Lori Land - Lori Cannon Tribute Page

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The date is also Lori's 75th birthday!

For Immediate Release

STREET NAMING DEDICATION CEREMONY FOR CHICAGO’S AIDS ANGEL LORI CANNON

When She’s 75 - Honorable Lori Cannon Way

10am, Friday May 22, 2026
Groceryland, 5543 N. Broadway, Chicago, 60640

Presented by the Office of 48th Alderwoman Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth

Groceryland Open House Birthday Celebration and Reception Follows

HAMS4HAMS RAISES $6,000 FOR Groceryland this past holiday season.

Well just checking in on the Thursday crew at Groceryland with a special treat, from David Cerda and Hell in a Handbag Productions. For the last 15 years Lori’s favored troupe of parody players have made a collection for Groceryland called Hams4Hams. This play on words that both David and Lori came up with was the basis for holiday meats at Groceryland and because of the generosity of attendees of HIAH winter selection, this year the all new Housewives of the North Pole, the members of the HIAH ensemble collect enough to make for a great holiday for the clients of Groceryland. This year was no exception, and they raised an extraordinary $6,000 of which half was delivered before the holiday and here is David presenting the balance to Cassy Spets, the pantry coordinator. It was nice to get some time to check in with her and the volunteers, on her second month on the job. Thanks, HIAH, for your generous support of Groceryland, its clients and continuing the traditions that you created with Lori.

Lori often had a stash of various needs that people would drop off. For times like now, frigid temps. Our clients need our help with winter wear: hats, scarves, gloves. New or gently used! If you can, drop off at Groceryland, 5543 N. Broadway.

Tu/Th 11a-5p
Sat 11a-2p

Any of the volunteers will be happy to assist you! Questions you can email [email protected] or text 424-262-0345

Two weeks from today! Join fiber artist, educator, and researcher Isabel Sperry (she/her) for an evening of crafting on Wednesday, January 21st, from 6-8 PM at Gerber/Hart!

Whether you are an experienced fiber artist or are looking to start your first project, you are welcome at this free event! While Isabel isn’t an expert at every fiber art form out there, she is more than happy to provide some technical support and help to foster a community of crafters. Fiber arts not your thing? No worries! Bring a sketch book, a laptop to write, or a novel to read and enjoy this community space.

Supplies are not provided, but we will have a limited number of collage materials, scissors, glue, markers, etc. available.

See you on the 21st!

"He fought for LGBT rights in this city and in the state for as long as I knew him. Dedicated, insightful, and tenacious are only a few words that come to mind." Owen Keehnen

Rick had been dealing privately with illness; at one point our Lori provided meal assistance to Rick and his partner Ernie. More details will follow in the coming weeks, per Jake Wittich and Windy City TImes.

Rick, together with Jon-Henri Damski, Art Johnston and Laurie Dittman were known ast the Gang of 4, the work they accomplished, trailblazing. Thank you Rick for all your work, all you gave to the rights and quality of life for the LGBT community.

https://windycitytimes.com/2026/01/13/breaking-rick-garcia-key-figure-in-chicago-lgbtq-civil-rights-movement-dies/?fbclid=IwY2xjawPUoA5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFOR1Q2ekN0ZXJNWDJ1QjFHc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHupOpC-bSDg19mEeKXMCAG6-oTbHd19aVCPThTXMiaVLcEy084Hdi0IqN7Sk_aem_guGzq7jpZ6KRzYh7sffKQQ

BREAKING Rick Garcia, key figure in Chicago LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, dies - Windy City Times Rick Garcia, a longtime Chicago LGBTQ+ activist and political organizer, died Jan. 12, close friends confirmed with Windy City Times. Garcia was a central figure in LGBTQ+ advocacy across Chicago and Illinois for decades and is best known as the founding executive director of Equality Illinois, the....

We are reminded again of the importance of Lori F. Cannon and her impact on our world. Her photo and mention in those we lost this year in the Chicago Tribune is that designation that Lori had such a far reaching touch. We miss you everyday and hope that though the continued community work for Groceryland we honor you always.

The long-time volunteer Groceryland elves were out in force in the weather outside that was frightful, for Sidetrack's annual Customer Appreciation Holigay Soiree and personal care drive for Groceryland. It was the first in 3 decades without our Lori, and we miss her so much. But we know we are making her proud to see these revered traditions continue, our clients being cared for.

Eternal gratitude to Art and Pepe, parents of Open Hand since 1988, and Brad for all they do, they make our world better, and we are better together. 🧊❄️☃️💙🕯💛🎁💚

If you would like to donate items or $, you can message here or email at [email protected] (no electronic donation capability, but changes are expected in 2026!)

Long-time volunteer Scott Plummer, from the days of Open Hand, part of the Harry posse, has been a busy elf!
Shopping for holiday dinner trimmings has commenced, and filling the shelves with needed pantry items.

Scott is a one-man crew helping our west and south pantries! Thanks to the generous community support around Lori's celebration of life we can give a hand up to the other pantries in these trying times. Another elf crew is getting started on Groceryland, further assisted by the funds raised by David Cerda, Hell in A Handbag's annual Hams4Hams.

Our Lori would be pleased to know we are coming together to carry on her legacy. The healthy care for the sick ❤️