Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry (ABAM) hosted its 13th annual Jubilate (pronounced YOO-buh-LAH-tay) Nov. 13 at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph.
Before the actual musical/dance program commenced, the audience heard from Merrill C. Kenna, CEO of ABAM, who announced that the ministry will open housing on the South Side of Chicago for those who live with HIV/AIDS—and that the facility will be named after Alexian Brothers founder Father Felix Bettendorf. (It is expected to open within two years.)
Marilyn McBride, a senior resident of Bonaventure House, one of ABAM’s current facilities, gave an emotional testimony in which she even talked about how the agency helped her get a G.E.D.; at one point, she said that ‘ [t] he staff at Bonaventure House is the bomb.’ (Besides Bonaventure House, ABAM has The Harbor, which is located in Waukegan.)
After that, attendees were dazzled by performances from such individuals and troupes as Ballet Chicago, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, Susanne Mentzer, Peter Rose and BAM!
See www.bonaventurehouse.org and www.theharborwaukegan.org.