THE JOFFREY BALLET’S SPRING GALA RAISES $1.3 MILLION

To quote a lyric from the Broadway hit “A Chorus Line,” “Everything is beautiful at the ballet…” And it really is, especially if that ballet is The Joffrey Ballet! Their annual Spring Gala was one of the most beautiful ones I’ve attended. The co-chairs, Wendy Chronister and Courtney Thompson, worked tirelessly for almost a year on this event, the Joffrey’s biggest fundraiser. This year, the spring Gala was held at the historic Palmer House and it couldn’t have been a better fit. Everything was spectacular and gilded to perfection – the flowers, by Event Creative, were elegantly understated with their pale pastel colors that coordinated perfectly with the colors of the room. The prior performance at the Auditorium Theatre, which provided a sneak peek into the coming Rising Stars season, brought thunderous applause from the audience after every piece was performed. The “After the Rain” pas de deux between Victoria Jaiani and Fabrice Calmels brought tears to most members of the audience. Other outstanding performances, besides our amazing Company, included the Strobel Exelon Step-Up dancers as well as trainees from the school. April Daley and Dylan Gutierrez danced exquisitely in the “Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux.” She was due to dance with Miguel Blanco, who also happens to be her significant other, but he had broken his foot. There was also an excerpt from “Woven Dreams” choreographed by the popular and talented Edwaard Liang. The dancers have never looked better and it was a joy to see them on this night, as always. Artistic Director Ashley Wheater had this to say, “I am incredibly proud of the Company. This year, as artists they faced very challenging work and performed with beauty and grace. They danced at venues across America, from Washington, D.C. to San Diego, drawing large and enthusiastic audiences. I believe the Joffrey is claiming its place in the American consciousness as a source of dynamic, innovative and inspirational dance.” This black tie event always brings out the most glamorous Chicagoans and this time did not disappoint. The gowns and cocktail attire sparkled in the candelight and reminded me of how Monte Carlo must’ve looked under the reign of Princess Grace. And speaking of beautiful gowns, Joffrey dancer Amber Neumann created many of the dresses worn by some of the other dancers! It truly was a memorable evening. Special thanks to 2011 Benefactors and sponsors who included Helen Melchior, Mary Jo and Doug Basler, Ariel Investments, Mr. and Mrs. Marc Berman, the Bluhm family, Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock, Mrs. Audre Carlin, Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Patti Eylar and Charles Gardner, David Herro and Jay Franke, Alphawood Foundation, Ms. Katherine Gehl and Dr. Michael Porter, MK and J.B. Pritzker, Mrs. Barbara Levy Kipper, Mr. and Mrs. John MacLeod, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Murphy, Ann and Ron Waters and Maureen and E.B. Smith, Jr. among others. There was also a moving tribute to two gentlemen who were instrumental in bringing the Joffrey to the level of success it enjoys today, Dr. David Kipper and Mr. Burt Kaplan. I know they were smiling down from heaven with pride. The amazing live auction prize (expertly hammered down by Leslie Hindman for $30K) was a one-of-a-kind adventure to Bhutan and Phuket offered by Aman (the most luxurious collection of resorts in the world) which has partnered exclusively with the Joffrey in North America. After the fabulous dinner, which included chilled grilled shrimp and tuna, delicious dry aged filet with blue cheese butter and reduction, fingerling potatoes and broccolini, guests were encouraged to move to the Red Lacquer Room for desserts, dancing to the Rich Daniels & the City Lights Orchestra and postprandial
cocktails. The dance floor was packed and the crowd (along with the Joffrey dancers) were bustin’ some moves! Oh, what a night! Over 1,000 guests turned out for this annual Gala which raised $1,300,000 in support of our world-class Joffrey Ballet. To view ALL event photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here).
 
