Congratulations! 2009 Inland Northwest Rainbow Awards Recipients T he Rainbow Awards have been held annually in Spokane as part of Pride Week since 1996. They honor individuals and organizations whose efforts have had a positive effect on the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community of the Inland Northwest. Pride Foundation has sponsored the Rainbow Awards since 2005. Award categories are: Individual award, Group award, Ally award, Over the Rainbow award. This year's event will include a spaghetti dinner before the awards program, which will begin at 7pm along with complimentary dessert and refreshments. The event is free and open to the public. WHAT: Inland Northwest Rainbow Awards WHEN: June 8, 2009. Doors open at 5:30pm, dinner begins at 6pm. The evening's program begins at 7pm WHERE: Unitarian Universalist Church, located at 4340 W Fort Wright Drive in Spokane, WA. COST: Free ($8 donation appreciated) MORE INFO: Pride Foundation, www.pridefoundation.org Ally Rainbow Award Kalispel Tribe, Northern Quest Resort & Casino orthern Quest Resort & Casino and the Kalispel Tribe have provided significant financial and personal contribution to cultural diversity and community services in the Inland Northwest, including to Spokane AIDS Network, Inland Northwest Business Alliance, OutSpokane, and The Washington Education Association. Individual Rainbow Award Gina Marie Young ina Marie, a transgendered person who made the transition, continues to be a resource for transgendered people in our community. She has educated her physician as she proceeded on this journey and even refers others to him. Additionally, she has spoken to various groups and educates health care professionals about how to "care" for transgendered people. She also lobbys in Washington DC regarding Hate Crimes. Gina Marie is a great networker in the community and ensures the inclusion of the transgender community. N G Over the Rainbow Award Paul Tiesse aul Tiesse is one of those "unsung heroes" who tirelessly gives of himself to the GLBTQ community. Paul has been involved with the Inland Northwest Business Alliance (INBA) for over a decade, serving on its board, and providing support to its activities. He is currently finishing his 4th year on the board of INBA Outreach, the non-profit scholarship branch of the organization. Paul also serves as president of the Spokane AIDS Network (SAN) board of directors and has been a major force in the Oscar Nite Gala, a SAN fundraiser, giving countless hours. Paul is a consistent, dedicated volunteer whose activities help members of the GLBTQ community in more ways than most of us know. He does his jobs quietly and competently, raising money, and helping to put on events. Paul serves as a great example of an active, out, GLBTQ success story. P Group Rainbow Award Dempsey's Brass Rail Larry Brown & Leonard Jenkins or many years, Larry Brown and Leonard Jenkins of Dempsey's Brass Rail have done a lot to bring the community together. Larry and Leonard provide the community with support through sponsorships, ads, fundraisers and making their facility open for events. F | June 2009 | Q View Northwest - Spokane Edition | www.qviewnorthwest.com