CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE GALA; WE DAY 2016; RASHIED'S CHEF BOWL; BARK N' BALL; WONKA BALL; JOFFREY BALLET'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY GALA; DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM LIFTS UP; DREAMHOME PREVIEW PARTY; BOTANIC'S ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW; 67TH OLD TOWN ART FAIR; 2016 LINKS DEBUTANTE COTILLION; LOOKINGGLASS THEATRE BASH; A PARTY FOR MARY AND TINA; CONGRATS TO MARY ANN AND HEINZ; NEWBERRY LIBRARY AWARDS; MAKE-A-WISH ILLINOIS GALA; THE HOTTEST EVENTS CALENDAR; VIDEOS; THIS N' THAT; SOMETHING TO MAKE YOU SMILE AND SO MUCH MORE!
I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and devour any books by Philippa Gregory, Bernard Cornwell and C.W. Gortner. There's something about the 17th and 18th centuries that completely captivate me. I love the intrigue, the gowns and the balls
and the delicious decadence of the royals. And on April 23, I felt like I'd stepped right into the pages of one of these novels at the magnificent black-tie party to celebrate one of Chicago's most beloved arts patrons, Janet L. Melk. We've been fortunate to have attended
parties she's thrown before and one can always expect the unexpected, but for her 80th birthday bash, Jan delighted her guests with jaw-dropping visuals, fabulous food and fun, the likes of which we're not likely to see again! The theme revolved around a Venetian Masquerade Ball and it was hosted at the
Vanderbilt Mansion on Fisher Island. Access there, as many of you know, is by ferry only and security was tight for the 100+ guests who made their way there from all across the country. The scene could've been painted by Watteau it was so elegant–women in flowing gowns with delicate masks were everywhere
you looked and the men all looked so handsome in their impeccable tuxes. The birthday girl was a vision in a strapless cream gown with silver sparkles on top and white feathers fluttering all the way down to the ground. Jan's diamond necklace and gilded
mask, held daintily on a stick, completed this lovely ensemble. Carrie Lannon's mask was made of delicate black lace that she had hand-cut and strategically glued right onto her pretty face. Jan's daughter-in-law, Sarah Melk, was a stand-out with her whole head covered in peacock feathers that framed her face, topped off with a sparkling choker necklace. Leslie Hindman looked
chic in a floor-length navy Oscar de la Renta gown, a diamond brooch and bracelet. Michel Desjardins and Pierre "Peanut" Desy wore black and gold masks that they had purchased in Venice for the occasion. Jan's daughter Cindy Melk looked fashionable, as always, in a floor-length creme-colored gown with cut-outs that perfectly matched
her ivory mask. Many guests stayed at The Palms and limousine trolley transportation was thoughtfully provided to the island. Upon arrival, men colorfully dressed as pages announced attendees with a blast of trumpets and a "hear-ye, hear-ye." I tell you, it was something straight out of
a fairytale and one you hoped would never end. During the reception, partygoers clinked champagne glasses and chatted under the banyon trees while dozens of peacocks roosted overhead. Their haunting sounds added to the soundtrack of the night and created even more drama. A Venetian
backdrop, complete with a gondola manned by handsome gondoliers provided an enchanting photo opp (at the end of the night, guests were gifted with these photo memories). Soon it was time for the black-tie crowd to make its way to dinner–they entered through a gauntlet of performance
artists and a royal blue canopy with Jan's initials in gold. The room was decorated in a style suited to Marie Antoinette. Dramatic arrangements of colorful flowers topped tables with tiny Venetian masks peeking out from among the opulent blooms. Above an overflowing sweets
table, a huge gilded portrait of the Queen with Jan's face superimposed delighted partygoers as they popped out their Iphones to record the moment. Dancers dressed as ladies and gentlemen of an 18th century court, wearing powdered wigs and
flowing white gowns, glided across the dance floor as minuets and music of the era played. A pre-recorded video of Jan's friends sharing their thoughts about the woman of the hour brought laughter and tears from the crowd and included comments from Dr. Michael
O'Meara and Margaret O'Connor, Michel Desjardins and Pierre Desy, Leslie Hindman, Helen Melchior, Sarah and Tom Melk, Deb and Tom Gross, Christine Ott, Dawn Mattozzi, Cindy Melk, Emmanuel Nony and Chuck and me among
others. Tom Melk delivered a heartfelt speech about his mom calling her someone who came from humble circumstances, but "wrote her own story" and encouraged all around her to "live life to
its fullest." He described her as a "mother, a belly dancer, a business woman, a traveler, an expat, a wise woman, a partier, a seeker of knowledge and an adventurer in life." Jan thanked her many friends for attending and for being a part
of her life. She shared her favorite quote from the poem "Dash" by Linda Ellis. She said, "There are two dates on our tombstones, our date of birth and date of death. These dates aren’t what really matters. It’s “the dash”, those years in between and what you do with them,
that does." Following dinner, one of the best dance bands we've ever heard kept the crowd on the dance floor until the wee hours. I went to sleep with dreams of royalty and the song "Cake by the Ocean" playing in my head. This, my friends, was a party we will not soon forget. Love, thanks and congrats to Jan Melk, not only for being such a dear friend, but for being so inspirational
and giving to so many.
