Plus: Norma zooms into the Chicago Costume Council funder; Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Humanitarian Awards; Girls in the Game's (virtual) Field of Dreams Gala; Chicago Star lights up the Windy City; Steak 48 teams up with Common Threads; The Landan Twins want to help; Richardson Adventure Farm's first ever TULIP FESTIVAL!; Dining in the Dark, a new pop-up culinary experience; Cindy McCain keynotes Rush Woman's Board Luncheon; Back to the movies (what's open NOW?); Jurassic Quest is BAAACCKKK!; The Pendry Chicago set to open mid-May; PAWS Chicago's High Rollers Bingo; The Service Club is "Desperately Seeking Fashion"; ULBGC Ring Lardner Awards; "The Happy Magic Chair" makes its debut; Bear Tie Ball "Untied"; Ingalls' Fashion Reveal; Event updates; Randolph Street Market premieres in Three Oaks!; Memories of Hef on his 95th heavenly birthday; Fun videos and SOOO much more!
$49 per vehicle (8 people or less) and available at www.jurassicquest.com. An audio tour comes standard with every purchase (choose from two; special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired) as well as a safari-style digital souvenir photo of your vehicle and family transported back in time via a Jurassic setting. Special souvenir packages and other add-ons can be purchased at check out. (The attraction follows all Covid-19 protocols. Police, military, medical personnel and first responders receive 10% off ticket prices with valid ID.) (We went last year and loved it although the car lines were very long!)
PAWS Chicago will host High Rollers Bingo on Wednesday, April 28, 6 pm. Join them for 3
PAWS Chicago's virtual bingo fundraiser.
rounds of virtual bingo emceed by board member Fred from The Fred Show on 103.5 KISS FM. $20 for one card or $50 for three cards.
And a brand new event for PAWS Chicago, Fore PAWS: A Golf Outing Benefiting PAWS Chicago will take place on Monday, June 14 at Westmoreland Country Club. For info, click here!
Eversight's Gift of Sight Masquerade returns Wed., Sept. 8 to the Peninsula.
Eversight Illinois'Gift of Sight Masquerade, themed Fantasea, will be held at the Peninsula Chicago on Wednesday, September 8, honoring community leaders Justine Fedak and Dr. Parag Majmudar. I'm proud to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo for this friend-raiser to help restore sight and prevent blindness. (Click here for info!)
The Service Club of Chicago will host its uber-popular hat luncheon, this year themed "Desperately Seeking Fashion." The event will be held at the Woman's Athletic Club (WAC) on Friday, May 21. To accommodate safety and distancing requirements, there will be 4 separate rooms of 50 people each, with guests sporting their finest millinery for what has become THE Hat Luncheon in Chicago! Co-chaired by Michelle Baker, Cathy Bell Bartholomay and Annette Findling, the hybrid event will be produced by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions). The guest speaker will be Sandy Schreier, the famed fashion curator and historian. For tickets/more info, click here. The SC's next event, Day on the Terrace, will return on Monday, Aug. 2, co-chaired by Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Tracey, whose ZZAZZ Productions will again produce the show. More details coming soon for DOT. (Chicago Star Media will be the proud media sponsor!)
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs will host the Ring Lardner Awards, honoring excellence in sports journalism via zoom on Thursday, April 29, 7 pm. All funds raised will go to ULBG, which has served the after-school development needs
Dan Roan, sports anchor at Nexstar, WGN-9, has been named broadcast recipient of the 2020 Ring Lardner Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism.
of Chicago's youth for over 100 years. Since 2002, the program has honored writers and Chicago sports broadcasters who encapsulate the same "wit and warmth" of Lardner's writing. The Ring Lardner Awards represent journalists in three categories: Broadcast, Print, and Posthumous. This year’s honors include Chicago sports journalists Toni Ginnetti (former Chicago Sun-Times reporter, to be presented by current Sun-Times senior columnist Rick Telander); Dan Roan (current WGN TV sports anchor, presented by former WGN TV sportscaster Rich King); and Cooper Rollow (former Chicago Tribune sports editor, to be presented by former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Mike Conklin).
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
The Ingalls Development Foundation will host "Promise of Hope Fashion Reveal," a virtual fashion show produced by ZZAZZ Productions. The event will take place on Sunday, April 18, 5-7 pm CST, to support its cancer research program. Register for FREE here!
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!)
"Games Galore” for The Chicago Lighthouse's Associate Board! Join them virtually on Wednesday, April 14 for virtual canasta. Purchase raffle tickets to win some great prizes, including a gold and diamond necklace by Dana Rebecca Designs and so much more! (Tickets and all info here.
Friday, April 9 was Hugh Marston Hefner's 95th (heavenly) birthday. The memories I have of Playboy and Hef will last me several lifetimes and beyond. I've been dabbling on a book but who knows what will happen with it. All I know is that I miss him so and am so appreciative of the life he's given me. I wrote a sort of love letter to him here in Chicago Star Media. I hope you like it.
Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
And special thanks to Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, for having me on his "The Real Chat Daddy Show" in honor of Women's History Month. It was a fun, free-wheeling interview with Art and his co-host K. Renee Mason. See segment below, my part comes in at 1:05, but it's all good!
______________________________________________________________________ I couldn't be more excited about the return of my favorite market, Randolph Street Market! Watch for Sally Schwartz' first market foray into Three Oaks, Michigan, on Memorial Day Weekend, May 30 and 31 (Saturday and Sunday). Other dates on the books are June 19,20; July 3,4; August 7, 8; September 4, 5; and October 2,3. I can't wait to attend and love the idea of a little road trip out of the city! Who's with me!? 🙂
Congrats, with love, to author Justine Fedak and her creative partner Chris Walker (Urbanime). Their new
Illustrator Chris Walker, founder of Urbanime.
book, "The Happy Magic Chair" is out now and is a must-have for kids of all ages. It's a story written for children that know they are "magic" and to remind adults OF their magic. The character, Little Pea, beautifully realized by Chris, sometimes feels sad but she doesn't know why. Thanks to the Happy Magic Chair, she realizes that she has everything she needs already inside. (Buy it through publisher Balboa Presshere and on Amazon).
Enjoying Jennifer Sutton Brieva's special birthday at Le Colonial recently.
As you can see, things are heating up around town, especially with the return of many of our beloved nonprofit events! I know many are still virtual or hybrid but at least they're returning and are STILL HERE! This is very good news! And the
La Scarola with Armando, Chuck and Michael Kutza.
same is true for our restaurants, slowly filling with smiling, happy faces. We've visited La Scarola, Gibson's, Le Colonial, RL, Ping Pong, Pizano's, Shaw's Oyster Bar and others, and have been so happy to see them safely filled with new and old customers. A special shout-out again to the Landan Twins for trying to advance restaurants' efforts through their new lending program (see details above).
I hope you are successful with your vaccinations and that you're happy and healthy. Just remember, this too shall pass…..
Plus: What nonprofit fundraisers are coming back in 2021?; YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's GREAT news; Izzy "Shops with a Cop" for the kids; Silver linings for PAWS Chicago, One Tail at a Time and Young at Heart Pet Rescue; CHI-lebrities open their hearts in Chicago Star Media; Remembering Hef's HOT New Year's Eve parties; Eversight Illinois' Mystery Masquerade; Playboy's new centerfold policy; Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's Wings to Cure; Chicago Light's Gala of Hope; Happy engagement announcements; Six Flags Holiday Drive-Thru; In the news with John and Steve; Thoughts on 2020 and what the New Year will bring; A touching video and SO MUCH MORE!
New Year's Eve looked a little different this year. Besides Covid changing the landscape of the entire world, it also kept us from celebrating the end of one of the worst years in recent memory. Restaurants missed out on much needed revenue, friends missed traditional celebrations with family and Times Square was eerily empty. People could only peek out their windows like Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window" trying to get a feel for what was happening outside. We are all still on lockdown, mentally and physically. Chuck and I grabbed longtime friend Michael Kutza
NYE at cozy Avli on Wells.
determined to still experience NYE, this year in a tent with heaters. Even though people were having fun we all knew this was just a (hopefully temporary) substitute for the real thing. All of this lack of freedom made me think about the wild and woolly days of NYEs past. We're so lucky
Yurts at Swift & Sons designed by Kehoe.
to have experienced the heyday of Playboy with Hefner at his Mansion in LA. I always felt his parties rivaled Jay Gatsby's in exquisite excess and excitement. The invitations, always with beautiful pinup artwork created by Olivia De Berardinis, arrived in the mail a few weeks before the big event (I've saved them all).
LA Playboy Mansion lit up for NYE 2009.
We would RSVP immediately and then the anticipation began. You never knew what to expect at any of his
With Hef at a past NYE in LA.
parties as the guest lists were always changing to accommodate whoever was in town along with some of his celebrity friends. One year, the Village People performed, another year Three Six Mafia hit the stage that was inside a ginormous tent on the grounds of Hef's Holmby Hills estate. Another year, one of Hef's three girlfriends, Bridget Marquardt, popped out of a giant cake
Hef surrounded by admirers at a past NYE.
and did a slow strip tease as she gazed into his eyes (the crowd went wild). Hef's party guests have included John Elway, Penelope Cruz, James Caan, Nicholas Cage, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Robert Culp, Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump, Julie Newmar, Bill Cosby (ick), Jane Russell, Quentin Tarantino, Pamela
Chuck enjoying the views at one of Hef's NYE parties.
Anderson, Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madonna, Eddie Murphy, Warren Beatty, Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Connors, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Eddie Murphy and so many more. It was always a great
adventure wondering who you would see that night. I was lucky that Hef liked Chuck too and always included him. During the parties, guests enjoyed gourmet buffets,
Celebrating with fellow Playmates Marcy Hanson, Hope Olson and Patti McGuire Connors.
unlimited champagne and cocktails, swimming in the pool or lounging in the grotto. Guests were encouraged to wear lingerie which definitely added to the excitement. Some girls' interpretations of the "suggested attire" left little to the imagination. Oh, those were truly the days! I'm happy to see Playboy doing so well online now too. Even though the magazines have physically disappeared, the brand's online presence is strong and growing. I'm so happy to still have them as a family too. Here's to another 68 years and to a bigger, brighter 2021 for us all!
I quizzed some of my favorite bold-faced names to see how they were handling the pandemic, what their NYE resolutions were, their best moments of 2020, hopes for the future and any advice that might give us some inspiration. I discovered that we all have more in common than we know. I hope you enjoy these enlightening, and in some cases, surprising, comments from some of my favorite Chicago notables.
One of my favorite media peeps, Sylvia Perez (Fox-32) provided these thoughtful answers. Her
Sylvia Perez: "We are Puerto Rican and I love these shirts. We eat Pasteles and drink coquito (Puerto Rican egg nog) it’s a holiday tradition!"
favorite moment, "When they finally took Texas off the travel ban list and I was able to see my 86 year-old mother who I had not seen since last year because of the pandemic. It warmed my heart. I needed my mommy. It doesn't matter how old you are." Her NYE resolution? "To live in the moment!" Her advice? "Everyone is going through something, respect and try not to judge."
Kathy O'Malley Piccone
Kathy O'Malley Piccone, the hostess with the mostest at Gibson's Steakhouse, said her favorite moments during the pandemic were "when people started to reach out to each other, sending texts, jokes, puzzles, flowers, delicious foods from local restaurants and the wonderful 'calm app.'' She said, "Most of all, just sending love and positive vibes to each others. Touching moments that brought me to tears every evening at 8 pm throughout the city [when people serenaded the healthcare workers]." Her NYE resolution is to "spread more kindness, more love and generosity, more understanding of one another, more courage and peace and be more in the moment."
Amanda Puck, Director Strategic Brand Development Mariano's, has worked in the food industry for a long time. She shared,
Amanda Puck w/ Mariano's community partner Jermaine Anderson, Corey Carr, 6th Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer, Ron Baker Jr. and Otis Wilson.
"Through the pandemic, it was great to see organizations and individuals step up and help the community more than ever! Both the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank have worked so hard feeding the community, as well as all the local food pantries across Chicagoland." During the isolation she learned "how to make a mean arancini from Chef Tony Priolo, delicious Mac & Cheese from Chef Brian Jupiter and taste more wines with Belinda Chang all via our Mariano's meet-ups and zoom classes." Her NYE resolution? "To read more! She has started with Julia Child's "My Life in France." Amanda said, "I admire her, she started and blossomed in her career later in life. She's an epic legend in our industry." She added a quote from one of her favorite authors Morgan Harper Nichols, 'Even if the wait carries on another year, I will not get where I am going without first learning to be here.'"
Melody Spann Cooper with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Melody Spann Cooper, Chair and CEO Midway Broadcasting Corp., said her favorite moment of 2020 was "when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were declared the President and VP-Elect of the United States. I didn't realize how sleep deprived I had been over the past four years." Her NYE resolution is to "remain healthy and helpful. I'm making a commitment to 365 days of giving. Every day I plan to intentionally give something that will help someone." Her hope for the future? "I hope for healing and restoration. Restoring health to those who have been impacted by the pandemic. Restoring compassion in all of humanity and restoring Chicago to the great city we love. It's not perfect, but in its imperfection, it's still home and a place that has allowed me to dream past my zip code."
Paul Iacono, president Chicago Dowel Company, and much loved man-about-town, said his
Paul Iacono with niece Jennifer and nephew Tommy.
favorite moment of 2020 was being able to squeeze in a last minute trip to Hawaii during Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. His hopes for next year are a "quick return to normalcy, especially for my friends in the hospitality industry who truly have had a rough go of it." His words of advice, "This too shall pass."
Always stylish, Mark Olley.
Another handsome friend, Mark Olley (Co-op Lending Manager, Chicago Financial Services), said, "No matter what hand we've been dealt, we adapt, we flourish, it's who we are, it's what we do, we're CHICAGO STRONG!" Mark discovered new skills during the pandemic, as many of us did. He enjoyed learning to cook, plant and tend to a vegetable garden and credits his husband and dog Grayson for keeping him sane. Mark says, "I always lead with hope, optimism and love." His dream for 2021 is good health and an end to Covid-19. "A positive mind and outlook, no matter how trying the circumstances, helps to get us through a lot."
Yolanda "Dusty" Stemer, philanthropist, member of Service Club of Chicago, Costume Council and others, said that two of her three sons had mild cases of Covid and both recovered rapidly."Things like this makes you realize and give credit to our healthcare workers." Her NYE resolution is to "not turn that Peloton into a clothes rack!" Her hopes for 2021, "The same as everyone, to get a vaccine to all of our loved ones and free Botox for all!" Dusty is married to Dr. Alex Stemer, who is deeply involved in treatment, research and prevention of Covid. "There is light at the end of the tunnel. Recent advances will help make 2021 much better than 2020…Tomorrow is promised to no one, and the one thing Covid steals from us is time with those we love," she said.
Justine Fedak, Corporate Hippie, motivational speaker and soon-to-be Woman of Vision
Justine Fedak, "a girl who never gives up!"
for this year's Eversight IllinoisGift of Sight Celebration told me her title should be "a girl who never gives up." She's a good friend and I can tell you I have never met anyone so tenacious and driven (in a very good way). She said 2020 was a time of total renewal for her. She regained mobility "by some miracle" [she suffered from MS for years and years] and "connected deeply" with her dearest friends. Her NYE resolution is to "cry when things make me happy or sad and to feel and live my life to the fullest, no pretending anything." Her motto? "Be in love with your life every single minute. My grandma passed away this December at age 98 and she was the strongest, toughest, most loving person who never complained about anything she had to live through. To be alive is to be in love…with your life," she said.
Sherrill Bodine with Paula Borg and Sherry Lea Holson.
Sherrill Bodine, author, president of the Service Club of Chicago and philanthropist, said her favorite moment of the last year was "working with the dedicated women of the Service Club who worked tirelessly through these challenging times to raise money for our Philanthropic Fund which will be given out in 2021 to worthy charities all over Chicago." Sherrill recently lost her husband and said her resolution is "to seek the light and find my way on this new journey without John." She always greets each day with hope and vows to "never surrender."
Sean Lewis, WGN News Anchor, remembers his favorite moment of 2020 very well. He
Newlyweds Sean Lewis and Trover Gray Wilson.
married the love of his life, Trover Gray Wilson, in a ceremony at City Hall. "The pandemic didn't allow us a large in-person celebration but I'm hoping 2021 will!" He said his resolution is "to realize that resolutions aren't a good idea. Usually it becomes the first disappointment of any new year for me." He hopes that when the pandemic ends, that people will treat each other better. His words of advice? "Eat well, appreciate the small things and learn one new thing a day."
Nan Giordano (3rd from L) with Joshua Blake Carter, Beth Tarrant, her son Keenan Casey, Sophie Darley and Cesar Salinas.
An icon in the dance world, Nan Giordano, artistic director Giordano Dance Chicago, is looking forward to "launching Illuminate the Possibilities, an initiative which represents global connection, unity, positivity and possibility, all through dance." She said, "Amidst our dim world light I have chosen to focus on the many silver linings that have immersed. I hope we learn and grow and take the many challenging circumstances and make something positive out of them. Mankind and peace, front and center!" Her motto? "Today is the day! Adversity creates strength and change brings opportunity."
Dear friend Michael Caputo, brand and creative strategist, enjoyed long walks around
Michael Caputo (R) with friend Greg Hyder at RL.
the lakefront in the warmer months. He said, "It was lots of good thinking time. The views of our beautiful city were a hopeful reminder that things will soon return to normal." His NYE resolution is to "be adept with change and related growth." He said, "This pandemic has challenged us to rethink the 'why' of our respective lives/careers." His advice: "Every storm runs out of rain. We've all had to make do and redirect energies this past year, that can be stressful. Don't let a setback define the day. Or your life."
Dionne Williams
Dionne Williams, president D. Williams PR Group, said, even though 2020 was a "rough year", she was able to spend more quality time with her family and a small group of friends, by staying in touch via phone or Zoom. She said, "2020 made me slow down, so for 2021 I will continue to not rush myself and live in the present and enjoy my surroundings. I want to focus more on fitness and travel when it's safe to do so." She added, "During these rough times, I have learned to be more patient. I also will take this time to work on things that I was too busy for previously, in life and business."
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, executive producer ZZAZZ Productions, said, "Having family
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and her Joey.
close and my young granddaughters in my home has given me a foundation of great unity as a family. Work paused. My husband Joey prepared family dinners that brought us all to the table, dinners that we never dreamed would happen in our previously busy lives." She looks forward to adding a new component to her business, virtual fashion shows and events. Her NYE resolution? "Don't expect things to return to normal…make a choice to accept and then create a new normal and keep my faith in God." She hopes that "new avenues become open to us and that prayers will be answered for everyone. Open your heart to what has been given and find gratitude in every day."
Michelle Durpetti with her fab fam–dad Tony Durpetti, mom Marion and hubby Collin Pierson.
Michelle Durpetti, managing partner Turnkey Hospitality Group, chief planner Michelle Durpetti Events, said her favorite moment of 2020 was seeing her Gene & Georgetti management team come together, be more creative, more adaptive and supportive of each other. "We have even laughed while sometimes we felt like
Michelle Durpetti and her team from Gene & Georgetti restaurant.
crying and I think that is because we have each other. Yanni, Sal, Cristiano, Luis, Jessica, Nicole, Jeremy and Angelo are all such incredible human beings. My favorite moment hands down has been seeing them flourish and fight all the challenges." As far as resolutions, "I don't believe in resolutions to be honest. I live my life out loud, with empathy and compassion always and when I get something wrong, I own it. And that is year round." Her advice going forward: "I think I now live with the knowledge that life truly can change so fast. It has really affirmed for me that I need to take a moment every day to be grateful for all that I have and for making it this far." Her words of advice? "Let's stop tearing at one another and, instead, extend helpful hands and grateful hearts towards each other."
Holly Buckendahl, CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & NW Indiana, said a silver lining, that she didn't expect, was the ability to stay connected virtually with family and friends. Her hope for the coming year? "While open through the pandemic (with many restrictions), I look forward to RMHC-CNI reinstating the full breadth of services critically ill children and their families need on their journey to heal together." Her advice during these tough times comes from professor, social worker and author Brene Brown who said, "In order to empathize with someone's experience, you must be willing to believe them as they see it and not how you imagine their experience to be."
My PR gal pal Kathleen Sarpy, founder/CEO Agency H5, said her favorite moment of 2020,
Kathleen Sarpy and her family.
despite a tough year filled with personal losses, was being able to be "immersed" with all of her kids. She and her husband Chris discovered that "love and connectedness is truly the most important thing." She said, "I really need to find a hobby. I'm a wife, a mom to 6 awesome kids, run a company and I don't really have something that I do just for me. I might finally give meditation a try or yoga, to have a space to be mindful in body and spirit."
Pandemic baking with Jennifer Sutton Brieva and Paul Iacono.
Jennifer Sutton Brieva, felt that Christmas was one of her favorite moments of 2020. She said "it was a much needed shift in energy for everyone. We need that all year long." Her hopes for 2021? "To learn from 2020 and never take people or experiences for granted again and to get back into pre-Covid shape!" Her words of advice? "People need to be grateful and embrace the simple pleasures of life that have become so very vital." I am so grateful for a FaceTime call with my parents, happy hour Zoom with dear friends, a classic movie with my cat Zoe or even a walk in Lincoln Park or a dance party in the kitchen with my husband Joaquin–those every day opportunities for joy often overlooked become special moments of connection, never to be taken for granted again."
WBBM Newsradio anchor/reporter Lisa Fielding, who has one of the most distinctive voices
Lisa Fielding, the Voice of WBBM.
in the business, said her favorite moment of 2020 was a mother/daughter trip to Mexico in February. "I got my travel fix, after this, by hitting the road to Michigan a couple of times to see the sunset from the other side. I'm a big "sunset" person and try to find them wherever I go," she added. Her hope for the coming year? "I hope for better days for the world, where jobs and prosperity return, where we can hug each other, sing and dance with each other while enjoying live music in our favorite venues or in that dark bar with the awesome jukebox, where we can travel the world again, enjoy a cold one and the crack of the bat at a baseball game, enjoy family gatherings, weddings, celebrations, our favorite restaurants, happy hour with friends and escape through live theater."
Another dear friend in media is Dori Wilson, publicist/founder Dori Wilson Public Relations. Her favorite moment of 2020 was "watching a racially diverse movement develop and grow in recognition of long-standing racial inequality and injustice in this country, watching individuals and corporations commit to do better and recognition of "we're all in this together." Her NY resolution? "To actually use my Peloton!" Her hope for 2021? "I am so hopeful for a vaccination and a vacation!"…..Words of wisdom? "Laughter is the best medicine and forgiveness runs a close second!"
The editor-in-chief of Cancer Wellness magazine, Caylei Vogelzang, said the best moment of 2020 was being able to spend more time with her family on the golf course. Her NYE resolutions include learning to do the splits 3 ways and a backward walkover; improve on physical fitness assessments; visit a yoga retreat; grow and expand her magazine and "become more of an essential source for those touched by cancer"; plan a family holiday to a national park; wear more pieces from local designers and sustainable fashion and practice gratitude daily and more meditation. The words she lives by is "exercise, exercise, exercise!"
Jean de St Aubin, the executive director of the Gene Siskel Film Center, says her favorite
Jean de St. Aubin and her daughter holiday baking.
moment of 2020 was presenting the Black Harvest Film Festival. She said, "The timing could not have been better. It was so great to have a month of celebrating Black stories, the joy felt virtually was a much needed balm to a turbulent year." Her hopes for 2021? "That everyone gets vaccinated ASAP, and that we all be together again. I think I will turn into a hugging machine as soon as it is safe." Her advice? "Count your blessings and share your gifts."
Jean Antoniou and family at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Jean Antoniou, philanthropist, Service Club of Chicago Board of Managers, said her favorite part of 2020 was "knowing it is almost over." Her advice moving forward? "To cherish family and friends because they will always be your biggest supporters. Glass is half full is always a good way to look at each day."
Michelle Mekky, president and founder of
Michelle Mekky
Mekky Media Relations, found silver linings in a tough year. She said spending more time with her kids and husband made her so grateful for "the little moments." She also found joy in the hiring of four new people for her 5 year-old business. In 2021, she plans on prioritizing her own health and to invest in herself in ways she never has. Her motto? "Every day is a new day. Every morning we wake up with a new chance. I truly believe the energy you give out is what comes back to you. Despite all of the negativity around us, never lose hope. We will get through this!"
Pam Capitanini (center) with friends Simona Garcia and Cristina Montgomery.
Pamella Capitanini, philanthropist, Service Club of Chicago, loved watching people's inventiveness during 2020 as many learned new ways to pivot. She said, "From drive-by birthday celebrations, mask creativity and eating in igloos, it was amazing and inspiring to see." Her NYE resolution: "To keep smiling and do my best! And remember the front line workers who have given all and those who have left us." She added, "I believe many of us have realized that nails, hair and party dresses don't make a difference, but reaching out to one another does!"
And last but certainly not least, everyone's favorite elf, The Real Elf Tommy Holl,Head of Media for The
Tommy Holl, aka "The Real Elf."
North Pole, had much to be thankful for in 2020. "This holiday season is one for the history books that I hope we never have to repeat, but we were able to create a spark of joy for young and old." His favorite moments included: "Elfing" at 900 North Michigan Shops; Sending Elf Gram video messages with proceeds benefiting Imerman Angels (Tommy is a cancer survivor); Being hired to pop into 5 Zoom calls from around the world; Appearing on "Around Town with Ana Belaval", "Happy Hour with the Hoovers", WGN radio with Paul Lisnek, Tom Skilling's Christmas Eve and so much more. His NYE resolution is to: "Pause, reset, reorganize, reflect, be prepared, be ready, be thankful and be kind." His advice? "You can't grow from NO. It's okay to say no when it doesn't feel right, but saying no all the time will lead you nowhere. Try not to take things too seriously, none of us get out of here alive. And appreciate what you have."
Eversight Illinois "Gift of Sight Celebration" Save-the-Date with mask included.
I'm so excited to see some events coming BACK!! Mark your calendars for Eversight Illinois' "Gift of Sight Celebration", set for Thursday, October 21 at the Peninsula. Justine Fedak will be honored as the Woman of Vision and Dr. Parag Majmudar will be the Gift of Sight honoree. This year's masquerade theme is "Fantasea" and I'm honored to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo! (For more details, click here!)
On Saturday, November 6, the Hippocratic Cancer Research
Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation Save-the-Date with mask included.
Foundation, will host its 6th annual "Wings to Cure." This gala will be held at the Hilton Chicago and funds raised will help support cutting edge cancer research at the Lurie Cancer Center. For more details, click here!
Chicago Lights "Gala of Hope at Home" is still set for Friday, March 5 at 7 pm CST. This signature event will benefit the youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights and the community support efforts of the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. (More details here!)
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon's Jeff Bezos.
million unrestricted contribution from billionaire venture philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This major gift will help the nonprofit and its mission to empower women and families and advance racial justice. This major gift is part of more than $4 billion in philanthropic contributions made by Ms. Scott over the past four months. Board president Joyce Winnecke (just love her!) called this gift an "affirmation of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's strategy."
Israel "Izzy" Idonije with CPD officers from his "Shop with a Cop" initiative.
Former Chicago Bear Israel "Izzy" Idonije has lifted charitable giving to an art form. For the 6th year in a row, Izzy and his IF Charities team hosted "Shop With a Cop", a great initiative that builds trust between CPD officers and the communities they serve. On Thursday, December 17, more than 60 police officers shopped for kids in need, who had submitted a wish list "for Santa" in advance. The officers picked up items that were donated by Target with special $50 gift certificates included for family dinners donated by Jewel. (To support Izzy in his many charitable endeavors around town, click here!)
Special thanks to CBS-2 Chicago's Steven Graves and to
John Garcia, ABC-7.
ABC-7's John Garcia for having me on their segments recently! I loved chatting about what to do for NYE with John (watch segment here) and to Steven about how our nonprofits are pivoting their fundraisers. (Watch this segment here!)
One of my favorite silver linings to this pandemic mess is the fact that our animal shelters are at their lowest point with un-adopted rescues! As a matter of fact, PAWS Chicago has reported a near record number of adoptions in 2020–4,100! Through their Holiday-Adopt-a-Thon and usual grassroots efforts, they have managed to find forever homes for 4100 DOGS AND CATS! Can I get a Woot! Woot!? PAWS Chicago also provides extensive resources to help pets make a seamless transition into their news home and also provides a lifetime safety net for every animal, ensuring that if something happens to the adopter, their PAWS pet will always be cared for. I'm hearing similar good news from One Tail at a Time and also Young at Heart Senior Pet Rescue–all my favorites and much recommended animal shelters. Please check them out if you're looking for a pet!
I'm so loving my new home at Chicago Star Media! This group of hyper-local papers delivers, monthly, positive news you can use and I hope you're a subscriber! (Please click here for details or just leave your name and address here, info@chicagostarmedia, to receive the free online newsletter.) My latest column, "Chicago's CHI-lebrities Reflect on 2020, Share Hopes for the Coming Year" has been a hit, garnering both the front page and centerfold of the recent publication! (Read it here and get advice and discover the hopes and dreams of Chef Art Smith, rocker Jim Peterik, Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra, comedian Tom Dreesen, Kerry Wood and his Sarah, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Leslie Hindman, Israel "Izzy" Idonije, The Joffrey Ballet's Ashley Wheater, entertainer Chilli Pepper, restaurateur RJ Melman, Alpana Singh, Michael Kutza, Aldmerman Brian Hopkins and Dr. Ian Smith. I was so moved by their honest, thoughtful answers….there is uplifting advice, inspiration for the future and their thoughts on 2020! Read it all here!
There's a lotta love in the air right now! So many exciting betrothals to announce! First off, love and
Marcus Riley is engaged to Jude Fitzgerald!
congrats to Jatnna Toribio and her Israel Idonije, who were recently engaged. Also, congratulations to Marcus Riley and his Jude Fitzgerald who got engaged on New Year's Day and,
Val Warner is engaged to Jobba Jordan.
last but not least, to Windy City Live's Val Warner who just became engaged to Jobba Jordan. I'm thrilled for each and every one of these beautiful people who managed to not only survive during
Val and Jobba sittin' in a tree…..
this nasty year, but to thrive and find love. It's definitely easier to face any storm when you're supported by your best friend. Here's wishing them all a lifetime of health and happiness and, as Kup always said, "Long may they love!"
We recently experienced Six Flags' Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru in Gurnee. Over 3 million lights illuminate the park as cars drive through at 3 mph. We ordered hot chocolate, a funnel cake and I bought an ornament (of course). We listened to piped in holiday music and it was sort of eerie, to be honest, and had the feel of driving through a deserted theme park in the Truman Show. However, I guess if we'd lived closer, the experience would've been a little easier and better. But, frankly, driving through the park with the Notre Dame game blasting on the radio might've had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm (although Chuck was certainly entitled to cheer on his favorite team!) This is only my POV, so please go and find out for yourselves (and let me know what you think!) The experience has been extended through Jan. 10, details here!
Playboy has changed the format of its iconic centerfold. No longer will the featured Playmate be spotlighted for just a month, now she will have a whole season all to herself! There will be only 4 Playmates a year….makes me wish for a do-over! Read deets here on how Playboy is growing, and meet the Winter 2021 Playmate, Izabela Guedes.
