Tag Archives: Casino

May 2, 2013 · 10:14 am

THE STANLEY PAUL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT: A SPECIAL NIGHT WITH FRIENDS

…PLUS THE JOFFREY BALLET’S SPRING GALA; FLEUROTICA; SWAROVSKI CELEBRATES SAIC’S “THE WALK”; MICHAEL AND YVETTE’S COOL WEDDING GIFT; CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN’S ANTIQUES FAIR; TAILS IN THE CITY CELEBRATES NINE!; LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES’ SPRING GALA; STELLA’S LATEST HONOR; “CHECK, PLEASE!” HOST FINALISTS; RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES’ BMUG ON WATCH312.COM AND SO MUCH MORE!

I’ve never done this before so please forgive me but I’m including the recent Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit in my blog this week. Why you ask
do I beg forgiveness? Because this year, I was the evening’s honoree and it was such a wonderful night with so many friends who turned out that I would like
to share it with you. (I hope you enjoy it!) I received a call from the Apparel Industry Board a few months ago. It was Marsha Brenner: “Hello Candace. The Stanley Paul Foundation
would like to honor you this year at the Casino. Just say ‘yes.’” Are you kidding me? HELL YES!!! You could’ve knocked me over with a feather! My mind flew in a thousand different directions with the first thought being how very
humbled I felt to be receiving this honor, especially following in the footsteps of Chicago notables who included Hazel Barr, Mamie Walton, Bill Zwecker, Nena Ivon,
Dori Wilson, Leslie Hindman, Donna LaPietra, Mary Ann Childers, Mark Heister, Tony Jones, Victor Skrebneski and the late Beverly Blettner, among others. I also panicked wondering
if anyone would even show up. And then when Marsha mentioned I would need to choose some speakers, I relaxed and knew this would be an evening filled with friends…no need to worry.
It was easy to choose who I would ask to speak for me. I’ve known Rhonda Sanderson longer than anyone else in Chicago. She was the first person I met at the original Playboy
Mansion after Hef and we became and still are great friends – she was even the maid of honor at my wedding. Thank goodness she said yes. I also asked Helen Melchior, a relatively new friend by comparison
but one with whom I have already shared a lifetime of wonderful memories. I met Helen through the Joffrey Ballet and we have never looked back. I love her and I love her beautiful family, too. I’ve known the human
tornado, better known as Leslie Hindman, for 32 years. Words can’t describe how much I admire her for her incredible business acumen but what I love the most about her is her loyalty to her friends. Legendary
funnyman Tom Dreesen and I have been friends since our days on Rush Street. Even though he’s traveled far and wide making the world laugh including Frank Sinatra,
he’s never forgotten his Harvey, Ill. roots, never uses foul language and always has a positive outlook. How could you NOT love him? When I first met Chicago Tribune VP/associate editor Joycelyn Winnecke, she
was seated behind this BIG desk with four other high-powered execs for my interview for my Sunday column. I was shaking in my shoes, as you can imagine, but her kindness, honesty
and intelligence made me realize I had a friend here no matter what happened. Thankfully, she hired me and I sure hope you’re all reading my Sunday Candid Candace column! I first met Donna LaPietra when she
was the chair of the “Having a Ball” program which introduced Chicago Public School kids to ballroom dancing. (Dori Wilson, another Stanley Paul honoree, got me involved
with this wonderful event.) It was so intimidating to walk into this meeting with so many notable Chicagoans seated around this massive conference table. And I’ll
never forget the first thing she said: “Don’t cha just want to get up there and dance?” Well, it was astounding to me how this dynamic, well-connected woman could be so down to earth. She is not only
my friend but a great friend to Chicago, too. So now, I had my dream team of speakers in place and the next thought was, “OMG, what will I wear?” Well, a few weeks earlier I had run into the
renowned local designer Barbara Bates at WVON’s 50th anniversary gala. She had an outfit on that was so stunning, I became her stalker for the evening. I finally asked, “Barbara, do you
think you could design something for me for my event on April 24th?” She said yes and inwardly I screamed with excitement. I also wore the most incredible jewelry that night
from the legendary house of Van Cleef & Arpels – the diamonds were so bright and beautiful, I needed sunglasses. In short, I felt like a fairy princess. The event was held at the very exclusive, very private club, the Casino on Delaware. Their rules restrict any photography of the decor
but trust me, it is exquisite beyond measure. When the day arrived, I was told my event was the largest one they’ve ever hosted for the Stanley Paul Foundation Benefit with almost 400 people in attendance. I was (and still am!) on cloud
nine. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly did the most, well, perfect floral arrangements: There were glorious mixed bouquets with white hydrangeas on every table and the piece de
resistance was a life-size portrait done by beloved artist Rosemary Fanti that she had placed on an easel for everyone to sign. This is a memory I will always cherish and can’t believe
how lucky I am to have such supportive friends. Stanley spoke first thanking the crowd and sharing the story of his beautiful sister, Raelene Mittleman. (This scholarship was created in her honor by her loving brother.) Her love and
devotion to the world of fashion and design inspired him to establish this foundation in 1990. Proceeds from the event will help support local fashion design students and give
them a leg-up on their dreams. Sun-Times entertainment columnist/Fox news reporter Bill Zwecker was the event chair and emcee; always perfection at the podium, his words are right
on target and he never needs notes. He truly is Mr. Chicago and I was so excited to have him there! And then the speakers began. Their words made me cry and Donna’s video even included
one of the earliest clips of me as a Playboy Bunny with legendary newscaster John “Bulldog” Drummond. My voice was so young and squeaky I barely recognized
myself! Where she found this clip, I will never know but suffice it to say, this video will also be a cherished possession. (You can see it below.) Joyce teased me about how aghast
the newsroom reporters were over my emails with happy faces and exclamation points. Leslie shared memories of two African American people who raised me and who really were surrogate
parents to me, Mary and Jim Johnson, for which I was so very grateful. Helen spoke about our Joffrey memories and how we are always there for each other through good times and bad and I
added we joke that we “share the same organs.” Rhonda should’ve been a stand-up comedian – she had the audience laughing so hard. It was one of the most
memorable nights of my life and I want to thank all of my friends who attended from the bottom of my heart. I know there was a fabulous buffet served but who had time to eat!? And last but
not least, Eli’s Cheesecake even created little chocolate truffle cakes as a giveaway with my picture on top. My heart is full and I may never come
down off this cloud. Thanks for listening and thanks to all who shared this memorable night with me! A special thanks to AIBI’s Marsha Brenner and Kevin Sullivan who made everything seem so effortless. 🙂 It was truly an evening I will never forget! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, another beloved friend, click here.)

