Category Archives: Benefits
Aids Foundation Chicago THE RED PARTY May 2nd
About the Event
Paint the town RED at the AFC Associate Board’s inaugural Red Party!
Dress to impress and enjoy a night of cocktails, drag performances, and community. Join us at Beauty Bar as we raise money for AFC’s Welcome Home Housing Initiative. We believe that housing is health care and that every person has the right to safe and decent housing. The Welcome Home Housing Initiative is designed to implement bundled interventions and strategies to support rapid housing and access to care for people living with HIV that are justice involved.
Every $500 we raise fully furnishes a single bedroom apartment.
GET TICKETS! $50 General Admission
MEN OF Chicago Portagers Lacrosse Club
Who likes Lacrosse?
or maybe you just like men in uniforms/ gear?
Let me introduce you to Chicago Portagers Lacrosse Club!
“We are Chicago’s premier semi-pro Box Lacrosse team. We’re excited to bring high-quality Box Lacrosse to the Windy City and do our part to help grow the game.
Our Senior A Men’s Box practices are at Mt Prospect Central Community Center in Mt Prospect.
Our Senior A Men’s Box game venue is Salt Creek Sports Center in Palatine, IL. Our Men’s Field team plays at Clark Park in Chicago (near Lane Tech).”
If YOU WANT TO JOIN – there is lots of information on their website.
Maybe you don’t want to play, you just want to “watch”!
They have developed and created The Men of Midwestern Lacrosse.
The “Men of Midwestern Lacrosse” project aims to achieve three important goals by featuring lacrosse teams from across the Midwest stripping down to raise money for charity, promote male body positivity, and increase the visibility of the sport. The project will donate a portion of its Patreon proceeds to support charitable causes, while also showcasing the diverse range of body types found among lacrosse players to encourage male body positivity. Additionally, by promoting the sport of lacrosse to a wider audience, the project hopes to attract more players and fans to this exciting and fast-paced game.
$6 a month contribution Includes implied nudity, player interviews, and content requests, and other fun content!
$11 a month contribution Includes full nudity, behind-the-scenes content, and player videos!
Get a look at those shafts!
Aids Run Walk Chicago 2020
This month, the AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) is inviting Chicagoans to move “Forward Together” for the 19th annual AIDS Run & Walk. For the first time, the weeklong event – kicking off on Monday, Sept. 28th
CHOOSE YOUR WALK!
This year will feature 5K and 10K routes throughout various Chicago neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Uptown, the Loop and more to promote safety and minimize crowds. The AIDS Run & Walk will conclude at Soldier Field on Oct. 3 and raise vital funds and awareness for AFC, in addition to more than 20 community partner organizations that provide programs and services for those living with or vulnerable to HIV, AIDS and other chronical illness.
GRAB A FRIEND AND REGISTER NOW
Chicago Gay PrideFest June 20-21
Chicago Pride Fest is BACK ON for June 20-21!
It was previously announced that Pride Fest, the Pride Parade and Market Days were being canceled or rescheduled, due to the Covid 19 restrictions and limitations.
This morning it was announced that plans are underway to put together a 2 night virtual celebration of Pride Fest streaming for Free to Chicago and the world!
Chicago Pride Fest Goes Virtual
Chicago Pride Fest will mark its 20th year with a virtual festival format. On June 20-21, the Northalsted Business Alliance brings Boystown to the world with a streaming Chicago Pride Fest celebrating the love, life and diversity of Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community. Running from 7 pm to 9 pm both nights, the streaming Twitch event will feature a full line-up with entertainment, activism, greetings and more.
Virtual gate donations will benefit Boystown community programming, the Center on Halsted and Howard Brown Health.
Northalsted President Ramesh Ariyanayakam acknowledges how different things will look this year. “Right now our focus is all about planning a Pride celebration for the digital ages. We know this virtual festival will bring much needed connection and hope to our community and beyond and are thrilled to produce this event.”
More details at pridefestchicago . A full programming line-up will be available in June .
World of Chocolate Returns Dec. 5th
World of Chocolate is Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event supporting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s efforts to mobilize communities, creating equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases.
World of Chocolate celebrates the imagination and ingenuity of our renowned chefs from across Chicago!
