On the afternoon of April 19, AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) held its third annual Red Party, a fundraiser in support of the organization’s work to end new HIV transmissions and connect individuals with HIV/AIDS with ongoing treatment and care.
The event took place at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St. Guests chowed down on pizza and drag artists Amber Valentine and Bosston performed. Speakers discussed the twin challenges of fighting federal financial cuts to AFC and continuing the progress made in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS in the last few years.
AFC President and CEO John Peller, who this month announced that he’d be stepping down from his position, said, “A couple of weeks ago, President Trump proposed cutting HIV funding and named AFC, an organization in Maui and an organization that does not exist as targets. He called us a ‘far-left non-profit embedded in diversity, inclusion and racial equity principles.’”
Peller added, “Well, The AIDS Foundation of Chicago does embrace equity, diversity and inclusion, which is why this fight is more important than ever.”
Chief Programs Officer Simone Koehlinger spoke about the importance of ending housing insecurity for persons impacted by HIV/AIDS. She noted that 90% of individuals in AFC’s housing program receiving funds through the Ryan White CARE ACT had an undetectable viral load. with the aim of reaching 100%.
AFC’s goal, Koehlinger said, is nevertheless for that number to reach 100%. She added, “We have all the tools we need to make this happen.”