The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet hosted its annual Spring Gala on April 19th and it was a huge success, thanks to dynamic co-chairs Deborah and Cody Engle and Astrid (Mrs. McKay) McKinnon! Nearly 800 people attended the spectacular celebration of
the company and its educational programs. The gala raised more than $1.23 million to help the Joffrey positively impact the lives of thousands of children, teens and young adults each year through their Community Engagement and Joffrey Academy of Dance programs. The annual black-tie
event began at 6:30 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University with unforgettable performance pieces by The Joffrey Ballet company, including a new piece entitled “Prokofiev
Suite,” created by Alexei Kremnev, the artistic director of the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the official school of The Joffrey Ballet. In addition to this world premiere, the company performed Gerald
Arpino’s “Light Rain” and other pieces curated by artistic director Ashley Wheater for this happy occasion. New this year, the program featured the Joffrey company dancers and 100-plus Joffrey students, including the 40 trainees who hail from
Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Australia, France, Japan, Korea and the U.S.!! Highlighted throughout the evening were the transformations and inspirations of a dancer, from the Community Engagement and Joffrey
Academy of Dance students to the internationally renowned company dancers. Following the performances, guests were whisked away via trolleys to the Chicago Hilton for cocktails and dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Guests were treated to a delicious menu
created just for the gala by the Chicago Hilton’s Executive Chef Mario Garcia. After dinner, the evening was topped off with a lively after-party, as guests joined the Joffrey company members for
dancing in the “Blue Star Lounge.” The Hilton was transformed with amazing dance-inspired floral designs and complementary lighting. Bill Pollack Music entertained guests from the
moment they arrived at the Hilton and all during dinner with a full orchestra. A DJ with live Latin percussionists entertained at the after-party. I was thrilled to present the Luxury Live auction with master auctioneer Greg Dellinger (aka G-Man). Fabulous packages guaranteed to impress included Business Class travel via the Joffrey’s official airline (United) with top-notch
accommodations at Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands and at Pristine Bay Resort on the island of Roatán (off the coast of Honduras) and two exclusive dinners in the home of Ashley Wheater. The Spring Gala
Presenting Sponsor was BMO Private Bank; the Dinner Sponsor was Alphawood Foundation Chicago; the Evening Sponsors were the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and Mr. Fred Eychaner; the Women’s Board Media Partner was Make It Better and the Gala Video Sponsor was the Edward and Lucy R. Minor Family Foundation. Congrats to all on another beautiful, successful year! (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Fleurotica, the hot, haute couture runway show where flowers take center stage, will take place on June 12th, so mark your calendars now! This is one of the most creative events I’ve ever attended with floral designs masquerading as high fashion that will take your breath away! To see a sneak peek, take a look at my Watch312.com video below! This year’s co-chairs, Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky and Deirdre Koldyke, have planned an exciting evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Honorees will include Dr. Gwen Rodgers, Jackie McKay, Mary Nelson and Reverend Eudory Ramey, founders of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The Mayor and Theaster Gates are serving as honorary chairs. For tickets and more info, please visit www.garfieldconservatory.org.

I can’t WAIT to attend the School of the Art Institute’s “The Walk” on May 3rd for its 79th annual fashion show. To celebrate this milestone event, Swarovski – the leading designer of fashion jewelry and the
presenting sponsor – hosted a cocktail reception recently to unveil its window installation in honor of Fashion 2013. This is Swarovski’s third year partnering with this prestigious design institution and will be supporting its
students by providing jewelry and crystals to compliment and complete their designs for the show as well as supporting the SAIC Fashion Department Scholarship Fund. Swarovski also provided jewelry to create a visual window display at its flagship store at 540 N.
Michigan (through December 31st) by students and faculty from the school’s master’s program mentored by Nick Cave, professor for the fashion design department. For more info for “The Walk,” please visit www.saicfashion.org.

The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Celebrity Bartending Event, hosted recently at the Glen Prairie restaurant, included a fun-filled evening with Brittney, Jarrett and Connie Payton as well as super radio personality Eddie V. All bar tips benefited the WCPF charity including the amazing line up of
autograph auction items. To add to the special evening, the City of Glen Ellyn presented the Payton family with a proclamation naming April 24th the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Day. Awwww…love this! Congrats to the Paytons!

The Michael Jordan/Yvette Prieto nuptials are history now with the lovebirds back in their 35,000-square-foot nest in the elegant Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida. Guests are still talking about the wedding tent which, according to my sources, was one of the world’s largest at 40,000 square feet! It was even bigger than their house! I can only imagine the wedding gifts they must’ve received – after all, what would you ever buy for Michael
Jordan that he didn't already have? Well, I bet none topped this idea for the legendary basketball superstar and his model wife: Upper Deck (the world’s leading sports memorabilia company) created a one-of-a-kind Michael Jordan wedding card. The oversized card, named “Shining Moments,” has been signed by 16 athletes and celebrities who are friends of the famous
couple. Upper Deck’s marketing manager Chris Carlin said, “Upper Deck has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Michael Jordan over the years. We wanted to create something that would be meaningful, not only to Michael, but to his new wife Yvette as well. Over the past few weeks, we have worked to collect a variety of autographs from sports legends and personalities who are close to both Michael and Yvette. Our Athlete
Relations Team did an amazing job of collecting 16 autographs.” Carlin pointed out that this is also the first collectible to feature the couple together. This unique gift is signed by Ahmad Rashad, Brandi Chastain, Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, Dwight Freeney, Flex Alexander, Julius Erving, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mario Lemieux, Richard Dent, Ron Harper, Salli Richardson, Toni Kukoc, Vince Coleman, Wayne Gretzky and Winn McMurry. It’s good to be king! (For more pics and info from the wedding, please click here!)

On May 8th, I hope you can join me for the launch party to introduce the new BlackBerry Z10 at Untitled (111 W. Kinzie) with Jonny Imerman of Imerman Angels and Katie Schroeder of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The party will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP to RSVPChicago@ModernLuxury.com. Hope to see you there!