As I close out my first blog of 2021, I must say, I am glad to leave 2020 (far) behind. I've never had a worse year and I know many of my friends feel the same. There's was no "dashing through the snow on a one horse open sleigh, o'er the fields we go, laughing all the way"…… Not this year when everything in the world changed in the blink of a Covid eye. I couldn't even get in my usual cheery mood for Christmas, at least not in the way I used to. One minute, we're planning family gatherings, figuring out seating, who will sit at the kids' table and the next thing you know, we're all Zooming in to "celebrate" on computer screens. I found myself decorating for Christmas almost manically, trying to create much needed joy that is at a premium now. I know store
This is definitely NOT my work, beautiful gingerbread house by Jennifer and Joaquin Brieva (kit from Vanille Chicago).
shelves were shopped clean of all holiday decor long before the usual time. On social media, my friends busily shared photos of their trees, holiday cookies, DIY Christmas ideas and so much more. Hell, we even attempted building a gingerbread house for the first time but it
I'm thinking our tree will be up until Easter or beyond. (Sort of kidding?)
looked like a tornado hit it before I could even ice the roof. This year, we lost our dog, family members, I lost a job, Chuck lost his three dearest friends and had a TIA (mini-stroke). I think I was entitled to decorate as much as I wanted to try to fill this void and you can bet these decorations are gonna be here for a while. Nothing makes me happier than twinkling Christmas tree lights. It reminds me of all the GOOD years in the past when all of our family was gathered together, giving gifts and
Marshall Field's famous Chicken Pot Pie.
thanks for our good health and the fact that we were still here. Pre-Covid, you could still find Santa in all the department stores, which were decorated to the nines. I'm happy though to see that retail, despite all its setbacks, still
Marshall Field's Walnut Room at Christmas 1950.
tried to be festive. Macy's, although certainly not close to the old Marshall Field's in holiday decor, still had cheerful windows and the Great Tree in the Walnut Room. And, although families couldn't carry on life-long traditions of dining there during the season, they could still order carry-out–the famous Mrs. Hering's Chicken Pot Pie (recipe here), lobster bisque, Frango Mint
Ann Gerber's book, "Sweet Tooth," a collection of recipes by Chicago notables.
Chocolate Ice Cream Pie and more. For Chuck and me, we still tried to carry on family traditions. We baked my mom's ham (Cooks only) and I fixed Mama Mary Johnson's famous sweet potato pie (whose recipe was featured in Ann Gerber's 1985 book, "Chicago's Sweet Tooth."). I also cooked the requisite black-eyed peas for good luck on New Year's Day (I pray it works). We toasted to the loved ones we lost and prayed for a better future, one that will bring back the human element and social interaction that is necessary to the survival of a species. We can't drift apart. We need "parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow," now more than ever. Here's hoping this year is off to a great start for you!
Plus: Fun, fashion and FUR-lanthropy for Infant Welfare Society; Cooking with Sarah and Kerry for Pitch In; WINGS' virtual "Sweet Home Chicago" party; Jack Frost's Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm; Frosty's Holiday Pop-Up Hotel (the first and only); Albany Park unites with lights; CircuitMOM's Holiday Pop-Up; The Drake Hotel's homage to Princess Diana; Top designers share tips/tricks for holiday decorating; Jim Peterik and the Ides of March (FREE) Christmas show; Kehoe Designs makes Christmas Merry & Bright for the needy; Shaun and Joseph's towering holiday gift giving idea; Skyline's Thomas O'Gorman; National Jingle Bell Day from Chicago Star Media (JOIN US!); Porchlight Music Theatre's "Burning Bluebeard"; Playboy remembers its Playmates at Christmas; Ruth Page Center's virtual Nutcracker; Chicago Light's "Gala of Hope at Home"; GREAT toy drive list; Nadia Lee Cohen's "WOMEN"; Special thanks to Sylvia, Anna, Robert, Thomas, Steve, Fred and Hannah; This & That; Fun videos and SOOO much more!
Isabel Wilkerson, Carl Sandburg Literary Award recipient.
The Chicago Public Library Foundation has hosted an elaborate Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner for the past 20 years, the last being in 2019 with an extravagant affair at the UIC Forum where over 1000 guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner at tables loaded with books from featured authors and even the authors themselves joining guests at their tables. This year, it was a little different with a virtual event but it was certainly no less exciting. Longtime host Bill Kurtis opened the hour-long event seated in an easy chair in a cozy virtual library. He presented speakers Bob Wislow (CPLF chair), Linda Johnson Rice (CPL chair), Brenda Langstraat (CPLF president), Dave Casper (CPLF vice chair, U.S. CEO BMO Financial Group) and moderator Scott Simon (host NPR Saturday Weekend Edition). Kurtis spoke about past literary giants who had been honored at this prestigious event like Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie and Toni Morrison. He introduced this year's three honorees: Nate Marshall (21st Century Honoree), Donna La Pietra
Donna La Pietra, the first CPLF Civic Award winner.
(Inaugural Civic Award) and Isabel Wilkerson (Carl Sandburg Literary Award). Mayor Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman served as honorary chairs. Langstraat spoke about the successful pivots the Library has been forced to make due to the pandemic like shifting to virtual programming, creating over 100K grab-and-go activity kits and virtual story sessions like "Live from the Library", the most successful social media campaign in the Library's history! It featured celebrities with ties to Chicago reading to kids including former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, Oprah, John C. Reilly, Bonnie Hunt, Gabrielle Union, Common,
Nate Marshall, CPLF 21st Century honoree.
Chelsea Clinton, the Mayor, Jane Lynch, Michelle Williams and many others. This uber-successful campaign garnered 22 million video views and 800 million impressions with viewers tuning in from over 37 countries! Wislow then introduced the 21st Century honoree, Nate Marshall, a rapper, poet, playwright, educator, community-engaged artist and more. Marshall was raised in West Pullman and is the grandson of a Chicago Public librarian. Nate said he was "forged in the farthest reaches of this city" and that his family has had a presence here for a century. He urged viewers to support the library where he was
Former president Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle appeared in video for "Live from the Library."
"nurtured" and ended his acceptance speech with his poem titled "Imagine" dedicated to all those who influenced him. Video congrats came from Natalie Y. Moore (a fellow 21st Century honoree, 2017), Helen
Event host Bill Kurtis and his Donna La Pietra, Civic Award honoree.
Zell, Dr. Eve L. Ewing (2019 21st Century honoree) and Mary Ellen Messmer (CPL Acting Commissioner). Linda Johnson Rice introduced Donna La Pietra as the inaugural Civic Award honoree calling her "a force." Bob Wislow said, "Donna embodies the spirit of this award." Everyone who knows and loves Donna knows what a perfect
choice she is for this honor. She has been on the CPLF board for over 20 years, invited by
Gabrielle Union appeared in the presentation from "Live from the Library."
the board's founder and Donna's
Rap artist Pinqy Ring-After School Matters.
mentor, Cindy Pritzker. Donna, a longtime producer and Emmy Award winner, was also instrumental in the creation of Millennium Park, is active on the boards of many civic organizations, including the Library Foundation, Steppenwolf, Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Botanic Garden to name just a few. She is an avid gardener and land conservationist. There's really not enough space or time to mention all of the ways she has enhanced Chicago and inspired the people who live here, including me, with her unique
Brenda Langstraat, CPLF president.
Chef Rick Bayless.
brand of magic. Donna said, "How lucky am I to have found my way to so many of Chicago's nonprofit organizations, who at their hearts, have a desire to serve and at their soul is volunteerism." Congratulatory videos came in from Greg Cameron (CEO Joffrey Ballet), Rick Bayless, Michelle Boone (Navy Pier), Peter Sagal ("Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me"), Jaume Plensa (artist), Justice Anne Burke, Rhona Frazin (past CPLF pres/CEO), Pinqy Ring (rap artist
Greg Cameron, CEO Joffrey Ballet.
with After School Matters) and artist Nick Cave.
Linda Johnson Rice, CPLF chair.
Donna dedicated her award to her mentor Cindy Pritzker who she said, "has been her role model for service, for fostering fearlessness, for her visionary thinking, for rewarding the risk-takers and for a wide diverse embrace of people and ideas." Pritzker said of Donna, "When I think of the doers in our wonderful city, the first name that pops up is Donna La Pietra. Nobody can come close. She is Miss Chicago." Isabel Wilkerson,
Dr. Eve L. Ewing, 2019 21st Century Award recipient.
the Carl Sandburg Literary Award winner, was featured
Dave Casper, U.S. CEO BMO>
in a Q & A with NPR radio's Scott Simon. Wilkerson is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal and is the author of the New York Times bestsellers "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" and "The Warmth of Other Suns." She spoke about her deeply-researched works that provide insights into America's history and the divides that linger today. She grew up in Washington, D.C. where her father was a Tuskegee Airman. Congrats on this wonderful first virtual Awards event and to all the winners! So inspiring. There is a branch of the Chicago Public Library in all of Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.
Fun, fashion and FUR-lanthropy were the themes for the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society when they hosted "Home for the Holidays" on December 6. Presented by longtime emcee Alison Rosati (NBC-5), the virtual "Mistletoe Medley" event included fabulous fashions curated by Tracey Tarantino of ZZAZZ Productions (in a collaboration with Chapter member Marge Tresley)
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) at Kehoe Design's Holiday Shoppe.
all presented by my favorite model Elizabeth McNally Mairs. Alison opened the show welcoming viewers and acknowledging Angel Donors Nives Rizza and Susan Heil. Chapter president Lou Smeja thanked supporters and shared that this event raised over $160,000 for the Infant Welfare Society (and the Angel Harvey Family Health Center) and that the Chapter has donated nearly 9,000 hours of volunteer service in 2020. Tracey reported in from redE Mas Boutique in Hinsdale (36 E.
Allison Rosati, longtime event emcee (NBC-5).
First St.) where she showed blazer looks that are perfect for Zoom meetings and then it was onto York Furs. York Furrier (located at 107 N. York St. in Elmhurst) is celebrating 89 years in business and has
Designer Peach Carr, the one and onlyl.
supported nonprofits in the community since its inception. Owners Kathy and John Rezny greet guests like they're family members and the selection of furs, outerwear and unique accessories is one of the best in the city. For this presentation, glam luxe were the watch words as Elizabeth swished about in a beautiful variety of furs and handbags. Tracey then interviewed Project
Tracey Tarantino at redE Mas Boutique.
Runway star, designer Peach Carr, a Chicago native, from her private atelier above her home built in 1870. The space was once a hay loft and has now been transformed into Peach's "happy place" with light
Elegant Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing an outfit from redE Mas Boutique.
wood and lots of windows. Peach recounted her journey to appear on Project Runway where she was hand-selected by style arbiter Tim Gunn. Peach's daughter Molly was the driving force behind this exciting opportunity urging her mother to submit an application. Peach eventually appeared in
Peach Carr pointing out 3 of her archived designs.
episodes for both Project Runway and Project Runway All-Stars. In a riveting Q & A with Tracey, Peach shared that her collections have always been "about women, for women and made in Chicago." She said she wants women to feel good about themselves
Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing Peach Carr's popular "paper doll" dress.
and that all of her pieces are very
stretchy, very easy to wear and forgiving, especially with all of us "eating our way through the pandemic." She said Edie Sedgwick, one of Andy Warhol's Factory superstars, has always been her muse and that she even met Edie's aunt Kyra Sedgwick, at an event where Kyra said to
Tracey Tarantino at Kehoe Design's Holiday Shoppe at the Peninsula.
her, "You're the one who designs for my dead aunt, right?" Peach discussed three of her iconic designs that she keeps in the loft. The first, a black cocktail dress, was part of her first collection following Project Runway. A glamorous, pale peach coat dress was her audition piece and a third look, a red dress designed as an
Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing a Peach Carr design.
homage to Chicago, was the first piece she designed following her bad accident. The event concluded with a beautiful segment filmed at Kehoe Designs' Holiday Shoppe, where Tracey spotlighted all the festive offerings there including centerpieces, ornaments, Hanukkah items, trees and more. Congrats to all of these hardworking women who are supporting the Angel Harvey Family Health Center with such devotion. The Center provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for children, adolescents and adults. (More info here!)
Cooking with Sarah and Kerry Wood for the Wood Family Foundation's Pitch In program.
The Wood Family Foundation hosted a "tasty" virtual fundraiser that involved cooking a holiday dinner with Boka Chef Lee Wolen and Foundation founders Kerry and Sarah Wood. It was a very intimate hour with the Woods Zooming in from their elegant all white kitchen and Chef Wolen from another location to prepare parmesan crusted chicken with butternut squash and
Laura Muriello, Wood Family Foundation executive director.
polenta. Sarah and Kerry work as well together in the kitchen as they do in real life raising a family of three, Justin, Katie and Charlie. Laura Muriello, executive director of the Wood Family Foundation, introduced the event along with Abby
Boka Chef Lee Wolen.
Kritzler, executive director of the Boka Restaurant Group. Lots of supporters shared their dishes during the video presentation including Erin and Shawn Doty, whose smoke detector went off during their efforts. Lol! Young Cooper Smith and his brother asked Kerry "what was the fastest pitch you ever threw", the answer was
Happy culinary participants.
102 mph! Tom and Cece Ricketts were also cooking along with Chef Wolen and the Woods as well as some mentors in the Foundation's Pitch In program. In its early years, the Foundation
Young supporters.
sponsored one-time initiatives like coat drives, holiday gift programs as well as funding projects like the playroom at Lurie Children's Hospital. As time wore on, the Woods realized the greater needs in the community and, in 2014, developed an after-school mentoring program
Sarah and Kerry's tasty finished dish.
that currently serves four communities and is growing. Sarah and Kerry concluded the evening showing their beautiful finished dishes and thanking supporters. She said, "It's a rough year for nonprofits and our organization is still working hard every day for our students, giving them everything they need from essentials to school supplies to support with their learning as well as meeting virtually every week. We couldn't do this without events like this." Here's to a lot more success Kerry and Sarah! Thanks for your dedication to Chicago's kids! (Learn more about this much needed nonprofit here!)
Ralph Covert, of Ralph's World, performs at WING's "Sweet Home Chicago" event.
WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger)took its popular "Sweet Home Chicago" fundraiser virtual on December 13. In the past, these Sunday brunch fundraisers were held at the Four Seasons with a room full of laughing, dancing kids intent on creating the very best gingerbread houses. This year, supporters could order gingerbread house kits to be delivered to
Rita and John Canning.
their homes as they viewed this 17th delightful (virtual) event. One component that has remained the same though was the joyous, kid-friendly music delivered
Rebecca Darr, executive director WINGS Program.
by Ralph Covert of Ralph's World, a children's musical group that has been a part of this event for the past 11 years. Ralph opened the event Sesame Street-style with a pair of adorable puppets. The event even had a little Mister Rogers' "won't you be my neighbor" feel to it too as Ralph interacted with the puppets and Rebecca Darr, WINGS Program CEO. Darr thanked viewers and
Adorable event participants!
encouraged them to "embrace this fun time and forget about everything happening in the world." She thanked longtime, dedicated event founders/supporters Rita and John Canning. Early on
The late Rich Martin, his wife Donna and their amazing comfort dogs.
Rita realized there were no domestic violence shelters near her home so she decided to build one with the first safe house being built in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Since then, the Cannings have helped raise millions to support those affected by domestic violence. Rita and John appeared on-camera from their home and announced that the event raised over $700,000, making it the largest fundraiser of the year. Lots of cute kiddies appeared onscreen dancing in their jammies to Ralph's "Alphabet Song." Sadly, it was announced that Rich Martin (and his wife Donna),
Dancing to Ralph's World!
whose comfort dogs were a key part of these annual events, had passed away recently due to Covid. In the past, his Golden Retrievers could be seen lounging around the Four Seasons ballroom as kids petted and relaxed around them. The event closed with these encouraging words from Rebecca. "Please know that your support is helping people transcend their life of violence to a life of happiness. No pandemic is going to stop us." (WINGS info here). Currently, WINGS provides 33 safe housing options in and around Chicagoland.
You can still find a LOT of holiday cheer at Jack Frost's Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm. This pop-up experience is located at 1455 N. Elston in Goose Island. It's decorated with over 1 million lights and dozens of Insta-worthy photo opps. You can pick out a perfect tree, visit with Santa, get lost in a Christmas
Candid Candace TV team Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Troy Mairs and Elizabeth McNally Mairs.
Tree Trail/Maze and enjoy donuts and hot chocolate as you stroll along to the sounds of the season. (Covid guidelines in place, closes January 10 and you must have a res/ticket before arrival. Details here). I hope you enjoy my latest video from Candid Candace TV (below) with special thanks to the production Dream Team, Troy Mairs, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Elizabeth McNally Mairs, for making it happen! Not a subscriber, please sign up here!)
And, if you have out of town visitors who love the holidays, steer them to Chicago's first and only pop-up Christmas hotel, Frosty's, at 221 N. Columbus Ave. Yes, it IS the Radisson Blu but, for this brief moment in time it has been transformed into a magical place sprinkled with loads of holiday cheer! Even the rooms are decorated with trees! Dogs and cats are welcome and only registered guests will be allowed access to the hotel. (Details here).
A little bit of holiday magic is also happening in the 4100 block of N. Francisco Ave. in Albany Park where neighbors
Chuck enjoying N. Francisco Ave. in Albany Park.
have erected endless, lighted "tunnels of love." What began last year between neighbors George Heitz and Ignacio Martinez, has caught on with others along the blocks who wanted to help bring an appreciation for the community. The results are dramatic! (Video here!)
For 20 years, CircuitMOM Productions has been producing world class experiential events led by Matthew Harvat and Edwin Martinez. This year, they have jumped into the holiday
CircuitMOM's Holiday Pop-Up at 409 N. Wolcott.
spirit with all four feet with "CircuitMOM's Holiday Pop-Up" at 409 N. Wolcott. The excitement began on December 9 after they transformed their venue into a winter wonderland. The pop-up offers 8 unique holiday environments where you
With CircuitMOM's Edwin Martinez and Matthew Harvat.
can capture special memories with family, friends and pets, all in a Covid safe environment. Details here: Kids (Under 10) – $6 per (Payment done on site. Cash Credit Card, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal); Adult – $12 per adult (4 people minimum); Professional Pictures – $45 ( Pictures in 3 sets, will receive digital copies, payment done on site. Cash Credit Card, Zelle, Cash-App, PayPal); Prints – $20 (Payment done on site. Cash Credit Card, Zelle, Cash-App, PayPal). (For tickets or more info, click here!) _______________________________________________________________________
I was able to cross something off my bucket list recently with a visit to the iconic and historic Drake Hotel's magnificent Princess Diana Suite, formerly the hotel's Presidential Suite. It was renamed after Princess Diana's
Part of the luxurious Princess Diana Suite.
historic, and only, visit to Chicago in June, 1996. Watch for a Chicago Star Media all-access video coming soon of my interview with Damien McArdle, the Drake's GM, who shares fun-filled details about the Princess' visit and a fabulous package they're offering in the suite now! Trivia question, do you know why the hotel's hallways are so wide? To be able to accommodate two women in period ball gowns walking side by side. (Now, take a suite peek here!)
I know most of us have already decorated for the holidays, but I quizzed some of my favorite event designers on their favorite tips and tricks. Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, loves filling her trees with fresh flowers,
Debi Lilly's beautiful, flower-filled Christmas tree (photo by Tiffaney Childs)
peonies and hydrangeas and mixing them in with faux flowers. She also suggests styling a winter wonderland champagne bar topped with flowers in silver vases or mercury glass. She loves gifts wrapped in velvet bows with cheeky tags and adding luxe to wrapping paper with suede tassels, Swiss silk double face ribbon and tiny pom poms hot glued onto craft paper. Vintage bottle brush trees are another favorite item to
Michelle Durpetti's elegant holiday table.
decorate with as are fresh pine boughs. Michelle Durpetti, another fabulous wedding planner, event designer and co-owner of Gene & Georgetti's restaurant, says don't limit yourself to traditional holiday colors. Consider jewel tones and don't be afraid of
Greg Hyder and Jim Smith's ornament-filled chandelier.
adding texture to your holiday table. Think velvet table linens with gorgeous glassware, Shantung napkins with wooden chargers. She loves using her mom's (Marion
Ramsey Prince decorates a gorgeous holiday table. (Maison du Prince, 566 Chestnut, Winnetka)
Durpetti) collection of salt and pepper shakers, flatware and china that she picked up in her travels. She said, "This way, the table provides direct access to memory lane as a conversation starter." Event planner Derrick Taylor says "don't get caught up in commercial fads. Christmas is really about feeling. Collect ornaments that tell your story." Greg Hyder helps plan plenty of seasonal decor at
Debi Lilly with a locally sourced tree.
the Peninsula Hotel but for his own home, with partner Jim Smith, he likes to go a little more over the top. He's as much a fan of Christmas as I am (if this is even possible?!) and he decorates every nook and cranny. In their new, multi-
Debi Lilly's pastel bottle brush trees add a charming touch.
level home, he has plenty to work with but is conscious of his carbon footprint. He repurposes decor to suit the holiday. For instance, when Halloween is over, the bright orange pumpkins are transformed into silver and gold works of art that adorn their front steps. Greg loves using ornaments in unexpected places too like hanging from chandeliers or worked into vignettes for the mantle. He's a great collector of vintage items and decorates with traditional as well as modern
Meet Sookie Hyder-Smith. Finally, a home for the holidays (rescued from PAWS by Greg and Jim).
elements. I love all of these friends' styles and know their homes are filled with so much holiday cheer! For Chuck and me, we LOVE to decorate and, most years, leave our Christmas tree and decorations up way past their due date. I can't stand to part with it. Actually, I keep a curio cabinet up year-round filled with vintage Christmas items along with a 4-foot-tall Santa that I bought with my Mom at Marshall Field's. A giant, lighted wreath adorns our antique liquor cabinet (that I bought in high school for $45 on layaway). These are things I just can't part with, they provide way too many happy memories. Fortunately, Chuck feels the same (I think).
Kehoe Designs helping those less fortunate during the holidays.
Kudos to Tom Kehoe! His Kehoe Designs is working with local nonprofits to gift fully decorated Christmas trees to those in need of a little extra holiday cheer. Working with the American Heart Association, HIRE 360 and NAMI Chicago, the partners have identified recipients who have had particularly challenging experiences this year. The first tree went to Angelo Panzica, who came down with Covid after being hired by HIRE 360. Thanks for all you do in our communities Tom!
A great gift idea brought to you by Shaun Rajah and Joseph Szmczak,, Holiday Happy Hour Towers! Stylishly curated bundles of sweets, savories and holiday scents for Christmas and NYE that come in beautiful, signature holiday packaging! (Details here!)
I want to give a shout-out to my fellow columnist Thomas
The uber-talented Thomas O'Gorman of Skyline newspaper.
O'Gorman, the delightful, around-town writer for the Skyline newspaper. In my wildest dreams, I could never write as good as he does. His work is sheer poetry and his knowledge of the arts, history, Chicago and even gourmet cooking runs very, very deep. I love all of his columns and never miss them but, his most recent one, "Who would ever want to be king," truly captured the spirit of the holidays and Chicago in its present state. It is a must-read! Keep up the great work Thomas! YOU are a Chicago treasure! (Scroll down his Facebook page to his column here!)
National Jingle Bell Day presented by Chicago Star Media, Saturday, December 19, 6 pm CST!
I'm so excited and hope you can join me on Saturday, December 19 at 6 pm CST. Chicago Star Media has come up with a really BIG idea to bring the city and, hopefully, the country together for National Jingle Bell Day! The concept for NJBD was born after the resurgence of Covid-19 in Illinois caused another wave of shutdowns this fall that has extended into the holidays. Elaine Hyde, publisher/editor of Chicago Star Media, created the event after being inspired by the community sing-a-longs that took place in Chicago earlier in the year. So, on Dec.19, at 6 pm CST, wherever you are, indoors, outdoors, in your car or in your workplace, videotape yourself singing Jingle Bells and post to social media with the hashtag #jinglebellday2020! OR, come join us around the Great Tree near the Wrigley building on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 6 pm! Bring your bells, we will be live-streaming! (For more info, visit Chicago Star Media hereand let's SING!)
Porchlight Music Theatre announces its latest virtual offering, the holiday return of The Ruffians’ Burning Bluebeard!Burning Bluebeard, now in its ninth year, was created and performed by the critically acclaimed theatre troupe The Ruffians. A magical story, told with music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance, Burning Bluebeard is a physical-performance phenomena inspired by the true story of Chicago’s former Iroquois Theatre and the unforgettable events that resulted in tragedy for 600 theatergoers at Christmastime in 1903. "A vaudevillian musical delight with a story that excavates the poetic and poignant remains of a piece of Chicago’s rich history and will leave you with an unforgettable experience." (Details here, through January 3!)
_______________________________________________________________________ Chicago’s oldest Nutcracker tradition is transformed into a one-of-a-kind, immersive, virtual experience featuring (pre-recorded) dance at the historic Ruth Page Center for the Arts located in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Streaming now, join the Stahlbaum’s at their holiday gathering. Experience Clara’s dreams of sugar plums, rogue bon bons, impish peppermints and a pine forest dusted with snow. Peek into Drosselmeyer's Workshop and the Kingdom of Sweets to see the Sugar Plum Fairy dance with her friends. Visions: A Nutcracker Experience gives everyone a chance to see The Ruth Page Center for the Arts as never before and an opportunity to celebrate the season in a whole new way. (Through Dec. 20, details here!)
Chicago Lights will host its "Gala of Hope, at Home", on Friday, March 5 at 7 pm. This virtual event will benefit the life-changing and youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights and the community support efforts of the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. Details here!
And, it's not too late to donate to the holiday toy drives going on across Chicagoland! Here's a great list comprised by Block Club Chicago!
Nadia Lee Cohen holds copy of her first book, WOMEN, a sell out in its first run!
I'm so excited about Nadia Lee Cohen's first book, WOMEN. British-born, Los Angeles-based photographer
Nadia Lee Cohen's "WOMEN."
Nadia's WOMEN, her IDEA-published photo book debut, is the result of six years of work and features 100 "extra unordinary portraits." And I am one of them. Pinch me. It opens with Mick Jagger's daughter, Georgia May. The first run, a limited edition of 1000, is already sold out! They are taking orders now for the second edition here.
My favorite rock legend, Jim Peterik, will be offering his 25th
Rock legend Jim Peterik, the Ides of March.
annual "Sharing Christmas with the Ides of March" on Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 pm, CST. This live-streamed event (from his studio!) will be available for FREE (Jim's Christmas gift to his fans) on youtube and facebook! (Details here)!
The year is coming to a close and this seems to be about the
Anna Davlantes–WGN radio host. (John Reilly photo).
end of virtual fundraisers until next year. I've been traveling around town gathering up as much holiday cheer as I possibly can to share with you and it's been a gold mine out there. People are celebrating and decorating in ways I've never seen before. An event designer friend of
Sylvia Perez–Fox 32 Chicago.
mine told me stores like Michael's, Target, Home Goods, Home Depot and others, were sold out of Christmas decor almost before they were stocked! I'm thrilled to be able to find so many media outlets
Robert Feder's column.
covering places to go and things to do for the holidays too. It was a thrill to present my Holiday Hot List (read it here on Chicago Star Media) and more fun news from around town with the one and only Sylvia Perez (Fox 32 Chicago), Anna Davlantes (WGN–Radio) and Fred Weintraub and Hannah Stanley (WGCO radio's "The Hannah & Fred Show," listen here!) I loved chatting about what I know and love best, CHICAGO, and I'm so lucky to have such wonderfully supportive media friends! And a special thanks to Robert Feder and Skyline's Thomas O'Gorman for including me in their must-read columns too! (Watch my fun interview with Sylvia below!) Love and thanks to ALL!
Playboy never forgets its Playmates. For years and years, Hefner always sent Christmas gifts to every one of his Playmates. Gifts included everything from branded clothing (PB backpacks) to jewelry to customized cosmetics (think "Playmate Pink" blush)! I'm so happy to see his tradition continue! Thanks dear Playboy for
Steve Ewert photo.
never forgetting those who brought you to the party!
Special thanks to photographer Steve Ewert who included me in his "Portraits of Successful Women" campaign. It's an honor to appear alongside alongside Brandis Friedman, Dominique Jordan, Lily Liu, Laura Chavez, Kate Sullivan and others. Thanks so much for including me Steve! (Read my story here, if you want, lol)
______________________________________________________________________ The spirit of the season has not been dampened for me even with Covid and all the problems we're facing right now. If anything, I'm feeling even more hopeful. I was chatting with a very knowledgeable friend who's in retail recently and he really opened my eyes with his interesting take on things. He said, "Can you imagine what it's going to be like when this is all over and people are safe and free to travel again? We will be swamped here in Chicago with people from the Midwest and across the country finally anxious to get out and about! The stores, hotels and restaurants will be packed. It will be like after Prohibition!" I had never thought of things this way but I think he is absolutely right! I know I will be jumping out of my sneakers (no more heels in the near future) to do all of the things I haven't been able to enjoy for all these many months. I will feel like Secretariat breaking free of the starting gate! So, I do see light at the end of our long, dark tunnel. And I just can't wait to celebrate (with you)!
Have a Happy, Healthy, Safe Holiday Season and a Very Merry Christmas! Here's to a big, bright 2021 for us all!
Plus: Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation's Fall Benefit with Hoda; One Tail at a Time's Houndstooth at Home, a virtual triumph; Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's WINGS TO CURE fights cancer virtually!; My Holiday Hot List; Metropolitan Family Services "Mpowers the Night"; Chicago Makers Holiday Pop-Up Shop; Giordano Dance Chicago's virtual "JOLT"; Gene & Georgetti's Holiday Surprise; ULBGC's Inspirational Heroes; Tony's very giving Plant Truck; Costume Council Zooms in on Sydney; Neiman Marcus' Fantasy Gifts; Chicago Shakes Holiday Market; Candid Candace TV; This & That; Videos (including one with a tasty idea for Thanksgiving leftovers) and SOOOO much more!
PAWS Chicago founder/event chair Paula Fasseas with co-chairs Angie DeMars, Phillip Emigh and Bruce Haas in the background.
As with all events this year that have been forced to go virtual, PAWS Chicago'sFur Ball was no exception. But, for me, this was a tough one as there really is no substitute for rubbing cold little noses with all the rescues at this annual black-tie event at the Drake Hotel. But, as
Co-chairs Phillip Emigh and Bruce Haas (Tails in the City) and Angie DeMars (Noah's Ark Pet Supply)
always, this fabulous nonprofit managed to create joy and raise big $$$ even if it was only online. Co-chaired by the glamorous quartet of Angie DeMars, Bruce Haas and Phillip Emigh and Tinsley Mortimer, the event raised much needed funds to help save the lives of homeless pets and provide operating
Event co-chair Tinsley Mortimer with Strawberry and Shortcake.
expenses. (The silent auction raised over $110K and the Bid-to-Save-Live raised about $100K) PAWS, the city's largest no-kill shelter, relies on fundraising for its $12 million annual operating budget, much of which comes from
Chef Stephanie Izard, a PAWS supporter and rescue cat mom.
individual donors. On this night, the organization's donors were out in full force, thankfully. The evening was emceed by long-time PAWS supporter/radio personality Lisa Dent (who owns FIVE
Angie DeMars' PAWS rescue Ali.
PAWS rescue dogs!). She skillfully steered the show's segments which began with a darling skit involving Bruce, Phillip and their dog Charlie. They were fussing with his little tuxedo and then fretting over the fact that Bruce forgot to brush his (the dog's!) teeth. Phillip reminded him how important this was since Charlie was going to meet fellow co-chair Tinsley Mortimer's dogs Strawberry and Shortcake. In another
Fur Ball emcee Lisa Dent, radio personality and PAWS' rescue mom.
segment, Angie is shown with her darling PAWS pup Ali drinking (faux) shots, laughing and getting ready to party! PAWS founder, Paula Fasseas, looking elegant against a black and gold backdrop and flanked by Angie, Bruce and Phillip with their pups,
Mike and Melissa Canning at their viewing party.
welcomed guests and thanked donors. "Together, we are building a no-kill Chicago," she said. Then the event switched to Scottsdale, Arizona, where Alexis Fasseas was celebrating at a beautiful house party hosted by a donor along with the co-chairs. At another viewing party, Melissa and
PAWS co-founder Alexis Fasseas.
Michael Canning, long-time PAWS supporters and 3-time Fur Ball co-chairs, welcomed viewers to their home where a large "Let's PAW-ty" banner hung on a wall in the background. Then it was on
Ashley Townes, PAWS COO.
to Anne Marie and Murray Peretz's house where Murray shared that it was a PAWS pup (introduced to them by PAWS' friends Judy and Howard Tullman) that got them both involved. There was also a visit to the home of Erica Kelly and her family in Lakeview. Chef Stephanie Izard, who donated an auction prize, appeared in a segment thanking supporters, mentioning that PAWS has saved about 5,000 animals this
Donna Baily, PAWS volunteer.
year. A video montage of adoptable pets included precious dogs, cats and kittens. Auctioneer David
Erica Kelly and friend at a Fur Ball Watch Party.
Goodman conducted a "live auction" via video that turned out really well. I had no idea how he planned to do this but it was a great success and created almost as much excitement as an in-person event. Items included a foodie package for 10 in your home from Chef Doug Psaltis (RPM) that sold for $9K. Always a popular auction item, the opportunity to have your pet appear on the cover of the PAWS desk calendar, sold for $10K and a Rocky Mountain weeklong vacation for
Phillip Emigh,Tinsley Mortimer, Bruce Haas, Alexis Fasseas, Peter and Paula Fasseas and Angie DeMars celebrating a successful Fur Ball in Scottsdale.
10 at an exquisite home in Snowmass sold for $8K. The chance to have your pet's photo on a
Bruce and Phillip's darling rescue Charlie.
PAWS Animal Rescue Transport van sold for $12K; a pair of A. Marek Fine Jewelry diamond earrings sold for $5K and a vintage 1970 Landrover Defender 90 (canvas top) sold for $45K! The last prize, a Tuscan villa for 10 for a week sold for $19K and included the chance to create your own wine at a local winery. The successful, and entertaining evening, concluded with a Fund-a-Need. Paula said, "Back in 1997, Chicago's stray problem was terrible. Every time a cat sneezed, the local animal shelter would mark "E" for euthanasia
PAWS calendar cover star, Remi Spurlock.
and the next day, the cat wouldn't be there. I was
Fur Ball's highest selling live auction prize, a 1970 Landrover Defender sold for $45K.
horrified and knew there had to be a better way. That's how PAWS got started." The stats tell the "tail": Last year– 5,134 pets were euthanized (down from 42,561 before PAWS existed); PAWS has a 97.9% save rate; 5,217 pets were adopted; 15,174 spray-neuter surgeries were performed and volunteers put in 149,507 hours. What's next? PAWS is planning a spay/neuter clinic on the south side of Chicago, creating spay/neuter outposts in other U.S. cities of need and elevating the universal care of dogs and cats. (On another note, have you seen the PAWS Party Bus around town, blasting the song "Who Let the Dogs Out?"? …..They're hoping to raise $100,000, to A) stop the song (lol!) and B) support the shelter and its mission. (To donate, or learn more, click here)
LSCRF founding members–Top L to R–Terri Lind, Charles Ifergan, Lili Ann Zisook, Front L to R–Diane Greengross, Charlene Lieber and Ellen Soren.
The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation hosted its virtual Fall Benefit on October 22. Hoda Kotb (of Today with Hoda & Jenna), served as this year's celebrity host. Kotb, a four-time Emmy Winner and a breast cancer survivor, shared her personal story and spoke about LSCRF's history and mission. She said, "The LSCRF
The much loved Lynn Sage.
was founded 35 years ago to preserve Lynn's memory while supporting state-of-the-art patient care, exceptional educational outreach programs and revolutionary research." Featured impact speaker and
Celebrity host Hoda Kotb.
survivor Ceta Walters is also a breast cancer survivor, an LSCRF board member, Chicago influencer and founder of Clark & Stone (a fashion and lifestyle blog). She emotionally shared her cancer story and the added complexities of battling breast cancer during the pandemic. She was diagnosed a year ago and said, "You don't want it to define who you are but in a sense it
Featured impact speaker Ceta Walters.
does," she said. Other guest speakers included Giuliana Rancic (E! News), Lou Canellis (Fox 32 sports), Jill Kargman (actress, "Odd Mom Out"), Matt Speigel (670 The Score), Ashley Longshore (pop artist), Len Kasper (Cubs announcer) and LeeAnn Trotter (NBC Chicago).
Meredith Soren Freese, LSCRF chair.
Meredith Soren Freese, LSCRF chair (Sophia Jones was vice-chair) greeted viewers and introduced Dr. Leonidas Platanias (Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center director of Northwestern Medicine) who spoke about the advances in breast cancer research and new initiatives made possible by grants funded by LSCRF. Freese said, "As a founding member's
Founding board member Charles Ifergan.
daughter, I remember Lynn's family and friends channeling their immense grief into something positive and LSCRF was born. To date, they have helped raise over $35 million
Founding board member Charlene Lieber.
in the fight against breast cancer. They have also funded over 75 fellowships, millions of dollars of advanced treatments like tamoxifin and so much more. Hoda ended the 50-minute long event by saying, "When you see the skyline lit in pink, that's LSCRF at work reminding you to see your doctor regularly, get a mammogram and make sure you and your loved ones take good care of themselves." The virtual event brought in over $500,000. (For more info or to donate, please click here).
One Tail at a Time's Houndstooth at Home event co-hosts Elliott Bambrough (WGN-TV) and Heather Owen, OTAT founder/ED.
There were a LOT of grab-a-hankie moments during One Tail at a Time's first virtual Houndstooth at Home event on November 13. The evening was hosted by executive director Heather Owen and Elliott Bambrough (of WGN-TV) and featured adopted and adoptable dogs, their inspiring stories, a raffle, a silent auction and a fun game to cap off the paws-itively fabulous night! The opening video segments showcased happy dogs with their
Anna Johnson, OTAT foster program director.
new owners, most of the shots involved the rescues vigorously licking their new moms and dads. In another video segment, Heather and her
Amber Severence, OTAT ISO dog coordinator.
band of saviors, that included Amber Serverence (ISO dog coordinator), traveled to Chicago Animal Care & Control to rescue 5 dogs. I have no idea how they can ever choose what dogs to save, it's a job I sure couldn't handle, but they seem to know instinctively which ones would make good pets. Then the evening moved onto Anna Johnson, foster program director, handling a transport of 7 dogs from the West Memphis Animal Services, one of OTAT's southern partners. These dogs all had urgent
A happy adopter and her rescue.
but minor medical conditions that needed to be attended to before they were fostered and then adopted. I then reached for my first Kleenex as I heard about a pair of puppies who were deaf and visually impaired. Pork Bun and
The story of Pork Bun and Potato Puff moved me to tears. (Those names, LOL!)
Potato Puff were found as strays in the south. They'd been attacked by other dogs and were both full of bite wounds. When they ended up at the shelter, they were terrified, naturally. Then they found their way to OTAT where they've learned how to be happy puppies again and will be ready for adoption soon. Heather talked about a new initiative that OTAT has implemented to rescue
In need of sponsors: Top–Cocoa, Almond Butter and Daisy–bottom Ruth, a pair of seniors and Rusty (also a senior).
cats. Previously, they had rescued kittens, but now they've included both, including seniors and special needs cats that will be cared for in The (new) Lily and
OTAT Ellis Clinic.
Lucy Kitten Nursery. The next impact video featured dog Ruth, who had been through hell but was still loving and trusting. She was riddled with bird shot, but thanks to the care she received at OTAT, she is now ready for adoption! Heather thanked her staff ("dream team all the way"), the board, volunteers, adopters and fosters old and new (3000+!!!!). Last year, the nonprofit saved 975 animals and this year, drum roll please, OTAT rescued 1,568 homeless pets! The evening
RUTH! LOL!
concluded with the popular "Last Hero Game", where viewers text "last hero" and the last person to text wins. The amazing prize, won by Chelsie Polifka, was the opportunity to have her pet painted on the last
Another happy OTAT family…
spot available on the wall of the Ellis Clinic building at 2144 N. Wood (by appt. only). DJ Matt Roan played us out…..Over $225,000 was raised to help fund the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of animals in need, comprehensive support of adopters and community outreach including humane education and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. (More OTAT info here!)
Dr. Leonidas Platanias, head of the Lurie Cancer Center.
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation'shosted its "Wings to Cure" gala virtually this year on November 14. Viewers heard from doctors, scientists, board members, cancer survivors, celebrity guests and others who shared their stories and spoke about the advances in cancer research. The event raised over $500,000 to support HCRF's mission to find and implement new treatments for cancer patients by promoting and supporting breakthrough cancer
Eleni Bousis, HCRF founding chair.
research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University AND to eliminate this dreaded disease. Over half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will
Event co-hosts Alex Maragos, Lou Canellis and Anna Davlantes.
develop cancer during their lifetime so the need for this type of "out of the box" research is paramount. The event was hosted by Alex Maragos (NBC-5), Lou Canellis (Fox 32) and Anna Davlantes (WGN radio) who spoke about the history of HCRF. The nonprofit was founded in 2014 by Eleni Bousis and a few friends who wanted to make a difference for humanity and
Barbara Bates, fashion designer and cancer survivor.
those impacted by cancer. Jazz saxophonist Kenny G. opened the virtual program wishing the organization well and acknowledging Bousis' outstanding
Founding board member Kristine Farra with her kids Jad and Leah Farra.
contributions. Supporters appearing in videos included Ryan Chiaverini (Windy City Live co-host) who spoke about his mother passing away recently from throat cancer; designer Barbara Bates, an 11-year breast cancer survivor; co-chair Mary Jo McMahon; founding chair Eleni Bousis and founding board members Susanne Fein, Nicole Iliades, Danielle Samoyovich, Kristine Farra, Charlene and Scott Seaman (a cancer survivor),
Glam guests at a past, in-person, Wings to Cure gala.
Peter Karahalios and Jake Stevens. San Francisco 49'ers defensive end Nick Bosa, Dorinda Medley (Real Housewives of NYC), HRH Princess Catherine of Serbia (who's also a board member), Brian Baumgartner (actor on "The Office") and Tom Dreesen (a cancer AND Covid survivor) also appeared on video. Doctors
Mary Jo McMahon–gala chair.
sharing news from their areas of research included Frank Eckerdt, Roger Stupp, Jessica Altman, Bill Gradishar, Maha Hussain and others. Dr. Diana Nora Vaz Saleiro received the "Highlight a Scientist Award." She is Research Assistant Professor of Medicine (hematology and oncology) at Northwestern Medicine. The show ended with a look back at past Wings to Cure in-person galas and photos of guests. DJ John Grammatis provided the soundtrack. (For more info and/or to donate, click here)
Fa La La mask by Taylor & Co. Events, custom order, $35.
As anyone who knows me knows, my love of all things Christmas borders on obsession. So, this season (especially), when we all "need a little Christmas," I've been scouting out my favorite spots around town to share with you. I've decided on 5 that are at the top of my list. See below:
1) Taylor & Company's Fa-La-La Holiday Pop-Up Experience–Beginning December 1 and
Derrick Taylor teaches guest the fine art of wreath-making.
running through Christmas Eve, event designer Derrick Taylor has recreated the North Pole at 2819 N. Montrose. Fa La La is a pop-up experience (socially distanced, of course) with something fun for the whole family. Santa will be granting wishes on December 6 and 13, with professional digital memories included. Wreath-making classes, a showroom filled with snow globes, custom Christmas ornaments and more (all by Illinois craftsmen) will be offered too. Since 1947, Taylor & Co. has been a family business specializing in event planning, floral design, gifts, holiday decor and more. (See my first Candid Candace TV collaboration below of Fa-La-La with Troy Mairs, Tracey DiBuono and Elizabeth McNally–are you a subscriber?)
Author Denise McGowan Tracy with her Eleanor book, now a musical!
musical! Written by Chicagoan Denise McGowan Tracy, this charming Christmas story is appealing to the young and the young-at-heart and will is streaming now through December 27. It's the tale of a toy who's "left behind" and her journey to find happiness. A "Party in a Box" is available to enhance the experience with a copy of the book, holiday party hats, an Eleanor ornament, a reindeer ring toss game and more!
Event designer/planner Tom Kehoe.
3) ) The Holiday Shoppe–This festive jewel box is event design guru Tom Kehoe's first holiday shop and it's filled to the brim with wreaths, garlands, trees, centerpieces, ornaments and more at the corner of Superior and Rush Streets (108 E. Superior). Other pop-up locations include The Park at Lakeshore East (333 E Benton Place), Ranalli's in Lincoln Park (1925 N. Lincoln) and Federales in the West Loop (180 N. Morgan).
4) Santa Baby Christmas Bar –Indoor/outdoor over-the-top Christmas decor with three levels of gram-worthy experiences. Deuce's Major League Bar, renamed "Santa Baby" for the holidays, is located at 3505 N. Clark and will put any Grinch in the holiday spirit. (Reservations only now through mid-January) (Please enjoy my video tour below with Alex Morales, event designer from Smartmouth Designs, and GM Jasper Robinson).
5) Mangel Florist–You wouldn't think of a hotel shop as being something very special but Mangel's is an exception and definitely worth a visit. Besides exquisite floral arrangements, the store has a delightful selection of holiday decor and gifts arranged as if by Mrs. Claus herself. This year, the store and the hotel it lives in, The Drake, are celebrating their 100th anniversaries!
Botanic Garden's Lightscape, a sellout in its 2nd year!
And I would've definitely included the Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape on this list but, for the second year in a row, the event sold out before it was even open! The Botanic's Woman's Board hosted an exclusive first look at Lightscape on November 12. This dramatic, holiday light show installation attracted a socially distanced crowd that meandered along a mile-long, illuminated trail while enjoying hot bites and cocktails. Artistic installations included the popular Cathedral of Light, a fire garden, a colorful enchanted forest, a neon lakeside trail, illuminated waterfalls and so much more. If you don't already have tickets, enjoy a sneak peek here!
Ashley Duchossois Joyce, Pres. of The Duchossois Family Fndtn. and Board Chair of Metropolitan Family Services w/ Ric Estrada, MFS Pres/CEO and Scott Swanson, PNC Bank of Illinois and Mpower Gala Chair
Supporters of Metropolitan Family Services’ most successful “Mpower the Night” gathered virtually to benefit children and families across greater Chicagoland on November 12. ABC 7’s Samantha Chatman served as moderator of a three-part conversation exploring the realities of violence prevention and the reasons to feel hopeful about peace. The program shared the perspectives of those directly involved in the conflicts our city faces about what resources are needed to establish and maintain peace.
Mike O'Grady, chairman/CEO Northern Trust.
Attendees heard from members of rival street organizations in the Austin and Roseland communities, as well as leaders of city-wide street outreach initiatives including Vaughn Bryant and Bo Deal of Metropolitan Peace Initiatives
MPO panelists with Samantha Chapman, ABC-7 Chicago consumer investigative reporter/panel moderator.
and Jalon Arthur of Chicago CRED. Metropolitan Family Services honored Northern Trust with its Legacy Award, accepted by Michael G. O’Grady, Chairman/President/CEO of Northern Trust. Event proceeds benefit multiple Metropolitan Family Services’ programs and services, which empower Chicago-area children and families to learn, to earn, to heal, and to thrive. The gala chair was Scott Swanson, President of PNC Bank Illinois. (Watch the 39th anniversary celebration here!)
Kudos to the creators of the Chicago Makers Holiday Pop-Up Shop, Anna Romo and Monica Little! This delightful store is filled with holiday gift ideas at 1279 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. Handmade items include pottery, gemstone jewelry, soy wax candles, organic skincare, leather goods, greeting cards, art, woodwork, sustainable fashion, bath bombs, clay earrings, plants, locally roasted coffee and so much more. Out of the 27 local businesses displaying their wares here, 24 are woman-owned. The store also has representation from Latinx, Black, Asian and LGBTQ-owned businesses. (Open until December 31).
On November 7, more than 200 supporters of theUnion League Boys and Girls Clubsvirtually connected from across the city and around the country to salute some remarkable Chicagoans at the non-profit’s 43rd Annual Gala Inspirational Heroes. The charity Gala
Celine Fitzgerald, ULBGC trustee/gala chair and Hector Perez, ULBGC VP Club Services.
benefits Chicago youth served by the nonprofit’s
Juan Enriquez, ULBGC Barreto Club staff member and 2020 Hero.
critical programming that continued despite the pandemic. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal that they picked up in advance prepared by Chef Michael Ponzio of the Union League Club of Chicago (that just needed to be popped in the oven). The package included a recipe kit which allowed guests to make their own Signature Gala cocktail and a Swag Bag. To add to the festivities, there was music supplied by the non-profit group Luminarts, and guests got to capture memories in the virtual photo booth. The Silent Auction and “Fund the Mission” campaign were supported by guests from the comfort of their own
Kathryne Miecyjak, Sean Bidzinski, Celine Fitzgerald and Albert Fliman.
Chef Michael Ponzio.
home. Union League Boys and Girls Clubs trustee and Gala Chair Celine Fitzgerald and ULBGC Club Two Alum Brandon Molina served as co-hosts and introduced the extraordinary heroes this year that included the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), BMO Harris Bank and ULBGC Barreto Club staff member, Juan Enriquez. Fitzgerald
Brandon Molina, Juan Enriquez, Hector Perez and Jeremy Murphy.
shared, “As our city shut down, the Union League Boys and Girls Clubs knew we had to carry on for our 15,000 Chicago youth. The future leaders of the next generation were counting on us and we would not disappoint them. During our darkest
hours, there were countless supporters who came to our aid with program sustainability, but there were two organizations who went above and beyond to lift us up, fellow non-profit The Greater Chicago Food Depository and BMO Harris Bank. Because of that, these organizations are our Inspirational Heroes of 2020. “ (The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs is a separate organization from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Both are chartered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
On Saturday, November 28, Giordano Dance Chicago will present one of its signature works, "JOLT," virtually at 2 pm and 6 pm (CST). This virtual gathering will be 30 minutes long and include the electrifying videoed performance followed by a live discussion lead by choreographer, Autumn Eckman. For those familiar with GDC, you know their high level of energy and unparalleled ability to liven the spirit! For those of you new to GDC, prepare to be moved and amazed! (All details here!)
SC Phantom Gala co-chairs Tina Weller, Kristine Kinder, Mary Claire Moll and Mary Lasky. (R) SC pres. Sherrill Bodine.
Kudos again to the amazing efforts always put forth by The Service Club of Chicago! Its Phantom Gala set a fundraising record, bringing in over $365,000! And mind you, this wasn't even a virtual event, it was a week-long online campaign created by co-chairs Mary Lasky, Tina Weller, Mary Claire Moll and Kristine Kinder. All of the gala proceeds will go towards the SC's Philanthropic Grantees next year. And, in another bit of good SC news, president Sherrill Bodine was re-elected for another term in 2021.
I'm an unabashed fan of Neiman Marcus, especially the fabulous store on Michigan Avenue managed by Wendy Krimins and promoted by Tina Koegel. I've also always been a fan of the store's unique and chic Christmas catalogs that, as you know, offer those AMAZING fantasy gift selections that I wait to see each year! Fist published in 1926 as a 16-page booklet, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book was initially intended as a Christmas card to its best
Santa introduced all of the Fantasy Gifts.
customers. Recently, I participated in a ZOOM
call that introduced this year's one-of-a-kind treasures and a presentation that was almost as cool as the gifts themselves! The show opened with some history of
Assouline owners Prosper and Martine Assouline.
Neiman's fantasy gifts where, in 1959, the gift was the option for a customer to purchase a Black Angus steer on the hoof or sliced as steaks on a silver platter for $2,230! In 2006, Neiman Marcus offered 50 2007 BMW 6 convertibles that cost $139,000 and sold out in 92 seconds. In 2017, a Fantasy Gift that truly gave back, the Paper for Water Fantasy Gift, offered customers the option to pay $50 for
Jonathan Adler will design a room of your choice.
an exclusive Paper for Water limited edition ornament, or $50K for a set of 250 origami ornaments, with the proceeds helping to bring
Lisa and Tom Perini of Perini Ranch Steakhouse.
fresh, clean water to children and families in need. Geoffroy van Raemdonck, Neiman Marcus Group CEO, opened the program welcoming viewers. Prosper and Martine Assouline, owners of Assouline, introduced their offering of a custom travel library for $295,000. Jeff Kuster, CEO of Canyon Ranch, introduced A Year of Wellness for $345,000; Geneva Long, Bowlus founder/CEO, spoke about her bespoke Bowlus RV for $255,000; Neiman's fine jewelry expert Larry Pelzel and Tom Heyman offered exotic
Geneva Long, Bowlus founder/CEO.
gems from the Oscar Heyman collection for $100K-$190K; designer Jonathan Adler introduced the opportunity to transform the room of your choice designed by him for $145K (with a $10K donation being
The Gentleman Milliner James Keith.
made to the nonprofits Aid to Artisans and the Boys & Girls Clubs); a 5-night wine country escape to the Montage Healdsburg resort and wine for a year from vintner Jesse Katz for $215K; a collection of custom-made chapeaus from Keith and James for $95K; an escape to Alaska for 5 at the Sheldon Chalet with a private chef, glacier exploration tour and a meet-and-greet with owner/pilot Don Sheldon for $345K; and last but not least, Tom and Lisa Perini introduced a final gift offering, a trip to their James Beard Award-winning Perini Ranch Steakhouse with a lot of bells and whistles. Congrats Neiman Marcus on another year of fabulous Fantasy Gifts!
Everyone has heard of the popular food trucks but, lately, it's a special green truck that is attracting attention. The Plant Truck Chicago is a mobile garden boutique working with special-needs programs to distribute plant material in underserved communities
Plant Truck Chicago!
and more. The Truck, from Mr. Green Tony Abruscato, is experiencing such great success in the neighborhoods that they're in need of a second vehicle! Here are the stats from its first 12 months: 2,000+ miles driven; 20+ Chicagoland neighborhoods visited; 500+ hot meals to COVID-19 positive shelters delivered; 3,100+ vegetable, herb, and flowering plants to under-served
Plant Truck Chicago
communities donated; 1,500+ house plants to help fund our continued outreach efforts and programming sold; and 8,000+ plant lovers and newbies engaged. As founder of nonprofit Get Growing Foundation, Abruscato works to inspire, educate and motivate the next generation of gardeners through community outreach and educational programs. Follow his adventures, check out upcoming locations and/or donate to help fund a second vehicle here!
Mark your calendars for a virtual pop-up market featuring one-of–a-kind goods in support of local theater-makers and community artisans coming Dec. 3-6. Twenty-five Chicago artisans will showcase more than 200 homemade wares in an online pop-up shop. From jewelry to ceramics, knit-work, and more, this is not only a one-stop-shop for bespoke and beautifully made gifts, but a celebration of the talent and resilience of our city’s creative community. All of the participating makers are members of the creative sector, including onstage performers, backstage technicians, designers, and community artist partners from the Theater’s annual Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the Parks program who have been impacted by the COVID-19 industry shutdown. One hundred percent of proceeds from the market will go directly to the artisans. (Details here!)
I'm so excited about a new collaboration for my Candid Candace TV channel! Our first episode is out now, with
With Troy Mairs and Elizabeth McNally Mairs.
thanks to this fabulous new team: Troy Mairs (cinematographer), Tracey DiBuono (creative director) and Elizabeth Mairs (production designer). (If not a subscriber, please sign up here!) Our first segment covered event designer Derrick Taylor's new holiday pop-up experience, FA LA LA (mentioned above). We also shot at York Furrier to
With Tracey DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) at York Furrier.
promote the upcoming virtual Mistletoe Medley(themed "Home for the Holidays") hosted by the Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Auxiliary. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions, the event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 6 from 7-8 pm with longtime host Alison Rosati. The virtual fashion show/decor event will include segments from York Furs, RedE Boutique and designer Peach Carr and support the work of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago which serves families in need through its Angel Harvey Family Health Center in Logan Square. (To register for the virtual event, click here!)
"I was never the type to sit back and wait and I really had no
Dori Wilson (Dori Wilson PR) filming "My Start Story."
fear," says Dori Wilson (founder of Dori Wilson Public Relations). Dori was the featured subject of the recent, prestigious "My Start Story" which profiles successful women like comedian Carol Burnett, Diane Ademu-John (screenwriter for "Empire"), Treva Silverman (screenwriter for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"), singer Dionne Warwick, pastry chef Gale Gand, Ina Pinkney (chef- Breakfast Queen), Chaz Ebert, Christie Hefner (former Playboy CEO), Janice Jackson (CEO Chicago Public Schools), Brenda Robinson (entertainment attorney Brenda Robinson), and IL Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke (co-founder of Special Olympics), to name a few! What perfect company for our Dori! (See story here!)
Join the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum for a delightful afternoon on ZOOM with Sydney Sadick, author and NBC Today Show contributor, Tuesday, December 8 (noon to 1 pm). Her recent book, "Aim High: How to Style Your Life and Achieve Your Goals" will be a topic very worthy of discussion for ALL of us! Details here!
The Chicago Public Library Foundation Awards will be held virtually this year on December 9 at 6:30 pm (CST). In the past, this ginormous event was held at the UIC Pavilion with over 1000 people in attendance. I always loved seeing the stage filled with Chicago authors and the one-and-only Bill Kurtis serving as the emcee.
Donna La Pietra, CPLF honoree 2020.
This year will be a bit different but equally special since the honorees are: Donna La Pietra (who will be honored with the Inaugural Civic Award); Nate Marshall (author/playwright/performer/educator/rapper and more who will be honored with the 21st Century Award) and Isabel Wilkerson(Pulitzer Prize-winning author, who will be presented with the Carl Sandburg Literary Award). No ticket is required and gifts at all levels will be welcome. (Register here)
Derrick Taylor (and elves not shown) with Michelle Durpetti and Collin Pierson for a Christmas Decor Ambush.
With all of the sadness surrounding our restaurant community now, here's a happy story. It was a Christmas
Gene & Georgetti's festive new tent at Franklin and Illinois.
Ambush by Derrick Taylor and his band of elves at Gene & Georgetti's on November 24. They surprised Michelle Durpetti and Collin Pierson with a holiday makeover for the restaurant, decorating G & G's brand new tent and windows with garlands, wreaths and greenery donated by City Grange! Friends helping friends–in good times and bad–now THAT is a story worth telling.
Even though this hasn't been an ideal year, there is still much to be thankful for. I hope you and your families were able to celebrate in whatever way was safest for you. I'm thankful for: Good health (for Chuck and our loved ones); to have so many wonderful friends who are there when I need them; that so many nonprofits didn't suffer as badly as they feared with their virtual events; that we have food on the table and a roof on our heads….And lastly, I'm so grateful that this election is over and for YOU.
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. Kalen's Thanksgiving bomb leftovers anyone? Wait for it…..
Plus: Apparel Industry Foundation REVS UP; Friends of Prentice "Together at Home"; "Sounds of Celebration: An Evening at Home with the CSO"; "Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker"; WINGS' Purple Tie Ball; CASL celebrates Bernie; Streeterville Week; Palm Beach happenings; Service Club's Phantom Gala pivots to victory; Shannon Rovers bring smiles roving around Rush Street; The Holiday Shoppe; Mangel's and the Drake celebrating 100; Eleanor the Musical streaming soon; DMen Tap taps into the spirit of Christkindlmarket; A Covid vaccine?; A surprise holiday pop-up; Maria rules the pulpit too; PAWS Chicago's virtual Fur Ball; One Tail at a Time's virtual Houndstooth Ball; Doorstep Divas Chicago-the Holiday Edition; Jennifer and Erin's happy news; Wings to Cure cancer; This & That; Videos and SOOOO much more!
Rev Up honoree Sherrill Bodine accepts her award from designer/AIBI board president Lauren Lein.
The Apparel Industry Foundation hosted its annual Rev Up! fashion show/fundraiser virtually on October 29 honoring author/philanthropist Sherrill Bodine and featuring designs
AIBI executive director Ambar Campos (R) and Kat Anderson (AIBI member services coordinator).
from seven top local designers. The exciting show was broadcast simultaneously on Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well as on the Tiltify donation platform (which remains open for donations through November 15). From beginning to end, this high powered fashion show
Model Atelier designer Robin Harris (L) with one of her models.
was flawless, thanks to the production by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono of ZZAZZ Productions and filming by Francis Son. AIBI executive director Ambar Campos (who has been with AIBI for decades since she was a young girl!) and Kat
Glam model wearing Elda de la Rosa.
Anderson (AIBI member services coordinator) planned the event to perfection, with a great script and creative filming ideas. I was proud to host this hour long event, which was filmed (in part) at AIBI's office at 4255 N. Knox. The fashion films were shot at Pat and
Kristine Kinder and designer Al Menotti.
Joe Perillo's Bentley Gold Coast (which is typically the venue of choice for their live in-person events). Fashions segments included designs by Elda de la Rosa who
Designer Lauren Lein (2nd from R) with her models.
presented her romantic Esperanza (Hope) Collection. Lauren Lein (Cavanaugh) (who is also AIBI board president) showcased her collection titled "Lauren: at Home, Work, and Play," whimsical designs with an artful,
Designer Peach Carr's whimsical designs.
feminine aesthetic. Model Atelier designer Robin Harris focused on fashions for tall women with her collection titled "Vertically Blessed in the City." Designer Peach Carr burst onto the fashion scene as a cheeky, self-taught designer from Chicago
Rebellion handbag designer Stephanie Wheat (2nd from L) with models.
on the hit reality show Project Runway (Season 8 and All Stars Season 2). Drawing from her 60s and 70s childhood, her collection was inspired by paper dolls. Designer Daryl Sneed displayed his fashion vision between two brands, Ricorso (which focuses on
Designer Daryl Sneed with his models.
essentials with impeccable tailoring) and Soundoff (a line that explores the multi-cultural street scene in Chicago). Al Menotti, designer for Menotti Couture, has been designing women's fashions since 1985 and his collection featured timeless designs with clean, simple lines. Rebellion designer Stephanie
Designer Elda de la Rosa.
Wheat's handbags are made from upholstery grade leathers and beautiful fur pelts and are light weight and comfortable to carry with an edge of modern fashion. Before Sherrill accepted her honor
It was an honor to host this fabulous event! Thank you AIBI!
from AIBI board president/designer Lauren Lein, several friends congratulated her via video. They included Laurie Demma Davis, Mary Clare Moll, Tracey DiBuono, Lezley Hodes (who called her a "change agent in stilettos"), Lauren Lein, Karen Peters, Myra Reilly, Tina
CHEERS to all who supported and donated! Thank YOU!
Weller, Susan Gohl, Sally Jo Pfaff, Beena Joseph, moi and others. AIBI was created by the late Mayor Harold Washington in 1987 as a Delegate Agency of the City of Chicago and remains today the only official organization in Illinois specifically dedicated to the needs of the sewn products and manufacturing industries. AIBI nurtures the Chicago design and creative industries through a series of innovative programs that allow today’s dreamers to be the design stars of tomorrow. (For more info or to make a donation, click here!).
FOP executive director Kristen Field and Michael Borders, FOP board president.
Friends of Prentice (FOP), a non-profit organization working in partnership with Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital to fund innovative and leading-edge research benefiting the lives of women, raised nearly $600,000 at its annual fundraising benefit, themed Still Together, At Home. Due to COVID-19, this is the first year that the gala was held virtually on Saturday, October 24. The
FOP emcee Val Warner.
dollars raised during the virtual gala will go towards awarding doctors and clinicians grants needed to continue their life saving research across all areas of women’s health. Mike Borders, Friends of Prentice Board President, along with Executive Director Kristen Field, co-hosted the event with special appearances from gala co-chairs Donna Socol and Shannon Flavin. Close to 1,000 guests tuned in from the comfort of their own homes and “hosted” a virtual or socially distanced table. This year’s gala featured one of a kind online auctions, music from DJ Megan Taylor and the Dr. Bombay band (with my favorites, Lee Golub on drums and singer Molly Callinan) as well as a cocktail hour led by two-time James Beard award-winner and mixologist Belinda Chang. Windy City Live co-host Val Warner served as emcee for the event that
Shannon Flavin, and friends–event co-chair.
encouraged guests to ‘come together’ virtually to honor the healthcare community while raising critical funds for medical research. In addition, the frontline health heroes, clinicians and physicians who have received grants from Friends of Prentice shared highlights of their research and the positive impact the funding has had on the research conducted within their respective
Dr. Bombay, Lee Golub and band, performed.
areas of women’s health. "We are so humbled and grateful for everyone who showed support to FOP by attending our virtual gala,” said Borders. “This year’s gala definitely looked and felt different, but it was a successful night of not only celebrating all our
Singer Molly Callinan performed with Dr. Bombay during the event.
healthcare heroes, but also celebrating the mission of Friends of Prentice – to provide crucial seed money to brilliant clinicians and researchers who are shaping the future of women’s health care.” Since 1983, Friends of Prentice has raised over $20M and awarded grants to more than 100 researchers and clinical programs. FOP’s annual grants initiative has funded projects in the areas of COVID-19 research, gynecologic oncology, mental health, heart disease, disparities in access to care, diabetes, HIV, uterine and pelvic medicine, genetic biomarker research, home health care outreach and more. Funds raised during the gala go directly to research, education, and patient care programs at Prentice. (To make a donation or learn more about the nonprofit, click here!
