THE ART INSTITUTE’S BRILLIANT “MASTERPIECE”

PLUS CHICAGO HOUSE'S FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER; SAIC'S ANNUAL RUNWAY WALK; COMMON THREAD'S CHEF TAKEOVER; CHRISTOPHER HOUSE HONORS CUBS AND LAURA; GALA DE ARTE; AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY GALA; JOE MANTEGNA'S NEW STREET; MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC HONORS; LAURA LOVES LARRY AND VICE VERSA; OUT OF THE OFFICE WITH ANDREW; THANKS FOR TEDDIE; CHELSEA AND THE KARAM FOUNDATION; RISING STAR IDA HAWK; JEANOUCHE PROFILED BY NENA; AWESOME AUCTION PRIZES FOR FILM FEST GALA; FUN VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!

On Saturday May 6, the Art Institute of Chicago transformed the museum’s Modern Wing, its galleries of early American Art and the Chase Promenade in Millennium Park to welcome more than 400 guests to a most elegant black-tie gala – Masterpiece17. With the support of the Board of Trustees and Woman’s Board, gala co-chairs Meredith Bluhm-Wolf and Jay Krehbiel worked

with honorary co-chairs Shirley and Patrick Ryan and 23 families on the Host Committee to creatively re-imagine the gala as the single most anticipated and memorable museum event of the year raising over $3 million! Drawing a connection to the

Art Institute’s first Masterpiece Ball in 1952 and the museum’s inspiration of the classic board game “Masterpiece,” the gala’s name aspired to capture the excitement and energy of

the museum’s civic identity and mission. Guests arrived on Saturday evening to find the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court impressively up-lit in shades of blue and violet with touches of gold. Refined arrangements of white hyacinths lended chic

accents to the festive setting by HMR Designs. Attendees enjoyed champagne, craft cocktails and a wide range of palate-tempting canapés as they explored the inspiring galleries of American Art and

 

the Rice Sculpture Court.The celebration continued as guests moved across Monroe Street into a gorgeously appointed venue on the Chase Promenade in Millennium Park – a fitting parallel to reflect the visual and civic ties of the Art Institute to the park’s architecture, design,

and shared public spaces. Dinner was served in a candlelit setting framed by lush drapery transformed through a design of deep

magenta-hued lighting with fuchsia and rose-gold table accents. Menu highlights included a grilled spring vegetable napoleon, roasted halibut with fresh grapefruit caper sauce, and French macaroons. As the evening progressed to entertainment, Eryn Allen

Kane – powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and actress—thrilled the crowd with an incredible performance, all the more meaningful for her deep connections to Chicago and shared commitment to inspiring and

educating communities through creative experience. Guests stayed late into the evening, dancing and enjoying the extraordinary setting as the Chicago skyline framed their celebration.

President James Rondeau and director Eloise W. Martin congratulated the Board, the Woman’s Board,

the gala co-chairs, and the host committee: “We’re extraordinarily fortunate to have such a passionate and committed network of loyal museum supporters and donors – they make it possible for us to pursue our bold

 

ambitions with confidence and determination.” Guests seen on the scene included Pam and Roger Weston, Jackie Terrassa and Betsy

Rosenfield, Chis and Anne Reyes, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul and Don Kaul, Elizabeth and Michael Cole, Dustin O'Regan and Steve Worth, Gary Metzner, Gloria Groom, Kevin Salatino, Janet and Craig Duchossois, Ken Bennett, Caryn Harris, Les

Coney, Anne Kaplan, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, Denise and Gary Gardner, Carrolly Joynes, Abby O'Neil, Jim Bay, Suzette and Ally Bulley, Erin Fowler and Taylor Cope, Toni and Rick Canada, Anita and Prabha Sinha and many more. (Robert Kusel, Dan Rest and Jeff Ellis Photography )

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Chicago House hosted its annual spring brunch and fashion show on May 7 in the sunny Winter Garden atop the Harold Washington Library. Over 350 guests enjoyed a fashion show featuring designs by Peach Carr, Mark Roscoe + Black Tie

Formalwear, Soundoff, Ricorso, Iridium Clothing Co. and Redaggio and a delicious brunch created by Inspired

