Category Archives: Special Events
Holiday Reservations Chicago Celebrations
Don’t Wait Till The Last Minute!!!
Christmas and New Years in just a few weeks away!
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Dining at Kit Kat
Divas, Dining, Drinks and Donations this December
Thursday, December 24 and Friday, December 25
5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will host festive holiday celebrations on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. As a nod to the giving spirit of the season, guests will receive half-off martinis, cocktails and Kit Kat’s Christmas prix fixe menu in exchange for a canned good donation. The non-perishable food donations will benefit Heartland Health Outreach, an organization that provides care to more than 12,000 needy individuals in the Chicago metropolitan area each year.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s Christmas prix
Diva Kinley Preston will entertain guests each evening starting at 7:30 p.m. For table reservations, please call 773-525-1111.
New Year’s Eve at Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Glitz and Glam Gala Starring Diva Kinley Preston
Thursday, December 31
Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club will hold an over-the-top “Glitz and Glam Gala” this New Year’s Eve. The fabulous affair will feature a four course prix fixe menu, martinis and live entertainment. Diva Kinley Preston will captivate dining guests with intermittent performances as Lady Gaga, Madonna, Katy Perry, Britney Spears, P!NK and more.
Chef JoAnn Witherell’s modern American supper club menu features the choice of starter, salad, entree and dessert. The menu, outlined below, includes two martinis, champagne toast and party favors for $65 per person (7 p.m. seating) and $85 per person (10 p.m. seating).
For New Year’s Eve dining reservations, please call Kit Kat at 773.525.1111. The lounge will be open for bar guests from 5:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.
New Year’s Eve Menu
7 p.m. $65 per person / 10 p.m. $85 per person
Includes two martinis and champagne toast
Starter
choice of:
Smoked Salmon, creme fraiche, minced red onion, capers, toast points
Shrimp, avocado, chipotle mayo
Potato Leek Soup
Salad
choice of:
Beet Salad – roasted beets, orange segments, arugula, pistachios, goat cheese crumbles, champagne vinaigrette
Kit Kat Salad – romaine and spinach blend, sliced pears, dried cranberries, spiced pecans, balsamic vinaigrette
Entree
choice of:
Surf and Turf – filet and crab cake with bearnaise sauce and grilled asparagus
Seared Chicken Breast – creamy mustard sauce, mashed potatoes, roasted brussels sprouts, bacon and parmesan vinaigrette
Seafood Pasta – bay scallops, rock shrimp, crimini mushrooms, light brandy cream, curry
Stuffed Portobello Mushroom – spinach, artichokes, goat cheese, rice medley
Dessert
choice of:
Brownie Sundae, burnt caramel sauce, candied pecans, whipped cream
Key Lime Pie
Chocolate Layer Cake
Chicago Michigan Get Away! House Rental
UNPLUG and get away from the hustle and bustle of Chicago!
Known as The Grand Old City of southwestern Michigan, Dowagiac is just 2 hours from Chicago. Just a hop, skip and jump away from Chicago, many Chicagoans head east to Michigan to escape the city hustle and bustle for a laid back simpler life. There is a charming collection of Michigan bed and breakfasts and homes for rent that make the perfect choice for fun places to go for a weekend in the spring, summer, fall or for winter vacation getaways.
Some of the best features of the Great Lakes State are visible and the relaxed pace of small-town life is always present here. There are lush parks, wildlife areas, and stately turn-of-the-century homes.
One fantastic home, the lovely Stella&James Weber Estate is available for rent. This 1860’s, 3100 square ft home has 4 bedrooms,1 King, 2 Queen, 1 room with two twins, and a separate semi private twin bed and blow up. Awesome kitchen and lots of room for friends or family gatherings. And it rents for $500 a night. Perfect for a getaway from the city, with a group of friends or family members.
The home sleeps eight comfortably. Has a hot tub and pool table. A casino is 5 minutes away. Great kitchen to cook up some meals for everyone! And the quaint downtown is nearby, just a short walk, with restaurants and some shops.
301 Center St Dowagiac, Michigan
(773) 327-2403
2 HOT GAY MEN @ SEVEN Chicago
ANDREW CHRISTIAN SUPERMODEL & YOUTUBE SENSATION, PABLO HERNANDEZ LIVE!
