AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC)’s Associate Board includes young professionals and emerging leaders who are passionate in the fight for HIV/AIDS services and prevention in the Chicagoland area. Members of the Associate Board act as ambassadors for AFC by taking part in fundraising, community service, and advocacy activities to create health equity and justice for people affected by HIV/AIDS and other related chronic diseases.
This past year, the Associate Board used their creativity and drive to further the mission of AFC. They were fortunate to host fundraising events, meet-ups, and social gatherings, creating opportunities to connect with one another and the community. As they transitioned from virtual to in-person gatherings, they were still able to maintain their strategic fundraising and community engagement goals.
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
DOUBLE GOOD POPCORN FUNDRAISER
In August, the board partnered with the Double Good Popcorn fundraising platform to raise funds for their AIDS Run & Walk Chicago Team!
Throughout the week, they competed against each other to see who could sell the most popcorn to friends and family. A total of $5,800 was raised!
NORTHALSTED MARKET DAYS & PRIDEFEST
A group of board members volunteered at Northalsted Market Days and Pridefest. While they sold drinks, danced and listened to live music, they raised over $5,000 for AIDS Run & Walk Chicago!
ANDERSONVILLE MIDSOMMARFEST
Board members joined enthusiastic Chicagoans for Andersonville’s annual Midsommarfest event, providing information about AFC’s life saving services and distributing resources to the community.
AIDS RUN & WALK CHICAGO
This was an incredible fundraising year for the board’s AIDS Run & Walk team! In October, 14 members participated in the 5K and 10K Run & Walk at Soldier Field. They collectively came together to celebrate $11,280 raised for their team.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
PRIDE IN THE PARK WITH PROJECT WISH
LEARNING CIRCLE COLLABORATIVE
Board members tabled for Project WISH at Pride in the Park! Project WISH is a research site in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine. Their research focuses on infectious conditions, like HIV.
PRODUCE DISTRIBUTION WITH KELLY HALL YMCA
In April, board volunteers participated in various tasks ranging from unloading trucks, sorting, bagging and distributing fresh food to Humboldt Park and Garfield Park neighbors facing food insecurity.
CHICAGO HOUSE PARTNERSHIPHALLOWEEN PARTY
Board members joined AFC and community partners for the 2nd Learning Circle Collaborative Fundraiser (LCC). The LCC is a program launched in 2021 that provides micro grants, capacity building and leadership development to Black and Latino/x-led organizations.
ILLINOIS’ HIV ADVOCACY DAY
Associate Board members activated power at Illinois’ HIV Advocacy Day in March, engaging with the agency’s advocacy work virtually.
CHICAGO HOUSE PARTNERSHIPTHANKSGIVING BASKETS
In partnership with Chicago House, the board planned a Halloween party for the families Chicago House serves. The party consisted of games, prizes, a costume contest and refreshments.
Board members partnered with Chicago House & Social Service Agency to provide turkeys and other food items for families and individuals this holiday season. Food was provided for a total of 87 individuals!
INTERESTED IN GETTING INVOLVED? HAVE IDEAS YOU WANT TO SHARE? Fill out the interest form and a membership representative will contact you. Stay updated with us on Social! @AFCAssociateBoard @afcassociateboard For more information, please contact mkeating@ aidschicago.org
