Pro-LGBT group Equality Illinois raised thousands of dollars July 28 as it hosted a celebrity pie toss at Boystown nightspot Sidetrack in the afternoon. First up to splat was WGN entertainment reporter Dean Richards, who spoke of Chick-fil-A having a record number of sales recently and why this event was so important. (Chick-fil-A is in the midst of controversy after company president Dan Cathy confirmed the fast-food chain's anti-gay stance.) He raised $600 after bidders with paddles waved them frantically for an opportunity at a pie.
Ald. James Cappleman of the 46th Ward announced his upcoming civil unionwith the winner invited to his event as a prize. The LGBT community was truly represented, as local celebrities included transgender sports aficionado Christina Kahrl to lesbian L Stop writer Erica Feliciano all got cream pies to the face. Chicago Fire players Greg Beard and drag queen Debbie Fox were among the others having fun as the pies continued to fly.
Bernard Cherkasov, the CEO of Equality Illinois, went for $1,250 as employees banded together to get a shot at him.
Real Housewives of New Jersey star Jaime Laurita and partner Rich Lane threw in a signed cookbook by Sarah McLachlan as a prize. They covered up with an issue of Windy City Timescomplete with a recent interview of his sister, Caroline Manzoto block the mess. Toppings were doused over the head of a chicken-costumed man as the point regarding Chick-fil-A was driven home.
Look for more events, such as a Book of Mormon gathering in December. Visit www.eqil.org for more info. Photos and text by Jerry Nunn.