VIEW MORE PHOTOS | HRC Pre-Dinner Table Selection @ Loew’s Hotel

As the main-event Atlanta HRC Gala Dinner in May approaches, the planning committee’s monthly pre-dinner receptions build the excitement. Thursday’s table-selection reception kept up the momentum.

After the “Our Stories” theme was announced at last month’s pre-dinner reception at Aurum (view photos), guests clamored for the drinks and noshes this time (photos) while table captains clamored for the seating chart to claim prime viewing spots for the 2011 program, which includes special guest Ally For Equality Award recipient Mo’Nique.

There’s still time to become a table captain, fill 10 seats and select from reserved seating spots. The 24th annual main event takes place May 14 at the downtown Marriott Marquis. And of course, you can also buy individual tickets.

Last year, nearly 1,000 people attended the event and joined a group of local honorees, including state Rep. Simone Bell, and celebrities, such as Bravo’s Andy Cohen and NeNe Leakes of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Also working up a lather for the gala, HRC Atlanta is still sore from Bowling For Equality (view photos), even as the group busily preps for April’s next and final pre-dinner cocktail hour.

Photos by Sher Pruitt