EXPO CHICAGO’S VERNISSAGE: ART FROM AROUND THE WORLD AND THE DAZZLING NICK CAVE

PLUS KERRY AND SARAH'S "STORYBOOK GALA"; LOSING HEF-A BUNNY'S LAMENT; A SMALL TOWN NO CLASS REUNION; THEASTER'S REBUILD FOUNDATION GALA; ADLER'S CELESTIAL BALL; A PERFECT NIGHT FOR PAMS (POLISH AMERICAN MEDICAL SOCIETY); BRUNO'S 1ST FUNDRAISER FOR RECIPE FOR CHANGE; BRIGHT PROMISES AWARDS; HAUTE DOG CHICAGO'S FURRY FASHION SHOW; COSTUME COUNCIL HONORS MARCHESA; PAWS FUR BALL; SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO SALUTES MYRA; SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITYLAB HOSTS "ART IN MOTION"; COMMON THREADS' LNO HONORED; UNION LEAGUE CLUB'S FESTIVUS; RITA AND TOM HANKS HOST SHAKESPEARE BENEFIT; ARMANDO AND JOEY'S BIG BOOK LAUNCH PARTY; "I AM YOUR NEIGHBOR" HOSTED BY STACY SNYDER; DARLING VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

 

The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, opened its sixth edition to more than 8,500 people during Vernissage, the opening night event benefiting the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) Chicago. The vast crowd of the city’s business, civic and cultural leaders, as well as artists, collectors and art enthusiasts filled Navy Pier’s Festival Hall

Wednesday, September 13 as they were treated to a special preview of art from more than 135 of the world’s leading galleries from 25 countries and 58 cities. Notable guests included Jan Melk, Cindy Melk, Michel Desjardins, Pierre Desy, Monika Dixon, Victor Skrebneski, Susan Manilow, Eric McKissack, Michael Kutza, Doug VanTress, Lena Baume, Allison Berg, Bruce and

Barbara Berger, Marlene Breslow and Berle Blitstein, Claude-Aline and Sandro Miller, Chuck Jordan, Fred Bidwell, Neil Bluhm, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul and Don Kaul, Pierre Boulais, Gwen Callans and

Biff Ruttenberg, Larry and Marilyn Fields, Caryn and King John and Sharon Hoffman, Bill Gautreaux, Helyn

Goldenberg and Michael Alper, Rod Lubeznik and Susan Goodman, James Gordon, Paul and Linda Gotskind, Ken Griffin, Jack and Sandra Guthman, Anne Kaplan, Liz Lefkofsky, Jennifer Litowitz, Gary Metzner, Bob Munch, Lewis and Susan Nerman, Claire and Mike O'Grady,

MK Pritzker and Lucas Walton and Helen Zell, among others. This unique celebration, co-chaired by MCA Women’s Board members Tonya Geesman, Christine Poggianti and Ellen Wallace, began with a patron reception at 5:00 pm in the VIP

Collector’s Lounge, presented by Northern Trust, featuring food from some of Chicago’s top restaurants and food providers including 20E, Talbott Hotel, BellyQ, Chicago Raw, Marisol, Big Star, Riva Restaurant, Tanta, The Windsor, Yusho, Eli’s Cheesecake and Skinny Pop and Nude Dude Food. At 6 pm, President/Director of EXPO

CHICAGO Tony Karman took a moment to humbly thank the crowd for its tremendous support for the fair’s sixth year. He then called on MCA Chicago’s Pritzker Director Madeleine

Grynsztejn to speak to the treasured partnership between the MCA and EXPO CHICAGO.  Northern Trust Wealth Management Central Region President Mac MacLellan introduced Navy Pier’s Chief Program and Civic Engagement officer Michelle T. Boone who welcomed everyone to Navy Pier stating, “Tony and his vision for EXPO CHICAGO has really paved the way for establishing Navy Pier as one of the most exciting cultural districts in the city of Chicago and I am just thrilled and honored to continue this tradition

and partnership.” She added, “This is a tremendous demonstration of the power of partnerships and collaborations between private, public and non-private sectors pulling together to make this the most exciting arts week not only in Chicago but in the nation.” Chairman of the Chicago Architecture Biennial Jack Guthman also took a moment to thank Karman for his vision. “I told the Mayor we had to align the Biennial with

EXPO CHICAGO because no one promotes Chicago the way Tony Karman promotes Chicago! I wanted the biennial, my little ship, to follow in his wake, and the Mayor got it right away.” A bottle of Ruinart Champagne was popped and all gathered together for a celebratory toast before making their way onto the show floor.  Guests mingled throughout the show floor until Nick Cave’s Here Hear Chicago commenced in the Aon Ballroom featuring exuberant dancers in Cave's iconic Soundsuits. The performance, a unique collaboration between Cave and architect Jeanne Gang,

began with dancers sitting in a circle while "helpers" dressed them in their Soundsuits using white gloves. The ritual concluded with dramatic dancing with many of the dancers interacting with audience members by taking and holding their hands. It was a spiritual moment that was very, very touching (pun intended)

and illustrated the need for human connections.  We loved every minute of it. Congrats to all involved! The performance continued throughout the weekend so, happily, lots of people were able to experience these talented performers/artists. (Some photos by Justin Barbin).

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The world lost a global icon and visionary when Hugh Marston Hefner passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 27. I wrote a tribute to him that was shared in the Chicago Tribune–here's an excerpt: All the wind has gone out of my sails. I just heard the sad news of Hugh (Hef) Hefner's passing. He and Playboy have been a

big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I knew it was coming but have always dreaded this day. I know when his brother Keith passed recently, the bell would be tolling for him soon too. I

know the haters who call him a pornographer will be dancing in the streets but I knew him better than they did. He was a genius–pure and simple- and so far ahead of his time that there was no way to gauge it. He was one of the first human

rights activists, first gay rights activist, literary champion and yes, a

lover of women. I knew a lot of the women who had fallen in love with him and I'm pretty sure most all of them will be mourning his loss, and probably have been, ever since their relationships broke off. Hell, he even hosted weddings, showers and even baby showers for past girlfriends at the Mansion. And I know for a fact that, for some of them, when funds were low, he helped them out. 

That is not the M.O. for a man who dislikes or mistreats women. I've had plenty of arguments with "feminists" over my decision to,

initially, become a Playboy Bunny and then a proud centerfold.  In every case, I've scratched my head over this because what really IS the definition of a feminist

but someone who takes charge of her life and makes her own decisions? No one ever put a gun to my head to "make me be a part of Playboy." I will

be eternally grateful for Hef and all the doors Playboy opened for me. I know we make our

own luck, but this was certainly a nice boost up the ladder. In all my time of knowing him, first at the Playboy Mansion on State Street and then at parties at his LA Mansion, he was always a perfect gentleman. I've watched young girls flock to him, not because he was Hef (although I'm sure that

helped) but because of the gentle soul that he was. I'm thrilled to see Cooper following in his footsteps. He is the spitting image

of Hef–humble, smart, kind and caring. And I know, in the years he had with him, that he learned so much. Hef will be buried next to the woman who put Playboy on the map, Marilyn

Monroe, at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery. My memories of Playboy are priceless just like he was. RIP dear Rabbit King. You will be sorely

missed by this Bunny. (To read the article in its entirety, click here). (To see my CBS-2 interview with Vince Gerasole, click here). (And to see PB covergirl–and, in my opinion, Hef's favorite–Pamela Anderson's tearful goodbye video, click here!) Photo Gallery

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On this note, a beautiful tribute to Hef arrived from Luxe Bloom (founded by Shelley Rosen). I've never seen anything like it and, best of all, the roses don't need watering and can last up to 60 to 90 days! These innovative florals can be seen around town at the Waldorf Chicago, the Langham and more spots throughout the country. (To order your arrangement and for more info, click here!)

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It was a magical evening at Morgan Manufacturing when Sarah and Kerry Wood hosted their 3rd annual “Storybook Gala” on September 22 raising $500,000 for the Wood Family Foundation's (WFF) youth mentoring

program, Pitch In. 350 guests attended this year's Gala themed “Run Wild,” based on the popular Rudyard Kipling classic “The Jungle Book.” Guests were wowed by Revel Decor’s transformation of Morgan MFG as a reinterpretation of the Indian jungle complete with

decadent florals, fire breathers, Bollywood dancers, and tropical cuisine. Emceed by Golden Globe and Emmy nominated writer and

actress, Bonnie Hunt, the Gala included a premium cocktail reception, formal dinner, eclectic entertainment, live auction and paddle raise. This year's recipient of the Pitch In for Excellence award was longtime WFF advocate Laura Ferris Anderson,

