Lápiz Helps AIDS Foundation of Chicago Bring In The New Year.

Guests at the AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s A World of Chocolate received a special parting gift to bring in the new year – a calendar created by Lápiz titled “2003: A Year to Give.” The calendars were handed out to the 650 chocolate enthusiasts who came together at the AFC’s first annual holiday event to commemorate World AIDS Day. The event, which took place at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Sidney Yates Gallery, raised more than $60,000 to support HIV/AIDS prevention, care, education and advocacy projects throughout the Chicago area.

Attendees spent the evening sampling irresistible chocolate creations by Chicago’s finest restaurants and hearing Nane Annan, wife of United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan, speak about the global AIDS crisis. Upon leaving attendees received the “2003: A Year to Give”-calendars, designed by the Hispanic ad firm Lápiz. The calendar’s colorful and original designs are meant to please the eye while keeping the AFC’s mission top of mind which comes down to caring for people with HIV/AIDS and to preventing the further spread of the epidemic through advocacy, fundraising, grant making, and service coordination/coalition-building.

“We were really happy to work with Alberto and the rest of the Lápiz team,” said AFC’s Executive Director Mark Ishaug. “This calendar will be a signature piece for us in 2003.”

AFC Board Member and event co-chair Alberto Senior, an account executive at Lápiz, worked with his creative team to craft the calendar. Each Lápiz staffer on the project designed a different month in the calendar, with their design representing that individual’s interpretation of giving.

Copywriter Alejandro Briseño used his April design to communicate that giving is not entitled to special occasions or a specific date in the calendar; giving should be a lifelong commitment, giving is a way to leave a mark on other people.” Art Director Pilar Martinez used her month to equate giving with peace.

In addition, the calendar features dates of such future AFC events as Caring for Our Communities, Illinois HIV/AIDS Lobby and Advocacy week, Not Just Song and Dance event, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, Dance for Life, Aids Run/Walk Chicago, and of course, marks World AIDS Day 2003. The remaining calendars are being sent to major donors as a token of appreciation for their support to AFC.

“Our hope is that our dedication and passion in the development of this calendar is translated into the hearts and minds of those who receive it,” said Senior.