Plus: SPARK! for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab; Happy birthday Eli's and Taste of Chicago; JHud takes Ravinia; 29Rooms pops-up in Chicago; Bonnie Hunt and the Digestive Health Foundation Gala; Chaka KHAN!; Tina and the ladies host Miami-style White Party; Share Your Soles Foundation benefit; Toasting Sheree; Patrick Lives On with casts of NBC's "One Chicago"; Rare books on Collector's Call finale; Mad about Marian-The Music Man at the Goodman; Happy BD Madame Counselor!; The GLOW-A pumpkin wonderland; Teatro ZinZanni's "Love, Chaos and Dinner"; Giordano Dance Chicago's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars"!; Joffrey Ballet's Jane Eyre; Art Van Furniture's Charity Challenge; Videos and SOOOO much MORE!
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Spark!, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s annual signature event, was attended by 450 people on May 30 at the Four Seasons Hotel. The ballroom was transformed into an immersive environment that put guests in the
middle of the patient experience while highlighting the hospital’s research, clinical care and the incredible patient stories that have resulted. As guests dined, animation played on screens surrounding the room that showed figures and equations pulled from its scientists’ white boards,
computers, patents and minds! Another captivating video was played giving guests a birds-eye view into the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab model of care and research breakthroughs.18-year-old Eva Saseen, who sustained a traumatic brain injury in a car accident last year, was in attendance along with
her mother and interdisciplinary care team. Dr. Joanne Smith, AbilityLab president/ CEO, and Dr. James Sliwa, chief medical officer, led the discussion about Eva’s journey and how best-in-class care and science helped aid her recovery. Singer-songwriter Brendan James closed the evening with a riveting performance of his song Nothing for Granted. Spark! generated $3.3 million in support of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab — the largest amount ever raised at one of the hospital’s annual galas! Kudos!
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Eli's Cheesecake (Maureen and Marc Schulman) and Taste of Chicago celebrated 39 years of togetherness on Saturday, July 13! Executive pastry chef Laurel Boger was cool as a cucumber even as her 1,000 lb. cake was fork-lifted out of a truck to prepare for serving the overflow crowd. This special occasion
brought out Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes who led the crowd in singing "happy birthday" following a highly competitive (Lol!) trivia contest. The questions to the attendees came from Paul Kendrick (the Schulmans' son-in-
law), a rabid Hamilton fan who knows the entire score by heart! Attending VIPs included Sam Toia, Ill. Restaurant Assoc. president, Neal Heitz, Taste of Chicago manager and, of course one of the Schulmans darling daughters, Kori Schulman. Eli's is the only original vendor at Taste and, according to Maureen, "We still love it
after 39 years! It's like summer camp for food!" Eli's first big cake was for Chicago's 150th birthday in 1987. Founder Eli Schulman was in attendance along with familiar media personalities including Rick Kogan, Linda Yu, Diane Burns, Linda MacLennan, Bobbi Goldblatt, Merri Dee, Lois Weisberg and even Bozo the Clown, who
read the Mayoral Proclamation declaring Eli's Cheesecake as Chicago's official 150th Birthday Cake! Mayor Harold Washington was supposed to be there to read it but, due to impending lightning, he wasn't allowed to come. This year, as in year's past, the entire crew from Eli's was in attendance, all wearing t-shirts emblazoned with "It's a helluva cake," Eli's famous
words upon seeing the big cake for the first time. Just for fun, consider this, the big cake uses 450 lbs. of cream cheese, 70 lbs. of sugar, 50 lbs. of sour cream, 65 lbs. of eggs, 125 lbs. of cookie dough, 25 lbs. of cherry glaze and more. (Now you can make one at home!) Marc and Maureen are also co-chairs for the upcoming The Happiness Club benefit on Sunday, August 11, at Park West. Miguel Cervantes will receive the Artist of the Year award and I will be honored with the Legacy Award. The nonprofit positively influences kids through the arts. This signature fundraiser will feature a "Best of Chicago" buffet and performances. Miguel will sing with the kids and I will be dancing, God help me. Please join us! For tickets/more info, click here!
