Category Archives: Non-Profits

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

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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


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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!



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Dining Out For Life Returns April 28th

On Thursday, April 28, 2011,
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

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Annual Spring Brunch for Chicago House HALF SOLD OUT ALREADY

Co-Chairs Brett Locasio and Tim Weber, the Chicago House Board of Directors and Maria Pinto & The Team at Mark Shale invite you to join them for the 24th Annual

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

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SISTER SPIT Next Generation CHICAGO April 18



RADAR Productions, a San Francisco-based queer literary arts non-profit organization, presents the Sister Spit Next Generation’s 5th annual North American Tour.  Featuring literary luminary Michelle Tea, (Best Music Writing 2010, Chelsea Whistle, Valencia, Rent Girl), writer and provocative performance artist Kirk Read (How I Learned To Snap), graphic novelist and visual artist MariNaomi (Kiss & Tell), award-winning poet laureate of the obsessed and tormented Ali Liebegott (The IHOP Papers, The Beautifully Worthless), novelist and film fodder Blake Nelson (Girl, Paranoid Park, Recovery Road), photographer and Original Plumbing transmale quarterly publisher Amos Mac, and award-winning transmitter-writer of brilliantly terrifying fairy tales Myriam Gurba (Dahlia Season).  

This vanload of magnificent underground feminist-centric, queer-influenced brilliance blazes across the land and into your town. The latest in the tradition of rowdy, raucous literary adventures stretching all the way back to 1997 featuring your new favorite performers! 

The  Chicago show features special guest poet Lenelle Moïse!

Sister Spit- Next Generation CHICAGO
A multimedia literary explosion of zinesters, fashion plates, novelists, performance artists, poets and fancy scribblers. Special guest poet Lenelle Moïse!
 
WHEN:                                   Monday, April 18, 2011  Doors 7/ Show 8
 
WHERE:                                 Subterranean  2011 W. North Ave. 
 
TICKETS:                               $10 at the door  SISTER  SPIT  online


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Sunday April 3rd Famous Fido Animal Rescue Event Las Manos Gallery





Famous Fido

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Chicago Red Dress Party Event – Red Hot Runway March 29

 The town is heating up and turning RED!

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!


Tuesday, March 29 · 8:00pm10:00pm
Chicago-Columbia College’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter is helping to eliminate HIV/AIDS one red dress at a time. Columbia College Chicago PRSSA is collaborating with the Chicago Red Dress Party to work towards their goal of increasing HIV/AIDS awareness within the Chicago community.

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


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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

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Chicago Red Dress Party is Just Weeks Away!



WHAT  WILL YOU  WEAR????


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. 

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  

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Ellen DeGeneres to do The Ride for AIDS Chicago

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA!

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



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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

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Lambda Legal Chicago Freedom to Marry Party February 8th

 

SAVE THE DATE!

Tuesday, February 8 · 6:30pm – 9:30pm


 
For the last ten years, Lambda Legal has hosted the “Freedom to Marry” Gala. After this year’s passage of the Illinois Civil Unions Bill, the tenth anniversary of Freedom to Marry is sure to be an energetic celebration.


There will be food, cake-cutting, entertainment, and liquor. Freedom to Marry 2011 is a free event and open to the public. This year guests will also be invited to participate in a secret Valentine game. Guests can pick up a number from our Cupid station. If another guest wants to say hello, or send a nice message over, there will be valentines available that Cupid will be delivering throughout the night.


Please save the date. More information will be coming soon!  

JOIN THEIR PAGE ON FACEBOOK
 
Location this year – The National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W 19th St    Chicago, IL


Best Gay Chicago.com

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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


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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

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Sweet Miss Givings Mobil Food Trucks

THIS IS DANGEROUS…
           TO MY WAISTLINE!

Sweet Miss Giving’s bakery has entered into the food truck race.  Unlike other bakery food trucks that only sell cupcakes, Sweet Miss Giving’s offers breakfast options such as scones and muffins and sweet treats including brownies, cookies…and of course cupcakes!. 

The oversized white van will stand out on Chicago’s city streets and bring a smile because of its original artwork by some of Chicago House’s youngest clients. “We’re so excited about today’s food truck launch and extending the Sweet Miss Giving’s brand beyond catering and our stand at the French Market,” says Rev. Stan Sloan founder of Sweet Miss Giving’s and chief executive officer for Chicago House.


Bakery lovers can follow Sweet Miss Giving’s on Twitter at @SMGFoodTruck to find the latest truck whereabouts or give a location suggestion.  The truck travels around Chicago from 7:15 a.m.- 9:45 a.m. for the breakfast shift and restocks for the afternoon sugar rush between 10:45 a.m. – 3 p.m. – or whenever they sell out!


Call 312-575-0212 to place your order or visit Sweet Miss Givings  to purchase online.

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Red Dress Party Cocktail Event at Kit Kat January 17th

THE  COUNTDOWN  HAS BEGUN! 

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


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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!)


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Red Dress Brunch at Cocktail Sunday December 12


The Red Dress Party
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

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LIKE Howard Brown on Facebook and They Get $25!

OK, so this is a no-brainer! 

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

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