Happy 9th anniversary to Tails in the City! To celebrate, they are hosting a party at Proof Nightclub (1045 N. Rush St.) on May 10th. In addition to hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, the night will also include red carpet photos, pet psychic Denise Zak, doggie massages, pet portraits, doggie makeovers, goodie bags and more! Proceeds will benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society. For tickets ($60 in advance, $75 at the door), please visit www.tailsinthecity.com or call 312.649.0347. Happy anniversary, Bruce and Phillip…thanks for all you do for us and our four-legged friends!

Congrats are also in order for Leah Chavie and her fabulous Leah Chavie Skincare Center & Boutique at 2500 and 2457 N. Halsted! Celebrate her three years in business AND the VIP Grand Opening (presented by Platinum Events) of her new space from 6 to 9 p.m. at both locations.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago along with Holy Family Villa and the Bishop Lyne Residence hosted “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne” on April 13th. Bishop Timothy Lyne was
presented with the Holy Family Caritas Sanctae Familiae Award in recognition of his 70 years of the ordination to the priesthood, 30 years of his ordination as bishop and for his love and dedication to the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The event took place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and included a reception, dinner and program. Guests enjoyed fine cuisine and entertainment by the City
Lights Orchestra and proceeds from the dinner benefitted the Holy Family Villa Expansion Project. The honorary chairman was Monsignor Michael M. Boland and the event chairs were Reverend John R. Gorman and Monsignor John A. Kuzinskas. Congrats Bishop Lyne!

More than 600 guests were undeterred by area floods and determined to enjoy spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening. Though the flooding required “all hands on deck,” the party was smooth sailing: The event raised $250,000 for the Garden’s conservation, education and research programs! Preview partygoers dined on a selection of sumptuous dishes prepared by Jewell Events as they shopped an exquisite array of antiques from 120 exhibitors from the United
States and Europe. The Preview Evening was co-chaired by Kimberly and Randy Burt, Peggy and Jack Crowe, Kathy and Chris Deveny, and Kate and J.T. Fitzgerald. Returning for its 13th year, the Antiques & Garden Fair featured four lectures including one by Michael S. Smith, one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today. Smith, the fair’s honorary chair, attended the Preview. Five of the Chicago area’s premier landscape designers donated indoor display gardens to interpret the theme, “Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View,” including Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc., William Heffernan Landscapes, Mariani
Landscape, The Organic Gardener and Maria Smithburg with Manfredini Landscaping & Design. Principal sponsor of the 2013 Antiques & Garden Fair was BMO Harris Bank; additional support provided by American Airlines, Bonterra Organic Vineyards and Plante Moran. Co-producers of the 2013 Antiques & Garden Fair were Cathy Busch, Susan Canmann, Jen Kasten, Donna LaPietra, Jane O’Neil and Peggy Swartchild and artistic director Bill Heffernan. (Photos by Cheri Eisenberg.)

The League of Chicago Theatres will present its 2013 Spring Gala, an elegant, extravagant evening celebrating the 175th anniversary of Chicago theater. This event will bring together supporters from the community to champion more than 200 Chicago theatre companies. This year’s event will be held on May 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the
Grand Ballroom of the luxurious InterContinental Chicago, located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue. This year, the League will honor Jeff Perry as the recipient of the 2013 Tribute Award. Writers’ Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Halberstam will receive the 2013 Artistic Leadership Award. The Jeff Committee, now celebrating its 45th anniversary, will receive the
first-ever Theatre Advocacy Award and the 16th Street Theater will receive the fifth annual Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award. Individual tickets are $300 and tables of 10 are $3,000. All proceeds from ticket sales and contributions directly support the League’s programs and services to more than 200 Chicago theatre companies. For more information and tickets, contact Nancy Weber at 312-554-9800 or nancy@chicagoplays.com.

This woman is going to have to buy a bigger trophy case! Beloved scribe Stella Foster will be receiving the first ever Woman of the Decade Legend of Print Media Award from the All-Illinois 2013 Coalition Banquet Awards Selection Committee. The theme of this year’s awards ceremony is “People Who Have Made A Difference.” This huge honor will be presented to our Stella at the Coalition for United Community Action-ORTC, Inc., 41st Annual Unity Testimonial Awards Banquet on June 7th at the Palmer House Hilton. (Whew, that’s a
mouthful!) So deserving Stella since you are someone who HAS made such a difference!! And I know you’re blogging, tweeting and Facebooking now – follow her on Twitter @Stellascolumn and on Facebook at Stella Foster – BUT I still miss reading your work in the paper! Love you and congrats AGAIN on yet another wonderful, deserving award!

Well, finally the weather is heating up making it the perfect time for PATIOS in Chicago! One of my new favorites is the downtown Rush Street location of Giordano’s Famous Chicago Pizza, located at 730 N. Rush St. Recently, Javier Colon (winner of Season 1 of “The Voice”) played at a benefit there and Tampa Bay Ray’s pitcher Matt Moore ate din-din with his family there. (They loved the stuffed version.) Other Giordano fans include Lady Gaga
and her boyfriend/“Chicago Fire” star Taylor Kinney, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Channing Tatum, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Taylor Lautner and many more! I can’t wait! Woot woot! And it certainly doesn’t hurt that D. Rose is now their awesome spokesperson either!

The five finalists have just been announced for WTTW's "Check, Please!" host position! They are Senam Amegashie (freelance writer), Donny de Castro (owner of Tavern on the Park), Catherine De Orio (president of Culinary Curator), Sarah Levy (magazine editor and owner of S. Levy Foods) and Ina Pinkney (chef/owner of Ina's). Good luck to ALL!

I hope you were able to join in on the fun on Sunday in my Candid Candace column in the Chicago Tribune! I covered the BIG masquerade ball benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, “Big Mac Under Glass.” To read my column and see all of the pics, please click here and to see the fun for yourself, watch my Watch312.com video below of this cool night in Chicago! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed covering this amazing event!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=13Y3RhYjqXPHC_N88NV5XvdktJt4dX4h&version=2

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! The weather has finally broken and it’s time to break out our grills again! Yippee! Enjoy your day and I hope to see you here again next week!