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It was one of the most successful gala benefit's in Ravinia's 53 year history! And it was no surprise with Jennifer Hudson as the headliner! The Oscar and
Grammy-winning artist wowed the crowd in a skin-tight purple catsuit, her favorite color, singing a wide-ranging variety of songs with her 4 back-up singers, the Hudsonettes. This was her first time performing with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra but not her first time at Ravinia–that debut was in 2011. The sellout crowd was electrified from the start, when she made her entrance, appearing as if by magic at the back of the Pavilion.
The only thing the audience heard at first was that astonishing voice singing "How Great Thou Art." It sent
chills through my body and it never stopped. She was in full control of, not only her vocals, but her loving interaction with the crowd and many of her family members who came out to support her. Her hair, makeup and figure were flawless. Her hour long set featured tributes to Prince and Whitney Houston and included her big song from her Oscar-winning role in Dreamgirls, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going." Hudson will soon sing the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic "Memory"
as Grizabella in the film adaptation of the Broadway mainstay "Cats" as well as star in the big-screen biopic "Respect" about Aretha Franklin, who personally asked her to do it. (Aretha's final concert occurred at Ravinia in 2017). Nearly 800 gala guests and 7,000 concert goers were treated to this amazing performance. Welz Kauffman, Ravinia president/CEO, who booked this gala and all Ravinia concerts, said, "It's that love of music that makes her connect so beautifully with an audience. This was an event people will be
talking about for years." Hudson often goes to Ravinia as an audience member and was in the crowd for the recent Lionel Richie concert. On this night, Hudson's charm was shining brightly. She came offstage and danced and mingled with guests–even calling several onstage to sing along with her. After the concert and gala, a few of us
were invited backstage, thanks to Ravinia's PR whiz Nick Pullia, for a meet-and-greet that included several popular media peeps like Brittney and Connie Payton, Dina Bair, Jeanne Sparrow, Melissa Forman, Sylvia Perez and Cheryl Burton. There were about 25 guests in the small green room and she chatted and took photos with each and every one–never once losing that beautiful smile on her face. (Read all about this exciting night here in the Chicago Tribune!) I've had the pleasure of meeting Jennifer before and she has always been incredibly nice and genuine–even as her star climbs ever higher, she will always be a our "hometown Jenny." Fly, fly FLY Miss Hudson! (Check out my past interview with Jennifer below when she was a cover star for Michigan Avenue Magazine!)
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You know how much I love a good pop-up! Well, 29Rooms marked the first event at the iconic Chicago Board of Trade Building at 141 W. Jackson as re-imagined by creative venue agency, Skylight. Refinery29, the leading digital media and entertainment company for young women, unveiled
immersive new interactive experiences and collaborations in the space when its 29Rooms: Expand Your Reality Experience took over on opening night, July 17. The intrigue began outside as guests were instructed to wend their way up escalators and down hallways until reaching the unique space. As I stood at the top of the stairway, I couldn't wait to try all of the artistic experiences in this groundbreaking festival of culture, cause and creativity. The exhibit marks the company’s commitment to "supporting innovative creative talent and driving conversation,
inspiration and positive change." As the first stop of its five-city Expand Your Reality tour, Chicago’s curtain-raising event brought together a diverse group of both local and national, emerging and established creatives, influencers and collaborators. Seen on the scene were Tamron Hall (whose new show "The Tamron Hall
Show" will debut on Disney/ABC on September 9), Monika Dixon and her darling daughter Nadia, Meiling Jin, Galina Petrova and so many others. The opening night event debuted The Art Park, 29Rooms' new artist collective initiative which invited a local artist from each of the 2019 tour stops to transform a 
geometric playground into a canvas for creativity. Representing Chicago in the Art Park is installation-based artist Yvette Mayorga, who is known for her use of confection and industrial materials as a conceptual framework. Also new for the tour is The Traveling Billboard – a full scale billboard mural by locally-based artists, created in collaboration with artist O.J. Hays and the children of SocialWorks, an organization founded by Grammy-award-winning musician and humanitarian, Chance the Rapper, that empowers youth through arts, education and civic engagement.(Now through July 28) And while you're out there poppin' around, don't miss my favorite, Bixbee Imagnination Station at 915 W. North Ave.!)
