CHICAGO - Havana in Chicago, a benefit to raise money to help provide medical supplies and meals for people in Cuba, will once again be held at Chicago's famous Sidetrack Video Bar, which will be turned into a tropical Havana club for the evening.
Havana in Chicago benefits First Hand Aid, a charity that has been working for more than a decade to improve the quality of life for Cuban children with cancer and other diseases, elderly Cubans who lack food, and other families in need.
The event at 4-8 PM on Saturday, July 19 will be a fun party with salsa band Latin Inspiration, authentic Cuban food from Paladar Restaurant, a silent auction and other surprises.
Tickets to Havana in Chicago, available in advance for $50, can be purchased at firsthandaid.org/purchase-tickets. The ticket includes a drink coupon, Cuban buffet, live music, door prizes and silent auction.
Last year's inaugural Havana in Chicago was a tremendous success, raising over $25,000 for the work of First Hand Aid.
The second annual Havana in Chicago is a very special event produced by Sidetrack and its owners Pepe Pena and Arthur Johnston and a host committee of twenty Chicagoans who have traveled to Cuba in the last two years to participate in the meals program, hospital visits and medicine deliveries of First Hand Aid.
"The party is sure to be lively and lovely. But the real joy of the event is knowing that the funds raised will go to assist in the selfless work of First Hand Aid, whose volunteers deliver medical supplies to the people of Cuba....in person!" Johnston said.
More information about the history and work of First Hand Aid, which is based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and about the founder Marc Bohland can be seen at www.firsthandaid.org .