The eighth annual AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC) holiday extravaganza, World of Chocolate—held Dec. 3 at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan—was sweet in more than one way. More than 1,500 chocolate enthusiasts indulged in creations from 25 of the city’s finest restaurants, chocolatiers and caterers. This one-of-a-kind event commemorated World AIDS Day and raised more than $200,000 for the fight against HIV/AIDS, according to a press release.
The Peninsula Hotel, which featured a Candyland theme complete with lollipops and giant peppermint candies, won several of the judges’ awards. Judges included entertainer Miss Foozie, WGN-TV entertainment reporter Dean Richards and WLS-TV anchor Kevin Roy.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate will support AFC’s policy, public education and grantmaking programs, and $50,000 of the proceeds will fund AFC’s Global AIDS Initiative.