…PLUS PRIDE PARADE HIGHLIGHTS; ART INSTITUTE’S UN MOMENT MERVEILLEUX; DIFFA’S RED HOT BALL; ANDREA BOCELLI STARS AT L.A. GALA; FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL; STARVING ARTIST PARTY; WHITE HOUSE DOWN PREMIERE; WHITE SOX HAVE A NEW PITCHER; BLACKHAWKS AND LESLIE; TCW’S 100 WOMEN OF INFLUENCE; NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
Hollywood glamour filled the Ritz-Carlton Chicago on June 15th when star Gwyneth Paltrow was honored with the Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC)’s Renaissance Award at “A Summer Soirée with Gwyneth Paltrow.” The Academy Award-winning
actress was celebrated for her body of work as a versatile actress and treated more than 445 guests to an intimate discussion led by host of Lifetime TV’s “The Conversation” and Paltrow’s dear friend Amanda De Cadenet. The event also honored chair of the GSFC Advisory Board Ellen Sandor for her 10 extraordinary years of leadership and dedication to the Film Center. Co-chaired by GSFC Advisory Board members Eda Davidman and Melissa Sage Fadim,
the event raised a record-breaking $410,000 to benefit the Film Center’s eclectic programming. The festivities
began with a cocktail reception in the lobby of the Ritz during which time Amanda De Cadenet and Gwyneth Paltrow walked the red carpet regaling the media with their fondness for Chicago, the importance of film and education as well as the privilege and honor of being celebrated by the Gene Siskel Film Center. I couldn’t take my eyes off her exquisite jewelry
which I found out later was courtesy of Pommelato and consisted of two HUGE diamond “Tango” bracelets and a gorgeous “Caramelle”
diamond and moonstone ring. (So glam!) During her red carpet walk, the occasional “Iron Man” mention – Paltrow currently stars in the franchise’s third installment – was also a hot topic. As guests made their way into the beautifully lit Grand Ballroom,
they were welcomed by executive director of GSFC Jean De St. Aubin who then introduced SAIC president Dr. Walter E. Massey followed by SAIC Chancellor Emeritus Tony Jones. Jones paid special tribute to one of the main
driving forces behind the Film Center, GSFC Advisory Board chair Ellen Sandor, who was honored for her legacy and achievements in a touching video narrated by actor and Chicago native
Bob Balaban. Praised for her unwavering, fearless leadership, Sandor was presented with the Outstanding Leadership Award for her incredible passion and dedication to both the Film Center and the arts. GSFC Director of Programming Barbara
Scharres also took the stage to celebrate and honor the legacy of Roger Ebert. Scharres and all 445 guests raised a glass to the film critic whose contributions will leave a lasting mark on film and film criticism. Following Scharres’ toast, guests were treated to a surprise personal video from Paltrow’s friend and current co-star, past Renaissance Award
recipient Robert Downey, Jr. and his wife Susan Downey, offering their heartfelt congratulations on
Paltrow’s exciting honor. Guests enjoyed an elegant four-course dinner inspired by Paltrow’s own cookbooks and themed after some of her most notable films. Immediately following dinner, Amanda De Cadenet took the stage and called upon her longtime friend Gwyneth Paltrow to join her for
a lively conversation about Paltrow’s career, influences, motherhood and more. Clips of Paltrow’s films were interspersed throughout the conversation and after seeing the incredible versatility and large scope of work she has done, Paltrow modestly quipped “Are you sure you are not all
bored yet?” Far from bored, the audience listened to Paltrow explain how she chooses the roles she plays, ranging from empowering women to superhero sidekick. She spoke of her close relationship with both of her parents and their strong influence on her career and her everyday life as well as the effect motherhood has had on her work both on-and-off-screen. Paltrow also spoke of her infamous
guest role on the hit musical TV show “Glee,” which she admitted to not being aware of until receiving a phone call from creator and dear friend Ryan Murphy urging her to participate. Congrats to the Gene Siskel Film Center and its honoree
Gwyneth on a beautiful night of Hollywood in Chicago glamour! (Photos by Mila Samokhina, Bob Carl and Dan Rest.) Please enjoy my Watch312.com video below of this fabulous evening and let me take YOU to the party! 🙂
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This year marked the fourth time I’ve had the honor of riding on a float in the Pride Parade and it is still one of the most thrilling and exhilarating experiences and one that always makes me
proud. For my first two Pride rides in 2010 and 2011, I had the joy of being on the Baton Show Lounge float with the fabulous female impersonators Mimi Marks, Monica Monroe, Ginger Grant, Sheri Payne, Victoria LaPaige and Sasha Colby; the Baton’s owner Jim Flint rode along, too. The music
was pumping and the crowds were CRA-CRA over the “girls”…I was so excited to be one of them and honored to be asked since I’m neither gay nor a female impersonator but am certainly a big proponent of LGBT rights. I have also always been a fan of the Baton and have taken every single friend and