THURSDAY, DEC. 5, 2019, 6 – 9 P.M.
AT REVEL FULTON MARKET
Enter at 1215 W. Fulton Market (Fulton and Racine).
The closest CTA L stop is located at Morgan on the Pink/Green Lines.
Complimentary coat check is provided.
Tickets purchased before Dec. 3 will be held Will Call. Check in with your name or your ticket purchaser’s name. After Dec. 3, General Admission & VIP tickets are available at the door for $150 and $250 respectively.
Parking: We recommend using public transportation or taxis. Street parking is available in the neighborhood — check parking signs and pay boxes for information.
Dress to impress! Your favorite holiday cocktail attire/business casual is perfect for the evening.
VOTE for People’s Choice! During check in, you’ll receive a red marble to vote for your favorite chocolatier. The event is bigger and better than ever, so plan your night accordingly by perusing our chefs and menu for the evening.
At 8:30 p.m., we’ll have a special performance to announce the judges’ picks for Best Sweet, Best Savory, Best Libation, Best Small Business, Best Large Business and Best Sculpture.
Knock yourself out! Punch Board and Luxury Raffle prizes will be announced Monday, Nov. 11.
Share the fun! Help us get the buzz going on Facebook and Instagram by using #AFChocolate
VIEW PHOTOS FROM 2018.
Aids Run Walk Chicago October 5th 2019
“Live True. Be You” at the 2019 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
On Saturday, Oct. 5, advocates from across Chicago and beyond will gather to support those living with and vulnerable to HIV at the 2019 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 18th annual event encourages participants to live true as they raise vital awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 27 CommunityDirect partners. The proceeds benefit programs and services improving the lives of those affected by HIV and AIDS and other chronic conditions.
The event attracts thousands of participants annually, who gather at one of Chicago’s most iconic locations for the 5K walk and 5K and 10K runs. Participants travel a scenic route along Lake Michigan and finish at Soldier Field. This vibrant event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”
“The theme this year continues to be “Live True. Be You”, as living each day authentically is a crucial part of embracing who we are as a community and showing how we can make a difference for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and AIDS,” said Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “It is important to live true and openly each day in this unpredictable climate. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides this safe space where people can express themselves.”
In addition to AFC, 27 community organizations serving Chicago’s HIV and AIDS population are also beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. Participating CommunityDirect organizations kick off the event’s fundraising efforts by registering their own team for the 5K walk, 5K or 10K runs. Many of this year’s community partners have been involved in the event for years, providing opportunities for other organizations to participate and support its fundraising efforts.
AFC recently joined forces with the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners to launch Getting to Zero Illinois. This is a state-wide initiative to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 with the help of community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of Illinois’ HIV community. The initiative focuses on increasing the current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and other HIV treatments to attain fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year.
In Illinois, an estimated 45,000 people live with HIV or AIDS. AFC, along with community organizations and other partners, are working tirelessly to get this number down to zero through their advocacy and fundraising efforts. The AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the ideal opportunity to raise money and awareness for and the groups and individuals who are working to combat the epidemic in Illinois.
Since its establishment in 2001, the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $6 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
2019 CommunityDirect Partners
Michael Reese Care Program at Mercy
Chicago Recovery Alliance
Lurie SID
The Night Ministry
Agape Missions
Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago
Center on Halsted
Chicago House and Social Service Agency
AMITA Health Housing & Health Alliance
Legal Beagles (Legal Council for Health Justice)
Season of Concern
Open Door
Howard Brown
Sinai/Holy Cross Strolling Bones
SWOP – Chicago (Sex Workers Outreach Project)
CCHE (Chicago Center for HIV Elimination
Pride Action Tank
Men and Women in Prison Ministries
Catholic Charities
Mother and Child Alliance
Team CCHIP (Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center)
DANCE FOR LIFE CHICAGO
Erie Family Health Centers
Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus
Team Loyola
New Ages Services Corporation
Team HAI (Heartland Alliance International)
About AFC
About the AIDS Foundation of Chicago: AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. AFC aspires to create a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. More at: aidschicago.org.
