Nonprofit Gives WAD Proceeds of 'Rent' to AIDS Foundation of Chicago

EDGE READ TIME: 2 MIN.

On World AIDS Day, December 1, Chicago startup nonprofit Artists Giving Back will present a one-night engagement production of "Rent," with all net proceeds from ticket sales donated to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Artists Giving Back's philanthropic partner in and beneficiary of the production.�

"'Rent' is a show that has inspired me for years," said Artistic Director Peter Ruger. "The passion of the music and the story, and the connection I felt to the wonderful characters brought me not only to the fight against AIDS, but also helped guide me to my life as a singer. I'm so excited that we at Artists Giving Back are getting to share this amazing show with Chicago to celebrate World AIDS Day 2015.� I hope it touches our audience as much as it's touched me over the years."

World AIDS Day "Rent" is the inaugural production for Artists Giving Back, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Chicago performers and professionals who have a passion for the arts and for giving back to the community.

Additionally, Artists Giving Back is thrilled to announce that LGBT singer/songwriter superstar and Chicagoland native, Steve Grand, will be joining the cast as a special featured guest artist.� Grand, singer of the viral sensation "All-American Boy," released his independent debut album, also titled�"All-American Boy," in March of 2015, which landed the�#3 spot on the Billboard Independent Albums chart.

Grand will perform "Seasons of Love" during the production, and will attend the "Rent" cast-and-audience after party, which will be hosted by Progress Bar at 3359 N. Halsted, Chicago).�

Artists Giving Back is a Chicago-based startup nonprofit founded by local performers and professionals who feel that the arts are a perfect vehicle for advancing philanthropic and charitable endeavors. Artists Giving Back's mission statement proclaims:�

We believe in philanthropy through self-expression and creativity. Through the production of art in all its forms -- music, dance, drama, visual -- we aim to support artists and our community. Artists Giving Back is an opportunity to interact with our community through the healing power of art.

Artists Giving Back aims to enrich the community in two primary ways: first, by providing quality artistic experiences to the public, and second, by donating all proceeds raised from its productions and artistic endeavors to local charities. While a new organization -- Artists Giving Back was incorporated as a nonprofit in February 2015 -- Artists Giving Back is proud to say that it is already full steam ahead on its inaugural production of "Rent." For more information, visit�www.artistsgivingback.org.

The production of Artists Giving Back World AIDS Day "Rent" is entirely funded by tax-deductible donations from individuals and organizations. Anyone interested in donating to Artists Giving Back can do so through the Artists Giving Back website.�


by EDGE

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