Tag Archives: Chicago Consular Corps

FLEURS DE VILLES, A STUNNING FLORAL EXHIBIT, POPS UP IN CHICAGO

Plus: Dollywood!; Expo Chicago; Common Threads' BIG news; Very Versace; Columbian Ball, Best Pumpkin Patches; Top events through year's end; Rush's Bright Futures; Chicago Botanic Garden's elegant Harvest Party; Chicago Loop Alliance's Illumination Gala; Beth's awesome new mag; Rev Up on WGN Radio and Fox 32; Allegrezza's Boozy Brunch; This & That; Darling videos and SOOOO much more!

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ACS_0057An exotic, real life garden came to life recently at 900 North Michigan Shops and it was heavenly! You could

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Fleurs de Villes co-creators Karen Marshall and Tina Barkley with David Murga.

smell the exhibit before you actually came upon it. Chicagoans and tourists alike, stopped to smell the roses, and countless other varieties of flowers, at ​the U.S. debut of Fleurs de Villes. The five-day pop-up exhibition of fresh floral couture was hosted by 900 North Michigan Shops and featured 16 different mannequins showcasing custom couture handcrafted by Chicago’s

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900 Shops' Taylor Stucker, Stacy Kolios and Alicia Skruba with ZZAZZ model.

top luxury florists. In addition to the collection of fresh, floral couture, the creative activation also featured daily market stalls, floral workshops and floral-forward menu

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HMR Designs

offerings. Fifteen of Chicago’s leading florists, including HMR Designs, Kehoe Designs, The Revel Group, Flowers for Dreams, Flower Firm, Flora Chicago, Fleurs Chicago and more were paired with world-class brands to design stunning displays of custom couture created out of magnificent, fresh flowers. The five-day extravaganza kicked off on Wednesday, September 25 with a VIP Preview Party, where over 275 guests attended and the creations were unveiled. A panel of guest judges voted on their favorite

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Festive floral attire was the order of the day.

works. I was proud to be a judge alongside Michelle Alegria (Fox WFLD Ch. 32); Rosie Clayton (influencer); Salina Wunderle (Sr. horticulturist for Green Houses, Chicago Botanic Garden) and Joe Barnes (marketing

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With ZZAZZ model wearing headpiece created by Kehoe Designs.

manager for Kennicott Brothers). VIPs in attendance included Elle Cashin, Editor, Modern Luxury Weddings; Clark Lichty, Fashion Model ; Susanna Homan, Chicago Magazine;  Christopher Marrs, Fashion Model & Photographer;  Rina Puri & Sonia Shah, bloggers, Chicks And Salsa ; Derrick Taylor, owner Taylor &

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Designer Pavel beside his award-winning creation.

Co. Events; Brian Smith, Joffrey Ballet PR director; Tom Kehoe, Kehoe Designs; Jennifer Worman, blogger & influencer, Red Soles & Red Wine;  Tom Carto, Chicago Helicopter Experience; Tracey Tarantino, Zzazz Productions ; Dana Nolan, ZZAZZ

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Flowers for Dreams designers for L'Occitane wins Best in Show.

Productions; Jillian K. Horn, blogger, Chicago Mom Blog; Andrea Levoff, blogger, Dope Ass Mom; Brianne Garritano, event planner, Marquette Avenue Events; Stacy Kolios, Sr. Dir. Of Marketing, 900 Shops; ; Alicia Skruba, Marketing & Business Development, 900 Shops; Taylor Stucker, Asst. Marketing & PR Manager, 900 Shops and David Murga, PR guru, Kehoe Designs/900 Shops

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Joffrey Ballet dancers surround the stunning Joffrey mannequin.

and all-round cutie, among others. Highlights of the five-day activation included a pop-up shop from Chicago Botanic Garden, Hendrick’s Gin bar promoting their Original Blend and IMG_8310 Midsummer Solstice blends, and floral-related food and beverage dining experiences from Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Daily floral workshops were held in Le Jardin, a special garden-like setting created by Kehoe Designs. A number of workshops were offered that included presentations by Fleurs de Villes co-founder Tina Barkley; L'Occitane en Provence; Modern Luxury's Amy Allen, publisher,and Elle Cashin, editor-in-chief; Aster Hall and Mila Floral Design School.  After viewing the 15 fresh floral mannequins at the 900 Shops, visitors were invited

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Detail of Chicago Magazine mannequin by Flora Chicago.

to view the 16th mannequin that was exhibited at Chicago’s Four Seasons Hotel lobby. The public was then

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ZZAZZ model wearing Kehoe Design headpiece.

encouraged to vote on their favorite mannequin for a chance to win a trip to Seattle to attend the Northwest Flower & Garden Festival in February 2020 where Fleurs de Villes will pop-up as a feature attraction. The Fan Favorite winners were: 1st Place – Modern Luxury Weddings’ mannequin, created

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Derrick Taylor and Ramsey Prince (center) with cute friends.

by HMR Designs;  2nd Place – Four Seasons Hotel Chicago’s mannequin, created by The Revel Group; 3rd Place – Elena’s Garden Events, Northwest Flower & Garden Fest.  The Judge's Winners were: Most Realistic–HMR Designs for Modern Luxury Weddings Magazine; Most Original–Designs by Pavel for 900 North Michigan

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Joffrey's Brian Smith and dancer.

Shops; Best in Show: Flowers for Dreams for L'Occitane; Florist Favorite–The Revel Group for Rigby + Peller. Established in 2015 by lifestyle and media professionals Karen Marshall and Tina

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Kehoe Designs mannequin surrounded by neon.

Barkley, Fleurs de Villes is a unique, luxury experiential brand, grounded in hyper-local content. In each city the company presents in, they feature the works of top florists in that city, creating stunning fresh floral mannequins aligned with, and inspired by, partnered brands presented in elegant gallery-like settings. I'd never seen anything like it. If you missed it, and it returns (hopefully), run don't walk to the 900 Shops! (For more info on this unique pop-up, click here!)

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Dollywood! We made it!

For our next great adventure, we decided to cross something off our bucket list–a trip to Dollywood! Last year, it was the home of the king, Elvis and Graceland, and this year, we traveled to the home of the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton. Parton jointly owns Dollywood

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Chuck in front of a replica of Dolly's tiny family home.

with Herschend Family Entertainment and it is kitsch, at its finest. It's located in the tiny mountain resort town of Pigeon Forge (pop.

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Pumpkin LumiNights at Dollywood.

5,875, motto, "The Center of Fun in the Smokies"), just five miles north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Dollywood has gone through many incarnations before becoming what it is today. I remember in the 70s, it was called Silver Dollar City. To be clear, this is no Disneyland but, if you love kitschy down-home things like we do, then you would love Dollywood. Situated on 150 acres (that includes Dollywood's sister water park,

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The Grist Mill at Dollywood where delicious cinnamon bread is made from scratch.

Splash Country, Dollywood's DreamMore Resort and Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction), the property features 50 rides and attractions, 9 roller coasters

Chuck with Pumpkin Polly

Chuck with Pumpkin Polly.