Managing Director and Head of Industry and Innovation at JP Morgan Chase, who joined the board of directors in 2011. Notable guests included Chicago Cubs owner and former Pitch In for Excellence Award nominee Tom Ricketts, Cinespace Film Studios president Alex Pissios , Grammy nominated

writer/producer DJ White Shadow , Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group president Grant DePorter, Sloan Valve Executive chairman Chuck Allen and co-CEO

Graham Allen, Grammy Award winner and Sloan Valve co-CEO Jim Allen, Merrill Lynch Private Wealth advisor John Ver Bockel and Vertiport Chicago’s co-owner Matthew Dillig. David Goodman served as the auctioneer in the live auction where

guests bid on an exclusive day at Wrigley Field with Kerry that included throwing out the first pitch and joining Wood in the press box for the 7th Inning Stretch. “The city is going through an

extremely tough trial right now, it’s easy to get lost in all the negativity,” Sarah said. “It’s our hope we can be a light in North Lawndale and truly make an impact on our

precious families. They need hope and restoration, and we’re thankful for everyone who joined us in our mission to serve!” The Storybook Gala directly benefits WFF’s youth programming, including its Pitch In mentoring

program serving 4th through 8th-grade youth in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. “Despite the curveballs that may come their way, everyone should be given a chance in life regardless of resources of geography. The Wood Family Foundation facilitates relationships that provide support and opportunities to empower youth and their families to succeed in life,” she concluded. (Photos by Kenny Kim, Jan Salazar).

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The first annual fundraiser for Recipe for Change, "Feeding Minds, Nourishing Hope," was hosted by founder Bruno Abate and the Board of Directors of the non-profit at Morgan’s on Fulton on September 21. The organization provides opportunities for sustainable change to detainees of the Cook County Jail through culinary, fine arts

and life skills training that reinforces the value of work and personal responsibility. The event featured a sale of student artwork and an Italian Market where 100% of the sales benefited Recipe for Change. Live entertainment was provided by La Tosca, an

Italian mambo ensemble, and Heritage Wine Cellars donated wine. Delicious food from Tocco in Wicker Park included antipasti dishes and

Italian-style dessert specialties. The program was led by emcee Tom LeClair, who introduced Bruno. He shared the mission of the non-profit and acknowledged Kim Mulligan (board member/secretary), Jane Gubser (Chief of Programs at

Cook County Dept. of Correction), Dee Robinson (his partner at Tocco at O'Hare Airport), Cathleen Bottini (event chair) and Avril Greenberg (Nutrition and Sanitation instructor). Several Recipe for Change students

shared the impact the organization has had on their lives. Bruno said, “The purpose of Recipe for Change is to give people self-esteem. If

you treat someone like garbage, he is going to act like garbage…You touched the bottom, you can only go up.”  Bruno then introduced

Adriano Bruzzone, the head chef with the RFC Pizza Pilot program in Division 11. Students in this program prepare and sell pizzas to the jail staff and

the detainees. (This program made national news). Sheriff Tom Dart spoke about the impact the program is making in the lives of the detainees calling it "life changing for

the students." As a parting gift for guests, detainees from the program prepared biscotti. A live auction brought in over $58,000 and a paddle raise brought in an extra $13,800. Overall, the event raised over $105,000 for the non-profit. (To view the 60 Minutes clip about the program, click here)

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It started when we began driving down to Dupo, Illinois–a small railroad town near the banks of the Mississippi. Just seeing the rows of corn stalks set against a Windex-blue sky brought back waves of nostalgia–thoughts of a simpler time

without all the strife and discontent. That five hour drive was idyllic and more calming than any pill you could take. When we arrived in Dupo (population 4000) for the 7th annual No Class Reunion, all the memories flooded back. Happy

times with my mom, attending Dupo High School, cheerleading, lunch at Dairyland, visiting my second mother Mary Lee Johnson in E. Carondelet (pop. 480) and so much more. One night was spent with my dear friend

 

Carolyn Teeter and her husband Wade. (They have been together since grade school and have 3 handsome boys). Her home in Columbia, Illinois, should be in a magazine. She has exquisite taste and impeccable style and I

adore her. She had invited another friend, Toni York Marlen, and her husband Scotty. Carolyn, Toni and I were cheerleaders

together and I think we could still shake our pom poms! Two other dear friends, Rodney Lavender and Tommy Hundley, were there too. I love them all. We talked until the wee hours with Rodney and Carolyn finishing each other's sentences after a 50 year friendship! A dinner with my Aunt Lora, cousins

Cindy and her handsome son Dillon, was held at Gallagher's, a delightful spot in the picturesque town of Waterloo, Ill. A kick-off party for the reunion was held the night before at Good Times, one of the few bars in Dupo. It was packed to the gills! I remembered faces but wasn't so good

with names. The day of the reunion, it was boiling hot, but event organizer Marsha Bieber English, had thought of everything (along with her helpers), and had arranged for two large fans to be delivered to

Dupo Community Park near the American Legion Hall. Over 200 people showed up and the reminiscing was intense. There's nothing like a walk down memory lane with old friends. No one wanted to leave. While we were there, I tried to show Chuck every single thing of interest (and

relive it myself too). First stop was a drive through Dupo and, of course, past my old house at 325 Louisa Ave.–happy to report it's still standing and seems well maintained. We stood in

awe before the 227 year-old Martin Boismenue House in North Dupo. Built in the French Creole style, it was discovered hiding inside a modern home (intact!) when that house was being

renovated. And, thanks to friend Rodney, a lunch at the Lemp Mansion in St. Louis opened our eyes to the brewing history there. Long before Anheuser-Busch, the Lemp brewery

(that created Falstaff beer) reigned supreme. Our next adventure was a drive through the scenic bluffs and into East Carondelet. I wanted to get Chuck as close to the river as possible so I drove over the levee on a dusty road through a soybean

field but the brush had grown up so high, we couldn't get close enough. So I stopped humming Don McLean's

"American Pie" and turned back around. Another drive into a neighboring small town brought a nice surprise when we discovered a winery, the Red Bud Winery. Chuck bought elderberry wine, the house specialty, and it was delightful. We were lucky to be there during homecoming time (don't ask the score, it

wasn't pretty). But we loved the parade and watched as fire trucks and ambulances slowly drove by with lights flashing and sirens blasting. Each class had a little

float and the band was trying its hardest. I admit, I shed a few tears. (To see the parade, click here and here). When we left on Sunday, I felt deflated. I didn't realize how much I missed my old friends until we had to leave. Thomas Wolfe was wrong, you CAN go home again and you should. I think I'll go back in October for the Pumpkin Fest.

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Rebuild Foundation’s annual gala, Sock Hop: A Night with Rebuild Foundation and Friends, was an extraordinary night celebrating black art, musical performances, and communal friendship. Foundation founder/artist Theaster Gates and members of Rebuild Foundation were joined by local artists, musicians and the surrounding community at the newly rebuilt, St. Lawrence

School (7200 S. Dorchester Avenue.) on September 15. Gates and Carrie Mae Weems kicked off the evening with welcoming remarks as guests enjoyed light bites,

cocktails, mixing and mingling and a performance by Meshell Ndegeocello. As the evening came to a close, Gates encouraged guests to continue their dedication to build up Chicago’s South Side. Following the event, Theaster was awarded the 2018 Nasher Prize for Sculpture that included a check for $100,000 that he plans to use to “develop a new writing venture, centered on the acquisition of a Heidelberg windmill printing press from Boswell, Ind." He hopes to bring it to Chicago, establish his own imprint and develop and publish what he

terms “language-based work,” written by himself and other poets. Rebuild Foundation is a platform for art, cultural development, and neighborhood transformation. Their projects support artists and strengthen communities by providing free arts programming, creating new cultural amenities, and developing affordable housing, studio, and live-work space. (Photos by Zoe Rain)

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For the 2nd annual Haute Dog Chicago event, it was all hands (and paws) on deck at the Peninsula. The fashion show fundraiser, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, benefited Canine Companions for Independence, a national non-profit that provides highly trained assistance dogs to the disabled at NO charge! I was honored to emcee the event that featured fall fashions from Contessa

Bottega and darling doggie designs from Tails in the City. It was a packed crowd of animal lovers and fashionistas that included Mark Olley, Mary Lasky, April Schwartz, Sherrill Bodine, Renata Block, Whitney Reynolds, Kristina and Mike McGrath,

Lakesha and Jim Rose, Sheree Valukas, Shauna Montgomery, Margo DePorter, Phillip Emigh, Molly Schulz, Laurel Marks, Bruce Haas, Geoff and Jon Atlas, Angie DeMars, Mitchell Hatcher and Kyle DeSantis, Katie and Jim Platis, Kim Gleeson, Beth Phalen, Jane Barber, Elaine May, Suzie Glickman,

Paula Fasseas, Bobbi Panter, Jennifer Goodwin, Rhonda Sanderson, Paul Iacono, Joanna and Grant DePorter, Trudy Cassin, Al Menotti, Duc Ho and David Nguyen, Raymond Western, Jim Smith,

Shaun Rajah, Jim Lasky, Richard Roeper and so many more. Runway stars included Joffrey dancers Jeraldine Mendoza and Dylan Guiterrez with finale star, Brian Urlacher walking

with CCI dog Yanik, a 16 month-old Lab and Golden Retriever mix. CCI executive director Megan Koester, introduced three service dog teams with their dogs onstage: Steve Karmgard with his dog Pluto; Amy Chally with her dog Portland and Janie Mejias with Haven. Chally shared the importance

of having CCI in her life. "I received my first service dog, Yazzen, in 2005. Life before Canine Companions and Yazzen was good, but I was dependent on others. Everyday tasks like going to school were very difficult because I'd often find

myself stuck in situations where I'd have to wait for some to come and assist me." CCI has placed 5,500 teams across the country and provide detailed follow-ups and highly trained dogs free of charge for its graduates. (To learn more, click here). (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Marcin Cymmer)

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The 67th annual Physician's Ball benefiting the Polish American Medical Society was held in the Grand Ballroom at the Ritz-Carlton on September 16. Hosted by PAMS' president Kornelia Krol, the elegant, black-tie event attracted a sell-out crowd of over 500.

Many of the distinguished guests had flown in from countries around the world to witness deserving honorees being recognized for their

outstanding work in the medical field. The Ball helps provide scholarships for Polonia University students and their medical educations and provides grants for outstanding community or charity organizations (not necessarily related to the medical field). Past

recipients have included the Polish Museum of America, the Kosciuszko Foundation, Paderewski Orchestra of Chicago and Gift from the Heart Foundation, to name a few. The evening's guest of honor was Jerzy Owsiak, founder and president of Wielka Orkiestra Swiatecznej Pomocy (The Great

Orchestra of Christmas Charity). Founded in 1993, the organization is the biggest, non-governmental, non-profit in Poland. It supports

health care by purchasing and donating state-of-the-art medical equipment for Polish hospitals and clinics, especially for pediatric and geriatric needs. To date, it has raised over 130 million zloty (over $36 million dollars). (On a side note, Owsiak has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace

Prize)! The Society then awarded honorary memberships to six individuals: Dr. Halina Zyczynski (a professor at

Magee-Women's Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center); Dr. Roman Jaeschke (graduate of Jagiellonian University in Poland and University of Heidelberg in Germany); Dr. Jacek Lech Mostwin (graduate of University of Maryland, received his PhD at University of Oxford and, since 1998, has been a professor of urology at John Hopkins

Hospital); Dr. Bogdan Nowicki (professor of gynecology at the University of Texas and director of Infectious Disease Research); Dr. Marek Majewski (a prominent cardiovascular surgeon at the University Hospital Henri-Mondor in Paris); Dr. Miroslawa Mielczarek-Landowska (an accomplished violinist, B-787 Dreamliner pilot and a specialist in aviation medicine and otolaryngology. Whew!) Dr. Krol also recognized Professor Arieh Shalhav, who flew in from Poland to attend for "being a special force in supporting Polish medicine." Dr. Józef Mazurek, PAMS' past president, presented Best Sports Person Award to Dr. Halina Aniol and Dr. Bronislaw Orawiec. Highlights of the evening included dazzling performances by the WICI Song &

Dance Company, under the direction of Magdalena Solarz. Beautiful and handsome dancers dressed in traditional Polish costumes invited guests onto the dance floor for the beloved dance, the Polonaise. (Watch it here!) I was honored to return for my 3rd year as co-host. This

year, my co-emcee was a famous Polish actor, Piotr Adamczyk, best known for the title role in the film "Chopin-Desire of Love" and for portraying John Paul II in the 2-part Italian movie "Karol the Man who became Pope." Dr. Krol said, "Last year marked the 70th anniversary of PAMS in

Chicago. Throughout its history, our Society has been one of the most respected organizations in the Chicago area…With over 480 physicians-members, representing many specialties, we are the largest Polish medial émigré organization in the world." The evening lasted until the wee hours with guests burning up the dance floor to the sounds of Tina Jenkins Crawley and the TC Square Band (To learn more about the inspiring work of PAMS, click here). (Photos by Dziennik Zwiazkowy).

