Category Archives: Benefits
Roundtable Salon with Top Authors
Join Melissa G Wilson and Four Great Authors for an Invigorating Evening with the Written Word!
When: Wednesday, October 15th, 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: Space (a most unique connection space!) 444 N Wabash, Chicago, IL, 5th floor
Have you been longing for a fun, more connective way of meeting new people?
Do you like to learn new things in a warm, inviting social setting?
Are you ready for a very unique, interactive experience?
Then you will want attend this first of its kind authors roundtable adventure.
What to Expect
- You will start by arriving at 5:30 where you will meet me as one of your hosts as well as other hosts who will introduce you around the room to others attending as well as the authors.
- At 6:00 p.m. We will have a brief introduction to the authors and their tables of conversation around each of their books.
- At 6:30 you will choose your first table to sit down at. Note that once a table is full you will have to go to one that has openings. At your table you will get the chance to not only listen to the author’s overview of his or her subject but also get to meet the other participants at your table and exchange ideas and ask questions to create great, stimulating conversation.
- At 7:00 you will again switch to another table of your choice and, once again, meet new people and have create a great exchange of ideas.
- At 7:30 you will have your third and final opportunity to sit down and converse with an author.
- From 7:30 – 8:00 we will have an open room conversation sharing the insights and highlights from the authors and you and the other participants.
Craig S Wilson, Author of Dating for Life (www.datingforlife.com)
World of Chocolate AIDS Foundation Benefit
WORLD OF CHOCOLATE: The Sweetest Event of the Year
Annual Holiday Gala Benefit for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
Indulge in a night of sweet and savory treats at the 13th annual World of Chocolate winter gala on Thursday, Dec. 4, presented by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) returning again this year at the historic Chicago Union Station. Arouse your senses with tasty morsels from 30 of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, chefs and caterers.
AFC hosts this one-of-a-kind gala to commemorate World AIDS Day and celebrate the progress the HIV/AIDS community has made in ending the epidemic. This is one of my favorite events of the year and the perfect way to kick off the holiday season!
From traditional truffles and white chocolate ganache to more savory delicacies like chicken in a chocolate mole sauce, guests will delight their taste buds with a wide array of chocolate-infused creations amid stylish decor. Celebrity judges will crown the night’s best creations. Attendees will also be treated to a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle and punchboard with lavish prizes and music.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s policy, public education and community care programs.
World AIDS Day, observed on Dec. 1, is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness about the epidemic. It encourages support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV. The movement originated in 1988, when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 4, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Chicago Union Station, 500 West Jackson Blvd.
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit http://www.aidschicago.org/chocolate/.
About Face Theatre Gala October 10th
For one exclusive night, step back into the golden age of Chicago’s Bohemian society as About Face Theatre presents THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB on Friday, October 10, 2014 from 7 pm – 10 pm at the swanky InterContinental Chicago, 505 N. Michigan Ave. on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. This magical throwback inspired by the 1930s cultural phenomenon known as the “Pansy Craze” will feature an evening of cocktails, dining and thrilling performances.
Travel back to Prohibition-era Chicago, when underground gay social clubs flourished in neighborhoods like Towertown on the northside and Bronzeville and Woodlawn on the southside. During the aptly-named “Pansy Craze,” gays, lesbians and other “non-conformists” flocked to these clubs known for their glamorous fashion, provocative performers, drag balls and rousing music.
Dress to the nines and step out with your friends at the most exciting event of the season!
Presented at the wonderful and historic InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. 505 N Michigan Ave.
Tickets for THE BLACK AND TAN SUPPER CLUB are available at www.aboutfacetheatre.org or by calling (773) 784-8565.
Chicago House Speakers Luncheon October 15th
6th Anniversary Speaker Series Luncheon
Wednesday, October 15th from 11:30am – 2:00pm
Hilton Chicago | Grand Ballroom | 720 S. Michigan Avenue
Featuring:
Laverne Cox (Orange Is The New Black Actress)
Jason Collins (NBA Player)
Dustin Lance Black (MILK Screenwriter)
Buy Tickets at www.chicagohouse.org
Spearheading a much-needed conversation about race, gender identity, class and solidarity, they will all be joined with remarks by Chicago House CEO Stan Sloan during this much anticipated and inspirational afternoon!
