Tag Archives: Chicago Flower and Garden Show

GALAS GOING VIRTUAL: HOW SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY CELEBRATED THE BARD’S BIRTHDAY IN STYLE ONLINE

IMG_7307

Sign seen on Covid car ride. We believe.

Welcome back for my second blog under covid. Like everyone else in the world, I feel like this thing has me by the throat. I understand the frustration of people trying to gain back some freedom. In the beginning, believe it or not, I thought this was sort of fun–at least I had an excuse to stay home with Chuck and Rooney. I even got in some very creative cooking, thanks to Chef Art Smith and his great Insta videos. The stay-at-home order was like having permission to take a staycation. Little did I, or anyone else,

Tufano's

We miss shooting the breeze with Joey.

realize how long this would last and the horrible loss of life, sickness and personal sacrifice (on behalf of the front line workers

IMG_2832

Gibson's with Kathy Piccone–such a sweet memory that I hope will return soon.

and others) it would cost. I understand the safety precautions we all need to take but I'm definitely ready to get back to work, get out of the house and have a reason to get dressed and earn a paycheck again. Zoom meetings are not for me. I'm a Gemini, I need social interaction like I need air to breathe. I know this will end but then what? What will the new normal look like? We all see how the world changed following 9/11. I

Pizano's

Pizano's, festive at Christmastime and always.

can't imagine flying with plastic panels between seats, nor can I imagine what dining in restaurants will look like. How in

IMG_7416

Armando Vasquez, La Scarola. We're waiting to do this again!

the world will Armando Vasquez, from La Scarola, share tequila shooters with us? How will I handle not getting a hug from Kathy Piccone at Gibson's and how sad would it be not to be able to sit at Tufano's with Joey DiBuono or at the bar at Pizano's with Brian shooting the breeze. Times will change but I pray memories like these will return for us all, and soon.

_______________________________________________________________________

Fundraising-organizations-nonprofit-charityOur fabulous gala-going days have been cut short too, for now. Thank you Rona. However, that doesn't mean nonprofits aren't getting creative with their fundraising, ergo virtual galas! Now, we all know this isn't nearly as gratifying as rubbing shoulders with friends, comparing new outfits or toasting a successful night, but it is a vital effort for the organizations to stay afloat and keep revenue streams open. I've come to realize that if supporters have their heart set on your nonprofit, they will find a way to help and this gives them a perfect opportunity during this crisis. Case in point, I recently "attended/watched" Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's online event, "Toast to Shakespeare's Birthday." It's lucky for them that they have such a deep arsenal of performing and creative talent, which helped move along the 1/2 hour free celebration. It was joyous and thoughtfully produced with nearly 2000 households tuning in and several thousand more on-demand. The organization was really ahead of the game though as they've been producing "tons" of online content as part of their ongoing Shakes@Home initiative. The recent birthday celebration for the bard was the first virtual event of this kind that they have produced. The event was part of its Brave New World campaign which brought in more than $10,000 in new and first time gifts toward the $900,000 raised to date. Read details below:

CST_BdayToast_01_courtesyChicagoShakespeare

Shakespeare Theater Company's virtual gala was a great success!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presented a one-night-only streaming event Toast to Shakespeare’s Birthday! on April 23. On the occasion of the Bard’s 456th birthday, a line-up of special guests—including the Queens of SIX on Broadway, Chicago Theater legend Larry Yando, hip-hop sensations the Q Brothers Collective, actor/author John Tufts, as well as T.R. Knight, Heather Headley, Peter Sagal, Chef Rick

Toast_To_Shakespeare_Slate

A 456th BD celebration!

Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton and Rebecca Night, James Vincent Meredith, E. Faye Butler, and more–all offered toasts to the Bard during the 1/2 hour virtual event that opened with a welcome from artistic director Barbara Gaines and creative producer Rick Boynton. The fun-filled event featured a special musical performance from the

CST_BdayToast_02_courtesyChicagoShakespeare

The virtual event was hosted by Rick Boynton and Barbara Gaines.

SIX Queens—Adrianna Hicks, Andrea Macasaet, Abby Mueller, Brittney Mack, Samantha Pauly, and Anna Uzele—who headlined the North American Premiere production of the hit show at Chicago Shakespeare in Spring 2019 and now await their return to the Broadway stage. Legendary Chicago theater actor Larry Yando joined online to discuss Shakespeare after appearing onstage in some of the Bard’s most storied roles. The evening also featured Chicago hip hop sensations, the Q Brothers Collective – GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos, who have created award-winning “ad-rap-tations” of Shakespeare including Othello: The Remix. Actor

CST_BdayToast_03_courtesyChicagoShakespeare

Beautiful stars from the "Queens of Six"

and author John Tufts, along with his son, shared a birthday-themed recipe from his newly released book, Fat Rascals: Dining at Shakespeare’s Table. Making special appearances throughout the event were T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Shakespeare’s A IMG_7132Midsummer Night’s Dream), Heather Headley (Broadway’s The Color Purple, Aida, The Lion King), NPR’s Peter Sagal (Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me), Chef Rick Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton (Downton Abbey, Broadway’s My Fair Lady) and Rebecca Night (Chicago Shakespeare’s The King’s Speech), James Vincent Meredith (The Book of Mormon National Tour), award-winning vocalist E. Faye Butler, as well as Heidi Kettenring, Laura Rook and Nate Burger, Jennifer Latimore, and Sean

IMG_7142

The theater company's design department is hard at work helping create masks during the crisis.

and Linda Fortunato. The event highlighted Chicago Shakespeare’s current initiatives to serve audiences, artists and the community and covered Chicago

IMG_7163

John Tufts, and his son, cooked on the show and "shamelessly" touted his new cookbook.

Shakespeare’s new free educational initiative, Stream and Study, which provides educators with a digital stream of the Theater’s 2017 abridged production of Romeo and Juliet, adapted and directed by Marti Lyons and a wide array of teaching materials and activities, tailored for the now-virtual classroom. Hundreds of teachers have already signed up to implement the program in their digital curriculum. The

IMG_7118

Actor Greg Vinkler offered a virtual toast.

Theater’s "Masks for faces and for Noses" project, in partnership with University of Illinois – Chicago, was also spotlighted.

IMG_7126

Actors Rebecca Night and Harry Hadden-Paton.

The project workers have completed more than 18,000 patient face masks for UI Health hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the state, all while providing a source of income to more than 100 theater-makers across the city, many of whom are out of work due to the COVID-19-releated theater closures. The virtual event closed with cast members and other theater VIPs thanking the viewers and the front line workers. Gaines ended with, "Stay safe, be well and let's all take care of each other."

_______________________________________________________________________

GDC April 25Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago for its first ever virtual Zoom jazz dance experience that was held on Gus Giordano Day April 25 with renowned choreographer Ray Leeper. The

IMG_7418

GDC's Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas welcomed viewers from Nan's living room.

energetic and inspiring online event opened with a welcome from artistic director Nan Giordano and artistic programs manager, Cesar Salinas, from Nan's beautiful living room. Nan introduced Leeper who appeared from his Los Angeles home. This was followed by 20-minute combo sessions conducted by Giordano and Leeper with appearances by the

IMG_7417

Choreographer Ray Leeper led us all in dance from his home in LA.

dancers at various intervals. Everyone was encouraged to follow along for this intermediate level online dance celebration. Over 300 viewers tuned in from 12 countries and 31 states, raising $3000 for America's original jazz dance company, now in its 57th year. At the conclusion, a full screen

Unti99tled

The entire GDC company participated and joined together at the conclusion to thank supporters.

of all of the dancers appeared with Nan, Cesar, Ray and Michael McStraw, executive director. GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in America. The event will be held again on June 9 led by Leeper, this time on NAN GIORDANO DAY! Congrats to all and I'll "see" you on June 9! (To follow along, click here!)

_______________________________________________________________________

Pantsoptional-webpageasset-700x400

Pants Optional, a virtual gala for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Saturday, May 9.

