Commemorate World AIDS Day at one of most unique events of the year, World of Chocolate, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's ( AFC ) signature holiday extravaganza held on Thursday, Dec. 3 at the Hilton Chicago. The decadent event invites guests to savor on sweet chocolate treats from over 30 of Chicago's finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers, while raising funds for the fight against HIV/AIDS.
All chocolate enthusiasts at the event will be eligible to win the world's most expensive truffle, La Madeline Au Truffe, donated by Knipschildt Chocolatier. Local celebrity judges will be in attendance to names the night's top confections. Past World of Chocolate creations have included an Aztec themed chocolate pyramid, a 20-foot, 8-inch tower made entirely of chocolate as well as flowing chocolate fountains and a Willy Wonka-style chocolate river.
A new element to the event this year, the first annual Chocolate Bliss Recipe Challenge, invites chocolate lovers to submit their own original recipe, after purchase of a World of Chocolate ticket. A panel of professional chocolatiers and chefs from the event will select the top recipe of choice, which will be announced at World of Chocolate. The top prize will receive the first-ever Amateur Chocolate Recipe Award title and complimentary tickets to next year's event. The winner will also receive a small stipend for supplies and ingredients to create the winning recipe for VIP Reception guests at the World of Chocolate 2010.
While sampling the delectable spread and mingling with fellow chocolate enthusiasts, guests will browse the Holiday Bazaar featuring gifts from BATSIRANAI, a women's handicraft group in Zimbabwe that supports mother's of disabled children, many of whom are living with HIV/AIDS. Guests will also enjoy a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with luxurious prizes and musical entertainment provided by DJ Mark Picchiotti, who has collaborated with artists including Kylie Minogue.
World AIDS Day is a worldwide effort to increase public awareness and encourage support and programming to prevent the spread of HIV infection. Since 1988, Dec. 1 has been observed every year when an international summit of health leaders called for a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS in every country around the globe.
Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009: 6 — 10 p.m., Hilton Chicago — 720 South Michigan Ave. For more information and to reserve tickets, call ( 312 ) 922-2322 or visit www.aidschicago.org .
$75 in advance, $100 at the door. Red Ribbon Ticket:$150 ( includes one event ticket with name recognition in program book and media presentation. )