Heatwave is less than 8 Weeks Away
In about 8 weeks, HEATWAVE will be here! Summer fun in NOVEMBER!
From the producers of OUT IN THE PARK @ SIX FLAGS comes this new and unique event.
24 Hours of LGBT Paradise at Key Lime Cove INDOOR Water Park Resort!
Be a part of the country’s first-ever 24-hour PRIVATE LGBT Indoor Poolside Dance Party and Water Park Celebration Benefiting a Chicago Non-Profit Organization each year. Year one will be Chicago Gay Mens Chorus.
You get a room AND the party for $100 per person (based on double occupancy).
get all the details at HeatwaveChicago.com
You must call the hotel to book your room and you must say HEATWAVE EVENT.
AIDS Foundation Chicago Walk Run Sept. 14th
PRE-REGISTRATION ENDS TOMORROW on September 3 for the 2014 AIDS Run/Walk Chicago!
Sign up to join our community of passionate individuals and partner organizations gathering to support vital services for those living with HIV/AIDS in the Chicagoland area!
www.aidsrunwalk.org
Soul Train at Sidetrack August 20th
Remember Soul Train??
IF NOT, CLICK HERE AND WATCH!
Soul Train was a musical variety television program, which aired in from 1971 until 2006. In its 35-year history, the show primarily featured performances by R&B, soul and hip hop artists, although funk, disco , and gospel artists have also appeared. The series was created by Don Cornelius, who also served as its first host and executive producer.
NOW, you can Take funky trip on the Soul Train with ALCC! Join us on Wednesday, August 20, for their annual summer bash. They will be dealin’ some good feelings on the hippest trip in America!
Cocktails, scrumptious fare, sweet tunes, prizes, and an incredible silent auction await you.
All Aboard the SOUL TRAIN!
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago
Wednesday, August 20, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Tickets start at $50.
Chicago House Film Night for TransLife Center Aug. 2nd
CHICAGO HOUSE has a new and exciting benefit night they are launching! This is going to a very special event!!
AWARD-WINNING HOLLYWOOD DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS ANDY AND LANA WACHOWSKI TO OPEN UP PRIVATE STUDIO FOR “TRANSREELIZATION” ON AUGUST 2
The Matrix series. V for Vendetta. Cloud Atlas. For years, Andy and Lana Wachowski, the award-winning directors and producers of these films, have kept their Hollywood secrets hidden from the general public. But on Saturday, Aug. 2, the sibling duo is thrilled to offer an exclusive opportunity to join them at their private, 20,000-square foot industrial movie production studio in Edgewater – all to benefit Chicago House’s TransLife Center.
The inaugural event, TransReelization: An Evening of Film at Kinowerks Studio, will give attendees the chance to enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a selection of films at the Wachowskis’ studio at 5645 N Ravenswood Avenue.
Kinowerks Studio is renowned for its “cleverly sustainable design elements and the best of green technology,” and is lined with Wachowski artifacts, trophies and memorabilia from their films.
“We are delighted to host this event supporting the TransLife Center,” Lana Wachowski said, “for a cause that’s near and dear to our hearts.”
Lana herself identifies as transgender, and over recent years she’s accepted numerous awards for her work pertaining to trans issues, including the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Visibility Award in 2012.
“Invisibility is indivisible from visibility,” Wachowski said in her HRC acceptance speech. “For the transgender community this is not simply a philosophical conundrum – it can be the difference between life and death.”
VIP guests will have the opportunity for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the studio guided by Lana prior to the start of the event.
All guests will get a comprehensive look into trans* issues with a full selection of short films that address gender-related topics set to play beginning at 7 p.m. The films include I Am A Girl!, I’m Yours, Gender Games, Sisterhood, a trailer for MAJOR!, and an exclusive sneak preview of Black is Blue.
The TransLife Center, Chicago House’s newest initiative, which opened its doors in July 2013, provides comprehensive programming and support to transgender individuals that seek housing, health, legal and employment services.
Support the life changing work of Chicago House’s TransLife Center today, and buy your tickets for TransReelization online at www.chicagohouse.org.
ALCC brings SOUL TRAIN party to Sidetrack for August
SOUL TRAIN theme! Love it!
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago (ALCC) is proud to announce that its annual summer benefit is set for Wednesday, August 20, from 6 to 9pm at Sidetrack in Chicago.
