Category Archives: Benefits
Birdhouse Art Auction and Cocktail Party for Chicago House
This year, Chicago House and our Co-Chairs Denise Antonucci, Jerry Sanfilippo and Spyros Petros are Branching Out with birdhouses and artwork for the masses!
Bring home the functional or funky birdhouse designs you’ve grown to love, plus traditional, modern, and contemporary art pieces, all auctioned off to benefit the men, women, and children of Chicago House!
Date: Thursday, June 23, 2011Time: 6 – 9PM
Where: Room & Board, 55 East Ohio Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Tickets online : $70 In Advance (ends June 22 at 5PM) $85 At the Door
1VU Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30th
1VU was founded on the belief that one person can make a difference, but by forming alliances we can share One View:
A United World.
“Our goals are simple: to reinvent what pride means to the LGBTQ community, take that new found strength, apply it to our causes, and with this knowledge and experience that we have gained, reach out to help other communities and causes.
We all benefit and achieve our goals sooner when we pull together as a family and work as one. Our passion is to inspire everyone to understand that it is not What we have or What we are, but Who we are and What we leave behind.”
STEVE CRAWFORD is one of the Founding members of 1VU. Being a Chicago native, he has always had strong sense of Pride for the city and it’s people. With Steve’s dedication and desire to help others and the environment, he is very excited to be a part of 1VU and it’s efforts.
Steve and his organization is featured in Time Out Chicago this week. He wants to create a monument (Radiance) in memory of LGBT Service Members, which will stand at Space Park, 815-817 W Roscoe st. The monument will cost about $100,000 and fundraising is underway now, and we’ll be covering some of the upcoming events here!
They will holding their 2nd Annual Memorial Day Ceremony May 30th, 2011 @ 2PM CST
at Space Park.
But check out the new Time Out Chicago for the full story and stop by thier site 1VU.
BestGayChicago.com
Wanda Sykes and Linda Eder Together in Chicago May 14th
has been called “one of the funniest stand up comics” by her peers and ranks among Entertainment Weekly’s 25 Funniest People in America. Her smart-witted stand up has sent her career in many different areas.
Showcasing one of the greatest contemporary voices of our time, Linda Eder’s diverse repertoire spans Broadway, standards, pop, country and jazz. Most recently, Linda crowns her two-decade recording career on a new album, Now, which reunites Eder with Broadway and pop composer Frank Wildhorn. The new release marks the musical return of this legendary team after six years. Eder’s transcendent voice is the perfect complement to Wildhorn’s lush, imaginative music. Now introduces 12 dynamic tracks that elevate the spirit while capturing many moods.
See both ladies together,
one night only!
Saturday, May 14th
HUMAN FIRST 2011 GALA
at the Harris Theatre! Over 1200 tickets sold already!
GET TICKETS ONLINE
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago House Residents Say IT GET’S BETTER
Do you ever stop and count your blessings?
Take a moment and think about how lucky you are?
Have a moment of gratitude?
I think many of us, rush through day to day life and forget there are a lot of people out there worse off. Just this past weekend, hundreds of men and women came out for a festive gala brunch, thousands of dollars was raised, and we all get so caught up in the moment and the fun of it all, some of us, sometimes forget what it’s all about, if we don’t see it. We know it’s a good cause, but we sometimes may forget the face, the real people, attached.
At the annual Chicago House brunch this past week, I was personally humbled by Stan Sloan’s speech. And I felt compelled to share it with everyone, in case you missed the event…..
Hi, my name is Stan Sloan, and I’m in my 11th year as the CEO of Chicago House. And I just wanted to start out my talk today by saying, “It gets better.”
It gets better. Hopefully everyone in here is aware of the importance of that phrase from Dan Savage and from the Trevor Project that has done so much great work with for the subject of LGBT youth and LGBT suicide. But last Sunday, Easter Sunday, I promised myself that I was going to work on this talk for today. And without a clue of what I was going to say, I decided to go and spend the day with the residents of our Supportive Living Program.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV.
Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV. Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
As many of you know, our Supportive Living Program is one of our five residential facilities for people who have HIV and AIDS and that have no where else to go. The Supportive Living Facility is the first step for our housing. The 16 residents who live there have come to us directly from the streets, from the shelters, from prison or detox centers, or directly from experiences of having been kicked out of the homes of their parents, friends or lovers…most often as a result of revealing that they have HIV. Spending Easter with the residents of the Supportive Living Program may sound depressing, but nothing could be farther from the truth. If Easter is about springtime and moving from death of winter into the life of summer, then there is no better place to spend Easter than with these 16 men and women who, for perhaps the first time since they were diagnosed with HIV, have hope for moving from the death of their past lives to the life of what’s possible. Hope for moving beyond the perception that their life with HIV meant that there was no new life to follow.
So I went to SLP to be with those 16 residents on Easter, only to find out that none of them were there. One of our donors, who shall remain anonymous, had beat me there that day, and had left our staff member with money to take them all out for Easter pizza at Leona’s just down the street on Augusta. So I got back in my car and went to Leona’s to find four tables pushed together with 17 of the most diverse people that you can imagine packed next to each other. The oldest was 72. The youngest was 20. They were black and white and brown. They were men and women. They were gay and straight and transgendered, they were drop outs from Jr. High School and downtown executives who had lost everything to crystal meth and HIV. And they were laughing and eating together like brothers and sisters.
At least until I walked up. Nothing can ruin a party quite like the CEO walking in unannounced. “Listen,” I said as they pulled up a chair for me, “next Sunday I am giving a talk to 400 donors of Chicago House. What do you think I should tell them?” Most of them shrugged their shoulders until one of the women spoke up. “Tell them,” she said, “tell them that it gets better.”
At least until I walked up. Nothing can ruin a party quite like the CEO walking in unannounced. “Listen,” I said as they pulled up a chair for me, “next Sunday I am giving a talk to 400 donors of Chicago House. What do you think I should tell them?” Most of them shrugged their shoulders until one of the women spoke up. “Tell them,” she said, “tell them that it gets better.”
What gets better?
“Living with HIV…” she said. “Tell them that at Chicago House, living with HIV gets better.” “Is that what I should tell them,” I asked the rest of the group, and different people spoke up. A young intern from Sweet Miss Giving’s bakery who is only 21 and who was born with HIV from a crack addicted mother said how she had stopped taking her medication because she thought it was hopeless before arriving at our door. In her short time with us she has gone from a viral load of over 2,000 to being undetectable.
A man spoke up about the death of his partner and of the depression and drug abuse that left him homeless that followed. One of the older men spoke about how he had lived at Chicago House ten years ago and left because he didn’t want to follow the rules. “It took me 10 years,” he said, “but I finally realized that the rules weren’t near as bad as the rest of my life, so I came back and…” “It gets better” the original woman chimed in, and the whole table went up for laughs.
Today Chicago House provides housing and support services to over 1,100 people a year. Over the last 11 years we have worked hard to change the dynamic of that housing and services from a system that helps people get on benefits and supports that will let them live the rest of their lives with HIV in comfort to one that helps them move from those benefits and supports to lives that are fully engaged in the world and independent.
Over 500 people city-wide have been through our Employment Program which is the only program specifically targeting those with HIV and AIDS who are unstably housed in the nation. Our placement rate for the employment program is over 60% even in this economy. Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery, Unquestionably Kind, Unreasonably Good! has a 100% placement rate for those trained in baking, packaging, customer service, and delivery through its internship.
Our prevention and medication adherence programs are stopping the spread of HIV in the LGBT and other at-risk communities, and they are helping those who are already impacted live long healthy lives. And, of course, our housing programs which serve over 200 adults and 50 kids annually are helping people develop the skills they need to gain stability and eventually independence, so that they can move on to open a space for someone newly infected and in need of hope.