SEVEN Nightclub and Porn Superstar, Topher DiMaggio are proud to present Pablo Hernandez, performing live at Seven Nightclub.
Advance general admission tickets are only $7.
Photos along with Meet N’ Greets will be available post performance.
Doors open at 8pm, with performance at 10:30pm. GET YOUR TICKET NOW!
BITCH I’M A BOTTOM!
Day of Wedding Coordinator
NEW CHICAGO-LAND WEDDING BUSINESS
Business booms in Chicago’s NW suburbs, where Rev Pam announces the expansion of her already successful wedding chapel business, which she operates out of her home. The sister business will be called Day-of Coordinator for Weddings & Social Events, and will be overseen by Rev Pam. The business will reach out through the Chicagoland area to assist couples who have planned their own weddings and need day-of management during the wedding and reception, while the couple is obviously “busy”.
Rev Pam will also make her custom florist services available, making most of the bridal bouquets and bridal party flowers herself.
The new website:http://Day-
The expansion of her wedding business to include the new company’s day-of coordination services seemed like a natural progression from the wedding planning and day-off coordination she already has done for years in her home, Pine Manor Chicago Weddings. “It’s time I shared my experience and discount wedding partners outside my Pine Manor clientele.
Rev Pam has made strategics partnerships with what she feels are the best wedding vendors in Chicagoloand. Discounts are available to her couples for everything to complete their wedding planning like, venue for up to 300 people, brides maid dresses, bridal gowns and accessories, sweets table, wedding rings, cake, photography, video, live violin, dinner / after party location, overnight stay, even wedding dress restoration. Couple’s can go down the list and plan their entire wedding from this one page.
Over the past 30 years, Rev Pam has seen it all. A certified wedding officiant, and retired Chicago advertising producer, Pam Magnuson plans and manages day-of for hundreds of weddings, and social events every year. She comes highly recommended with dozens upon dozens of 5 Star reviews and has won awards for her service and attention to detail. She’s quick on her feet, and without even a mention to the couple, any hiccup will be managed and solved. It’s this the kind of person you want to implement the plans you have worked so hard on? The public is invited to RSVP a tour time to meet Rev Pam and see her home, Pine Manor. Couples can RSVP by calling 847-873-7463
Pine Manor Walk-through event Sunday, December 6th
Couples interested in holding their ceremony at PineManorChicago.com or contracting The Rev for day-of coordination can schedule a walk through at the manor and meet Rev Pam. Once a month she holds a special “walk through day” Scheduled for Thursday, December 6th, 2015 8-8pm. This special event includes delicious baked goods from her wedding cake partner CentralContinentalBake
847-873-Pine (7463)
HYDRATE October Special Events
HYDRATE October happenings!
Five shows only, Oct. 16-17, 23-24 and 30! The show’s stars, Katerina, Erin Daly, Casi Maggio, Stephanie Hansen and Erika Lecaj, will sing Halloween, pop and musical classics throughout the hour-long comedic set that’s sprinkled with dark moments. Hosted by the one and only Dixie Lynn Cartwright.
Showtime is 8 pm. Tickets are on sale here for $15.
Halloween Massacre
Hydrate kicks off Halloween weekend Friday, Oct. 30 with London’s international DJ duo, SEXSHOOTERS, from 11:30 pm to 4 am. Hydrate’s dance floor won’t stop moving to David and Claudio’s addictive, uplifting house beats. Hostess Serena Fierce will make sure the party is a ghoulish good time.
$10 cover after midnight
On Saturday, Oct. 31, stop by Hydrate’s outdoor stage before or after the Halsted Street Parade to catch Dee Jay George G from 2-9 pm and DJ Greg Drescher from 9 pm to midnight. Mz. Ruff N’ Stuff and Naysha will host on stage from 4-8 pm.
Head inside to catch the Hydrate gogo dancers from 5-9 pm. Stick around for the announcement of the winner of the costume contest at 7 pm, where $250 in cash and prizes will be handed out to first, second and third place. Grammy nominated house icon, DJ Ralphie Rosario, will tear up the dance floor from 11:30 pm to 5 am.
$10 cover after midnight
Neverland is hosting Chicago’s largest gay Halloween party
Neverland is throwing Chicago’s largest gay Halloween party with “Alien Invasion“, 10pm-5am at Circuit Nightclub.
