Massachusetts Congressman Barney Frank, the most prominent openly gay politician in the U.S. and perhaps the world, will speak at The Open Door Fund's 10th Anniversary annual dinner and auction on April 22 in Boulder.

Known for his wit and candor, Frank has been outspoken on many human rights issues, especially those that affect gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.

"I'm used to being in the minority," Frank told an interviewer in 1996. "I'm a left-handed gay Jew."

He will help The Open Door Fund celebrate 10 years of philanthropy, during which it has awarded some $250,000 in grants and at the same time built a growing endowment of nearly $350,000.

"We are thrilled to have Congressman Frank join us in Boulder as our featured speaker," Tom Hay, dinner chair, said. "It makes us understand we've arrived, even at the national level."

Created in 1996 by The Community Foundation Serving Boulder County, The Open Door Fund raises money to distribute to nonprofits serving the needs of the county's GLBT communities. To date, more than 30 organizations have received at least one award from the Fund.

The annual dinner is Open Door's largest fundraiser. Silent auction items will feature affordable "high-end" items. The live auction will include elegant travel destinations both nearby and abroad. Photos and information about live auction items as well as more information about the dinner can be found at http://www.opendoorfund.org/.

The April 22 annual dinner and auction will be at the St. Julien Hotel in Boulder, beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. Tickets are $125, with $80 tax-deductible.

Congressman Frank, the ranking Democrat on the Financial Services Committee, will greet and meet patrons at a small private reception at the hotel from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Tickets for the private reception, including dinner, are $500, with $455 tax-deductible.

For reservations, call The Community Foundation at 303-442-0436 or go on-line at opendoorfund.org. The event is expected to sell out.