11/20/2025
Hi Rainbowlers,
November 22nd bowling is ‘Wicked’ night. The theme is ‘Wicked’ or anything to do with the ‘Land of Oz’. Wear your Pink or Green. And bring your wickedly good appetizers and desserts.
And we are doing something ‘For Good’. We are collecting non-perishable food and personal care products to be donated to low income people living with HIV/AIDS. I just found out that Heartland Alliance Health (the group that promoted Harvest for Hope every November) has closed its food pantries early this year. It looks like this includes Vital Bridges which specifically helped the LGBTQ community. As of now, Groceryland has survived the closure of Heartland, so after I approve this with the board, we will donate to them. Groceryland was started by Lori Cannon, who recently passed away. If you don’t know who she is, please read the article I linked below. She was helping people living with HIV/AIDS since 1988. An absolute hero in the Chicago LGBTQ community.
https://windycitytimes.com/2025/08/04/lori-cannon-lgbtq-community-icon-who-supported-thousands-with-hiv-dies-at-74/
Here is a list of items that we can donate:
Non-perishable food
• Canned goods: Soup, vegetables, fruit (in water or juice), meat, and fish like tuna
• Proteins: Beans (canned or dried), peanut butter, and nuts
• Grains: Pasta, rice, cereal, oatmeal, and macaroni and cheese
• Fruits and vegetables: Canned tomatoes, applesauce, and shelf-stable fruit or vegetable cups
• Shelf-stable milk and juice: Dairy or plant-based milk that doesn't require refrigeration, and 100% fruit juice
• Snacks: Crackers, granola bars, and dried fruit
Cooking and baking
• Spices and seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and other herbs and spices
• Baking supplies: Flour, sugar, and baking soda
• Cooking oil: Canola, vegetable, or olive oil
• Other: Pasta sauce, broth, and honey
Personal and household
• Personal hygiene: Soap, toothpaste, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products
• Household items: Diapers, toilet paper, and other paper goods
See you this Saturday!
Thank you,
Ken Bronst - President
Lori Vernor - Vice President
Larry Olson - Secretary
Don Stelzer – Treasurer
Darrell Muehler - Social Director
Lori Cannon, a longtime HIV/AIDS activist and driving force behind Chicago’s response to the AIDS crisis, has died at 74. Cannon died at home Sunday evening. More information, including a full obituary, will come soon. Cannon was known for her decades of service to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ community and...