Category Archives: Books

PAWS-ITIVELY THE BEST FUR BALL YET…AND BILLY CORGAN HELPED!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO CELEBRATES 122ND GALA, LUXURY GARAGE SALE’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO DEFENDER’S NEWSMAKERS GALA, L’ECOLE DE CHOIX IS LISTENING, WORLD OF CHOCOLATE’S TASTY FUNDRAISER, HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, WALTER WRITES A BOOK, CHICAGO TOY & GAME SHOW, THE CAROLING PARTY CELEBRATES 26 AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Paula giving the PAWS Chicago Visionary Award to The David Duffield Family's Dr. Laurie PeekA record 725 guests escorting 150 pet companions gathered at The Drake Hotel on Friday, November 9th for a special evening of elegance and compassion at PAWS Chicago’s 11th Annual Fur Ball. As Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala, the event raised more than $1,000,000 which will Blog 2 - James & Bonnie Spurlock with Howard & Judy Tullmango directly to saving the lives of Chicago’s homeless animals, making it the most successful Fur Ball to date. Lucky pups in attendance indulged in a doggie buffet served in crystal goblets and received pampered treatments in the Dog Spa, complete with an animal masseuse and paw-dicures. Meanwhile, their human counterparts enjoyed an elegant dinner buffet, silent and live auctions, raffle, Blog 2 - Jessica Bloom & Tim Canningdancing, people and pet illustrations by Rosemary Fanti and insight into their pet’s thoughts through animal communicator, Alicia Halloran. Blog 3 - Billy Corgan with live auction winners Kristy Kitzmiller, Nancy Timmers & Mayari Pritzker with Bonnie SpurlockPresented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, Chopper Trading and The Drake Hotel, the event was co-chaired by Joanna Mallers, Rita Moore and Lauren and Sandy Walfish. Honorary chairs Bonnie and Jim Spurlock were celebrated for their long-term dedication and generosity to helping save the lives of homeless pets. The David Duffield Family received the PAWS Chicago Visionary Blog 4 - Sponsor Chopper Trading's Raj Fernando with Melissa KrischnerAward for their exemplary work on a national scale with Maddie’s Fund, which Blog 5 - Mark Bell & Tara Clackis dedicated to building no-kill communities. (Maddie’s Fund has donated more than $300 million to date in their efforts to make this a no-kill nation.) The highlight of the evening was the exciting live auction, featuring one-of-a-kind items. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan helped auction off a private acoustic performance and sit-down tea with him at his new Highland Park tea Blog 5 - Ross & Suzie Glickman with Andrea Schwartz & Steve Strykerhouse, Madame Zuzu’s. After a bidding war between Blog 6 - Amy, George, Olive Oil, Addison Burinthree guests, Billy generously offered the same chance to each bidder, all together raising $90,000 for homeless pets. This chance of
a lifetime went to Kristy Kitzmiller, Mayari Pritzker and Nancy Timmers. “Like many of you in this room, I’m a pet lover. Two of my kitties came from PAWS, they were left in a box in 2003,” said Corgan. “The mother only had one eye and was missing a leg and I adopted two of her kittens. So every day of my Blog 7 - FOX's Anna Davlantes & husband David Gamperllife, I feel blessed to have these kittens and it’s because of an organization like this that they exist.” Blog 8 - Michael & Melissa Canning, Judith Blazer & Ann WallaceEarning the opportunity to have their pet featured on the cover of the 2013 PAWS Chicago Desktop Calendar was John & Rita Canning, with a winning bid of $22,000. A portrait sitting with renowned celebrity photographer Victor Skrebneski (donated by Skrebneski himself) was won by Nancy Timmers for $18,000. And a luxurious trip to Beijing brought in $13,000, purchased by Blog 9 - Philip, Greg & Janice Beck (right) with Maria Bracho and dogs Henry, Betsy & GusMelinda McMullen and donated by American Airlines, Grand Hyatt Blog 10Beijing, Park Hyatt Beijing and Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Additional auction items included four VIP tickets to “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” a five night stay in a gorgeous Dominican Republic villa and tickets to the 2013 Grammy Awards and the official after-party. Presenting sponsor Raj Fernando of Chopper Trading raised his hand during the “Bid to Save Lives” and committed to a $63,000 matching gift for spay/neuter surgeries for pets of low-income families, which was fulfilled by three generous Blog 11 - I’m ready for a new home!donors. “The success of this year’s Fur Ball directly translates into PAWS Chicago being able to increase the Blog 12 - Kitchen Crashers host Alison Victoria with Luke Harding & Ditkanumber of animals we save,” said PAWS Chicago founder and chair Paula Fasseas. “With no government funding, we are reliant on support from our animal-loving community and events like the Fur Ball are essential to continuing our life-saving work.” To learn more about this wonderful organization, please visit www.PawsChicago.org. (Photos courtesy of Sparenga, Malia Rae and Richard Chen Photography, Alexis Fasseas and moi…to see MORE event pics, please click here!)  Stay tuned for my Watch312.com video coverage coming SOON!

 
Blog 1 - Cheryl Bollinger with co-chairs Kimberly Gleeson and Elizabeth BrodskyThe Service Club of Chicago celebrated its 122nd gala on November 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel. The sounds of violins filled the air as more than 400 guests ascended the stairway for the opening reception outside the Grand Blog 2 - SC President Vonita Reescer and Richard MillerBallroom. As always, the extensive silent auction offerings kept the black tie clad attendees busy bidding while they sipped cocktails and mingled with friends before the doors were swung open to reveal spectacular décor by Tom Kehoe Designs, the Blog 3 - Tina Weller, Myra Reilly and Lynda Silvermanorganization’s much loved design expert. Co-chaired by Kimberly Gleeson and Elizabeth Brodsky, the night was themed “With Gratitude” and featured a parade of past gala chairs who were led into the ballroom on the arms of tuxedo clad dancers Blog 4 - With Mary Pat Burns, Tracey DiBuono, Sheryl Dyer, Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Sheila O’Gradyin top hats. Twenty-five former gala chairs were in attendance beginning with Marguerite Hark, who chaired her gala in 1983. SC President Vonita Reescer welcomed guests and said, “Our board and our event/committee chairs Blog 5 - Sherry Lea Holson and Stacie Mickelsonhave worked so hard all year long. From God Save My Shoes and the Hat Luncheon to the Day on the Terrace, our educational events and Day at the Races, it has been a year of much accomplishment of which we can all be proud. Tonight’s ball pays tribute to all of the ball chairs throughout our Blog 6 - Dusty Stemer and Genine Schaeferhistory who have made a difference and whose contributions enable The Service Club to continue its important work. All of these ladies, starting with the Palmers and the Armours, all the way to Brodsky and Gleeson, have made their mark and have made us strong.” Elizabeth and Kimberly thanked Jamie Breslin and her staff at Blog 7 - Simona and Dennis Garciathe Four Seasons and “Mr. Music”, Stanley Paul, who entertained with his formidable orchestra. (Peter Oprisko performed for the after-party.) The live auction, conducted during dinner by David Goodman, including a trip to San Francisco, courtesy of American Airlines and the Terlato Family Vineyards. PAWS Chicago upped the excitement level when three pets were Blog 8 - Tracey DiBuono, performer and Sharyl Mackeyoffered for adoption, one kitten and two Lab/retriever mixes. Chef Charlie Trotter and wife Rochelle (wearing an elegant gown by Atelier Azza) were the lucky winners of one of the puppies as well as Richard Doermer (who bought the pup for his daughter). The night was magical in every way and you could hear the happy sounds of laughter and applause filling the room as Blog 9 - Jean Antoniou and Greg Hyderpaddles were raised to bid in support of the SC. This organization is one of the oldest in Chicago having been founded Blog 12 - Cookie Cohen, Stuart Feinberg and Mamie Waltonin 1890. Originally created to serve the needs of the city’s most vulnerable, particularly immigrant women and children, the club hosted bazaars and participated in sewing circles to raise the revenues they needed to support their charitable work. Their good work continues and, Blog 10 - Bunky and the boyslast year, they awarded more than $252K to agencies working in a wide variety of fields, including the arts, disability services, early childhood care, education, health and healthcare, HIV/AIDS services and youth development. This night raised more than $400K for The Service Club of Chicago. (To see how you can get involved, please click here…and view more pics here!)
 
ExteriorNearly 200 fashion-forward Chicagoans headed to the hottest new upscale consignment shop in town – Luxury Garage Sale – located right in my Old Town ‘hood at 1658 N. Wells. The 3,300-square-foot boutique Linday and Brie.jpgpresents a refined and impeccably curated collection of discounted couture clothing, accessories, designer handbags and shoes. The fashionable and business savvy duo behind the booming business, founders, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal, have created a space where designer-loving fans can peruse and purchase the Brielle Buchberg, Ashley Hooks, Lindsay Segalcompany’s highly coveted inventory that will change daily, as well as drop-off couture they’re ready to surrender from their own closets. At the event, guests toasted the gorgeous new store with Moet champagne and Coco Mori desserts, whose custom cake pops were adorned with LGS, Chanel and Louis Vuitton logos. A supporter of the event, Moet’s own Peggy Lanigan, presented Interior 2 LGSSegal and Buchberg with a magnum bottle of Moet custom designed with Luxury Garage Sale. (Awwwwww!) Radiant Eva Daiberl, Seth Casteel, Sandra GoldmanBuchberg (pregnant with twins due in early 2013 and wearing a breathtaking vintage necklace) and Segal (looking chic in Prada and Miu Miu) greeted friends and consigners and thanked everyone for their support to help open the new store. The fabulous fete also brought out some Katie Jackson-Meara, Jessica Zweigwell-known Chicago faces including Ashley Hooks (Miss Illinois USA 2012), Graham Kostic (GlossedandFound.com), Chicago Bears head coach’s wife MaryAnne Smith (with Vintage Jewelry Collectiondaughter-in-law Kristin Smith), Amy Tara Koch, Steve and Lucy Weiss (Zacuto Manufacturing) and Lesley Prizant Goodman among many others. Luxury Garage Sale provides a unique service and format for buying and selling new, gently-used and vintage Sierra Widmer-Rodriguez, Brielle Buchberg, Lindsay Segalclothing, shoes, accessories and collectibles. Their new boutique will feature a daily carefully curated collection of their favorite ‘finds’ such as Chanel handbags and Valerie Jisa, Lauren Hammvintage Balenciaga, as well as overstock from some of the top boutiques nationwide. Store hours will be Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more info, visit luxurygaragesale.com. I’ll see YOU there, I hope!
 
Blog 1 - Michael House (Chicago Defender publisher), Dorothy Tucker (CBS 2 and Emcee) and Everett RandThe Chicago Defender’s Newsmakers Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency on November 3rd. This prestigious award ceremony highlights people doing great things in the community. Honorees in different industries who Blog 2 - Lou Rago, Antonietta Cerrone, Newsmaker Stella Foster, Frank Cerronehave influenced lives near and far are Steve Harvey (Multi-Media), Val Warner (journalist and television host, “Windy City Live”), Larry Huggins (acting Chairman, METRA), Jean-Claude Brizard (former CEO, Chicago Public Blog 3 - Cook County Board Prez, Toni Preckwinkle, Zeuss Preckwinkle and CBS 2’s Dorothy TuckerSchools), Karen Lewis (president, Chicago Teachers Union), Karen Freeman-Wilson (Mayor of Gary, Indiana) and Tio Hardiman (director of CeaseFire Illinois). For 107 Blog 4 - Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow—Rainbow PUSHyears, the Chicago Defender has been a powerful force in unifying African American and African communities across the globe. They have initiated and supported some of the biggest movements in the United States including the Great Northern Migration in the early 1900’s to the Civil Rights Blog 6 - Stephanie Neely, Chicago City TreasurerMovement in the '50s and '60s to the 2012 election. Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church (aka the Rooftop Pastor) received the Newsmaker of the Year Award for his commitment to camping out on the roof of the downtrodden motel which Blog 5 - Newsmaker Val Warner, Windy City Livehe intends to replace with a community center for 90 days. Retired (sadly!) Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her journalistic contributions. Renowned jazz vocalist Maggie Brown performed. Congrats to ALL of these deserving honorees!
                                                                                                                           
Blog 1 - Samyr Laine - Laura Pincus Hartman“Does anyone care, is anyone even listening?” asks 12-year-old Daniel Toussaint, a student at The School of Choice (L'Ecole de Choix), a first-of-its kind trilingual school in Mirebalais, Haiti, that provides a high-quality elementary education with a focus on leadership development for Georgette Jean-Louis and Anne Hastings183 children ages 4 to 12. Listening intently is one Chicago woman and a growing group of supporters who are committed to providing Daniel and his classmates with a unique gift in rural Haiti: choice. “Without choice, whether it’s about what we eat or what career we enter, we are deprived of our dignity,” says Laura Pincus Hartman (Vincent de Paul professor of business ethics at Hubert Allen - Suzanne Lebold - Kim KerbisDePaul University) who is co-founder and board chair of the school. “For the hundreds of thousands who Laura Pincus Hartman - Fr. Dennis Holtschneiderlive in extreme poverty in Haiti’s Central Plateau, hope is a rare commodity, and choices are even scarcer.” Haitian Olympian triple jumper Samyr Laine will join Laura on one of her frequent visits to Choix in Haiti this fall to continue his commitment “to inspire his Gigi Vaffis - Cathy Calhoun - Allison Isaacson Lipsmanpeople and showcase my country's dignity.” To mark the success of its first academic anniversary and raise funds to meet annual operating costs, Laine joined Hartman at the “Virtual Visit To Susan Sherman - Laura Pincus Hartman - Donna Meyers - Mark PincusChoix” benefit on October 20th at The Francis W. Parker School that attracted more than 300 guests. Emceed by renowned Chicago comedian, commentator and actor Aaron Freeman, guests experienced Choix Aaron Freemanfirst-hand through videos, student profiles, interactive arts and crafts projects. Honorary chairs for the benefit included Lesly Condé (Consul Géneral, Consulate General of Haiti), Fr. Dennis Holtschneider Lesly C
onde and Leonard Joseph(President, DePaul University), Andrew Mason (CEO, Groupon), Katrina Markoff (CEO, Vosges Chocolates), Senator Kwame Raoul (13th Dist., IL), Hon. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (Judge, Wendy DuBoe - Leila Janah - Laura Pincus HartmanCircuit Court of Cook County, IL), Chris Kennedy (Chair, Board of Trustees, Univ. of Illinois, Past President, Merchandise Mart), David Brown (Chairman, Much Shelist, Susan and David ShermanP.C.), Suzanne Muchin (Founder, ROI Ventures) and Laura Pincus Hartman (Board Chair, L’Ecole de Choix, Vincent de Paul professor, DePaul University). “We want to instill in this next generation a pride and esteem for their culture, both current and historical,” says Hartman. “As the first and only Black republic to have overcome slavery, and remain a free people to this day, Haiti offers its children – as well as the rest of us – an extraordinary model of liberty.”
Bill Kurtis (Chicago-Mettawa), Robert J. Havey, M.D. (Wilmette, President of The Global Health Initiative at Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates), Donna LaPietra (Chicago-Mettawa)The Fifth Annual Global Health Initiative Benefit Dinner was held at The Peninsula on October 3rd. The evening was hosted by beloved Bill Kurtis and featured the president of Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates, Dr. Robert Havey, as well as Northwestern Feinberg medical student Joe Brown, Joe Brown, Elaine Coldren, Paul Trinquero, Bridget Whitehead, Quentin Youmans, Krutika Lakhoo, Teresa Gomez, Manuel Bramble (all are Feinberg School of Medicine Students)who is currently on a GHI-funded rotation in Peru. More than 200 guests came out to support the GHI mission with the event raising more than $480K for global health education, providing access to healthcare in low resource areas worldwide and encouraging compassionate primary care medicine. For more info, visit clsma.com/ghi.
 
WOC 2011Don’t miss WORLD OF CHOCOLATE's one-of-a-kind annual party in commemoration of World’s AIDS Day. It will take place for the 11th year on Thursday, November 29th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Miss Foozie as a judge in 2011Michigan! If you love chocolate, then you will LOVE this event benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Dozens of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers will be offering up their most creative and tasty selections for a night that will also include a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with lavish prizes, music and so much more! Tickets start at $125. For info, please visit www.aidschicago.org/chocolate.

Holiday-theater-sign-624x407The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season. The League of Chicago Theatres has created a list of offerings with an updated list of holiday shows that will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com. Click HERE for a selection of holiday-themed work playing in Chicago, thus far, this season! Ho! Ho! Ho!
 
LogoTwenty-five thousand visitors will head to Navy Pier this weekend (November 17th and 18th) for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair to shop and play with thousands of toys and games on display from over 250 exhibitors! The 10th anniversary of the fair – the largest public toy and game show in the country – will feature the holiday season’s newest offerings. Founder/CEO Mary Couzin says, “It will be like a giant interactive and bottomless toy box!” Count me IN!!!! For more info, visit www.ChiTag.com!

Front-Susan Mathein, Patti Lupo, (M) Doug Pawlik, Jennifer Prerost, Kecia Waldschmidt, (back) Mark MacLean, Chris Brown, Paul IamsThe Caroling Party will celebrate its 26th anniversary with a special performance in the Signature Room of the John Hancock with all 60 of their fabulous performers on Monday, December 3rd. Anyone dining in the 95th will get to see the show for FREE so make your reservations now for their 45-minute performance which will follow a visit to the Rehabilitation Institute where they will bring the sounds of the season to its patients. Congrats to Paul Iams and this wonderful group who brings joy to so many!

Blog 1 - Walter and Susie JacobsonCongrats to beloved TV anchor/author Walter Jacobson on the launch of his recent book, "Walter's Perspective: A Memoir of Fifty Years in Chicago TV News." A group of friends Blog 2 - Mancow and Bob Sirottcelebrated his book launch at Gibson’s: Bill Kurtis, Bob Sirott, Jay Levine, Mary Ann Childers, Joe Ahern, Terry Savage, Victor Skrebneski, Billy Marovitz, Mancow, Roe Conn, Blog 3 - Walter and Bill KurtisRyan Baker, Steve Baskerville, Marty Wilke, Joanie Bayhack, Rob Feder, Father Michael Pfleger, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Dominic DiFrisco, Sherren Leigh, Richard Babcock and Vonita Reescer all turned out to celebrate! Congrats Walter! To buy his wonderful book, please click here! (Photos by Steve Starr.)

Blog 1 - Photo by Laercio Luz PhotographyAs many of you know, our town has lost one of its most colorful and beloved characters. Celebrity photographer Steve Starr passed away suddenly on November 12th, a month to the day before an event that he had been planning for over a year, “The Blog 2 - By Tyler Curtis (Darkroom Demons)Face of the News”. The event has now turned into a celebration and tribute to this beloved man’s life. I never heard him say an unkind word, he always had a smile on his face and encouraged everyone around him to have one on Blog 3 - By Mila Samokhinatheirs. No one cared more than he did if you looked good in your photo. He stayed up through the wee hours sending out individual pics from the evening to those people whose photos he’d taken. He taught us how to pose, he taught us Blog 4 - My dear friend –RIPhow to live. He was a shining example of how to make the most out of life, live every moment, enjoy every party and cherish your friends. God is smiling bigger and leaning forward, just a little bit. We will miss you, Steve – our town will never be the same without you. Please join me in a celebration of Steve on 12/12/12. Besides ticket sales, donations are gladly accepted.

That’s the news for this week; I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it! Chicago is such an inspiring town..

