Freedom to Serve!

September 19, 2011 News of Note   Follow That Blog Finally. The Freedom to Serve. On Tues., Sept. 20, 2011, after 18 years of government mandated employment discrimination and more than 14,500 discharges, the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy will officially expire. Brave and strong gay and lesbian servicemembers who help protect their nation and its citizens will no longer be subject to discharge on the basis of their sexual orientation and no longer forced to serve in silence. READ MORE...  It's Time to Celebrate! Tuesday, Sept 20, 6 pm, Freedom to Serve  On Tuesday, September 20, 2011, Don't Ask, Don't Tell will officially expire and LGB Servicemembers will no longer be subject to discharge from the military on the basis of their sexual orientation. Join us for this historic occasion at The Center at 6 pm, as we celebrate their long overdue Freedom to Serve. Join us for this historic occasion, as we celebrate their long overdue Freedom to Serve. We will hear from Eric Alva, a gay Marine who was the first American to be wounded in the war in Iraq, retired Colonel Stewart Bornhoft, former Naval Lieutenant Jenny Kopfstein, who was discharged under DADT,  and former Marine Evelyn Thomas, co-founder of Sanctuary Project Veterans. The following establishments have confirmed a Military Discount (one per person with military ID) for that evening: Gossip Grill, Baja Betty's and Urban Mo's. For more information, contact Denise Serrano at dserrano@thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077 x103. Sunday, Sept. 25, 8 am – the Event We've All Been Waiting For… AIDS Walk San Diego! Whether you're a walker, a runner or a "register to donate and raise funds but let someone else do the sweaty stuff," AIDS Walk San Diego needs you! Register online at www.aidswalksd.org then join us in Balboa Park on Sunday, Sept. 25 at 8 am for the 10 K run or 8:15 am for the 5K walk (or donate extra and sleep in). More than a dozen different agencies — serving thousands of clients — rely on funds raised at the annual AIDS Walk to help provide essential prevention and care programs to thousands of men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. You make a difference – join us! Christopher's Center Connection Less than one week until AIDS Walk! Hope to see you this Sunday.  We are also one month from The Center's 38th Anniversary Gala on Saturday October 22nd 2011, 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront! The Center's Anniversary Gala is the premier LGBT event of the year, bringing together more than 600 hundred of our closest friends for a great evening of dinner and dancing in support of our vital programs and services.  Sign up today to host a table and join us on October 22nd for a cocktail hour, a fabulous silent auction, live entertainment and a delicious gourmet dinner, all benefiting The Center! Christopher Mills Major Gifts Officer Saturday, Oct. 29, 7 pm, Nightmare on Normal Street Nightmare on Normal Street, Hillcrest's Halloween block party, will be held on Saturday, October 29 from 7-10 pm on Normal Street at University Avenue. The Outrageous Nicole returns as emcee for the fabulous costume contest – don't miss it! Costume contest registration is limited to the first 85 entries and will close promptly at 8:30 pm. The grand prize will be $1000! Tickets are only $12.50 online (includes $5 in drink tickets), $10 at the door (with no drink tickets) or $50 for VIP (includes reserved seating and complimentary drinks – limited availability, available online only). Buy your tickets online now! Come join us for the biggest Halloween party in Hillcrest and support The Center! This is a 21+ event with adult content. ID is required. Equality Voters! Are you registered? Find out at www.sdvote.com. Every vote matters. Want to vote by mail in the comfort of your home? It's easy! Click on this link to the mail ballot application.   Save the Dates Sunday, Sept. 25 – AIDS Walk San Diego Saturday, Oct. 22 – The Center's Anniversary Gala Saturday, Oct. 29 – Nightmare on Normal Street Spotlight Events    Wednesday, Sept. 21, 12 noon, Sanctuary Project: Pit-Bulls for Benefits Join us as Corporal Evelyn Thomas and Linda Sanders of The Sanctuary Project talk about the next steps after the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT).  The Sanctuary Project assists LGBT military and their families obtain benefits they are entitled to but may not be receiving due to DADT and the Defense of Marriage Act.  RSVP by Monday, Sept. 19 to seniors@thecentersd.org or 619.692.2077, ext. 205. Tuesday, Sept. 27, 7 pm, Got Something to Discuss? Join the 20-Somethings Men's Group! Connect to The Center and the community. Join other 18-28 year olds to talk about relationships, sexual health, activism, community building and more. The men's group meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. For more information, contact Aaron Heier at 619.692.2077 x211, or aheier@thecentersd.org. Program Activities: Youth, Seniors, Families, Men, Women, HIV Community and More Volunteers Make the World Go 'Round! Get Your Gala On Friday, Sept. 30, Open Mic at Hillcrest Youth Center Wednesday, Oct. 5, 7 pm, Jewish Federation of San Diego County Wants to Hear From You   Friday, Oct. 7, 2 pm, 50 and Better Together Gallery Tour at Noel-Baza Fine Art Saturday, Oct. 15, Youth Out at the Park Saturday, October 15, 4 pm, Family Matters Halloween Carnival & Costume Contest   Thursday, Oct. 27, 6 pm, Harvest Howl to Benefit Youth Housing HIV Testing at The Center HIV tests are available at The Center Monday/Wednesday, 9 am-2 pm, Tuesday/Thursday, 9 am-3:15 pm and Friday, 9 am-1:45 pm. For more information, call 619.692.2077 x101. HIV Behavioral Health Services & Counseling (English & Spanish) Counseling services for men and women living with HIV are available FREE at The Center. Whether you just need some quick help with a specific life challenge or need a little more time to build up your coping skills, services are available to individuals, couples, and families. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 619.692.2077 x208. A Fabulous Menu of Giving Opportunities! No matter what strikes your passion and heart most deeply -- youth seniors, families, housing, equality work -- there are a menu of giving opportunities to help support the nearly 50,000 service visits for LGBT San Diegans that we provide every year! Every dollar you can give helps to support the services, projects and programs that make a difference for so many in the San Diego LGBT community. You don't have to give thousands to make a difference in lives. Give what you can and together we can all keep making a difference! Thank you for your generosity and for all you do! Community Thursday, Sept. 22, 7 pm, Pep Rally for Trevor Project Edward II at Diversionary – Epic! Gun Hill Road at Landmark Hillcrest Saturday, Oct. 15, 7 pm, Follies at the Met(ropolitan Community Church) Monday, October 24, 7:30 pm, k.d. lang at downtown's Balboa Theatre! Saturday, October 29, 6:30 pm, Trunk 'n Treat at MCC Looking for Great Restaurants That Give Back to the Community? Stellar Price: A Deal for You, A Donation for The Center!