This year’s theme is Soul Train and will feature cocktails by Sidetrack the Video Bar, specialty catering by Food for Thought, entertainment, a grand raffle, and a spectacular silent auction.
The auction will be done via mobile bidding at the event and online for those who are unable to attend. The auction will open online one week prior to the event and close at 8:30pm on August 20. Raffle and silent auction prizes include round-trip tickets to Europe courtesy of Orbitz; Chicago neighborhood entertainment and food packages; professional sports tickets; a Tesla Motors package; and hotel stays from various brands such as Hilton, Kimpton, Swissotel, Caesars Palace, Maui Sunseeker, Millennium, and more.
Tickets, which benefit ALCC’s free legal service programs, are just $50 and can be purchased at www.soultrain2014.eventbrite.com or by calling 312-427-8990.
AIDS Legal Council of Chicago uses the power of the law to secure health, dignity, and stability for people impacted by HIV and other life-changing health conditions.
AIDS Run Walk Chicago September 14 2014
AIDS Run & Walk Chicago raises funds to support life-saving care, prevention and housing services
WHAT: Ready… Set… Go!Thousands of Chicago-area runners will hit the lakefront path on Sunday, Sept.14 for this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, the city’s largest annual fundraising run/walk for HIV/AIDS. The event kicks off at Arvey Field in Grant Park with 5K and 10K courses winding along the lakeshore. Runners and walkers will be treated to post-race performances by local dance companies as well as entertainment along the route.
Funds raised through the AIDS Run & Walk Chicago will benefit programs and services for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and local partner organizations that work with more than 25,000 people living with HIV/AIDS in Chicagoland. Since its founding in 2001, AIDS Run & Walk Chicago has raised more than $4 million to battle the epidemic.
To register, donate or learn more, visitwww.aidsrunwalk.orgor call (312) 334-0946. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
WHEN: September 14, 2014
8:00 a.m. Event registration and packet pick-up
9:00 a.m. Opening ceremonies
9:30 a.m. 5K Walk begins
9:45 a.m. 10K Run begins
9:50 a.m. 5K Run begins
10:00 a.m. Post-race entertainment
COST: Event registration is $30-$45 in advance; $50 on-site. Registration includes the official t-shirt and other swag. To register as a fundraising individual or as a team, visit www.aidsrunwalk.org or call (312) 334-0946.
WHERE: Arvey Field in Grant Park, 1501 S. Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, Illinois 60605
Chicago House Birdhouse and Art Auction June 26
Co-Chairs, Jerry Sanfilippo, Spyros Petros, Denise Antonucci, Erik Retzer and Jim Josephson,
Invite you to join us, Thursday, June 26th, 2014, from 6pm -9pm, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers!
Functional birdhouses, funky art, and auction pieces for any shopper! Each year, Chicago House celebrates Pride with their famous Birdhouse Art Auction, where unique birdhouses and funky artwork are auctioned to benefit those living with HIV or AIDS.
Located at Room & Board’s gorgeous downtown store, guests are invited to toast to the summer season with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers. See photos from the 2013 Birdhouse Art Auction!
GET TICKETS NOW!
Chicago House BirdHouse Art Auction June 26
Thursday, June 26th, 2014, from 6pm -9pm – it’s the Annual Chicago House Birdhouse Art Auction!
Enjoy Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers! Functional birdhouses, funky art, and auction pieces for any shopper!
Each year, Chicago House celebrates Pride week with their famous Birdhouse Art Auction, where unique birdhouses and funky artwork are auctioned to benefit those living with HIV or AIDS.
Located at Room & Board’s gorgeous downtown store, guests are invited to toast to the summer season with delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on artwork and birdhouses from the city’s most unique designers.
See photos from the 2013 Birdhouse Art Auction!
GET TICKETS NOW!
Dance for Life: Inspiring Chicago, One Dance at a Time August 16th
Dance for Life: Inspiring Chicago, One Dance at a Time
Chicago’s Leading Dance Troupes Unite to Raise Funds for
HIV/AIDS Prevention and Services on Aug. 16
WHAT: Experience a night of awe-inspiring performances as six of Chicago’s top dance companies come together for one evening at Dance for Life, the largest performance-based AIDS fundraising event in the Midwest. With poignant choreography and moving music, this highly anticipated event is held annually to raise awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, education and prevention while promoting the art of dance in Chicago.
