MEXICAN MUSEUM'S GALA DE ARTE; ALLIANCE FRANCAISE' LES ANNÉES FOLLES; IKRAM'S 15TH ANNIVERSARY BASH AT THE GERAGHTY; AVON 39'S WALK TO END BREAST CANCER; SAIC'S FAB FASHION SHOW; ALEXIAN BROTHERS BAL DE FLEUR; SARAH SIDDONS' ACTOR OF THE YEAR; FRANKIE KNUCKLES' INAUGURAL FUNDRAISER; CECE AND JOHN'S BIG DAY; MAD ABOUT THE MILE; BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS' SUMMER BALL; BUTTERFLY BALL; WTTW SPOTLIGHTS ELMHURST ART MUSEUM'S PLAYBOY EXHIBIT; EVERSIGHT ILLINOIS' "LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT" GALA; FUN-FILLED VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
Farewell to the Playboy Mansion, that has recently been sold for $120 million ($80 mil below the asking price). Fortunately Hugh Hefner is still living in it. How must he feel knowing his next door neighbor and new owner, Daren Metropoulos, can't be wishing
him good health since the sale stipulates that Hef remain in the house until his death? I shake my head over the history this famous house has seen. I wish, as I did when the Playboy Mansion in
Chicago was sold, that one of these historic properties would've been turned into a museum. Whether you liked Playboy or not, whether you liked Hef or not, one fact remains–he changed the world. I don't
have room in this column to list all he's done: early civil and gay rights advocate, gave a first voice to renowned authors; championed freedom of speech and freedom of choice….I could go on but you get the point. He opened the door for the sexual revolution too, which I'm sure we all appreciate. I've spent many happy moments in that magical place. Click here to read about some of them and see over
100 vintage Playboy photos!
The National Museum of Mexican Art hosted its Annual Gala de Arte, this year themed Celebrando Nuestras Raices (which translates
to Celebrating Our Roots), on May 6 raising over $500,000! The festive evening, attended by over 650, was held at The Geraghty and put a spotlight on Mexican heritage, art and culture with food, drinks and
live entertainment. The gala was co-chaired by Diana Palomar, ABC-7's vice-president of community affairs, and Carlos Cardenas, senior VP and managing director for Wintrust.
During the event, Illinois State Attorney General Lisa Madigan was honored for her work in the community. The museum is the first and only Latino museum in the country to be accredited by the American Alliance of
Museums. In past years the event took place in Chicago’s Loop to accommodate the large gathering of cultural supporters. The development of The Geraghty in
Pilsen, also home to the museum, made the return of the gala possible. The gala has run consecutively for 15 years and has raised more than $4M. Sponsors for the event included Wintrust, Walgreens, Macy's, Nordstrom and Southwest.
For the "Les Années Folles", a biennial gala hosted by the Alliance Francaise of Chicago Woman's Board, over 400 guests experienced the unmistakable, luxurious “joie de vivre” of 1920s Paris.
Recreating the extravagance and whimsy of Paris in the Roaring ‘20s, known as “Les Années Folles,” the black-tie bash took place at the Four Seasons Hotel. Guests stepped
back into a time that bubbled with elegance, romance and exuberance, complete with stunning flowers and décor by John Hensel of HMR Designs, sumptuous French-inspired cuisine and live and
silent auctions. Following dinner, guests enjoyed dancing and live music from the renowned Stanley Paul Orchestra. This year's gala co-chairs, Mesdames Kristina Schneider and Laurie Pasquier, along with honorary chairman, Madame Annie Ergas led
the 90-member Woman’s Board in creating an exquisite event that provided operating funds for the Alliance Française de Chicago. Over $730,000 was raised to support the educational and cultural
programs of the organization. Founded nearly 120 years ago, the nonprofit Alliance Française de Chicago is the city's and the Midwest’s leading French cultural and learning center, dedicated to the study of French language, cultural exchange and friendship
between Americans and French speaking people from around the world. One of more than 110 Alliance Française nonprofits nationwide, the Chicago organization is the second largest in the country with nearly 2,000 active members. It also houses the largest
private French library in the Midwest. A partnership with the Chicago Public Schools provides enrichment classes in French language and culture for CPS high
school students, and an ‘Award Towards Excellence Scholarship’ program. Summer camp programs and field trips host over 1,200 students annually.