DJ Escape of NYC’s infamous Sunday Service parties spins alongside Alexis-R, for a night of high-energy music. The backdrop is a theatrical set by Timmie Foley and Jasmine Quintana, who transformed Circuit into a Mayan jungle for our Market Days party.
CLICK HERE for NEVERLAND tickets, special pre-sale offer
WHO is PERFORMING: We are teaming one of Chicago’s best dancers, The Vixen, with Alberto Arias, the choreographer behind Aurora Sexton’s killer Market Days “Origins” performance. Not to be missed.
WHO is HOSTING: Neverland’s main host & muse Kim Chi is joined by a new generation of hosts: Imp Queen, Nico, and Sara Andrews. We have sought out some of the best walking art in Chicago for this event.
Cooking @ Chicago Botanic Garden Sept 27
Fresh Menu Ideas with a
Latin Flare at
Chicago Botanic Garden Sponsored
By Food Network Magazine
Foodies and their friends will be flocking to the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden for this day of great tastes and gorgeous presentations.
Chef Christopher Tong of My Private Chef, one of Chicagoland’s most versatile Chefs, will share one of his favorite recipes at Chicago Botanic Garden’s popular annual Garden Chef Series sponsored by Food Network Magazine.
He will make a delicious Chimichurri Shrimp and create a savoury lime basil sangria to compliment the dish.
Chef Tong will appear on Sunday, September 27 at 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe, Illinois.
Chef Tong will give tips on ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste! Seating is limited and on a first-come, first served basis.
Admission to the Chicago Botanic Garden and Garden Chef Series is FREE. For more information about this Garden Chef Series event and parking fees, call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services. Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago. Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining. My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Chicago AIDS Walk Sept. 26th
“Put your foot down.” That’s the message behind this year’s AIDS Run & Walk Chicago, hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) and benefiting 35 other community organizations — known as CommunityDirect partners — on Sept. 26 at Chicago’s Soldier Field.
“We want supporters to put their foot down and make a difference in this epidemic, especially among communities most impacted by HIV,” said AFC President/CEO John Peller. “At the biggest annual HIV awareness event in Chicago, we want to make it clear that new HIV infections can be a thing of the past if we put the right resources in the right places — including AFC and our 35 CommunityDirect partners.”
The 35 CommunityDirect partners that will raise funds through this year’s event will receive 90% of all money raised by their teams. Last year, the 32 CommunityDirect teams raised a combined $270,000.
The aim of the event — and the CommunityDirect program — is to support HIV/AIDS programs and services across Chicago, particularly in neighborhoods most affected by the epidemic.
“There are uncertain times ahead for many human services providers in Illinois,” said Simone Koehlinger, Senior Vice President of Programming. “AIDS Run & Walk Chicago brings funds and awareness to organizations having a significant impact on the HIV community — organizations that are making communities healthier and stronger.”
The CommunityDirect partners serving the South Side are Black Methodists for Church Renewal, COIP/UIC School of Public Health, Greater Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, Men & Women in Prison Ministries, Michael Reese Research & Education Foundation and the University of Chicago (Care2Prevent).
Those serving the North Side are Asian Human Services, Center on Halsted, Chicago House and Social Service Agency, Howard Brown Health Center and Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN).
CommunityDirect partners on the West Side include the Austin CBC Initiative, CALOR, Children’s Place Association, Erie Family Health Center, Mount Sinai Hospital, New Age Services, Project Vida, Puerto Rican Cultural Center (Vida/SIDA) and Taskforce Prevention and Community Services.
Organizations that provide citywide services are the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS Legal Council of Chicago, Alexian Brothers Housing and Health Alliance, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus, Chicago Recovery Alliance, Chicago Women’s AIDS Project, FCAN, Heartland Health Outreach, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health (ICAH), The Night Ministry, Pediatric AIDS Chicago Prevention Initiative, Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center and Season of Concern.
And finally, AFC is proud to partner with organizations that serve people outside of Chicago: Canticle Ministries, Open Door Clinic and Youth Outlook.
