PLUS AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS GALA; STARS GALORE AT CHIFILMFEST; ELEGANT LYRIC OPERA BALL; WGN'S FAB STEVE COCHRAN SHOW; LOVING HARRY POTTER; GIBSONS ITALIA OPENS BIG; MARIA AT THE VICEROY; RMHC'S COCKTAIL PARTY; #ELLASTRONG; 100 CLUB RAISES HOPE; "CHICAGO STORIES" AT VICTORY GARDENS THEATER; MY PLAYBOY SURPRISE; PING PONG BALL; KISSES FOR HEF; NAVY PIER HOSTS FIRST GALA; PAMELLA'S GOLD COAST FASHION AWARD; CPLF'S LITERARY AWARDS; CHAIRS FOR CHARITY; JOFFREY BALLET CELEBRATES GISELLE; RINGSIDE FOR MERCY'S SAKE; CHEF ART'S LATEST VENTURE; INDISTRY TV LAUNCH PARTY; ASLF'S STERLING EVENT; THE WALDORF'S "LIVE UNFORGETTABLE" CAMPAIGN; COLUMBIAN BALL; JORDAN SMITH AT MACY'S; STARS SURPRISE AT BUMP CLUB FILM PREMIERE AND SOOOO MUCH MORE! WHEW!
The USO of Illinois hosted its annual USO Star-Spangled Salute Gala on October 21. A night of stunning military pageantry opened with God Bless America, sung by Chicago’s own, Alleece Baker; a procession of the 50 state flags by U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command (RTC) Flag & Drum Corps and a salute to all five
branches of the military. Highlights of the night included BBMC Mortgage receiving the USO Salute to Leadership Award for their Patriot’s Charity Initiative which has raised a more than $1.9 million for military and veteran service organizations in three short years. For a second year, the USO of Illinois welcomed Mrs. Susan Schneider Williams, widow of actor Robin Williams, who was a great
advocate of the USO before his passing in 2014. Mrs. Williams introduced Medal of Honor Recipient James “Doc” McCloughan, who received his medal in July of 2017 for his acts of gallantry and bravery during the Vietnam War. With tears in his eyes, McCloughan spoke about his time spent on the battlefield and the great impact the USO has
had on his military service. The event raised over $1,080,000 for USO of Illinois programs and services that support more than 318,000 active duty, guard and reserve service members
and their families annually. Congrats to all these heroes/she-roes and to the USO Illinois for supporting them.
Nearly 1,000 civic, corporate and community leaders attended the After School Matters annual Gala at the brand-new Wintrust Arena to celebrate a banner year of successfully providing
after-school and summer programs for Chicago teenagers. This year, After School Matters reached more than 17,000 Chicago teenagers who
participated in the organization’s programs, which encourage youth to explore and develop their talents while gaining
critical skills for work, college and beyond. The gala was presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois and hosted by the After School Matters Board of Directors. Honorary Chairs included Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ms. Amy
Rule, and The Honorable Richard M. Daley. In honor of the Annual Gala, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois headquarters skyscraper on Randolph Street was lit up to display “AFTER SCHOOL
MATTERS” during the event in a show of support for the organization and its mission. The evening’s performances featured a theme of peace, including a choir singing “Heal The World” and an orchestral rendition of “Make
Them Hear You,” highlighting an alumni soloist. A gallery showcased the work of teens that participated in After School Matters programs this summer through hands-on exhibits and displays in music, drawing, painting,
glassworks, photography, multimedia digital arts, printmaking and jewelry-making, as well as interactive displays
showcasing skills in sustainable energy technology, urban agriculture and sports instruction. All visual art pieces displayed at the event were available for purchase; unsold pieces and additional teen
artwork is available for purchase at the After School Matters Gift Shop, located at 66 E. Randolph. (Applications for After School Matters fall program session are now open. Teens can visit the website to apply).
The opening of the 53rd Chicago International Film Festival was a tremendous success, attended by hundreds who saw Reginald Hudlin's film Marshall. In attendance on the Red Carpet were the film's stars Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, Sterling K.