Taste of Boystown September 24th
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World Of Chocolate event Nov 30th
Dishing Indulgence: Chicago’s Premier
World AIDS Day Event Returns
Annual Holiday Gala Raises Funds and HIV Awareness
for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) invites Chicagoans to the World of Chocolate gala, Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event, on Friday, Nov. 30 at Revel Fulton Market. Guests will enjoy the delicious signature creations of chocolatiers and chefs from over 23 of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, hotels and bakeries competing to win the best sweet and savory bites, as well as craft cocktails, with a panel of celebrity judges selecting the night’s best conceptions.
In addition to sampling each establishment’s creation, guests will enjoy a light buffet, specialty craft cocktails, open bar, music, a raffle and punchboard with a diverse offering of spectacular prizes.
AFC will also be partnering with Walgreens Boots Alliance in an effort to make this an eco-friendly and zero waste to landfill evening by challenging participating
“Our guests expressed great excitement surrounding last year’s International Affair theme,” explained Edward Wagner, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Chief External Relations Officer. “Recognizing the global impact that HIV has had, the international community must continue working together to honor those we’ve lost, ensure those living with HIV thrive, and strive to create a world where new HIV cases are rare.”
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, this year’s signature celebration honors the local, national and international progress the HIV/AIDS community has made to end the epidemic. The movement has observed the Dec. 1 date as a global effort to increase public awareness, while promoting HIV related programming and dialogue. Launched in 1988, the global event followed an international summit among health leaders who saw the need for a larger discussion on HIV/AIDS in every country.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new cases of HIV in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will help AFC advance its mission, which includes:
· Supporting efforts to house more than 1,000 Chicagoans each year.
· Providing more than 5,000 clients with case management services.
· Training hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP.
· Empowering AFC to provide policy leadership in state and federal health equity matters
· Collaborating with people and partners across the state to achieve Getting to Zero Illinois, an ambitious plan to end new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit chocolate.aidschicago.org
General Admission: $145 (includes one event ticket)
Red Ribbon Ticket: $245 (includes one event ticket, exclusive VIP entrance with a specialty cocktail, private bar and lounge access) – VIP Mile High Club Tix
Bittersweet Bliss Ticket Package: $900 (includes four event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
Chocolate Ecstasy Ticket Package: $2,000 (includes ten event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
About AFC
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. AFC envisions a world in which people living with HIV and related chronic diseases will thrive, and new HIV infections will be rare. Learn more at aidschicago.org.
Halloween Boystown Chicago Events
PUP CRAWL!
Join us Saturday Oct 20, 10am-12pm for the Lakeview Halloween Pup Crawl hosted by Miss Foozie presented by A Dog’s Best Friend and Northalsted – a fun pre-Halloween dog party and neighborhood walk with prize raffle, gift bag, treats and After Party at Lark featuring Alaskan Brewing Co. Oktoberfest sampling. Dog costumes optional but encouraged!
$5 registration per dog includes raffle entry and goodie bag/treats.
Participating locations: The Leigh Gallery – FFC Boystown – Chicago Male Salon – Double Trip Press – Trickery Chicago – Men’s Room Chicago – Universal Wellness Source – Ricci Kapricci – Sapphire Nail Salon – Little Jim’s on Halsted St
Thanks to vendor participants: Countryside Bank – TheK9PT – Canine Rehabilitation & Wellness – Children’s Learning Place – Drew’s on Halsted – Live Like Roo Foundation
Get to work on your costume! The 22nd Annual Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade & Costume Contest returns Wednesday October 31, 7:30pm bigger and scarier than ever! Brought to you MB Financial Bank.
The Parade will be led by a lit AF glowing party bus with a 10,000 watt sound system! Followed by the always spectacular Chicago Thriller dancers, Lakeside Pride Marching Band, and more.
The Costume Contest has total of $4,000 in cash & prizes in four categories: Theme, Group, Drag & Scary. Featuring a panel of drag queen judges and spectator Instagram hashtag voting! Winners Ceremony presented by Circuit Mom. More details at HauntedHalsted.com
Sexy Sassy Adam Rippon in Chicago Sept 14th
We are SO EXCITED Chicago House brought back their Speakers Series this year!
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will host their 8th Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th.
Held at the historic Hilton Chicago’s Grand Ballroom from 11 am – 2 pm, the luncheon will feature a VIP Reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two 
dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as Chicago House highlights the theme of ‘Authentic Selves.’
