Category Archives: Benefits
Equlaity Illinois GALA February 12th
The Equality Illinois 20th anniversary Justice for All Gala is almost here!
This year’s celebration, already the largest of its kind in the Midwest, is expected to sell out. Tickets are selling fast, so book yours today! Over 1,000 people are expected!
Come celebrate passage of the civil unions bill and twenty years of success in fighting for LGBT rights in Illinois! Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Hilton Chicago, downtown.
As always, a spectacular Silent Auction will be a highlight of the evening. Take some time to browse the offerings at this year’s Silent Auction. Want to own lovely art from local artist Roberto Cabrera? How about a stay at the elegant Hyatt Regency Aruba? Wish to grace the walls of your home with a Picasso? Ever wanted to be a fighter pilot for a day? We’ve got you covered from restaurant gift certificates to fantastic travel adventures.
GET TICKETS ONLINE
CREW’S Chill Contest Raises $1050 for Food Pantry
held its 5th Annual Charity
Chili Contest this past weekend, and raised $1050 for the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real. Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community. The annual chili contest lets patrons sample different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation.
Wayne Johnson, food and lifestyle reporter for NBC Chicago, hosted the event which featured nine contestants with a wide range of chili flavors and styles. The winning chili was submitted by local author of The Screwed Up Life of Charlie the Second, Drew Ferguson, who graciously donated his $100 prize to the Care for Real food pantry.
Crew’s contest also features a design and presentation award, named for out lifestyle designer Christopher Lowell. This year’s entries included a cowboy themed setup, a Glee parody, and a Chicago style stuffed ballot box theme. The Lowell Award winner was Dawn DeGroot with a Las Vegas Casino table theme, complete with a light up Welcome To Las Vegas sign, tuxedo coat and tie.
“We are so thrilled with the outcome of the Charity Chili Cook Off,” Steve Milford, co-owner of Crew Bar + Grill, said, “Before the contest, I said I’d be happy if we raised just a little bit more than 2010’s $540, but our customers really came out and supported the event and the Care for Real pantry . At the end of the day, we doubled the amount of money raised from the previous year.” Crew co-owner, Brian Wells added, “Care for Real has been in the neighborhood doing good work for many years, but they told us that this January was one of their busiest on record. These are tough economic times, and I’m so thankful for the generosity of our customers. They never cease to amaze me.”
Crew Bar + Grill , located at 4804 N Broadway , Chicago, IL 60640 (Broadway and Lawrence), is Chicago’s premiere, award winning 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.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago House SnowBall 2011 Raises $35,000
SNOWBALL 2011 Champagne Wrapture
Last night on the 80th floor of the AON Building, Chicago came out to support Chicago House . Veuve Clicquot champagne, Grand Marnier and Belevdere vodka flowed!
Wonderful live Jazz was supplied by Erin McDougald
and guests opened up their wallets and purses to bid on an artistic
assortment of goodies! $35,000 was raised !
LOTS MORE PHOTOS ON
OUR FACEBOOK PAGE !
LIKE US and SEE MORE
Ride for AIDS Chicago Kickoff Event January 30
Co-chairs Angie Frank,
Matt Daniel, Rick Heintz,
and Shaine Wynsma
cordially invite you to the
Ride for AIDS Chicago
Kickoff Event.
Sunday, January 30
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. T’s Bar and Restaurant 5025 N. Clark St.
To date: 17 Teams Have Registered, there are8 Community Partners
133 Registered Riders and Crew Members and $15,636 Raised to Fight HIV/AIDS!
$50 Early Biker Registration ends January 31! ($85 after)
Register now online !
For more information, contact Richard at TPAN, (773) 989-9400 ext. 230
Best Gay Chicago.com
William Greaves Birthday Party January 24 to Benefit About Face Youth Theatre
In 2000 he was asked to be the Council’s Director, and he has served in that capacity since.
Bill is well known and respected throughout the city of Chicago! On Monday, January 24th, join Bill and Friends as he celebrates his 60th BIRTHDAY! with a benefit at Mini Bar and Lounge.
3341 N. Halsted. from 6 – 8pm.
DJ Lori Branch, DAAN, and DoubleDJ will rock the night! Check them out on Facebook!
A $10 cover charge will benefit About Face Youth Theatre. With your admission, enjoy an open bar, hosted by Ultimat Vodka, and appetizers. A lovely gift basket of Ultimat goodies will be raffled off as well.
