On Saturday, March 23, Johnston and Pena are co-hosts for Havana In Chicago, a four-hour fundraiser for First Hand Aid, starting at 4 p.m. The event will feature Cuban food from Paladar and Cuban music from Grupo Zye, winner of the 2012 Jammie Award (Best Jazz Album), plus door prizes and a silent auction. Advance tickets are $50 and organizers are hoping to raise at least $10,000.
The gay Chicago partners, who also are co-owners of Sidetrack, traveled to Toronto for a non-stop Air Canada flight to Havana, where they brought medicines not available in Cuba, particularly to help treat kids with cancer, and meals, mostly for senior citizens. They then deliver medications to the needy in Havana hospitals and visit patients with words of encouragement.
See complete coverage, Sidetrack owners help bring aide to Cuba, here: windycitytimes.com/lgbt/Sidetrack-owners-help-bring-aide-to-Cuba-with-March-23-event/41754.html.