Category Archives: Special Events
Neverland Gay Pride Chicago
NEVERLAND CELEBRATES FOURTH ANNIVERSARY WITH ITS BIGGEST CHICAGO PRIDE EVENT EVER – “THE LOST BOYS”
Neverland, the Chicago-based dance producer renown for its elaborate themes and production, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this year with its biggest Chicago Pride event ever. NEVERLAND PRIDE 2016 will take place Friday, June 24th through Sunday, June 26th with three spectacular events including the main event, Saturday night’s “The Lost Boys” at Metro. Pre-sale tickets, including $95 weekend passes to all three events (a $35 savings), are available now at www.neverlandpride.com.
“It’s our four year anniversary and we’re finally doing a Neverland-themed Neverland,” proclaims Anthony DiFiore, Neverland’s founder and Creative Director. “Our parties are always a tribute to big imagination, so for this year’s Chicago Pride, our production team is building extravagant Peter Pan and Hook elements to the main stage. Instead of traditional sets, we’re producing the night as more of a storyline with dancers and performers dressed as the famous characters.
“All the weekend’s events will be even more theatrical than ever before,” he promises.
NEVERLAND PRIDE launches Friday, June 24th at 11pm with a special edition of GayGlow at Charlie’s spun by NANDO, one of the most energetic and happening DJs on today’s national club scene. The fun continues Saturday at 11pm when NEVERLAND presents “The Lost Boys” at Metro, a two-story concert hall that boasts one of the finest stages in Chicago. It will be a surreal night of character-driven fantasy featuring a massive set. Barcelona-based DJ Ivan Gomez will man the decks alongside Chicago’s own Alexis-R.
Wrapping the weekend will be the Sunday night Closing Party at Mid, headlined by International superstar DJ Paulo. Paulo will present a dark and visceral production amidst one of Chicago’s most powerful sound systems. Opening DJs Sean O’Hara and TVG will start the night at 10pm with Paulo taking over until 4am.
The first NEVERLAND took place July 2012. Billed as a costume party with club music, it was kind of like Halloween in the middle of the summer. “We were an instant hit with the young crowd,” remembers DiFiore. In order to create a big dance party brand, he needed everyone to come. “Guys in their late 30s and 40s would tell me they were too old for a costume party.”
In 2013, NEVERLAND introduced themes to the events, along with more elaborate production. At “Walt Disney is Dead”, Brazil’s DJ Ana Paula dressed up as Maleficent while she was spinning. For the “Ratchet Ball”, producers brought in a graffiti artist from Michigan to create graffiti on large canvases hanging from the walls of Hydrate Nightclub.
Soon, every group was represented, from muscle guys to hipsters to drag queens and more. “Today’s Neverland is like a Studio 54-style party,” says DiFiore.
Last year’s Pride party was a “Bougie Ball”. Producers went all out with the theme, from putting fake rolls of hundred dollar bills as toilet paper in the bathrooms, to firing off fake money as confetti during Sasha Colby’s performance of “Bitch Better Have My Money”. Giant gold birdcages flanked the stage with gogo dancers wearing three-foot long lion headdresses.
“What sets our team apart is that many of our artists don’t even go to big dance parties. They’re a set designer who cares deeply about what the set is going to look like, or a costume designer who is developing their own label and is working with Neverland to showcase their talents.”
Even the crowd gets in on the act, with many of the attendees arriving in full costume. “Revelers are always welcome to wear whatever they want,” says DiFiore. “Some will come in simple jeans and tees, and that’s fine! I’m excited to see lot of Pans, Hooks and of course, Tinkerbells.”
For tickets and additional information, visit www.neverlandpride.com. Pre-sale tickets, including $95 weekend passes to all three events (a $35 savings), are available now.
HYDRATE Chicago for IML Weekend 2016
Join us on Thursday May 26th as
Spitshine Promotions and Hydrate Nightclub Chicago present…
INITIATION
with Mega Producer & DJs Barry Harris & Steve Henderson (IML Black and Blue Ball 2015)
…. bringing the thunder back to Chicago!
Arrive early and party late!
Hosted by Slade Travis
Lights by Ethan Lederer
Join us the Friday Night of Memorial Day weekend (MAY 27th) as we take a ride down Hydrate’s Route 69! Featuring the return of International/DJ Producer Guy Scheiman (tel aviv)!