(which we avoided like the plague), 3 water rides and a large variety of traditional crafts and music, indigenous to the area. We got very lucky hitting the park just as its "Great Pumpkin LumiNights" opened (through November 2). This attraction, the largest addition ever made to Dollywood's fall festival, has to be seen after dark to be appreciated with over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, sculptures, whimsical scenes and characters like the Pumpkin Master, Pumpkin Polly, Patches the Scarecrow and Pumpkin Penny, all eager to pose for photos. Besides this Halloween themed addition, the

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A show of hands at Waxman Company–they're newlyweds too!

park offers so much of interest. I loved seeing the replica of Dolly's tiny home, built by her brother and furnished by her

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SOOOooooo many Christmas shops!

mother with original family treasures. How 11 kids ever fit in there is a mystery to me but it worked for her and inspired her life and music, making Dolly well "Dolly", the one and only. We took a ride on a coal-burning steam locomotive that was built in the 1940s. And since Chuck and I both come from railroad families, this was a real treat. As with any theme park, the gift offerings were unique and varied. We bought a set of plaster hands of Chuck and I holding hands, cinnamon bread at the Grist Mill, wild

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Our "Coat of Many Colors" ornament.

elderberry jelly, matching T-shirts, a Christmas ornament and more. I collect ornaments from wherever we travel and the one I found at

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Hobnobbing with the Colonel in London, Kentucky.

Dollywood was so perfect–a tiny "Coat of Many Colors" created in honor of Dolly's popular song about her mother creating a patchwork coat for her that made her feel "rich" even though they were dirt poor. It's a funny and odd thing that Christmas is so very popular in Pigeon Forge. A Christmas store seemed to be on every corner offering every type of holiday item there is. There were so many restaurant choices inside (and outside) the park serving southern fare like fried chicken,  ham and beans, grits, cornbread and biscuits, BBQ, funnel cakes–nothing with any dietary fiber whatsoever. In the Spotlight Bakery, you could watch a 25-pound apple pie being

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I can only imagine what it must be like here at Christmastime!

baked in a cast iron skillet. One slice weighs three

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The famous 25-lb. apple pie at Dollywood.

pounds! (And it can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. for $189.99. Wouldn't this be a great idea for a party?!) I wish I could've bottled those luscious aromas, omg. Being a bird lover/watcher, I was particularly interested in the Wings of America Show, sponsored by the non-profit American Eagle Foundation. We missed the show but a beautiful facility next door allowed guests an up-close-and-personal view of nonreleasable raptors (due to injury or human imprinting) that included Maverick the Harris Hawk, Friar Tuck the African Pied Grow, Poe the Northern Raven, Tecumsah the Golden Eagle and many others.

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A charming chapel in the woods in Dollywood.

The park also includes nearly 1 million cubic feet of

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A coal-burning, steam locomotive takes you on a 20 minute ride inside and outside of Dollywood.

natural habitat that houses the largest presentation of (again, nonreleasable) bald eagles. One of the most amazing, and wonderful, things about Dollywood was the preponderance of senior citizens who worked there. I love the fact that Dolly was intent on giving EVERYONE jobs at the park and she succeeded. Workers there were so friendly and highly competent–such a smart move, for all concerned. Another cool factoid–Dollywood is the only theme park in the world with a calming room for kids with autism. So thoughtful! While we were there, we took our friends Bonnie Spurlock and Geoff Burton up on their suggestions. We drove to Knoxville for a delightful brunch at the Tupelo Honey

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The trip was exhausting for some of us.
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Our relaxing view from the charming RiverStone Resort & Spa in Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

Cafe, located inside the historic Oliver Hotel in Market Square (Loved it!) and nailed the best candy store in Dollywood for Chuck (The Old Fashioned Candy Store). The town of Pigeon Forge is filled with unique attractions of its own like the Muscle Car Museum, the World's Largest Knife Store, a Nascar Speed Park, Wax Museums, the Smokey Mountain Opry, antique malls, helicopter and zip-

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We'll be baaaccckkk, hopefully for Dolly's Smoky Mountain Christmas Spectacular!

lining opportunities, Christmas shops, distilleries, Civil War museums, a Jurassic Park attraction, the WonderWorks amusement park and more pancake houses per square foot than anywhere else in the world. We loved it ALL! The drive down and back was delightful too, even at a little over 8 hours. The scenery was spectacular and Rooney, Chuck and I were just happy being together on the road, away from any distractions except each other. (For more info about Dollywood, Pigeon Forge and the surrounding area, click here).

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EXPO CHICAGO 2019 Patron Reception Image Courtesy of Northern Trust
Michael O’Grady, Madeleine Grynsztejn, Michelle T. Boone, Mac MacLellan, and President/Director of EXPO CHICAGO Tony Karman.

EXPO CHICAGO, The International Exposition of Contemporary and Modern Art, concluded its eighth edition at Navy Pier on Sunday, September 22, with record attendance of international collectors and

Kelly Drew Townsel  Lori Crosley  Carrie Lannon  Liza Brooks. Image by Jeremy Lawson Courtesy of MCA Chicago

Kelly Drew Townsel, Lori Crosley, Carrie Lannon, Liza Brooks.

curators alongside 38,000 visitors, presentations from exhibiting galleries and strong sales, in what was its most global edition to date. On opening day alone, the exposition welcomed more than 8,000 VIP guests while raising $265,000 to benefit the Museum of

3. MCA Vernissage Patron Reception Co-Chairs Lori Crosley (Left) and Mary Kay Touhy (Right). Image by Daniel Boczarski Courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO

MCA Vernissage Patron Reception co-chairs Lori Crosley (L) and Mary Kay Touhy.

Contemporary Art Chicago during Vernissage. Collectors, curators, artists and art professionals enjoyed an exclusive first look at 135 leading galleries from 24 countries and 68 cities throughout the Pier’s iconic Festival Hall. “We are extremely proud of our recent eighth edition—the quality of work presented by our participating

Ellen-Blair Chube  Naomi Beckwith. Image by Jeremy Lawson Courtesy of MCA Chicago

Ellen-Blair Chube and Naomi Beckwith.

exhibitors translated into strong sales, an overwhelmingly positive response to our critically acclaimed programming, and significantly contributed to our powerful forward momentum,” said EXPO CHICAGO president/director Tony Karman. “Chicago

7. EXPO CHICAGO 2019 Vernissage. Kiernan Miller. Image by Daniel Boczarski Courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO

Kiernan Miller

knows how to welcome the world and our date alignment with the third Chicago Architectural Biennial, our special exhibitions and presentations, along with our ongoing collaborations with our renowned museums, institutions and galleries contributed greatly to our successes,” he added. “I am confident that many more calendars will be marked for Chicago next September.” Notable collectors, curators and museum directors in attendance included Marcella Beccaria 9. EXPO CHICAGO Vernissage 2019. Image courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO by Daniel Boczarski_2 (Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea), Greg Bell (Vulcan, Inc.), Étienne Bernard (Frac Bretagne), Fred Bidwell (Collector), Giovanna Borasi (Canadian Centre for

8. EXPO CHICAGO 2019 Vernissage. Sara Ismael. Image by Kevin Serna Courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO

Sara Ismael.