Love you all,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Religion, Sports, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

DOMINIC DIFRISCO: BELOVED HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION GETS HIS “WAY”

…PLUS MCGRATH’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE GALA, COLUMBIAN BALL CELEBRATES OLD AND NEW, TCW MAG’S HALLOWEEN BASH, CHEF ART “TARTS IT UP” FOR ERIC, STEVE STARR’S “FACE OF THE NEWS,” WCIU’S “YOU & ME IN THE MORNING” IS MOVIN’ ON UP, A PERFECT HOLIDAY E-MAG PLUS NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Alderwoman Michelle Smith, Dominic and his grandson Pasquale GianniIt was a great day in Chicago on Saturday, November 3rd when beloved Dominic DiFrisco, a champion of Italian-Americans and a cultural torch bearer, was honored Blog 2 - Nina Mariano, Dominic DiFrisco and Bob Marianowith his own street! More than 60 fans, friends and family congregated at the corner of Astor and Schiller to join Dominic, his wife Carol, daughter and son-in-law Nina and Bob Blog 3 - Jamie Gaballa, Chuck, Whitey Pearson, Tess Malone and John ZajakMariano, and Alderwoman Michelle Smith as she unveiled “Honorary Dominic DiFrisco Way.” The Alderman read Dominic's extensive bio and cited how he's been a bridge builder in Chicago for not only the Blog 4 - Marion and Tony Durpetti with Dominic and his wife CarolItalian-American community but for all ethnic and religious communities. Dominic is president emeritus of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans – an organization founded on the principle Blog 5 - Alderwoman Michelle Smith presents Dominic’s honorsthat Italian-Americans and Americans from all backgrounds should be able to preserve their heritage – while also pursuing the American Dream without prejudice. Dominic spoke Blog 5 - Antonio Romanucci, Dominic and Lou Ragoeloquently about his goal for Chicago to be a beautiful mosaic and not a melting pot. Monsignor Kenneth Velo and Father George Clements were on hand and spoke of Dominic's many social Blog 6 - A happy man!and civic efforts while his grandson Pasquale Gianni brought the crowd to tears with his tribute. The party moved on to Gene & Georgetti’s for a two-hour love fest and Italian feast! Friends on the scene included Marion and Tony Durpetti, Terry “Whitey” Blog 7 - Dominic, Alba LoVerde and Carol DiFriscoPearson, Jamie and Tess Gabala, Mark O’Malley and so many others. It was a fitting day for a man who makes a difference. Love and congrats, Dominic…keep up the GREAT work! (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)
 
Blog 1 - Paul Iacono, Heather Ingram, Nina Mar
iano, Toni Canada, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrathMcGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago’s by-invite-only grand opening on October 24th brought out hundreds of fans and friends to this magnificent dealership, seven years in the making. You could see this 50,000-square-foot Blog 2 - Larry Wert and Mike McGrathspace for miles before you actually arrived thanks to the ginormous rotating Hollywood lights out front! Inside, it was so beautiful that even if it wasn’t a dealership, it could easily double as an event space or grand art gallery; in fact, the first event held there was for the Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails,” which McGrath Blog 3 - Dan Uslan, Rick Canada and Roger FrandsenAcura co-owner Kristina McGrath also co-chaired. During the festivities, speed painter Elliott From of Artbeat Live created an impressionist painting of the dealership that was presented to the family. Co-owner Mike McGrath’s sons, Kevin and Mike Jr., were on hand with their families as well as glam wife Kristina and her equally gorgeous twin sister, Korinna Isselhardt. Hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Blog 4 - Kerry Bowler, Margaret O’Connor, Jennifer Sutton and friendDan Uslan and produced by Platinum Events, the grand opening was planned as a way to thank their loyal customers that have been doing business with the family’s six other dealerships over the course Blog 5 - Marco Foster, Zack and Grace Napolitano, Paul Iaconoof the past 62 years. Key executives from Honda were in attendance as well as McGrath Executive VP of Sales John Mendel and GM of Westmont McGrath Acura Ken Girard. Glen Missner (Missner Group) built the dealership, the first of its kind in the country using the newest designs from Acura and state-of-the-art Blog 6 - NAME, Kerry Bowler, NAME and Justin Jacobsontechnology. Michigan Avenue Magazine president and publisher Dan Uslan paid tribute to the McGraths in a moving speech which highlighted their importance in the community. He said, “Trust takes many forms. Few people can say they unilaterally trust someone. The same person you trust Blog 7 - Paul Iacono and DC Crenshawin business is not necessarily the same one you'd trust with your money, spouse or reputation. But the McGraths are those rare people that you can feel good about trusting in every way. They've created a personal brand for themselves and business that's enviable. Their reward has been loyalty amongst their friends, business partners and customers. Others want Korinna and Kristina with the Landon Twinsto do right by them simply because the McGraths are so genuine.” Located at 1301 N. Elston and situated on the river, the dealership has hundreds of new Acuras, pre-owned and certified vehicles, many of which were artfully displayed on this special night. Guests seen at this gala celebration included Justin Jacobson, Paul Iacono, Margaret O’Connor, Nina Mariano, Kerry Bowler, Jennifer Sutton, Heather Farley Ingram, Toni and Rick Canada, DC Crenshaw, Larry Wert, Marco Foster, Tonya and Adam Stevenson, Grace and Zack Napolitano, Toni and Ed Mallof and Lynn and John McMahan among many others. Congrats to the McGraths and their dedicated employees! When I do the math, I always choose McGrath!

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=Q0OTBwNjrbiNiXrqzgp7h83xOjqMisyq&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Blog 1 - Rich Gamble, Judie Moore Green, Bill Noonan and Bill BurfeindThe Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation welcomed more than 425 guests, including prominent business and civic leaders, for its Eighth Annual Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Friday, October 12th. Blog 2 - Sharon Trudell, Jenna Stricker and Julia SimmonsGuests at the elegant black tie event enjoyed a cocktail reception with live music by Oncore Productions, followed by a lavish dinner catered by Radisson Blu. Special remarks were given by Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) chairman Martin Blog 3 - Martin and Devi SternStern, who welcomed guests and thanked them for continued support of the Foundation’s programs, which include the award-winning Pop-Up Art Loop storefront gallery initiative and annual Art Loop public art commission. The fun continued into the evening as Blog 4 - Michelle and Oren Schumaker with Andrea and Yale Dieckmanguests filled the dance floor and enjoyed live music by Hey Jimmy! The gala co-chairs were Turner Construction Company business development manager Bill Burfeind, Chicago magazine publisher and GM Rich Gamble, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University chief development officer Judie Moore Green and Blog 5 - Chris Fryson and Stephen FlachMerchandise Mart Properties VP and GM Bill Noonan. Additional distinguished guests at the event included 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Chicago Department of Blog 6 - Sandor Williams, Rawlin Brown, Angel Perez and Allan ArmstrongTransportation commissioner Gabe Klein, Broadway in Chicago president and CLA vice-chairman Lou Raizin, Choose Chicago VP for cultural tourism and neighborhoods Melissa Cherry, Pressure Washing Systems president and Blog 7 - Nicki Pecori, Alderman Robert Fioretti and Connie Riverafounder Bill Mologousis, and CLA interim executive director Laura Jones. Lead sponsors for the Eighth Annual Gala were Presenting Sponsor Pressure Blog 8 - Amy Tausk, Janel Gould and Vivian NitzbergWashing Systems and Silver Table Patrons BMO Harris Bank, Columbia College Chicago, Gensler, theWit Hotel and Turner Construction Company. The event raised more than $175,000 in support of the Foundation and its Blog 9 - Melissa Cherry and Joy Bivinsambitious efforts to develop and promote artistic, cultural and public events wit
hin the Loop. (And speaking of the Chicago Loop Alliance, huge thanks to Philip Barash (CLA Director of Marketing and Development) for choosing me to record the holiday greetings for its “Lightscape” installations on State Street! Listen for a familiar voice on that great street beginning November 24th ! 🙂 Ho! Ho! Ho! (To view more images, please click here!)

 
 

Blog 1 - Jeffrey and Lisa AroninOn Saturday, October 20th, the Museum of Science and Industry held its 32nd annual Columbian Ball. From the fascination of the famed White City of 1893 to groundbreaking, high-tech exhibits, this year’s ball Blog 2 - Christina and Ron Gidqitzcelebrated the spirit of innovation that has always been within the museum’s walls and part of its rich history. Nearly 900 guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing co-chaired by Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin and Christina and Ron Gidwitz. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also an honorary co-chair of the ball. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the co-chairs and – a special addition this year – by the Anybot QB2, a remote-controlled robot. The décor took guests Blog 3 - Kail and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Senatorback to the Columbian Exposition with lights strung between the museum’s balcony levels and historic images of the museum from the fair projected on Blog 4 - Ellen and James O'Connorthe massive marble walls, giving the rotunda a spectacular glow. An acrobatic artist spun and twirled from a sheet of silk hanging from the ceiling. The museum’s Science Storms exhibit was open throughout the evening for guests to enjoy. In the museum’s Rosenwald Court, novelties from the fair (including two large paintings and a six-foot-tall vase) from the museum’s collection were displayed. A virtual tour took guests Blog 5 - Renee and Lester Crownethrough the fair’s grounds and various buildings. On the adjacent side, technology ruled with current and future innovations featured. Guests interacted with robots (like the Anybot QB2 and NAO) and since Blog 6 - Deb DeHaas and Dave Underwoodspray paint was invented during the fair, guests paid homage to the invention by expressing their creativity on a “digital graffiti” wall. The party then adjourned to a heated tent on the museum’s front lawn (courtesy of Party Time Productions) with event décor by Heffernan Morgan Blog 7 - Vera and Frank ClarkRonsley. Tables were adorned with camellias and white roses with historic images of the Museum projected on white, fabric sculptures. A live auction raised $242K, which included eight exciting packages including a deep sea diving expedition in Hawaii with world-renowned marine engineer, Graham Hawkes. The ball raised more than $2.2 million to support the museum’s vision. The evening ended with entertainment provided by the Steve Biossat Orchestra. For more info about the Museum and upcoming events, please visit www.msichicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl and JB Spector…click here for more pics!)
 

Blog 1 - Grant DePorter and Hannah MichalCan you imagine how much fun a costume party would be if you saw Grant DePorter dressed as Harry Caray, Sherren Leigh as a witch, Corri McFadden as a skeleton, Bob Graham as the Joker, Cindy Burns as Cleopatra, Shari Duffy as a Hooters girl and Blog 2 - Ralph Hughes, Laura Schwartz, Sherren Leigh and Charlie KamPaul Iacono as a mime?! Well, this was exactly the scene for TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party at the Cultural Center on October 30th. The “Pumpkins on Parade” silent auction was a huge hit with highly creative Blog 3 - Jason Erkes, Amanda Puck, Spiro Tsaparas, Corri McFaddenofferings from some of our town’s VIP’s including Barbara Bates, author Brad Thor, Grant DePorter, artist Rosemary Fanti, Cassandra Gaddo, Greg Hyder, Mellody Hobson, Sherren, RJ Blog 4 - Ashley Hooks and Kyle WilliamsMelman, Corri McFadden, Andrea Metcalf, Roe Conn and Richard Roeper, Chef Devon Quinn, Hedy Ratner, Laura Sage, Tim Smithe, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Mario Tricoci, Rich Varnes, Maria Wynne and moi. (My funkins were courtesy of my uber creative Blog 5 - Andrea Schwartz, Erica Strama, Laura Schwartz and Kathleen Hensongirlfriend, Tissy Eggleston!) Catered by Paramount Events, the evening also included delicious mini white cheddar cheese/fig jam sandwiches, lobster salad on cornbread and seared tuna on a wonton crisps. Blog 6 - Rebecca Michuda, Alexandra Kamischke, Carrie WilliamsComfort food stations included hot dogs, BLT’s and meatloaf sandwiches and the “skull” cake donated by TipsyCake was a crowd favorite. More than 200 guests attended this spooky fundraiser that raised a little over $45,000 for the Today's Chicago Woman Foundation Blog 7 - King Neptune, WGN’s Erin McElroy, Cindy Burns, Spiro Megremis501(c)(3) charity and its 2012 30 For 30 Campaign. TCWF will give grants to 30 area charities that assist women and children in need. (The 30 charities will be featured in the 2012 December issue.) Spooktacular guests included Cece Gonzalez and Melinda Joseph, Kathleen Henson, Carrie and Harry Hightman, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Maria Zec, Erica Strama, Ryan Beshel, Jason Erkes, Holly Hughes, Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, WGN’s Erin McElroy, Bill Shipley and Frank Holland among many others. (Check out more fun pics here!)

 
Blog 1 - Steve Weiss and Lucy WojtasAnd speaking of Halloween, there is nothing like a party in Old Town and, particularly, there is nothing quite like a party at Lucy Wojtas and Steve Weiss’ house! Their home is the talk of the town and it’s decorated inside and outside for Halloween, much Blog 2 - Charley Jordan, Shannon Waterfield, Todd Humes, Alan Naragon, Chuck, John Waterfieldto the delight of their constant parade of trick-or-treaters! For the party, hostess Lucy was dressed as Elvis…complete with a Blog 4 - Dexter, aka Charley Jordanwhite cape, oversized sunglasses, a huge “diamond” ring and, of course, a microphone that never left her hand. She stayed in character for the entire evening and made the night so special for everyone, especially her adoring husband. Her sister, Christina Blog 3 - Cute sisters, Christina and Lucy WojtasWojtas, came dressed as a little devil, my stepson, Charley Jordan, made a mean looking Dexter (complete with bloody face, garden boots and a BIG knife) and John Waterfield was unrecognizable as a six-foot Sasquatch. Seen on this boo-tiful night were author Shirley Baugher and husband Norman, Carolyn Armenetta-Davis, Lucy and Dan Baldwin, Shannon Waterfield, Michael Warnick, Todd Humes, Alan Naragon, Karen Pfendler, David Pfendler and Stefani Turken, Mary O’Neill, Karen Stephenson, Chloe Mae Loop and so many more! Thanks so much to the Weisses for keeping our ‘hood so festive! (Click here to view more pics!)
 
Blog 1 - Kenneth Cole (center) and friendsMore than 600 guests gathered for an inspirational afternoon at Chicago House’s 4th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon at the Chicago Hilton Hotel on November 2nd. In a 30-minute keynote address to the crowd, Kenneth Cole Blog 2 - Rachel Schwanz (2nd from L), Samantha Saifer Berngard (R) and friendsrecounted his unique entry into the fashion world, selling shoes out of a trailer in mid-town Manhattan. His advocacy and trailblazing efforts in the global fight against AIDS are what attracted Chicago House to Blog 3 - Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe and David Brandthim. VIP guests included ABC’s Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu, Project Runway Season 2 contestant Steven Rosengard, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, Macy’s Media Relations VP Andrea Schwartz, Glossed & Found’s Graham Kostic, Blog 4 - Andrea Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Lauren Rapisandlocal designers Borris Powell and Horacio Nieto and American Airlines’ Mary Francis Fagan, among many others. Special Events Manager for Chicago House Jeremy Hilborn said, “The 2012 Speaker Series was our most successful yet. Kenneth Cole was the Blog 5perfect addition to the growing list of unique speakers who have lent their voice to further validate Chicago House’s important work. We are proud to have raised such significant funds for our programs, but even more proud to shed light on important issues at an event which hopefully serves as a Blog 6 - J.P. Anderson and Jennifer Suttoncatalyst for discussion and change.”(Chicago House provides permanent, community-based housing, supportive services, and prevention outreach to individuals and families struggling with HIV and AIDS). Guests left with swag bags from Room & Board, featuring sweet treats from Sweet Miss Giving’s, Little Miss Muffin, and Cheshire Cat Confectionary. For more information, visit www.chicagohouse.org. (Photos by Steve Starr…see more here!)
 
INVITATION LARGE NOVEMBER 6 2012You CANNOT MISS beloved photog Steve Starr’s upcoming “Face of the News” celebration on 12/12/12 at the John B. Murphy Auditorium, located at 50 E. Erie! Celebrity photog, author and collector, Steve is celebrating his 45th anniversary of Steve Starr Studios with an elaborate photo exhibition/party of broadcasters, publishers, columnists, writers, journalists, entertainment news reporters and producers. This grand night celebrating the media (and Steve!) will showcase more than 400 framed images and will begin with a VIP “News Hour” reception followed by the opening at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by lovable entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker, the Steve-6night will include tasty bites from local restaurants as well as a few surprises! (A portion of the proceeds will support CPJ – the Committee to Protect Journalists.) For tickets and more info, please visit click here!
 
Blog 1 - Chef Art Smith, Paul, Jesus Salgueiro and Chef Eric LanlardHUGE congrats to beloved author/pastry Chef Eric Lanlard on the publication of his latest book, “Tart It Up”!  Chef Art Smith and partner Jesus Salgueiro feted him recently at a delightful brunch at their house that featured scrambled eggs with white truffles they dug on their Blog 2 - Chef Eric Lanlard (center) with friends and books!recent trip to Tuscany. Other delicious offerings included Benton Ham of Tennessee with biscuits, Art’s homemade cinnamon rolls, Eleven City Diner’s red velvet cake and assorted tarts from Eric’s book. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly made it all look, well, perfect! Congrats Eric and we hope to see you back in town soon! (Purchase Eric’s delightful book here and to see ALL the party pics, click here!)
 
With WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne SparrowThank you so much to WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” for having me on a segment recently! I love this show and darling co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow – I don’t have a clue as to how they get up so early, look so good and remain so perky every single day! Thanks also to senior producer Rob Morhaim for including me! (Ratings for this popular show have been steadily climbing and on the day I was there, the show beat out CBS2 News, Fox32 and Mancow on Power! Woot woot! Power to the U!) If you want to see my segment, watch here and make sure to tune in to Channel 26 from 6 to 8 a.m. every weekday!
 
A Perfect E Magazine's Holiday IssueDon’t forget to check out the BEAUTIFUL holiday issue of A Perfect Event’s E-Magazine! Debi Lilly has done it again in her glorious second issue! Love the mag, love the contributors and love, Love, LOVE the images! A visual feast throughout! Congrats to Debi and all involved! (And make sure to turn to page 246 for my little article on Christmas!)
 
Well, that’s the news for this week and I hope you’ve enjoyed it! Please subscribe to Candid Candace – both here, on Facebook and Twitter (if you want!) – and I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!!!
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com


Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

SUSAN G. KOMEN CHICAGO GALA HONORS PINK TIE GUYS!

