National Gay and Lesbian Task Force to honor actor George Takei on Miami Beach MIAMI HERALD STAFF Actor and author, George Takei, will be honored by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force in November on Miami Beach. (Photo by Suhaimi Abdullah/Getty Images) Suhaimi Abdullah / Getty Images Photo By MIAMI HERALD STAFF The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced Wednesday actor George Takei will receive the group’s 2013 National Leadership Award at its Annual Miami Recognition Dinner in November at the Fontainebleau hotel on Miami Beach. The annual fundraising event honors individuals for their outstanding contributions to “the social, cultural, political and humanitarian needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.” Takei has appeared in more than 40 feature films and hundreds of television guest-starring roles. He is best known for his role as Hikaru Sulu, helmsman of the USS Enterprise in the famed television series Star Trek. An outspoken advocate for civil rights, Takei has used his unmistakable baritone in several satiric PSAs, including one in response to Tennessee’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill that encourages viewers to say, "It’s OK to be Takei." “I am deeply honored to be recognized by this wonderful organization that has been fighting for LGBT equality for the past four decades,” said Takei said. “It is a privilege to be part of an event like the 17th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner that raises money for multiple organizations serving our community.” At last year’s annual dinner, more than 35 sponsors and approximately 800 guests contributed to another record-breaking year. In total, the dinner event grossed well over $500,000—making it the most successful Miami Recognition Dinner in Task Force history. Over the years — through the Dinner and its sister event the Winter Party Festival—the Task Force has contributed approximately $1.65 million to South Florida grassroots LGBT organizations through the Miami Foundation GLBT Community Projects Fund. Tickets to the 17th annual Nov. 8th dinner sponsored by Wells Fargo are $250 for general admission and $350 for VIP tickets. They are available online at www.miamirecognitiondinner.org and by phone at 305-571-1924. 1Read more Miami-Dade stories from the Miami Herald