Big, colorful turn-out for Fat Ball

Chicago, IL - Approximately 400 attendees donned creative chic attire, masks and/or headdresses at Logan Square's historic Stan Mansion, Saturday February 21, 2009, for AIDSCare's annual Fat Ball, the theme of which was dubbed "Nocturne."

Described as a "fun-filled night of debauchery" by co-chair Wes Walker in an interview featured on ChicagoPride.com, the evening's festivities included Mardi Gras-styled themes and minimally clad models, a live and silent auction, a three-course buffet, open bar and entertainment by Belmont Burlesque Review, Hot Toddy, Invision Psychics, Read my Hips and Prizm Entertainment, among others. (View event photos)

"This was one of the better Fat Balls we've ever [produced]," says AIDSCare Chicago20Development Coordinator Zhenya Krassitchkova. "We had a great turn out. The entertainment line-up was great ... People were really living it up."

Krassitchkova also remarks that the collective attendees' evening wear was something of notable mention. Seen on scene, attendants' ensembles ranged from black tie to no tie to untied and nothing to tie. Krassitchkova herself was wearing, what she described as, an "obnoxious feather hat."

"People are really getting in the spirit of creative chic attire," Krassitchkova says.

Proceeds from the event will be deposited into the AIDSCare general operating budget, supporting programs such as addiction counseling, children services and case management.

AIDSCare has been working to "establish and maintain self-sustaining communities of individuals and families overcoming life challenging conditions such as AIDS, poverty, addiction, and homelessness" since 1992.