Meanwhile, back in Chicago, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) celebrated the global impact of Shakespeare with GALA 2016 at the Theater’s home on Navy Pier on the 400th
Anniversary of his death, April 23, a date which also marked the playwright’s 452nd birthday. Five hundred attendees from Chicago’s civic and cultural community came together to toast Shakespeare’s legacy and enjoy a one-night-only performance featuring Tony- and Olivier
Award-winner Alan Cumming, followed by a spectacular fireworks display over the city's skyline. As the signature celebration of the yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival, the night raised a record-breaking $1.4 million that
will benefit the Tony Award-winning theater’s Chicago Shakespeare in Urban Classrooms and Communities initiatives, including Team Shakespeare education programs and the
free citywide Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour. In addition to honorary co-chairs Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule, Gala 2016 co-chairs Ally and Suzette Bulley, Barbara Malott Kizziah and Keith Kizziah and Paulita Pike and Zulfiqar Bokhari spearheaded the evening's events. The record fundraising total was made possible by the support of a host committee of 34 individuals and corporations led by lead sponsors ComEd/Exelon and Food for Thought Catering. Gala 2016 dramatically showcased the multiple lobbies and performance
spaces of Chicago Shakespeare with splendor and theatricality, thanks to lush floral arrangements from Bukiety and striking visuals from MDR Creative Inc. Throughout the event spaces, Chicago Shakespeare artists inhabited framed “Living Pictures,” depicting a range of fashions and inspirations from the last 400 years. Eclectic décor, including clusters of
chandeliers coupled with chrome tables and stylized room settings, whimsically juxtaposed old-world with contemporary flair. Guests enjoyed a three-course dinner from Food for Thought Catering. The main course paired succulent beef tenderloin with herb-crusted barramundi, accompanied by sides of sundried tomato risotto, mushroom ragout, rapini and
lemon beurre blanc. Drawing on the work of the playwright himself, dessert was “A Midsummer Night’s Cherry Trifle Dream." Following dinner, guests gathered in CST’s Courtyard Theater for the presentation of the Spirit of Shakespeare Award, which annually honors those that keep the spirit of
Shakespeare alive through community service and artistic leadership. This year, CST artistic director Barbara Gaines and executive director Criss Henderson presented the civic honoree award to ComEd, represented by ComEd president and CEO Anne Pramaggiore, in recognition of the company’s reputation as both a reliable energy provider and a socially responsible business—striving to preserve the environment, support education, contribute to local arts and
culture and aid in neighborhood development. In her remarks, Pramaggiore pointed to Shakespeare’s relevance today and her own experiences with the playwright as a student of theater. Stage and screen star Alan Cumming delighted a full house with four musical numbers, accompanied by music director Lance Horne on the piano and Tug of War ensemble
member Tahirah Whittington on the cello. Former CPS Shakespeare participant Roque Sanchez addressed the crowd, speaking to how the Theater’s education programs inspired him to help others and become an activist for homeless youth. The performance concluded with Chicago Public School student Ariana Burks singing Georgia Stitt’s musical rendition of Shakespeare’s Sonnet 29, the very poetry that inspired the Theater’s Artistic Director Barbara Gaines’ love of Shakespeare. The night of celebration culminated in a dazzling display of fireworks that lit up the
Chicago skyline over Lake Michigan from Navy Pier. With prime viewing from the Theater’s lobbies’ floor-to-ceiling windows, the show was underscored by a sweeping music from the soundtracks of Shakespeare-inspired films. This special display was the very first of Navy Pier’s legendary Aon Fireworks shows of the
season. Following the grand finale, guests mingled in the Theater’s lobbies for a dessert reception courtesy of Inspired Catering, where they sampled Shakespeare-themed signature cocktails featuring local CH Distillery spirits,
including “The 1616” and “The Next 400.” Also during the after party, magician Nate Dendy—who most recently appeared as Ariel in CST’s production of The Tempest—whisked groups of guests away for private sleight-of-hand magic encounters, and Chicago band Diana & The Dishes performed. Alongside lead sponsors, the host committee included Jess
