The Down Low

Some of the hottest fund raising events are happening over the next few weeks and you won’t want to miss them!

It’s still not too late to get tickets to what promises to be the most fun interactive event this year. The Real Deal Chicago will bring together many television’s hottest Reality stars Thursday, April 22. Check out this all-star line up: Richard Hatch , America’s most famous nudist from “Survivor”, Reichen Lehmkuhl , half of the hot duo that went on to win “The Amazing Race”, Marcellas Reyonlds , the hilarious drama queen from “Big Brother 3”, and three of the house mates from “Real World Chicago”, Tonya Cooley , Aneesa Ferreira , and (everybody gasp with excitement) Chris Beckman . (pictured left) Tamron Hall of Fox News in the Morning will host this event that will give everyone who attends a chance to mix and mingle with these stars. The sassy Miss Hall will act as emcee and field questions from the crowd. Then it’s dancing and drinking for the rest of the night.

To clear up some confusion, the event has changed venues. It will now take place at Sound-Bar, and if you haven’t been to Chicago’s hippest new nightclub, you gotta check it out. It’s the perfect venue for this type of event and a great place to hang and party with the stars after the event. The ticket prices have also dropped to encourage more people to attend. Let’s pack the house! All money raised goes to a great cause: The Reality Cares Foundation. And a portion of the proceeds will go to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

There are a few added perks. Music will be provided by Michael “DJ Plez” Pleasants , our own Music Editor here at ChicagoPride.com. Free Grey Goose Vodka drinks will be available from 6-9pm. Plus a few other surprises. And if you’re off work or planning on calling in sick Friday morning, hang out at Sound-Bar for the rest of the night. Rumor has it that this club will soon rival Crobar as the place to go on Sunday nights. Purchase tickets in advance from TicketWeb.

Come find me at the event. I’ll take your picture with your favorite star and we’ll post right here on the website!

If you’ve never attended a “Who’s That Girl? 2004” fundraiser, you’d better hurry because this yearly extravaganza is always a sell-out, and for good reason. Patrick Russo is one of the most talented drag performers you’ll ever see, and he doesn’t do it professionally. Once a year he dusts off those wigs and sequined dressed and puts on a show like no other. You’ll have a blast and see all of the best female impersonators in the city.

It’s hard to believe this is the 9th annual “Who’s That Girl?” I remember when it started as a small one-night event at the Baton. It quickly caught on and became one of the “must attend” fund raisers in Chicago. Now two nights and moved to the larger location of Park West Chicago, the show only gets bigger and better every year. This year, proceeds will benefit Howard Brown Health Center. The event runs Friday and Saturday, April 23 & 24. Check for tickets now! There may not be many left. (Event Details)

Sunday is Chicago House’s 16th Annual Spring Brunch and Fashion Show . If you’ve been to a Chicago House fundraiser, then you know that Jeremy Hilborn, Chicago House’s Special Events Manager puts on some of the best fundraisers in the city. He combines the most fun mix of people and performances with some of the most creative concepts that turn the ordinarily droll fundraiser into a jammin’ good time. This year’s event is in the Winter Garden Room at the Harold Washington Library Center.

Yours Truly will be hosting the event. That alone should be reason enough to attend, but alas, it’s sold out., so you’ll have to come meet me at the Real Deal event on Thursday. However, Chicago House will graciously accept any donations and I encourage you to support such a wonderful organization. Fr. Stan Sloan (previously referred to in The Down Low as “Fr. Fun”) heads a great staff that does wonderful work providing housing for low income and homeless people living with HIV and AIDS.

I encourage you to attend any or all of these events or consider volunteering some time. You’d be amazed at all the good that’s being done to assist the many people who need our help in the community. And if you’re looking to meet some quality people, do some good, or just have a great time, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Remember to look for me at these events and be sure I get your picture taken to post here on ChicagoPride.com!