relative there through the years. For the 2010 parade, it was especially over the top since the Blackhawks had won the Stanley Cup. I was thrilled to meet player Brent Sopel and pet Lord Stanley before they scaled their own float to display the prize to the screaming fans. Last year brought a whole new experience when I was invited to ride on the first PAWS
Chicago float. Founding board member Bonnie Spurlock spearheaded this endeavor with great success: The volunteers – dressed in dog and cat costumes – were eager to create some excitement for
this organization which is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the Midwest. The crowds had swelled in numbers from the following year and it was sweltering. Happily, I was invited back again this year to ride on
this fabulous float along with the one-and-only Miss Lucy Foozie. Her fans (her “pineapples”) are crazy about her and for good reason: She is a beloved icon and a positive force in the community. For this year’s
44th event, 200 floats and more than 1 million people lined the route. And even though the same-sex marriage issue (which has sadly not passed YET in Illinois) was a theme of the day it did nothing to
dampen the spirits of the supporters who still had the Supreme Court victory to celebrate. Here are some of my favorite pics from past Pride Parades including this year’s. I hope you enjoy them and I hope the LGBT
community continues to see their dreams realized… 🙂 (Photos by Mila Samokhina, Darkroom Demons and Steve Starr, who is sorely missed and will never be forgotten.)
For a “Marvelous Moment,” or “Un Moment Merveilleux” at the Art Institute of Chicago, more than 550 guests came decked out in creative and “beyond” black tie for a grand celebration of the opening of the major exhibition “Impressionism, Fashion and
Modernity”. Ann Grube chaired the event, with honorary gala co-chairs Alexandra and John Nichols. Gala guests had the first opportunity to enjoy over 80 major figure paintings by Gustave Caillebotte, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, Alfred Stevens, and James Tissot displayed together with period costumes, accessories, fashion plates,
photos and popular prints. Curated by Gloria Groom, the David and Mary Winton Green Curator of 19th-Century European Painting, “Impressionism, Fashion and Modernity” comes to the Art Institute as the final venue
of a world tour. The evening of old-world elegance began with cocktails by the Art Institute’s Grand Staircase. Guests were surrounded by tableaux vivants, created and performed by students of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. They included windows covered with the backdrop of Caillebotte’s iconic Paris
Street, Rainy Day painting, with performers in period costumes, strolling with parasols, bringing the painting to life and Manet’s Luncheon in the Grass, complete with a nude female with two clothed gentlemen on the Grand Staircase. Scattered throughout the route on the way to dinner and the
exhibition in Regenstein Hall were dancing acrobats, ladies posed in extravagant hats, corsets and much more. In addition to the tableaux vivants, models draped in sparkling GRAFF jewels greeted guests throughout the evening offering opportunities to try on various diamonds and rare gems. At 8:00 p.m.,
guests made their way to a beautifully decorated Modern Wing, where Art Institute director Eloise W. Martin and president Douglas Druick welcomed guests to the dazzling exhibition. Druick expressed his deepest gratitude to exhibition curator Gloria Groom, who, for the last four years, “has expertly and imaginatively
shepherded this complex and revelatory project from its beginning to its remarkable final installation.” For dinner, guests enjoyed a French-inspired menu created by master chef Tony Mantuano, who was on hand to oversee the kitchen. All proceeds from “Un Moment Merveilleux” will support the Art Institute’s world-class exhibitions and educational programs. (Photos by Dan Rest and Cheri Eisenberg.)
More than 700 guests were in attendance for the Believe 2013 Red Hot Ball, hosted by DIFFA/Chicago (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago). The 25th
annual black-tie affair was held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on June 8th and themed “Red Hot”, which emphasized a renewed passion for celebrating new
developments, treatments and discoveries and recognizing the organization’s support of AIDS advocacy and education. Windy City Live’s Val Warner co-hosted the evening that also
included inspiring keynote speaker Dr. Claudia Hawkins. Later in the program, Val was joined by Ernestomeda’s handsome Luca Lanzetta, who energized the crowd during
the live auction. Entertainment was provided by ‘70s disco group The Boogie Wonder Band. The Unsung Hero Award went to Lynn Fordon of Steelcase, who was recognized for her unwavering dedication and support of the organization. A total of $497K was raised to help advance the fight against AIDS. Congrats to all and keep up the great work!