Brown, Jussie Smollett and Marina Squerciati, as well as Hudlin, producer Paula Wagner and John Marshall, the son of Justice Thurgood Marshall. Marshall is based on a true incident in the life of Thurgood Marshall, when he was a young lawyer, long before his
appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. “We are so grateful to Paula for allowing us to open with such a powerful and important film,” said founder/president Michael Kutza. “The film was tremendously popular with our guests, and it was a great way to launch this year’s Festival.” (As an
aside, Wagner will return to Chicago on March 13 for the pre-Broadway world premiere of her production "Pretty Woman: The Musical" at the Oriental Theatre!). Other stars in attendance during the Festival included Vanessa Redgrave, Alfre Woodward, Patrick Stewart and more! Thanks to CIFF founder Michael Kutza and crew for turning Chicago into Hollywood Central! (Photos by Timothy M. Schmidt, Elias Zimianitis)
I had more fun than a barrel of monkeys sharing my news from around town (and beyond!) on WGN Radio's Steve Cochran Show with his Dream Team— sidekick Andrea Darlas, sports guy Dave Eanet and the man himself, Steve! Thanks so much for having me back Mary Boyle!!! (To hear my segment, starting at 52:44, click here!
One of the most elegant events in the city, the Lyric Opera Ball, hosted over 450 guests at the Hilton Chicago following the opening night performance of Christoph Willibald Gluck's Orphée et Eurydice on
September 23. Over 3,500 guests attended the performance at the Lyric Opera House, along with the black-tie clad gala-goers who walked the
Red Carpet before the new production, directed and choreographed by John Neumeier, began. Orphée et Eurydice, which opened the company's 63rd season, featured The Joffrey Ballet in its Lyric debut. David T. Ormesher (Lyric's board chair) welcomed guests before Anthony Freud (Lyric's general director) announced the
Grand March of the Stars. In order, they included: Lauren Snouffer (soprano) with Michael Black (chorus master); Victoria Jaiani (Joffrey/ Eurydice dancer) with Ormesher (board chair); Temur Suluashvili (Joffrey/Orphee dancer) with Lili Gaubin, Susan
Lenny and Nancy Santi (Opera Ball hostesses); Andriana Chuchman (soprano/Eurydice) with Sir Andrew Davis (Lyric's music director); Dmitry Korchak (tenor/Orphee) with Mamie Biggs Case (ball vice-chair); Harry Bicket (conductor) with Ellen Stirling (ball chair) and John Neumeier (director/choreographer/production designer) with
Nancy Searle (WB president). Renee Crown was honorary Grand March Chair. A highlight, besides the
performance, is always the stunning event decor. This year's offering by HMR Designs featured faux cypress trees (in homage to their use in the production) scattered throughout the Hilton ballroom. The stage's backdrop (a reproduction of an 1883
painting by Arnold Bocklin titled "Isle of the Dead") was also used in the ballroom decor to dramatic effect. Tabletops were adorned with either towering
gold urns filled with white hydrangeas or gold candlesticks placed among rich green magnolia foliage atop linens in various shades of blue. Creative mood lighting bathed the ballroom in
matching shades of blue as well. Dancing continued into the wee hours with The Stu Hirsh Orchestra, who has now performed at the Ball 25 times to date. Hosted by the Women's Board of the Lyric Opera led by WB president Nancy Searle, the event raised over $1 million for this cultural
jewel. (This production will be broadcast nationally on PBS "Great Performances" in 2018). (Photos by Dan Rest, Robert Kusel, Todd Rosenberg and Jaclyn Simpson).
My first thought when I walked into the shiny, sparkling new structure at 233 N. Canal was Gibsons Restaurant Group has done it again! It's latest restaurant venture, Gibsons Italia, is so fabulous on so many levels–four to be exact, with each one more elegant and
chic than the next! Situated at the bend of the Chicago River, it has a catbird seat onto our dramatic skyline–river views with drop-dead gorgeous decor. I felt like a kid in a candy
store…The third level, the dining room, featured a huge terrace, where I can only dream about sitting in the summer. It opens out onto manicured lawns and uplit trees with the river stretching out endlessly beyond that. On both sides, buildings glittered in the darkness.