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs with Civic Orchestra member Dara Hankins.
The CSO's recent "Sounds of Celebration: An Evening at Home with the CSO", a virtual event, was a blockbuster raising over $910,000 (and counting) on October 31! Musical stars from around the world reflected on what makes the CSO so special with superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma creating an evening highlight during his duet with fellow cellist Dara Hankins, a Civic Orchestra member. Chiming in from Ravenna, Italy, CSO music director Riccardo Muti said, "I'm waiting until the orchestra can be together again…My family, my music family, is the Chicago Symphony so practically, I am sort of a father without the family around." He thinks the reunion will be "like a miracle" with the "feelings of every person coming together to create something really magical." Other contributors to the special evening included jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis and pianist Mitsuko Uchida. The evening concluded with Robert Chen and principal cellist John Sharp performing Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Cello.
The Joffrey Ballet's Ashley Wheater, Marie B. Galvin artistic director, took us behind-the-scenes of Christopher Wheeldon's "The Nutcracker."
The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet hosted a virtual event, "Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker" on Friday, November 7. The 45 minute (afternoon) event was a look back at the last 5 years of Christopher Wheeldon's "The Nutcracker" and allowed viewers into a world of magic, mind-blowing creativity and artistic genius. When the Joffrey first introduced this production in 2016, I was still in love with the old version and couldn't imagine how it could be improved upon. Boy, was I ever wrong. Wheeldon, along with an amazing team, completely
The Nutcracker choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
reimagined the "Nut," moving the setting to Chicago in 1892 during the construction of the famed World's Columbian Exposition. And the protagonist, Marie, was no longer a rich girl but rather an immigrant worker's child, a dreamer who has very
WB member/co-chair Marcie Wright.
little but through an epic, magical Christmas journey, is to gain a great deal. The Great Impresario character was actually based on architect Daniel Burnham, who was the director of works for the Exposition. The story was written by brilliant children's book author/illustrator Brian Selznick, ("The Invention of Hugo
WB member/ co-chair Jessica Jecmen.
Cabret" and others) and beautifully narrated by Judy Hsu, ABC 7 Chicago. Ashley Wheater, the Marie B. Galvin artistic director, opened the show welcoming viewers along with co-chairs Melinda LaGrange, Jessica Jecmen and Marcie Wright. In interviews with company artists, we heard from Anais Bueno, Dylan Gutierrez, Dara Holmes, Victoria Jaiani, Yumi
Author Brian Selznick.
Kanazawa and Greig Matthews. The behind-the-scenes footage was breathtaking and made me wish we could see it onstage for this holiday season. And the scenes of Wheeldon with the dancers showed you what a genius choreographer he truly is. Proceeds from this event will go toward the Joffrey’s Crisis Stabilization Fund, a $12M initiative to provide for the continued health of the organization despite the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope you will consider a donation to keep this vital arts organization alive and thriving. Thank you Joffrey for this peek behind the curtain!
Mike and Melissa Canning, lead sponsors of the event.
At the 20th annual WINGS' Purple Tie Ball on October 3, 400 attendees came together virtually to end domestic violence, celebrate survivors and support victims. The event featured the band Maggie Speaks and guests listened to impassioned speeches about the scourge of domestic violence and the ways that WINGS
WINGS Supporters Jared and Kevin Wasserman
is working to break the cycle in the Chicagoland area. Rebecca Darr, WINGS President/CEO said, “We are overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of the attendees of the Purple Tie Ball. Your generosity will support so many families who are escaping domestic violence.” Jillvona accepted the David K. Hill award, an award given to an outstanding WINGS graduate each year. 80 guests received a "Gala in a Bag," delivered by the Entertaining Company that included dinner, wine, hand sanitizer, chocolates and a program book. The funds raised, over $325,000, will help support WINGS' mission to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.
On October 29, the Chinese American Service League (CASL) honored its founder and former President Bernie Wong, with the Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual Gala (presented virtually this year by the Sue Ling Gin Foundation). Starting with two
donated desks and chairs in 1978, Bernie grew CASL into the largest social service agency in the Midwest dedicated to serving Chinese Americans and immigrants. Bernie has been named in numerous lists of influential people in Chicago and beyond, even being awarded the “Champion for Change” award at the White House in 2012 by President Barack Obama. The event was emceed by ABC-7's Judy Hsu (co-chair of CASL's Advisory Board) and included congratulatory videos from Father Francis Li, Esther Wong, Kenneth Gunn (Acting Commissioner at Chicago Human Relations), Ling and Francis Leung, Pauline Pak,Lois Chan, Amy Wishnick and many others. Congrats Bernie for your lifetime of service!
New York Social Diary's Blair Sabol casting her vote in Scottsdale.
I don't know if you read the New York Social Diary but it's one of my favorites, especially writer Blair Sabol. Her wit and wisdom is always spot on and I particularly loved her latest column that pretty much nails the way some of us might be feeling now (at least it does for me). "An endless fatigue has set in that is making us feel lax even with last week’s viral resurgence. We are losing interest, so our masks are slipping below our nose and our vigilance is faltering. It’s getting old and we are getting older. Remember last March when we were all in it to win it? Nightly we banged pots in our cities from apartment windows for all medical first responders. That seems years ago. We’ve gone from cheers to jeers. We’ve morphed from impatience to rage to exhausted disinterest." But we're trying Blair! (Read her full column here).
Swifty's Robert Caravaggi poolside in Palm Beach. (NYSD photo)
I found it interesting to learn that a few of NYC's hotspot restaurants are adding new locations in Palm Beach. Swifty's, our favorite, has completely decamped to PB where it has found a second life under the watchful eye of Robert Caravaggi (lunch and dinner poolside only for now). Le Bilboquet will be opening there soon and La Goulue Palm Beach has already opened for dinner only.
Chicago Star Mediawill host its first Streeterville Week, a community-focused event that will spotlight and support local businesses, all of which will be offering exclusive deals. The event was created to lift community spirits, boost morale and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally. Join them (and me) for a fun-filled kick-off event at Ogden Plaza (300 E. North Water) from 12:30 to 2 pm. A series of deals will be on offer during the week at gyms, hotels and other neighborhood businesses plus special menus at restaurants. For the kick-off, Marley Kayden of "Chicago's Best" on WGN-TV will serve as emcee, which will be live-streamed on the Chicago Star Media Facebook page and open to the public. The program, designed to support local artists and brighten this normally gray area of Streeterville, features rotating appearances from Chicago performers and street musicians, including actor Vikram Konkimalla — known for his role as Tiny Tim in The Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol "— and Andrew David, a street performer whose powerful cover of “Hallelujah” in Chicago’s empty streets went viral this spring. To ensure the safety of attendees and performers during the walk-by event, masks are required, signs indicating social distancing will be placed in front of performers. Each performer will display a QR code to receive tips from passersby. Participating Streeterville Week restaurants will include Beatrix Market, Tallboy Taco, Pinstripes, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, Labriola, Pinched on the River, Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company, Rosebud Steakhouse, Saigon Sisters and Yolk, among others. A complete list of businesses and offers can be found online here. Chicago Star Media, which publishes Streeterville News, New Eastside News and West Loop News, is dedicated to providing a positive, informative and community-building presence in the neighborhoods it serves.
The restaurants in and around Gibson's and LuxBar got a treat Wednesday night, courtesy of the Shannon Rovers who marched and played much to the delight of diners. Their intent was to "bring a smile to people's faces and a little happiness during these trying times." They succeeded.
Kudos to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, whose boundless energy has now taken her into the pulpit! Recently, Maria delivered a stem-winding speech at Holy Trinity Church during Polish Heritage Month (watch it here) and she went head-to-head with radio talk show host Maze Jackson, where she discussed how taxpayers can protect their homes and find lost owed back taxes. She, and her office, analyzed 80 million pieces of data! #MariaforPresident
SC co-chairs Tina Weller, Kristine Kinder, Mary Clare Moll and Mary Lasky.
Congrats to these beautiful women who were the co-chairs for The Service Club of Chicago's Phantom Gala, Mary Lasky, Tina Weller, Mary Claire Moll and Kristine Kinder. This event is usually a very festive black-tie affair, but this year it was held virtually from October 12-22. The ladies/SC members helped raise much needed funds for the nonprofit's philanthropic grant program. (To donate and learn more, click here!) The organization's next event will be a virtual wine tasting tour "through Lombardy and Tuscany" on November 19. Full details here!
Well, I've begun decorating for Christmas, don't judge. I think that, for this year especially, you can't start too
The Holiday Shoppe at the Peninsula.
soon. I love the fact that WLIT-FM is already playing holiday tunes now too! I've got some wonderful ideas for where you can find some holiday cheer! The Holiday Shoppe at The Peninsula is like a Christmas jewel box in the old space where Pierrot Gourmet used to be at the corner of State and Superior. It's been brought to life by Kehoe Designs (Tom Kehoe) and his Green Market Garden. Inside, you'll find a stunning, designer-inspired selection of seasonal home decor and gifts. Also, watch for Green Market Garden coming to the Lakeshore East, Lakeview and West Loop neighborhoods with a selection of indoor and outdoor trees, plants, flowers and seasonal arrangements. (Details here!)
Another wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit is a family-friendly viewing of Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical, which will be available to stream November 27–December 27. Adding to the fun is the availability of two immersive Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Party in a Box options, ranging in price from $45-$60 which will contain items inspired by the production– a copy of the book, a keepsake ornament, Eleanor's own stationary and pencil for letters to Santa, holiday hats, cookie cutter with recipe card, Twinkle's reindeer ring toss game and so much more! Denise McGowan Tracy, executive producer, said, "Our wish is to keep the magic of the holidays sparkling in the eyes of children no matter what challenges we face this year." The musical tells the story of a rag doll named Eleanor who lives in the magical world of the North Pole. Despite her love for her family there, she is wishing for something very special and writes a letter to Santa. And so the adventure begins! Ho! Ho! Ho! (Details here!)
DMen Tap will keep Christkindlmarket's beloved tradition alive this year!
As we now know, the Christkindlmarket will be held online this year (see website here, through Dec. 31), but you can still get the experience thanks to DMen Tap, an Avondale restaurant that will offer a similar experience with traditional German food, sipping hot drinks from one of the festival's signature mugs and even a photo backdrop for Insta pics. Starting November
DMen Tap's food truck.
27 (and running through Christmas Eve), DMen Tap's food truck will be in front of the restaurant at 2849 W. Belmont Ave. People will be able to walk up and grab hot cocoa, cider, bratwursts, schnitzel sandwiches,
The traditional Christkindlmarket mugs will be for sale too!
pretzels and raclette cheese sandwiches — food and drinks traditionally found at Christkindlmarket. Gluhwein, or mulled wine, will be available for carryout from the bar inside. The DMen Tap crew will also sell Christkindlmarket mugs from past years, which have become a hot-ticket item. A photo backdrop will be set up so people can take photos with their mugs, also a tradition at Christkindlmarket. With the pop-up, the owners of DMen Tap are looking to keep the holiday tradition alive and bring in revenue during the pandemic, which has restaurants and bars across Chicago struggling to survive. What a great idea! I just can't wait!
A BIG holiday pop-up experience, "FA, LA, LA", will be coming toTaylor & Co. Events (Derrick Taylor, 2819 W. Montrose) on Tuesday, December 1….think Santa granting wishes, Christmas decor galore including a 20' tree, professional photo opps, wreath-making classes, a warehouse sale and so much more! Check out their website for all the details here. In the meantime, enjoy this video of the work in progress!
PAWS Chicago virtual Fur Ball co-chairs Phillip Emigh, Angie DeMars and Bruce Haas.
Join PAWS Chicago in your best black-tie attire from your home on Friday, November 13 at 7:45pm for a virtual FUR BALL program
PAWS Chicago's virtual Fur Ball will be November13, 7:45 pm.
that will help PAWS raise important life-saving funds so they can save more homeless dogs and cats! The program will feature a live auction, a Bid to Save Lives mission moment, stories of our Adoptable Pets and music by Maggie Speaks! Congrats in advance to the event's adorable co-chairs Angie DeMars, Phillip Emigh, Bruce Haas and Tinsley Mortimer. (To register, please click here and make sure to check out the exciting auction items too!)
One Tail at a Time, another beloved No-Kill rescue, will host its 12th annual Houndstooth Ball virtually on Friday, November 13, 6-9 pm. I'll miss not seeing these
Heather Owen, founder/ED One Tail at a Time.
adorable homeless dogs (and kittens) up close and personal but I hope you will consider supporting this wonderful shelter's life-saving efforts by tuning in for FREE here! (Be sure to check out their at-home Celebration Kits too, ranging in price from $35–$1000!) Pet-loving philanthropists will be coming together to celebrate the record-breaking 1,500 animals saved this year by OTAT! Executive director Heather Owen said, "The outpouring of support One Tail at a Time and homeless pets have received in this pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable. Chicago rallied and opened their homes and hearts to hundreds of dogs during quarantine, enabling us to save more lives than ever before."
Newly married Jennifer N. Pritzker and Erin E. Solaro.
Huge congrats to Jennifer N. Pritzker and Erin E. Solaro who were married in a private ceremony in Chicago on October 31. Ms. Pritzker is President & CEO of Tawani Enterprises, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army, Retired, and Founder and Chairwoman of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Ms. Solaro is currently employed as a sales executive for a medical device manufacturer. She is also the author of "Women in the Line of Fire" (Seal Press, 2006), and a veteran herself. Congrats, love wins! (And thanks for all you do in the community Jennifer!)
The Doorstep Divas Caitlin Simone Buffa and Molly Callinan.
The Doorstep Divas Chicago want to rock your holiday world! These two vocal dynamos have created a festive holiday show that will make you want to don your Santa hats ASAP! They're available to appear in your virtual gala videos; in person (socially distanced, of course); at holiday parties; ANY occasion– live, in-person or pre-recorded, at your pleasure! Congrats to superstar singers/artists Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa for always bringin' da joy! (Contact them here: hchords1@yahoo.com
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's "Wings to Cure" Gala will be virtual on Saturday, November 14 from 6-7:30 pm. You will hear from doctors, cancer survivors
Eleni Bousis, along with friends and supporters created HCRF, shown here with Dr. Leonidas Platanias, director Lurie Cancer Center.
and celebrity guests and have the chance to bid in spectacular live and silent auctions. HCRF's mission is to find and implement new treatments for cancer patients by promoting and supporting breakthrough cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Over half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime. The Foundation's goal is to discover and implement new treatments in order to eliminate this dreaded disease and save lives. (Once registered, a link to view the virtual event will be sent to you on the day of. Details here.)
If reports are true that Pfizer has found a vaccine for Covid (that will be ready by the end of the month?!), our collective prayers have been answered! I know we probably won't go back to "normal." Quite frankly, I'm not even sure what this means anymore. I do miss all of our in-person events, that's a given, but I also miss the little things like lingering in bookstores (when I could find one) or spending hours wandering around the make-up section in a department store and actually TRYING THINGS ON. All the little things that I used to love to do seems like it happened in another lifetime, like living in the "Matrix." Wearing a mask takes away any joy anyway because, for some reason, when I'm
Bonnie Spurlock and Judy Tullman with hubbys Jim and Howard at a PAWS Chicago Beach Party.
wearing one I can't see, hear or think. I know people are edgy now and, in some cases, aimless not knowing what's going to happen next. Many are looking for anything to do just to keep busy…my friends Bonnie Spurlock and Judy Tullman find joy volunteering at PAWS Chicago. Now THAT is something truly
Just for fun…..
worthwhile. I'm keeping busy writing The Blog (thanks to all my new subscribers too!), writing for Chicago Now and pondering some possibilities. I had a blast hosting the Apparel Industry Board Foundation'sRev Up event and would like to do more of that. I'd also like to discuss my events and what's going on in Chicago on some media outlets. I'm looking forward to a new venture with Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and videographer Troy Mairs that will be fun and fulfilling. In every case, I will continue to be a voice for Chicago, its charities, its happenings and whatever else is exciting and makes our city shine. Yes, despite Covid, the future is looking very bright. I can't wait to see what's around the next corner, hopefully a cure!
Plus: Superstars of the Chicago Costume Council's Men's Fashion Awards; Service Club's "Day in the Country" (with apples); Gilda's Club Chicago's "Yes, And…An Improvised Gala"; TPAN's "Dining Out for Life" virtual party; Cancer Wellness Mag's "Loudest Voices" feature; Denise's "Eleanor" coming soon; The BEST Watch party for the Adler's Celestial Ball; "The Wings to Cure" for the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation; Silver Paws Gala for Young at Heart; Luminart's "Next Begins NOW"; "Still Together at Home" for Prentice; Danica's wine passion; Road trip to Saugatuck; REV UP! honors Sherrill; Chicago Lighthouse's fabulous FLAIR is coming SOON; The Service Club's Phantom Gala; Hoda Kotb will host LSCRF benefit; USO of Illinois' patriotic Salute Gala; This & That; Charming videos and SOOO much more!
Paul Konrad, Felicia Winiecki, Scott Steele, Greg "G-Man Dellinger" and "Elsa" Jessica McClure
The Holiday Heroes broke fundraising goals with its first virtual fundraiser! Congratulations to this wonderful organization, its executive director Felicia Winiecki and the whole team on its first virtual event held on September 17! The goal was $200,000 and the night raised over $277,000 (and counting!) People tuned in from all over the country to view the event on various platforms: the nonprofit's website, a custom website (HolidayHeroesTV.com), YouTube LIVE and Roku TV with an estimated viewership of 4,353. Now that IS some joyous news and, from what I've seen of recent virtual fundraisers, it seems to be the norm. Supporters of these nonprofits are steadfast and know, that in times like these, they need to step up and boy have they ever! Almost all of the virtual events I've covered
Wilco's Jeff Tweedy.
have reached their goals, gone beyond and in some cases, broke all fundraising records! Methinks, even though we all love to be together at galas, that many of these nonprofits will always have some sort of virtual component included in their fundraising plans. Anyway, back to the main event! The 90 minute "Midway MASK-erade" began with a pre-show where Felicia, along with event host Paul Konrad (WGN-TV), explained the nonprofit's noble mission, to bring joy and entertainment to hospitalized kids (and families) battling life-threatening illnesses through days of play with themed activities and parties. The pre-show included comments from sponsors and VIPS: Stuart Baum (HH
Josh Spencer, HH board chair.
president); Lindy Antonelli (Armanino); Teresa Zagar (RSM); Josh Spencer (HH board chair); Neil Beaton (Alvarez & Marsal managing partner); Brandt Kucharski (GrubHub chief accounting officer); David Nessen (Mueller CEO/Pres); Kam Kniss (Wintrust CEO); Ted Botts (Baker McKenzie partner) and others. Mark Wagner, everyone's favorite bartender from Gibson's Steakhouse taught us all how to mix the signature drink, a Midway MASK-uerade Martini. Greg "G-Man"
Mark Wagner, Gibsons Steakhouse bartender.
Dellinger introduced the first auction item of the night, a concert for 4 with Luke Combs, the country-western superstar who was just named Country Artist of the Year at the CMAs. Jessica McClure, a volunteer who visits kids in hospitals on behalf of Holiday Heroes dressed as various super heroes during the night, and accompanied Greg in auction presentations dressed as different characters. Lucy Carapetyan, The Actors Gymnasium Special Events
Magician Ben Seidman
Manager, introduced performers in a fabulous juggling act and contortionist Kathleen Hoil twisted her body like a pretzel before the second auction item, a trip to the Florida Keys for 10, was offered. The Heart of the Hero Award, the organization's highest honor, went to longtime supporters Nancy and Art Hudson. Their daughter Arlie and son Reed spoke lovingly about their parent's humility and how they always prefer to "fly under the radar and make positive life-altering impacts
Contortionist Kathleen Hoil.
on those around them quietly." The Hudsons donated a van that is colorfully wrapped in HH messaging for hospital visits. The auctioneer then presented a deluxe golf package that featured foursomes at courses throughout the region including Butterfield, Olympia Fields, Crystal Lake, Glen Oak, Rolling Green and Big Foot Country Clubs. Another package featured a dinner for 12 with celebrity Chef Charles Webb.
Nancy and Art Hudson, Heart of a Hero honorees.
Rare bottles of Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon were donated for auction by a supporter from his own cellar. Magician Ben Seidman performed sleight of hand before a powerful impact video featuring Britta and Eric Peterman. The Petermans spoke movingly about caring for their son Eli, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy when he was 8
The Peterman Family
months old and how Holiday Heroes kept all of their spirits up. Mom Britta said, "Holiday Heroes brings joy and hope. I think finding things that can put smiles on kids' and family's faces is the best medicine anyone could have
The late Baby Eli.
when you're going through the most stressful time of your lives." Eli sadly passed away in 2020. Grammy Award-winner Jeff Tweedy, Chicago native, guitarist and lead singer for the band WILCO, performed a song he had written specially for the event, "One and a Half Stars" about a mother's love for her child. Jessica McClure, dressed in full Wonder
Adam LeBlanc of Sixteen Candles.
Woman attire, summed up the impact of the nonprofit, "The Holiday Heroes team knows exactly what these children and their families need, inside and out. It's a beautiful way to remind people that in their darkest days, there is hope and they ARE strong enough to get through it." The event was expertly produced by Scott Steele of Steele Media Group and it truly felt like a trip to the circus, with so many well-timed moving parts and top-notch entertainment. The popular cover band Sixteen Candles closed the show singing "I Think We're Alone Now." Congrats to ALL! (To learn more about The Holiday Heroes, or to donate, please click here.)
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum is sure thinking on its virtual feet. The event they planned to raise awareness and funds for the Museum was so cool! The annual Chicago Men's Fashion Awards (CMFAs), typically a very chic fundraiser held at some high end retail store with Chicago's top fashionistas, went virtual this year with a digital campaign photographed by Sandro Miller. The CMFAs honors the city's best-dressed men and, this year, 10 were chosen, not only for their fashion sense but also for their philanthropy in the community. They included, in no particular order: Kareem K.W.O.E. Wells, a Level Next Music Recording artist, CEO of Flow Entertainment and founder of the KWOE Foundation, a nonprofit that uses music to help kids reject violence. Gary Metzner, the 2nd honoree is the VP/head of office, Sotheby's Chicago. He said the best advice he was ever given was to switch from business school to art history. He's raised millions for charity as an auctioneer. Dr. Julius Few, a renowned plastic surgeon, gives back through his Few Initiative for Children. He also recently partnered with the Common Ground Foundation to aid students in need with school and after-school programming. Andrew Caruso works in luxury retail and,during the pandemic, has been rounding up his co-workers to help make donations to food banks, Black Lives Matter and social justice causes. Rino Burdi is a much loved fashion designer and owner of Burdi's men's store on Walton. He supports several charitable organizations (and I can vouch for this having seen his high-end donations on a regular basis), and especially those involving dogs and kids. David Sanchez, a much loved former model who is now an entrepreneur CEO, talent agent and educator, is a supporter of The Boys & Girls Clubs and The Chicago Fashion Incubator. He said, "I believe my job is to be of service to others, every day. I use my knowledge, my voice and my gifts to bring people together, and that is how I can go to bed happy at night knowing I'm doing my part to see people succeed." Mark Bundra founded ALL IN Lacrosse, a business centered around helping young athletes achieve their personal and athletic goals through private and small group lacrosse instruction. He works very closely with OWLS (Outreach with Lacrosse in Schools), a nonprofit that provides mentorship and access to scholarships, improving the academic and social outcomes of the youth it serves. Daryl Sneed has his feet planted firmly in both the creative and business worlds. He's a healthcare consultant as well as the founder/lead designer for the women's modern heritage brand, Ricorso, and in 2016, he co-founded the lifestyle brand SOUNDOFF as CEO and co-creative. He's a lover and supporter of Chicago's arts and dance community, especially The Joffrey Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and the CSO. Lee Allison is a men's accessories and clothing designer. His two best pieces of advice: Don't over-think things and don't pursue perfection when good is good enough. During the pandemic, he's been creating tailored face masks from men's Italian shirting and, with every purchase, there's a donation to Feeding America (so far, he's raised over $2,000). And last, but certainly not least, we have Joshua Blake Carter who works with Giordano Dance Chicago as the director of Giordano II. Additionally, he's an award-winning freelance choreographer and teaching artist as well as a longtime advocate and volunteer for Chicago Dancers United and Dance for Life. I know most of these exceptional men and was honored to have collaborated on the Q&A for each profile. Check them all out here and congrats to all!
Sherry Abrahams, Heather Jane Johnston, Jean Antoniou and Kathy Wolter Mondelli.
In years past, The Service Club of Chicago'sDay in the Country was what we know today as Day on the Terrace, a day of fashion at a suburban estate. Well, in 2020, Service Club re-visited the Day in the Country
SC pres Sherrill Bodine raised a ton for the nonprofit by wearing these overalls. Members placed bets that she wouldn't and the org won big!
theme and brought it back to life with an afternoon of fundraising and apple picking! Wednesday, September 16th, was a beautiful, sunny day, perfect for a visit to Heather Spyra’s home in Spring Grove. Heather and her husband Eric greeted visitors, as well as the darling miniature horses from Mane in Heaven, a nonprofit that provides therapeutic benefits to disabled children. The horses were one of the many hits of the day! City guests arrived via shuttle bus (with
Bobbi Panter enjoys fun in the sun.
champagne, of course), and all guests enjoyed a wonderful box lunch under a tent in Heather’s yard, beautifully decorated for the Fall season. After lunch, the group set off to Stades Farm in McHenry for apple picking! Not only did they walk the orchards and pick apples to take home, but the Farm Store was also a big hit with the ladies as they oohed and ahhed over the fresh produce and delectable bakery items. The entire day from start-to-finish was socially distanced and safe per the rules of the day. During an earlier Zoom meeting discussing this event, members
Designer Lauren Lein, sitting pretty!
challenged Service Club President Sherrill Bodine to don a pair of overalls for the event and lots of donations poured in! SC member Cheri Lawrence then offered to match every donation. Sherrill looked gorgeous as always, and all
Event host/ SC member Heather Spyra.
pledges went to support the group’s Philanthropic Grant Fund for 2021. The Development Committee of Service Club, chaired by Cheryl Coleman and Bobbi Panter, is charged with developing new and innovative funding ideas. Day in the Country succeeded in that mission. As Sherrill Bodine told the audience, ”It’s a
Mane in Heaven miniature therapy horses served as greeters!
beautiful day, and a great event. My thanks to all of you for ensuring that our mission of service continues for our city and those who need us." Roughly 40 ladies traveled to the country for the event raising nearly $15K for their mission–to assist, improve and expand upon agency programs for nonprofits in the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients operate in the areas of social service, cultural, educational and civic fields and they serve individuals all over greater Chicagoland. The SC is an all-volunteer women's organization founded in 1890. All proceeds raised are distributed to the worthiest 501c3 agencies in the community.
DOFLChi virtual event hosts Bryant Dunbar (TPAN director of development) and Izzie Contagious (Kiki Queens president/founder)
It was all about supporting local restaurants and TPAN when Dining Out for Life was held on September 24. On this day (and year-round), people are encouraged to dine out at restaurants who have supported TPAN and its mission of providing love and support for people affected by HIV across Chicagoland. A virtual event followed hosted by Bryant
Tom Vendafreddo (founder/director Chicago Artists Chorale) and event performer.
Dunbar (TPAN Director of Development) and curated and hosted by Izzie Contagious, Kiki Queens'president/founder. (Kiki Queens is a live-singing charity drag troupe that
Venus Envy, drag performer and co-founder of Kiki Queens.
donates every dollar they raise to Chicago nonprofits.) The virtual production made you feel like you were watching a spectacular musical and, indeed, many of the participating artists have appeared on Broadway. Tom Vendafreddo, founder/director of Chicago Artists Chorale, opened the show singing "Way Ahead of My Time", a song about a cave man's son coming out. Joseph Anthony Byrd ("Kinky Boots," "Lion King") sang a duet with Austin Head, "Not My Father's Son" (from "Kinky Boots"). Juilliard trained opera singer, Michael St. Peter played the piano and sang
Michael St. Peter
"Corner of the Sky" from "Pippin." He said the theme of the song, about finding your purpose in life and a sense of belonging in the world, is what TPAN is doing for so many people, specifically in the LGBTQ+ community. Co-host Briant Dunbar spoke about TPAN's impact. "We serve 100s of people affected by HIV right here in Chicago, more than 335 LGBTQ+, primarily street homeless and unstably housed young adults who come to us because they often have nowhere else to turn to for care and
Joseph Anthony Byrd and Austin Head sang a duet.
services. We're also a home for healthcare and support for older adults, many long term survivors of HIV, people who have been lived with HIV for decades and are going down the path of life and need our care and support" he said. Vendafreddo returned to sing "Get Happy" with Broadway vet Marya Grandy and closed the show with, what he called, the community's
Performance artist Trevor Perry aka Gwendolyn Van Cartier.
unofficial anthem about being "out" and proud of who you are, "I Am What I Am" from "La Cage aux Folles". The song's composer Jerry Herman was diagnosed with HIV in 1985 and passed away in
Soloist Grabiel Mudd.
2019. Drag performer and co-founder of Kiki Queens, Venus Envy, sang "Everybody's Girl" in a skintight red sequined mini dress. Other artists included Heather Boehm ("Hamilton," violinist and president of Theatre Musicians Association); Michael McBride (singer, keyboardist), Trevor Perry (vocalist, performance artist "Gwendolyn Van Cartier") and others. The evening ended with Venus Envy singing a medley of dance music from the 70s that included "Hot Stuff", "She Works Hard for the Money", Toot Toot Beep Beep" and more.
Gilda's Club Chicago namesake Gilda Radner with husband Gene Wilder.
Gilda's Club Chicago presented a virtual fundraiser, "Yes, And…An Improvised Gala" on Friday, September 25. The event was produced by The Second Cityand included presentations from alums and present members plus a variety of other celebs and notables. Gilda's Club Chicago is a place where men, women and children whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their family and friends, can find support. The Clubs were founded in 1995, after its namesake, Gilda Radner, lost her battle with ovarian cancer. Her
Larry Wert, event co-host.
husband, Gene Wilder, and friends opened the first "red door" in NYC in her honor. Since then, Gilda's Clubs have sprang up across the country in collaboration with The Wellness Community. On this night, Jon Harris and Larry Wert, a true dynamic duo, teamed up as co-
Jon Harris, event co-host.
emcees. The evening included impact videos and celebrity shout-outs and opened with remarks from LauraJane Hyde, GCC CEO. She spoke about how we have all been resilient, and have survived by improvising and how this year has confirmed the importance of their mission. She said, "Cancer doesn't discriminate. We have bonded as a community." Singer/songwriter Steven Page, one of the founders of Barenaked Ladies, sang his hit song, "It's All Been Done Before" and a new song he just wrote during the pandemic called
Actress Bonnie Hunt participated in the virtual event.
