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What is now known as the Hearts
Foundation began in 1979 with two gay men throwing an
annual Valentine's Day party in the privacy of their
home. As these gatherings grew in popularity they moved
to the party room in the high-rise in which they lived
and, later, to venues such as the party room at Ann
Sather's restaurant. Since its inception the
Foundation--under various names--has raised more than
$2 million for Chicago area HIV/AIDS organizations
that provide invaluable services to the both the gay and
lesbian community as well as other affected communities. |
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01/15/2003 |
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Hearts Foundation |
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Qchicago.com Community |
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By the late '80s the group of
party-throwing individuals—all dedicated
volunteers—formally became known as the Hearts
Committee, a name that followed the group through
the better part of the '90s. Weekend-long parties
were held at such venues as Playboy headquarters and
the Intercontinental Hotel. These parties featured
world-acclaimed DJs and supporters such as DJ Mark
Picchiotti, DJ Abel and Bill Rizzo, Oprah Winfrey's
first producer. Groups such as the Test Positive
Aware Network and Lambda were among the earliest
beneficiaries of the Committee's fundraising
efforts. |
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In 1998 the Committee officially
became the Hearts Foundation. The transformation
created a not-for-profit Illinois corporation with a
board that's still comprised of volunteers. |
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Since 1998, the Foundation has earned
global acclaim for its local fundraising efforts. In recent
years the Foundation's most famous annual event is Fireball,
a weekend-long series of parties held each February at
various venues and featuring world-acclaimed DJs in
acknowledgment of the Foundation's origins. Fireball draws
thousands from not only the Midwest but from the nation and
abroad as well. These funds are earmarked as grants to be
awarded 10 organizations that promote the health and
well-being of Chicago's GLBT community. |
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As a force for HIV/AIDS prevention, the
Foundation stated mission is to promote educational efforts
that encourage the practice of safe sex, reduce substance
abuse, and taking personal responsibility for health. And as
an advocate for those personally affected by HIV/AIDS, the
Foundation—through its awarding of grants—vigorously
supports a variety of medical, educational and nutritional
programs and legal service providers who are on the front
lines in the battle against the disease. Among the recent
grant recipients have been the AIDS Legal Council, Horizons
Community Services, The Minority Outreach Intervention
Program, Howard Brown Health Center and the Test Positive
Aware Network. |
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In addition to February's Fireball
Weekend, each year the Foundation also holds an annual
winter gala as well as a fall fundraising event that
includes the honoring individuals, volunteers or
corporations with its "Biggest Hearts" award to recognize
outstanding fundraising efforts, volunteer efforts or
activism on behalf of those impacted by HIV/AIDS.
Increasingly, the Foundation is also developing other
fundraising avenues to help our community. |
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