And now for some cool event news from the left coast! The Simin Hope (SH) Foundation honored fathers at the inaugural A Celebration of All Fathers Gala on June 6th at
Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood. The SH Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to address the problems of under-served and at-risk children through a program focusing on medical provision, communication and family strengthening. The event honored the
biggest-selling artist in the history of classical music, award-winning Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli; actor, rapper and entrepreneur Percy Miller; owner/chef of the Anaheim White House Restaurant Bruno Miller; president of Landmark Medical Management Kareem Ahmed; and the late Ruhollah Hashemizadeh, father of Simin Hope Foundation founder Simin Hashemizadeh. Awards
recognized individuals who are inspiring parents and positive role models. Hosted by SH founder, entrepreneur, philanthropist and owner of South Pacific Surgery Centers Hashemizadeh, the star-studded, black-tie
evening featured world-class entertainment and a magnificent dinner on the New York City back lot at Paramount Pictures Studios. Among those who entertained the more than 500 guests were Andrea Bocelli and his son Amos Bocelli, David Foster,
Elisabetta Russo, Maria Aleida, Maz Jobrani and Andy Madadian. A highlight of the evening featured Andrea Bocelli serenading Priscilla Presley with “Love Me Tender” while his son Amos accompanied him on piano. “I am honored, thrilled and tremendously excited to have the opportunity to work with Andrea in supporting the Simin Hope Foundation,” said Simin Hashemizadeh. “The aim of the evening is to raise money for
a very worthy charitable cause, towards medical facilities for underprivileged children in our community. We are proud to honor all fathers in this celebration as it is tremendously important to have a strong role model in their lives. Andrea Bocelli is a world class entertainer but first and foremost a loving father to his child.” For more information, please visit www.siminhopefoundation.com.
Friends of Conservation will host its annual Conservation Ball this year at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago on October 18th beginning at 6:30 p.m. This black tie event will feature dinner, a raffle and auctions with all funds going to this charity which promotes grassroots efforts to support sustainable living and wildlife conservation in Africa. Chairman Reute Butler will be hosting the event and will be joined by guest of honor John Rendall, of You Tube video “Christian the Lion” fame, to exhibit the FOC’s famous Wildlife Presentation. This exciting presentation showcases animals that the FOC is working to protect. Guests will have an opportunity to get up close and personal with these ambassadors of wildlife after the presentation and be photographed with them. Exotic vacations and exciting gifts will be
auctioned off and music by Ken Arlen will provide a backdrop to dance the night away. “We are so passionate about the conservation of the Masai Mara region of Africa, and so look forward to hosting such a special night to benefit Eastern Africa,” said Reute Butler. “We are honored by the generosity of our guests, whose donations will be infinitely valuable in preserving sacred wildlife and promoting sustainable natural resource management.” Tickets are available at friendsofconservation.org for $375 or $275 for guests under 35. Donations and raffle bids may also be made online. The primary sponsor of the event is Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy. Paul Iacono is the event co-chair and honorary co-chairs are Holly Rothschild and Wendy Wood-Prince. Hope to see you ALL there!
The Chicago Artists Coalition presented its third annual Starving Artist event on June 29 at its home at 217 N. Carpenter St. Each year, the event pairs celebrated local artists with
renowned Chicago chefs who collaborate on edible and aesthetic presentations with all proceeds benefitting the Coalition’s mission and programs for artists, including a portion to fund the annual MAKER GRANT, an unrestricted monetary award for artists to be juried and distributed in Spring 2014. Nearly 600 guests attended the event to enjoy an extravaganza of art, food and inspiration.
The event took place in the Coalition’s lofty West Loop gallery space and in three large outdoor tents nearby.
Notable guests included Michael Kornick (owner, MK Restaurant), Theaster Gates (featured artist), Tony Karman (CAC Board Chair), Anna Davlantes (co-anchor, “Good Day Chicago”), Fabio Viviani (of “Top Chef” and Siena Tavern), Lesley Prizant Goodman
(event host committee), Olga Markoff (event host committee), Hebru Brantley (artist), Kavi Gupta (Kavi Gupta Gallery), Maria Pinto (fashion designer), Abraham Conlon (chef, Fat Rice), Bill Kim (chef, BellyQ), Chrissy Camba (chef, Bar Pastoral), Cody Hudson (featured artist), Jared
Wentworth (chef, Longman & Eagle) and Zoe Schor (chef, Ada Street) among many others. Event highlights included: Five featured artist and chef pairings introduced by lively performances from the The Power of Cheer; a taco
battle: Antique Taco vs. Big Star with guests using key limes as their voting tokens. Antique Taco won the contest by a landslide with their Smoky Shrimp Elote Taco; Starviridiana inflatable sculptures and floor painting by artist
Claire Ashley paired with glow-in-the-dark cotton candy by Spin Spun Confections; Fallen Maple Tree & Sinew handcrafted table and lighting by designers Bladon Connor and Aaron Pahmier; a display of delicacies by Chrissy Camba of Bar Pastoral; Hennessy Black CosmoPopsicles and Sidecar Jello Shots by Hennessy Black
brand architect Benjamin Newby; a live auction facilitated by Lisa Cavanaugh of Christie’s featuring one-of-a-kind artworks by the featured artists and so much more! Sponsors included Hennessy Black, Kenmore, Kehoe Designs, Smilebooth and Sound Investment among others. To learn more about this inspiring organization, please visit www.chicagoartistscoalition.org. (Photos by Onassis, Katie Ricard Cage and Aquarium.)
