A number of local organizations have events planned to commemorate World AIDS Day. All events take place on Sun., Dec. 1, unless otherwise noted.
AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosts its annual World of Chocolate celebration at Union Station, 225 S. Canal St., at 6 p.m. on Dec. 6. Union Station's Great Hall will be transformed into a decadent adventure of sweet and savory chocolate creations made by chefs, chocolatiers and caterers from all over Chicago, according to organizers. For more information, visit aidschicago.org or call 312-922-2322.
Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St., presents a screening of film clips and the full-length feature, "Black Is, Black Ain't," themed around HIV and young-people, from 2-4 p.m. Art by participants in COH's HIV art therapy program, as well as artist Dan Anthon, the program's facilitator, is on display from 5-6 p.m. on the Center's second and third floors. Finally, "Spoken Stories" by area performers will be presented from 6-8 p.m. Among those scheduled are Allegra Malone, Ames Hawkins, Ken Like Barbie, Joe Varisco, Parker Stockman, Precious Davis, Tim'm West, Teresa Kuruvilla and Jay Contarez, Jr. For more information, visit centeronhalsted.org or call 773-472-6469.
Howard Brown Health Center will offer free HIV testing on Dec. 2 at its main location, 4025 N. Sheridan Rd, from 1-7 p.m.; Broadway Youth Center, 615 W. Wellington Ave., from 3-7 p.m.; and Walgreens, 5440 N. Clark St., from 3-7 p.m. For more information, visit howardbrown.org or call 773-388-1600.
Test Positive Aware Network will give presentations during morning services at Unity Church of Chicago, 1925 W. Thome, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For more information, visit tpan.com or call 773-989-9400.
TransActions will host its Legends Lunch All Star Awards in association with the Chicago Department of Public Health at 1 p.m. at Mayne Stage, 1328 W. Morse Ave. For more information contact Joy Morris at mzjoy773@yahoo.com or call 312-513-3878.
Vida/Sida hosts its 25th Anniversary Dinner and Gala from 5-8 p.m. at Institute of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture, 3015 W. Division St. Among those honored will be Carmen Velazquez, executive director of Alivio Medical Center; Dora Garcia, associate executive director, Alivio Medical Center; state Sen. William Delgado; state Sen. Iris Martinez; state Rep. Cynthia Soto; state Rep. Maria Antonia Berrios; and State Rep. Luis Arreyo. The gala will be preceded by a vigil at Casita de Don Pedro, 2625 W. Division St., from 3-3:45 p.m.; the dedication of the new Vida/Sida office, 2640 W. Divistion St., from 3:45-4:15 p.m.; and an open house at El Rescate, 2703 W. Division St., from 4:15-4:45 p.m. For more information, call 773-278-6737.
