Category Archives: Books

…PLUS JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS; COSTUME COUNCIL’S DECADES LUNCHEON; JACK AND THE GREEN COAT GALA; A NEW ONLINE ART RESOURCE; PAUL STUART'S RAT PACK; PATRICK SHARP SUITS UP FOR ZEGNA; JANE MONZURES’ LIVE.LOVE.LIFE; JUBALEE!; URBAN LEAGUE’S FELLOWSHIP DINNER; SUSAN G. KOMEN PAINTS IT PINK; DIFFA’S DINING BY DESIGN AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

The Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) held its annual Gala Benefit on October 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with more than 350 of Chicago’s civic, corporate and cultural leaders in attendance. In keeping with the theme “ANIMAL: What Makes Us Human”, the ballroom was transformed into an animal-
embellished sanctuary. Tables featured animal print runners and floral arrangements adorned with peacock and pheasant feathers, all created by Flower Firm. Attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner provided by the Four Seasons, which
included a dessert sampling with edible chocolate tigers and giraffes in homage to the theme. After dinner, the Chicago Humanities Festival recognized Robert R. McCormick Foundation for its strong commitment to the humanities and its long-standing partnership
with CHF. Current CHF Board Chair Bill Fraumann presented the honor to President and Chief Executive Officer David D. Hiller. “We were delighted to be part of that very special evening,” said David D. Hiller. “We have had a long and fruitful partnership, supporting educational efforts and
celebrating those things that, in the words of this year’s festival, make us human and humane.” Following the first award presentation, CHF saluted three key academic partners: Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois, who
were honored as vital partners in CHF’s mission to bring renowned pioneers and thinkers in literature, history, science, politics, art, and music to the festival. Audience members enjoyed a video that featured interviews from key leaders at each of the universities, as well as CHF
Executive Director Phillip Bahar and Artistic Director Matti Bunzl, and highlighted the respective campuses. President Morton Schapiro (Northwestern University), President Robert J. Zimmer (University of Chicago) and President Robert A. Easter (University
of Illinois) received the award from Bill Fraumann on behalf of their respective universities. “To have the three university presidents together at one time with David Hiller from the McCormick Foundation marked an extraordinary moment in the Chicago Humanities Festival’s 24 year history,” said CHF Artistic Director Matti Bunzl. “We were honored to have the
opportunity to give our collective thanks to these longstanding partners.” Attendees were then treated to a video about Stages, Sights and Sounds, which documented the annual international theater festival for students, families, and theatergoers of any age. The video featured interviews with artists, cultural leaders and students who attended performances
this past May. Following the video, three teachers from Schubert Elementary spoke about their personal experience with the Stages, Sights and Sounds program and the positive impact it has had on their students. “It has been said that education is not about filling a pail, it’s about lighting the fire,” said Juana Miranda, a third grade bilingual
teacher from Schubert. “Thank you for providing my students with the opportunity to experience the arts, and for striking the match. Closing out the night, CHF Gala Benefit co-chair Allegra Biery introduced the singers from
the Ryan Opera Center, who performed several musical theater and operatic songs under the direction of Andreas Mitisek, General Director of Chicago Opera Theater. The Gala Benefit was co-chaired by Allegra Biery (senior vice president of Northern Trust) and R. Scott Falk (partner at Kirkland & Ellis). The evening raised more than $640,000 to advance CHF’s mission to create opportunities for
people of all ages to support, enjoy and explore the humanities. Specifically, more than $120,000 was raised during the paddle raise, lead by CHF board member Cheryl Harris and auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Dellinger, which will support CHF’s First Time for a Lifetime (TM) education and outreach initiatives, which enhance student attendance, teacher development and education resources. The Chicago Humanities Festival began in 1989 as a
dream shared by a determined group of Chicago’s cultural leaders eager to extend the riches of the humanities to everyone. Since that first year, some of the world’s most exciting thinkers, artists and performers have come to Chicago each fall for a festival that celebrates ideas in the context of civic life. (For more info, click here.)