Ikram threw a 15th anniversary party and EVERYBODY came! The three day celebration brought out over 200 A+ listers, royalty and every
fashionista in town and included a Saturday night bash at Ikram's eponymous store at 15 E.
Huron. The guest list included the Mayor, designers Duro Olowu, Sophie Theallet, Rodarte's Kate and Laura Mulleavy, Oscar de la Renta's Peter Copping, Nina Winston, Heiji Black, Kate Nasser, Prince Hubertus of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, Mellody Hobson and
George Lucas, Christopher Lueking and Cameron Parker, Maya Polsky and many more. A Friday night party at designer Nick Cave's place featured sweets and a Sunday morning brunch was hosted by Mr. and Mrs. George Lucas. The highlight was the over-the-top-in-a-good-way party at The Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne) with decor by Kehoe
Designs. It was an Alice in Wonderland moment with Ikram and husband Josh Goldman starring as Alice and the Mad Hatter. The party included multiple food trucks, a stage, dance floor, oversized tent and more. The Goldmans' twin sons enjoyed the cotton candy, sushi and the evening's
performers–Bask (a 3 piece band that kicked off the evening); Celia Babini (daughter of children's wear designer Bonnie Young) and K-Mu, a group from Josh's alma mater Francis W. Parker. The finale was the marching band with majorettes from Kenwood Academy. The party ended, as all of Ikram's do, with the hosts inviting the starry-eyed guests to the stage to dance. Happy anniversary with lots of love and admiration Ikram!
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a global leader in art and design education, transformed the Garfield Park Conservatory from flora to fashion in the first exhibition of its kind showcasing the work of the 
School’s internationally renowned Fashion Design students. The exhibition was free and open to the public from May 13–15. Attendees enjoyed a front-row look into the world of avant-garde fashion, as they got up close to the embellishments, embroidery and expertly crafted fashion designs that were exhibited throughout the gardens. For more than 80 years, SAIC’s Fashion Design
department has publicly showcased its students’ collections each spring. Evolving from concept to creation in just two semesters, 230 innovative looks pushed the traditional boundaries of style and were on display, created by 96 sophomores, juniors and
seniors. SAIC’s Fashion Design program boasts distinguished alumni, including Halston, Cynthia Rowley, Maria Pinto, Gary Graham and Creatures of the Wind. This year’s concept, Reflexion, was inspired by the Garfield Park Conservatory’s beautiful botanical setting and evoked a global reflection about both concept and material use. Among other themes, Reflexion explored 
the future of fashion in a sustainable world. “The School of the Art Institute of Chicago plays a critical role in shaping the fashion legacy that exists in our city and in the Midwest today,” said Anke Loh, Sage Foundation Chair of SAIC’s Fashion Design department. “Away from the
fashion epicenters of the world, we have the freedom to explore and innovate without limits, and this flexibility is evident in the designs produced by our talented students, many of whom will go on to influence the industry with their work.” SAIC hosted a runway show for invited guests 
to see work from senior students in a professionally produced fashion event to kick-off the exhibtion. During the runway show, the RumChata Foundation presented Benjamin Larose, a Master of Design graduate student,
with a $20,000 fellowship to continue his fashion design work beyond his graduate studies at SAIC. This was the first ever post-graduate fellowship presented by the department, and in the spirit of the RumChata Foundation celebrated the passion and drive it takes to create and bring to life an idea that started from one’s 
imagination and vision.
