By Matt Simonette

Staff writer

Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville Ave., presents its annual fundraiser Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Swedish-American Museum, 5211 N. Clark St.

This year’s benefit, titled “Piecing History Together,” commemorates a milestone in GLBT history—the 1987 March on Washington—said Karen Sendziak, Gerber/Hart board president.

“It seemed to be the right opportunity to pay tribute to an important occasion in our history,” said Sendziak.

Cleve Jones, the creator of the AIDS quilt and a founder of the NAMES Project, is keynote speaker at the benefit. The AIDS quilt was put on display for the first time at the 1987 march.

“He’s a very inspiring and electrifying speaker,” said Sendziak, who added that Jones would be introduced by historian John D’Emelio.

Those buying benefactor tickets to the event are invited to a pre-event champagne reception with Jones beginning at 6 p.m., where they receive an autographed copy of his autobiography, “Stitching A Revolution.”

Sendziak also said the library’s annual John H. Mueller Volunteer Service Award is being given to Martin Saganski.

“He’s a volunteer who’s been cataloging for us for years,” she said.

The benefit also features a dinner buffet, open bar, silent auction and entertainment.

Sendziak added that the library’s women’s book club also celebrates its 20th anniversary.

The library itself celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, but, “When the calendar turned, we didn’t have any psychological letdown,” she said.

“We got good publicity and it let people know that we’re a fixture in the community,” Sendziak said, adding that she was particularly proud of the library’s exhibit dedicated to the work of cartoonist Danny Sotomayer.

In the upcoming year, Sendziak said, “We’re going to continue to stage more exhibitions, present programs and assist researchers.”

For more information on Gerber/Hart’s annual benefit, “Piecing History Together,” call (773) 381-8030 or visit www.gerberhart.org.