The Joffrey Ballet’s 8th Annual Couture & Cocktails was held recently at Park West with nearly 300 enthusiastic supporters. Co-chaired by Sonya Jackson and Kathleen Henson, this glamorous fall
fashion event featured a coalition of couture and dance with a dramatic runway show that presented designer selections from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, the 40-minute show featured more than 40 looks with mini-performances interspersed by Joffrey Academy of Dance students.
For the first time in the event’s history, the breathtaking fashions were presented through sophisticated dance interpretations of the 2013 season including the hit La Bayadere (now at the Auditorium Theatre thru 10/27), Episode 31, Romeo
and Juliet, Russian Masters and The Nutcracker. The dancers sparkled on the runway wearing dramatic costumes from these productions and Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels surprised and wowed the crowd with his
own runway walk wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo for the finale. Prior to the show, new executive director Greg Cameron and artistic director Ashley Wheater joined Jackson and Henson onstage to share heartfelt
remarks about the mission of the Joffrey and its work throughout the country. And, with a nod to televised fashion events and awards shows, glam co-hosts Sonya and Kathleen were spotted throughout the evening in three wardrobe changes modeling various designers
from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Neiman’s Wendy Krimins and Tina Koegel were in attendance and very thrilled with the night’s action! Former C & C featured designer Pamella Roland added couture power flying in several evening gowns for the event. A digital live
auction that included couture and cocktail themed packages rounded out the evening before guests took to the dance floor with the Joffrey dancers. The event raised nearly $200K to advance the mission and support Joffrey programming in Chicago and beyond. For more info on the Joffrey and performance schedules, visit www.Joffrey.org. (To view ALL pics, please click here!)

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted a group of 35 members and their guests at the Four Seasons Chicago on October 11th for a luncheon and presentation by vintage guru Cameron Silver and author
of the recently released fashion history book “Decades: A Century of Fashion”. After their meal, guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the Decades Trunk Show at space519. Decades is the
vintage and haute consignment retailer in Los Angeles, acclaimed for its collection of designer clothing and accessories dating from the 1920’s to today. Known for their discerning eye, co-owners Silver and Christos Garkinos and their teams oversee the acquisition of an edited selection of authentic vintage treasures and future
collectibles. Their clientele in Los Angeles includes celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Selma Blair and Charlize Theron (among many others) who not only shop their collections but also sell to the store. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (Photos by Robert Kusel.)

The world’s greatest golf champion Jack Nicklaus will headline the Western Golf Association’s third annual Green Coat Gala to benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation on November 6th at The Peninsula
Chicago, located at 108 E. Superior St. The winner of 18 major championships, two Western Open titles and the Western Amateur Championship, Nicklaus will take the stage after dinner and chat with longtime friend, two-time U.S. Open
champion and ESPN lead golf analyst Andy North. This black-tie event is expected to raise more than $600,000 to help fund college scholarships for deserving golf caddies. Volunteer event chairs are Sharyl and Mike Mackey. The evening also will feature current University of Illinois Evans Scholar Mark Abtahi, who will share his personal experience of how the Evans
Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for young golf caddies. The Evans Scholars Program is one of golf’s favorite charities and is country’s largest privately sponsored scholarship program providing full tuition and housing. For more information, visit www.wgaesf.org.

“Art is a reflection of personality and therefore it should be the center of attention in any room,” said designer and art curator Irena Feldman, who recently launched a unique online service that is designed to make art more accessible. DecArte is an online art database that allows people the option to rent artwork before buying.
With years of experience in the interior design world, Irina felt like this was a natural progression for her business. “The rental option allows people to start their art journey without risk, all the while from the comfort of their own home,” said Feldman. She even offers an art personality quiz to help you find the piece that's right for you from a worldwide selection of artists. Fear no art and click here for more info!