America’s first openly gay Olympic figure skater, Adam Rippon, helped lead USA’s figure skating team to a bronze medal with his stunning performance this year.
But while snatching trophies, Rippon was also winning American hearts nationwide. The skater has shown through various interviews and tweets that he is truly one of the funniest (and sassiest) Olympians to ever grace the ice.
If you’re enchanted by Rippon’s on-camera wit, then you need to drop everything you’re doing and follow him on Instagram and Twitter.
Then came dancing with the stars! Adam and his partner Jenna Johnson were crowned winners of the all athlete season. Rippon is the first male figure skater to win the competition, as well as the first LGBTQ winner.
“Winning the Mirrorball now has taken on a whole new meaning,” he said. “I never thought somebody like me would be accepted, but I really feel love. That’s why I’m so excited for what we have in store.”
Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will Headline 2018 Chicago House Speaker Series September 14th, 11am-2pm
Tickets now available for purchase – Click here for purchasing information
Lunch with Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon Sept 14
FRIDAY September 14th!
Luncheon with speakers Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon!
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, will present their 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.”
For more hilarious quotes from the award winning comedian celebrating her Authentic Self join us for the Speaker Series next Friday, September 14th! VIP Meet and Greet tickets available. Inquiries regarding ticketing contact Janessa D. Butler atjdennis@chicagohouse.org.
AIDS Run Walk Chicago Sept 23rd
2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Encourages Community to “Live True. Be You.”
On Sunday, Sept. 23, HIV advocates from across Chicago will live true at the 2018 AIDS Run & Walk Chicago. Held at Soldier Field, the 17th annual event will raise awareness and funds for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and 34 CommunityDirect partners, with proceeds benefiting programs and services improving the lives of Chicagoans living with and vulnerable to HIV.
Approximately, 2,500 participants gathered last year to participate in one of the city’s most vibrant annual runs and walks. This year’s event will mobilize the community under the theme “Live true. Be you.”
“When individuals live authentically and are encouraged to share their truth and stories, it fosters a sense of community, understanding and acceptance,” explains Dustin Erikstrup, AFC’s Senior Manager of Special Events. “In this unpredictable political climate, it is important to live openly, unapologetically and free from stigma. AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides that safe place for participants to express themselves freely.”
AFC isn’t the only beneficiary of this event; 34 community organizations serving Chicago’s South, West and North sides, as well as surrounding counties, are beneficiaries of the funds raised at AIDS Run & Walk Chicago as part of the CommunityDirect program. To kick off the race’s fundraising efforts, each participating organization will be entering their own team into the 5K walk or the 5K and 10K runs. Many CommunityDirect partners have been a part of AIDS Run & Walk Chicago for a number of years, which provides many opportunities for organizations to participate.
Recently, AFC, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and other statewide partners launched the planning phase for the Getting to Zero Illinois (GTZ-IL) campaign. The goal of this state-wide joint initiative is to end the HIV epidemic in Illinois by 2030 through partnerships with community-based organizations, health care providers, local government agencies and local members of the Illinois’ HIV community. If Illinois increases current rates of PrEP (a daily prevention pill that is up to 99 percent effective when taken consistently and correctly) and HIV treatment substantially, Illinois can reach fewer than 100 new HIV cases per year. The epidemic will then be unable to sustain itself, reaching, “functional zero.”
Approximately 43,500 Illinoisans are living with HIV, and AIDS Run & Walk Chicago provides the perfect opportunity to raise money to support those in the community and help end the stigma around HIV.
Since its 2001 acquisition by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, the event has netted more than $5 million to battle the epidemic. For more information or to participate, visitaidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946.
The pre-registration deadline is just a few weeks away!
Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon September 14th!
The Chicago House Speaker Series Luncheon never disappoints! This year I am SO EXCITED, two people I think are just fantastic, Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon will be speaking September 14, 2018!
I think everyone knows both of these names. Neither needs much an introduction.
In November 2008, Wanda Sykes publicly came out as a lesbian while at a same-sex marriage rally in Las Vegas regarding Proposition 8. Her career was really just taking off. A month earlier, Sykes had married her partner Alex Niedbalski, a French woman, whom she had met in 2006. The couple also became parents on April 27, 2009, when Alex gave birth to a pair of fraternal twins, daughter Olivia Lou and son Lucas Claude.
