POSTPONED: OPEN Annual Dinner

press release: The OPEN Board has been working diligently to monitor the daily changing conditions of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and what that might be for our annual dinner, our members, and the greater community. After days long discussions we’ve decided to postpone the OPEN Annual Dinner until a later date. Our highest priority is ensuring the health and safety of our community and we are following the recommendations from Public Health Madison & Dane County.

Right now the recommendations are to avoid bringing large groups of people together by canceling or postponing events.  Many of our business partners are also following these recommendations and we want to chose the most inclusive option for everyone. Given that this is OPEN’s only fundraiser throughout the entire year we needed to weigh all of our options. Our hope is we are able to work with our dinner venue to secure a date later this spring/early summer that our community can come together and celebrate living out and proud.

While this isn’t ideal for anyone we hope that you understand our decision. We are an entirely volunteer run organization and appreciate all of your patience as we came to a decision.  If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to our general email address.  We will respond to emails as soon as we are able. 

We will be updating members via email and social media on the new annual dinner date and all future OPEN events.

Thank you for your support of our organization and our community.

Kind regards,

Justin Williams

President 

We invite you to join OPEN for our historic 11^thAnnual Dinner, a celebration of the work that OPEN has accomplished in networking with, building the development of, and advocating for LGBTQ+ individuals in our community. Friday, March 13th from 5:30-9:00pm, Monona Terrace | 1 John Nolen Drive.  

This year we are pleased to welcome Sandy Eichel as our keynote speaker.  Sandy will share a part of their journey of finding their own authenticity and inspire listeners to dig deeper in their own, while developing skills to be more inclusive of others in our community. With humor and enthusiasm, Sandy breaks down simple ways that we can all be better allies to each other and build a stronger, more inclusive Madison.  

We will also honor the 2019 OPEN Community Grant Recipient, GSAFE, award the 2020 OPEN Community Grant Recipient, and announce the  OPEN Community Advocate Award Winner.

Schedule of events:

Networking:  5:30-6:30 

Dinner: 6:30-7:00  

Program: 7:00-8:00 

Networking/Music: 8:00-9:00 

After Dinner Sponsor-Shamrock: 8:30-late

Cost: Member-$65 l Non-member-$100. Dinner includes a choice of either Chicken Marsala or Vegetable Strudel. Please specify Dietary Restrictions. Registration Deadline: March 4.