Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the event?
Hilton San Diego Bayfront – Indigo Ballroom
1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA

What time is the event?
Join us at 6PM at Hilton San Diego Bayfront.

What will the online broadcast be like?
We want everyone to be able to celebrate our 50th with us, whether you join us at the Hilton or not. That’s why we’re broadcasting our program live, so you can watch for free from anywhere with a WiFi connection. Cozy up at home or host a watch party and amplify your support for The Center with your favorite people. 

During the broadcast, we’ll look back at 50 incredible years to share important strides we’ve made and what’s to come for The Center. 

We will be honoring our Stonewall Society Members that have made The Center a part of their giving strategy by including us in their estate plan. If you have The Center in your plan, be sure to let us know by emailing Ian Johnson at ijohnson@thecentersd.org so that we can honor you live during the program and officially welcome you to the Stonewall Society.

How do I participate in the online broadcast?
Visit avstream.me/sdcenter when the event goes live on Saturday, October 14, 2023 at 8PM (PT). If you need tech support during the broadcast, just text or call 503-564-3044 between 7:30–9PM (PT) on October 14 and someone will be happy to help. Be sure to RSVP here to receive reminders about the event.

What will the Hilton Celebration be like?
We’re ready for an amazing evening at Hilton San Diego Bayfront! Come in your most fabulous attire and celebrate with our outstanding community, then dance the night away with us.

We’ll have a reception with music and all our closest friends outside on the terrace beginning at 6PM, then we’ll get seated for dinner in the Indigo Ballroom before our program begins.

Our program will honor the many struggles and triumphs that’ve gotten us to where we are today as one of the most impactful and dynamic LGBTQ centers in the country. We’ll hear from Chief Executive Officer Cara Dessert about The Center’s successes and vision for growth, and you’ll get the chance to learn more about our Young Professionals Council and our Stonewall Society.

After the program, we’ll party down on the dance floor together until our evening comes to a close at 11PM.

How can I donate to The San Diego LGBT Community Center at the event?
Hilton Celebration guests: We’ll ask you for your credit card info during registration when you arrive to start a tab. You’ll get your own bid paddle to use to make any donations or purchases. We won’t charge your credit card until the end of the night and we’ll only charge you for what you spend. And if you’d rather pay for purchases with a check or cash, you’ll be welcomed to do so at checkout. We can email you your receipt or print one for you that night.

Online broadcast guests: To make a donation before or during the online broadcast, click here or text SDCENTER to 44-321.
 
How long will the reception be and when is dinner?
Our reception will begin at 6PM on the terrace and we’ll start seating guests for dinner at 7PM in the Indigo Ballroom.

What should I wear to the 50th Anniversary Gala?
Come in your finest, most fabulous formal attire. Black tie optional.

How do I get to the venue?
Click here for driving directions.
Click here for public transportation information.
Order a Lyft, Uber, or cab.

Can I bring children?
This event is appropriate for adults and older teens.

Is this event accessible?
Yes! Anyone can join us for our 50th Anniversary Gala, and from anywhere—you don’t have to be in San Diego. Come celebrate with us at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, and if you can’t join us there, tune in for our program broadcast for free online, from anywhere in the world.

• All-gender restrooms
  
• Gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and vegetarian food options will be available, just let your server know your dietary needs
  
• Non-alcoholic beverages will be available in addition to a full bar
• A free online program broadcast that anyone can join
• Captions in English and Spanish in the online broadcast