and Amanda Merten, Mark Ouweleen and Sarah Harding, Maurice Smith, Nazneen Razi, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Crown, Robin and Steve Solomon, Harve A. Ferrill and Karla Scherer; Virginia and Gary Gerst, Betsy and Jack Karp, Richard Porter and Lydia Marti, Raymond and Judy McCaskey, Paulita Pike and Zulfiqar Bokhari, COL (IL) Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG (Retired), Burton X. and Sheli Z. Rosenberg, John W. and Jeanne M. Rowe, Carole and Gordon Segal, Brian and Yasmina Duwe, Michael and Jacky Ferro and Marilynn and Carl Thoma. (Photos by Michael Litchfield and Daniel Ribar)
On April 28, WE Day, returned to Chicago with an all-star line-up of presenters, speakers and performers at Allstate Arena. Ciara, Martin Luther King III, Jordan Smith, Paula Abdul, Nico & Vinz, J.R. Martinez, Spencer West, Becca Tobin, Kardinal Offishall and more lit up the WE
Day stage as youth from across Illinois shared empowering stories. 15,000 young change-makers earned their WE Day tickets by taking action in their local and global communities on issues such as bullying, hunger and homelessness. Founded by Craig and Marc Kielburger, WE Day is a series of worldwide educational events celebrating young people making a difference. Along with national title
sponsor Allstate, the event brought together world-renowned guests to celebrate the 15,000 Illinois students and educators from over 400 schools. Illinois youth won their tickets to WE Day by taking action on local and global social issues through WE Schools, a year-round service learning program,
which provides a free menu of hands-on, student-led campaigns designed to enhance a school’s existing social initiatives or to spark new ones. Allstate chairman and CEO, Tom Wilson, national co-chair of WE Day, delivered a message of youth empowerment to the audience. “Throughout history, youth have taken action to create positive social change. Young people can lead the way and restore hope in our communities – they’ve got the
solutions. WE Schools make that happen. WE Day celebrates their success,” he said. Students at William H. Taft High School collected food items for the needy in their community. This past fall, students trick-or-treated at
Halloween for non-perishable food items for a local food pantry. To continue making an impact, the students also teamed up with New Hope Community Food Pantry to
collect and distribute food items in their neighborhoods. Former U.S. Secretary of Education and WE Day Illinois co-chair, Arne Duncan, took the WE Day stage to reinforce the educational outcomes of service learning
and to honor the school districts, teachers and youth in attendance. “We can’t do enough to celebrate kids who are providing unbelievable leadership and service. Young people have an incredible opportunity to drive the change we need and this is a tremendous group of young people. WE Day is a way to help them, listen to them and, most of all, to learn from them.”(Photos by Vito Amati and Tim-Hiatt Getty)
Former Chicago Bear Rashied Davis partnered with Kings Bowl Lincoln Park to host “Chef Bowl 2016” on April 24. The event brought together Chicago’s hottest chefs and sports celebrities for a day of bowling, delicious food and festivities,
raising more than $35,000 for Saturday Place, an academic enrichment program for 3rd and 4th grade CPS students performing at least one year below grade level and living in under-resourced communities. Celebrity guests in attendance included chefs Kevin Cuddihee (TWO), Kevin Hickey (Bottlefork/The Duck Inn) and
Paul Virant (Vie/Perennial Virant); former Chicago Bears Anthony Adams, Jerry Azumah, Ray McElroy, Charles “Peanut” Tillman and Garrett Wolfe; and Olympic bobsledder Aja Evans. Chef Bowl was sponsored by All-Tech Decorating and chaired by All-Tech
Decorating executive Jessica Helmer. Additional lane sponsors included the Chicago Bears, Pepper Construction, S Mechanical, Snaidero and Related. Guests enjoyed a sampling of
signature dishes from Kings’ made-from-scratch menu including buffalo chicken wontons, assorted gourmet pizzas, pulled pork sliders and fried mac and cheese bites. Saturday Place students meet weekly for an additional day of academic instruction and support. For the past four years, its students have demonstrated growth in math (99th percentile) and reading (60th percentile) during their two years in the program.
