ROCK & ROLL MEMORABILIA RAISES BIG MONEY FOR CHARITY

The 21st Annual Rock for Kids Rock & Roll Charity Auction recently packed Park West. Over 500 Chicago musicians, radio personalities and fans came together to support this great organization that provides free year-round music education for children in need. Executive Director Maria Mowbray welcomed guests such as former Chicago Bear Richard Dent, attorney Jeff Jacobs, JAM co-founder Jerry Mikelson, Cool Globe’s Wendy Abrams and Cabaret Metro owner Joe Shanahan and legendary musician and longtime Rock for Kids supporter Buddy Guy. There were hundreds of fabulous live and silent auction items donated by music legends that spanned every era. Presiding over the live auction were WXRT radio personalities Lin Brehmer and Marty Lennartz along with expert auctioneer Jeff Brown. There was a signed Jackson 5 “ABC” album cover that went for $7,000, as well as signed vintage memorabilia from the Grateful Dead (an album cover that brought $6,000), Led Zeppelin (album cover that brought $6,800), Jonas Brothers (tour book for $900), Pearl Jam  (signed poster for $5,600), Lou Reed (guitar that made $2,200), Fall Out Boy (guitar for $1,000), Bon Jovi (drumhead for $1,600), Bruce Springsteen (signed album that brought $5,400), Huey Lewis (guitar for $410) and a “30 Rock” script signed by Tina Fey for $485. There were also items donated from all of the major Chicago sports teams (a Denis Savard jersey and Blackhawks tickets went for $3,600) as well as an “Oprah Experience.” Steve Martin donated a signed banjo ($5,400) and Elton John and Billy Joel donated a signed t-shirt. The MTV Music Awards donated a package that included two VIP tickets, airfare courtesy of Southwest Airlines and an overnight stay at the W Hotel plus other perks. This one-of-a-kind package raised $4,000. There was even a fundraising poster signed by President Obama, the band Wilco and Otis Clay that brought $6,000. There was something for all of the music loving fans and their support showed—the event raised over $200,000.  Seen in the crowd were Rock for Kids were Jr. Board President Kira Shalowitz, Adam Fried, Bob Sunderland, Luke Smith, Cookie Taylor (Koko’s daughter), Dr. Joel Shalowitz, Eric Jostock, Jeff Brown, Vince Bicicchi, legendary rock photographer Paul Natkin, Mary Martell, Betsy Ko, Kathy Schmalen, Beth Silverman, Vaida Diburtye, Melissa and Michelle Reed and Tara Shanahan to name a few. (Additional photos by J.B. Spector.)  Click here to view more photos!
 
The first ever Snow Ball was a big hit at the Knickerbocker Hotel. This event arrived just in time for Christmas since there were over 40 vendors who participated in this delightful, packed evening including Lili of Trieste, Gruen Galleries, Akira, Battaglia, Claudia Kleiner Malabar Collection, Elda de la Rosa Couture, Diva Girls, 5p1t, Lara Miller, Sophia Ferero Design and Christopher Augmon to name a few. Event organizer Rose Mandel seemed very pleased with her hard work that included fashion shows as well as gift ideas. The event was free and attracted over 600 guests who mixed and mingled among the holiday bazaar. The host committee was a Who’s Who in Chicago and included Kathy O’Malley, Lynne Jordan, Lee Casty, Hazel Barr, Fabrice Calmels, Jim Levin, BJ Murray, Steve Starr, Debbie and Don Yoshida, Shelley Howard, Elizabeth Bertucci, Richard Dayhoff, Leticia Herrera, Jen Knoedl, Corinne Melchior, Arabel Rosales, Barbara Samuels, Bradley Young, Dorothy Whealan and Stan Wozniak among others. The Knickerbocker lobby set the tone for the evening with their massive, gorgeous tree…..when you stepped into the ballroom, the room was abuzz with the sounds of laughter and twinkling candles from the holiday booths. Cameras were everywhere and the crowd was ready. Jen Knoedl wore a little Santa costume, albeit a chic one! Mary Kay DeMaio held court near the front and Steve Starr was everywhere snapping away. I saw friends I haven’t seen in years. It was a little like a Rush Street reunion! Seen in the crowd were Sally and Kerry Shorr, David Leonardis, John Walcher, Paul Iacono, Trevian Kutti, Rachel Schwanz, LeAnita Brooks, Carolyn Drake, Ward Nipper, Joanna Ammons, Phil Burnstine, Calvin Parks, Sergio Ugartechea, Monika Dixon, Joanna Pluta, Eva Pawlus, Chris Mahlmann, Andrea Plecko, Elysse and Chico Giovanni, Justin Jacobson, Latesha Lipscomb, Bonni and Chuck Gross, Aisha Murff and Rebecca Zemons among others. It was such a success that Rose Mandel plans on bringing it back again next holiday season so mark it on your calendars now! (Photos by Steve Starr and Rush Zimmerman.) See more images here!
 