You can get lost in these views. And many guests did, lingering
longingly on that terrace–the optical illusion with the clear glass balcony was magical. Spacing of the huge, comfy booths and tables, topped with white tablecloths, kept guests at a respectful distance from one another and yet the room still felt cozy. An area beyond that held comfortable seating for cocktails with a fireplace blazing
cheerily. Colorful abstract art filled the cocoa colored walls making you feel like you were ensconced in a protective cocoon. The fourth floor features a roof deck with a retractable roof for inclement weather that can seat up to 150 guests. A white marble bar on the 2nd floor will, I predict, be packed to the gills on any given night. On this night, a DJ added even more excitement along with great beats. At one of its soft openings, on Monday, October 16, I saw many familiar faces. Each floor was packed with friends. Nelly Moudime, the rock star director of hospitality for Ralph Lauren NY Polo Bar, even flew in for the occasion! Other notables included Chicago
Magazine's Susanna Homan, Michigan Ave Mag's Dan Uslan and JP Anderson, Mickey Siegel, Tina and Jeff Weller, Jerry Nunn, Marco Foster, Vince Anzalone and his beautiful wife Jessica, Sylvia and Kurt Muller, Chicago Tribune's Amy Carr and so many others. Owners Steve Lombardo and his daughter Liz Lombardo Stark were bombarded with congrats in the throngs. Gibsons Restaurant Group has a total of nine concepts in 14 different locations. Besides three Gibson steakhouses, the group also owns Lux Bar, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish
House and Quartino Ristorante and helped introduce the Polo Bar in New York and RL Bar & Grill in Chicago, which we all love. Gibsons Italia is described as "a modern steakhouse featuring a world-class tour of beef and authentic Italian pastas and risottos." In short, this restaurant experience offers something for EVERYONE and I can't wait to go back! It's open NOW!
(For more info, check the website or call 312.414.1100!)
Well known and much loved fashion designer Maria Pinto showed her fall
collection for her ready-to-wear label, M2057 by Maria Pinto, as part of the opening celebrations of the new Hotel Viceroy Chicago in the Gold Coast. Pinto staged a fashion show featuring more than 40 looks from M2057's newest collection, which was inspired by the work of the late architect Zaha Hadid. The collection included 
sculptural coats, dresses, and separates in bold fall colors, as well as pieces in stretch leather and denim. In addition to the fashion show, guests were
treated to cocktails and hors d'oeuvres from the Viceroy's Somerset Restaurant. Before and after the show, attendees mingled on the Viceroy’s ballroom terrace, enjoying spectacular city views. Factor Models, Charles Lord Hair, and NARS makeup also sponsored the event.“It was a privilege and a treat to stage our fashion
show at the gorgeous new Hotel Viceroy,” said Pinto. “With the skyline views outside, it was the perfect venue to showcase the urban feel of M2057’s fall collection. Seeing more than 40 looks walk the runway made me so proud of
how far we’ve come and our incredible team.” M2057 is celebrating its fourth anniversary this fall. The collection features modern, minimal fashion that marries quality, versatility, and comfort: made from luxe Italian fabrics, M2057 pieces are machine washable, wrinkle resistant, excellent for
travel, and fit impeccably. The collection is sold at the M2057 Style Studio at 833 W Washington Blvd in Chicago’s West Loop, or online at M2057.com.
Victory Gardens Theater, under the leadership of artistic director Chay Yew and managing director Erica Daniels, along with gala chairs Sylvia Margolies, Beverly Price and Sue E. Wallace, welcomed 270 guests to its 2017 Chicago Stories Gala, celebrating Victory
Gardens’ 43rd Season. The event was held October 7 at the Ritz-Carlton and raised $325,000 to support the theater’s education programs and the development of new work that supports diverse artists and fosters an inclusive theater community. "Chicago Stories 2017 was the most successful
Gala we've had in the history of Victory Gardens Theater,” said Steve Miller, board president of Victory Gardens Theater. “Not only did we raise more money than ever before,
but the evening was a blast. Where else could you rock out to Max Weinberg's band after watching plays written by Northwestern coach Chris Collins and ComEd's CEO Anne Pramaggiore?" Victory Gardens Chicago Stories Gala is tailored to Victory
Gardens’ dedication to the playwright and mission of producing new works. Since 1991, the unique highlight of the evening has been short plays written by Chicago
celebrities specifically for the event and directed and performed by local professionals. The unique world premiere productions are performed as part of a gala evening, which includes a live and silent auction, cocktails and a three-course gourmet dinner. Funds raised through Chicago
Stories support Victory Gardens Theater’s mission of producing new works and dedication to creating a theatrical community founded upon diversity, equity, and inclusion. This year’s celebrity playwrights were Northwestern University basketball coach Chris Collins – whose 2016-17 season saw the Wildcats’
best performance since before World War II; visionary leader Anne Pramaggiore, President and CEO of ComEd – the first female executive to hold this post at the electricity company; and stars of the hit NBC show Chicago Fire Eamonn Walker and David
Eigenberg. The evening began with a cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner and performances of this year’s celebrity
playwrights’ 5-minute productions. Guests had the opportunity to bid on exciting live and silent auction prizes, including dinner with Eigenberg and Walker from Chicago Fire, a trip to a farmhouse in the south of
France and tickets to the opening night performance of The Parisian Women on Broadway. The event also featured emcee Alex Weisman, prolific Chicago actor and star of VGT’s
Hand to God, as well as a performance by Weinberg’s Jukebox band. Max is the longtime drummer for Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, member of the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame, and former bandleader and sidekick for Late Night with Conan O’Brien. The 2017 Chicago Stories honorees join the ranks of past celebrity playwrights, including BD Wong, Denis
O’Hare, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Rick Bayless, Jeff Garlin, Phil Jackson, Bill Kurtis, Howard Tullman, John Mahoney, Lisa Madigan, Brandon Marshall, Mike Royko, William Petersen, Peter Sagal and Judy Baar Topinka and me! (I was thrilled to present my original play, "A Facebook Fairytale," in 2010)! This is a fabulous event
for this wonderful theater company, congrats to ALL!
Ella Siears was born with microcephaly. She can't walk, talk or crawl and can only eat pureed foods. Over the past 2 years, she has also been diagnosed with sagittal synostosis, hip dysplasia, Chiari 1 
malformation and hydrocephalus. The dad works two jobs and the mother had to leave her job in the corporate world to care for her and her sister. They are not asking for money, just asking if you would buy a raffle ticket
to help. If so, here's the links and more info for this dear family who prove that there really are angels on earth. (Read their story here and buy a raffle ticket via Paypal to this email: ellastrongsiears@gmail.com. More raffle info here. #ELLASTRONG
The Chicago Public Library Foundation (CPLF) and Chicago Public Library’s (CPL) Carl Sandburg Literary Awards dinner was held on Oct. 11 at The Forum. A record-breaking success, the event brought together 830 corporate and civic leaders who raised more than
$1.8 million for the foundation and learning initiatives at the Library. The Sandburg Award was presented to best-selling authors Margaret Atwood (“The Handmaid’s Tale,”
“The Blind Assassin,” “Hag-Seed,” “MaddAddam” trilogy,) and Dave Eggers (” A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius,” “Zeitoun,” “A Hologram for the King,” “Heroes of
the Frontier,” “The Circle.”) The 21st Century Award, presented to a Chicago-based emerging author, was presented to journalist and author Natalie Moore (“The South
Side.”) Bill Kurtis served as emcee and NPR host and author Scott Simon moderated a stimulating conversation with Atwood and Eggers. One of the highlights of the annual benefit is that each guest has the
opportunity to engage in dinner table conversation with an esteemed author with ties to Chicago. This year, guests were seated amidst notable authors including five past
recipients of the 21st Century Award: Blue Balliett, Elizabeth Crane, Eric Charles May, Nami Mun and Christine Sneed; three One Book, One Chicago authors: Greg Kot, Stuart Dybek and Thomas Dyja and last year’s
Sandburg Award honoree, Scott Turow. Other notable participating authors attending were “House of Cards” writer and Lookingglass ensemble member Laura Eason,
“Gone Girl” author Gillian Flynn, Pulitzer Prize-winning Chicago Tribune architecture critic Blair Kamin, NPR host and author Peter Sagal, journalist and biographer Peter Slevin and author and law professor Geoffrey Stone. I was also thrilled to
see my friend, Hermene Hartman (N'Digo Magapaper) attend after penning her second book, N'Digo Legacy Black Luxe 103 (more
about this below). The Dinner was co-chaired by Jacqueline Griesdorn and Graham C. Grady, with production provided by Foundation Director Donna La Pietra. The evening culminated in the onstage conversation with the two Sandburg Award-honorees
moderated by Simon. Past winners of the Carl Sandburg Literary Award are Erik Larson, Scott Turow, Stephen Sondheim, Alice Walker, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Mavis Staples, Larry McMurtry, Michael Lewis, Isabel Allende, Don DeLillo, Walter Isaacson, Roger Ebert, Toni Morrison, David McCullough, Robert Caro,
Joyce Carol Oates, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Kurt Vonnegut, John Updike, David Mamet, Nikki Giovanni, Tom Wolfe and Salman Rushdie. The dinner provided support for CPL’s citywide initiatives, including Rahm’s Readers Summer Learning Challenge, One Book, One Chicago, YOUmedia, and the Teacher in the Library and CyberNavigator programs. The Foundation is led by Board Chair Bob Wislow of CBRE Chicago and Foundation President & CEO Rhona Frazin. Congrats to
ALL!