Catering. I knew I was in for an exciting afternoon when I saw the handsome men and beautiful models standing on pedestals scattered throughout the venue in extravagant feather costumes. (Watch here). The brightly colored tablecloths and brilliant sunshine (finally) created a festive, happy atmosphere for all the

guests, most of whom came dressed to impress. Chicago House CEO Scott Ammarell welcomed the crowd. "When I look at Chicago House staff, I see soldiers. I see soldiers serving this

honorable charity every day. I think of the collective history of soldiers, embracing our LGBTQ community over decades and doing so with dignity," he

said. Presenting sponsors and co-chairs Chris and Derek Bagley addressed the crowd before we heard inspiring speeches from two people who Chicago House has supported. Lamin Johnson shared his story of abuse and heartache in the Sierra Leone before moving to Chicago where he

found a new life with the non-profit's support. He will be attending Cornell University in the fall with a full ride and I think they will be very lucky to have him. Broderick, a current board member and Scattered Site Housing for Health program participant, shared his fears

after being diagnosed with HIV. He said he didn't think he would "be here" without the love and support from Chicago House. Board member/volunteer Ray Lechner was presented

with the Spirit Award by Ray Koenig and Judy Perloff. He delivered an emotional speech that brought the crowd to its feet. A delicious brunch, presented by Karen Stefani's Inspired Catering & Events, began with a "carrot cake" oatmeal jar filled with steel cut oats, chai seeds, almond milk, cinnamon, Greek yogurt, golden raisins and agave topped with whole almonds. The entree featured a perfectly grilled salmon atop Brussel sprout hash with onion, carrot and shaved potatoes with avocado coulis and micro chervil accented with marinated mini tomatoes. (Is your mouth watering yet?) And the piece de resistance, pistachio cake with white chocolate mousse,

hazelnut, salted chocolate and toasted pistachios. So yummy! An exciting fashion show followed, expertly produced by ZZAZZ

Productions with MDR Creative, Todd Keich and executive produced Quenten Schumacher. Fashions floated throughout the crowd and included whimsical designs by Peach Carr (think lobster swimming trunks and a cocktail dress with a big, flirty eye and lipstick

design); elegant gowns and handsome men in suits (some without shirts and only ties under their jackets) by Mark Roscoe + Black Tie Formalwear; dramatic feather creations by Redaggio and so much

more! I was so honored to emcee this powerful and exciting event that also included a hugely successful live auction conducted by Treadway Toomey Gallery's John Walcher. Tom Kehoe outbid all others for a fabulous sailing package for 20 for $10,000. (I let him know I loved sailing). Floral arrangements from the Flower

Market and items from the Giving Tree offered guests more fundraising opportunities. A moving finale featured singer Molly Callinan belting out Andra Day's "Rise Up" while models moved throughout the crowd holding signs with the words "unite", "love" and

"resist." (See finale performance here!) This annual fundraiser for Chicago House and Social Service agency supports its mission of providing for those individuals and families who are disenfranchised by HIV/AIDS, LGBTQ marginalization, poverty, homelessness, and/or gender nonconformity by providing housing, employment services, medical linkage and retention services, HIV prevention services, legal services and other supportive programs.

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The room was filled with electricity as over 500 fashionistas, art lovers and supporters gathered around a packed runway at Venue Six10 at the Spertus Institute to witness art and fashion on display presented by 20 of Chicago's emerging

designers. And they did not disappoint! Students from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago's (SAIC) fashion design program showcased avant-garde collections inspired by intimate personal experiences and social issues at the 83rd annual SAIC Fashion Show. "Eight hundred miles from the ready-to-wear capital of New York City, Chicago offers the freedom to explore fashion without limits," said

Anke Loh, Sage Foundation Chair of SAIC's Fashion Design department. "That freedom was made especially evident in this year's show in the range of issues represented by student designs, from stories of immigration and

displacement to gender roles, identity, and equality." A crowd favorite included senior Oscar Chen, whose work sought to challenge society's gender roles. "Inspiration for this collection came from the playful gayness of performance artist Leigh Bowery and Robert Mapplethorpe's concept

of undressing, aiming for a fun, sensual collection that challenges hetero-normative dress codes," said Chen in a statement about his work. Before the runway show, Nick Cave,

SAIC's Stephanie and Bill Sick Professor of Fashion, Body and Garment, awarded Master of Design graduate student Nick Mahshie the RumChata Foundation $20,000 fellowship grant to support continuing fashion design work beyond graduate studies at SAIC. Alumni of the SAIC fashion

design program include Halston, Cynthia Rowley, Gary Graham, and Maria Pinto among others. Pinto, who attended the show, will receive an honorary doctorate at SAIC's commencement later this month. (See fashion show finale here!) (Additional photos by Jim Prinz). Congrats to all these wonderful designers! Every one of them is a winner!

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"Viva la Vida: Celebrating 30 Years of Art and Culture," was the theme for the Gala de Arte, a black tie fundraiser benefiting the National Museum of Mexican Art in Pilsen. The evening’s festivities, held at Revel Fulton Market, included Mexican cuisine, live music, dancing and mingling with fellow supporters. Sandra
Cisneros, Chicago-born and international author, was honored during the evening’s program with the Arthur R. Velasquez

Award. Cisneros is a MacArthur Genius Award recipient and National Medal of Arts winner. The event was co-chaired by Dusty Stemer and Edith Diaz with Mayor Emanuel serving as honorary chair. ABC7 Chicago’s morning

news anchor Tanja Babich served as emcee. “The National Museum of Mexican art provides a place for all Mexicans to learn more about their rich heritage and culture,” said Stemer. “It serves as a vital link to [their] culture’s past and present artistic accomplishments, as well as the

opportunity to share it others.” The annual Gala de Arte is critical in generating funds to support the organization’s mission, to showcase the beauty and richness of Mexican culture by presenting exhibitions that exemplify, conserve and encourage the majestic variety of visual and performing arts in the Mexican culture. The NMMA, founded by Carlos Tortolero and a group of educators in 1987, remains one of the few museums in Chicago that is always free. Originally called the Mexican Fine Arts Center Museum, the space expanded in 2001 and in 2006 adopted its current name. It's the only Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

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The American Cancer Society, one of Chicago’s premier galas and one of the country’s top-rated charity events, raised $6 million to fund vital cancer research, support and services, and advocacy programs at its 11th annual Gala at the Field Museum on April 22. Nearly 1100 guests and 100 volunteers enjoyed an evening that included a

performance from Tony Award-winning actor James Corden, who also acted as emcee for the evening. Chicago-based Boeing served as the presenting sponsor and Boeing chairman/president/CEO Dennis Muilenburg and his wife Becky served as event co-chairs. The American Cancer Society’s top staff

executive, CEO Gary M. Reedy said, “Together, we’re saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. There’s never been a better time to invest in that vision. With our supporters, we’re making important contributions that have led to significant progress against cancer. Prevention efforts, early detection, and better treatments have resulted in a 25 percent decline in cancer mortality rates since 1991, avoiding 2.1 million cancer deaths nationwide.” Muilenburg shared, “We take pride in knowing that the funds raised will go a long way toward sustaining leading-edge research, providing free services to those facing a diagnosis and expanding access to important prevention programs here in Illinois and around the United States.” Boeing employees donated more than $856,500 toward the overall fundraising effort, which the company has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar. Advocate Health Care was the recipient of the event’s annual Corporate Partnership Award in recognition of its extraordinary leadership and fundraising support.

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Lodge Management Group Entertainment Enterprises (LMG) announced a donation of over $20,000 for Easterseals Chicago and Misericordia Heart Of Mercy during fundraising events centered around the dedication of Honorary Joe Mantegna Way at River Shannon Pub and Lodge Tavern on May 3.  The donation came from two fundraising initiatives where 100% of proceeds were given: total beverage sales at River Shannon's dedication celebration and the sale of Woodford on the Rock

cocktails for $6,000 during an after party at The Lodge. Both venues are operated by LMG, a hospitality management firm. Mantegna, a former resident of Chicago's West Side known for his roles in theater, film and television, has been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including a Tony Award for his role in Glengarry Glen Ross. He has also been recognized for his generous charitable giving and advocacy for providing relief from suffering to those in need. "We are delighted to have Joe as a tireless champion for our cause," says Tim Muri, CEO of Easterseals Chicago. The Lodge Tavern raised $18,000 from the sale of three Woodford on the Rock

cocktails – The Woodford Reserve Distillery's Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey poured over an ice "rock" and served with a diamond stand-in on the side (along with a certificate for the actual gem from the Chicago Diamond Center in Jewelers Row). Mantegna visited The Lodge when the festivities concluded at River Shannon to sign a brick in the venue's legendary "Bullpen", a back room space frequented by the Tavern's many famous patrons. During the signing, he and two local firms, Latimer LeVay Fyock and Schenk Annes Tepper Campbell, purchased the drink, each foregoing the diamond so that all of the proceeds could benefit the charity.

Proceeds from the $6,000 On The Rock drink, as well as $1 from every cocktail made with Woodford Reserve will be donated to Misericordia throughout the Lodge Tavern's anniversary year, which ends on February 26, 2018. Other contributors to the festivities included Buona, Chicago's original Italian beef, and the Official Italian Beef of the Chicago Cubs, that donated sandwiches and Cubs tickets during the party at River Shannon, as well as the Gold Coast's Downtown Dogs that

served Chicago-style hot dogs and Eli's Cheesecake, that donated a unique and delicious party cake in honor of Joe's street-naming ceremony. Honorary Joe Mantegna Way was officially dedicated on May 3 and can be found at the corner of North Hudson and West Armitage Avenues (right outside of the River Shannon at 425 N. Armitage in Lincoln Park). Mantegna lived above the bar when he was first cast in the 1969 stage production of Hair.

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Common Threads kicked-off its five city Chef Takeover event series on April 30 at Prime & Provisions Steakhouse. The James Beard ancillary event began with specialty cocktails and delicious passed appetizers created by Chef Jeremy Leven and Common Threads students. It

featured a five-course dinner inspired by the Chicago culinary legend, Charlie Trotter. The dinner was created in collaboration with renowned chefs Fabio Vivani, Anita Lo, Brad Kilgore, JJ Johnson and Dana

Cree with wine pairings by master sommelier Serafin Alvarado. The event included a guest performance from Daryn Alexus and a silent auction. TV personality and author Adam Richman and award-winning journalist Tamron Hall served as honorary hosts for the event. Other notable guests

included Common Threads co-founder, Chef Art Smith, and the late Charlie Trotter’s widow, Rochelle Trotter. All proceeds from the event supported Common Threads' programs, bringing health and wellness to students, families, and communities through cooking and nutrition education, getting one million children cooking for life by 2020!

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A celebration at the Four Seasons on April 27 honored the partnership between Christopher House and Cubs Charities, two local nonprofits that have joined forces to maximize impact for Chicago children and families most in need. Cubs Charities chair Laura Ricketts, who was joined by Clark the Cub, was honored

for her ongoing support of Christopher House. Gilbert Juarez, a Christopher House alumnus, now a senior at Northwestern University, shared his story of how the House changed the trajectory of his life. The Bretz family was honored by Christopher House as its

2017 Family of the Year. They have committed to their partnership with Christopher House wholeheartedly, working to provide a quality education for their family, which includes two young children with special needs. In addition, Ms. Bretz, through her active role in the Parent Policy Council, was inspired to return to school herself and is now pursuing a degree in occupational therapy to help children and families like her own. With locations in Uptown,

Belmont Cragin, and Logan Square, Christopher House offers a continuum of education for more than 5,700 children and their parents through a family of schools including Infant School & Preschool, Elementary School, After School and Parent School—which includes workshops and access to social workers to foster stable, self-sufficient families. Through an approach that focuses on

the entire family, Christopher House is creating a national model for helping low-income, at-risk children and their families achieve success in school, the workplace, and life. More than 85 % of parents reached measurable goals they set for their child’s educational and cognitive development last year. Cubs Charities, which focuses on creating opportunities for at-risk youth, provides ongoing support to help Christopher House better the lives of Chicagoans through a full family education. A performance by the Children's Choir with Christopher House students was an event highlight. (Photos by Zachary James Johnston).

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Porchlight Music Theatre hosted its 2017 ICONS Gala celebrating the career of Broadway legend Hal Prince on April 30 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. The event in the Atlantic Ballroom broke attendance records (nearly 300) and fundraising goals (over $115,000), making it the most

successful gala in the organization’s 22-year history. The event, chaired by Tamara Sims with honorary chair Paul Lisnek, included special guest Lonny Price and performances from some of Chicago’s leading talents. The gala paid tribute to a person who has forever changed the landscape of

American music theatre, Hal Prince, the recipient of twenty-one Tony Awards (more than any other individual) including eight for directing, eight for producing the year's Best Musical, two as Best Producer of a Musical and three special awards. The elegant brunch began with guests enjoying mimosas and passed

appetizers as they bid on silent auction items before entering the Ballroom where Beckie Menzie performed on the piano. Porchlight Music Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael

Weber introduced special guest Price who spoke of his experiences working with Prince on Merrily We Roll Along, the focus of Price’s current hit documentary, “Best Worst Things That Could Have Happened.” Price welcomed to the stage Matthew Crowle, who will appear in the role Price originated on

Broadway in Porchlight’s 2018 production of Merrily We Roll Along. The 2016 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago recipient E. Faye Butler presented this year’s award to recipient Rachel Rockwell.

Rockwell spoke of her own experiences with Prince in her acceptance speech and also praised Chicago’s incredible dedication to the arts. Adrian Aguilar, Angela Ingersoll and Denzel Tsopnang then entertained the crowd until executive director Jeannie Lukow and board of director member and artistic associate Bil Ingraham began the live auction. Proceeds from

the event benefited Porchlight’s educational programs and productions.

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Merit School of Music honored two leading supporters of the arts and education, Joe and Madeleine Glossberg, along with Chicago jazz legend Ramsey Lewis, the internationally

renowned composer and pianist, at the annual Merit Gala, which took place on May 4 at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel Chicago. Ramsey Lewis received Merit School of Music's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Known internationally for his many contributions to music and education,

Lewis has long been involved with Merit as an active member of its National Advisory Board, offering master classes to students and championing Merit's efforts to engage a student body reflecting the city of Chicago so that students of all backgrounds are able to achieve their full

personal, musical potential. Lewis has recorded more than 80 albums and has received seven gold records and three Grammy Awards. Merit honored the Glossbergs with the Alice S. Pfaelzer Award for

Distinguished Service to the Arts in recognition of their unwavering support for the arts and arts education. Joe Glossberg, a high-profile Chicago financial advisor with a

passion for jazz, has been an active and generous Merit Trustee for more than 20 years. He is now a Merit Life Trustee. Mrs. Glossberg has joined her husband in supporting

Merit through committee membership for galas, sponsoring Merit's programs and advocating for Merit through her community involvement. Following cocktails, guests were welcomed by Gala co-chairs Charlie

and Caroline Huebner, and Tom and Kathy Lanctot. A delicious dinner was accompanied by an inspiring tribute video about Merit student Isaias Nava, tuba, of Chicago's Gage Park, who is leveraging his conservatory education at Merit into a promising future. Isaias will graduate from high

school and Merit this spring, and attend Illinois State University in the fall. The Gala provided a celebratory reception for the non-profit community music school and attracted nearly 400 attendees, raising more than $1 million to support Merit School of Music's mission to transform the lives of Chicago-area youth by removing barriers to

high-quality music education.

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Love and congrats to our own Laura Schwartz, hobnobbing, rubbing noses with and hosting for broadcast legend Larry King in LA with her glam sis Andrea Schwartz Stryker. Laura has

been guest-hosting for King's show "PoliticKING" on ora.tv, Hulu and BBC4 and was invited to his 60th anniversary in broadcasting recently. The red carpet celebration was held at Hyde Kitchen on Sunset and included Macy Gray (who also performed), Jenna Elfman, Tippi Hedren, Janice Dickinson Pat Boone, Corey Feldman, Donna Mills, Robert Shapiro and more with special appearances by Conan O'Brien and Bill Maher. Whew! Life in the fast lane for Laura and Andrea! You go girls!

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Huge thanks and congrats to the Teddie Kossof Salon & Spa! Their expert stylists will show off their skills for the Service Club of Chicago's "Day on the Terrace" fashion show and luncheon (info here) on Monday, July 31, at the Peninsula. The

Kossof Salon is known for giving back having recently partnered with "A Safe Place" (that fights domestic violence), Elyssa's Mission (teen suicide prevention foundation), Glenview Youth Services, Advocate Children's Hospital (where they created a "Wigs for Kids" program) and Lurie Children's Hospital among many others. On May 11, they hosted an event hosted by Keeley Kossof and Jimmy Place to honor nurses at Illinois Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery Center. Thanks for all you do for so many!