 

More than 150 guests recently celebrated the Rat Pack in conjunction with luxury men’s clothier Paul Stuart and Esquire magazine. The event commemorated a special in-store exhibit from Reel Art Press, honoring the
legendary clique that defined life in the fast lane throughout the late fifties and early sixties. The Gold Coast location showcased an exhibit of original, limited-edition, signed images created by a select group of photogs including Sid Avery
and Bob Willoughby who captured the Rat Pack in their heyday. In conjunction with the event, Paul Stuart is also offering the collectable photographic book titled “The Rat Pack” (referred to by the L.A. Times as ‘the
Rolls Royce of Sinatra memorabilia’). This deluxe master edition is a limited, numbered edition of 2,250 published by Reel Art Press retails for $950. Guests
enjoyed signature Rat Pack-era drinks such as Manhattans, martinis and Prosecco, as well as a selection of hors d’oeuvres that included New York strip medallions topped with artichoke and black truffle mouse, lobster thermidor,
and (of course!) mini cherry pies. The sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin filled the boutique, thanks to Myles Hayes and his trio. Notable attendees included Stanley Wozniak, Jessica Moazami, Paul
Arnow of Black Label, Herb Stokes of The Affluence Group, Alayna Crenshaw of Pomellato, Stephanie Degen, Hugh Mallaney of Illinois Mechanical Sales, stylist Naima Naito, and Joseph Baldassare & Tony Nourmand of Reel Art Press.

Dressed in Ermenegildo Zegna Couture, Stanley Cup Champion and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp hosted a private event to celebrate the store’s new design on the
Mag Mile with nearly 200 friends and fans. Clad in Zegna were DJ Michaelangelo L’Acqua, Saam Hagshenas and Jonathan Marks of the local band Hey Champ. DJ Michaelangelo provided the lively beats throughout the store and the Hey Champ duo performed a live set for the well-dressed crowd. Created by Zegna’s in-house
architects, the Chicago store design is based on the creative concept developed by architect Peter Martino for the Zegna global store in Milan. With the addition of a second level, the store now covers over 4,300 square
feet of space. Seen on the scene were Hawks players Brandon Bollig and Michael Kostka, Jerry Azumah, Eric Ferguson, Jon Harris, Stefan Holt, Chef Bill Kim, Saira Cooper, "Check Please!"Catherine De Orio and Alicia Roman. (Photos by Daniel Boczarski and Barry Breicheisen courtesy of Zegna).

Join WGN “Living Healthy Chicago” host Jane Monzures for Live, Love, Life on November 2nd at the Museum of Broadcast Communications to benefit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Department of Neurology and the Feinberg School of Medicine for research of rare degenerative brain diseases. Jane recently lost her beloved mom, Barbara, to this disease and she hopes you'll join her for this event to celebrate her life and support a great cause! Click here for tickets ($125) or to make a donation.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will receive this year’s JUBA! award from the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the world’s first year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts, on October 28th on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage in Millennium Park. CHRP’s annual gala, JUBALEE! supports performance, education and
community programs that reach more than 20,000 people every year. This special evening will be hosted by broadcast legend and civic leader Bill Kurtis. Past JUBA! Award honorees included Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Bill Irwin, former Mayor Rich Daley, Maggie Daley, Ted and Susan Oppenheimer, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra. The evening will include performances by CHRP’s resident ensemble BAM!, the Greg Spero Trio, youth from the Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School and other special guests. For tickets to JUBALEE ($150, $250 and $500), contact Catherine Painter at CPainter@chicagotap.org or 312-542-2477 ext. 203, or visit chicagotap.org.

Philanthropists Ann Lurie (president of Lurie Holdings and of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation) and Dolores Kohl (president and CEO of the Dolores Kohl Children’s Museum) will be honored at UNICEF’s 3rd annual Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon on October 25th at the
Ritz-Carlton. Co-chaired by Susan Schmitt and Susan Sholl, the luncheon will also showcase The Eliminate Project, UNICEF’s global campaign to rid the world of maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease that steals the lives of nearly 60K newborns and a significant number of women each year in 26 countries. For tickets ($65) and more info, click here.  

