Monthly Archives: September 2010
Printing Executive, and LGBT Philanthropist Martin Gapshis Dies
Martin Gapshis ,
a Chicago business owner and philanthropist who was as comfortable in a black tie as he was in gardening shoes, died of a heart attack on Monday. He was 63.
In charity circles, Mr. Gapshis was known as much for the work he did behind the scenes as he was for donating to causes. His great attention to detail in producing elegant invitations to galas and balls drew many to admire him and his work. He was also a founding board member for the Center on Halsted.
In 1995, the Hearts Foundation Inc. honored him for his philanthropic work, and Mr. Daley proclaimed a Martin Gapshis Day. Earlier this year, the Center on Halsted honored him with the Human First award for his work in the gay and lesbian community. Mr. Gapshis was a co-chair for the $20-million capital campaign to build the center.
Mayor Daley released the following statement, “As Mayor and on behalf of the City of Chicago, I offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Martin Gapshis. He was my friend and a friend to all of Chicago.
I am especially proud of the legacy Martin leaves this city in the Center on Halsted, the most comprehensive lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community center in the nation.
Martin possessed a passion for the arts, politics, and community involvement. He served both the city and its LGBT communities throughout most of his adult life, demonstrating a quiet commitment to improving the lives of others. For his many contributions and accomplishments, Martin was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame in 2007.
In his understated way, Martin always worked hard to make a difference, demonstrating his belief in the basic human rights that must be secured for all. He was a leader and role model for LGBT communities, not only for all his contributions and accomplishments, but for his ever-present humility and the depth of his kind and generous spirit.”
CREW BAR + GRILL CELEBRATES 6 YEARS September 7th
On Tuesday, September 7th,
after numerous Super Bowls, World Series, and Stanley Cups, Crew Bar Grill , Chicago’s original gay sports bar, will celebrate a special event of its own: six years of business in the Uptown neighborhood. The party will feature a complimentary taco and nacho bar, plus drink specials on favorites like sangria and Beergarita, Crew’s original tequila and beer concoction.
The Anniversary party will be from 6PM to 8PM at the Broadway and Lawrence nightspot. Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the e-mail list to receive an invitation at Worlds Greatest Bar .
Faced with tough economic times, Steve Milford and Brian Wells, Crew’s original owners, teamed up with two new partners in 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson. Working together, the new business team oversaw a remodel of the bar, which included 20 high-definition flat screen TVs, a massive 63” flat screen, new tables and chairs, plus a revamped food and drink menu. “Mike and Mark have been a welcome addition to Crew, bringing a different set of skills and a fresh perspective. It’s been a great partnership,” says Steve Milford.
Crew was the first new business in several years to take a chance on the 4800 block of Uptown in the historic entertainment district. “The talk of great things happening has gone on for years around here, and we feel like we were a positive part of starting to make that happen,” says owner Brian Wells. Crew was named one of the Top 100 Bars by Chicago magazine and has won numerous other awards from a diverse range of media outlets, including Fox Morning News Viewers, Metromix, Chicago Free Press, Chicago “Hearts” Trivia, Competition Magazine, New City and more.
Chicago’s 8th Annual Salute to LGBT Veterans September 3rd
GAY VETERANS
TO BE HONORED AT DALEY PLAZA
LGBT Vets and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley to Speak
Veterans from the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities will be honored at “With Liberty and Justice For All” — the nation’s only municipally sponsored, military salute to LGBT veterans — this Friday, September 3, announced Dana V. Starks, Chairman and Commissioner of the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR). The event will take place from 12 noon to 1 p.m. at Richard J. Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. For more information, contact Bill Greaves at 312-744-7911.
U.S. Representative Mike Quigley will be a featured speaker. Congressman Quigley has issued a statement calling for the repeal of the U.S. military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, and he was a co-sponsor of the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009 (H.R. 1283). He voted to repeal the “Don’t Ask, Don’t’ Tell” policy in June.
Renowned jazz vocalist Lucy Smith of the Lucy Smith Jazz Quartet will perform the national anthem, and the program will include a presentation of colors, a Mayoral proclamation, and a wreath-laying ceremony.
This unparalleled event is meant to pay tribute to America’s LGBT veterans and inspire dialogue and advocacy in their behalf.