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The Digestive Health Foundation Gala: Celebrating the Power of Family was held on June 8 at the Four Seasons with 600 supporters. Emceed by beloved actress Bonnie Hunt, the event raised more than $2.47 million for medical research at the Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center to improve quality of life for digestive disease patients and their families. Highlights of the evening included
moving testimonials from families affected by hereditary digestive disorders and the launch of the new Deborah and Martin Elrad Research Fund for Hereditary Digestive Diseases. The
Elrad Research Fund announced a $300,000 contribution to the DHF BioRepository, a DHF-supported blood and tissue bank used for digestive disease research that is one of a few medical database resources of its kind in the world. The Elrad Research Fund was established by gala co-chairs Becky and Michael Elrad in honor of Michael’s parents, who have dedicated their fund-raising and advocacy energies to
helping people with digestive diseases since their daughter Amy was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease 40 years ago. The evening also featured special guest Mike McCready, lead guitarist of Pearl Jam. McCready spoke powerfully about his personal journey with Crohn’s disease that
led him to become an inspiring advocate for other patients and families. One in five people will be diagnosed with digestive health disorders, ranging from colorectal and pancreatic cancers to esophageal disorders, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, liver diseases, such as hepatitis, and others. The Digestive Health Foundation generates critical resources to advance research that transforms digestive disease into digestive health for patients around the world. Funds have underwritten 40 research studies and two advanced physician fellowships, as well as the Digestive Health Foundation BioRepository.
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The living legend and hometown girl, Chaka Khan, was in town recently taping her homecoming performance for PBS at the Harris Theater on July 20. Before the taping, ten time Grammy-winner Chaka made an appearance
Friday night at the Dalcy, at an intimate party hosted by Mesirow's Les Coney and Chaka's friend/manager/stylist George Fuller. Guests at this private meet-and-greet enjoyed a Q&A conducted by Fuller where she discussed, among many topics, how she got her start. (See video here). She looked better than ever wearing one of my favorite designers, Shernett Swaby. (To see highlights of her long career, check out the video below!) She played the Hollywood Bowl following her Chicago appearance. SHE is EVERY WOMAN!
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Hinsdale is abuzz over the recent "white party" hosted by the Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club at the home of host member Tina (and Jeff) Weller on July 13 at their newly renovated 1927 Spanish/California-inspired manor. The Miami style party was a sellout attracting 185 guests and raising $35,000 (and lots of
good will) for this venerable organization that is recognized nationally for its outstanding children's programs, leadership, membership and fundraising. For 70 years, the HJWC has continued its founding mission to bring women together in the spirit of volunteerism, service and a helluva lot of fun! Tina shared, "We have a fun time socializing and meeting others while making a difference to local Chicago charities." White attire-clad guests included Jill and Dr. Nick Angelopoulos, Kirsten and Paul Douglass, Eva
and David Andalcio, January and Dr. John Pawluk, Julie and Justin Bouchard, Julie Langdon Dudek and Mike Dudek, Courtney (co-chair for the Social Committee) and Dr. Kevin Casey, Ruta and Charlie Brigden, Michelle and Jim Riley, Liz and Mark Oliviero and Christy and Mitch Hernandez. The afternoon-
into-evening party happened mostly around the beautiful pool where white balloon decor and twinkling lanterns created a sexy ambiance. The appetizers were Cuban-inspired and included sushi from Roka Akor. A DJ spinned the latest tunes while Codigo tequila, Prosecco, desserts by Molly Pops, Buzz Pops and the Ferrara bakery were served. Event proceeds will be directed to the 2019 benefit revenue to use in awarding grants for the coming year. To learn more about the HJWC, click here!