Since 1992 Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, Dance for Life Chicago features two electrifying, world-premiere performances by renowned choreographers Randy Duncan, Harrison McEldowney and Jeremy Plummer.
Funds raised through this year’s Dance for Life Chicago benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, The Dancers’ Fund, Agape Missions, NFP and MADE: Making A Daily Effort.
WHO: Participating Companies Include:
• Giordano Dance Chicago
• Joffrey Ballet
• River North Dance Chicago
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
• Visceral Dance Chicago
WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
8:00 p.m. – Dance for Life Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 E. Congress Pkwy.)
*Complimentary shuttle bus service provided between the two venues.
COST: $25-$75 (performance only)
$250- $600 (includes admission to 5:00 p.m. gala reception and premiere seating at the performance)
To purchase tickets, please call 312-922-5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.org
WHERE: Performance – Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago
Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago
Connect with Dance for Life on Facebook!
About Dance for Life
Dance for Life raises awareness and funds for HIV/AIDS care, prevention and education, while promoting the art of dance in Chicago. Realizing that AIDS had heavily affected the dance community, Dance for Life was founded in 1992 as an inventive way for dancers and dance companies, whose incomes do not normally allow for large donations, to be able to contribute time, effort and badly needed funds for existing AIDS agencies. Check us out online on the Dance for Life website or on Facebook.
About The Dancers’ Fund
The Dancers’ Fund, a funding program of Dance for Life, was created in 1994 as a one of a kind fund with the mission to provide emergency financial assistance to dancers living with HIV/AIDS and has since expanded to include any life-threatening illness. The Dancers’ Fund provides immediate financial assistance for those facing life-threatening illness, injury or circumstance. Designed to help qualified individuals meet their immediate financial obligations while dealing with life-threatening conditions, The Dancers’ Fund is available to Chicago-based, professionally trained working dancers and those whose primary source of income is derived by serving the dance community.
Fred Says Fundraiser at Progress Bar for Photo Project June 14
‘When Dogs Heal,’
a pet friendly HIV-campaign
Fred Says is hosting a fundraiser at Progress Bar for their new photographic project that raises awareness about HIV/AIDS and pet owners.
WHAT: “When Dogs Heal”, is a new project organized by Fred Says, highlights the incredible role dogs play in helping their owners heal from emotional and physical ailments. This Chicago fundraiser will feature award winning pet photographer, Jesse Freidin, who will take photo-booth style pictures of people and their pets while attendees sip cocktails and eat small brunch items at Progress Bar, 3359 N. Halsted Street. The event is open to the public and serves as a fundraiser for the Fred Says and their new project.
WHY: Fred Says is compiling the pictures taken for a book that will photographically depict the profound healing effect dogs have on humans. After receiving a cancer diagnosis and shortly thereafter an HIV+ diagnosis, Dr. Rob Garofalo, Division Chief of Adolescent Medicine at Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, adopted Fred, a Yorkie puppy and face of the charity, and quickly began to see a drastic change in his physical and mental well-being. Dr. Garofalo credits Fred with “saving his life.” While Saturday’s event is about pets and their owners, all photos will not have to used in the book
Studies have repeatedly shown that people with pets are healthier, happier and less depressed than those without pets. The social support a pet provides its owner decreases stress and encourages more social interactions which can help decrease depression and isolation. Dr. Natalie Marks is one of the owners of Blum Animal Hospital and voted “Veterinarian of the Year” in 2012 says, “Pets have an incredible ability to heal on not only a physical but also a mental/emotional level.
It is well documented that petting a dog or cat can significantly lower blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol (stress hormone) levels…The strength of the human-animal bond is almost beyond description and companion animals should be part of the healing process for many chronic illnesses.”
On June 15th, Jesse Freidin will be doing closed-studio portraits of people who are HIV+ and have dogs. Those interested in participating in this portion should email Zach Stafford, zstafford@luriechildrens.org.
HOW: A suggested donation of $15 is encouraged to attend, and $25 to attend and have a portrait taken by Jesse Freidin.
WHO: 21+ with proper I.D, dogs encouraged.
WHEN: Saturday, June 14th from 12pm-3pm. Doors open at 12pm.
