Auction

At the AIDS Foundation of Chicago's "World of Chocolate" event at the Hilton Chicago on November 29, a silent auction let guests bid at different levels starting at $50. Once a bid level was selected, guests would choose a number on a punchboard that corresponded to that bidding level. Event staffers dressed as professional boxers would then punch a hole through that number and reveal a corresponding prize. Lots included a gift certificate for a wine tasting, UGG Australia velvet men's slippers, and an overnight stay at Park Hyatt Chicago. The punchboard raised more than $14,000.

For another "give and get" experience, a trained remote-control pilot from Horizon Hobby loaded a "pastry drone" with a tray of sweets from the French Pasty School and West Town Bakery. He launched the drone from the second floor of the Luna Lodge.

A costumed bear nodded to the theater's upcoming spring spectacle, "Bellboys, Bears, and Baggage." At the event, guests could bid $50 to play pool with the bear. Those who beat the bear at the game won a six-pack of beer.