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The Children’s Place Association’s Jr. Board gathered more than 150 supporters for “Enchantment Under the Sea," a fundraiser to support Chicago's most vulnerable children, on June 13. Hosted at one of the city's unique galleries, Ignite Glass Studio, the event, raised $57,000 for the nonprofit. During the evening, guests
enjoyed themed cocktails, sushi stations, a raffle, silent auction and a live DJ. A program highlighted the critical work Children’s Place Association does in Chicago’s impoverished communities, including early
education, health care, foster care and supportive housing. Kloie McCann and Maureen McCluskey served as co-chairs of the event with lead sponsors CIBC, CNA, Duane Morris, MB Financial, Fifth Third and Keystone Capital. For 28 years, Children’s Place Association has developed innovative programs that help vulnerable children break the cycle of adversity. Children’s Place has helped more 6,000 people since opening in 1991 and currently provides services for 350-400 Chicago-area children and parents, helping them overcome significant challenges so they can reach their full potential. (Photos by Gale-We are Loftus)
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Fortunately, most of us never have to experience what it feels like to go without shoes. Did you know that globally, 300 million children are denied education for the simple reason that they do not own a single pair of shoes OR that women and children who walk miles for clean water, risk illness and amputation from infections caused by living in unsanitary conditions? For 20 years, the Share Your Soles Foundation has responded to
this need by distributing shoes to people living in underdeveloped communities across the globe.
The nonprofit was founded by Mona Purdy in 1999 following a trip to Guatemala where she saw little kids applying tar to the soles of their feet because their families couldn't afford shoes. Please join us on Friday, August 23 when this deserving organization celebrates its 20th anniversary (of doing good) at a Masquerade Party at Carnivale. Event details here! (And please check website here for information on how to donate shoes, you know we all have too many!)
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Much loved philanthropist and dear friend Sheree Valukas celebrated a big birthday on July 19 at Edgewood Valley Country Club in LaGrange. She was surrounded by 40 admiring girlfriends who toasted, danced and celebrated this wonderful woman who gives back to so many. (Sheree is
involved with the Service Club of Chicago, The Lighthouse for the Blind (board of directors), the Costume Council, Canine Companions for Independence (LA and Chicago) and so many others.) Sheree's darling husband Jim Valukas was on hand to welcome guests and share his thoughts about his bride of 14 years. "She has a passion for life. My toast to Sheree is 'may this be the beginning of many more years
of health, happiness and sharing a good time and love with your friends, family and your husband.'" Toasts were also offered by Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea
Holson and Sherry Abrahams. A delicious lunch of watermelon gazpacho, chicken and asparagus crepes preceded the beautiful birthday cake. Dancing broke out throughout the afternoon! Partygoers seen on the scene included Kathy Piccone, Mary Lasky, Bonnie Rickard, Cheryl Bollinger, Marci Holzer, April Schwartz, Tracey Tarantino, Pam Capitanini, Tina Weller, Sally Jo Morris, Bobbi Panter, Holly Barr, Heather Jane Johnston, Kristina McGrath, Lezley Hodes, Karen Peters and so many others. Even Sheree's childhood friends from Mendota were in attendance. Happy birthday dear Sheree and here's to a 100 more!
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The 4th annual Variety Show & Fundraiser for Patrick Lives On will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Chop Shop (2033 W. North Avenue). Mingle with cast members from CHICAGO PD, CHICAGO FIRE, and CHICAGO MED to raise awareness against gun violence and funds to keep at-risk teens safe and engaged. The evening will include singing, dancing, stand-up, improv, music, food, drinks, a live auction and MORE!