It gets better. For Dan Savage and the Trever project the simple message of “it gets better” only makes sense in the context of encouragement and support. A struggling LGBT kid may not be able to imagine a better life on his or her own, but now he or she doesn’t have to. Now they can simply go to Youtube and find people…from Lady Gaga and Ellen to President Obama…imagining it for the. The clients of Chicago House most often come to us…black and white, men and women, homeless and white collar executives, gay, straight and transgendered…but with one thing in common…they have lost their ability to imagine a hopeful life with HIV, but At Chicago House it gets better. It gets better because Chicago House believe in them, and that is possible because you are here and believe in us.
It gets better. With your help and support it gets better.
Chicago House. We were there at the beginning.
We will be here till the cure.
Chicago House can always use volunteers.
Maybe this is your year to lend a hand?
CHECK OUT ALL OF THE GREAT EVENT PHOTOS AND
FASHION MODELS ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE and LIKE US!
BestGayChicago.com
Equality Illinois Wine Tasting Benefit May 11th
$20
75 WINES!
Join EQIL and Sidetrack for Spring Wine Tasting on May 11 from 6:00 to 9:00pm!
Tickets are now available. For just $20 you have access to over 75 wines from around the world and hors d’oeuvres provided by J&L Catering!
This super-popular event caters to all palates and budgets. Plus, those who preregister will be entered into our 3 DRAWINGS FOR 4 BOTTLES OF WINE EACH!
Due to the nature of PAC fundraising, each attendee must register and pay individually. A phone number is required to complete your online registration, but will ONLY be used as an identifier at the door at Sidetrack.
GET A TICKET NOW!
The Mission of Equality Illinois is to secure, protect and defend equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in Illinois. Come show your support!
Dining Out For Life Returns April 28th
join us to celebrate food, friends and a great cause at our 18th annual Dining Out For Life.
Last year, Chicago raised over $100,000 to continue its mission of providing housing with life services to women, children and men living with HIV/AIDS.
This year we hope to raise $250,000. You can help make a difference by joining us along with 58 other cities throughout North America and Nigeria and dine out on April 28th.
Celebrating 18 years! Dine Out. Fight AIDS. EDGE ALLIANCE
Dining Out For Life Chicago
Complete List of Restaurants
Find them on Facebook
Best of the Best Restaurants and Dining in Chicago
Annual Spring Brunch for Chicago House HALF SOLD OUT ALREADY
Spring Brunch and Fashion Show.
Enjoy a delicious Sunday Brunch while getting a view into the new spring fashions, featuring the Mark Shale spring line atop the Harold Washington.
Do not miss out on this annual SOLD OUT event!
Tickets are half sold out already!
In addition RSVP Vacations returns as the EXCLUSIVE LIVE AUCTION SPONSOR with a fantastic new cruise to the best of the Mediterranean! Visit Barcelona, Tunisia, Sicily, Florence, and Marseille on an 8 night RSVP cruise!
Sunday, May 1, 2011 11:30 am – 3:00 pm
Harold Washington Library, Winter Garden Ballroom 400 South State Street
GET TICKETS ONLINE!
Please call (773) 248-5200 x303 for more information.
BestGayChicago.com
Crew Bar + Grill Hosts Proud to run Race benefit April 10th
Chicago’s award winning gay sports bar, will host a benefit for the 30th Annual Proud to Run Race on Sunday, April 10th, from 1pm to 4pm.
The Proud to Run Race celebrates gay and lesbian pride and is held on the same weekend in June as the Chicago Gay Pride Parade. This year’s race will be Saturday, June 25th.
For a $20 donation, attendees to the benefit at Crew will take part in an all you can drink beer bust and raffle for various prizes, including a Blu-Ray DVD player and two pairs of tickets to an upcoming Chicago Cubs game.
