Georgia Equality hopes that this year’s Evening for Equality will surpass all its previous efforts as the state’s largest gay advocacy organization transforms its signature fundraiser from cocktail hour to seated dinner.

Long the largest fundraiser for Georgia Equality, the event has grown in size and scope for 2011 by offering dinner and honoring a diverse group of activists from across the state, said Jeff Graham, the group’s executive director.

“It was definitely intentional to broaden the scope of the Evening for Equality so that it encompassed people not just in Atlanta, but around the state,” Graham said. “We wanted to start off by making it more regional and next year we’re going to try and make it more of a state-wide organization.”

The honorees include Bill Nigut of the Anti-Defamation League; Macon AIDS activist Johnny Fambro; State Rep. Karla Drenner (D-Avondale Estates), who was the first openly gay state legislator; and Oliva Long, executive director of AIDS Athens.

Georgia Equality has also beefed up its silent auction offerings which this year include tickets to a number of local theaters; original artwork from local artists including Robert Sherer, William Cash and Andrew Kosten; signed pieces from Melissa Etheridge, Dolly Parton, Lady Gaga, Elton John; and several travel packages including a three-night stay in Blue Ridge.

Top photo: State Rep. Karla Drenner is among the honorees at this year’s Evening for Equality (Courtesy Georgia House)