…PLUS NEXT FASHION CHICAGO’S FAB LOCAL DESIGNERS STRUT FOR PAWS, LUX MGT’S MAISON DE LACOUR SHOW, POTUS AND LITTLE FRIEND, RMHC’S FUN FUNDRAISERS, PAUL STUART’S PHINEAS COLE PARTY, NATE AND THE BIEBS ATTRACT CROWDS, MARTINIS & MISTLETOE, LUXURY GARAGE SALE’S GRAND OPENING, CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER, A WONDERFUL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

Blog 1 - Pink Tie Guys 2013The Tribune Media Group reaffirmed its fight to help end breast cancer by hosting the second annual Pink Tie Gala (themed “Mission Possible”) at Riverfront Theater on Friday, October 19th, benefitting Susan G. Komen Blog 2 - PTG Jonny Imerman, Laurie Dimakos, JoeAnna LaCourse, Melissa Quintas, Paula PozucekChicago. The event saluted the 2013 class of Komen Chicago Pink Tie Guys and I had the honor of co-hosting with WGN’s Dina Bair. The night’s selection included eleven male influencers who are making a difference in
Blog 3 - Victor LaGroon (L) and friendsthis battle against breast cancer. These men were nominated by the community and selected by the Komen Chicagoland Board of Directors and represent a wide range of male leaders who live in the Chicagoland area and have a Blog 4personal connection to breast cancer, a dedication to philanthropy and who help bring awareness to the cause. This illustrious group of men included everybody’s favorite host Ryan Chiaverini from “Windy City Live”, Chicago Blog 5 - Pink Tie Guy Ryan Chiaverini and Michael ZeinerPublic Health Dept. Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair, 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Imerman Angels founder Jonny Imerman (Jonny is a young adult cancer survivor who, after being diagnosed at age 26, founded the organization to Blog 6carefully match a cancer fighter with someone who has already triumphed over the disease), Victor LaGroon (Manager of the Community Engagement, Cancer Disparities Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago Blog 7 - Alex Sabbag and friendsCancer Center), Jim Logothetis (senior client service partner for Ernst & Young), Reverend Percy W. McCray (Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center), Blog 8 - Carmen Rivera (2nd from L) and cute friendsWade Miquelon (EVP, CFO and President of International for Walgreen’s) and Dr. Steven Rosen (director Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University); VP/GM of the Chicago Blackhawks Stan Bowman and former mayor Blog 9 - Alex Sabbag, Dina Bair and Brotha FredRichard Daley (honorary chairman) who couldn’t attend this night. Brotha Fred emceed the evening and thanked sponsors Lexus, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Wintrust Community Bank and Walgreen’s. (Walgreen’s Wade Miquelon Blog 10 - PTG Wade Miquelon strikes a Heisman pose!announced a $25K donation that night for Susan G. Komen.) Dina Bair shared her inspiring story as a two-time cancer survivor and mother of four and then introduced a touching video of Bridget Spence, who has stage four breast cancer. Other speakers included Komen Chicago’s Executive Director Michael Ziener and the Chicago Blog 11 - 2012 Pink Tie GuysTribune’s John O’Neil. “We are honored to have these outstanding leaders in the Chicagoland community working with us to fulfill our mission of a world without breast cancer. While traditionally a woman’s disease, the reality is, men Blog 12 - Patty Nalepa, Korrina Isselhardt and Kristina McGrathcan get breast cancer, too,” said Zeiner. With more than 300 attendees, this event also included fabulous portraits by Rosemary Fanti, a silent auction, a Heads or Tails game, an ActionBooth, a nail booth courtesy of Walgreen’s, tasty bites from Paris Club (delicious pumpkin soup Blog 13 - Jill and Bill Sullivanwith lobster and chestnuts!), Mitchell’s Soda Shop and decadent chocolates from Truffle, Truffle. Susan G. Komen Chicago has been in existence for more than 15 years and, to date, the organization has invested more than $12 million funding Blog 14 - Mitchell’s Soda Shop goodieslocal non-profits that provide lifesaving services to uninsured and underinsured women in the Chicagoland area. Proceeds ($50K) from the Pink Tie Gala will go back into the community to support low income women for breast cancer screening, education, treatment and support. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.KomenChicago.org. (Fab fotos by Caitlin Saville Collins…see more here!)

 
Blog 1 - Cory Tran designGermania Place was filled to bursting on October 16th with more than 400 of our town's most stylish for the NEXT Fashion Chicago show that featured some of our top designers and boutiques. The show kicked off at 8:30 p.m., after NBC's Marcus Riley and I welcomed the crowd. The lights Blog 2 - Aleah Connect with show producer Rose Mandel and Associate Producer Marco Fosterdimmed, the music pumped up and a Grace Kelly (esque) model wearing a Mark Roscoe-designed magenta cocktail dress hit the runway in dark glasses and an upswept 'do. The show featured everything from couture to casual, elegant to edgy and everything in-between including a clever segment spotlighting custom hand-painted stiletto boots from Just Human by Yemonja Smalls worn by models dressed in black Blog 3 - Ann Hickey, Israel Idonije and Margaret O’Connorunitards. Midway through the show, a moving video presentation showcased the work Blog 3 - Rachel Schwanz, William Holdeman, Paula Fasseas, Alexis Fasseas and Paul Iaconoof PAWS Chicago and the animals available for adoption; this was followed by a special runway walk featuring adoptable dogs and rescued pups wearing their signature yellow kerchiefs as well as ties and coats provided by Barker & Meowsky and Tanner & Dash. PAWS volunteers as well as Blog 4 - Akira’s Jon Cotay takes a bowboard members stole the show with their four-legged friends: Participating designers and boutiques included Mark Blog 5 - Azeeza Khan and Corri McFaddenRoscoe Designs, Gary Gonzalez, Just Human (designer Yemonja Smalls), Akira (owner Jon Cotay), Sahar Dada, Cleon’s Clothing Co., Studio Alade (designer Funkside Eniola), Meekis,  Contessa Bottega (owner Contessa Helena), Cory Tran, Fraley Le and Mira Couture. This Blog 6 - Megan Ervin, Ashley Hooks and Meiling Jinevent was produced by Rose Mandel (Mandel Productions) with Associate Producer Marco Foster with PR support and so much more from Margaret O'Connor (Marcon Communications). A dynamic host committee featured some of our town's most notables such as Rosemary Fanti, Blog 7 - Co-host Marcus Riley and Billy DecCorri McFadden, Toni Canada, DC Crenshaw, Ava Anthony, Emma Arnold, Deborah Brown, Cindy Burns, Julie Lampert, Rita George, Lynn McMahan, Katie McLenaghan, Paul Iacono, Micah Materre, Jennifer Sutton, Alicia Roman, Kelli Zink, Billy Dec, Jessica Zweig, Blog 8 - Catie Keogh, Katie McLenaghan and friendErica Bethe Levin, Jon Cotay, Tyrone Farley, Deborah Goodman, Attila Gyulai, Zingha Hester, Catie Keogh, Michi Marshall, Kristina McGrath, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Crystal Peters, Arabel Alva Rosales Blog 9 - Deborah O. Brown and cute friendand Sherren Leigh. Special thanks Nevena Zee and Tania Gilbert (artistic directors Custom Hair Lounge & Spa), Brenda Arelano (makeup team artistic director), Joseph and Shawna House (fashion show stylists), Siamonto Etian (Sounds AVL), Laura Bee (soundtrack engineer and event DJ), Robert Sivek (set design), Alison Libby (fashion show video), Paul Latza (videographer) and so many others! A portion of the proceeds benefited PAWS Chicago. For more info on adoptions and the work of PAWS, please visit pawschicago.org. See ALL the of the fun on my Watch312.com video below! (Fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, Amie Hana and Jon Recano…view more event pics here!)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=FoNmhrNjrBXGC3MXvyuk-ucx-udh4LRi&version=2

Blog 1Luxury Management (LUX MGT) celebrated Chicago’s eighth annual Fashion Focus week by staging a dramatic runway presentation of Maison De LaCour’s latest collections to benefit the American Cancer Society Blog 2on October 16th. Staged inside Chicago’s breathtaking historical gem, The Murphy Auditorium, LUX MGT’s “The Immaculate One” fashion event also made a dream come true for one young girl battling cancer. Nine-year-old cancer survivor Alyssa’s Blog 3 - Corri McFadden and the star of the show, Alyssawish to walk in a real fashion show became a reality Tuesday night when she stole the show – and hearts – with her courageous debut on the runway in a Madison and Friends boutique dress. Edrop-off’s Corri McFadden, Dose Market’s founder April Francis and KISS FM host Angi Taylor introduced Alyssa and emceed the showcasing of Maison De LaCour’s new ready-to-wear Blog 4line (MDLC), as well as LaCour’s Spring 2013 collection. Models, choreographed by Yana German, strutted down the runway in a kaleidoscope of shimmering sheaths, bold prints, eye-catching hair sculptures by Salon VANITE’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon and makeup by LaCOUR BEAUTE’. The Blog 5intermission featured a professional modern ballet performance set to the music of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Sugar Hills Bakery provided all guests with delectable desserts and Russian Standard Vodka sponsored the pre-show VIP cocktail reception. Ricardo Sebastian founded LUX MGT as part of a college project to raise Blog 6 - Dramatic model presentationmoney for non-profits through event planning in 2008. Since then, LUX MGT has raised well over $600K for both not-for-profit and for-profit companies. Sebastian was nominated as one of “The Top 75 Up-and-Comers” by the Chicago Innovation Awards. Refinery 29 and Windy City Times listed him as one of this year’s “30 Under 30.” Congrats to all on this fabulous night of fashion for such a wonderful cause!

Blog 1 - Congressman Joe Walsh and host Jerry LaskyThe nation is abuzz with talk of politics and, recently, Chicago’s own Jerry Lasky hosted a lavish buffet upstairs at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse at a Blog 2 - Jeremy Katz, Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Jerry Laskyprivate viewing party for the vice presidential debate. The high powered get-together, that included Republican Congressman Joe Walsh and wife Helene, Blog 3 - Dr. John McMahan, Rick Canada and Jerry Laskyfeatured a viewing of the 90-minute debate by 30 politically-active friends who included Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Blog 4 - Ron Allen, Congressman Joe Walsh, Jay GottliebDr. John McMahan, Rick Canada, Ron Allen, Jay Gottlieb, Jonathan Bross, Lawrence Ryan, Bill Smithburg, comedian Tom Dreesen, Michael Ferro, John Lynch, Steve Stratton, David Smith, Bill Waldrop and Dan Uslan among others. May the best man win!

Keith McGee and grandnephew Ivory Reason Carson mms_pictureAnd speaking of politics, what a thrill it must’ve been for Ivory Reason Carson, the nephew of National Public Housing Museum’s Executive Director Keith Magee, when he met the POTUS! The President rubbed Ivory’s little head and told him, “One day, you will be president, too!” Awww…talk about inspiration! Loved this story! Congrats to little Ivory on his BIG intro! We love Uncle Keith!

Blog 2 - Justin Bieber, Scott McLellan and OprahWhat a thrill and what a coup for RL Restaurant and manager Rich Varnes! On Wednesday, October 24th, Oprah Winfrey taped a segment for her show at her “favorite spot” with Justin Bieber! The crowds were off the hook outside the restaurant where beloved waiter Scott McLellan had the honor of waiting on them all inside! The segment will air on November 25th on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” on OWN.

Blog 1 - Heather Farley, Carol Beitler, Gwen and Biff Ruttenberg and Lesley Prizant GoodmanRonald McDonald House Charities’ “Eat Global, Give Local” event attracted more than 150 people to Carnivale Restaurant recently for a night of charity, socializing and Blog 2 - Billy Marovitz, John Dakajos, Ken Norgan and Jim DeMariawonderful food from some of our top local chefs. The restaurant is gorgeous, as you know, and designer / restaurateur Jerry Kleiner was on hand greeting guests Blog 3 - Jamie Haberkorn (2nd from L), Melinda Jakovich and friends at J. Parkerand sampling dishes from Frontier’s Chef Brian Jupiter (who served delicious milk braised pork shoulder with pistachio cornbread doused in pumpkin bacon gravy!), Davanti’s Chef Creon Mallett (who served roasted squash faro with goat Blog 4 - Dr. Lauren Streicher and hubby Jason Brett load up on raffle tix!cheese and apple cider reduction), Carnivale’s Chef David Dworshak, Café des Architectes’ Chef Gregg Biggers, Quay’s Chef Dan Marquis and SmallBar’s Chef Justin White among others. Jim DeMaria, Senior Director of Development & Marketing Blog 5 - With Carol Beitler and Whitney Reis Laskyfor Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, spoke about the importance of the house and encouraged guests to volunteer. Another recent RMHCCNI event was hosted at the Hotel Lincoln’s J. Parker Hotel by dynamic Women’s Blog 7 - Sam Madonia and beautiful friendAuxiliary Board members MaryAnne Smith (WB President and Coach Lovie’s adorable wife), Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitler. The night included some well-known faces like Blog 6 - Jerry Kleiner (R) with girlfriend Marisa Molinaro’s cute parentsHeather Farley Ingram, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, John McKinnon, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sheryl Dyer, Bill Chunowitz and many others. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the House, please check out this video and see what all of this fundraising is for! (Check out more pics here!)

Blog 1 - Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma and Marc BrooksThe Paul Stuart townhouse at 107 E. Oak St. was full of friends and fans on October 18th to congratulate its handsome hosts and Brand Ambassadors, Christopher Blog 1 - Christopher Clinton Conway, Marc Brooks, Jason Berngard and Paul KellyClinton Conway (Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet), Marc Brooks (Park 52 owner) and Jason Berngard (Gilt City curator). The occasion was to celebrate Paul Stuart’s collaboration with Esquire Black Book to introduce the Phineas Cole Fall/Winter Blog 2 - Beth Silverman, Christopher Clinton Conway, Doug Smith2012 Collection, Paul Stuart’s new line of contemporary men’s clothing. On hand for the evening was Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma, Blog 3 - Jason Berngard and Paul Stuart Regional Manager Paul Kellywho debuted the new collection and mingled with more than 100 stylish attendees. Guests mingled, shopped and enjoyed beer from local Chicago brewery Blog 4 - Andreas Mitisek, Geraldine and Michael Schlutz, Helen Melchior and Ken NorgenGoose Island, spirits by Maker’s Mark, and water from Smartwater. Notable Chicago attendees included CBS’s Ryan Baker, Blue Chicago Media Group’s Ryan Blog 5 - Ryan and Jessa BakerJeffries, D.C. Crenshaw, Eric McKissack, Maggie Morgan, Tom Shure, Helen Melchoir, Ken Norgan and Arnie Becker. Jazz guitarist Kyle Asche played throughout the evening featuring a mix of jazz, rock Blog 6 - Brenda Swauger, DC and Alayna Crenshawand pop music. The evening concluded with guests receiving gift bags with complimentary collar stays from Paul Stuart and a special holiday treat from Maker’s Mark. Awwwwww, so sweet! Congrats to these handsome brand ambassadors and welcome Phineas Cole!!! To see more of the collection, please click here and to view more pics, please click here!) 

Blog 1 - Irresistible ZemrahIt was a thrill to emcee cool jazz artist Zemrah’s “Here’s to Life” concert on Sweetest Day (how appropriate!) at Prairie State College Auditorium Theater on October 20th.  Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood, beginning in the church choir to opening for her favorite artist, Blog 2 - With N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman and Reginald TorianNancy Wilson. The night also celebrated the launch of her debut CD, “Irresistible Zemrah” and, from the audience response, she certainly is irresistible! Produced by longtime musical director Syd Brown, the show also included unforgettable performances by the Impression’s Reginald Torian, who was decked out head-to-toe in black leather. (Meow!) He debuted a new song that he will be singing with the group on the Impression’s farewell tour Blog 3 - Zemrah sings “At Last” with Marcus Gentryand dedicated it to his lady love, N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman. It was such a touching moment and, since I was sitting next to her, one she did not expect! He even gave her a rose…it was a very special moment on a night filled with great moments and I was so excited to be there! Guest artist and one of the most charismatic men I’ve met, Marcus Gentry, also performed. He sang Blog 4 - With Wilda Belk, Alonzo Stallings and Zemrahsolo and then, for the finale, appeared in the entranceway in a bright yellow jacket singing “At Last” with Zemrah…the crowd went wild and when they slow-danced onstage together, it was magic. She had a great crowd of admirers who never wanted to leave after the show and stayed late to have their pics taken with her and to buy her CD. Zemrah will be performing two shows at Close-Up 2 Contemporary Jazz Club (located at 416 S. Clark St.) every Thursday beginning November 8th. Don’t miss this dynamic entertainer who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!

TheHauteSpotInSpot-293x300And now for some much deserved congrats! First up, I just love The HAUTE Spot and, apparently, I’m not the only one! Congrats on winning TimeOut Chicago’s 2012 Best Consignment Shop honor!!! Visit their fabulous River West showroom and see why!

Blog 1 - With the one and only Nate Berkus!Huge congrats to beloved designer Nate Berkus on his recent book signing at Jayson Home & Garden! His gorgeous book, “The Things Blog 2 - With Francine Turk (3rd from L) and Courtney CaseyThat Matter,” is not your typical how-to, should-do book on home design but rather a fresh take on what makes you the happiest in your home, and THOSE are the “things that matter.” This book would make a fantastic holiday gift for ALL of your friends! Click here to buy and congrats Nate! Everyone loves YOU! 

2012_Gazebo_InvitationThe Junior League of Chicago will be hosting its annual fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Randolph. This Gazebo Holiday Market always has a broad selection of gifts and is a perfect place to start your holiday shopping. Come to the “Martinis & Mistletoe” preview party on Friday night and have an exclusive first look while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffle prizes and more! (For tickets and more info, please click here!  

Luxury_Opening_Invite-page-001I can’t wait for Luxury Garage Sale’s Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 7th at 1658 N. Wells St., in Old Town (my ‘hood!). Darling owners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal are hosting an evening of mixing, mingling, shopping and champagne while viewing “the city’s most refined collection of consignment couture and accessories.” For more info, please call 312.291.9126 or visit www.luxurygaragesale.com. I’ll see YOU there!

Chairs for CharityJoin Chicago Home + Garden Magazine's third annual Chairs for Charity event on Wednesday, November 7th from 6 to Diffa8:30 p.m. at the Cosentino Center located at 1060 W. Division St. as they auction off vintage chairs given new life by Chicago's top designers. Get exclusive access to 15 one-of-a-kind chairs from Francine Turk, Soucie Horner, Erik Kolacz, Lance Lawson, Michele Fitzpatrick and more. While bidding on your favorite chairs, enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres by Texas de Brazil and complimentary beer by Peroni and wine provided by City Winery. Tickets are $35. Auction CHG_Logo_grayproceeds and a portion of ticket sales will benefit The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Chef Andy of Sushi-O-SushiIf you love sushi in a cozy, fun-filled environment, then check out Sushi-O-Sushi at 346 W. Armitage: Chef Andy makes everyone feel like they’re family!! I just love this spot and you will, too! 

Thanks so much for checking in and I hope you’re enjoyed this week’s edition! Please follow me on Facebook (Candid Candace) and Twitter (@CandidCandace) and see what’s HAUTE in the Windy City!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

(2nd from L) Trish Frick, Hef, Crystal Harris, Caya Ukkas and husband Keith Hefner

P.S. It’s great to see Hef is still having fun and that his Halloween parties still rock…and author Margie Wilson-Mars tells all right here! (Who knew Holly was pregnant and see who the surprise guest was!)

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER: COUTURE & COCKTAILS!

