Photo Courtesy of AIDS Foundation of Chicago
More than 750 supporters packed The Geraghty on Saturday, April 5, to celebrate the AIDS Foundation Chicago’s 40th anniversary—and to raise their voices and dollars for a cause that remains urgent. The milestone event, dubbed AFC40, brought in over $770,000 to support the organization’s work on health equity, racial justice, and ending the HIV epidemic.
The evening blended celebration with activism. Emcees Ari Gato and Angela Ingersoll, along with the performance collective Haus of Paint and DJ Onwa, set the tone for a night of high energy and heartfelt purpose. But the biggest impact came after the lights dimmed for a short documentary film chronicling AFC’s four decades of advocacy and care. The film, produced by AFC and Chappell Communications Group, reminded guests of the movement’s roots—and the fight still ahead.
Following the screening, attendees raised over $155,000 through a live auction and paddle raise. An anonymous donor added a $100,000 match, pushing the night’s total over three-quarters of a million dollars.
AFC President and CEO John Peller used his remarks to call out political setbacks—including efforts under the Trump administration to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion—while urging the community to stay the course.
“Let me tell you something—diversity, equity and inclusion are basic American values of fairness,” Peller said. “We cannot end the HIV epidemic without centering diversity, equity and inclusion in our work, and without being able to recognize and acknowledge that a transgender person is nothing less than a beautiful human being.”
Illinois State Senator Mike Simmons echoed that message, encouraging the crowd to resist discouragement and imagine what’s possible. “We are going to dream like we’ve never dreamed before,” he said.
The evening also served as a moment to honor leaders in the fight:
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Craig Johnson, program director at the American Medical Association Foundation and former AFC Board Chair, received the Lori Kaufman Volunteer Award for guiding AFC through the COVID-19 pandemic and advancing its first Race Equity plan.
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ITW, a Fortune 300 company known for championing LGBTQ+ causes, was given the Corporate Impact Award.
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State Rep. Kelly Cassidy and State Sen. Mike Simmons both received the Greg Harris Legislative Champion Award for their unwavering support of the LGBTQ+ community and public health initiatives.
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AFC’s own John Peller was surprised with an award recognizing his 10 years of leadership and his role in expanding AFC’s reach during a time of societal transformation.
The event was backed by a long list of corporate sponsors, including the American Medical Association Foundation, BMO, Walgreens, Gilead, Chase, McDonald’s, and many more. Guests enjoyed food and drink from partners such as Garrett’s Popcorn, Sidetrack, J&L Catering, and Suntory Global Spirits.
As the night closed, the message was clear: AFC’s work is far from over. But with the strength of its community and four decades of experience behind it, the organization is poised to keep pushing until the fight is won.
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