Wanda was not planning to come out publicly as a lesbian during her impromptu 2008 speech in Las Vegas. But she did!
“When I came out, it wasn’t a planned thing at all. It was a national day of protest against the passage of Prop 8,” Sykes says in an exclusive clip from the documentary. “I said, ‘Okay where’s the rally, we are going to go to the rally.’ And I did. And in my speech I said that I got married and I’m p—–.”
She realized later the magnitude of the statement.
“I get to the hotel, turn on the TV and on the CNN scroll it says ‘Comedian Wanda Sykes: ‘I’m proud to be gay.'”
“I was like, ‘Oh, this is a big (expletive) deal. I’m a black woman. A celebrity. And I’m out.’ It was big deal. No regrets
In 2009, she was named in Out magazine’s “Annual Power 50 List”, landing at number 35. In 2010 she won a GLAAD award for promoting a good image of equal rights for gays and lesbians.
ADAM RIPPON was everywhere this past year and became a household name.
If you hadn’t heard of figure skater Adam Rippon before the Pyeongchang Olympics, there’s no doubt you know him now. Rippon won a bronze medal with the U.S. in the team skate competition … and he stole the show with his personality and courageous story. Before posing for ESPN’s Body Issue, the “Dancing With the Stars: Athletes” champ weighed in on coming out, overcoming injury and competing at the highest level.
Adam is an inspiration to so many !
The first openly gay man to qualify and win a medal for the U.S. Winter Olympics team, Rippon went on to win Dancing With the Stars: Athletes.
He recently signed up to be a judge on Dancing With the Stars: Juniors, which premieres October 7 on ABC.
Time said he is one the most influential people of 2018! CHER said, “He has humility, grace and an incredible sense of humor.”
We all know and understand the importance of coming “OUT”. 30 years ago, we did not have these awesome role models we have today!
His mother, Kelly, raised her kids with tolerance. They went to Catholic school, but she exposed them to various religions and wouldn’t let them use words such as “stupid” or “hate.” But kids at school and things he watched and read made him feel like something was wrong with him. His voice was always a little higher. He tried to speak lower so no one would notice. His mannerisms were different from the other boys’. He tried to change those, too.
“I think about it now, and it’s so sad,” Rippon said. “. . . I hope young kids don’t ever have to feel like that.”
Chicago House, the leading social services provider for housing and support for those living with HIV/AIDS, is thrilled to announce the 2018 Speaker Series headlined by Wanda Sykes and Adam Rippon on Friday, September 14th. Held at the historic Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom from 11 AM – 2 PM, the luncheon will feature an exclusive VIP meet and greet reception and premier cuisine benefiting Chicago House. Emceed by NBC Chicago reporter Chris Hush, guests can expect laughs, stories of triumphs and resilience from these two dynamic and prominent figures in the LGBTQ community as the 8th Speaker Series highlights the theme of “Authentic Selves.” Tickets $200-$500.
Private Night at Six Flags Sept. 8th
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2018 for Year 7!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by Toyota & BestGayChicago.com
That Will Help Benefit Lakeside pride Music Ensemble
Saturday, September 8th, 2018 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year helping to benefit various non-profits.
For 2018, it will benefit LAKESIDE PRIDE MUSIC ENSEMBLE! “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”
It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.
Singer, songwriter, producer and DJ ADAM JOSEPH will be playing his music in JB’s bar for 2 hours at the event. Then he play again from 1am – 3am at CHARLIE’S, the Official After Party in Boystown. (Charlies will also be offering a limited number of bus seats to and from the park – details soon!
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.
Advance $43 tickets can be purchased NOW HERE
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event!
September 1st the price goes up to $48.
$53 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.
This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides.
Season Passes cannot be honored for special events.
All ages event.
Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
Dance for Life Chicago 2018
DANCE FOR LIFE 2018
AUDITORIUM THEATRE OF ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY
AUGUST 18
Performance | 7:30pm
Gala Celebration at The Hilton Chicago | 5pm
TICKETS NOW ON SALE
BUY TICKETS
Performance Tickets start at just $15
Gala Tickets: $300 & $650
JOIN US FOR CHICAGO’S BIGGEST DANCE NIGHT OF THE YEAR!
