On Feb. 5the evening before its 25th-anniversary galaEquality Illinois held a "Jubilee Reception" at Chez Chicago, 247 E. Ontario St.
There were a buffet, a dessert cart ( which quick drew patrons ), a Garrett Popcorn table with samples and even a wedding-themed stop. A DJ provided aural entertainment.
Bernard Cherkasovin his last year as CEO of Equality Illinoisaddressed the crowd, improvising by speaking through the DJ's headphones when his mic failed. "Thank you for supporting us year-round and making our work possible in every part of the state," he told the crowd while thanking everyone from sponsors to the venue.
Talking with Windy City Times, Cherkasov reflected on his last year: "Even though I'm leaving my role, I'll always be a part of the organization. I'll never really leave."
Photos and text by Andrew Davis