The Winter Garden Ballroom of the Harold Washington Library Center was decorated with large bouquets; towering, green-ivy walls; a black-and-white checkered runway; and a deck of (human) cards.
It was all part of the "Wonderland" Spring Brunch and Fashion Show, hosted on May 5, Chicago House's 26th annual fundraiser for the organization.
The event included a three-course meal, silent auction, award presentation and culminated in a fashion show.
Illinois state Rep. Kelly Cassidy was presented with this year's Spirit Award for her advocacy of women, the LGBT community and Chicago House.
Cassidy was also recognized for her work on access sterile needles, marriage equality and bullying.
"I am just honored to be able to do the work that I do," Cassidy said.
"We are almost there on marriage equality," she added, telling everyone to urge their friends to call state representatives who have not yet openly endorsed the bill.
In his keynote address, Chicago House CEO the Rev. Stan Sloan stressed the medical advances made this past year, particularly the discovery of an infant who had been born HIV-positive, but was later found to have no trace of HIV in its blood.
"But equally important, someone who's blood is undetectable for HIV is virtually incapable of passing the virus on," Sloan said.
Sloan also announced that in a few months the TransLife Project would be opening 30 units of housing, among other medical, employment and legal services, serving trans women of color in the Chicago area.
"We've been there since the beginning, we will be there until the cure," Sloan said throughout his speech.
In attendance of the day's event was Indian crown prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, the first openly gay Indian royal.
Over 120 items and packages were available for auction. Chicago House raised more than $129,000.
Orbitz, a corporate sponsor of the event, is also donating $10 to Chicago House for every smartphone user who downloads their application. Select Chicago House at orbitz.com/lgbtcharity to donate.