And you won't want to miss THIS virtual gala! Steppenwolf Theatre Company will replace its 2020 Gala with a special (FREE) online event, Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée. The event will celebrate the power of theatre and raise critical funds to keep the company alive during a time of necessary social-distancing. Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee this festive virtual gathering on Saturday, May 9, at 6:30 pm CST, with special appearances by Steppenwolf ensemble members Joan Allen, Gary Cole, John Malkovich, Sandra Marquez and Laurie Metcalf, along with celebrity guests who will be announced on

Malkovich_John

STC ensemble member John Malkovich will participate in the virtual event.

Steppenwolf’s social media channels and website. Steppenwolf ensemble members and esteemed celebrity guests will make special appearances in this

Tracy Young hs (1)

Ensemble member Tracy Young.

virtual soirée, uniting with Steppenwolf supporters, audiences and fans viewing the event from the comfort of their homes. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to give online, by phone or by text to help raise funds to bring back to the stage I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, this season’s Steppenwolf for Young Adults hit world premiere based on the award-winning novel by

Audrey Francis Headshot 1 (1)

Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee.

Erika L. Sánchez, adapted by celebrated Chicago playwright Isaac Gómez. The extended and sold out run was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis and remounting the production in the Spring of 2021 would bring back to life this essential Chicago story for those who were unable to see it and others who want to see it again. Wrapping up Steppenwolf’s spectacular online bash, attendees can participate in a virtual dance party with the talented DJ Tracy Young, who won a 2020 Grammy for her remix of Madonna’s I Rise. “Although our traditional gala is always a wonderful night that we look forward to, I know that this year’s event will be truly special. Being able to come together online with a greater swath of Steppenwolf artists, audiences and supporters for a collective

Allen_Joan

Beloved ensemble member Joan Allen will also participate.

moment of joy during these difficult times is just what we need to support live theatre and each other,” shares artistic director Anna D. Shapiro.

Cole  Gary

Ensemble member Gary Cole.

Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée co-chairs include ensemble member Joan Allen; trustee Susan Berghoef; ensemble members Gary Cole and Sandra Marquez; and trustee Anne Phillips and Don Phillips. “Every year we look forward to a fun celebration with artists, ensemble, trustees and guests in support of the incredible work that Steppenwolf

Marquez_600x951

Ensemble member Sandra Marquez.

Education does season after season. We’re thrilled that this year’s virtual platform allows us to expand our reach by making it free and open to all. What better way to uplift the power of live theatre than raising funds to bring back a production that was so meaningful to our teen and public audiences. We are looking forward to reuniting with our Steppenwolf community online with this event and at our theatre again in the future,” shared executive director David Schmitz. Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée lead sponsors are Anne and Don Phillips with additional support from Innovators Allstate, The Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Exelon, Grosvenor Capital Management, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, The Orlebeke Foundation and The Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, among others. For more details on how to stream this exciting event, click here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Holly IMG_7341

Holly Buckendahl, RMHC CEO

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana hosted its first virtual UNGala on May 2. Hosted by Fred (of KISS 103.5 FM) and Holly Buckendahl, the nonprofit's CEO, the 40 minute event featured a performance by Sixteen Candles (that was introduced by lead singer Adam LeBlanc). The group sang "Chains of Love." Nick Lynch, 3-time

IMG_7341 (2)

Fred, of KISS 103.5 FM) hosted the show.

American Idol contestant sang "Best Days" by Graham Colton. In between performances, RMHC ambassador families shared their stories of staying at the Houses when their children were sick. The Donnelly family's daughter Olivia, was born with a rare heart condition

IMG_7358

Baby Olivia before her first heart transplant.

that required hospitalization that eventually led to heart transplant surgery, not once, but twice. Every year, the family leads a Walk for Hope and Olivia is doing great now! Throughout the event, Holly shared info about the 5 Houses spread across Chicagoland (along with three Family Rooms). She said, "We

IMG_7374

Sixteen Candles' Adam LeBlanc.

exist so families can get better together." The Houses served around 18,000 kids last year. It costs about $85 per night to house a family but they are asked to donate only $10, if they can. If they can't, no family is ever turned away. There was a Q&A with Ronald McDonald introduced by franchise

IMG_7385

American Idol's Nick Lynch performed.

owner/operator Derrick Lott. Ronald led the viewers in a dance and told some cute jokes. Mardelle Gundlach, program director, gave supporters a tour of the House near Comer Children's Hospital. Fred spoke about his own family's experiences staying in various

IMG_7367

Olivia in dancing mode–she's doing great now!

Houses when he had meningitis as a kid. In conclusion, the band Spoken Four sang Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Pete Bensen, RMHCCNI board chair, thanked everyone for viewing and donating. "While the world around us is on pause, childhood illness doesn't take a break." The event

IMG_7388

Spoken Four performed.

raised over $760,000 towards a $1 million goal with donations pouring in online from the Benson Family ($10K); McGonigal Family ($5K); True Group ($10K); Koerner Family ($2500); Hammock Family ($2500); Caitlin Griffin ($1K); Capgemini Family ($10K); Red Shoes Society ($5K) and the Chicago Bulls and White Sox ($5K) and so many more. Donations for the UnGala are continuing through the end of the month (and anytime, of course). To donate or bid on silent auction items, click here!   

_______________________________________________________________________

Untit00ledI'm so happy to be receiving so many updates on

Chicago House Sun. May 3

Chicago House has reset its event to September 13.

the return of previously cancelled galas! Please mark your calendars for the following big events that will be live and in person (for now anyway). Make sure you check each nonprofit's website though as the event draws closer in case there have been changes.

Chicago House & Social Service's 34th annual Brunch & Fashion Show has been rescheduled  for September 13. I will be front and center for this hotly anticipated, fun-filled, joyous event to benefit this nonprofit that, since 1985, has provided support for those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. For tickets, more info, please click here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Untitle0000d

Josh Hale, pres/CEO Big Shoulders Fund, and friends.

The Big Shoulders Fund will host its annual "Reach for the Stars" gala on Friday, September 23 at the Hilton Chicago. Here's what Josh Hale, president/CEO, had to say about BSF which provides support to Catholic Schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. "We are actively working to keep our mission strong and vibrant. Our 95 schools are providing e-learning to some 26,000 children in under-resourced communities. Also, we are listening to the needs of these schools and children and are providing them with what they need – chromebooks, social-emotional supports, food, and caring – love!  While all of these are critical, ensuring these children, their families and communities have access to food has been the most critical and uplifting!  With the support of generous supporters, we have initiated U77ntitledan innovative partnerships with small community-based restaurants to deliver food/meals to our students, families, and others in the community facing food instability. Currently, we have 20 sites set up – our schools – located in some of Chicago’s lowest income communities.  We have partnered with just over 30 local, family owned

66untitled

Happy kids enjoying meals from Big Shoulders Fund initiatives.

restaurants in these communities to provide meals.  We pay the restaurants to prepare the meals which are either distributed at our schools or picked-up from the restaurant. They are fresh, hot and restaurant quality. We see this as a win-win in that we help local community-based organizations – restaurants and our schools – to remain open, vibrant and fulfilling a great need in their community. This program has grown significantly and, thus far, we have served nearly 20,000 meals and counting." Keep up the great work Josh and BSF! (For gala tickets, more info about this amazing nonprofit, and/or to support, click here!)

0_______________________________________________________________________

After School Matters, a nonprofit that provides Chicago high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities, had to cancel its Sneaker Ball this year that was scheduled for May 2. It will be reset for Spring 2021.

YG Gala Invite_2020_Page_1

Bright Futures virtual gala is set for Thursday, May 14.

Bright Futures has changed its event to a virtual gala set for Thursday, May 14. The event will support its Youth Guidance initiative that mentors and counsels 13,000 youth.

The National Museum of Mexican Art had to cancel its May 8th fundraiser that would've presented the Arthur R. Velasquez Award to Adela Cepeda for her significant contributions and support. She will now be honored at next year's gala. In the meantime, the Museum asks if you can donate, please do so here. The Museum is the only one dedicated to Mexican art and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show had to cancel its always anticipated event this year but they are offering new content every week online through its Get Growing channel on YouTube. Please check it out and donate if you can here.

