(Chicago, IL) More than 950 guests gathered at Chicago's famed Union Station (500 W. Jackson) for Chicago's Sweetest Fundraiser, AIDS Foundation Chicago's (AFC), World of Chocolate on Friday, February 9. Attendees and supporters raised more than $200,000 to support the vital services AFC provides to thousands of Chicagoans annually guided by the mission to create equity and justice for people living with HIV or chronic conditions. To encourage participation in this charitable event, a portion of funds raised have been earmarked for BIPOC chocolatiers who can elect to accept a small stipend to support creating their World of Chocolate confections. Last year, $4,500 in funds raised were dedicated to supporting BIPOC chocolatiers through stipends.
Coverage and photos at www.windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Chicagoans-indulge-in-a-World-of-Chocolate/76628.html .
"Once again, the Chicagoland community came out in full support of AIDS Foundation Chicago and its mission to end the HIV epidemic by 2030," said John Peller, AIDS Foundation Chicago President/CEO. "World of Chocolate works to raise funds to help support all of the services AFC offers to the HIV community while highlighting the work and community service of BIPOC chocolatiers and small businesses. With successful events like this, we can continue to focus on ending the HIV epidemic, teaming up for justice and change, uniting to end homelessness, and prioritizing racial equity."
During the event, guests sampled chocolate creations crafted by 14 Chicagoland chocolatiers and confectioners. Ranging from sweet to savory to boozy, including jalapeno infused bon bons, chocolates, truffles, cookies and even octopus garnished with white chocolate bubbles, while dancing the night away. 8 of the 14 participating chocolatiers are either BIPOC owned or have BIPOC executive chefs.
A full list of participating 2024 chocolatiers and chefs can be found here: https://action.aidschicago.org/event/world-of-chocolate-2024/e531329
Eleven local celebrities, food writers and chefs—Valerie Beck, Chocolate Uplift; Robert Bowden, Vivere Chocolate; Andrew Davis, Journalist; Richard Dayhoff, Fashion Designer; Scott Duff, WCPT-AM 820; Candace Jordan, Candid Candace; Paul Lisnek, WGN; Veronica LePinske, A Cook's Canvas;Brandon Pope, Journalist/TV Host/Podcaster; Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, The Real Chat Daddy Show; and Rey Rodriguez, Bilingual Entertainment Reporter.judged the participating vendors in the following categories; partygoers had their say, too, with the People's Choice Award.
Winners included:
Best Small Business: Chocolat Uzma
Best Large Business: Torali at Ritz-Carlton
Best Libation: Blackout Baking Co.
Best Savory: David Rubenstein Forum at the University of Chicago
Best Sweet: Torali at the Ritz-Carlton
People's Choice: Torali at the Ritz-Carlton
Event proceeds enable AFC to continue its efforts in the fight against HIV/AIDS AFC, focusing 4 key strategic priorities through the end of 2024:
- End the HIV epidemic
- Team up for justice and change
- Unite to end homelessness
- Prioritize racial equity
This includes:
- Bridging housing and health care systems to improve the lives of Chicagoans experiencing homelessness
- Connecting clients with case management services
- Training medical professionals about the importance of prevention, such as PrEP—a HIV prevention medication
- Providing policy leadership in state and federal health equity matters
- Collaborating with partners across the state to achieve Getting to Zero Illinois, a state-wide initiative to end new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030
About AFC
For more than 39 years, AFC has led the fight to create health equity and justice for people living with and disproportionately impacted by HIV and AIDS. AFC brings together service providers and funders to develop systems that meet the needs of those living with HIV/AIDS and to maximize the use of scarce resources. AFC is committed to working with policymakers and service providers to increase funding for prevention services and programs that work.
AFC mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV or chronic conditions. AFC aspires to create a world in which people living with HIV or chronic conditions will thrive, and there will be no new HIV cases. Learn more at: www.aidschicago.org/ .
