The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce today announced the recipient of its Lifetime Achievement Award for the upcoming Community Awards Dinner Aug. 23.
Beth Shapiro, PhD, a local political activist, has worked alongside successful campaigns for several local gay and lesbian politicians, including Atlanta City Councilmember Alex Wan, former City Council President Cathy Woolard, former City Councilmember Anne Fauver and current Fulton County Commissioner Joan Garner.
"Beth is such a deserving recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award, and we are honored to be able to recognize her for all of the hard work, dedication and success she has achieved in her accomplished career," said Suzanne Baugh, AGLCC president, in a statement released today.
The Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce filled the ballroom at the W Midtown Hotel on the evening of Friday, Aug. 26, to celebrate the organization and announce the winners of its 2011 Community Awards.
The AGLCC presented Philip Rafshoon, owner of Outwrite Bookstore & Coffeehouse, with its Lifetime Achievement Award. In remarks accepting the award, Rafshoon acknowledged his mother, who was in attendance, discussed the tough times facing Outwrite and the bookstore industry, and joked about feeling too young to receive a “lifetime” achievement award until he learned that Madonna won one at age 28.
The lifetime achievement award was announced in advance, while winners in the following categories were revealed during the dinner: