LYRIC'S RECORD-BREAKING WINE AUCTION; F.A.M.E. COMPETITION SPOTLIGHTS LOCAL TALENT; UNICEF GALA; GIORDANO/SAKS SHOW COMBINES FASHION AND DANCE; MARYVILLE HONORS COMMUNITY LEADERS; AMERICA'S BEAUTY SHOW AND WHAT I LEARNED; PETER AND RMHC'S SPARKLING DINNER; ADLER'S WOMEN IN SCIENCE LUNCHEON; PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE'S TALENT-FILLED ICONS GALA; CELEBRATING CHINA AT 40TH IWA GALA; NORTHWESTERN OSHER CENTER BENEFIT; SPACE 519 OPENS BIG; HOUSEWARES CHARITY FOUNDATION GALA; HEROES HONORED AT FRIENDS OF ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES DINNER; SAYING GOODBYE TO MARTY; CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S BRAND NEW FOOD BOWL; SOME OF MY FAV EVENTS!; THIS & THAT; VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!!!
The Big Green Gala, a private event hosted by Kimbal Musk (brother of Elon and son of supermodel Maye Musk) and Al Freidman, was held in the Ivy Room at Tree Studios on April 18. The event
benefited Big Green's work building a healthier future for Chicago's kids through its "Chicago 200" campaign. This initiative aims to build and support 200 Learning Gardens in Chicago Public Schools by July 2020, working with each of the
schools to implement the non-profit's garden-based, healthy eating programming. Big Green was founded in 2011 by Musk and Hugo Matheson. Kimbal and Hugo had co-founded The Kitchen Restaurant Group together in 2004 and were
supporting local school garden initiatives through their restaurants. They were inspired by the way school gardens can help kids increase their preference for nutritious foods, develop healthier responses to stress,
and improve their academic performance. They wanted to find a way to achieve that same kind of local impact at scale, so that children all over the country could reap the benefits of a thriving school garden. Enter their big idea, Big Green, created
as a replicable, scalable school garden solution. The first Learning Garden was built in Denver where it still thrives today. The program currently reaches over 250,000 students around the country each day and now they seek to accelerate growth and deepen
impact by expanding Learning Gardens and programming to ten total regions by 2020, reaching 500,000 students in 1,000 schools! The $6.1 million effort in Chicago will be the largest School Garden initiative in the United States serving over 30% of all schools in CPS. Way to go
Kimbal! Elon's got nothin' on you!
The Lyric Opera Wine Auction was hosted by the Women's Board of the Lyric Opera of Chicago on April 14. This highly anticipated triennial event celebrated a milestone 30th anniversary and was co-chaired by Nancy Searle and Keith Goldstein. The
legendary first-growth Bordeaux, Château Margaux, was the Honored Guest of Wine Auction 2018, and honoree Shirley Welsh Ryan was recognized for
her extraordinary vision in overseeing the first auction during her tenure as president 30 years ago and for her ongoing dedication to Lyric and musical expression throughout Chicago. The auction drew nearly 500 guests from around
the world and was held in the historic Lyric Opera House, built in 1929 and renowned for its beautiful Art Deco/Art Nouveau décor. The event commenced with a reception and silent auction in the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer,
followed by an elegant dinner and live auction on The Ken Pigott Stage of the Ardis Krainik Theatre,
specially expanded and decorated for the occasion. The setting underscored the Wine Auction’s raison d’être, which is to support the productions and community-engagement activities of the internationally acclaimed opera company. Attendees enjoyed the opportunity to bid on a record breaking 66 live auction lots and 138 silent lots showcasing
rare wines, luxury travel experiences, and amazing dining packages. The auction boasted over 1,000 bottles of wine, including 19 100-point perfect wines, making the
occasion a true prize for many. The stunning array of curated wines, luxury items, unique dining experiences, and exquisite travel packages was expertly auctioned live by Michael Davis and Ben Ferdinand of the venerable Hart Davis Hart Wine Co. Since its 1988 inception, Lyric’s Wine Auction has raised over $11 million. The proceeds go directly to Lyric’s annual campaign, which supports the world-renowned opera company’s activities.
