Seven more days until Union Station’s Grand Hall, 500 Jackson St., will be transformed into the city’s sweetest fundraiser, AIDS Foundation Chicago’s World of Chocolate, on Friday, February 9, from 6 to 9 p.m. Attendees will indulge in the sweet creations of some of Chicago’s most talented culinarians from Chicago’s best restaurants, hotels, and bakeries have been preparing for months to participate in a friendly competition to showcase their talents and artistry through signature dishes and cocktails—all with the unified purpose to raise vital funds to support those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. Dishes will be judged by a panel of Chicago chefs and local celebrity personalities across the categories: Best Sweet Sample, Best Savory Sample, Best Libation, and Top Overall – Business Class 1 and 2 and People’s Choice. To encourage participation in this charitable event, a portion of the funds raised are earmarked for BIPOC chocolatiers, who can accept a stipend to support creating their World of Chocolate confections. In 2023, $4,500 of raised proceeds were dispersed to BIPOC chocolatiers. General admission ($175) and VIP tickets ($300 – 2,250) are now on sale and can be purchased online here. Tickets will also be on sale at the door on the day of the event.

Photo Credit: Brissa del Mar/Kat Fitzgerald