A World of Chocolate Commemorates World AIDS Day

More than 650 guests gathered on December 5, 2002 for a chocolate extravaganza at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's (AFC) holiday affair A World of Chocolate. The inaugural event, which commemorates World AIDS Day, raised approximately $60,000 for AFC's grantmaking program.

Photo by Catherine Sikora, 2002

Celine Lenehan of Aria Restaurant & Bar Displays the event's top honor, the "Hot Chocolate Award" for overall excellence. View photos from event

The evening featured an array of chocolate creations from 15 of Chicago's finest restaurants, caterers, and chocolatiers and included a display of holiday trees representing the regions of the world most affected by the epidemic.

AFC called upon three local chocolate connoisseurs, Dean Richards of WGN-TV and WGN Radio 720; Victor Javier Solano of Telemundo, Channel 44; and Bill Zwecker of Chicago Sun-Times and FOX News, to sample and judge the evening's culinary offerings. The celebrity panel honored Aria Restaurant & Bar with the "Hot Chocolate Award" for overall excellence, Regency Caterers by Hyatt with the "Loco Cocoa Award" for the most creative use of chocolate, the French Pastry School with the "Sweetbooth Award" for best presentation, and the Hilton Chicago with the "Chocoholic's Dream Award" for the most visually enticing treat.

"First Lady of the United Nations," Nane Annan made a special appearance at the event to speak on the state of the global AIDS crisis. Mrs. Annan told of the devastation caused by AIDS that she has witnessed firsthand in her travels with her husband, Secretary General Kofi Annan. She also stated the need to increase efforts to educate young girls, who, once empowered by knowledge, would then be able to make informed choices about their lives, including their sexuality.

Guests were also treated to a "Holiday Bazaar" of high-end gifts, including ornaments designed by Christopher Radko, as well as a variety of other holiday décor items for purchase. In addition, each guest received a complimentary, one-of-a-kind calendar designed by the creative team at Lápiz, one of the top marketing agencies in the country.

AFC extends a warm thank you to event co-chairs Joanne Armenio, Claire Miller, Alberto Senior, and honorary chair George L. Jewell for their tireless work in organizing such a successful, first-time event.

A World of Chocolate Event Sponsors
GlaxoSmithKline
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Christopher Radko
Roscoes Tavern
The Prosniewski Family

In-kind Donors
Bell Litho, Inc.
Kearns|Markle
George L. Jewell
Tom Kehoe and Kehoe Designs
Lápiz and Leo Burnett
Midway Moving and Storage
David Ortega
James Rudge

Chocolate Creations Donated By
Ambria & Mon Ami Gabi
Aria Restaurant & Bar
Coco Pazzo
Crepes a Latte
Food for Thought Catering
French Pastry School
George L. Jewell Catering
Hilton Chicago
Marshall Field's
Regency Caterers by Hyatt
Rushmore
Thyme
Trio
Vosges Haut-Chocolat
Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events