Susan G. Komen recognized Chicago’s fight against breast cancer on October 16th by honoring Dr. Funmi Olopade at a reception with some of Chicago’s top business leaders. The evening kicked off with a lighting of the LaSalle Street Bridge in the color pink to
mark October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Olopade is an international leader in cancer genetics, seeking personalized treatments for the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Much of her work is focused on women in
Chicago, where discrepancies in breast cancer mortality rates between African American women and white women are among the highest in the country. “African American women in Chicago are more than twice as likely to die of breast cancer compared to
white women,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and chair of global strategy for Komen. “This is stunning. And it is a clear sign that we have work to do in ensuring that every woman has access to education, screening and treatment.” To date, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $17 million
dollars into research in Illinois through 74 different grants. And since 1997, the Chicagoland affiliate has granted more than $13.5 million dollars toward community-based efforts
here in Chicago. The evening’s event was graciously underwritten by Howard Bernick and raised $215,000 that will go directly towards breast cancer research and Chicago community initiatives. Guests in attendance to mark the second annual bridge lighting included co-chairs Janet and Craig Duchossois, Lisa and Jeff Aronin and Catherine Perez; guests Ann
and John Barney, Eve and Rich Biller, Nancy Brinker, Dennis Carlin, Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, Bonnie Gordon, Andrea Herenton, Leslie Hindman, Jeff Jacobs, Carol and Larry Levy, Wade Miquelon, Harriette and Ted Perlman, Michael Perlow, John and Colette Rau, Stephen Schwartz, Robin Loewenberg and Mark Tebbe and Beth and Bruce White. (For info about this much-needed organization, please click here.) 

Don’t miss the 52nd annual Golden Fellowship dinner, “The Power of Opportunity: Moving Chicago Forward”, presented by the Chicago Urban League on November 9th at the Hilton Chicago. The event, co-chaired by E. Scott Santi and Gregory Wasson, will be hosted by beloved comedian Damon Williams and feature the O’Jays! Honorees for 2014 are Reverend Jesse Jackson and Louis Gossett, Jr. For tickets, ($600) and more info, click here. 

The Society of Architectural Historians will present awards for excellence at its upcoming gala on November 9th at The Casino (195 E. Delaware Place). The theme of the gala, “A Century of Progress: 1913-2013” recognizes the changes in the urban landscape over the past 100 years and will honor Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture, Judith Paine McBrien (The Archimedia Workshop), Blair Kamin (Chicago Tribune’s Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic) along with Zoe Ryan, Alison Fisher and Karen Kice of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago. For tickets ($150) and more info, click here.
 

The International Beethoven Project (IBP) welcomed over 250 guests including Honorary Chairman Richard H. Driehaus and Inese Driehaus, for its Masquerade of LOVE, the opening night ball for Beethoven Festival:
LOVE 2013. Held at the Merit School of Music on September 7th, the event benefitted IBP, a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to the promotion of revolutionary culture, inspired by the music and life of Ludwig van
Beethoven. IBP Founder, President and Artistic Director George Lepauw announced at the Masquerade that the organization met The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s previously announced $100,000 challenge grant, resulting in a
total of more than $200,000 for the organization and its ambitious Beethoven Festival programming. This is the largest matching grant
the Driehaus Foundation has ever made to a performing arts organization. The 2013 Benefit Chairs were Erika R. Knierim and Christine Rosso. Additional distinguished guests included Merit School of Music President Duffie Adelson; architect Lucien Lagrange; Alliance Française de
Chicago Board President Hervé de la Vauvre; Abe and Angela Thompson; Chicago Intercollegiate Council CEO and Chairman Conrad Miczko; Jim and Joan Shapiro; and gallerists Sven Asmus and Arica Hilton. The IBP’s mission is accomplished through the presentation of an
annual Beethoven Festival, concerts, mixed media exhibits, lectures, the production of recordings and films, the commissioning of new music and art, publications and educational outreach in schools and universities, as well as in nontraditional venues. The
unconventional and multidisciplinary Beethoven Festival was inspired by concert pianist and Founding Artistic Director George Lepauw’s cultural explorations of Paris, London, Beijing and New York. (For more info, click here.) (Photos by Charles Osgood and Paul Crisanti.)

