Category Archives: Music

August 31, 2018 · 12:32 pm

A NEWBIE’S VISIT TO THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR

SHEDD AQUARIUM'S BLU; MEDIA GIRLS ON TOUR; ELI'S AND THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE FOOD BOWL; GARTH'S RECORD-BREAKER; PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE'S "CHICAGO SINGS"; CHICAGO CUT MAKES THE CUT!; CBRE AND CHICAGO CUBS BASH; COSTUME COUNCIL'S "MEN'S FASHION AWARDS"; ROONEY'S BIG BREAK; CHICAGO CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER'S "NIGHT OF HEROES"; HERMENE REMEMBERS ARETHA; IF CHARITIES' FUNDRAISER; AIBI/AIFI REVS UP CHICAGO; ABIGAIL'S "CHICAGO LIGHTS" PROJECT; BEAR NECESSITIES' "A WALK FOR THE BEAR"; MARIA HITS THE FESTS; UNICEF CHICAGO'S HUMANITARIAN LUNCHEON; VIDEOS TO MAKE YOU SMILE AND SO MUCH MORE!

Patriotic Twilight Parade.

As a lifelong Midwesterner, I felt it my obligation and duty to attend at least one Illinois State Fair so, this year, we packed up Rooney and a few shorts and T-shirts and headed downstate to Springfield. I always love driving through this beautiful state. It seems to put me in a meditative state as we whizzed past those corn and soy bean fields and past the little red barns that have long ago lost their paint. I often wonder what it would be like to live in these little farm towns–no makeup, no social media, fried green tomatoes every night for dinner–but then I

I'll take all of the above! Lol!

digress. The Illinois State Fair has been in existence since 1853 and began as more of a display of agricultural products and equipment. Today, it's a bustling,thriving 366 acres of fun that included seemingly limitless activities, livestock, harness racing, rides, food, crafts, political pavilions and more food. This year's theme, "200 Years of Amazing" celebrated the state's bicentennial (duh). We stayed at a hotel that started out with a lot of promise–The

The famous 600 lb. butter cow!

Mansion View Inn & Suites–situated right across from the Governor's Mansion. I thought, how bad could it be? It looked nice online. Well, bad. I won't share anymore details other than to say we spent as little time as possible in the room. The Governor's Mansion, on the other hand, looked spectacular after its recent renovation–impeccably manicured grounds, daily guided tours–an imposing building overlooking downtown Springfield and a stone's throw from Abraham Lincoln's home–also, lots of poverty which I was very sad to see in

Beauty Pageant Queens came in all sizes!

our state's capitol. Next to amazing, turn of the century mansions was squalor, especially as you got nearer the fairgrounds. Nonetheless, we soldiered on, anxiously anticipating our next big adventure. Parking was nowhere–every lot was full but we lucked out and parked only 1/2 a block from the entrance and under shade trees at that. The day was scorchingly hot and I was so glad I didn't bring

#RooneyRules in the state capitol.

Rooney along. We would've had to turn back. I was sad to see so many dogs there with their tongues hanging out. Anyway, the midway was jam packed with every type of decadent food group you could think of–fried Twinkies and Oreos, corn dogs (which were made famous at this very fair!), fried catfish, BBQ, funnel cakes in every flavor and more. International food stations offered even more choices. On a whim, I decided we needed to take a ride on the

Junk food heaven!

ski lift. It seemed like a good idea at the time since I figured this vantage point would give us a great overview of the fair (see the views here). We climbed aboard with our feet dangling before we realized we both hate heights and any rides of any kind at any fairs anywhere. Even though it didn't last long, it seemed like an eternity to us. Note to self–never again. All throughout the ride all I could think of was what the headline would read–"Two Naive

Over 1900 year-old redwood log house

Chicagoans Ride Shaky Ski Lift Before Dropping to their Doom". Anyway, we survived, so off we went to see the livestock barns. There, we saw the largest horses on the planet–Percherons and Shires, each easily standing over 7 feet high! Sadly, we missed the baby pig and goat barns, miniature horses and the opportunity to milk a cow. We also missed the Diaper Derby (???) and the ponytail, husband calling

It wouldn't be the State Fair without Honest Abe!

and rooster crowing contests, to name a few more highlights, BUT, we did not miss one of the main attractions–the famous 600 pound butter cow–located in the Dairy Building (every year since the 1920s). The lines snaked outside the building with people clamoring to get a look. Crazy I know, but we waited patiently in line until, finally, finally our moment came.

I never knew there was such a variety of funnel cakes!

And there it was, rotating inside a refrigerated, multi-windowed exhibit with all of us clicking and filming away. NOW I could check this sight off my bucket list. Then it was time to choose our Fair Food–we decided on fried catfish and a corn dog with lemonade, which did not disappoint. The rides seemed a little death defying to me, especially the "Down Draft" which drops riders 30 feet in an open car….also, the "Wheel of Fire" –a complete circle where riders hang upside down with flames all around. YIKES! The entertainment was varied and plentiful with Foreigner and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Boy George and Culture Club, Flo Rida and Ludacris, Brantley Gilbert and so much more! It was an experience I will never forget. However, having said that, I think once was enough.

Shedd pres/CEO Bridget Coughlin and husband Brian Wegner

The recent Shedd Aquarium fundraiser BLU got me thinking about the history of this much loved Chicago institution. John G. Shedd wanted to give back to the city in which he had risen from stock boy to president of department store giant Marshall Field & Company. Because every great city in the United States and Europe had a fine aquarium, he decided that Chicago must have the biggest and best. Mr. Shedd imagined a stately marble building and a collection of aquatic animals

Shedd BLU co-chairs Drew Gravitt, Nate Fencl and Jessica Morris.

from around the world that would complement the two world-class institutions already in Grant Park, the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. With Shedd’s initial donation of $2 million, the not-for-profit Shedd Aquarium Society was founded on Feb. 1, 1924, “to construct, maintain and operate an aquarium or museum of

With Chuck in front of a Washed Ashore Project sculpture

aquatic life exclusively for educational and scientific purposes….” A circle of parkland at the end of 12th Street (now Roosevelt Road) was donated and the planning began. Walter Chute, who would become the aquarium’s director, toured the major U.S. and European aquariums to study what excelled (and what didn’t) and then worked side by side with the architects to create a state-of-the-art aquarium inside and out, supported by Mr. Shedd’s gift of

The aquatic presentation finale–parade of Magellanic penguins!

an additional $1 million. John G. Shedd never saw his aquarium. He died in October 1926 at age 76. The board of directors carried on, and ground was broken in November 1927. The John G. Shedd Aquarium opened to throngs of guests on May 30, 1930 and today, it receives over 2 million visitors annually who enjoy unforgettable encounters with 32,000 animals from the world's aquatic environments. The BLU event

Shedd BLU party on Sick Family Terrace

attracted over 900 guests and offered meet-and-greets with Magellanic penguins (see their darling finale parade here), a caiman lizard named Gil, 2 green tree pythons (sisters Jill and Jasmine), a South American puffer fish and an angry little tegu named Uncle Fester. One of the new attractions this year was the

With Diver Brian Siegel at Shedd BLU

addition of a drag show that was held in the main rotunda. There, performers Kat Sass, Trannika Rex and Tenderoni whipped the crowd into a frenzy with Alexis Bevels even performing on roller skates as a mermaid! Over 30 ethically farmed food stations kept

Crystal Peters and Gregory Curtis Jr. (Shedd Aux. Board member)

the crowd fueled for fun and a stunning display of art made entirely from plastic beach trash by the "Washed Ashore–Art to Save the Sea" project raised awareness about the global marine debris crisis. Dancing under the stars on the terrace provided partygoers with magical views of the city and skyline. If possible, don't miss this exciting event next year! I highly recommend it both for its worthy fundraising aspect and for the non-stop excitement! (Photos by Heidi Zeiger)

Nekia Nichelle and Maha Gorgi

It was an afternoon of inspiration, enlightenment and fun for the "Media Girls on Tour" event on Saturday, August 25. Dynamic media personalities from across the spectrum came together to share tips, histories and advice for over 100 women (and men) in Pilsen.

Chic Mika Stambaugh

Participants included Bria Fachon (Power 92.3 FM), Mika Stambaugh (The Mas Ink + PR Pro), Maudlyne Iherjirika (Chicago Chronicles), Nekia Nichelle (ChicagoNow.com), Maha Gorgi (Power 92.3 FM), Samantha Callender (Essence Mag), Jade Lucas (106.3 Chicago) and Charmaine Johnise ("Black Ink Chicago"). Moderators were Tyler Marie and Jauntel Taffe. The 2 hour long panel

Khallilah Beecham-Watkins and Maudlyne Ihejirika

discussion touched on subjects ranging from combining motherhood, marriage and a media job to how to succeed in business. Maudlyne (president of the National Assn. of Black Journalists-Chicago Chapter) shared her words of wisdom after 25 years in the business. "Always be ready", "When it's time, it's

Charmaine Johnise ("Black Ink Chicago") in one of her bestselling aprons.

going to be too late", "Don't just want it and sit back. Do the footwork and grab it." Nekia cautioned everyone to "take care of yourself first and stay mentally grounded." Samantha Callender shared, "Never give up! I refused to allow setbacks to become excuses for not finding ways to manifest my destiny…Don't just have a goal, work towards it, know what you want and claim it!" Maha's great advice advised attendees to "make yourself

Bree Specific

unfireable" by learning all the tools of your trade and then anticipating what will come next and then learn all about that. Jade spoke about combining motherhood, child-rearing and marriage while still maintaining your media identity. (Special thanks to Serenity Barren for these awesome comment notes.) Every single woman was interesting and had so much to contribute. Mika spoke about her early days at CBS and cautioned everyone to take on every job assignment that comes their way and to

Bria Fachon

basically outwork everyone else (I know Mika well and this couldn't be truer! She's an Energizer Bunny!) Charmaine had the audience on the edge of their seats as she described her insider's views of what it's like to work on a reality show. Master massage therapist Jovan Plunkett was also on hand as well as a variety of food and drink and even salon services provided by Salon Lokei, the event venue! I was thrilled to see fabulous photographer Barb Levant at the event and can't thank her enough for most of these images. (As an aside, if you need anyone who is adept at photographing pets, people and lifestyle, she's your girl!) The "Media Girls on Tour" will be traveling to several states with Atlanta coming up next on Sat., October 6! (For more info on an event near you, click here!)

Students from Porchlight's "Make Your Own Musical Summer Camp"!

Porchlight Music Theatre welcomed a sold-out crowd at its 13^th Annual Chicago Sings concert fundraiser; Chicago Sings The MGM Musicals, held on August 20 at Second City’s UP Comedy Club. With direction by Keely Vasquez, music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Beckie Menzie, stage

Michael Weinberg and Amanda Black

management by Jake Allen Miller and sound design Robert Hornbostel, this event was the company’s most successful Chicago Sings to date. Sales from this one-night-only performance benefited Porchlight Music Theatre’s youth educational and community outreach programming raising more than $54,000. The stellar evening saluting MGM musicals began with

Porchlight's inaugural Luminary Award winner and board member James Jensen w/ exec. dir. Jeannie Lukow and artistic director Michael Weber

James Earl Jones II singing "Hooray for Hollywood/Going Hollywood" from Going Hollywood. Artistic Director Michael Weber then welcomed the sold out crowd to Porchlight’s special event and played host for much of the evening, sharing with the enthusiastic audience information about MGM’s

Michelle Lauto sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

productions, their stars and the night’s performers. The entertainment-packed evening also included performances by Christine Mild, Patrick Martin, Kelvin Roston Jr., David Fiorello, Nancy Voigts, Cynthia Clarey, Genevieve Thiers, Devin DeSantis, Britt-Marie Sivertsen, Stephen Schellhardt, Neala Barron, Brandon Dahlquist, Jim DeSelm, Alexis J. Roston and many others. The audience gave a standing ovation during

WGN's Paul Lisnek and Institutional Advancement Director Don Sprague

the presentation of the Luminary Award to James Jensen, who accepted the inaugural award from Executive Director Jeannie Lukow. Jensen was honored for his selfless dedication to, not only Porchlight, but also the arts throughout Chicago and the nation, for more than 40 years. Tammy Mader and Richard Strimer closed out Act 1 with "Moses

Khaki Pixley, Jim DeSelm, Sharriese Hamilton and Brandon Dahlquist perform

Supposes,” the only song specifically written for the musical Singin’ in the Rain. Students Camila Barragan, Kaitlin Deodhar, Sara Deodhar, Maeve McGeehan and Janelly Rosendo from Porchlight

Lynn Orschel with Connie Barkley

Music Theatre’s ”Make Your Own Musical” Summer Camp began Act 2 with a medley. Yando Lopez’s beautiful rendition of "Get Happy" from Summer Stock prepped the audience for the all-star conclusion of “That’s Entertainment” from Band Wagon that had the audience on their feet and singing along. (Photos by Michael Courier)

With Eli's Cheesecake's Maureen Schulman and Mary's cobbler.

The Chicago Tribune Food Bowl was a roaring success with foodie and chef events happening all over town! I was thrilled to be asked to participate in Eli's Cheesecake's "Sweet Taste of Summer" held at its impressive headquarters at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr. Besides me, their "Celebrity Chef"

Disregard the duplicated blueberries and add 2 TBSP orange juice! Voila!

collaborations included a real chef–Kelly Helgeson (Parachute's Jean Banchette Award winner) who created an apricot rum cake and Roxana Kayvani (from Roxana's Kitchen). She made a delicious peach and plum saffron yogurt cake. It was an honor to share a childhood recipe from someone near and dear to me. Mama Mary Johnson was a shining light for me, helping raise me from birth. Her famous Peach & Blueberry Cobbler will bring tears to your eyes (recipe below, except it's

With friend Geoff Burton, Chef Laurel Boger and an empty cobbler dish!

missing 2 TBSP of orange juice which really makes the flavors pop!) I was thrilled to see longtime friend Geoff Burton in the crowd who was also the first in line for a sample! Lol! Following the demo with Eli's Executive Pastry & Creative Research Chef (and so patient) Laurel Boger , Maureen and Marc Schulman gave us a tour of their remarkable facilities.

Best part of the demo–EATING IT!

It was truly awe-inspiring to see the "sweet magic" that happens there. They also never forget, and always honor, their history with founder Eli Schulman, whose first mixer that whipped up the original cheesecake is proudly on display in the entryway. A kick-ass farmer's market takes place every weekend through Halloween from Nichol's Farm & Orchard (a favorite among restaurants/chefs in the know). (And to see a little demo of my cooking skills (lol!), click here!)

Chicago Cut staff and owners Matt Moore and David Flom.

Congrats are in order for one of my favorite restaurants! Chicago Cut has been named one of "100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America" according to OpenTable! AND, it's the only one in Chicago to have been named to this cool list! Congrats Matt Moore and David Flom! We just love it and couldn't agree more!

CBRE Charity Bash check presentation with Ryne Sandberg, Kyle Schwarber, Joe Maddon, Wilson Contreras, Jon Lester, Andre Dawson and friends.

The Chicago office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate (CBRE) and the Chicago Cubs recently hosted the 11th Annual CBRE Charity Bash at historic Wrigley Field. The event raised $500,000, with

All Star Kids Clinic with Kyle Schwarber

100 percent of net proceeds benefiting numerous local charities. More than1,600 CBRE professionals, their clients, families and guests were in attendance to participate in this year’s event, along with Cubs manager Joe Maddon, as well as Cubs legends Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson. This year’s event featured an All-Star Kids clinic led by Cubs players Jon Lester, Willson Contreras and Kyle Schwarber with more than 150 kids participating in the hour-long clinic with the players. Beneficiaries of this year’s event are CBRE Cares charities as well the Jon Lester NVRQT Campaign for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation Kyle Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes Campaign and Cubs Charities. This is the third year that CBRE and the Cubs have partnered on this charity initiative, which has raised a total of $1.35 million.

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will host its 3rd annual Chicago Men"s Fashion Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at Room & Board (55 E. Ohio)! Deserving, best dressed award recipients include Michael Caputo, David Sanchez, Shaun Rajah, Aaron Shirley and many others! Congrats to ALL! (Media sponsor Chicago Splash) Includes a fall fashion presentation by Saks Fifth Avenue. For tickets, only $75!, and more info, click here.

Garth Brooks making history at the Grand Ole Opry.

Wow! A first in Grand Ole Opry history! Reigning CMA Country Music Association's "Entertainer of the Year" Garth Brooks returned to the Opry recently for two special back-to-back sold-out shows. During his second performance the unrelenting crowd went wild, asking for Garth to come back and chanting for “more." In the FIRST TIME in Opry history, in an unprecedented move, the Opry raised the curtain for an encore and Garth performed four more songs, marking an unforgettable night for the thrilled audience!

Exciting news! Guess who has been tapped as a pinup model for the famous PAWS Chicago desktop calendar? Yep, the one and only Rooney "Rules" Jordan! Can't wait to share the fun! I think he's so handsome.

Of all the tributes I've read about Aretha Franklin, in my opinion, the most definitive and comprehensive one is by N'Digo Magapaper's Hermene Hartman. Why? Because they were longtime friends and she knew her best. Read this very personal account here and see

With Aretha Franklin, Hermene Hartman and Reverend Jesse Jackson at N'DIGO Gala in 2012.

my interview and coverage of the NDIGO Gala that Ms. Franklin headlined below! Participants in her memorial service being held today, Friday, Aug. 30 at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit include Faith Hill, Ariana Grande, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, former President Bill Clinton, The Williams Brothers, The Clark Sisters, Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, Chaka Khan, Ron Isley, Cicely Tyson, Clive Davis, Smokey Robinson, Isaiah Thomas, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holliday and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir, among many others.

Chicago Children's Advocacy Center will host its annual "A Night of Heroes" on Wed., Oct. 10 at The Montgomery Club! The VERY important CAC and its partners are the front-line responders in Chicago to reports of child sexual and physical abuse, witnesses to violence and other serious maltreatment. Please support by buying tickets here!

Party with Israel "Izzy" Idonije on his birthday November 17, at iF Charities' signature fundraiser! Check this website for more details, coming soon!

Aibi Aifi's "Rev Up Chicago" showed us the best of the best of Chicago fashion and honored two much loved philanthropists–Pat and Joe Perillo ! Check out complete coverage HERE in Candid Candace in the Chicago Tribune!

With artist Abigail Zoe Martin

Thrilled to be included in Abigail Zoe Martin's "Chicago Lights" project, an audio/visual exhibition that will "spotlight select Chicagoans who give off their own positive light." Others to be included: Rick Kogan, Father Michael Pfleger, Izzy Idonije, celebrity Chef Jamie Laurita and many more! Will open at the Zhou B Art Center in November. More details coming soon!

Trick-or-Treat & Move Your Feet at Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's "A Walk for the Bear 5th annual Costume Walk Benefiting Pediatric Cancer Research" on Sunday, October 21. The 3-mile walk will be held in Lincoln Park at 1700 Stockton Drive. At this family event, participants come dressed in costume to raise awareness for Bear Necessities and raise funds for “Bear Discoveries” pediatric oncology research grants. For tickets and more info, click here! http://bit.ly/2oj7lNW

Maria Pappas at Ukranian Fest

Maria Pappas is the hardest working politician I've ever met. Serving as the Cook County Treasurer since 1998 and before that, two terms on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, she is much loved and VERY effective! This past weekend alone, she hit a melting pot of festivals– Greek, Assyrian, Peruvian, Ukranian and more! Follow her adventures on Facebook, @MariaPappas–she is tireless! Thanks for your wonderful service Maria! We're BIG fans!

The 8th annual UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Ritz-Carlton. The theme, #EatPlayLove will focus on early childhood development and feature a keynote address from Sherrie Rollins Westin, president of Global Impact and Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop and UNICEF USA National Board Member. This year's recipients are Dr. Colleen Cicchetti (executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children's) and Phyllis Glink (executive director of the Irving Harris Foundation). (For tix, more info, click HERE!)

The summer seems to be racing by and we're trying to grab as many corndogs as we can to enjoy it! I hope you and yours are too! If you have any events/happenings you would like to share, please contact me at the email below and, as always, if not a subscriber, please sign in here! My lists are never shared, only treasured!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And now, something to leave you with a smile! We should all be so joyful!

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Food and Drink, Games, Music

Tagged as celebrities, charities, Fashion, Film, nonprofits, parties, restaurants

August 10, 2018 · 9:07 am

BEACH BOYS PERFORM AT SUMMER’S HOTTEST BIRTHDAY BASH

PAWS CHICAGO BEACH PARTY; SERVICE CLUB'S RECORD-BREAKING DAY ON THE TERRACE; A TASTY NEW RESTAURANT; GUS GIORDANO DANCE SCHOOL CELEBRATES 65; TENNIS RETURNS TO CHICAGO; PETER'S JOY; CHICAGO SINFONIETTA'S FUNDRAISER FOR UNITY; CHICAGO TRIBUNE'S FOOD BOWL; ELI'S "SWEET TASTE OF SUMMER"; BUY A PIECE OF HISTORY–LIGHTHOUSES ON MAG MILE; "TIE ONE ON" WITH CHICAGO GATEWAY GREEN AND THE TIE BAR; FLAIR FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER FOR THE CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE; END OF SUMMER MUSINGS; VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Birthday boy/host Richard Driehaus

Jay Gatsby has nothing on Richard Driehaus! At his annual summer bash on July 28 at his estate, Glanworth Gardens (named in honor of his mother's birthplace in Glanworth, County Cork, Ireland), the invite-only crowd of over 800 experienced thrills on top of thrills to celebrate this much loved philanthropist/historic preservationist on his 76th

Driehaus estate patriotically decorated for the party!

birthday. The extravaganza, themed "Spirit of 76", included characters dressed in period costumes (Betsy Ross, Will Rogers, Uncle Sam, etc.), multiple food pavilions serving all American fare like Philadelphia cheese-steaks, Coney Island hot

I didn't realize Uncle Sam was soooo tall!

dogs, Kansas City BBQ, San Antonio Tex-Mex, Patriotic Pizza, Lady Liberty Lemonade and so much more! You get the picture! We enjoyed a pre-cocktail reception at Stuart Ellison's magnificent lakeside home. There, his sweetheart Linda Yu (while sporting a cast!) served Sylvia Perez, Nora Dunn, Frances Renk, Tracey

With Nora Dunn, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Linda Yu, Sylvia Perez, Frances Renk and Peach Carr

Tarantino, Mayari Pritzker and her Dave, Peach Carr, Chuck, me and others, delicious hors d'oeuvres before we departed for the main event. An "Uncle Sam" performance artist on stilts and a quartet of barbershop singers greeted arriving guests at the Driehaus estate.

Family and friends go onstage to sing Happy Birthday to Richard

Trolleys then whisked partygoers through this wonderland, dropping them off inside the 40 acre estate where cocktails on the expansive lawn allowed guests a chance to mix, mingle and admire

Such beautiful girls

each other's patriotic attire. At exactly 6:30 pm, we heard trombones in the distance and, shortly, a marching band appeared around the bend….as it wound around, there was the birthday honoree sitting atop a vintage Cadillac convertible from his vast collection (see video here!). His family

Joe Schmidt and Sheryl Dyer

appeared in other vintage automobiles, waving and smiling at the crowd. In years' past, Richard has entered the party atop an elephant dressed in a ringmaster's suit. No two birthday parties are ever the same and always feature a high-profile performer. For last year's

Chuck with Will Rogers and Betsy Ross

"Drive In" theme, comedian Jay Leno, also a rare car buff, was the headliner. This year's entertainment was none other than the BEACH BOYS! Richard came onstage (a dramatic main stage with "Yankee Doodle Driehaus" lit brightly in colored neon by Kehoe Designs) to introduce the band and to thank the crowd for attending. He said, "Bob Dylan warned 'don't trust anyone over 30.' But then he turned 31 and changed his tune. Tonight, we

Mike Love

celebrate the Spirit of '76. This revolutionary spirit is in each of us. It is innovative, adoptable, optimistic and charitable. From the lighthouse to the IPhone, America has a long history of revolutionary

Lights UP for the Beach Boys!

inventions. Arguably, no country has shaped the manufacture and design of automobiles more than the U.S…Several examples of automotive innovation are here tonight. The 1903 Olds, Model R, was the first

With actor John Shea

mass produced car using the supplier system of manufacturing that exists to this day. The '34 Rooster featured avant-garde styling for new vehicles of the time. And the '41 Thunderbolt featured the first electrical, retractable hardtop. Finally, the '46 Town & Country used wood after WWII to jumpstart America's production." He closed with a quote. "George Burns said 'you can't help getting older but you don't have to

Dramatic fireworks display over the lake looking past Driehaus home

get old.' I couldn't agree more," he said. And Richard is living proof! The Beach Boys played all of their hits including a new one that had never been heard before, "An Ode to Betsy" about a much loved vintage car in a nod to

Cute guests!

Richard's collection. Throughout the afternoon, a plane circled the grounds trailed by a "Spirit of 76" flag. We were on sensory overload! The evening culminated in the most spectacular fireworks display we'd ever seen. It lit up

Summer Lovin'!

the lake as well as the humongous American flag that covered the front of Richard and Inese's magnificent home. Earlier in the day, Chuck, Rooney and I took a boat tour and, as we approached the Driehaus estate, the guide said, "And now we're nearing the most magnificent home on the lake." Amen to that! Richard's philanthropic contributions are endless. In a

Such dramatic landscaping!

fascinating article about him and his estate in the summer edition of At The Lake Magazine, Anne Morrissey writes, "Listening to Driehaus speak about his love of historic preservation, it becomes clear that

With Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sheryl Dyer.

he is inspired to leave pieces of history for future generations to appreciate, combining an appreciation for the past with a hope for the future." He leaves a trail of fun, optimism, inspiration and goodness wherever he goes. Thank you Richard for all you've done–you make the world a better, more exciting place for all of us.

Taraji P. Henson having some 29Rooms fun

Refinery29 celebrated the opening of "29Rooms Chicago: Turn It Into Art" on July 25, turning a warehouse on Hubbard Street into an artistic feast for the senses. The pop-up installations ranged from a ginormous typewriter (that guest/Empire

Kelly Rowland and Taraji P. Henson

star Taraji Henson posed on) to a boxing gym emphasizing "women power" to an airbrushed "tattoo room" designed by singer Demi Lovato. Much like the Happy Place exhibit that was recently in town (and now extended to Sept.3!), this experience offered guests a chance to become the art. South Side artist Shani Crowe designed "Rest in Power, Rest in Peace," an anti-violence installation. She said, "Because I'm

COO of Refinery29 Sarah Personette, Kelly Rowland, Yolanda Ross and Refinery29 co-founder Piera Gelardi

from Chicago, of course, I know the impact violence has had on me living in the city. I've lost people to gun violence." In another room, the words "I Stand with Planned Parenthood" were lit up in

Chance the Rapper, enjoying the show!

neon lights. Notable Chicago attendees included supermodel Emily Ratajkowski, Kelly Rowland, Henson and Mayer Emanuel along with Orange Is the New Black’s Taylor Schilling, Dascha Polanco and Kate Mulgrew who checked out the show’s activation "Identity is

Co-founder of Refinery29 Piera Gelardi and supermodel Emily Ratajkowski

Power." Chance the Rapper also stopped by and enjoyed a performance from dancers "The Era feat. I am Queen." "Turn It Into Art" taps into the transformative and healing power of creativity through its imaginative spirit and interactive funhouse style of culture and creativity. It's brought to life by a group of global artists and visionaries across mediums and powered by attendees! (See how it was first created in NYC here!) (Getty Images)

Co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Yvette Cusack with Peninsula's Greg Hyder

The Service Club of Chicago has done it again, pulling off another sold-out "Day on the Terrace" fashion show and luncheon at the Peninsula Hotel,breaking all past fundraising records! Held on July 30th, the "first look" at fall fashion was

SC president Tracey Tarantino DiBuono who also produced the show

designed as a tribute to one of its late members, Hazel Barr, a co-founder of the event (along with SC member Myra Reilly) who passed away recently. A toast was presented before the show by co-chair Jean Antoniou, who appeared onstage with her fellow co-chairs Sharyl Mackey and Yvette Cusack. Service Club president Tracey Tarantino

Susan Colletti, Myra Reilly, Lynda Silverman and Tina Weller.

DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) produced the 45 minute show that featured looks from Alice+Olivia, Anne Fontaine, Bonobos, Contessa Bottega, Cram Fashion, Elda de la Rosa Couture, Eileen Fisher, L.K. Bennett, Max Mara and Maximilian Furs at Bloomingdale's, SYLWIA, Tom James and VMR Chicago. A dramatic finale presentation by Neiman

Mark Olley, John Reilly and Paul Iacono

Marcus Michigan Avenue featured models in evening wear escorted by the Western Golf Association's Evans Scholars, a past grant recipient of the SC, that provides full housing and tuition scholarships to deserving caddies nationwide who have limited financial means. Models in the show were Service

Laura Schwartz conducts the auction/paddle raise surrounded by Evans Scholars

Club members, local media personalities and SC supporters. They included CBS-2's Ryan Baker (who brought wild applause from the crowd when he danced down the runway), Michael Caputo, Susan Colletti, Phil Cooper, Sean Eshagy, Michael Kutza, Susan Gohl, D.C. and Alayna Crenshaw, Sheryl Dyer (SC vice-president), Rich Gamble, Kim Gleeson, Fox-32's Dawn Hasbrouck, Kathleen Henson, Darby Hills, Marci

Wearing Maximilian Fur by Bloomingdale's.