If you're a collector like me, then you know the feeling. You see something similar to what you own go up for auction and you wait on tenterhooks to
see if you overpaid! Well, a book that we own from our Harry Potter/JK Rowling collection recently fetched over $80K (unsigned)! It was the first book in the Potter franchise, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone." This 1997 debut book by the then-unknown author
JK Rowling had a print run of just 500 and, of these 500 copies, 300 were distributed to libraries. That leaves only 200 viable 1st edition books in the world. I'm thrilled to say, we have one signed by Rowling. I love rare children's books and was so happy to hear this good news!
Amateur white collar boxers stepped into the ring to face off for a great cause—the children who live at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls on October 14. Now in its 26th year, the Ringside for Mercy’s Sake black-tie gala
brought together over 1000 supporters for an evening of boxing, casino-style charitable gaming, high-end live and silent auctions, fine dining, and live music and
dancing—all raising nearly $1 million to help Mercy Home provide abused and neglected children a safe place to live, heal and hope. Giuliana and Bill Rancic served as celebrity auctioneers during the
event that featured nine live amateur white-collar boxing bouts between employees of companies in the
financial, real estate, law and other industries, inside a full-size ring set in the middle of the Chicago Marriott’s Grand Ballroom–all surrounded by more than 1,000 cheering guests! The live auction included a foursome in the 18th Annual Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament, a behind-the-scenes experience at the Indy 500 with Bobby Rahal (with a private plane) and an
exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Fox’s smash hit, EMPIRE! Ringside for Mercy’s Sake began in 1991 as a unique collaboration between the leadership of Chicago’s financial exchanges and today has grown to include boxers from companies across the country.
The Children’s Service Board (CSB) of the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago hosted its 62nd Gold Coast Fashion Award Show
(GCFAS) at Revel Fulton Market on October 12 with over 800 in attendance. The evening, co-chaired by Megan Hodes and Kristina Nicolas, showcased the fashions of honoree, fashion designer Pamella Roland, as well as stunning looks from the event's retail sponsor,
Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. CSB board president Nicole Legere welcomed the crowd of fashionistas who had all dug deep into their closets for their hottest looks. Over $1 million was raised to
support the hospital's Molecular Oncology and Bioinformatics Program led by Dr. Stewart Goldman. A sad stat–only 4% of government funded cancer research goes towards pediatrics. Therefore, it is up to Chicago's private
donors and the corporate community to assist the littlest patients impacted by hematology and oncology issues. Congrats and thanks to Pamella (a superstar
philanthropist) for all she does in the community and to all involved! I loved seeing her darling family who came out to support her too! A grand night for fun and fundraising for sure!
Navy Pier’s first ever fundraising gala, “A Celebration ExPIERience,” will benefit free programs at the Pier and honor the Polk Bros. Foundation, on Tuesday, November 7, at the Pier. The money raised at the event will help to underwrite more free, accessible arts and cultural programs, classes, and performances for the Pier’s 9 million annual guests. For tickets and more info, click here!