Delectable dishes, daring designs and magnificent tablescapes! DIFFA/Chicago’s 2013 DINING BY DESIGN titled “Beauty and the Feast” is set to take “wow” to the next level from November 7th through 9th. Guests will enjoy masterpieces in richly designed tablescapes by top designers and delicious tastings by renowned local chefs from Henri, Embeya, Piccolo Sogno and more at the Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor. During this time, DIFFA/Chicago will offer the public two distinct ways in which to enjoy this popular event beginning with a public viewing, EYE CANDY on November 8th (tickets are $10), followed by POP UP, Table Hop & Taste on November 8th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Tickets start at $40.) For tickets and more info, call 312.644.6412.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! And if you missed my Sunday Chicago Tribune column, click here for fab photos from the Art Institute of Chicago’s Auxiliary Board Masquerade Ball co-chaired
by Toni Canada, Roxy Goebel, Jade Newburn, Matt Pettinelli and Steve Somogyi! Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Corbin Horn was a stand-out with his face paint inspired by surrealist artist Rene Magritte!

I also hope you have a very happy Halloween! We can’t WAIT to spend time back in Old Town with friends Lucy, Steve and Isabel Weiss at their “spooktacular” home on Menomonee on All Hallows’ Eve! BOO!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here’s another great event for Halloween hosted by The Cure It Foundation’s Junior Board on October 26th! Monster Masque will be held at the St. Germaine School (located at 9734 S. Kolin Ave. in Oak Lawn) and will feature great costumes, music, haunted house, raffle and fab food. The party is fun for the whole family and will support kids touched by childhood cancer.

