Good Work Wednesday

Atlanta: Delta & “For the Kid in All of Us” proudly present the Toy Party, the 5th annual holiday cocktail party and toy drive. “For the Kid in All of Us” is a 100% volunteer, charitable organization that relies on corporate and individual contributions to achieve our mission of bridging communities to brighten the lives of Georgia’s children in need. Since the inaugural year in 2003, we have collected more than 12,000 toys and gift cards and donated $273,000 to agencies and organizations that serve the state’s underprivileged children. This year’s Toy Party will be held Sunday, December 2nd from 530-9pm at the Atlanta Apparel Mart – Americasmart 3. Admission is a new, unwrapped toy or gift card of $15 or greater value. Information including patron, sponsorship, and volunteer opportunities can be found here.

Chicago: Thursday, Nov. 29, (tomorrow) the Chicago AIDS Foundation holds its annual World Of Chocolate fundraiser in commemoration of World AIDS Day. At this festive event, guests will sample scrumptious chocolate creations from many of Chicagoland’s finest restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers.The vendors creating the delicacies will compete for top honors in several categories as judged by local celebrities. Other components of the evening include entertainment, a raffle, and shopping at the Holiday Bazaar which features fine gifts and ornaments donated by local merchants. Tickets $75-$100.

SF: The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation is putting on its ninth annual "Help Is on the Way for the Holidays" -- an all-star benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, December 2, at the Herbst Theatre in San Francisco. Performers include Mary Wilson, Sally Struthers, Justin Guarini, Anthony Fedorov, La Toya London, Jeannette Bayardelle, Shawn Ryan, and hip-hop dance troupe Mind Over Matter. Tickets $45-$100.

DC: Nov. 30th thru Dec. 2nd, Servicemembers United (formerly Call to Duty) is partnering with the Human Rights Campaign, Log Cabin Republicans, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and the Liberty Education Forum for a three-day tribute on the National Mall to honor the 12,000 Americans who have been discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law since its inception. One American flag will be placed on the Mall for each discharged service member, which will serve as the backdrop for a series of events honoring their service, their sacrifice, and their fight to serve with dignity.

NYC: The Ali Forney Center, New York City's most comprehensive service organization for homeless LGBT youth-announces a memorial celebration of Ali Forney, commemorating his life and recognizing his continued inspiration to others on the ten-year anniversary of his tragic murder. Also commemorated is the 5-year anniversary of the Center itself, providing shelter, safety, and dignity to LGBT young people rejected by their families.The celebration is open to the public, and will place at Judson Memorial Church on Thursday, December 6. Speakers will include Executive Director Carl Siciliano, family and friends of Ali Forney, and others TBA as well as vocal performances.