Best Gay Chicago.com
Red Dress Party Cocktail Event at Kit Kat January 17th
In just about 12 weeks, the newest, hottest Chicago benefit comes to town! April 16th, 2011, The Red Dress Party (a national event) is dedicated to creating awareness and visibility for the HIV/AIDS movement and raising funds for organizations that provide vital community services. The Chicago version will happen at a cool venue to be announced in the coming weeks!
On Monday, January 17th, JOIN US at KIT KAT LOUNGE for an EVENING OF RED! as we celebrate with a kick-off party 6-9pm.
50% OFF all drinks, martinis and food! Wear something red and get your first drink FREE. Also purchase your raffle tickets for a chance to win an amazing Effen Vodka basket, a Veuve clicqot basket, tickets to the Chicago Red Dress Party and more.
Join the Facebook page! See you there!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Crew Bar + Grill’s 5th Annual Charity Chili Contest January 29th
The annual chili contest lets patrons sample ten different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation to the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real . Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community.
Wayne Johnson won the NBC Today Show’s “Domestic Diva” contest in 2004 and has since gone on to become a regular contributor to Chicago’s NBC affiliate with his weekly “Wayne’s Weekend” segments, a mix of home and lifestyle tips and events in the Chicago area.
This year will mark Wayne Johnson’s first as celebrity guest host of the Charity Chili Contest. “We are overjoyed to have Wayne, a true Chicago original, as host for the event this year,” Steve Milford, co-owner of Crew Bar + Grill, said, “ but more importantly, we hope to raise even more money for Care For Real this year than we did last year.” Crew’s 2009 Charity Chili Contest raised over $400 and the 2010 Contest raised more than $500. “I’d really like to see us top that by another hundred this year and keep the trend going. In these tough economic times, we’d like to raise as much as possible for Care for Real. So they can continue doing all their good work.”
Patrons are encouraged to enter their recipes for the Chili Contest as soon as possible. Only ten entrants will be allowed, and prizes will be awarded for the best chili recipe, $100 in cash, and the category for best presentation of your chili, the “Christopher Lowell award”, which nets a $50 Crew gift card. “Aside from the great food, I look forward to the clever ways contestants dress up their chili. In years past, we’ve had a tailgate party theme, space odyssey, cosmic chili, and last year’s winner the 60’s inspired Mad Men housewives, who served their chili in martini glasses. Our contestants get really creative with it,” Brian Wells, Crew Bar + Grill co-owner, had to say of the contest’s best presentation award.
Crew Bar + Grill, located at Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere, award winning 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
Best Gay Chicago.com
Snowball is the new Champagne Wrapture for Chicago House, January 27
Thursday, January 27, 2011
High above the city, on the 80th floor of the AON Tower, an artic blast of bubbly awaits you!
Hit the snow-capped slopes and join Veuve Clicquot and Co-Chairs David Kaufman, Tom Segal, Matthew Harvat, Scott Silverman, and Christopher Hubbard for Champagne Wrapture Snowball 2011: Clicquot in the Snow.
Bubbly treats and specialty cocktails by Veuve Clicquot, Belvedere Vodka, and Grand Marnier. Live Jazz by Erin McDougald and Snow Bunny Fashion Trunk Show. Champagne Wrapture Snowball Tickets Online
Date: Thursday, January 27, 2011 Time: 6PM
Where: The Mid-America Club, 200 East Randolph Dr.,
80th Floor, Chicago IL
Tickets: $75 Advance/$85 At Door
Attire: Stylish Snow Bunny,
Wear Your Best Winter Whites!
See you there!
Best Gay Chicago.com
Best Friends – Help Homless Pets and SMILE
Frazzled from shopping yet? Tired of the crowds?
This will put a smile on your face !
Watch these adorable dogs decorate cookies and get ready to celebrate the holidays in style. They’re not only spreading good cheer, they have an important message to share— Make a holiday wish come true for a homeless dog or cat…ADOPT!
HOMELESS PETS – It’s so sad. Best Friends Animal Society is a nonprofit organization building no-kill programs and partnerships that will bring about a day when there are No More Homeless Pets®. At the core of Best Friends’ work is the dream that one day kindness will replace cruelty, and animals will no longer be destroyed because they are unwanted or imperfect. Spaying and neutering will be the rule for all pets and adoption will be the first option for everyone. Making this dream a reality is the mission we call No More Homeless Pets. The society’s leading initiatives in animal care and community programs are coordinated from its Kanab, Utah, headquarters, the country’s largest no-kill sanctuary. This work is made possible by the personal and financial support of a grassroots network of supporters and community partners across the nation.