Over 300 supporters of SitStayRead came together at the annual Bark 'n Ball to raise funds for this nonprofit that brings Certified Reading Assistant Dogs into 16 low-income Chicago Public
Schools. The dog-friendly cocktail party took place at Galleria Marchetti in the West Loop. Guests sipped the signature Moscow Mutt cocktail, enjoyed delicious bites from Galleria Marchetti catering, took photos with their friends and pups 
in the photo booth, entered for a chance to win an Apple Watch and participated in live and silent auctions that included trips to Aruba and Breckinridge. The event raised over $115,000 for the organization that provides critical early literacy skills 
to students in grades 1-4 in their 16 low-income partner schools. This event was the highest grossing fundraiser in SitStayRead's history and will allow the organization to continue offering their programs free to the schools that they serve! Congrats to all who participated!
More than 400 guests put the pedal to the metal for a racy evening of wigs and wheels at About Face Theatre's WONKA BALL: DRAGSTRIP on April 15 at Ravenswood Event Center. Celebrating About Face Theatre’s 20th Anniversary season, guests decked out in wigs,
coveralls (and everything in between) filled the drag-tastic venue surrounded by a stunning collection of vintage sports cars and neon signs. Following the exclusive VIP reception, guests made pit stops
at delicious food stations, a custom beauty and wig shop, a punch-out prize wall, a photo booth and a 2016 Mini Cooper convertible. Guests also enjoyed performances by Chicago’s best drag entertainers, non-stop music courtesy of DJ Circuit Mom and dancing
straight to finish line. Co-chaired by Carmelo Barbaro, Anthony Ruth and Betsy Sylvester, the evening raised nearly $75,000 for About Face's programming, new play development and educational program. Since 1995, About Face has created exceptional, innovative and adventurous theatre and educational programming that advances the national dialogue on sexual and gender identity and challenges and entertains audiences in Chicago and beyond. (Photos by Timmy Samuels)
Ballet aficionados gathered on Friday, April 15, to celebrate the milestone 60th anniversary season of The Joffrey Ballet with an evening of world-class dance and extravagance at the 14th Annual Spring Gala, hosted by the Joffrey Women’s Board. More than 700 guests reveled in the evening’s festivities, which began at the
Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University with an intimate performance featuring the world-renowned dancers from the Joffrey Company and the Joffrey Academy of Dance. Notable guests in attendance included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Anne Kaplan, co-founder of
Insight Environmental Design, Pamella Roland DeVos, president and designer of PAMELLA ROLAND, Bruce Sagan, Sun-Times Holdings Chairman and Maria Pinto, fashion designer. After the performance, guests were whisked
away by trolley to the Hilton Chicago’s opulent International Ballroom, where guests indulged in drinks and dinner crafted by Hilton Chicago’s executive chef, Mario Garcia. Following dinner, guests were treated to a powerful performance by the Community Engagement dancers
– students ages five to 18 years-old who are taught by Joffrey instructors. The signature event raises funds for The Joffrey operation and programming, including the various community programs, providing students of all ages the
opportunity to foster creativity and confidence through the art of dance. The 2016 Spring Gala raised over $1 million and was sponsored by BMO Wealth Management and hosted by co-chairs Annie