…PLUS DWYANE WADE GIVES BACK; PGA WIVES TOUR; ADLER’S CELESTIAL BALL; MUTT STRUT; JACKIE TAYLOR’S NEW HIT; DEVIL’S BALL; BARBARA BATES’ FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER; JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS; ODYSSEY’S $2-MIL RENO; VICTOR AND SHERREN ARE DREAM WEAVERS; I “HEART” REKLAMA AND MILA; A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO; TOP FALL EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Green Tie Ball, benefitting Chicago Gateway Green, always has the BEST themes in town! For 2012, the theme was “Alice in Wonderland” and boy did they ever have fun with that! As soon as you entered the grounds of “Finkl Town” (aka A. Finkl & Sons at
2011 N. Southport), you knew it was going to be a fabulous night. With dramatic decor that included oversized lamp fixtures on every bar with big clocks hanging from the shades, this event propelled me right down the rabbit hole along with 3,000 other guests! Characters that included Alice, the White Rabbit, the Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat and the Mad Hatter roamed the grounds giving all of the
guests great opportunities for photos. And for this year’s 22nd annual event, it was no different: Themed “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory”, this gala was a very sweet treat indeed. Co-chair Lee Golub (along with wife Sandy) described
it best: “This year’s theme will satisfy your sweet tooth and bring music makers and dreamers of dreams together. Just like Wonka offered the children of his adventure a lifetime of chocolate, events like tonight allow us to offer
Chicago a lifetime of sustainability and beauty. So, for tonight, claim your Golden Ticket, delight in our pure imagination and dare to dream of a better Chicago.” More than 50 restaurants participated in the gala which the “Food
Dude” David Lissner described as “the largest damn culinary event ever!” Several of the restaurants had fun with the Willy Wonka theme including Old Town restaurant, The Refinery. Pastry Chef Hetty Art, enclosed five Golden Tickets inside her chocolate fudge with the winners receiving gift bags. Too
cute! Other highlights included a bubble-blowing DJ from Red Moon Theatre Company, glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and characters from the Willy Wonka movie that included a chocolate boy and a huge, purple
Violet Beauregarde. For the third year, Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini emceed the event alongside co-chairs Sandy and Lee Golub (who was dressed as Willy Wonka)! Dancers opened the night with a hot DJ set by Justin
Jacobson and later, Lee Golub drummed onstage with his cover band, Dr. Bombay. In a nearby tent, Rivers Casino hosted craps, roulette and blackjack tables with winnings going towards the raffle. The headliner of the night, SNDCLSH – a DJ duo
consisting of Chicago rapper Lupe Fiasco and DJ Sky Gellatly – kept the guests on the dance floor including the VIPs in the Oompa Loompa lounge. For the last song, Fiasco rapped out his hit “The Show Goes On”
while confetti rained down from the stage. This year's attendance of 3,500 was a record breaker! Guests seen on the scene included Kim DeJesus, Joanna and Grant DePorter, Erica Strama, Lana Bramlette, Jason
Erkes, DJ Rock City, Katie Cahnmann, the Landan twins, Alayna and DC Crenshaw, Chef Ryan Poli, Kimberly and James Feeley, Daniela Guzman, Anna Davlantes, Alicia Roman, Tony Abruscato, Brenda Arelano, Rachel Haley, Susanna and Tom Negovan, Donnell Wolford, Bob Sirott and Bridget Halanski. Other familiar faces
included Joe Minoso and Yuri Sardarov of NBC’s “Chicago Fire”. Each year, the Green Tie Ball raises funds for the Expressway Partnership Program, an initiative aimed at “beautifying the gateways and transforming the roadways into parkways.” This year's event raised more than $480K. (For info about Chicago Gateway Green, click here.) (Additional photos by Dwayne Kuan.)

Families and children staying at the Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s (located at 211 E. Grand Ave.), were treated to a visit from members of The PGA Tour Wives Association on
September 11th, complete with Patriot Day activities for the kids. The visitors, who were in town for the BMW Championship that took place recently in Lake Forest, included Diane Donald, Amber Watney, Rachel Thompson, Lori Points, Katie Robinson, Amy Wilson,
Brittany Horschel, Rosalind Schwartzel, Taylor Fowler, Debi Rolfing, Lynn Fowler and Stephanie Mrofchak. The PGA Tour Wives Association gives back to golfing communities and child-related charities through volunteerism and other contributions. The fun-filled afternoon at the House featured a variety of activities, such as a
“Hands Helping Hands” craft where children created American Flags to send to U.S. troops and their families, a special ceremonial salute with the Chicago Fire Department, and a delicious lunch of dishes from the PGA Tour Wives Association’s commemorative book, “Beyond the Fairways and Greens”. The special day originated with Diane Donald,
wife of PGA Tour player Luke Donald. The couple (who call Chicago home) became supporters of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana in the fall of 2012 when they first visited the House near Lurie Children’s. Today, Diane serves on the charity’s Board of Directors, and Luke has been raising money for RMHC-CNI through a unique fundraising initiative called Birdies for the House. Love this! Congrats and thanks ladies!
 

At the Adler Planetarium’s Celestial Ball, more than 725 guests helped raise $1.4 million for the Adler’s STEM education programs which
reach more than 90,000 students and teachers each year with a special emphasis on at-risk communities. Apollo astronaut James Lovell, Jr. was the honorary chair and Elisa Primavera Bailey, Linda Gerstman and Donna Beering Wheaton were ball co-chairs.
With a theme of “Infinite Horizons”, the decor transported guests on a trip throughout the galaxy. A fabulous auction offered a family trip to Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center and a rare charcoal Labrador puppy. The Adler Planetarium, dubbed America’s First Planetarium, was
founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler and inspires young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

