The 4th Annual Washington State Gay-Straight Alliance Banquet and Awards Ceremony is Washington's signature event for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth and their allies. This event attracts a couple hundred participants every year.

On Friday, May 23rd, 2008, we hope to roll out the red carpet for these courageous young people and their allies who are working to stop harassment and end homophobia in Washington's K-12 schools. Eight lucky nominees will walk away with Oscar-like statuettes and every nominee will receive a Certificate of Recognition.

The event will be held again at Lakeside, a private school in North Seattle, and may prove to be the most extravagant yet.

Participants will also bid on items from Show Biz's hottest names and local businesses during our live auction and in our silent auction.

However, to make the youth's dreams come true, we need your help. The Washington State GSA Network, a program of the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) Washington State, has several ways businesses can get involved.

Auction Items: Silent and live auction items are needed. A donation of products and services is a great way to get your name out there while helping a community nonprofit at the same time. All donations are due by Friday, May 16.

Most donations are tax deductible and tax letter will be provided upon your
request.

Food: If you are a catering business or local restaurant, hors d'oeuvres and non-alcoholic beverages are needed for our "Mocktail Reception" for award nominees and event sponsors. Food items for the banquet are also needed.

Contact us for more details.

Money: We charge youth and school staff only a fraction of the total costs of putting on the event. We need financial contributions to offset the costs for food, rental, and logistical assistance (such as hotel, travel and meals).

Tickets: Tickets and table purchases will be available soon through BrownPaperTickets.com (search GSA Banquet). Contact us if you are interested in being a table captain for your business or nonprofit organization.

We have four sponsorship levels. A total retail value of your contribution
goods, services or financial donation) will place you into one of the following
four categories:

Bronze / $100 -- Your name/company will be listed in the program. Invitation to
our "Mocktail Reception."

Silver / $200 -- A small version of your logo will be displayed in the program
and included (along with other Silver sponsors) during our slideshow. Your
name/company name will be announced during the event. Invitation to our
"Mocktail Reception."

Gold / $500 -- A large size version of your logo will be displayed in the
program and will appear alone during our slideshow. You will also be entitled
to a 1/2 page ad in our program. Your name/company name will be announced
during the event. Your logo will also be included in our print advertising (if
desired). Invitation to our "Mocktail Reception."

Platinum / $1,000 -- A large size version of your logo will be displayed in the
program and will appear alone during our slideshow. You will also be entitled
to a full page ad in our program. Your name/company name will be announced
during the event. Your logo will also be included in our print advertising (if
desired). Invitation to our "Mocktail Reception."

Major companies such as Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Vulcan Inc., IKEA,
and Wells Fargo Bank have sponsored the event. Local businesses such as Ivar's
Seafood Bar, Seattle Sonics, Wave Link Music Inc., MAID In The Northwest, and
Epilogue Books also sponsored the event. Local nonprofits such as Morningside
Academy, the GSBA and Pride Foundation sponsored the event.

Individuals, such as Dan Savage (author, columnist and editor of The Stranger), Kate Clinton (author and comedian), are among the celebrities who have donated items to our auction. Politicians, including State Reps. Dave Upthegrove and Jamie Pedersen
and Seattle City Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Sally Clark and Jan Drago have
also donated auction items. Contact us for a full list of past sponsors.

For more information or to make a donation, contact Robert Raketty, executive
director of GLSEN Washington State, at 206-330-2099 or e-mail
Robert@glsenwa.org.