AVON 39 The Walk to End Breast Cancer held its 14th annual event in Chicago this weekend raising $4.1 million to fund breast cancer research; improve access to screening, diagnosis and treatment and educate people
about breast cancer. AVON 39 Chicago, the third of seven events across the country united by the theme #Powerof39, drew more than 1,600 participants from 46 states, including 248 breast cancer survivors who walked a total
of 39.3 miles over two days. Kari Greczek shared her moving story of her battle with breast cancer with fellow participants, volunteers, family and friends. “Once I felt that I could talk about my diagnosis, surgery and treatment, I found that almost every person I spoke to 
could somehow relate,” said Kari. “Without regular check-ups or mammograms, my cancer never would have been found until it was much more advanced and aggressive. I am so grateful for the team of doctors I had, and for my friends and family who have turned this 
into a learning and growing experience.” At the event, AVON 39 National Ambassador Jill Surdyka announced seven new grants to local breast cancer organizations, ensuring the funds raised immediately benefit the local community. 
Grants were awarded to Loretto Hospital, Metropolitan Chicago Breast Cancer Task Force, Sinai Health System, Xilin Association, University of Wisconsin, The Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of 
Northwestern Medicine, Cook County Health and Hospital Systems. All Avon Safety Net and Breast Cancer Outreach Program grantees commit to providing their services to everyone – no matter their insurance status, demographic background or ability to pay. 
Additional grants will be awarded throughout the year, adding to the more than $63 million donated by the Avon Breast Cancer Crusade and Avon Foundation for Women to organizations and institutions in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Wisconsin. Since the AVON 39’s launch in 2003, more than 220,000 participants have raised nearly $590,000,000.
"Ball de Fleur," the Alexian Brothers Foundation's premier fundraising event, was held at the Four Seasons on May 7. From the pearl-dripped candelabra centerpieces to the black-tie attire
of the 465 guests, the gala immersed attendees in elegance and surpassed all expectations. Celebrating three decades of giving back, the gala raised over
$425,000 to address the community’s much needed support for behavioral health issues. “As the seventh-largest provider of behavioral health services in the country, Alexian Brothers Health System is courageously moving toward the issues of our
time, and philanthropy gives action to this commitment,” said Clay Ciha, CEO, AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, Hoffman Estates. “Mental
health is at the core of our faith-based values and mission and we need to give people access to the behavioral healthcare they need when and where they need it.” Themed, “Treasured Giving,” the 2016 Alexian Brothers Ball de Fleur was emceed by ABC-7's now retired anchor, Ron Magers. Known to many as the trusted voice of authority in Chicago news, Magers shared his keen interest in behavioral health as his wife, Elise (who attended the Ball), and daughters work as therapists.
Chicago’s Sarah Siddons Society presented the prestigious Actor of the Year Award to one of Broadway’s most popular performers, Brian D’Arcy James. He was honored at Northwestern University’s Pick Staiger Concert Hall on May 16. Currently starring on Broadway in "Something Rotten," James has
appeared in over twenty Broadway productions and has been nominated for a Tony three times, including in his current role as Nick Bottom. Theatre-goers have enjoyed his performances in Titanic, Sweet Smell of Success, The Apple Tree and Shrek
(opposite Sutton Foster as Fiona). He was featured as one of the investigative reporters for the Boston Globe in the award-winning 2015 film Spotlight. Sarah Siddons’ artistic director Dominic Missimi produced and staged the award ceremony and served as co-host for the event with David H. Bell, current head of
the Northwestern University Music Theatre Program. Several Chicago performers, all alumni of Northwestern, performed including Christine Mild, Michael Mahler, Devin DeSantis and Will Skrip. (Mild and Mahler were also scholarship winners). For over 60
years Sarah Siddons Society has presented the Actor of the Year award to celebrated stage and film actors including Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall, Julie Harris, Carol Channing, Colleen Dewhurst, Jessica Tandy, Liza Minnelli, Julie Andrews, Bernadette Peters, Patti Lupone, Bebe Neuwirth, Audra McDonald and Jessie Mueller. Many of Chicago’s finest actresses have received the
Society’s Leading Lady Award including Hollis Resnik, Barbara Robertson, Mary Beth Fisher and E. Faye Butler, to name a few. All proceeds support The Society’s scholarship fund for talented theatre students at Columbia College, DePaul University, Northwestern University and Roosevelt University.