 
 

And could Dwyane Wade be any cuter?! Oh my goodness, an awesome athlete, handsome as can be AND charitable?! He is the real deal and it was a thrill to meet him at his recent Wade’s World Foundation
Gala hosted by CNN’s TJ Holmes at the Peninsula on September 6th. The VIP reception was packed with bold-faced names that included Michi and Brandon
Marshall, James Feeley, Dionne Williams, Deborah and Adam Farmer, Dr. Ian and Triste Smith, Alderman Carrie Austin, Damon Williams, Zoraida Sambolin and Kenny Williams, Secretary of State Jesse White, members of Mindless
Behavior (they have more than 1 million Twitter followers, don’t cha know?!), Michael Malone, Urban Prep’s Tim King, Father Michael Pfleger, Jolinda Wade, Jon and Andrew Landan, Lisa Newman, Astra Gamsjaeger and so many more. Wade’s sister Tragil introduced him
at the reception and congratulated him on his 10 years in the NBA (with the Miami Heat) and the 10 year anniversary of his foundation. The event also featured performances from violinist Lee England, Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Vashawn
Mitchell, singers Kristen Lowe and Mae Ya Ryan and comedian Damon Williams. Wade’s high school basketball coach Jack Fitzgerald spoke about how Wade had always been a team leader and children
from the foundation recited the “Live to Dream” pledge. Marjorie and Steve Harvey and Laura Ricketts received the 2013 Philanthropy Awards. (For more info and photos, check out my Chicago Tribune column here!)
 

Don’t miss Jackie Taylor’s “It’s All-Right  to Have a Good Time”, the life story of Curtis Mayfield, at the Black Ensemble Theater Cultural Center in previews now through the 21th! Reggie Torian, the lead singer of the Impressions, will be making his acting debut! Written by Jackie Taylor and directed by Taylor and Daryl Brooks, the production will begin on September 22nd. (For tickets and more info, click here.) 

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control will host their 9th annual celebrity chef's benefit, “Big Night”, to help the city’s neediest animals on September 26th from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington. More than a dozen of the city’s best chefs will participate in this event that will also feature an open “Muttini” bar, silent and live auctions (that will include Conan O’Brien tix and Sidney Garber jewelry) and so much more! ABC 7’s Jim Rose and his beautiful wife Lakesha will emcee. For tickets ($100 donation, $125 at the door) and more info, click here!)

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University’s Junior Board brings “old Chicago” back to the Historic Landmark Theatre with the 3rd annual Devil’s Ball, on September 27th. Presented by Rivers Casino and themed after “old Chicago neighborhoods”, the event will host nearly 250 young professionals and feature a menu that will include deep dish pizza, mini Chicago hot dogs, Little Italy’s Italian beef, Spanakopita as on ode to Greektown and egg rolls and pot stickers highlighting Chicago’s Chinatown! Yum!!! (For tickets – $65 – and more info, click here.)

National breast and ovarian cancer charity Bright Pink’s 4th Annual FabFest is back, hosted by E! News anchor and breast cancer survivor Giuliana Rancic, on September 29th at the Westin River North! At the event, more than 500 women from across the nation will join together for a day of health, wellness and beauty – all in support of the cause. (For more info, visit www.BrightPink.org and www.FabFest2013.org.)

I have a soft spot in my heart for The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails coming to Park West (located at 322 W. Armitage) on October 4th. Co-chaired by dual dynamos Kathleen Henson and Sonya Jackson, this is the 8th annual C & C and the second largest fundraiser for the Joffrey Ballet. I was proud to create this event with Helen Melchior, a long-time supporter/board member/mentor for this awesome company and, from the very beginning, it’s been all about the dancers! So happy to see this tradition continue in such a grand way and led by dear friends Kathleen and Sonya! This year’s event will feature a presentation of Joffrey costumes as well as the Couture Collection from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue that will include menswear! I hope you can all come out and join us for this chic event benefitting Chicago’s world class ballet company! For tickets and more info, visit www.Joffrey.org.

