One of the highlights of the Charlotte Business Guild calendar is the annual combination event featuring wine tasting and the official recognition of the Charlotte Business Guild Don King Community Service Awards. This year’s event, which will be held Tues., Aug. 19 at the VanLandingham Estate in Plaza-Midwood, the CBG’s “home” for monthly programs.
 
Named in honor of local gay community leader Don King and sponsored by the Charlotte Business Guild, the Don King Award originated with the organizing committee of the 1993 Charlotte Pride Committee. The award is to acknowledge the service and commitment to community and individual visibility that Don King has consistently shown over the years. The award is to give public recognition to leaders in the Charlotte LGBT community and straight allies.
 
Four Charlotte Business Guild/Don King Community Service Awards will be presented in 2008, to a male, a female, a business and a “straight ally,” based on nominations submitted to and reviewed by the Charlotte Business Guild’s Board of Directors. The straight ally award, officially called “The Bridge Builder Award,” debuts this year.
 
The Guild always invites previous award winners to attend, and last year more than a dozen accepted. The 2007 winners were Candice Whiteside, Curtis Tutt and the owners of the Charlotte Eagle.
 
Date: Tues., Aug. 19, 2008
Location: VanLandingham Estate, 2010 The Plaza
Food: Hors d'oeuvres; cash bar
Time: 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 for CBG members; $25 for guests and non-members ($5 added for those without reservations)
Reservations should be made by noon on Monday, Aug. 15 by e-mailing businessguild@yahoo.com or calling 704-565-5075. Individuals making reservations who do not attend will be charged for the event. $5 will be added to the entrance cost for those without reservations.