The Sofitel Hotel was the site for the chic holiday party organized by handsome man-about-town Paul Iacono. James Beard Award winner Chef Martial Noguier outdid himself with the gorgeous displays of food that included dim sum and sushi stations, spicy crab cakes, beef carpaccio, mini burgers and risotto as well as beautiful assorted pastries and desserts. Paul greeted every guest at the door with a hug and smile and everyone was in a holiday mood. The snowy scene outside the windows made the event even more special. Friends mixed and mingled and photog Kat Carolan was there to capture it all. Guest Jerry Kleiner was talking up his latest project – the redo of the Icon Theatre on Roosevelt Road that he is doing with Judy Neidermaier and Dean Kerasotes – which opens Wed., Dec. 16th. The clever invite was a film strip with the info written on it. (We’ll all be going over after the Common Threads book launch party at the Omni on this same evening.)  Paul is such a well loved person around town that it’s no surprise that his party was packed with well-wishers.  Lucky friends in attendance this evening included Marisa Molinaro, Maria Pappas, Todd Hatoff, Marshall Erb, Trevian Kutti, John Walcher, Shery Dyer, Hazel and Warren Barr, Ben Soldinger, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Lynn and John McMahan, Brenda Sexton, John Regas, Rhonda Sanderson, Helen Melchior, Samantha Amato, Keith Shirley, John Amato, Andrew Mann, Frank Paul, Peter Kamberos, Rachel Schwanz, Todd Buffington, Richard Foreside, Don Poder, Michael Grimes, Ann-Marie and Jim Hanson, Susan and Michael Ciapciak, Gary Bahl, Pat Lauderdale, Winnie Moran, Alfonso Costa, Scott Schafer, Natalie Hummert, Jim Nutter, Phil Burgess, Cadey and Andrew Hershoff and Eavenson Horter among others. Paul’s goodie bags were a perfect ending to a perfect evening: DVDs of “The Polar Express” and “A Christmas Carol” plus assorted holiday candies!! We love you Paul! Merry Christmas! (Photos by Kat Karolan.)  Click here for more photos!
 
One of my favorite reads in the city is Michael Sneed’s annual Thanksgiving gratitude column in the Sun-Times. I love reading about all of the things she’s thankful for, from the simple (the sound of crickets at night) to the sublime (a Christmas cassoulet and her mothers’ turkey stuffing with her cracked gravy boat that still sits on the table). I was inspired to ask celebs around town and some of my favorite people two questions: What was the best gift they ever gave during the holidays and what are they most grateful for this holiday season. When I posted these questions on Facebook, I got a multitude of responses. Everyone seems particularly grateful for so much this year; bad times cause you to sit back and reflect on the positive things in life. Read their thoughtful answers…and just maybe you’ll find some good gift ideas, too:
 
Chef Art Smith, recently back from South Africa where he cooked for the kids at the Oprah Winfrey Girls Leadership Academy, said, “My favorite gift for me is always food, because it’s always appreciated and being a chef people love getting it….either I make a delicious cake or dinner and people love it. This holiday season I am thankful for friends in my life who have supported me in my effort to wellness. This will be my first healthy holiday…I am 70 pounds lighter!” 
 