Holzer, Sherry Lea Holson, Greg Hyder, Paul Iacono, Justin Jacobson, WBBM-TV's Rob Johnson and wife Stacey, Cheri Lawrence, Kristina McGrath and her twin Korinna Isselhardt, WGN-TV's Micah Materre, Cristina Montgomery, Silvia Muller, Mark Olley, Karen Peters, Kathy Piccone, Fox-32's Sylvia Perez, Shaun Rajah, Frances Renk, CBS-2's Irika Sargent,

Pam Capitanini, Myra Reilly and Dori Wilson

Whitney Reynolds, NBC-5's Zoraida Sambolin, Robin Robinson, Andrea Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Zak Stemer, Marc Sievers, Denise Tomasello, Dan Uslan, Sheree Schimmer Valukas, Mamie Walton, Sun-Times' Linda Yu, David Zivan and so many others! At times, it seemed like there were more

Alex, Jean and Andrea Antoniou

people on the runway than in the audience! The wall-to-wall crowd cheered every outfit/model and Hazel would've loved it! Her son Warren Barr III and daughter-in-law Holly Barr were in attendance. SC pres Tracey DiBuono spoke about the event and

Julia Jacobs, Al Menotti and Charlene Seaman

Hazel's role in it. "This will be the first production without her and it is extremely bittersweet. This day has always had 'Hazel' written all over it and today, she is in our thoughts and hearts as we move forward with the traditions of excellence she

Michael Kutza with Susan Gohl.

instilled in all of us…When the lights go down and the music begins, we know our Heavenly Hazel will be watching us, guiding us and here in spirit." At the end of the day, attendees enjoyed a packed goody bag as a take-home gift that included a custom branded SC lip gloss courtesy of The Gnome Colony (485 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn), a fabulous By:Fashionaholic gift certificate, Dr. Stacie McClane gift certificate for a facial, a Peninsula spa gift certificate and so many more! Over $135K was raised to support the organization's grant program that, last year, provided over $490,000 in much-needed goods to 62 deserving non-profits. (Photos by John Reilly Photography) Models' hair by Charles Ifergan Salon/ makeup by Torie Conn.(To see MORE pics, click here: Photo Gallery!)

Amy Giordano with Gus Giordano Legacy Company, College Pro Scholarship Dancers

Gus Giordano Dance School celebrated it’s 65th season with an event on July 26 in Andersonville. The first half of the event took place outside, in front of the school, with performances by The Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Company, College/Pro Scholarship dancers and GG Company dancers. Following the

College Pro Scholarship Dancers of Gus Giordano Dance School

free-to-the-public performance, a private performance and reception took place inside the school. Mayor Emanuel and Alderman Patrick O’Connor were in attendance and have been very supportive of the organization. Mayor Emanuel said, "Gus Giordano is an institution that lives past his life and is a legacy for the city. And it’s a

Nicole Belander, Cole Vernon, Lauren Giordano Curran, Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Co.

great contribution to the cultural enrichment of the city and obviously the neighborhood of Andersonville.” (The Mayor has a long-standing personal connection to the school. As a teenager, he took dance classes from Gus!) The Gus Giordano Dance School is home to The Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Foundation, which presented 23 dancers with scholarships during the month of July. They came from across the U.S. as

Mayor Rahm Emanuel with Amy Giordano, Alderman Patrick O'Connor, Lauren Giordano Curran and Nicole Belanger

well as Mexico to attend the College/Pro Intensive. The Gus Giordano Jazz Legacy Foundation's mission is to spread the joy of jazz dance by providing scholarships to children, teens, college students, and pre-professionals. The Foundation also conducts outreach dance programs, leads master classes in Chicago Public Schools, provides jazz dance training for CPS teachers, and does performances across the city. Congrats to ALL!

Pacific Standard Time Chicago

We enjoyed a wonderful evening recently that included the feel-good film, Disney's "Christopher Robin" (read Flix & Feast film/dining critic Geoff Burton's spot-on review here!) and dinner at the fairly new (open 13 weeks) Pacific Standard Time Chicago, 141 W. Erie, 312.736.1778! The California-style fare was delicious and we loved seeing old friend Felipe Ospina at the head of house! Two small suggestions though–dim the lights sooner and stock some Mezza Corona Pinot Grigio! Lol! Read Phil Vettel's excellent review here!

World Team Tennis players with the legendary Billie Jean King

For the first time in 25 years, professional tennis returned to Chicago. To celebrate the opening of the XS Tennis and Education Foundation—a non-profit on the South Side that provides a safe haven and funnels kids to college through tennis and academics– Sloane Stephens (2017 U.S. Open champ) headlined the World Team Tennis match on July 27. Notables in attendance included sports legend Billie Jean King, Stephens

Sloane Stephens (R), 2017 U.S. Open Champ, and friend

(ranked #3 in the world/#1 in U.S. women's tennis), Jonathan Cheban ("Keeping Up with the Kardashians"), the Mayor, Valerie Jarrett, Tina Tchen, Les Coney, Liz Dozier and Toni Preckwinkle. Attendees enjoyed an array of dining options presented by Dineamic Hospitality Group (Prime & Provisions, Siena Tavern, Barrio and more). The event was sponsored by Oracle, Magellan and Mercedes Benz.

"Are YOU the family I've been looking for?"

It was one "yappy" day for homeless dogs and cats as PAWS Chicago celebrated its 16th annual Beach Party at the Castaways, a unique yacht-inspired venue at North Avenue beach, on July 19. Everywhere you looked, dogs were lounging on the "pup

"Won't you adopt ME PLEASE?"

deck" wearing Hawaiian leis, colorful t-shirts, sailor hats and even an oversized straw boater, that was on Shari Duffy's Rottweiler Max! The event raised $330,000 to benefit PAWS life-saving programs for homeless pets including a brand new

Betty Sue, a 5-year-old Shih Tzu, will be ready for adoption after her medical treatments are done.

reno/remodel of 20,000 square-feet of unfinished space that will double it's medical facilities. Against a gorgeous sunset, skyline and lake views, more than 500 guests partied, including 125 dogs who attended. A Paradise 4 Paws doggie spa offered pet massages,

Shari Duffy's sweet Max!

splash pools, a grain-free buffet courtesy of Merrick Pet Care, "pawdicures" and more. The event was emceed for the ninth year by well-known animal champion, Lisa Dent (a radio personality on BIG 95.5), who owns two PAWS

Warm and fuzzy Beach Party fun!

rescues, Hank and Finn. PAWS founder Paula Fasseas introduced the annual Adoptable Animal Showcase, this year featuring 6 adorable dogs. All were adopted following the event except for one undergoing medical care. The event, presented by Surgi-Connect, was expertly co-chaired by Erica Kelly, Melissa Todd and Jeff Hall. Congrats to all! (Photos by Claire Demos, Rich Chen, Evan Cobb and Bridget Gatz).

The Chicago Sinfonietta's Associate Board will host Prelude 2018: We.The.People, a fundraiser for unity, on Mon., Sept. 24, at the Symphony Center. (Tickets: $40 reception/$85 reception & concert) available here: http://bit.ly/2LSu3KW.

Peter Au, Joy Yee Restaurant Group manager, on Windy City Live segment.

Joy Yee Plus, a Chinatown hotspot managed by Peter Au, was recently featured on a Windy City Live segment. Take a look and get your spandex ready for the bubble waffle! (Click here to see video!)

With Eli's Cheesecake's Maureen Schulman, Eli's pastry Chef Laurel Boger and my all-gone peach/blueberry cobbler!

Don't laugh. On Thursday, August 9, as part of the first annual Chicago Tribune's Food Bowl, I prepared my favorite fruit cobbler recipe from my beloved Mary Johnson (shown in photo on her 90th BD) with Eli's Cheesecake Company's pastry chef Laurel Boger. Other participants will include Jean Banchet Award-winner

A few of the "sweet" and satisfied customers for the Chicago Tribune/ Eli's Cheesecake Food Bowl!

Kelly Helgeson (she'll be preparing an apricot rum cake on Thurs. Aug. 16) and Roxana's Kitchen's Roxana Kayvani (who will be preparing a peach and plum saffron yogurt cake on Thurs., Aug. 23). So please join these talented chef on the respective dates at 10 AM on Eli's Patio, 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr., Chicago, under the Big Top during the weekly Farmer's Market! (FREE!) (For all the Trib's Food Bowl deets, click here!) (I nailed it!)

You can now own one of the 48 stunning lighthouses that are lining North Michigan Ave that celebrate Chicago’s commitment to access and inclusion for people with disabilities. The were designed by local Chicago artists, many with disabilities themselves, and were recently featured on CBS Sunday Morning. These sculptures have compelling stories which will touch your heart and add beauty and inspiration to your home, office or community neighborhood. All proceeds from the auction will benefit programs at The Chicago Lighthouse serving people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and veterans. See these works of art on North Michigan Avenue and surrounding areas until August 11. (Bidding begins 8/8 here: http://bit.ly/2MjIq75)

Chicago Gateway Green will partner with The Tie Bar to celebrate National Bow Tie Day on Tuesday, Aug. 28. A portion of the evening's proceeds will benefit CGG, AND there will be tickets available to this year's Green Tie Ball (on Sept. 14 at the Geraghty with REDFOO!) To RSVP for the Tie Bar, email michael.corrigan@thetiebar.com and for Green Tie Ball tickets, please click HERE!

I hope you will join me for the annual FLAIR fashion show/luncheon at the Loews Chicago on Tuesday, October 2. I'm thrilled and excited to be this year's honoree for an afternoon of fun, fashion and fundraising. The event will support children's and teen's programs at The Chicago Lighthouse–helping children and adolescents who may be blind, visually impaired or disabled meet developmental and educational milestones, build supportive relationships and fully participate in their communities. Fashions will include looks by Anne Fontaine, Contessa Bottega, Mira Couture, My Stylist at Macy's and wearNYLA! (For tickets, $175, and more info, click here!)

The Joffrey Ballet Women's Board will celebrate the world premiere of the passionate ballet Anna Karenina with an elegant luncheon and conversation surrounding the production on Wed., Sept. 26, at the Drake Hotel. For tickets, $225, and more info, click here!

Well, I can already smell fall in the air even though it's only August. It's pretty amazing how fast the summers fly by and how slowly winter drags on. I know Chuck, Rooney and I aren't ready to give up yet though! We just had a wonderful road-trip to Lake Geneva and the surrounding area and are already packing up for a trip to the Illinois State Fair! I've never been and it seems almost criminal to be a Midwest girl who has never even witnessed a tractor pull! And, after that, I am super-excited to return to my

At pre-reunion party at Good Times with Paul Weber, Leslie Sopp, Marsha Bieber English and Rod Lavender

hometown, Dupo, Illinois, for another "No Class Reunion" on Saturday, Sept. 22, expertly organized by fellow classmate Marsha Bieber English! Can't wait to play with old friends like Karen Lacroix, Paul Weber, Carolyn and Wade Teeter, Tommy Hundley and Rodney Lavender and see my sweet Aunt Lora Stott and cousins Cindy and Gregg Groce!

Hope you still have more fun summer plans too! Until next time!

Love always,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And, of course, something to leave you with a smile!

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Food and Drink, Music, Television

July 6, 2018 · 9:58 am

EVERSIGHT ILLINOIS GIFT OF SIGHT GALA: LET’S FLAMINGLE!

PLUS Z BAR'S GRAND OPENING; CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER GALA; ETHAN HAWKE HONORED BY GSFC; TOM'S PRIDE TEA DANCE; A SPARK! FOR SHIRLEY RYAN ABILITY LAB; MISSING HEAVENLY HAZEL; GILDA'S CLUB CHICAGO HONORS ANN LURIE; ONE MILLION DEGREES FOOD & WINE GALA; WEIGEL BROADCASTING'S NEW "COLLECTOR'S CALL"; BARKAPALOOZA; ONE GOOD EGG AND THE RANCICS AT PIXAR PREMIERE; ELI'S CELEBRATES TRIBUNE'S BIG MOVE; GREEN TIE BALL KICK-OFF PARTY; SAYING GOODBYE TO KATHY BROCK; REV UP! CHICAGO 2018; THEO EPSTEIN'S HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC CHICAGO FEST; MUSIC INSTITUTE ANNIVERSARY GALA; A DARLING VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

Eversight Illinois Visionary Award recipients Marco Foster and Dr. Elmer Tu.

The 20th annual Gift of Sight Gala was held at the Peninsula on June 28. The event raised funds for Eversight Illinois, an organization that for 71 years has been restoring sight for those in need by providing tissue for transplantation and research, working to

Eversight ED Diane Hollingsworth and Liliana Vujic present Dr. Elmer Tu with his award.

develop eye banks around the world and discovering new therapies and treatments. The 2018 Visionary Awards were presented to local philanthropist, man-about-town Marco Foster and Dr.

Gala committee

Elmer Tu, who specializes in infectious diseases of the cornea. Dr. Tu has performed over 1700 transplant surgeries including one on the evening's guest of honor, 12 year-old Liliana Vujic. Liliana was

Dr. John Geevarghese, Diane Vaccaro, event co-chair Michael Caputo, Beth Spadafore and Sofia Damianos

born with a rare congenital eye defect that has required multiple surgeries but, after successful corneal transplant surgery performed by Dr. Tu, she is now a

Jean Antoniou and Greg Hyder

vibrant, happy 12 year old who enjoys starring in musicals, singing in talent shows and reading her beloved books. Marco Foster, for the past 8 years, has been the host/founder and head cheerleader for an event for One Hope United, the White Party. As an adopted child, he

Diane and David Hollingsworth with ZZAZZ Production's Flower Lady, Shannon Lersch.

recognized the need to support this non-profit whose mission is to increase opportunities for children and their families. In 2009, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and, once again, he answered the

Jonathan Grabill and Susan Gohl.

call by raising awareness and funds for the Brain Injury Association, an organization he's been involved with for the past 6 years. He supports many other charities, even dressing as a super-hero to visit hospitalized children for the Super Hero Collective and Holiday Heroes. As you can

Tony Abruscato (2nd from L) and Michael Kutza (2nd from R) and friends.

imagine, it was quite an inspiring night but one that was also filled with fun and festivities from beginning to end. Guests entering the venue might have been reminded of the legendary Beverly Hills

Nina Mariano, Susanna Homan and Liza Sweitzer.

Hotel since the decor was inspired by its iconic green and white stripes, flamingoes and colors of the summer. Envisioned by my darling co-chair, Michael Caputo, and Kehoe Designs' Phil Cooper, the decor brought the gala to life! A pink

Susan Regenstein and Sylvia Muller

"flamingle" bar, presented by MyEyeDr., was decked out with topiary-filled urns filled with plastic, blinged out pink flamingoes (hand decorated by Michael!). The bar was tented with green and white

Drs. Randy Epstein and Linda Katz

striped fabric and filled with hanging, brightly colored balloons from Tamar Productions. The ballroom was a riot of color, again with boldly colored balloons hanging from the ceiling and the walls splashed with matching colors. When I first saw it, I felt like Alice must've felt as she entered Wonderland.

With Eversight board members Ed Hunter and Frank Saporito and co-chair Michael Caputo.

ZZAZZ Productions donated a beautiful flower lady, portrayed glamorously by model Shannon Lersch. Her

Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern

outfit was beyond imagining. You have to see the photo to believe it! The weather knew we needed it to cooperate and it did. It was a perfect summer night as guests mingled on the terrace, in the hallway outside the ballroom and inside as well. We had a killer silent auction with over 100 packages–including (thanks to the Peninsula's Maria Zec) trips to Shanghai, Hong Kong, New York, Beverly Hills, Las Vegas, Carmel and more! A photo booth allowed guests the opportunity to take home lasting

John Robak and Bethany Florek

memories and the music by DJ Apollo XO reminded me of my glory days at Studio 54, albeit with more

Guest of honor Liliana Vujic (2nd from L) with honoree Dr. Elmer Tu (R) and her family.

current beats! Lol! This event was founded by the late (much loved) Beverly Blettner 20 years ago and, happily, her dedication lives on. Last year, more than 7,000 individuals from around the globe received the gift of sight with the help of Eversight. Thanks to all who attended, our past honorees and especially to our sponsors! And please forgive me if I forget someone here–The

Sari Kovitz and Lauren Pappas

Peninsula Chicago, media sponsor Chicago Magazine, Gift of Hope (Organ & Tissue Donor Network), Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago Blower Corporation (love you Susan Gohl!), MyEyeDr., Tamar Productions, ZZAZZ Productions, Chicago Cornea Consultants and so many more! Also, a special shout-out/thanks to Eversight Illinois executive director Diane Hollingsworth and its PR

Honoree Dr. Elmer and Mrs. Tu and family.

gurus Steve Schapiro and Nikita Strange, the Peninsula's Greg Hyder, Breanna Jurs, Carrie Roitstein, Mary Ann Rose, Sally Schwartz and Reid Brody, Dr. Steve Stryker and Andrea Schwartz, Walter and Shirley Massey, Sue Downes, Lois Eisen, Dr. Charles and Anne Bouchard, Hubbard Inn, Dr. and Mrs. Lindenauer, AMLI River North (where we held a killer kick-off party!), TOAST Vodka, Thomas and Karren Wcisel and Mildred Zarzik. (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

Great atmosphere for the Z Bar opening!

And on another special night at the Peninsula Chicago, a brand new space opened and boy, is it something special! The Z Bar opened big last week to

Outstanding view from Z Bar.

rave reviews! It's not only new, but it was created from scratch and can be reached by elevator across from the previous bar on the lobby level that's now closed. Conceived by international designer Yabu Pushelberg, the bar is stylish and oh-so chic. Composed of multiple spaces, each has its own personality. The name

Z Bar opening

Z Bar is inspired by Maria Zec, the Peninsula's first ever female manager. The lounge even pays a darling homage to her pug dog with inspirations scattered throughout. On the nights set aside for its

With Amy Carr, Kathy Piccone, Sherry Holson and Sheryl Dyer.

grand opening, the space was in hyper-party mode with a stylish combo brought in from Paris, men and women prowling through the space in animal masks and tasty food offerings from the cuisines of Asia, Europe and the Americas created by Chef Toni Robertson. A private salon will offer a sanctuary type space for the many celebrities who call this hotel home when they're in town. Cocktails are works of art and feature a Manhattan Royale, starring rare Elijah Craig 18 year-old Bourbon with truffle and saffron bitters. You get the picture. And the views from the 4th floor onto Michigan Avenue are definitely Insta-worthy! A hotspot not to be missed!

RIP Heavenly Hazel (Portrait by Rosemary Fanti)

Sad, sad news….A force to be reckoned with right up to the very end–Hazel Barr passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 28, surrounded by those she loved. She was a long and loyal champion of the Service Club of Chicago, one of the oldest charitable organizations in the city. Her creativity and passion surrounding her Day on

The Perfect Couple- Warren and Hazel

the Terrace Fashion Show is legendary. Co-founded 19 years ago as the Day in the Country, Hazel grew this popular event to be one of the biggest and best in the city. It's a yearly sellout every July at the Peninsula and this year will be no different. Last year, the SC honored Hazel at the Day on the Terrace. I

Hazel Barr with her two beloved grandsons, Justin and Alexander Smith

will never forget the sight of her–always elegant–but, on this particular day, she was absolutely radiant. Her finale strut down the runway brought tears from everyone in the room as she was escorted by her two beloved

Myra and The Hazel

grandsons, Justin and Alexander Smith, blowing kisses and taking her final bow as chair of this event. She was instrumental in bringing me, along with a gazillion other wide-eyed

Hazel and Stanley Paul

women, into the Service Club fold. There, she molded us and taught us what philanthropy is all about. In large part due to her past efforts, the SC awarded a record-breaking number of grants this year to deserving nonprofits. I was proud and humbled to be under her glamorous wings, as were all her friends. She wasn't an easy woman by a long shot, but she knew what was best and never wanted to settle for anything less than what her

With Hazel, Brooke Ricketts and Sheryl Dyer

unerring vision dictated. I admired her for that, along with many of her other fine traits. She was tenacious, kind, giving, forceful, determined,

With Hazel Barr and Abra Wilkin

loving to her friends, sentimental and always, always, always positive. I don't think I ever saw her without a smile on that beautiful face. Beyond the Service Club, her reach stretched far into the nonprofit world and made Chicago a much better place to live. In the end, she preferred to be alone with those nearest and dearest. She was truly one of a kind, the best kind in my book, and the world will be a less joyful place without her in it. RIP Heavenly Hazel. Those angels will learn a lot from you. As Kevin Sullivan so aptly put it, I can't wait to see what "Day on the Cloud" looks like!

GALA 2018 Spirit of Shakespeare Artistic Honoree John Lithgow (second from left) w/ CST artistic director Barbara Gaines, creative producer Rick Boynton and executive director Criss Henderson.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater celebrated GALA 2018 on June 8 raising $1.6 million for the Chicago Shakespeare in Classrooms and Communities initiatives—which include the Tony Award-winning

Jim Pierpont, Francia Harrington, and Vern Broders

Theater’s nationally recognized education programs and free citywide Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour. During the event, Chicago Shakespeare presented the Spirit of Shakespeare Awards, honoring those who embody Shakespeare’s spirit through community engagement

UK Deputy Consul General Martin Whalley (2nd from L) and Rafael Veloso (2nd from R) pose w/ costumed characters, portrayed by actors Caitlan Taylor, Jennifer Latimore and Jeri Marshall.

and artistic leadership. This year’s Civic Honorees, Marilynn and Carl Thoma, were instrumental in the

The festive Victorian garden-themed décor for GALA 2018 featured lush floral arrangements from Pollen and striking visuals from MDR Creative.

founding of the Theater and have been a driving force behind its evolution and growth. As civic leaders and philanthropists, their generosity has fostered myriad cultural organizations and artists across the country. The 2018 Spirit of Shakespeare Artistic Honoree John Lithgow was recognized for his extensive career as a Tony, Emmy, and Golden Globe Award-winning actor. His celebrated career includes roles as varied as Sir Winston

Verett Mims and Amrit Singh

Churchill on the hit Netflix series, The Crown, Malvolio in Twelfth Night at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Arthur Mitchell in the crime drama mystery series Dexter, and Dick Solomon in the extraterrestrial

Paul and Lisa Oswald with Karmen and Brendan Keane

sitcom 3rd Rock from the Sun. Lithgow declared of the honor, "This not only gives me a chance to pay tribute to Chicago Shakespeare Theater, but also Chicago theater, period." In the Courtyard Lobby, artists in

Gala overview photo by Johnny Knight.

lavish costumes mingled and posed for photos with guests. Following a cocktail reception and seated dinner, 500 attendees from Chicago’s civic and cultural community enjoyed a one-

Glenn and Gayle Tilles, a Chicago Shakespeare Board Member, with daughter Rebecca Tilles.

night-only performance in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, featuring Tony and Grammy Award-winner Heather Headley and The Voice all-star Chris Mann. In the star-studded concert, audiences were treated to selections including ―"I Will Always Love You" performed by Headley, and duet performances of "Written in the Stars" from Aida and "For Good" from Wicked. To cap the night, guests pledged direct support to Chicago Shakespeare’s education and community initiatives during a successful paddle raise. (Photos by J. Lauryn Photography and Jimmy Knight Photo)

GSFC Renaissance Award recipient Ethan Hawke

Paying tribute to an artist who truly does it all, the Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute honored Academy Award, Golden Globe, SAG and Tony award-nominee Ethan Hawke on June 7 at the Ritz-Carlton

Richard and Ellen Sandor with honoree Ethan Hawke

Chicago. The evening paid homage to the actor's many accomplishments and provided guests with an opportunity to hear an intimate conversation that provided insights into his creative process and influences, favorite roles and his upcoming film "Blaze", which was co-written, produced and directed by Hawke. A retrospective of his film clips

Marlene Iglitzen and her family with Ethan Hawke

accompanied the conversation. The evening culminated with the presentation of the Gene Siskel Film Center Renaissance Award to Hawke by SAIC

Co-chair Eda Davidman with honoree Ethan Hawke and her cute hubby

president Elissa Tenny and GSFC Advisory Board Chair Ellen Sandor. The benefit was co-chaired by GSFC supporters and Advisory Board members Eda Davidman and Melissa Sage Fadim with proceeds supported the Center's curated film programming as well as lecture series and discussions with visiting scholars and filmmakers. Congrats to ALL! (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

MIC Gala Dushkin Award winner Pinchas Zukerman with Joan Harris

The Music Institute of Chicago, one of the nation’s oldest, largest, and most distinguished community music schools, welcomed 300 guests to its 2018, Anniversary Gala on May 21 at the Fairmont Hotel

Gala performers Joseph Lovette Elementary School students

Chicago. Co-chaired by Renée and Lester Crown, David F. Heroy, Cathy and Bill Osborn and Nancy and E. Scott Santi, the event raised more than $715,000 and included a cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner and awards presentation. Musical performances took place throughout the evening, representing every area of the

MIC Gala honorary co-chair Alexandra Nichols, Cathy Busch and Dustin O'Regan

Music Institute. Highlights included young musicians

Joan Harris, 2018 Dushkin Award winner Pinchas Zukerman and Amanda Forsyth, Carol Prins and John Hart

from the Community Music School; award-winning students from the renowned Academy, a training center for gifted pre-college musicians; and young students from its outreach programs, including ArtsLink, an arts integration program offered in partnership with Chicago Public Schools, and Third Coast Suzuki Strings, a violin program on Chicago’s

Dawn Meiners and Mary Galvin

Northwest Side in collaboration with the YMCA of Metro Chicago. The prestigious Dushkin Award, established 30 years ago and named for the Music Institute’s visionary founders, Dorothy and David

Gala performer Ria Honda

Dushkin, recognizes international luminaries in the world of music for their contributions to the art form, as well as to the education of youth. This year’s recipient, Pinchas Zukerman, has remained a phenomenon in the world of classical music for more than four decades. Rick Waddell, Northern Trust's retiring chairman, accepted the Cultural Visionary Award and the Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence was presented to Stanley Davis, a 58-year member of the clarinet and saxophone faculty. Honorary co-chairs were Susan R. Kiphart, Alexandra and John Nichols and Rachel Barton Pine. (Photos by Ana Miyares and Bob Carl)

The host with the MOST, Tom Kehoe!

Pride Weekend was extra special this year thanks to the first Tea Dance hosted by Tom Kehoe in his new home in Old Town on June 24. You couldn't miss the location since

With Tracey Tarantino, Nina Mariano, Ana Belaval and friend.

2 story Pride Flags decorated the front of the house and the sounds of laughter and music could be heard for blocks. It was a happy crowd that included MK and JB Pritzker, Julie Barrish, Jean Antoniou and her beautiful daughter Andrea, Mark Olley, Quenten Schumacher, Trevor Heffernon, Tom Carto, Ana Belaval, Tracey Tarantino, Mamie Walton, Heather Ingram, David Murga, Nina Mariano and

Stunning Julie Barrish and fabulous DJ Madrid Perry!

a host of others. A half-sawed off horse statue served as a unique bar (in true Tom Fashion) and DJ Madrid Perry kept the crowd dancing, dancing, dancing in the

With MK and JB Pritzker

newly planted backyard–full grown trees had been brought in making the garden look like it's existed for 50 years or more. Inside the chic, two-story house delicious food was everywhere you looked. Tom's home is a testimony to good taste, as you would expect, and as guests took self-guided tours, you could hear oohs and ahhhs coming from every elegant room. It was a great celebration dedicated to love and friendship and it was an honor to be included. Long may you reign Tom KEHOE!

And speaking of Tom, another shout-out for the Geraghty's new ad campaign! The latest ad for this fabulous venue is included in the latest issue of Michigan Avenue Magazine and I was so excited to be included along with David Murga, Ava Fain, Zach Brake, Danielle Robay, Luis Lazaro Gonzalez, Josephine Lee and Brock Williams. The fun photo was taken by Bob Davis (Bob & Dawn Davis Photography)

Rev Up Chicago!, sponsored by Bentley Motor Coach, will honor Pat and Joe Perillo at its annual fashion extravaganza on Wed. August 22 at Bentley Gold Coast. The exciting line up of participating local designers will include Brandon Blackshear, Caroline

Honorees Joe and Pat Perillo

Rose, Heidi Hess, Lauren Lein Ltd., M2057, Mira Couture, Model Atelier, Rebellion, Ricorso, ARMagamiI and Varyform. The Stanley Paul Fund will award its Tuition Scholarship this evening to one of the 5 finalists whose designs will appear on the runway. The show will be emceed by Erica Strama and produced by Susan Glick. I'm proud and honored to be the honorary event chair! Hope you can all join us! For tickets, beginning at $200, and more info, please click here!

Joanne C. Smith, MD, pres/CEO, addresses Spark! attendees

The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s first-ever Spark! signature event was held May 31, at the Four Seasons Chicago and attracted more than 350 supporters. The special benefit —the first the organization has hosted since

Matthew Passen, Trisha Tesmer, Nicollette Khuans, Nathan Chambery and Ted Fournier

officially opening the doors to its new research hospital in 2017 —generated $2.5 million in support for its best-in-class care and ground-breaking research. The event featured a rousing performance by Ali Stroker, star of TV, Broadway and film, as well as an immersive video experience highlighting the best of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. That's some pretty impressive fundraising for a first time event! Congrats, congrats, CONGRATS!

