LIAM Foundation Gayla Fundraiser 2026
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We are thrilled to invite you to The LIAM Foundation’s Fifth Annual Gayla, a special evening celebrating LGBTQ+ pride, Latine culture, and the power of community.
This year’s Gayla will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Embassy Suites Rockford, and we are excited to welcome our community for a night filled with celebration, connection, and joy.
Gayla is more than one night. It is an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrate who we are, honor the people and cultures that make our community strong, and celebrate the work that continues throughout the year.
This year’s theme, Orgullo Latine, celebrates the richness, resilience, diversity, and contributions of Latine LGBTQ+ communities. We chose this theme intentionally to uplift Latine voices, experiences, artistry, and leadership while creating a space rooted in cultural pride, authenticity, and belonging.
✨ What to Expect
Guests will enjoy an evening featuring:
🍽️ Dinner
🎭 Evening hosted by: La Mira
💃 Dancing and music
🛍️ Silent auction
🍷 Wine pull
🎟️ 50/50 raffle
🥂 Cash bar
🌺 And plenty of opportunities to connect and celebrate with our community
Our mission is to encourage, heal, and empower the LGBTQ+ community through Love, Integrity, Advocacy, and Mentorship. Your support of Gayla helps The LIAM Foundation continue creating spaces where LGBTQ+ people and families feel seen, supported, celebrated, and empowered throughout Northern Illinois.
🌺 Join Us for Gayla 2026
Saturday, October 24, 2026
Embassy Suites Rockford
General Admission: $125
Tables for 10: $1,250
Whether you come with friends, family, colleagues, or as part of the broader LIAM community, we hope you’ll join us for this special evening.
Come celebrate. Come connect. Come be part of Orgullo.
We look forward to celebrating Gayla 2026: Orgullo Latine with you on October 24!
With gratitude,
Phyllis Gallisath
Executive Director
The LIAM Foundation
Event Details
Attire
Formal, Semi-Formal, or Cocktail Attire
Gayla 2026: Orgullo Latine is a celebration, not a costume event. We encourage guests to come dressed in formal, semi-formal, or cocktail attire that makes them feel confident and comfortable.
Our theme is an invitation to celebrate Latine culture, pride, color, artistry, and community. Guests are welcome to incorporate the spirit of the theme into their look through colors, patterns, accessories, or personal style, but there is no expectation to wear a costume or dress in traditional cultural attire.
Come as yourself, dress to celebrate, and get ready for a beautiful night of Orgullo, community, and connection!
Accommodations
The LIAM Foundation is committed to making Gayla 2026 welcoming and accessible to all guests. If you need an accessibility accommodation or have a specific dietary or mobility need, please let us know when purchasing your ticket or contact us in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.
Parking Information
Free parking is available at Embassy Suites Rockford. Additional parking information and directions will be provided to guests closer to the event.
Accessible parking is available near the hotel entrance. We encourage guests to arrive a few minutes early to allow time for parking and check-in.