“One of the things that attracted us to the Proud to Run event is that it’s not just a race. It’s also a fundraiser to benefit a couple of charities in the Chicago Area,” said Crew co-owner Steve Milford. This year Proud to run will benefit Pride Youth Services, a North Shore Health Service program for LGBT youth, and the Gerber/Hart Library, a non-profit library focused on Chicago LGBT history and archival materials. “We love doing these kinds of charitable events that benefit the community, and this particular event is also a sporting event, which is right up our alley,” added Mr. Milford.
Last year, the race had over 1,100 participants, and organizers hope to boost attendance by almost 20% to 1,300. Holding events and benefits, like the April 10th beer bust at Crew is one way the organizers hope to reach out to more people in the community. “I’ve run the Proud to Run race every year since I moved to Chicago almost a decade ago. It’s a great way to kick off Pride weekend with friends,” said Dave Davila, a manager at Crew Bar + Grill. “I hope this year to get some more of my co-workers running with me.”
Crew Bar + Grill, located at the intersection of Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere gay sports bar. In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.
Crew Bar + Grill 4804 N Broadway Chicago, IL 60640
PROUD TO RUN race
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Red Dress Party Tickets Discount
On-line ticket sales close April 12th at 5pm for the upcoming CHICAGO RED DRESS PARTY benefit.
General Admission: $80.00 ($130.00 at the door)
- Open Bar Featured Drinks
- Light Food Stations
- Featured Dessert by Specialty’s Bakery
VIP: $150.00 ($200.00 at the door)
- Premium Open Bar
- VIP lounge
- Early Admission
- Premium Hors D’oeuvres
- Passed Champagne Toast w/ Dessert pairing
- Goodie Bags by Kenneth Cole
GO ONLINE NOW
Chicago RED DRESS PARTY ! April 16th, 2011 525 W Monroe
BestGayChicago.com
Equality Illinois Womens Social April 9th
Women’s Social are going fast!
To purchase your tickets to this hot event, visit EQIL.org, or call 773-477-7173.
Presenting Sponsors include Olivia Cruises and CNA, Silver Sponsors include Dalila Fridi and Elizabeth McKnight, and food and cocktails are provided by Carnival Foods and Sidetrack.
We look foward to seeing you at Flourish Studios on April 9!
Dining out For Life Chicago April 28th
With such a big heart, Chicago also has a big stomach to fill. So, on Thursday, April 28th, EdgeAlliance will present its 18th annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser to fight HIV/AIDS.
To join us in the fight, dine out at one of Chicago’s participating restaurants and be a part of the solution. With more than 100 participating restaurants in 30 neighborhoods, Dining Out For Life is a true-to-Chicago tradition. Each participating restaurant will donate a heaping portion of their revenue that day to EdgeAlliance and its mission to provide affordable housing and supportive services to people living with HIV/AIDS.
Participating restaurants in Chicago include Atwood Cafe, Peninsula Hotel, Carnivale, Club Lucky, Mia Francesca, Signature Room, South Water Kitchen and More can be found at DiningOutforLife.com
Along with raising funds, Dining Out For Life seeks to raise awareness for the importance of its cause. The Chicago LGBT community is still being affected heavily by HIV/AIDS. Approximately 22,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago alone. Last year 76% of all Chicago men who contracted HIV/AIDS were members of the gay community. By participating in Dining Out For Life, supporting the fight against HIV/AIDS has never been so fun! A donation of $10 or more enrolls you in a raffle with five desirable grand prizes, and special menus on the date of the event added with festive décor will make this night truly memorable. Gather your family, friends and co-workers for this city-wide event! Find a participating restaurant in your city at
Dining out for Life.com or join the conversation at Facebook.com/DineOut4Life and Twitter.com/DineOut4Life.
Equality Illinois Baseball Social March 31
Join Equality Illinois and our friends at Sluggers Sports Bar on Thursday, March 31 from 6 to 9pm for a casual social to celebrate Opening Day 2011!