"On Broadway: A Celebration of WTTW and WFMT," the organization’s annual fundraiser, was held May 2, at the Renée Crown Public Media Center, the organization’s production center on the northwest side of Chicago. This event, co-chaired
by Renée and Lester Crown, marked the debut of WTTW and WFMT’s newly minted President/CEO, Sandra Cordova Micek, who assumed the role on May 1. Approximately 400 of the city’s civic, business, and philanthropic leaders enjoyed cocktails and a performance, emceed by WTTW on-air personality Geoffrey Baer, that
featured Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley, Broadway star Robyn Hurder and principal dancer Lucas Segovia.
Other performers included singers Devin DeSantis and Courtney Mac, and Anastacia Holden, plus tap dancers and a choir of upcoming theatre artists aged 8-16. The show was directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell and Roberta
Duchak. Following the performance, there was an elegant dinner in a tent under the stars with cuisine provided by Jewell Events Catering, and after dinner, guests enjoyed coffee and Swirlz champagne cupcakes; floral centerpieces were by Kehoe Designs.
At the end of the evening, the centerpieces were donated to Random Acts of Flowers for mothers in neonatal intensive care units throughout the city. The event raised more than $1 million to support the quality programming on WTTW and WFMT. (The lead sponsor of On Broadway: A Celebration of WTTW and WFMT was BMO Harris Bank. The theme was inspired by the upcoming national PBS series "10 that changed america," a production of WTTW Chicago hosted by Geoffrey Baer, premiering nationally on July 10.
The 7th annual F.A.M.E. (Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment) was held at the Chicago Yacht Club Belmont on April 28. A sellout crowd enjoyed performances by 10 talented young singers and dancers who competed before a panel of judges for Best Dancer and Best Singer. Comedian Kelsie Huff
(creator of "The Kates", an all female comedy showcase) was a sensation as emcee and kept the program moving along all while keeping the crowd in stitches. (Catch her
performing all over Chicago if you can!) I was thrilled to be a judge alongside David O'Connor (nationally renowned casting agent), Denise Tomasello (Chicago cabaret queen) and Michael McStraw (executive director of Giordano Dance Chicago and Jazz Dance World Congress). The competition was fierce as each and every
performer was unique and so very talented. Exciting dance duo Derrick and Teh'ray performed an original piece that involved moves no one had ever seen before. Dancer Dakota Allesandrini performed to "You Raise Me Up" and singer Brian Jackson performed a powerful rendition of "Let It Be." In the end, the winners were dancer Haley Peterson and singer Andrew
Johnston, who loves the art from so much he performs on the street! Additional highlights included performances by past winners, dancer Miriam-Rose and singer Rebecca Brunner, The Voice Season 13, Team Blake contestant. (See her incredible performance of "Rise Up" here!) F.A.M.E. founder Lily Liu (Lily's Talent)
conceived the nonprofit in 2010 because she saw so many talented artists who weren't able to follow their dreams due to their financial circumstances. She said her mission was to recognize this talent and support them so they don't give up. "We need to keep Chicago alive and healthy in the arts and entertainment," she said. Amen to that Lily! Thanks for all you do! (For more info, click here)
The Midwest Regional Office of UNICEF USA hosted its 11th annual UNICEF Gala Chicago at The Geraghty on April 28 to raise funds for UNICEF’s work to save and improve the
lives of the world’s most vulnerable children. Over 500 guests enjoyed a seated dinner, remarks by Caryl Stern (president/CEO UNICEF USA); Beth McCostlin (managing director of the Midwest Regional Office) and gala co-chairs Sheilah Burnham and Kim Cornell. Entertainment was provided by Musicality and the Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra. Notable attendees included Vice Chair: Hilary
Scott; Auction Chair: Camille Julmy; Gala Committee: Amy Brown, Bill Dietz, Jude Fitzgerald, Mary Lou Giustini, Kathy Lai, Nicole Lazaroff, Emily Merjan, Ashley Prasad, Will Seibold,
Susan Sholl and Susie Silich; and additional guests: Joe Dombrowski (Mr. D – UNICEF Kid Power Champion), Ashish Prasad, Rob Brown, Joseph Silich, Tina and Byron Trott, Lisa Giacosa, Jennifer Glaspie, Kyle Moles, Latha Sundaram, Iliana Alvarenga, Sarah de Blasio, Nev Fazlioski, Jeff Feste, Margaret Graver LeFevour, Andy Meyer, Catherine Jones, Ali Parker, Samuel Gage, Zach Von Ahnen and others.
