1 October 2011 / 2010 Tom Waddell Award winner to keynote Chicago library 30th anniversary event

A message from our friends at the Gerber/Hart Library in Chicago, which hosted the Gay Games Memorial Quilt exhibition at Gay Games VII in 2010n (find all links HERE):

You are cordially invited to join us on Saturday, October 1 at 7 pm for Making History: One Step at a Time as we celebrate both the 30th anniversary of Gerber/Hart and the 25th anniversary of the American Run for the End of AIDS.Brent Nicholson Earle Our keynote speaker, Brent Nicholson Earle [winner of the 2010 Tom Waddell Award], ran a 9,000 mile journey around the perimeter of the United States and raised over $300,000 for AIDS charities. He departed New York City on March 1, 1986, and returned 20 months later. A quarter-century later, the efforts of Earle and his support team stand out as one of the most inspired responses to the early years of the AIDS crisis.

Our benefit moves to the Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons, 6501 North Kenmore Avenue. The Information Commons is a spectacular new venue on the campus of Loyola University Chicago situated right on the shore of Lake Michigan. An outdoor balcony will afford attendees a chance to soak in the splendor of the lake while making new friends and renewing old acquaintances.

Tickets are now available for Making History. Admission tickets are $75 and include a dinner buffet, open bar, and entertainment. Benefactor tickets are $130 and include all admission benefits plus a 6 pm pre-event champagne reception with Brent Nicholson Earle, acknowledgment in the benefit program booklet, and a special gift. Tickets are available via PayPal (choose general admission or benefactor), by stopping by Gerber/Hart during open hours, or by calling Gerber/Hart at (773) 381-8030 .

If you would like to be a sponsor of Making History: One Step at a Time, please complete a sponsorship form and return it to the library.

The first prize in our drawing this year is an Apple iPad. Tickets are $5 each or 6 for $25 and can be purchased at the benefit. Can't attend? No problem! You can still support the library by purchasing tickets in advance via PayPal, in person at the Library during open hours, or by phone: (773) 381-8030 .

Our benefit silent auction moves online this year and will begin on October 15. We enthusiastically welcome your donation of goods and services to our online auction. Download an auction donation form and send it in with your item(s) today.

Parking is available at the Loyola University parking ramp for $7. Enter the campus at Sheridan Road and Winthrop Avenue. Proceed approximately 150 feet. Turn left. Signs on the parking ramp say "Welcome to Loyola, Parking Entrance." The Richard J. Klarchek Information Commons is a three-minute walk going east from the parking ramp.