Come meet White Sox great Minnie Minoso (stay tuned for other names to be added!) and enjoy cocktails and the chance to win door prizes. Tickets, which include 2 complimentary cocktails and a drawing ticket are $10 at the door. Come meet some new friends and let’s celebrate the beginning of the 2011 baseball season!
EQIL 2011 Baseball Season Opening Social
Thursday, March 31 6 to 9pm
Sluggers Sports Bar 3540 N. Clark Street in Chicago
Tickets $10 at the door (2 complimentary cocktails and a drawing ticket)
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago Red Dress Party Event – Red Hot Runway March 29
Just weeks away,
The Chicago Red Dress Party happens
on April 16th.
Have you seen the display window at BEATNIX?
(Corner of Roscoe and Halsted)
Delicious red dresses galore!
To support the mission of the Chicago Red Dress Party, PRSSA is hosting a fashion design competition, “Red Hot Runway,” highlighting Columbia College fashion designers. It will serve as a pre-event to the April 16 Chicago Red Dress Party while simultaneously working to benefit the organization and its beneficiaries-AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Equality Project. Donations for the Red Dress Party organization will be taken and tickets to their April 16th fundraiser will be sold at that time.
Fifteen student designers have designed one red dress that will hit the runway on March 29, 2011. Each piece will be judged based on execution, design quality, and wear-ability. The 900 Shops are donating a window featuring the top three dresses April 1-18. Various other prizes will be awarded to winners.
Judges will include:
Candace Jordan | Candid Candace
Kevin Aeh | Editor at Timeout Chicago
Miriam Cecilia Carlson | Designer & Owner at Miriam Cecilia
Jerry Svec | Founder of XOXO & Columbia College faculty
8 PM Reception
9 PM Runway Show
Donations for the Chicago Red Dress Party will be taken all night.
Dress is formal attire.
**TO ATTEND: You MUST RSVP to rhrRSVP@gmail.com
This event will fill up fast, so send your RSVP’s before the list cuts off!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago Takes Off Raises Over $150,000 for TPAN
They started out fully clothed…..
and the clothes gradually came off!
The 5th annual Chicago Takes Off / Lido des Boyz was a HUGE SUCCESS.
More than $150,000 was raised for TPAN with 2 SOLD OUT back to back shows!
It was an AMAZING production produced by Todd Kiech and Keith Elliott. The annual burlesque revue-style show featured over 125 talented male and female dancers, who donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life. It was so well done and some amazing costumes!
Much more photos on Facebook and some of the more risque shots are in a slide show.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR NEXT YEAR!
March 3rd, 2012
BestGayChicago.com
Chicago Red Dress Party is Just Weeks Away!
Chicago’s First Annual Red Dress party! a national event that draws over 800 attendees per city to create awareness and visibility for raising funds dedicated to the research and care of HIV/AIDS patients. Sure to be one of the most dynamic events of the year, this acclaimed event will feature international entertainment – including recording artist Kristine W. and Chicago’s very own Miss Foozie. Hosted by Marcus Riley (NBC) and Candace Jordan (Candid Candace) the event will be taking place at 525 W. Monroe St., compliments of Tishman Speyer Properties. The Chicago Red Dress Party is honored to have named AIDS Foundation of Chicago and Equality Project as the official beneficiaries.
WHAT WILL YOU WEAR????
As a strict requirement: all attendees must wear red. In honor of the “Red Dress” – everyone is encouraged to attend wearing a red dress – even men are invited to join in on the fun!
Date: April 16, 2011
Time: 8:30p.m. – 2:00a.m.
(VIP Admission: 8:30p.m. | General Admission: 9:00p.m.)
Venue: 525 W. Monroe St.
Tickets: General Admission: $80 | VIP: $150 | VIP Exclusive: $1000
More info here: www.chicagoreddressparty.org/tickets
The History….While it’s hard to trace the roots of a long-standing tradition, we’ll do our best to bring you the history of this grand standing event. In the early 1990’s, two gentlemen were dating when they both contracted HIV/AIDS. To show their love and dedication they vowed that when one of them passed away, the other would attend their funeral adorned in a red dress. From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently there are Red Dress Parties all over the United States from Seattle, Washington to Chicago, IL. Oh and yes… You must wear your best red attire to attend!
