The AIDS Legal Council of Chicago's ( ALCC's ) annual summer bash took place Aug. 20 at Boystown nightspot Sidetrack. In years past, the theme ranged from "Lost in Space" to "Bollywood Nights," and this year's theme"Soul Train"did not disappoint.
A diverse crowd of people began flooding the venue early, and quite a few festive people came in full '70s garb, which fit perfectly against a backdrop of clips of classic Soul Train crooners.
Attendees were greeted by the sight of a shiny cherry-red Tesla parked in front of Sidetrack, as a weekend pass to drive this beauty was one of the many fabulous silent-auction items available right through your smart phone. Other items included passes to favorite Boystown and Andersonville haunts, tickets to Steppenwolf and Windy City Live, a three-night stay at Sunseeker LGBT resort in Maui, Cubs swag, foreign language classes, and guest bartending on Check, Please! Not to mention the raffle prizes, with a grand prize of round trip tickets to Europe.
"We have amazing people and companies who support us," said Kevin Mork, director of community relations. ALCC has been supporting those in need with free legal service and education programs for close to three decades. "This is a great group doing great work for not just people with HIV, but kids with complex medical conditions," said Executive Director Tom Yates, "[ALCC] has also expanded to represent the homeless and individuals with mental-health disabilities."
For more information on ALCC and future events, visit www.aidslegal.com .
Text and photos by Angelique Smith