“Walk Like an Egyptian” over to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s (AFC’s) event to see The Bangles perform live. This marks the 25th anniversary of the organization, which was founded in 1985 by activists and physicians. Since that time, AFC has given out more than $18 million in grants to HIV/AIDS organizations in the Chicago area. In November 2009, the group was inducted into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame.
The foundation’s gala, titled “Not Just Song and Dance,” was on hiatus for four years. This is a black-tie occasion that treats guests to a cocktail reception, a four-course dinner and a silent action.
Susanna Hoffs, the lead singer for The Bangles, was interviewed last year for Windy City Times. She told WCT that her mother is from Hyde Park and how much she feels she is “very connected to Chicago.”
With the money raised, AFC hopes to expand outreach and support communities of color, women and youth as well as men who have sex with men. AFC Vice President of Communications Johnathon Briggs said, “We are going to maximize the use of scarce public resources. There is just not enough money out there when it comes to HIV and AIDS. There are roughly 56,000 new infections every year in the United States.” He added that with more people living with HIV there are new problems to tackle, such as housing and medications.
With over a quarter of a century of service, this event promises to not be just another manic Saturday.
The gala takes place Saturday, May 1, 6 p.m.-12 a.m. at the Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan. Tickets are $500 per person with corporate tables starting at $7,500. Call 312-922-2322 or visit www.aidschicago.org.