…PLUS RENAISSANCE SOCIETY GALA, RANDE GERBER’S RUM PARTY, FACING HISTORY & OURSELVES EXHIBITION, ABE THOMPSON’S “LEGENDARY” HONOR, PAUL STUART’S COOL BRAND AMBASSADORS, A CUBAN DANCE OPPORTUNITY, LUXURY GARAGE SALE, WATCH312.COM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE DOC, PAWS CHICAGO’S BIG HOWL-O-WEEN, MY FAV PUMPKIN PATCH AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Co-chairs Sonya Jackson and Kristina McGrathThe Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails, now in its seventh year, is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. This year, glamour queens Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson co-chaired the event that attracted more than 500 trendsetters. This party has always been Blog 2 - Toni Canada, Rebecca Besser and Dusty Stemerknown for its exciting venues and, this year, the new McGrath Acura dealership was the place to be! With more than 50,000 sq. feet of dramatic space, guests were filled with excitement and anticipation as they walked the red carpet leading into the party. Ivan Carlson’s Blog 3 - Floyd Elwell and Joffrey Exec. Dir. Christopher Clinton Conwaydécor set the tone with flashing pink strobe lights while chic bars filled with Skinnygirl cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Stefani Catering were major crowd pleasers. A vintage couture auction presented by LUXURY GARAGE SALE had partygoers oohing, ahhing Blog 4 - Korinna Isselhardt, Patty Nalepa, Lynette Perkins, Kathy Sullivan and Jill Vorobievand bidding. At 7:30 p.m., white curtains parted to reveal another gorgeous space filled with a huge runway and row upon row of Lucite chairs. Bartenders served the seated VIP guests who included “Chicagolicious” star AJ Johnson, Jan Flanagan, Lynn Blog 5 - Dancers just wanna have fun!and John McMahan, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Michaela Parrillo, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Toni and Rick Canada, Daniel DeVos and designer/wife Pamella Roland DeVos, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro and Mike McGrath Blog 6 - Whitney Lasky, co-chair Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan and Lynn McMahanamong others. To open the fashion show, co-chairs Kristina and Sonya roared into the space in a $380,000 cherry red Lexus LFA. After inviting Leon Kinloch and orchestra leader turned auctioneer David Rothstein to the stage, the quartet Blog 7 - Pam Phillips Weston, Anne Kaplan, Ashley Wheater (Joffrey Artistic Director) and Yolanda Tylerbegan the live auction portion of the night. Packages included exotic trips on United Airlines with hotel stays at the Langham Hotel Group among other exciting offerings. After the live auction, more donations were raised with a “runway Blog 8 - Beam VP-friend Tom Strehle with his familystrut,” where guests could take a turn on the runway for varying amounts – there were some pretty fancy moves up there and it was a very clever idea for additional fundraising. And then, the main event: Pamella Roland’s Spring 2013 collection presented Blog 9 - Chef Art Smith and life partner Jesus Salgueiroby Neiman Marcus! I will tell you that I wanted almost every single thing I saw on that runway. From simple daytime dresses to elegant, entrance-making gowns, Pamella’s creations had the crowd cheering and clapping in appreciation. When I interviewed her for Blog 10 - Sue Gray Goller, Sonya Jackson, Pamella Roland and Melissa Babcock (WB Prez)Watch312.com, she told me her inspiration was the minimalistic paintings by Ellsworth Kelly…and indeed, her black-and-white theme made a dramatic yet elegant statement. The peplum dresses were gorgeous enough on their Blog 11 - Featured designer Pamella Roland with her TCW Mag coverown as the models glided down the runway but when they turned and the crowd saw that the entire backs were sheer, it made everyone moan. At the end of the show, when Pamella made her triumphant runway walk, a standing ovation rattled the walls. Guests were then shuttled to another magnificent room for the post-show reception while this space was transformed into a dance floor. The Blog 12 - Co-chair Sonya Jackson, Leon and Jacqueline KinlochMcGrath Acura space, with its soaring ceilings and exquisite artwork, could be a museum if it wasn’t an uber successful dealership. White leather furniture was arranged for special VIP seating that included darling pillows emblazoned with McGrath Acura and champagne waiting patiently in elegant containers. Beginning at 9 p.m., the dance party was kicked off by the world-famous Joffrey dancers led by Mauro Villanueva and David Gombert, April Daley and Miguel Blog 13 - Newly engaged Charlie Brumbaugh and Mary Ann MurphyBlanco, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Derrick Agnoletti, Fabrice Calmels, Erica Lynette Edwards, Dylan Guiterrez and Tian Blog 14 - Cheryl Jackson (Sonya’s sis), Eva Chess, Traci Jetzer, Tarrah Cooper (Rahm’s Press Secretary), Jessica  Kimbrough and friend.Shuai among others. Food trucks were stationed in the entrance space and included delicious mac and cheese from Southern Mac & Cheese, Chef Leah’s perfect pancakes from Babycakes, Two Italians' delicious meatballs and pizza, Mexican fare from La Adelita and vegan, dairy-free offerings from Blog 15 - Kathleen Henson and Daniella GuzmanSte Martaen. No one wanted this exciting night to end at this glorious new venue on the river but sadly, we will all have to wait till next year to find out what new adventure C & Blog 16 - Darling couple-Joffrey dancers Miguel Blanco and April DaleyC takes us on! Congrats to Sonya and Kristina and the Joffrey on this fun-filled night that rai
sed more than $275K for Joffrey programming and outreach. This event has grown exponentially in size since its inception in 2007 with past featured designers including Blog 17 - Husband-wife Joffrey dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria JaianiDavid Meister, Carmen Marc Valvo, Maria Pinto, Temperley London and Escada. A special thanks to this year’s sponsors United Airlines, McGrath Imports, Pamella Roland, Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Laura Mercier, Beam Global Blog 18 - Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels (center), Gale Gottlieb (L) and friendsSpirits & Wine (love Tom Strehle!), Skinnygirl, Constellation Brands, Inc., Exelon, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and the beautiful sweet tables from Sugar Chic Designs! (To see ALL party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=1ibTA1NjqXSI-vdGXMO0aNSTbE6WebmK&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Blog 1 - Susanne Ghez, Judy Ledgerwood, Greg CameronThe Renaissance Society welcomed more than 340 guests, including prominent business leaders, curators and artists for its 2012 Benefit Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday, September 8th. Blog 2 - Julie Marie Lemon, Michelle Boone, Naomi BeckwithThe event grossed more than $677,000 in support of The Renaissance Society’s 2012-2013 exhibition season and celebrated director Susanne Ghez’s 40th year at this internationally-renowned non-collecting Blog 3 - Gael Neeson, Tony Karmanmuseum of contemporary art. Guests enjoyed an evening that began with a cocktail reception and silent art auction featuring pieces by past Renaissance Society artists, alongside a special preview of a limited edition Blog 4 - Michelle Holland, Glenn Holland, Nada Grayphoto portfolio curated by guest of honor Susanne Ghez in celebration of her tenure as director of The Renaissance Society. During a lavish dinner by Radisson Blu Catering paired with wines from Todd Hess/H2Vino, guests were treated to the visually stunning Blog 5 - Rebecca Ford Terry, Susanne Ghez, Don Terrydécor and table arrangements of Paul Buenvenida and Gary Heiferman. A special tribute to Ghez included remarks from Renaissance Society Board of Directors President Greg Cameron, who warmly congratulated her on 40 Blog 6 - Jennifer Conklin, Evan Boris, Stephanie Smithyears of inspiring leadership and generosity of spirit in supporting artists, noting the profound impact Ghez has had in creating one of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibition venues. The evening concluded with a live auction of cutting-edge art Blog 7 - Carrie Secrist, Kavi Guptaby Matt Saunders, Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall and a luxury trip to a private villa in the Mexican Riviera. The 2012 Benefit Gala Chair was Deirdre McBreen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary and Principal at Blog 8 - Howard Stone, Lisa Dorin, Dirk Denison, Judy LedgerwoodPeter J. McBreen & Associates. Distinguished guests at the event included Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Director Madeleine Grynsztejn and curators Naomi Beckwith and Michael Darling, Art Blog 9 - Matt Witkovsky, Susanne Ghez,  Janine Mileaf, Liz GlassmanInstitute of Chicago director Douglas Druick and curators Peter Zegers, James Rondeau, Matt Witkovsky and Lisa Dorin, Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography director Natasha Egan, darling City of Chicago Cultural Affairs commissioner Michelle Blog 10 - Hamza Walker, Susanne GhezBoone, Northwestern University Block Museum director Lisa Corrin, Chicago Humanities Festival artistic director Matti Bunzl, Santa Monica Museum of Art director Elsa Longhauser, Terra Foundation director Blog 11 - Greg Cameron, Deirdre McBreenElizabeth Glassman, Richard Wright of Wright Auction, Tang Museum curator Ian Berry, Arts Club director Janine Mileaf, Jane Addams Hull House Museum director Lisa Lee, and EXPO CHICAGO president/director Tony Karman. (Photos by Erin Drewitz.)

 
Blog 1 - Rande Gerber with Caliche Rum’s bevy of beautiesOn the heels of successful launches in LA, NY, Miami and Dallas, creator Rande Gerber (husband of gorgeous supermodel Cindy Crawford) was joined by family and friends in Chicago recently to celebrate the launch of Caliche Rum, a rum six generations in the making Blog 2and exclusively from the Serrallés Family Distillery, the birthplace of premium Puerto Rican rum. Since launching in March 2012, Caliche Rum has been very well received among consumers and trade alike being honored with some of the highest rated reviews in the industry. Congrats Rande and bring Cindy back home! 🙂

Blog 1 - Mayor Emanuel, honorary chair of Facing History and OurselvesThe Chicago office of international educational nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves welcomed Mayor Rahm Emanuel along with more than 200 partners, donors and supporters of its acclaimed multimedia exhibition Choosing to Participate for a private Blog 2 - Lashana Jackson, Celeste Wright Harris and Denise Banksparty on Monday, September 24th in the Winter Garden of the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guided tours of the exhibition (which is on display at the Harold Washington Library Center now through November 11th). In addition to Mayor Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, other distinguished guests included event Blog 3 - Greg Case, Upstander honoree Nikki Jarvis and Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman-Pres-CEO)emcee and Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News co-anchor Cheryl Burton, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, Blog 4 - Bonnie Oberman, Margot Stern Strom and Judy WiseChoosing to Participate co-chair and Aon president and CEO Greg Case, Walmart Chicagoland Market manager Reginald Reese, Facing History co-founder and Klarman Family executive director Margot Stern Strom, Facing History Chicago co-founder Judy Wise, Loop Capital Markets co-founder and president Albert R. Grace, Jr., Facing History Chicago Advisory Board chairman Jill Blog 5 - CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard and the MayorGarling and her husband Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman, President and CEO), Blog 6 - Co-chair Greg Case (AON pres-CEO), Mayor Emanuel, Albert R. Grace, Jr. (Loop Capital Markets co-founder-president)Facing History Chicago director Bonnie Oberman and her husband Marty Oberman (former 43rd Ward Alderman and private practice lawyer) and Choosing to Participate Upstander honorees Mazher Ahmed, Henry Henderson, Nikki Jarvis and Tony Wasilewski. Facing History’s Choosing to Participate is a powerful multimedia Blog 7 - FH&O Co-founder Judy Wise walk the Mayor thru exhibitexhibition examining the impact and history of bigotry and injustice that features five installations telling stories Blog 8 - ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and Greg Casein the first-person about people and communities that have experienced racism and injustice, and how courage and compassion are necessary to protect democracy. The two local components of the exhibition are Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, Blog 9 - Advisory Board Chairman Jill Garling and the Mayorfeaturing photographs and narratives celebrating 12 individuals and groups making a difference in Chicago and pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, a display of original artwork from Chicagoland students in grades 7 – 12 that illustrates Blog 11 - Henry Henderson and familythe importance of choices we make in our daily lives. For more information, please visit www.choosingtoparticipate.org. Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage Blog 10 - Walmart Chicagoland Marketing Manager Reginald Reesestudents of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. For more information, visit facinghistory.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

 
Abe at podiumLongtime Chicago-based media exec Abe Thompson accepted the Living Legends Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) during their 12th Annual Living Legends/Passing the Torch© recently at the Parkway Ballroom. The Living Legends event was conceived by BUFI as a way to encourage generational continuity in civil rights, business and the professions while sharing the collective skills, ideas and strategies with a new generation of leaders. Thompson passed the torch to the students of Kennedy-King College. Huge congrats to a beloved Chicago icon!

Christopher Clinton ConwayCongrats to the Joffrey Ballet’s Christopher Clinton Conway and Park 52’s Marc Brooks on being named the Fall 2012 Chicago Brand Ambassadors for Paul Stuart and its Phineas Cole Collection! They couldn’t have picked more perfect candidates for this honor than Christopher and Marc, whose chic style is always inspiring and uniquely their own. Since 1938, Paul Stuart has been a leading arbiter of taste, style and fashion for luxury menswear in the U.S. The store has dressed world leaders, dignitaries, celebrities and titans of business Liza and Marc Brooksfor over 70 years. In the fall of 2007, Paul Stuart launched Phineas Cole, the first new brand in the company’s history. Its slimmer, more contemporary silhouette is perfectly suited for our town’s best dressed guys! Congrats CCC and MB – they are very lucky to have you in their beautiful new brand! Join them on Thursday, October 18th, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate this new line from 6 to 8 p.m. at 107 E. Oak St. RSVP@Skirtpr.com.

Cheryl Tama OblanderDance devotee Cheryl Tama Oblander is helping plan a major ballet festival in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for October 27th through November 4th (leaving from Miami). Cheryl has been named as the representative for the Center for Cuban Studies and is Rakatan3-2194organizing an amazing itinerary that includes eight nights, welcome and farewell dinners, motor coach tours, exclusive museum passes, five festival performances and so much more! The trip is limited to 25 to 30 guests so email interplanner@comcast.net or visit www.festivalballethabana.cult.cu/ for more info!

Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay SegalI was so honored to have been asked by LUXURY GARAGE SALE to sift through their fabulous fashions and pick my top five! It was no easy task with pages upon pages of beautiful couture offerings but it was a very fun challenge that I happily accepted. Check out my choices and see what you Luxury Garage Sale choices 10-12think…and then check out YOURS here! LUXURY GARAGE SALE – an upscale consignment service that specializes in selling new and gently-used contemporary, designer and vintage clothing and accessories – was co-founded by partners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal. Childhood friends, Brielle and Lindsay always had a love of collecting beginning with stickers and erasers and evolving to shoes and handbags. Over the years, however, their assorted collections soon overwhelmed their available storage space. Utilizing their backgrounds in fashion and sales, Brielle and Lindsay began selling their unwanted items and after realizing that their friends had the Nate Berkus invitesame predicament as well, a light flashed and voila – LUXURY GARAGE SALE was born! Happy Hunting!

Who wouldn’t like to party with Nate Berkus!!??? Join handsome and talented Nate as he celebrates the launch of his new book, “The Thing
s That Matter
” on Tuesday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jayson Home and Garden, located at1885 N Clybourn Ave. EVERYONE is welcome! Also, bubbly and bites are being provided by Francis Coppola Winery and Chicago's Real Kitchen. I can't wait to read your new book and see YOU, Nate – we love you!

Lahore InviteChicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) brings Chicagoans a festive evening of cultural discovery with From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus. This party with our Pakistani sister city will celebrate the work of artists from Chicago and Pakistan and will highlight our similarities and the impact of arts upon people of all cultures. Free and open to the public, this event will be at the Chicago Cultural Center (located at 77 E. Randolph) on Wednesday, October 17th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The night will include an exhibition of visual arts, a brief speaking program, film screenings, musical performances, poetry readings and so much more. For more info, please click here!

6a00e55455088488330147e35a5380970b-350wiMany thanks to journalist/producer extraordinaire Elysabeth Alfano for including me in her recent fabulous Huffington Post article about the Art Institute’s Rubloff paperweight collection! This one-woman dynamo is also the creator and producer for “Fear No Art” and “The Dinner Party.” To read her latest article, please click here. What a great piece…nice work, Elysabeth!

Zemrah invite 993What a perfect way to spend Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20th! Join me as I host “Here’s to Life Concert 2” presented by the very irresistible jazz soloist Zemrah at Prairie State College’s Main Auditorium, located at 202 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Heights), beginning at 7 p.m. (A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m.) Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood becoming the lead female vocalist of the duet “Fire & Ice” to being selected as the Crown Royale Female Vocalist of the Year. She continued as a solo artist opening for Nancy Wilson to now having her own inspirational concert. The night’s musical director Syd Brown will be joined by guest artist Marcus Gentry. For show information and tickets beginning at $55, please visit www.zemrahsongstress.com or call 318.936.7241. (Her first CD, “Irresistible Zemrah,” is – quite simply – irresistible!) I hope to see you there!

DavidsTea founder David SegalAt Cheeky Chicago’s 4th Anniversary Party (coverage coming soon!), I had the opportunity to sample DavidsTea, which will be making its debut in Chicago on October 13th at 1645 N. Damen. Now, I’m not a big tea drinker but with flavors like Read My Lips (a black tea with chocolate, vanilla, mint and red candy lips), Pumpkin Chai (black tea with cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, squash, carrot and caramel bits) and Banana Nut Bread David's Tea(dates, currants, almonds and freeze-dried bananas), I stand up and take notice! I also love the fact that all proceeds for their Haitian-inspired KANPE Tea (a blend of hibiscus, mango, cinnamon, papaya, banana, coconut and stevia) will go toward the KANPE organization dedicated to long-term relief in Haiti. The company opened last year with two locations in NYC and plans locations this month in San Francisco. DavidsTea is also available online at www.davidstea.com. Congrats to owners David Segal and his cousin Herschel Segal and WELCOME to Chicago!

Howl-homepage-bannerDon’t miss this new fall event benefitting PAWS Chicago! PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party “Howl-O-Ween” will be coming to the Grand Salon of the Park Hyatt on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 5 p.m. You and your family are PAWSChicagoinvited to join in this spooky, fun-filled event featuring a costume contest at 3 p.m. for people and pets with celebrity judges, prizes for Best in Show for Dog, Family, Favorite Duo and Most Outrageous. Co-chaired by Nancy Timmers and Walter Brindell, the party will also include delectable desserts by pastry chef Meg Galus, pawtastic bites by executive chef Ryan LaRoche, beer, wine and Tail-tinis for adults from NoMI Lounge! There will also be a live auction, children’s face painting, photographer Greg Szoda and intuitive dog readings by Denise Zak. Tickets are $75 (adult and 13-up), $25 (6-12) and $20 per pet. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Racked logo untitledA special thanks to all of you who voted for me as “Chicago’s Most Social Scenester” in the contest recently hosted by RackedChicago.com! I know I terrorized so many of you to vote but it worked and I won!! 🙂 So thanks for being so patient and so supportive! ALL of the nominees are dynamite social scenesters and included Amanda Puck, Billy Dec, Ryan Beschel, Lisa Frame, Cece & Melinda, Marcus Riley, Emma Arnold, Graham Kostic, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin and Monica Dimperio. I am so honored and promise to live up to this title! 🙂 Thanks so much to Jared Hatch for the nomination!

With Ronald and New House Director Jamie HaberkornFrom humble desires to complete fruition, the story of the building of the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House is an inspiring one. This love-filled Watch312.com documentary will make you laugh, cry and believe that goodness and hope can overcome all obstacles. The new Ronald McDonald house RMHCCNI’s Doug Porter, Jamie Haberkorn and Ken Norgan (owner-operator)near Lurie Children's opened June 26th and is located at 211 East Grand in Streeterville. Its14 stories offers 86 guest rooms and amenities to comfort families in time of need. If you would like to help support this worthwhile cause please click here. I also hope you enjoy my video that was a labor of love from beginning to end!

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=ozaHkyNjqnLf5_u_LD3bqW7lEXvPRU0m&height=275&embedCode=ozaHkyNjqnLf5_u_LD3bqW7lEXvPRU0m&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Beautiful “funkins” created by Tissy Eggleston for TCW Mag PartyI hope your fall is off to a beautiful start and I hope you get a chance to celebrate with a visit to a pumpkin patch! One of our favorites is County Line Orchard, located at 200 S. County Line Road in Hobart, Indiana. I love their apple cinnamon and pumpkin donuts but they also have a corn maize, petting zoo, live band performances and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Their country store offers fresh jam, homemade pies, kettle corn and lots of other tasty treats. A perfect way to enjoy the change of seasons!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

RhondaP.S. My friend Rhonda Sanderson recently shared a story of her bout with breast cancer in this inspiring video. For every new Facebook fan, story shared or purchase made through Hungry Howie’s Pizza chain, a donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Please click here to see it and share it with your friends to help make a difference. 🙂 Great job, Rhonda!

1 Comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

CHESHIRE CAT SMILES ALL AROUND FOR OFFICE MAX’S GREEN TIE BALL!