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Congrats to dear friend/co-founder of Common Threads, Linda Novick O'Keefe, for being chosen as a Community Service Award honoree by South By Southwest (SXSW).These awards highlight hardworking individuals and organizations serving their communities in Austin, Texas, and beyond. (Only 6 individuals and 6 organizations were chosen). CT now provides programming to more than 750 schools and community partner sites in 9 major cities and will expand throughout Texas this

year! Congrats Art, Jesus and to my award-winning friend LNO! 🙂

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Hosted by the Associate Board of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, the 15th annual "Art in Motion" event attracted over 300 attendees to the former Rehabilitation Institute on September 14. This first event at the new Shirley Ryan AbilityLab raised funds for the hospital’s Art Therapy and

Therapeutic Recreation programs. The evening showcased more than 120 works of art submitted by 26 hospital patients during a lively cocktail party that included music, a raffle and refreshments.  The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago became the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in March when it moved into its new, state-of-the-art facility.

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The Union League Club of Chicago hosted more than 970 attendees at their annual Homecoming event, this year themed Festivus, on September 15. The evening celebrated six world festivals in one unforgettable evening and included Glow Festival, Salon du Chocolat, Holi Festival of Colors, Austin City Limits, Dia De Los Muertos and Carnival. The Club was gaily decorated on floors 1 through 6 and featured a variety of culinary offerings, music, dance performances and more. (Photos by Joe Gallo)

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Celebrate the co-founders of Marchesa, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, as the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum presents them with its first-ever Presidents’ Circle Honors on Wednesday, October 25 at the Women’s Athletic Club. Join event chair Kathleen Haines-Finley and co-chairs Michelle Bibergal, Sherrill Bodine, Paula Borg,

Annette Findling, Heather Farley Ingram, Judy Lockhart, Mark Olley and Pauline Kurtides Sheehan as they honor these rising stars of haute couture in a ceremonial luncheon that begins at 11 a.m. The luncheon will feature a silent auction, raffle and in-conversation with the night’s honorees. Joining the honorees on stage are Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, and Petra Slinkard, curator of costume at the Chicago History

Museum. (For tickets, $200, and more info, click here!) Following the luncheon, all guests are invited to Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue, to view the Marchesa Spring 2018 trunk show with Chapman, Craig and Downing. (The Presidents’ Circle Honors is a new initiative of the Costume Council to honor designers who are currently making an indelible mark in the fashion world. The award is in honor of the 14 former presidents of the Council).

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Nearly 300 guests gathered in Cathedral Hall at the University Club of Chicago on September 12 for the celebration of Bright Promises Foundation’s 2017 Awards. The evening began with the announcement of nearly a half a million dollars in multi-year grants to 22 child-serving organizations including Chicago Youth Centers, Voices for

Illinois Children and Refugee One as a part of Bright Promises multiple child-serving initiatives. The 2017 honorees were: Mr. Thomas Hale, President of the Board of The Montessori Network, who was honored with the 2017 Champion for Children Award and leading early childhood education expert, Dr. Linda Gilkerson, who was recognized with the 2017 Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2017 Ed Marciniak Bright

Star Award for young professionals was awarded to Mr. Anthony Clark, an Air Force veteran and special education teacher whose personal mantra is "More Love, Less Hate." Additionally, Mr. Clark received a $5,000 honorarium to advance his work in restorative justice practices for the at-risk youth of Chicago. The speaking program featured remarks from several other luminaries, including the 2017 honorary co-chairs Dr. Barbara Bowman, co-founder of Erikson Institute and recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award and local

philanthropist Elizabeth von Peterffy. Thanks to a generous Matching Gift Challenge sponsored by the Kreisman Family Foundation, longtime supporters of Bright Promises, the 2017 Awards successfully raised almost $70,000 on behalf of Chicago’s most vulnerable children. Other notable guests included Rodger and Janet Owen, Elizabeth and Conrad von Peterffy, Nicholas and Kathleen Amatangelo, Vern Broders and Francia Harrington, and past award recipients Bernice Weissbourd and Ron Manderschied.

