On May 7, Chicago House presented its annual spring fashion brunch, this year titled The Secret Garden, in the Winter Green Ballroom of the Harold Washington Library.
The annual event, which some now regard as the start of gay summer in Chicago, featured a sit-down brunch, flower show, live auction, fashion show and live performances, among them Molly Callinan, Dance Crash and the Actor's Gymnasium.
DJ Brian X provided a soundtrack of vintage disco, with proceeds in excess of $300,000 earmarked for Chicago House. WGN news personality Sean Lewis served as emcee for the event.
Chicago House was founded in 1985 at the height of the AIDS epidemic and initially served as a housing resource, and in most cases a hospice, for those living with HIV, according to its website. As the trajectory of HIV treatment shifted, Chicago House's services evolved as well; the organization now assists those living with HIV to lead healthy lives.
Chicago House serves more than 2,000 individuals in Chicago across four mission-critical pillars of housing, health, employment support and the TransLife Care program. For more information on the organization, to volunteer, or to donate go to www.chicagohouse.org .