Architecture), James Cuno (J. Paul Getty Trust), Mireya Escalante (Coppel Collection), David Eskenazi (Collector), Larry and Marilyn Fields (Collectors), Maxine and Stuart Frankel (Collectors), Pamela Joyner and Fred Giuffrida (Collector), Jack and Sandra Guthman (Collectors), Lisa Goodman and Josef Vascovitz (Collectors), Louis Grachos (Palm Springs Art Museum), Kenneth C. Griffin (Collector), EXPO CHICAGO Vernissage 2019. Image courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO by Justin Barbin_5 John and Sharon Hoffman (Collectors), Kirse Junge-Stevnsborg (Malmö Art Museum), Naima J. Keith (Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Prospect.5) Noel Kirnon (Collector), Alicia Knock (Centre Pompidou), Patricia Marshall (Art Advisor), Marie Martraire (San Francisco EXPO CHICAGO Vernissage 2019. Image courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO by Daniel Boczarski_3Kadist Foundation), Lisa Melandri and Wassan Al-Khudairi (Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis), Ron Pizzuti (Collector), Sheikha Hoor al Qasimi (Sharjah Art Foundation), Claire Le Restif (Centre d'Art Contemporain d'Ivry — Le Crédac), Marc Richards (Collector), María Inés Rodríguez (Museu de Arte de São Paulo), Beth Rudin DeWoody (Collector), Alain EXPO CHICAGO Vernissage 2019. Image courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO_3Servais (Collector), Jill Snyder (moCa Cleveland), Marjorie and Ambassador Louis Susman (Collectors), Roberta Tenconi (Pirelli HangarBicocca), Michael and Leslie Weissman (Collectors), and Helen Zell (Collector). The EXPO CHICAGO Vernissage 2019. Image courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO by Justin Barbin_3eighth edition marked considerable institutional representation, with museum curators, trustees and patrons from worldwide cultural organizations including Andy Warhol Museum, Aspen Art Museum, The Brooklyn Museum, Centre Pompidou, The Contemporary

10. EXPO CHICAGO Vernissage 2019. IN SITU- Janine Antoni  Bridle  2000. Image courtesy of EXPO CHICAGO by Kevin Serna

IN SITU- Janine Antoni Bridle 2000.

Austin, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, de Young Fine Arts 5. EXPO CHICAGO 2019 Vernissage. Image of KASMIN. Image Courtesy of EXPO CHICAGOMuseum of San Francisco, Garage Museum of Contemporary Art Moscow, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Milwaukee Art Museum, The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, Palm Springs Art Museum, Pérez Art Museum Miami, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, Royal Academy of Arts London, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), Serpentine Galleries, The Speed Art Museum, and more. (Photos by Daniel Boczarski, Justin Darbin, Jeremy Lawson, Kevin Serna)

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IMG_2064A huge congrats to Versace Chicago's GM Ann Wallace, Events Manager Wallis Wagenseil and Regional Director Erin Hill who hosted an elegant afternoon that won't soon be forgotten by some lucky ladies from the Service Club

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Versace dinnnerware flown in specially for this occasion.

of Chicago who were mixed with some of Versace's top clients. The deliciously decadent luncheon at Le Colonial featured, get this, Versace Rosenthal dinnerware and stemware flown in especially for this occasion! Ladies who lunched included Myra Reilly, Paula Borg, Sherry Lea

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Versace gown worn by model Kaia Gerber for her 18th BD, channeling her mom Cindy Crawford who wore it in the 90s.

Holson, Cheri Lawrence, Kathy Cook, Tracey Tarantino, Darby Hills, Susan Gohl and moi. (Kristina McGrath and Mamie Walton were invited but unable to attend.) At the conclusion of the luncheon, Versace presented an in-store fashion show that showcased its exquisite 2019 Fall/Winter collection. One of my favorites was the black, strappy gown that

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With Versace Chicago GM Ann Wallace, love her!

super (baby) model Kaia Gerber wore that her mom,  Cindy Crawford, made iconic back in the 90s! Each look was more stunning than the one before and the accessories! Oh my! What an honor to be included for this very special day! Love you Ann Wallace! (A portion of the sales were donated to the Service Club)

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The gang's all here for Common Threads!

Another very special luncheon was hosted by Common Threads' Linda Novick O'Keefe (CT founding CEO) and Josh Fox (corporate engagement manager) on September 24. Since Linda has moved to Austin, Texas, it was so exciting to have the old gang (board members and

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Common Threads' Jesus Salgueiro, Linda Novick O'Keefe and Chef Art Smith.

supporters) back together again at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden! She shared some very exciting news about the nonprofit that was founded by Chef Art Smith and his Jesus Salgueiro back in 2004. Since then, Common Threads has

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Chef Art Smith's world famous fried chicken at Blue Door Kitchen & Garden, 52 W. Elm.

now expanded to 13 cities, provided more than 4 million hours of nutrition and hands-on cooking education programming to more than 400,000 students and families. Mark your calendar NOW to celebrate the org's 15th anniversary at its special Chef Takeover on Monday, March 16! I'll have more exciting news to share about this later! Stay tuned! Seen enjoying the best fried chicken around were Ken Norgan, Greg Cameron, Gabrielle Martinez, Clarisol Dusque, Marilyn Vitale, Julius Rhodes, Constance Pikulas, Laura Schwartz Santiago, Andrea Schwartz Stryker, Sonya Jackson and many others.

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Dani McGowan wears the Thunder Dress from MSI's Wired to Wear exhibit. The dress lights up when someone close by claps._John Wheeler  Museum of Science and Industry  Chicago

Dani McGowan wears the Thunder Dress from MSI's Wired to Wear exhibit. The dress lit up when someone close by clapped!

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) held the 39th annual Columbian Ball on October 5 with over 650 guests in attendance. The event raised approximately $1.8 million, which will go toward funding the Museum’s

David and Pat Mosena; Colleen Smith  Len Wagner_John Wheeler  Museum of Science and Industry  Chicago

MSI president/CEO David Mosena and wife Pat with Colleen Smith and Len Wagner.

educational programs, exhibits and experiences. Guests enjoyed food, drink and dancing while exploring MSI’s temporary exhibitions, Wired to Wear™ and Makers United. The Ball was co-chaired by Erin and Jason Pritzker, Peng Zhao and Cherry Chen with Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman serving as honorary co-chairs. The one and only Bill Kurtis served as emcee for the event that began

April and Robert Jones_John Wheeler  Museum of Science and Industry  Chicago

April and Robert Jones.

with a reception featuring an aerialist duo; a tour of the science of spirits through a whiskey sampling in the Liz Stiffel Tasting Room; an embroidery station in MSI’s

Maarten de Jeu  Smita Shah  Nick Nagele of Whiskey Acres  Christy and John Mahoney_John Wheeler  Museum of Science and Industry

Maarten de Jeu, Smita Shah, Nick Nagele, Christy and John Mahoney.

Wanger Family Fab Lab (where guests customized their own accessories) and music spun by DJ Nick “Nonstop” Nicholson. Guests were able to see garments from Wired to Wear in action, highlighting the intersection of fashion and technology. The apparel from the exhibit was worn by models, giving guests an up-close look at the strides designers are making in wearable technology. Dinner was served in the Museum’s Rotunda amid some of the Museum’s most recognizable exhibits, including the

Two guests view Electric Dreams  a garment inside MSI's exhibit Wired to Wear_JB Spector  Museum of Science and Industry  Chicago

Guests view Electric Dreams, a garment in MSI's exhibit "Wired to Wear."
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Aerialist Angela Fernandez.

Coal Mine, the United Airlines Boeing 727 jetliner and the 40-foot tornado in Science Storms. The meal was accompanied by a collaboration of sound between DJ Emilio Abadia and the Jeff Gibbs Quartet. Throughout the evening, guests met Wired to Wear innovators inside the exhibit and viewed their inventions on display in the exhibit and in the Lower Court. Guests also had

Aerialists perform inside MSI's Entry Hall_John Wheeler  Museum of Science and Industry  Chicago

Aerialists perform inside MSI's Entry Hall.

after-hours access to the Museum’s hands-on interactive exhibits as well as opportunities to create their own keepsake from the evening, test out the latest in virtual

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Co-chairs Jason and Erin Pritzker and emcee Bill Kurtis.

reality technology and even play video games on the Giant Dome Theater’s five-story wraparound screen. After dinner, the Citadel Securities Wired After Party kicked off in the Museum’s Entry Hall, featuring a live set by DJ Nicholson and a special presentation by STAGE, a collaborative performance between engineers and artists at the University of Chicago who presented science in a whole new context through motion-capture. (Photos by John Wheeler and J.B. Spector)

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Co-chairs Susie Healey  Wilmette  Colby Gaines  Chicago and Buffy Maier  Winnetka - FB chairs

Co-chairs Susie Healey, Colby Gaines and Buffy Maier.

The Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center proudly presented a new annual Fall Benefit, Bright Futures, on Friday, September 6, at Theater on the Lake. The party drew more than 450 supporters and

Dr. Omar Lateef  CEO  Rush University Medical Center and Dr. Najia Shakoor - Hinsdale

Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO Rush University Medical Center, and Dr. Najia Shakoor.

featured cuisine by Blue Plate Catering with live musical entertainment from New York-based The Bob Hardwick Sound.  The event was chaired by Woman’s Board members Colby Gaines, Susie Healey and Buffy Maier. The evening included craft cocktails featuring La Luna Mezcal and food stations celebrating gustatory favorites from the Bronzeville,

Theater on the Lake designed by HMR

Theater on the Lake decor designed by HMR Designs.

Chinatown/Pilsen, Taylor Street and Lincoln Park neighborhoods. Bright, fresh décor by HMR Designs featured a blue, green and poppy color scheme. In keeping with the theme, guests’ donned bright cocktail attire too making the event a visual feast. Illuminated rectangular gold frames served as table centerpieces   – a

Alison Victoria and Michael Marks  Chicago

Alison Victoria and Michael Marks.

nostalgic nod to the makeup mirrors used backstage at the Woman’s Board’s beloved Rush Fashion Show, which culminated with a 90th anniversary show in 2016. A surprise for guests upon

Lewis Wilson and Jakeline Jungbluth

Lewis Wilson and Jakeline Jungbluth.

departure was the Boxcar Betty’s food truck stationed out front serving crispy fried chicken sliders and bite-sized pecan pies to-go. The event raised more than $470,000 to support the Rush Community Service Initiative Program, known as RCSIP. In 2019, The Woman's Board pledged $500,000 towards raising funds for this initiative that was established in 1991 to create a network of community service programs that matched Rush Medical College students' interests in social and healthcare needs of Chicago.(Photos by Widia Viti Photography and Rush Photo Group)  

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Ball co-chairs Sally Brown Thilman, Amie Alfe and Wendy Labrum.

The 3rd annual Harvest Party was held on the beautiful late-summer grounds of the Chicago Botanic Garden on September 13. The event raised $100,000 to benefit Windy City Harvest, the Garden's urban agriculture 20190913-RJC_8270education and jobs-training initiative to help build a local food system, healthier communities and a greener economy. More than 200 guests sipped cocktails, enjoyed a variety of small bites and listened to the sounds of DJ Famos! in the Helen and Richard Thomas English Walled Garden. J&L Catering served a farm-to-table dinner in McGinley Pavilion. The party was co-chaired by Amie Alfe, Wendy Labrum and Sally Brown 20190913-RJC_8332 Thilman. Established in 1998, the Guild supports the Garden through service projects as well as fundraising events. Led by co- 20190913-RJC_8314presidents Jennifer Brown and Jennifer Neighbours, the group has more than 100 members representing a diverse group of young leaders from the Chicago area. The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas. Located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, the Garden is smoke free, free to the public and open year round.

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Illumination Award recipient Dean Lane, Colleen Spector and John Wells.

The Chicago Loop Alliance hosted its 15th annual Illumination Gala on September 20 at the Hilton Chicago. The event featured dinner, dancing, drinks, interactive dessert stations, photo booths and live

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Andrea Schwartz, Megan Bueschel, Stacie Hartman and Matt Ferguson.

music by Hey Jimmy. This year’s Illumination Award was presented to Dean Lane, area general manager, The Palmer House and Hiltons of Chicago, for his dedication to Chicago Loop Alliance and his tireless efforts to serve the City

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Laura Tortorello, Nora Gainer and Kristen Cote-Favaro.

of Chicago and its hospitality and tourism community. The Illumination Award highlights civic and community leaders who, through their ideas, leadership and counsel, have increased the experience and well-being of Loop businesses, residents and visitors. I know Dean has done this in spades and am so happy for

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Laura Caplin, Alanna Elinoff, Katherine Banich and Terry Banich.

his being recognized in such a wonderful way for all of his efforts. Gala co-chairs were Colleen Spector, corporate sales, Southwest Airlines, and John Wells, general manager, Hilton Chicago. Gala raised more than $256,000 to

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Simone Randolph, Ariyana Randolph Miles and Dana Patmon-Johnson.

support public art projects and events in the Loop, including ACTIVATE, The Gateway, winter activations in the Pedway, State Street banner projects and more. The Illumination Gala’s presenting sponsor was Pressure Washing Systems; its cocktail reception sponsor was Streetplus; and its program book sponsor was Bannerville USA.  In case you're not familiar with The Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, this nonprofit pushes the limits of what a downtown can be for its residents, workers and visitors. The Foundation seeks to enrich the Loop’s public spaces through artistic expression and free cultural programming. Kudos for all you do CLAF!

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IMG_8820You won't want to miss the Curated-Chicago's Launch Party for its fall issue on Tuesday, October 22 at Regal Cinemas (1471 W. Webster). I'm so excited to be a contributor for this issue featuring the one and only, Janet Lee Mandell as its glamorous covergirl (with GREAT photos by Barb Levant) The issue includes a behind-

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Beth Rosen (mag founder, top L), covergirl Janet Lee Mandell, Tiosha Bailey and Kendra Chaplin.

the-TV look at the powerhouse that is Sally Lou Oaks Loveman; Susan G. Komen's new executive director Tiosha Bailey; how Amy Boyle is making a difference; Bela Gandhi's dating advice; tailgating tips from Beth Clinton Peterson; brand building advice and

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First issue with Val Warner as covergirl!

tips from Ari Krzyzek, Marie Hale, Lauren Ramsey and everything you need to know about the party and gala scene from moi! Plus SOOOOO much more. Join us from 6-8 pm to celebrate and congratulate the magazine's fab founder/CEO Beth Rosen! (For tickets, $15-$30, (which will be directed to a local charity, TBD) and more info, click here!

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Ji Suk Yi  Lauren Lein  Dave Eanet and Justin Kaufmann --Steve Cochran Show--Vivianne Linou--producer--10-7-19

With Ji Suk Yi, Lauren Lein, Dave Eanet and Justin Kauffman.

Special thanks to the Steve Cochran Show for having Apparel Industry Board president/fashion designer Lauren Lein and me on to talk about AIBI's Rev UP 2019 event on Thursday, October 10! Producer Vivianne Linou, host Justin Kaufmann ((Steve was on vaca), Dave Eanet and Steve's new co-host and our beautiful Rev Up emcee, Ji Suk Yi, were so welcoming and enthusiastic about this event that will shine a spotlight on Chicago's fashion community. (Listen here!) Thanks for helping us share the news! Here's hoping you can join us! Tickets are available, beginning at $75 (and payable at the door)! For more info, please click here!