Another fantastic night honored one of Chicago’s most popular socialites and philanthropists, Mrs. Hazel Barr. It was a sell-out crowd at this exclusive, private club for this popular and much loved lady who looked resplendent in a brocade cream pantsuit designed by Elizabeth M. The event benefitted the Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Fund which is administered by the Apparel Industry Foundation, which annually awards two scholarships to Chicago college students presently enrolled in Fashion Design through tuition. “The Hazel,” as she is affectionately called, has a long list of accomplishments as you might imagine. She has been at the forefront of every fashionable and charity event in the city of Chicago beginning with a Hard Times Party at age 11, where the hostess donned a potato sack and served candy cola, to being the driving force behind The Service Club of Chicago. She attended Northwestern University School of Speech, receiving an Outstanding Actress Award upon graduating, of course! She met and married the love of her life, Warren, and they had three children, Robert, Warren III and Karen, and settled in Hinsdale. She is also a woman of “firsts,” hosting the first party at the new Four Seasons Hotel, the first luncheon at the Trump Hotel, the first party at the Elysian Hotel and the first event on the Terrace at the Peninsula. For more than 20 years, she has been a stage presence at the Rush-St. Luke’s Fashion Show and her runway (Day on the Terrace) fashion show for the Service Club are legendary. In a column she once authored, she said, “The secret to doing anything right is to love the people you’re with, and I love people. Some more than others, you understand.” The toasters on this evening included long-time friends Bunky
Cushing, Mark Heister, Myra Reilly, Mary Pat Burns and me. I filled in for Ken Price, who was busy this evening entertaining journalists from China and overseeing a film production at the Palmer House. However, he had this to say about Heavenly Hazel of Hinsdale: “I am not a roaster, broiler, fryer or microwaver of people of Hazel’s stature. She is the gold standard for others to hold themselves to when it comes to selfless commitment to a cause. Enormously talented, outrageously funny and unbounded energy are just a few of the phrases that describe this absolutely outstanding woman. I would be eager to know how many millions of dollars she has helped raise during her lifetime. Hazel Barr will soon be in the dictionary—not as a name but as an adjective to describe unbridled success.” And I couldn’t agree more… Faces seen in the crowd included Sharyl Mackey, Scott Bobek, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Sherry Lee Holson, Dori Wilson, emcee Bill Zwecker, Cynthia Olson, Mamie Walton, Evelyn Echols, Geri Shute, Tiffany and Brad Griffith, Sherren Leigh, Ann Wallace, Tina Koegel, Rich Varnes, Victor Skrebneski, Paul Iacono, Trevian Kutti, Ken Norgan, Jim Smith, Maria Pappas, Marilyn Miglin, Sherrill and John Bodine, Lisa Kelly, John Regas, Dorothy Whealan, Megan McKinney, Zarada Gowenlock, Ellen Wesley, Greg Hyder, Maria and Bob Zec, Martha and Laura Wallace, Laurie Davis, Susan Ellefson, Tracey DiBuono, Dusty Stemer, Heather Farley, Vonita Reescer, Pat Maxwell, Sheryl Dyer, Karen Peters, Jean Antoniou, Jocelyn Stoller, Eileen and Marshall Weinberg, Amy Wiemer, Elizabeth Brodsky, Joyce Holsen, Lori Daniels, Cheryl Bollinger, Sherry Valukas, Susie Jacobson and Shirley Michels among many others. For ALL event pics, please click here. (Additional photos by Bob Carl)

98.7WFMT’s “Diamond Jubilee” celebration will be hosted by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Susan Graham on Thursday, May 12th. Chicago’s Classical Experience will celebrate its 60th year on the air with a one-night-only benefit celebration at the Harris Theater, located at 205 E. Randolph, with an amazing lineup of talent selected to represent the depth and breadth of WFMT’s rich fine arts programming. The evening, which begins at 6:30 PM, will feature multiple Grammy- winning folk superstar Shawn Colvin, renowned African-American a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock, and popular Chicago-based folk trio Sons of the Never Wrong. Also featured will be the Chicago Children’s Choir and the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. The one-hour Diamond Jubilee celebration will continue with a reception in the Harris’ Theater’s lobby and then with a festive dinner on the Rooftop Terrace. Event Chairs are Renee and Lester Crown and Honorary Co-Chairs are Mayor Richard and Maggie Daley. For tickets ($60) to the 6:30 PM performance, please call 773.509.5525 or visit www.wfmt.com/jubilee2011. For tickets ($500) to the performance and dinner and for table purchases, please call 773.509.5434. Hope to see you there! 🙂