Congratulations to Nicole LaCross on her first event for Wrist Wishes! This charity fundraiser at Loft 644 attracted more than 100 friends/supporters to raise awareness and funding for the many organizations/charities that Wrist Wishes supports through the sales of
bracelets, each supporting a different cause. With food samplings from Wicked White Popcorn, Sweet Mandy B’s, Loft 644 and a candy buffet, guests were able to mingle and learn more about the incredible organizations WW has partnered with that include Bear Necessities, Bright Pink, St. Baldrick’s Foundation, JDRF Illinois, Heartland Animal Shelter,
Flashes of Hope, the ALS Association and so many more. Founder LaCross said, “Wrist Wishes was built around the concept of shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their wrists. Aside from adding a pop of color to any outfit,
Wrist Wishes donates 40 percent of profits from every purchase directly to the charity that is represented by your bracelet.” This debut event raised more than $1,000 for local charities. To find out more info on this wonderful organization, please visit www.wristwishes.com.
It was the perfect way to kick off the weekend: a private advanced screening of Columbia Pictures’ action-packed White House Down, hosted by the Chicago Sky along with Olympic gold medalist and Chicago Sky forward Swin Cash and NFL defensive end
Israel Idonije (who we’re really gonna miss in Chicago!). The movie stars Channing Tatum as the hero out to protect and save his daughter, the President (played by Jamie Foxx) and the good ole USA – could there be a more perfect Independence Day movie? The Sky – one of 12 WNBA
teams and in second place this season – had just come off another win the day before so anticipation was high for the 300 attendees who had the opportunity to meet Swin and several other Sky players who attended…plus the opportunity to rub elbows with one of Chicago’s great sports’ philanthropists, Izzy Idonije.
About 100 people attended the reception in the Showplace ICON VIP lounge before the screening. Margaret O’Connor (owner of MarCon Communications) sponsored and produced the event and Deborah Brown (NBC 5
guests at the screening tickets to attend their home game on July 2nd at the Allstate Arena. A good time was had by all! (I was also proud to be the media sponsor for this fabulous Hollywood soiree!) Congrats, Margaret! (Photos by SumPhoto Photography.)
PAWS Chicago got a big boost at the White Sox game on June 28th when founding board member Bonnie Spurlock threw out the ceremonial first pitch! The look of concentration on her face that appeared on the Jumbotron was priceless as is her support of this organization that is the largest no-kill animal shelter in the Midwest! Congrats Bonnie! Love you!
If you’re a Chicago Blackhawks fan – and who isn’t nowadays?! – then here’s some news you can use: Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will auction off the original 1961 Blackhawks championship banner that hung in the old Chicago Stadium! The banner will be sold on July 16th at 6 p.m. in a single item online-only sale and is on display now up to the date of the sale. Interested parties can contact 312.280.1212 for more info or leave a presale bid at www.lesliehindman.com! May the best fan win!
Congratulations are in order for the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s at 211 E. Grand that celebrated its one year anniversary on June 29th! Hundreds of supporters turned out for a joyous birthday party with a welcome by Doug Porter (CEO of RMHC of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana) on the rooftop. Happy birthday Ronald McDonald House and many more! (For more info, click here!)
More congrats are in order…this time for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago (RIC), which broke ground recently for a $550-million research hospital to be named The Ability Institute of RIC which will open in 2016 at 355 E. Erie. Mayor Emanuel, Senators Dick Durbin and Mark Kirk were on hand to offer their congrats.
And last but not least, I want to thank Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine (TCW) for including this humble scribe in this month’s cover story feature, “100 Women of Influence”! Words can’t describe how honored I am to be included among these awe-inspiring women. To read the whole article and see who else made the list, please click here!
May your grills stay hot and your celebrations last long this summer and I hope you had a fabulous July 4th! Until next week, thanks for reading Candid Candace!
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. Thanks to Hedwig Golant for sharing this darling photo! I laughed out loud and hope you do, too!
It would be such a great way for that family to bond. All of this part of most of the state is a lot drier than the northwestern part.
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