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Best Buddies galaFall is filled with fabulous events that you won't want to miss! Check out my top picks HERE through the end of the YEAR! Broadcast 0 Museum's "Rock on TV" on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the Museum; Fleurotica at the Garfield Park Conservatory on Friday October 18; Chicago Children's Choir's "Red Jacket Optional" on Friday, October18; Navy Pier's ExPIERience Gala on Wednesday, October 23; Eversight Mystery Masquerade on Thursday, October 24 (honoring Sherry Lea Holson and Dr. David Lubeck) at the Peninsula; Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Fall Benefit luncheon (featuring Martin Short) on IMGFriday, October 25 at the Hilton Chicago; Susan G. Komen Gala "All Bets on Pink" at the Palmer House on Saturday, Fleurtotica-Postcard-2019-PRINT-1October 26; WITS (Working in the Schools) "Blackboard Affair" at the Geraghty on Saturday, October 26; Chicago Consular Corps Gala on Friday, November 1 at the Hilton Chicago; Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's "Little Black Dress" luncheon on Wednesday, Csm_FB_Web_Banner_Tickets_on_Sale_Now_2019-left_5cbb4a4879November 6 at the Skokie Country Club; Best Buddies Champions Gala, October 18 at Theater on the Lake; The Service Club of Chicago Gala on Friday, November 1 at the Four Seasons; The Chicago Urban League's "Golden Fellowship Dinner" at the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, November 2; Children's Oncology Services' "Camp One Step" at the Ritz-Carlton on Friday, November 8, Flight-of-Fantasy_LRMisericordia Heart of Mercy 50th Anniversary Gala on PPB Save the DateSaturday, November 9 at the Hilton Chicago; St. Jude fashion show/luncheon on Sunday, November 10 at the Donald Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont; James Jordan Foundation's "Bags for Kids" Gala on Thursday, November 14 at the Palmer House; Jackson Chance Foundation's "Ping Pong" Ball on Thursday, November 14 at the St. Jane Hotel; PAWS Chicago Fur Ball on Friday, November 15 at the Drake Hotel; Auditorium Theatre Gala, performance at the theatre followed by dinner at the Palmer House on Saturday, November 16; La Rabida Gala on Thursday, November 21 at the Ritz-Carlton; Brushes-Chicago-Invitation-2019Illuminate 900, a holiday celebration like none other at the Eversight Mystery Masquerade October 24 900 North Michigan Shops; Botanic Garden's "All Aboard" gala at the garden on Friday, December 6; Catholic Charities' St. Nicholas Ball at the Hilton Chicago on Saturday, December 7; Lurie Children's Ball on Saturday, December 7 at the Hilton Chicago; JDRF One Dream Gala at the McCormick Place Lakeside Center and Arie Crown Theater; WINGS Program Brunch, Sunday, December 8 at the Four Seasons; Old St. Patrick's AcesUP2019_inviteGraphicEmerald Ball on Friday, October 18 at the Hilton Chicago; Muslim American Leadership Alliance Gala on Thursday, November 7 at Chicago History Museum; The Crohn's & Friends of Prentice -OctoberColitis Foundation's Making an Impact: Havana Nights on Saturday, November 9 at the Drake Hotel; Simply From the Heart's Blush & Bowtie son November 9 at W City Center; Friends of Prentice An Evening in Oz on October 26 at Radisson Blu Acqua; Chicago Light's Toast to Tutoring on Tuesday, October 15 at Dance Studio; ALS Foundation's Hope Through Caring at Revel Fulton Market on Saturday, November 2; Urban Prep's Aces UP! on Thursday, October 24 at Chicago Sports Museum; Randolph Street Market, October 26/27 at Plumber's Hall. And then we get to start ALL over again next year!!

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IMG_8873More fun press for tonight's (Oct. 10) AIBI REV UP from Sylvia Perez at Fox 32. Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions will produce the runway show) and I shared a sneak peek at the event with looks from three of the participating designers, Elda de la Rosa, Lauren Lein (AIBI president/designer) and Peach Carr! Sylvia will also be gracing our runway! Hope you can join us for this Salute to Chicago Fashion! (Watch segment here!)

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48958e57-21a6-4560-b0ff-0eee28082761Raise a glass and support the Allegrezza singers on Saturday, October 19 (10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m) at Bar Roma Chicago (5101 N. Clark). Allegrezza's Boozy Brunch fundraiser will celebrate and support this incredible community of joy, music and service with brunch eats, bottomless mimosas, a FAB silent auction, prizes, a raffle and so much more! Get tickets/more info here! (They're accepting silent auction donations as well!)

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That's all for this week's edition! I hope you've enjoyed hearing about all the great things 9.25.17-Pumpkin-Patches-1024x807happening in and around town (and beyond). I'm thrilled Fall has finally arrived! As much as I love summer, I don't enjoy the heat. Sweater Weather is my favorite season! Hope you're making the most of these glorious days. Also, here's a great list of the top Pumpkin Patches near us, so plan a trip and get lost in a corn maze!

 

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

P.S. Something to leave you with a smile…Everyone should start their day like this.

 

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

THE BEST AND BIGGEST SUMMER PARTY FEATURES DIANA ROSS

Plus: Out of the BLU at the Shedd; Ocean Prime hosts kick-ass kick-off; Ji's next big step; Service Club's BIG Day on the Terrace; Crain's shining star executives; Chicago Tribune Food Bowl is BACK; Babs loves Azeeza; LIPS Chicago presents drag and dining; Giordano Dance Chicago's Nan is WINNING; Expo Chicago brings the art; Second City Divas in Concert; Haute Dog Chicago's yap happy party; The Happiness Club benefit with Miguel; The BEST event listings; This and That; Videos and so much MORE!

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IMG_6254There are parties and then there are DRIEHAUS parties of which there is a world of difference. As a matter of fact, Richard Driehaus just may well be the Hugh Hefner of our age sans Bunnies! One of the most coveted invitations around is Richard's Summer Party, which also celebrates his birthday each year. This year's "O77" theme

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The coveted invite!

was a nod to both James Bond and Richard's 77th birthday. It was the largest in the event's long history with over 1,100 of his closest friends in attendance. We love any excuse to travel to Lake Geneva in the summer and this is a really good one. Our long weekend started off at a friend's beautiful

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One happy man with the James Bond Golden Girls.

lake house where we met up with several friends including Linda Yu (host with her Stuart), Sylvia Perez, Frances Renk, Andrea and Dr. Steve Stryker, Peach Carr, Nora Dunn, Alison Ruble, among others. The "mother" of all parties began with a unique invitation that included details printed on silvered metal with an image of Richard posing as James Bond between Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Pierce Brosnan and others, enclosed with a black leather kit (marked "Top Secret-For Your Eyes

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Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan with Lee Glenna.
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THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS! Omg….

Only") containing a complete portable martini set for two! The invitation box also included a very real-looking passport with Richard's photo and info as a "Special Agent."This sort of attention to detail is a hallmark of every Driehaus party and it's a thrill to behold. We drove up to the "estate on the lake" where valet parkers took guests'

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And, of course, there were portable gaming tables for this fun James Bond theme.

cars before boarding trolleys and buses to the party site. Among the many lakes and ponds dotting the property, the one bordering the cocktail and dining areas were filled with ginormous "casino chips" floating lazily atop the water. Aerialists and models dressed as "golden girls" greeted guests as they meandered through the orchard and "Children's

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Floating "casino chips" in a pond.

Village" (where Richard had constructed mini-playhouses for his kids when they were younger). The invite requested men wear white dinner jackets and almost everyone complied making the scene look a bit surreal in the heat of the summer, albeit uber-

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Stunning decor like this was everywhere you looked.

elegant.  Food stations were scattered throughout the space and featured "Skyfall" (Mediterranean fare), "License to Kill" (carving station with baby lamb chops, salmon, pasta), "The Spy Who Loved Me" (veggies), "Casino Royale" (paella and salads), "Goldfinger" (desserts including caramelized bananas and mini apple pie skillets) and a "Pretty Cool" ice cream bar. Every year, Richard thrills guests with

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Pre-party with friends Nora Dunn, Andrea Schwartz, Linda Yu, Sylvia Perez, Peach Carr and Frances Renk.

his entertainment choices and, this year, it was Miss Diana Ross! (This might account for the record attendance!) White chairs with mini cocktail sidetables covered the lawn in front of the Pavilion stage where "077" was lit up across the

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Zach Lazar and Lee Flaherty.

top. Richard made his entrance in his usual dramatic fashion via a video that showed clips from past James Bond films with his image superimposed in several key scenes (see video here). During his opening remarks, he sat in an oversized red leather chair and began in story-telling fashion of how his father influenced his life. "One of the greatest gifts of time and aging is the perspective it gives on life. Danish philosopher Kierkegaard said this, 'Life can only be understood backwards but it must be

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Marilyn Miglin and Jim Karas.

lived forwards.' With that in mind, tonight I want to acknowledge my father Herman and his influence on my life…Dad wanted the best for us and he gave me a priceless gift, the power of aspiration, " he said.

