The annual holiday gala, World of Chocolate gala, raises funds and HIV awareness for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago ( AFC ) hosts Chicago's premier World AIDS Day event, on Friday, Nov. 30 6 to 9 p.m. at Revel Fulton Market. Guests will enjoy the delicious signature creations of chocolatiers and chefs from over 23 of Chicago's hottest restaurants, hotels and bakeries competing to win the best sweet and savory bites, as well as craft cocktails, with a panel of celebrity judges selecting the night's best conceptions.
In addition to sampling each establishment's creation, guests will enjoy a light buffet, specialty craft cocktails, open bar, music, a raffle and punchboard with a diverse offering of spectacular prizes.
AFC will also be partnering with Walgreens Boots Alliance in an effort to make this an eco-friendly and zero waste to landfill evening by challenging participating chocolatiers to use only recyclable, reusable and compostable products at the event. Extravagant décor by Kehoe Designs will give life to the night's theme of International Affair, with complementing cuisines from across the globe.
"Our guests expressed great excitement surrounding last year's International Affair theme," explained Edward Wagner, AIDS Foundation of Chicago's Chief External Relations Officer. "Recognizing the global impact that HIV has had, the international community must continue working together to honor those we've lost, ensure those living with HIV thrive, and strive to create a world where new HIV cases are rare."
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, this year's signature celebration honors the local, national and international progress the HIV/AIDS community has made to end the epidemic. The movement has observed the Dec. 1 date as a global effort to increase public awareness, while promoting HIV related programming and dialogue. Launched in 1988, the global event followed an international summit among health leaders who saw the need for a larger discussion on HIV/AIDS in every country.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC's work to end new cases of HIV in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will help AFC advance its mission, which includes:
- Supporting efforts to house more than 1,000 Chicagoans each year.
- Providing more than 5,000 clients with case management services.
- Training hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP.
- Empowering AFC to provide policy leadership in state and federal health equity matters
- Collaborating with people and partners across the state to achieve Getting to Zero Illinois, an ambitious plan to end new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030
For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit chocolate.aidschicago.org .
General Admission: $145 ( includes one event ticket )
Red Ribbon Ticket: $245 ( includes one event ticket, exclusive VIP entrance with a specialty cocktail, private bar and lounge access ) — VIP Mile High Club Tix
Bittersweet Bliss Ticket Package: $900 ( includes four event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program )
Chocolate Ecstasy Ticket Package: $2,000 ( includes ten event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program )
—From a press release