Andre_Web

Victory Gardens Theater will honor actor Andre De Shields at its October24 Chicago Stories Gala.

Victory Gardens Theater's "Chicago Stories" gala will be held on Saturday, October 24 at the Four Seasons. The event will honor the very talented actor/legend Andre De Shields with guest playwright and MSNBC legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks. For tickets and more info, click here!

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is offering a variety of digital content online on its CSO From Home channel. Check it out and support, if you can.

The Harris Theatre for Music & Dance, in association with the Lyric Opera, will livestream Beyond the Aria on May 11. Artistic director Craig Terry will be joined by three Lyric artists for an evening of uplifting music. Click here for more info and to watch.

The Second City, the famed comedy institution, has adapted its improvisation-based shows to create real- CfUOkHY7_400x400time, interactive and socially "together" virtual experiences available to audiences world-wide. The events are streamed for free but donations will be accepted to The Second City Alumni Fund, a resource for performers and other members of The Second City community experiencing critical health and financial challenges. Register for shows here.

The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago offers a free digital museum archive that features a rich repository of 20,000+ Greek American artifacts, photos, historic newspapers, books and more than 450 recorded oral histories to explore. This is the largest collection of its kind in the world and it's right here at your fingertips!

WTTW-WFMT's annual gala scheduled for May 6 was cancelled. It would've celebrated women on the 100th anniversary of us getting the right to vote. The theme was Trailblazers: Women Who Change the World. No info is available yet as for a new date. I'll be waiting to hear Julia!

The Adler Planetarium Women's Board had to cancel its WISS (Women in Space Science) Luncheon and is now focusing on the Celestial Ball set for September 12 at the Planetarium. Mark your calendars and check out more info here! See video of last year's spectacular Ball below!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago has made the decision to reschedule the 71st Annual Woman's Board Ball to Saturday, November 14 at the Four Seasons Chicago. They will hold the ball as originally planned by honoring two Woman's Board Visionaries, Karen Gray-Krehbiel and the late Kim White. For more info, click here.

Ryp1s4qZSVSt. Jude's Four Stars Restaurant Extravaganza has a tentative hold on Tuesday, September 29 to hold its event, this year at a new venue The Field Museum! And the always exciting  St. Jude Fashion Show, this year chaired by dear friend Ann Danner Dwyer, will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021! Mark your calendars for both and follow along here for details.

Nothing deters The Service Club of Chicago! The annual Spring Luncheon (the hat luncheon) will now be held on Thursday, September 3, at the Drake Hotel. Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will feature the same speaker as originally planned, Laura Dowling, who

Hat2020

The SC Spring Luncheon has been moved to Thursday, September 3.

served as the Chief Floral Designer at The White House. SC president Sherrill Bodine said, "These are uncharted waters but SC does have plans to continue our mission. We have survived the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the '29 Crash, two World Wars and much more because we keep doing our job!" The nonprofit also is conducting virtual philanthropic grant sessions so help in the community will still be ongoing to those organizations who need it the most. The Day on the

SC virtual cocktail party

SC's virtual cocktail party will be held on Thursday, May 7.

Terrace Fashion Show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions and co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey, Tracey DiBuono and Jamie Thorsen is still scheduled for Monday, August 3 at the Peninsula. (For more info, click here!)  Also, mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7 when the SC presents its first Zoom Cocktail Party! Hosted by Nikki Friar at Marchesa Chicago, the event helps the SC support nonprofits throughout Chicagoland. There will be much camaraderie, cocktail recipes, mixology tips and, I'm sure, a lot of laughs! Click the link for more info and to purchase your ticket ($25) here! Boy, these ladies are BUSY!

89356a_19669d1df02c491aa8c09d9da3cc4c76~mv2Another great women's organization is hard at work making a difference in Hinsdale. The Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club (HJWC) is comprised of generous, dedicated, diligent women always asking, "How can we help?", and in unprecedented times like these, that question is coming up even more frequently. Recently, Hinsdale Hospital reached out for HJWC’s help in relation to its COVID-19 needs. The hospital shared a wish list of various medical items they desperately needed and HJWC came through to support them. Thanks to efforts from its philanthropy co-chairs Tina Weller, Dee Bauer, Ruta Brigden, Colleen Whitehead and Liz Weir, along with its executive board, HJWC was able to donate a grant of $19,210 to help purchase three handheld Echo Cardiology Machines and a Portable Patient Monitor. Kudos to all involved in this remarkable effort!

Https _cdn.evbuc.com_images_89799697_161306808570_1_original.20200128-182244The Chicago Lighthouse will now host its "Seeing What's Possible" gala, chaired by Anida "Cookie" Cohen, on Wednesday, September 23. The event, with a Roaring '20s theme, will be held at the Four Seasons with dinner, a program and dancing to the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. It will honor David and Nancy Huber and the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences Systems. For more info, click here!  

JourneyCare's "Allstars of Project Runway" event will be held on Saturday, September 26

IMG

JourneyCare's Allstars of Project Runway event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26.

at the Arlington International Racecourse. The event will raise funds and shine a spotlight on care for children and adults living with serious illness. FYI, the runway show is spectacular. Last year it was led by Chicago's own Peach Carr! For more info, click here!

The Holiday Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit led by executive director Felicia Winiecki, provides joy and entertainment to children who are seriously ill by hosting themed hospital parties. Their annual event has been pushed to September but a date hasn't yet been decided. To check details when they become available, please click here!  

342Riding in Gay Pride Parade 03_441673808572_570303572_5737660_7611750_n

The thrill of a lifetime, riding in the Pride Parade on the Baton Show Lounge float.

Sadly, the much loved Pride Parade has been postponed from its June 28th date. Tim Frye, coordinator of the 2020 parade, said he hopes the event can be held in late summer or early fall and that, if it can't be rescheduled then, it will be back in 2021. Boystown's annual Pride Fest, which was planned for June 20/21, was also postponed. It has been rescheduled for Sept. 5 and 6. Yeah!!!! (Watch for updates here).

Besides the ones mentioned above, all of these following arts, dance and theater companies will provide a virtual stage for programming. They include the Joffrey Ballet, Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theatre, The Neo-Futurist Theater, Lookingglass Theatre, Sideshow Theatre, Black Button Eyes Productions, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

_______________________________________________________________________

95352751_10222070677541046_6829140224187039744_nCongrats to TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network)! The organization's Dining Out For Life campaign, that raised funds for community-based organizations serving U99ntitledpeople living with or impacted by HIV, had to be re-imagined this year due to the Covid crisis. Bryant Dunbar (TPAN director of development), Michael Murphy (board chair), Charlie Jungwirth Untit99led(manager of events and community engagement) and other team members. decided the nonprofit would still show its support for the restaurant community that has supported it for so long. TPAN encouraged supporters to take part in a Solidarity Dinner on April 30 as a way of giving back. Chuck and I ordered a

95525161_10222092718492056_2359048153543475200_o

Wilde Bar & Restaurant Solidarity Dinner carry out.

delicious dinner from Wilde Bar & Restaurant. As an added bonus, inside the carry-out bag, were two laminated cards. One had a quote from Victor Hugo, "Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." And on another

IMG_7276

Thoughtful inserts in carry out bag from Wilde Bar & Restaurant.

card, there was the most beautiful poem by Donna Ashworth which read, in part, "History will remember when the people sang on their balconies, in isolation but so very much together in courage and song…History will remember when the virus left and the houses opened and the people came out and hugged and kissed and started again. Kinder than before." Just beautiful!

_______________________________________________________________________

Cancer and CareersCancer and Careers helps cancer patients and survivors who are navigating the job market, Beauty with Benefitsreturning to work and/or looking for work. This nonprofit has a relationship with QVC and The Home Shopping Network and are offering an incredible sale for a contribution. The annual event, called "Beauty with Benefits," will take place on May 28 and run for 4 hours. With each purchase, regardless of how much is spent, the customer will receive a free gift valued at $230. All the brands who participate will donate the products to be sold with 80% of each purchase supporting CAC. Click here for all the details! (Thanks for the heads-up Christie Hefner!)

