On May 3, Chicago House & Social Services held its annual spring brunch in the Winter Garden Ballroom at the Harold Washington Library-and it was all about celebrating the agency's 30 years of service.
Spring fashion was in the air as guests came dressed in their better than Sunday's best ready to enjoy an afternoon of great food, mimosas, bloody marys and live auctions topped off with an amazing fashion show and brilliant dance performances to the last 30 years of Madonna, which Todd Kiech produced.
This year's Spirit Award recipient was attorney and playwright Jay Paul Deratany, for his many years of dedication to Chicago House. Deratany has served on Chicago House's Board of Trustee's for six years and was an instrumental part of getting the Trans Life Center off the ground.
Julie Hamos, a former state rep ( 18th District ) and director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, was awarded the Public Service Award for her longtime support and incredible contributions to vulnerable Chicagoans and the LGBTQ community. Hamos helped Chicago House obtain 501( c )( 3 ) status in its inception in 1985.
Chicago House provides services to individuals and families who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness and/or gender nonconformity.
Photos and text by Ed Negron