'World of Chocolate' canceled due to COVID-19 surge
Wed. January 19, 2022 1:25 PM by GoPride.com News Staff
afc's world of chocolate 2019
photo credit // anthony meade
'World of Chocolate' raffle continues online
AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) has canceled its “World of Chocolate” fundraising event due to the recent Omicron surge in Chicago.
"As much as we had hoped to gather in-person, we must prioritize the health of our community above all else," said John Peller, AFC President and CEO.
“World of Chocolate”, the organizations’ largest winter fundraiser, was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11 at Union Station and was set to feature more than 20 local chocolatiers and restaurant vendors.
Hopefully to return, the annual event has been on a 2-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is an extremely difficult time but is not the first time we've worked through an epidemic since our inception 36 years ago,” said Peller. “We responded to the AIDS epidemic and our response to COVID-19 is no different. We are health equity advocates and will always prioritize our community's well-being despite the circumstances."
Individuals who have purchased tickets, can receive a full-ticket refund or donate the amount directly to AFC. For refunds, email Dustin Erikstrup, AFC's Director of Fundraising Events, at DErikstrup@aidschicago.org or call (312) 922-2322.
AFC is still providing an opportunity to show support with the online purchase of the "Life is Like a Box of Chocolate" box. Included are 3 raffle tickets, chocolate samples from event chocolatiers, recipe cards, and a few goodies from AFC.
Proceeds from the event are distributed to AFC to continue providing access to health services, critical housing, case management and emergency financial assistance to those living with and vulnerable to HIV.
More information: https://action.aidschicago.org/event/world-of-chocolate-2022/e381065
"As much as we had hoped to gather in-person, we must prioritize the health of our community above all else," said John Peller, AFC President and CEO.
“World of Chocolate”, the organizations’ largest winter fundraiser, was scheduled for Friday, Feb. 11 at Union Station and was set to feature more than 20 local chocolatiers and restaurant vendors.
Hopefully to return, the annual event has been on a 2-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“This is an extremely difficult time but is not the first time we've worked through an epidemic since our inception 36 years ago,” said Peller. “We responded to the AIDS epidemic and our response to COVID-19 is no different. We are health equity advocates and will always prioritize our community's well-being despite the circumstances."
Individuals who have purchased tickets, can receive a full-ticket refund or donate the amount directly to AFC. For refunds, email Dustin Erikstrup, AFC's Director of Fundraising Events, at DErikstrup@aidschicago.org or call (312) 922-2322.
AFC is still providing an opportunity to show support with the online purchase of the "Life is Like a Box of Chocolate" box. Included are 3 raffle tickets, chocolate samples from event chocolatiers, recipe cards, and a few goodies from AFC.
Proceeds from the event are distributed to AFC to continue providing access to health services, critical housing, case management and emergency financial assistance to those living with and vulnerable to HIV.
More information: https://action.aidschicago.org/event/world-of-chocolate-2022/e381065