Peninsula Photos Posted!

NEW! Photos part 1 | part 2

What do you get when you cross the most fabulous terrace space on Michigan Avenue with glorious sunshine, then mix in models in body paint, martinis with Hornitos... add ice sculptures, elegant appetizers, and a photo booth... then finally, fill with hundreds of delicious men? You get the "Show Us Your Pride" Happy Hour!

Photos are available now!

• View Part 1
• View Part 2

The Weather Was PERFECT!

We could not have had a better night on the terrace of the Peninsula Hotel for our June 18th "Show Us Your Pride" Happy Hour! North Michigan Avenue was sultry and bathed in a summer glow. Photos are coming soon!

Next Event on June 18th - Show Us Your Pride!

Quick, reschedule your Pride pedicure and facial! If you haven't penned in June 18th for the BGCC's Pride event, you WILL NOT want to miss it! Those of you who have been with us for a few years know that the GORGEOUS Peninsula Hotel terrace is not just high above Michigan Avenue but THE HEIGHT of luxurious glamour!

Whatever the weather, this will be one of our most fabulous events. If we can't enjoy the Peninsula's outdoor terrace, the gorgeous reception area adjacent to it is also reserved for us!

For those who made donations with advance tickets, thanks! Chicago House will be accepting donations at the door as well, so plan to join us rain or shine! All attendees will receive a $30 Gift Certificate to the luxurious Peninsula Spa. And, donate $20 or more to Chicago House, and receive five raffle tickets for a five-night stay in Ixtapa, Mexico!

WHAT: The "Show Us Your Pride" Happy Hour

WHEN: Thursday, June 18th, 5:30 - 8:30 pm

WHERE: The Terrace at the Peninsula Hotel

ADDRESS: 108 E. Superior St.

BENEFICIARY: Chicago House

MINIMUM DONATION: $10, with 100% going to our beneficiary.

In addition to a great evening, you will walk away with a $30 Gift Certificate to the Luxurious Peninsula Spa! Those giving $20 or more will also get five raffle entries for a five-night stay at the La Quinta Troppo resort in Ixtapa, Mexico! Chicago House is allowing donations in advance through online tickets. Please use the link below.

DRINK SPECIAL: Sauza Tequila will be featuring their premium Hornitos Tequila in 3 signature cocktails. We will also be offering Ketel One and Grey Goose martinis for $9, as well as regular bar service.

FOOD: The Peninsula Hotel is proud of its food, and is planning to stimulate your palate with a delicious selection of hors d'oeuvres!

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Photos from Hot Days, Chili Nights!

It was a Magically Mixed, Patio-Perfect Evening! Photos are now posted on Facebook!

• May Photos, Part 1
• May Photos, Part 2

The weather was perfect for our May event. With the French doors opened wide, our boys poured onto the front patio, sipping drinks made by nationally known mixologist, Adam Seger. It has been reported that a few of our hosts ordered martinis beyond the menu and it was a life-changing mixological experience! We also heard more than one person saying, "I'll be back" after tasting the ample selection of passed hors d'oeuvres. A reference to the new Terminator movie? Perhaps...

Thanks to your generosity, we raised over $2100 for the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation... below is a thank you note from Michael Durnil:

Dear BGCC,

Thank you all for designating the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation as the beneficiary of your May 21, 2009 event at Nacional27. The evening was a double pleasure for me to return home to Chicago and represent GLAAD at the event. Your generosity will help us continue our mission of making sure of fair, accurate and inclusive representation of the LGBT community in media.

At GLAAD, we encourage members of our community to tell their stories. Harvey Milk said that "if they know us, they vote two to one for us". So GLAAD works everyday with individuals and grass roots organizations on how to craft and frame our stories in a way that will help to change hearts and minds. We know that words and images matter.

I encourage you to look at our work at www.glaad.org and register to be a site user so that you can stay up to date with our actions and activities. I also look forward to seeing you again in Chicago at one of our Thank GLAAD its Friday – Pride Edition on June 19 or in the Annual Pride Parade on June 28.

J. Michael Durnil, Ph.D. - Senior Vice President
Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation