To hear Mark Hunter describe it, this is his moment.
The owner of Hunters Nightclub will receive the Pride Center at Equality Park Alan Schubert award at the eighth annual Diversity Honors. The award, named for one of the Pride Center’s founding fathers, is a nod to Hunter’s long and successful career in business and philanthropy.
“It feels like this is the crowning moment and the way to leave the game while you’re still winning,” Hunter said. “It is the cherry on the cake of my career.”
Diversity Honors returns to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino March 9 with a star-studded lineup, featuring rock and roll Hall of Famer Belinda Carlisle, entertainer extraordinaire Billy Porter and more. The event raises money for the Harvey Milk Foundation and Pride Center, the latter of which has Hunter’s utmost respect.
“The work that they do has touched so many people in our community, in such a positive way,” he said. “They do such wonderful things. Their outreach is great.”
A fixture on Wilton Drive since 2013, Hunters Nightclub routinely opens its doors for events benefiting nonprofits, civic organizations and LGBTQ groups from softball teams to HIV/AIDS organizations.
The Hunters brand originated 42 years ago in Chicago and expanded to Palm Springs, California in 1998, offering “Spirits Elevated” in the glamorous desert resort community.
“I have not done it on my own,” Hunter acknowledged. “I have literally had a village of support.”
The stories are what make it worthwhile, Hunter said. From the young guy too nervous to get out of his car and step foot in a gay bar for the first time to the married couple, returning to the dance floor where they first met decades ago.
“I feel my legacy is providing a safe, fun place where people can go, be themselves and have fun,” Hunter said. “I’m so glad I could have done that for so many people.”
Diversity Honors is scheduled for Saturday, March 9 at 7 p.m. and includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner and after party at the Guitar Hotel.
For tickets or more information, call (954) 463-9005, ext. 105 or visit www.diversityhonors.org.
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