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Huge congrats to La Scarola's Armando Vasquez and Joey Mondelli on the successful launch party of their first book collaboration "The Walls of La Scarola", a collection of photographs and recipes from this iconic River West eatery located at 721 W. Grand. Vasquez describes the book as a "love letter to the family, friends and famous guests who

have dined with us throughout the years." And that number is HUGE! The place was packed with fans, friends and admirers who bought books and shared memories of this delicious

hotspot while enjoying wine, hors d'oeuvres and, of course, the house specialty, shots of tequila! Seen on the scene were regular patrons Dominic DiFrisco and his wife

Carol, daughter Nina Mariano, Howard Frum, Jon and Andrew Landan, Michael Kutza, Vivian Teng, Jay Levine, Rodger Kadet, Irene Mojica, Joey's beautiful wife Kathy, Demi Schmidt, Ryan

Chiaverini, Monika and Chase Garrett, Russ Iacono and his wife, Linda Yu, Sylvia Perez, Susanna Homan and actor William Forsythe among many

others. Joey and Armando signed books until their arms went numb! If you would like a copy, they're available now at the

restaurant and will be available soon at Barbara's Bookstores, Hudson News, William Sonoma, The Book Market, The Perfect Setting and Marcel's.  (Also, check out his LINES Clothing T-shirts, created from his tabletop line drawings at the restaurant!)

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News from the West Coast: Tom Hanks and his actress/singer wife Rita Wilson hosted The Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles (SCLA) 27th Annual Simply Shakespeare benefit on September 18, at the Freud Playhouse on the UCLA Campus. 

Sponsored by the Entertainment Industry Foundation, the hilarious Forbidden Shakespeare The Tempest offered an evening of improvised Shakespeare and song featuring three-time Grammy Award winner singer/songwriter Ben Harper. Charles Richard

Lester wowed the crowd with his theremin instrument (an electronic musical instrument controlled without physical contact  by the performer) and was joined by a star-studded cast that included Rita Wilson (Ariel), Tom Hanks (Stephano), Alfred Molina (Prospero) William Shatner (Gonzalo), Kyle MacLachlan

(Alonso), Michael Chiklis (Caliban), Evan Handler (Antonio), David Cross (Trinculo), Sheldon Donenberg (Boatswain) Finn Wittrock (Sebastian), Susannah Fielding (Miranda) and Glenn Howerton (Ferdinand) who improvised their way through a condensed version of The Tempest. A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Bright Future Award to US Army Veteran Ariel Bell, SCLA Veterans in Art Programs Coordinator.

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Join the Service Club of Chicago, one of the oldest non-profits in the city, on Friday, October 27, for its annual Gala, "Making Magic Happen…Since 1890" at the Ritz-Carlton. The black-tie

event, co-chaired by Pamella Capitanini, Cheryl Rhodes Coleman and Kristine Farra, will honor beloved, longtime member Myra Reilly. The festive evening will include entertainment by The Stanley Paul Orchestra! (For tickets and more details, click here!)

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The 16th annual PAWS Fur Ball will return to the Drake Hotel on Friday, November 17. Over 900 guests are expected to attend this furry night of fundraising. Founder Paula Fasseas points out, "While Chicago's homeless pets have come a long

way since PAWS Chicago's founding in 1997, when more than 42,000 cats and dogs were killed in the city, nearly 8,000 cats and dogs were still euthanized last year. Events like the Fur

Ball are working to change that reality and save the homeless dogs and cats who are at risk. In 2016 PAWS Chicago found homes for 5,125 homeless pets and performed 17,236 spay and neuter surgeries through its Lurie Clinic and GusMobile Spay/Neuter Van and 75 percent of those surgeries were provided for free." (For tickets and more info, click here!)

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On Sunday, October 29, F.A.M.E. (Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment) will host "Bubbles & Brunch", a fundraiser to provide young, deserving Chicagoland performing artists with monetary and mentorship support. The event will take place at the Chicago Yacht Club (400 E.

Monroe) from 11:30 to 2 pm on Sunday.

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Special thanks to Stacy Snyder, host of the popular internet show "I Am Your Neighbor"! We spent a wonderful afternoon chatting about everything from my life with Playboy, to Hef and his impact, to my job at the Tribune. Check it out below!

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That's it, another action-packed edition with news from Chicago and beyond. I hope you've enjoyed it! Please email me with any news you think would be a good fit to Candace@CandidCandace.com and, as always, thanks for reading!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And, of course, something to make you smile!