_______________________________________________________________________

Fifty-50 raffleWin virtual happy hours with Tom Ricketts, Rahm and ESPN’s Sarah Spain; a very rare 1973 Old Fitzgerald's 1849 8-Year bourbon; experiences at Utopian Tailgate, The Second City, Roots, Steadfast and more when you purchase a raffle ticket to benefit The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group's charity initiatives. The Food Drive Raffle will help feed those in need and, to date, has produced over 25,000 meals. Raffle tickets start at $20 (which will provide two meals for those in need), and the raffle ends at 11pm CST on Tuesday, May 12. Winners of each prize will be chosen via an online random winner selector, and winners will be notified on May 13. To see all of the items available and to purchase raffle tickets, click here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Phil Cooper

Designer Phil Cooper's new event planning idea, High-minded Events.

Designer Phil Cooper is on a real "high" with his new event planning idea. He has created High-minded Events, "Illinois' premiere cannabis concierge"! This new concept will take events to a whole new level! "From infused dining to creative explorations, High-minded Events will offer elevated experiences that harness the cannabis plant's ability to foster togetherness and fortify relationships," Phil shared. "Whether guests are connoisseurs or curious, we provide a tailored, smoke-free way to enhance the occasion." Good luck Phil! (For details, click here!)

_______________________________________________________________________

U9ntitled

Steve and Marjorie Harvey fashionably masked.

The Chicago Sun-Times shared a very important article about face masks. Basically, it's everything you need to know about wearing them, caring for them and what types are the best for safety. The article, by Stephanie Zimmermann, states that there are three kinds of masks–N95 masks, medical or surgical masks and cloth masks. N95s block 95% of particles and medical/surgical masks filter out about 60-80% of particles. Any of these types of masks work better than a bandana. Read article here for all the details. #StaySafe #StayMasked

_______________________________________________________________________

Leave it to the Rolling Stones, they never miss an opportunity to stay relevant. They have released a very cool song perfectly describing the weird times we're all living through. "Living in a Ghost Town," the song and accompanying video, was written and created by Jagger and Keith Richards in London and L.A. (in isolation).  Mick said, ‘‘So the Stones were in the studio recording some new material before the lockdown and there was one song we thought would resonate through the times that we’re living in right now. We’ve worked on it in isolation. And here it is – It’s called ‘Living in a Ghost Town’ – I hope you like it” Keith said, “So, let's cut a long story short. We cut this track well over a year ago in L.A. for part of a new album, an ongoing thing, and then shit hit the fan. Mick and I decided this one really needed to go to work right now and so here you have it, "Living in a Ghost Town." Stay safe!” Watch it below…..so cool!

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_7398

Happy 31st anniversary GIBSONS!

Happy 31st anniversary to Gibson's Bar & Restaurant! Chuck and I got married the same year this wonderful hotspot opened,

Gibsons with Dreesen

Frank with Tom Dreesen.

1989, and we always celebrate our anniversaries "together"! We even had our rehearsal dinner at the brand new Gibsons! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9 when everybody's favorite comedian, Tom Dreesen, will livestream a Zoom event, in collab with the restaurant! “The Man Who Made Sinatra Laugh” will share never-before-told stories from his friendship with the legendary Frank Sinatra! For Zoom tickets, $25, click here!

______________________________________________________________________

Facetune_02-05-2020-16-21-37On Saturday, when the temps reached 70 and the sun came out, Chuck, Rooney and I made a break for it. We took our old Sebring convertible north on Lake Shore Drive and we didn't stop until we reached a beach. We were careful to stay outside the I am sooo blogging about thispolice barricade but we could still feel the breeze on our faces and hear the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. It felt like we had taken a long trip but it was only 20 minutes away. It's true that this virus has forced us to stop and smell the roses. I guess out of everything bad, comes something good. For us, that trip rejuvenated us beyond belief. We had sand in our shoes and grateful hearts. I hope you get a chance to do the same.

Love, as always,

Candace

P.S. And now, a bed time story of how it started and why hindsight’s 2020.

 

4 Comments

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

THE PERFECT WINTER ESCAPE WITH OCEAN BREEZES, PINEAPPLE SHOWERS AND PALM TREES

Plus: Chicago Auto Show's "First Look for Charity" and top crowd pleasers; Eisenopoly; "An American in Paris" for the CYSO; Dionne's Emerge! Fashion Show; DINO-mite at Jurassic Quest; The Joffrey Ballet takes "Center Stage" at the Old Post Office; Chef Art Smith celebrates 60 and the 15th anniversary of Common Threads at Chefs Takeover (JOIN US!); Chicago Artists Coalition is a "Work in Progress"; Rhonda is WINNING!; A Silver Lining Foundation's "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show is a sellout (can't wait to share all the surprises here!); Unibrowed model taking fashion world by storm; "Rain Forests of the Whirl" for Brookfield Zoo; Chicago Flower & Garden Show; Porchlight Music Theatre hosts ICONS 25th anniversary gala; This & That; Darling videos and SOOOO much more!

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_4010

Palm Beach

I really can't think of a better way to escape

IMG_5032

Palm Beach

Chicago winters than South Florida. Fortunately, through the kindness of friends, we were able to enjoy a lengthy trip to Palm Beach and Miami Beach/Fisher Island that has

Facetune_29-01-2020-16-11-20

With Leslie Hindman, Chuck and new friends Alan Brainerd and Ken Gerrity at opening of Casa Gusto in Palm Beach.

restored us in ways we didn't think were possible. First off, anytime you can see palm trees, it's a calming, just-breathe experience. I relate palm trees to those "sunlight" lamps that some people use to fight off winter depression. Anyway, driving down Royal Palm Way

AR-190127867

Mona Lisa, the famous Pig of Worth Avenue.

into Palm Beach feels like Dorothy must've felt when she discovered the Land of Oz. It's the land of milk and honey and more money than someone like me can even wrap her tiny, little head around. In 2019, PB real estate sales hit $1.2 billion, On the beach in Palm Beach 2020in large part, due to Chicago hedge-funder Ken Griffin's interest in buying an estate on Billionaire's Row (20 acres to be exact, on Blossom's Way). (This was beside the $238 million penthouse at 220 Central Park South in NYC, among other acquisitions). There's much to love about this small island situated on the Atlantic Ocean and

IMG_3538

The Colony for dinner with Ken Norgan.

one of the most intriguing, for me anyway, are the charming vias dotting Worth Avenue. "Vias" are described as "walkways to quaint courtyards" with "quaint" being the keyword here. Each of the eight vias holds a treasure trove of charming shops and

PB YC 2020

Palm Beach Yacht Club with Joyce and Bill Litzler.

restaurants and was a genius stroke by its developer Addison Mizner, who created much of the avenue in the old world Mediterranean style. We had dinner one night at one of our favorite restaurants, Pizza al Fresco which is located at 14 Via Vizcaya, right next to the designer's original home which sits there in all of its 5-story glory. Its current

Facetune_08-02-2020-11-12-55

The Breakers with Michael Caputo.

residents, Nick (and Dee) Adams, are descendants of our 2nd president, John Adams. More than their home

IMG_5114

Cafe des Artistes in Jupiter with Todd Burkitt, Nancy Steinwald (my sis-in-law) and Chuck.

though, they are known and recognized by their pet pig, Mona Lisa, an 8 year-old, 65-pound rare Royal Dandie, which is walked daily up and down Worth Avenue. They are a delightful couple with a house full of dogs too, besides the personable pig. The town was a little quiet this year but that wasn't a deterrent for us. We found plenty to do in the 80 degree temps filled with ocean breezes, pineapple showers IMG_5563and the coming and going of President Trump. Like him or not, it was still thrilling to see all of the arrangements that needed to be made, including motorcycle motorcades zooming around town, hovering helicopters, police cars

IMG_5608

Fisher Island

and boats everywhere you looked. During our time there, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House was also in full bloom in West Palm Beach's South End neighborhood. Top decorators had transformed this 8,751 square-foot home into a magazine-worthy showplace. On opening night, more than 1,000 guests celebrated, with Mayor

Photographer Dawn Matozzi

With Chuck and Jan Melk on Fisher Island, Garwood Lounge.