BestGayChicago.com
Center on Halsted Raises $50,000 from Oscars Party
Over 83 BILLION
people watched
the Oscars this year!
Here in Chicago 300+ patrons raised $50,000 for Center on Halsted programs and services, at their annual Oscar Extravaganza!
It was a first class production with Las Vegas style showgirls, televisions everywhere, delicious foods and drinks galore.
The rooftop at The Center was enclosed and heated to provide a very cool lounge type room. And a wonderful silent auction helped raise a lot of money!
Chicago has sure come a long way!
Starting with Gay Horizons, founded in 1973 as a volunteer-run telephone helpline and meeting place for gays and lesbians, growing into The Center on Halsted, 175,000 square feet offering an abundance of services to the LGBT community . It is a world-class center we should be very proud of, and support any way we can.
NEXT UP –
HUMAN FIRST 2011 .
May 14th with Wanda Sykes and
Linda Eder at the Harris Theater.
Sure to be a great evening!
Ellen DeGeneres to do The Ride for AIDS Chicago
Someone on
Facebook revived BETTY WHITE’S CAREER
for Gods sake! This is the power of the people in the 21st century!
Local entrepreneurs and fundraisers Jason Mora and Michael Ross Steffen are once again doing the Chicago Ride For AIDS this year. And this year, they are asking out and proud lesbian ELLEN DEGENERES to join their team!
Through a Facebook campaign, you can join in the fun! ELLEN RIDE FOR AIDS .
Come on ELLEN! Come to Chicago and Ride with us!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago Takes Off Lido Paris Style, March 5th
Chicago Takes Off is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN. Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life.
LOADED with entertainment this year, it’s going to be a great show! Murray Hill , dubbed as “the hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” will be making his second appearance as emcee on March 5 for the Test Positive Aware Network’s fundraising event Chicago Takes Off: Lido des Boyz, presented by Macy’s.
The New York Times anointed Murray “Downtown’s New ‘It’ Boy.” He’s been included in “Best of New York” lists in the Village Voice, Paper and New York Magazine; inducted into Paper’s Nightlife Hall of Fame; and selected as OUT magazine’s Top 100 influential performers. “Mr. Showbiz” will share his return appearance with famed burlesque performers Michelle L’Amour, Frenchie Kiss and Stage Door Johnnies.
The theme for the 2011 Chicago Takes Off is modeled after the famed Lido cabaret in Paris.
Glamorous costumes for the men will be eye-popping this year! “When TPAN first approached me about the show Todd said they were looking for big over the top Las Vegas Glamour but interpreted for the Male lead, and that he thought I might be the right man for the job,” says designer Ramsey J. Prince . “I smiled and said I am the ONLY man for that job!”
I recently got a sneak peak from Ramsey Prince!
These are some of the Las Vegas/Lido style costumes
some of men will be wearing!
Performances are Saturday, March 5,
with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.,
at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage.
“This event has grown in popularity—and notoriety—in just a few years,” said Rhett Lindsay, TPAN’s associate director of special events. “We sell out each show every year with more than 1,400 attendees.” To date, Lindsay said that more two-thirds of the tickets have been sold for the 2011 performances.
Get your tickets now online !
7:30 show is almost entirely sold out
10:30 show has a few more seats available
Best Gay Chicago.com
Center on Halsted’s Oscar Party Coming February 27th
JUST DAYS AWAY!
Experience The Center like never before as they transform Center on Halsted into Chicago’s premiere Oscar Night hot spot.
Walk the Red Carpet and browse auction items before lounging in the heated rooftop tent.
Enjoy cocktails and a buffet with friends while the Academy Awards stream live in their private theater and on monitors throughout the third floor.
Attire is fun & fabulous!