Celebrating 10 years of Chicagoans “strutting” their stuff for dogs in need, Chicago Canine Rescue will host their popular Mutt Strut on October 5th in Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood). Dog-lovers and their four-legged friends are invited for a 1.5-mile walk with their “mutt” followed by a block party with food, entertainment and more! Highlights will include a doggy fitness course, K9 cake eating contest, dog wash and nail trims along with a children’s bouncy house, face painter and costumed characters! Pet expert Steve Dale and NBC 5’s Kye Martin will be the celeb emcees. To register in advance ($25), click here! (Kiddies and doggies free!)

I had always wanted to take a trip on the Odyssey. My last time aboard was when my dad was still alive back in the ‘80s and, after I’d read about its recent $2 million reno, I was anxious to return to see the changes that were made and also to verify for myself all of the press I’d read. I was even more excited when they asked me to cover it! So, with my crack Watch312.com team in tow, along with my husband Chuck, we set
off on another new adventure aboard the largest vessel cruising Lake Michigan, the Odyssey Chicago. As we wended our way up the gangplank, I was delighted to see that every passenger was given a great photo op behind its signature lifesaver. And as I entered the space, I was blown away. I thought it was nice back in the ‘80s but now it's a floating palace…take a look at my video and you’ll see what I mean!

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1

A special thanks to Sherren Leigh and legendary photog Victor Skrebneski for making a dream come true. I’m thrilled to be appearing on my second cover for beloved Today's Chicago Woman Magazine for its 31st anniversary issue in October AND having it shot by Victor! It was the experience of a lifetime – read all about it here in my latest Chicago Now post. Thanks so much, Sherren and Victor and Dennis Minkel! (www.TCWMag.com)
 
And now, here are some not-to-be-missed events for fall! Hope to see you at one or more!
 

1. Primo Classico Br’Italia (benefitting the Primo Center): September 22nd at Lake Forest Sports Cars, 990 N. Shore Dr. in Lake Bluff from 1p.m. to 5 p.m.
 
2. Goodman Season Opening Benefit: September  24th, featuring “Pullman Porter Blues” (Performance follows the gala dinner at The Standard Club)
 
3. Ronald McDonald House Annual Cocktail Party: September 26th at the Back Room, 937 N. Rush from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 
4. Big Shoulders Fund Ball: September 27th at the Illuminating Co., 2110 S. Wabash from 7:30 p.m. to midnight.
 

5. Imerman Angels’ Tuxes & Tees Ball: September 28th, Roosevelt University Ballroom at 430 S. Michigan
 
6. Chicago Humanities Gala: October 2nd at The Four Seasons at120 E. Delaware beginning at 5:30 p.m.
 
Congrats are in order for The Joffrey Ballet! The Board of Directors of the Rudolf Nureyev Dance Foundation have awarded The Joffrey Ballet a $500,000 challenge grant, creating an endowment for the purpose of producing and performing full-length story ballets for years to come. This grant represents one of the largest awarded to a single cultural institution in the Foundation’s history!!
 

So honored to have been included on the cover of this week’s Reklama with the beautiful Larisa Kronfeld! Thanks to fab fotog Mila Samokhina for making this happen and for her brilliant coverage of the Service Club’s Day on the Terrace fashion show which was also featured. 🙂
 
Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace! We will be moving next week so wish me luck! My next report will be from the Gold Coast where we’ll be firmly ensconced with a doorman and a heated garage – I’ll finally know what all of the fuss is about! 🙂 And lastly, I always want to leave you smiling so this video should definitely do the trick!
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. On the rooftop at Epic Sky, with a great backdrop of the city, Kelly Ripa and Michael Strahan came to Chicago to promote the new home for their show – “LIVE! with Kelly and Michael” – on ABC 7 weekdays at 9 a.m.! Good luck, Kelly and Michael…you make a great team!