More than 150 supporters filled French brasserie, Cochon Volant for the Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana’s 7th
Annual Cocktail Party on October 5. Guests enjoyed an evening of food, drinks, friends and fun to benefit families of hospitalized children staying together at one of five Ronald McDonald Houses and three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms. The Women's Auxiliary Board is a team of philanthropic women in Chicago,
thought leaders and influencers, who are committed to helping raise funds to keep families with sick kids together. They serve as ambassadors – educating and engaging support from the 
community through one-on-one discussions, private events, and larger social gatherings. Members of this auxiliary leverage their ideas and networks to
identify and help cultivate prospective donors including individuals, corporations and foundations. Congrats to all for their good work on behalf of the families and kids!
The 100 Club of Chicago hosted its annual Raising Hope Awards at the Adler Planetarium on September 28. The evening honored 100 Club families and recognized the organization’s community partners–GCM Grosvenor, Michael
Meagher (VP of McHugh Construction) and Denis Healy (Chairman of Turtle Wax). “Our honorees go above and beyond to support the families of fallen police officers and firefighters,” said 100 Club of Chicago CEO, Joe Ahern. “The Raising Hope Awards are a way for us to thank them for their generosity, and
also focus on these wonderful families.” Proceeds will support the 100 Club, a non-profit that for 50 years has provided families of fallen first responders in Cook and Lake County with financial, educational, legal and counseling assistance.
The Joffrey Ballet welcomed some of Chicago’s most influential women and leaders in the arts to participate in a cultural conversation in honor of The Joffrey’s production of Giselle. More than 300 guests gathered for a reception October 2nd on the outdoor event terrace at the Loews Hotel. Guests enjoyed sprawling city views and luxurious elevated outdoor space in celebration of the 2017-2018 Joffrey season and Artistic Director
Ashley Wheater’s 10th anniversary. The table’s décor in the elegant Sullivan Ballroom featured beautiful floral centerpieces designed by Debi Lilly (A Perfect Event). Buzz about the upcoming season filled the ballroom as guests mingled and prepared for the inspiring panel discussion between Wheater, Lola de Ávilas (Giselle Ballet Master and Stager), as
well as Joffrey Artists performing the role of Giselle, Christine Rocas and Amanda Assucena. The discussion explored the heartbreaking story of Giselle and why it continues to resonate with ballerinas and dance enthusiasts.
The event was co-chaired by Joffrey Women’s board members, Jamie-Clare Flaherty and Melissa Trandel. Jose Pablo,
Joffrey Academy student and this year’s recipient of the Richard Ellis and Christine Du Boulay Ellis merit scholarship, shared with attendees how support from the scholarship program has transformed his life and enabled him to pursue his passion for ballet. Throughout the luncheon, fashion illustrator Kristine Steiner drew live sketches for guests to take home. For more info about The Joffrey’s Women’s
Board and Giselle, click here. (Steve Becker photos)
Congrats to Chicago's own Chef Art Smith! He's opening a new restaurant called Art Bird & Whiskey Bar, an upscale fried chicken place in NY's Grand Central Station! His
national non-profit, Common Threads, started in a church basement here in Chicago and is now in 750 schools and partner sites in 9 major cities across the country! Love & Congrats ART!
INDISTRY TV celebrated the launch of its beta platform with an exclusive premier event at the Virgin Hotel Chicago (203 N. Wabash Ave.) on October 21 hosted by Mario Lopez. The new entertainment streaming platform, which was
founded by two Chicago sisters (Mary Landaverde and Erroll Angara), offers members exclusive access to original programming and interactive technology that allows them to not only watch content, but also socialize, shop and engage with it. The evening was emceed by entertainment
journalist and WCIU-TV “The Jam” host, Danielle Robay, and featured a special guest performance by Jay Sean along with some of music’s most notable rising
stars. During the performances, those watching via live stream had the opportunity to click to donate to Susan G. Komen Chicago, in honor of Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. Following the performances, celebrity host Lopez kicked-off the party and mixed some Pink-Tito’s, the night’s signature fundraiser drink, from behind the bar! Besides Lopez and Sean, notable attendees included Ryan Chiaverini, Lourdes Duarte, Jenny Milkowski and Sylvia Perez, among others. Other VIPs in attendance included Raquel Castro (one of the event’s performers featured on the platform’s Emerging channel, previously seen on “Empire”
and “The Voice”); ZVerse (one of the event’s performers/Chicago hip hop artist featured on the platform’s Emerging channel); Greg Marks (one of the event’s performers, LA-based artist featured on the platform’s Emerging channel); Lonnie Edwards (independent filmmaker and executive producer of “Parietal Guidance”); Alexandra Nader and Sami Horneff (executive producers and stars of “Under 5ers,” an original web series inspired by the lives of three twenty-somethings living in New York) and Jonathan Lopez and Lawrence Brown (executive producers and stars of “GoingKnowWhere,” a lifestyle and travel series following the two as they visit eight cities around the U.S.