"Isolation." NBC's Al Roker sent in a video congratulating the nonprofit for serving over 50,000
Al Roker congratulated the nonprofit via video.
members since it's opening. Joel Murray ("Mad Men", "Dharma and Greg," "Shameless") remembered how he and all his brothers fell in love with Gilda especially after a rainy night out with their mother. Gilda raced back to her apartment just to get a raincoat for their mom and they never forgot her kindness. He said, "Thanks to Gilda's Club for being there during people's hardest times and for reminding them
Jarret Payton
that they are loved." Testimonials came in from Raymond, Meghan and Aidy Bryant (of
With GCC's CEO LauraJane Hyde and Brad Newquist, director of development.
"Saturday Night Live"). They all spoke of the impact GCC has had on their lives. Raymond, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 6 1/2 years ago, said the "emotional benefits of the Wellness Group is profound and that the sense of community is so empowering." Actress Bonnie Hunt delivered a very heartfelt message about being an oncology nurse and having her niece go through a cancer journey. Jarrett Payton also sent a video sharing his support of GCC. The evening closed with Bradford Newquist (GCC Director of Development) performing several standards including the very timely "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" by jazz great Duke
Joel Murray, (seen here with brother Bill Murray) participated in the evening via video.
Ellington. (I was proud to be a part of this evening too, submitting a video and speaking about my longtime support
Steven Page (of Barenaked Ladies) performed.
and involvement with this great organization and how much it means to so many.) (For more info, and to support, Gilda's Club Chicago, click here). GCC is now running over 150 virtual programs per month such as support groups, lectures, healthy lifestyle activities and more, to keep the community connected, active and engaged while they're apart. (See virtual calendar here for programming).
Gilda's Club Chicago team with CEO LauraJane Hyde (3rd from R).
ABC-7's Tracy Butler is cover star for Cancer Wellness mag's "Loudest Voices" feature.
Many thanks to Cancer Wellness magazine (and founder Caylei Vogelzang) for including me in its "Leading Ladies of News: Loudest Voices" cover feature! The "Women's Health Issue" features one of my favorite media peeps,
So honored to be a part of this cover feature.
ABC-7's Tracy Butler (who is a breast cancer survivor), as its beautiful cover star. Other media friends included are: NBC-5's Zoraida Sambolin (also a breast cancer survivor/advocate); NBC-5's LeeAnn Trotter (who lost her mother to breast cancer and is an advocate); ABC-7's Roz Varon (a breast cancer survivor/advocate); Whitney Reynolds (advocate) and me (Chuck was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2013 and I support many cancer related nonprofits). The article was beautifully written by Taylor Novak with photos by Katrina Wittkamp and Sarah Bell. (To read/see digital mag, click here and to order, click here!) What an honor, so grateful.
"Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish" is a book for ALL ages written by my friend Denise McGowan Tracy! It's a charming tale of a toy who's "left behind" and her journey to find happiness. I don't want to give the story away but the book is filled with all kinds of wonderful
Denise McGowan Tracy
inspiration for kids. It teaches them to never give up, have hope, remain joyful and positive and be a good friend. Actually, this is something we all need to learn! Loved it from beginning to end and the beautifully rendered illustrations by John Michael Downs make you feel like you are right there at the North Pole. It's much more than a Christmas story and would make a great gift too. Last year, this wonderful book was made into a play (where even Santa was on hand as a special treat for the kids) but, this year, due to Covid, the book's magical story will be live-streamed so you can watch it in the comfort of your own home. Perfect for a wintry night as you wait to hear hooves on the roof! (Order here ,coming soon!) and I'll share live-stream info as soon as it becomes available).
With Chuck and Watch Party co-hosts Almira (Sugar) Yllana and Gio (Spice) Krozel.
Chuck and I were invited to the most delightful (black tie!) Watch Party for the Adler Planetarium's virtual Celestial Ball celebrating its 90th anniversary on
Cindy Davidson, Gio (Spice) Krozel, Almira (Sugar) Yllana, Tina Nassos and Ilenia Lutz.
Saturday, Sept. 12. The party was hosted by Sugar & Spice (Almira (Sugar) Yllana and her darling twin sister Gio (Spice) Krozel) at the LondonHouse Cupola with a few of their good friends. Party people included John and Tina Nassos, Khalil Pillai, Scott Lutz, Ken Krozel, Robert App, Cindy Davidson, Ilenia Lutz, Parmita Katkar and others. Almira and Gio are Adler board members and are such an asset to this organization. Decor for the party included everything from Outer Space Barbies to Nike Limited Edition Moon Shoes! Even Rosemary Fanti and her dear Richard Koranda were on hand creating portrait keepsakes! Thanks to LondonHouse GM Homero Villarreal for a great night too! Yes, it was a STELLAR event! (To learn more about this cultural gem, click here: adlerplanetarium.org)
Adler Planetarium's fun-filled Watch Party hosted by Sugar & Spice (Almira Yllana and Gio Krozel) at LondonHouse Chicago Cupola.
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation will host this year's "The Wings to Cure" event virtually on November 14, at 6 pm. The Foundation was founded by Eleni Bousis, with friends, who will be chairing the event along with Dr. Leonidas Platanias (director, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University). The Foundation was created in 2014 by "four compassionate people who wanted to make a difference for humanity and those impacted by hearing the word cancer." (For event details, click here.)
Young at Heart Senior Pet Rescue will host its annual Silver Paws Gala virtually this year on Saturday, Oct. 24, at noon. Besides general tickets, VIP tickets are also available which include a fun 1950s "Drive In" goody box filled to the brim with cool stuff. This 1950s themed party will include music from The Acoustic Generation, a live auction and, of course, adorable visuals. To register and support this nonprofit that rescues senior dogs and cats, click here.
Reminders! Don't miss Luminarts "Next Begins Now" virtual event on Saturday, October 10 at 6 pm. The event will be co-chaired by Matt Olaveson, Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek to help provide resources for young, talented artists to launch a career in the arts. (Details here!)
Friends of Prentice's "Still Together at Home" will be held virtually on Saturday, Oct.24 at 7:30 pm to support women's healthcare. (Details here!) Misericordia will host its "Heart of Mercy Ball "virtually on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6 pm to support its programming and housing for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. (For details, click here).
speed. All the models have been fitted and will be taping their segments shortly. Now all we need is YOU! Please join us on Friday, Oct. 16 at 11 am when I'll be co-hosting with show producer Tracey DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) to raise funds for this wonderful nonprofit that provides love, care and support for the blind, visually impaired or disabled. Co-chaired by Sherrill Bodine and Sherree Valukas, the event will be a blast for this worthy cause. (See video promo here and register here for the virtual show!)
The Service Club of Chicago will host its "Phantom Gala" from October 12-22. This virtual on-line campaign, co-hosted by SC members Mary Lasky, Kristine Kinder, Mary Claire Moll and Tina Weller, will feature a super DELUXE Live Auction and so much more! Proceeds will support the organization's Philanthropic Grant Program which provides funds to nonprofits for items they need to serve their community. (All info here!)
Also, please mark your calendars for REV UP! 2020! We're going virtual, of course, on Thursday, October 29, 6 pm, to support the Apparel Industry Foundation which provides scholarships, education programming, vocational training and more to Chicago's design community. This year, we will honor the one and only Sherrill Bodine with some of our city's most popular designers! Proud to host this big night with fashion show production by ZZAZZ! Join us! (All details here!)
The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation will host its virtual Fall Benefit on Thursday, Oct. 22 at noon. This year's celebrity keynote speaker/host will be Hoda Kotb, co-host of NBC's Today Show, a four-time Emmy winner, New York Times best-selling author and a breast cancer survivor. Another featured speaker will be Ceta Walters, founder Clark & Stone, an LSCRF board member and cancer survivor. For all the info and to register, click here!
At the opening of Nobu, Chuck and I discovered a delightful new rosé created by world-renowned, retired race car driver Danica Patrick! Who knew?! Patrick teamed up with Nechio Novak private equity group on the product, Danica Rosé Wine, which is sourced in Provence. Her passion for wine began in her racing days which led to a purchase of a vineyard in Napa Valley, and finally to creating her own wine brand, Somnium. Now she can add this crisp and light rosé to her growing line of products. (Available online here and in retail stores nationwide in 2021).
The USO will host its virtual Salute Gala on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 pm. Since 1941, this nonprofit has been the "Force Behind the Forces", supporting our military and their families throughout their time in uniform and as they transition back into their communities following their service. Widely acclaimed as “Chicago’s Premier Patriotic Gala”, the event will feature a star-studded evening of entertainment and dazzling military pageantry – all in honor and support of the men, women and families of the U.S. Armed Forces. Funds raised at the Salute are devoted to the support of USO of Illinois programs and services that annually serve nearly 350,000 military and military families. To register and for more info, click here!
Earlier this month, Chuck, Rooney and I took another little road trip to Michigan, this time to Saugatuck. I made plans for us to stay at a darling little retro motel called Starlite Resort at 3353 Blue Star Hwy. Believe
Saugatuck Antique Pavilion–over 175 dealers!
me, it wasn't luxurious but it was spotless and family-owned with an adorable pool, fire pits, hot tub and more, in a very charming setting off the road. It was like a step back in time to the '50s but with a cool modern vibe. I chose it because I loved the images I saw online and, more importantly, because it was very dog friendly. The weather was perfect and we toured like mad with the top
Douglas Root Beer Barrel
down on our convertible, visiting Oval Beach one evening to see the sunset (not there), enjoyed a root beer at the famous Douglas Root Beer Barrel (a local landmark since 1952), dinner at The Butler and Marro's, a visit to the fabulous (nearly 200 dealers) Saugatuck Antique Pavilion (2948 Blue Star Highway), a visit to Tuck's of Saugatuck Christmas Store and so much more. We drove all along the lakefront, even down forbidden dead-end lanes which is how we discovered Lake Shore Resort. This little hidden lakefront gem, tucked away at 2885 Lakeshore Drive is the definition of peace and well-being. All you could hear were the birds and the waves lapping onto the beach below. I was told the rooms have all been redone and the landscaping is sheer perfection, it's an oasis of calm in a mad, mad world. I took all the info and, hopefully, we can try it sometime down the road. The trip, although short, was the perfect pandemic antidote.
Lake Shore Resort, Saugatuck, 2885 Lakeshore Drive.
The late Rooney Rules at a McDonald's Drive-Thru, his favorite place in the world.
Sadly, this trip was the last one with our lil' boy Rooney Rules, who we lost on October 1. Even though he was old, 16, he was in great health, playing, eating, drinking, until a freak accident on September 26. He either jumped or fell off the bed and we rushed him to Medvet but it was no good. He had severe spinal cord injury that paralyzed all four of his legs. He was still there in spirit but in so much pain. It was horrible to see him suffer. He was a rescue from PAWS Chicago who we were lucky to adopt on September 27, 2006. He was the sweetest little boy–we never heard him growl, saw him snap or bark a word in anger. He loved everything except other dogs and vacuum sweepers. He made us smile every single day of our lives and we never went anywhere without him. He's in every family photo and I can't imagine what life is going to be without him. I know everyone goes through this kind of pain and it's just unbearable but it would've been more unbearable to have lived life without knowing him. He'll always be our baby boy and he will always be loved and missed. Our hearts are breaking…Your many messages, words of support, flowers, texts, all lifted our hearts so much knowing that Rooney was so well loved. Thank you so much.
Plus: Chicagoans' MASK-querade; PorchlightPalooza; Foster Boy, a must see!; Rush Woman's Board Fall Benefit; AIDS Foundation of Chicago's Walk/Run; TPAN and Kiki Queens host Dining Out for Life; Misericordia's Heart of Mercy Ball and Artist in All; Friends of Prentice, "Still Together, at Home"; A Sterling Event with Opal; Gilda's Club Chicago's "An Improvised Gala"; WITS' Ungala; Greenhouse and Belushi team up for CBD; Playboy's new Insta App; MSI hosts virtual Columbian Ball; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
netting event to date). This Museum, located in Skokie, is for ALL people who want to learn about the past, combat hatred and prejudice and become better world citizens aka Upstanders. I was proud to serve as host for this hour-long event that attracted over 1,100 viewers and
Actress Sharon Stone.
included surprise guests Sharon Stone, Bonnie Hunt and many others, plus musical guests The Voice finalist Katie
93.9 Lite FM radio personality Melissa Forman with Dr. Ruth Westheimer.
Kadan, cantors from Northshore congregations, singers from Pastor Chris Harris' Bright Star Church of Chicago, pop artist Alexander Glantz (Alexander 23), Harold Green (poet) and many more. The live portion of the event was filmed at Frost Studios under the watchful eyes of the Museum's Lori Fagenholz
Juliet Gray–WLC president/volunteer.
and her amazing, dedicated team including Marcy Larson, KenCooper and others. Kadan kicked off the evening singing "Brave" (by Sara Bareilles) followed by remarks from WLC member/event chair Caroline Pfeffer. Caroline spoke about the Museum's scholarship program
Fritzie Fritzshall, Survivor and IHMEC president.
that allows students from all backgrounds and faiths the opportunity to learn about the Holocaust so they can make an impact in their own communities. Susie
Susie Karkomi–WLC founding member/ VP.
Karkomi, WLC founding member and daughter of a Holocaust Survivor and daughter-in-law of two Survivors, said, "With the increase of hate crimes today as well as discrimination on so many levels, the need to teach about tolerance, humanity and the lessons of the
Katie Couric and husband John Molner.
Holocaust are more urgent than ever in order to impact positive change. It's time to show up and stand up. Acquiescence is unacceptable."
Actress Bonnie Hunt.
Juliet Gray, WLC president, introduced other members who shared their reasons for being involved with the Women's Leadership Committee. Leslie Schaffel joined to honor the memory of her great-grandparents who perished in the Holocaust and to honor her grandparents who persevered to establish a Jewish life in America. Other WLC members/speakers included RobinLevy,
Gospel singer Opal Staples.
Stacey Gottlieb and Sherri Schorsch. TV personality and author Katie Couric, along with
Cantor Jay O'Brien.
her husband John Molner (who grew up on the Northshore), spoke about the book she is writing about her Jewish grandparents and how important it is to support the Museum. Nancy and Michael Reinsdorf told viewers their son had his bar mitzvah at the Museum and that Susan was a volunteer there.
Singer/songwriter Laurie Akers.
With Susan Abrams, IHMEC CEO.
Actress/producer Bonnie Hunt emotionally shared one of the most moving stories of the night. She said, when she was a teen, she was involved in a minor car accident and had to spend some time in the hospital. As she bemoaned the fact that she was there and complained about having to stay, her mother told her she wanted her to read the book "Night" by Elie Wiesel. Hunt said, "The book changed me as I discovered that something so horrific in our history could happen." Years later, as an oncology nurse, she had the opportunity to meet
Preacher/songwriter/producer Carl Hearne.
Wiesel (who had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma)
Caroline Pfeffer,WLC event chair.
at an event and thank him. When she apologized for the length of the evening (he wasn't feeling well and his wife was with him in a wheelchair), he said, "Oh, I don't believe in complaining." She said, "Then and there, he changed me again." (I cried like a baby). I conducted a Q&A with Susan Abrams, Museum CEO, who spoke about all aspects of the Museum including what was coming up next. The "Notorious RBG"
Rita Mathias,WLC founding member/docent.
exhibit (about the remarkable life of Justice Ruth Bader
Kelly Szany–IHMEC VP Education & Exhibitions.
Ginsburg) has been extended through the end of the year to be followed by "Mandela: Struggle for Freedom", an exhibit on the Shanghai Ghetto and, closing out 2021, with "Rise Up" about Stonewall and the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Eileen Kugman, WLC member and co-entertainment chair, introduced her aunt, the one and only Fritzie
Kerry Kennedy–President Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
Fritzshall, IHMEC president and Survivor. Fritzie shared, "It is important to me as a Holocaust Survivor for the Museum to exist so it can teach about the past so it can teach
Museum supporters Nancy and Michael Reinsdorf.
about the future, about what is happening today with anti-semitism raising its head again." Kelly Szany, VP Education & Exhibitions, speaking from the Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition surrounded by images of
Pop star Alexander Glantz aka Alexander 23.
Survivors, introduced several of them who shared words of wisdom and advice: "The purpose is not to curse the darkness of the past, but to illuminate the future.";
Detective Marcus Shephard.
"Teach your children not to discriminate, we are all equal" and more. Survivor Magda Brown, who recently passed away, had said, "My mantra is you have to have faith, fantasy, drive, determination and hope that tomorrow will be better." A musical
Musical artist Kenneth Lyonswright.
interlude was led by singer/songwriter Laurie Akers who wrote "Stand Strong." The song was sung by cantors from Northshore congregations and singers from Pastor Chris Harris' Bright Star Church of Chicago who included Opal Staples, Jenipher Jones, Carl Hearne, Cantor Jay
With IHMEC's Marcy Larson and Ken Cooper during a tour.
O'Brien, Ernest Johnson, Chrystal Harris, Kenneth Lyonswright, Cantor Andrea Rae Markowicz and Cantor Susie Lewis-Friedman. Other speakers included actress Jill Kargman (star of Bravo TV
Cantor Andrea Rae Markowicz.
series" Odd Mom Out"); Kerry Kennedy (human rights activist); Keisha Rembert (a teacher); Rita Mathias (founding Museum member/docent); Alexandria Coutinho (student at Taft High School); Melissa Forman (radio superstar of 93.9 Lite FM) and Sam Harris (Museum president emeritus). Actress/producer Sharon Stone spoke about an award-winning documentary she had produced about Harris titled "An
Alexandria Coutinho, Student Taft High School.
Educator Keisha Rembert.
Undeniable Voice". A segment followed about the Museum's police training program which brings together officers to teach them about balancing the rights of individuals with the needs of democracy. Detective Marcus Shephard and Officers Tom Hoskinson and Diane Shaw spoke of the training program, "Today, we learned that our uniform is bigger than us."
What an honor and a thrill it was to host this inspiring night! Thank you IHMEC!
Popular pop artist Alexander Glantz (Alexander 23) sang an original song that he dedicated to his "bubby" who was born in a concentration camp. Katie Kadan
Sam Harris, Survivor and IHMEC president emeritus.
closed the show with a powerful rendition of the appropriately named song "Stronger Together" (by Jessica Sanchez). The exciting, action-packed evening raised funds for the Museum's future exhibitions, in-person and virtual field trips for students in under-served communities, training for law enforcement and educational programs for college students. Trust me, if you have never visited this Museum, please take your family. It's located at 9603 Woods Drive in Skokie. It's mission and purpose is so very important for us all. (To learn more about IHMEC, or to donate, click here!) (Watch the SOIRÉE event below!)
Event co-chairs Michelle Baker and Annette Findling w/ SC president Sherrill Bodine. (Co-chair Cathy Bartholomay missing from this pic).
And it was another virtual home run for the Service Club of Chicago when this 130-year-old nonprofit
Co-chair Cathy Bartholomay with SC member Marguerite Hark and SC VP Myra Reilly.
hosted "A White House Floral Affair" (aka Hat Luncheon) on September 3. This org is on a winning streak with its virtual fundraising following its successful "Day on the Terrace" event on August 3. "Floral Affair" co-chairs, SC members Cathy Bartholomay, Michelle Baker and Annette Findling, began planning the event in January when the world was young and innocent. They had hoped to host the event in May at the Drake Hotel but Covid had
Watch Party host Kimberly Filan and friends.
other ideas. SC president Sherrill Bodine told everyone, "Everything is on the table except giving up." (Which we all know is the SC's mantra) The afternoon presentation featured the uber-talented, humble, lovely floral designer/author Laura
With Watch Party Hosts Greg Hyder, Jim Smith and Jean Antoniou and friends.
Dowling who was the White House's chief floral designer from 2009 to 2015. After she left this position, she began writing books (her latest being "Bouquets") and participating in charity
Watch Party Host Karen Peters and friends.
events which is where co-chair Annette Findling, luckily, discovered her. During a special VIP presentation a couple of days before the main event, Dowling shared secrets of making the perfect bouquet as she chatted about her days in the White
SC president Sherrill Bodine wearing Lauren Lein.
House. She was filmed live from her beautiful garden behind her 19th century home in Alexandria, Virginia. She recalled a State Dinner for German Chancellor Angela Merkel where she was
Tom Kehoe, Yvette Cusack and Sharyl Mackey.
complimented for her floral color choice, yellow, Merkel's favorite color. She spoke of moving dinners for Wounded Warriors where each of the 10,000 guests received flowers to take home. She also rubbed shoulders with many celebrities who visited the White House, including Martha Stewart, Beyonce (who sang for former First Lady Michelle Obama's 50th BD),
Sheree Valukas at the Marchesa Watch Party.
Prince Harry, Justin Timberlake and many more. During the VIP presentation, Laura arranged bouquets of scented wild basil with dahlias, a sunflower bouquet, a sheaf of wheat with a unique
Francisco Montiel and Marchesa's Nikki Friar.
burlap bow, a vine wreath and a massive hydrangea arrangement in an antique copper pot. She gave us a very cool tip–she mixes faux flowers with real! I loved this idea and can't wait to try it! During a particularly memorable State Dinner, Dowling was invited to meet the Governor of Washington state, Jay Inslee. He was seated next to former President Obama and asked the then-president what he would miss the most about living at the White House and he said, "The flowers." Laura, of course, will never forget THIS remark! (Another tip Laura shared is that she loves to buy basic flowers at Trader Joe's and then mix them with
Dapper Eric Cohler.
ones from local farms.) When asked her thoughts on the new White House Rose Garden re-do by First Lady Melania Trump, Dowling said, "The White House does stay the same but the garden is a living place. I didn't
Keynote speaker and former White House floral designer Laura Dowling.
feel like the flowers in the older garden went together very well. I thought it was a good opportunity to bring the garden up to date. It sounds like there were a lot more rose varieties planted. Each First Family has that chance to make their own changes." During
Chic Watch Party guests at Marchesa.
the main event, on September 3, the Service Club had nearly 200 attendees who tuned in or attended "watch
Cristina Montgomery and Pam Capitanini.
parties" for the event, which remains THE hat luncheon in Chicago! Guests viewed the presentation from Marchesa (with photos by John Reilly), the homes of The Peninsula's Greg Hyder and SC members Mrya Reilly,Kimberly Filan and Karen Peters. The emcee for the day was WGN-TV's Micah Materre, a long-time friend of SC, with expert event production, as always, by Tracey DiBuono of ZZAZZ Productions. Co-chairs opened the event thanking guests and sponsors. President Bodine
Bobbi Panter.
said, "Despite a year in which all of us, and the entire
Emcee Micah Materre (WGN-TV)
world, has had the most profound challenges of a century, in 2020 the SC gave 40 grants to agencies that totaled almost $450,000…SC makes magic happen, in Englewood, Pilsen, from Uptown to Cicero." During the presentation, two of the SC's grantees, Almost Home Kids and The Chicago Lighthouse, appeared on camera thanking the organization for its support. A live auction featured packages donated by Chef Charles Webb, Four Seasons Punta Mita, jeweler John Buechner and Max Mara. Over $75,000 was raised to further the SC's mission of assisting, improving and expanding on agency programs in the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients operate in the area of social service, cultural, educational and civic fields. (To apply for an SC grant, click here) and to learn more about this nonprofit, or to donate, click here!)
Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas wearing multi-purpose GDC masks.
I think, sadly, that masks are here to stay for a while. And, if
Greg Hyder wearing a beloved Cubs mask and a sentimental watch.
this proves to be true, then why not make it fun? I know a lot of chic Chicagoans have already incorporated them into their stylish wardrobes, matching masks to their outfits, wearing masks with a message or just wearing masks because they love and want to support their favorite designers and protect their fellow citizens. I wanted to feature some of my favorites in this latest blog so I asked some of my friends to share their favorite looks. Cathy Bell Bartholomay loves her mask by Sylwia Wilczynska Designs. “I love this mask mostly because it protects me and protects others. I also love
Hair stylist Charles Ifergan.
Sylwia’s “buy one donate one” program, the brainchild of local philanthropist Sherry Lea Fox: it’s yet another way to
MyEyeDr's Michael Caputo wearing a Versace-inspired mask.
give back and pay it forward during these challenging times. Plus, every time I wear this mask, Slywia’s graceful artistry and sublime use of fabric make me smile underneath it…I'll be wearing masks until it is safe not to, which for me means when we have an effective vaccine and COVID 19 is under control. I dearly hope that will be soon. In the meantime, and for however long it takes, I’ll be wearing a mask for myself, for my family
Celebrity chef and Viking range spokesman Jaime Laurita.
and for my friends, as well as for everyone and anyone else,” Cathy said. Hair stylist Charles Ifergan wears a mask with a paw prints pattern, a gift from his daughter Lana who thought this would be a great way to remind him she wants a DOG! Lol! MyEyeDr's Michael Caputo paired his
Mary Lasky wearing a fav mask by Akram Hanna.
Versace-inspired mask (a gift from his L.A. friends) with Versace glasses from, where else, MYEYEDR! Caylei Vogelzang, editor-in-chief of Cancer Wellness mag, loves her mask by Mira Couture. She said, "I think masks are here to stay for the foreseeable future. I imagine that they will become more delicate, form-fitting and functional. I think that we will witness innovations in the textiles that are being used to produce them as well as the structural and aesthetic elements that cause them to look great
Cathy Bell Bartholomay wearing a mask by Sylwia Designs.
and feel fabulous. I am looking forward to seeing what comes down the runways (or virtual runways) this fall." Amanda Puck, Mariano's Strategic Brand Development–"My favorite masks are from Italian designer La Double J. I love them because they are bright, fun and colorful and coordinate with anything! I can also wear them for long periods of time
Amanda Puck wearing mask by La Double J.
whether in the grocery stores, helping in the community, or out visiting local restaurants! We will be wearing masks for the foreseeable future, so let’s make it fun!! My other favorites are from Kehoe Designs and also Sylwia Designs." Sheryl Dyer Schmidt, Van Cleef & Arpels store director, loves masks made by her niece Meghan, especially the one with St. Patrick High School shamrock logo (her husband Joe Schmidt
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas wears a mask from her friend Joy with her nickname, Dragon Lady.
is president of the school). The Peninsula's Greg Hyder has a closet full of masks, being the style setter that he is. One of his favorites is from his beloved Chicago Cubs (but, believe me, he has one for EVERY occasion!). Giordano Dance Company's Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas, obviously, love their Giordano masks that can be
Sherry Lea Holson wearing a Sylwia Designs mask.
worn as a scarf or a headband too! Master Chef Jaime Laurita doesn't have to go far for his colorful masks since his husband Rich Lane, creates them for his Etsy store (Eleven Eleven Concepts!) Maple & Ash's Mary Lasky loves her masks from Akram Hanna Custom Fitting & Alterations at the 900 North Michigan Shops. Jean Antoniou loves her "sippy" mask by Peach Carr and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas' custom "Dragon Lady" mask was made by
Paula Borg wears a glitzy Sylwia Designs camo mask.
her dear friend Joy. Catie Keogh, half of the popular travel doc duo "Trip Sisters" with her real-life sister Colleen Kelly, loves her mask by Gretchen Scott that she picked up at a locally owned boutique in Michigan City called Darling Boutique. Watch for Catie and Kelly's cool Trip Sisters travel show to return next year. They are also currently digital contributors for National Geographic and
Catie Keogh wears a fav mask by Gretchen Scott.
Travel & Leisure Mag! And last but not least, philanthropist Paula Borg's favorite mask is a sequined, camouflage one by Sylwia Designs. I love the fact that so many designers were willing to pivot to mask-making, not only as an extra source of income, but also to help out essential workers like doctors and
Sheryl Dyer Schmidt wearing a mask from her niece.
nurses. Designers Lauren Lein, Peach Carr, Borris Powell and others delivered them to hospitals and fire stations. Chicago is known as the city of Big Shoulders and nothing proves this more than these current, hard times. People are stepping up and reaching out in ways that make my heart sing. For sure, the rioting and violence can make this world seem so negative but, bright spots like this can certainly turn a frown upside down. I received a surprise
Love my Playboy "Iconic Covers" mask!
package in the mail recently from Playboy. Inside, the silver envelope were two PB masks, one with one of my favorite covers (February 1979) on it (this mask is called "Iconic Covers"), and another pink one with Bunny logos. The note inside showed me why Playboy has been my ride
Jean Antoniou wearing Peach Carr's sippy mask.
or die "family" for the last 47 years. "Candace, Hope you are doing well & staying safe! Love, Playboy." Thanks to all my trend-setting friends who contributed to this segment!
Playboy will also be coming out with a really cool Instagram app! They sent the link to all the Playmates first for a test drive and I know it's going to be very popular! Take a look here and watch for it, coming soon!
Porchlight Music Theatre hosted PorchlightPalooza, a three-day
Porchlight Icon honoree Joel Grey.
virtual festival Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23, in lieu of its cancelled March 23 ICONS GALA. This new virtual 25th Anniversary celebration raised over $220,000 and included performances from Chicago’s best talents, highlights from its award-winning history, celebrity greetings and well wishes, the presentation of the Luminary Award to Elaine Cohen and Arlen D. Rubin and culminated on Sunday, Aug. 23, with an exclusive interview hosted by legendary newsman Bill Kurtis with Porchlight’s 2020 ICON Award recipient Joel Grey. (PorchlightPalooza is currently available for viewing on Porchlight’s YouTube page.) Porchlight's Executive Director Jeannie Lukow said, “PorchlightPalooza, due to its virtual format, was able to reach our loyal Porchlight fans and expand to a national
Much loved Bill Kurtis conducted Q&A with Joel Grey.
audience. In terms of attendance and donations, we have exceeded any previous Porchlight gala in our 25 year history.” She continued, “The response shown for PorchlightPalooza from our audience and people new to Porchlight has been unanimously positive.” Artistic Director Michael Weber added, “Trying this new format was a massive undertaking for all of us and we could not be more proud of the final result. From following social distance guidelines for filming to undertaking new technology and editing three days of one hour shows; PorchlightPalooza is something we could not be more proud of.” Event co-chairs Rick and Deann Bayless and Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra shared their highlights from this weekend. “We are so proud of what Porchlight has accomplished,” La Pietra said. “We have been planning the March gala for more than a year and had to change the entire format and evening due
Michelle Lauto, Missy Aguilar and Lucy Godinez.
to COVID-19. With PorchlightPalooza, we were able to still host three nights of a great event that I was able to enjoy from home
Lorenzo Rush Jr, lighting design by Rachel West.
with Bill and all my friends, virtually.” Deann Bayless commented, “As Rick and I watched each night, singing along to each number which would not be allowed normally, we could not prevent ourselves from smiling the entire time! Porchlight’s artists and staff provided three unforgettable nights of entertainment that I cannot get out of my head.” PorchlightPalooza artists included Brian Acker, Adrian Aguilar, Missy Aguilar, Charissa Armon, Neala Barron, Jayson Brooks, Caron Buinis, Lydia Burke, E. Faye Butler, Matt Crowle, Andres Enriquez, Erica Evans, David Girolmo, Lucy Godinez, Cory Goodrich, Frederick Harris, Jermaine Hill, Callie Johnson,
Dancers Christopher Kelly, Erica Evans, Joey Stone and Laura Savage (Middle row, L to R) Linda Madonia, Rafe Bradford and Lior Shragg; (Lighting design by Rachel West and dancers' costumes designed by Bill Morey.)
Donterrio Johnson, James Earl Jones II, Christopher Kelley, Heidi Kettenring, Michelle Lauto, John Marshall, Jr., Alexis J Roston, Lorenzo Rush Jr, Laura Savage, Stephanie Stockstill, Joey Stone, Bethany Thomas and Gene Weygandt. The weekend also shared well wishes and greetings from artists saluting Grey's influence on music theatre including Bob Balaban, Patrick Cassidy, Kristin Chenoweth, Raul Esparza, cast members from the recent off-Broadway revival of Fiddler on the Roof, Josh Gad, Larry Grossman, John Kander, Tom Kitt, David Mamet, Joe Mantegna, Howard McGillin, Mandy Patinkin, Benj Pasek, Tonya Pinkins, Bernadette Peters, Lonny Price, Chita Rivera, Susan Sampliner, Susan Stroman, Paul Oakley Stovall, Ben Vereen, Bruce Villanch, Stephen Wallem and Maury Yeston.