Sponsor an animal. Help buy food. Donate a dollar or two. Your contribution to Best Friends goes straight to work helping tens of thousands of animals both at the sanctuary at Best Friends and through outreach and rescue programs all around the country.
For more information visit: http://www.bestfriends.org/
WATCH THE VIDEO NOW !
(there are lots of fun videos on their site – sure to make you smile!)
Red Dress Brunch at Cocktail Sunday December 12
is a national event dedicated to creating awareness and visibility for the HIV/AIDS movement and raising funds for organizations that provide vital community services.
The CHICAGO RED DRESS PARTY
will take place April 16th, 2011.
This Sunday, December 12th, join Best Gay Chicago.com as we help kick off a series of mini pre-parties and benefits! RED DRESSS BRUNCH takes place this Sunday at Cocktail, 3359 N. Halsted, from 12-3pm.
Come join us for brunch! Dine out and drink and help a great cause!
“Raise Your Glass” to end HIV/AIDS. Enjoy some fantastic brunch and drink specials will be – $1 Cocktails, $2 Mimosas and $3 Raspberry Long Islands.
20% of proceeds will be donated to Chicago Red Dress Party which supports AIDS Foundations of Chicago and Equality Project.
Join us on Facebook
Best Gay Chicago.com
Chicago Takes Off Kickoff Event on December 5
Chicago competed for the title
of “Chicago’s Sexiest,”
in Test Positive Aware Network’s (TPAN)
Bar-lesque fundraising event and online
strip-a-thon which took place throughout November.
Bars competing in the competition included Angelina Ristorante, Atmosphere, The Call, Cell Block, Cocktail, Hydrate, Jackhammer, Minibar, Roscoe’s, Sidetrack, Spin, Touche, and the Velvet Rope. In total, the bars and contestants raised a total of $21,305 to support TPAN’s HIV/AIDS programs and services.
The winner will be crowned at the official kickoff extravaganza for Chicago Takes Off to be held Sunday, December 5 at 4 p.m. at Scarlet Bar, located at 3320 N. Halsted.
“In its third year, we’re delighted to raise an amazing amount of money for TPAN,” said Dan Paterno, co-chair of the events. “We truly value the fundraising efforts of everyone who’s been involved with Bar-lesque this year and the volunteers who have put so much time and effort into the events.”
The online competition ended at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, November 30 with one winner cinching the title, a mere $360 more than the second place contestant. TPAN has announced that the Web site, BAR LESQUE , will re-launch on Monday, December 6 to give donors an opportunity to contribute end of the year donations and continue supporting their favorite bar staff.
Chicago Takes Off: Lido des Boyz
Sunday’s crowning and Chicago Takes Off kickoff event will feature statuesque performers in themed regalia to launch ticket and raffle sales for the main event, which will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2011 in two shows, 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., at the Park West.
In its fifth year, the Chicago Takes Off theme is “LIDO des Boyz,” which is sure to tease audiences with the enchantment and exhilaration of Paris’s famed Lido Cabaret, all in support of TPAN’s mission of providing HIV/AIDS programs and services. Macy’s has joined the 2011 spring event as the presenting sponsor.
For tickets and information about Chicago Takes Off, log on to Chicago Takes Off .
LIKE Howard Brown on Facebook and They Get $25!
Just to go the Howard Brown
Facebook page
and LIKE them.
And they get $25 from
an anonymous donor!
How easy is that?! And it costs you NOTHING! Tell all your friends! They need 1000 people to LIKE them and the get $25,000!
Best Gay Chicago.com
World of Chocolate is Back December 2nd!
World of Chocolate
Thursday, December 2, 2010
6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Hilton Chicago
(720 S. Michigan Ave.)
World of Chocolate is the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) annual holiday fundraising event held in commemoration of World AIDS Day. At this festive event, guests will sample scrumptious chocolate creations from more than 30 of Chicagoland’s finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers. It is THE holiday event of the season, not to be missed!
Chocolate vendors creating the delicacies will compete for top honors in several categories as judged by local celebrities. Other components of the evening include entertainment, a raffle, an open bar, and a light buffet.
Chocolate Bliss Recipe Challenge
Event guests can submit their own original chocolate recipe for consideration in the first annual Chocolate Bliss Recipe Challenge, to recipes @ aidschicago.org.
