Guests were dressed to impress, most sporting colorful and intricate masks to correspond with the party’s theme. Approximately 60 art vendors set up booths to display and sell their pieces. The evening also included burlesque performances, a fashion show and a live band performance. Guests danced the night away with drinks and desserts.
My Daily Escape Founder Liz Diaz said aside from supporting the AIDS Foundation while raising awareness with this particular event, she always enjoys helping passionate artists, musicians and organizations allowing them to showcase their talents and work. She explained the event had a little bit of everything for everybody’s taste.
“I just thought it’d be really cool just to have everybody with masks on and just do something swanky and cool and a chance for everybody to dress,” said Diaz. “I have two friends with AIDS and it just amazes me how they live their lives day to day and they’re so happy and there’s not enough awareness. I think if we raise awareness and do all this stuff so that the public knows about it, it’s just my way of giving back to the community and do what I can.”
Center on Halsted provided part of the evening’s educational component. With Center on Halsted being LGBTQ-focused, Kevin Nicols, who works in the HIV department, said the organization wanted to do its part by providing as much HIV-prevention information as possible.
“I think it’s fantastic,” said Nicols. “I love all the vendors; everybody’s really friendly, the costumes and outfits are really great. It’s a great energy. I definitely love it.” Photos by Melissa Wasserman