Based in Tel Aviv, Scheiman is known for his high-energy sound that combines house, progressive, tribal and tech house with strong melodies and memorable vocals. His live sets feature strong grooves and powerful bass-lines that ignite his dance floors and create euphoric experiences. And, his official remixes and original productions stand out as massive club anthems that combine his love for high-energy beats with passionate melodies and memorable breaks
Also returning to Hydrate on Friday May 27 is the one and only Ruby Dee!!
No Cover till midnight
Get there early to avoid the line
On Saturday Night May May 28, we welcome all IML/Bear Pride/Grabby participants as Hydrate Nightclub present STRAPPED with DJ SHANE STIEL!!
Celebrating its Fourth year Strapped has become one of the most highly anticipated events over Memorial Day weekend where hundreds of hot men and women come and let loose while enjoying the sexy sounds of Shane Stiel.
Set starts at 11:30pm and goes till 5 AM!!
Lights by Nick Mansuri
Sexy GoGos all night long!!
GAY PROM in Boystown May 21st
PRIDE PROM–Righting the Rite
On Saturday, May 21st, (7-10pm) Boystown hosts the inaugural Pride Prom: a chance to rewrite history. Kicking off Pride Season, Pride Prom promises attendees a night full of music, drinks, and memories as they relive their Prom night with the date they have always wanted to ask. For many couples, Pride Prom offers a chance for redemption, either from their fashion faux pas from high school, or being able to create a memorable night in a welcoming environment, for others, it will be their first prom experience. Prom excitement is at a fevered pitch as attendee’s frequent local Boystown businesses to make sure they are ready for the big night.
Local business owners and community leaders Ramesh Ariyanyakam and Edward Gisiger of Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club shared their story with Northalsted Business Alliance, which reflects just one of the many heart warming and stories that have been shared while creating the ideal Pride Prom experience.
NBA: What were your prom experiences like?
R: I grew up in England! Prom is completely alien to me!
E: Gay couples were not permitted to go to Prom when I was in high school, so I decided to not attend at all. To be honest, I always picture the dance scene from Romy and Michele’s High School Reunion when I think of what prom would probably have looked like if I had gone.
NBA: When did the two of you meet?
E: We met 18 years ago at Circuit, and I remember it like it was yesterday. Ramesh approached me and asked “do you speak Spanish?” I replied, “si”, and we’ve been together ever sense. To this day, every time he asks me to do something I don’t want to do, I always reply “si”.
NBA: Why did you choose Boystown as the place to live and open your business?
R: We chose to live in Boystown because we wanted to be close to our friends. Opening up our business here seemed like a natural progression as we wanted to have an entertainment destination spot where you can enjoy a beautiful dinner and watch the world’s best divas. Boystown is the premier gay neighborhood in the Midwest, if not the world, so it made complete sense for us to establish our business here.
NBA: Besides Pride Prom, what would your ideal date night be like?
E: Of course, we would have dinner and drinks at Kit Kat while watching a fabulous show. After, we would head down to Yoshi’s Café for dessert, and then Roscoe’s Tavern for a little dancing.
NBA: In light of recent events, how important do you think it is for businesses to be accepting of LGBT people?
R: It is of vital importance. We are the leaders in the LGBT community and we have to lead with a positive example. Everyone is welcome at our business, LGBT or otherwise!
NBA: How important is it for local businesses to support and engage with the community?
E: Kit Kat has been around for over 15 years, and that has been our goal since the day we opened. We want to work with other businesses to create a space that is welcoming and entertaining for everyone, and to ensure that Northalsted remains a world class destination for its visitors. It’s one of the main reasons we spend a lot of time involved with beautification and security on behalf of the community.
Ramesh and Edward’s story is just one of the many that help make Pride Prom a truly special event for Boystown. With the support of 15 local businesses, Alderman James Cappleman as honorary co-chair, and many pillars of the community coming together to celebrate, Pride Prom will embody the sense of togetherness that the LGBT is known for.
tickets are available at www.northalsted.com. ($100 / includes complimentary beer and wine).