Keith James cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The event benefited Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Bunny Williams served as honorary show house chair with Steele Marcoux and Ellie Cullman serving as design chairs. Every room took your breath away and there was color, color

IMG_5444

Flagler Museum (Whitehall)

everywhere! It was so refreshing to see a house that wasn't all beige but rather had oodles of personality and charm. Also spending time in Palm Beach was one of my favorite style icons, Iris Apfel (the 98 year-old dynamo). She was seemingly everywhere–at Bernardaud presenting her

IMG_5475

Afternoon tea at the Flagler Museum, heaven!

new jewelry collection, at the Armory Art Center lecturing and on and on. Sadly, I never caught up with this whirlwind but it made me smile to think we were so close. Another highlight was discovering that our favorite NYC restaurant, Swifty's, had resurfaced as a pop-up at the Colony Hotel, 155 Hammon Avenue! A very special surprise was having two dear friends,

IMG_4883

Kip's Bay Decorator Show House (West Palm Beach)

Justine Fedak and Michael Caputo, fly in to have dinner and a visit. We experienced Swifty's together and agreed we need to revisit this hotspot (Chuck and I did return for Valentine's Day, where the experience was equally

Facetune_14-02-2020-23-18-21

With Robert Caravaggi, founder of Swifty's Palm Beach and its former spot on NYC's upper east side.

delightful). Since Swifty's is a pop-up, it's only scheduled to stay open through April (here's hoping it returns next season too!). This restaurant has always been known for its intimate dining experience, from when it reigned on the Upper East side, to its new location in the Colony, and has been a magnet

IMG_0022

With Justine Fedak, Michael Caputo and Chuck at the Colony before dinner at Swifty's.

for the social set. The night before, Candice Bergen had been a guest. The original owner, Robert Caravaggi, was there greeting guests just like the old days. I was thrilled to see that my favorite dish was still on the menu, corn fritters with Alaskan salmon roe and creme fraiche. The meatloaf dish (from designer Bill Blass' own recipe) is still on the menu too. We tried

IMG_4836

Lots of color, pattern and personality in this year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House in West Palm Beach.

a lot of fabulous restaurants from old standbys like Buccan, Renato's, Club Colette (with dear friend/member Leslie Hindman), Bradley's (in West Palm), Cucina, Bricktop's, Taboo and others. We were delighted to have dear friend Ken Norgan pop up for dinner from his beautiful home in Miami. We dined poolside at the Colony restaurant, CPD, after he arrived on the relatively new Bright Line

IMG_5622

Views on Fisher Island.

train, giving it rave reviews! He said they even served wine aboard! We also enjoyed some newer restaurants like Sassafras, a Southern-style restaurant in West Palm Beach that opened in November. Its executive chef John Thomas turns to local ingredients to rev up Southern classics. "Supper plates" include shrimp and Geechie Mill grits with

IMG_5662

Mr. Chow Miami Beach

bacon, butter sauce and scallions, fried chicken, baby back ribs and more. Small plates include buttermilk biscuits, Ana's cornbread, chicken liver paté, squash blossoms with blue crab and more. You get the picture,

IMG_4417

My godson, William Hindman.

down home Southern cooking with a modern twist. The setting was delightful too at 105 S. Narcissus Avenue. Try it if you're there! Another culinary jewel is Almond in the former Nick & Johnny's space at 207 Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach. The spot had only been opened for three days when we tried it and, even though the menu is limited, the dishes were delicious. Co-owner Eric Lemonidas was on hand to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was. Our longtime friend and

IMG_4288

Poolside at the Colony.
IMG_5667

Chuck lounging on Fisher Island.

our PB host, Leslie Hindman, invited us to the opening of a big, new (awesome) antique store, Casa Gusto, at 6316 Georgia Avenue in West Palm Beach –a stones throw from Antiques Row. Co-owners Cris Briger and Charles Peed welcomed an overflow crowd who oohed and ahhed over the many one-of-a-kind curios. I bought a very cool pair of beaded coral pieces that were modern takes on one of my favorite antiques that we bought in Venice years ago. (Check out their website here). We also

IMG_4301

A peek into a secret garden at Authentic Provence, a delightful store at 3735 S. Dixie Hwy.

attended the 4th Vernissage preview of the Palm Beach Show over President's Day weekend. The show touted "150 domestic and international exhibitors" with "stunning collections of art,

IMG_4944

A beautiful bedroom designed by Chicago designer Alessandra Branca at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in WPB.

antiques and jewelry" but I only saw aisle after aisle of jewelry (very short on art and antiques for sure), which was a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the jewelry was breath-taking but not what I was hoping to see. Oh well, it was an experience and, afterwards, we dined at Bice (313 Worth Ave.) which saved the night. (Opening night of the show benefited the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH). Another fun spot, recommended to me by Rhonda Sanderson, was the Festival Marketplace in Pompano. It includes an antique flea market as well as loads of fun boutique stalls offering low cost finds. I could've spent a week there!  We packed a lot of

IMG_5481

Art in the air at the Palm Beach Antique & Design Center, 6910 S. Dixie Hwy.
IMG_5080

Spring "in bloom" at the Royal Poinciana Plaza.

excursions into our stay and got to visit the Flagler Museum, aka the gilded-age mansion Whitehall, home of Henry Flagler, founder of Standard Oil and a key figure in the development of the Atlantic coast of Florida. He had decorated every

IMG_5015

Cafe L'Europe, 331 S. County Rd, PB, remains the most romantic restaurant on the island.

square inch of the 100,000-square-foot space and, even though he hated to travel, the collections were put together to make it seem like he had. We also toured the famed historic Cottages of Lake Worth.

IMG_5151

Addison Mizner's 5 story house at 337-339 Worth Avenue across from the Everglades Club.

(that I discovered from a book by the same name by authors Dean Sherwin, Janice Snearer and Taylor Jones) Many of the cottages are gaily painted, 1,000-sq-feet or less, 25' wide and were created from a kit purchased from the Sears & Roebuck catalog! Lol! Granted, not every house is quaint and charming but a map, usefully provided

IMG_5152

A peek inside the Mizner house. Note the pig bed, back right, for Mona Lisa.

with a book purchase, leads you through the top 16 homes that are tour-worthy. Our next stop took us to beautiful Fisher Island, a small barrier island off the coast of Miami Beach that was once home to the Vanderbilts. Only accessible by ferry, the 0.343 square-mile island is an oasis of beautifully landscaped grounds, roaming peacocks, big boats and exquisite homes. Notable residents have included Oprah

IMG_5469

Chuck waves goodbye from Henry Flagler's Railcar 91 on the grounds of the Flagler Museum.

Winfrey, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi and our host Jan Melk. During our time there, we drove into Miami Beach for dinner at Mr. Chow (2201 Collins) which was delicious but, in my opinion, needed a dress code. The spot was so elegant but seeing guests in baseball caps Maxresdefaultand shorts took something away from the experience. Sadly, our visit ended on a note of tragedy, when a car carrying two residents on one of the ferries went into the water on Tuesday, February 18. They perished. The next day when we left, we were directed to the very same spot those poor souls had been on. You can bet we had every brake on in the car with the windows down. I would've been wearing a full scuba suit too if I'd had one. Treasure every moment, you never know when your time will come, and create as many memories as you can. We're trying.