and Dr. Kris Atzeff, Jamie-Clare and Nicholas Colvin, Yvette and Brian Karaba, Anne and Zachary Lazar, Amanda and Jess Merten and Cheryle and Joel Williamson and Women’s Board President, Patti Eylar. (Photos by Dan Rest)
Donning their best spring garden party attire, 650 guests raised more than $200,000 at the recent Preview Evening for the Antiques, Garden & Design Show on April 14. Celebrating its 16th year, the Show inspires stylish living and presents
beautiful gardens and objects in a way that transcends the ordinary. Held on the early spring grounds of the Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the most visited botanic gardens in the United States, the Antiques, Garden & Design Show is the “ribbon cutting” to spring, inspiring attendees to brighten up their homes and gardens. Food For Thought created elegant
fare for the preview evening. Kehoe Designs created the dramatic party spaces and Craig Bergmann Landscape Design created the gardens of the Show. More than 90 exhibitors of garden antiques, antiques, midcentury
modern pieces, and art and design from around the United States and Europe created incredible tableaus in their booths for guests to shop. Martyn Lawrence Bullard was keynote speaker and honorary 
co-chair. Other featured speakers, Timothy Whealon, Mario Nievera and Jeff Ross, also attended the preview evening. The principal sponsor of the show was BMO Harris Bank. Garden & Design Show host committee was chaired by Lindsey Axel, Susu Block, Jenny
Brown, Cathy Busch, Susan Canmann and Jen Kasten. Proceeds from the Show benefit the Chicago Botanic Garden’s conservation, education and research programs.
Old Town Art Fair's "First Sight" Party, an annual fundraiser and "first look" for the Old Town Art Fair, will be held at Perennial Virant on Sunday, May 15th, beginning at 6:00 pm. The Old Town Art Fair, rated America’s # 1 Art Fair, celebrates its 67th annual fair on June 11 and 12, as the charming, tree-lined streets of
the city’s historic Old Town Triangle District set the stage for 250 nationally acclaimed artists and an estimated 30,000 art lovers. Congrats to new Old Town Triangle president Steve Weiss and his trusty event chair Shirley Baugher, too! For more info, click here!
DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) hosted its annual fundraising event on April 9, at Embassy Suites Hilton in Naperville. The black-tie benefit was an uplifting evening of live entertainment, silent and live auctions, and special honorees, with Judy Hsu, ABC-7 news anchor, returning as the event’s emcee. Nearly 400 guests enjoyed the evening celebration to Lift Up
the importance of S.T.E.A.M. education (science, technology, engineering, art and math). The Museum provides the building blocks to start shaping a strong foundation that lifts up young learners for lifelong success. One of the highlights of the evening included the presentation of the Great Friend to Kids Award, a national effort embraced by children’s museums across the country to honor those who have made significant contributions to enriching lives of children. Chris Crane, president and CEO, Exelon Corporation, DCM’s first ever award recipient, presented the award to this year’s recipient, Melvin D. Williams, President of Nicor Gas and this
year’s honorary event chair. “The focus the Museum places on early childhood education – particularly in the areas of math and science – is helping the energy sector prepare the next generation of industry experts,” Williams said.