Jim Belushi debuts his CBD product at Greenhouse opening.
GREENHOUSEcelebrated the opening of its 15,000-sq-ft flagship CBD dispensary in Skokie on September 3. The afternoon had a definite Blues Brothers vibe as actor Jim Belushi (founder of Belushi's Farm) debuted his Blues Brothers X Grassroots product line to much fanfare, arriving in the famed Bluesmobile with two fellow "Blues
Greenhouse Grand Opening in Skokie.
Brothers" (Mitch Kahn, CEO of Greenhouse and Chris Karakosta, GM of Belushi's Farm and Jim's cousin). The CBD dispensary officially opened at 1000 Skokie Blvd. with a ribbon cutting ceremony in partnership with the Skokie
Belushi and friends arrive at the Greenhouse opening in the famous Bluesmobile that was featured in the 1980 film, "The Blues Brothers."
Chamber of Commerce that was followed by outdoor activities. Belushi's home-grown collaboration, developed at cultivation facilities owned by leading cannabis company Curaleaf, celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic Blues Brothers franchise. Located across from Old Orchard Mall, Greenhouse was designed by architects Peter Theodore and Stephen Coorlas, and built by Chicago based Pacific Construction. The architecturally focused exterior boasts a curtain-like facade with expansive windows, bringing natural light and warmth into the space. The two-level interior, designed by Epoch Design Group, was deliberately configured to offer a premium,
Mitch Kahn (Greenhouse), Chris Karakosta (Belushi's Farm) and Jim Belushi.
curated customer experience, with a large focus on educational displays throughout the space. The second floor, accessible via a lift as well as a spectacular curved staircase, will be dedicated to in-depth consultations with trained product specialists as well as online pre-order pick up. Available products include flower, vapes, extracts/oils, topicals, concentrates and edibles. During the opening festivities, Belushi (who was scheduled to be joined by Dan Akroyd
Linda Goldman (Skokie Chamber of Commerce), Jon Terzia (Skokie Chamber of Commerce), Talley Wettlaufer (Greenhouse) and Mitch Kahn (Greenhouse).
who couldn't come in from Canada due to Covid restrictions) played the harmonica and signed autographs for fans. Over 600 people attended over the course of the day including ChristieHefner, Rick Kogan, Mitch Kahn (CEO & Co-Founder of Greenhouse), Boris Jordan (Executive Chairman of Curaleaf), SNL alum Tim Kazurinsky, Gregg Steinberg (of Belushi’s Farm), Chris Karakosta, Akele Parnell, Khadijah Tribble and Bob Jersey. (For more info, click here!)
Put this film on your watch list! "Foster Boy" is a heart-wrenching drama about the painful, corrupt parts of the ‘for-profit’ foster care system – but also a story of
Matthew Modine, Krystian Alexander Wyttle, Jay Paul Deratany and Shane Paul McGhie.
redemption, justice and change. Starring Matthew Modine, Louis Gossett Jr. and newcomer, Shane Paul McGhie, the movie is being released nationwide in theaters and VOD on September 25. Michael Trainer (Matthew Modine) is a lawyer at the center of a trial in which a for-profit foster care agency puts a known sex offender into the same foster home as his young client Jamal (Shane Paul McGhie), with catastrophic results. Michael, a successful litigator with a long career in protecting corporate clients, has been blinded from recognizing the real damage they can cause. He wants nothing to do with Jamal's case until a Judge forces him to accept it. Initially he sees
Film backer Thom Lipari, Jay Paul Deratany, producer Shaquille O’Neal, co-producer Mary Beth O’Connor.
Jamal, as a thuggish African American youth trying to get a piece of corporate profits. But when Jamal refuses to settle the case for any amount of money, Michael begins his representation in earnest. As their work together reveals the horrifying depth of the corrupt and abusive for-profit foster care agency, Michael is transformed from reluctant defender to fierce
Matthew Modine and Louis Gossett Jr. in "Foster Boy."
warrior in the battle for justice. Dolly Parton was so moved by the film that she wrote a special song for it. The film was co-produced and written by Chicago attorney/screen writer Jay Paul Deratany. Film-
Foster Boy's Shane Paul McGhie.
backer Shaquille O'Neal said, "Foster kids are not just someone else's kids, they're our kids. There is so much we can do to help them, but it all starts with shining a light on their circumstances. That's why I am so proud to be an
Lex Scott Davis in "Foster Boy."
executive producer of the film, Foster Boy." Writer/producer Deratany added, "I'm honored that Shaquille is part of the team. The atrocities and abuse of power within the for-profit foster care system are real. The movie is based on several of my cases. These kids deserve so much better. It is my hope that "Foster Boy" will bring positive change." There will be a pre-premiere screening of this multi-award winning film at the Chi Town Movies Drive-In in Pilsen, Wednesday, September 16! Get tickets here! And to watch the powerful trailer, click here. (You can pre-order the movie On Demand too) Congrats to all involved with this film and thanks for bringing this important information to light.
The Rush Woman's Board will host its Fall Benefit on Friday, October 2 at 6:30 pm. This year the Benefit has been re-imagined as a virtual event featuring a wine tasting and live jazz performances. Originally, it was planned as a festive cocktail party to be held at Theater on the Lake in Lincoln Park, but, of course, COVID. The
Fall Benefit 2020 Co-Chairs – Elizabeth Bigelow, Gwen Geller and Wendy Herb.
co-chairs, Wendy Herb, Elizabeth Bigelow, and Gwen Geller, had considered canceling the event altogether, but the need at Rush is even greater right now due to the pandemic, so they wanted to find a way to make it work virtually. Funds raised will go to the Woman's Board Transformation Fund, which supports the Rush Cancer Center. The deadline for ticket sales is September 23. (Click here for info/tickets!)
This month, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) is inviting Chicagoans to move “Forward Together” for the 19th annual AIDS Run & Walk. For the first time, the week-long event – kicking off on Monday, Sept. 28 – will feature 5K and 10K routes throughout various Chicago neighborhoods including Hyde Park, Uptown, the Loop and more to promote safety and minimize crowds. The AIDS Run & Walk will conclude at Soldier Field on Oct. 3 and raise vital funds and awareness for AFC, in addition to more than 20 community partner organizations that provide programs and services for those living with or vulnerable to HIV, AIDS and other chronical illness. (To register, click here)
Join TPAN and Kiki Queens for DINING OUT FOR LIFE CHICAGO on Thursday, Sept. 24! Dine in, order takeout or delivery from one of the restaurant partners and make a personal gift to support TPAN’s mission to serve people affected by HIV. Tune in LIVE on Facebook to watch an evening hosted by the Queens on Sept. 24, 6-8 pm! Proud to be a co-chair with Sean Lewis and Amy Lawless and stand by our LGBTQ and HIV-affected communities, in one of the most important meals you’ll have all year! Here's how you can help: 1) SIGN UP as a Virtual Ambassador! Encourage your friends to get involved. 2) DINE on 9/24! Choose one of our restaurant partners and either dine in, order takeout or delivery. Then watch KiKi Queens! 3) DONATE directly to TPAN. They won’t rely on restaurant donations so individual gifts are all the more important this year! 4) SHARE your support on social media! Tag your restaurant, Dining Out for Life Chicago, and use the hashtag #DOFLChi.
Misericordia's Heart of Mercy Ball and Artist in All events are going virtual! The venue has changed but the show must go on! Please join the Misericordia Siblings Association as they host their annual silent auction, "The Artist in All," virtually this year. Celebrate the courage and optimism of Misericordia's resident artists who have worked hard on their masterpieces and can't wait to show them off! The online showcase will include paintings, ceramics/3D art, photography and jewelry, all available for online bidding. Congrats in advance to SIBs president Kelly Mayer, event chairs Caitlin Deptula, Bob and Jim Snediker, co-chair Sheila Canavan, Bill Meyer, Julie Sullivan and presenting sponsor The Mazza Foundation. To view the offerings (and/or to donate), click here! Also, mark your calendars for Misericordia's Heart of Mercy Ball, also going virtual this year on October 14 at 6 pm! Join the Women's Board and co-chairs Jackie Kissane and Susan Baker, as they host an enchanted evening to raise awareness and financial support for the children and adults of Misericordia Home. (Details here!)
Friends of Prentice will host its Annual Friends of Prentice Benefit as a virtual event - Still Together, At Home on Saturday, October 24. The event will honor our healthcare community while raising critical funds for medical research on an even greater scale to support the future of women’s healthcare. Thanks to its supporters, they have been able to provide crucial support to projects that benefit women, infants, and families in our immediate communities and across the globe. Please check out ways to give here and register for the event here!
Gilda's Club Chicago will host "Yes, and…An Improvised Gala" on Friday, Sept. 25 at 6 pm. Hosted by Jon Harris and Larry Wert, the event will include performances by current Second City cast members, appearances by Second City alums and live musical performances and surprise guest appearances. Gilda’s Club was established in honor of Second City’s own Gilda Radner who was diagnosed with cancer in 1985 and passed away in 1989. Gilda’s Club provides free emotional and social support to anyone impacted by cancer. Funds raised at this benefit will support the creation of virtual programs that bring the service directly into the member’s home. (To register and/or donate, click here)
It looks like some events will be virtual even moving into December! This year, WITS (Working in the Schools) will replace its large-scale Blackboard Affair gala with an Alice in Wonderland themed virtual fundraiser called The UnGala on Thursday, December 10 at 7:30 pm. The UnGala, which will be streamed into your home, is an opportunity for the Chicago community to come together to support students and teachers and to celebrate the work of WITS, ensuring that it remains a part of the Chicago education community and is there for our students and schools for future generations. (To register (for free) and/or donate, click here!)
The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) will host its virtual 35thannual “Gift of Life Gala: Coming Together As A Team” on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 pm. The evening will benefit the NKFI mission to improve the health and well-being of those at risk or affected by kidney disease through free screening programs and community health initiatives in Illinois. NKFI, along with Chicago White Sox Charities, will honor the memory of legendary broadcaster and pitcher Ed Farmer, posthumously, with the “Gift of Life Award.” Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White will present the award to Darrin Jackson, WGN radio broadcaster, who will accept the award on behalf of his late radio partner. Pat Tomasulo, sports anchor and reporter at WGN-TV, will serve as master of ceremonies and host the evening’s events. (For tickets, $150, and more info, click here!)
Don't forget, October 3 is a very special date for A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF) as its "A Sterling Event" annual fundraiser will be going virtual! What an evening it will be too, starting with a 6:30 reception complete with special celebrity guest bartender Micah Materre and an ask-me-anything segment hosted by an internationally recognized sommelier. At 7:00, the
Mark Roscoe directing Opal Staples and friends in music video for ASLF.
event officially kicks-off with WGN TV’s Paul Lisnek as emcee. ASLF is beyond excited to introduce the premiere performance of, "IBelieve," ASLF’s anthem performed by the talented Opal Staples and produced and directed by Mark Roscoe. This will be a virtual fundraiser unlike any other – complete with celebrity toasts, videos and information about the mission and impact of the foundation. The evening will include exciting silent and live auctions with Jim Miller on hand to lead the charge! Most importantly, all proceeds will support the programs of the foundation, in particular, Buy A Mom A Mammogram, which funds cost-free breast health testing for uninsured, underinsured, undocumented women and men and for those who have lost their jobs and health insurance due to the pandemic. To register, please click here!
Mercy Housing will host a virtual celebration on Wednesday, September 23. "Moving Forward Together" will feature a timely conversation on the critical impact of housing on health and help raise awareness and resources for quality affordable housing in our region for those in need. To date, thanks to community partners and supporters, Mercy Housing Lakefront is able to provide affordable housing and supportive services to more than 8,000 residents in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. To register and for more info, click here!
Love and thanks to all of the wonderful friends and
Rooney Rules came in 3rd and was happy just to be nominated, NOT, he wanted to win.
supporters who kept voting for Rooney Rules in the recent PAWS Chicago's Vanity Fur Pet Contest. It was such a darling way to raise awareness for this, the largest No-Kill animal shelter in the Midwest. Rooney didn't win but he received honorable mention. (To hear/see his concession speech (lol), click here!)
I hope you're all holding up during these (still) very trying times. I worry about our dining scene when the weather becomes cooler. One popular and much loved restaurateur said he "spent the whole morning praying for the future." I think we all feel the same. We try to dine in/out/or carry out as much as we can but we've been negatively affected by all of this too. We even spent an afternoon researching places to live in the suburbs. We don't want to move but circumstances here may cause us to do otherwise. I don't want to live in fear, nor do I want to see all the stores, restaurants and mom-and-pop shops leave the area, which was one of the reasons we loved living downtown. We took a drive around the city over the weekend and it was a ghost town. People's nerves are still frayed and everyone seems to be waiting for the next shoe to drop. My husband described it as "Berlin after WWII." I don't know when or how this is all going to change, but like the restaurateur, we pray it's soon.
And now, on a brighter note, I'm thrilled to see the nonprofit community pivoting to virtual with such success! And, although it's infinitely better to gather together in person, the recent events I've been a part of have done really well financially and visually. It seems the supporters of each nonprofit know they have to step up or give up. And, as the Service Club's president Sherrill Bodine said, "Quitting is not an option."
Plus: Memories of Jerry Taft, Regis Philbin and Rep. John Lewis; Princess Beatrice's intimate Royal wedding; Planning Service Club of Chicago's first virtual "Day on the Terrace"; Caylei's Cancer Wellness Mag; Deerpath Inn is WINNING; Larry Wert shares ALL in Chicago mag; Statues, here today, gone tomorrow; The BEST Covid response; Common Threads is on the Chopping Block; 1st Gen Scholarship Gala with John Robak; Artadia photography award finalists are BIG DEALS; April and Miguel's happy news; See Chicago Dance has reason to celebrate; Richard Driehaus' Summer Party; Drive 'N Drag with RuPaul; Dance for Life 2020; LSCRF's Fall Benefit; This & That; Inspiring videos and SO much MORE!
PAWS Chicago presented its first virtual fundraiser on Thursday, July 23. The 18th annual Beach Party had viewers/supporters tuning in from across the country to help save the lives of homeless pets. I loved the fact that PAWS' amazing team put this event together with such finesse and enthusiasm and so quickly too! The bulk of the socially distanced event was filmed at Gravity Well Studio, 1701 W. Hubbard. This full-service, state-of-the-art studio DONATED all of their
Fox 32's Jake Hamilton
services to support PAWS! I was thrilled to be invited to appear as a co-host for the opening segment, a Red Carpet event, with Phillip Emigh (co-owner Tails in the City). The adorable catwalk/dogwalk included
Fox 32's Brittney Payton (photo by Mark Olley).
appearances from Indra, who Phillip held in his arms during the filming. She is a 5 year-old Shih Tzu who was picked up by an Animal Control Officer after her owner passed away. She was severely matted and required a full shave down. My little Rooney was also featured but, at age 14, he prefers the comfort of his own home to a studio. He is a PAWS rescue too. Other rescues featured in the opening segment included Wolfgang (owned by David and Vasoula Rekhson; Shayna Madela, owned by board member
Tails in the City's Phillip Emigh. (Photo by Mark Olley)
Elly Greenphan; cats Danny and Toby owned by Level 3
The HOFF, David Hasselhoff.
PAWS volunteer extraordinaire Joan Marie Dauber; Jodee and Chewie, pups owned by Darae McNair; Lucy, a pup owned by Nancy Sterling who found her at Beach Party 2007; and Gus Homan, the darling rescue owned by Chicago magazine's Susanna Homan, the mag was the print media sponsor for the event. A special tribute was given to Abigail, an adorable Chihuahua owned by Michele Mistovich, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge earlier this month. Fox 32's Jake Hamilton and Brittney Payton emceed the event. Jake was in the studio brimming with
Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel and their son.
energy and Brittney had pre-recorded her segment. Jake thanked sponsor Merrick Pet Care, which has been PAWS Chicago's exclusive feeding partner since 2013, providing nutritious pet food to every homeless animal from the moment they arrive at PAWS to their adoptive home. Merrick donated an additional $10,000 since PAWs reached/surpassed its fundraising goal. Brittney's segment featured an adoptable cat parade with Fred ("Fred and Angi" on 103.5 KISS FM) and Lisa Dent, an award-winning
PAWS Chicago founder Paula Fasseas in mid-sentence. (Sorry Paula!)
country music on-air personality, providing commentary. Next up, was Barrio's general manager/mixologist Pepe Fernandez, who demonstrated how to create a tasty PAW-garita. An adoptable dog parade followed presented by Brittney.
Country star Brett Eldridge.
There were so many moving parts which is exactly what you need for a successful virtual fundraiser. Celebrity guests included surprise appearances by THE HOFF, David Hasselhoff; Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel and their son (along with their rescue cats) and Real Housewives' Tinsley Mortimer.WGN-TV's Pat Tomasulo introduced an adorable beach bod competition (each winner received a Merrick Pet Care pack and more) that was won by Chompers (a tiny, adorable Yorkie); surf dog Charlie and Tilly Cat. During the live taping, PAWS founder Paula Fasseas shared some exciting info. She said, "During this
Leigh Primack, Wendy Elstien, Phillip Emigh and Angie DeMars at a viewing party.
Chompers, a teacup yorkie, won the Beach Bod bikini competition.
Covid-19 crisis, PAWS Chicago never closed its doors to pets in need. In fact, we expanded our services to support the community. We launched a virtual adoption process, offered virtual dog training classes, adapted community outreach programs by establishing a mobile Pet Food Pantry, and provided Telehealth appointments for pet owners in Englewood, West Englewood and Back of the Yards (who would otherwise have no access to veterinary services); created a Crisis Care Foster Initiative; and continued to operate the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic. Country music star Brett Eldridge performed his beautiful hit song "Gabrielle (from the Heartland") to close the show. The event raised $73,225 for PAWS Chicago (with NO overhead!). If you're interested in more info or to donate, please click here! And watch PAWS' Virtual Beach Party below:
______________________________________________________________________ I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Taft, the much loved and long time ABC-7 weatherman who retired in 2018. Besides being a great reporter, his sense of humor is what I'll remember most. He used to host the most wonderful Christmas parties at his home, DJing from a perch in his living room. He was loved by one and all and so well respected by his many peers. Take a look at the wonderful video tribute below to see him in action. RIP dear Jerry.
Regis Philbin with his longtime friend and former producer, Rob Morhaim, at a Notre Dame game.
Another much loved legend in the world of television, Regis Philbin, passed away at the age of 88. He held the Guinness Book of World Records for having the "Most Hours on Camera"! He set the record on his August 20, 2004 Live show (replacing Hugh Downs), which gave him a total of 15,188 hours on television (at that time). I was honored to be invited to be in WCIU's "You & Me"
Reeg, with "You & Me" co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow during their "Regis Special."
audience in September of 2015 for a "Regis Special" produced by his longtime friend and his former ABC Live executive producer, Rob Morhaim, who was senior executive producer at Weigel Broadcasting at the time. It was a complete love fest with every single person on set acting like giggling kids over Reeg's larger-than-life presence. He couldn't have been kinder or more in-the-moment. That's one of the things, I think, that made him so special.
Regis poses with the entire WCIU "You & Me" crew during his special taping.
He was ALWAYS in the moment and bubbling over with enthusiasm and he was never acting. He obviously loved what he did and lived for it. Rob and Regis were great, long-time friends who met in 2003 when Rob became the ED of his show. They immediately hit it off and their working relationship quickly grew into a deeply personal one. Rob said one of his favorite moments with Regis was this particular special WCIU show with co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman. Rob said, "When he agreed to come, I said to him, now pick a weekend when Notre Dame is playing football at home and we’ll spend the
Pals Regis Philbin and our own Rob Morhaim.
weekend there. He jumped at the idea and I set it all up. You have no idea what it’s like to accompany Regis during a football weekend at Notre Dame. We were treated like royalty, met with the team in the locker room, watched from the field and had lunch with the President of the University. We even went to his old dorm room and knocked on the door. The kid who was living there at the time almost passed out because he was told it was
RIP dear Regis…you brought so much joy to so many.
Regis’s room and Lo and behold there he was. I always knew I was with a TV legend but I will always remember him as my great friend." Beautiful memories Rob, thanks for sharing this and for bringing him to CHICAGO!!! What Rob didn't mention, that I remember well, is that a tricked up car was hired to drive Reeg around town…when he got in it the car bounced up and down like a rap star's! Lol!
RIP Rep. John Lewis, may you continue to make "good trouble."
It was so moving watching the "Lion" John Lewis crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the last time. Lewis, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia and a civil rights champion, will be the first African American to lie in state at the US Capitol rotunda. In
Rep. Lewis' final trip over the Edmund Pettus Bridge which may be renamed in his honor.
1965, at the height of the civil rights movement, activists organized a march for voting rights from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. Lewis suffered a skull fracture following a beating by police. He said, "I regret that I have but one cracked skull to give for my people." He was arrested over 40 times and felt good about getting into "good trouble" as he called it. The caisson holding Lewis' body crossed the bridge atop rose petals and amid gospel singing surrounded by his family. Rest in power Mr. Lewis.
Newlyweds Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
I will admit it, I'm a sucker for Royal Weddings and I just loved the beauty and simplicity of Princess Beatrice's, 31, who tied the knot with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Windsor on Friday, July 17. The low-key royal wedding was kept secret from the public until afterwards. According to Express, the nuptials were attended by just 20 guests including Queen Elizabeth
Socially distancing with the Queen and Prince Phillip.
II, 94, and Prince Philip, 99. (Her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, were not in attendance). Typically, the Queen has bestowed new royal titles on newlyweds like her grandsons and their wives, but there was no need in the case of our Bea. Through her royal husband, she will be known as "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo
Queen Mary in her Fringe Tiara that Princess Beatrice wore in her wedding.
Mapelli Mozzi." Bea also inherited other titles from her husband's side of the family, becoming an Italian 'Contessa' or 'Nobile Donna' (noblewoman). Edoardo's father Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, 68, descends from Italian aristocracy. He told Mail Online prior to the wedding: "Edoardo is the only male descendent taking the family into the next generation. “He is a count – his wife will be a countess automatically and any of their children
Cover stars, of course!
will be counts or nobile donna." The Queen did give Beatrice a very special wedding honor in that she loaned her one of her own gorgeous Norman Hartnell gowns to get married in. The gown was previously worn by the Queen in the 1960s. Bea also wore her great grandmother's vintage tiara, the Queen Mary Diamond Fringe, that was also worn by Queen Elizabeth at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.
Close-up of the spectacular Queen Mary Fringe Tiara, which can also be worn as a necklace.
Beatrice and Edoardo were due to marry at St James’s Chapel on May 29 but their original wedding plans had to be changed due to Covid. While Bea’s secret big day may have stunned royal fans she was always expected to have a low-key royal wedding. Speaking about the special day, a friend of the couple told the Sun: "A
Edoardo and Beatrice, happy at last!
massive wedding was out of the question because of coronavirus. "They were obviously very keen for the Queen to come so the wedding had to happen before she goes up to Balmoral, so this was a great opportunity. "So many guests were
Princess Beatrice, beautiful in her grandmother's dress and her great grandmother's tiara. Love her respect for tradition.
disappointed not to make the big day but understood the reason for it. "They needed to make the wedding COVID-secure and safe for the Queen so what better way than the All Saints Chapel with a reception on-site at the Royal Lodge." The ceremony took place at 11 AM, and was followed by a low-key reception. According to The Sun, the celebration was held outside the property, complying with social distancing rules, and it featured a marquee named 'The Duke of York' which was filled with sofas, a jukebox, draft beer and a dartboard. They also offered guests specialty cocktails and custom catering. The bride and groom had clearly thought of everything and even hired a bouncy castle which was no doubt enjoyed by Edoardo's four-year-old son Wolfie.
Covid gets personal. Friends, if you suspect you might have Covid, THIS is THE textbook study in how you should respond responsibly and transparently. A close friend of mine contracted the virus and this is the message they shared with friends. "Friends, I'm announcing this as a PSA to all. After exhibiting COVID symptoms on Sat, and getting tested Sun am, I got the official result today I'm positive. I'm quarantined for 2 weeks. This after masking, scrubbing, washing freaking groceries, etc, the damn thing still managed to find me. Was I perfect in my precautions? No, not 100% , particularly in these warmer months-and neither have you been. But I've been pretty darn close. Not unlike STDs (where you are with not just with the other person, but also everyone they've been with) with Covid dangers you are socializing, not only with a fixed number of people at your table, but also with all of the fixed number of people they've socialized with over the past week. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I announce this only as a reminder to ALL that we are FAR from out of the woods on this thing. It's not political . And for those who think you're safer because you cross the border to Indiana, you're fooling yourself. God willing , I will be fine. Today was the first day of no symptoms, yet of course I will remain quarantined. Finally and most importantly, please continue to take the full precautions, if not for yourself, but then for the elderly and the immune-compromised around you. And should you exhibit any Covid symptoms, or have been around others who have, you have a moral obligation to act as quickly as possible and notify all appropriate people. Anything short is reckless and selfish."
Kathy Piccone wearing Elda de la Rosa (Photo by John Reilly)
The Service Club of Chicago is busy as a bee planning its upcoming Monday, August 3, "Day on the Terrace" virtual fundraiser! A socially distanced taping was held at the Geraghty on July 20 where Tom Kehoe and his
Show producer and event co-chair Tracey DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) safely supervising the taping.
team had created a colorful dream set. Co-chairs Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou, Jamie Thorsen and show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions) had to limit their models this year to around 28 but that didn't stop the fabulous fashions from flowing down the runway from the city's top retailers and designers, including Elda de la Rosa, Sylwia Designs,
Co-chairs Tracey Tarantino, Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen. (Photo by John Reilly)
Maximilian Furs at Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus (Michigan Avenue), Mira Couture, Max Mara and so many more! And I just received the Day on the Terrace's "Look Book," expertly planned by Myra Reilly (with backup support from Kevin Sullivan) and produced by Scott Bobek. IT IS GORGEOUS! If you sign up for the event, you will receive one as part of the package. It's well worth the ticket price, believe me! I loved this message from the co-chairs too, "Fashion may change with each new season, but generosity, kindness and assistance to those in need, never go out of style." There are loving tribute pages dedicated to those we've lost–John Bodine, Dorothy Whealan and Hazel Barr. Sign up here now to register and to receive your own Look Book! (Cover art by Elda de la Rosa)
If you're not following Deer Path Inn (@deerpathinn) on Instagram, you are missing one of the best accounts out there! The creativity is off the charts and shows a
Deer Path Inn GM Matt Barba in one of the hotel's adorable Instagram posts.
very talented, humble staff working in an exquisite environment (described this way on its Insta account, "From roaring fireplaces to hallways lined with wellies, the mannerly traditions of English innkeeping come brilliantly to life at Deer Path Inn.") They have lots of
Deer Path Inn ranking #1 two years running for Best Resort Hotel in the Midwest by Travel & Leisure.
reasons to celebrate too. They were named #1 on Travel & Leisure's list of best resort hotels in the Midwest; the #2 resort in the U.S. and ranked #18 on the list of top hotels in the WORLD! Matt Barba, the hotel's genius GM, said, "In a year that has been incredibly tough
Deer Path Inn dessert.
on the tourism industry, our team has continued to go above and beyond, dedicating themselves to providing our guests with a comfortable and safe place to come, no matter the occasion. The win is for them." They were also featured in Forbes, "This Midwest Hotel's Hilarious Instagram Feed Is What We All Need Right Now." The Peninsula Chicago was ranked #1 among the top hotels in Chicago. Congrats to both of these local treasures!
In partnership with Chicago State University, the Chicago State Foundation will host a live broadcast of the inaugural 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Transformation presented by Greeley and Hansen on the evening of Friday, October 2, at 7 pm. Laser-focused on education and socio-economic equity, Chicago State University has created an intentional campus community that
Gala chair, John C. Robak, CEO Greeley & Hansen.
delivers a carefully curated suite of wraparound supports designed to propel the success of first-generation and non-traditional students from diverse populations. In addition to celebrating the young student scholars who will be the beneficiaries of 1stGEN Scholarships, special highlights of the gala will include the presentation of the first-ever Cougar Servant Leadership Awards to former Illinois Senate President, and long-time CSU champion, Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago Public Schools CEO and CSU Alumna, Dr. Janice Jackson, and longtime education and Arts advocate, and Bronzeville Children's Museum founder, Peggy Montes. Gala chair will be the ever popular John C. Robak, CEO Greeley and Hansen. (To register and for more details, click here!) Honorary chairs will be Andrea and Bill Zopp and Angelique David and Jerry Richmond.
A friend of mine suggested I get the Citizens app on my iphone so I would be aware of what's happening near me. Well, I almost wish I hadn't…there's been break-ins, a report of clown-masked passengers in a car flashing a gun, a report of a nude man armed with gun at the Greyhound bus terminal and so on and so on. I worried all day
One of the two Columbus statues that were taken down.
yesterday after hearing about a toddler locked in a car on Oak Street. And don't even get me started about the protesters and eventual takedown of Chicago's two Christopher Columbus statues. Mayor Lightfoot said this was done in an effort to "protect public safety." Crews were seen taking down the statues in Grant Park and the city's Little Italy neighborhood and, by 6 AM, only the pedestal remained in Grant Park, where the statue stood since 1933 after being dedicated during Chicago's second World Fair. "The city of Chicago—at Mayor
Dominic DiFrisco (front R), friend to all people.
Lightfoot’s direction—has temporarily removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park until further notice," the Mayor's office said in a statement. "This action was taken after consultation with various stakeholders. It comes in response to
Pasquale Dominic Gianni at Italian Heritage Celebration in Arrigo Park.
demonstrations that became unsafe for both protesters and police, as well as efforts by individuals to independently pull the Grant Park statue down in an extremely dangerous manner." Personally, I don't agree with the removal of past history but would think/hope that everyone could reach a compromise. In one news report, a high ranking Black educator suggested keeping the statues and using them as "teachable moments" with plaques or stand-alone podiums with info covering the entire history of said statue, both good and bad. I also think we need to add MORE statues to
Blurry photo of Maurice Perkins, founder Inner City Youth & Adult Foundation, speaking at Italian Heritage Celebration.
represent today's heroes, especially in communities that are under-represented. I love history, and even though it's most certainly not all good, I think, as George Santayana so eloquently said, "To forget the past is to be condemned to repeat it. " I wonder what my friend, the late Dominic DiFrisco would think of the removal of the Columbus statues. He was the greatest champion, not only of Italian Americans, but of all peoples. His grandson, Pasquale Gianni (Nina Mariano's son), presided over an Italian Heritage Celebration on Sunday, July 26, in Arrigo Park. (See video here) He said, "Between the Italian American community and the African American community, there's more that unites us than divides us in the final analysis." He introduced Maurice Perkins, president of the Inner City Youth & Adult Foundation who said, "When this whole matter first began, I thought of my friend Mr. Dominic DiFrisco and that he must be spinning in his grave…I believe, at this point, that part of the Black Lives Matter movement has been co-opted by anarchists." He ended with, "We had 15 people shot at a funeral and we don't need anymore enemies."…. There must be a happy medium somewhere….right?
Larry Wert, recently profiled in Chicago magazine.
Congrats to Larry Wert, Chicago's gift to the radio and TV
Larry Wert illustration by Kathryn Rathke.
industry. Larry was recently profiled by Chicago magazine in its popular "Backroom" article by John Thomas (with illustration by Kathryn Rathke). In the in-depth Q&A, Larry talks about firing Howard Stern, running the Loop, battling anxiety and so much more. Read it here!