…PLUS 30/30/30 FOR TCW MAG, BRIAN ATWOOD’S A-LIST PARTY, HENSON’S HIGH HONOR, HORSING AROUND AT THE EVERGREEN INVITATIONAL, PRIMO CLASSICO, HARRIS THEATER’S ONE NIGHT COUP, GOLD COAST FASHION AWARDS RETURNS, LATINO FASHION WEEK, CHEF ERIC LANLARD WANTS TO “TART IT UP!,” A MAGICAL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Guests with Red Moon Theater actorsThe Office Max Green Tie Ball just keeps getting bigger and better! I didn’t think they could top last year’s theme – “The Wizard of Oz” – but with the fantastic addition of Red Moon Theater Company, “Alice in Wonderland” came Blog 2 - Joanna and Grant DePorterto life this year for more than 3,000 guests. From the moment you entered the steel factory grounds of A. Finkl & Sons, you knew magic was afoot when you walked the GREEN carpet! Dramatic visuals thrilled your senses everywhere you looked beginning with striking artwork from this classic book streaming down the sides of the Blog 3 - Emcee Val Warner with the Landon Twinstent as you entered the grounds. The Mad Hatter’s tent made me gasp as I saw oversized lamps and fabulous scenes projected on every wall. And the FOOD! There were more than 70 food stations and I don’t mean little tastings: This was REAL food prepared by Blog 4 - Interviewing Pete Wentz and girlfriend Meagan Camperchefs who wanted to be noticed. Rub BBQ Company served a BBQ martini consisting of coleslaw, cornbread, baker beans and smoked pork shoulder all in one cup! Zapatista’s carnitas on rice flower tortillas with jalapenos was mouthwatering and Flo & Santos served ravarogi (meat pierogies) with vodka Blog 5 - Sarah Cooley (2nd from R), Richard Roeper and friendscream sauce. Thank goodness I didn’t get to ALL 70 restaurants, although I did see great stuff from Frog & Snail, GT Fish & Oyster, III Forks, Rosebud, 25 Degrees, Province, Frontier and Public House. I was especially touched by Blog 6 - Jerry Roeper and David Lissnerthe offerings from the sweet kids from Bethlehem Lutheran Church who were on hand from the After School Matters’ Culinary Arts Program. Proud ASM Culinary Director/Chef Gloria Hafer said, “These students are special to us and I know they will succeed because of the Blog 7 - After School Matters students with their creationsconcern of the people here who have taken an interest in the program. I’m working diligently through ASM to promote self-esteem, excellence, and appreciation of the culinary arts.” Students in the program prepared, displayed and served more Blog 8 - Shari and Paul Duffythan 2,000 “Alice in Wonderland”-themed cookies and cakes. I watch a lot of master chef shows and these kids could teach them a thing or two from what I saw on this night. Shannon Roche, Gisel Bahena, Abigail Garcia, Lily Harris and Omar Cardenas proudly displayed their works of art and told me how Blog 9important the program was to them. Gisel plans on working in the culinary arts and Omar was happy to have a place to go that would keep him “off the streets.” Abigail commented on the fun she had and how much she loved learning how to Blog 10 - Zac Stemer and Jordan Stemercook. This was sheer genius by the event organizers to add these kids so they could highlight this worthy organization! Of the 50 world-renowned chefs invited to this event, After School Matters was the only teen initiative asked to participate. The event was emceed for the second year by Blog 11 - Elena Samokhina and magical friendWindy City Live” hosts Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini. When I interviewed them for Watch312.com, they were so excited about expanding to the weekend, with a Sunday edition coming soon. Ryan jokingly said, “You will be sick of us soon like my parents.” They are too cute for words, as we Blog 12 - Susan and John Collettiall know! Corri McFadden, glam e-Drop Off founder and star of VH1’s “House of Consignment,” and Donald Storino, principal and co-founder of the government affairs firm Fidelity Consulting Group, served as co-chairs. This Blog 13 - DJ Rock Cityevent benefitted Chicago Gateway Green, which was founded by Donald DePorter in 1986. His son, Grant DePorter, President of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group and Chairman of Gateway Green, carries on his father’s tradition in grand style. “As Gateway Green’s Blog 14signature fundraising event, the Green Tie Ball not only raises our mission but also serves as the catalyst for our ongoing beautification programs, including the Expressway Partnership, for which proceeds from this year’s gala will be directed.” The night also Blog 15included top notch dance music from deejays Justin Jacobson (founder and impresario of Platinum Events), Rock City and former Fall Out Boy bassist and half of the Black Cards duo, Pete Wentz. He showed up on the green carpet around 9:45 p.m. with gorgeous arm candy, Meagan Camper. My friend and celebrity stylist Eric Himel styled them both to perfection saying, “For
Co-chair Corri McFadden and friendPete, I wanted to do something different other than rocker attire.” Wentz was decked out in a fabulous forest green suit from Oak Street’s SuitSupply with a Blog 17 - Agnes Miles and Catie Keoghbow tie. When I asked him how he liked his outfit, he said, “I feel a little Farrakhan-ish but that’s okay, I'm a fan.” He was dancing and tweeting pics of the crowd as he deejayed. So cute! Meagan was in a sleek black dress from Top Shop with green Alexis Bittar earrings. Such a stylish pair! I loved Eric’s Blog 18outfit, too, that featured a green skull necklace on a leather cord from Beatnik's, a great store in Lakeview. Entertainment included live performances from Chicago cover bands Dr. Bombay Blog 19 - Brenda Arelano and Lisa Apratiand South of 80. Co-host Ryan Chiaverini thrilled the crowd when he got onstage to sing his now signature song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Rivers Casino tent featured craps, blackjack and roulette. There was also a Red Moon bubble-blowing, mobile DJ, Blog 20 - Charitable gambling courtesy of Rivers Casinoan Office Max photo booth filled with “Alice in Wonderland” props and “Hawk Man,” who hovered over the crowd on a 20-foot crane flapping his massive, feathered wings (also from Red Moon). Partygoers happily fell right down the Blog 21 - “Hawk Man” from Red Moon Theater Companyrabbit hole at this party! Executive producer for this magical night was “The Food Dude,” David Lissner, who is also a board member of Chicago Gateway Green. This magical night raised $450K to benefit Chicago Gateway Green. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…to see other photos in my Chicago Tribune column by Beth Rooney, please click here and to see all of the magic, WATCH my Watch312.com video right HERE!)

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=5vZTAwNjpHS-1s63m0aoyIn01542hGze&height=276&embedCode=5vZTAwNjpHS-1s63m0aoyIn01542hGze&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Blog 1 - Brian Atwood with Heidi Klum and Rachel ZoeHandsome shoe god Brian Atwood celebrated his new campaign and first flagship store at 655 Madison Avenue in New York with a star-filled celebration at the Four Seasons Restaurant on Wednesday, September 5th. More than 700 guests mixed Blog 2 - Proud mom Dusty congratulates Brianwith A-list celebs as DJ Mick Boogie played hot mixes but nothing could be hotter than the sky high heels so coveted around the globe by this charming designer who is adored by all. Since its 2001 debut, the Brian Atwood Collection has instilled shoe lust in a legion of fans for its infusion of glamour, exquisite Blog 3 - Kim Kardashian with Brian Atwoodcraftsmanship, hyperluxe design and attention to detail. His award-winning styles have earned him the CDA Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Best Accessory Design and the 2010 Footwear News Designer of the Year Award. His first global campaign this past summer, a print campaign and Blog 4 - Handsome life partners Dr. Jake Deutsch and Briancompanion fashion film tell the story of the modern woman's desire for fantasy and control. The new fall print and video campaign were shot together in London by Mert & Marcus with creative direction by Giovanni Bianco and feature supermodel Candice Swanepoel. The fashion film, The Sex is in the Heel video series, is a voyeuristic flashback by a mysterious seductress reliving the Blog 5 - Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer, cute friend and Jordan Stemerprevious night's fantasy and will be a part of the film section on the newly redesigned website. I imagine this is exactly how women feel after a night of wearing a pair of Brian Atwoods! In honor of the evening, DeLeon Tequila presented four signature cocktails: Maniac, The Sex Blog 7 - Heidi Klum having fun with Brian!is in the Heel, Midnight Purple and The Atwood. Ahhhhhh, so cute! Guests seen at the celebration included Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Roy, Ryan Lochte, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Nate Berkus, Hannah Bronfman, Estelle, Gabrielle Union, Katie Lee, Candice Swanepoel, Giovanni Bianco, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, proud parents Yolanda (Dusty) and Dr. Alex Stemer, Blog 6 - Zak Stemer, Ryan Lochte, Stephanie WeissAbby and Dr. Jim Lipton, Toni and Rick Canada, Nina Mariano, beautiful sister Jordan Stemer and Jackson Miranda, darling brother Zack Stemer, longtime friend milliner Loreta Corsetti, Peter Kousothanos, Nina Aversa, Stephanie Weiss, Andi Laidlaw, Cameron Laidlaw, Jerimiah and Brian's handsome husband, Dr. Jake Deutsch. It was a joy-filled affair filled with beautiful people. Long may you reign, Shoe God Brian Atwood – can't wait for your first store opening at 655 Madison Avenue coming October 4th!!!

Blog 1I love TCW Magazine and I’m so thrilled to be celebrating their 30th
anniversary with them on October 30th with a party benefitting 30 charities in town that assist women and children in Blog 2need! Leave it to Sherren Leigh to come up with this clever idea for her party which will also include a silent auction called Pumpkins on Parade. Faux “funkin” pumpkins will be decorated by local “celebrities” to be auctioned off.  I must say she corralled me for this funkin decorating and I tried but had to relinquish my duties to my dear friend (and crafty Blog 3 - Tissy Eggleston, my “Funkin” carving savior!genius), Tissy Eggleston. So, even though I will have a pumpkin entered, just know it was a collaborative effort! LOL! There will also be an open bar, food stations, a live band with guests encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets are $150 and I know this will be ONE event you shouldn’t miss! Happy birthday, TCW!

Kathleen HensonPR News recently awarded a BIG honor to Chicago’s own Kathleen Henson and her creative Henson Consulting firm with National Small PR Firm of the Year! They also won nationally for best Anniversary Campaign for 373141_60075977775_1321684491_nLettuce Entertain You’s 40th anniversary last summer. Kathleen started her firm 12 years ago in her basement with just a laptop, a phone and a rolodex after her first child, Emily (she now has FIVE!) was only nine months old! I can’t wait to see where this dynamic redhead with a heart of gold flies to next! Congrats to you KH and to Henson Consulting on all of your great work!

 

Blog 1 - Christy Cressey, host MK Pritzker and friendA venerable who’s who of Chicago traveled north to the private 230-acre Evergreen Farm owned by JB and MK Pritzker on Saturday, September 6th, to witness one of the Midwest’s most esteemed equestrian events, the Evergreen Invitational. Hosted by MK and The Women’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Blog 2 - Neal Zucker, Nora Daley and Sean conroypresented by Northern Trust, this fourth biennial equestrian charity exclusive “by-invite-only” event attracted more than 600 guests who came to support the elegant sport and witness nationally and internationally ranked riders compete. More than $1.1 million was raised from this year’s event with proceeds benefitting under-funded women’s health programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. To Blog 3 - Laura Linback on Whittadate, the Evergreen Invitational has raised more than $4 million. The $25K Junior/Amateur Owner Classic kicked Blog 4 - Ricky, Estelle and Agatha Walgreenoff the event with Meagan Nusz winning on horse, Vesuvius. The $75K Grand Prix blue ribbon went to Laura Linback and horse Whittaker MVNZ. In between the two events, hundreds of guests were spotting enjoying the mild weather and admiring some of the exquisite Graff jewels on display or lusting after a number of Ferraris dotting the property Blog 5 - Julie Latsko, Traci and Mario Tricoci and family(which were available for test drives courtesy of Lake Forest Sportscars). A promenade of shops featured merchandise from Lee Allison Company, Escada, Fabbri Furs, Chicago Luxury Beds and Blog 6 - Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer and Julie Selakovichdozens more. A lavish buffet lunch was catered by beloved George Jewell of George Jewell Catering. Guests seen on the scene included Mimi Olson (President of the WB of Northwestern), co-chairs Joan Moore and Christy Blog 7 - Sargent familyCressey, Meredith Wood-Prince, Nora Daley with husband Sean Conroy, Mich Mag’s J.P. Anderson and Dan Uslan, Neal Zucker, Leslie Hindman and Tempel Smith, Traci and Mario Tricoci, Jr. Blog 8and family, Estelle Walgreen, Quintin Primo, Mayari Pritzker, Susan and Joe Ahern, Dr. Kris and Tricia Rooney Alden, Thea Robinson, Dean Harrison, Curt Bailey, host JB Pritzker and Dan UslanJulie Selakovich, Curt Bailey, Christy Cressey, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer, Bethany Paris, Linda Yu and Stuart Ellison, Susie and Walter Jaco
bson, Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin, Tom Cole, Denise and Adam Hoeflich and Stephen and Diane Falk. (Photos by Mariah Smith…to view more pics, please click here!)

 
Blog 1 - Hostess Shirley Ryan, Kim White (WB President), Kathleen Carbonara (Ball Co-Chair)Members of the Field Museum Women’s Board are immersing themselves in Indian culture as they prepare for the annual gala on October 13th, “The Maharaja Ball.” The gala, co-chaired by Kathleen Blog 2 - Marty Peterson, Anupy Singla, Kim White and Sandy DeromediCarbonara and Susan Faurot, will celebrate the museum’s opening of “Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts” exhibit coming in November. The exhibit is organized by the Victoria & Blog 3 - Kim White and Renee CrownAlbert Museum in London. The first of two high profile kick-off events was hosted by Patrick and Shirley Ryan at their Winnetka home with more than 50 women in attendance for the annual invitation stuffing party,
Blog 4 - Peggy Snorf, Susan McBride, Betsy Ahearne, Leslie Zentner and Marty Peterson“House in the Garden.” The second event was hosted by bestselling Indian cookbook author and former Chicago TV reporter Anupy Singla, who gave a cooking demo and prepared an Indian lunch for the Women’s Board. She schooled the Blog 5 - Ball co-chairs Kathleen Carbonara and Susan Faurot with Anupy SinglaBoard in the fine points of Indian cuisine and cooked recipes from her newest cookbook, “Vegan Indian Cooking.” A trip along Blog 6 - Stuffing invites at the Ryans'Devon Avenue for sari shopping was included! This gala is sure to be a sellout so please click here for tickets and more info. Congrats to all of the hardworking Women’s Board members!

PrimoPrimo Classico d’Italia, a benefit for the Primo Center, will take place at Diane and Quintin Primo’s home in Lake Forest on Sunday, September 30th between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be new and vintage Ferraris along with beautiful models and great Italian food prepared and donated by leading Chicago restaurants such as Pelago, Prosecco, Tocco, Florentine, Volare and Fred’s. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit homeless women and children who rely on the services of the Primo Center. For tickets and more info, please click here!

Sweet Honey in the RockWhat do you get when you combine a Grammy Award-winning female a cappella group with a youth orchestra ensemble led by President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council of the Arts? I would call it one magnificent night Sphinx Virtuosiin Chicago at the Harris Theater! On Thursday, October 4th only, they will debut a performance by Sphinx Virtuosi with Sweet Honey in the Rock and the Chicago Children’s Choir with a premiere of its new work, Affirmations for a New World. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are only $10 to $35! For tickets and more information, please visit www.harristheaterofchicago.org.

Gold coast fashion show imageThe 57th Gold Coast Fashion Award show, the signature fundraising event of The Children’s Service Board, an affiliated organization of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, will be at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan, on Friday afternoon, September 28th beginning at 11 a.m. with a cocktail reception. Emerging designers will compete for the coveted Gold Coast Fashion Award with audience members casting their votes. Last year’s winner, Fabiola Arias, will open the show with her fall Fabiola+Arias+Fabiola+Arias+Backstage+Fall+vvtEcXzRq9Glcollection and designers Lyn Devon, Tess Giberson, Wes Gordon, Stacy Lomnan, Misha Nonoo, Rolando Santana, Verlaine and Rubin Singer will be competing for the 2012 award.  Retail partners this year include Chalk, Mark Shale, McElroy Furs, Neiman Marcus, Perchance, Frances Heffernan and Saks Fifth Avenue. David Yurman will once again host the Grand Staircase entrance during the cocktail hour with displays of fabulous jewelry. Tickets begin at $200 and can be purchased by visiting www.gcfas.com.
 
Latino Fashion Week Save the DateNow in its sixth year, Latino Fashion Week will premier its 2012 tour with the theme “Images of Fashion.” Co-founded by Arabel Rosales and Cesar Rolon, Jr., the tour will include Dallas, Chicago and Miami, and will honor photographers and videographers involved in the exhibition. Highlighted in the Chicago exhibit is globally renowned fashion photographer, Daniel Garriga. This five-day event will include runway shows, celebrity appearances, VIP receptions, a one-day Fashion Lounge and Expo, and much more! The Kick-Off event, “Lights, Camera, Fashion: A Red Carpet Media Party,” will be at Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. on Tuesday, October 9th beginning at 5:30 p.m. (For tickets and more info, please call 773.865.7313 or 773.251.3329.
 
Tart-it-up-eric-lanard-e1343125285112And now someone you should know! London-based Chef Eric Lanlard is coming to the Windy City on Tuesday, October 30th, to celebrate the launch of his latest book, “Tart it Up!”(Don’t you just love this title!?) Eric is a master patissier and two-time winner of the prestigious Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Jesus Salguiero, Chef Eric Lanlard and Naushab AhmedAwards. Having trained in France, Eric moved to London where he ran the patisserie business for Albert and Michel Roux. For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, he was commissioned to create a recipe (The Elizabeth Sponge) for the celebration! Eric has also appeared in a number of TV series, including top Brit hit, “Glamour Puds,” that have helped him build a global fan base. He’s charming and witty with four books under his belt (so far): “Master Cakes,” “Cox,” ElizabethCake260Cookies & Cakes,” “Cake Boy” and his latest, “Tart it Up!” Hosted by Jean Zivkovic and Don Newcomb, a champagne reception (with delicious gourmet tastings) is planned at the Ritz Carlton Club (located at 160 E. Pearson) on October 30th. So please come meet my “sweet” friend and "Tart It Up!" (For reservations – $99 – please call 312.777.1090.)
 
StarvingArtistInvitationFinal_emailThe Chicago Artists' Coalition presents its Starving Artist benefit on Saturday, October 6th at 217 N. Carpenter St. beginning at 7 p.m. Artists and chefs will be paired to inspire a dish that’s served at the event and a piece of artwork that results will be auctioned off. There will be a charcuterie battle and food installations. Participants will include food preservationist Tara Lane, artists Laura Letinsky, Jeanne Dunning, Erik Peterson, Jenny Kendler and chefs Jared Van Camp, Erling Wu-Bower and Beverly Kim. For tickets (beginning at $150), please visit www.2012starvingartist.com
 
Blog 1 - Keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin and Tribune’s Joycelyn WinneckeThe University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business recently hosted a day-long seminar series that included a fascinating personal branding segment with keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin (principal of Jan Anne Dubin Consulting) and Joycelyn Winnecke (Chicago Tribune vice president and Blog 2 - New Sunday Tribune Candid Candace format!associate editor). I was even more thrilled when she included me as a “Personal Branding Pro” along with Christie Hefner, Amy Guth, Cheryle Jackson, Sherren Leigh, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Jeanne Gang, Ron Culp and Bridget Brennan. It was an honor to be included and introduced to the standing room only crowd! Congrats to Jan and Joyce on a thrilling talk! And speaking of the Chicago Tribune, I hope you enjoyed the new format for my Sunday Candid Candace column! 🙂
 
Muttstrut2012The 9th Annual Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) Mutt Strutt is set for Saturday, September 29th. Dog lovers and their four-legged friends are invited for a 1.5-mile walk followed by a block party with food, entertainment and more! NBC 5’s Kye Martin will be the celebrity emcee of the event. (For more info, please visit www.chicagocaninerescue.org.)