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If you're not watching Collector's Call (hosted by Lisa Whelchel) on Sunday nights on MeTV, you are missing one cool show! Each week, it spotlights a unique, private collection that has included a Winnie-the-Pooh Guinness Book of World Records holder, an entire KISS collection, firemen memorabilia, an incredible Wizard of Oz collection and so much more! As I mentioned in an earlier edition, our rare book collection was featured in the season finale. Special thanks to the show's parent company Weigel Broadcasting, my friend/expert Leslie Hindman and local book appraiser Thomas Joyce. See segment below:
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I am MAD about Marian!! The Music Man, running now at the Goodman Theatre (thru August 18) is a nostalgic look back at small town America and reminded me just how much I miss my own little town of Dupo, Illinois. I went in expecting Robert Preston and I came out with a deep appreciation of this hard working cast led by Geoff Packard as Harold Hill and expertly directed by Mary Zimmerman. The choreography, the songs, the staging all took us back to a kinder, gentler time and we loved every minute of it. And even though I knew the story, I still cried when the marching band appeared. You shouldn't miss it! For tickets, $25-$142, click here!
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It was a lovefest for Madame Counselor, Donna Rotunno, during her birthday party at Le Colonial July 19. Hosted by Gayle Anthony and Paul Iacono, the party in the private Monkey Room was intimate and
celebratory on more levels than one. Not only was it a BD celebration but we also toasted Donna for getting the nod to defend Harvey Weinstein in New York. Jury selection begins Sept. 9 and the trial is expected to last 4 to 6 weeks. As one of the top defense attorneys in the land, I'm happy to know this homegrown talent is being recognized further afield for her formidable skills in the courtroom. This party followed a week of celebrations for a much loved friend. Party on D-RO!
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THE GLOW: A Pumpkin Wonderland, is coming to the Chicago suburbs this October! Prepare your family for a brand new autumn experience that will feature over 5,000 hand-carved pumpkins, life-sized sculptures, classic Halloween characters, seasonal food and so much more! Located in the Sensory Garden Playground (2751 Navistar Drive, Lisle, IL), the event will donate a portion of its proceeds to Don't Be A Monster, a nonprofit that teaches kids how to combat bullying. For tickets/more info, click here! (Video below!)
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Teatro ZinZanni's "Love, Chaos and Dinner" is happening NOW in the heart of the Chicago Theatre District! This critically acclaimed show combines the best of cirque, cabaret, spectacle, live music, comedy and fine dining with a menu created by top local caterer, The Green Goddess" Debbie Sharpe! The production takes place on the 14th floor of the newly opened Cambria Hotel (32 W. Randolph) inside a rare spiegeltent, the Speigeltent ZaZou, a Belgian mirror tent filled with unique, historic touches. Individual tickets, which include a four-course meal, are on sale through September 29 and range in price from $99 to $189. For more info, click here!
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Giordano Dance Chicago will host its wildly popular "Dancing with the Giordano Stars 2019" on Thursday, October 3 at the Park West. Chicago's A-listers will shine onstage with their Giordano dance partners in the liveliest fundraiser of the year! Who will impress the celebrity judges to secure the coveted disco ball? Support your favorite star and stay to dance the night away with this much loved dance company that's ALL heart! All proceeds benefit CPS outreach, Giordano Dance company operations and jazz dance advocacy and mentorship! For tickets/more info, click here!
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The Joffrey Ballet will host a Jane Eyre Luncheon on Tuesday, October 8 at the Hilton Chicago. The event will celebrate women in the arts and the Chicago premiere of Jane Eyre with a behind-the-scenes look at the production with choreographer Cathy Marston. For tickets/more info, click here!
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Great news for local nonprofits! Art Van Furniture is celebrating more than a decade of giving back with the company’s 11th Annual Charity Challenge, which allows nonprofit organizations committed to women, children and human services to vie for 10 grants totaling $250,000, ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. Applications are open now through Aug. 19. Participating charities will compete to raise the most money from September 9 through 27. The top 10 fundraising nonprofits will be honored and receive their grants at Art Van Furniture’s 60th anniversary gala on October 24. See details here and please share with any nonprofits that might be interested/eligible. A great opportunity!
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Hope you're making the most of our fabulous summer days! Don't forget this weekend is the Randolph Street Market (July 27/28), always a great idea with over 125 vendors, music, food, fun and SALLY! And, if not a subscriber, please sign up here! I would love to have you!
Love, as always,
Candace, Candace@CandidCandace.com
P.S. And something to leave you with a smile! That laugh tho'……