Love, as always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congratulations are in order for newlyweds Rachel and James DeMarte, who sealed their vows recently at Paradisus Playa del Carmen Hotel on the Mayan Riviera with lots of friends. What a beautiful bride!

P.P.S. Keep those congratulations going for Sharyl and Mike Mackey who just recently welcomed two new bundles of joy to their family – Aidan and Reed Mackey. Welcome to the world little ones!

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Tagged as 16th Street Theater, A Perfect Event, Ahmad Rashad, AIBI, Alexei Kremnev, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, American Airlines, Anti-Cruelty Society, Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening, Apparel Industry Board, Ashley Wheater, “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne, Barbara Bates, Beverly Blettner, Big Mac Under Glass, Bill Heffernan, Bill Pollack Music, Bill Zwecker, Bishop Lyne Residence, Bitter End Yacht Club, BlackBerry Z10, BMO Harris Bank, BMO Private Bank, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Brandi Chastain, Brett Hull, Brittney Payton, Broadway in Chicago, Bruno Mars, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Casino, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cathy Busch, Channing Tatum, Chef Mario Garcia, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago Fire, Chicago Hilton, Chicago Tribune, Chris Carlin, Chris Chelios, Chris Deveny, City Lights Orchestra, Coalition for United Community Action-ORTC Inc. 41st Annual Unity Testimonial Awards Banquet, Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View, Community Engagement, Connie Payton, Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Debi Lilly, Deirdre Koldyke, Denise Zak, Derrick Rose, Donna LaPietra, Dori Wilson, Dr. Gwen Rodgers, Dwight Freeney, Eddie V., Edward and Lucy R. Minor Family Foundation, Eli's Cheesecake, Fleurotica, Flex Alexander, Frank Sinatra, Fred Eychaner, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Gerald Arpino, Giordano’s Famous Chicago Pizza, Glen Prairie, Greg Dellinger, Having a Ball, Hazel Barr, Holy Family Villa, Holy Family Villa Expansion Project, Hugh Hefner, Imerman Angels, Inc., InterContinental Chicago, J.T. Fitzgerald, Jack Crowe, Jackie McKay, James DeMarte, Jane O’Neil, Jarrett Payton, Javier Colon, Jeff Committee, Jeff Perry, Jen Kasten, Jewell Events, Jim Johnson, Joffrey Academy of Dance, Joffrey Spring Gala, John “Bulldog” Drummond, Jonny Imerman, Joycelyn Winnecke, Jr., Julius Erving, Justin Bieber, Kate Fitzgerald, Kathy Deveny, Katie Schroeder, Ken Griffey, Kevin Sullivan, Kimberly Burt, Lady Gaga, League of Chicago Theatres, Leah Chavie, Leah Chavie Skincare Center & Boutique, Leslie Hindman, Light Rain, Make it Better, Mamie Walton, Manfredini Landscaping & Design, Maria Smithburg, Mariani Landscape, Mario Lemieux, Mark Heister, Marsha Brenner, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Johnson, Mary Nelson, Matt Moore, Mayor Emanuel, Michael Halberstam, Michael Jordan, Michael S. Smith, Mike Mackey, Mila Samokhina, Monsignor John A. Kuzinskas, Monsignor Michael M. Boland, Nena Ivon, Nick Cave, Peggy Crowe, Peggy Swartchild, Plante Moran, Platinum Events, Playboy Bunny, Playboy mansion, Pristine Bay Resort, Prokofiev Suite, Rachel DeMarte, Randy Burt, Reverend Eudory Ramey, Reverend John R. Gorman, Rhonda Sanderson, Richard Dent, Ron Harper, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosemary Fanti, Salli Richardson, School of the Art Institute, Selena Gomez, Sharyl Mackey, Shauna Montgomery, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Shining Moments, Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit, Stella Foster, Susan Canmann, Swarovski, Tails in the City, Tampa Bay Rays, Taylor Kinney, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, The Organic Gardener, The Voice, The Walk, Theaster Gates, Tom Dreesen, Toni Kukoc, Tony Jones, United Airlines, Upper Deck, Van Cleef & Arpels, Victor Skrebneski, Vince Coleman, Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Day, Watch312.com, Wayne Gretzky, Whitney Lasky, William Heffernan Landscapes, Winn McMurry, Woman of the Decade Legend of Print Media, Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet, Yvette Prieto

December 23, 2012 · 10:36 am

THE GRINCH DIDN’T STEAL XMAS AT THIS KANDY KANE BALL!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, WINGS HOSTS “SWEET HOME CHICAGO,” HUFFPO LOVES ELYSABETH, METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES’ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, STELLA SPEAKS, PET RESCUE NEWS, BBQ AND COUNTRY MUSIC AT BUB CITY, BACK IN PLAYBOY, ROE CONN WEARS CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK ON “WINDY CITY LIVE,” KERRY WOOD’S WINTER WARM-UP, IS CRYSTAL A MRS.?, KRISTINA, KORINNA, MICHAELA AND LYNN HOST HOT HOLIDAY PARTIES, GIBSONS GIVES BACK AND SO MUCH MORE!

The annual Kandy Kane Ball is always a sell-out and this year (its 10th) was the best one yet! More than 1,000 partygoers descended on Joe’s Bar on Weed Street on December 8th for an event described as the
city’s largest private toy drive. One of the event founders and organizers, Mark Bell, said, “The ticket for admission [$50] is purposefully set low in order for guests to focus their contribution on the mission of our event – TOYS! We’re all fortunate and blessed in many ways and it’s always important to give
back to less fortunate individuals, particularly during the holiday season.” The semi-trailer truck was filled to the brim with toys by the end of the evening,
making this year’s event the most successful ever! And I can sure see why: The fabulous theme by Derrick Taylor & Company was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The winter wonderland included holly “Who” wreaths, abstract “Who”
Christmas trees, Grinch fingers made from cedar and 800 yards of lime green and candy apple red silk bunting that framed the stage where the Chicago Children’s Choir opened
the evening singing holiday carols. Surprise guest, celebrity illusionist Aurora Sexton, then wowed the crowd as she posed for photos dressed as the Grinch. The band Sorry for Partying and hot DJ Sye Young (one of my favs) kept the crowd on their feet into the early hours while classic holiday films played on 20 plasma screen TVs throughout the
rooms. Father Jeremiah Boland of Holy Family Church was on hand to help distribute thousands of toys and bikes to multiple charities that included Catholic Charities of Chicago, Pediatric Unit of U of I Medical Center, Rush
Medical Center, Kellen Shelter, West Side Employment Outreach and St. Anthony’s Hospital Community Outreach as well as to families who suffered during Hurricane Sandy. Congrats to some of the Kandy Kane Ball elves
who included Brian Thompson, Chris Draska, David Sacher, Christian Habitz, Mark Bell and so many others who bring this party with a purpose to life in such grand style! Mark your calendars now for next year’s event – it’s one of my favorite holiday parties and you will love it, too! (To see more pics from this fun event, please click here!)

