Raleigh, N.C. — Members of the gay and lesbian community will be hosting a fundraiser for Walter Dalton this coming Sunday at the home of furniture maker Mitchell Gold.

Other notables on the invite include John Arrowood, a former Court of Appeals judge and Bob Page and Dale Frederiksen, owners of Replacements Ltd.

"This is the first time our state has ever had an LGBT event for a candidate for Governor," says a line from the invite, which the Dalton campaign confirmed it authentic. "Not long ago, few politicians would want to risk being so public in support of LGBT people’s dignity and equality in our state. This will be a very special opportunity to meet with Lt. Gov. Dalton and enjoy a terrific meal with friends and family."

Dalton may have earned some good will in the LGBT community earlier this year when he taped a spot opposing the amendment that added a ban on gay marriage to the state constitution.

The fundraiser comes at a dicey time in the campaign for Dalton. Republican Pay McCrory has out-raised and out-spent the Democrat, who is not airing ads in the Charlotte television market right now.

The text of the invite (without the links) is as follows:

Dear Friends,

Most of us know how terrible it is having the Republican anti-LGBT politicians in power in Raleigh. Putting our rights on the ballot was nothing less than disgraceful.

Lt. Governor Walter Dalton is our candidate to be North Carolina’s next Governor. He’s a champion of education and creating a solid environment for business and all our people to prosper. He is our hope for a checks and balances in Raleigh. We need him to be elected. We need your financial help to push others to vote for him. Walter wants our support! He supports us publicly!

This is the first time our state has ever had an LGBT event for a candidate for Governor.(Of course, it is open to allies as well!) Not long ago, few politicians would want to risk being so public in support of LGBT people’s dignity and equality in our state. This will be a very special opportunity to meet with Lt. Gov. Dalton and enjoy a terrific meal with friends and family.

Please Join: John Arrowood, Lee Carter & Greg Bradley, Bob Page & Dale Frederiksen, Joni Madison & Gina Kilpatrick, Andrew Spainhour, Mitchell & Tim Gold, Bob Williams & Stephen Heavner

For a Reception Honoring:
Lieutenant Governor Walter Dalton
Sunday, September 30, 2012
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

At the High Point home of
Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams
Exceptional meal prepared by MGBW Executive Chef Sean Robinson

Host $4,000 • Sponsor $2,000 • Patron $1,000
Friend $500 • Supporter $250
(*Minimum contribution $250 per person)

Click here to RSVP and contribute!

To RSVP, contact Meghan at 919-755-6888 ext. 110 ormeghan@walterdalton.org
If you cannot attend, but want to support Walter, please contribute online or send a check to Dalton for Governor, P.O. Box 1696, Raleigh, NC 27602. Thank you!