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On Thursday, June 1, join Andrew Hayes for the 16th anniversary of his "Out of the Office" event. Kicking off LGBTQ Pride Month, the networking party will take place on Thursday, June 1 at the I/O Godfrey from 5- 8 pm. Event proceeds will benefit Chicago House Trans Works. Click here for tickets and more info. (Kinley Preston and Andrew will co-chair!)

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The Karam Foundation hosted an event at the Langham Chicago on May 5th that included an inspiring (and funny!) Q & A with Chelsea Handler. The meet-and-greet media event included lots of familiar faces like Erica Strama, Janet Mandell, Jennifer Worden, Marty Wilke, Leah Chavie and event organizer Debi Lilly among many others. The afternoon began with a welcome by Maya Khater, member of the

Foundation's Board of Directors. Lina Sergie Attar, CEO Karam Foundation, spoke about her involvement and the strides being made. Wendy Widom, CBS social media editor/co-founder of #StandWithAleppo (and all-around cutie), was honored for her support. She gave an impassioned speech that had us all reaching for hankies, including her boss Marty Wilke. A "fireside" chat with Chelsea conducted by Attar

followed. (See video here). 

Since last year, Chelsea has sponsored dozens of Syrian refugee kids in Turkey through Karam Foundation's "Sponsor a Syrian Family" program. Some of the children are orphans, others were placed in child labor and none of them had  attended school in many months. This year, Chelsea added on to her support for Syrian families in the U.S. Through the Foundation's new program, inspired and funded by

Chelsea, they have been assisting refugee families across the U.S. by buying cars for them to get to work; connecting teenagers with scholarships; assisting with emergency rent, funding summer camps and so much more. Congrats to all on this good work. (The Karam Foundation is a non-political, non-religious organization that believes freedom, dignity and self-determination are the rights of every human being).

For more info, click here.

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Talk about a talented family! Check out Ken Arlen's daughter Jessie Arlen (aka iDA HAWK)! She just released her new single, "Out of Focus"! She has already received acclaim for "This Song Is Sick," "Ladygunn," and "Pop Dust" AND she's received over 5 million combined plays on Spotify and YouTube for "Invincible" with Big Wild! Congrats to this talented artist whose dreamy brand of soul-tinged alt-pop is attracting tons of fans–count me as one! See/listen below:  

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Every Monday, Nena Ivon writes about models she has worked with in her long career with Saks on her popular blog, "Nena's Notes." For this latest

edition, she wrote about a dear friend/former fellow model/bridesmaid/roommate, Jeanouche Wopinski. Jeanouche and I modeled in Spain together and we had the thrill of visiting Salvador Dali and his wife Gala at their home in Cadaques. Here's a snippet: "It all started for me at the age of 14 when I would take the bus downtown every Saturday morning to attend "charm school". The department stores all offered it and I attended them all. I never told any of my friends I was doing this but I loved it. One week we would learn to walk with a book on our heads another we would learn how to navigate a table of place settings. I was hooked and I knew I was going

places." Read/see the entire blog post here!

We're in the final planning stages for the Spring Gala on May 24 benefiting the Chicago International Film Festival's community outreach program. Take a look at some of our many auction prizes! Abbey Road album signed by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr; Born in the U.S.A. album signed by the Boss and members of

the E Street Band (Gary Tallent and Nils Lofgren); Godfather poster signed by the CAST; Star Wars poster signed by director George Lucas and original cast members Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher,

Harrison Ford and James Earl Jones; James Bond poster signed by ALL SIX of the actors who played the title role;

Final Shot of Game 6 signed by Michael Jordan; Downton Abbey photo signed by the cast AND, get this, two tickets to the next PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS that will include airfare, hotel and more! The event at the Loew's Hotel (May 24) will be emceed by Bill Kurtis and honor Dame Helen Mirren and her husband, director Taylor Hackford. (For details, click here.)

Well, that's it for another action packed schedule in the Windy City! If you have any events you would like me to cover, please email me details at candace@candidcandace.com. And, if you're not a subscriber and don't want to miss all the top news from Chicago and beyond, please click here!

Love, as always,

Candace

P.S. When you tell someone you're okay but you really aren't……:-)