On April 14th, The Design Center at The Merchandise Mart celebrated the annual DreamHome opening benefiting Almost Home Kids. This Naperville-based charity is the official beneficiary of DreamHome and provides
transitional care in a home-like setting to children with complicated health needs, training for their families and respite care. Guests at the preview party were the first to see the design house which gives guests a chance to meet the all-star lineup
of designers, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and entertainment. DreamHome showcases six rooms designed by Chicago’s top interior design firms and provides design solutions and fresh ideas for discerning
people looking to create their own dream home. This year’s designers include Blutter Shiff Design Associates, Hunter Kaiser: Creative for Life, jamesthomas Interiors, Kadlec Architecture + Design, Michael Del Piero Good Design and Soucie Horner, Ltd. The installation will remain open through December 4, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lookingglass Theatre Company’s Board of Trustees and Gala Committee welcomed 370 guests for an evening of “Vaudeville” fun at gglassquerade 2016. This year’s celebration, co-hosted by Monica Raymund
of NBC’s Chicago Fire and Lookingglass ensemble member and producing director, Phil Smith, supported Lookingglass’ education and community engagement programs and was
held at Revel Fulton Market on April 2. Lookingglass Civic Engagement Awards were presented to President of Strategic Giving, Shawn M. Donnelley and "This American Life" radio program host Ira Glass. Previous recipients include Chef Rick Bayless, former Steppenwolf Theatre Company Artistic Director Martha
Lavey, Commissioner Lois Weisberg, and Stephen Colbert. Co-chaired by Gerry Barad, Les Coney and Thomas O'Neill, the event raised over $825,000 to advance Lookingglass’ commitment to creating new theatrical works and sharing its techniques through innovative education and community programs. The gala also marked 28 years of creating professional, ensemble-based theater in Chicago.(Photos by Bob Carl)
On Tuesday, May 3, more than 900 Chicagoans arrived hungry to the Sheraton Grand Chicago, ready to sample cuisine from top local restaurants to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. St. Jude Four Stars of Chicago brought 
together over 25 of Chicago's top restaurants for a time-honored tradition of delicious food, cocktails and both live and silent auctions. Guests enjoyed tasty samples from Gene & Georgetti's, Mexique, Pork n' Mindy’s, RPM Steaks, Mercadito Kitchen and many more! This event has raised more than $9 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since its
inception in 1995.
The Chicago Chapter of The Links Incorporated and members of the Chicago Cotillion Charities Foundation welcomed more than 350 guests to the 2016 Debutante Cotillion celebrating the achievements of 17 African American young women from Chicago on April 23. Cotillion co-chairs Karen Ashley Bowman, Michele Baker Richardson, Rhonda Stivers and
Carole Miller Wood worked closely with a committee of chapter members to execute this magical evening. “We are so proud of the accomplishments of these young women and their escorts,” said Stivers. “They have worked incredibly hard over the past several months and we are excited to present them to the Chicago community.” The 2016 debutantes participated in a 12 week program that prepared them to waltz with their fathers, while introducing them to money management, college and career planning, etiquette and African American history. The Debs also learned how to develop and execute service programs that, in the future, will enable them to give back
to their communities. Each year, the cotillion raises funds for grants to two organizations as part of The Links mission of service to the community. Audrena Spence, executive director of the Calumet Center of Metropolitan Family Services and Natalie DeGrechie of Thresholds accepted checks on behalf of their organizations. The Links, Incorporated founded in 1946, is one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations of women who are committed to enriching, sustaining, and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. The membership consists of nearly 14,000 professional women of color in 282 chapters located
in 41 states the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. The Chicago chapter is one of eight chapters in the Chicago metropolitan area. (Powell Photography)
Since its centennial in 1987, the Newberry has presented the Newberry Library Award to an individual or organization for outstanding contributions to the humanities. On April 11, the tradition continued with the
presentation of the award to The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The evening’s festivities took place in the Newberry’s Regenstein Reading Room, which served as a tastefully erudite backdrop for the program of speakers. Dinner was held in Ruggles Hall. Founded in 1969, The Mellon Foundation is one of the largest supporters of the humanities in the United States, having awarded more than 15,000
grants totaling more than $5.8 billion to institutions of higher learning and culture. The impact of this support, while global, has been especially strong right here in Chicago. An array of Chicago-area cultural and educational institutions have implemented their core missions with the aid of Mellon funding, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Humanities Festival, the Field Museum, the National Museum of Mexican Art, Northwestern University, the
University of Chicago, and the Newberry. Many of these institutions’ leaders were in attendance for the Newberry Award Dinner, including Anthony Freud, General Director of Lyric Opera of Chicago; Clark Hulse, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Humanities Festival; and Jeff Alexander, President of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. Also in attendance were Chicago broadcasting power couple Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra. Earl Lewis, President of The Mellon Foundation, and Danielle Allen, Chair of its Board of Trustees, accepted the Newberry Library 
Award on behalf of the foundation.