Dance for Life Chicago is the annual benefit performance that showcases the city’s unique diversity of talent, dance traditions, and styles. One night a year, the talented and renowned professional dancers of Chicago come together to share the same stage at the historic Auditorium Theatre—all for a good cause.
Welcoming those looking for either an elegant night downtown or just a relaxed and fun performance, Dance for Life Chicago has presented classic, world premiere, and even improvised dance works in ballet, contemporary, hip hop, jazz, and tap over the last 27 years.
Since 1991, Dance for Life has united the Chicago dance community and its fans to support local dance community professionals affected by critical health issues. The money raised through the performance goes directly to the Dancer’s Fund. Created by Chicago Dancer’s United in response to the impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic on the dance community, the Dancer’s Fund fund has broadened to include other health and living needs.
We invite you to come celebrate and toast Chicago’s incredible range of dance and choreographic talent. Find up-to-date details on this year’s event by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: #DanceForLifeChicago
“Pick up your ticket, grab a drink, and we’ll see you on August 18th!
Featured Dance for Life Chicago 2018 companies:
- Giordano Dance Chicago
- Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
- The Joffrey Ballet
- Hanna Brictson and Dancers
- Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre
- Chicago Dance Crash
- Nomi Dance Company
- Randy Duncan is reviving his 2007 Dance for Life finale, this year as the program opener.
Beneficiaries: The Dancers’ Fund and AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Broadway Cares Holiday CD
Dear Evan Hansen, Come From Away, Hamilton, Waitress and A Bronx Tale.
The Christmas season is in full show tune swing now that the 19th volume of Broadway’s Carols for a Cure has arrived. The latest compilation from the beloved series continues Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS’ tradition of pairing the casts from award-winning Broadway musicals with seasonal songs that are both classic and new. Once again, the result is pure magic and is sure to help make the 2017 holiday season shine brighter than ever before.
“These are all new, original recordings, creatively arranged and performed by the incredibly talented performers and musicians from the 2017 Broadway season,” explains producer Lynn Pinto who, once again, collaborates with engineer Andros Rodriguez on the album. Pinto allows each company a great deal of freedom in choosing the material and the style of the arrangement. She adds, “We record the musicians and singers in layers, utilizing isolation booths for a higher quality recording. It gives the album a unique sound from most cast albums and allows us to showcase some of the best voices and instrumentalists in the world.”
The first Broadway’s Carols for a Cure album debuted in 1999, making this year’s album the 19th in the annual series. Fans of Broadway will be overjoyed to hear recordings from Tony Award winning casts of Dear Evan Hansen, Hamilton, Come From Away and many more:
WICKED God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
Highlights are copious but include Billy Porter and the cast of Kinky Boots singing an all-new, rockin’ version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and the cast of A Bronx Tale performing “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day” in a New Yawker-style that will have listeners humming for days.Additionally, Meghan Toohey (Sara Barielles’ long-time guitarist) serves up a lovely 1960s-style original song, “Wonder What You Got For Me,” featuring the talented Anastacia McCleskey and the rest of the company and band from Waitress; and Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the composer/lyricist team behind Anastasia perform their original carol, “All Those Christmas Cliches,” along with their award-winning cast.
Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS is a nonprofit organization that helps individuals with serious illnesses including AIDS receive the health care and support they need. In addition, they provide financial support in the form of grants to AIDS and family service organizations throughout the country.
“The 19th volume of Broadway’s Carols for a Cure is the best yet,” promises Lynn Pinto. “It exudes such warmth, like a cozy blanket on a snowy Winter’s day.”
The 2-CD set is in the web store at BroadwayCares.org or by calling Broadway Cares at 212-840-0770.
