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UNITE—An Evening in Pictures

UNITE was the theme of our 2008 SLDN dinner. Bitsey Folger, the daughter of a former DOD Secretary, and one of the grand ladies of Washington, quietly underscored UNITE when she stood before us at the beginning of the evening to say she was proud to be with us and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell must go. Elizabeth Birch, the former Executive Director of HRC and one of this year’s dinner chairs, shared her solidarity with SLDN and our clients when she and SLDN board member Mati Weiderpass opened the floor to donations and raised $155,000 during twenty minutes of spirited giving. And Tipper Gore shared with us some of the early days she and her husband former Vice President Al Gore, spent as a young Army couple stationed at Ft. Rucker, Alabama, living in an Army trailer park, before he left for Vietnam. Tipper is the real deal. Everyone left the dinner knowing full well her remarkable commitment to equality for all. UNITE, indeed.

Likewise, Congresswoman Shelley Berkley, the dazzling lady in Vegas pink, spoke with the good humor and grace, and she spoke from the heart. I couldn’t avoid a good chuckle when Shelley said Sgt Manzella was a “hottie”. But I was near tears when she said she would want Darren Manzella treating her if she was wounded in combat. Shelley honored Darren and she honored all who serve under “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Ambassador Michael Guest, Pat and Wally Kutteles, dinner co-chair Riley Temple, and Judy Sheppard all came to UNITE, to end DADT, and to underscore why they believe this fight for equality and dignity must be waged and won.

Finally, we came to UNITE for fellowship and friendship. Yes, this is serious business, but we also need to toast each other from time to time, embrace and share a good laugh or story. This we did last Saturday night in the historic Pension Building. I didn’t have the opportunity to toast each one of the 875 guests (over 200 were active, retired, or former service members,) so permit me to raise my glass now.

Thank you for a splendid evening, for your generosity, and thank you for your camaraderie. -Aubrey Sarvis