Every year, the Service Club of Chicago hosts a delightful Holiday Luncheon at the University Club. This year’s theme – “12 Days of Christmas” – brought out almost 200 attendees to this
glorious venue at 76 E. Monroe. The room was beautifully decorated with a 20-foot Christmas tree that glowed beneath the dramatic stained glass window. An elf and an angel welcomed guests to the organization’s largest holiday luncheon yet with a champagne reception.
Numerous vendors participated making holiday shopping easy and fun, all for a good cause: There was vintage jewelry and clothing from Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, fabulous furs from Hinsdale Furriers, a
variety of gifts from Mary Mary and toys for our four-legged friends from Tails in the City. Other vendors included Aleksandra, Beijing Boutique, Elsa Johnson, Lisa Cotton Collection, Reginald, Inc., Toria Rose
and Joelle Nadine. All of the shops donated 15 percent back to the Service Club of their sales that day. Members were also requested to bring gifts to benefit Mount St. Joseph, home to 121 special ladies with developmental and physical disabilities. The
luncheon feast, chaired by SC member Sheree Valukas, included roasted butternut squash and cider soup and Amish chicken with lemon caper sauce. For dessert, a delicious chocolate crumble cake with chocolate sauce and raspberries was served. The festive tables were decorated with poinsettias
and holiday greenery. The melodic sounds of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus filled the room with guests joining in singing the “12 Days of Christmas.” The Service Club is one of the city’s oldest charitable organizations; founded in
1890, they have continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities. Its policy of giving is to assist, improve and initiate new
programs via its grant program and 100 percent of all funds raised goes directly to charity. For more info, please visit www.ServiceClubofChicago.org. (Check out more pics here!)

Led by honorary co-chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts and event co-chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) raised a record
$610,000 at the not-for-profit organization’s ninth annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser on December 9th, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Since it started in 2004, Sweet
Home Chicago has become one of the city’s most successful brunch fundraisers and this year’s benefit brings the total bottom line to more than $4 million to help support WINGS Safe House. More than 480 people (approximately half children) enjoyed a delicious brunch,
decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for family portraits by photographer Curtis Newborn, enjoyed balloon artists dressed as clowns and danced to a concert by Ralph’s World. Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago
area. Ninety-eight percent of its operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as WINGS three northwest suburban resale shops. Guests in attendance included WINGS Board Chair Rita Canning with husband John, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Ellen and Jim O’Connor and their grandchildren Reagan Cole and Caroline Cole, and the Wendy and Steve Backer family. For more info, please visit www.wingsprogram.com. (Photos by Waldemar Reichert.)

Congrats are in order for my beautiful friend/whirling dervish/columnist/filmmaker/human dynamo Elysabeth Alfano! Not only does she have TWO hit shows – “Fear No Art,” a great show that demystifies the art world with all of the
movers and shakers (and the cutest host) AND “The Dinner Party,” where Elysabeth mixes it up with our town’s most notables/celebs during a fabulous dinner prepared by top notch chefs WITH entertainment – but she was also chosen this year as one of HuffPo
Chicago’s 25 top bloggers! I’m tired just reading this but there really is nothing this talented woman can’t do and I’m so happy to see her doing it ALL in such grand style! Both of her shows are must-sees; don’t miss a segment – see
them all! Her most recent column for the Huffington Post includes holiday gift and stocking stuffer ideas from 15 of “Chicago’s Most Creatives”…not sure how I fit in this category but I’m honored to be included!

Generous sponsors and guests helped Metropolitan Family Services raise a whopping $1,187,000 at its 31st Annual Holiday Celebration, held December 1st at the Hilton Chicago.
The Gerst Family was honored as Metropolitan’s Family of the Year for its many contributions to the organization. All event expenses were generously underwritten by an anonymous donor. (Nice!) That means all event proceeds will support the Metropolitan’s programs and
services, which provide hope and opportunity to more than 53,000 Chicago-area
families and individuals each year. More than 700 guests came out to enjoy the Holiday Celebration, which was emceed by Chicago Tribune Co. publisher and CEO Tony Hunter. The event featured various entertainment and activities including vocalists Liane Williams and Markiyla Moore, Sammie Torres and His Latin Ensemble and the Calumet Center Community Schools Choir. There were also live and silent auctions, a wine raffle featuring select vintages and a Holiday Giving Tree raffle. (Tree raffle proceeds benefitted Metropolitan’s
Upward Bound program, which prepares first-generation college students to successfully enter college; click here to see a short video that shows how Metropolitan helps youth in the Upward Bound program to realize their dreams.) Visit www.metrofamily.org for more and view pictures here.

The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event will be on February 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson. The fun-filled event will feature a family brunch buffet, Valentine’s activities
for children and a special concert by award-winning children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events, who will also be providing fantastic DJ entertainment for dancing, dancing, dancing! Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet
Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, make-overs from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. The Be My
Valentine Family Event is co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers and all proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Expect this event to be a sell-out so get your tickets now: Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance and $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or by calling 312-926-7133. Hope to see you there!

For all of you who miss the “voice of reason” Stella Foster, here are some of her thoughts on all of the violence that’s occurring in our country now. Thanks for allowing me to share this with my readers, Stella: “Given all these ‘Bloody Weekends’ that this city is now noted for, the best you can do out here in your everyday lives is try to not become a
statistic. Blacks killing blacks will not stop because self-hatred is a real issue in the black community. The overwhelming cases of shootings in Chicago has created a runaway train most likely filled with violence -prone children from unwed teens, who never should have had babies in the first place. Babies cannot raise babies and when this society became so tolerant and seem to embrace and celebrate unwed girls and boys having babies all willy nilly, babies become susceptible to gangs taking over their lives early in life and the result is what u c
running wild in our streets with no heart! The decline of morality in this country along with the daily images of sex and violence will continue to cause sadness . So try not to become a stat by staying ever alert and pay attention to who you are around when you have to venture into the dangerous streets of Chicago and the burbs! If there were no bullets, guns would not be in demand!” WE MISS YOU STELLA!