Co-founder Paul Epstein, actor and HSCM emcee Joel Murray, Cubs President of Baseball Operations and FTBNL co-founder Theo Epstein, former Cubs pitcher and HSCM emcee Ryan Dempster welcome the crowd.

A host of Chicago and Boston baseball and music All-Stars joined forces to raise nearly $500,000 to support Chicago and Boston youth and their families at the Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago concert and event series recently. The proceeds benefited Cubs

Chicago Children's Choir kicked off the night.

Charities and Foundation To Be Named Later, a non-profit founded by Chicago Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo

#1-Peter Gammons hits the stage as a part of Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago

Peter Gammons hits the stage as a part of Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago Concert

Epstein. The weekend events celebrated music, baseball and giving back and included the seventh annual Chicago concert and the annual Urban Classic Baseball game featuring elite youth teams from Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania. Baseball Hall of Fame journalist Peter Gammons and Epstein hosted the annual concert fundraiser, which was headlined by critically acclaimed rock band and Illinois natives The Orwells, and also featured musical performances by Gammons, HSCM supergroup Band Of Their Own (featuring Kay Hanley, Jenny Dee, Jennifer Hall and Kate Tucker) and All-Star ensembles from both Boston and Chicago that included Will Dailey, Chris

The Orwells headlined the seventh annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago Concert

The Orwells headlined the 7th annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago Concert.

Cote (The Upper Crust), Matt Spiegel, Ed Valauskas (The Gravel Pit) and Jason Narducy. WXRT-FM’s Lin Brehmer, actor Joel Murray, NBC Sports Chicago’s Leila Rahimi and former Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster served as event emcees. Special guest appearances on stage included Cub’s manager Joe Maddon, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and former pitcher David Ross. The weekend culminated with the Urban Classic Baseball Tournament, which shines a spotlight on the importance of urban baseball and academics by bringing together elite youth urban baseball clubs from across the country.

Bonnie Hunt with honoree/philanthropist Ann Lurie

Gilda’s Club Chicago honored its co-founder Ann Lurie as they celebrated 20 years of free cancer support at their annual dinner recently. Ann expressed her gratitude by stating, “This is exactly what we envisioned when we started Gilda’s Club 20 years ago.” Guest emcee Bonnie Hunt, who was once an oncology nurse in Chicago, shared her enthusiasm for the organization. “No one should have to

Gilda's Club executive director LauraJane Hyde presents Ann Lurie with award

face cancer alone and Gilda’s Club makes that possible.” The event raised a record-breaking $970,000 for the non-profit's mission–to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community. Gilda’s Club Chicago serves everyone living with cancer – men, women, teens and children – along with their families and friends.

Paola Salcedo with OMD co-founder Dave Scherer

One Million Degrees hosted its 11^th annual Degrees of Impact Food & Wine Gala on June 1 at Rockwell on the River, a brand new event space in the Avondale neighborhood. The event attracted 650 guests and raised $795,000. The event honored OMD Scholars and alumni, with special

12 Degrees of Impact co-chairs John and Deb Gross

recognition to the Honorable Melissa Bean, chairman of Midwest JPMorgan Chase, for her support of OMD and longtime service on its Board of Directors, including as its current Vice Chair.

Tony Preckwinkle, Melissa Bean and Paige Ponder with OMD Scholars

The Degrees of Impact gala, co-chaired by Deb Gross and Caroline Grossinger, mixed food and wine from some of Chicago’s top chefs with moving speeches from OMD Scholars and alumni

OMD Scholars

about how OMD is changing outcomes for them, their children, families and communities. OMD is the only organization in Illinois, and one of few in the country, dedicated to providing comprehensive supports to low-income, highly motivated community college students to help them succeed in school, in work, and in life.

For 25 years the West Suburban Humane Society has celebrated everything-dog at their annual Barkapalooza. This half-day, family-friendly fest for dogs and their people, will return to Lisle Community Park located at 1825 Short Street in Lisle, Illinois, on Sunday, September 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This extremely dog-friendly event allows pet owners, prospective pet adopters, and all-around pet lovers to raise money for homeless dogs and cats through a Dog Walkathon and Pet Expo full of pet-related vendors. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges for the walkathon, and all proceeds will support the West Suburban Humane Society, at their signature annual fundraiser. (For more info, click here!)

Filming "Collector's Call" with Thomas Joyce and Leslie Hindman

Chuck and I were excited to be featured on a new show airing in the fall or winter called "Collector's Call". The show is being produced by Weigel Broadcasting with host Lisa Whelchel (from The

A pre-production meeting with the Weigel Broadcasting crew

Facts of Life). I was able to convince friend Leslie Hindman to appear with me and she offered some interesting insights into the world of auctions. The show showcased our rare book collection with comments/appraisals offered by rare book expert Thomas Joyce. Stay tuned for programming info coming soon!

The American Egg Board (AEB) presented a check for $10K to RMHC

Giuliana and Bill Rancic with son Duke, along with The Incredible Egg, celebrated the much-anticipated release of Disney Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” at the Loews Chicago Hotel on June 15. The American Egg

The Bill, Duke and Giuliana Rancic enjoy "egg-cellent" food at event

Board (AEB) is supporting the superhero families of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) with a $10,000 charitable donation and year-long supply of eggs to the local kitchens in five local RMHC-CNI Houses. Now that's what I call One Good Egg! (You knew that was coming, right?)

Tribune's Tim Knight and Bruce Dold celebrate move with Eli's Cheesecake's Marc Schulman

Well, the Chicago Tribune has left its historic home to regroup at One Prudential Plaza. To mark this momentous occasion, Eli's Cheesecake Company delivered a HUGE congratulatory cheesecake with owners Maureen and Marc Schulman doing the cutting/serving honors themselves! As you know, it's NOT a party unless Eli's is there!

Chicago Gateway Green's Grant DePorter with GTB committee members Neal Zucker, Beth Heller, Jacky Ferro, Linda Johnson Rice and Marko Iglendza

Chicago Gateway Green hosted a kick-off party for the upcoming Green Tie Ball ("Green Eggs & Glam") at Lamborghini Gold Coast on June 25. Joe Perillo

The gang's all here! Green Tie Ball committee members at Lamborghini Gold Coast kick-off party!

welcomed guests and thanked CGG chairman Grant DePorter and the team for all they do to beautify Chicago. Committee members in attendance included Neal Zucker and Marko Iglendza, Linda Johnson Rice, Jon and Andrew

Green Tie Ball committee members Cynthia Au, Heather and Bruce Ingram and Peter Au

Landan, Heather and Bruce Ingram, James Feeley, Cynthia and Peter Au, Liza Sweitzer, Beth Heller, Jacky Ferro, Matthew McCahill, David Lissner,

With GTB co-chair Nina Mariano

Auxiliary Board members and others. Executive director Tony Abruscato thanked everyone for coming and shared updates about the event. This party will be held at the Geraghty (for the first time) on Friday, September 14! Tickets will go fast as this event is an annual sellout! (For more info/tix, click here!) Excited to have Nina Mariano as my co-chair!

Chuck and I have found our Happy Place!

You cannot miss a visit to the Happy Place! Founded by Jared Paul and opened originally in November of 2017 in Los Angeles, this massive pop-up experience (20,000+ square-feet)

Just a fly on the wall!

is filled with larger than life-size installations, multi-sensory immersive rooms and dozens of curated Insta-Moments to #CaptureYourHappy! Highlights include dancing in the middle of the world's largest indoor Confetti Dome, jumping off of a larger than life double rainbow into a pot of happiness, posing inside Happy Place's signature rubber ducky bathtub of fun and taking photos in the Super Bloom Room amid 15,000 blossoms! And let's not forget 7-foot stilettos made of a million candies and 6' tall X and O letters made out of thousands of tiny mirrors, surrounded by a wall of one thousand red lips! Well, you get the picture! It's a mini Disneyland right at 1004 N. Elston! Catch it now before it leaves for another lucky city on August 6!

And lastly, love and a shout-out to ABC-7's Kathy Brock who recently retired after 30 years. She has always been a class act and an unerring reporter. I always loved seeing her next to Alan Krashesky, one of the best, in my opinion, but I know she has another door to open. I can't wait to see where her next chapter takes her!

We hope your July 4th celebrations were happy and safe!

That's it for this week! I hope you've been entertained, learned something new and, perhaps, was introduced to a new nonprofit that you might want to wrap your arms around. Enjoy summer in Chicago!

Love,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And, as always, something to leave you with a smile! This is the "What the Fluff Challenge?" that's been sweeping the internet! Pets are confounded by their disappearing owners!

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Music, Television

May 25, 2018 · 10:18 am

CHICAGO’S VERY OWN PRINCESS, MAMIE WALTON, CELEBRATES 90 IN ROYAL STYLE

PLUS BROOKFIELD ZOO'S "WHIRL"; MAUREEN AND MARC HONORED AT STANLEY PAUL BENEFIT; A STARRY NIGHT AT COMMFEST; THOUGHTS ON THE ROYAL WEDDING; CHICAGO HOUSE'S "RALLY ON THE RUNWAY"; SPECIAL OLYMPICS' "INSPIRE GREATNESS"; MATT BRINGS FITNESS TO A NEW LEVEL; HANDS OF PEACE BENEFIT; GOODBYE GALA FOR A LIVING LANDMARK; HONORS FOR MOSQUITO; NIGHTLIFE GURU BJ MURRAY RETURNS FOR LYME FIGHT; GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER TO HONOR ETHAN HAWKE; MELISSA RETURNS TO US VIA WLIT-FM!; BUTTERFLY BALL; ST. JANE HOTEL PREVIEW; CUTE VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

Birthday girl Mamie Walton dances with Prince Harry!

Everyone loves Mamie! Chicago's very own social queen and beloved philanthropist, Mamie Walton (herself a Brit) celebrated her 90th birthday in a style that rivaled the royal wedding's! The Peninsula was dressed in the colors of the

A cake fit for a queen!

Union Jack with jolly good decor by Kehoe Designs, planned in collaboration with the Pen's Greg Hyder and, of course, Mamie. 126 by-invite-only guests arrived through a dramatic, scarlet set of sheer curtains to enter London's High Street where storefronts like Harrod's filled the lobby alongside bright red traditional English phone booths. Four fully outfitted

Mamie's elegant invitation included this sweet tribute to her late love Julius Walton, her true prince!

Beefeaters (really Coldstream Guards) were also on hand to greet partygoers. Mamie welcomed guests in a stunning, gold, floor-length Michael Kors gown that perfectly complimented her always chic blond bob. When the

Handsome men Bob Zec, Peter Martino, Cary Frank and Chuck Jordan

doors opened to the ballroom, you could hear gasps from the crowd as they looked upon splendor like I've never seen before. (See decor HERE!) White roses overflowed on every table beside candles

Jean Antoniou, Sherry Holson, Greg Hyder and Mark Olley

displayed in elegant crystal holders. Multiple chandeliers were grouped together in the ceiling above the dance floor where a towering, gilded

Myra Reilly with Bill and Cathy Bartholomay

cake sat with a golden statue of "Mamie (ala Marilyn)" on top holding an American flag and the Union Jack. Stanley Paul's band had the crowd on the dance floor for most of the night except when they were enjoying a gourmet British-inspired dinner

Heather and Bruce Ingram with Toni Canada

prepared by the Pen's executive chef Toni Robertson (in collaboration with Greg, the Pen's Catering Director) that featured Beef Wellington and for dessert, Eton Mess (a traditional British dessert consisting of strawberries, meringue, whipped heavy cream

Peter and Karen Martino

and strawberry sorbet). As guests finished dinner, trumpets sounded and the Beefeaters appeared in the spotlight at the entry to the ballroom and, suddenly, there was Prince Harry! A PERFECT look-a-like wearing the complete uniform with medals and a gold sash whisked Mamie onto the dance floor amid

Vonita Reescer and Kevin Sullivan

swoons and squeals of delight. He was truly the spitting image of the Prince and dare I say, even cuter! They danced to "Foggy Day in London Town", of course! He then mingled and danced with attendees and took photos

John Cannon and Cary Frank

with anyone who asked. Tom Kehoe had discovered "Wade" in Oregon and flew him in for this grand occasion. Kehoe Designs completely outfitted him in this amazing costume that was spot on. Following her dance with the Prince, she took to the mic and serenaded us all, in perfect pitch, to "Time After Time." (See her sing HERE!) Talk about a perfect evening! No one wanted to leave the dance floor but, finally they did. But not Mamie! Mamie was the last to leave, of course, and chatted with Greg and Tom afterwards about how happy she was with the evening. I couldn't agree more. It was a night we'll never, ever forget. Guests in the crowd included Mark Olley, Sherry Fox, Maria and Bob Zec, John Cannon and Cary Frank, Peter and Karen Martino, Tracey DiBuono, Jean and Andy Antoniou, Lynda and Howard Silverman, Toni and Rick Canada, Heather and Bruce Ingram, Linda and Mark Heister, Stanley Paul, Vonita Reescer, Kevin

Mamie and Prince Harry (aka Wade)

Sullivan, Cathy and Bill Bartholomay, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Sherrill and John Bodine, Janet Owen, Bob Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Jim Smith, Dori Wilson, Denise Allen, Susan Gohl, Myra and John Reilly, Sean Eshagy and his mom Carol Blaney Eshagy and so many more! The next day, I called Mamie to thank her for a wonderful evening and this is the message on her phone, "Life is a cabaret, Mamie here"…..What a perfect motto for a life well lived. Long may you reign Queen Mamie and here's to 100 more! We all love you!

The Schulmans! Kori, Maureen, Elana, Marc and Haley

Each year, beloved bandleader Stanley Paul hosts a benefit for his Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Fund at a private club in the Gold Coast. This year, on May 9, the deserving honorees were Maureen and

Eli's Slice mascot, Elana, Haley, Marc (the BIG cheese!), Maureen and Kori Schulman

Marc Schulman of Eli's Cheesecake fame (and so much more). Their list of philanthropic endeavors reads like an encyclopedia. Personally, I can't think of a nonprofit that they haven't touched/supported in one

Rick Kogan, me, Maureen Schulman, Bill Zwecker, Donna LaPietra and Marc Schulman

way or another, oftentimes with a donation of one of their giant, delicious cheesecakes! I was honored to be a speaker along with Chicago Tribune's Rick Kogan, Bill Zwecker and the Schulman's beautiful,

Marc, Maureen, Dr. Arthur Simon, Janet Ruchim, Dr. Michael Ruchim

articulate daughters Elana, Haley and Kori. The evening was expertly produced by Donna LaPietra who came attired in an Eli's Cheesecake t-shirt, of course! Her dedication to themes are legendary and this night was

Team Eli's

no exception. Photos of each speaker appeared onscreen with a funny cheesecake affiliation. A video of the couple documented their philanthropy and devotion to all things Chicago that

Grant DePorter and The Honorable Bruce Heyman

included wonderful, historical photos of the company and its founder Eli. I look at the Schulmans as members of everyone's family. This makes sense since they and

Linda Heister and Stanley Paul

their cheesecakes seem to have been a part of every major celebration and special occasion that I can remember. They even supplied cakes for former Presidents Clinton and Obama's inaugurations! The cake made its debut at the first Taste of Chicago in

(L to R) Haley, Kori and Elana wheel in the big cake

1980 and was an immediate hit. I also love this couple's amazing love story. I asked Maureen recently how she and Marc met. She said

Marsha Brenner and Dennis Minkel

that Marc was a bit of a player in college. In fact, when Maureen attended the national convention of her sorority as president (of course!) of Sigma Delta Tau, all the girls were discussing who they were dating. Maureen told them she had just started dating a guy named Marc Schulman. Girls from

Emcee/producer Donna LaPietra and Sherrill Bodine

Chicago, the suburbs and Denver, where Marc went to college, all said, "We are too!" Over the years, I've become an ardent admirer of this much loved couple, not just because of their delicious cheesecakes, but because of their great big hearts. I have covered their Happiness Club benefit on several occasions and asked its artistic director, Tanji Harper, for her thoughts on the Schulmans. "What I know of Marc and Maureen, after being blessed to work with them long enough to consider

Rich Melman, Marc Schulman, Bill Marovitz and Stanley Paul

them a second family, is that they have a profound calling to help others. They have used their ideas, network and resources to help hundreds of Chicago kids who have morphed into incredible adults because of the opportunities the Happiness Club gave them. I believe

Bill and Maria Smithburg

desserts are just a clever conduit for their true purpose–they are really ambassadors of generosity who live in service to others and influence the rest of the world to make positive changes too," she said. I couldn't agree more! A giant Eli's Cheesecake, bearing an image of the darling duo dressed in identical suits and ties, was wheeled into the ballroom by their beautiful daughters accompanied by the company's mascot, The Slice. Merriment ensued

With Chuck and Maureen Schulman

following Stanley's presentation to the Schulmans of a beautiful, Tiffany crystal award. Thank you Stanley for creating this wonderful benefit to honor your sister, Raelene Mittelman, who loved fashion and design. Through this fund, awards are made annually to college students from the Chicagoland area that are enrolled in a fashion design program. The scholarship monies are used as tuition for the study of fashion design in a Chicago area college or university. A perfect tribute to one of Chicago's "sweetest" couples! (Photos by Francis Son)

CZS WB member and 2018 Whirl chair Elisa Templeton and CZS board chair John Grube

Any event that has animal ambassadors greeting guests has my interest! And this is the case every year for the unique Brookfield Zoo Gala hosted by the Women's Board and

CZS pres/CEO Dr. Stuart Strahl; CZS board chair John Grube; CZS WB president Sasha Gerritson and CZS WB member and 2018 Whirl chair Elisa Templeton pictured with a 2019 Aston Martin DB11 provided by Aston Martin Glenview

Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society. The 37^th annual Whirl, chaired by Elisa Templeton, was held on April 28 and grossed more than $1.3 million! Proceeds will support the animals (including its darling ambassador squad) at the Zoo, as well as the Chicago Zoological Society’s conservation, education and community outreach programs. This year, more than 525 guests attended the gala, which was held on the Zoo's grounds. During the cocktail reception, guests had the opportunity to meet and take photos with many of the beloved animal ambassadors, including a

Joe Ahern, Ally Ahern, and CZS WB member Susan Ahern

Humboldt penguin, sulcata tortoise, binturong, serval, wallaby, toe-toed sloth, cape porcupine, tamandua, Burmese python, screech owl, red-tailed hawk, Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, great-horned owl, red knee tarantula, rabbits, and Guinea pigs. Whew! It was a real zoo in there! Additionally, Aston Martin of Glenview partnered with CZS on the event and had a beautiful car on display too! Themed Whirl of Fortune, the gala featured decor created by the Flower

CZS WB member and 2018 Whirl Chair, Elisa Templeton and John Templeton

Firm that featured stunning candelabras and large white plumage in tall vases along with oversized playing cards and dice on each table. The ceiling was illuminated in red, white, and black geometric designs. Food for Thought catered the evening’s three-course dinner. Later in the evening, attendees enjoyed dancing to the music of Maggie Speaks and trying their luck at blackjack, roulette, craps, and Texas hold’em poker. The black-tie gala also featured a live auction and paddle raise conducted by auctioneer Jason Lamaruouex. Items

CZS president/CEO Dr. Stuart Strahl; CZS WB member/ event chair Elisa Templeton and CZS WB president Sasha Gerritson

included the privilege of naming Brookfield Zoo’s male red panda; a trip of a lifetime to a private St. Lucia estate complete with three houses, personal chefs, and a driver and a gorgeous Palmiero-colored sapphire and diamond “pansy” pendant featuring 2.06 carats of diamonds complimented by pink, blue, and yellow sapphires totaling 4.23 carats donated by A. Marek Fine Jewelry. Since its inception in 1992, the Women’s Board has raised more than $30 million for the Society, presented nearly $200,000 in educational scholarships, and hosted tens of thousands of children at Brookfield Zoo through its outreach endeavors. (Photos by Kelly Tone and Jim Schuzz)

The entire cast in the finale

A star-studded lineup of Northwestern University School of Communication alumni turned the newly christened Ryan Fieldhouse into a rollicking, full-throttle reunion Saturday night (April 21), paying

Heather Headley

tribute in music and comedy to the school’s storied past while challenging the next generation of students to carry on the tradition. Emceed by “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert ’86, ’11 H, the variety show, “A Starry Night,” drew a crowd of more than 2,600, who were treated to performances by dozens of famous

Northwestern University football coach Pat Fitzgerald with Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz

alumni and current Northwestern students. "Tonight is a demonstration of the capability of our community and the love everybody has for Northwestern to make it happen, ” said Barbara O'Keefe, Dean of the School of Communication. The night began with a VIP reception and dinner before the performance, at which O’Keefe thanked the guests, students, stars and University faculty and staff for their work on the show over the past year. Much of the evening was spent reminiscing about the legendary professors who helped launch countless careers in theater, television

Stephanie March ('96), Northwestern president Morton Schapiro, Mimi Schapiro and Marg Helgenberger ('82)

and film and about the students who joined the celebrities both on stage and behind the scenes. After the dinner ended, the crowd settled in for the show, which kicked off with a pre-recorded video skit that featured Colbert and fellow alum Seth Meyers ’96, ’16 H. The two sat in wingback chairs in a faux Northwestern club with a fireplace behind them, set in New York City, riffing off each other. The pair joked about what actors are really thinking when they put on a listening face on stage — food. The two then pulled

Julio Ottino, Lisa Corrin and spouse Peter Erickson and Henry Bienen

out sub sandwiches, took hefty bites and began unintelligibly singing the Northwestern fight song. Emcee Colbert, who normally uses the opening monologue on his TV show to skewer President Trump, told the crowd he only wanted to talk about one president – Northwestern President Morton Schapiro, who was seated near the stage. “Everyone loves Morty,” Colbert said during his opening remarks. “Morty wears purple. Morty breathes purple. Morty is

Student Lucy Godinez performs "Breathe" from "In the Heights" with members of the Waa-Mu Show cast

purple.” There was plenty of Purple Pride throughout the evening — and plenty of laughter. “Morty’s done so much for this University,” Colbert continued. “He took something great and made it better. He’s like the guy who put cheese in a pizza crust.” The show also paid tribute to the late Garry Marshall ’56, a lifelong supporter of Northwestern and its students — and to other Northwestern-bred actors, directors, teachers and producers who formed the backbone of Chicago theater throughout the years. More than 300 students helped bring the show to life, including performers, producers, stagehands and others. Broadway star and Drama Desk Award winner Richard Kind ’78 talked about having drinks in an Evanston bar the night before rehearsals, where he

Toni-Marie Montgomery (Dean of the Henry & Leigh Beinen School of Music) and Rene Machado

spoke with theater professor Rives Collins about what students need to survive and thrive in the world of entertainment. He said it boiled down to one word: resilience. As he prepared to perform the song “Bounce” from the Stephen Sondheim musical “Road Show,” he turned to the students on stage with him to explain the importance of resilience – and enduring the inevitable ups and downs of their budding careers. He said that although he was facing the audience, he was really singing the song to the students. The variety show included a rousing duet, “Comin’ Together,” with alums Ana Gasteyer ’89 and Stephanie D’Abruzzo ’93, and a powerful medley by three of Broadway’s leading men: Gregg Edelman ’80 singing “Double Talk” from “City of Angels;” Brian d’Arcy James ’90, singing “You’ll Be Back” from the hit musical “Hamilton;” and Kind singing “I Wan’na Be Like You,” from “The Jungle Book.” Edelman and James joined Kind at the end of his number for a spirited finale by the trio. The show stopper was a performance by Tony and Grammy Award winner Heather Headley ’97 whose rendition of “Home” from

Northwestern University Pres. Morton Schapiro , Brian d’Arcy James ’90 and Mimi Schapiro. (Photo by Jasmine Shah)

“The Wiz” brought the crowd to its feet. The show was set inside the recently opened Ryan Fieldhouse which was transformed by the installation of a sprawling, sparkling stage that was designed by students in the MFA stage design program. The fieldhouse was bathed in purple with lights twinkling behind the performers mimicking a night sky. In his remarks, President Schapiro underscored the importance of both science and the humanities in making Northwestern a great university. “The magic happens in the labs. The teaching that happens in those labs changes the world,” the President said. “But without art, without literature, a person isn’t a full human being.” He paid tribute to the School of Communication’s past and present, and he saluted the school for what he said will be an even “more brilliant future.” (Photos by Jim Prisching)

Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, was the only member of her family to attend the wedding. (Photo by Alexi Lubomirski)

I know not everyone is a Royal Wedding geek like me but, I have to say, I enjoyed each and every moment of Meghan and Harry's nuptials (twice). I even Tivo'd it in case I missed anything the first time around. I love seeing unbridled love and joy like this and think it's

The bride had 10 bridesmaids and pageboys including Princess Charlotte and Prince George. (Photo by Alexi Lubomirski)

sorely needed in these trying times. She, of course, made a beautiful bride although I was sad to see that she didn't wear the tiara that Princess Diana wore. But, they did pay homage to her in other ways–Prince

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Photo by Alexi Lubomirski)

Harry hand-picked flowers from their garden for her bouquet that included his late mom's favorite, forget-me-knots; Diana's sister Lady Jane Fellowes offered a reading; The hymn, "Guide Me, O Thy Great Redeemer", was played during Diana's funeral; All three of

Meghan and Harry, happy at last!

Diana's siblings were in attendance; And, of course, her engagement ring included some of Diana's stones. I thought it was just beautiful from beginning to end. I'm happy to see Diana's boys so happy–I believe she saved the Royal Family for sure with these two handsome, respectful, smart, giving sons. (See a clip of my favorite part of the wedding here!)

David Loor, Scott Ammarell, CJ Jensen, Craig Dannenbrink

Chicago House, the first organization in the Midwest to provide housing and support for people living with HIV and AIDS, celebrated its 32^nd Annual Spring Brunch and Fashion Show at the Harold Washington Library on Sunday, May 6^.“REVIVE! Rally on the Runway,” produced by Quenten Schumacher and sponsored by The Chris and Derek Bagley Family Foundation, featured designs from local Chicago boutiques and design studios and nationally recognized designers in an exciting runway presentation coordinated by ZZAZZ Productions. Over 360 guests enjoyed a three-course gourmet brunch from Inspired

Borris Powell, Nazia Zamani, Quenten Schumacher

Catering, champagne and signature cocktails, and a live auction with items that included a stay in a Tuscan Villa. NBC Chicago's Chris Hush emceed the event which also included a one-of-a-kind "Flower Market" that featured a variety

Dave Hackett, Todd Wood

of over 60+ fresh floral arrangements from different local floral designers. More than $170,000 was raised for Chicago House which was founded in 1985 at the height of the AIDS crisis. It has repeatedly demonstrated innovation and expansion to serve community members impacted by HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ marginalization.

Special Olympics Illinois hosted its 11th annual "Inspire Greatness" gala at the Hilton Chicago on April 20. The event welcomed over 800 guests and raised $1.2 million for the athletes of Special Olympics

Emcee Rob Johnson with Special Olympics athlete Bree Bogucki

Illinois. Bree Bogucki, the featured athlete, co-emceed the program with Rob Johnson (CBS-2). Guests enjoyed an 8 minute mini-documentary about her life that was

Auctioneer G-Man (Greg Dellinger) with bidder

followed by her powerful performance of "This Is Me" from the film, "The Greatest Showman." The event was co-chaired by Pat Canning and Frank T. Libby. Advocate Health Care and its medical staff were recognized for their dedication to healthy communities, Special Olympics Illinois and people with intellectual disabilities. The evening concluded with the athletes in attendance flooding the dance floor in united support. (This event precedes the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary being held here in Chicago– the birthplace of Special Olympics– this July 17-21).

Bruce and Michelle Hawver with Peggy and Dick Notebaert

The Chicago Academy of Sciences / Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s 20th annual Butterfly Ball on May 4 was a tremendous success, with over 650 guests attending this record-breaker that raised more than $2.3 million in support of the Nature

Jeff and Lisa Aronin, Trish Rooney, David Wolf and Meredith Bluhm Wolf

Museum’s science education initiatives that impact thousands of Chicago students and teachers. “Your support tonight leads to transformative programs for children, provides support

Reginaldo and Jennifer Montague

for teachers, and makes science come alive in Chicago’s schools," said Deborah Lahey, Nature Museum president/CEO. During the cocktail hour guests

Catherine and Patrick Dowd, co-chair

explored the Museum and experienced the ways the institution engages the community through education initiatives, conservation work, citizen science projects, and immersive exhibits. Highlights included meeting endangered Blanding’s turtles and touring the new exhibits Birds of Paradise: Amazing Avian Evolution and the self-curated live bird showcase, The Bird House. Co-chaired by Catherine and

Laura and Charlie Tribbett

Patrick Dowd, Holly and Matt Maloney and Trish Rooney, the event honored Annie and Greg Jones (Edgewater Funds) with its 5th annual Leadership in Science and Education Award. Judy Istock and Cathy Osborn were presented with the 2018 Butterfly Award, which celebrated their support and advocacy since the founding of the Nature Museum.

