November 30, 2012
Greater Seattle Business Association Raises More Than $460,000 at
Annual TASTE of GSBA Gala Dinner and Auction
GSBA’s Signature TASTE of GSBA fundraiser supports undergraduate
scholarship program investing in the next generation of leaders; GSBA has
awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships in 22 years
SEATTLE – The Greater Seattle Business Association
(GSBA), the nation’s largest LGBT and allied chamber of commerce, announced
that their annual TASTE of GSBA benefit dinner and auction recorded a
record-breaking donation total. The event raised more than $460,000 to support
scholarships for LGBTQ and allied students. On Saturday, November 17, more than
600 business, nonprofit leaders and elected officials attended the TASTE of
GSBA gala, filling the Seattle Sheraton Hotel’s Metropolitan Ballroom.
“I had
received a few other scholarships that year, but this one was special… because
they were celebrating all of me. Wonderful people care about me – a gay,
Filipino kid in Lakewood, Washington,” explained Ryan Digges, a former
scholarship recipient, about the particular importance of receiving a GSBA
Scholarship.
From the
enthusiastic and generous bidding, it was clear that the GSBA Scholarship Fund,
often referred to as the “heart” of GSBA, has strong community support. As
business leaders, GSBA members understand the importance of giving back and
investing in the next generation of leaders. Notable donations included a
$20,000 donation from Microsoft and a matching donation from Glenn Johnson,
President and CEO of Horizon Air and Michael Melancon.
Among other
items, a package created by the Seattle Storm, including a limited edition
jersey (1 of only 5 made) commemorating the 40th anniversary of
Title IX and an exclusive dinner with Storm owners. With a surprise last-minute addition of a
second package, the two top bidders raised $12,000.
TASTE also
showcased member restaurants and caterers, featured silent and live auctions, a
sit-down dinner with celebrity chefs Chris Keff of Flying Fish, Tamara Murphy
of Terra Plata, John Sarich of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Jerry Traunfeld of
Poppy. Key Bank Broadway at the Paramount performed music from the upcoming
Flashdance – The Musical.
2012 TASTE
Sponsors included 1st Security Bank, Alaska Airlines, Coinstar, JPMorgan Chase,
and Seattle Storm.
The GSBA
Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to LGBTQ and allied students who
exhibit leadership potential, demonstrate strong academic abilities and who are
actively involved in school and community organizations. In 2013, GSBA will be
awarding its first scholarships for graduate-level students, in addition to the
undergraduate students who have been the Scholarship Fund’s focus for the last
22 years. The GSBA Scholarship Fund is available to students of any age who are
LGBTQ or allied who are committed to working for civil rights in the LGBT
community. Prospective scholars can find
an application online at thegsbascholarship.org/apply.php.
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About the Greater Seattle Business
Association
The
Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) is this region’s LGBT and Allied
Chamber of Commerce proudly serving the business and nonprofit community since
1981. GSBA is the largest LGBT Chamber in the United States with over 1000
members. More than a
chamber, GSBA is a vibrant community organization with a broad and diverse
membership base. GSBA is widely known throughout the Puget Sound region for its
work on business development, connecting community through business, advocacy
on both civil rights and business and promoting LGBT Tourism through its Travel
Gay Seattle tourism initiative. In addition, GSBA invests in the next
generation of leaders by sponsoring a Scholarship Fund which, since 1990, has
given out over $1.4 million in scholarships to undergraduates in Washington
State. GSBA’s mission is to combine business
development, social action and leadership to expand economic opportunities for
the LGBT community and those who support equality for all. For more
information about GSBA, visit www.thegsba.org.
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