The Chopping Block is hosting a virtual cooking classin collaboration with Common Threads and Top Box Foods on Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 pm. Learn how to make Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Panzanella with The Chopping Block's owner Chef Shelley Young. Tickets are $30, and half of the proceeds will benefit Common Threads' work in cooking and nutrition education for children and families. Chicago residents can get all of their groceries for the class delivered from Top Box Foods for $45. Grocery boxes contain enough food for the virtual class, plus at least one or two more meals! Order by Monday, Aug. 3 for delivery on Saturday, Aug. 8. Just love you CT!
Joffrey dancers April Daley and Miguel Blanco expecting their first child in November.
Love and congrats to much loved Joffrey Ballet star, April Daley! She is expecting her first child, a boy, in November with husband Miguel Blanco, also a popular Joffrey dancer.
And on another dance-related note, See Chicago Dance has a new executive director, Julia Mayer. Julia joins SCD
Congrats to See Chicago Dance's new executive director Julia Mayer.
after previously serving as Manager of Development for 3Arts, a local nonprofit that advocates for Chicago's women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities who work in the performing, teaching and visual arts. Thanks for the heads-up Brian Smith, board president of See Chicago Dance, a nonprofit that shares in and spreads the power of dance in Chicago. (Visit website here for more info!)
Driehaus Summer Party 2019
Nothing, not even a limitless bank account, can protect you from being affected by Covid. Case in point, the yearly much-coveted invitation to hedge fund manager/philanthropist Richard Driehaus' annual party at his "estate on the lake" in Lake Geneva.
With the always adorable Smothers Brothers at the Driehaus Summer Party 2019.
There are parties and then there are DRIEHAUS parties of which there is a world of difference. As a matter of fact, Richard just may well be the Hugh Hefner of our age sans Bunnies! His party last year attracted 1,100 and was his largest one yet. It celebrated his 77th birthday with entertainer Diana Ross, no less! This year, it was a bit different. Only 18 people were invited although he still kept his spectacular fireworks display which I'm sure his fellow residents were grateful for. We hope to see you back in full force next year Richard! Thanks for all you do for so many!
Thank you Cancer Wellness magazine for including me in your cover story feature "The Loudest Voices" (in Chicago media). I shot with well known photographer
Caylei Vogalzang–founder Cancer Wellness magazine.
Katrina Wittkamp in my lobby and hope the pics are what they need. Very honored to be included with media stars Zoraida Sambolin, Roz Varon, LeeAnn Trotter, Tracy Butler and Whitney Reynolds. This quarterly lifestyle magazine serves those affected by cancer as well as offering up-to-the-minute nonprofit coverage, dining updates, fashion, health and wellness and so much more. Congrats and thanks to founder and editor-in-chief Caylei Vogelzang and her team for creating this much needed resource. (Check it out here!)
Artadia Award finalist Yvette Maria Dostatni beside her work "Medieval Times."
So thrilled to see my friend/photographer Yvette Dostatni, receiving the recognition she deserves for doing what she loves! She is one of only 5 finalists for the 2020 Artadia Awards, a national non-profit organization that awards artists with unrestricted grants followed by a lifetime of program opportunities. As arts communities continue to be deeply
Artadia Award finalist Yvette Mayorga.
impacted by COVID-19, with many artists losing exhibition opportunities, access to their studios and having their livelihoods jeopardized, Artadia's mission to support artists is more critical than ever before. (YEAH!) Besides Yvette, the finalists are Azadeh Gholizadeh, Caroline Kent, Yvette Mayorga and Eliza Myrie. Yvette said of the honor, "To be an artist is to be a voice. To be nominated and recognized by such a highly esteemed panel of judges as one of 5 critical and risk-taking contemporary artists–all women– during such a crucial turning point in history and viewed as a voice that needs to be witnessed is an award within itself." The panel of judges included Jennifer Carty, Associate Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, The
Artadia Award finalist Azadeh Gholizadeh.
Smart Museum at University of Chicago; Daonne Huff , Director, Public Programs & Community Engagement, The Studio Museum in Harlem and Laura Mott, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art and Design, Cranbrook Art Museum. Artadia is unique in that it allows any artist to apply, engages nationally recognized artists and curators to review work and culminates in direct grants. Since 1999, Artadia has awarded over $5 million to more than 340 artists in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. This is Artadia’s eleventh Award cycle in Chicago. The application was open to all visual artists living in Cook County, IL for over two years, working in any media, and at any stage of their career. The 2020 Chicago Artadia Awards are generously supported by the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, Liberty Mutual insurance, the Artadia Board of Directors, Artadia Council Members and individual donors across the country. Congrats to ALL!
Details are still being finalized, but look for Midway Broadcasting news/talk WVON 1690-AM to supplement its lineup with news reports from BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 national audio news service recently launched by iHeartMedia. “It’s a perfect complement to our Black talk format,” said
Melody-Spann Cooper with her late dad Pervis Spann, the "all-night blues man."
Melody Spann Cooper, chair and CEO of Midway Broadcasting. “WVON is hyper-local, but what impacts Black America impacts us here in Chicago, where we represent one-third of the city’s population. Enhanced news is needed and iHeart’s timing is perfect.” Since June 30, the network has also been carried in Chicago on the HD-2 subchannel of WVAZ 102.7-FM, the iHeartMedia RB station. Congrats WVON, Melody and team!
Voss Events’ Drive 'N Drag with RuPaul's Drag Race Stars is coming to Chicago August 7-9 at Soldier Field. The series will star RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorites Yvie Oddly, Naomi Smalls, Jaida Essence Hall, Aquaria, Gigi Goode and many more. Attendees will get the live theatrical experience from the safety of their cars (inside or on top) with concert-style stage and lighting, Jumbotron screens and sound pumped outside and through every car via FM transmitters. Multiple shows will run all weekend long from 12 pm to 11 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and early shows will include Voss Events’ famous Drag Brunch with a special brunch menu. Drive ’N Drag ticket are $60 per car for two people. 100 VIP spots, closest to the stage are available for $120 per spot. Additional passengers are $20 each.
Dance for Life will shift from a live event to a digital event from August 10-15. See works archived from Dance for Life performances during the past 29 years featuring Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago and many others. The digital event will culminate with a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to Covid-19 with dancers from throughout the Chicago area. For all the details, click here!
Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation will host a (FREE) virtual Fall Benefit on Thursday, October 22. The event will include inspiring survivor stories, updates on the latest LSCRF funded research and more. Help them fund life-changing breakthroughs in breast cancer research by reserving your virtual spot here!
And, if after all of this reading, you have tired or irritated eyes, check out the "blue light" protection glasses ($40, shop and ship, and up to 4+ strength) at MyEyeDr., my go-to spot for eyecare needs. I especially love my doctor, Dr. Scott Amoruso although they're all good (and so nice) there too. To make an appt. or place an order, click here!
That's all folks. Thanks for reading and, if not a subscriber, please sign up here. My list is never shared, only treasured. And, if you have any events you would like me to share, please send them my way! The more good news, the better! Stay safe, sane and sensible.
PLUS: Nobu Hotel Chicago's chic opening; Delicious Chefs' Night with Peggy and Harriet; Losing soulmates; Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, a sneak peek; Dr. Joaquin honored; They call it Firefly, a sweet retreat in Harbor Country; The TOP Chicago penthouse for sale; Monsters among us; Katie set to perform for Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Soiree; Chicago Lighthouse ready for virtual lift-off; Big Shoulders Fund set to honor Beth and Bruce; Bronzeville Art District hosts virtual tour; Pups in pup-kinis, PAWS Chicago's Virtual Beach Party; WINGS Purple Tie Ball with Melissa and Debby; This & That; Fun videos and SOOO much more!
Kristin Chenoweth, Ravinia Festival Living Room Virtual Lawn Party host, with her pianist Michael Orland.
Congrats to Ravinia Festival on its first virtual Living RoomLawn Party! Typically, we would all be picnicking on the beautiful lawn at Ravinia listening to some of the top musical talents in the world but, sadly, Covid changed all of that. However, kudos to Ravinia and its beautiful, talented hostess, Tony Award-winning actress Kristen Chenoweth, for reimagining the music in such a special new way! The hour long event went off without a hitch and was so entertaining. Viewers enjoyed performances by pianist Kenneth Cole, an award-winning concert performer, who opened the show with Cole Porter songs. During the event's
Michelle DeYoung, classical vocalist.
"pre-party," we learned about Ravinia's Reach+Teach+Play programming, that serves over 85,000 community members from neighborhoods on Chicago's West Side to schools in Waukegan and the Lake County area. RTP initiatives include music education programs for 18,000 public school students; a music discovery program for over 4,500 K-3rd grade children in under resourced Chicago Public Schools; the Sistema Ravinia Orchestra Program (that provides free instruments and ongoing music instruction for kids); guest artists in classrooms; jazz scholar programs and so much more. Chenoweth appeared onscreen wearing jeans and
Welz Kaufman, Ravinia Festival president/CEO.
a simple top in a beautiful apartment with a patio and her beloved pianist,
Patricia Racette, award-winning soprano.
Michael Orland, by her side. She sang "Till There Was You." (from "The Music Man.") She said, "Not-for-profit Ravinia depends on ticket revenue for more than half of its annual operating budget….We need your support so Ravinia can come roaring back as soon as we can contain the global health crisis that has silenced our summer." Welz Kaufman, Ravinia's president/CEO, introduced a video showing kids in the Sistema Ravinia program, among others. Jazz legend Ramsey Lewis, a Ravinia Steans Music Institute alum, played a piece he wrote called "Blessings" on his piano from his home that was topped with photos of loved ones. Other musical performances were presented by Marquis Hill (a Jazz Scholars alum who played a piece on his trumpet that he learned in the Reach+Teach+Play program); Michelle DeYoung (a Ravinia Steans Institute alum) sang "Liebestod" from "Trisan und Isolde" and award-winning soprano Patricia Racette sang Edith Piaf's "Mon Dieu". Lewis and Hill shared a convo about the lack of music and arts education in the schools now
I hope we can get back to this soon!
and how important it was for Ravinia to step up and help close this gap with its much needed programming. Chenoweth closed the show singing on a split screen with Mary Mitchell Campbell, Crystal Monaie Hall and Marisa Rosen. They sang a song titled "Reasons for Hope" written by Campbell and Hall. The lyrics, in part read: "In the blackest night, in the coldest season, we will find the light, we will find the reason to believe." Amen to that. Also, another great pivot for Ravinia, conceived by Nick Pullia (Ravinia's Director of Communications), is Ravinia TV, a recently launched 20-minute weekly variety show/webcast on Ravinia's YouTube channel and Facebook page (every Friday at 7 pm, CDT). See details here! And watch trailer below!
After a groundbreaking in 2016 that brought Robert De Niro, an investor/owner (and other principals to town), Nobu Hotel Chicago opened its doors on July 1, even welcoming its first guests (from Michigan). Fans and media peeps gathered in front of the hotel at 155 N. Peoria for a ribbon cutting attended by Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Michael Chin (regional director and GM Nobu Hotel Chicago) and Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar. Emily Cornelious (NHC director of sales and marketing) welcomed the crowd and introduced the speakers. Mayekar spoke on behalf of Mayor Lightfoot, "To say that we've been hurting as a city is an understatement. Covid 19 has been an economic earthquake and the ripple effects are still
Nobu Restaurant, beautiful but not open yet.
Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. and Emily Cornelious, NHC sales and marketing director.
being felt throughout the city. But, for all the damage that has been done to our economy, no industry has been hit quite as hard as hospitality and tourism. This is what makes today so special as it gives us hope that we need as a city. This investment represents a strong vote of confidence in Chicago and our future." Burnett spoke next and congratulated NHC for bringing in "hundreds of jobs." He said he looks forward to the restaurant opening (which hasn't been announced yet) so he can "kick it back with De Niro again." Following a ribbon
Michael Chin, NHC regional director and GM, with Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. on left.
cutting, guests moved (socially distanced and masked) to the 11th floor Rooftop at Nobu. There, stunning
Chuck enjoying a lychee martini on Rooftop at Nobu.
views of the city served as a backdrop to the stark, Japanese style decor done in dark shades with furniture to match. Tours were given of the Sake Suite and we got a chance for a sneak peek into a "regular" room. Both were stunning and would make for a helluva stay-cation. My tastes don't typically run to such a minimalist style but here, it was chic, sexy and elegant with every detail attended to, including heated floors in the bathrooms. The rooms have 11-foot ceilings with dramatic multi-paned windows looking out over the West Loop. A Japanese wooden
It wouldn't be a party without DJ Akib!
soaking tub was a wonderful surprise in the Sake Suite, which rents for around $350. The Nobu Suite goes for
The elegant Sake Suite.
around $800 and the Villa rents for $3500 (more or less). There is something for everyone here at every price point! The opening VIP party on the Rooftop included wines from event sponsor Fresh Vine Wine, Danica Patrick's brand new (fabulous) rosé and the always wonderful DJ Akib! Appetizers gave us a sample of what's to come when the restaurant opens and included a mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Small plates will include nori tacos, black cod lettuce cups, and skewered Kushiyaki. Sushi will also be
Delicious appetizers overseen by Chef Gregorio Stephenson.
available with the yellow tail topped with jalapeno being a standout for me. I spoke to Nobu's Corporate Chef Gregorio Stephenson (who many people will remember from his time at Coco Pazzo). He said, "We wanted to make Nobu Hotel Chicago all about the
Pretty party people!
locals. We used local contractors, artists, architects and designers. We're coming from the outside but we want our clients to feel at home. It's their town and all we want to do is make people happy." I think you've achieved your goal! The brand has a presence on 5 continents including its first at
Nobu Corporate Chef Gregorio Stephenson.
Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas (which opened in 2013), Manila, Miami Beach, Malibu, London Shoreditch, Palo Alto, Los Cabos, Barcelona and Ibiza Bay. Opening this year, besides the Chicago property, will be outposts in Toronto, Sao Paulo, Atlanta, Warsaw, Riyadh and Tel Aviv. Nobu is a collaboration between De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and film producer/entrepreneur Meir Teper. The first Nobu restaurant opened in 1994 in New York. (For more details and reservations, click here!)
The always fabulous Peggy Kusinski was the perfect host.
Another successful virtual fundraiser, Chef's Night, was held recently by the Center for Enriched Living (CEL). Hosted by sports commentator Peggy Kusinski on June 29, the hour long event was shown on Facebook Live and YouTube and replaced the nonprofit's normal event that would've taken place in May with over 700 guests.
Chef Tim Minefee (Barilla chef/product development) often donates his time for CEL.
The physical event would've hosted 40 restaurants and raised over $500,000 for the organization. As Peggy said, "We've made lemonade out of lemons." The event opened with Christine Honeywell singing "Be Our Guest" (from "Beauty & the Beast"). Zach Overstreet, resident mixologist at the Koval Distillery, created a gin smash for viewers made with lemons, herbs and syrup. Harriet Levy, CEL CEO, welcomed guests and explained the work of the nonprofit
Harriet Levy, CEL CEO, presents Peggy with flowers at the end of the show.
which provides support and programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said, "We are 100% privately funded. Our budget is $4 million. When you give, we can do more." And despite the fact that CEL's residents couldn't meet due to Covid, the org pivoted and planned its programming for virtual viewing–7 days a week from morning to night. A touching video showed residents speaking about how CEL has impacted their lives. Micah Montondol, a fireman with the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Dept., lamented
Zach Overstreet, Koval Distillery resident mixologist, created a gin smash for viewers.
the fact that his crew wouldn't be cooking up nachos this year at the actual event. We also heard from longtime
Rachel Bernstein shared her inspiring story.
volunteers Ellyn and Gary Podolsky who have been volunteering for the past 13 years. They shared their recipe for a colorful veggie and fruit appetizer tray. Rachel Bernstein, a resident born with spina bifada, shared her love of the virtual programming where she learns sign language and Spanish. Her mom Amy said, "It's heartbreaking as a parent to see your child isolated like this. The virtual classes have been a lifeline… It's wonderful
Longtime CEL supporters Ellyn and Gary Podolsky.
knowing our children can go to a program where the staff is loving, caring, devoted and creative." Chef Tim Minefee
Joan Cannon, incoming CEL board president.
(from Barilla) prepared a penne pasta with pork tenderloin, green onion, poblano peppers, black beans, cherry tomatoes and cilantro. Dan Ripes, current board president, and Joan Cannon, incoming board president, both shared their thoughts on CEL. At the end of the show, Harriet presented Peggy with roses as they both celebrated busting their goal of $51,823 by raising $62,906! (For more info about this wonderful nonprofit, click here!) KUDOS on a job well done!
A love match made in heaven was the happy situation between much loved author and Service Club president Sherrill Bodine and her dear John Royal Bodine. John passed away on June 28 at age 76 in her arms and, if you were lucky enough to have been around these two, you would've felt the love since it always filled any
Always dancing to the same beat.
room they inhabited. She was his rock and he was hers. During his last days, Sherrill creatively prepared meals with themes from the many trips they had taken together. Their love was a goal everyone hoped to reach. Here is John's obit of a life well lived: John Royal Bodine, 76, passed away on Sunday June 28 in the arms of his loving wife of 56 years. He and his sister were reared in River Forest by parents, Mary Jane and Royal Bodine. John received his BA and Master’s Degree from Purdue
Baby John and Baby Sherrill.
University and had a fellowship to work on his PHD at the University of California Riverside. John was a
John with his "other" baby.
Renaissance Man who started his career as a Political Science professor and Crew Coach at the University of West Virginia Charleston,Columbia in New York City and Purdue University. He joined his family’s 115 year old company Bodine Electric in 1983 and moved to the Northshore. He served as President and CEO for 27 years and the last 3 years as Chairman of the Board. He loved traveling with friends and showing his children and grandchildren the world which he did as often as possible. A beautiful Celebration of Life was held at the picturesque Wilmette Harbor Club where Sherrill and her family were surrounded by love and support. Besides his adored wife, John is survived by daughter Heidi Anderson; sons Alan and Michael Bodine; daughter Kate Huff; fourteen beloved grandchildren and one great -grandchild. Donations in his memory may be made to the Service Club of Chicago at https://theserviceclubofchicago.org/donate/ (RIP dear John)
Denise Tomasello and her late husband, Don Conover.
Couples who have truly found their soul-mates are rarer than hen's teeth. Cabaret queen Denise Tomasello and her husband Don Conover was another one of those lucky couples, inseparable and completely dedicated to each other. Don lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on June 21, after 18 years of marriage. Here's part of Denise's loving tribute to him: YESTERDAY, I LOST THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. My husband Don Conover passed away from stage 4 pancreatic cancer which he’s been fighting since November 2019. (He was misdiagnosed in September which caused us to lose precious time). I am beyond devastated and heartbroken. I am at a loss for words to try to explain the pain I’m in. I don’t know how I’m going to continue my life without him. Don and I were connected in a way that was beyond romance and beyond friendship.
Denise and Don, oh happy day!
The relationship we had was a once-in-a-lifetime. A forever connection that could only exist with our true love. Don and I met 18 years ago at Bally’s health club in Des Plaines and these five words changed my life forever, “Don’t drink all the water”,
Always arm in arm.
when I was at the water fountain. I turned around and saw the most charismatic, handsome, masculine man smiling at me. That was the beginning of our incredible love story. For those of you that don’t know my husband’s history… Don was born in Brooklyn and was the youngest of four brothers and a sister. He grew up in a poor Italian neighborhood on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 36th with his Italian mother and grandparents. He lived in a cold water flat with an environment that allowed him to be too hot, too cold and sometimes hungry. Sometimes they had as many as
On the street where he lived in Brooklyn.
12 people living in a flat with only 1 bathroom, in conditions where there were rats and roaches. He learned to dress in a particular manner where needs were most important and hand me downs were welcome gifts. His
Denise fell for Don from the very beginning.
main entertainment came from his and his siblings thoughts, ideas, actions or gifts that they all shared. Radios, television, telephones and refrigerators were not available during their early years. But that didn’t stop Don, he was always motivated. Despite his rough upbringing, Don’s ingenuity earned him three degrees, all while holding down a job and going to night school. When Don was 40 years old, he moved to Chicago with his family to be the Head of Research and Development at Stepan Chemical. They gave him a small house with a carport and a salary of $40,000, which was millions to him coming from such a poor background. Don said he walked out in the backyard and yelled, “I MADE IT! While Don was at Stepan, he invented the scent for
Eye to eye and heart to heart.
LEMON PLEDGE without using the lemon peel. This was quite an accomplishment few could ever do. He always laughed and said the bonus from Stepan, for his invention, was a fishing rod. A couple years later he knew he was destined for greater things, so he and two partners opened up Belle Aire Fragrances, a 1200-square-foot facility. Probably the equivalent of a two bedroom apartment. Don poured his heart and soul into every area of the business. Working tirelessly, from creating fragrances to marketing and sales. Well, that facility now consists of two buildings, 22,000-square-feet and 9400-square-feet, located across from one another in Mundelein, which employs 60-70 people. He treated every employee with respect and they admired him for all of his wonderful traits and loved working for him. Recently the company name was changed to BelleAireCreations due to Don’s new inventions and patents. They are used in oral care products, which are being used in eight different countries. There are so many products of Don’s fragrances and odor modifiers that you use in your every day lives, from detergents to perfumes. It would be impossible to list. Don owned 80% of this successful company and he did it ALL ON HIS OWN. He was never left a dime, not even a cent. His hard work and motivation allowed him to achieve this huge accomplishment without any help from family. As a little boy he was heartbroken when his father left when he was just 5 years old. He didn’t see much of him and then his father passed away when he was only 15 years old. Don took care of his mother, his sister and even my mother. He loved nothing more than providing for the people he cared for. If I told him a friend was in trouble that he didn’t even know, he was the first to volunteer to send a monetary gift. He required very little for himself. In fact, I had to force him to let me buy him more
Don and Denise at Gene & Georgetti's opening in Rosemont.
designer clothes. He always said he had enough and didn’t need anything. I guess it’s because of his upbringing in Brooklyn, he learned to be appreciative for what he had. His two passions were boxing and gambling. In his late teens he was a boxer. Don took care of his body physically. He worked out 3 times a week 2-1/2 hours each day. Taking every vitamin you can think of. He treated his body like a temple. His other favorite thing to do was gamble. My husband was a big dice player but he was never irresponsible with his finances. Playing dice made him the happiest. When Don and I first met we use to go to Vegas four times a year. Don was so crazy about my mother that he invited her to join us on our very first trip. The two of them had a very special bond. They would gamble together, cook together, and laugh together. Don treated my mother as if she was his own. My mother adored him, he was the son she never had. Don was our hero. When I
Don looking fit on vacation.
first met Don he told me he was my archangel, but he was all that and more. Don was one of the most handsome, powerful, charismatic, witty, funny, smartest men I had ever known. Most of all he was generous with a heart of gold. Don and I had a powerful connection, a fairytale marriage. A relationship that people only dream of. The past 18 years Don wanted to make all my dreams come true. He never denied me anything. 10 years ago he bought me my dream home at the Carlyle. He let me turn it into an Art Deco/Hollywood Regency Palace. It was our second residence and we would spend weekends there. We had so much in common, we were both night people. We loved hanging out at Gibsons and The Drake Hotel, into the wee small hours of the morning.
A young Don Conover.
We lived a simple life in the suburbs, we enjoyed watching television and preparing meals together. We loved each other’s company so much that we only had one television so that we would never be separate. Don was so supportive of me and my career. My husband loved attending my concerts and his eyes would just beam at me my entire show. People would come up to me and tell me how adoring it was watching him watch me. In my business, I’m known as the Queen of Cabaret and, in his business, he is the King of Fragrance. I am still in shock and beyond devastated. I never knew how awful cancer was until I watched him try to fight this cruel and ugly disease. For those of you that don’t know, pancreatic cancer is called the silent killer. There are no symptoms until you are in stage 4 which makes it the hardest cancer to beat or live with. We never knew how horrific chemotherapy would be until my husband went through such a painful experience. He didn’t want to do chemo but he did it for me because he loved me so much. He fought and hardly complained even through the pain. Throughout Don’s life, he had a lot of health issues and had survived quadruple open heart surgery, a new aorta 10 years ago and colon cancer 3 years ago. Then he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November. The doctors were so optimistic that they could prolong his life for a couple more years with treatment. Don being the strong man he is took it like a soldier. He was hopeful until the very end. He was trying a new treatment and decided he no longer wanted to experience the horrific side effects of chemotherapy. After stopping treatment, our only option was to start hospice care 2-1/2 weeks ago, in which we thought we would be able to prolong his life for another 6 months. For those of you who’ve had friends or relatives in a hospice facility, I’m sure you had a wonderful experience. But hospice at home, is almost next to nothing. They come in two times a week for twenty minutes. I was extremely disappointed in what they had to offer and would not recommend it to anyone. It was a huge disappointment and lack of care. His passing yesterday was totally unexpected. I am still in shock! Unfortunately, his body just couldn’t take it anymore and it started to give out. I am so grateful that God allowed me to be with Don when he took his last breath. Holding him and saying goodbye was heart wrenching. A feeling I will never forget. I am beyond devastated and hate thinking about
RIP Don…..
facing my life without him. He was my EVERYTHING. He was my best friend, my soulmate, my protector and now he’s my guardian angel. I have the biggest hole in my heart and I can’t tell you how much I miss him already. I know he’s up in heaven with mine and his family ordering everyone around. Who knows there’s probably a dice table up there too. Rest In Peace my loving husband. You’ll be with me in my heart and soul, every second of every day. I love you more than words could ever express. God took you away from me way too soon. I’ll be looking at the moon but I’ll be seeing you. (Donations in Don's honor can be made to www.PanCan.org (for pancreatic cancer research) or The Service Club of Chicago.) RIP Don, what a grand life you led….
Huge congrats to Dr. Joaquin C. Brieva on his recent high
Dr. Joaquin and Jennifer Brieva.
honor! On June 17, during the annual resident graduation ceremony (done on Zoom this year) Joaquin was presented with the Northwestern University Department of Dermatology Teacher of the Year award! It's a very special award since it's voted on and presented by the residents. Thanks to proud wife, Jennifer Sutton Brieva, for sharing her love's wonderful achievement!
You won't want to miss this year's Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens that opens Saturday, July 11 and runs through Sunday, August 9 (benefiting the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago). The historic Pullman Estate in Lake Forest has been transformed into a magical wonderland by 33 interior designers and 7 landscape designers. What I loved most was the color, color, color! No all-beige decor for this 11,000-square-foot beauty nestled on magnificent grounds with boxwood that are the genesis of our own Chicago Botanic Garden! The creativity is off the charts with painted floors, ceilings and even book jackets that all coordinate beautifully with each other. Every room, although very
Dining room design by Paloma Contreras, event chair.
different, somehow flows seamlessly into the next. It's a big rambling 7 bedroom, 8.5 bath home with delightful nooks and crannies, now decorated to a
Sarah Vaile & Lindsay Baker Design.
turn! Paloma Contreras, an award-winning interior decorator, tastemaker and design blogger based in Houston, is the honorary chair of the Showhouse. As mentioned in a previous blog post, many of the items in the designer rooms will be for sale with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Participating designers include: The ABL Group, Alexandra Kaehler Design, Annie Liddle Design, Cynthia McCullough Interiors, Dovetails Cabinetry, DP Home Design, Edyta & Co. Elizabeth Kreuger Design, Ilene Chase Design, James Thomas, Jen Talbot Design, Joey Leicht Design, Kelly Hurliman Design, Konstant Home, Lori Lennon & Associates,
Ilene Chase Design.
M&M Interior Design, Mark David Design, Michele Frigon, Nora C. Marra Interiors, North Shore Nest,
Soledad Zitzewitz Interiors.
Paloma Contreras Design (honorary event chair), Park & Oak, Relativity Textiles, Sarah Vaile Design, Savarie Interiors, Shelley Johnstone Design, Soledad Zitzewitz Interiors, Stephanie Kaslow Interiors, Studio CAK, Studio Gild, Teresa Manns Design and Wendy Labrum Interiors. Landscape designers: Bories and Shearron, Bulley and Andrews, JLC Landscaping, JMR Landscape, Mariani Landscape, Schmechtig Landscapers and Scott Byron & Co. Co-chaired by Jennifer Mower (president of the Lake Forest Infant
The ABL Group, Dovetail Cabinetry, George Markoutsas and Jennifer Bruek, Ewa Pasek Riley.
Welfare Society of Chicago), Chrissy Davis, Sarah Georgi and Jen Horan, the bi-annual event has raised over $4.5 million for the organization. The colonial-style home, which sits on 3 acres, was originally designed by Frost & Granger in 1906 and completely renovated by architect Stanley Anderson in the late 1920s for investment banker William Allan Pinkerton Pullman, the grand-nephew of George M. Pullman, the developer and manufacturer of Pullman cars. W.A.P. Pullman is also the co-founder of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The home is for sale for $3.5 million (see listing here) To purchase tickets for the Showhouse, click here! (Congrats to CO-OP PR , Whitley Bouma Herbert and Susu Block, for their great work promoting this exciting event, among others!)
With Covid severely limiting most people's travel plans, we have turned to a longtime love of ours, ROADTRIPS! A few weekends ago, we popped into Lake Geneva for a change of scenery and, recently, we returned to Michigan's Harbor Country for another little adventure. For the first time, we stayed at Firefly Resort (15657 Lakeshore Road, Union Pier, 269-469-0245), a group of cottages built in the 1930s as
One of the cottages at Firefly Resort in Union Pier, Michigan.
a place for city dwellers to escape and relax. It fills the same bill today. The Firefly offers 18 one and two bedroom cottages, all restored, featuring living rooms, kitchenettes and bathrooms. Residents can enjoy outdoor grills, picnic nooks, pretty gardens and
Tricky but beautiful path to the private beach.
VERY close beach access. A private beach is 900' away and the public beach is a bit closer. We chose the public beach because the stairs down to the private one were pretty hard to navigate (see video here). Now, I must stress that this is definitely NOT luxury lodging–it is true lakeside, cottage living–simple, basic and small. But still such a delightful getaway in a great location. The managers and guests could not have been sweeter. They all made you feel like family AND, one of the best parts, is that certain cottages are PET-FRIENDLY! We had great rag-top weather so this made the short, two day trip even better. We visited all the familiar spots, Drier's Meat Market for liver sausage, Nancy's for ice cream and hot dogs, Brewster's
Brewster's Italian Cafe in New Buffalo.
Italian Cafe for the best pizza and Timothy's (a close spot for
Timothy's patio (with the moving tree) in Union Pier.
great dining and a bit of whimsy). Timothy's Restaurant, 16409 Red Arrow Hwy, is very close to Firefly and had just opened, albeit cautiously, when we arrived. We sat on a huge patio with gorgeous, landscaped grounds for a backdrop. (Rooney was NOT in my bag by my side, wink, wink). As we enjoyed cocktails, Chuck turned to me and said, "I saw that tree move." I was afraid the beers had gone to his head but, as I watched, a 9-foot pine tree moved slowly 3 feet to the left. I was dumbfounded. We asked our waiter and he told us the story behind the "magical moving tree." On Dec. 31, 2016, owner/chef Timothy Sizer bought the 2.7
Peace on a porch.
acre site on Red Arrow, including the former Wine Sellers building, a large parking lot and wooded backyard. Sizer
Nancy's at nightfall in New Buffalo.
quickly began work on restoring the pond and large gardens including night lighting for the tall trees. He said the outdoor dining and tiki bar, along with lawn games like croquet, will be offered shortly. The previous owner came up with the concept of the "moving tree" to delight watchful diners and Timothy decided to keep the tradition alive. It was fun and captured our attention for the rest of the evening! LOL! I'm thinking about renting an RV next……:-)
Chicago's most magnificent penthouse, at 1500 N. Lake Shore Drive, is for sale for the first time in 45 years! The home was purchased in 1975 by Michael Wilkie, who is board chair of DGI Supply, a company manufacturing industrial products that is part of his DoALL Company founded by his family in 1927. Wilkie is the guy who
Michael and Teri Wilkie.
famously danced with Princess Diana when she was in Chicago as guest of honor at a gala held at the Field Museum on June 5, 1996. The world press went crazy but Wilkie was not out of line as he had been in contact with the Princess and
Mike Wilkie and Princess Diana, 1996.
told her he would be wearing a flower in his lapel at the gala when he invited her to dance. She was all smiles. But I digress. His penthouse is one of the most spectacular homes I've ever seen. He has decorated the 8,000-square-foot space in Old World style with antiques, malachite-encrusted objetsd'art, pricey paintings, marble statuary, taxidermy and more. It was built by famed architect Rosario Candela in 1929 and boasts 6 bedrooms, 6/12 bathrooms, a two-story living room and a 5,200-square-foot lawn with views of the lake from three sides. According to a Wall Street Journal article about the home sale, Wilkie said he's changed little about the grand space except for redoing the kitchen. Compass Real Estate has the listing for $24.5 million. Wilkie said he and wife Teresa plan on relocating to Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida to "avoid Chicago winters."