“One Enchanted Decade” is the magical title for The Goodman Theatre Gala’s 10th Anniversary Celebration set for Saturday, May 21st at the Fairmont Hotel, located at 200 N. Columbus Dr. The evening begins at the Goodman Theatre, located at 170 N. Dearborn, with a cocktail reception at 5:30 PM followed at 6:30 PM with a performance by Matthew Morrison. Morrison has had a spellbinding career beginning with his musical theater debut on Broadway in the musical version of “Footloose.” His breakthrough came when he landed a role in the Broadway production of “Hairspray” and his awards, nominations and accolades haven’t stopped since. He is now best known for his Golden Globe, Emmy and People’s Choice nominated role as Will Schuester on the hit Fox TV show “Glee.” After the theatre performance, there will be dinner and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra at the Fairmont Hotel. Gala co-chairs are Margaret Janus and Swati Mehta. For tickets ($1,000) and more info, please call 312.443.3811, ext. 586. 
 
Columbia College’s “Conversations in the Arts” series featured “Project Runway” season four winner, Christian Siriano. Siriano spoke to a full house telling design students to find a balance between creativity and commercialism. He was interviewed by former long-time Chicago Saks Fifth Avenue fashion director and Columbia College adjunct faculty member, Nena Ivon. At a post-event reception for donors and friends of the college, Siriano was the guest of honor. He is an inspiration to design students everywhere and Columbia was thrilled to have him as guest speaker. Fab fotos by Beckermedia.com. To view gallery, please click here.
 
Congrats again to uber talented Amy Wimer on her new role as publisher of CS’ Men’s Book! She recently a hosted an exclusive launch party at my new favorite spot, the Paris Club, and the happy crowd mixed and mingled and congratulated Amy on her new venture. I love the new look of this magazine and know Amy’s fingerprints are all over it! Congrats Amy!! :) (Check out the great pics by Caitlin Saville and Steve Starr here.)
 
I hope you can join me for a delightful stage production of “The Coin Purses: Life Lessons for Our Girls” on Saturday, May 14th, at Kennedy King College’s Black Box Theatre, located at 740 W. 63rd St. Back by popular demand, The Pocketbook Lady, Sharon McGhee, has partnered with Reel Beauty, Inc. in their initiative called “SAVING OUR GIRLS” to perform “The Coin Purse Monologues.” These monologues are performed by girls who are currently a part of the programming inside Chicago Public Schools and those who have graduated and become alums of this organization. The performances are based on life lessons for girls with messages that would be helpful as they grow into womanhood. Doors open at 6 PM with the performance running from 6:30 PM – 8 PM. Tickets, $25, can be purchased at the door or in advance for $20 at www.reelbeautyinc.com/donations.html. 
 
Everyone loves a party, especially a party featuring the gorgeous faces from FACTOR! LaSalle Power Company was the venue for a recent fashion show, “A New Generation of Faces,” to present the agencies’ top new models. Evoli, the band featuring Factor Women model Kauri Voss, played while the models walked the runway wearing clothes provided by Ikram. The VIP party featured a live performance by another Factor model, actress and singer Isabella Farrell, as well as a preview of her short film, “Rather Lovely Thing,” which was produced by Billy Rood and Fig Media. Clients, press and VIP guests came from all over the country, ranging from Seventeen magazine, Shahid and Co. (who cast for Abercrombie and Fitch) and Urban Outfitters to local celebs such as Jaslene Gonzalez, Jason Knowles and more. To see ALL event pics, click here.
 
I hope you can join me on Tuesday, May 24th for “The Big Picture.” This premier event will share the unique vision of Chicago Lost and Found, a not-for-profit organization founded by Mitch Pennell which is dedicated to providing art education by repurposing what most people consider “junk.” What a fabulous idea! Lost and Found provides employment for artists, seamstresses, carpenters and other craftsmen to create art from junk and discarded materials found in alleys, Dumpsters, construction and demolition sites or anyplace where refuse hides. Finished works are sold through exclusive retail establishments and the Chicago Lost and Found website. All proceeds fund educational outreach. To learn more, please come on Tuesday, May 24th, from 6 PM – 9 PM to 1200 W. Lake St. for an evening of food and fun. To RSVP, please visit www.Chicagolostandfound.com.
 
And finally, special thanks to TCW magazine for selecting me for their upcoming July feature, “100 Women Making a Difference in 2011.” I sure hope I continue to… :)
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com