In 1988, Jay Hollyfield hosted the first Black Tie Dinner in the wine cellar of Tony’s Restaurant and from that point forward the history is as follows…

Upon being approached by the Human Rights Campaign Fund, Jay Hollyfield agreed to organize a dinner with the help of Gene Harrington, Monte Front and Scott Holman. The Dinner was held in the Tony’s Wine Cellar with a small group of interested person in attendance. The following year a dinner was held in the Petroleum Club with a slighting larger group present.

By 1991, the founding group grew to ten with the addition of Keith McGee, Charles Armstrong, Larry Lingle, Bill White, Nancy Molleda and Frank Campisi. The Dinner was held at the Remington Hotel with two hundred twenty attending.

By 1993 two more persons were added to the hosts, Phil Lacy and Janine Brunjes.

The group incorporated as The Houston Black Tie Dinner, Inc., a 501 (c) 3organization to raise and distribute funds to both local charities and to a national beneficiary. The speaker was Roberta Achtenberg, the highest ranking gay member of the Clinton administration. Since then, the organization has hosted such celebrity speakers as Judith Light, Kathy Najimy and Kathy Griffin.

The over $1.9 million dollars distributed to beneficiaries from previous dinners since 2005 is a reflection of how we in the Houston and surrounding communities have responded to the call to support our community. As a consolidated group and the community’s largest local fundraiser, we are fighting HIV and AIDS, prejudice, discrimination and taking a firm stand on men's and women's health issues.

We are aspiring to enrich the perception others have of our community through active involvement, interest, education and dedication. The Houston Black Tie Dinner has made a positive difference in this city and you a part of it. Thank you all for your support.

We look forward to an ongoing partnership with each of you in making a significant impact in our city.