Artistic Director for the Joffrey Ballet Ashley Wheater said, “The best present I ever gave was flying home from Australia as a surprise to my family for the holidays. I am most grateful that I will have my mother and partner here with me for the holidays and that my family is healthy.”
 
World-renowned designer Nate Berkus has a lot going on – in addition to his thriving business, he hosts "The Nate Berkus Show" on XM's Oprah & Friends channel and Harpo Productions is currently developing a syndicated daytime talk show (hosted by Berkus) to debut next fall – but always makes the time to give back. He says, “The best Christmas present I ever gave was an olive green Hermes Birkin bag to my mother as a surprise. I am so thankful for the opportunity to spend time with my brother, sister-in-law and niece who moved to Chicago this year.”
 
My favorite auctioneer, Leslie Hindman, will be hiking in Nepal over the holidays! The best gift she said she’s ever given was for her friend Joe Glossberg: Joe was a huge fan of sax legend Stan Getz and through sheer chutzpah she got him to come to Joe’s wedding. They all became friends and even attended the Jazz Festival together so she says intangible gifts are the best. She also said, “I am pretty much grateful for everything…amazing friends, a great, healthy family. I’m healthy, I have a great company and I love my people. I live in Chicago which is such a wonderful city…my life isn’t without frustrations but it’s better than most. For these things, I feel very blessed.”
 
Darling movie critic around town, Richard Roeper said, “Not to be too corny, but the best gift I’ve ever given is the chance to host my entire family for Christmas at home the last few years. Nothing makes me happier! As for what I’m most thankful for this holiday season: Someone close to me was dealing with serious health problems the last couple of years, but is now 100-percent healthy.”
 
Billy Dec’s best gift he’s ever given is of the philanthropic kind; he loves giving back and will be doing charity work with the Chicago Bears, United Airlines and Clara’s House. He goes on to say, “After losing my father a couple of months ago, and with everything going on in the world, I am most grateful for the family that I have with me, both personal and work.”
 
My Facebook friend, Kathryn Defts, is thankful to be living in Chicago. “Great people, restaurants, theaters, museums, parks and zoos—so much a livable city!” Myra Reilly agrees: “I am grateful to be living in the best city in the USA! Who would want to live anywhere else?”
 
Philanthropist Julie Lampert says, “I personally feel extremely blessed to have such wonderful friends who add so much to my life and also understand the importance of philanthropy and giving back.”
 
Beautiful jazz singer Erin McDougald is thankful for being able to do what she loves for a living. And to wrap things up, Playboy Playmate Louann Fernald (June 1979) had this to say: “I am thankful we live in this great country where we take so many things and freedoms for granted…like running water, safe neighborhoods, equality for women, freedom of speech, freedom of choice, freedom of association, right to due process, and so thankful there are so many young men and women in our armed services who are willing to sacrifice everything so that we can continue to take all of these things for granted….thank you Armed Services and God Bless America!” (Well said, Louann!!!!)
 
On this note, I will leave you to reflect on all of the things you are grateful for. Besides the health of my family and friends, I am grateful to be able to write this blog and connect with all of you. It’s amazing how something this small can change a life. I look at things so much differently now and am more appreciative of all that I see. 
 
My friend, photographer Teresa Potasiak, took this shot in her backyard….I think it’s a wonderful message for any time of year! (For more info on this talented photographer, you can e-mail her at tpotasiak@hotmail.com.) Hope you’re enjoying this wonderful holiday season in Chicago!
 
Love,
Candace
candace@candidcandace.com
 
P.S. The Palmer House is hosting the “100 Women for Breast Cancer Event” on Tuesday, December 15th from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Lockwood Restaurant. This evening will honor women with breast cancer and its survivors. Admission is free and proceeds from the silent auction will benefit the American Cancer Society. For more info, call 310-203-1489 or e-mail womenforbreastcancer@illinois.usa.com.