Matt Jacob, Revolution 1 owner/trainer just hangin' around with his cute sister, renowned makeup artist Nicole Jacob Delahanty!

I would like to spread the news about a brand new fitness gym and instructor! Many of you probably know renowned makeup artist Nicole Jacob Delahanty, but what you might not know is that she has an equally accomplished brother, Matt Jacob, who is making waves in the world of fitness! Here is his description of his new gym and mission, "We are a small

Nicole Jacob Delahanty working out at Revolution 1

group class, functional fitness facility with the goal of making everyone I meet to feel the way I do! Happy, healthy and fit! I train everyone here the same as I would (and do) train professional athletes which is way less extreme then it sounds. An athlete doesn't have to be the strongest

Matt Jacob, fit and fabulous!

person in the gym, often times they are not, but they also don’t have to be the fittest person on the planet either. These attributes are achieved through great care and thoughtful progressions. In a nutshell we work the ass and abs hard! Our preferred tools are kettlebells and body weight. In my opinion they are the safest and most effective," he said. Join the crowd and get fit at Revolution 1 Fitness located at 2248 W Irving Park RD ( info@revolution1fitness.com).

Samar Hawila of Israel (a program alum), Rick Rosenfeld (Hands of Peace exec. dir.), Gretchen Grad (Hands of Peace founder), Adam Heffez (a program alum) and Shira Gemer of Israel (a program alum)

Hands of Peace (HOP) enjoyed a magical evening at the Chicago Botanic Garden on May 6 to celebrate 15 years of developing peace-building and leadership skills in Israeli, Palestinian and American youth. The event raised over $150,000 and included moving talks from teens (now adults) whose lives were changed by

Tom Aldrich (chair of the Hands of Peace Board of Directors) and his wife Karen

HOP. Featured speakers included Samar Hawila of Israel (a program alum); Rick Rosenfeld (Hands of Peace executive director), Gretchen Grad (Hands of Peace founder), Adam Heffez (a program alum) and Shira Gemer of Israel (a program alum). This

Julia and Tim Sanborn and Kathryn Bettis (a member of the Hands of Peace Board of Directors)

interfaith organization empowers young people to raise their voices as leaders of change. The nonprofit was created in the Chicago suburbs in 2002 by three women–one Christian, one Jewish, and one Muslim—who shared the conviction

Hands of Peace program alumni Nabaa Khan, Mackenzie Lyons, Sam Weinbert, Sarah Fox, Gabrielle Morrison, Mohammed Manzoor, Jared Hoffman and Brigid Murphy

that peace could be nurtured, person-by-person. Hands of Peace is unique in that Middle East teens are hosted by local families — providing a meaningful opportunity for cross-cultural exchange. They have also embarked on an alumni program to the Middle

Gene Hara, Jami Brenner and Lorne Hara.

East, where American teens have the opportunity to spend time in Israel/Palestine, hosted by local HOP families there. "HOP is a program that gives you something to hold on to. It gives you friends that you never thought you would have and it teaches you about yourself and how to listen, feel compassion, and how to disagree but still create such a caring friendship," said Adi, a Jewish Israeli youth member.

Save the date! On Saturday, July 14, we say goodbye to a Chicago icon, a living landmark, Michael Kutza, as he retires after 55 years as leader/founder of the Chicago International Film Festival. I know his next chapter will be as exciting as his first with a book

Colin Farrell, Liv Ullman and Festival founder/artistic director Michael Kutza

already in the works! The gala evening will be held at the Loews Hotel with proceeds supporting Cinema/Chicago's year-round programs including the CIFF, the Chicago

Michael Kutza with Sophia Loren

International Television Festival, free CineYouth Festival, free International Screenings Program and Education Program. The one and only Donna

Actress Jane Fonda and Michael Kutza (Photo by Timothy M. Schmidt)

LaPietra (Kurtis Productions) will produce the fun-filled evening that will be loaded with surprises and special guests. I'm honored to be a co-chair with Chaz Ebert and Maria Pappas so please join us to celebrate, thank and say goodbye/hello to Michael, the man who turned Chicago into the Hollywood of the Midwest! (For tickets and more info, click here!)

Mira and her hero husband, Bogdan Horoszowski, with daughter Yvette Klobuchar

A big heartfelt congratulations to Polish war hero Bogdan "Mosquito" Horoszowski (husband of Mira Couture's Mira and father to Yvette Klobuchar).

Bogdan "Mosquito" Horoszowski with his proud daughter Yvette Klobuchar

Bogdan was awarded the Commander's Cross with the Star of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Poland by the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda. The event took place on May 19 during the 100th anniversary of Poland Regaining Independence celebration at Millennium Park. Daughter Yvette proudly sang both the Polish National Anthem and the Star Spangled Banner during the festivities. Congrats to all!

BJ Murray with Michael Jordan at a Chicago hotspot

Many of you may remember BJ Murray, the man who controlled the VIP Rooms at some of Chicago's hottest clubs in the '70s, including the Limelight. He was in town recently for a fundraiser, "Limelight to Lyme-Fight," to help him raise awareness and funds in his fight against Lyme disease. On May 26, 2013, BJ entered NY's Lenox Hill Hospital almost dead on arrival. Over the

BJ Murray battles Lyme Disease and recently came to town to raise awareness and funds

previous six months, he'd visited 8 ER rooms, where a total of 28 doctors had misdiagnosed him for everything from MS and Parkinson's to lupus, fibromyalgia, ALS, hepatitus C, meningitis and encephalitis. At the last hospital, he was asked if he'd ever been bitten by a tick and, with that, the truth started to emerge. The fundraiser featured 4 keynote Lyme disease experts and assorted musical guests. Good luck on this tough journey BJ! (If you would like to donate, click here).

Melissa Forman returns to the airwaves May 29! Yippee!!

Missy is BACK! Former co-host of WCIU's "You & Me", Melissa Forman has returned to her roots at 93.9 WLIT FM! Starting May 29, we will be able to hear her sweet voice every morning, Monday through Friday, from 6 -10 am as host of the popular morning show! Congrats with love Missy! (To read Robert Feder's article, click here!)

Beware of "Resting Squint Face"! Thanks to MyEyeDr., you might catch an ad during a binge-watching session or thumb through your social feed to notice there's a new "disorder" plaguing those with poor vision: Resting Squint Face! It's a perpetual look of anger and distrust that affects the relationships of millions of Americans! RSF can strike even the happiest of people causing unwarranted drama. You might feel the need to rush to a plastic surgeon, but fear not! You could just be near-sighted, far-sighted or screen-fatigued and are making the face in an attempt to see! MyEyeDr. has the cure: a professional eye exam and a great selection of stylish eyewear all in one place. Check out this cute campaign below that pokes fun at the misunderstandings brought on by RSF without poking fun at eye health! (For more info about MyEyeDr., click here!)

With St. Jane's Joe Aguilera

I had an amazing tour of the St. Jane Hotel recently and the wow factor, even at this stage was unmistakable. Located in the famed Carbide & Carbon Building at 230 N. Michigan, the plans are so chic with lots of surprises for lucky guests. I could easily make my home in the elegant room I toured that featured all matte black walls, deep crown moldings, an exquisite chandelier over a sleek marble dining table and windows everywhere overlooking our magnificent city. Special thanks to Joe Aguilera (EVP of Sales + Revenue Management), Emily Cornelious (Director of Sales & Marketing) and Bob Shelley (VP of Hotel Operations & General Manager) for the tour of your very special Aparium Hotel Group property! I can't wait to party in that gilded Tower! Opening in June!

Ethan Hawke will be the Renaissance Award recipient at the Gene Siskel Film Center gala

The Gene Siskel Film Center of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago will honor Academy Award winner Ethan Hawke with its Renaissance Award on Thursday, June 7, at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago. For tickets and more info, click here!

Check out Candid Candace TV too

That's it! Another jam-packed edition of Candid Candace, reporting from the front lines so you don't have to! Lol! I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I love writing about all the good stuff in Chicago and beyond! If you're not a subscriber, please click here and join in the fun!

Love, as always,
Candace

P.S. During the Royal Wedding, there were so many times I wished I were a lip-reader! Well, the BBC found someone to translate Meghan and Harry's more intimate moments during the ceremony! Watch!

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Religion, Science, Sports, Television

April 3, 2018 · 8:26 am

HOLIDAY HEROES’ GANGSTA-STYLE PARTY BENEFITS HOSPITALIZED KIDS

LEGENDARY LANDMARKS CELEBRATION; HORT COUTURE DEBUTS AT CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW; PRETTY WOMAN THE MUSICAL; BATON SHOW LOUNGE CELEBRATES 49; BRIAN ATWOOD FOCUS OF HISTORY MUSEUM LUNCHEON; THE 900 SHOPS HOP TO IT FOR EASTER; JUDI'S "REGAL TREATMENT"; LESLIE ZEMECKIS PREMIERES MABEL; OLD ST. PAT'S CELTIC CELEBRATION; ANIXTER CENTER HONORS ALEX; HIDE-N-SEEK AT CHICAGO CHILDREN'S MUSEUM; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO HAS A LOT TO CELEBRATE; HOTTEST UPCOMING EVENTS; PLAYBOY FACES OFF WITH FACEBOOK; ANDREA'S BIG BD PARTY; ROSEANNE'S SIZZLING REBOOT; THIS-AND-THAT; CUTE VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Bob Griswold, Deirdre Capone, Janey Quay Winiecki, Felicia and Kurt Winiecki

Holiday Heroes, a nonprofit that provides parties for hospitalized children who are terminally or chronically ill, hosted "Cocktails & Capone", a fundraiser held at CHEZ under the chairmanship of

Sherry Lea, Pat Maxwell, Kathy Piccone

Felicia Winiecki on March 14. Nearly 200 guests attended, many dressed gangsta-style, helping raise funds that will provide over 160 hospitalized kids with an experience that includes a themed party with decorations and fun

Carol Collins, Tiffany Marshall, Frances Renk and friend

crafts for them and their siblings, a catered meal for the entire family plus a $100 gift card! The evening centered around a Q & A and book signing with the last living relative of gangster Al

Dusty Stemer, Harel and Danielle Deutsch

Capone, his niece Deirdre Marie Capone! She discussed her life and recent book, "Al Capone," with the much loved reporter/former news anchor Robert Jordan during an evening

Jim Karas and event chair Felicia Winiecki

produced by Bonnie Kaplan. It was a homecoming, of sorts, for Deirdre as she recalled being taken to this same venue, that was formerly the famed Chez Paree nightclub, with her famous Uncle Al on her 15th

With Deirdre Marie Capone and Robert Jordan

birthday! (She's 78 now). The performer that night, the one and only Nat King Cole, sang "Unforgettable" to her to celebrate! Congrats to Felicia and all the supporters who attended in support of Holiday Heroes!

(L) Landmarks Ill. pres/CEO Bonnie McDonald and honorees Daniel Levin, Landmarks IL vice chair Sandra Rand and Toni Preckwinkle and friends

Landmarks Illinois attracted over 800 guests to its annual Legendary Landmarks Celebration on March 8. Always a packed house for this event, the Hilton

Melinda and Lucien Lagrange with My-Nga Lam

Chicago was filled with historic preservation advocates, supporters and friends to honor this year's Legendary Landmarks honorees– Daniel Levin, founder and chairman of

Legendary Landmark Leslie Hindman bids in the live auction

The Habitat Company; Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President and Fred Berglund, president of Berglund Construction. The

Joe Antunovich and Richard Driehaus

evening began with a cocktail reception that was so full that it was hard to navigate. Guests then moved on to the main event, the awards presentation, this year held in a bigger

The Soul Children on Chicago

ballroom, the International Room, due to increased attendance. As partygoers filed in, they were energized by the sounds of the Soul Children of Chicago who were rippin' it up onstage. Bonnie McDonald,

Legendary Landmarks honorees

president/CEO Landmarks Illinois, welcomed the crowd before the video presentation of "People Saving Places: Landmarks Illinois at Work." Following the program, attendees enjoyed an elaborate dessert reception in the Grand Ballroom. The gala raised over $850,000 to help fund the nonprofit's Advocacy Program, the heart of Landmarks Illinois' work to preserve and protect historic landmarks.

Tony Abruscato dedicated the show to his mom, Judy Abruscato

Another great year for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show! A special thanks to director Tony Abruscato and his crack team on ALL the hard work they did to bring spring to Chicago in such grand style! Both the

Navy Pier president/CEO Marilynn Gardner at the podium with (from L) Mike Nowak and Tony Abruscato (Chicago Flower & Garden Show director)

opening night charity benefit, Hort Couture, and the show itself were great successes! Hort Couture attracted over 600 stylish guests who mixed and mingled throughout the 170,000+ square-foot space amid 21

Designer Elda de la Rosa, Maria Villari and Jesse Rodriguez

fragrant, colorful gardens. Each garden was inspired by the show's theme, "Flowertales: Every Garden Has a Story to Tell" with book-related motifs everywhere you looked! One of the lead sponsors,

Melinda Whitmore (Vitruvian Fine Art Studio) with model Jasmine Quintana for event finale

Subaru, presented a garden of wonder inspired by "The Wizard of Oz." There must be a 1000 Instagram photos of this delightful space that included a yellow brick road leading to a backdrop of

Cool designer Ramsey Prince (Ashland Addison Floral & Event Decor) and friend

the Emerald City and a brand new Subaru Forester. To add even more excitement, the whole cast of characters from the literary classic were on hand for photo opps–Dorothy

The Landan Twins (Jon and Andrew) with the Spirit of Oz characters in the Subaru garden

(portrayed by The Spirit of Oz' Holly Webb) even had a live dog to complete her spot-on look! Another favorite of mine was the garden designed by the students and teachers from the Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences. As you walked through the Hobbit-house shaped door, guests

Wearing floral jewelry from Stacey Carlton, The Flora Culturist

entered an enchanted forest filled with wizards, mad hatters, witches and more. I was in heaven since I prefer to live in a land of

Kelly Mahieu and Sarah Mills

make believe almost full time! I also loved the exquisite tablescapes by Debi Lilly and Kehoe Designs–who NEVER disappoint! (See video here!) And, as if all of this fun and beauty wasn't enough, the floral fashion show just blew everyone away! I had a chance for a sneak peek backstage before the show (see video here) and it was a bee hive of activity as 13 popular, local designers put the finishing touches to their

David Lissner and Terri Silverstone

garments and accessories made of fresh cut flowers, plants and other natural materials. Participating designers were Debi Lilly (A Perfect Event), Ali Martin (Big Al's Wonderland), Stacey Carlton (The Flora Culturist), Elda de la Rosa (Elda de la Rosa Couture), Sheryl Timmerman

Norissa Bailey-Topete (center) with floral friends

(A Special Touch), Melinda Whitmore (Vitruvian Fine Art Studio), Amy Crum (Amy Crum Designs), Laura Daluga and Brian Skol (Department of Floristry), Ian Hargrove (Against All Odds), Ramsey Prince and Borris Powell (Ashland Addison Floral and Event

Fabulous presentation by Kehoe Designs

Decor) and Tami Smallwood (Tami Trace Designs). The finale, by Vitruvian Fine Art Studio's Melinda Whitmore, was dramatic and awe-inspiring! (See this video here!) The event benefited Bernie's Book Bank, a nonprofit that focuses on book ownership for at-risk kids in the Chicagoland area, and The Get Growing

An overflow crowd for the opening night benefit for 7th CFGS

Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show that produces outreach initiatives to cultivate the next generation of gardeners. Congrats to Tony and his fabulous team for, yet another, magical production! The show returns March 13 thru the 19th in 2019! For details, click here! (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

Leads Steve Kazee and Samantha Barks celebrate premiere at after-party with an Eli's Cheesecake! (Photo by Maureen Schulman)

Hands clapping, heads nodding and a standing ovation greeted the pre-Broadway world premiere of "Pretty Woman The Musical"on March 28, at Broadway in Chicago's Oriental Theatre. Based on the Touchstone Pictures film "Pretty Woman," written by J.F. Lawton and book by Lawton and the late Garry Marshall, the musical is a foot-stomping romp from Hollywood Blvd. to the penthouse of the Beverly Wilshire with a stellar, talented cast. When the leads first came onstage, in particular,

Samantha Barks, Steve Kazee and the Company at world premiere of "Pretty Woman The Musical" at the Oriental Theatre (Photo by Matthew Murphy)

Samantha Barks who plays Vivian Ward, I stupidly thought how can someone be so beautiful and have a voice to match? Well, first impressions were instantly cast aside when she opened her mouth to sing. This award-winning actress can do it all and

An exciting night for Chicago theater!

you just couldn't take your eyes off her. She easily went from the hooker character to a well-groomed, glam socialite type without losing a beat or heart. She was lovable, funny (there are so many great lines in this production) and a great dancer to boot, pun intended! Wait till you see her in her thigh-high, black,

Finale, "Pretty Woman The Musical"

patent leather boots! The male lead, Steve Kazee, is a Tony and Grammy Award-winner and was wonderful (sufficient) in the role of Edward Lewis but I didn't think he had the power or charm of a Richard Gere. I wish he had been sexier and more dynamic, but this didn't diminish my enthusiasm for the show. The set was spectacular and so very clever. Even before the show opened, the backdrop made the audience feel as if they were looking out over Hollywood from behind

Producer Douglas Denoff is all smiles following the premiere

its iconic sign. I just loved it and fell immediately into the moment. A standout in the show and my very favorite was Eric Anderson (who seemed to play every single role except for the leads!) He was brilliant in everything he portrayed and went from a down-and-out guy selling maps to stars homes on Hollywood Blvd. to being the polished manager of the Beverly Wilshire seamlessly. I thought there was so much to see and love in this production. Granted, there are tweaks that need to be made, some things could be cut, but overall, I would go back to see it again in a heartbeat. I left on sensory overload, with songs in my heart. And this is exactly what you would expect from an uplifting, funny, smart musical like this. All of the producers attended the performance and an after-party was held in the Walnut Room at Macy's State Street. As guests entered, they were each presented with a glass of champagne with a strawberry in it just

Abigail Simon sparkles at the after-party

like Vivian and Edward enjoyed in the production. Awwwwww! Guests in attendance included Dean Richards, Ji Suk Yi (doing her thing now for the lucky Sun-Times), Lisa Fielding, Brenda Arelano, Lisa Kraus, Jerry Nunn, Margie Korshak, Steve Traxler, former Joffrey Ballet star Abigail Simon, Michael Kutza, Jeanne Malkin, Susan Ellefson, Diane and Sandy Whiteley, Chris Dudley (Illinois Film Office director), Suzanne Friedman and Rick Nicita (CAA partner), among many others. Rumor has it, Julia Roberts might be attending the premiere when it reaches New York on August 1. Now that is something I wish I could see. Runs now through April 15 at the Oriental Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.), 2 hours, 20 minutes.

With Chuck, Dan Neniskis and Baton owner Jim Flint

The Baton Show Lounge (436 N. Clark) celebrated

Angel Saez and 93 year-old Cubs fan

its 49th anniversary with a private event at the Club on March 14. The evening began with a reception where guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, cocktails and the soothing sounds of Antonio Edward. A new 2 hour long anniversary show followed with star

Jim Flint and Jamie Gabala

performers Chilli Pepper, Maya Douglas, Sheri Payne, Ginger Grant, Angel Sanchez, Sasha Colby, Victoria Le Paige and the reigning Mr. and Mrs.

Popular performer Sheri Payne

Continentals Ramon Ventura and Shantell D'Marco (see her performance here!) tearing up the stage. The room was packed with fans, friends and supporters, including a 93 year-old Cubs fan who never missed her turn at tipping the performers. Owner Jim Flint thanked the over-flow crowd and got teary-eyed up thanking his mentor/ landlord Al Friedman. Congrats with love to Jim, Dan Neniskis, the entire staff and, of course, the fabulous, energetic performers!

Pretty sure this event will be a sellout! The Chicago History Museum with host its annual Spring Luncheon, this year featuring darling shoe designer Brian Atwood in conversation with Chicago Magazine's Susanna Homan on Wed., May 30! Details will follow for this event co-chaired by Yolanda Stemer, Toni Canada and Melissa Skoog Dunagan! Can't wait!

Darling photo opps with the Easter Bunny at The 900 Shops

It was almost cuteness overload at The 900 Shops from March 23 to the 31st when Mr. Easter Bunny hopped onto the 5th floor, providing photo opps and joy for all who visited! The space was decorated in pastel shades

Having some fun with the 900 crew that created this magical space–David Murga, Alicia Skruba, Stacy Kolios and Taylor Stucker

with crystal chandeliers, colorful "flowers" and a cloud of balloons that cascaded from the ceiling down to the floor. Kids, and adults, stood wide-eyed waiting in line for this magical, charming Easter experience! Kudos to 900's crack team Alicia Skruba, Stacy Kolios, Taylor Stucker and David Murga on a job very well done!

Artist Judi Regal and her new coffee table book of her recent exhibition.

Accomplished artist/friend Judi Regal is really making waves in the art world! Her recent one woman show at the Coral Springs Museum of Art was a hit as is her new coffee table book! She's had feature articles in Art Hive Magazine and Simply the Best Magazine and more! Read her latest feature, "Regal Treatment" by Bruce Helander here and take a look at her website here! Congrats Judi! YOU are a force!

Leslie Zemeckis at NY premiere of Mabel with Martha Stewart.

Author/producer/director/writer Leslie Zemeckis premiered her recent film, "Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer" at the Chicago History Museum on March 25. I was proud to introduce Leslie and her film about Mabel Stark, the world's first female tiger

Mabel Stark, subject of Leslie Zemeckis' latest film "Mabel, Mabel, Tiger Trainer"

trainer. Leslie became a bit emotional talking about Mabel. Her husband, famed producer/director Robert Zemeckis who is also the film's executive producer, told me she gets very close to her subjects and feels very protective of them. Leslie has written and produced

With Leslie and Bob Zemeckis at the Chicago History Museum

books and films about underdogs and the disenfranchised, women in particular, and she wears her heart on her sleeve concerning her subjects. A Q & A followed conducted by the Museum's Director of Special Events, Jessica Trent. Leslie and Robert left for NYC the following day for a by-invite-only party at MOMA for the film where they celebrated after at a private dinner party attended by Martha Stewart.

Co-chairs Jim and Lynn Kiley, Father Tom Hurley and co-chairs Bill and Shelley Farley

Old St. Pat's hosted its 22nd annual Siamsa na nGael, the glorious Celtic musical celebration, at the Symphony Center on March 6. Originally founded in 1996 by Father Jack Wall, the event attracted over 2000 guests. For the first gala,

Kristin Barnette, Garry McCarthy and Jim Kiley (R) and friends

Father Wall brought in powerhouses Maggie Daley and Shirley Ryan as co-chairs and now the event has become a major fund-raiser for Old St. Pat's as well as an extraordinary musical prelude to St. Patrick's Day in Chicago. The evening included a pre-concert dinner and post-performance and

Maestro Stephen Alltop, narrators Channe 5's LeeAnn Trotter and Billy Lawless, Sr.

a reception in the Grainger Ballroom catered by Blue Plate. For dessert, sugar cookies were iced with bright Irish green shamrocks and, of course, Irish coffee was served. All monies raised will benefit Old St. Pat's many charitable outreach programs. Congrats to co-chairs Shelley and Bill Farley, Virginia and Norm Bobins and Jim and Lynn Kiley on a great night!

Alex Pissios

The Anixter Center is honoring Alex Pissios, president and CEO of Cinespace, on May 3 in one of its big, onsite studios. Besides being a remarkable human being, Alex is also one of the most generous people. He's keeping up with his family commitment to help those with disabilities while doing as

Cinespace in North Lawndale

much as he can to boost the residents in the neighborhood of his studio, North Lawndale. This TV/movie studio is the production venue for the hit shows Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire and Chicago Med as well as Empire and The Chi. It also happens to be the biggest U.S. movie studio outside of Hollywood AND has two college campus programs on the lot–DePaul Cinema Arts and Tribeca Flashpoint.

Patricia and Alex Pissios

Themed “Sharing Strengths, Building Partnerships,” the evening—a cinema extravaganza that will showcase the work of some of Chicago’s most exciting young filmmakers—will raise funds to help children, teens, and adults with disabilities through programs that include employment training and job placement, residential services and health care. For tickets and more info, click here!

Board member Kristin Calaguire and friends

The Chicago Children's Museum (CCM) opened its doors to more than 300 adults for the 8th annual Hide-N-Seek event on March 3. The event raised over $90,000 to support the

Board member Ivy Forester with friends

museum’s innovative exhibits, educationally-charged programming, mission-driven free field trips and community inclusion initiatives. Hosted by

Board chair Lyndsey Ager and friends

CCM's Metropolitan Board, the event featured a "Throwback" theme that included a surprise performance by a Michael Jackson impersonator, a flip cup sponsored by Coyote Logistics, duck racing in the museum's WaterWays exhibit, a photo booth and more! Music was provided by DJ LA Jesus and the Gold Coast All Stars Band.

Giordano Dance Chicago artistic director Nan Giordano and executive dir. Michael McStraw thank their supporters

Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago! Not only did they knock the socks off of the Harris Theatre crowd during its two-day Spring Series on March 23 and 24 but they also recently cut the ribbon on their permanent home, the former Hermon Baptist Church on Clark St. So much to celebrate!

Giordano Dance Chicago celebrates at after-party following their triumphant Harris Theatre performance

Chuck and I could hardly stay in our seats during the rousing Spring Series performance. Every number was jaw-dropping, especially considering this small company (only 15 members) appeared onstage for almost every number! Presented by longtime supporter Susan Carlins (Make it Happen Initiative),

Giordano ribbon cutting for their new home

the 2 day experience celebrated 55 years of this much loved company. During the performance, even executive director Michael McStraw sang a tribute from the musical "La

Giordano Dance Chicago performing during Spring Series at the Harris

La Land," ("Audition-The Fools Who Dream") to perfection I might add. And for the finale, the dancers surprised artistic director Nan Giordano with a special performance they choreographed in secret. Not only did the tears flow on Nan's pretty face, but the whole audience needed Kleenex. Oh, what a night! Congrats, with love to Giordano Dance Chicago!

Dr. James Chandler (R, organization founder) with Jean Malnati-Miller and Marc Malnati

In honor of the growth and success of the Northwestern Medicine Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, friends, family, survivors and clinical staff will be celebrating the 10^th Anniversary of the launch of the institute at the Minds Matter Benefit Dinner at The Ritz-Carlton on Friday, May 11. The fundraiser will highlight the institute’s milestones in research, education and care since its first fundraiser a decade ago at Table Fifty-Two. Actress/producer Bonnie Hunt will be emceeing this year's event just as she did for the first gala! For tickets, $400, more info, click here!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Jane Goodall keynote speaker at the 2018 Women in Science Luncheon at the Field Museum on Tuesday, April 3 (I'm going ape over this!); DuPage

Chinese American Service League (CASL) on May 10 at Morgan Mfg

Children's Museum Benefit Ball on Saturday, April 7; White Sox Charity Gala "Beyond the Diamond" on Tuesday, April 10 at the Park; St. Jude's Four Stars of Chicago benefit on Wednesday, April 11 at the Sheraton Grand; Urban Gateways "Art for All" on

Misericordia's "The Artist in All" gala on May 23

Thursday, April 12; Children's Place Assn. party honoring Blue Man Group at Morgan Mfg. on Saturday, April 14; Northwestern Hospital Benefit chaired by Jim Karas at the Four Seasons on Wednesday, April 18; Joffrey Ballet Spring Gala on Friday, April 20; Maryville Academy honors Justice Anne Burke,

Discovery Ball 2018 on April 21

Jean and William O'Neill at Spirit of Maryville Awards benefit on Friday, April 20; Discovery Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society on Saturday, April 21; Saks

Saks/Giordano Dance fashion show fundraiser on April 26 at VISTA

Fifth Avenue/Giordano Dance Chicago fashion show fundraiser at VISTA on Thursday, April 26; F.A.M.E.'s "Recognizing Chicago Talent" gala at Chicago Yacht Club on Saturday, April 28; "Wonders of the Park", the 11th annual gala for the Lincoln Park Conservancy, will be held on Saturday, April 28 at the Four Seasons; UNICEF Gala Chicago on Saturday, April 28 at The Geraghty; Stanley Paul Foundation/AIBI will honor Maureen and Marc Schulman at the Casino on Wednesday, May 9; Association

F.A.M.E. competition at Chicago Yacht Club on April 28

House of Chicago's Faces of Hope benefit on Friday, May 11 at Chicago Cultural Center; Misericordia/Bloomingdale's "Dress Up" luncheon/fashion show on Friday, May 11 at the Hilton Chicago; About Face Theatre's WONKA Ball on Friday, May 11 at the Museum of Broadcast Communications;

Chicago Lighthouse's "Seeing What's Possible" gala on June 22

Jesus Christ Superstar celebration presented by the Lyric Women's Board and Guild Board of Directors on Friday, May 11; Goodman Theatre's 40th anniversary gala featuring Broadway's Renee Elise Goldsberry on Saturday,

Jane Goodall will be keynote speaker at Field Museum Luncheon, April 3

May 19, at the Fairmont; Misericorida's "Artist in All" benefit on Wednesday, May 23 in the Art Institute's Modern Wing; Friends of the Chicago River's "Big Fish Ball" on Tuesday, June 5, at the Westin Chicago River North; Ingalls Development Foundation will present Patti LaBelle at the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, June 16; and the Chicago Lighthouse "Seeing What's Possible" gala will be held at the Four Seasons on Friday, June 22; Eversight Illinois' "Gift of Sight" gala on June 28 at The Peninsula.

