For World AIDS Day, Team Chicago volunteered at World of Chocolate, a fundraiser for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC). We volunteered as part of the event strike crew, which meant we were free to sample the buffet and different chocolate concoctions from local restaurants and chocolatiers. One of my favorite vendors, the Palmer House, offered chocolate ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, and truffles stuffed with pop rocks.
In addition to visiting with staff from the AFC, our team had the opportunity to meet and talk with many of last year's NAF AmeriCorps members who are still in the area. We had a nice time discussing our host agencies and swapping stories.
As the event wound down it was time for us to get to work. We collapsed decorations and packed up bazaar items to store for next year. The work was both humorous and trying at times as we marveled at the variety of items available and struggled to find enough boxes and bubble wrap to store them. Every time we thought we had reached the end another glittery snowflake would appear seemingly out of nowhere. When the last box was finally packed we emerged, exhausted, into the frigid Chicago night with sweet memories dancing in our heads.
Elise Niedermeier
Team Chicago
No comments:
Post a Comment