WATCH: Dustin Lance Black Helps Raise $300K for Marriage Equality

Following a trademark rousing speech while accepting an award from the Human Rights Campaign, Dustin Lance Black helped raise $300,000 for marriage equality.

While accepting the HRC's Visibility Award, presented by Chad Griffin, the organization's president and a friend of Black's, on September 15, the Oscar-winning writer shared moving stories about coming out to his mother and how his late brother was never able to live in an accepting environment as an openly gay man. But the activist also used the evening as an opportunity to help raise awareness for Washington's Referendum 74, which would legalize same-sex marriage in the state.

It was a big night for both Black and the HRC. "I’m proud to share that we raised approximately $300,000 that night, including a $50,000 match from HRC," Black writes on his blog. "This is one of the largest amounts raised during a ‘raise the paddle’ in HRC history. The $300,000 brings HRC’s total commitment to marriage efforts in Washington State to $1 million. And all of the money we raised will remain in Washington State, going toward the fight to secure marriage there once and for all."

HRC has created a special fund for Washington State, with 100% of contributions going toward efforts to pass Referendum 74. To donate go here.

Watch Black's speech below.