Great news and congrats to Chicagoland’s senior pet adoption option Young at Heart Pet Rescue on its recent purchase of eight acres of beautiful land in unincorporated Woodstock. This property will eventually become a serene oasis for senior dogs and cats (seven years and older) in need of rescue and will include an adoption center, sanctuary and grounds designed specifically with
these pets in mind. I love this charity that has placed more than 520 senior pets into loving homes this year. Executive Director Dawn Kemper shared this delightful holiday story written by Scott Craven called “Toby and the Christmas Ring.” Read the story here (with a box of tissue nearby) and find out more about this wonderful charity!

And speaking of pet rescues, don’t miss Freezin’ for a Reason, a benefit for Project Rescue Chicago on January 5th at Foster Avenue Beach (located at 5200 N. Lake Shore in Andersonville) beginning with a 10:15 a.m. check-in and photos. Every year, Chicagoans are
reminded of just how lucky they are to have a warm place to call home every night but many homeless dogs and puppies don’t have this luxury. It is in honor of these animals that Project Rescue Chicago (PRC) is throwing its first fundraiser of 2013. Join fellow animal lovers and take the plunge for charity! A PRC founder Bridgid Nolan said, “We like to have a good time out on the lake and at the bar afterwards but I’m most excited about helping the
dogs in need. This fundraiser will provide resources for many shelter animals.” To register (there is a $25 fee) and for more info, please click here or call Project Rescue Chicago at 312-623-0939. I’ll be cheering you on from the shore…brrrrrrrr. 🙂

Thanks so much to “Windy City Live” for having me back on! It was a delightful surprise to find out when I arrived at the studios that not only would I be doing my event segment but that I had also been included in Host Chat! Never mind the terror I felt for not having read the newspapers that morning, I was still pumped albeit a bit quiet during the segment! LOL! I especially loved seeing Ryan applying my CAMP Cosmetics’ Candid Candace lipstick to his
fellow co-host, Roe Conn! Real men do wear Candid Candace! Remember, hockey great Jeremy Roenick also wore it on WCIU’s “You and Me This Morning” not long ago?! Maybe I need to come up with a new unisex color…perhaps Candid Candace Manly Mango? If you missed the segment, see below – it was really cute! (Thanks to Amie Hana for the great photos used during the segment, too!)

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Huge congrats to the Melman siblings for yet another restaurant coup! RJ, Jerrod and Molly, in conjunction with partners Chef Doug Psaltis and mixologist Paul McGee, have created their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun! With Joe’s Bar on Weed Street partners Ed Warm and Tom DeSanto in the mix, guests can expect to see some of country music’s top emerging talent perform on the venue’s
16-foot stage positioned at the center of the 4,500-square-foot space. BBQ-focused Bub City is located at 435 N. Clark and serves signature items that include slow-smoked bone-in short ribs, baby back ribs, Carolina-style pulled pork and a shellfish bar. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder served with four sides – I can’t wait to try it! BBQ, beer, bourbon and the best of country music comes to River North! Yee haw!

Woot! Woot! Thanks to Playboy for including me in its January 2013 issue! It seems that my interview with legendary actor Al Pacino drew some interest from Hef! Thanks to Mila Samokhina for the fab photo and to the Chicago International Film Festival for making a dream come true! And speaking of
Playboy, under the draw-your-own-conclusions category, I came across Hef’s fiance’s (Crystal Harris) Twitter page and it seems there has been a name change to Crystal Hefner! If true, I wish them both a world of happiness!!

Don’t miss the Wood Family Foundation’s second annual Woody’s Winter Warm-Up at Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier on January 18th. Retired Cubs great Kerry Wood and glam wife
Sarah have invited past and present Cubs along with other sports stars and celebs to this wonderful event benefitting their foundation that supports children in need in the Chicagoland area. There will be a dinner buffet, amazing silent auction laden with sports memorabilia (last year, Ernie Banks’ signed bat and
jersey was snagged by Beam VP Tom Strehle), open bar, raffle, photo ops and so much more! For tickets ($150) and more info, please click here!

Don’t forget to join me on NYE for Chicago Empire, an event named as one of the “top NYE parties in Chicago” by the Huffington Post! I will be doing the countdown with NBC’s Marcus Riley at Untitled, located at 111 W.
Kinzie. Six floors of fun will include the Gold Coast All Stars, Mr. Robotic, VH1 reality star “JRL” Justin Ross Lee and so much more! Tickets begin at $125 for this sure-to-be-fabulous production from Platinum Events’ Justin Jacobson!

The Gibsons Restaurant Group not only serves up delicious food but, it also has a very strong charitable bent, too! For the past five years, John Colletti and Kathy O’Malley Piccone, along with dozens of darling helpers, host “Gibsons New Year: New Friends, Full Bellies, Warm Feet” in partnership with Chicago Catholic
Charities. You can help by donating gifts of warmth such as hats, socks, gloves and scarves to Gibsons Restaurant, located at 1028 N. Rush St. They will be serving more than 400 less fortunate individuals at the restaurant on New Year’s Day. Kind hearts and good food for charity – LOVE these peeps! 🙂

You couldn’t imagine a more elegant holiday party than the one recently hosted by glamorous and charitable twins Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt at the McGrath home in the
Gold Coast. More than 100 equally glam friends turned out in force to celebrate the holidays in grand style at this gorgeous condo in the former Playboy building. As soon as the elevator doors opened onto their floor, you knew you were in for a most delightful, festive evening filled with friends. Serving elves offered up specialty cocktails, a bountiful dinner buffet and
photographer Christoper Free was on hand snapping
shots of friends wearing various types of holiday headgear and there was magnificent décor everywhere you looked. I loved their clever idea of asking friends to bring a beauty-related gift under $50. These gifts then served
as the guests’ goody bags as they left the party – just brilliant! I was still there (ahem) when Kristina’s handsome
and loving husband Mike came home after his own night out with friends. As he embraced her, I heard him ask, “Are you happy?” I’m sure this was Santa disguised as Mike McGrath! Ho! Ho! Ho! (View more fun and festive pics here!)