to find the best food, fashion and fun).
More than 350 people attended A Silver Lining Foundation’s (ASLF) 13th annual “A Sterling Event” on October 7, at the Hyatt Regency. More than $300,000 was raised to support the Foundation’s Buy A Mom A Mammogram program which funds the entire
spectrum of breast health testing (mammograms through biopsy) for uninsured and underinsured individuals. Event proceeds provided potentially lifesaving testing to
those who would otherwise fall through the cracks. The Gala, emceed by WGN-TV's Micah Materre, included a live and silent auction as well as a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing. This
year’s “A Sterling Event” Evy Award recipient honored Garrett Popcorn and their support of ASLF through the Pink Tin program. The vision of ASLF, founded by the much loved Dr. Sandy Goldberg, is to ensure that
socioeconomic status does not affect an individual’s ability to obtain information, timely cancer screening and diagnosis. ASLF partners with 15 hospitals in the greater Chicagoland area to provide access to the entire spectrum of breast health testing for uninsured and underinsured women and men in a timely, dignified and respectful fashion.
The Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Hilton’s iconic luxury brand, celebrated the ethos of the new Live Unforgettable campaign with the kickoff of a dinner series at the sleek, chic Margeaux Brasserie, which opened earlier this year at the Waldorf
Astoria Chicago as Chef Michael Mina’s first Chicago restaurant concept. To activate this new campaign, Waldorf Astoria presented its first in a series of celebrity-hosted dinners to take place at Waldorf Astoria
Chicago. The series will provide the opportunity for tastemakers to experience these unique properties and create lasting memories while providing noteworthy moments for the brand. Sophia Bush, actress, director, spokesperson and activist hosted the first dinner which commenced with a cocktail hour leading into a formal,
seated dinner in the private dining room of the Brasserie. Once seated, guests were presented with place card bouquets from Venus et Fleur to commemorate this "unforgettable" event. The menu included curated dishes from Chef Mina that featured a lobster and beet salad, Parisian gnocchi, dry aged Rohan duck, roasted turbot and chocolate gateau, with wine and cocktail pairings. The dinner featured live entertainment by Bon Musique, a jazz group with a unique style. “Live Unforgettable” centers around the creation of unforgettable
experiences that become memories for a lifetime. To focus the vision of the new campaign, Waldorf Astoria collaborated with famed-photographer, Steve McCurry, to create a vibrant story that speaks to the brand’s promise of delivering a truly unforgettable experience. This campaign is the first hotel collaboration for global traveler McCurry, best known for his 1984 photograph "Afghan Girl."
The 5th annual Ping Pong Ball will take place on Thursday, November 9, at the Hard Rock Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave. Guests can compete in a table tennis tourney, play games and bid on unique auction packages all while helping provide babies with their basic human right–advocacy, support 
and touch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Benefiting the Jackson Chance Foundation, funds raised will help remove the financial burden of parking fees for families of NICU (neonatal, intensive care unit) babies. Attendees can learn tips and tricks from table tennis Olympians and champs and watch the "battle of the pros." VIP tickets include a private reception with special guests beginning at 4:30. (For tickets and more info, click here!)
