Rainbow Awards Gala

5:30 to 6:30 -  VIP Open Bar Cocktail Reception (21+) 6:30 to 11:30 - Dinner, Awards Ceremony, and Dancing/EntertainmentHONORING:Outstanding Community Volunteer: Cary J. Giacalone, Outstanding Service to NEPA Rainbow: Beth Hartman, Outstanding Supportive Public Official: State Rep. Phyllis Mundy, Outstanding Nonprofit Organization: Family Service Association of NEPA, Outstanding Supportive Business/Corporation: The Woodlands Inn

Rainbow Awards that will be presented include:

•             Outstanding Community Leader or Volunteer – Cary J. Giacalone

Mr. Giacalone has been a volunteer for the Upper Delaware GLBT Center (UDGLBT) since 2011. He holds various leadership roles including board officer, planning chair, and youth group facilitator. But his contribution and value to the organization goes beyond his positions. He brings passion and level of commitment, exceeding that of a typical volunteer and even paid staff. His efforts result in expanded services, increased membership and enhanced position in the community. He is an ambassador of good will for UDGLBT and a voice for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

•             Outstanding Corporation - The Woodlands Inn

The Woodlands Inn has participated in NEPA Rainbow Alliance events since the organization's founding in 2004, hosting the earliest meetings and Rainbow Alliance Annual Dinners (the predecessor to the annual gala). Representatives have served on our board in one capacity or another since then, and The Woodlands has made significant contributions to the organization in sponsorship, donation of meeting space, participation in business events such as PrideFest and Business Council, and encouraging employees to volunteer with organizational activities.

•             Outstanding LGBT Nonprofit Organization or Program - Family Service Association of NEPA

Family Service Association of NEPA (FSA) provides a diverse array of services to children, individuals and families. FSA has been a proud support of LGBT community members for many years. In 2013, the organization reaffirmed its commitment by presenting "LGBT United Together" a conference on LGBT issues, attended by 18 community organizations and more than 250 community members. In addition, in collaboration with NEPA Rainbow Alliance, FSA runs the SafeZone support group, an information and referral service through Help Line, and has support the It Gets Better NEPA project.

•             Outstanding Advocate for LGBT Equality - State Representative Phyllis Mundy

State Representative Phyllis Mundy is serving her 12th term as the state representative for the 120th Legislative District in Pennsylvania. She serves as Democratic chairman of the House Finance Committee and co-chairman of the House and Senate Early Childhood Education Caucus. As an advocate for LGBT equality, she has been on the forefront as co-sponsor of such bills as Hate Crimes, Non-Discrimination and Adoption Rights. She has also spoken against a state constitutional amendment to ban the recognition of same sex domestic partnerships, civil unions and marriages.

•             Outstanding Service to NEPA Rainbow Alliance - Beth Hartman

Beth Hartman served as the chair of the board of NEPA Rainbow Alliance, Inc. from January 2012 to December 2013 and currently serves as a board member and immediate past chair.  Beth served for several years on the executive committee of the Pride of NEPA social group. Beth has coordinated the "Pride Central" booth at PrideFest in Kirby Park annually since 2010. Beth is seniore-commerce consultant for Solid Cactus Web.com, Inc., a web development and Internet marketing service provider, based locally in Drums, Pa. Beth lives in Mountaintop with her partner Sharon. She has two sons.