TPAN 30th Anniversary September 28th
TPAN: 30 Years of Hope
TPAN’s 30th Anniversary and Looking Forward
TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network) will celebrate 30 years of service to Chicagoans who are living with or vulnerable to HIV and related health conditions at TPAN: 30 Years of Hope. The event will be held on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at Moonlight Studios, 1446 W. Kinzie St., in Chicago’s West Loop. The evening begins with a VIP reception from 6-7 p.m., where supporters will be able to meet some of TPAN’s founding members and renowned HIV activist Peter Staley. The general reception begins at 7 p.m. and will feature the founders and keynote speaker Staley, who is an early member of ACT UP New York. 2016 Barlesque 9 winner Rob Racine will be the emcee for the evening, with music from Marc “DJ Moose” Moder, an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $175 for the VIP Reception and $125 for General Admission. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting tpan.com/tickets.
Bernie Brommel, one of the first members of TPAN, recalls what it was like in 1987 when the world had very little information about HIV/AIDS. “You couldn’t go in [to the hospital] and see somebody who was sick or dying. I went to see many, many people… and we had to wear gloves and masks.” TPAN has maintained a steadfast loyalty to clients and community throughout its 30-year history. In a time when people living with HIV can be expected to live a near-normal lifespan, TPAN has a lot to celebrate. However, the battle against HIV/AIDS is far from over. On September 13, 2017, Windy City Times published a five-page account of Brommel’s experience with HIV/AIDS in the 1980s and the beginning of TPAN. Those who can recall the experience of not knowing what was happening to their community during the early years of the epidemic, as well as those too young to remember, are invited to come together at TPAN: 30 Years of Hope. The evening will truly be one of reflection, honor, and hope, while looking toward to the future of TPAN and the eradication of HIV and AIDS.
About TPAN: TPAN is a nonprofit (501c3) agency located in the Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago. TPAN serves those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS and related health conditions, and is publisher of the leading national HIV treatment magazine Positively Aware.
Out in the Park Chicago 2017
Out In The Park at Six Flags Great America
Returns in 2017 for Year 6!
A Private Night in the Park to Celebrate Diversity
Presented by MINI Cooper Chicago & BestGayChicago.com
That Will Help Benefit Howard Brown Health
Saturday, September 9th, 2017 from 7:30PM to 12AM
Out In The Park is an annual private diversity fundraising event featuring unlimited riding of ALL Six Flags Great America’s amazing THRILL rides (with much shorter than usual lines! The park is only 35% full!) with a portion of all ticket sales each year help benefit various non-profits. “One of the best elements of this event is that it is closed to the general public and this year our event piggy-backs a daytime corporate buyout so our attendees will be entering an EMPTY PARK!” explains Michael Snell, co-owner of BestGayChicago.com. “The LGBTQ community, their family, friends and supporters can enjoy the park with shorter lines and without homophobic or bigotry from anyone. It’s like a Fall Pride Celebration!”
This event started in 2012, as an LGBTQ night. In 2015 there was a huge shift in the public’s opinion on Marriage Equality and Equal Rights. (Joe Biden says Will & Grace was a huge influencer for the shift in public opinion!) Friends and allies “came out of the closet” as the showing of support more than doubled. It is for this reason, we chose to change the theme to a Celebration of Diversity. People of any color, size, body type, gender, gender expression(s), and sexual orientation are all welcome. Bullies and Bigotry will not be tolerated.
It’s important to us that everyone—no matter who you are, how you identify, or where you’re from—feel comfortable and confident. Our message is simple: You are welcome here.
Singer, model, author SIR JET will do a meet and greet in the parking lot at 7pm, as we await the gates to open for the evening. Then he will perform live at 1:30am, at Charlie’s, the host of the Official After Party! 3726 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60613. $5 cover.
In an interview with ChicagoPride.com: “We are very excited that this private night for charity continues to grow every year and we have gifted over $40,000 to various groups,” said Derrick Sorles, Snell’s husband of 18 years and business partner,
“We are honored that some of our peers including GRAB Magazine, ChicagoPride.com as well as Our Lives Madison and QUEST Magazine in Wisconsin also help us by donating advertising space for this event! It’s truly a community event where everyone comes together for the greater good!” says Derrick Sorles.
Advance $42 tickets can be purchased NOW at www.CelebrateDiversityChicago.com
Attendees get FREE parking for this special event! September 5th the price goes up to $47.
$52 at the gate, IF AVAILABLE.
This event is capped at only 5,000 tickets, to ensure lines stay short for the rides.
Season Passes cannot be honored for special events. All ages event.
Drinks are available for purchase to those 21+
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