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Jim Karas and Nicki and Bob Fioretti.

Richard's father was a successful mechanical engineer with 24 patents but he only received $1 per patent and wasn't able to afford a house that he desired. This inspired Richard to make sure he was in a better position to provide for his own family when the time came. With his voice breaking, he concluded, "I thank you dad, you inspired me with your aspiration. It was a life-changing gift. Thank you dad

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The one and only Miss Diana Ross!

for what you did." Diana Ross entered in grand fashion too (see video here) and opened her hour long set with "My World is Empty Without You Babe" and sang many

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Expo Chicago's Tony Karman and Sondra Karman.

of her hits including "Stop! In the Name of Love", "Baby Love", "Why Do Fools Fall in Love" and many more. During "Reach Out and Touch", she asked the crowd to hold up their cell phones in flashlight mode. She made three gorgeous costume changes, one more exquisite than the next, wished Richard a happy birthday and then, poof, she was gone leaving everyone in a dreamlike state. Afterwards, Richard's family presented him with a huge birthday cake and then it was time for fireworks! On the lawn, more cocktails and desserts were served…..It was a party for the record books, as they all are. I'm sure Hefner was watching with envy.

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Shedd BLU 2019

Over 900 of Chicago’s wildlife enthusiasts and socialites came together at the John G. Shedd Aquarium on July 27 for the sold-out signature fundraising fête, BLU, to make a difference for the aquatic animals everywhere. Hosted by

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Auxiliary Board member Ashley Poulter and Nate Boychuck.

Shedd Aquarium’s auxiliary board and co-chairs, Caroline Conese, Ronak Danak and Dana WaudFloberg, the event raised more than $330,000 to support Shedd’s ongoing sustainability, conservation and rescue efforts for aquatic wildlife around the globe and

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Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board members.

for the animals that call Shedd home. This year’s theme, “Out of the BLU” focused heavily on helping guests keep litter out of our waterways and away from landfills and instead reallocate as much waste as possible generated throughout the evening with the help of the aquarium’s robust composting and recycling programs. VIP guests kicked off the event an hour early and had the aquarium to themselves, though many chose to spend their time at the private lounge, presented by

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Dan Derrig, Aux. Bd. member, Ronak Danak, co-chair and Aux. Bd. member and Dana Waud Floberg, co-chair and Aux Bd. member.

Citadel, on the North Terrace with an unbeatable view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. In

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Cute servers from Nude Dude Food.

this one-of-a-kind setting, there were opportunities to come face-to-face with Shedd’s Magellanic penguins in Shedd’s North Lobby and enjoy a private acoustic performance from Daniel Wade outside while sipping on drinks provided by Heaven’s Door Whiskeys served in compostable cups. As the celebration got underway, guests walked

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Co-chairs Dana Waud Floberg, Caroline Conese and Ronak Danak.

through the main entrance, adorned by 10-foot octopus tentacles for a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity. In the main foyer, artists from Ink

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Steve Boruta and Mina Boruta.

Factory worked feverishly to create a real-time art piece about how attendees can incorporate Zero Waste into their daily lives and their favorite memories at Shedd with visual notes and hand-drawn illustrations. Between sipping cocktails and experiencing special animal encounters to tastings from Chicago’s top restaurants like Nude Dude Food and Shaw’s Crab

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Aquatic presentation "Tomorrow Starts Tonight" with dolphins, sea lions and penguins with music by Musicality.

House, guests also had the opportunity to marvel at a “trashion” show, hosted by Gordon Salon, with models wearing up-cycled couture outfits made from plastic bottles and bags. These activities and experiences helped inspire “Out of the BLU” attendees to think twice before reaching for single-use plastic materials. The stylish socialites then made their way to an exclusive aquatic presentation titled

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Tom Scanlon, creator of "Clean the BLU" game.

Tomorrow Starts Tonight, in the Abbott Oceanarium that featured a dynamic musical performance by Musicality – a local west Chicago musical group featured on America's Got Talent. During the special

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Aux. Bd. members Jeff Ollada and Catie Wloch with J.R. Davis.

program, there was a call to take action for animals by Shedd’s president/CEO, Dr. Bridget Coughlin, who highlighted the aquarium’s ongoing plastic pollution reduction efforts alongside recent heartwarming animal rescue stories. Following the stunning aquatic presentation with California sea lions, Pacific white-sided dolphins and Magellanic and rockhopper penguins, guests participated in a paddle raise, raising more than $47,000 in donations to

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"Trashion" show hosted by Gordan Salon.

benefit the aquarium’s mission. From there, attendees went to the Sick Family Lakefront Terrace where the dance floor opened with

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Aux. Bd. member Gregory Curtis Jr. and Nate Boychuck.

special performances by some of Chicago’s most popular drag performers, including Kat Sass and Lucy Stoole. Guests could enjoy food and drink in the downstairs foyer or dance the night away and gaze at the fireworks over Navy Pier. Concluding the evening, guests had the option to keep the party going at LiqrBox Chicago for the BLU After Party. While exiting, guests picked up a reusable bag, with SWZLE reusable straws, Ferrara candy,

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Artists from Ink Factory create real time art to raise awareness for the Zero Waste theme.

reusable food wraps, and more, to encourage them to embrace the Zero Waste theme and

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Aux. Bd. members Jeff Samotny and Ted Challenger.

choose alternatives to single-use plastics in their daily lives. The John G. Shedd Aquarium is home to 32,000 aquatic animals representing 1,500 species of fishes, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, birds and mammals from waters around the

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A Chicago cultural treasure–The John G. Shedd Aquarium.

globe. Shedd is a recognized leader in animal care, conservation education and research. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) and the first U.S. aquarium awarded the Humane Certified™ mark for the care and welfare of its animals by American Humane Society, the organization is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institute, and is supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District. (Photos by EVA HO and DANIELLE DOLAN)

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Co-chair Jean Antoniou, SC pres/show producer Tracey DiBuono, honoree Marguerite Hark, co-chairs Sharyl Mackey and Yvette Cusack.

Stay tuned for all the fun from this year's Service Club of Chicago fashion show! I think it was the best one yet! Themed "Fashionology #whatstrendingnow",

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With Kristina McGrath, Mary Lasky, Sheree Valukas and Kathy Piccone. (Love my Elda de la Rosa dress!)

the event included a patriotic salute with U.S. Marines  escorting models for the finale! I was proud to wear a beautiful gown by local designer Elda de la Rosa! Participating stores included Alice + Olivia, Anne Fontaine, Cram Fashion, Eileen Fisher, Escada, Ted Baker London, Tom James and Max Mara and Maximilian Furs (at Bloomingdale's). The glam finale segment featured eveningwear by Neiman Marcus Michigan Ave. All the deets coming soon in the Chicago Tribune! Don't miss it!

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The FAB Ocean Prime restaurant at 87 E. Wacker! GO!