6pm: Red Carpet Pre-Show & Silent Auction
7pm: Academy Awards Telecast
Get your tickets for this fabulous annual party !
Producer Tickets: $125 each.
Includes reserved cabaret seating in the theater and open bar table service throughout the night.
Cabaret tables can accommodate 4 guests each. Call Jacob Kosior, Director of Special Events, at 773.661.0788 for seating options if your guests are purchasing their tickets separately or require other accommodations.
Director Tickets: $75 each.
Includes Red Carpet access, buffet and open bar, with seating and viewing options throughout the third floor
Garage parking is available at 808 W. Addison as is street parking.
Parking will NOT be available in the underground Whole Foods parking facility.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago Takes Off for Charity March 5th
Chicago Takes Off
is the annual burlesque revue-style show where talented male and female dancers donate their time and energy to strut their stuff in support of TPAN . Colorful and energetic choreographed performances and entertainment engage audiences in this sexy celebration of life.
LOADED with entertainment this year, it’s going to be a great show! Murray Hill, dubbed as “the hardest working middle-aged man in show business,” will be making his second appearance as emcee on March 5 for the Test Positive Aware Network’s fundraising event Chicago Takes Off: Lido des Boyz, presented by Macy’s.
“Mr. Showbiz” will share his return appearance with famed burlesque performers Michelle L’Amour, Frenchie Kiss and Stage Door Johnnies.
In addition to the 130 volunteer performers and dancers, the show will also feature eclectic and magical stunts and acrobatics by The Midnight Circus, vocals by Black Betty’s lead singer Molly Callinan, modern dance by Fabrice Camels of Joffrey Ballet Chicago, and a special appearance by NBC Chicago’s LeeAnn Trotter and Alex Perez.
“We’re excited to bring such a wide variety of entertainment to one stage to benefit TPAN,” said Todd Kiech, co-producer of the event. “Our performers, crew members and technicians are providing a lot of talent (and some tiny costumes) to benefit this valuable community organization.”
In its fifth year, Chicago Takes Off has developed into a first-class variety show with classic burlesque elements, according to Keith Elliott, co-producer.
Glamorous costumes for the men will be eye-popping this year! “When TPAN first approached me about the show Todd said they were looking for big over the top Las Vegas Glamour but interpreted for the Male lead, and that he thought I might be the right man for the job,” says designer Ramsey J. Prince . “I smiled and said I am the ONLY man for that job!”
The theme for the 2011 Chicago Takes Off is modeled after the famed Lido cabaret in Paris. Performances are Saturday, March 5, with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., at the Park West, 322 W. Armitage.
“This event has grown in popularity—and notoriety—in just a few years,” said Rhett Lindsay, TPAN’s associate director of special events. “We sell out each show every year with more than 1,400 attendees.” To date, Lindsay said that more two-thirds of the tickets have been sold for the 2011 performances.
In addition to the volunteer cast and production crew, the benefit committee comprises more than 20 volunteers, 27 executive producers, and 15 host committee members/table captains.
Tickets range from $50 to $300 and can be purchased online at chicagotakesoff.org . If you’re unable to attend the event, but wish to support TPAN’s mission of providing HIV/AIDS services and programs in Chicago, raffle tickets can also be purchased and donations can be made online.
Macy’s has joined the event as the 2011 presenting sponsor; other sponsors include: Amalfi Hotel Chicago, Broadway Costumes, CoCo’s Heirloom Treasures, Frost, HMS Media, Orbitz, Park West, Paterno Group, Ramsey J. Prince Designs , Steamworks, and Visceral Dance Center.
Media sponsors are: BOI magazine, BestGayChicago.com , Chicago Reader, ChicagoPride.com, Comcast, Fusion Radio Chicago, GRAB magazine, MTMChicago.com, NBC Chicago, Nightspots magazine, Positively Aware magazine, Time Out Chicago, and
Windy City Media Group.
DON’T MISS THIS EVENT!
Chicago Takes Off