A panel of professional chocolatiers and chefs from the event will select the top recipe of choice – which will be announced at World of Chocolate 2010.
Come and meet one of the most innovative chocolatiers of all time. Fritz Knipschildt, a native of Denmark, moved to the USA in 1996 and founded Knipschildt Chocolatier LLC in 1999 and café Chocopologie in 2005. (In Norwalk, Connecticut) His European background, the formal education as a Chef in Denmark along with his training in France and Spain, have blended with his American experiences to influence his chocolate & confections. The AIDS Foundation of Chicago is proud to welcome Fritz as the 2010 Honorary Chair and Celebrity Judge for World of Chocolate.
General Admission tickets $100 now, $125 at the door.
Best Gay Chicago
Nathan Manske and I’m From Driftwood Arrive in Chicago
He’s HERE! Nathan Manske has arrived in Chicago!
Nathan Manske is the creator and editor of the gay, true-stories and very popular blog I’m From Driftwood . He is indeed from Driftwood, Texas, but has lived in Brooklyn, New York since 2003.
LGBT people have been submitting their stories online to Nathan for a couple years now. This year, he decided to go on the road, collecting more video stories, for a documentary. Chicago is on his stops this week, then off to Michigan!
Produced under his newly founded company, Crush Deviant Media, Marquise Lee serves as director and editor of the I’m From Driftwood original Video Stories.
MONDAY November 22, they will be at the Center on Halsted from 5 – 6:30pm.
TUESDAY, November 23rd, they will be at Roscoes at 11pm hosting a little fundraiser to raise additional funds for the documentary.
Come out and show them some love!
Cupcakes Cookies And Delicious Dessert Gifts to Benefit Chicago House
Nothing Says Happy Holidays
Like Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery!
Have you started making your holiday gift list?
It’s just WEEKS AWAY!!
Whether you are shopping for a foodie, a party host, or coffee enthusiast, the perfect gift is waiting at Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery.
This year, Sweet Miss Giving’s has created a wide array of gift boxes which include everything from spicy ginger and molasses cookies to red velvet cupcakes topped with creamy white icing. Are you attending a holiday party this year? Let Sweet Miss Giving’s deliver brownies, cheesecakes, or gourmet coffee right to the host’s door so you can effortlessly attend holiday parties while showing your gratitude.
Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery and Gifting is a premier bakery and jobs program that offers rich, decadent baked goods while providing a new reason to feel good about sweet indulgences: over 50% of all profits go to help the formerly homeless and HIV/AIDS-affected men, women, and children of Chicago House.
Call 312-575-0212 to place your order or visit Sweet Miss Givings to purchase online.
Check out their holiday gift brochure .
Sweet Miss Giving’s Bakery-the Unquestionably Kind,
Unreasonably Good way to give this holiday season!
TPAN’s Bar Lesque Benefit Update
It is week #2 of Chicago’s favorite online charity event and thanks to your generosity, some of our contestants are wearing a little less than they were just one short week ago. Remember, for the entire month of November, contestants representing thirteen community businesses are “taking it all off” when you donate to TPAN.
Curious? Head to Bar-lesque.org and see what your favorite guy is not wearing today. While you’re at it, make sure to check out which contestant is sporting the hottest tattoo right above his…
AND…
After Rick from Cell Block pulled into an early lead over the weekend, he and Michael from Atmosphere are now neck and neck in a tie. Jason from Sidetrack and Scott from Cocktail are right behind. Word on the street is Rick is pulling in the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence to help him raise coin for the cause next week. Seriously, who is going to say no to a SISTER! It is shaping up to be a heated contest, so watch out for flying clothes!
Thanks to all of you who attended last week’s kickoff event at SPIN! You helped catapult the event by raising $1,322 for TPAN.
What is Bar-lesque?
We canvassed the city far and wide to find charity-minded businesses to send over their sexiest guy or girl to take it all off in an online strip-a-thon to benefit the work of TPAN. Thirteen of Chicago’s sexiest from Angelina Ristorante, Atmosphere, CellBlock, The Call, Cocktail, Hydrate, Jackhammer, Minibar, Roscoe’s, Sidetrack, Spin, Touche and Velvet Rope are taking it off for charity…online! You participate by donating for your favorite contestant at www.bar-lesque.org.