The kick-off party for the October 24th Eversight Mystery Masquerade was a great success at Ocean Prime on July 25! Over 60 guests came out to celebrate the event and our 2019 honorees Sherry Lea Holson and Dr. David Lubeck. Louis Morgan, Ocean Prime GM, took care of us in VIP style as did the sales

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With fellow co-chair Michael Caputo, honoree Sherry Lea Holson, Eversight's Diane Hollingsworth and honoree Dr. David Lubeck.

and event manager Crystal Lining. Guests oohed and ahhed their way to the Wrigley Room as they admired the stunning restaurant/bar decor along the way at 87 E. Wacker Dr. The room was decorated

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Eversight's Diane Hollingsworth (R) with past honorees Mamie Walton (L) and Susan Gohl with Jonathan Grabill.

with tiny gold masks placed on the high tops as a nod to the event's fun masquerade theme. The corner event space offered dramatic views of Michigan Avenue as well as the river and skyline beyond. As partygoers mixed and mingled, photos from past events scrolled

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Dave and Cheryl Lawlor.

on multiple video screens. Diane Hollingsworth, Eversight VP Partner Relations, welcomed guests and introduced Teresa Clark, Eversight VP of Philanthropy. As event co-chairs, Michael Caputo and I introduced the honorees, Sherry

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Eversight's Teresa Clark (front L), Frances Renk, Paul Iacono and Todd Hatoff.

and David, and acknowledged past honorees in the crowd–Dr. Elmer Tu, Mamie Walton, Jean Antoniou, Susan Gohl, Sherrill Bodine, Susanna Homan (and lucky moi). Some of the guests asked

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Peggy Martay, Toni Di Meola and honoree Sherry Lea Holson.

questions of the doctors and the two corneal transplant recipients who were in the crowd, Gerry Bouey and Alan Kravets. They enlightened all of us on the process and importance of the work that Eversight does. I hope you've marked your calendars for the main event, October 24 at the Peninsula! It's gonna be one wild, yet elegant, ride! For details, click here!  (FAB photos by MILA SAMOKHINA)

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Haute Dog Chicago committee members Phillip Emigh and Bruce Haas with host Elaine Duffens.

Another kick-ass kick-off was hosted by Elaine Duffens for Haute Dog Chicago, a fashion show fundraiser for Canine Companions for Independence set for

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Haute Dog Chicago supporters and committee members. We missed our chair Katie Cox!

Thursday, Sept. 19 at the Peninsula. Elaine's beautiful Gold Coast condo was filled to the brim with loving supporters like Phillip Emigh, Bruce Haas, Wendy and Gregg Elstien, Donna Schultz, Natisha Dixon, Dee

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Phillip Emigh, Natisha Dixon, Donna Schultz and Mitchell Hatcher.

Simmons, Leigh Primack, Angie DeMars, Katy Sandburg, Kyle DeSantis, Mitchell Hatcher, Sandy Golub, Maureen Guon, Margaret Harris, Amanda Black, Mary and Lionel Go, Jon Rodgers, Lori Smuckler and so many others. The Sept. 19 fashion show will feature local celebs and notables, many with Canine Companions, walking the runway with moving testimonials from some of the "teams" with their highly trained assistance dogs. I'm proud to return as emcee and hope you can join us! For tickets, more info, click here! This nonprofit provides highly trained service dogs for FREE to the disabled.

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Ji Suk Yi now on WGN-Radio's The Steve Cochran Show!

Congrats to Chicago's own Ji Suk Yi! She has become a regular contributor on the wildly popular Steve Cochran Show on WGN Radio! You can hear our beautiful friend Monday through Friday from 6 to 10 am! Yi most recently has written and hosted “The Grid: Neighborhood Eats,” a weekly restaurant column and video for the Chicago Sun-Times. She will continue the feature for the Sun-Times while adapting it as a weekly segment on Cochran’s show. Tune in!

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Tom Kehoe

Tom Kehoe, a Crain's LGBTQ Notable Executive–no surprise here!

Crain's Chicago Business announced Chicago's Notable LGBTQ Executives, a first-ever list. The 88 LGBTQ leaders featured alphabetically here come from a wide range of sectors—finance, tech, nonprofits, media, the arts and more. All have demonstrated that they are advancing their

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Robert Neubert, a Crain's LGBTQ Notable Executive, of course!

industries, workplace equality and civic engagement in Chicago. The article noted that "Chicago has been home to many LGBTQ leaders—philanthropist Jennifer Pritzker, media executive Fred Eychaner, Chicago Aldermen Deb Mell and Tom Tunney as well as Chicago Cubs co-owner Laura Ricketts, to name a few—but today’s feature demonstrates the depth and breadth of LGBTQ involvement, service and leadership throughout Chicago." Congrats to ALL!

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Don't miss Opening Night of Chicago Tribune Food Bowl!

Chicago Tribune Food Bowl is BACCCKKK! This citywide festival features hundreds of events across Chicago with a mix of local favorites and world-renowned chefs. Spanning 18 days of food, Food Bowl encompasses a mix of dinners, parties, tours, pop-ups, 

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Trib food critic Phil Vettel celebrating at last year's event.

classes and a 3-day Night Market on the Chicago Riverwalk. Opening night is Tuesday, August  13 with Chicago born chef Rosio Sánchez (of Sanchez and Hija de Sanchez in Copenhagen, formerly of Noma). The evening’s event at City Hall will feature collaborative tastings from Birrieria Zaragoza, Brown Sugar Bakery, City Hall, The Duck Inn, Mi Tocaya Food Bowl 2019Antojería, Sanchez (Copenhagen), The Swill Inn, and more, alongside the presentation of the Chicago

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The Trotter Project will host the 1st annual Trotter Project Beer Fest Aug. 11-18.

Tribune Food & Dining team’s Game Changer Award. The Chicago Tribune Food & Dining team will award the Game Changer Award to a chef, restaurateur, charity or producer that is an individual in the food business or a food-based organization whose work has brought significant, positive change to the restaurant industry as a whole, or to the Chicago dining scene, in particular. For tickets, from $75-85 and all event info, click here! (All food and drink are included in the price of admission.)

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Streisand at the United Center (photo by Kathy Piccone).

By now, the whole world knows that Chicago designer Azeeza Khan has designed a wardrobe for Barbra Streisand's summer tour! Azeeza is no stranger to celeb dressing having had stars like Beyonce and Sarah Jessica Parker already wearing her designs but she seemed particularly excited about this big collaboration and no wonder! In a Tribune article by David Syrek,

Barbra Streisand performs in London on July 7  2019  wearing a black gown by Azeeza. (Dave J. HoganGettyDave J HoganGetty Images for Ba)

Barbra Streisand performs in London on July 7  wearing a black gown by Azeeza named the "Barbra." (Dave J. HoganGettyDave J HoganGetty Images for Ba)

Khan said she became acquainted with Streisand through a hook-up by a store manager at Barney's where Azeeza's line is exclusive. Babs had seen her designs there and, voila, here we are! Their meetings at Streisand’s California home resulted in the singer wearing a show-stopping black ruffled silk gown (now dubbed “The Barbara,” that will retail for $2995) designed by Khan as Streisand performed her classic song “The Way We Were” in London early last month. During her United Center gig, Babs acknowledged "Chicago designer Azeeza" from the stage. How cool is that?! Since those meetings, Khan has created about 30 pieces for the star for on and off the stage. You go girl!

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Lips Chicago

LIPS Chicago opens in Chicago Aug. 23!