Monsters among us……I don't know if I've ever been more disgusted over anything as I have been watching the sickening saga of child molester Jeffrey Epstein. I was sorry he "committed suicide" as I would've loved to see him rot in jail. And now we have his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, being tracked down, finally. If
Ghislaine Maxwell
anything, her sins are even worse to me because she's a woman. She knows how this would affect these young girls and how it would haunt them for the rest of their lives. And she also knew the girls would be more willing with a female doing the procuring. The whole thing is diabolical. I was thrilled when armed agents arrested her and it was quite a production too, 15 vehicles with
Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew.
spy planes and 24 armed FBI agents stormed the property, named "Tuckedaway", at 4:20 am. They were backed by NY cops, local officers and New Hampshire's gang task force. (Obviously, they weren't taking any chances.) They used bolt cutters to break the lock on the metal gate and found her inside in sweatpants and a top. I hope she gets locked away and the key thrown away and that her "black book" is revealed to all with the names of the other perverts involved. Reportedly, she has a secret stash of the pedophile's sex tapes that could implicate the world's most powerful and she will try to use them to save herself. I pray that all the victims get the justice they deserve.
I'm so excited to be hosting the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's Virtual Soiree on Wednesday, September 2 at 7 pm CDT! The event will feature a performance by The Voice finalist, Katie Kadan as well as inspiring stories from Holocaust survivors. The mission of the IHMEC is expressed in its founding principle: Remember the Past, Transform the Future. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference. The
The Voice star Katie Kadan will perform!
Museum, which is located in Skokie at 9603 Woods Drive, fulfills its mission through the exhibition, preservation and interpretation of its collections and through education programs and initiatives that foster the promotion of human rights and the elimination of genocide. The Museum, a 65,000-square-foot space, opened April 19, 2009 and is a culmination of 30 years of hard work by the local Holocaust survivor community. According to PresidentEmeritus Sam Harris, “We dreamt of creating a place that would not only serve as a memorial to our families that perished and the millions lost, but also where young minds could learn the terrible dangers of prejudice and hatred.” Amen to that! For tickets/more info, please click here!
The Chicago Lighthouse is charging ahead with its many events, albeit virtually to support people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veterans. Its annual Seeing What's Possible Gala will be held on Saturday, September 12; the fabulous Flair Fashion Show will take place on Friday, October 16 and the House & Garden Walk is scheduled for October 1 to the 10th. To learn more about these events and the nonprofit, click here.
The Big Shoulders Fund's 2020 "Reach for the Stars" Humanitarian Awards Dinner is slated for Friday, October 23 (it was moved from a May date). The event will be held at the Hilton Chicago and honor Beth and Bruce White. These dinners don't happen on an annual basis so each one is critical to the nonprofit's success with funds raised going towards scholarships, academic and enrichment programs, instructional equipment, school improvements, faculty support, operating grants and more. Most recently, the org set a record at its 2018 Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award Dinner honoring Kimberly Querrey and Lou Simpson by raising $14.1 million. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
The largest African American Art District in the country, the Bronzeville Art District, will offer its annual Trolley Tour virtually this year starting Friday, July 17. at 7 pm. Experience art, culture and more from six top galleries, art institutions and art studios in the historic Bronzeville Community. The galleries featured on the virtual tour include Blanc Gallery, Bronzeville Artist Lofts, Faie African Art in Bronzeville, Little Black Pearl, South Side Community Art Center and (my favorite) Gallery Guichard with the Mayor and First Lady of Bronzeville, Frances and Andre Guichard. After the July 17 kick-off, the tour will take place every 3rd Friday of the month (Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18). Sign up (for FREE) here and join in the fun!
I'm so excited to be co-hosting PAWS Chicago's Red Carpet for its virtual Beach Party on Thursday, July 23 with Phillip Emigh (Tails in the City)! This fun-filled party will
Excited to co-host PAWS Beach Party's Red Carpet with Phillip Emigh! (Bruce Haas on right.)
take place at 7 pm with surprise appearances, "arrival" coverage, a beach bod pet competition, PAW-garitas and so much more! A silent auction will include a custom illustration of your pet by
Bid on an exquisite portrait of your pet by artist Rosemary Fanti!
award-winning fashion illustrator Rosemary Fanti. Purchase a Party Pack for only $75 (with a portion of the proceeds donated back to PAWS) that includes four tacos with chips, guac, salsa, street corn and churro bites. A PAW-garita kit, $55, includes everything you need to fuel the fun for 10-12 people! As of today, PAWS has made 1,923 adoptions, with the majority of these happening through their virtual adoption process! Help PAWS continue their No-Kill work by joining us! (To register for FREE (donations encouraged, of course, click here!)
WINGS Program will host its 20th Purple Tie Ball (virtually) this year on Saturday, October 3, to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event will feature great music, powerful stories from domestic violence survivors,
WINGS Program honorees Melissa Canning and Debby Jackson.
an auction, a virtual cooking demo and more! For major sponsors, WINGS will also offer in-home dinner parties catered by a local chef. The event will honor Melissa Canning and Debby Jackson. For more info, click here!
I finally ventured out for a little retail therapy and almost wished I hadn't. I know things are different now, and may never return to the normal we knew before, but still…..I had hope in my heart that my little trip to a department store might restore my battered soul. I was never a big shopper, but I've always been a big socializer. I have friends in almost every department of every store around town and was anxious to get out and say hello (masked of course). Sadly, not to be….the stores I visited seemed to have lost their
Cynthia Holbrook, retired but never forgotten, from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue.
hearts (for now) and I'm sure many of them have since they probably had to lay off staff, put others on furlough or whatever they needed to do for cost-saving measures. These times make it difficult for anyone to make money especially with looky loos like me who aren't buying anything. One retail loss that I really took to heart was the retirement of long-time Neiman Marcus (Michigan Avenue) personal shopper Cynthia Holbrook. I know she certainly deserves to finally get some rest, she's been in this business for a decade or more but Cynthia was so much more than her title. She was a friend to EVERYONE, a shoulder to lean on, someone to laugh with who just happened to know EVERYTHING there was to know about the fashion world. I'm happy for her but selfishly sad for me. I wish her the best and I know I will run into her somewhere soon. She will be dressed in the latest looks head-to-toe, of course, and I will probably be in sweat pants and a raggedy t-shirt.
Here's to a brighter future, hopefully soon, for us all.
Plus: Tasting Stars with A Silver Lining; Misericordia's 60th Family Association Benefit raises BIG bucks; Dressing Barbie; Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens; Doorstep Divas bring the party to YOU!; A look back and forward at Service Club's Day on the Terrace fashion show; RefuSHE's Fashion Challenge 2020; Chicago House helps "Raise Your Voices"; Carpool Concerts' exciting outdoor schedule; IG LIVE with Tracey!; Virtual Chefs Night; American Heart Association's Heart Ball; Lana's Largesse; NOBU Hotel Chicago opens in West Loop; The very latest in Mask-Wear by Elda; Dance for Life 2020; Life, Laughter, Happiness with Playmate Barbara Moore; THIS & THAT; Fun videos and so much MORE!
"These are the times that try men's souls." Amen to that Thomas Paine. This crisis and moment in time will be life-changing for many. In a recent (Monmouth University) poll, 61% of people say they will be making permanent changes moving forward. I don't know what
Designer Virgil Abloh.
this new normal will look like and it's unnerving for a control freak like me. I don't know how comfortable people will be in larger crowds so where will that leave nonprofits and their critical fundraisers? Virgil Abloh, Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton men's artistic director, spoke about the pandemic and our changing world from a fashion point of view. "I'm inspired that fashion can mean something different out of the end of this. It doesn't feel like it did a year ago. Today it seems useless, in a way: a
Michelle Alegria (Fox 32) relaxes with yoga.
new handbag, a pair of shoes. Getting groceries seems more important than buying a new garment that I already have 30 of in a closet," he said. I tend to
Dairyland in Dupo, Illinois.
agree. Buying more stuff won't be the answer for me either. Lots of my friends are focusing more on wellness with meditation (hello Michelle Alegria!) and yoga. The quarantine cooking group seems to be going strong with some fabulous dishes and recipes being shared there (Paul Iacono, Greg Hyder, Beth Heller, Mark Olley and Thomas O'Gorman being standouts). With the future of the newspaper industry in question, I'm focusing more on survival. Who knows what's going to happen
Small towns look pretty appealing now. (Waterloo, Illinois)
A train runs through it. (Dupo, Illinois)
there? I'm so blessed to have this blog where I can still shine a spotlight on all the good things happening around town. Other friends are planning their exit strategies although I'm not sure where someone can hide from all of this. I think hunkering down with the survival mentality of a pioneer might be the way to go. I'm over hoarding food and supplies but sort of wish I had an underground bunker ready and waiting. I find myself needing to connect more with my good friends. Part of this is missing my normal socializing but another part is
Flat Creek Baptist Church in E. Carondelet, Illinois.
just needing to be around the ones I love. All of this uncertainty and chaos makes me yearn for the normalcy of the old days back in my small
How 'bout cocktails and a pizza with this view? (Sunset Overlook in Columbia, Illinois)
hometown of Dupo, Illinois. At the time, I felt so stifled and bored–I couldn't wait to get out and explore the world. Now, I wish I could go back home and relive it all again–helping Mary and Jim Johnson in their huge garden (that they shared with their small community); ordering snow cones from Dairyland and dancing to the songs on the jukebox; dancing
Ordering a milk shake and "death burger" at Dairyland during a No Class Reunion.
at Teen Town with my high school girlfriends in skintight jeans; enjoying the seedy drive-in in Cahokia; getting excited about shopping with my Mom at J.C. Penney's in South County; the smell of Toni York's mom's beauty shop where my Mom and all her friends went; weekends at my Dad's house in E. St. Louis where my stepmother Blanche tried to teach me to cook; buying peaches, tomatoes and corn at Eckert's farm stand in Columbia; going to church at Flat Creek Baptist Church and experiencing such joy; buying snuff for Mama Mary Johnson at the little confectionery on the corner in East Carondelet; driving to the levy to see how high the flood waters were from the Mississippi River; the fabulous donuts at the Phillip's 66 station in
Mary Johnson (and Spotty) in her and her husband Jim's beautiful garden in E. Carondelet.
town; dinner at Greenfield's in Columbia with the family; high school picnics with Mary's fried chicken in the Chain O' Lakes park; Dad and Jim both trying to teach me how to live in the world; Mom trying to get me to not worry so much…..All of these memories that are the foundation of our lives are what's important to me now. That's what I'm going to try to focus on….Hope you have something similar to help you put everything in perspective.
Sister Rosemary Connelly, the heart of the "Heart of Mercy".
Congrats to Misericordia Heart of Mercy on its first virtual fundraiser held on Saturday, June 20 that raised a whopping $1,405,000! This year marked the 60th Misericordia Family Association Benefit which still turned out to be very clever, heartwarming and fulfilling in terms of dollars raised, albeit virtually. The event had been planned and coordinated by Jim Capraro with support from the benefit committee and staff in less than 90 days! The 90 minute event, with lots of cool moving parts, opened with longtime supporter Lou Manfredini (WGN-TV home repair expert) welcoming guests. The "virtual cocktail session" from 6-7 pm, featured pianists Charlie Carpenter and Holly Jennings (co-chair) and
Misericordia's Lois Gates with auctioneer Greg "G-Man" Dellinger.
guitarist Jim Splithoff, who performed as silent auction items scrolled across the screen. The program portion of the event opened cleverly with the Star Wars theme followed by a video flyover of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in a salute to Misericordia's essential workers. Father Jack Clair offered a blessing before
Co-chair Holly Jennings with her son, a resident at Misericordia.
a musical salute to Sister Rosemary Connelly (Misericordia's fabulous and much loved executive director for over 50 years) was performed in the Highland Cathedral with the Shannon Rovers and organist Charlie Carpenter. (All appropriately socially distanced). Supporters appearing
Caroline Kennedy congratulated the nonprofit via video.
in the video included Caroline Kennedy, Mike Ditka, JoeMaddon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, co-chairs Holly Jennings and Beth Merlo (with their families), Laurie and Bill McCarthy (MFA chairs), New York Giants Saquon Barkley and Grant Haley and more. Lois Gates (assistant executive director in charge of development) and Mary Pat O'Brien (director and CFO) joined auctioneer Greg
NY Giants' Saquon Barkley and Grant Haley.
"G-Man" Dellinger during the fundraising portion of the event. Sister Rosemary said, "Tonight is a celebration of our loving devotion to all our children and adults who call Misericordia home. We have the best family organization in the country. The reason Misericordia is the beautiful home it is today is because we are a community of dreamers. We believe that, not only do our residents have a right to life, but to one worth living. And, although our residents can't create a good life for themselves, once it is theirs, they
Residents from Misericordia's Walsh Slattery Home help with a raffle.
become the gift-givers. Our residents are being cared for tenderly and lovingly and every day our staff creatively challenges them to remain engaged in personal growth, each to the best of their abilities." To date, Misericordia cares for over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a staff of 1,000+ across a 31-acre campus, with a new drive-by Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery being planned now.
A Silver Lining founder Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Greg Hines.
I'm a big fan of Dr. Sandy Goldberg and her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation that provides breast health support for those in need. So, when I heard that the 18th annual Tasting Stars event, which supports ASLF, was going to be virtual, I was at my computer and ready on Saturday, June 13 at 7pm. Paul Lisnek (of WGN-TV) emceed this virtual champagne event that would normally have been held at the DIRTT Environmental Solutions space (325 N. Wells) with magnificent views of the Loop and river. I'm always curious to see how the various nonprofits are able to pivot to virtual for the first time and this one, despite a few technical difficulties, went off without a hitch and was very informative and entertaining. Viewers tuned into YouTube Live for the hour long event
Virtual event host Paul Lisnek.
that opened with jazz pianist Anthony Pocetti (who performed beautiful standards intermittently throughout the presentation). Viewers were able to purchase "French Food Boxes" from the Entertaining Company (a longtime supporter) before the event in keeping
Adiat Baker and Iya Bakare, longtime supporters.
with the event's French theme. Lisnek introduced a video explaining ASLF's impact, how it came to be and the important work it's doing in the community. The video opened with one of the most dynamic singers I know, Opal Staples (of the famed Staples gospel family). Her singing always brings me to tears and this time was no exception. Her rendition of "Rise Up" is mind blowing (see video here). WGN-TV's
Sir Charles Stanfield.
Micah Materre was also a contributor and spoke about the people the organization serves. Dr. Sandy spoke passionately about her nonprofit that was born in 2002 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recalled having access to "everything that she needed during that journey." And when she realized others weren't as fortunate, she and her husband, Greg Hines, co-founded the org at their kitchen table with one donation. The programs have grown over the last 17 years to include five programs 1) The Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (which
Save the Date! A Sterling Event on Oct. 3
provides research and outreach), 2) Buy A Mom A Mammogram (ASLF now funds all breast health testing, screenings through biopsies for under-insured, un-insured and undocumented women and men). 3) The Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center (renamed at UI Health in honor of Sandy's late mother) 4) Keep aBreast (a program designed specifically for young people) and 5) Survive to Thrive (a support program for those already diagnosed). Dr. Sandy said, "The women and men we deal with at A Silver Lining Foundation feel like they don't matter. They feel like nobody cares and that they're alone in the world. This is NOT the premise on which this foundation is based. We turn NO ONE away! We need you to RISE UP and help us make sure no one goes unrecognized. We feel everyone deserves a chance to survive." Tasting Stars co-founder (with wife Ann) Brent Carstensen spoke about the nonprofit's champagne partnership with master sommelier, Sir Charles Stanfield. Traditionally, at past events, Sir Charles would "saber" a cork off a bottle of champagne to start the event so, this year, a video was shown of him doing it virtually so the tradition could remain intact. Tasting Stars has raised and distributed
Dr. Sandy Goldberg.
over $600,000 to the cause since its founding 18 years ago. The event closed with Dr. Sandy awarding the annual Evelyn Goldberg Memorial Award to the "Tasting Stars
Ben Carstensen, co-founder Tasting Stars.
Family." In 2019, ASLF stats showed: 15 partner hospitals; 1,487 women served; 227 zip codes served; 1,965 tests funded with 18 diagnoses discovered. ASLF's signature fundraiser, A Sterling Event, will be held on Saturday, October 3. The virtual event closed with a champagne toast and the announcement that the event has raised over $60,000! (And, as Dr. Sandy added, "with no charging for tickets and no silent and live auctions!")
RefuSHE Fashion Challenge winning designer Concetta Cipriano (lower left) with her design worn by model Eleanor Simon.
RefuSHE hosted its first virtual Fashion Challenge on June 19, in celebration of World Refugee Day, with seven talented, emerging designers: Amy Fenderson, Concetta Cipriano, Fraley Le, Lagi Nadeau, Kate VanAsten, Taylor Graves and Xochil Herrera Scheer. The concept this year consisted of a virtual fashion show inspired by Project Runway with designers showing their looks using fabrics and materials sourced from RefuSHE's Artisan Collective, a program that fosters leadership and business skills through the production of hand-dyed fabrics and scarves that are created by girls and women in the organization. The nonprofit was co-founded by Anne Sweeney and Talyn Good in East Africa to protect and support separated and orphaned girls and young women who often fell through the gaps of protection,
Colorful and stunning design by Fraley Le.
becoming invisible and vulnerable. They are the first and only organization dedicated to refugee girls in Kenya. The virtual event included remarks from Tamasha Rimba, Associate Director of Case management and Safe House in Kenya. She spoke about the wide range of services the org provides to every girl who comes into the organization with the priority being the provision of basic needs–access to food, clothing, water, shelter and medication. She said, "Most of our girls are survivors of war and sexual-based gender based violence and also young mothers." Tamasha shared the story of a young 15-year-old
Chantale Zuzi shared her moving story of survival.
girl who had been raped and was "heavily pregnant and
Design by Amy Fenderson.
malnourished." She flourished under RefuSHE nurturing and programming. Geoffrey Thige, executive director, took viewers on a virtual journey to Kenya where they saw the campus through the eyes of the women there. He said, "There are more than 18 million displaced people in Sub Saharan West Africa and over half are under the age of 18." Before the runway show, final (powerful)
Design by Xochil Herrera Scheer.
comments were delivered by RefuSHE alumna Chantale Zuzi who told a harrowing story of how she survived as an albino woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her mother was encouraged to abort her but she refused. Chantale said albino children were used for sacrificial purposes there and not figured viable in this society. She's now living and thriving in the U.S. while getting an education that she hopes to use to help her people. Judges for the runway show included Cheryle Jackson (CEO of Grit + Grace), Kahindo Mateene (founder/designer of KAHINDO), Monica Singh
Beautiful headpiece by Fraley Le.
(designer and UN Women Youth Ambassador) and Travis Paul Martin (executive director of PR at Skoog). The Fashion Challenge event celebrated the power of philanthropy and fashion's ability to tell a story through art and the stories were colorful, joyful, hopeful and amazing. Each designer was paired with a RefuSHE participant who served as their muses. Viewers voted for their favorite designers donating $20 per vote with designer Concetta Cipriano taking away the win for this year's Challenge with glam model Eleanor Simon. The event raised $124,037 with 100% of proceeds going towards RefuSHE's transformational model of care for young refugee women, girls, and their children in East Africa and around the world. To learn more abut this remarkable nonprofit, click here and see all of the beautiful designs in photo below.
(To see the fashion show, check out the video below, the show starts at 23:06)
The late Bunky Cushing and Hazel Barr at DOT in 2010.
With all of my nonprofit fundraisers temporarily suspended, I decided to take a look back at some of the more popular events. One of my favorites is the Service Club of Chicago's "Day on the Terrace" fashion show. It's typically hosted the first Monday in
Kristina McGrath, Heather Farley and Nina Mariano at DOT 2010.
August at the Peninsula. It's such an exciting show because so many of our local men and women (and members) participate–it's sort of like a social family reunion. This year, the event will be virtual on the same date, Monday, August 3 (11 am to 12:30 pm). Join the watch party and enjoy a fabulous production created by co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen in collaboration with BlackOak Technical Productions! The ticket price, $100, will include a Look Book that will be mailed out prior to the show (buy a page and advertise your
Sheryl Schmidt, Susanna Homan, Sherill Bodine and Mary Lasky at DOT 2010.
business, salute your friends, etc.) (Fab illustration by Elda De la Rosa) (DOT info here! ) It won't be like being in the same room with friends but it's great that they're soldiering on, as the SC has done for the last 130 years! The SC is unique because of the fact that 100% of the funds raised goes directly to charity. This year, its Philanthropic Grant Program awarded over $440,000 to 38 nonprofits. The organization
Anne Wallace and Jean Antoniou at DOT 2010.
does not give the grantees a check. Instead, they assist, improve and enlarge upon agency programs. The Albany Park Community Center requested (and received) a used van. The Apparel Industry Foundation received laptops and lockers and The Council for Jewish Elderly received security cameras. The grants are awarded across a variety of deserving nonprofits and helps recipients expand facilities, improve equipment and initiate new programs which
DOT goes virtual in 2020 (Illustration by Elda de la Rosa).
will better serve a large number of people in need. I served on the Philanthropic Committee one year and it was life changing. To see the needs that are so great and to know that you've helped somehow in a small or large way is rewarding beyond comprehension. I applaud all the members of this remarkable organization and can't wait till we can all be together again, celebrating another successful event. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these photos from past events. Also, mark your calendars for another SC event, "A Very Patriotic Zoom Cocktail Party" on Thursday, July 2 in collaboration with Steak 48! Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 312.220.9600.
The Pullman Estate is set to open as The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardenson Saturday, July 11, through Sunday, August 9. The 23-room, 11,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century east Lake Forest estate has been transformed by over 30 interior and landscape designers. Many of the items at the Showhouse & Gardens will be for sale too! A price list
Pullman Estate in Lake Forest.
of items for sale from furnishings to accessories will be made available in each designer space with 15% of the sale benefiting Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Following State safety guidelines, a restricted number of tickets will be sold per day,
William Allan Pinkerton Pullman (holding shovel).
divided by morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for $40 must be purchased in advance here. The home benefits the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, which is celebrating more than 108 years of providing healthcare to Chicago's medically under-served. The colonial-style home was originally designed by Frost & Granger in 1906 and
Showhouse honorary chair Paloma Contreras.
completely renovated by architect Stanley Anderson in the late 1920s for investment banker William Allan Pinkerton Pullman (1901-1988), the grand-nephew of George M. Pullman, the developer and manufacturer of Pullman cars. An avid gardener and co-founder of the Chicago Botanic Garden, William A.P. Pullman worked with New York landscape architect Annette Hoyt in 1937 to create world class gardens on the property. Some of the original plantings still exist – from a Ginkgo tree of epic proportion to rare Chinese maples and Japanese lilacs, as well as the original boxwood hedges – the same ones that inspired others to plant "Pullman boxwood" in formal gardens. Hope to see you there!
Doorstep Divas Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa.
Talk about a cool pivot! Congrats to the newly created Doorstep Divas Chicago and its stars Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa, for turning lemons into lemonade! With their amazing voices and effervescent personalities these two renowned singers (Molly is a
Molly singing with Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.
lead singer in Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band playing at military bases for the troops as well as fronting the Chicago-based all girl cover band Catfight and Caitlin is a band leader and vocalist at Ken Arlen Music Productions) have figured out a way to survive the lack
Darling Doorstep Divas Caitlin Simone Buffa and Molly Callinan.
of gigs due to the pandemic by forming their very own, social-distancing entertainment venture. The ladies will perform their hearts out at your home for any occasion. Their repertoire is two pages of single-spaced songs that include ballads (Norah Jones "Come Away With Me," etc.); Elvis; Beatles; Prince; disco (Donna Summer's "Bad Girls," etc.); Motown/R&B (Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody", etc.); Contemporary Rock, Swing/Standards and SO MUCH MORE! These ladies do it ALL! So, if you want to spice up a night on your lawn, check out their website here and book 'em! And see them in action here!
Chicago House & Social Services replaced its scheduled virtual Pride Variety Show with an event titled Raise Your Voice in honor of Black Lives Matter. The one hour virtual experience was designed to affirm Black lives through the power of storytelling, spoken word and song. The event was
Chicago House trustee Kelly Saulsberry.
co-hosted in collaboration with Chicago House, AffinityCommunity Services, Brave Space Alliance and the Youth Empowerment Performance Project. Hosted by Chicago House trustee Kelly Saulsberry, the event featured appearances by Barbara McBee, Jakari Earl, Zola Makeda, the Honorable Angelina Nordstrom, Osiris Khepera, Cruel Valentine and Shane Calvin. Lucy Stoole, award-winning drag queen and advocate for gender non-conforming people, served as the
Artist Zola Makeda.
event's emcee. Lucy said, "Black voices need to be heard, black people need to be seen and our talents need to be celebrated
Emcee Lucy Stoole.
across the world, here on the eve of Juneteenth." Poet Zola Makeda delivered a powerful poem titled "Good Hope", about the disappointment, hope and hardships she's faced growing up as transgender and Black. To learn more about Chicago House & Social Services, click here. Founded in 1985, Chicago House is a social service organization that supports individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ+ community with housing, health, and employment support.
Special thanks to photographer Tim Klein for including me in his recent project, the "pandemic portfolio." He plans on photographing Chicago "notables during this unprecedented time in history." I've been lucky to have worked with him in the past for a campaign for Burberry. I can't wait to share his photos! Check out his website here!
Lake County Fairgrounds and Carpool Concerts have teamed up to make your summer extra special! Imagine a grandstand stage, stellar acoustics, big name local cover bands and cars of every make and model and you'll have a very cool live music concert you'll never forget, the summer drive-in Carpool Concert Tour 2020 (in Grayslake, Illinois). Fans can enjoy live music while staying safe and socially distant in their cars. The line-up includes Sixteen Candles Band, Boys Band Review, Trippin' Billies, Infinity, American English, Southern Accents and more! The 75 minute shows are at 4 pm and 7 pm daily from Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28! Check out all the details here!
Boy, the kid in me is so excited for this virtual fundraiser hosted by the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum! "Dressing Barbie" will feature a Zoom presentation by Carol Spencer, the fashion designer who "dressed Barbie" at Mattel from 1963 until 1998! This virtual event will also include a super fun "Barbie Box" that will feature a signed and personalized "Dressing Barbie" book; the exclusive Zoom link; a Barbie collector card; a mini Barbie Dream House–all the accoutrements you will need to have a fun Barbie-themed Zoom presentation on the history of Barbie's fashion (includes adult and kid friendly contents)!–FOR $100! The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 11 am (CST)! To RSVP, please click here!
Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino DiBuono for including me in her/our first INSTA LIVE! I think we nailed it! She hosted on her @ZZAZZProductions page and I guested. We had a blast talking about anything and everything–how nonprofits are faring, makeup and fashion tips, my Playboy years and so much more! We've had many requests for a do-over so watch out world, we might be BAAACCKKK!!! Lol! (Follow Tracey on Insta at @ZZAZZProductions and me (please) @CandidCandace!) And watch our segment here!
Nobu Hospitality, the globally established lifestyle brand founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Tepe, announces the preview and opening of Nobu Hotel Chicago in the West Loop (155 N. Peoria) on July 1st. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft., Nobu Hotel Chicago will feature 115 rooms, two private dining rooms, 3,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space – including The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago and first class amenities. Guests can expect the company’s signature aesthetic – Japanese influence with an ultra-modern design to create a zen oasis in the heart of the city. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality commented, "We are so pleased to be introducing our first Nobu Hotel in the Midwest US. Chicago is a world-class mecca of dining and entertainment and we are very proud to provide a new and exciting destination for the local community and visitors." Now accepting reservations here: Nobu Hotel Chicago. (The phase two opening will occur at a later date which will mark the opening of Nobu restaurant and bar with patio dining.)
On Monday, June 29, join the Center for Enriched Living for its "Virtual Chefs' Night" from 7 to 8 pm! The Center is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities. An exciting raffle (1/$100 or 3/$275) is featuring a 2020 Lexus UX25OH and only 1,299 tickets will be sold! The event is FREE to view but a suggested donation of $90 is encouraged. For all the details, click here!
The American Heart Association will host a virtual Heart Ball on Thursday, June 25 from 7-8 pm. The event will be emceed by Windy City Live's Val Warner and chaired by Linda Imonti. The 2020 Heart of Gold Award recipient will be Pat Magoon, retiring CEO of Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The auction (that goes online June 23) and donation portion of the evening will be expertly handled by Greg "G-Man" Dellinger. To register, click here!
Kudos to Lana Bramlette, fashionable founder of Lana Jewelry, who turned her Columbia education and passion for fine jewelry into a powerhouse brand. Eighteen years ago, she brought gold back into the spotlight by creating
Jewelry designer/philanthropist Lana Bramlette wearing her own designs.
her signature gold hoops worn by A-listers including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna and Rihanna. Fast forward to today, Lana gives back to the institution that helped shape her career. In the early 2000s, she founded the Chicago Fashion Foundation with her husband Rob. The two then enlisted other Chicago-based powerhouse women and men in the fashion industry to be a part of this amazing organization. Through Bramlette’s efforts with the CFF, Columbia recently received a gift of more than $540,000 to propel future generations of designers and entrepreneurs in fashion! This gift will provide Columbia Fashion Studies students with scholarship funds and access to learning opportunities that otherwise would have been out of reach. Thank you Lana for your big, chic heart!
Dance for Life 2019 finale choreographed by Randy Duncan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg).
Dance for Life 2020 is going virtual! Join them online from Aug. 10-14 and see works archived from past Dance for Life performances during the past 29 years! Pieces from the annual partner dance companies will be presented by Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Hanna Brictson and Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater, Joseph Holmes School of Dance, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Chicago, and a collaborative
Hubbard Street Dance, Dance for Life 2019. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg).
work by Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater and Trinity Irish Dance Company. Then, on August 15, celebrate with a world premiere! This culminating event, commemorating the originally-planned date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life at the Auditorium Theatre, will feature a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19 with dancers from throughout the Chicago area. This year's virtual event will benefit The Dancers' Fund, AIDS Foundation Chicago and Chicago Dancers United. (Details here!)
Special thanks to my Playmate sister Barbara Moore (Miss December 1992) who interviewed me for her wonderful
Barbara Moore starring in "Bay Watch."
podcast, Life, Laughter & Happiness." We went wayyyy back with our many memories of Hef, Playboy, the legendary parties and life at the Playboy Mansion. Barbara starred in "Baywatch" and has been an avid ballroom dancer like another beautiful PM friend of mine, Patti McGuire Connors. To listen, click here! (Thanks to her co-host/producer Jonathan Alexander for bringing me on!)
With Leslie Hindman wearing masks created by Elda de la Rosa.
Special thanks to all of our local designers who have made the pivot to mask-making! One of my favorite designs was created by Chicago's own Elda de la Rosa! Monogramming is the very latest in mask wear and one of these beauties can be yours for only $25! Contact Elda here!
That's it for this week. As always, stay safe, sane and civil. Call your friends, bake decadent desserts and read that book that's been in your drawer forever and I'll see you again soon!
The Center for Enriched Living will host a virtual Chef's Night on Monday, June 28. Watch website for details coming soon! 
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!) 
Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and 
national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
