ART INSTITUTE HOSTS JEFF KOONS; REAL (CHICAGO) MEN WEAR PINK; A STERLING EVENT; AN EVENING WITH IZZY; WALTON STREET KITCHEN REVIEW; CLAF'S ILLUMINATING GALA; ROCKY'S "BREAKAWAY"; 900 SHOPS HOLIDAY KICK-OFF; ELDA'S CHIC NEW ADDRESS; 25 HOT EVENT PICKS; CHICAGO LIGHTS PROJECT; INTERVIEW WITH LIFE 2.0'S JOHN ST. AUGUSTINE; HEFNER MEMORABILIA AUCTION; VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!
Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC), hosted its 13th annual “Dancing With The Giordano Stars” ballroom dance competition to benefit GDC and its educational outreach programs at Park West on Oct. 4. More than 450 supporters attended this uber-popular dance party raising more than $262,000 for GDC and its programs.
“This was our most successful DWGS benefit ever, thanks to the generosity of the attendees and our sponsors, but especially the generosity of time, energy and heart of the contestants” said GDC artistic director Nan Giordano. Patterned after the hit
ABC series “Dancing With The Stars,” this popular dance competition/benefit paired GDC professional dancers with their pre-selected partners from the who’s who of Chicago’s civic, social and business communities to vie for “Best
Male Dancer” and “Best Female Dancer” honors before a panel of celebrity judges. Judges for this year’s competition were Jim Karas (founder of Intelligent Fitness and Wellness), Ashley Wheater (Joffrey Ballet’s artistic director) and Ji Suk Yi (Chicago Sun-Times media star). After much deliberation, they selected Ben Hess (with GDC dancer Ashley Downs) as “Best Male Dancer” and Tina Monaghan (with GDC's Cesar G. Salinas), as “Best
Female Dancer.” (Monaghan also garnered the People’s Choice award!) Honorable mention went to Dr. Otto Aldana (with Katie Rafferty). I was so happy to be the emcee this year and NOT on the judging panel. I don't know how in the world they could choose among all of that dynamic talent. All of the competitors worked so hard, many
designing their own costumes, to participate on behalf of this outstanding nonprofit. The full slate of male contestants (and their GDC dance partners) were Dr. Otto Aldana (with Katie Rafferty), Matt Brown (with Ari Israel), Thomas Buckley (with Maeghan McHale), Ben Hess (with Ashley Downs) and Ryan Jacobson (with
Mariterese Altonsino). The female contestants (and their GDC dance partners) were Whitney Bischoff Angel (with Joshua Blake Carter), Jenny Ames (with Zachary Heller), Pam Cullerton (with Devin Buchanan), Leslie Glazier (with Jacob Frazier), Tina Monaghan (with Cesar G. Salinas), Aida Johnson-Rapp (with Adam Houston) and Dr. Joanna Slusky
(with Ryan Galloway). Event co-chairs were past contestants Susan Carlins (GDC board member) and Christine D’hondt. Event committee members are GDC artistic director Nan Giordano, Sandy Golub (GDC board member), Pat Manus, Dr. Stacie McClane, Molly Newell (GDC board member) and
Sheri Passalino. Following a reception, expertly and deliciously catered by Inspired Catering & Events, the GDC company dancers treated the audience to a sneak peek of choreographer Ray Leeper’s newest work “SOUL"
(more info on this below). The competition followed with each couple performing a compulsory Foxtrot and a dance of their choice such as Cha Cha, Swing, Rumba, Salsa or Tango. I'm getting so excited to see
Giordano Dance Chicago present its fall series at the Harris Theater on Sat/Sun, October 26/27! I've been privy to some behind-the-scenes rehearsals and I can quite honestly say, I've never seen anything as exciting as what they are going to show you over this weekend. I'm particularly thrilled to see the new Ray Leeper (“So You Think You Can Dance,” “America’s Got Talent”) piece, "SOUL", that was created in my honor and will debut Friday night in the finale! Please join me to celebrate this remarkable dance company!! (For tickets, $15-$75, call 312.334.7777 or visit www.harristheaterchicago.org) (Most photos by Philip Thomas)
The Women's Board of the Art Institute of Chicago hosted its 2nd annual Lecture Luncheon, this year featuring renowned artist Jeff Koons on October 4. The first part of the program included a meet-and-greet reception with Koons, followed by a personal and insightful Q & A with President/Eloise Martin Director of the Art Institute of Chicago, James
