"These men and women are on the frontlines of the epidemic and they represent some of the most dedicated and inspiring people in HIV care and advocacy today," says ALCC Executive Director, Ann Hilton Fisher. "Some of them have been widely lauded for their efforts in the past, while others work quietly and with little recognition. It's important that we pay tribute to them as a community and acknowledge the profound difference that their work can make."

This year we are honoring:

• State Rep. Greg Harris
• Matthildur "Matta" Kelley of Community Outreach Intervention Projects (COIP)
• Cheryl Potts of Alexian Brothers AIDS Ministry
• Test Positive Aware Network (TPAN) which is celebrating its 25th year of service
• Ed Jeske and John Hern - Friend of the Council Award

The 2012 Advocates of the Year Awards will be co-presented by ALCC and Windy City Times at the firm of Sidley Austin LLP in downtown Chicago and is being generously supported by leading sponsors Sidley Austin LLP and Kirkland & Ellis LLP.

Our own Justin Hayford crooned to the appreciative audience at Davenport's, offering his take on the wit and wisdon from Children's Public Television. The Sunday evening performances were the third annual cabaret benefitting AIDS Legal Council of Chicago.

Things proved so popular that an encore performance is being planned for May! Watch for details. Thanks again to Davenport's for hosting this ALCC benefit.

Our Legal Beagles team participated again in this year's AIDS Run & Walk, raising more money than ever– about $16,000!

All of these donations are awarded to ALCC, so the effort of the Legal Beagles helps us directly. Many thanks to our hard-working team members and generous supporters!

More than 300 people turned out on August 24th to take part in ALCC's annual fundraiser at Sidetrack.

This year's theme was the Orient Express and our guests were generous in their support — bidding on the many silent auction items and scooping up raffle tickets. As promised, we had a delightful spread of food and got to watch Kerensa DeMars perform three traditional Turkish dances. Check out her web site.

Everyone enjoyed the evening, whether in the middle of a boisterous crowd at one of the bars or tucked away in a corner on the roof deck. If you missed it, start thinking about attending next year! We always like to host a great party.