Cooper Hefner steers Playboy away from Facebook

Boy, Facebook is losing friends left and right after the recent scandal involving revelations that personal data of 50 million users was obtained and misused by British data analytics firm Cambridge Analytica. The latest company to decamp, Playboy! Chief Creative Officer Cooper Hefner issued a statement via Twitter and Instagram last week. I understand the reasoning but will be sad not to be able to share PB's posts on

Andrea Schwartz Stryker celebrated 50 in style surrounded by friends

this platform.

And 50th birthday wishes are in order for Macy's Andrea Schwartz Stryker! She celebrated with friends at a private party at Nomi on March 23 with a special cake her darling husband Steve surprised her with! Here's to many more celebrations

Ji Suk Yi departs Windy City Live, lands at Chicago Sun-Times!

dear Andrea!

More congrats are in order for former Windy City Live co-host, Ji Suk Yi! The Sun-Times, in a stroke of genius, has hired her as a feature reporter! I knew she wouldn't last long on the open market! Long may you reign Ji!

With Michael Perich, owner of The Gnome Colony (485 Main, Glen Ellyn)

And last but not least, I had a chance to visit my friend Michael Perich's brand new store in Glen Ellyn. Located at 485 Main Street, The Gnome Colony is just what the name implies, a magical place filled with wonders–from his Michael Perich Makeup & Skincare line to gifts, clothing, home decor, fragrances and more. There's even a tiny fairy door built right into the check-out counter! He will soon be adding antiques and more fun stuff so I can't wait to go back and check out this cool cabinet of curiosities! Congrats with love Michael!

Roseanne reboot a runaway hit

Over 18 million people watched the "Roseanne" revival last week! I loved seeing these familiar and much loved characters after 21 years off the air! What did you think? I can't wait to see it when it returns on Tuesdays, 7 pm, on ABC-7.

That's all for this edition! I hope you've enjoyed all the fun news from this thriving city–so many people doing so much good and having a damn good time while doing it! Now that's my definition of living life to its fullest! Until next time…..

Love, as always,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Bill Conner biked across the United States in honor of his 20-year-old daughter, Abbey, who died suddenly in January. Along the way, he met someone very special — the man who received Abbey's heart. (You'll need a Kleenex).

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Film, Music, Television, Web/Tech

March 16, 2018 · 10:43 am

BEAUTIFUL/WORK, A FIRST FOR SCHOOL OF ART INSTITUTE

RECORD-BREAKING BEAR TIE BALL; HEROES AWARDS; PRESENCE BALL; 90TH OSCARS (MY TAKE); UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARDS; CONDOLENCES FOR CHEF ART AND HIS FAMILY; BECKY AND TARA WRITE A BOOK; DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM BENEFIT BALL; AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S DISCOVERY BALL; BARNEY'S HOSTS UNICEF; BONNIE AND JIM CELEBRATE 46!; CONGRATS TO EMILY BARR; F.A.M.E. RECOGNIZES CHICAGO TALENT; RUSH AT GRAFF; LOVEBIRDS LAURA AND SUSAN; BATON SHOW LOUNGE CELEBRATES 49; THE GNOME COLONY; STYLE RIVALS; MAGELLAN/SAKS HOSTS FASHION SHOW FOR GIORDANO DANCE; VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!

Designer Holly Hunt (R) and guests

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a global leader in art and design education, raised more than $615,000 at its first faculty and student art auction and benefit! Proceeds from the first-of-its-kind auction contribute to Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC, an initiative to raise $50 million for increased

SAIC President Elissa Tenny acknowledges scholarship recipients Madison Bray, Tessa Johnson, and Moises Salazar

scholarship opportunities, faculty support, and programming. Highlights from the auction and benefit included: Soundsuit, 2012, prized artwork by Nick Cave that fetched the highest donation, $85,000! New,

Fashion designer and SAIC alum Maria Pinto with Don Woerner

young collectors purchased limited edition pins by fashion designer Maria Pinto, artists Diane Simpson, Phyllis Bramson and others. “As we near the finish line of the $50 million Beautiful/Work fundraising campaign, we are so thankful for the generosity of

Roger Price, Margaret MacLean (member of SAIC’s Board of Governors), Tommy Walton (SAIC faculty member, Department of Fashion Design)

alumni, the SAIC community, and donors whose contributions will support SAIC students and future generations of artists and designers,” said Elissa Tenny, SAIC’s president. “As our alumni and students know well, developing a voice as an artist takes the courage to pursue the questions that challenge our beliefs, seek perspectives different from our own, and innovate new ways of being that show humanity the way forward. The money raised

Elissa Tenny, SAIC’s Pres., alongside the piece "Knowledge Comes with Death's Release IV-V, 2017" by Beate Geissler & Oliver Sann

tonight gives students the financial freedom to be bold, take risks, and just create.” Other notable purchases included Untitled Anxious Drawing, 2017, a work by Rashid Johnson which was auctioned live at the event by Sotheby's Gary Metzner. (It fetched

Artist and SAIC alum Norman Teague and guest

$17,000). Other notable works by Sterling Ruby, Rashid Johnson and LaToya Ruby Frazier brought in great prices too. Since the start of the public phase of the Beautiful/Work campaign, more than 75 percent of current and incoming students have received scholarship support, and for the fiscal year

The always fabulous Shirley and Walter Massey!

2016–17, the School awarded a record number of scholarships totaling approximately $42 million. More than 1,800 individual donors have made contributions and alumni have donated a record $11 million, a significant increase over alumni giving prior

Anita K. Sinha, Chair of SAIC’s Board of Governors, with husband Prabhakant Sinha, alongside the piece "Knowledge Comes with Death's Release IV-V, 2017" by Beate Geissler & Oliver Sann

to the campaign. To date, Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC has established more than 30 new endowment scholarship funds that support undergraduate and graduate students including eight merit scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition for graduate students; Established seven faculty support endowments, including four full professorships, one directorship, and two part-time faculty awards; Supported nearly 90 Chicago Public High School students through scholarships and financial assistance from the Walter and Shirley Massey Chicago Scholarship Fund, SAIC’s College Arts Access Program, and SAIC’s Bank of America Scholars program. (For those still looking to participate in this fundraising event, select works are available and inquiries can be directed to SAIC via

Co-chairs Courtney Krupa and Tiffany Scurto Marshall

Janelle Beaird, jbeaird@saic.edu ). (Photos by Robert Carl)

The Bear Tie Ball (presented this year by Marcia and David

Jennifer Goodwin with her Uncle Paul Iacono

Knuepfer) benefiting Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, just gets better and better! This 25th year, it broke fundraising records at The Geraghty bringing in over $900,000 with more than 600 avid supporters. I always love attending this event as it is, not only tons of fun, but it is also such an inspiring night for a great cause–supporting pediatric cancer research and those kids who are touched by this horrible

Whitney and Kadmiel Christmas with Jim and Anne-Marie Hanson

disease. The foundation was started by Kathleen Casey, a tireless proponent of finding a cure, after she lost her son Barrett "Bear" Krupa at the tender age of 8 to Wilm's Tumor (a cancer of the kidney). During her gala

Bob and Joan Clifford with Gary and Sandy Fencik

speech, she said, "Bear sat with me for countless hours thinking of things we could do to make life a little bit better for kids just like him. His compassion for others was unwavering. His

Chris Renk and Frances Renk (BNPCF board member)

bravery was beyond belief. He always thought of others before himself and never once did he say 'why me'?" She added, "This year, over 15,780 children will learn they have cancer…My last memory of Bear was holding him in my arms and telling him to stop fighting. I don't want any other parent to have that

Nina Mariano and Donna Rotunno

memory." Father Paul White ministered to Bear and his family at Children's Memorial Hospital during this difficult time. In 25 years, Father Paul has never missed a Bear Tie Ball and, deservedly, he was one of the evening's Hope Award recipients. He dedicated his award to Courtney Krupa, a co-chair along with Tiffany Marshall and Kathleen's

Chuck and I with Nicki and Bob Fioretti

beautiful daughter. As White stood at the podium with his arms draped around both mother and daughter, he said, "It was Bill Casey's faith that turned tragedy into a triumph." (Bill Casey was Kathleen's father/ Courtney's grandpa and the Hope

Tracey DiBuono, Paul Iacono, Donna Rotunno and Kirk Williams

Award is named in his honor). He added, "Bear taught me how to take care of children and each other. These kids show us the face of God every day." Another deserving Hope

Longtime supporters Russ and Tracey Scurto with daughter/co-chair Tiffany Marshall and son

Award recipient was Greg Kosinski, Casey's husband. Courtney introduced him saying, "Little did Greg know that a blind date 25 years ago would turn him into a volunteer extraordinaire. He has a heart of gold and is always there to help children and families in any way possible." Other William J. Casey Hope Award recipients were Eric and Jean Lundstrom, the Palumbo Family Foundation (award

BNPCF founder Kathleen Casey, husband/honoree Greg Kosinski and daughter/co-chair Courtney Krupa

accepted by Mary and Sam Palumbo), the Wakerly Family Foundation (award accepted by Ralph Wakerly and his niece Gina Rich). Bear Hug Ambassador, Lukas Pawlowski, 18, spoke about his struggle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lukas, an avid baseball fan, was able to donate $2000 worth of sporting equipment to underprivileged kids thanks to

Lori Allen and Todd Hatoff

BN's Bear Hugs Program (that grants wishes to sick kids). During Lukas' speech, he quoted Babe Ruth, "You just can't beat the person who never gives up." He announced that his cancer scan came back clear and that he's currently finished with treatments. He said, "I've learned to live in the moment. What's happening in the

Kathleen Kenehan with Oliver Badgio (Steak 48)

present is what matters most. Other than beating cancer and aspiring to be a screenwriter, the future is not on my mind." An exciting live auction featured a mini-Labradoodle puppy–friends had to tie Paul Iacono's hands behind his back so he wouldn't buy another pup! This lucky dog sold to Mr. and Mrs. Pete Hassen for $4K. The top prize, a 2017 Jeep Renegade (donated by Marino

Chris Cooper and Saira Mohan

Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram) sold for $27K to Alan and Sarah Walker. A unique auction prize, original artwork by the "Bear, " sold for $7K! The party was a who's who of Chicago and included Paul Iacono, Frances and Chris Renk, Whitney and Kadmiel Christmas, Nicki and Bob Fioretti, Joan and

Mario and Cheryl Tricoci

Bob Clifford, Mario and Cheryl Tricoci, Saira Mohan and Chris Cooper, Tracy and Russ Scurto, Adam Marshall, Nina Mariano, Donna Rotunno, Kirk Williams, Todd Hatoff, Donna and Jon Kleinman, Justyna and Craig Della Valle, Zak Stemer, Liza Sweitzer, George Houlihan and Joyce Winnecke,

Emcee/WGN-9's Micah Materre with Donna and Jon Kleinman

Jennifer Goodwin and so many more! A cute side note, 25 years ago Kathleen co-chaired the first Bear Tie Ball with her bestie, Tracy Scurto, and for the 25th anniversary, their darling daughters, Courtney Krupa and Tiffany Marshall, were at the helm! Awwww! (For more info on Bear Necessities and all the good it does, click here). (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

Miguel and Kelly Cervantes

The Heroes Awards are presented annually at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago’s Gala held, this year, on February 23 at the Museum of Science and Industry. The evening included a reception, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and a private viewing of the museum's fabulous exhibits. Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes and his wife Kelly were presented with the evening’s highest honor, the Richard N. Rovner Hero Award for their outstanding community contributions in the field of epilepsy. Miguel has starred

John Misasi and EFGC Board Member Sarah Carlson

as the lead role in Hamilton since the production debuted in Chicago in 2016. As thrilling as it might be to be cast as Alexander Hamilton, the Cervantes family had other concerns to contend with.Their daughter, Adelaide, had recently been diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of seven months. Soon after, they learned that Adelaide had a particularly devastating form of epilepsy that can lead to severe developmental and cognitive delays. Their frustration only grew when they found out there was no cure for epilepsy. “You get an epilepsy diagnosis, and you hear, ‘I’m sorry, there’s no cure. Let’s start throwing darts at a board to see which drugs might help,’” says Kelly. In August, Miguel attended the Epilepsy Foundation’s Tee Off for Camp Blackhawk

Miguel Cervantes with wife Kelly looking on

at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, IL. He also attended the Epilepsy Foundation’s annual Consumer Conference with Kelly and Adelaide at his side. At the conference, he helped relaunch the #MyShotAtEpilepsy social media campaign to help raise awareness about the disorder. He knows that epilepsy deserves more attention. “The end game is to put epilepsy in the same conversation as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and ALS.” Marvin Rossi, MD, PhD of Rush University Medical Center was also honored with the Hero Award for Inspirational Commitment. Dr. Rossi is a board-certified neurologist and epileptologist with a doctorate in molecular biophysics. The event attracted over 300 guests and raised $190,000 to help fund local Epilepsy Foundation programs

Michael Englehart, President & CEO of Presence Health; Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago; and Mark Frey, President & CEO of AMITA Health

and services that serve 43 counties in Illinois.

Presence Health hosted more than 800 guests at its annual Presence Ball, raising $1.175 million for the

The Honorable Anne Marie Burke, Justice, Illinois Supreme Court, and the Honorable Ed Burke, Dean of the Chicago City Council and Chairman, Finance Committee

organization’s new Founding Congregations Fund, which supports initiatives caring for the vulnerable in our communities, transformation and global ministry. Special guests for the evening included Cardinal Blase J.

Mary Franco, VP, and David Hill, president/CEO, of Superior Air-Ground Ambulance Service, Inc., the event’s President's Sponsor

Cupich, the Honorable Anne Burke and her hubby Alderman Ed Burke. Entertainment was provided by The Temptations Review featuring Theo Peoples. (Photos by Nelson Timothy)

Glam Squad–Jane Fonda and Helen Mirren

Let's talk about the 90th Academy Awards, even though you're probably sick of them by now. I actually enjoyed the show this year, much to my surprise. I was happy to see that most of

Rita Moreno, in her Oscar dress now and 60 years ago!

the attendees arrived dressed to thrill and I loved the list of winners. Chuck and I saw almost every nominated film, except for "Get Out", and our favorite won for Best Picture, "Shape of Water." I know it had its detractors but I'm a sucker for a love story and especially one with a bit of fantasy thrown in. I thought

Stunning Jennifer Garner!

Jane Fonda, whether you like her or not, stunned on the Red Carpet in a form-fitting white gown. I also loved seeing her present with one of my favorite

Allison Janney–gorgeous, smart, talented and funny!

actresses, Helen Mirren. (Side note, Helen Melchior and I were honored to co-chair an event in her honor for the Chicago International Film Festival and she is just as she seems–a pure delight and a real dame!) I thought Jennifer Garner, in that electric blue dress, must've brought tears to her ex, Ben Affleck's, eyes (what was he thinking?!). I loved Allison Janney's opening comment when she won for Best Supporting

Small but mighty Jodie Foster with the statuesque Jennifer Lawrence

Actress, "I did it all myself!" I thought Jimmy Kimmel did an okay job but didn't like the silliness taking Oscar attendees across the street to a theater (for what, to shoot hotdogs into the crowd?

My fav look on Zendaya–Giambattista Valli–she flowed across the stage!

Lame in my opinion). I also was disappointed that so many actors/actresses were left out of the "In Memoriam" segment like John Mahoney, Dorothy Malone, Glen Campbell, Mary Tyler Moore, John Gavin, Adam West, Dina Merrill and so many others. I just adored seeing Rita Moreno, 86, wearing the same glam gown she accepted her Oscar in 60 years ago!

Power and sex appeal in one package–Taraji P. Henson!

Moments like this make me want to come back and watch again next year! The speeches were blissfully short, only a couple went to the buzzer, and I thought they were very thoughtful. Best Actress winner

Power and sex appeal in one package–Mary J. Blige!

Frances McDormand got all the women in the audience to stand and be recognized, led by Meryl Streep, and, even though it was long (4 hours), I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it! My fav fashionista? Zendaya, stunning in a chocolate, flowing Giambattista Valli one-shouldered gown! Until next year dear Oscars but please get a few more eyeballs

Youth of the Year La’Tea Day with Ed Cooper

on that "In Memoriam" list, would ya?

More than 225 guests joined the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs for its annual Youth of the Year Dinner held at the ULCC on February 22. The Youth of the Year

Nancy Ross, ULBGC Board President and 1st VP Craig Labus with Junior of the Year candidates

recognition, the highest honor a Club member can achieve, celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. This year, La’Tea Day won Youth of

Event Chair Stacy Fleming with Junior of the Year Jalissa Bowers

the Year honors and Jalissa Bowers won the Junior honor. Day will represent the ULBGC at the state competition. The five regional winners will then meet in our nation’s

Junior of the Year candidate Arline Mendoza and Tom Payne

capital in September where they will compete for the National Youth of the Year title. Nancy Ross, the nonprofit’s board president, also honored CBS Chicago’s Derrick Young for his involvement in the opening of the Club’s Englewood expansion. (Photos by Francis Son Photography)

Children's book authors/sisters Tara Luebbe and Becky Cattie

There are so many great books for kids around these days! I particularly love the recent one written by Becky Cattie and her sister Tara Luebbe! The duo first collaborated in 2014, and within 2 years, they had sold six picture book manuscripts to major publishing

The latest offering from this writing duo's many children's picture books

houses! Their first two books will publish within weeks of each other this spring: I AM FAMOUS, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Albert Whitman and Company, March 1, 2018) and SHARK NATE-O, illustrated by Daniel Duncan (Little Bee Books, April 3, 2018). They’ve got three books scheduled for 2019, including CONAN THE LIBRARIAN from Roaring Brook Press, and another book scheduled to publish in 2020. Congrats, congrats, congrats! Wow!

The DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) will host its annual Benefit Ball on Saturday, April 7, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville. This year’s black-tie event, themed “AWE Inspiring Moments,” will present the Great Friend to Kids Award to Robert A. Livingston, president/CEO of Dover Corp. The Dover Foundation, the charitable arm of Dover, granted DCM $500,000, which helped complete the Museum’s AWEsome Energy exhibit in June of 2017. Dover, its leadership, and employees continue to remain engaged with the Museum to help provide important early learning STEM experiences to hundreds of thousands of

Governor John Kasich

children and the important adults in their lives. For tickets/more info, click here!

The Union League Club of Chicago hosted its annual “Salute to Patriotism” event celebrating George Washington’s birthday with keynote speaker Governor

Union League Club decor

John Kasich on February 9. More than 180 members and their guests enjoyed this signature event that honored our nation’s first president at this traditional annual event. The evening

ULCC President William Nissen and Zeita Merchant

began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and a program. Musical entertainment was provided by an ensemble from the renowned Navy Band Great Lakes and the Mark Streder Jazz Group. An after-party followed in the Main Lounge. (For more info about the ULC, click here!)

The American Cancer Society of Illinois will host its annual Discovery Ball (this year themed "Impact from Every Angle") on Saturday, April 21, at the Swissôtel Chicago! Chaired by Maurice Smith, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Illinois president, the event is always a sellout in the fight against cancer. For tickets and more info,

Simon Doonan, Barney's Creative Ambassador-at-Large

please call 312.279.7213. Hope to see you there!

The Barneys New York Foundation, along with Tina Trott, Susie Silich and Martha Metz,

Nicolo Beretta, Lisa Perry, Ana Khouri, Sterling McDavid and Simon Doonan (front)

celebrated UNICEF with a private luncheon and conversation on March 8, International Women’s Day. Moderated by Barneys’ Creative Ambassador-at-Large, Simon Doonan, the panel focused on featured designer Lisa Perry, shoe designer Nicolo Beretta of Giannico, jeweler Ana Khouri, and Sterling McDavid

Richard Perry and Lisa Perry

of the Starling Project. Caryl Stern, UNICEF CEO, spoke about UNICEF's vital work in helping women around the world and introduced the panel. Following the discussion, guests joined the designers for a shopping event

Caryl Stern, Martha Metz, Susie Silich, Tina Trott and Beth McCostlin

in support of UNICEF. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.

Cute then, cuter now 46 years later, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock

Happy 46th anniversary wishes to one of the loveliest and most philanthropic couples I know, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock! They were original supporters of PAWS Chicago where they found their "son", the handsome cat Remi! Their numerous hairstyle publications, under the Associated Publications, Inc. umbrella, are the go-to source for

Emily Barr receives the Golden Mike from (L) Dan Mason (chair Broadcaster's Fndtn. of America), Deborah Norville (anchor, Inside Edition) and Jim Thompson (pres. Broadcaster's Fndtn. of America)

the latest trends! Love and congrats!

More congrats are in order for Emily Barr, formerly pres/GM ABC-7, who recently received the Broadcasters Foundation of America's 2018 Golden Mike Award at a gala in NYC last week!

On Saturday, April 28, F.A.M.E. (Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment) will host its 7th annual "Recognizing Chicago Talent" gala at the Chicago Yacht Club. The evening will include a talent competition, that will allow the audience the opportunity to vote for its favorite dancer and singer, a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, DJ, live entertainment and so much more, all for the low ticket price of only $75! (Cash only tickets will be available at the door). I'm thrilled to be a judge alongside Giordano Dance Chicago's executive director Michael McStraw, renowned talent agent Donald O'Connor and chanteuse extraordinaire Denise Tomasello! Notorious comedian Kelsie Huff will emcee this jam-packed night

Debra Beck, Lindsey Axel, Eve Rogers (Graff Diamonds store director)

of supporting local talent! (For tickets/more info, click here!

The Rush University Medical Center Woman’s Board hosted an elegant kick-off party at GRAFF on Chicago’s Oak Street on February 7 to officially launch

With Kate Holland, Lisa Goldfayn, Kim Shortsle and Kate Mursau

the 24th Annual Spring Luncheon set for May 3. GRAFF is the Patron Sponsor of the Spring Luncheon, which will feature keynote speaker, Dr.

Shawna and Jay Owen

Madeleine Albright. As a nod to Dr. Albright’s love of pins, some very special jewels were flown in from GRAFF's London headquarters for the occasion, including a

Ron and Christina Gidwitz

butterfly brooch featuring over 40 carats of diamonds. The store event was hosted by Eve Rogers, Director of GRAFF Chicago, together with Debra Beck, President of the Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center, and Spring Luncheon co-chairs Lindsey Axel and Kate Mursau. (For tickets to the luncheon and

Perich, owner of the whimsical Gnome Colony!

more info, click here!)

Huge congrats to my friend Michael Perich! Besides bearing the longtime title of Cosmetics King, he is now the proud owner/founder/creator of The Gnome Colony, "a store full of love, whimsy and wishes" located at 485 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn.

Michael Perich, formerly of CAMP cosmetics

Owner Perich says, “I designed my store to be everything I LOVE in life and to share every ounce of that with women! The Gnome Colony offers beautiful pieces of clothing, jewelry, accessories, makeup, skincare, and home décor. I love classic fashions with elements that can take everything up a notch that are not only extremely versatile, but very-multi seasonal as well. Nothing pleases me more than to see a self-assured confident woman lifting up another woman in my store. The world is a cruel place and I have created a

Michael created a lipstick for me, Candid Candace, as shown in this ad (photo by Amie Hana)

sanctuary for them to escape reality for a moment while they have a visual treat for the eyes during their shopping experience…My career, currently at 23 years and counting in the beauty business as a makeup artist, has run from one end of the spectrum to the other. I'm beyond excited to announce my new line PERICH Skincare & Makeup that is exclusively available at The Gnome Colony. I do offer a full e-commerce website for those who can't come into the store. I want to be able to say on my last day, in my last breath I did it, took chances, made mistakes, grew from them, chased dreams and made women love themselves even more." Good luck with love Michael! See you soon!

The popular Style Rivals competition returns on Thursday, March 29, this year to Low Res Studio, 1821 W. Hubbard. Local stylists compete for prizes–styling their own looks with their own models–before a panel of judges! Last year, 10 competitors vied for the crown with Brittani Franklin coming out on top! Join us this year and support our local stylists and the fashion community! I'll see you there as a judge! (For tickets/more info, click here!)

The Magellan Development Group, in collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue, will host a fashion show to benefit Giordano Dance Chicago on Thursday, April 26, at VISTA, 345 Upper E. Wacker Dr. This show is sure to thrill! For tickets/more info, click here!

Dr. Jane Goodall, the "chimp whisperer", will be keynote speaker

The Women's Board of the Field Museum will host its annual Women in Science Luncheon at the Sheraton Grand on Tuesday, April 3, with keynote speaker Dr. Jane Goodall, the "chimp whisperer"! Her groundbreaking field research revolutionized the world of primatology and redefined the relationship between humans and animals. I can't wait and am so geeked out to hear her speak! If you're interested in hearing this world renowned scientist speak about her amazing life, click here for tickets/more info!

Chef Art Smith with his beloved late mom, Addie Mae Smith, on the day of his wedding to Jesus Salgueiro.

Condolences go out to Chef Art Smith and his family. He recently lost his beloved mom, Addie Mae Smith, to Alzheimer's. She was his biggest fan and there was always a look of love and pride in her eyes in every single photo I ever saw of her. I was lucky to meet her briefly at Art and Jesus Salgueiro's beautiful wedding in Washington, D.C. and it's no surprise that Art is the wonderful man that he is. In a post, Art said," She was that Steel Magnolia that taught me to keep my chin up when I was bullied and taught me that great art of listening." RIP dear Addie Mae…..

Actress/author/producer/director Leslie Zemeckis will make an appearance at the Chicago

Leslie Zemeckis, author/actress/director/producer

History Museum on Sunday, March 25 beginning at 1:30! She will premiere her latest film, "Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer," the story of Mabel Stark, the first female tiger trainer, with a Q & A following. Stark was a superstar in the steel arena and was told no WOMAN could train tigers, but undaunted and with

Big cat trainer Mabel Stark in an early promo photo

no training, she stepped into the arena and worked up an act that included up to 20 tigers! The film uncovers the real story behind the most famous woman of her time, as told in her words, from her relatives, her protégés, and today’s female tiger trainers who follow in her footsteps. I'm proud to host this exciting afternoon and I hope you can join us! (For tickets, $19, and more info, click here, and see trailer below!)

Newly engaged Susan Santiago and Laura Schwartz!

I have such happy news to share! I'm sure most of you know Laura Schwartz (professional speaker, author of bestselling book "Eat, Drink & Succeed", TV commentator, fill-in host for Larry King, White House Director of Events for President Clinton and all-

Laura's proposal to Susan onstage at Lookingglass Theater

around great gal)! Well, she is officially engaged to Susan Santiago (SVP at Hyatt Corporation where she started as a server in Tampa over 26 years ago! Susan was recently named one of Fortune Magazine's "Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business"!). Their proposals were right out of a

Susan's snowy proposal to Laura in Plymouth, WI

fairytale! Susan surprised Laura going down on one knee in the snow on New Year's Eve behind Laura's parents' house in Plymouth WI (Laura's fav spot in the world!). In turn, Laura surprised Susan at the

Rings!

Lookingglass Theater, where they first met. Susan thought she was attending one of Laura's many speaking engagements but, instead, she entered the room and Laura was onstage under a spotlight holding out a ring box. I tear up just writing this….Such thrilling news for a much loved couple! As Kup used to say, long may they love!

Baton Show Lounge celebrates 49 years at 436 N. Clark

CONGRATS, congrats, congrats!

The Baton Show Lounge celebrated its 49th anniversary on

Shantell D'Marco, Miss Continental 2018

March 14 with a packed house at 436 N. Clark. Longtime fans (including a 93 year-old Cubs fan) enjoyed a new show featuring the reigning Mr. and Mrs. Continentals, Ramon Ventura and Shantell D'Marco. Owner Jim Flint reflected on his many years in the business at the "world's best female impersonator show" before the evening kicked off with Ginger Grant serving as emcee. (For a sneak peek of the performances, click here!) Congrats,

With Chuck, Dan Neniskis and Baton owner Jim Flint

with love Jim to you and your wonderful team!

That's the scoop for this week! I hope you've enjoyed this latest edition. Remember, if you have any news you would like me to share, please send it to Candace@CandidCandace.com! And, if you're not a subscriber, please sign up here! My list is never shared, only treasured!

Love, as always,
Candace

P.S. A loving, unbreakable bond…..:-)

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Filed under Chicago, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Music, Television

February 26, 2018 · 9:13 am

GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO CELEBRATES 55 YEARS AT LEGACY GALA

ART INSTITUTE CELEBRATES 45; CYSO'S "WEST SIDE STORY" GALA; LSCRF'S SWEET VALENTINE'S DAY FAMILY EVENT; MELINDA AND LUCIEN TIE THE KNOT; CATHOLIC CHARITIES' MAIN EVENT; HYDE PARK ART CENTER'S DESERVING HONOREES; SOUTH LOOP'S M LOUNGE CELEBRATES; THE ARTFUL LIFE AT LURIE'S; FUN VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!