Rondeau and Koons. The event, co-chaired by Cathy Busch and Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel, ended with a Koons-inspired luncheon in beautiful Griffin Court that included balloon-shaped dog cookies in honor of his
iconic sculptures! The occasion was a celebration of our dynamic museum community, the thought-provoking beauty of art in our lives, and the gift that is our world-class museum in the City of Chicago. Funds raised from the event will provide critical support for the Museum's Learning and Public Engagement initiatives. The Women's Board generously underwrote tickets for SAIC students to attend the lecture free of charge. Awwww……(Mark Campbell photos)
So proud of all the supportive men in and around Chicago who participated in the "Real Men Wear Pink" campaign to raise awareness for breast cancer. The campaign is halfway over (ends Oct 31) and the "real men" of Chicago have, thus far, raised nearly $93,000 to date. A special shout-out to one of my faves, Tom
Kehoe, who hosted a kick-ass "pink party" at his beautiful home in Old Town on October 17. Other participants include former Chicago Bear Desmond Clark, Wayne White (EVP North Central Region of the American Cancer Society) and Chuck Maniscalco, a retired executive and cancer “thriver” who shared his cancer story with the audience.
A Silver Lining Foundation hosted its 14th annual “A Sterling Event” at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place on September 29. The elegant black-tie gala benefited the programs of ASLF, including its "Buy A Mom A Mammogram®" program which funds the entire spectrum of breast health testing
(mammograms through biopsy) for uninsured and underinsured individuals. More than 325 people attended helping raise more than $300,000. Event proceeds will provide potentially lifesaving cost-free testing to those who would
otherwise fall through the cracks. The gala featured live and silent auctions as well as a cocktail reception, dinner, live entertainment and dancing. The Roosevelt University women’s softball team, the Lakers, were in
attendance, volunteering in many areas throughout the night including the live auction and during the entertainment. The 2018 “A Sterling Event” Evy Award honored CIBC. Founded in 2002, ASLF has evolved from a single outreach program connecting those in need with breast health resources and information to a funder of life-saving breast health testing.
Benny's Chophouse owner Vince Naccarato, hosted a cocktail party reception in honor of Israel "Izzy" Idonije with a select group of his longtime supporters. During the event, Izzy thanked the crowd for their ongoing support of iF Charities' and its commitment to at-risk youth in under-served communities, not only
here, but also in West Africa, through the many programs the organization provides. He encouraged attendees to join him on his birthday at "An Evening with iF Charities," on Saturday, November 17 at 19 E. 21st Street. The night will honor entrepreneur/philanthropist Chris Gardner. (The film, "The Pursuit of Happyness", was based on his inspiring life). (For tickets, $125, and more info, click here!)
The new hotspot, Walton Street Kitchen + Bar (912 N. State), was wonderful! Food was terrific–we had the salmon, pork chop, Caesar wedge salad and house salad–each perfectly prepared by Chef John Keeley. The newly opened
restaurant/bar was a little noisy (wooden tables with no tablecloths on top of wooden floors) and something has to be done about the streetlights shining into the restaurant but otherwise, a perfectly enjoyable night, especially with the company we kept (with Whitney Lasky and Jim Karas)! The coziest room is the tiny lounge downstairs–wish I could dine there.
The Trotter Project will host its 2nd annual Excellence Gala on Sat., Oct. 27, at Revel Fulton Market with Michelin-starred Spanish Chef Andoni Luis. The gala will support the nonprofit's mission of providing scholarships and guidance to under-served children and young adults interested in the culinary and hospitality arts. For tickets/more info, click here!