Take a stand. Take a seat. The 8th annual Chairs for Charity event, sponsored by SPLASH and hosted by Susanna Homan, was held at
Marshall's Landing at the Merchandise Mart on October 3. Sixteen vintage chairs, embellished by some of Chicago's hottest designers (Golden Triangle's Doug VanTress and Lakeside Interiors to name a couple), were auctioned off to benefit Designs for Dignity, a non-
profit created by Susan Fredman in 2000 that transforms the existing spaces of other non-profits through pro bono design services and in-kind donations, allowing them to provide comfortable, supportive and healing physical environments for the populations they serve.
The Museum of Science and Industry hosted one of the city’s premier cultural events, the 37th
annual Columbian Ball on October 7. The evening celebrated the Museum’s past, the impact MSI is making in the community with science education and its bolds plans for the future. Hundreds of guests enjoyed an evening of food, drink and dancing and had the chance to explore MSI’s
popular temporary exhibitions Robot Revolution and Brick by Brick. The ball was co-chaired by Christine and Matthew Boler and Julie and David Fisher with Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Ms. Amy Rule serving as honorary
co-chairs. Following a reception in MSI’s Entry Hall, accompanied by music by DJ E-Six, guests were ushered into the
historic Rotunda for dinner. Décor evoked a sense of old world extravagance, serving as a nod to the Museum’s rich history, as well as celebrating the innovations of this century. 
The evening's program was hosted by LaRoyce Hawkins, a Chicago-area native and one of the stars on NBC’s hit show “Chicago P.D.” The White City After Party kicked off after dinner in the Museum’s Entry Hall featuring a live DJ set by Rev Run and DJ Ruckus. (Photos by Jeff Shear)
For the 110th lighting of Macy's State Street's GREAT TREE, The Voice winner Jordan Smith, will be doing the honors in the Walnut Room on Saturday, November 4! Past celebrity tree lighters have included Ryan Seacrest, Lee DeWyze, Jordin Sparks and more! Can't wait!
Chicago area moms enjoyed a ladies night out with the nation's top parenting resource, Bump Club and Beyond, for a screening of A BAD MOMS CHRISTMAS (in partnership with STX Films) at the Music Box Theatre that concluded with an incredible surprise–the stars of the film (and BCAB's Lindsay Pinchuk) welcoming the enthusiastic crowd! Castmates Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, Cheryl Hines, Susan Sarandon and Kathryn Hahn shared fun tidbits about the film including what it
was like seeing Justin Hartley naked (all agreed it was one of the "best views during shooting") and how they enjoyed letting loose with lots of deep dish pizza and holiday cheer in our Windy City during the shoot. The cast took a selfie with the audience before departing. Bump Club and Beyond is the country's only community connecting parents and parents-to-be with the best resources, products and each other BOTH online and through dozens of premier events. With an
audience of over 300,000, BCB has sold out over 700 events since its inception just seven years ago. (Photos by TK Photography)
And a note of thanks to the "Playmate's Friend", Larry Armstrong who proved he was just that when
he sent me this darling gift! Who knew I was a Playboy Zippo Lighter! Thanks so much for this "hot" surprise Larry! LOL!
And speaking of Playboy, fans are already leaving their loving
kisses on Hef's final resting place (next to Marilyn Monroe's), in Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in LA. A bronze plaque is coming soon.
Well, that's it for this week's edition of Candid Candace! I have to apologize for being late with all this cool news but it was for a very good reason! My right hand man/friend, Dave Lawlor, and his
beautiful wife Cheryl took a long awaited and much deserved vaca/cruise! He's my go-to person who makes this blog possible so I hope you'll understand! Glad to have you back Dave! (Loved your romantic, relaxing vaca pics too! Sigh….)
And, as always, if you have any news you would like me to share, please don't hesitate to email me (Candace@CandidCandace.com) and, if you're not a subscriber, please join in the fun HERE! My list is never shared, only treasured!
Love always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. And, of course, something to make you smile! Rooney hopes you ALL have a boo-tiful Halloween!
Rooney looks great so cute and the lighter is a WOW
Lynnette
Loved listening to your interview on Steve Cochran’s show.plus was surprised to see a picture of author Scott Simon ( his mother Patricia was a patient of my Dad’s for years and years but has since passed) She was so very proud of all his accomplishments. Loved the Zippo lighter memorabilia Cudos <3
Wow! This is like your version of “War and Peace”. Lengthy and interesting. Thanks for including me in all of this. I really do enjoy it.