With Giordano Dance Chicago and a beautiful Eli's Celebration Cheesecake

Legendary dancer, choreographer, teacher, change-maker and author Gus Giordano, founded Giordano Dance Chicago in 1963, and boy would he be thrilled to see how far it's come now under the leadership and

Nan Giordano with her darling son and his girlfriend

artistic direction of his daughter Nan Giordano! The dynamic dance company celebrated its 55th anniversary at its Legacy Ball on February 10 where nearly 300 guests joined in the fun! The multi-sensory

Imani Williams, Ashley Downs, Jack Halbert, Ryan Galloway, Jacob Frazier and Katie Rafferty

experience began at the entrance to Chez, a chic event space at 247 E. Ontario. This dance company sure knows how to stretch a

Howard and Judy Tullman with creatively dressed Jewell Events & Catering server

dollar as they created and installed all of the unique and colorful decor themselves (led by Trey Gonzalez) to pay homage to five decades of dance! Delicious food stations, catered by Jewell Events & Catering, honored each decade beginning with a candy

Giordano Dance Chicago's Artistic Programs Manager Cesar T. Salinas

station filled with every sort of sweet treat you would find in the 60s. There were even vintage toys from this era displayed throughout the offerings. A 70s inspired station featured aluminum TV trays where you could add mac and cheese, hot dogs, hamburgers, sloppy joes, mashed potatoes and so

Frances Renk, Kristin and Aaron Bowling and Chris Renk

much more. A wall of hanging vinyl records, from Nan's own collection, served as a perfect backdrop for one of the food stations. (See video here) The program opened with remarks from executive director Michael McStraw. He

With Nan Giordano, Julie Johnson and Helen Melchior

thanked the Associate Board and its president Ben Hess for hosting the event and the sponsors–Anna Held Floral Studio (Beth Tenney), Breakthru Beverage Illinois, E Malone, Chez Event Space,

"Disco" Donna Kleinman, past DWGS winner, and friend

Cooper's Hawk Winery & Lagunitas Brewing Company, Jewell Events & Catering, Eli's Cheesecake Company, Inspired Events & Catering, Mon Ami Gabi, Quarles & Brady LLP, Best Value Vacs, Jam Productions Ltd., Ketel One Vodka and Michigan Avenue Mag, among others. McStraw read a letter from Governor Bruce Rauner that said, in part, "The longevity of Giordano

Bri and Nick Coombs (Leslie Hindman Auctioneers), Jennifer Kastenholz and Michael McStraw

Dance Chicago is truly a testament to the quality dance instruction and outreach it provides and the relationships it has developed through the years." A surprise announcement acknowledged Giordano

Trey Gonzalez, Kip Helverson, Ari Israel and Paul Iacono

Dance's new home and brought wild applause from the crowd. GDC recently took ownership of the Hermon Baptist Church at 1754 N. Clark Street that will see a redesign but will still maintain the original church facade. A capital

Kelly Dzurgot, Nan Giordano, Linda and Kara McDonald

campaign to support construction and building is in its initial phase. And with that, what everyone was waiting for–GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO! Dressed in costumes inspired by the five decades, the dancers twirled down a glass staircase spinning colored hula hoops dancing to

Tom Kehoe, Tracey Tarantino and David Murga

"Whatchamacallit" (see video here) followed by "Twist & Shout (the Beatles). Other dances included "He's so Fine" (The Chiffons); "You Really Got Me" (The Kinks) and more. For the 70s decade, dancers encouraged the crowd to join in to "Night Fever" (The BeeGees),

Richard and Diane Weinberg

"Last Dance" (Donna Summer) and more. By now, the attendees were worked into a frenzy and continued dancing with GDC to "When Doves Cry" (Prince), "Sweet Dreams" (The Eurythmics) and "Let's Dance" (David Bowie), among many others. The dramatic light show, created by Shaun Shouldeen (see video here),

With Michael Kutza and Chuck Jordan

added even more excitement to the party. DJ Matthew Harvat kept the excitement going and the crowd dancing long after the performance numbers had finished. It was thrilling and terrifying to be introduced during the 1990s segment to Madonna's iconic

Lyn McKeaney, Peggy Lombardo, Cesar Salinas and friend

"Vogue." Bare-chested, handsome dancers (Devin Buchanan, Adam Houston, Jacob Frazier, Ryan Galloway and Zachary Heller) flanked me on an entrance that I will never forget down that glass staircase. I danced (a little) and then we made our way

Mark Olley (future DWGS contestant), Dr. Stacie McClane (DWGS 2017 winner) and Joe Brown

to the stage after numerous lifts and poses. (These patient, generous dancers can make anyone look good and put them at ease, as they did me). Nan Giordano had surprised me earlier in the evening with a beautiful framed photo that all of the company had signed. This presentation preceded

With Maria Pappas, Maureen Schulman, Helen Melchior and Paul Iacono

a touching prayer circle that is part of the company's tradition before every performance and event—yet another reason why this dance company is so very special. After my dance number, Nan and company had yet another surprise

I'm in heaven with an Eli's Cheesecake and the Men of Giordano–Devin Buchanan, Jacob Frazier, Ryan Galloway, Zachary Heller, Adam Houston, Nathan Rommel, Jack Halbert and Imani Williams

planned. A video of award-winning choreographer Ray Leeper (GDC's "Feelin' Good Sweet") announced that he will be choreographing a special work in my honor that will debut during GDC's fall 2018 concert at the Harris

Leslie Glazier and Nan Giordano

Theater for Music and Dance! Thank goodness I was wearing water-proof mascara. A massive, commemorative Eli's Cheesecake was then wheeled down the Red Carpet where the entire company, board members and

Chuck with Hedwig and Robert Golant

I posed for photos. A live auction, expertly conducted by Nick Coombs from Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, sold two packages–

With Maria Pappas, Peter Kamberos and Todd Hatoff

the first being an "Elite Experience" that included two courtside seats to a Chicago Bulls game, prime seats to two Chicago Blackhawk's games; tickets to a performance by

With Elise Paschen

Grammy Award-winner David Byrne, Gold Coast dinners and more. The second experience was priceless–a Giordano Dance Chicago Cocktail Dance Party where the winner

Jackie Bucksbaum, Jonathon Wells and Sheri Passalino

can invite 150 friends for a "dance party like none other" with the dancers at Chicago's hottest Cuban club, Flamingo Rum Club in River North. The evening was a success from

Jim Smith and his friend Mark Olley

beginning to end raising over $90,000 for this beloved company. When the lights came on, no one wanted to leave. Now that my friends, is truly the measure of a good party!

With Stan's Donuts' Katie Snyder and Stacy Snyder

(Photos by Amie Hana and Phillip Thomas) (To see a video recap of ALL the fun by Joshua Blake Carter, click here!) (The next big event for the dance company will be the very popular "Dancing with the

Let the Dancing BEGIN!

Giordano Stars" that returns on October 4 to Park West. For tickets to this and other GDC events, click here). The GDC's 55th Season Spring Series begins at the Harris

Tracey Tarantino (3rd from L), Patty Nalepa and Stacy Snyder

Theater on Friday, Marcy 23, 7:30 pm! (For tickets/more info, click here!)

Event co-chairs Roxy Goebel, Tommy Miller, Wendy Franzen and event chair Patrick Wood-Prince

The Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute of Chicago hosted 400 chic guests at the museum in celebration of its 45th anniversary on February 10. The sold out event, chaired by Patrick Wood-Prince and co-chaired by Wendy Franzen, Roxy

Toni and Rick Canada

Goebel and Tommy Miller, featured entertainment by Emily Blue and magician Jibrizy, specialty cocktails and a fabulous dinner at Terzo Piano followed by a festive after-party

Marit and Jacques Bohbot

in the Modern Wing. The Auxiliary Board, one of the oldest and most recognized charitable boards of its kind, raised funds to support special exhibitions and projects at the museum, including the board’s annual Treasure Hunt and Tea Party, which provides Chicago-children access to the museum.

Be My Valentine Event Co-Chair Julie Lampert, LSCRF Chair Hollis Hanover and Be My Valentine Event Co-Chair Jennifer Meyers

The The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) celebrated its 11^th Annual “Be My Valentine” Family Event at The Ritz Carlton on February 11. This sweet family event attracted over 400 attendees

LSCRF Founders Charlene Lieber and Terri Lind with LSCRF Chair Hollis Hanover

and raised more than $90,000 for breast cancer research. Co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers, the fundraiser featured a delicious brunch with all the trimmings– fresh fruit and O.J., scrambled eggs with herbs and cheddar cheese, country bacon, French toast, mini hot dogs,

Ashley and Arden Netzky

crispy chicken tenders and The “Ritz” macaroni and cheese. (Dying here!) Parents and children were also treated to special performances by The Jesse White Tumblers

Sherri and Siena Hoke

and DJ Versage. Miss Kim, from Bubbles Academy, entertained tiny tots in their own special area. Other activities included a hair braiding bar hosted by Blo Blow Dry Bar, the Abt Arcade, crafts from Sew Crafty Studio, red carpet and event photos by Sheri Whitko Photography, photo booth provided by Midwest Foods, classic treats from

Kendra, Justin and Lex Shiffman

Chicagoland’s Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, a prize wheel by Blaze Pizza, cookie decorating with Sweet Mandy B’s, a candy table, flower crowns from Alice’s Table, wax hands

Sarah Rudich and Kristin Klein

with Chicago Wax Hands, a sports corner with a shootout with Chicago Wolves mascot Skates and pop-up shops from Frankie’s on the Park, Enaz and Rue De Emily. WHEW! There sure was a lotta bang for your buck, tickets were $100!! Guests also had the opportunity to win fabulous prizes from the silent auction. All proceeds benefited LSCRF

Lola Hoke does wax hand activity with Chicago Wax Hands

and the breast cancer research, fellowships and education programs at Northwestern Medicine and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Note of Excellence honoree Jamie Bernstein

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO), one of the nation’s premier youth orchestra and ensemble training programs, featured one of Leonard Bernstein’s most

Rachel Lang and Allen Tinkham

quintessential works, West Side Story, at its annual gala on February 10 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Attended by more than 320 supporters, the evening broke previous CYSO fundraising records, raising more than $425,000 for CYSO’s music training, education, and community

Susan Lape, Dr. Bryan Traubert and Penny Pritzker

engagement programs. The evening celebrated the talent and achievements of CYSO’s young musicians with an experience that began as soon as guests arrived. A performance by Preparatory Strings musicians, ages 7-9, serenaded arriving partygoers

Lourdes Duarte with co-chairs Anjani and Saurab Bhargava

along the grand staircase. A cocktail reception included a red-carpet experience, West Side Story-themed cocktails, appetizers, a mini-live auction, and music provided by CYSO Steel Orchestra students. Jamie Bernstein, broadcaster, author and eldest daughter of Leonard

Jan-Peter and Jessica Breugelmans

Bernstein, was the special guest at a VIP reception which featured a performance by a CYSO jazz orchestra trio. As doors opened to the Grand Ballroom for the seated dinner portion of the evening, CYSO’s 125-member Symphony Orchestra, made up of high school-age performers from across the Chicago region, welcomed guests with a performance of West Side Story’s Symphonic Dances under the baton of

Dipti and Biresh Thakkar

CYSO Music Director Allen Tinkham. Event chairs Saurab and Anjani Bhargava welcomed guests and emcee Lourdes Duarte, WGN-TV anchor/investigative reporter, introduced the evening's program and recognized sponsors. An appeal video created by Green River Films highlighted the CYSO’s many programs and the impact donor support has on young musicians. The paddle raise brought in nearly $121,000 to support CYSO’s financial assistance program

Doug and Sharon Carroll

and help keep program tuition affordable for all families. (Click here for video). The Note of Excellence Award was presented to Jamie Bernstein. She said, “I am so honored to be here tonight and receive this award and want to thank the CYSO for being a part of the centennial celebration of my father’s work. If my dad was around and could see the sharing and reading of his works, and the social and musical impact he continues to have, he’d—as we say in Yiddish —plotz! [explode].” The

Saurab and Anjani Bargava, Jamie Bernstein and Susan Lape

establishment of the Doug and Sharon Carroll Conducting Fellowship was announced which will support the conducting education of one CYSO student each year. Gala proceeds will benefit nearly 10,000 young people from across the Chicago region who are enrolled in CYSO music training, education, and community engagement programs. (Photos by Mila Samokhina).

Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Lagrange

Congrats are in order for renowned architect Lucien Lagrange and his longtime love, Melinda Jakovich, a high end real estate broker with Coldwell-Banker. They tied the knot at City Hall, after 7 years of togetherness, and then celebrated with friends at an Arts Club bash on February 17. The atmosphere and menu by Rachel DeMarte was

Nancy Reschke, Pierre Lockett, Melinda and Jocelyn Stoller

as elegant as the couple themselves. They both looked like chic throwbacks to another age with Melinda draped in a white fox stole with a floor length, low-backed white flowing evening gown. Lucien, of course, dapper in

Flavio Gama and his beautiful wife Natalie Martinez

black tie and those signature eyebrows. Flower-filled and candle-lit, the evening included piano background music, cocktails, a lavish buffet and, of course, loving speeches from friends. Speakers/toasters included Hanno Webber, Jocelyn and Jim Stoller, Michael Reschke, Julia and Michael Peters, Nancy Gottlieb

Lucien's brother Michel Lagrange and his sons Christophe and Remy Lagrange

Bauer and Mel's Aunt Kay who flew in from California. Nancy's speech was my favorite as she perfectly encapsulated the love that the Lagranges share. Read an excerpt here and congrats to this much loved couple! "When I think about the two of you, I think about creating something beautiful from what was previously empty space…it is in this way

Nancy Gottlieb Bauer and Jerry Krivitsky

that I consider your marriage like a well-designed and constructed building. The most important part – a solid foundation. You have a strong foundation formed from mutual respect and admiration…… Yes, a

Judy Lyman, Taylor Lindstrom, Melinda, Liz VanHorn and Patti Lyman

marriage is like a building. It has stress points. When addressed with attention and support there is stability and longevity…… Marriage is like a building. It has an aesthetic. With Melinda’s creative singular style and Lucien’s savoir faire you two have a unique charm and

Melinda's aunt Catherine Mariella and cousin Cindy Cziki

enduring elegance. Marriage is like a building. It is rooted to the ground, but reaches for the sky. It opens its doors to shelter and protect. As we celebrate your marriage, we toast the two of you as a couple, and welcome Mr. & Mrs.

Helen Melchior and Katherine Gehl

Lagrange." Well said Nancy! Guests in attendance included Helen Melchior, Pierre Lockett, Katherine Gehl, the French Consul General and his wife, Natalie Martinez and her handsome husband Flavio Gama (they're expecting their first child, a girl!), Joan Colmar and her boyfriend Mitchell Sabshon, Remy Lagrange, Michelle and SuZanne Lagrange and daughter Valerie, Mike Reshke, Ron Halvorson, Dan Faloon, Kathy Hebson, Fran Broude and many others. Long may they love! (Kup's famous quote!) (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

Miss Chicago, Grace Etzkorn with the "Smile Doctor" Dr. Ted Siegel

As expected, the 13th annual "Dentists With Heart" event, hosted by Dr. Ted Siegel, (Big Smile Dental), was another great success with attendees lining up as early as 2:30 a.m. the night before! Dr. Siegel offered a gift of FREE dental services on Valentine's Day and, all who attended, received

Big Smile Dental patient line

a free dental treatment that included exams, x-rays. cleanings and, if needed, fillings, extractions and pain control. The event had numerous volunteers that spent their day giving back to help patients including Miss Chicago 2018 Grace Etzkorn. Over

Big Smile Dental Team

the past 13 years, Big Smile Dental has been able to treat more than 5700 patients and provide over $2 million dollars in free dentistry. #SomeoneYouShouldKnow

John and Sheri Jevitz

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago hosted the 4th annual Patrick J. Ryan Main Event at Drury Lane in Oak Brook Terrace on February 2. The ballroom was turned into a boxing ring and mini-casino with proceeds benefiting the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide

Monsignor Michael M. Boland (President/CEO of Catholic Charities), John Ryan* (CC Chief of Staff)

(LOSS) Program, created for children and youth who have endured the loss of a loved one to suicide. This year was a record-breaker, in both attendance and fundraising, with over 820 guests enjoying an evening of amateur boxing, casino games,

Jack Donahue, State's Attorney Robert Berlin and Carolyn Berlin

dinner that raised over $140,000! The event was established by former Attorney General of Illinois Jim Ryan and his wife Marie and their family, after the

Matt and Melissa Ryan with Amy and Chuck Valenti

loss of their son, Patrick J. Ryan, to suicide. Boxing has been a family tradition for the Ryans, starting with Jim Ryan Sr., who won the Middle Weight Golden Glove Championship in 1964. His sons, John (Chief of Staff

Kevin Githens and Shawn Flood

at Catholic Charities), Jimmy and Matt Ryan, all grew up boxing. Notables attendees included Monsignor Michael M. Boland (President of Catholic Charities); John Ryan (Chief of Staff at Catholic Charities), emcee Phil Schwarz (ABC-7), Len Wiatr (Catholic Charities Board Chairman) and State's Attorney Robert Berlin. (Photos by John Reilly

With co-chair Michael Caputo, Liliana Vujic and her mom filming the gala video

Photography)

The annual Gift of Sight Gala returns to the Peninsula on Thursday, June 28. The evening will benefit the nonprofit's mission to restore sight and prevent blindness through donation, transplantation and research for all who need it. I'm thrilled to be co-chairing this event for the 2nd year with

Marco Foster–Gift of Sight 2018 Visionary

MyEyeDr.'s Michael Caputo. We recently sat down with 12 year-old Liliana Vujic who was born with Peters Anomaly, a rare congenital eye defect. She's had 3 surgeries, the most recent being a corneal transplant surgery. She shares her story in our video (expertly created/donated by Donna LaPietra-Kurtis Productions) below! I hope you can join us at the gala and meet Liliana! (For tickets and more info, click here!)

Hyde Park Art Center director of development Aaron Rodgers, Christine and James Forni, honoree Anne Wilson

The Hyde Park Art Center recently honored three esteemed members of the Chicago arts, civic and business community–Shirley and Walter Massey and artist and educator Anne Wilson. Co-chaired by

Honoree Walter Massey, Rhona Hoffman, Honoree Shirley Massey

Sundeep Mullangi and Trissa Babrowski, and Monica and Bill Hughson, the event attracted over 500 supporters and began with a lively cocktail hour, a silent auction and an opportunity to explore artists’ studios.

Norman Teague, Dawoud Bey and Leslie Cain

Partygoers also entered to win an art collection of works on paper by more than 50 Chicago artists. Following dinner, Teen Programs

LaShana Jackson, artist Faheem Majeed

Participant Madison Holley shared her inspiring story. Numerous pillars of the Chicago creative community were in attendance, including Dawoud Bey, Rhona Hoffman and Elissa Tenny. The event raised more than $380,000 to help keep the Center free and open to the public while supporting 45,000

Sandra and Jack Guthman

people who make, learn, see and discuss art there every year. Among the programs that will be supported is The Community Supported Arts

Marianna Ingersoll, Paul Ingerson, co-chair Trissa Babrowski, co-chair Sundeep Mulangi and Jay Dandy

School, Chicago’s first open-access arts school and an arts-learning model in which learners of all ages and backgrounds can develop their creative skills and voices. Following dinner, guests returned upstairs for

Kim and Jim Taylor

the Art Center’s official after-party and celebrated with cocktails, dessert and music by Audio Jack and artist activities by Aurora Tabor, Documents Bureau, Jason Dunda & Paul Hopkin, Jessie Mott, Michelle Nordmeyer, Amina Ross, Kristine Steiner and Katie Vota.

M Lounge owners, MaryAnn and Reginald Marsh

M Lounge is celebrating its 12^th anniversary! This popular South Loop jazz club, owned and operated by the much loved Reginald and MaryAnn Marsh, opened in January 2006, and it's still going strong! The intimate martini lounge, located at 1520 S. Wabash, has over the years become synonymous with hot, live jazz;

M Lounge interior at 1520 S. Wabash

cool, innovative cocktails; warm customer service and a client base as immensely loyal as the “Cheers” bar of old. And it recently became the Chicago home base of renowned jazz saxophonist Ray Silkman and his band! "Regulars” are so loyal that, quite unintentionally, the South Loop oasis has spawned a sub-community of couples who have met their match at M Lounge — some married with children. M Lounge is also

M Lounge interior at 1520 S. Wabash

somewhat of a celebrity haunt with notable guests that have included Angela Bassett; Jussie Smollett, Andre Royo and other cast members of the popular Empire series; Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter (who frequents whenever he's in town); Chicago media personalities and members of the Chicago Bears and Chicago Sky! If you've never been, stop in and say happy anniversary–just tell 'em Candace sent

Painting Day at Lurie Children's hosted by 4Everly Adorned

you!

4Everly Adorned, a Chicago-based business created

Such concentration!

to inspire children and adults through the use of art, hosted its very first event in the Family Life Center at Lurie Children's Hospital, called "Painting Day with 4Everly Adorned"! Hospitalized children created masterpieces in the form of painting and

A chest from 4Everly Adorned's painted furniture collection

stenciling small wooden boxes and other object d'art and then got to take home a beautiful piece of art that they created and could feel proud of! 4Everly Adorned hopes this is the beginning of many

Lurie Children's patient paints and decorates box he gets to keep via 4Everly Adorned

more projects like this one. If you know of an opportunity for them to interact with kids like this, please let them know and visit their colorful website here to find hand-painted furniture and other room decor. No matter how small, efforts like this can change a life. Thanks 4Everly Adorned!

That's it for this week! I hope you've enjoyed all this Chicago goodness! And, if you have any important events/news I can share, please send to candace@candidcandace.com!

Have a wonderful week!

Love, as always,
Candace 🙂

P.S. This is Agador (known on Instagram as poochofNYC). He was featured in last week's NY Times as one of the top Insta-dogs with over 400K followers! And I can certainly see why with posts like this one!

"I made a to-do list today. I just can't figure out who's going to do it." –Agador, poochofNYC

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Food and Drink, Music

February 12, 2018 · 7:47 am

SCHWEDDY BALLS GALA (DON’T LAUGH), A FIRST FOR CHICAGO BROADCAST MUSEUM

GRAND CHEFS EXPERIENCE; CRYSTAL HEART BALL; MAKE IT BETTER MAG'S WOMEN OF IMPACT; DRIVING FASHION FORWARD; GLITZ & GLAMOUR; STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION HONORS THE SCHULMANS; RAGTIME AT THE MARRIOTT; KING OF HEARTS GALA; GIORDANO DANCE ON FOX WITH SYLVIA; CHICAGO P.D. CELEBRATES 100!; CHINA: LOVE THROUGH THE DYNASTIES; WHITNEY'S BOOK!; LANDAN TWINS ON THE HOT SEAT; ROTUNNO THE GREAT DEFENDER; KATHY'S BIG MOVE; TWO CHICAGO HOTELS ARE TOPS IN NATION; TOUCH COMMUNICATIONS DEBUTS; KATHLEEN'S AGENCY H5; UNICEF HUMANITARIAN AWARDS; FUN VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Katie Ingersoll & Gina Merlo on the Jeopardy Set

Rolling Stone Magazine called it one of the "50 Greatest Saturday Night Live Sketches of All Time" and, indeed, the uproariously funny "Schweddy Balls" skit, brought to life by Alec Baldwin and Ana Gasteyer, who wrote and starred in this legendarily naughty sketch, became a classic. Baldwin, of course,

Brett Mularski, Justin Kulovsek, Elena Mularski – Da Bears Super Fans and SNL Project lead and Blues Brother

was Pete Schweddy, a man who was producing a holiday treat – balls, branded with his name and sold in sacks. Those who didn't get the joke at first would get multiple chances during the skit. So iconic was this simple bit

Kelly Dougan as "Mary Katherine Gallagher"

of wordplay that Ben & Jerry's produced an ice cream in honor of the skit in 2011. And now, for the first time at the Museum of Broadcast Communications, this funny sketch even has a fun-filled gala named in its

Tommy "The Elf" Holl and Blues Brother Damian Clark

honor! Over 260 people attended the first "Schweddy Ball Gala" on December 30. Guests were encouraged to dress as their favorite SNL character or in ugly sweaters. Attendees included media darlings Richard Roeper (Sun-Times), Chris Hansen (WCIU/WGN), and Jill

Nicole Harris, Lisa Payne, Michele Kerulis, and Kerry Thon on the Weekend Update set

Hopkins (NPR). The Sianis Family provided "cheezborgers" and Billy Goat Beer in keeping with the SNL theme and Goody's Famous Popcorn provided the signature treat of the evening,

Jean Medina and Betsy Shepherd

"Schweddy (popcorn) Balls." Chicago's very own Live Band Karaoke provided entertainment including appearances by "Wayne & Garth." Best SNL Costume went to Kelly Dougan

Kim Shepherd and Mika Stambaugh

who arrived dressed as Mary Katherine Gallagher. Emily Poskrobko won a trip for four to see Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Fallon in NY! Guests also had access to the ongoing "Saturday Night Live" The Experience," the official SNL exhibit housed at the museum until December 2018. (Exhibit tickets can be purchased here!) I wonder what's next, "Schweddy Balls-the Musical"? (To see original SNL skit, see below, caution, naughty but fun!)

Natalie Randazzo, Kristin Neely, Lynea Martin, Christie Kollias

The 2018 Grand Chefs Experience attracted over 900 culinary enthusiasts (aka foodies!) to the Field Museum on February 2. Presented by the Illinois Chapter of the

Michelle Durpetti (Gene & Georgetti, last year's recipient) presents Chicago Classic Award

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, this year's newly revamped experience brought together Chicago’s most sought-after chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists who prepared signature dishes and drinks for attendees. WGN’s Dina Bair emceed the evening and Jennifer

Brandon Mei thanks the crowd for its support

Nickerson, VP of Restaurant Operations for Levy Restaurants, received the coveted “Chicago Classic” award. Gene & Georgetti chef Luis Quirez won People's Choice. To close out the night, the official after-party, Nitecap, treated guests to pastries and creative cocktails. All funds raised, over $350,000, will support the CF Foundation in its mission to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a genetic

Dina Bair, emcee

disease affecting 30,000 Americans. (Photos by Soda Foundation Photography)

The Darling Denizens of the Night, the Landan Twins (Andrew Landan, pres/founder

Landan Twins Industry Roast at Prysm

Chicago Interactive Social Club and Jon Landan, partner/advisory board member InList) went on the hot seat to benefit their favorite charity, Chicago Gateway Green (CGG), on January 29. They were "roasted" at Prysm

400-strong crowd turned out for the roast!

nightclub in front of a packed house filled with industry insiders. Backstory–In 2010, the nightclub held a poll to find out who would be the top industry person, among restaurant group owners, bar owners, club owners, DJs, managers, socialites and others to be featured in the Inaugural Industry Roast in Chicago. After 2 weeks of voting, The Landan Twins were selected by their peers with an overwhelming amount

On the hot seat to benefit Chicago Gateway Green, the Twins favorite charity

of votes! They agreed to be roasted when their recommendation was agreed upon by the club that this event would become a charity event. From there, it grew into a "beast" with donations coming in from the Twins' many connections including @properties, Golub & Company, Harry Caray’s, DineAmic Group, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits and Prysm Nightclub to name a few. The event, that attracted over 400 people, featured a 2 Hour VIP reception catered by DineAmic Group and sponsored by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits for The Twins’ donors and

The Landan Twins–Andrew and Jon

friends. Roasters included Thad Wong, Grant DePorter, David Rekhson, Jonny Imerman, Lee Golub, Keegan Moon, Danny Raskin and Ozzie Guillen, Jr. The evening raised over $10,000 for their favorite charity, one that they've been involved with for close to 20 years, Chicago Gateway Green! Congrats to all! (If you would like to support CGG in honor of the Landans, or on your own, click here!)

Zaher Sahloul, Suzanne Akhras Sahloul, Maria Woltjen, Steve Lehmann

The Midwest Regional Office of UNICEF USA hosted its 7th annual UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon honoring extraordinary leaders who contribute locally and internationally to the improvement of children’s lives. This year’s award recipients were Maria Woltjen,

Ashish Prasad

(director/founder of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights), Suzanne Akhras Sahloul, (founder/president of the Syrian Community Network) and Zaher Sahloul (founder, American Relief

Ashish Prasad, Senator Dick Durbin, Ashley Prasad

Coalition for Syria and past president and senior advisor, Syrian American Medical Society). This year's luncheon focused on the global migrant and refugee crisis, impacting nearly 50 million children who have migrated across borders or been forcibly displaced and the efforts of community

Suzanne Akhras Sahloul

leaders to provide humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable. Christian Skoog, UNICEF Mexico representative, gave the keynote address. With more than 20 years of professional experience working on human rights, humanitarian crises and emergencies,

Christian Skoog, Zaher Sahloul, Suzanne Akhras Sahloul, Maria Woltjen, Steve Lehmann and Elizabeth McCostlin

he spoke about his experience and how to help children affected by the global migrant crisis. UNICEF USA wants all children to have a happy, healthy childhood no matter where they live. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first, and has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization.

