Featuring
Mayor Erin Mendenhall - Leadership Award
Erin Mendenhall, the 36th Mayor of Salt Lake City, has been a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ equality and inclusive public policy, championing efforts to ensure Salt Lake City is a welcoming community for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Her leadership has focused on equity, representation, and expanding opportunity for underserved communities across Utah’s capital city. Mayor Mendenhall has also built her career around environmental sustainability, public health, and civic engagement. Motivated by concerns about Utah’s air quality and its impact on families, she became an activist with Utah Moms for Clean Air and later co-founded Breathe Utah. She served on Utah’s Air Quality Board and represented District 5 on the Salt Lake City Council before being elected mayor in 2019. A graduate of the University of Utah, Erin earned degrees in gender studies and science and technology. She and her husband, Kyle LaMalfa, are the proud parents of three children.
Kelley Robinson - HRC President
Kelley Robinson is a trailblazing advocate and leader in the fight for human rights. As the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC), she is the first Black, queer woman to hold this position. HRC is the largest civil rights organization in the United States, dedicated to achieving equality and liberation for LGBTQ+ individuals. With over 15 years of experience, Robinson has spearheaded numerous successful campaigns for LGBTQ+, racial, and gender equity. As a mark of her influence, Robinson was named to the 2024 TIME100. A powerful and inspiring speaker, Robinson regularly appears in national and international media outlets, including MSNBC, CNN, Sirius XM, The New York Times, The Washington Post and Politico. She previously served as the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund, where she advanced the movement for reproductive justice. Robinson is also currently serving as a Senior Fellow at the Kettering Foundation, underscoring the urgency of centering LGBTQ+ rights in the fight for democracy.
New Venue! Red Butte Gardens
300 South Wakara Way
Salt Lake City, UT 84108
Be the First! Presale Tickets Available
The first 20 purchasers will receive $75 off regular price tickets. This is the biggest discount offered and is only available until May 29th.
Create Community —
Become a Garden Party Host
HRC Utah Garden Party Hosts bring people together in support of Equality. The best way to make change happens is when we do it together.
There is no financial obligation to become a Host. We offer special perks to allow you to gather and enjoy the evening with your colleagues, family and friends. It's easy to sign up and get started.
Crystal Host Benefits
- Sell or buy 6 tickets
- Reserved high-top or low cocktail table with host name listed
Diamond Host Benefits
- Sell or buy 10 tickets
- Reserved 10-top table or high-top with host name listed
- Two complimentary ticket upgrades
- Chilled champagne
Fill out this form: Become a Host
A member of our planning committee will contact you to get started!
It's easy! Have your guests go to tickets.hrc.org. During the checkout process, they can select your name.
No! There is no penalty if you don't reach your goal. We provide the resources to help and you can enjoy the benefits when you do reach your goal.
New Event Format
The Human Rights Campaign has long been known for producing memorable events where the LGBTQ+ community and allies can gather and support the movement for Equality. History has been made with unforgettable moments that also have raised critical funds.
HRC is making a bold move. We are taking our signature fundraising dinner out of the ballroom so you can experience the splendor of one of Salt Lake City’s most breathtaking venues. This year will mark the inauguration of the HRC Utah Garden Party.
While many things will be changing, the importance of HRC’s mission remains the same. We must ensure that LGBTQ+ people are treated and represented fairly. Other than the venue change, here’s what else you can expect…
Lower Ticket Prices
We are lowering the ticket price by 30% to $175. We are still offering discounts to our Federal Club members and complimentary tickets to major donors.
We are also offering presale tickets for just $100. There are only 20 of these tickets available, so don’t wait to buy yours! Please limit two tickets per household on presale.
More attire options
Summer attire is encouraged! From bold to bright, all forms of fashionable expression are welcome.
More time to socialize
Most of the event will be standing for those who are able. This gives you more time to connect with friends and supporters. The stage program will be brief, yet it will still have powerful speakers and messages.
Graze while gathering
Your ticket price includes artful catering. While the food will not be a plated meal, you’ll have multiple options to choose from food stations. This will be substantial enough for you to have a delicious meal, while being flexible and casual for the new format of the event.
Added Value: Admission to the Gardens
The Red Butte Gardens are truly a jewel in Utah. Your event ticket includes admission to the gardens. When you’re not socializing or grazing, take a stroll through the many areas available to visitors.
More Ways to Get Involved!
Become a Garden Party Host
Hosts invite friends, family and colleagues to join them at the Garden Party. Hosts that sell 6 or 10 tickets receive special benefits.
Sign Up Here!
Become a Sponsor
Does your employer support Equality? We have partnership opportunities to highlight their support.
Learn More!
Volunteer to Help
Be part of the dedicated team of volunteers that make the HRC Dinner happen!
Sign Up Here!