Michael Urie Benefit Performance – Last Sunday in June
The charming Michael Urie, who is currently in Chicago with Jonathan Tolins’ BUYER AND CELLAR, is doing a benefit for About Face Theatre on his night off!
How great is that?!
JUNE 2nd! $20
What a steal!
Get Tickets Now!
IGNITE with AIDS Foundation Chicago Friday May 16th
This space is very cool for an event!
Ignite Glass Studio!
Light our fight.
Ignite our future.
Igniting our 30th year of service –
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
IGNITE Fantastic Rooftop party coming May 16th!
Open bar, delectable world fare and dancing. Guests will also enjoy live glass artistry, roof-top views of the sunset over the skyline, and chances to win Luxury Vacation Packages in our raffle.
Friday, May 16 – 6-9PM | Tickets: $185
A short speaking program will begin at 7:15 pm with Senator Durbin presenting the Civic Leadership Award. Dancing to follow afterwards with DJ Marc “Moose” Moder
Click here for the listing of our Luxury Vacation Raffle Packages.
The Tree of Hope will also be on display for those who wish to directly support AFC’s programs and services.
Ignite Glass Studio – Map
401 North Armour Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642
Valet parking will be available upon arrival at 401 North Armour Street.
IGNITE Chicago Rooftop Party for AFC May 16th
Light our fight. Ignite our future.
Igniting our 30th year of service –
AIDS Foundation of Chicago
IGNITE Fantastic Rooftop party coming May 16th!
Open bar, delectable world fare and dancing. Guests will also enjoy live glass artistry, roof-top views of the sunset over the skyline, and chances to win Luxury Vacation Packages in our raffle.
Friday, May 16 – 6-9PM | Tickets: $185
Ignite Glass Studio – Map
401 North Armour Street
Chicago, Illinois 60642
Valet parking will be available upon arrival at 401 North Armour Street.
Equality Illinois Transgender Social May 4th
Please join us for the EQIL Spring Transgender Community Social on the afternoon of Sunday, May 4th! Starting at 3 p.m., you can join enjoy socializing with friends old and new, dining on delicious hors d’oeuvres, and sipping cocktails at the elegant Mayne Stage Theatre (1328 W. Morse in Chicago). The suggested event donation is $10 and there will be a cash bar and raffle prizes also available.
Get your tickets online today! Then, join our Facebook event page and help us spread the word to your friends. At last year’s event, we had a packed house, so make sure you don’t miss out on an afternoon of fun.
About Face Theatre Chicago WONKA BALL May 9th
About Face Theatre invites guests to “come on down” and celebrate its 18th year with a throwback to daily doubles, Plinko, free spins and lifelines at WONKA BALL 2014: The Gayme Show! on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 8 pm at Macy’s on State Street in the 9th Floor Event Center, 111 N. State St. in Chicago.
AFT’s annual fundraiser will celebrate TV’s iconic game shows with an evening of classic challenges, live entertainment, music and dancing, sumptuous edibles and an open bar with signature cocktails. Guests will be tempted to “make a deal” with a raffle and silent and live auctions – all with exciting prizes worthy of a Showcase Showdown! Like Lets Make a Deal and Price is Right!
The evening will also include the annual presentation of the prestigious 2014 Leppen Leadership Awards and the About Face Youth Theatre MVP Award. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or (773) 784-8565.
WONKA BALL 2014: The Gayme Show! Co-Chairs are Benjamin Sprunger and Betsy Sylvester.
Proceeds from the WONKA BALL 2014: The Gayme Show! will support About Face Theatre’s award-winning mainstage programming, new play development series and nationally-recognized educational program. Since 1995, About Face has created exceptional, innovative, and adventurous plays that advance the national dialogue on gender and sexual identity and have entertained and challenged audiences in Chicago, across the country and around the world. Support from Wonka Ball enables About Face to thrive as Chicago’s celebrated center for LGBTQA arts, an inclusive home where diverse artists, youth, audiences and community partners come together for artistic exchange and cultural dialogue.
EVENT DETAILS:
Event: WONKA BALL 2014: The Gayme Show!
Date: Friday, May 9 from 8 pm – 11 pm;
Location: Macy’s on State Street, 9th Floor Event Center, 111 N. State St. in Chicago
Details: Featuring games, music and dancing, sumptuous edibles, an open bar with signature cocktails, a raffle and live and silent auctions.
Tickets: $150.
