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

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.
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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:�
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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.
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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.
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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.�

Artists Giving Back's World AIDS Day "Rent" will take place at 7:30 p.m. on December 1 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL. For information or tickets, visit www.athenaeumtheatre.org