The Unity Park Advisory Council—the official Park Advisory Council for Unity Park in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood—is holding its annual Party for the Park Online Silent Auction.
The auction closes Monday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. As for the actual party, that will take place Thursday, Dec. 5, 6-10 p.m., at Weegee’s Lounge, 3659 W. Armitage Ave.
Auction items include a Chicago City Hall tour with out gay Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa; a Cook County board tour and lunch with out Commissioner Anthony Quezada; a party for 50 at the queer Lake View nightspot Sidetrack; a portrait session with Rick Aguilar Studios; tickets to the Chicago Bears/Detroit Lions game; and much more.
According to its website, “90% of Unity Park’s programming is provided by UPAC and we are proud to say that we have NEVER charged for anyone to participate in a UPAC event at Unity Park. Events like Earth Day, ART in the Park, Movie in the Park, Lucha Libre en el Parque and Pumpkinfest have become community staples and we are proud to offer programming where cost is not a barrier to participation.”
Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame inductee and longtime activist Robert Castillo told Windy City Times, “Unity Park holds a special place in my heart and I’ve been active with Unity Park Advisory Council (UPAC) since the mid-’90s. My late husband, John [Pennycuff, who worked with Windy City Times], played there when he was growing up. Then, it was only a playlot—Playlot 293. Today, there is currently a little library that honors his dedication to the park.
“It is my privilege to continue to support the work of UPAC and I wanted to share a way you can help support the work of the all volunteer organization.”