Event registration is $40 in advance for 5k walkers and $50 for 5k or 10k runners. To register as an individual or as a team, or to donate to a CommunityDirect team, visit aidsrunwalk.org or call 312-334-0946. Online registration ends Sept. 20
Put your foot down to end new HIV infections
To give both AIDS Run & Walk Chicago participants and HIV advocates a way to express their demand for better support for HIV prevention and services, AFC is leading a social media campaign from now through Sept. 26 that invites people to “put their feet down” for the cause.
Participants are invited to print a template and write the reason they “put their foot down” to change the epidemic. They can then take a photo of the template with their foot, post to their social media platforms with the hashtag #aidsrunwalkchicago and share it with their communities. More information about the campaign and a link to the template can be found at aidsrunwalk.org.
KURIOS from Cirque du Soleil August
It’s back!
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL RETURNS TO CHICAGO THIS SUMMER
WITH KURIOS – CABINET OF CURIOSITIES!
Written and directed by Michel Laprise, the new touring production will premiere under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at United Center beginning August 6, 2015
TICKETS, STARTING AT $35, NOW ON SALE!
It’s been too long! Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago after four years with its newest touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™, performing under the iconic blue-and-yellow Big Top at the United Center parking lot, 1901 W. Madison Street, August 6 – September 20, 2015.
Cabinet of Curiosities premiered to the world in Montréal in April 2014 and is Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production. Since its debut, the critics have been raving: “KURIOS is Cirque du Soleil’s strongest act in years…one of the most amazing things I’ve ever seen on a stage” (Toronto Star) and “KURIOS is the best Cirque du Soleil show in a long time.” (San Francisco Chronicle).
- Picture credit : © Martin Girard shootstudio.ca
- Costume credit : Philippe Guillotel
Written and directed by Michel Laprise, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is a tale in which time comes to a complete stop, transporting the audience inside a fantasy world where everything is possible. In this realm set in the latter half of the nineteenth century, reality is quite relative indeed as our perception of it is utterly transformed. The name of the show refers to the humble and strange characters that inhabit the Seeker’s Cabinet of Curiosities.
In an alternate yet familiar past, in a place where wonders abound for those who trust their imagination, a Seeker discovers that in order to glimpse the marvels that lie just below the surface, we must first learn to close our eyes. In his larger-than-life curio cabinet, the Seeker is convinced that there exists a hidden, invisible world – a place where the craziest ideas and the grandest dreams lie waiting. A collection of otherworldly characters suddenly steps into his makeshift mechanical world. When the outlandish, benevolent characters turn his world upside down with a touch of poetry and humor in an attempt to ignite the Seeker’s imagination, his curios jump to life one by one before his very eyes.
Tickets are available for purchase by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets range from $35 – $145.
KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities is Cirque du Soleil’s 35th production since 1984. The company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2014, has brought wonder and delight to close to 150 million spectators in more than 300 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has close to 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from close to 50 different countries.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
Dance For Life Chicago August 15th
Dance for Life: Dancers Unite to Inspire Chicago from Center Stage
Chicago’s Top Dance Troupes Raise Funds and Awareness for HIV/AIDS on Aug. 15
Experience a night of breathtaking performances as seven of Chicago’s top dance companies come together for one evening at Dance for Life. With thought provoking choreography and poignant music, this highly anticipated event is held annually to support organizations and dance community professionals dealing with critical health issues, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS, through the art of dance. Since 1992, Dance for Life has raised millions of dollars to support the cause.
This year, the funny and talented Joey Bland and Tim Mason from The Second City will emcee the night. Choreographer Randy Duncan will bring his highly acclaimed work STAND BY ME with special music arrangement by Ira Antelis to the Auditorium Theatre as Dance for Life’s finale. Performing group C5 will also present a show stopping world premiere.
Dance for Life believes in cultivating young talent in the Chicago dance community and giving them the opportunity to shine. That’s why for the first time ever, the finale will feature local professional dancers that were selected through a special audition.
Funds raised through this year’s Dance for Life benefit the AIDS Foundation of Chicago and The Dancers’ Fund.
Participating Companies Include:
• Giordano Dance Chicago
• Hubbard Street Dance Chicago
• Joffrey Ballet
• River North Dance Chicago
• C5
• Chicago Human Rhythm Project
• Same Planet Different World Dance Theatre
Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015
5:00 p.m. – Gala Reception – Hilton Chicago Grand Ballroom (720 S. Michigan Ave.)
7:30 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: $15-$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
Connect with Dance for Life on Facebook!