Anything can happen as Make-A-Wish Illinois celebrates 30 years of wishes at Wish Ball, the organization’s largest fundraiser and black-tie gala, on Saturday, May 21, at Navy Pier. Presented by CDW, the event will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, a raffle and live and silent auctions, all to benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois, that brightens the lives of children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. For tickets, $600, and more info, click here.
Other not to miss events include: One Hope United Gala on May 14; Chinese American Service League Gala on May 11; Chicago Lighthouse's "Seeing What's Possible" Gala on June 3; Mothers in the Mills on Saturday, May 7 to benefit The Puppy Mill Project; The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation luncheon with Mariel Hemingway on Wednesday, May 11; Greek American Rehabilitation and Care Centre's "Step 
in Style" dinner and fashion show on Friday, May 13; Rev Up Chicago honoring Mary Lasky and Tina Weller at Perrillo Rolls Royce Gold Coast on Thursday, June 2; Gold Coast Neighbor's Assn. "Toast to the Coast" at the Racquet Club on Wednesday, May 11; Chicago Children's Advocacy Award Dinner honoring Amy Rule at the Union League Club on Thursday, May 12; The Music 
Institute of Chicago Gala on Wednesday, May 25, at the Four Seasons; The Service Club of Chicago's Spring Hat Luncheon on Tuesday, May 10, at the Drake Hotel; The Gene Siskel Film Center Gala celebrating Scarlett Johannsson on Thursday, June 30; Chicago Botanic Garden's Summer Dinner Dance at the Garden on 
Saturday, June 18; DuSable Museum's Night of 100 Stars Gala at the Museum on Saturday, June 25; DIFFA Chicago Gala at Chicago Marriott on Saturday, June 11; One Million Degrees' Food & Wine Tasting at Morgan Manufacturing on Friday, June 3; Lyric Opera Ball at Civic Opera House/Hilton on Saturday, October 1; The 
Guild Board's Lawn Ball/Summer Soiree benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago on Friday, June 17 at Saddle & Cycle; Ravinia Women's Board 50th anniversary Gala on Saturday, July 23 at Ravinia; Dance for Life Chicago Gala on Saturday, August 20 at the Auditorium Theatre; Alliance Francaise Biennial Gala on Saturday, May 14, 
at the Four Seasons; National Louis University Reach Gala on Tuesday, May 17, at the Sofitel Chicago; WTTW's Chicago in Bloom Celebration on Wednesday, May 11 at the Renee Crown Public Media Center; Big Shoulder's Fund Humanitarian Award Dinner, Thursday, May 26, at Chicago Hilton; Chicago Ball Sinfonietta held at the Fairmont on Saturday, June 4; 
Lincoln Park Zoo Ball on Friday, July 15; Family Focus 40th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, June 2, at the Four Seasons; Green Tie Ball on Saturday, October 1, at Architectural Artifacts; Wood Family Foundation "Journey to 
Congrats to Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern for being honored at the Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship benefit on April 20. The Casino was packed with adoring friends to celebrate the well-lived life of this much loved couple. Congrats!
A special thank you to Whitney Reynolds for including me in her upcoming show about "Women Entrepreneurs"! You can catch this segment of the Whitney Reynolds Show on Monday, May 9, and Sunday, May 15, on Comcast, DirecTV, RCN, AT & T U-verse, Dish Network and Over the Air. 🙂
REV-UP Chicago for Tina Weller and Mary Lasky on Thursday, June 2, at Perrillo Rolls Royce Gold Coast, 834 N. Rush. Benefiting AIBI, the evening will include fashions by Azeeza, Borris Powell and Richard Dayhoff, among others. For tickets and more info, call 312.836.1041.
Saturday night we had the honor of attending the 35th annual Brookfield Zoo Gala, "A Whole New Whirl". A highlight of the event was this appearance by Bahri, a 9-month old cheetah from the Columbus Zoo. However, he wouldn't go on without his childhood friend. Check out this video to see what happens and check out my Chicago Tribune column 
next Sunday for all the fun deets!
If you're not a subscriber and enjoy my blog posts, please click here! My lists are spam-free, never sold and much loved! Here's hoping Spring finds us soon!
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And now, something to make you smile!
Special Spaces Illinois and Medieval Times make a little girl's dream come true. God Bless Them.
Really good blog today!