Dr. Sandy GoldbergThe 8th Annual Silver Lining Event will be held on Saturday, October 6th, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, located at 2233 S. Martin Luther King Dr., beginning at 6:30 p.m. This black tie event will be held in the Regency Ballroom and will present darling Sonya Jackson with the EVY Award! Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in honor of her late mother, A Silver Lining Foundation provides cancer resource information and outreach as well as Sterling_eventproviding funding for free screening mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women and men at seven partner hospitals. Can’t wait to celebrate your honor Sonya for this great cause! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)
 
Whew, talk about an action packed month! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of these fun events or I hope I will see you at an upcoming one soon! Also, please follow me on Twitter (@CandidCandace) for breaking news from around this beautiful town!
 
Mable Buckner and husband James BucknerLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Huge congrats to beautiful Mable Buckner, who has recently been promoted to President and CEO of the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce!!! They are SO lucky to have YOU, Mable! Congrats!

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Web/Tech, Weblogs

CHICAGO’S FASHION’S NIGHT OUT – FILLED WITH STARS & STYLE!

…PLUS MS. FOSTER’S "STELLABRATION," OLD TOWN "CRUSHES" IT (WITH A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO!), AN EVENING ON ASTOR, THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS, FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL, THE 48TH CHICAGO FILM FEST’S BIG STARS, PAWS’ LUCK AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

Blog 1 - Joe Cutaia, Jessica Zweig, Erica Bethe Levin, Shannon Williams and Justin JacobsonFashion’s Night Out
began in 2009 when Vogue editor Anna Wintour created the event to help retailers during the height of the recession. It has spread to 18 countries with 4,500 events across the U.S. alone and is now a two-week-long affair culminating on
Blog 2 - Bruce MacArthur, Ali Larter, Hayes MacArthur and Shelley MacArthur Farley at 900 ShopsSeptember 6th. Chicago’s FNO did not disappoint: “Fashion Police” star Kelly Osbourne kicked off the Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival (presented by MasterCard) on August 24th and it only accelerated from
Blog 3 - 900 Shops Marketing Mngr. Sarah Burrows with Mich Mag’s Dan Uslan, event sponsorthere with almost every store along the Mag Mile having some sort of exciting fashion event. Macy’s on State Street offered reality stars as its draw with Aviva Drescher of “The Real Housewives of New York” and Nzimiro Oputa of “Fashion Star” and Neiman Marcus offered up a runway presentation hosted by “House of
Blog 4 - Mich Mag’s JP Anderson and Alexi GiannouliasConsignment
” star Corri McFadden. Saks Fifth Avenue’s party was hosted by Amanda Puck, Kimberly Burt, Kristina McGrath, Lauren Buxbaum, Lisa Frame, Lisa Sweitzer, Sam Saifer Berngard, Sherri Hoke and Susanna Negovan. Water Tower Place hosted an “In Fashion Lounge,” which featured a series of special workshops including a Gilt City Chicago Night, a culinary demo, a fall trunk show with
Blog 5 - Erica Strama, Allison Cooke, Jenny Polachek and Leah ChavieMichael Hill
and an Akira footwear trunk show. Sarca – one of my favorite boutiques – hosted a daytime event that included styling tips from Rad and Refined and makeup applications by fashionable blogger Shannon O’Brien. Barneys New York donated 10 percent of sales to the Human Rights Campaign from 5 to 8 p.m. The streets were packed with
Blog 6fashion savvy guests who had raided their closets for their favorite pieces to wear to this round robin of events. The 900 Shops had a line a mile long of people anxious to get into the VIP Party to see gorgeous actress Ali Larter, who arrived with her hunky actor husband, Hayes MacArthur. (His
Blog 7 - Sally and Kerry Shorr, Jennifer Sutton and Katie McLenaghannew film, “Bachelorette” opened 9/7.) This is one busy, BUSY Hollywood couple with Ali’s book, “Kitchen Revelry” coming out soon. It’s not your
Blog 8 - Maggie Morgan (center) with mom and friendaverage cookbook: It embraces culinary mistakes! (Sounds like something for me…) She also just finished a movie called “Lovesick” with Matt LeBlanc, a romantic comedy about the delusions that come with falling in love. This busy couple was accompanied by Hayes’ parents, Bruce MacArthur and
Blog 9 - 900 Shops celebrity Host Ali Larter with Glossed & Found’s Graham Kostichis glam mother/chanteuse Shelley MacArthur Farley, whose husband, Bill, joined the group later. The 900 Shops teamed up with Michigan Avenue Magazine and McGrath Lexus and Acura for its second annual FNO themed “Fame, Fashion & Flavor.” Nearly 3,500 attendees came out
Blog 10 - Sheila O’Grady and Sharyl Mackeyto party at this chic, multi-level venue that also featured makeup applications, manicures, massages and hair styling provided by Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Spa and Bloomingdale’s. While pampering and beautifying, the partygoers rocked out to DJ Megan Taylor before they jumped in front of the GlossedandFound.com (recent Rising Star Award winners) photo
Blog 11 - Israel Idonije and cute friendbooth for fun pics. There was a Gastronomy by Groupon restaurant tasting featuring Stella Artois brews and bites from some of Chicago’s top restaurants including Shaw’s Crab House, Frankie’s Scaloppine, Tavernita, Mercadito, Market and Sprinkles. A fall fashion show styled by Eric Himel was a hit with the crowd. I was proud to be a host of this event
Blog 13along with Common (Honorary Host), J.P. Anderson, Les Coney, Max Crowley, Jena Gambaccini, Stacy Herpe, Eric Himel, Israel Idonije, Sonya Jackson, Anna Kimball, Graham Kostic, Whitney Lasky, Kristina McGrath, Noelle Provencial, Mary Astor Smithe, Angi Taylor, Sharon Trudell, Dan Uslan, Valerie Warner and Kelli Zink. Congrats to Sarah Burrows (900 Shops Marketing Manager), Ryan Beshel (900 Shops PR Guru) and their teams on an outstanding night of fashion!

 

Blog 14 - Stylish North Bridge Shops peepsMy other favorite FNO event occurred at the Shops at North Bridge. This event had a unique take for FNO that featured a stylist’s fall fashion challenge. Local bloggers, fashionistas and stylists – who included Amy Olson, Maggie Morgan, Amy Creyer, Jessi
Blog 15 - Samantha Amato and Rhonda Sanderson at North Bridge ShopsSheehan, Emma Arnold, Jessica Zweig
and Erica Bethe Levin, Suzanne Kopulos and Amanda Wolfson with Dee Brodlo – created looks that were displayed on large pedestals that began at the entryway and ended at the VIP Stylist’s Studio Lounge in front of Nordstrom. I was happy to be a judge along with Carrie Lannon, Katie Schroeder, Elaine Doremus, Jessie Kalin and Lisa Ackerman for this fun-filled competition co-hosted by CS Magazine. The night
Blog 16also included a private VIP reception featuring Russian Standard Vodka cocktails, small bites from Corky’s Catering and delicious sweets courtesy of Vosges
Blog 17 - 900 Shops’ PR Guru Ryan Beshel with cute friendHaut Chocolat
. Event producer Amy Olson (who was paired with Nordstrom) won for Judges’ Choice; Suzanne Kopulos (Garmental.com) was paired with White House and won Shoppers’ Choice, fashionista Maggie Morgan (paired with XXI Forever) won
Blog 17 - Amy Olson accepts award at Shops at North Bridgethe Drive in Style award for Most Creative and Cheeky Chicago’s Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin (paired with United Colors of Benetton) won for Most Wearable. I loved ALL of the
Jessica Zweig, Suzanne Kopulos and Erica Bethe Levindesigns and marveled at the talent of these stylistas. Congrats to Erica Strama, Allison Cooke and their teams for this delightful and exciting FNO! And NOW you know ALL of the Windy City’s Fashion’s Night Out news…though I hope you were there to enjoy it, too!!! (To see ALL of the fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, Steve Starr and Daniel Boczarski, please click here!!


Blog 1 - tella cuts her beautiful Eli’s cheesecake!Stella Foster
always signed off on her column with "Yeah, I said it" and at her BIG retirement party August 28th, she did indeed say it to NBC president and general manager Larry Wert when he asked her point blank if she was really
Blog 2 - Sylvia Perez, LeeAnn Trotter, Stuart Ellison, Linda Yu and Diana Palomarretiring. Her hesitation and half-hearted "Yeah" gave everyone in the room some hope for the future with this much beloved columnist. More than 700 fans, friends and supporters turned out
Blog 3 - With Ken Bedford, Stella, Reverend Jesse Jackson and friendsat the Cultural Center to see/hear Stella Foster tell it like it is for the last time…or was it? I personally don't see our dynamic Stella sitting in a rocking chair from now into perpetuity but as we all know, she does need some rest after
Blog 4 - Juanita Jordan, Donna Grant and friend43 years of deadlines! I know she's already being courted by a variety of media types to bring her honesty and inclusiveness to their outlets so I think it's only a matter of time before she returns in some way, shape or form back
Blog 5 - Stella’s loving sis, Jamie Foster Brown (in yellow headband) with friendsto the public arena. But on this night, it was all about paying homage to someone who has given us all so much. NBC's Art Norman served as emcee for a program that included tributes from Governor Pat Quinn, Warner Saunders, Melody Spann
Blog 6 - Ralph Hughes, Sharyl Lee Ralph and Tyronne StoudemireCooper, Dominic DiFrisco, Dori Wilson, Tom Dreesen, Larry Wert, Jamie Foster Brown, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Harry Ellis, Rob Johnson, Merri Dee, State Representative Mary Flowers, Richard Dent,
Blog 7 - NBC’s Daniella Guzman and Martha MelmanShell Reyes, John Rogers, Allen Rafalson
, moi 🙂 and many more. Governor Quinn called her "a woman for all seasons" and said, "They [the people] need your energy, your enthusiasm and your zest for life. We've been blessed by Stella covering the news
Blog 7 - Shauna Montgomery and Shelley MacArthur Farley with Stedman Grahamwith her human touch." Warner Saunders recounted a comment from her boss, Kup, who said, "I couldn't do my job without her." (And she had only been working for him six weeks at the time!) Saunders went on to
Blog 8 - Colleen Kelly, Rob Morhaim and Catie Keoghsay, "She was not hateful, not nasty and whenever she shot an arrow of criticism, she always dipped it in honey first. You're truly a Chicago treasure." NBC President Larry Wert said, "No one's been more fair or genuine than Stella." Melody Spann Cooper posed this question: "Have
Blog 9 - N’Digo’s Hermene Hartmanyou ever seen anybody with a gossip column who still keeps the best secrets in the world?" Melody then sang the theme from "The Golden Girls" with Theresa Griffen. The lyrics began with "Thank you for being a friend"…awwwww! The
Blog 9 - Reverend Jesse and Jacqueline Jacksonprogram continued with comments from Channel 2 News' Rob Johnson who said, "Thanks to Stella for making this a better town to live in." Reverend Jesse Jackson offered a prayer reflecting, "We can't take this moment for granted. Thank you Lord for the gift you've given us in Stella Foster and thanks for the gifts you gave to her." Harry Ellis said, "There will never be another you!" Dominic DiFrisco, a well-known leader in the Italian
Blog 10 - RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts and Rich VarnesAmerican community who awarded Stella with the Dante Award, had this to say: "Stella, the name
Blog 11 - John Colletti and Ed Howlett, Jr.means ‘star’ in Italian. She's a star in our lives and she's a champion of truth. We are infinitely privileged to walk beside you." President of the Chicago Journalists Association Allen Rafelson, who recently awarded Stella with a Lifetime Achievement Award, said Stella's appearance for the gala broke attendance records. Stella's sister,
Blog 12 - Robert Mills, Tracey Tarantino and my ChuckJamie Foster Brown
, said, "She's retiring from the Sun-Times but she can't retire from who she is. Stella IS Chicago!" The
Blog 13Stellabration committee was chaired by Stella's longtime friend Ken Bedford and co-chaired by PR maven extraordinaire Dionne Williams. Members included John Bellamy, Michelle Boone, Gloria Brown, Les Coney, Carolyn
Blog 14Curry, Alex Dana, Dominic DiFrisco, Mary Frances Fagan, Craig Gilmore, Hermene Hartman, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Kim Nash, Lisa Newman, Art Norman, Bill Pry, Tim & Everett Rand, Shell Reyes, Donna Lear Robinson, John Rogers, Lorri Stacker, Robert Storman, Commissioner Debra Sims,
Blog 15 - Bonnie Spurlock, Dori Wilson, Janice Corley and friendAbe Thompson, Dori Wilson
and moi. The night also included rousing numbers by The Together Band & Rich Aldana, DJ Sam Chatman and vocalist Antone. It was a night packed with love for this Chicago treasure and I'm hoping – like all of the other "Stellaholics" out there – that we haven't seen the last of her. Yeah, I said it! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…click here to view more!)


Oldtown pic by jaunteddotcomAfter a brief name change, the annual end-of-summer festival in Old Town was back on September 2nd as “Crush in Old Town.” On Labor Day weekend, Wells Street was closed from North Avenue to Schiller for music, food, artwork and
Stanley_Paul-200x250custom designs in the Crush marketplace. Entertainment included Like Pioneers, Andrew Belle, Pet Lions and My Gold Mask. The event also included face painting, a magic show, crafting with Little Beans Café, delicious food from Trattoria Roma and a variety of fabulous wines from Galleria Wine & Liquors. Here’s how my Crush adventure unfolded on Watch312.com…with
Silver Whisper shipa special visit to the gorgeous home of Chicago’s most beloved bandleader/pianist, Stanley Paul! (Next year, Stanley will be hosting a Silversea’s tour from Stockholm to Copenhagen aboard the Silver Whisper from July 12th through 19th! His fast-paced, 45-minute show that includes nearly 300 rarely seen photographs will take you back to the days when glamour was GLAMOUR! (For more info, please call Candace Andreozzi at 561-306-6798 or email candace@posthastetravel.com.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=s4Mml0NTpzDXVBUBlLTTAY91Spb5T0lq&height=360&embedCode=s4Mml0NTpzDXVBUBlLTTAY91Spb5T0lq&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy


Blog 1Eight years ago, Helen Melchior and I wanted to create an event to attract a younger crowd to The Joffrey Ballet and today, “Couture & Cocktails” has grown into the organization’s second largest fundraiser and we couldn’t be more excited! With dynamic
Blog 2 - Designer Pamella Roland with her cute family2012 co-chairs Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson, the tradition continues on Friday, September 28th, at the new McGrath Acura Dealership, located at 1301 N. Elston. Beloved designer Pamella Roland returns to C & C with a full runway fashion
Blog 3 - C & C co-chair Sonya Jackson with Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway (pic by www.sociallifechicago.com)show; there will also be once in a lifetime prizes, fun food (including sweets from Sugar Chic), live and silent auctions by Luxury Garage Sale, dancing with the Joffrey dancers and, for the first time, popular Chicago food trucks (including my favorites Babycakes and Southern Mac & Cheese)! And,
Blog 4 - C & C co-chair Kristina McGrath (styled by moi for TWC Mag)not to give away any surprises, but the opening of the event alone will be worth the cost of admission! So join us and experience the excitement and glamour of “Couture & Cocktails” this year! If you have a business you would like to have represented in the Tribute Book, or for tickets and more info, please click here. 

 

Blog 1 - Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker (BEST Table 2012 Winners)The 30th annual Evening on Astor brought out the competitive streaks in some of our town’s notables as they created extravagant, festive tablescapes for judging consideration. Hosted by the Gold Coast Neighbors Association, this annual block party and
Blog 2 - Peter Rogers, Wendy Chronister, Vern Broders (GCN Prez) and Francia Harringtonfundraiser brought out more than 800 people for a celebration that included the Michael Lerich Orchestra, pizzas, hot dogs, Italian sausage, face painting, children’s games, a photo booth and a dessert bar. Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy spoke along
Blog 3 - Lyn McKeaney and happy friend with her 2012 Table Awardwith 18th District Police Commander William Dunn. The BIG winner of the night for the 2012 Best Table Award went to Macy’s Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steven Stryker; others seen on the scene included Vern Broders (President of the Gold Coast Neighbors
Blog 4 - Margie Habermann, Christine Mallul, Suzie Glickman and Deborah ChapmanAssn.), Tiffani Kim, Bradley Griffith, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Suzie and Ross Glickman, Janice Corley and Ray Blaney, Kim Gleeson, Heather Johnstone, Cheri Lawrence, Wendy
Blog 5 - Patrick Plante surrounded by friendsChronister, Kevin Sullivan, Cindy and Jack Fisher, Susie and Walter Jacobson (whose book, “Walter’s Perspective: A Memoir of Fifty Years in Chicago TV News” comes out in October), Margie
Blog 6 - Jonathan Wells, cute friend, Scott Bobek, Sally Jo Morris and Kevin SullivanHabermann, Christine Mallul, Deborah Chapman, Tim Egan, Lyn McKeaney, Scott Bobek, Sally Jo Morris, Liz Kores, Lauren Rapisand, Patrick Plante, Diva Lynne Jordan and Dorothy Whealan.  Funds raised from this event supported GCN in its efforts to protect, improve and beautify the neighborhood. (Check out more photos from this fun event here!)


Blog 1Mark your calendars now for this year’s Friends of Conservation Ball on Friday, October 12th! Hosted by FOC founder Reute Butler and celebrating the organization’s 30th anniversary, this event will be bigger and better than ever under the beautiful canopy
Blog 2 - Jim Fowler, Reute Butler, Zoraida Sambolin and friendsof the Winter Garden Ballroom of the historic Harold Washington Library! Zoraida Sambolin returns as emcee along with renowned wildlife expert Jim Fowler (of “Wild Kingdom” fame!) With a delicious dinner catered by George Jewell, there will also be a thrilling wildlife exposition of rare and beautiful animals. An auction of unique and exotic vacation adventures will include a London/Scotland package with a stay at
Blog 4 - Reute and Cloud, a rare snow leopardthe five-star luxury Langham in London, the Balmoral in Scotland and a trip aboard the historic Royal Scotsman. Other packages offer trips to China, India, South America, Patagonia Sur, Tanzania/Uganda and a weeklong Sea Cloud cruise
Blog 3 - The luxurious Langham Hotel, Londonaboard the intimate River Cloud II. The night will also feature a silent auction with rare art and gift packages as well as dancing under the stars to the Stu Hirsh Orchestra. Congrats in advance to Reute and unofficial event chair Paul Iacono on a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that will enable the FOC to partner with the local people in the Masai Mara area of Kenya to support traditional
Blog 5 - The luxury train, the Royal Scotsmanand sustainable ways of living in harmony with wildlife and ecosystems which helps keep our world intact. Founded in 1982, FOC was one of the world’s earliest leaders in the development of community conservation. For tickets and more information, please contact Sue Mitchell at 630-288-2714 or smitchell@friendsofconservation.org.

 

Blog 1 - Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin and Al Pacino star in Stand Up GuysThe eyes of the entertainment world will be on Chicago when the 48th Chicago International Film Festival opens with the world premiere of the highly-anticipated “Stand Up Guys” on Thursday, October 11th, at the Harris
Blog 3 - Director Fisher Stevens (pic by StarPulse.com)Theater. Produced by Chicagoan Tom Rosenberg and directed by Chicagoan Fisher Stevens, the film features an all-star cast that includes Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin and Julianna Margulies, all of whom will be in town to celebrate the opening night of the Festival on the 11th. (Lionsgate will release the film for an
Blog 4 - Julianna Margulies (pic by IMDB.com)Oscar qualifying run in December in L.A. and N.Y. and nationwide on January 11th.) “This is without a doubt the most exciting opening night for the Chicago International Film Festival in many years,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the CIFF. I’ll say!!!! (I’m also honored to say I’ll be co-hosting this event with
Blog 2the dynamic Rich Varnes.) The night begins at 6 p.m. with red carpet arrivals, a 7 p.m. welcome and guest presentation, a 7:30 p.m. film presentation and a 9:30 p.m. reception at the Chicago Cultural Center. For tickets (beginning at just $35) and more info, please click here or call 312-332-FILM. 