Italian Cooking Demo June 20th
CHEF CHRISTOPHER TONG OF MY PRIVATE CHEF SHARES AN ITALIAN MENU AT BLOOMINGDALE’S HOME STORE, MEDINAH TEMPLE
Chef Christopher Tong of the upscale Chicago-based private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef, is enthusiastic about European flavors and cuisine. He has been invited back to present an Italian-themed menu inspired by his travels.
A favorite with Bloomingdale’s shoppers, Chef Tong will prepare: Saffron Farfalle;
Sicilian-Style Tuna Steaks; and Nutella-Mascarpone Mousse with Strawberries.
People who are casual cooks or lovers of gourmet food get to ask questions, discuss preparation, and come away with fabulous recipes that you can try at home. Chef Tong will give tips on shopping, ingredients, and serving. And, everyone gets to have a taste!
The cooking demonstration will take place on Saturday, June 20, from 2-4 pm, at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store at Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago. Demo Kitchen on 1.
For more information about this Bloomingdale’s event, contact at 312-324-7678
My Private Chef is now established as one of Chicago’s favorite resources for private gourmet dining. Using his many years of experience at fine restaurants and hotels, Chef Tong offers the finest cuisine for a wide range of events, from intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Get Pampered at SPOIL ME Salon and Spa
Hair and Spa Services @
SPOIL ME SALON in Uptown.
Every couple deserves to look beautiful and feel confident on the most important and memorable day of their lives. There is no better place to pamper yourself than at Spoil Me Salon and Spa in Uptown at 4668 N. Broadway.
Whether some needed pampering for a couple or whole wedding party, Spoil Me offers a wide array of services in a very relaxing environment.
Esthetics, nails, massage, hair and make-up application, that will help you feel and look your very best.
They work with only professional, top of the line products to assure you quality service.
EXPERIENCE and quality is what they offer and deliver. With over 20 years experience following and setting contemporary trends in hair, skin and nails. Specialty services include everything from manicures and pedicures to massage and facials. Their creative and innovative team of stylists are experts with all hair textures and their staff is trained with extensions and hair straightening as well.
“We have grooms come in for pre-pampering and have manicures and facials, sort of a boys night out, “explains owner Adel, “We have brides come a couple times before the ceremony, some try different hairstyles, some want make-up for the big day, we can do it all.”
It’s nice to have a plan leading up to the big day. Here are some suggestions to think about….
These wedding preparation tips break down the pre-wedding planning to help you organize what needs to be done and when during the planning process.
6-8 weeks out: Have facial services and consult with your hair and makeup artist. It’s good to do a trial, ask questions and perhaps get inspired for your look.
2 weeks before: Put your mind and body at ease with a massage. Mention this website at get a 20% discount on any massages in the month before the big day!
Week of: Consider facial services or waxing with your pedicure and manicure service.
Day of: on site hair and make up services available. RELAX and ENJOY your big day, knowing you look great!
Engagement party, anniversary, weddings and special occasions are their specialty!
Call them today for a free consultation! 773-564-9483
4668 N. Broadway (Btwn Leland and Clifton) Chicago 60640
Many satisfied clients and stellar reviews on YELP!
Gal Uchovsky Event May 11th
Over the past few decades, there has been an incredible change in the visibility and portrayal of LGBT people in Israeli media.
Gal Uchovsky, screenwriter and producer of noted Israeli films Yossi & Jagger and The Bubble (and husband of Director Eytan Fox), joins us to view screen clips from his films as he discusses the media’s role in advancing LGBT progress in Israel.
On May 11th, A Wider Bridge is excited to host Israeli film producer and LGBT icon Gal Uchovsky(“The Bubble,” “Yossi and Jagger,” “Cupcakes”) for a film presentation and discussion on the Israeli media’s role in shaping perceptions of LGBT people. Gal, no stranger to controversy, will surely weigh in on the recent elections – and give his take on where Israel’s LGBT community is headed.
Click here to purchase your ticket. ($8-$15)
We hope you can join us!
AIDS Foundation Gala May 16th
The BIGGEST Gala of the year is just 2 weeks away!
An incredible evening to remember and raise funds!