It was a winter wonderland theme for guests at the holiday luncheon recently co-hosted by beautiful ladies Michaela Parrillo and Lynn McMahan. The room at the Casino had a cozy fire roaring, elegantly appointed tables all done in sparkling shades of winter white, liveried waiters offering tea service and tiny sandwiches of smoked salmon, brie and apple, cucumber, tomato and egg salad, profiteroles filled with chicken salad and gluten free rice paper chicken salad wrap. Decadent desserts included white and dark chocolate dipped strawberries, petit
fours, tea cookies and miniature lemon meringue tarts. Michaela and Lynn had planned some surprises including asking guests to sing-a-long to the “12 Days of Christmas.” It was a lovely afternoon with the most beautiful décor I’ve seen: Even the tablecloths looked like they were dipped in fairy dust and were imported by Lynn from a faraway place, of course! If you know these two ladies, you know that every detail was attended to! Guests left with gifts topped with crystal snowflakes that held the perfect Chanel lip gloss inside. Love these girls and loved being part of their special day!

That’s it for this week and I hope you’re not too frenzied as we near Christmas and the end of the year. I'm also glad the Mayans were wrong… 🙂

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

GENE & GEORGETTI’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!

…PLUS FANTASY NIGHT AT THE LYRIC, COMMON THREAD’S NEW PARTY, DUSTY, TONI AND NENA HOST HAL, JERRY ROPER’S AWARD, THODOS CELEBRATES 20TH, CS MAGAZINE’S COOL PAGE, A NEW WATCH312 VIDEO AND MORE!

There are not many restaurants around town that can boast about a 70th anniversary party but this was happily the case with steakhouse icon, Gene & Georgetti’s. On Sunday evening January 29th, this venerable restaurant celebrated in grand fashion at Park West with a by-invite-only party for more than 300 friends, family, staff and regulars. The evening, produced expertly by Michelle Durpetti (Michelle Durpetti Events), started off with an hour-long film by Loudbyte Cinematography that included regulars, Chicago notables and family on camera discussing the restaurant’s history and never-before-heard stories. Opening the film was longtime regular Terry “Whitey” Pearson and Charles Herrick. Other “stars” included Phil Stefani (who catered the event), Bobby Hatoff (Allen Bros. supplies the meat to the restaurant), Rich Melman, Dominic DiFrisco, Phil Hanahan, Peter Wright, David Lissner, Lee Flaherty and Vince Conroy among many others. Marion and Tony Durpetti are second generation owners (Marion’s dad, Gene Michelotti, founded the restaurant with a partner) and throughout the film, family and friends recounted tales of this beloved spot. DiFrisco spoke about the time Yankees Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio planned a dinner at the restaurant…but first, he had an aide find out whether or not there were photos of Marilyn Monroe on the wall and, if there were, that they were removed before he came. (Her loss was too raw for him to bear.) There was also a story about Lucille Ball: She had asked if she could have her "Mame" premiere party at the restaurant on Saturday night (which would mean closing the restaurant) and Gene said no. She settled for Sunday and the next thing you know, she marched herself in and wanted to meet the man who said “no.” The premiere party WAS planned at the restaurant and a 5’ X 4’ photo of her – autographed in her own red lipstick – hangs on the wall to this day. Michelle had so many exciting plans for the night including partnering with Tracey Tarantino (ZZazz Productions) to have “legends of the stage and screen” make appearances at the party. I saw Elton, Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner (aka Darcy DiBuono), Lady Gaga, Prince and Dolly circulating throughout the crowd. Michelle also surprised her parents onstage with a custom- created cake by Tipsy Cake lit with sparklers for their 43rd wedding anniversary. Sugar Chic Designs hosted a delectable “movie concession stand” filled with themed sweets (like miniature chocolate Academy Awards) and Garrett’s Popcorn. After the film, Sway Chicago performed a big band-style set followed by a dazzling, live theatrical number by ZZazz Productions. To the dancing crowd’s delight, a confetti cannon blast signaled the last hour of the evening as DJ Brent Rolland of Fig Media kicked off the evening’s grand finale. There were beautiful floral arrangements by Exquisite Designs as well as a red carpet for photo ops. It was such a memorable evening for everyone who loves this restaurant and this wonderful Durpetti family who have done so much to keep Chicago on the map but also to see the love and power of a caring family and their loyal staffers. Long may they reign! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to see a clip from the film by Loudbyte, please click here.) Also, check out my coverage of this amazing evening for Watch312.com below!

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It is always an elegant evening at the Lyric Opera but for their 28th Fantasy of the Opera Gala, it was “A Night Under the Czars” for this Russian-themed evening that attracted more than 500 guests. Event Creative designed a night of wonder with ice sculptures of Faberge eggs, frosted glass table chandeliers, golden branches dripping with crystal strands and white peacocks overlooking the Grand Foyer from the Mezzanine. Guests enjoyed Moscow Mule cocktails, champagne and other refreshments while they bid electronically on the extensive silent auction items expertly coordinated by auction chairman Julie Anne Benson. Before a seated dinner by Limelight Catering, top Chicago restaurants provided gourmet tastings. (Participating restaurants included Carnivale, Coco Pazzo, Devon Seafood Grill, Il Mulino, N9NE, Prosecco, Province, Vera and more.) I was thrilled to be a guest of Board Member and Gold Sponsor Ken Norgan and his group of friends that included Jose “Pepe” Conforme, Leslie Hindman, Helen Melchior, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern, Cynthia and Rich Varnes, George Jewell and Karen Harding. Emceed by General Director Anthony Freud, the Fantasy Cabaret performance featured 14 stars of the Lyric’s current and previous seasons. Philip Kraus did a hysterical rendition of Noel Coward’s “Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington” and David Cangelosi, who sang Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” had the crowd joining in on the chorus. We dined like czars and czarinas in boxes 28 and 30 with glowing “Faberge” eggs as centerpieces after the Fantasy Cabaret performance. Chair of the event, Nancy Temple, along with her co-chair Courtney Rosen, welcomed the crowd and Linda Pedian (of American Airlines, the Lyric’s official airline) was the raffle sponsor. (Allison Alexander was Raffle Chairman.) For the first time, Lyric Young Professionals joined in the festivities and enjoyed an exclusive Russian-themed dinner in The Sarah and Peer Pedersen Room by Jewell Events Catering. This LYP event was chaired by Aleksandra Efimova, who had this to say: “As a LYP gala chair and being born in St. Petersburg, Russia, it was a true honor to share the beauty and richness of Russian culture with the gala guests. This event was another important step to strengthen understanding, communication and interest between the U.S. and Russia—something I strongly and passionately believe in.” Other evening sponsors included Guild Board President David Ormesher (whose company, Closerlook, was the presenting sponsor), Donna Van Eekeren, Richard and Susan Kiphart, Elaine and Allan Muchin, Maura Ann McBreen, Bob Finke and Alan Schriesheim among others. Also seen in the crowd were Meg Caswell (a recent HGTV "Design Star" winner) as well as Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. The evening ended on a sweet note with Blommer Chocolate, e.leaven Food Company, Katherine Anne Confections, Sprinkles Cupcakes and Terry’s Toffee providing dessert treats. All of the Lyric singers stayed around for the after-party taking pix of each other while dancing to Ken Arlen’s Indigo. The Fantasy evening raised more than $470,000 for Lyric programming.