Madeleine Albright Speaks at Chicago House Luncheon December 9th
Madeleine Korbel Albright
is the first woman to become a United States Secretary of State. She was appointed by U.S. President Bill Clinton on December 5, 1996, and was unanimously confirmed by a U.S. Senate vote of 99-0. She was sworn in on January 23, 1997.
Albright endorsed and supported Hillary Clinton in her 2008 campaign for U.S. President. Albright has been a close friend of Clinton and serves as her top informal advisor on foreign policy matters. She is currently[clarification needed] serving as a top advisor for U.S. President Barack Obama in a working group on national security. On December 1, 2008, then-President-elect Obama nominated then-Senator Clinton for Albright’s former post of Secretary of State.
CHICAGO HOUSE PRESENTS
The 2nd Annual Speaker Series Luncheon
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Addressing HIV and Homelessness
Featuring Keynote Speaker, Madeleine K. Albright
When: Thursday, December 9, 2010
Where: Palmer House Hilton, 17 East Monroe St., Chicago, IL
Time: 11:30AM-2:00PM
Please call (773) 248-5200 x304 to inquire about corporate tables and sponsorship opportunities.
Ticket Levels : Premium: $150 Preferred: $300 VIP: $750
BEHIV’s 5th Annual Exhibition of Artwork – Opens November 19
“Resilience”
BEHIV’s 5th Annual Exhibition of Artwork
from Art Therapy Clients and Supportive Artists
Better Existence with HIV (BEHIV ) will host its fifth annual exhibition of artwork created by clients in its Art Therapy program, as well as supportive community artists, at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, from November 19 through January 4.
The exhibition will be preceded by a fundraising reception on November 19,
from 6:00-7:30pm, in the Center’s Irving Harris Family Foundation Reception Hall.
Tickets to the reception can be purchased on BEHIV’s website
The exhibition itself is free to the public.
Art Therapy helps people explore issues related to HIV/AIDS, assisting them in coping with a range of emotions. Permission to create and learning to respect one’s own creations are cornerstones of the program. Verbal expression has its limitations, but acquiring a visual language offers powerful energy for change and healing. Most of BEHIV’s clients have no formal art training, but their ability to work through difficult emotional issues through their art helps them lead more productive, healthier lives.
In the past, Art Therapy was funded by federal Ryan White CARE Act funds, but Art Therapy funding has been eliminated from that program. BEHIV is committed to continuing the beneficial service and hosts the exhibition and reception annually to support the program, with reception proceeds and art sales benefiting the program.
Sponsors of the 2010 exhibition (to date) include BestGayChicago.com, Boi Magazine, Canon Solutions, Center on Halsted, Chicago Department of Public Health, ChicagoPride.com, GRAB Magazine, MTMChicago.com, Northwest Speech and Hearing Center, Tibotec Therapeutics.
BEHIV annually educates more than 5,000 young people throughout Chicagoland about how to protect themselves, because HIV increasingly affects our youth houses more than 190 men, women and children impacted by HIV, who might otherwise be homeless
delivers case management, mental health counseling, art therapy and massage therapy services to more than 300 adults who need a lifeline to supportive services provides approximately 1,000 free HIV and sexually transmitted infection tests to our most vulnerable populations.
Blogger and Publisher Nathan Manske Brings His I’m From Driftwood Tour to Chicago!
Join
BEST GAY CHICAGO.com as:
Im From Driftwood
comes to CHICAGO!
Dates are approximate right now –
They hope to be in the city around
November 21-23.
Nathan Manske is the creator and editor of the gay, true-stories blog I’m From Driftwood and a freelance copywriter. He is indeed from Driftwood, Texas, but has lived in Brooklyn, New York since 2003.
The I’m From Driftwood tour project started in 2009 to show LGBT youth that we are all humans, all have a story and we live everywhere. We are all from Driftwood.
Nathan and his blog were addressing teen’s and coming out for over 2 years. “There are gay stories from every corner of the Earth and I think they should be told. To the gay teens struggling to come out and deal with their sexuality, who to this day still attempt suicide 4 times more than straight kids, it says “you are not alone.” Other people have dealt with similar situations, families, communities and churches, and have overcome and are now living happy lives. It can happen for you, too. It gets soooo much better, I promise. Hang in there, kiddo!”
They will be filming a documentary and are currently traveling to all of the 50 states.
Visit Im From Driftwood for more information. Follow the 50 State Tour !
We’ll have more details as they become available!!