The Frankie Knuckles Foundation will host its inaugural gala at Stony Island Arts Bank (6760 S. Stony Island) on Saturday, August 20. Francis "Frankie" Nicholls (January 18, 1955 – March 31, 2014), better known by his stage name of Frankie Knuckles, was an American DJ, record producer and re-mixer who played an important role in developing and popularizing house music in Chicago during the 1980s. In 1997, Knuckles won the Grammy Award for Remixer of the Year, Non-Classical. Due to his importance in the 
development of the genre, Knuckles was often known as "The Godfather of House Music." The gala will include a cocktail reception, a special performance by the Joel Hall Dancers; a performance by Terisa Griffin and a live DJ set by Frankie's musical collaborator and partner Eric Kupper of Director's Cut. The event will raise funds for causes Knuckles was passionate about: music in schools; LGBTQ youth homelessness; AIDS research and education and diabetes research. For tickets
and more info, click here.
Cece Gonzales, the ultimate Peruvian Princess and half of the dynamic duo of "Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions," enjoyed the wedding of a lifetime last month. Cece and her handsome husband John Kemnitzer
celebrated their wedding nuptials at St Joseph’s Church followed by a reception at the legendary Drake Hotel, themed "50 Shades of Pink." Cece’s family flew in from Peru and some special Peruvian traditions were added to the evening in the Gold Coast Ballroom including a family dance, the El Danubio Azul, along with authentic Peruvian dancers. The romantic pair then took an 18
day honeymoon trip to the Greek Islands. Congrats and long may you love! (Photos by Carasco Photography)
The Magnificent Mile Association celebrated its Annual Gala, “Mad About The Mile,” at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on May 13 with more
than 900 of the city’s top business leaders and political figures. Amid enchanting decor by Tamar Productions, partygoers enjoyed a reception sponsored by Rivers Casino that included gaming tables, cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres. Following a delectable dinner, guests sampled sweets from pop-up dessert stations– Eli’s Cheesecake Company, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Hyatt Regency 
Chicago, Angelo’s Gelato, Fannie May Candy and Pinstripes. Guests then danced the night away to live music provided by Dr. Bombay. Notable attendees included John and Jane
McCarthy, Lee and Sandy Golub, Ruben and Carrie Ruban, State Senator Kwame Raoul; Alderman Brendan Reilly with wife Kristin; Alderman Brian Hopkins with wife Colleen; Grant DePorter; Stanley Nitzberg; Dan and Kate Gibbons; Tony Abruscato and Erica Strama. (Photos by Fig Media)
The Woman’s Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago raised over $1.7 million in support of local youth during its Summer Ball on May 20 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers. Attended by 450 of Chicago’s most influential and generous community leaders, the 2016 Summer Ball is
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s signature black-tie gala and largest annual fundraiser. More than $500,000 was raised to generate critical support for programs offered to more than 1,800 youth each day at 21 Boys & Girls Club locations
throughout Chicago. Club programs allow boys and girls in some of the city’s most economically challenged communities to develop into
successful, caring, and responsible citizens. “Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago provides a home away from home that allows our youth to 'Dream BIG' and to flourish in a caring and supportive environment, surrounded by compassionate mentors
who help them strive for greatness,” said BGCC president Mimi LeClair. “We are fortunate to have strong support from dedicated individuals like the members of our Woman’s Board.” The evening included entertainment by SWAY Chicago and a live auction conducted
by Gary Metzner of Sotheby’s. Six packages included trips to Pebble Beach, Napa Valley and Tuscany, a special VIP opportunity with the Chicago Cubs and a concert box to see Adele at the United Center. The big package of the night was a private in-home dinner custom-created and prepared by Chef Chris Pandel. The Woman’s Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago was formed in 1949 at the request of Brigadier General Robert E. Wood, CEO of Sears Roebuck and founder of