The 20th anniversary party for Thodos Dance Chicago was a return to the roaring ‘20s at their annual Gala on January 28th at the Cultural Center. Legendary Broadway and film veteran, Tony Award-winning choreographer and frequent Thodos collaborator Ann Reinking mixed and mingled with more than 250 of her Chicago fans and the company’s top supporters as Honorary Chair. The evening raised more than $85K for the non-profit Thodos Dance Chicago, a 20-year-old contemporary dance company. One of the evening’s most exciting revelations was the announcement that “Beneath the White City Lights: The Making of an American Ballet Story” by Emmy Award-winning producer Chris Olsen, a half-hour documentary about the making of TDC’s current signature dance, “The White City: Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893,” co-choreographed by Reinking and Thodos in 2010, would make its broadcast debut on WTTW-TV, Channel 11 on Thursday, February 23 at 10:30 p.m. The evening also included a surprise video tribute to founder Melissa Thodos, “20 Years in 20 Minutes,” as well as the always popular “Dancing with the Thodos Stars,” an inspiring performance by the Thodos/Menomonee Club Youth Ensemble, pre-dinner cabaret music courtesy of Tommy Hensel and Dan Stetzel, dancing to the Swing Assembly orchestra plus a sit-down dinner, silent auction and a wine roulette. If you haven’t seen this company perform, then you are missing out on some incredibly dedicated and talented dancers. (Stay tuned for more exciting Thodos news in my next blogazine!)

Common Threads will be hosting its first Bright Threads event on Sunday, March 11th at the James Hotel. The benefit will be hosted by Gail Simmons, “Top Chef” judge and Food & Wine magazine director, and will include a chance to attend an intimate VIP book signing and cocktail hour with Gail before the start of the main event. This party will be a seated family-style coursed dinner served on communal tables with the CT Small Threads working alongside the participating chefs to prep, cook and serve. VIP tickets are $500 and general admission tickets are $250. To purchase tickets and for more info, please email Eleanor@commonthreads.org or call 312.329.2501.

The Annie B. Brown Foundation will host an inaugural Gospel Concert on Thursday, March 29th, during Colon Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the benefits of colon cancer screenings. Proceeds raised will be donated to the Loretto Hospital Foundation to carry out screenings and educate people on the risks of this disease. The program, which will be emceed by Dr. Sandy Goldberg at Biagio’s at 4242 N. Central, will include a silent auction, dinner and performances by church choirs as well as Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Darius Brooks. For tickets and more info, please visit www.abbfoundation.org or call 630.765.2886.

Hal Rubenstein, fashion director
of InStyle magazine, will have a busy two days when he is in town on March 13th and 14th. Dusty Stemer and Toni Canada will host a party at Blake, located at 212 W. Chicago Ave., on Tuesday, March 13th, from 4 – 7 p.m., to celebrate Rubenstein’s new book, “100 Unforgettable Dresses.” (RSVP to 312.202.0047.) The following day, Toni, Dusty and Nena Ivon will host a conversation with Hal for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum as he discusses his book and the Fall 2012 collections from the runways of NY, Paris and Milan. This event will be moderated by Susanna Negovan at the Casino, located at195 E. Delaware, beginning at 11:30 am. Tickets are $75. Please RSVP to Wendy Schiller at 312.799.2113.

Congrats to civic leader Jerry Roper for being honored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel with the Chicago Gateway Green Urbs in Horto (city in a garden) Award for his commitment to the greening and beautification of Chicago. The event raised more than $1.1 million for a nine-mile Kennedy Expressway Enhancement Project. As President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of Gateway Green, Roper led the formation of Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an affiliate of the Chamber. The Governor proclaimed the Kennedy/Edens Expressway Junction the Gerald J. Roper Gateway and the Mayor proclaimed January 25th as “Gerald J. Roper Day.” He is also known as an outspoken advocate of public transportation, including aviation, rapid transit and high-speed rail. His aviation advocacy includes service on the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Choice and Information in the Aviation Industry as an appointee of House Speaker Dennis Hastert in 2002. He is also a founding member of Business Leaders for Transportation, which focuses on the various forms of transit and transportation that businesses and their employees use every day. Congrats Jerry and thanks for your dedication to this beautiful city!

Huge congrats to Nina and Bob Mariano (Roundy’s and Mariano’s Fresh Market) who will be ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday morning! Too cool for words but I tried!

And finally, a big thank you to CS Magazine for the full page feature about Watch312.com in this month’s issue! And thanks to amazing photographer Anthony Tahlier for his expertise!

Well, that’s it for this week and I hope your team won the Super Bowl! And, did we like Madonna? As far as commercials, my favorites were the Audi vampires and the little dog, “Here, Weego,” for Bud Light…but then you know I’m a sucker for doggie commercials. I especially loved the Facebook shout out at the end for rescue dogs…nice!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats are also in order for author Beth Aldrich! Her new book, “Real Moms Love to Eat,” received rave reviews recently at Michigan Shore Club in Wilmette. (Pic by Mila Samokhina.)