The 5th Annual Night Out for Equality Gala, held at the Bethesda Marriott Hotel, was the organization’s largest ever, with more than 500 Equality Maryland members, clergy, straight allies, and community leaders gathered for "Celebrating Our Successes, Honoring Our Heroes, Building Our Movement."

More than 30 candidates and elected officials joined us, including Congressman Ben Cardin, Former Congressman Kweisi Mfume, and Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan, who kicked off the program. Comedian Bob Smith filled in for Suzanne Westenhoefer, who fell ill. Smith was a crowd pleaser!

	Congressman Ben Cardin and Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky.
	Caryn Hines and Former Congressman Kweisi Mfume.
	Equality Maryland Board President Scott Davenport and Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan.

Our awardees of the night were:

Out for Equality Award – Delegate Doyle Niemann Delegate Doyle Niemann and his family. His daughter Cassi, second from the left, presented him with his award.
Ally for Equality Award – Senator Joan Carter Conway Takia Foskey, one of the plaintiffs in Maryland's Marriage Equality lawsuit, presents Senator Joan Carter Conway with her award.
Advocate for Equality Award – Larry Jacobs Equality Maryland Board Member and former Board President Larry Jacobs is presented his award by Delegate Rich Madaleno.

Our thanks to all who helped make this event a success – the sponsors, Gala co-chairs, Table Captains, Silent Auction Donors & Bidders, Burgundy Crescent volunteers and those who purchased tickets and joined us for a wonderful evening.