Allstate Insurance, to provide community service to young Chicago boys, specifically those who lost a father in World War II. Since its formation in 1949, the Woman’s Board has raised more than $76 million to support life-enhancing, after-school programs in a safe and nurturing environment led by caring and devoted adult professionals. (Photos by Robert Carl)
The 18th annual Peggy Notebaert Nature Musuem's Butterfly Ball was presented by The Chicago Academy of Sciences with over 700 people in attendance. During the cocktail hour, guests explored the Nature Museum to see all the ways the institution serves the community. Highlights included an interaction with a pair of snakes (yikes!), honey and mead tasting 
and the chance to experience the new exhibition Weather to Climate: Our Changing World, which was built from the ground-up at the Museum. During the program,
Greg Brown (Motorola Solutions chairman/CEO) and the 2015 winner of the Nature Museum’s Leadership in Science and Education Award, presented this year’s honor to his friend, Aon president/CEO Greg Case,
who accepted the award on his company’s behalf. Aon is one of the Museum’s most generous supporters and for years sponsored the Aon Corporate Lecture Series that gives community voices an opportunity to create a dialogue on important
issues related to sustainability. Case has served as a trustee since 2008. The Nature Museum’s namesake, Peggy Notebaert, was recognized by fellow trustees Judy Istock and Cathy Osborn, in celebration of 160 years of the Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy
Notebaert Nature Museum. "Peggy Notebaert is more than our namesake and trustee, she is one of our most dedicated and hands-on champions," Lahey said. Co-chaired by Leslie and John Burns, Ann and Greg Jones,
Holly and Matt Maloney and Julie and Jim O’Connor, the black-tie celebration raised a record total of $2.22 million to support the Museum's essential science-education initiatives. “As we begin our 160th anniversary celebration, we are so appreciative and grateful for the
steadfast support from the city and region’s corporate, civic, educational and philanthropic leaders,” said Deborah Lahey, Nature Museum president/CEO. “It is this support that allows us to continue to provide more hours of hands-on teaching throughout the city than any museum in Chicago.”
Many thanks to WTTW's "Chicago Tonight" and producers Marc Vitali and Brandis Friedman for the great segment about the Playboy
Architecture exhibit at the Elmhurst Art Museum! The exhibit runs through August 28 and, I'm thrilled to
say, includes some of my Playboy memorabilia. To see the exhibit segment, click here and to see the extra footage about how I became involved with Playboy, click here! (Hope you can join me at the Museum, 150 Cottage Hill Ave., 
Elmhurst, IL) for "Cocktails with Candace" too on Friday, June 24, from 6-8 pm.
And please don't forget to join me if you can for the Eversight Illinois' "Love at First Sight" Gala at The Peninsula on Thursday, June 23. I'm thrilled to be honored along with Dr. Marian Macsai, Chief of Division of Ophthalmology for North
Shore University and Clinical Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, to name a few of her affiliations. We have all been busily planning a fun-filled night for you that will include cocktails on the Pen's magical terrace, unbelievable live auction
items (think amazing jewelry and awesome trips!), dancing to the fabulous Stanley Paul Orchestra, a video presentation courtesy of Kurtis Productions (thank you Donna LaPietra and Josh Bowen!), the artistry of Rosemary Fanti, Linda Yu as our emcee and so much more! For tickets and more info, click here!!
That's it for this week's exciting edition! I hope you've enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it! And, if you're not already a subscriber, please do so here. My list is never sold, spam-free and greatly treasured!
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. As always, I will leave you with a smile…. 🙂