 

Zoe_logoThe ZOE Foundation
will host its second annual In-Rhythm Benefit on Friday, September 21st, at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, located at 163 E. Walton. The black tie evening will feature emcee Val Warner and Dr. David Montgomery. Entertainment will be provided by Lynne Jordan & The Shivers with a presentation of the 2012 Gift of Life Award to
Lynne Jordan & the ShiversMr. David Rubin
, a philanthropic supporter of the foundation as well as a patient who has mastered atrial fibrillation. This event creates awareness and is dedicated to finding a cure for atrial fibrillation (AF) and elimination of strokes and heart failure. For more info, please visit www.ZFFORAF.org.

 

Guys Night Out inviteThe Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (CCAC), a non-profit organization working with abused children, will hold its fifth annual “Guys Night Out for the Kids” event at Carmichael’s Steak House (located at 1052 W. Monroe) on Thursday, September 20th. Chicago Bear Charles Tillman is the honorary chair who will be joined by other athletes, sports personalities, golf pros and community and business leaders. The event will include an indoor BBQ, games, music, premium cigar
Charles Tillman and daughter Tiannamakers and liquor vendors in a tailgating atmosphere. Other athletes expected to attend include former Bear “Big Cat” Williams, Richard Dent, “LA” Mike Richardson, Jim Thornton, Ron Kittle, Dan Pasqua and Dan Hampton. All proceeds from “Guys Night Out” benefit the CCAC and the victims of sexual abuse in the Chicago area. For tickets, beginning at $100, and more info, please visit www.chicagocac.org

 

LuckyDo you need a little luck? Well, look no further than PAWS Chicago, located at 1997 N. Clybourn, where Lucky, a two year-old miniature Schnauzer, is
PAWSChicagoready and waiting for YOU! He came to PAWS after he was dropped off at the city pound weighing only 16 pounds. He’s an energetic little guy who loves people and playtime. Please help this precious pooch live up to his name by
Chase Community Giving Programgiving him a great forever home! (Visit PAWS’ website or call 773.935.PAWS for more details.) And while we’re on the subject, PAWS Chicago is competing with 196 charities nationwide for grants ranging from $10K to $250K from the Chase Community Giving Program. If you’re so inclined, please help by voting for them through September 19th at www.pawschicago.org/chase! Good luck…and adopt Lucky! 🙂

 
Hope you’re all enjoying the “dog” days of summer (pun intended) & I hope to see you at some of these cool events around town soon!
 
Love always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com



Big Night InviteP.S. As you all know I’m a sucker for our furry friends so here is another great event that I hope you’ll be able to make! BIG NIGHT CELEBRITY CHEFS BENEFIT will take place under the fabulous Tiffany Dome of Preston Bradley Hall in the Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington, on Wednesday, September 19th beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event is hosted by the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control and will feature celebrity Chef Jackie Shen, who, along with about a dozen of her well-known chef friends, will each prepare delicious dishes for this wonderful cause! A fabulous live auction will include exquisite jewelry from Sidney Garber. So come join us, enjoy the music, relax and have a Mutt-ini as we help our four legged friends find forever homes. (Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door…visit www.fcacc.org for more info.)

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

KING OF COMEDY STEVE HARVEY SETS SIGHTS ON CHICAGO!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB GOES TO THE RACES, A “PERFECT” EMAG, LINDA CLIFFORD’S “ONE NIGHT STAND,” WHERE YOU SHOULD BE FOR FNO, FRANCES HAS A NEW “JEWEL,” ZACUTO FOUNDER TURNS 50, JANE SEYMOUR’S OPEN HEART, TOM TAKES ST. TROPEZ, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO, CHICAGO TRIBUNE WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Steve and Marjorie Harvey with Larry WertIn a stroke of genius, NBC Universal has nabbed popular entertainer Steve Harvey for his own show, “The Steve Harvey Show,” premiering today, September 4th. The Launch Party at the Hard Rock Café on August 22nd was by-invite-only and featured Blog 2 - Larry surrounded by a bevy of NBC Beautiesa live performance by Jeffrey Osbourne. Everyone was in high spirits and excited to meet this one man media empire. From his comedy throne, he has parlayed his genius into best-selling books (“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”), movies (“The Blog 3 - Linda Johnson Rice, Marjorie Harvey and Desiree RogersOriginal Kings of Comedy”), television roles, game show host (“Family Feud”), clothing lines, a dating website, a charitable foundation (The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation), a production company, a social media branding company, online Blog 4 - Margaret O’Connor and Jeffrey Osbournehair and wig stores and now, his very own talk show based right here in Chicago! He will be relocating his family – gorgeous wife Marjorie and two kids (ages 15 and 16) – here shortly. Since his kids are home-schooled, he joked that, “They would be shipping a lot of people here.” He joked to NBC’s President and Blog 5 - Richard Dent, Otis Wilson and “Big Cat” Williams with cute friendsGeneral Manager Larry Wert, “There’s gonna be a charge back!” The Hard Rock was packed with friends and fans and he worked the room with a huge smile on his face and seemed especially glad to see his old friend, Abe Thompson, with whom he’d worked with starting out at WGCI. In his comments, he gave Blog 6 - Deborah O. Brown, Crystal Peters, Larry Wert, and Jacinta FisherAbe a shout-out from the stage and joked that Larry Wert went down on one knee to beg his wife to come to Chicago. “I’m blessed to be here and happy to see a lot of my friends from WGCI like Abe Thompson. There’s this Blog 7 - LaRue Martin, Stella Foster (R) and friendthing called fate. I really should be installing spark plugs! I don’t know how all this business works, I just know what my cut is…I just appreciate it all…I’ve developed over the years. I’ve become a real husband, a real father. I’m really just Blog 8 - DuSable’s Carol Adams (R) and frienda general market guy,” said Harvey. When it was recently suggested that his audience was mostly African American, he replied, “You can’t sell three million books
to just black people. Everybody is already in the tent.” And then he Blog 10 - Art Norman and friend Priscilla Strattenintroduced R & B singer/musician/songwriter, Jeffrey Osbourne. “His voice hasn’t changed one bit since I first heard him,” said Harvey. Osbourne enchanted the crowd, and when he sang his highest charting solo hit, “You Should Be Mine (the Woo Woo Song)”, the crowd went wild. He Blog 9 - Crowd scene at Hard Rock Cafébrought people up on stage to sing with him and then said, “Folks, I need a white person to sing the woo woo!” Saran Dunmore pushed Margaret O’Connor onto the stage while partygoers chanted, “Go Margaret, Go!” It was a joyous celebration for, what will most Blog 11 - Laura Baron and Brenda Arelanocertainly, be a big hit for NBC Universal! In a fantastic feature article this month in Ebony Magazine, Harvey shared his “8 Secrets to Make Millions” – 1) Be the best, 2) Have an unbeatable work ethic, 3) Take care of Blog 12 - Steve has the whole world in his hands!your temple, 4) Bounce back from failure, 5) Build on your brand, 6) Surround yourself with the right people, 7) Be a rule breaker, and 8) Give back. It’s clear to see he has the right recipe for success! Blog 14 - Daniella Guzman with Jaime ViteriGuests seen in the crowd included Deborah O. Brown, Dionne Williams, Hermene Hartman, Saran Dunmore, Margaret O’Connor, Jodi Balfour, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Angela and Abe Thompson, Richard Dent, Laura Baron (who will appear on his first show), Stefan Holt, “Big Cat” Blog 13 - Steve with longtime friend Abe ThompsonWilliams, Brenda Arelano, Daniella Guzman, LaRue Martin, Carol Adams, Otis Wilson, Alicia Roman, Marion Brooks, Rob Stafford, Art Norman, Jacinta Fisher, Priscilla Stratten, Stella Foster and so many more! Long may you reign Steve and NBC! (“The Steve Harvey Show” will air on NBC 5 weekdays at 2 p.m. beginning September 4th) I’ll be WATCHING! (To see ALL fab party pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

 
Blog 1 - Dick Duchossois and Sherrill BodineThe 4th annual Service Club Day at the Races was held at Arlington Park Race Track on Sunday, August 18th. More than 130 guests sported their best fedoras, fascinators and hats to attend this event that raised more than $17,000 for the SC’s Blog 2 - Bob and Nina Mariano with Russ and Tracy Scurtogrant program. The event was held in the Governor’s Room and chaired by Diane Freeman. The room looked gorgeous with tables topped with bottles of Prosecco donated by John Cressman of Worldwide Wines. The centerpieces were overflowing with red Blog 3 - Mamie Walton, Stanley Paul and Ball co-chair Elizabeth Brodskyroses surrounding silver horses by Tom Kehoe Design. The day also included an exciting Kentucky Derby raffle with the winner receiving two Clubhouse tickets to the Derby and a $1,500 travel voucher. The Service Club of Chicago has continually Blog 4 - Sheree and Jim Valukasserved the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities since 1890. Every single dollar raised goes directly to charity. (Pretty pics by Steve Starr.) And speaking of the Service Club of Chicago, check out my Watch312.com video from their fabulous Day on the Terrace fashion show and luncheon! Lots of fab fashions worn by fab ladies AND gentlemen – congrats!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?height=360&embedCode=F1eXhxNTrsQud8tvvAUUzVf2YIytdfuh&deepLinkEmbedCode=F1eXhxNTrsQud8tvvAUUzVf2YIytdfuh&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640


Blog 1Leave it to Debi Lilly (brainchild of A Perfect Event) to come up with the idea for a purrrrfect eMag! She designed the first issue while wandering the streets of Paris…nice place for inspiration! This seasonal quarterly e-magazine (that debuted September 1st) is designed to share the latest trends, tips, themes and styles in and around Chicago plus feature the fabulous world of celebrations, Blog 2 - Debi Lilly and her cute kids frolic in Paris!holidays, parties and more! For the style savvy, educated bunch looking for serious visual content, this eMag will provide readers with inspiring solutions to their entertaining needs with constant word of mouth and social media content through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs and more. With insight from industry insiders who include Graham Kostic Blog 3 - My segment!  So excited!(Insta.GRAHAM), Amanda Puck (The Foodarazzi and Watch312.com host), Ryan Beshel (Runway Report from 900 N), Ben Newby (Mixologist of the Moment), Melissa Skoog (On Her Plate), Matt Woodburn (Light Up the Night), DJ Megan Taylor (Spinning Now), and moi (Behind the Scenes of Causes We Love)! Even some of Debi’s ultra-chic Parisian friends will be sharing their international views. And with input from Chicago’s celebrations guru Rachel Schwanz, this eMag is bound to explode! So watch your inboxes and check your social media for this cool eMag! 🙂 (Holiday issue coming November 1st!) To see the exquisite debut issue, please click here!
 
Garden of EveMark your calendars for “Garden of Eve,” coming Friday, September 14th to the River East Art Center (located at 435 E. Illinois) beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be co-chaired by Austin Baidas, Amy Crawford, Emily Fry, Meshell NdegeochelloVernita Gray, Pat Ewert, Alma Izquierdo and Liza Martinez. Benefitting the Howard Brown Health Center and its Lesbian Community Care Project (LCCP), the 4th annual signature fundraiser will support women’s health and wellness services and programs for uninsured women. Ted_allen_choppedThe event’s VIP reception will be hosted by Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s “Chopped.” Entertainment will be provided by 10-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello whose music includes a variety of influences including funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, R & B, rock and jazz. (For tickets and more info, please click here or call 773.572.5117.)
 
090612 FNO North Bridge FINALThere is so much going on for Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6th and these are two of my favorites! First up, the Shops at North Bridge (located at 520 N. Michigan Ave.) will feature the ultimate fall fashion challenge beginning at 6 p.m. Judges will decide which local fashionista or blogger will win the prize for best fall looks. Competing stylists include Amy Blog 2 - Celebrity host Ali LarterOlson, Maggie Morgan, Amy Creyer, Jessi Sheehan, Emma Arnold, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Suzanne Kopulos, Amanda Wolfson and Dee Brodlo. Judges include Windy City Live’s Jessie Kalin, ULTA Beauty’s Carrie Lannon, NS Mag’s Elaine Doremus, CS Mag’s Katie Schroeder and Lisa Shames, Fashion Group International’s Lisa Ackerman and moi! The after-party will be at Roof at The WIT from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. See you there! My other favorite FNO will be “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” at 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops from 6 Blog 3 - With Eric Himel, Sarah Burrows, Victoria Malkin and Graham Kosticp.m. until 9 p.m. The shops will be transformed into a multi-level event space featuring a flash fashion show styled by Eric Himel, a glam beauty bazaar by Bloomingdale’s and Mario Tricoci, a Gastronomony by Groupon tasting with bites Blog 1from top Chicago restaurants, DJs, Glossed & Found photo opps, in-store parties and so much more! There will also be a VIP Lounge hosted by the stunning Ali Larter. Besides the 900 Shops, this cool event is hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine, McGrath Lexus and Acura of Downtown Chicago!! Can’t wait to parteeeee!!! (To see a more complete list of events, please click here!)
 
OneNight_06_02_smallChicago House is excited to premiere an all new event fundraiser to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist families and individuals affected by HIV and AIDS. “ONE NIGHT STAND will be an explosive, multi-sensory dance party wrapped around a live concert,” explained Jeremy Hilborn, Chicago House’s Manager of Special Events. “It’s a full buffet of sights and sounds, built around an experiential concert,” Hilborn continued. For its inaugural year, the new event – inspired by a popular dance recording artist and icon Linda Clifford – will feature her in a custom designed, immersive nightclub environment. From grinding go-go boys to a diva star with a full band to DJ Resized_slacks & shirtlessMathew Harvat offering up the beats, ONE NIGHT STAND will rock a VERY transformed Park West on Saturday, September 15th beginning at 8:00 p.m. Chicago House brought some major players to the table in developing the event in its first year. Keith Elliott (Dance for Life Chicago/Chicago Takes Off) and Tony Savino (Dance for Life Palm Springs) bring more than 20 years of experience in performance based fundraising to create this exciting new addition to the Chicago House event calendar. Tickets to ONE NIGHT STAND start at $35 for balcony seating, and range up to $200. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here or call 773-248-5200 x303.

Blog 1 - The Birthday Boy!Steve Weiss, co-founder of Zacuto – one of the world’s largest film making accessories, sales and rental companies – celebrated his big 5-0 recently with a weekend long celebration in Old Town. Friends and Blog 2 - Birthday peeps—Steve and Isabel Weissfamily flew in from as far away as Australia to honor Steve and his 9-year-old daughter, Isabel, on the occasion of their double birthdays: Steve’s 50th and Isabel’s 9th. The party began at their
historic house Blog 3 - Lucyna Wojtas (aka Mrs. Weiss) surrounded by admirersin Old Town (known as the “Yellow House”) with a cocktail reception. A trolley squeezed its way down our narrow streets to pick up all of the partygoers. After a stop for more friends at the Sutton Place Hotel, we Blog 4 - Christina Wojtas and friendswinded our way down Lake Shore Drive to our final destination, the “Gypsy Spirit” docked in Burnham Harbor. There was more food than anyone could imagine with more drinks than we should’ve been Blog 5 - Cara and Jens Bogehegn and friendsserved but the night couldn’t have been a more perfect celebration for this accomplished man who started his company with partner/friend Jens Bogehegn in 2000. Their company has garnered so many awards, including Blog 6 - Steve and the boat people!numerous Emmys, Silver Telly Awards and Chicago Film Festival honors as well as recently ranking 8th in the top 100 for Video Production and Filmmakers Who Know Social Media and Viral Marketing. Others Blog 7 - Isabel surprised on her 9th BD!on this prestigious list included YouTube, Vimeo, Weinstein & Co., HBO Documentaries and James Cameron. Yikes – pretty great company, Steve! Anyway, it was a perfect summer evening, the kind you dream about all winter long…and as the boat Blog 8 - Tim Cruzfloated over the smooth-as-glass lake, I counted my blessings looking at our magnificent skyline. The trip through the locks was so exciting but, sadly, made me realize how many people should NOT be driving their own boats. And the fireworks, of course, never disappoint. Steve’s glamorous Blog 9 - Entering the lockswife, Lucyna, along with her equally glam sister Christina, presented a whimsical “cake” with Steve’s face on hundreds of cupcakes…her speech was so loving and touching as well. Darling Isabel was dressed like she’d just Blog 10 - Mini-Steve cupcakes!stepped off the pages of Vogue with her stacked bracelets, scarf worn French-style, a jaunty cap and oversized sunglasses. Her beautiful cake was a surprise (and believe me, there’s not much that escapes/surprises Isabel!) but on this night, she was so excited! It was a fabulous family affair filled with love, frivolity, dancing and great friends. We were thrilled and honored to be included. Happy, happy birthday wishes to a special family in Old Town and someone you should know… 🙂

 
460_345_resizeThe Italian Village and the Ferrari Club team up for the 15th annual “Ferrari
s in the Loop
” – an event that kicks off Italian Village’s 85 years of serving Chicago. All of the proceeds for this event go directly to the Inspiration Corporation and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Sixty high-performance vehicles, including vintage and newer model Ferraris, will be featured at the only Chicago stop the Club will make this year. The Loop will be closed down on Monroe from Dearborn to Clark Street. During the event, the Italian Village will offer an all-you-can-eat and drink Italian feast for a $30 donation (including beer and wine). To learn more, please visit www.italianvillage-chicago.com

 
Frances Renk and SiennaA special congrats to new mom Frances Renk on the birth of her first child – darling daughter Sienna, who weighed in at 9 pounds. (I’m not so sure her svelte mom weighs much more than this!) I can already envision Sienna bejeweled in fabulous designs from Sequin. Love you FR and huge congrats to you and your sweet husband!
 
PR maven Kathleen Henson has the coolest friends! When she casually invited me to lunch at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Restaurant, I had no idea I would be dining with her Jennifer Boroff, Kathleen Henson, Jane Seymour and Anna Treiber at Joe’slongtime friend, the glam, uber-talented actress Jane Seymour (along with dynamic friends NBC’s Daniella Guzman, Jennifer Baum Boroff, Anna Treiber, Jane’s darling sister Annie and her longtime art representative, Susan Nagy Luks). Jane’s life is full to bursting with art projects/installations, an “Open Heart” jewelry line, a bed linen line, a clothing line and many upcoming film and television roles. Kathleen and Jane have been friends since the mid-90’s when she, Kathleen, helped her host her very first art exhibit in Malibu. Henson Consulting still works closely with Jane and her husband James Keach for their Open Hearts Foundation that recognizes individuals who have overcome adversity to do good and help others. 🙂

Blog 1 - Giuseppe Pochintesta and Tom Strehle at the Byblos, St. TropezTom Strehle, VP of Human Resources at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, is enjoying the wonders of the French Riviera and making me so envious! This is one of my favorite spots in the world and Tom is having a great time staying at boutique hotel Le Mouillage in St. Tropez, taking a helicopter to Nice and Monaco, drinking lots of Domaine Ott, visiting the hot new Coco Beach Club Blog 2 - Local specialty, the tarte Tropezienne, at the Byblos Hoteland enjoying the local specialty, Tropezienne tarts at the Byblos Hotel (one of the best in the world). He is a hard working guy who also gives (a lot) back to local charities…thanks for all you do, Tom, and congrats on your much deserved, jet-setting vaca! (Tom is shown in pic with Byblos Head Concierge Giuseppe Pochintesta…to see more of the St. Tropez experience, click here!)
 