Cindy Galvin hosted an intimate book signing at Maze Home (735 Elm St.), her furniture and design store in Winnetka, for Rocky Wirtz. His recent book "The Breakaway" reveals the untold story of the Chicago Blackhawks and the Wirtz family, how their empire came together—fell apart–and came back
together again. Rocky has not only had success within his family, but success in turning around the family’s holdings and starting a new era for the Blackhawks. A true tale that is almost a "sibling drama of Shakespearean proportions." This is exciting reading about hockey, business and family – AND the proceeds of the book’s sales will go to the
Blackhawks Charities. Almost 150 guests attended (with 450 books being sold!). Among the attendees were Kelly and Mike Golden with their children, Pat and Patsy Callahan, Katy Sutter Foundries and Dr. John Golan, Nancy Berman, Dianne Bader, Kathleen Boehn and Elsa Fuwa, Barbara Grimes, Denise Borkowski, Jay Blunk (Blackhawks’ Executive VP) and his wife Marci, as well as Hockey
Hall of Famer Tony Esposito. Galvin's Maze Home regularly holds a myriad of special events in the store and is known for its uniqueness and selection of home furnishings, decorative accessories and gifts not only from the United States, but from all over the world. Bardes interiors, Cindy Galvin’s design firm, is also housed at Maze and her interior design work stretches from New York to Rhode Island to Vail, California and Chicago. (See video below) (Photos by Bonnie Robinson)
The Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation hosted its 14th Annual Illumination Gala at the Palmer House on September 21. The fundraiser raised nearly $256,000 and featured dinner, dancing, cocktails, interactive dessert stations, nail and body painting stations, photo booths and live music by Hey Jimmy!
Wowza! If you were bored at this event, you weren't trying! This year’s Illumination Award recipients were Lou Raizin, (president of Broadway In Chicago), and Roche Schulfer (executive director of the Goodman Theatre), for their
profound impact on the Loop’s arts and cultural district. Gala Co-Chairs were Dean Lane (Palmer House & Hiltons of Chicago) and Melissa Smith (Impact Networking). The CLAF is a nonprofit organization that pushes the limits of what a downtown can be for its residents, workers and 
visitors. The Foundation also seeks to enrich the Loop’s public spaces through artistic expression and free cultural programming. By building a connection between people and the places they share, the CLAF hopes to create an inclusive downtown environment that fosters creativity and enhances the Loop’s appeal to the people and businesses that are a part of it. (Photos by Purple Photo Co.)
A special kick-off party for this year's Illuminate 900 was held at Artspace8 on October 11 to celebrate the 900 Shops' upcoming BIG holiday celebration set for November 15! Santa was there as well as the Real Elf, Tommy Holl, along with excited host committee members David Murga, Tom Kehoe, Mark Olley, Julie Barrish, Tracey Tarantino and so many
others! Drinks flowed, pics were snapped and everyone could feel the spirit of Christmas, coming right around the corner! I hope you can join us at this joyful celebration, FREE to ALL, that will include the unveiling of the Great Tree, Santa photo opps, sing-a-longs, surprise entertainment and so much more! JOIN US!
Good news for the legion of fans of fashion designer Elda de la Rosa! She has a brand, new (chic) location at 49 E. Oak Street, by appointment only! I've been a client for years and she has always nailed each and every vision (and hare-brained idea) that I brought to her. Her designs are so timeless and elegant that even her older pieces that I own are still on trend today. To schedule an appointment, email info@eldadelarosacouture.com.
There are so many great events coming up and I wanted to share some of my top picks with you here. Please visit the nonprofits' websites for ticketing and more info. 1) The Jackson Chance Ping Pong Ball on Thursday, November 8 at the St. Jane; 2) WINGS TO CURE hosted by the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation on Saturday, November 10 at Navy Pier; 3) Service Club of Chicago's LET'S ROAR Gala co-chaired by Sherrill Bodine, Sally Jo Morris and Jamie K. Thorsen at the Four Seasons on Friday, November 2; 4) "An Evening with iF Charities"
hosted by founder Izzy Idonije on Saturday, November 17 honoring philanthropist Chris Gardner at 19 East Event Gallery; 5) Union League Boys & Girls Clubs' "Made in Chicago Gala" on Saturday, November 3 at the Union League Club; 6) Susan G. Komen's "The Greatest Show Under the Big Pink Top" on Saturday, October 27 at Cinespace; 7) True Blue event for the Chicago Police Foundation on Saturday, November 3 at the Four Seasons; 8) The
Theatre School at DePaul University presents "Lights Up" on Monday, November 5; 9) St. Jude Fashion Show fundraiser on Sunday, November 18 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center; 10) Museum of Broadcast Communications
hosts the Schweddy Ball on Saturday, December 15 at the museum; 11) The Art Institute of Chicago hosts Masterpiece 19 on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at the museum; 12) Misericordia hosts its "Heart of Mercy Ball" on Friday, November 16; 13) Allegrezza singers will perform an exciting holiday show at the Chicago Temple on
Friday, December 14; 14) The Women's Board of the Winnetka Community House presents its annual Antiques + Modernism Show on November 2-4 at 620 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka; 15) Rush Hospital's "Road to Freedom" featuring Condoleeza Rice at the Four Seasons on Friday, November 2; 16) The National Museum of Mexican Art presents its "Love
Never Dies" gala on Saturday, November 3; 17) Working in the Schools (WITS) will present its annual Blackboard Affair on Saturday, November 3; 18) Friends of La Rabida will host its annual Awards Celebration on Thursday,
November 15 at the Ritz-Carlton; 19) Chicago Consular Corps will present its annual Gala at the Hilton Chicago on Friday, November 30; 20) Lurie Children's Hospital will host its 60th annual Children's Ball on Saturday, December 1 at the Hilton
Chicago; 21) The Polish American Medical Society (PAMS) will host its annual PAMS Gala at the Ritz-Carlton on Saturday, February 16 (proud to return as emcee for this fun-filled night!) 22) Mark your calendars for next year's "Dancing With the Giordano Stars" on Thursday, October 3, 2019, at the Park West (This popular event always sells out so it's good to plan ahead!) 23) The Brookfield Zoo will host its annual Whirl Gala on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at the beautiful zoo; 24) The Primo Center will host its annual One Gala at the Geraghty on Friday, November 2; 25) Girls in the Game hosts annual "Field of Dreams Gala" on Thursday, February 21 at the Intercontinental Chicago.
I always love chatting with longtime popular radio personality John St. Augustine but this interview might be my favorite so far. He has a way of bringing out things in you that you didn't know was there. In this wide-ranging interview we discuss everything from my high school reunion, what it feels like going home, how Playboy came into my life, thoughts on the late/great Hugh Hefner and the current state of Playboy and the magazine, my wonderful husband Chuck, my AH HA moment and so much more. Listen here!
And speaking of Playboy, the Hugh M. Hefner Foundation will be auctioning off important memorabilia from Hefner's life at an auction on November 30 and December 1 at Julien's Auction House in Los Angeles. Don't plan on bidding on anything though since I'm buying it all!
Getting excited to view the Chicago Lights exhibition opening on Friday, November 16, at the Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th Street) from 6- 10 pm! The audio/visual exhibit focuses on 80 prominent and not-so-prominent Chicagoans whose "inner light shines brightly." Shot by British photographer Abigail Zoe Martin, the evening will include cocktails, live entertainment and light bites. Be sure and bring headphones as each photograph is interactive. For tickets, which benefit Breakthrough, a nonprofit in East Garfield Park which partners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills and open doors of opportunity. (info@abigailzoemartin.com)
That's it for this week! I love the smell of fall in the air and the gorgeous yellow leaves creating a magnificent curtain off our balcony. It's truly our favorite time of the year. I can't wait to fill the house with scents of pumpkin spice, buy pumpkin coffee and wear pumpkin-colored sweaters. I hope you're enjoying the change in seasons too! And what's even more exciting? Christmas is right around the corner. I think I'm putting up my tree a lot earlier this year!
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
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