Maryville's Guardian Medallion Award Gala honored community leaders William and Jean O’Neill with the 2018 Guardian Medallion Award and Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne M. Burke with the Spirit of Maryville Award on April 20 at
Morgan Manufacturing. The O’Neills were honored for their decades-long support of Maryville and, in particular, for their support of Maryville’s Center for Children on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Justice Burke was recognized for her part in enriching the lives of
thousands of children as a co-founder of the Special Olympics which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. For 23 years, the O’Neills have given generously to Maryville,” said Sister Catherine M. Ryan, O.S.F., Maryville’s executive director. “They have touched the lives of countless children and families.” The recipient of the Spirit of Maryville Award Illinois Justice Anne M. Burke “opened the doors to sport for thousands of children,” Sister Ryan said.
A first-time collaboration between Giordano Dance Chicago and Saks Fifth Avenue (Michigan Ave.) was a sellout on Thursday, April 26, at the Vista (345 E. Upper Wacker Dr.) The fashion show was expertly
curated by Nena Ivon and featured spring 2018 trends with segments titled "Logomania", "Transparency", "Embellish Me", "Tropical", "The Kitten Heel" and more. A highlight of the event
was the opening segment with the handsome, talented men of Giordano Dance who performed "Vogue" with boundless energy and enthusiasm, a company trademark. Artistic director Nan Giordano was in
attendance following foot surgery looking elegant in silver boots and a silver-topped cane (we all know nothing can keep this dynamo down!) Stylish guests in attendance included Susan and Joel Carlins, Susan Mazzoni, Dominick DiFrisco, Randy and Steven Fifield,
Mark Olley, Mary Lasky, Saks' John Bourgeois and Matt Brown (Saks VP/GM), Giordano's Michael McStraw and Cesar Salinas, Marie Mancuso, Kip Helverson and many others. The evening's proceeds benefited Giordano Dance! Oh what a night!!!! Fingers crossed, it will become an annual event!
Thanks to Dori Wilson, PR whiz extraordinaire, I had the opportunity to visit this year's America's Beauty Show at McCormick Place. I hadn't been in a number of years
and wasn't sure what to expect, but was happy to see that it was a veritable 3-ring circus of beauty! There was something for everyone! Hair trends focused on bright,
unusual, definitely not natural, hair coloring. Every kind of makeup you could think of, at wholesale prices, lured lines of buyers especially at the Morphe makeup brush booth! Beauty expert Brenda Arelano told me it was because of social media since these tools are used in so many YouTube/Insta makeup
tutorials. My personal favorite was the Redken booth, where it was most certainly a PARTEEE, right down to the cowboy dancing in boots and black, sequined undies with a guitar slung over his shoulder for effect. He and the models
engaged the crowd in a line dance with not a product in sight–the party was more than enough to bring awareness to the brand! Two models stood stationary in black and silver gowns holding torches high above their heads ala the Statue of Liberty…..I didn't want to leave. Next year's show, although open only to industry peeps, will be held April 27 thru the 29th. I hope Redken returns….maybe with another cowboy or two?
The Adler Planetarium Women’s Board held its annual Women in Space Science Award Celebration on April 24, at the Drake Hotel. The event, hosted by Meg Sauer, Women’s Board 
president, and Dr. Carsi Hughes, event chair, honored Dr. Rosaly Lopes, a senior research scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and first female editor-in-chief of Icarus, a scientific journal
dedicated to the field of planetary science. For sixteen years the Women’s Board has recognized trailblazing women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) with the goal of inspiring young women to pursue careers in these disciplines. More than 350 
guests enjoyed a keynote address by Dr. Lopes, who discussed her career path, highlighting findings from her discovery of 71 active volcanoes on lo-Jupiter’s fourth largest moon during the Galileo Flight Project and her
work on the Cassini voyage. She shared the inspiration she found along the way, and said that the most important work a scientist does is to inspire the next generation. A highlight of the event was a student program that immediately followed the
luncheon and held at the Adler. Approximately 250 young women from Chicago-area schools enjoyed an inspiring talk and Q&A opportunity with Dr. Lopes and an afternoon of engaging STEM workshops with Adler educators and volunteers. Dr. Lopes' many awards and recognitions include the American Astronomical Society’s Carl Sagan medal for excellence in communicating science to the public and a mention in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Porchlight Music Theatre's 2018 ICONS Gala brunch was held on April 15 at the Ritz Carlton, setting new attendance and fundraising records! The event,
chaired by Tamara Sim, included a variety of performances from Chicago’s leading talents celebrating the nearly 80-year career of Fred Astaire and the presentation of the 2018 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago to Brenda Didier. David Fiorello,
pianist and vocalist, served as music director for the afternoon opening with the classic Fred Astaire hit song “Top Hat, White Tie and Tails." Executive Director
Jeannie Lukow welcomed the crowd and shared highlights of the past season including the launch of Porchlight’s youth “Write Your Own Musical” summer camp and the move to its new home at Ruth Page Center for the Arts.
Director Michael Weber followed with a review of the incredible life of this year’s ICON honoree Fred Astaire. He introduced multi Jeff Award-winning Matt Crowle for an audience pleasing and astonishing tap dance performance to “A Shine on
Your Shoes.” Weber then presented The Guy Adkins Award for the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago to director/choreographer Didier. Her honest, heartfelt speech showed why she is so beloved by the community. She shared stories of
growing up a tomboy and then discovering her love of dance, a love that was and is still inspired by her mother Jeanne, her late father and her husband Mike, but especially by her brother Darryl who lost his battle to cancer. Didier’s own battle with
breast cancer strengthened her resolve to appreciate each moment given to her. Before brunch was served, the audience delighted in another dance performance, this time to “Begin the Beguine” from Broadway Melody of 1940, performed by Michael George and Joe Capstick. Two virtuoso dance couples, Dina DiCostanzo and Tammy Mader and Steven Spanopoulos and Tedd Greenwood, then danced to
“Change Partners.” Bill Ingraham, artistic associate and board of directors alum, and Porchlight alum Keeley Vasquez joined Greg Dellinger (G-Man! One of my favorite auctioneers!) for the live auction. The afternoon ended with James Earl Jones II, who is currently starring in Porchlight Music Theatre’s Memphis at the Ruth Page Center, giving the audience a sample of the 2018-2019 season by singing “Is Anybody There?” from 1776.
I was thrilled to organize a wonderful get-together/dinner between famed and beloved jeweler Peter Martino and the Ronald McDonald House Women's Board at Lurie Children's. The event took place at the elegant Marchesa Chicago on Tuesday, April 24 and was packed with over 30
WB members and friends. Peter had meticulously and beautifully arranged his exquisite jewels as centerpieces on each table, inviting the guests to try on and ooh and aah at will. Holly Buckendahl (RMHC-CNI CEO) looked beautiful in a butterfly earring and ring set as did Nina Mariano who sported an eye-popping
diamond, sapphire and aquamarine ring. It was a wonderful opportunity to get together with like-minded people in an atmosphere like this and all agreed, it was a great success. Peter donated a portion of the sales to the charity and even offered to donate a special piece for RMHC's Annual Gala that took place on May 5. Peter is someone you should know who devotes a large amount of time and money to many, many charities across the country. Hats off and jewels on Peter! Thanks for all you do!
The 40th IWA (International Women Associates) Gala celebrated China in grand style with the theme, "China, Love Through the Dynasties" and was held at the Peninsula on April 28. The event attracted over 300 guests including several
dignitaries: Liu Jun, Deputy Consul General of China, Naoki Ito (Consul General of Japan), Umut Acar (Consul General of Turkey), Andre King (Honorary Consul Barbados), Olavi Goos (Consul of Finland), Marvin Brustin (Honoary Consul of Nepal) and Karen Abuzayd, UN Commissioner and IWA's 2015 Woman Extraordinaire). The evening
began with specialty cocktails, "The Last Emperor" and "Empress Love" and an opening "Lion Dance." 12 courses, prepared by Shanghai Terrace Chef Elmo Han, were served family-style on lazy susans with each course named after an ancient Chinese love poem.
During dinner, the Chinese Music Ensemble from Northern Illinois University performed. The gala was chaired for the 2nd year by beautiful Elizabeth Jia, who even engaged her mother in the evening's activities! She brought 300 chopsticks with panda holders all the way from Beijing for the crowd as souvenirs! Guests were also gifted with copies of the China Gala Book, 98 pages that featured the organization's members (or their mothers) and their personal stories of China during the last century.
Nearly 450 of Chicago’s top health enthusiasts, business professionals and philanthropists came together in celebration of medical advances and research during the 4th annual Northwestern Medicine Osher Center for
Integrative Medicine Benefit, held at the Four Seasons Hotel April 18. The signature Benefit was held in honor of the Osher Center’s mission to amplify conventional medicine by practicing innovative, integrative and personalized treatments. Benefit keynote
and health industry pioneer, Tieraona Low Dog captivated event guests with a speech on the importance of integrative medicine and the latest scientific
breakthroughs. Low Dog served as the ideal candidate to speak on this topic, having served as the founding director of Medicine Lodge Ranch. Guests also heard from Benefit Chair and AzCIM Certified Integrative Health Coach and Lifestyle Practitioner, Karen Malkin
who addressed how food is our greatest revitalizer, preventer and healer. “We were thrilled to host an event where guests experienced first-hand Food As Medicine, as every dish
was packed with anti-inflammatory nutrients that promote health and vitality,” said Malkin. “Nutrition is a cornerstone of integrative medicine and at the Osher Center, we are committed to helping individuals reach their optimal health.” Additionally,
celebrity trainer and IM Aware Advisory Council President, handsome Jim Karas was a presenter and Executive Director at the Osher Center, Melinda Ring,
offered information on how philanthropy supports the mission of the Osher Center. The Center is the University’s only official center for integrative medicine providing consults, primary care, traditional Chinese medicine, chiropractic, naturopathic medicine, body and energy work, health psychology, mind-body medicine, nutrition counseling, smoking cessation and a diverse array of wellness classes.
The housewares industry came together to “Unite, Celebrate, Support” at the Housewares Charity Foundation’s (HCF) 21st annual gala on March 12 at
Navy Pier with nearly 1000 guests in attendance. Held annually in conjunction with the International Home + Housewares Show, this year’s gala honored Shelley Salomon, VP Home, Pets and Toys at Amazon, with the Lifetime
Humanitarian Award; Bill Dillard III, senior VP, was honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award and Georg J.
Riedel, owner Riedel, was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The 2018 theme, “Unite, Celebrate, Support,” reflected the philosophy and mission of the HCF, which brings the housewares
industry together to unite and promote its philanthropic image, raise funds for charities and celebrate the honorees who are selected for their humanitarian support and exceptional leadership. The
event, co-chaired by Phil Brandl (president/CEO of the International Housewares Association) and Herb Landsman (executive VP of merchandising at TJX Companies), featured eight tasting stations hosted by James Beard Foundation chefs including Jimmy Bannos Jr., Rick Bayless, Abraham Conlon, Gale Gand, Sarah Grueneberg, Beverly Kim
and Johnny Clark, Bruce Sherman and Lee Wolen. Dinner featured a three-course meal designed by Tony Mantuano (chef/partner, Spiaggia Restaurant). Proceeds from the event, over $1.8 million, benefited the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the HCF’s legacy charity. Since the first gala in 1998, HCF has raised more than $50 million and has been credited with donating more than $28 million to BCRF.