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_9489The 112th edition of the Chicago Auto Show officially wrapped on Monday, Feb. 17, concluding a successful 10-day run of the nation’s largest auto show. Opening night, First Look for Charity, raised more than $2.8 million for 18 vital Chicago organizations! And, despite challenges with traffic and parking as a result of NBA all-star activities, attendance IMG_9227was strong and proof of Chicago’s reputation as a robust consumer show. Chicago Auto Show chairman Tony Guido said, “According to Foresight Research, more than 60

CPJ_9255

Beautiful Judy Hsu, ABC-7, hosts the CAS program.

percent of Chicago Auto Show attendees are 12-month vehicle intenders, so we know that people come to shop. With four indoor test tracks and three outdoor ride-and-drive experiences, there were ample opportunities for attendees to experience, first hand,

RNS_1879

Over $2.8 million was raised for 18 local charites!

the features of today’s brand-new cars, trucks and SUVs.”  The longest-running auto show in North America once again featured more than 1 million square-feet of top-tier exhibits by global RNS_1671automakers, more than 20 brand-new vehicle introductions that made their worldwide or national debut, a host of interactive exhibits and test drive opportunities. Notable new vehicles that attracted a lot of oohs and ahhs included the Cadillac CT5-V, Chevrolet C8 Corvette, Chevrolet

01DB7079

The show featured so many fun interactive exhibits, sort of like a mini Disney!

Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Mustang Mach-E, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Land Rover Defender, Lexus LC,

Pooch cafe

Friend/show-goer Geoff Burton relaxed with a friend in the Pooch Cafe.

Mazda CX-30, Porsche Taycan and Toyota RAV4 Prime. In addition, concept cars were prominently on display and included the Acura Type S, Dodge Challenger Drag PAK, GMC Sierra All Mountain, Kia HabaNiro, Toyota Supra GR Hyperspeed Edition and Toyota LQ. Attendees had the opportunity to go for a ride at one of Chicago’s four indoor test tracks. Camp Jeep, which celebrated its 16th anniversary at the show, featured its popular indoor track where

FordConceptBears

Ford's concept car featured a Chicago Bears motif.

guests could ride inside the Cherokee, Compass, RNS_1784Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler and take on the 18-foot hill at a 35-degree angle. Toyota brought back its popular track that featured vehicles ranging from the Camry to the RAV4. Ram Truck Territory also returned with an indoor test track that featured an interactive ride experience with a 28,000-square-foot in-truck adventure to demonstrate the power and capabilities of the Ram Truck lineup. Volkswagen featured an all-new test track to show off its Atlas Cross Sport in a desert

Vette

'Vette in my favorite color! Vroom! Vroom!

terrain. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs were on display, and consumers cast their votes for their favorite in five different categories in the 15th annual Best of Show balloting. The vehicles that rose to the top included: Best All-New Production: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette; Best Concept Vehicle: Acura Type S; Best Green Vehicle: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E; Best Exhibit: Jeep; Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Planning is already underway for the 2021 show. (For all details, click here!)

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_5641

Inside Edition with Deborah Norville.

I don't know if you've been following along on my Playboy journey but it has been a helluva ride! I recently shot a 12-page

BEST--Facetune_21-01-2020-18-44-38

With Hosea Sanders, ABC-7!

cover pictorial for the magazine's winter equality issue with four other Playmates (photos on Insta here) and the press has been unbelievable: Forbes, Inside Edition, twice in the Daily Mail , The JAM TV show, Huffington Post, and more (did Fox this week!). I so appreciated the incredible segments produced by friends Hosea Sanders (see WLS-TV 7 segment

Facetune_914-01-2020-17-09-23

With Sylvia Perez, Fox 32 Chicago!

here) and Sylvia Perez (see Fox 32 Chicago segment here)….these really blew me away. I think in this era of the #METOO movement, women are feeling empowered like never before. I've received so many congratulatory messages, MOST from WOMEN! I'm happy to be sort of a poster "child" for my generation. It's proof positive that life doesn't end at 30, even in the world of Playboy, my family for going on 40 years now! Here's to aging like fine wine….it's the best revenge. 🙂

_______________________________________________________________________

Co-Chairs Hanna Oimoen and Sam Harmelech

Co-chairs Hanna Oimoen and Sam Harmelech.

The Associate Board of the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation hosted its 11th annual EISENOPOLY at Revel Fulton Market on January 31. The event raised over $215,000 for gastrointestinal cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie

Abby Rice  Zoe Spector  Sabrina Kelch  Hanna Oimoen

Abby Rice, Zoe Spector, Sabrina Kelch and Hanna Oimoen.

Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. The funding supports the GI Cancer Tissue Bank and the $1.5 million dollar commitment to the Harold E. Eisenberg GI Cancer OncoSET program, an initiative to deliver personalized, effective cancer treatments to patients who

Ashley Alex Olivia 2

Alex Sabbag (center) with Ashley and Alex.

currently have very limited options. To date, the organization has invested more than $3 million in critical gastrointestinal cancer research and patient

Big room shot

It's always a packed house for this fun event!

care programs. The event drew a crowd of over 550 who faced off in speed rounds of the monopoly-themed board game. Live music by Gold Coast All Stars, dancing and food served by some of Chicago’s most notable chefs made the night one to remember. Participating

Hanna Oimoen  Katie Wales  Peter and Amy Eisenberg with their two daughters  Emma and Julia Eisenberg

Hanna Oimoen, Katie Wales, Peter and Amy Eisenberg with their two daughters Emma and Julia Eisenberg.

restaurants included Cafe Robey, Capital Grille, Gene & Georgetti, Orso’s, Perilla, Pollo Campero, Taco Lulu, Wow Bao and more. A pop-up station of Koval Distillery complemented the bar and a decadent

Roi and Lesley Kiferbaum with Jennifer Scher and Michael Jacobson

Roi and Lesley Kiferbaum with Jennifer Scher and Michael Jacobson.

dessert station featured cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B’s as well as Eli’s Cheesecake bites. After game-play, guests enjoyed late night eats courtesy of Bar Siena pizza. To complement the lively Eisenopoly game-play, Game 3(1)guests were invited to try their luck in the Cash Cube. The top three players that left with the most money were given the opportunity to select from the top three grand prizes, which included a $4,000 diamond ring, signed jersey by former Chicago Bear Dick Butkus and the brand new Apple AirPods Pro earbuds. What’s more, one lucky guest walked away with a diamond cocktail ring valued at $5,000 courtesy of Mon Ami Jewelry at the “Bubbles and Bling” station. 

________________________________________________________________________

CYSO students sharing a laugh before the performance  - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

CYSO students during gala.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ (CYSO) gala, “An American in Paris,” was held at the Four Seasons on Saturday, February 8. The event raised more than $480,000 to support world-class music education for

_Note of Excellence_ Honoree and DCASE Commissioner Mark Kelly  - Photo Credit Kyle Flubac

Note of Excellence honoree and DCASE Commissioner, Mark Kelly.

young musicians throughout the Chicago region and included dinner, a live auction and a grand performance by CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra, a 130-member ensemble made up of some of the most

Co-Chair Brittany Viola and Co-Chair Kelly Howe on stage - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Co-chairs Brittany Viola and Kelly Howe.

talented and dedicated young musicians from across the Midwest. This year, CYSO presented Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and

Jerome & Daisy Fifer with CYSO student Brandon Cheng - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Jerome and Daisy Fifer with CYSO student Brandon Cheng.

longtime supporter of youth education and the arts, with the “Note of Excellence” award. Lourdes Duarte, WGN anchor and longtime CYSO supporter,

Jazz Orchestra Isabella Isherwood on vocals  - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Jazz Orchestra Isabella Isherwood on vocals.

emceed the evening. As the CYSO's signature fundraiser, the gala helps Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras continue educating and inspiring more than 8,500 of Chicago’s next generation of leaders. Last year’s gala “Chicago Soul” was another success, raising more than $415,000 for CYSO’s

Emcee and WGN Anchor Lourdes Duarte 2 - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Emcee and WGN Anchor Lourdes Duarte.

music training, education, and community engagement programs. Festivities for the evening included a reception with performances by members of

The CYSO Steel Orchestra - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

CYSO Steel Orchestra.

