The Lesbian Community Care Project ( LCCP ) hosted its annual "Garden of Eve" gala Sept. 16 at the swank West Loop nightspot/restaurant Carnivale. Hundreds of ticketholders enjoyed live performances, scantily clad dancers, an open bar and Latin-inspired hors d'oeuvres.
The Friday night fundraiser was dedicated to Christina Santiago, a beloved lesbian activist who died Aug. 13 during a stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. Santiago worked as manager of the LCCP, a Howard Brown Health Center program dedicated to improving women's healthcare.
Organizers presented a 10-minute video tribute. Photos of Santiago with friends, family and partner Alisha Marie Brennon flashed across the screen, while Howard Brown staffers—including President/CEO Jamal Edwards and LCCP Director Kisa Katona—shared memories.
"She was beautiful, she was smart, fun to be around," Edwards said. "You couldn't miss her." As the video ended, revelers toasted Santiago to a rousing round of applause.
Carnivale's spacious upper level was divided into three rooms for the event: Eden, Purgatory and Hell. With its open floor plan, hanging luminaries and house-made sangria, Eden was the party scene. DJs Terry Bristol and Gloria spun records for a packed dance floor; guests shimmied, shook and even formed a conga line.
Purgatory and Hell offered more intimate settings. Katie Todd, Jeannie Tanner Quartet, Eileen Censotti, Daniela Sloan, Diva Kai and Christine Kent performed.
A silent auction featured gift packages valued up to $1,600. Prizes included tickets and airfare to the Ellen DeGeneres show, a private cooking party, wine tastings and Cubs tickets.
Howard Brown Board Chair Karma Israelsen announced that sponsor MillerCoors would match the first $10,000 raised and pushed guests to donate or buy raffle tickets. She promised to match an additional $2,500 with her own money, and Edwards stepped us with a second $2,500 match offer.
Final figures for the fundraiser will be available at the end of the week.
Text by Erica Demarest and photos by Kat Fitzgerald.
