Faces of Poverty Halloween Fundraiser

Since I have purchased this classic octagonal bungalow in Berwyn, I have restarted the tradition of having a Halloween party that also raises money for charity. While getting ~60-70 people the first couple of years from my closer friends circle, the plan is to expand it to a larger group, as the house can hold twice the people. The basement has an eight foot ceiling, and I had an 800 square foot floating wood floor installed for dancing.

Each year I choose different charities, and this year is a fundraiser for a local charity - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless (http://www.chicagohomeless.org (http://www.chicagohomeless.org/)); and for an organization that helps Third World poor attain basic health care - Partners in Health (http://www.pih.org (http://www.pih.org/)). One of their current projects is building a teaching hospital in Haiti.

The required donation is $20 a person / $30 for a couple. Cash and checks made out to me will be split between the charities. One can also write a check directly to either charity. 100% of the donations will go to the charities.

I will provide appetizing food, soda, water, ice, and I ask that you bring whatever alcohol you are drinking. Many decorations I have accumulated over the years will be featured. My large poster collection, mannequins, cutouts, video and slide shows, and appropriate lighting, including the black light dance floor, add to the fun. This is a costume required party, which makes it more magical for everyone, and there will be prizes for the best individual, couple/group and blacklight costume Also, I have hired two friends as waitstaff people to help me out.

For music, I select different tape mixes for the evening, which I have been doing since the early 80s, and I make a new dance tape side for each party. It will be a very eclectic mix for the evening-pop/rock/oldies/blues/Cajun/zydeco/country/swing/disco/new wave/world, all depending on what mixes are played. Halloween cocktail music starts the evening.

The age group of my very friendly friends is ~ 40-60, with a few younger and older, while all are welcome. Besides posting this on several meetups this year, it is also being mentioned in a large weekly e-mail circulation on Chicago nightlife music and other fun events.

Parking has not been a problem, as people have found spots within 2 1/2 blocks.