Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center is closing out Pride Month with their Stonewall Ball, which has been ongoing for over 20 years. The event will take place June 29 from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Hilton West Palm Beach.
The theme for this year, "Love, Lights, & Liberation," celebrates the love and light brought by the LGBTQ community.
Compass will be honoring Lake Worth Beach Mayor Betty Resch with the Compass Leadership Award and Youth Program Mentor Rudolph R. Galindo with the Michel Brown Faces of the Community Award.
“We are absolutely thrilled to honor Mayor Resch and Rudolph Galindo,” Julie Seaver, Compass’ Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement. “Their exceptional commitment and leadership in our community perfectly embody Compass’ mission, and we are looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
Galindo founded Night Runners WPB, an LGBTQ+ friendly running/walking group that meets in West Palm Beach.
“I am honored to be the recipient of this award as the Face of the Community,” Galindo said. “I’ve been fortunate to work with so many wonderful volunteers and colleagues dedicated to advocacy and community togetherness for all LGBTQ+ individuals. I hope by receiving this award, I can empower more people to be inspired to get involved, be visible, volunteer, join an organization, vote and advocate for LGBTQ community rights. The Stonewall Ball is a great event to make strides toward those goals, and I am very excited about this weekend's event. Thank you to Compass LGBTQ Center for all they do and for this honorable recognition and award.”
Resch was elected this year for her second term as Lake Worth Beach mayor. She was endorsed by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a local LGBTQ+ rights group that endorses candidates for local office.
“It is my great honor to receive this award from Compass,” Resch said. “Compass is important not only to the LGBTQ+ community, but to the Community of Lake Worth Beach as well. Our city is enriched by having such an active and engaged gay community. After all, it’s just love. Keep up the good work!”
The event will feature performers such as DJ Legato, Mr. and Ms. Palm Beach Pride, Ground Zero and Lady Marissa, The First Lady of the Palm Beaches Melissa St. John, Queen of the Palm Beaches Velvet Lenore and Miss Naples Pride 2024 Rianna Petrone.
To celebrate the return of the Ball to Downtown West Palm Beach, Compass, the Hilton, Related Group, and Rohi’s Readery have organized four days of activities at City Place.
- On June 26, the Compass Pride Business Alliance will host a social event at Rohi’s Readery.
- On June 27, The Galley at the WPB Hilton will donate a portion of each check to Compass.
- On June 28, Rohi’s Readery will host a fashion show.
- On June 29, from 6-9 p.m., Pride Night at City Place will feature DJs and entertainment leading up to the Stonewall Ball.
For tickets, sponsorship, donations to the silent auction, or any inquiries, visit www.CompassLGBTQ.com or email
Individual VIP tickets are $150, and dance party tickets are $50. All ticket proceeds support Compass’ life-saving services and programs, continuing their 36-year mission to engage, empower, and enrich the lives of LGBTQ individuals and those affected by HIV/AIDS.