LIPS Chicago is opening on Friday, August 23 at 2229 S. Michigan Avenue! Billed as the "ultimate in drag dining" and the "only true La Cage experience in the Windy City", the venue offers drinks, dinner and, of course drag entertainment. LIPS started as a small drag restaurant in the West Village of NYC in 1984. The restaurant has grown over the years and today Miss

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LIPS Chicago at 2229 S. Michigan.

Yvonne Lame' rules over her "drag empire" with show palaces from coast to coast. Today Lips has venues in New York, Georgia, Florida, California and now Chicago. Dinner with The Divas, Twisted Broadway, Dragalicious Gospel Brunch, Glitz and Glamour, Superstar Sundays and TABOO – The Dirty Show are just a few of the many shows that will grace the Lips stages. For more details, click here!

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Nan Giordano

Nan Giordano holds her Lifetime Achievement Award surrounded by the Company, Michael McStraw and friends.

Love and congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago's artistic director Nan Giordano who recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Star Dance Alliance, one of the nation's most prestigious competition dance entities! The award was presented in Secaucus, New Jersey, during their annual gala on August 1. For a surprise,the Company's ten main dancers were flown in, along with executive director Michael McStraw! They performed excerpts from "Flickers" (choreographed by Marinda Davis) during the gala in her honor! Congrats, congrats, congrats! GDC is attracting eyeballs all over the world!

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EXPOCHI0CAGOCAREEEXPO CHICAGO returns to Navy Pier September 19 through the 22nd! Opening night, Vernissage, is Thursday, September 19, beginning with a Collector and Professional Preview at noon, an opening preview at 3 pm and then Vernissage from 6-9 pm. Besides the one-of-a-kind artwork, you will experience the BEST people watching around! It's like a show within a show! For tickets, more info, click here!

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Season of ConcernIn a one-night-only opportunity to see Chicago’s leading ladies of musical theatre on stage together, Season of Concern (SOC) presents “Second City Divas—In Concert,” a benefit performance Monday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue. Season of Concern is the Chicago theatre community’s fundraising effort to provide financial assistance to those in the community impacted by illness, injury or circumstance. A virtual “who’s who” of Chicago’s musical theatre, the performers who have committed to date include: Roberta Duchak (also musical director), Cheryl Avery, Kelly Clark, Ariane Dolan, Mary Ernster, Lara Filip, Kitty Fishman, Linda Fortunato, Cory Goodrich, Anne Gunn, Heidi Kettenring, Tammy Mader, Kim Mallory,

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Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue

Susie McMonagle, Johanna McKenzie Miller, Susan Moniz, Liz Pazik, Hollis Resnik, Peggy Roeder, Sharon Sacks, MaryBeth Samuelson, Jill Shellabarger, Cathy Smitko and Linda Waner. Created 32 years ago, Season of Concern has raised more than $3 million to benefit hundreds of people in the entertainment industry—actors, directors, designers, technicians, playwrights—who are unable to work due to illness, injury or circumstance, as well as offer support to more than 35 Chicago-based AIDS direct-care service organizations.

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After School Matters galaAfter School Matters will host its annual gala on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Wintrust Arena! Enjoy an evening of engaging teen program exhibits, cocktails and dinner and spectacular performances. Help show our teens how much they MATTER! For tickets/more info, click here! The Chicago Children's Advocacy Center will host its annual "Night of Heroes" on Wed., Oct. 2 at TAO Chicago! Help this nonprofit battle child abuse and restore lives! Event details here!

Other BIG, not-to-missed events include: Share Your Soles at Carnivale on Friday, Aug. 23; Navy Seals Evening of Tribute with Ambassador Nikki Haley on Wednesday, September 4 at the Hilton Chicago; Gala of the Arts on Friday, Sept. 6 at Navy Pier; Patrick Lives On on Saturday September 7 at The Chop Shop; After Save the Date - 2019-page-001School Matters on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at Wintrust Arena; Imerman Angels Mission Possible on Friday, Sept. 20 at Morgan MFG; Cook County Health Foundation Gala on Wed., Sept. 25 at the Hilton IMG_5046Chicago; Gilda's Night Out hosted by Gilda's Club Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 28 at the Park West; Dance for Life on Saturday, Aug. 17 (performance at the Auditorium Theater followed by gala at the Hilton Chicago); Green Tie Ball's "I Dream of Greenie" with rocker Pete Wentz on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Alhambra Palace; The Woman's Board of Rush University IMG_0001Medical Center's Fall Benefit, Bright Futures on Friday, Sept. 6 at Theater on the Lake; Joffrey Ballet's Jane Eyre Luncheon on Tuesday, October 8 at the Hilton Chicago; Jackson Chance Foundation's Ping Pong Ball on Thursday, November 14 at the St. Jane Hotel; Friends of Prentice's An Evening in Oz on 9Saturday, October 26 at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel; The Service Club of Chicago's Flight of Fantasy Gala on Friday, November 1 at the Four Seasons Chicago; Police Foundation Gala on Sat., November 2 at the Four Seasons; FLAIR Visions of Elegance presented by The Chicago Lighthouse on Friday, Sept, 13 at the Drake; Susan G. Komen's All Bets on Pink gala on Saturday, October 26 at the Gala2019EarlyBirdRegisterNowPalmer House; Victory Gardens Theater's Chicago Stories gala on Saturday, October 5 at the Four Seasons Hotel; Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Fall Benefit Luncheon (keynote speaker Martin Short) on Friday, October 25 at the Hilton Chicago; Giordano Dance Chicago's Dancing with the Giordano Stars on Thursday, Oct. 3 at Park West; Working in the Schools' (WITS) Blackboard Affair on Saturday, October 26 at the Geraghty; Auditorium Theatre's Annual Fall Gala Adler Planetarium 2019 Cball --Jennifer Howell. Invite-page-001on Saturday, November 16 at the Palmer House with Chicago Celebrates Sondheim! performance following at the theater; Brushes with Cancer presents Twist Out Cancer at Moonlight Studios on Saturday, November 2; Chicago Research Fund's Joffrey Jane eyreChildren's Ball on Saturday, December 7 at the Hilton Chicago; Saving tiny Hearts Gala on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Fairmont; Chicago Consular Corps Gala on Friday, November 1 at the Hilton Chicago; Chicago Botanic Garden's Harvest Party on Friday, Sept. 13 at the Garden; PAWS Chicago Fur Ball on Friday, November 15 at the Drake (co-chaired by our own Frances Renk!); Oriental Csm_Furball_Save_the_Date_19-Left_fc079b6f11Institute of the University of Chicago's Centennial Gala on Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Institute; James R. Jordan Foundation's Cornhole Tournament Fundraiser on Thursday, November 14 at the Palmer House; White Summer Soiree hosted by the Benjamin Marshall Society at 999 N. Lake Shore Drive on Wed. August 14; Adler Planetarium's Celestial Ball on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Planetarium; Chicago Men's Fashion Awards hosted by the Chicago Costume Council on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Louis Vuitton Michigan Ave; Little Italy Festa starts Thursday, Aug. 15 in the Taylor Street Neighborhood, 1516 W. Taylor.

The Happiness Club honors on Sunday  Aug. 11And I hope you can join me this Sunday, August 11, when I will be honored with the Legacy Award by The Happiness Club at Park West! Hamilton's Miguel Cervantes will receive the Artist of the Year Award. He will sing and I will dance with the kids. (Lord help me!) For tickets/more info, please click here! The Happiness Club (co-chaired yearly by Maureen and Marc Schulman) provides a positive influence for kids through the arts.

That's all for now! Hope you enjoyed this week's Candid Candace, the go-to blog for Chicago and beyond! And, if not a subscriber, please sign in here! My list is never shared, only treasured.  

 

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

 

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