Paula Hilava (L), Patrick Scott McDermott and darling friends

From the volatile melting pot of New York City at the dawn of a new century, comes the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, RAGTIME, at the Marriott Theatre now through March 18. Featuring a powerful score by the Tony Award-winning composer/lyricist team of Stephen

Curtis Bannister, Patrick Scott McDermott

Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, and book by four-time Tony Award winner Terrence McNally, RAGTIME is a sweeping musical portrait of America. Seven-time Jeff Award winner Nick Bowling (The Bridges of Madison County, Man of La Mancha, The King and I) returns to Marriott Theatre to direct, with musical direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and

Teressa and Christina

choreography by Kenneth L. Roberson. “RAGTIME is a musical about individual people, but it shows the bigger picture of a struggling country, which is

Khadjah Rolle, James Earl Jones II

often divided by race, class, and economic standing, working together for American progress,” says Director Nick Bowling. “We live in such explosive times, but often, to move forward, it is necessary to endure hardships, and I think that is what makes RAGTIME such an emotional and beautiful

James Earl Jones II, Benjamin Magnuson, Adam Monley, Nathaniel Stampley

musical.” At the dawn of a new century, everything is changing and anything is possible. Based on the distinguished novel by E.L. Doctorow, this musical weaves together three distinctly American tales – that of a stifled upper-class wife, a determined Jewish immigrant and a daring young Harlem musician – united by their courage, compassion and belief in the promise of the future.

Katherine Thomas, Nathaniel Stampley, Kathy Voytko

Together, they confront history's timeless contradictions of wealth and poverty, freedom and prejudice, hope and despair… and what it means to live in America. For performance schedules, click here. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre box office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances.

Congrats to all the inspiring women included in Make it Better's magazine

Women of Impact–Lisa Haley Huff, Erika Sargent and Kim Foxx

feature, "42 of Chicago's Top Black Women of Impact"! I spy Dorri McWhorter, Perri Irmer, Linda Johnson Rice, Erika Sargent, Andrea Zopp, Mellody Hobson, Kim Foxx, Desiree Rogers, Shari Runner and so many more! Read/see them all here!

The annual Glitz & Glamour Fashion Show returns on Friday, March 9, at the Peninsula to benefit A Silver Lining Foundation (ASLF). 100% of the proceeds funds the foundation's mammography program, Buy A Mom A Mammogram, which provides cost-free mammograms and diagnostic testing to all. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, the fashion show will feature designs from Mark Roscoe, Elda de la Rosa, Ricorso, J. Toor, Mira Couture, Sylwia Designs, Al Menotti, Tamra Ellingson and more! For tickets, $125, and more info, click here!

Stanley Paul Foundation honorees–Marc and Maureen Schulman

This year's Stanley Paul Foundation benefit will honor one of the city's "sweetest" couples–Eli's Cheesecake owners/ philanthropists Marc and Maureen Schulman! The event will be held at the Casino on Wednesday, May 9, with a magical tribute produced by another icon, Donna LaPietra (Kurtis Productions). Ticket info and more event details to follow!

PAWS Chicago will take over the catwalk for Launch: Driving Fashion Forward at the Autohaus on Edens for an evening of friends, fashion, philanthropy and FUR! This year's event will celebrate PAWS' expansion into the North Shore and feature a ZZAZZ Productions fashion show with looks by Peach Carr Designs, Juniper Boutique, Avant for Men, Londo Mondo, Lake Forest Shop and more! For tickets and more details, click here!

On Saturday, April 28, the International Women's Associates will host "China: Love Through The Dynasties", a gala fundraiser to be held at the Peninsula featuring Chinese performances, music, a traditional Chinese seated banquet with dozens of delicious dishes, dancing, a fashion show, silent and live auctions (luxury trips to China!) and so much more! Whew! For tickets and more info, click here!

Chicago P.D. celebrates 100th episode with exec. producer Dick Wolf, the Mayor and Guv!

Huge congrats to Chicago P.D., executive producer Dick Wolf, Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and NBC Universal on the 100th episode of P.D.! A celebration was held at the Studios that included both the Mayor and Governor who applauded the cast and presented Wolf with a state flag! Watch video here ! (And to see the 100th episode celebration of Chicago Fire, click here) We're so lucky to have YOU in Chicago!

Christ the King Jesuit president Clem Martin

Christ the King Jesuit College Prep hosted its 10^th annual King of Hearts Gala, raising over $1 million for scholarship assistance for students from Chicago’s

Steve Lombardo with Linda and Steve Patton

West Side. The gala took place at the Fairmont Hotel Millennium Park with more than 700 people in attendance, an event record! The evening included a seated dinner, a silent auction and speeches by

Jo Merlau with artist Richard Hunt

Clement V. Martin (the current CTK president); Rev. Christopher J. Devron, S.J. (the founding CTK president) and Kyara Lee, ’12 (part of CTK’s first graduating class). The event had 44

Bob Slaughter with CTK Senior Tim and alumni counselor, Myisha McGee

sponsors, a combination of corporations who employ CTK students as part of the innovative Corporate Work Study Program, including presenting sponsor Wintrust, as well as individual sponsors like Lynn and Tony McGuire, the 2018 King of Hearts chair couple.

Wintrust's Bill Lynch, Patty Lynch and Sr. Mary Fran McLaughlin

Since the first King of Hearts gala was held in 2009, the event has raised approximately $5 million. In its 10 years in Austin, Christ the King has provided students from the West Side

Kyara Lee, CTK class of 2012

with a safe and academically rigorous college-prep education through a thriving and economically sustainable educational model. With the support of businesses

Bill Ryan, John Kolada, Maureen Kolada and Janet Ryan

throughout the region, the program makes the dream of a safe, affordable, faith-based, quality college prep education a reality. The program exclusively serves students and families with limited economic resources in Chicago’s Austin and

Jim and Kathy Hickey with Father Christopher Devron

Pilsen neighborhoods. For 7 consecutive years, 100% of CTK’s seniors have been accepted into a college/university, including the current class of 2018.

Whitney Reynold's "Beyond the Interview"!

Beloved media peep, Whitney Reynolds, has a BOOK! "Beyond The Interview" is a 52-week guide of inspiration filled with the most powerful stories from guests who appeared on her fab PBS show, "The Whitney Reynolds Show," during the last eight seasons. To purchase this pocketful of inspiration, click here! Just love her!

With Mariano's chef Angelo Lollino and Eli's chef Sarah Zupanic and Chuck

Special thanks to Eli's Cheesecake and Mariano's! Chuck and I participated in a fun photo shoot to introduce a new gelato that debuted at Mariano's on February 1. The Eli's Strawberry

With Eli's Cheesecake's Maureen Schulman and Chuck

Cheesecake Gelato, take my word for it, IS the tastiest around! Chuck and I pretended to make an Eli's Cheesecake Gelato Cake but we all know it was a masterful creation by Mariano's chef Angelo Lollino and Eli's chef Sarah Zupancic. Thanks for the fun and yes, even for the extra calories! All worth it!

Peninsula's PR guru Susan Ellefson and hubby Bryan Kurtz

The Hephzibah Children's Association will honor Susan Ellefson and her colleagues at The Peninsula Chicago with the "Heart of Home" award on Saturday, March 3, at the Bridgeport Art Center. The hotel has supported the organization for more than a decade in numerous ways from fundraising to countless visits to the house

Hephzibah Children's Homeda

with Peter Bear (the hotel's mascot), simply to put smiles on the children's faces. Kudos to all you do Susan, your co-workers and the Peninsula! I'm thrilled to see it doesn't go unnoticed! For tickets and more info, click here! And speaking of honors, the Peninsula Chicago also picked up a #2 ranking of top U.S. hotels (after Hawaii's Four Season's Resort Lanai) in U.S. News & World Report. (Langham Chicago came in at #3!).

Shelley Farley (center top), Lynn Kiley (L top), Virginia Bobins (R, top) with the adorable Trinity Irish Dancers

Old St. Patrick’s Church will host its 22^nd Siamsa na nGael celebration, an annual celebration of Irish heritage that will bring world-class Celtic entertainment to the Chicago Symphony Center on Tuesday, March 6. This year’s celebration will tell the story of two slave liberators: an Irishman named Daniel “the Liberator” O’Connell and a slave turned liberator named Frederick Douglass, who joined forces to become “drum majors for justice.” The tales will be told through performances by soloist Gavin Coyle; Chicago’s own Irish diva Catherine O’Connell; renowned tenor soloist Rodrick Dixon; by the Metropolis Symphony Orchestra, the 100-voice Old St. Patrick’s Concert Choir, the step dancing of the Trinity Irish Dancers, the Irish Trad Band, the After School Matters singers, special guest narrators and others. This year's honorary co-chairs are Virginia and Norm Bobins, Shelley and Bill Farley and Lynn and Jim Kiley. For tickets and more info, click here or call 312.294-3000.

I sure wouldn't want to run into criminal defense attorney Donna Rotunno in a courtroom. She is a force and someone not to be messed with but, for those who know her, she has a heart as big as all outdoors. Chicago Magazine profiled her in this fabulous article titled "The Defender" (written by Brian Smith with photography by Jeff Sciortino)….read all about this one-women dynamo here!

Owner/founder Che Sguardo, now at 208 W. Huron!

If you love make-up, skincare and more stuff like this as I do, then you should know Kathy Schmalen. She's a longtime friend and we actually were models together in a land far, far away. I've always admired her skill and knack for finding the BEST beauty products so have been a regular at her Che Sguardo store on Illinois for years. She recently moved to 208 W. Huron, the same block where she began her business 34 years ago. If you want to know where the industry insiders shop, this is THE place! Hope to see you there, looking glam, of course!

Kathleen Kenehan Henson, owner/founder Agency HS

Congrats are in order for Kathleen Kenehan Henson, who previously, after 17 years, has rebranded her award-winning PR agency (formerly Henson Consulting) to Agency HS! This new name change signifies a shift from a traditional PR consulting firm to an integrated marketing agency. Henson shared, "Agency H5 will remain grounded in our five core values, which has truly set the foundation and shaped the company since day one…creativity, passion, integrity, hustle and, most importantly, kindness." Kudos KKH and get it girl!

Touch Communications founders Nina Mariano and Susie Riskind Thompsom

On another agency note, welcome to the world Touch Communications! This new multi-functional communications agency was founded by Nina Mariano and Susie Thompson Riskind. Their clients include Barry's Boot Camp, Nonnina's, Piccolo Sogno, Marchesa, Splash, Modern Luxury, Terlato Wines, Kehoe Designs, After School Matters and more. According to the website, they're a "boutique marketing firm specializing in brand development, event management, social media planning, strategic partnerships and so much

(L to R) Giordano Dance Chicago's Nan Giordano, Ryan Galloway, Natasha Overturff Denny, Zachary Heller and Cesar Salinas

more." Congrats and good luck Neens and Susie!

Special thanks to Sylvia Perez and Fox 32 Chicago for having the Giordano Dance Chicago dancers (Natasha Overturff Denny, Ryan Galloway and Zachary Heller), Nan Giordano and me on to talk about the company's 55th anniversary Legacy Ball. By the time you've read this, the event will have passed but you can bet there will be photos and info shared so stay tuned! (To see the clip, click here!)

That's all the news I can squeeze in this week and I hope you're enjoyed it! Stay tuned for the next fun-filled "blog-azine" coming in two weeks! If you have any event news you would like to submit, please do so at candacejordan@rcn.com.

Love, as always,

Candace

P.S. And, of course, something to make you smile!

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Film, Food and Drink, Music, Television

January 25, 2018 · 9:22 am

RINGING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH WEDDING BELLS AND PLAYBOY BUNNIES

WOODY'S WINTER WARM-UP; LANDAN TWINS ROAST FOR CHICAGO GATEWAY GREEN; ROONEY STARS IN CHICAGO WOMAN MAG; BBC SHOWCASES CHICAGO; NINA STEERS MARCHESA'S BIG OPENING; THE DJ FIRM'S TRENDS PARTY; STYLE RIVALS FASHION SHOW/COMPETITION; ART INSTITUTE AUXILIARY BOARD HOSTS 45TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION; GREEN TIE BALL 2018; HOT EVENT UPDATES; VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE! WELCOME TO 2018!

The newlyweds, Michelle Nicole Durpetti and Collin Russell Pierson

Chuck and I enjoyed another road trip to kick-off the new year. We had an itinerary that took us through 8 states–to a chic Palm Beach wedding, South Beach and even to Graceland, the home of the King! The Palm Beach wedding was between two dear, darling friends, Michelle Nicole Durpetti and Collin

Elegant wedding decor in the Breaker's Venetian Ballroom

Russell Pierson. Hands down, it was the most elegant, extravagant affair we've ever attended. The weekend long event began with a magnificent welcome party at the Breakers, one of the most beautiful luxury hotels in world. Originally planned around the North pool, the event was moved inside due to unseasonably cool weather. But that sure didn't put a damper on the festivities–on the contrary, I think the Venetian Ballroom was awe-inspiring and the decor couldn't have looked more beautiful. Hundreds of lighted globes hung from the ceiling casting a warm

King Collin and his court!

glow over the crowd. Food stations offered every type of delicious dish imaginable and servers were everywhere waiting to attend to your every need. As a surprise, Collin had arranged for an

Welcome party decor the night before the wedding

elaborate birthday cake, topped with sparklers, for a delighted Nicole. Loving speeches from groomsmen and bridesmaids followed. The ceremony took place

Collin surprised Michelle with a BD cake at the Welcome Party

on January 6 at the charming St. Ann Roman Catholic Church in West Palm Beach. The entry was covered in bouganvillia as black-tie clad guests filed in. I saw Sarinda and Gian

Bringing the outdoors in at the Welcome Party at the Breakers

Fulgoni, Peg and Steve Lombardo, Dina Bair and her husband John Maher, Ron Magers, Michelle Molise, Amy Jacobson, Derrick Taylor, Karen and

Part of the lavish food buffet at Welcome Party

Phil Stefani, Howard and Bunny Frum and hundreds of others. Monsignor Ken Velo officiated and had the crowd in tears as well as laughter. When Michelle glided down the aisle,

I don't know what's more beautiful, Chuck or the Breaker's decor!

wearing a magnificent gown with hand-stitched embroidery with her dad on her arm, she had to stop and ask him if he was alright. It was emotional for

John Maher, Dina Bair and Erin McDonald.

everyone in the room to witness the love all around. When they reached the altar, and Tony and Marion had given her hand to Collin, Father Velo looked at Michelle and said, "You look so

Floral flamingos at Welcome Party

beautiful, is that a new dress?" At the end of the moving ceremony, Father Velo again interjected a moment of humor. He said, "After the service, there will be a

Monsignor Ken Velo introduces the new Mr. and Mrs. Collin Pierson

second collection for Tony Durpetti." The crowd roared, stood and applauded as the new Mr. and Mrs. Collin Pierson were introduced. And just when you think it couldn't get any better, a gospel choir led by popular Chicago singer Tina Jenkins Crawley, sang and danced down the aisle to "Oh, Happy Day"! The cocktail reception was

With the always fabulous Sarinda Fulgoni, who was in attendance with husband Gian

back at the elegant Breakers–oohs and ahhhs could be heard throughout the grand Ballroom as partygoers experienced yet another magnificent room,

Tony's sister Maryann Folino (R) and cousin Tracy Lundergan.

bathed in multi-colored lights and filled with lush florals, the space appeared as if something from a dream. Massive silver bowls held unlimited seafood choices– stone crab claws, oysters, shrimp, mussels, smoked salmon, clams and more. Even bacon and deviled eggs were served! The piece de resistance occurred as soon as the ballroom doors opened. Every guest's mouth

THE KISS!

dropped at the splendor of it all. Violinists filled both sides of the dance floor as two opera singers performed. The floral decor was

Amy Jacobson and pretty friend

all white, from low bowls of roses to soaring trees topped with white flowers. Silver candelabras filled every table and votive candles were everywhere. Now I've been to quite a few grand galas but I have never seen anything as beautiful as this. Dinner choices featured bone-in filets or twin South African lobster tails, of course. Before the ceremony, I was

Groom Collin with Derrick Taylor (L) and friends

told Tony had been given a handkerchief by Michelle embroidered with "Keep your shit together" and the date. He is known to be emotional,

First dance as husband and wife!

especially when it comes to his dear daughter, but on this night, he did what the hanky admonished and delivered a wonderful, loving tribute to both Michelle and Collin. (See video here). Even during the touching father/daughter dance, only loving smiles could be

Karen and Phil Stefani

seen on their faces. (See this darling video here). There were so many sweet surprises. Tony had flown in the Four C-Notes, a Jersey Boys cover group, one of Marion's favorites, to entertain the crowd. The napkins

Peg and Steve Lombardo

were embroidered with the initials "MC" and, for the decadent dessert (baked Alaska) a chocolate heart contained "MC" as well. An after-party in the Gold Room was just as thoughtful,

Rich Ciotta and his cute son

offering guests ballet slippers to dance the night away! Every single detail was attended to with perfection–totally no surprise knowing Michelle! Her loving

Tony with Monsignor Ken Velo

parents, Marion and Tony Durpetti, are owners of Gene & Georgetti's (downtown and in Rosemont),The Estate (in Rosemont) and Bar Ida (coming soon). Michelle, their only child, was gifted with a wedding celebration that will never be forgotten–not only for them, but for all who attended. Love and congrats to this wonderful pair. We wish you a lifetime of happiness and more wonderful memories like these! (Additional pics by David and Luke Edmonson & Becca Kaufman).See more pics here: Gallery

Leslie Hindman's elegant PB home

While we were in Palm Beach, we felt privileged to stay at the elegant home of beloved auctioneer Leslie

Leslie's guard zebra, Patricia

Hindman. This longtime friend, who has a knack for real estate as well as the auction business, had recently purchased a chic property a block from the ocean and we were thrilled for the opportunity. The pool, decor, and layout is perfection–she even has a stuffed guard zebra named

Leslie left this thoughtful gift in the fridge for me! LOL!

Patricia! We also met up with the vivacious Kim Renk Dryer, a co-owner of Sequin (manufacturers of exquisite costume jewelry for its own line as well as top designers). She hosted us for two cocktail parties, including one attended by Ralph Lauren's handsome older brother, Lenny Lauren, and Sharon Bush, the beautiful ex-wife of

Chuck and I with Lenny Lauren and Sophia Bush at Kim's cocktail party

Neil Bush and mother to Lauren Lauren, her model daughter who married Ralph Lauren's youngest son David in 2011. The conversation, atmosphere and guests were all so interesting. Even Kim's late father-

Kim Renk Dryer in front of her gorgeous PB mansion

in-law, Joseph Dryer, had an amazing history–part of which included having Ernest Hemingway as the best man at his wedding in Havana! The Omtvedts

The venerable Everglades Club in PB

(Lake Forest and Palm Beach) were also in attendance. The next day, I dined with Kim and a dear friend of hers at the legendary and chi-chi Everglades Club— an historic,

Leopard Lounge at the Chesterfield Hotel

VERY private club in the heart of Palm Beach with tennis courts, croquet and more. Members lunch in a dining room surrounded by hand painted images of the old Everglades while

Cafe Boulud at the Brazilian Court hotel

watching golfers on perfectly manicured lawns. One of the beautiful ballrooms even has a retractable roof. Lush landscaping, ship's models, chandeliers, Oriental rugs and so much more

Taboo restaurant in Palm Beach, an old standard that's still hot

complete this historic tableau. Dinners and cocktails at the Leopard Lounge in the Chesterfield Hotel, Cafe Boulud at Brazilian Court, Taboo on Worth Avenue and

Jan Melk and Chuck on her exquisite Fisher Island patio

Buccan plus more casual fare at Green's Pharmacy and Toojay's at Royal Poinciana Plaza put the icing on our Palm Beach cake. The next phase of our journey took us to Fisher

With Jan Melk on Fisher Island

Island in South Beach. There, dear friend, Jan Melk, was our gracious host. Her family helped develop this private, exclusive island and her condo boasts

Rooney Rules goes South Beach

storybook views of the downtown skyline as well as the Port of Miami, where ginormous container ships load and unload goods. Every type of bird can be seen during low tide out in the bay and the sunsets are such that photos could never do them justice. We

Elvis' dining room at Graceland

toured the Vanderbilt Mansion, dined on the beach, had pizza and wine on one of her expansive terraces, sushi at Tanuki, Cuban food at Wynwood Kitchen & Bar in the arts district and, for our last night,

With Chuck and Jan Melk and one of our fav South Beach restaurants, Osteria del Teatro

enjoyed a delicious dinner at one of our favorite South Beach restaurants, Osteria del Teatro (1200 Collins). Sigh….we miss it ALL already. And, as if all of this activity wasn't enough, we decided to tick something

One of my favorite views on Fisher Island

else off our bucket list, a visit to Graceland, home of the KING! We love to drive and Rooney is a wonderful little traveling companion too so it was all good! The day we arrived in Memphis, we learned the attraction had been closed down that day due to an unexpected ice storm. Thankfully, we had planned the visit for the next

Fisher Island and Florida in general–paradise on earth!

day but the driving was treacherous and it seems they have never heard of salt trucks! (Made me appreciate Chicago!) Anyway, I had previously heard that the mansion was small and rather disappointing but we found the exact opposite to be true. The

Picture perfect views from Fisher Island.

17,552 sq. ft., 8 bedroom/8 bathroom house sits on 13.8 rolling acres filled with magnificent trees. Granted, it's all a bit kitschy with the entertainment complex, Vernon's Smokehouse and Gladys' Diner

Guess who are guess where?

restaurants and gift shops galore but, happily, I LOVE kitsch and found everything there to be of interest. The rooms were decorated as Elvis wanted and, even though no one would call him a style-setter or chic, I admire the fact that he did

Graceland, home of the King!

everything HIS way– in his music, jewelry, clothing and home decor. I was touched by the fact that guests weren't allowed into the rooms upstairs out of respect to him–this was his private domain and also where he died at age 42. Lisa Marie said her father never appeared downstairs unless he

Lisa Marie, Elvis' only child, still celebrates the holidays here with her family at Graceland.

was fully attired and bejeweled. She said she could "hear her dad coming" before she saw him because of his jewelry. There was so much to see and it

Rendezvous, a legendary BBQ restaurant, in Memphis.

typically takes hours to do the tour and grounds justice. His car collection rivaled any Arab sheik's and there were two planes on display. The ICONS exhibit showcased the influence Elvis had on

Sign seen in Tennessee.

other artists and entertainers. I especially loved this quote by John Lennon–"Before Elvis, there was nothing." The tour took us through the house

Elegant living room at Graceland.

where we saw the famed "Jungle Room," his father's office, the Trophy Building, Racquetball Building and, of course, the Meditation Garden where Elvis was laid to

Elvis was ahead of his time with this fully loaded media room at Graceland.

rest alongside his parents. There is even a memorial plaque in honor of Jessie Garon Presley, his stillborn twin. Other highlights included Elvis' Tupelo (where he

The pool room enveloped in 340 yards of fabric.

was born), a new Sun Records recording studio replica, Elvis in the Army exhibit and so much more. In 2013, the Authentic Brand Group bought 85% of Elvis Presley Enterprises but

One of Elvis' favorite rooms at Graceland, the Jungle Room.

Lisa Marie retains 15% and sole ownership of the mansion and her father's personal effects. We were thoroughly moved and, if possible, loved him even

Elvis' final resting place beside his parents at Graceland

more after this enlightening tour. And we finally got to sample Memphis' famous BBQ at Rendezvous! The dry rub was delicious but I still think our Chicago 'Q is just as tasty! See more pics here: Gallery

Cooper Hefner hosts Playboy's first NYE party post Hef

Cooper Hefner, with fiancee Scarlett Byrne, hosts Playboy's first NYE party post Hef

Hugh Hefner's parties were legendary and I've been lucky enough to have attended my fair share but, in my mind, all bets were off for this year's annual New Year's Eve party considering Hef's recent passing. So, when I received a text from his son Cooper, the magazine's chief creative officer, asking

It wouldn't be a party without the Bunnies! (Playboy photo)

if my email address was correct for sending an invite, I was surprised and elated. I knew the event wouldn't be held at the L.A. Playboy Mansion since it had been sold and, from reports, everyone had to vacate the premises by December 27. So I

Tiffany Trump and Scarlett Byrne

anxiously awaited the news and then THE email arrived. I was thrilled to see that Cooper had used one of his dad's favorite pinup artists, Olivia De Berardinis, to again create the invite image. A scantily clad woman wearing Bunny ears, a fluffy tail and a sheer negligee invited guests to join him (Cooper) at a NYE party at the historic Culver Hotel, dress code "black tie, ball dress or

Joel Berliner, Alison Reynolds, artist Michael Moebius and Jimmy Van Patten (Playboy photo)

lingerie required." I went straight to my calendar and carved out time for Chuck and me to join the party! We saw the hotel from a mile away since the iconic Bunny logo was projected onto a two-story wall like a "bat signal"

Glam guests (Playboy photo)

(Cooper's words) (see video here). Security was tight and paparazzi had already staked out positions in front. Once inside the smallish ballroom, there was no mistaking you were at a Playboy party. Costumed

Cozy upstairs lounge at the Culver Hotel

Bunnies mingled with the crowd taking photos (see video here) and PB logos were projected onto the walls with videos of magazine covers streaming inside. (I was happy to see that my February 1979 cover, the one I recently recreated, was one of the images chosen–see video here)! The Culver Hotel,

Charming outdoor seating at the Culver Hotel

an historic boutique property located in West Los Angeles, was built in 1924 and once owned by John Wayne. It has a rich and romantic past and has played a distinguished role in cinematic history having hosted cast members from

Cooper and the Bunnies! (Playboy photo)

iconic movies such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz to modern day productions like this one, Cooper's first solo New Year's Eve party. Inside the six-story, 46 bedroom

Mini Hef and friends (Playboy photo)

hotel, there are lots of cozy nooks and crannies (see video here). Seating outside allowed guests the opportunity to dine under strands of twinkling lights

With Cooper and Scarlett and Chuck (Photo by Patrick Record)

and upstairs, at another chic bar, Playboy memorabilia was displayed in a glass case including the magazine's first and most famous "Marilyn" issue. Playboy photographs adorned every wall and a

My fav pic–Cooper, his mom, brother and grandma pore over the latest Playboy mag

Playboy Club Key allowed you access to a special room called the Bunny Cave. A buffet offered comfort food– grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and more, including a long table filled

Cooper Hefner and his beautiful fianceé, actress Scarlett Byrne. (Photo by Patrick Record)

with desserts. Hors d'oeuvres were served throughout the evening. I decided on black-tie attire although I have indeed dressed in lingerie at past parties. This year, I felt the occasion required more civility

Chuck in Playboy heaven!

and, I was happy to see, most all the other guests, around 250 or so, did too. Actually, it was one of the most elegant Playboy parties we've ever attended. Beautiful young women who looked and dressed like supermodels attended alongside handsome young men all decked out in tuxes. Cooper and his gorgeous fianceé, actress Scarlett Byrne, set the tone.

Vintage Playboy photos adorned every wall of the venue

Cooper looked like a hip 50's throwback to his dad's heyday–black tuxedo, pegged, short, perfectly-fitted slacks and a crisp white shirt

Playboy logo projected onto the side of the Culver Hotel in West Los Angeles

and bow tie. Scarlett was decked out ala Audrey Hepburn wearing a gorgeous floor-length green/turquoise gown with a low, v-shaped neckline and a simple strand of pearls. They never left each other's side the entire night and could often be seen gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. It was a delight to see Cooper so happy and with a partner who clearly loves and supports him. Entertainment was outstanding and

Lots of vintage Playboy memorabilia was on display at the party

something exciting seemed to be happening at any given moment. Showgirls in silver top hats danced to "Puttin on the Ritz" (see video here), a hot band (Night Owl) had everyone on the dance floor, a singer from "America's Got Talent" (?) (a friend of Cooper's and Scarlett's whose name I missed) sang Sam Smith's "Too Good at Goodbyes" to rousing applause,

Cooper shares a laugh with Joel Berliner (Playboy photo)

and more dancers performed other numbers throughout the evening. Playmates seen in the crowd included Jessica Wall (Sept. 2017), Milan Dixon (Oct. 2017), Tiffany Toth (Sept. 2011) and Summer Altice (August 2000). A section of the

Playboy New Years Eve 2018–Emailed NYE invite

ballroom had been cordoned off for Cooper and his family with a couple of security guards keeping a close watch. His mother, Kimberly Conrad Hefner (Playmate of the Year 1989), brother Marston and their grandmother were all in attendance. I didn't see any aging actors or scantily clad women like Hef's parties used to attract. I believe the crowd at this year's soireé accurately reflected the changing of the guard, both for Playboy and the magazine, one with a new, more youthful vision that embraces change. After the party

One of a number of performances throughout the night.

was in full swing, I noticed a new edition to Cooper's group–Tiffany Trump, President Donald Trump's and his ex-wife Marla Maple's daughter. She was much taller than I expected and clad in a figure-hugging, strapless, short, sparkling gold cocktail dress. She was hugged by all as her two security guards stood watch. It made me wish I had a security guard too since it seems everyone had one but me. Cooper and Scarlett, along

(Playboy photo)

with guests, spent a lot of time on the dance floor. He even coaxed his mom Kimberly out for a number or two. I never saw Tiffany leave the security enclosure. As the countdown to midnight began (see video here), the iphones came out to record the historic moment–historic on many levels, the first post-Hef party, Cooper's first job as sole Playboy party host as well as a brand new year. The event exceeded all my expectations. Sparklers lit up the

Lovers and friends–Cooper and Scarlett

room as black and white videos of Hugh M. Hefner's legendary life were projected onto the walls (see video here). Chuck and I were ecstatic to be witnesses and honored to be guests. Cooper whispered something so sweet in my ear that it brought tears to my eyes but this will remain my little secret. Following the celebration to ring in the New Year, Cooper took to the stage. He thanked guests for attending and choked up when he

"Journey Down the Rabbit Hole"

spoke of his late father. I love the way he wears his heart on his sleeve and think this type of sensitivity bodes very well for Playboy's future. No one wanted to leave the party. It was a night for remembering the past and looking forward to a bright new era. It was a night to honor Hef and the remarkable legacy he left us. And I, for one, can't wait to join Cooper and Playboy on the next exciting leg of their journey. (To see Playboy Mag's NYE coverage, click here).

