"Dining at the Mansions" Includes Dinner and Support for LGBT Students at U of L

Have you ever driven through Old Louisville and wondered what it would be like to enjoy an elegant dinner in one of the nation's premier Victorian mansions?  Admirers of the historic neighborhood can do just that and support U of L's LGBT Center April 8 during the 6th annual "Dining at the Mansions."

The event is an Old Louisville tradition with a new twist.  Guests register for the mansion and menu of their choice and spend the evening enjoying a delicious meal, engaging dinner companions, and hosts who are passionate for the history and grandeur of their Victorian home. What separates this year's event from the past is that there is no cost for admission and guests will be invited to join their host in a challenge to raise funds for the LGBT Center. A minimum $100 per guest is encouraged to support the evening's cause. "It's a friendly competition to see which home can raise the most money.  Together we will make a real difference in the lives of LGBT students," said organizer Karan Chavis.  "So the evening is free to attend and we hope it inspires our guests to be even more generous in supporting this important cause."

The evening begins with a cocktail and hor d'oeuvres reception at a central location where all guests with hear about the work of the LGBT Center before taking a stroll to their host homes.  Hosts are Craig Blakely and Karan Chavis; Cindee and Mitch Rapp; Bob Goldstein and Rich May; Shiao and John Woo; Ricardo Bermudez, David Domine, and Maria Eckerle; Gayle and Herb Warren; and Todd McGill and Keith Simon.

"We are so honored to collaborate with these amazing hosts and are certain Old Louisville's tradition of diversity and inclusion will make this a great partnership," said LGBT Center Executive Director Brian Buford. "It's incredible to see how the community cares for our students."

The university has been named one of the most LGBT-welcoming campuses in the country for two years in a row, and the highest ranked public institution in the South.  The LGBT Center was the first of its kind in Kentucky and offers an array of programs and services, including support for students who are coming out, a themed housing community, LGBT-themed study abroad courses, leadership development opportunities, and a nationally-recognized training model for healthcare providers.

For reservations and more information about the event, visit http://diningatthemansions.com.