SPACE 519, one of Chicago’s top fashion and lifestyle retail destinations, relocated and opened as an expanded flagship store on April 5 on the ground floor of The Seneca at 200 E. Chestnut Street. At 5,000 square feet, the new location doubled the space of the current store
and featured its signature mix of apparel, accessories, home, apothecary and gift offerings, along with a 40-person sit-down restaurant called The Lunchroom and an all-day coffee café. The grand
opening attracted nearly 200 guests on April 19 and was a veritable who's who of Chicago who mixed and mingled among the stylish offerings, enjoying champagne, light bites and of course, SHOPPING! “For more than seven years, my partner Lance [Lawson] and I have traveled 10 months out of the year to assure that SPACE 519 continues to serve as the ‘go-
to’ destination for savvy clients who appreciate fresh takes on the every day,” says Jim Wetzel, co-owner of SPACE 519. “This expansion was the obvious next step in our evolution as a lifestyle brand and will allow us to share
more hard-to-find brands with our established clients and those who are yet to come.” As part of this growth, SPACE 519 will open an in-house sit-down restaurant, The Lunchroom, featuring a vegetable-forward California cuisine-style lunch and weekend brunch menu centering on soups, salads, sandwiches and other classic lunch/brunch dishes.
The menu will focus on freshness, creativity and locally-sourced ingredients and feature rotating weekly specials. Wine and beer will also be served. “We have traveled all over Europe and North America searching out many of the world’s best lunch cafés to gather inspiration for our first-ever restaurant concept,” says Lawson. “The Lunchroom represents the final piece in our long-held dream of bringing a fully integrated European-style concept store to Chicago.”
More than 800 community leaders gathered recently at the Hilton Chicago for the Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Illinois Annual Dinner, which celebrated Israel’s and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)’s 70th anniversary, raising $2.5 million to support well-being and educational programs for IDF soldiers. The evening, one of the Chicago Jewish
community’s largest events, featured active-duty IDF soldiers, including one the world’s few women flight navigators; wounded IDF Sgt. Elad Horwitz, who survived a gunshot to the head during the 2014 Operation Protective Edge in Gaza; and Amir Ofer, a hero of Operation Entebbe, the famous Israeli rescue mission at Uganda’s Entebbe Airport in 1976. During his long recovery, FIDF supported
Horwitz through its Wounded Soldiers Program and partnership with Brothers For Life. “My battalion was the first to enter Gaza. After about an hour, with tanks firing
and helicopters overhead, my unit came under heavy fire. Suddenly I felt a blow to my head – and I couldn't see or hear anything,” said Horowitz. “While I was lying in my hospital bed, still not yet able to take in all that had happened to me and filled with pain, FIDF sent a delegation to visit me and my injured friends.” Ofer was a key figure in
the Entebbe rescue operation that saved 102 hijacked Air France passengers held hostage by terrorists. Ofer, who was then a soldier in the IDF’s most elite special operations unit, was the first Israeli commando to enter the Entebbe Airport terminal, where he used a megaphone to tell the hostages, “Stay down! Stay down! We are Israeli soldiers!” One of the evening’s emotional highlights came when Staff Sgt. Ori Kulbak, originally from Skokie and a Lone Soldier – one who enlists in the IDF without immediate family in Israel – currently serving in the IDF’s elite Paratroopers Brigade, was reunited with his family onstage.The event honored Chicago
entrepreneurs and philanthropists Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller for their dedication to Israel’s troops. Co-chairing the event were Judith Joy and Bruce Miller and Alicia Oberman and Aaron Oberman. Presiding as the evening’s emcee was Steve Miller. The IDF Musical Ensemble performed a selection of popular and traditional Israeli music. “I’m thrilled and proud that FIDF and our supporters were able to play a part
in these soldiers’ lives,” said FIDF Midwest Executive Director Tamir Oppenheim. “As they did 70 years ago, the brave heroes of the IDF put it all on the line to protect Israel and Jews around the world. Our dinner was an incredible opportunity for our supporters to celebrate Israel’s 70th anniversary, while meeting and personally thanking the young men and women who look after the Jewish state today.” Other distinguished guests at the dinner included former U.S. Senator from Illinois Mark Kirk, Consul General of Israel to the Midwest United States Aviv Ezraand Einat Ezra; FIDF Central Region Chairman Daniel J. Hyman; FIDF Central Region President Thomas Kane; FIDF National Director and CEO Maj. Gen. (Res.) Meir Klifi-Amir; and FIDF Illinois Director Orley Desser.
Excited to be included in CS Magazine's Dynamic Women May 2018 feature alongside dynamos like Randy Fifield, Frances Renk, Kristina McGrath, Janet Owen, Michelle Durpetti and more! Special thanks to CS' Jeremy Bentivegna for organizing this fun feature/shoot at the Gwen Chicago! Photographer Mary Carol Fitzgerald did a GREAT job! Hope you agree! (For a link to all the participants, click here!)
Such sad news hearing of Marty Gutilla's passing on April 23. He was a longtime fixture on the Rush Street scene, first in 1975 as a partner in Sweetwater with Steve Lombardo, Doug Buffone and Bob Marsico and in 1986, he went on to own and operate Eddie Rockets. In 1998, he opened Tavern on Rush, the legendary Gold Coast restaurant which celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this month. This restaurant was his pride and joy. He loved this city and was devoted to his neighborhood. He's survived by his two children Shauna Gutilla Kelley and Sam Gutilla and his two grandchildren Anna and Christopher Kelley. RIP dear Marty…you will be sorely missed.
Mark your calendars for a brand new FOOD FESTIVAL! The Chicago Tribune will host "Food Bowl", a weeklong festival starting August 8. Inspired by a
concept launched by sister paper the Los Angeles Times, the Tribune's Food Bowl will feature curated dinners, panel discussions, community outings and other food-focused events throughout Chicago! Scheduled to run Aug.
8 thru 26th, the Bowl is accepting community partners! Just submit an event proposal to be considered at ctfood-bowl.com. (For more info about this exciting new event, click here!)
Just a reminder, mark your calendars for the Eversight Illinois Gift of Sight Gala on Thursday, June 28, at the Peninsula (proud to be co-chairing with MyEyeDr's Michael Caputo and honoring Marco Foster and Dr. Elmer Tu!) (Tickets/info here)! The Green Tie Ball (that I'm delighted to co-chair with Nina Mariano) will be on Friday, Sept. 14, at The Geraghty! (Tickets/details here!) There will be a big surprise on this
event coming soon! I would also like to invite you to join me on Tuesday, October 2, when I will be honored by Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind at the Loew's Hotel–A FUN FASHION SHOW for a wonderful cause! (Tickets/info here!) JOIN ME!!!!
Looks like spring has finally sprung! One reporter said it had been 200 days since we had warm weather like this!? That is just too crazy for words! Cardinals are already swarming around our balcony and, today, we saw a beautiful Baltimore Oriole! My pasty little face is just dying for sunshine! Hope you all get a chance to enjoy it soon too!
Love, as always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. Grab a hanky for happy tears…..
Once again what a small world..while reading your column I noticed a dear former patient of my Dad’s, Pam Sage. We just loved her mother Kay,her daughter Cameron and of course Pam. hope all is well with you Candice, Fondly Laurie
Thanks so much Laura! I’m always so happy to hear from you! Thanks for taking the time to send me this sweet message! It is a small world for sure! Hope to see you soon too!