CYSO’s Jazz Orchestra, Kaiso Steel Orchestra and Preparatory Strings. During dinner, music director Allen Tinkham led CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Gershwin’s classic “An American in Paris.” Guests participated in a spirited live auction featuring a week-long vacation home in the south of France and a stay at the Rosewood in the Bahamas, among other packages. The event was co-chaired by Kelly and Dennis Howe

Standing ovation after CYSO performance - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

A standing ovation following the thrilling performance!

and Brittany Viola and Justin Bernbrock. Kelly Howe, a parent to two young CYSO musicians, said, “This year’s gala was our biggest success yet. As a CYSO parent, I’m so proud of what we accomplished. It was

an honor to chair an event for a program that brings such positivity to the youth of Chicago." Since 1946, CYSO has provided high-caliber music education

CYSO Conductor Allen Tinkham 3 - Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Fabulous CYSO conductor Allen Tinkham.

through orchestral programs and performance opportunities. Their nine on-site ensembles include full, string, jazz, and steelpan orchestras and chamber music, serving over 650 on-site students. The nonprofit organization also reaches thousands of young Chicagoans through community engagement programs that offer unique music opportunities and experiences to Chicago youth and families. (Photos by Kyle Flubacker)

_______________________________________________________________________

Emerge!FashionShow-FernMallis-acceptingFashionInnovatorAward

Fern Mallis, the Godmother of Fashion, receives the Innovator Award from event creator Dionne Williams at the NYC Emerge! Fashion Show.

I'm just so proud of my friend Dionne Williams, D. Williams Public Relations Group, on hosting/creating her 9th Emerge! Fashion Show on February 11, during

Emerge!FashionShow-Nyonuvi

Colorful look by designer Nyonuvi.

New York Fashion Week. The leading emerging designer runway show, established to provide a platform for designers, came back in full force with a collaboration with London-based organization Wearable Art Collective, which curated a collective of dynamic designers from Africa who debuted their designs in the United States for the first time. EMERGE! A Fashion Runway Show is a catalyst for providing a platform and a strong backdrop for emerging designers. The Wearable Art Collective’s mission is to promote,

Emerge!FashionShow-VanVorsh

Elegant design by Van Vorsh.

strengthen and empower African designers and artisans. It strives to serve as good global citizens and provide a

Emerge!FashionShow-YetroselaneCouture

Yetroselane Couture!

foundation to African designers, empowering them, giving exposure and resources.“I am truly delighted that the Wearable Art Collective designers were highlighted during the Emerge! Fashion show,” says Lola Owolabi, curator for Wearable Art Collective. “The designers worked very hard on their collections and we are asking for major support of them.” Each season, EMERGE! presents the coveted Fashion Innovator Award. Past honorees have included Audrey Smaltz, president of the Ground Crew (presented to her by Harriette Cole); Constance C.R. White, Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine (presented to

Emerge!FashionShow-Catou

Designer Catou brought the drama.

her by Tracy Reese); Andre Leon Talley, contributing editor of Vogue (presented to him by Diane Von Furstenberg); fashion icon Mikki Taylor (presented to her by style expert Philip Bloch) and legendary model Patricia Cleveland

Cameron Williams--IMG_5752

My favorite model? Cameron Williams. 🙂

(presented to her by legendary fashion designer, Stephen Burrows). This season the Fashion Innovator award honoree was Fern Mallis, hailed as the award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week. The Award was presented to her by designer Bibu Mohapatra. The designers showcased during Emerge! Fashion show this year included VanVorsh (bespoke women’s wear); Jesu Segun (hand-crafted luxury shoes); Clarence Clottey (menswear); Muggs Jewellery (Men & Women jewelry);  Senyo Foli (Men’s Wear); Yetroselane Couture (Women’s Wear); Nyonuvi (women’s wear); Wearable Art Collective (women’s accessories) – special guest designer: Catou Designs (men & women’s wear).

________________________________________________________________________

Jurassic Quest March 6-8If you're a geek about dinosaurs like me, then you won't want to miss Jurassic Quest, the largest, most realistic exhibition of these prehistoric creatures in North America. The exhibit comes to Navy Pier March 6-8 and will feature 100, true to life-sized dinosaur replicas from the very small, to the gigantic, to those found under the

Megalodon Monday

Megalodon!

sea. Jurassic Quest worked in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail. 5b7857f679aa60c8dcfb05c2_FT-18babyGuests will have the chance to learn all things paleontology at the excavation station, where they can dig up fossils and by visiting the dinosaur museum to see real dinosaur fossils dating back over 60 million years, including bones that originated in North America. There will be countless Jurassic-questactivities throughout the event that suit all ages, including a host of dinosaur themed rides, baby dinosaur shows, walking dinosaur shows, dinosaur themed bounce houses, science stations and a dino cinema! There will also be face painting, crafts and coloring stations and much more. Whether you are big or small, young or old, guests of Jurassic Quest have a dino-mite time! For tickets/more info, click here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Joffrey GalaThe Joffrey Ballet will host its annual Spring Gala on Friday, April 17 at the Old Post Office. A pre-gala performance will take place at the Auditorium Theatre before the festivities (dinner, dancing and more) begin. Co-chaired by April Daley and Miguel Blanco, Greg Jenkins, DL and Jazelle Morriss, Eric Schieber and

CaveFaust_Whitten-Sabbatini

Nick Cave and Bob Faust are the honorees for the Chicago Artists Coalition's "Work in Progress" event on April 2.

Tony Priore and Dr. Lauren Streicher and Jason Brett, the event is themed "Center Stage" and the attire is "festive and fabulous"! For tickets, more info, click here!

The Chicago Artists Coalition will celebrate 45 years at its annual benefit, "Work in Progress," on Thursday, April 2 at the Knoll Showroom at 811 W. Fulton Market. The 2020 honorees will be Nick Cave and Bob Faust with special recognition given to Jeff Shapack. The event will be co-chaired by Maggie and Michael Meiners and Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson. For tickets/more info, click here!  

BESTBESTFacetune_26-02-2020-19-13-29

Excited to wear this Mark Roscoe design in the Glitz & Glamour fashion show to benefit A Silver Lining Foundation (Photo by Ernest Collins).

I'm so excited about the upcoming Glitz & Glamour fashion show benefiting A Silver Lining Foundation which will be held at the Peninsula on March 4. Sadly, for those without tickets, the event is a sellout, but watch for blog coverage IMG_3857following….it will be an EPIC event to help provide free breast health testing and support for those in need. (To learn more about this worthy nonprofit, please click here!) (I'm thrilled to be wearing a design by the much loved and very talented Mark Roscoe!)

The Women's Board and the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society will host "Rain Whirl Invitation-page-001Forests of the Whirl," to support the Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 25. The black tie event will be presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry and held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago (the first time the gala is held off zoo grounds). For tickets, more info, click here!

Arlen and Elaine Cohen Rubin

Arlen and Elaine Cohen Rubin will be honored at Porchlight Theatre's ICONS Gala on March 23.

Porchlight Music Theatre will honor Arlen D. Rubin and Elaine Cohen Rubin with Luminary Awards at its 25th anniversary ICONS Gala on Monday, March 23 at the Ritz-Carlton. They will join legendary entertainer/actor Joel Grey, who will also be receiving an ICON Award that evening. The event will be co-chaired by Rick and Deann Bayless and Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra! For tickets/ more info, click here!

Congrats to Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation on its thrilling "Boots & Bling" Bear Tie Ball! Co-chairs Alayna and D.C. Crenshaw did a great job, helping to raise over $450,000! Be sure to check out my Chicago Tribune column here for all of the exciting deets!

________________________________________________________________________

SM - CHI CTO_FullCommon Threads will be returning to Chicago to celebrate its 15th anniversary of helping under-resourced children and families learn about cooking and

Chefs

Participating chefs, to date.

nutrition with an exciting Chefs Takeover! Join us on Monday, March 16 at Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th Street) when dozens of top chef from across the country will be on hand sharing their most delicious dishes! Participating chefs will include Stephanie Izard, Tony Priolo, Giuseppe

Host Committee

STELLAR Host Committee–THANK YOU!

Tentori, Robert Garvey, Govind Armstrong, Malika Ameen, Jimmy Bannos Jr. & Sr., Kevin Hickey, Gale Gand, Paul Kahan, Jaime Laurita, Diana Moles, Jose Sosa and so many more! There will be a pop-up performance by The Happiness Club Kids and what party would be complete without a custom, congratulatory Eli's Cheesecake?!? Thanks to our stellar host committee (see list on left) for helping make this an event attendees won't soon forget! Don't miss this joyful night that will also celebrate Chef Art Smith's 60th birthday! Click here for tickets and all the deets!

