Baim