May 3, 2013

“And they’re off…” Join CGMC as we recognize individuals who dedicate their lives, personally and professionally, to both the arts and social justice in Central Ohio. If you thought our Masquerade Ball was fun last year, just wait, as we celebrate our 7th Annual Forte with a Kentucky Derby theme. Bring your best hat and possibly, “Win, Place, or Show” in our hat contest.

This fundraising event benefits CGMC and honors a local community member who lives and exemplifies our mission and vision, Voices Raised, Lives Changed, through the annual Forte Award. This year’s festivities include; a cocktail hour, dinner, silent and live auctions, entertainment by CGMC’s ensemble Vox, awards ceremony and best Kentucky Derby themed hat contest with first, second, third places and people’s choice.

2013 Forte Awards and Benefit – Derby Days Gala
Columbus Museum of Art
May 3, 2013
6:30 – 11 pm
Live and Silent Auction

Sponsorship levels:
Gold-$5,000; Silver-$3,000; Table-$1,500
Single Tickets-$150

For Gold, Silver, and Table sponsorship, please contact Patrick at 614-228-2462

There will be more details available as we get closer to our 2013 Forte, such as caterer, Master of Ceremonies, entertainment etc. So please continue to check the Forte page on the CGMC website.

2012 Forte Award Winners

Dr. Wayne P. Lawson
Since the 1970s, Wayne P. Lawson has been a pivotal figure in arts leadership in Columbus and across the state of Ohio. For nearly 30 years, Lawson served as the fourth executive director of the Ohio Arts Council and led the agency to international acclaim.

In the 1990s, Wayne made an immeasurable impact on the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus. Without any fanfare, Lawson put his political skill and tenacity to the test. During a very volatile time regarding GLBT rights, Wayne pushed to provide the very first state-funded Ohio Arts Council grant to the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus. While a relatively small grant, the Chorus’ first grant symbolized a great deal more. The award was a powerful recognition that the state of Ohio believed in the artistic product that the Chorus was producing. As a result, other grants followed from the Greater Columbus Arts Council and other prominent funders.

Lawson continues his fervent support for the arts by serving as a professor of public policy and arts administration at The Ohio State University, advising the Greater Columbus Arts Council on strategic initiatives, and volunteering on a number of arts and cultural boards.

Andrew Levitt
Andrew Levitt has spent his career in Central Ohio working for the arts and promoting social justice. In 2011, Levitt launched Project: Zero Ohio. This organization was created with the collaboration with Dr. Randy Sharma and Steven Weaver. Project Zero Ohio seeks to provide those medications to patients who can’t afford them at no cost.

Mr. Levitt has raised over $300,000 to support both local and national organizations. Along with fund raising Mr. Levitt also works to raise awareness of issues that affect the LGBT such as AIDS, Same-Sex Marriage and Discrimination. Some of the organizations Mr. Levitt has worked with are the following: The Trevor Project, Columbus Aids Task Force, CLGSA. Camp Sunrise, Ohio AIDS Coalition, Project Open Hand, Equality Ohio, Equality California, NOH8 Campaign, Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force, Kaleidescope, The Matthew Shepherd Foundation and BRAVO. These organizations are just part of the long list Mr. Levitt has given his support to.

Along with fund raising and raising awareness, Mr. Levitt has won 2008 Entertainer of the Year Title and has performed with the cast of Wicked, Aida and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. Levitt also has had the honor of performing for former Ohio First Lady Francis Strickland and famed director John Waters.

May 12, 2012 – Save the date! We hope to see you at the 2012 Forte Benefit.

Past Events

Forte Award

This award is given annually at the CGMC fundraising event, Forte by the Forte Planning Committee. It is intended to recognize someone from the central Ohio community who best embodies the Vision and Mission of CGMC, and who blends both the Arts and social awareness. View Past Winners