Kerry poses with fans

Former Chicago Cub Kerry Wood hosted his annual “Woody’s Winter Warm-Up,” a celebrity bartending fundraiser to benefit the Wood Family Foundation, at Harry Caray’s 7th Inning Stretch and Chicago Sports

Ray and Michelle McElroy with Sarah and Kerry

Museum on January 12. The event is held during Cubs Convention Weekend and, this year, over 600 guests were in attendance including some of Wood’s celebrity friends, former/current Cubs players and coaching staff. Many

Bonnie Hunt, Richard Roeper, John Cusack and Avril Mathie

celebs jumped behind the bar to serve drinks and set an event record for the number of tips raised ($11K)! A silent and live auction brought in $36K for the Foundation’s Pitch In

Izzy Idonije

mentorship program that serves 4th through 8th graders in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood. Emceed by US99 radio personalities Stylz and Roman, the evening included a premium open bar, food stations, raffle and “meet and greets” with

Bonnie Hunt and Ryan Chiaverini

members of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Guests enjoyed music from Ryan Chiaverini and the Suburban Cowboys and an appearance by former Bachelorette contestant, James McCoy Taylor (13th Season.) The

Kerry, Beth Heller and Jordan Howard

World Series Trophy also made a special appearance and allowed guests a unique photo opp. Magicians from Chicago Magic Lounge performed for fans throughout the evening. Attendees from the Chicago Cubs included Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison

Marley Kayden and Brotha' Fred

Russell, Jason Heyward, CJ Edwards and Joe Maddon. Additional celebrity

Sarah Wood

guests included John Cusack, Bonnie Hunt, Ryne Sandberg (former Cub Hall of Famer), Rick Sutcliffe (former Cub), David Ross (former Cub) Mickey O’ Sullivan (actor), Danielle Colby (appears on American Pickers), Israel Idonije (former Chicago Bear), Sarah Spain (ESPN), Danielle Robay (WCIU), Ryan Chiaverini (ABC-7, Windy City Live), Lisa

Carl Edwards Jr

Fielding (CBS radio), Kelly Crull (Comcast Sports), Joe Soto (V103), Richard Roeper (Chicago Sun-Times), Marley Kayden (NBC), Lauren Petty (NBC), Avril Mathie

Kris Bryand shares laugh with John Cusack

(model/boxer) “This was by far one of our most successful warm-up events yet,” Kerry said. “Everyone had a blast and there was great energy in that place.

Super fan Ronnie Woo Woo and friends

Really exciting to have those guys, Cusack, Rizzo, and Bryant, behind the bar taking selfies and having fun with everyone.” The Wood Family Foundation is a non-profit founded by Kerry Wood and wife Sarah in 2011 to improve the lives of children in and around Chicago.

If you love fashion as much as I do, I hope you can join me for this year's Style Rivals Fashion Show Competition on Thursday, March 29 at Low Res Studio! Fashion stylists from around Chicagoland will send their best looks down the runway in this stylish competition! Tickets are only $29-$40, click here and, if you're a stylist, you can

At Art Institute gala with Miriam Margolyes

Thanks to BBC One for including Chuck and me in its exciting new documentary, "Miriam's Big American Adventure", hosted by popular Brit actress Miriam

Miriam shopping at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue with Cynthia Holbrook and Tina Koegel

Margolyes! I was thrilled to show Miriam around Chicago–a makeover with my fav stylist Charles Ifergan, shopping at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue with my fav personal shopper Cynthia Holbrook,
along with its PR guru/friend Tina Koegel, and finally to an elegant soireé at the Art Institute where she

Owners Kathryn Sullivan Alvera and Jason Clark welcome the crowd

had the thrill of meeting curator Gloria Groom. Watch this fun-filled clip here!

Nina Mariano hosted a series of openings for Marchesa, 535 N. Wells

A big hearty welcome to a brand new jewel in Chicago's restaurant crown, Marchesa Chicago! At one of a series of opening night parties, we saw a gazillion friends and enjoyed an ambiance like none other–charming, cozy and chic with upscale European fare! What more could you want? Congrats to the hostess with the mostest Nina Mariano on this successful launch (located at 535 N.

Packed house for one of the many opening nights

Wells St.) and proud owners Kathryn Sullivan Alvera and Jason Clark! We can't wait to go back!

With Rooney Jordan in Chicago Woman Mag!

Rooney recently starred in his own doggy feature in Chicago Woman Magazine! His little paw had to be iced from signing so many autographs! Special thanks to founder/owner Kendra Chaplin and Jennifer Smith Tapp for including us!

The Art Institute of Chicago's Auxiliary Board will host its 45th anniversary celebration on Saturday, Feb. 10. Enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner in Terzo Piano and dancing the night away at the after-party in Griffin Court. All proceeds benefit the Art Institute. (For tickets and more info, click here!)

If you're hunting for unique Valentine's Day gifts, look no further than this weekend's Randolph Street Market! Join the fun on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 27 & 28, 1340 W. Washington from 10 am to 5 pm. Over 125 dealers are ready to delight and serve you! For more info, click here!

The famed Landan Twins, Andrew and Jon, are giving it up for charity! The Twins are taking the hot seat at an industry roast on Monday, January 29, at Prysm, 1543 N. Kingsbury. As you know, it's not a party unless the Landan Twins are there and, for this event, proceeds will be directed toward their favorite charity, Chicago Gateway Green! Hope you can come!

And, on that note, please save this date, Friday, September 14 (date subject to change) for the annual Green Tie Ball at the Geraghty! I'm thrilled to be co-chairing this signature gala event with the fabulous Nina Mariano! We can't wait to put our heads together with Grant DePorter, Tony Abruscato, Lee Golub, David Lissner and others to make this year's event a blockbuster for this amazing non-profit that keeps Chicago beautiful! (Check this link for updates and ticket info coming soon!)

The DJ Firm (DJ Sye Young and Eric Sampson) wanna show you what they got on Thursday, Feb. 15 at Row 24 Events (2411 S. Michigan). Witness the next level in event DJ and live entertainment at this cool, FREE party that will feature southern style BBQ from Sweet Baby Rays, sweets from the CandyBar and, of course, the latest nightlife trends! Register

Bear Tie Ball on Feb. 24

here and let the music do the talkin'!

And now, here are some of my upcoming top party picks! The

PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism on March 16

Crystal Heart Ball hosted by Little Company of Mary on Saturday, February 3; First Look for Charity Auto Show opening night on Friday, February 9; Giordano Dance Company's 55th anniversary Legacy Ball (I will be the honoree and I sure hope you can join me!); Girls in the Game Gala, Thursday, February 22; Gala of Hope on Friday, February 23; Bear Necessities' 25th Anniversary Bear Tie Ball at the Geraghty on Saturday, February 24; Black and White Gala benefiting the Canine Therapy Corps on Saturday,

Chicago Flower & Garden Show at Navy Pier from March 14-18.–#

March 3; Legendary Landmarks Gala at the Hilton on Thursday, March 8; Evening in Bloom (the

Whirl of Fortune for Brookfield Zoo on April 28

opening night party for Chicago Flower & Garden Show) on Tuesday, March 13; PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism Party on Friday, March 16; Gglassquerade (the 30th

Benefiting Holiday Heroes on Mar. 14 at Chez

anniversary gala for Lookingglass Theater) on Saturday, March 24; Imerman Angel's Blue & White Party, Thursday, March 29; Joffrey Ballet's Spring Gala (celebrating artistic director Ashley Wheater's 10th anniversary) on Friday, April 20.

And lastly, I wanted to share some good news I received from the Chicago Tribune this week! My Candid Candace column increased its viewership by 40% this year! I would like to send out a heartfelt thanks to all those who read and support it!

Well, that's the news for this week! I hope you've enjoyed this latest edition and, if not already a subscriber, will consider signing up for this newsletter! My lists are never shared, only treasured! (Sign up here!)

Love, as always, and stay warm!

Candace 🙂

P.S. And, of course, something to make you smile!

2 Comments

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Music, Travel

Tagged as BBC One, Chicago Gateway Green, Cooper Hefner, Graceland, Kerry Wood, Marchesa, Michelle Durpetti, Palm Beach, Playboy, Playboy Playmates, South Beach

December 18, 2017 · 10:29 am

CURES GALA SUPPORTS CANCER RESEARCH WITH STAR-STUDDED ENTERTAINMENT

CATHOLIC CHARITIES' SPIRIT OF ST. NICHOLAS BALL; BREAKTHROUGH BALL; DORRI DOES TEDXCHICAGO; LUXEHOME CHILLS; FRENCH PASTRY SCHOOL NEEDS OUR HELP; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO'S LEGACY BALL; DONNA AND BILL (FINALLY!); THROUGH THE DECADES WITH BILL KURTIS; "LETTIN' THE GOOD TIMES ROLL"; ROONEY "CHARMS" CONCHA; CHRISTMAS MEMORIES; LINCOLN PARK ZOO'S BREWLIGHTS; WINTER GETAWAY; FUN VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!

Gateway for Cancer Research founder Richard J Stephenson and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

Gateway for Cancer Research (Gateway), a non-profit dedicated to funding transformational cancer research, hosted its 26^thCures Gala, “Gateway to OZ,” held on November 18, in the Grand Ballroom at McCormick Place in Chicago. With more than 800 guests in attendance, the event included an exuberant

Oz performers begin Gateway to OZ

performance from Chicago’s Gus Giordano Dance School, whose students led the way down the Yellow Brick Road to an evening of star-studded entertainment worthy of the Emerald City. Other performers included Matteo Bocelli, son of Andrea Bocelli, who appeared in his inaugural Chicago performance; Billy Gilman, the youngest singer to ever reach #1 on the Billboard Top Country Album charts; Pia Toscano, American Idol finalist and

Jacqueline Nerguzian and Cassandra Ravenhill

Laura Bretan, America’s Got Talent finalist and “Golden Buzzer” winner and opera singer. Guests then danced the night away to a show-stopping performance by pop legends and event headliners,

Matteo Bocello performing at Gateway to OZ

Earth, Wind & Fire. “Gateway to Oz” showcased a number of the 57 clinical trials currently underway, including one spearheaded by Dr. Nilofer Azad of

Exquisite decor

Johns Hopkins University for her patient Rukhsana Siddiqi. Dr. Azad is conducting a trial on pancreatic adenocarcinoma and evaluating the benefits of a molecular therapy with epigenetic modulating drugs in high risk patients. The goal is to see a reduced reoccurrence of pancreatic cancer and reduced side effects for an improved

Earth, Wind & Fire performing at Gateway to OZ

quality of life. At the gala, Dr. Azad, Ms. Siddiqi and her family shared her success story from the Gateway-funded trial. Guests enjoyed a custom culinary experience of OZ, inspired and designed

Kate Hostetler and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

by Chef Markus Ford. A live auction featured The Gateway to OZ Experience in the “Emerald City,” Sydney, Australia, and a priceless “Go Cubs Go” Meet-&-Greet opportunity with Chicago Cub Anthony Rizzo that was conducted

Letitia Frye entertains during the live auction at Gateway to OZ

by premiere “auctiontainer” Letitia Frye. Exclusive silent auction packages included a Napa Valley wine trip

Billy Gilman performing at Gateway to OZ

as well as an exquisite art-deco diamond bracelet. The event, co-chaired and presented by Richard J Stephenson (founder and chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA) and Gateway for Cancer Research); Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson (CTCA Chairman of Functional Medicine and member of the Gateway Board of Directors) and honorary chair Jim Gordon (founder/managing partner of The Edgewater Funds) raised over $3.5 million. Proceeds from the event specifically support crucial Phase I and Phase II patient trials across all cancer types, including breast, blood, lung, brain, pancreatic and pediatric cancers. Since Gateway for Cancer Research was founded 26 years ago, more than 3,600 patient lives in 150+ Gateway-funded clinical trials at institutions worldwide have been directly impacted, and many more cancer patients have benefited as a result of the critically important work.

Chairs Michael and Claire O'Grady, Monsignor Michael Boland, Cardinal Cupich, Rhonda and Scott Swanson

Catholic Charities hosted its 28^th Anniversary Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball to benefit the children served by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago. Held at the Hilton Chicago on December

Catherine and Charles Walgreen with Father Michael Gzresik

1, more than 1,300 guests attended this black-tie event featuring entertainment by the Ken Arlen Orchestra. The Ball celebrates the life of Saint Nicholas, a fourth century bishop, and the

Dennis and Kristina Kelleher

generosity and care towards children that was illustrated during his lifetime, becoming a model for Santa Claus! Each year on December 6^th, his feast is commemorated all over the world. This year, guests brought toys to donate towards the

Chair couple Michael and Claire O'Grady, Monsignor Boland and Cardinal Cupich

Celebration of Giving drive that brings joy and hope to families who might not otherwise be able to celebrate the holiday season. Hosted by Most

Caitlin, Emile and Shari Johnson

Reverend Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago and Rev. Monsignor Michael M. Boland, President of Catholic Charities, along with chair couple Mr. and Mrs. Michael O’Grady, the evening included

Show me a case where they've changed how they ruled in the last two years that would provide cause to repeal this?

dinner, dancing and late night sweets. “Each year, nearly 300,000

Matt Doyle and Amy Goldsmith

children are supported by Catholic Charities programs. "We would not be able to provide quality after-school care, counseling services, housing and so much more without the support that is shown at the annual Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball,” said Monsignor Boland. A record-breaking $1.7 million was raised to support the children served by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago offered through Catholic Charities including its nine child development centers, after-school programs, counseling services, and teen parenting centers.

Mary Ellen Connellan, Elizabeth Ryan (co-chair), Dr. Michelle LeBeau, Karen McEniry (co-chair) and Kristi Nuelle

The Women's Board of the University of Chicago Cancer Research Foundation, together with Ogilvy & Mather, Ralph Lauren and Verdura, hosted the 51st Breakthrough Ball at the Four Seasons Hotel on November 11. Over 500 guests

Robert and Marta Bonner and Sandy and Gary Fencik

joined forces for the evening in support of cancer research, participating in a paddle raise and bidding on silent and live auction packages, including an exquisite 18 karat gold Curb-Link bracelet from luxury jeweler

Annemette Clausen and Annette Carroll with co-chair Elizabeth Ryan.

Verdura and a shopping spree, paired with a one of a kind dining experience, from Ralph Lauren. Following cocktails, guests were treated to a passionate performance by Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter Colbie Caillat. The celebration continued as guests dined amidst the glow of

Shanette Caywood and Bertha Davis

candlelight and danced late into the evening to beats provided by DJ Megan Taylor. Co-chaired by Elizabeth Ryan and Karen McEniry, the event raised $1,500,000 for the

Diane Reilly, Beth Eugenio and Karen Slimmon

continued support of cancer research at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. For over 70 years, the WB of UCCRF has been providing seed-funding to support cutting edge research at the University of Chicago

Colbie Caillat

Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. This support provides new tools, talent and technologies that have lead to breakthroughs in the treatment of cancer. To date, the Women's Board has raised over $19 million for innovative research at the University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center. (Photos by fig media)

Dorri McWhorter, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago CEO.

Everyone who knows Dorri McWhorter, loves and admires her, as I do. As an engaged community leader and CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Dorri knows a thing or two about corporate social responsibility. Watch her TedXChicago talk below as she challenges that charity and philanthropy, although important, don’t go far enough to actually affect change in our communities. She says, in order to do so, the corporate world must embrace a social enterprise mindset. Great job Dorri, of course!

Table lady and friend

More than 2,700 guests gathered at the state-of-the-art LuxeHome boutiques on the first floor of the iconic Merchandise Mart to celebrate CHILL, an International Wine & Culinary Event on November 9. The epicurean event, held in cooperation with Wine Spectator Magazine,

(L to R, front) David Grossman, Joel Africk, (middle) Debbie Buckley, (back) Vickie Bouchard, Abel Sanchez, Marty Wilke and Sharon Buchanan

brought together culinary delights from more than 50 of Chicago’s top restaurants, including Café Spiaggia, Beatrix, Hampton Social, Maple & Ash, Mi Tocaya Antojeria and the Mart’s own

Kiki Bassoul and Jaime Laurita

Marshall’s Landing, and more than 150 wines, spirits and beers from around the world. The night was accompanied by music from Piano Trends Dueling Pianos and a lively Mariachi band, who entertained guests while they crossed paths

Rashied and Dianna Davis

with the elegant “Table Ladies” offering sweet treats, “Lampshade” Dancers, and the futuristic “Kegways” zooming through the crowd serving beer. The event raised more than $250,000 to benefit The Lynn Sage Foundation, the Respiratory Health Association and Saturday Place. To raise additional

Halee and Laura Sage

funds, there were also two silent auctions and multiple raffles taking place throughout the evening. Over the past 11 years CHILL has raised more than $1.5 million to support its Chicago-area charitable partners. LuxeHome is the world’s

Dr. Rama Dandamundi

largest collection of premier boutiques for home building and renovation located on the first floor of the Merchandise Mart in Chicago. With more than 125,000 square feet of showroom space featured in over 35 boutiques, LuxeHome is host to the finest products for home building and renovation from the most recognized and respected manufacturers worldwide.

French Pastry School co-founders Chefs Sebastien Canonne and Jacquy Pfeiffer

The French Pastry School needs our help! Due to some bad practices, we are on the verge of losing this school and all the good it does for the city. The FPS is a great asset to the food industry, the community and especially to the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC), that it has collaborated with for a number of years. (FPS represents over 80% of CCC's pastry graduates, more than 50% of its culinary school graduates and over 9% of all

Happy French Pastry School students

Kennedy King College graduates). As the only school of its kind in the country, it offers a world-class education that ensures that students are equipped to achieve excellence in the pastry, baking, and confectionery arts. I was given a tour by Maria Pappas, who is also a huge fan of FPS, and discovered all the good they do. For the past 17 years, FPS has always done its best to work

Maria Pappas with Chef Jacquy Pfeiffer (R) and French Pastry School chef

with Kennedy King College and City Colleges of Chicago in the spirit of its collaboration agreement, despite the many obstacles they have encountered from CCC over the past 7 years. On June 27th, they were abruptly notified by CCC that the building is being sold, that there is a strong buyer in place, and that they would have to vacate as early as January 2018 without any plan in place for FPS. CCC has not offered any concrete transition plan for the

The French Pastry School is very active in its support of non-profits, this is a donation for Canine Companions for Independence

school and the short sale timeline will force it to shut down permanently. They are asking for our help by sending a short email of support, if you're so inclined, addressed to the following: the CCC Board, Alderman Reilly, and the Mayor's office. (wmassey3@ccc.edu, eswanson5@ccc.edu, cduque1@ccc.edu, dgriffin69@ccc.edu, dgriffin69@ccc.edu , k_kent@ccc.edu, mlawson9@ccc.edu, dtelman@ccc.edu, dcampos3@ccc.edu ,brendan.reilly@cityofchicago.org, nuntida@ward42chicago.com, gabie@ward42chicago.com , jdeal@cityofchicago.org, lindy.mcgruire@cityofchicago.org) THANKS FOR ANY SUPPORT YOU CAN PROVIDE and good luck to its dedicated co-founders Sebastien Canonne and Jacquy Pfeiffer!

I hope you can join me for Giordano Dance Chicago's Legacy Ball on Saturday, February 10! This big event will be a party like none other as we celebrate 55 glorious years, dance the night away
to DJ Matthew Harvat with the Giordano stars, enjoy delicious food from Jewell Events Catering and drink the night away at Chez, 247 E. Ontario Street! I'm humbled to be the honoree and honorary co-chair for this fun night to benefit this world-class dance company! I hope you can ALL join me! (For tickets, $250, and more info, please click here!)

After 40 years of togetherness, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis make it official!

And for some of the happiest news around, congrats are in order for longtime lovebirds and media giants Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis! After 40 years of togetherness, they made it official on Wednesday, December 13, and tied the knot in an intimate ceremony (only 8 close friends) officiated by their friend Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke. Appropriately, their wedding song was Etta James' "At Last." Donna "pleaded her case" to Anne about why she and Bill should be married with an 8 minute

After 40 years of togetherness, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis make it official!

presentation of photos and memorabilia as evidence. LOL! A display of family photos "watched" over the proceedings from the judge's podium as the beautiful bride walked down the petal-strewn white carpet. Donna wore her mother's wedding ring and her grandmother's engagement ring and Bill wore his dad's WWII military ID bracelet. A gorgeous bouquet was

Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis dined at Chicago Cut following their wedding.

courtesy of longtime friend/floral designer Bill Heffernan. Later in the evening, the newlyweds dined at Chicago Cut so they could look out at the views of the city they both love so much. They met at Channel 2 when he was an anchor and reporter and she was a writer and executive producer. As reported by Mike Sneed, Donna said, "He's still the front guy and I'm still the producer and what a great relationship we've had!" And in the words of the great Irv Kupcinet, "long may they love!" (See romantic video here!)

With newlywed/Through the Decades host Bill Kurtis and his Donna. (Photo by Mila Samokhina)

On Monday, December 18, I hope you can catch "Through the Decades," hosted by newlywed Bill Kurtis. The show will feature an interview with Playboy editor Jeff Cohen and me about the memories we share of Hef and the magazine. It will air at 6 am, 6 pm and 9 pm Central time on Comcast channel 338, WOW 172, Cablevision 112, RCN channel 75 and channel 2.2.

If you REALLY want to get into the festive holiday spirit, then don't miss Steve Abrams' and Kicky Productions' brand new cabaret-concert, Lettin’ the Good Times Roll, featuring the dynamic duo of E. Faye Butler, Felicia P. Fields along with a host of renowned musicians in a very special limited engagement (only 9 performances at The Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago!). The production, directed by Kenneth L.

E. Faye Butler and Felicia P. Fields "let the good times roll"!

Roberson, features these award-winning entertainers in a fun and electrifying cabaret full of jazz, gospel, blues, musical theater tunes and bawdy hits with lots of sass, banter and hilarious inside stories that only these two Chicago power house divas can deliver. This limited run will also include a special New Year’s Eve celebration hosted by these electrifying talents who are also great cooks! Following the December 31 performance, E. Faye and Felicia will usher in the New Year with a limited ticketed “After Show” party that includes special guests, DJ and DINNER cooked by E. Faye & Felicia, themselves! Tickets for Lettin’ the Good Times Roll are now on sale exclusively through Victory Gardens box office by calling 773-871-3000 or online here. Ticket prices start as low as $15, and the production runs through January 7, 2018, on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 3:30 PM and the special New Year’s Eve performance beginning at 8PM. I know tickets won't last for these fun-filled performances! It was so uplifting, just what everyone needs now!

Rooney wearing his new Concha Collar, watch for a Rooney Charm coming soon to benefit PAWS Chicago!

Rooney would like to send a very special thanks to Concha Charm and co-founder Cheryl Arts for his sparkling, beautiful new Concha Collar! These unique designs come in a variety of colors and weights for every breed and, most exciting of all, watch for a new Rooney Charm coming soon, with proceeds to benefit his favorite charity, PAWS Chicago, of course! Arf! Arf!

The 4th annual BrewLights, presented by Louis Glunz Beer and the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo, featured local craft, seasonal, and international beers on tap throughout the zoo during ZooLights on December 7. Over 5,000 beer enthusiasts and holiday revelers came together to sip and savor specialty brews, support Lincoln Park Zoo and enjoy more than 2.5 million luminous holiday lights shining down as the animals roamed through their exhibits! The evening also included photo opps with Santa at the Helen Brach Primate House, free rides on the AT&T Endangered Species Carousel, and more! This year’s event raised more than $225,000 in support of the zoo’s capital campaign, The Pride of Chicago. The BrewLights celebration also honored the 23rd anniversary of ZooLights Presented By ComEd and PowerShares QQQ by Invesco.

Bob Fioretti, Santa and friends at his annual Christmas lunch/toy giveaway at Billy Goat Tavern.

Former alderman Bob Fioretti hosted his annual Christmas luncheon for children in the west and south side neighborhoods of Chicago on December 16. Generous donations of "cheezeborger, cheezeborger, cheezeborgers" from Billy Goat Tavern and holiday presents from ABOMA Chicago, (the Apartment Building Owners and Managers Association that represents over 600 high-rise and walkup residential buildings in

Happy kids at Fioretti's annual Christmas luncheon/ toy giveaway.

the Chicago Area), presented by Santa himself, made the afternoon very special for the kids and their families. NBC-5 Chicago even dropped by to capture some of the magic displayed on the little faces throughout the restaurant. Thanks for all you do in the communities Bob! It doesn't go unnoticed! (Photos by his adoring wife Nicki Pecori Fioretti, who said, "I had a ball visiting with the kiddos! And the parents were so grateful!)"

Welcome to a Jordan Christmas!

And now for some thoughts about the holidays. When I was younger, it was all about the gifts–the latest handbag, a piece of jewelry or a rare book would make me scream with joy. However, now that I have all of these things, my desires have become a lot more simple and, I think, much more in keeping with the true spirit of the season. One of my favorite things to do is visit each and every department store in town to check out the holiday trimmings–not to buy anything but

Christmas cocktails?

just to soak in the atmosphere. I love watching the kids' eyes light up over a new toy or a visit with Santa. I especially love the festive spirit that can still be found in the Walnut Room at Macy's on State Street. Granted, the decor is not what it used to be when it was Marshall Field's, but it still holds a certain

Entryway mirror is ready for its holiday close-up!

magic. The Christmas gifts, trees and ornaments that can be found in abundance on the 5th floor, remain the best selection in town. These walks down memory lane are especially poignant because I remember the joy it would always bring to my mom. She was a true Christmas girl through and through so it's no wonder I'm filled with holiday spirit, and then some. When we would visit these bedecked and bedazzled stores, she would stop at every little object that sparkled and ooh and ahh over it–now I do the very same. I love the holidays in New York too. There are no windows in the world that rival Bergdorf Goodman's during any

An outfit I wore for one of our Christmas parties. Yes I did.

season! But when we traveled to Paris for Christmas, I was a bit disappointed in the decor we found there. Since it hardly ever snows, they flock the trees with white bunting but it was never the same as the real thing. Back at home, I just love staring at my Christmas tree ornaments over a glass of Pinot Grigio because each one holds a treasured memory. One of the first ornaments my mom gave me when

A treasured ornament from my mom.

Chuck and I were married was a little, miniature Barbie doll dressed exactly like the one she gave me when I was little. My cousin Cindy Groce recently told me my mom was frantic to find it for me before she visited us one Christmas. The story made me cry and now I

Even a tree for the bedroom.

treasure it even more. I also love the ingenuity of some of our little "tree miracles" like the clock-work Polar Express ornament that has a tiny little train running in and out of a tunnel or Tweety Bird singing from a gilded cage. I also love the automated Winnie-the-Pooh ornament that has Pooh serving Piglet cookies out of an oven. And then there are the ornaments that represent trips or important places in our lives. There's one from Notre Dame (Chuck's alma mater) and, of course, a Dupo High School ornament! I have

A hand-made ornament by my 2nd grade teacher, Edna Faulkner.

intricate ones featuring the Rockettes from the Radio City Christmas Spectacular and also one from a favorite NY spot, the "21" Club. But the ones that really mean the most are more personal like the hand-knitted ornament that my 1st grade teacher, Edna Faulkner, gave me. I also treasure one created by my late half-sister, Shirley Mobley, of a little post

Part of our antique Christmas collection

office where my dad worked. And even though it can be very sentimental and emotional, Christmas is still my favorite time of the year. We play Christmas discs constantly and candles smelling of pine fill the air. Even the terrace looks festive with four brightly lit trees and a wreath! Christmas, for me, means making memories that will last a lifetime. And even though so many loved ones are missing physically, they are all with us in spirit, especially during this time of the year. Yes, Santa has been very, very good to me and I'm so grateful. I hope you're feeling the same holiday joy!

Cooper Hefner's NYE invite

Until next year, that's it for Candid Candace! I hope you've enjoyed the newsletters! On our winter get-away this year, we will be joining Playboy's Chief Creative Officer Cooper Hefner for New Year's Eve in Los Angeles, celebrating a friend's BIG wedding at the Breakers in Palm Beach, heading to SoBe for some more fun in the sun and then, on the drive back home, stopping at Graceland, home of the KING! So please stay tuned for all the fun news from these adventures! I hope you and your loved ones have the Merriest of Christmases and the Happiest of Holidays, now and always!

Love always,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. This video won't make you smile, it will actually make you cry. It will also make you think. Anyone who says animals don't feel, should just disappear now. Watch Mama, a dying 59 year-old chimp, when she recognizes a long lost friend.