DISENCHANTED Brunch Kit Kat May 15th
DISENCHANTED Musical Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge
Win Tickets to the Broadway in Chicago Show
Five lucky brunch guests will receive a pair of tickets to see DISENCHANTED! at Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse. In addition to half-priced martinis, Kit Kat’s mixologists will offer $5 Poison Apple shots, made with Jim Beam Apple, Jim Beam Fire and served with an Angry Orchard Cider chaser.
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
773-525-1111
kitkatchicago.com
GRABBY Awards Chicago 2016
GRABBY WEEKEND is almost here! Thursday May 26 – Sunday May 29th, 2016.
Parties, porn stars and awards! See the full list of events HERE.
The first Grabby Awards (formally known as Adult Erotic Gay Video Awards) were given in 1991, when the awards were listed in the year-end issue of Gay Chicago Magazine. 26 years later this has grown into a weekend of events and parties with porn stars and producers from around the world who fly in for it! (This is the 18th year for the live awards show).
The MAIN EVENT is Saturday May 28, 2016
Metro Theater – 3730 N. Clark St Doors Open at 6:30pm
TICKETS ON SALE NOW and selling fast!
GRABBY OFFICIAL AFTERPARTY
Charlies – 3726 N. Broadway
10pm till Close
PURCHASE TICKETS CLICK HERE
LATE NIGHT WITH THE MEN OF TITAN
Touche 6412 N. Clark St – 1am
Cinco De Mayo Boystown
4 days of CINCO DE MAYO events in Boystown
@ El Mariachi 3906 Broadway!
Proud Supporters of the LGBTQ Community!
Visit all of their locations…
Salsa Dancing Lessons April 28th
Our friends at El Marichia have something special planned this week – April 28th – A SALSA LESSON plus drinks and eats!!
Limited Seating ~ Reserve Today! 773-549-2932
El Mariachi Tequila Bar & Grill – www.elmariachitequilabar.com
3906 N. Broadway Chicago Il 60613
Chicago Gay Pride Prom May 21
Northalsted Business Alliance Aims to
Make Prom Proud with May 21 Event
As prom season approaches, The Northalsted Business Alliance announces a right of passage redux in the form of Pride Prom: A Chance to Rewrite History, set for May 21, 2016.
As part of the newly formed collaboration with The Legacy Project, NBA invites revelers to enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration in the heart of Boystown. The elaborate set-up will include an expansive outdoor tent on Waveland, between Halsted and Broadway. 350 Guests will savor light fare by featured neighborhood restaurants, beverages (?) and dancing 7-10pm.
Early bird tickets are available for $100 thru April 21 at www.northalsted.com. ($150 after April 21).
Christopher Barrett Politan, Executive Director of the Northalsted Business Alliance, describes what the night means for the neighborhood.
“For many in the LGBTQ community prom was a less than welcoming environment to express gender identity or sexual orientation. Our Pride Prom gives everyone the chance to rewrite their prom experience. Furthermore, we are thrilled that Alderman James Cappleman and his husband Richard Thale will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs of the evening”
The event marks the first joint initiative for The Northalsted Business Alliance and The Legacy Project, which recently announced their collaborative agreement to advance Boystown cultural programming, business efforts and tourism plans.
Curled, styled, tanned, waxed and painted, neighborhood businesses are joining in the celebration by offering Prom goers discounts at their establishments leading up to, during, and after the event. Couples can expect to get VIP treatment at salons, a personal stylist at fashion boutiques, and amazing dining specials before the dance. Afterwards, local bars and nightclubs are offering specials and line privileges at their establishments. Attendees are encouraged to stay the evening at neighborhood hotels to continue the fun the next morning with Boystown’s infamous Sunday Funday complete with bottomless brunches and all-day entertainment.
Victor Salvo, the Founder and Executive of The Legacy Project, expresses his enthusiasm for Pride Prom.
“I cannot think of a better event to kick-off our collaboration with NBA. As we look back at our history, while also embracing our future, Pride Prom is an historic event and one we look forward to celebrating across generations.”
Craft Beer and Delicious Soups This Weekend
THIS WEEKEND! Feb 27-28th!
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Frost Fest Craft Beers in Boystown
FROST FEST KICK OFF!
Come out this THURSDAY (FEB 18th)to Replay Beer & Bourbon-Andersonville to sample some of the amazing beers for Frost Fest on February 27th!
The Northalsted Business Alliance delivers festival fun to the waning days of winter with a weekend of special events.
Craft Beer Festival
On Saturday, February 27, craft beer takes center stage at Halsted and Waveland. Chill under a tent filled with favorites from more than 40 brewers.
DJ Marc ‘Moose’ brings the heat to the dance floor. Food trucks from Beaver Donuts,
Chubby Wiener, Ms. Tittles and Pico St. Kitchen help soak up the suds.
Purchase tickets at www.northalsted.com and choose one of two sessions (1- 4pm or 6-9 pm).
Guest can shed their coat at the check-in for $2, which benefits Howard Brown Health Center.
Soup Walk (FREE)
On Sunday February 28 from 1-5 pm the 3rd annual Soup Walk warms up winter with nine Northalsted and Lakeview East restaurants showcasing their soups at retail business.
Stroll or take a free trolley to hit all nine spots.
- NoteworthyNotes (3629 North Halsted) with soup from Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
- Egoist (3526 North Halsted) with soup from Dive Bar.
- Boystown Collectibles (3453 North Halsted) with soup from Taverna 750
- Universal Wellness Source (3324 North Halsted) with soup from The Chicago Diner
- The Leigh Gallery (3306 North Halsted) with soup from D.S. Tequila Co.
- CRAM Fashion (3331 North Broadway) with soup from Café L’Appetito
- Unabridged Bookstore-3521 North Broadway) with soup from The Bagel
- GAP (3216 North Broadway) with soup from Escencia Urban Kitchen
- wineHOUSE (3164 North Broadway) with soup from Soupbox
About the Northalsted Business Alliance (NBA)
Formed in 1980, NBA represents more than 100 businesses along the Halsted Street corridor. The organization hosts major events throughout the year including Chicago Pride Fest, Northalsted Market Days, Frost Fest and the Halloween Parade. For information about NBA visit www.northalsted.com.
Zip Line in Chicago Feb 13-15
So it’s not very high – not very long – and it’s COLD! But hey, you can Zip Line for free this weekend in Millennium Park. Folks will have an opportunity to enjoy the vacation-like thrill of zip lining right here in Chicago… in the chill of winter.
Florida tourism company Experience Kissimmee is taking its campaign to Chicago’s Millennium Park this month, where it will provide a 200-foot zip line for Chicagoans to enjoy among the brisk February air.
The company says the zip line will run from a three-story platform “down to a warm winter welcome below.” The company hopes the stunt will encourage Chicagoans to plan a vacation in Kissimmee, Fla., a city near Orlando that is known for several amusement parks.
The company’s zip line is free to the public and will be in Millennium Park from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Feb. 13-15. Experience Kissimmee is encouraging attendees to donate coats.
“For this campaign, we decided to bring some of the warm-weather fun to our freezing friends here in Chicago,” DT Minich, president & CEO of Experience Kissimmee, said in a statement.
Boy Toy Male Revue @ Hydrate Thursdays
Boy Toys Pocket Cabaret
present a new weekly all male revue in Boystown!
By bringing the art of performance, circus, singing, and striptease to the stage, boytoy is sure to tantalize the tastebuds of all genders and gender-nonconformists. Featured in ChicagoNow, boytoy is guaranteed to be like nothing you have seen before!
With Performances by:
Jimmie “Boy Toy” Swagger (Founder & Executive Producer)
‘Glamonster’
Duke LeSling
and more!
With Guest Host: Kat Sass!
3458 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657 (773) 975-9244
Best part: NO COVER!
$5 Corona/$5 Fireball/$6 Belvedere Cocktails
Valentines Dinner in Boystown
Valentines Day is ALMOST HERE! Don’t be left without a reservation!
2 of our favorite restaurants in Lakeview / Boystown are offering a special
Prix fix dinner….
REVOLUCION and EL MARIACHI
BRUNCH EVERY WEEKEND at BOTH LOCATIONS!
Valentine’s Brunch at Kit Kat Lounge
Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the 1986 Brat Pack Classic
Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club
3700 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60613
ELIXIR Andersonville Special Event Feb 10th
Don’t be left out! This WILL sell out!
Join us for a four-course meal, featuring FEW Spirits, that begins with a breakfast-inspired dish, taking you through lunch and dinner, and finishing with dessert.
All attendees will receive a voucher for a tour of FEW’s Evanston Distillery and Tasting Room ($10 Value)
Seats are limited. We hope you can join us!
Elixir Lounge (next door to Replay)
1509 W Balmoral Ave. Chicago, IL 60640
Four Courses • $60
Tickets available at
http://www.brownpapertickets.
Dinner & Cocktail Menu Schedule
Breakfast
Lyonnaise Salad
Frisee, bacon, poached egg, red wine vinaigrette.
FEW Breakfast Gin
Egg white, butter, lemon, gomme syrup,
freeze dried blueberries.
Lunch
Bouillabaisse
Grilled salmon, mussels, clams, shrimp, saffron broth.
FEW Bourbon
Amontillado Sherry, lemon, sparkling.
Dinner
Red Wine Braised Short Rib
Sweet potato puree, red wine reduction, crispy shallots.
FEW Rye
Cocchi Barolo Chinato, Bitter Queens
Tobacco Bitters.
Dessert
Orange & Cardamom Crème Brûlée
FEW Anguish and Regret cordial
Volunteers Needed EQIL Gala
2016 25th Anniversary Gala Volunteer Sign-Up
Are you ready for the 25th Anniversary Gala? Last year, over 1400 people attended the Gala and we could not have done it without the hard work of our volunteers. This year will be no different, especially with high-profile guests, namely, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, who will receive the Freedom Award.
The Gala will take place on Saturday, February 6th (6pm to midnight), at the Hilton Chicago (720 South Michigan Avenue).
In order for the events to run smoothly, we need volunteers like you to help. Please take a minute to look at the dates listed below for our needs.
VOLUNTEER NEEDS:
2016 Equality Illinois Gala
WHEN: Saturday, February 6th, 2016 (various shifts)
WHAT: This is the main event, and we will need approximately 120 volunteers on hand to make sure that everything runs smoothly.
DETAILS:
Volunteers are needed throughout the day of Gala, beginning at 10:00am on Saturday, and going until approximately 1:00am Sunday, February 7th. Various shift and time assignments will be set to cover the following positions: Silent Auction Set-Up; Silent Auction Monitors; Ballroom Monitors; Guest Registration; Greeters; Silent Auction Check Out (ONLY AVAILABLE SHIFTS WILL APPEAR AS AN OPTION).
The dress for volunteer staff at the Gala is Black-Tie Optional/Business, so you can wear a Suit/Tie, Cocktail Dress, Women’s Suit, Blazer/Slacks/Tie, Tux or Gown. Jeans and t-shirts are not acceptable dress UNLESS you are at the Hotel early for the Set-up shifts. If you are assigned to set-up, and you wish to stay for the event, please bring a change of clothes.
EQIL Gala Feb. 6th
THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST LGBT GALA and FUNDRAISER
SUPPORTS THE WORK OF EQUALITY ILLINOIS
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Hilton Chicago Hotel, 720 South Michigan Avenue
The Equality Illinois 25th Anniversary Gala promises to be a night to remember. The Midwest’s largest LGBT formal event will celebrate a quarter-century’s worth of accomplishments and the exciting work that lies ahead to achieve full equality. Some very special honorees will also make this one of our most exciting galas.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi will receive the 2016 Equality Illinois Freedom Award. The Mariano’s grocery chain will receive the 2016 Business Leadership Award.
Whether you buy one seat or a full table, participate as a corporate sponsor, place an ad in the program book, or donate a luxury item to the silent auction, please join us in this Silver Anniversary celebration.
Purchase platinum, premier and standard tables and single tickets.
Become a Table Captain and invite friends to join you at the Gala.
Learn more about corporate sponsorships and premium table purchases.
Learn about the luxury silent auction and how your contribution can help our work.
Purchase an ad that will be featured in the 25th Anniversary Program Book.
Volunteer for the gala and be part of this historic celebration.
OUR MISSION
Equality Illinois builds a better Illinois by advancing equal treatment and social justice through education, advocacy and protection of the rights of the LGBT community.
OUR VISION
Equality Illinois envisions a fair and unified Illinois where everyone is treated equally with dignity and respect and where all people live freely regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or expression.
Mario Lopez in Chicago Dec. 31
Chi-Town Rising, Chicago’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration Presented by Corona Extra and Hosted by Hyatt Gold Passport, today announces the celebrity talent set to host the New Year’s Eve broadcast both on NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago. Mario Lopez will be the host talent for NBC 5 with Matt Iseman, Akbar Gbajabiamila, Courtney Lopez, and Marley Kayden as co-hosts. Penelope Menchaca and Maria Elena Ponticiello will be the host talent for Telemundo Chicago with Maricela Vázquez and Lily Fragoso as co-hosts. In addition to NBC 5 Chicago, Chi-Town Rising will air on over 40 NBC affiliates in the central United States. The program will also air nationally on COZI TV and in Spanish on TeleXitos.
The Chi-Town Rising live broadcast will be centered between Michigan Avenue & Columbus Drive, with the Chi-Town Rising Countdown Stage directly in front of the Hyatt Regency Chicago along Upper Wacker Drive. The broadcast will feature the musical performances of Billboard 2014 Top Artist American Authors and legendary rock band Chicago®, a dazzling midnight countdown with a 75-foot tall Chicago Star rising 360-feet into the night sky, and an epic fireworks display linking the event site with Navy Pier’s annual fireworks in one grand display synchronized to a musical soundtrack.
NBC 5 Chicago and Telemundo Chicago will broadcast the event live starting at 11:08 p.m. and Telemundo Chicago will begin at 11:00 p.m.
NBC 5 CHICAGO BROADCAST: 11:08 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015
World of Chocolate Raises $120,000
More than 1,100 guests,
some decked out in their finest 1920s costumes, came together at Union Station to celebrate the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) 14th annual World of Chocolate gala on Thursday, Dec. 3. The larger-than-life celebration really was the bee’s knees — offering guests the chance to try chocolate inspired creations from 27 of Chicago’s top chocolatiers, chefs and caterers. Held annually in commemoration of World AIDS Day, this year’s event raised approximately $120,000 net in support of AFC’s continued care, policy, advocacy and education work.
Treats ranged from sweet bites to savory selections, and attendees also flocked to the speakeasy-inspired bars for some scrumptious chocolate cocktails. An expert panel of judges, including local celebrities and renowned Chicago-area chefs, judged the participating vendors in five categories:
- Best Sweet Award – Kendall College
- Best Savory Award – Chicago Athletic Association Hotel
- Best Libation Award – CH Distillery
- Best Business Class, Small Business Award – Fred’s at Barneys New York Chicago
- Best Business Class, Large Business Award – The Peninsula Chicago
- People’s Choice Award – Intercontinental Hotel Chicago
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new HIV infections in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will:
· Help more than 5,000 people each year know their HIV status
· Support efforts to house 1,100 Chicagoans who are experiencing homelessness
· Enable more than 5,300 clients to receive case management services
· Fund trainings for hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP
Generous vendors participating in World of Chocolate included: the Brass Monkey, CH Distillery, Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Chocolat Uzma Sharif, Dove Chocolate Discoveries, Fred’s of Barneys New York Chicago, Hilton Chicago, Intercontinental Hotel, Italian Village Restaurants, Kendall College School of Culinary Arts, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Life’s Sweeter Side, Loews Chicago Hotel, Mercat a la Planxa, the Peninsula Chicago, Prasino LaGrange, Riques Cocina Mexicana, RL Restaurant, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Starbucks, Summer House Santa Monica, Uptown Brownie, Vanille Patisserie, Virgin Hotels Chicago, Walgreens, Wow Bao and ZED451.
- The AIDS Foundation of Chicago mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. We work toward a day when people living with HIV and related chronic diseases will thrive, and new HIV infections will be rare. To learn more, visit www.aidschicago.org.
Neverland Chicago Purity Ball Dec. 30
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New Year’s in Chicago: Neverland’s 4th annual Purity Ball white party featuring DJ Alain Jackinsky inches closer to New Year’s this year with a major event on Wednesday, Dec. 30th. Take off the 31st and plan on house parties that night, because we’re making the 30th the biggest gay party of the holiday season. |
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CLICK HERE for NEVERLAND PRE-SALE TICKETS
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The Facts Date: Wednesday, Dec. 30th 2 performances, a massive set, hot costumed dancers, and the magic of Boystown’s most creative and hard-working team. |
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For tickets, visit Egoist Underwear in Boystown, or CLICK HERE |
