This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
An Equality Utah fundraiser featuring former Gov. Jon Huntsman has officially sold out.
Equality Utah, an advocacy group that works on behalf of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Utahns, announced Tuesday that it has sold 1,867 seats to its 11th Annual Equality Utah Allies Dinner featuring Huntsman to be held Sept. 27.
"Over the last 12 years we have grown from a dinner of 10 people at a Denny's to be the largest sit-down dinner gathering in our state," said Brandie Balken, Equality Utah executive director, in a news release. "The growth of the 'Allies Dinner' reflects the increased awareness and support of Utah's LGBT community."
Huntsman and his wife Mary Kaye Huntsman will be recognized at the dinner for their work supporting equal rights in Utah, and they will speak at the event.
As governor, Huntsman expressed support for civil unions for same-sex couples, and legislation meant to prevent discrimination based on sexual identity and guaranteeing limited rights, including hospital visitation. He did, however, also voice his support for marriage between a man and a woman when he was running in the presidential primaries.
At the event, Equality Utah will also honor artist Trevor Southey, the Rev. Theresa Novak and her partner, Anne Spatola, and the group Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). Congressional candidate Idaho state Sen. Nicole LeFavour also will speak.
Tickets sold for $125, and the event will be held at the Salt Palace Convention Center.
Twitter: @lschencker