World AIDS Day events: The theme of World AIDS Day, Dec. 1, will be 'Women, Girls, HIV & AIDS—Have You Heard Me Today?' The Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, will host events to commemorate World AIDS Day, Dec. 1. From 1-5 p.m., there will be performances from The School Street Movement, a health fair, The Faces of AIDS Exhibit, and The Names Project Quilt Exhibit. From 5-8 p.m., there will be an awards ceremony featuring the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., as the keynote speaker. For more information,call 1-800-AID-AIDS ( 243 -2437 ) . Also, there will be a World AIDS Day candlelight vigil at 8:30 p.m. at Lake View Lutheran Church, 835 W. Addison; contact CaritasChicago@yahoo.com for information.
Church events: A healing Eucharist will be held at St. Andrew's Chapel of the Saint James Cathedral, 65 E. Huron, at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 1, World AIDS Day. The Rt. Rev. William D. Persell, Bishop of Chicago, will preside. On Nov. 28 at 4 p.m., the AIDS Task Force of Saint James Cathedral will host a program at the same cathedral entitled 'A Presentation of the Empowered Women Educators, Mothers, Clergy and Care Givers.' For more information, call ( 312 ) 787-7360.
Chocolate galore: Satisfy your sweet tooth and commemorate World AIDS Day with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's holiday extravaganza World of Chocolate at The Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m. This benefit offers delectable and imaginative chocolate creations from many of Chicago's finest chocolatiers, restaurants, caterers and hotels while raising much needed funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS. The spectacular event also will feature a 'Holiday Bazaar.' Call AFC at ( 312 ) 922-2322.
Art Auction: Beyondmedia's First Annual Art Auction Extrava-GOWN-za & Holiday Sale for Social Justice will take place at Las Manos Gallery, Dec. 10, at 5220 N. Clark from 7-11 p.m. Beyondmania is looking for donations of paintings, mixed media, and other works. The submission deadline is Dec. 7. For more info, contact Kelly, Lara, or Salome at ( 773 ) 973-2280 or email beyond@beyondmedia.org .
Chicago gay history: On Dec. 11, the Newberry Library is hosting Dr. David K. Johnson for 'Free Speech and the 'Kids of Fairytown',' an examination of how Chicago's gay community emerged in the early twentieth century. Newberry Library is at 60 W. Walton and the presentation starts at 11 a.m. For more information, call ( 312 ) 255-3691.
A cook-off with celebrities: There is a holiday cookoff featuring Ted Allen, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy's food and wine connoisseur, and Art Smith, Oprah Winfrey's chef, on Dec. 11. Proceeds will benefit GenderPAC and Center on Halsted. To order tickets, go to lightning.he.net/~gpac/events/cookout/index.html .
Alice's Garden: Alice's Garden, at 3524 N. Halsted St., is hosting a cocktail reception on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. for its forthcoming neighbor, the Center on Halsted, and top donors to its 2005 Human First benefit gala, which will take place in April. Valhalla wine shop will donate refreshments for the event. For more info, contact Wagstaff Worldwide at ( 312 ) 902-6900.
Art exhibit: Gerber/Hart Library, 1127 W. Granville, will host an opening reception for artist Michael Bonfiglio on Sun., Dec. 5, 4-8 p.m. Bonfiglio's exhibit, 'Mary's Christmas,' is a tribute to the artist's late mother. E-mail Gerber/Hart Library at info@gerberhart.org or call ( 773 ) 381-8030 for more information.
Women's domestic violence support group: A support group for lesbian, bisexual transgender women who are or have been fearful of their partners is starting the middle of this month. Call the Center on Halsted at ( 773 ) 472-6469, ext. 224. The 24-hour crisis line number is ( 773 ) 871-CARE.
Youth services: If your organization is looking to collaborate with youth-centered LGBT agencies that serve youth in Chicago, the Youth Service Providers Network ( YSPN ) could help you. To become a member of YSPN, e-mail the Chicago Gay Youth Center at cgycenter@hotmail.com .