Celebration for Civil UnioFebruary 12 Chicago Hilton

Equality Illinois expects over 1,000 guests to attend its annual Justice for All Benefit Gala, continuing its more than decade-long tradition as the largest LGBT black-tie gala in the Midwest – and a fun and exciting event for everyone. The 2011 Gala will be held Saturday, February 12, 2011 and will celebrate 20 years of Equality Illinois’ accomplishments. As in past years, the 2011 Gala will generate substantial media attention in the gay as well as mainstream Illinois media. The attendees always include a wide array of state, county and city elected officials, business owners and executives, community leaders, and other prominent Illinoisans. The audience is both affluent and influential. Past political guests, awardees and honorees include Governor Pat Quinn, Governor Jim Edgar and Mrs. Edgar, Secretary of State Jesse White, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Treasurer Judy Barr Topinka, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, and Bloomington Mayor Judy Markiewicz, as well as then-Senator Barack Obama.