Elana Schulman pitching Eli’s on QVC!Congrats are in order for Elana Schulman who is making waves (and cheesecakes!) for HSN! The famous Eli’s Cheesecake is now available on this popular network! Congrats Schulmans – you’re all so "sweet"!
 
Thanks for checking in this week and I hope your Labor Day weekend was filled with BBQ, friends, love and laughter!
 
Trib eventLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Don’t miss the Chicago Tribune’s “Chicago Forward: Conversations About the Future” discussion about the presidential election with heavy hitters who include Bill Daley (former White House Chief of Staff), U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (from Peoria), Jim Edgar (former Illinois governor), Christie Hefner (director of the Center for American Progress), Leonard Pitts, Jr. (nationally syndicated columnist) and Jonah Goldberg (nationally syndicated columnist). Bruce Dold will conduct this panel discussion about the Windy City White House 2012! Don’t miss it on September 10th at 6 p.m. at the Field Museum. Tickets are only $15…click here for more info!

1 Comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

THE SERVICE CLUB’S 8TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

…PLUS CHEFS & THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS, COOPER TAKES CHARGE, A WHOLE BLU WORLD, IADT’S IMAGINE ’12 FASHION SHOW, OLYMPIC NEWS, STELLA’S LATEST HONORS, BIRTHDAYS GALORE, A VERY SPECIAL NECKLACE, CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S GIFT TO READERS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Event chairs Hazel Barr, Tracey DiBuono, Saira Cooper and Jean AntoniouThis event has been a longtime labor of love for this year’s Chair Emeritus and event founder Hazel Barr, who, along with co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Saira Cooper and Tracey Blog 2 - Karen Peters, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Tiffany Marshall, Monika Dixon and Mary Pat BurnsDiBuono (Tarantino), planned a fashion extravaganza July 30th that was a sell out with more than 260 guests. The perfect summer day started on the Peninsula terrace. Blog 3 - Wendy Krimins and Ann WallaceAnd with the Hancock building looming in the background, guests mingled and enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres while anxiously awaiting the start of the show. Since I was Blog 4 - Rich Varnes, show producer co-chair Tracey Tarantino and Greg Hydermodeling, I got there early for rehearsals which is always great fun with all of the ladies in high spirits and excited about spending the day with their friends. The Grand Ballroom was bathed Blog 4 - Tina Weller, Dr. Julius Few, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooksin a sea of pink and themed “C’est Magnifique.” Images of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were projected on the walls with a pink runway waiting for models who included Blog 5 - Co-chair Jean Antoniou and the Peninsula GM Maria ZecService Club members along with other local celebrities. Tracey Tarantino, as always, expertly produced the show even adding original French street music and remixed French pop music. This year’s runway collections featured fall fashions from top Blog 6 - SC Prez Vonita Reescer with Abe and Angela Thompsonretailers that included Escada (Mary Pat Burns wore my favorite outfit of the day: a feathered coat dress over a strapless dress – exquisite!), Intermix, Starr Couture and Blog 7 - Bunky CushingNeopolitan. Laurie Davis’ Lulu’s at the Belle Kay provided vintage splendor for a show that had something for everyone. The men’s fashions were provided by Burdi and Tom James with an exciting finale inspired by the Olympics from Ralph Lauren Polo that featured Blog 8 - Larissa Kronfeld and friendsmodels waving American flags on their runway walks. Other highlights included an exciting evening gown and fur segment from the always popular, long-time supporter, Neiman Marcus, and Stuart Weitzman, whose shoe Blog 9 - Chilli Peppersegment had women clamoring for more! Baton Show Lounge performer Chilli Pepper was a crowd pleaser in her own black mini-dress topped with an eye-popping red cropped fur Blog 10 - Felicia Winiecki, Diana Palomar, Lynn McMahanjacket. (Neiman’s gowns are breathtaking and I was honored to wear one by designer Robin Singer.) Models included Dan Uslan, Skip Grisham, Rich Gamble, Bunky Cushing, Stanley Blog 11 - Monika Dixon and SC President Vonita ReescerPaul, DC Crenshaw, Dr. Julius Few, Greg Hyder, Rich Varnes, Elizabeth Brodsky, Mamie Walton, Karen Peters, Kelly Drury, Larissa Kronfeld, Matt Lee, John Carroll, Scott Bobek, Blog 11 - Nina Mariano and Jan FlanaganRino Burdi, Jean Antoniou, Kim Gleeson, Lynn McMahan, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Abe Thompson, Rich Gamble, Mary Lasky, Sheila O’Grady, Saira Cooper, Tina Weller, Blog 12 - Katie McLenaghan and Jennifer SuttonSherren Leigh, Susanna Negovan, Kip Lewis, Robin Robinson, Amy Wimer, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Mary Ann Childers, and more. (Photography by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…please click here to view more pics!)

 

Finally, the PAWS Beach Party is ready for your viewing pleasure! Since we are upgrading our network, this has taken a little longer than usual. Hope you enjoy this darling segment about the pets and the people who love them!

Blog 1 - Bill Lasche, co-chair Amanda Puck (R) and glam friendChefs & the City is always a much-loved and highly-supported event at the Ritz-Carlton benefitting Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center and for its eighth annual event in the Grand Ballroom, more than 30 top chefs Blog 2 - Chef Chair Ryan Pitts and his RL Restaurant crewdonated their time and fabulous samplings for a delectable evening of food for a cause! Beginning with a VIP Reception, guests sipped Grey Goose cocktails and beverages provided by Magic Hat, enjoyed tunes from DJ Megan Taylor and snapped Blog 3 - Handsome Chris Sofka (2nd from R) with his mom, sis and cute friendphotos in the Magbooth provided by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. Savory fare was prepared by 24 top chefs who included Ryan Pitts Blog 4 - Helen Melchior, Chuck, Paul Iacono, and Ken Norgan(from RL who was also the Chef Chair), Heather Terhune (Sable), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Carl Shelton (BOKA), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster), Patricio Sandoval (Mercadito), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Roger Blog 5 - Chefs & the City after-party fun!Herring (Socca), Greg Bastien (Tavernita), Michael Garbin (Union League Club), Chuck Kazmer (Deca), Shawn McClain (Green Zebra), Blog 7 - The cutest & nicest brother-sister duo in town, Sanjay and Natasha SharmaJerome Bacle (Courtright’s), Paul Virant (Perennial Virant/Vie), Andy Motto (Quince) and Jonathan Gorecki (Karyn’s on Green) among many others. Honorary chairs for the event were Rich Varnes, Amanda Puck and Jason Dohmann. The evening also featured an amazing raffle that included a weekend in Harbor Country, a week in Puerto Blog 6 - Todd Hatoff, Alan Harder and glam friendVallarta, tickets to Chicago Gourmet, a C.D. Peacock necklace and so much more! The tastings were out of this world: Some of my highlights were Chef Jerome Bacle’s tomato gazpacho, Chef Tony Priolo’s seafood salad,
John Walcher and friendChef Michael Garbin’s short rib sliders, Chef Stephen Henry’s heirloom tomato burrata with fresh basil and Chef Adam Grandt’s crispy pork bellies with tomato jam. Vital Bridges President/CEO Debbie Hinde, presented RL Restaurant and Gibsons Restaurant Group with the Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping Award which was accepted by RL GM Rich Varnes and Chef Pitts. The dance floor Blog 9 - America’s Dog was there for the after-party fun!filled for the after-party as DJ Taylor jammed with drummer Michael Riendeau. Guests in attendance included Todd Hatoff, Mark Smithe, Joli Burrell, Jessica Zweig and Brian Fisher, Leslie Hindman’s John Walcher Blog 10 - Alli Cortes and Terrence Chappell(who did the auctioneering), Alan Harder, Lorin Adolph, Sanjay and Natasha Sharma, Chuck Benya, Tina Weller and Dr. Jeff Weller, Bill Lasche, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono and Elizabeth Brodsky. For this portion of the evening, food choices included a hot dog cart from America’s Dog, Swirlz cupcakes, Vosges chocolates and Jake Melnick’s hamburgers. More than $100,000 was raised to Blog 11support Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, which helps low-income people living with AIDS rebuild their health and lives Blog 12 - Peck’s Bad Boys!by providing food and nutrition services, housing and counseling. Revenue from Chefs & the City will underwrite food for more than 30,000 meals and 1,200 nights of housing. (To see more pics and my complete Chicago Tribune Sunday coverage, please click here!)

 
Blog 1 - Co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley WeinzweigIt was a whole BLU world of fundraising when co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley Weinzweig welcomed a record 1,200 guests to a sold-out lakeside soiree at the Shedd Aquarium for the sixth annual Auxiliary Board fundraiser, Blog 2 - Gorgeous view in the Windy City from the SheddBLU! Raising more than $266,000 to support Shedd’s conservation and education initiatives, Shedd’s sultry summer evening benefit was filled with the sounds of tinkling cocktail glasses and local performers who included Detour JazFunk, Diver, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate and DJ Zebo. Blog 3 - Leadership Committee Jack Hammond, Susie Gura, GP Searle, Ashley Weinzweig, Claudine Tambuatco, Janet Barnes, Katelyn Danielski, John Hennegan, David TraceAgainst a backdrop of the Chicago skyline with fireworks popping over Lake Michigan, this event is always a sellout and a very Blog 4 - Glam guests in the Diet-Coke Pop-up Loungepopular summer social event! “The combining of exotic food and wine tastings with the glittering Chicago skyline made for an unforgettable night to come together in support of the Shedd,” said Barnes. Attendees enjoyed an array of mouthwatering dishes throughout the evening such as Big Fish Farms’ sustainable Blog 5 - SmileAmerican paddlefish caviar (a staple at any Shedd event), summer garden rolls from Sunda, walleye tacos with tomato jalapeno chutney from Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop and peeky toe crab Blog 6 - Detour JazFunkcannoli from The Florentine. The planet-friendly event also featured a delectable dish from Sweetspring Salmon – the only sustainably-farmed salmon in the world, signs that were made from recycled materials or will be reused for other Shedd events and compostable plates and silverware. “This is the most successful BLU in the event’s history,” said Weinzweig. “From dollars raised to people in attendance – even down to how much fun everyone had!” To cap off an already enjoyable evening, trolleys shuttled guests between Shedd and Underground for the after-party. (For more pics, please click here!)
 
127434-250One of the city’s hottest fashion showcases is set to take place at the UIC Forum Stage on Friday, September 21st at 8 p.m. when students from The International Academy of Design & Technology host 127450-250Imagine ’12. Emceed by Jane Monzures of Loop FM’s morning show and host of "Living Healthy" on WGN, this student-produced exhibition will showcase an impressive array of 127449-250garments by 44 student designers and the production talents of IADT’s students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the school. Join designer Borris Powell, Michelle Tan, Suzanne Kopulos, Mallory Ulaszek, Rebecca Taras, Horacio Nieto, Tonya Pierce, Fraley Le, LaTonya Williams and Katie Schuppler, among many others, for a night of fashion and inspiration! For tickets ($15 for students and $25 for general admission) and more info, please call 312.980.9295 or email imagine@iadtchicago.com.
 
Vicky BaftiriW.I.N.E. (Women in Entertainment) TV profiles a journalist and producer who is doing it ALL – Vicky Baftiri. As an Emmy-winning journalist and National Association of Black Journalist “Salute to Excellence” Sheila Henley Pres. Founder WINE TVnominee, Vicky’s producing credits include the NBC nationally syndicated “Open House” and special news reports for WGN-TV. W.I.N.E. TV creator Sheila Henley says, “I’m so excit
ed for her to share her experiences and I hope it inspires young women everywhere to write, edit and produce!” Congrats, Vicky and Sheila!

 
Blog 1 - Ruth RileyOlympian Ruth Riley, who won gold as a member of the undefeated 2004 USA women’s basketball team in Athens, hosted an Opening Ceremony viewing party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Prior to her party, she spent the afternoon as the Blog 2 - Kerry and Sally Shorrguest of the British Consulate in Chicago watching a live feed of the Opening Ceremonies. The viewing was held at the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson with citizens of Great Britain, members of the Mayor’s office and other guests in attendance. Ruth is currently a member of the WNBA basketball team, the Chicago Sky. Selected by ESPN as one of only three Blog 3 - Leeann Trotter with Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson, Ruth Rileyformer Olympians to be given a Flip cam, she recorded interviews from both viewing parties with Blog 4 - Chicago Sky Head Coach Pokey Chatman with fans Sloane, Ally, Harperportions from each to be used as vignettes during telecasts. Meet Ruth and her teammates in person when they appear at a fundraiser for Nothing But Nets sponsored by Amazing Blog 5 - Sylvia Fowels and Swin Cash in Olympic VillageCosmetics on August 12th in Libertyville from noon to 4 p.m. Nothing But Nets' malaria campaign is a global initiative to eliminate one of the leading killers of children in Africa. For more info, please click here. (Pics by Slawek Chrzaszcz and Steve Starr…check out more pics here!)

 
Printers row 71581092Six months ago, the Chicago Tribune proudly launched Printers Row, a membership program for those who love books, authors and conversations about the ideas they generate. This weekend, they offered readers a special eight page sample tucked inside the Sunday section (where Candid Candace’s column also appears!). And beginning this week, they are Trib pageoffering even MORE perks with the membership program ($99 per year) which will include four free tickets to Printers Row Live! Events in addition to Book-of-the-Month discounts, private author receptions and conversations at Tribune Tower. You can now also buy it as a digital-only subscription for $29 or just the journal/fiction, no events or programs, for $49, which includes the Printers Row Journal and Fiction home-delivered every week in print and digital editions. To join, call 866.977.8742, offer code X156, or click here! Happy reading from your friends at the Chicago Tribune!!! This is a real literary treat!
 
Blog 1 - Bunky and his fans-friends on his birthday at AlliumLots of friends’ birthdays this month! I loved celebrating the Squire, Bunky Cushing’s, birthday at the Four Seasons’ Allium Restaurant with his special ladies who included Hazel Blog 2 - The Squire makes a wish!Barr, Zarada Gowenlock, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Robin Segesta, Myra Reilly and Megan McKinney. Chef Kevin Hickey’s menu is out of this world delicious and I was so thrilled to be included! Friends also celebrated the perpetually glam Toni Canada’s birthday (or as Blog 3 - Too sweet for words!Dusty Stemer called it “her birthday tour”) at Piccolo Sogno. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect and Toni matched the occasion Blog 4 - Celebrating at Piccolo Sognoin one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen in a long time, a form-fitting floral sheath with purple feathers by Prabal Gurung. Friends on the patio included Corri McFadden (who regaled us with tales of her fairytale engagement on Capri), Jan Flanagan (sporting the coolest Louis Vuitton cuff on the Blog 5 - Corri McFadden and Heather Farleyplanet), Lynn McMahan, Nina Mariano, Dusty, Susanna Negovan, Heather Farley Ingram Blog 7 - Celebrating at Chicago Cutand Jennifer Hamood. And a special thanks to all of my sweet friends who came out for my late birthday celebration at Chicago Cut! I loved seeing Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Helen Melchior, Toni Canada, Nina Mariano, Jan Flanagan, Sheryl Dyer, Blog 8 - Sonya Jackson, Sheryl Dyer and Mary Pat Bur
ns at Chicago CutChris Long, Kristina McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Hazel Barr, Lynn McMahan, Blog 9 - Chris Long and Sheila O’GradyMary Pat Burns, Mamie Walton, Jean Antoniou and Tracy Tarantino. (Sharyl Mackey couldn’t attend since she and Mike were vacationing in Michigan.) Bon anniversaire a mes amis! 🙂 (For more pics from these fun parties, please click here!)
 
19126513_BG1I’m lovin’ all of this great press for and about Stella Foster! People are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate, honor, fete and host events to celebrate her long career! Her "Windy City Live" interview on Monday was priceless and now comes word she will be the FIRST African American women to be named Honorary Grand Marshall for the Columbus Day Parade on October 8th!!!! Later that same night, she also appeared on Jim Williams’ Show and Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce! I have a feeling her “retirement” won’t be quite what she thinks it will be! LOL! Oh, and did I tell you the Mayor proclaimed Monday to be Stella Foster Day in Chicago!?! I was honored to be included in her last column along with so many other friends like Shell Reyes, Tony Weisman, Ken Bedford, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Anna Davlantes, Les Coney, John Roger and Mark Suppelsa! Stay tuned for more “Stellabration” updates! The Foster Love Train is just startin’ to roll!

http://WFLD.images.worldnow.com/interface/js/WNVideo.js?rnd=453735;hostDomain=www.myfoxchicago.com;playerWidth=630;playerHeight=355;isShowIcon=true;clipId=7549327;flvUri=;partnerclipid=;adTag=News;advertisingZone=;enableAds=true;landingPage=;islandingPageoverride=false;playerType=STANDARD_EMBEDDEDscript;controlsType=overlay
Chicago News and Weather | FOX Chicago News

Cooper HefnerCheck out this pic of Cooper Hefner that his dad tweeted Monday night along with the phrase, “And the legend continues!” He is the Hef and Crystal Harris at Midsummer Night's Dream party 2012spitting image of Hef! I also hear he was a fabulous host at Saturday night’s Midsummer Night’s Dream party, even donning PJs! Too cute for words! And yes, Crystal Harris (aka the runaway bride) was there, too! (Check out a few more pics here!)
 
Blog 1 - Designer-race car driver Mary Kaczor with Ashley Judd “buying” the necklaceAnd if you’re in the market for unique jewelry and fast cars, then you might want to check out the Concurs d’ Elegance in Pebble Beach next week, August 15th through 19th. This is one of the top Blog 2 - Winning Ways II on finish linecar shows in the world with rare autos showcased against a stunning backdrop. A special highlight of the grand event will be a one-of-a-kind necklace created by former race car driver, Mary Kaczor. This piece is so special (for this 100th anniversary) that it even has its own name, Winning Ways II! It was created from pieces of famous cars in the Blog 3 - Mario Andretti with Mary and WWII necklacepast including the frame nut from the Marmon Wasp, the very first car to win the Indy 500. The necklace is sculpted out of 18K white gold with black and white princess cut diamonds on its sides Blog 4 - Lord and Lady March at Goodwood House before Ballsymbolizing two checkered flags. The centerpiece is a 10.43 carat diamond graded E VVS1. Bids will begin at $1.6 million…yeah, you heard me! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum as well as the Wheldon Family Trust. (Driver Dan Wheldon was killed in the Las Vegas race last year and is survived by his widow and two young sons.) (For more info, visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net or email mary@racerxdesigns.com.)
 
Strut event on Clark Street 2One of my favorite boutiques, STRUT, will be hosting a special shopping night, “High Fashion Without the High Price,” on Thursday, August 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2549 N. Clark. Darling designer Borris Powell will feature his latest ready-to-wear collection and be on hand to answer all of your fashion questions. Beautiful boutique owner Niala Conte will be offering wine and appetizers to her lucky customers! Hope to see you there!
 
CS Social Glam Launch Party pageA special thanks to CS Magazine for featuring our Glamorama Launch Party in such fun style
in this month’s magazine! I love the comments and thought this was so clever! Hope to see you all Friday night, too! 🙂

 
That’s all folks! Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition and I hope you’re having a fun-filled summer!
 
First pic from MarsLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Breaking news from my friend Tissy Eggleston who submitted this pic of the FIRST image transmitted from the Curiosity Rover on Mars!

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs