Chicago's World of Chocolate Fundraiser Raises Over $40,000 for AIDS Foundation

Annual event features 14 chocolatiers and chefs competing for awards, with music, auctions, and more to support HIV services.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) hosted its annual World of Chocolate fundraiser on February 27, 2026, at Artifacts Events in Chicago. The event featured 14 chocolatiers and chefs competing for awards in categories like Best Sweet, Best Savory, and Best Libation, along with a balloon drop, online art auction, silent auction, and music from DJ Onwa. AFC raised over $40,000from the event, which has raised over $7 million for HIV services over its 27-year history.

Why it matters

The World of Chocolate event is a long-standing tradition that brings the Chicago community together to support the important work of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago in providing services and advocacy for people living with HIV. In a challenging political climate, the event serves as a source of strength, courage, and hope for the HIV/AIDS community.

The details

The 2026 World of Chocolate event featured 14 chocolatiers and chefs competing for awards in various categories. Katherine Anne Confections won Best Sweet, Swissotel's Chef Dan McGee won Best Savory, Chef Enrique Cortes of Superkhana International won Best Libation, Al's Cookie Mix won Best Small Business, Hotel Chocolat won Best Large Business, and Chef Blaque of Steel City Bakery received the People's Choice award. The event also included fundraising activities like a balloon drop, online art auction, silent auction, and music from DJ Onwa.

  • The World of Chocolate event took place on February 27, 2026.
  • The event has been an annual tradition for 27 years.

The players

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC)

A non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy for people living with HIV in the Chicago area.

John Peller

CEO and President of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

Yusef Garcia

The new board chair for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

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What they’re saying

“This has been a challenging year fighting back and pushing forward under the Trump administration, and it is truly a source of strength, courage, and hope that you are all standing with us. Together we are building a world where people living with HIV will thrive.”

— John Peller, CEO and President, AIDS Foundation of Chicago

“This event has been ongoing for 27 years, and over that time has raised over $7 million for people living with HIV through the services of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Because of people like you, tonight we will continue the proud tradition of gathering with joy and generosity to fortify our cause and community.”

— Yusef Garcia, Board Chair, AIDS Foundation of Chicago

“This year we have seen unprecedented attacks on our communities from a hostile federal government. AFC has fought back and kept pushing forward…and it is thanks to the strength of our community that we are not only resilient, but powerful.”

— Yusef Garcia, Board Chair, AIDS Foundation of Chicago

What’s next

The AIDS Foundation of Chicago will continue its year-round efforts to provide services and advocacy for people living with HIV in the Chicago area.

The takeaway

The World of Chocolate event demonstrates the resilience and generosity of the Chicago community in supporting the critical work of the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, even in the face of political challenges. The event's long-running success highlights the power of community-driven initiatives to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by HIV/AIDS.