Plan to arrive at 6 pm! You will punch your way to prizes at our interactive and celebrated punch board (details coming soon) and enter chances to win a luxury vacation to Aruba or New York City in our raffle while sipping on spirits and nibbling on hors d’oeuvres
· Amy Landecker, star in Amazon Prime’s series Transparent and former AFC staff member, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies
· Tom Kehoe will receive the Community Impact Award; Ernie Rodriguez will receive the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award
· Paddles will raise during our live auction for luxury vacations to Hawaii, Las Vegas and Coronado Island
· Paddles will raise again in honor of AFC’s innovative work in the community
· DJKiss will get you grooving to the best beats in town—dancing until midnight!
TICKETS HERE!
ALSO Save these dates!
Team to End AIDS Endurance Training Program Registration
August 15, 2015—Dance for Life
September 26, 2015—AIDS Run & Walk Chicago
December 3, 2015—World of Chocolate
Spring Fashion Brunch May 3rd
GOING…GOING…..ALMOST GONE!
This event sells out every year – and there are only a few seats left!
The Chicago House annual
Spring Brunch & Fashion Show 2015!
Sunday, May 3 Noon – 3:30 PM
Winter Garden Ballroom
Harold Washington Library | 400 S State Street
BUY TICKETS
This year’s Brunch event is all about celebrating Chicago House’s 30 Years of Service and the last three decades of fashion. In fact, all guests are invited to come dressed in his or her favorite fashion moment or trend from the past 30 years. The fashion certainly won’t be limited to the runway this year! EVERYONE dresses to impress!
Sip cocktails and mingle and browse the fantastic silent auction items.
After a lavish brunch by Jewell Events Catering, guests will turn to the runway and feast their eyes on elite fashions from Chicago’s best boutiques and most forward-thinking designers! Intermingled with the amazing displays of fashion will be thrilling musical and dance performances.
GET A TICKET WHILE THEY LAST! BUY TICKETS
Hydrate-Bianca Del Rio and Crochet Jockstraps
SUPER JOCKS in SUPER JOCKS!
Sunday May 10th @ Hydrate.
The FABULOUS BIANCA DEL RIO will be on hand to host the First Annual Crochet Empire Jockstrap Fashion Show!
Andy Boyer of Chicago founded The Crochet Empire after making a gag gift for his boyfriend. Little did he know that this gag would be taken very seriously and explode. He took up crochet after wanting to make a connection back to previous generations in his family.
Andy started crochet as a hobby because both of his grandmothers worked in the craft. He wanted to feet a connection to the generations that came before him. Then a jockstrap for his boyfriend was LOVED by friends and EVERYONE wanted one! A Kickstarter program was launched and Crochet Empire was born.
“At The Crochet Empire we pride ourselves on custom orders and designs. Solids, stripes, checks, college logos or whatever. If you can think it up, I bet we can come up with a way to make it. Most jocks hold too tightly or don’t cover enough ground, but I’ve now learned about the power of crochet! We use a very thin yarn, which makes them super comfortable.”
Alex from UNB did a video review HERE. He emphasizes the best part of these, is they gently hold and cup you, unlike most jockstraps.
They also offer sleek, hand made bow ties that are extremely fashionable and easy to wear. Each one is adjustable to fit your neck size and are made out of materials that will not irritate you skin. They hold their shape and will not stretch.
There are lots of color and custom options.
Sunday MAY 10th, The first annual Crochet Empire jockstrap fashion show to benefit TPAN and The Ride for AIDS Chicago happens at HYDRATE.
The evening will include a sexy fashion show, comedy and a live auction for fabulous prizes and the jockstraps worn in the show. BIANCA DEL RIO will host the evening!
Doors open at 6:00 and the show starts at 7:00.
$20 general admission IN ADVANCE. ($25 at door)
$35 VIP (includes two drink tickets and a meet and greet with Ms. de Rio.)
All proceeds benefit Test Positive Aware Network (www.tpan.org) and Chicago House. Facebook page HERE.
3458 N Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 975-9244
Black Ensemble Theater Limelight Series
From the Center on Halsted:
“As we expand our cultural programming here at Center on Halsted, we are excited to continue our Limelight Series with the next arts icon: The Black Ensemble Theater.
We hope you’ll consider joining us at this FREE event , APRIL 28th, as we celebrate this theater’s amazing contribution to the vibrant arts scene that Chicago has to offer. Just click the image to learn more and to register!
Feel free to share with friends – and please keep an eye out for future Limelight and cultural events here at the Center.
Aids Foundation Chicago Gala in May
The biggest GALA of the year!
On Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Hilton Chicago, we will gather together as Illinois’ strongest HIV/AIDS community to commemorate AFC’s three decades as a leader in the fight against HIV.
It’s the right time to change the story of HIV, but we can only move forward with your unwavering support.
“Our 30th Year Gala will be a rallying point for our most dedicated supporters to stand with AFC in this unprecedented moment in history. Recent medical breakthroughs and shifts in the health care landscape have put AFC in its strongest position ever to prevent new infections and better support people living with HIV and AIDS.”
The evening will include:
- A program led by Amy Landecker, who stars in the 2015 Golden Globe-winning TV series Transparent
- A vacation auction and raffle
- Dinner
- Dancing to music by DJ Kiss
- Live Auction includes luxurious vacations to Hawaii and Las Vegas
- Raffle includes vacations to Aruba and NYC
- A punch board full of prizes from Chicago restaurants, theaters, spas and more.
AFC will be honoring Thomas Kehoe with the Community Impact Award and Ernie Rodriguez with the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award.
Join us at the 30th Year Gala to show your commitment to this vibrant community that has led the fight for 30 years.
Chicago House Annual Fashion Brunch
Those of us who remember the headline “Rare Cancer Seen in 41 Homosexuals” in The New York Times on July 3, 1981 also can remember the fear, the shame, and the hysteria that followed soon after. It was a full year before the reason for that “rare cancer” had a name: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It was even longer before a safety net was in place to catch those falling victim to HIV.
In 1985, Chicago House opened its doors as the first provider of AIDS Housing and Support Services in the Midwest, offering eight beds that would allow those with AIDS a place to die with dignity. Many of those first residents were gay men. From the start, our founders, our staff, our board, and our residents were people from all walks of life who were:
- Unified in fighting poverty and homelessness,
- Unified in support of the LGBTQ community, and
- Unified in serving those with HIV/AIDS.
It is now 30 years later, and thankfully HIV/AIDS has eased from crisis mode for many. Antiretroviral medications are now so effective that people who are positive are not only living healthy lives, but also are not passing on HIV thanks to undetectable viral loads. Concurrently, the preventive HIV medication PrEP (among other advancements) is now available to help assure that those who are HIV negative remain negative.
Similarly, LGBTQ civil equality has achieved unprecedented success and progress. In 1985, the founders of Chicago House gathered around a table at The Baton in downtown Chicago to help provide an answer and some relief to the greatest needs of the LGBTQ community. We can only try to imagine their joy had they been able to see the advancements achieved over these last 30 years.
Unfortunately the gains we have made in HIV/AIDS care and in LGBTQ equality have not been shared by many of those experiencing the first of our three founding calls to action: poverty and homelessness. In fact, those living with HIV/AIDS and those who identify as LGBTQ remain disproportionately affected by poverty and homelessness. Those who are low income are over five times more likely to have HIV, and 29% of all LGBTQ people experienced food insecurity in the last year. It is in the face of those facts that Chicago House recently cut the ribbon on the TranLife Center, and it is in the face of those facts that we continue working tirelessly to serve those most marginalized and most in need in the LGBTQ community and among those living with HIV.
Thirty years of service offers many reasons to celebrate, but the reality of disproportionate homelessness and poverty offers even more reasons to fight harder than ever for the people that we serve. Thank you so much for remaining with us in the fight.
Chicago House: There at the Beginning. Here to meet the challenge.
This year’s Spring Fashion Brunch on May 3rd is all about celebrating Chicago House’s 30 Years of Service and the last three decades of fashion. In fact, all guests are invited to come dressed in his or her favorite fashion moment or trend from the past 30 years. The fashion certainly won’t be limited to the runway this year!
THIS SELLS OUT EVERY YEAR! GET TICKETS ONLINE NOW!
Red Dress Party Chicago 2015
It’s almost here! The return of Chicago’s RED DRESS PARTY fundraiser!
Special promo – if you don’t have tickets yet, Buy one General Admission ticket and GET ONE FREE!
Don’t wait! Offer ends March 31st! BUY NOW ONLINE and they will send you an extra free ticket!