_______________________________________________________________________

Franchise Journal - Rhonda SandersonStory"The Queen of Franchise PR"! Congrats to my friend Rhonda Sanderson on her recent cover feature in the Franchise Journal. Link to story, on page 28, here. (Sketch by Rosemary Fanti) #WINNING

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMGThe Chicago Flower And Garden Show returns with a "Focus on Flowers" beginning Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Experience an early spring through 20+ gardens and enjoy seminars, a butterfly experience, workshops, tablescapes and more. And, for the first time at the show, the American Quilter's Society will showcase 75 beautiful quilts! Ahhhh, I can smell the flowers! (For tickets/more info, click here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Hot on the fashion scene, a new model is challenging the norms of beauty. Sophia Hadjipanteli, 22, was born and raised in Cyprus and is responsible for leading the charge in the "unibrow movement." She says she lets her jet black unibrow grow freely out of a sense of pride for her culture. Now ya know…..Yes? No? Maybe?

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_3220I think I can see an end in sight for our Chicago winter….there seems to be more sunnier days and the birds around our apartment are becoming more active–all positive signs. HOWEVER, until the weather truly warms up (for longer than a day or two), THE CHRISTMAS TREE STAYS!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

 

P.S. Nothing like getting a jump, pun intended, on your passion early! Wowza!

Leave a comment

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

CHICAGO FLOWER & GARDEN SHOW: A HAPPY HARBINGER OF SPRING

Plus former President Clinton keynotes Illinois Holocaust Museum benefit; Giordano Legacy Ball honors Liz and Matt; Glitz & Glamour; A real life love story; The Main Event; Chicago Light's Gala of Hope; Award-winning Kitchen Chat TV; MoCP's DARKROOM; ULBGC'S Youth of the Year Dinner; Susan is Animaltarian of the Year; Outstanding Woman Award for Carol; FashionBar Chicago's Identity; Lisa's new gig; Chicago House's Rhapsody on the Runway; SOS Children's Villages benefit; RMHC Gala 2019; Emma loves DOGS; Videos and SO much more!

_______________________________________________________________________

Tony and Sam Griffith

Show director Tony Abruscato with Sam Griffith.

The Flower & Garden Show ended yesterday and I hope you had a chance to see it! A true first look at Spring, the event debuted with "Evening in Bloom," its exciting opening night party that was a welcome introduction to

The Flora Culturist

Design by The Flora Culturist.

warmer weather and the promise of flowers and sunshine! The event attracted over 650 guests to Navy Pier on March 19 where they enjoyed stunning garden vignettes, delicious chef presentations and a unique fashion show, Hort Couture. Themed "Flower Tales: The Story Grows On", the event offered visitors a wide range of experiences, from the unique table presentations at Debi Lilly's DL Party Lab PopUp to various nonprofit displays that included an edible garden exhibit made of sweets created by the kids from After School Matters.

Hedonia Flowers

Hedonia Flowers desgin surrounded by admirers.

During the 30 minute fashion show, outfits created entirely from flowers and plant materials were presented by local designers that included Honey Street Flowers, Hedonia Flowers, The Flower Witch, Zins Flower

3-19-19@Mila_Samokhina (344)

Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event.

Shop, The Flora Culturist, Plump Chicago Floral and Events, St. Frimpong, Onyx Engobor, A Special Touch, Relics Vintage Rentals, Stodola Flowers and Decor, Soule Garden and Styled-It/Bayerly Breathing. (See finale here!) Congrats to Tony Abruscato (show director) and all involved! Honored to emcee this always exciting event! (Check Chicago Tribune here for expanded coverage and more great photos!) (Event photos by Mila Samokhina)

 

_______________________________________________________________________________

20190313-IHM-0558

Former President Bill Clinton keynoted the Holocaust Museum & Education Center Humanitarian Awards dinner.

It was a jam-packed crowd of over 2000 for the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's Humanitarian Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency on March 31. To say it was an inspiring night is a gross understatement. Former President Bill Clinton was on hand to celebrate the Center's anniversary (he was on hand to open it 10 years ago too) and to honor Holocaust survivors (over 200 were in the audience). The Chicago Sinfionetta Project Inclusion Quartet set the tone for the evening playing soulful

20190313-IHM-0611

Governor J.B. Pritzker conducted convo with Clinton.

melodies from the film "Schindler's List" as names and images of survivors scrolled across two oversized video screens. The Chicago Children's Choir lent their voices to the evening too singing special renditions of "One Day" (by Matisyahu) and "Hallelujah"

20190313-IHM-0720

Clinton with Humanitarian Award recipient John Ettelson, CEO William Blair.

(by Leonard Cohen). The highlight of the evening, for me, was the speech delivered by Fritzie Fritzshall (Museum president and Holocaust survivor). Fritzie had spent two years at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp where her mother, two younger brothers and other family members were gassed. (To see this powerful video, click here) Fritzie shared her fears about anti-semitism and the sad fact that

20190313-IHM-0491

Emcee Bill Kurtis with Museum president Fritzie Fritzshall.

it's still with us today. She urged the audience to "look our for your neighbors, speak out and never forget the Holocaust." John Ettelson, CEO William Blair, was the recipient of the Humanitarian Award. He spoke about the

ONLINE- #416--Susan Abrams-Museum CEO--Mariah Smith photo

Susan Abrams–Museum CEO.

Museum's mission to "remember the past and transform the future." Philanthropist Lester Crown introduced Governor J.B. Pritzker who conducted the conversation with Clinton. Their 30 minute convo touched on who helped shape Clinton's life (his maternal grandfather who taught him about civil rights); his greatest accomplishment while in office ("inclusive prosperity"); his biggest regret (not doing more to intervene in the Rwandan genocide) and his biggest fear for our country (cyber security). (To read/see more, check the Chicago Tribune here). (Photos by Mariah Smith)

_______________________________________________________________________________

IMG_1485

Giordano Dance Chicago performs at 2nd Legacy Ball.

Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago on its 2nd annual Legacy Ball! Over 300 supporters enjoyed an evening of surprising dance performances, fun and delicious food, a live auction and a special tribute to two longtime supporters, Liz and Matt Connelly. The dance party on steroids was held at the Ravenswood Event Center, which surprisingly is one of the few venues I

20190309_CT_Candace216

Martin Ortiz, Dina Gallay and Sandy Golub.

hadn't been to before. I loved it! Vintage cars and neon signs from the Hayes Collection lined the walls and circled the floor in this huge space allowing guests a walk down memory lane while they enjoyed the party. Buffets were lavish,

20190309_CT_Candace059

Honorees Liz and Matt Connelly with artistic director Nan Giordano and her son Keenan Casey.

tasty and catered by REC to perfection. The Giordano Dancers thrilled the crowd at every turn performing favorite high-energy numbers throughout the night. Executive director Michael McStraw and artistic director Nan Giordano welcomed the crowd with Nan introducing her friends, the Connellys. A short video surprised the honorees with a special performance dedication. Choreographer Marinda Davis dedicated her

#006--Natasha Overturff  Zachary Heller  Meaghan McHale  Ari Israel and Adam Houston.

Natasha Overturf, Zachary Heller, Meaghan McHale, Ari Israel and Adam Houston.

world premiere of "Flickers" to the happy and deserving pair. The evening concluded with a performance of "SOUL", choreographed by Ray Leeper, followed by a live auction conducted by Nick Coombs of Leslie Hindman Auctioneers. A highlight of the auction was a chance to star in a production number with the dancers that was won by board member Chris D'hondt for $7,000. Congrats to ALL! (To see/read fuller coverage, check Chicago Tribune here!)

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Sandy Goldberg and Gregory Hines

Gregory Hines and A Silver Lining founder Dr. Sandy Goldberg.

A Silver Lining Foundation hosted its annual "Glitz & Glamour" fashion 52682008_2200609983295118_1810665225951641600_n show and luncheon on March 14 before a sellout crowd at the Peninsula Chicago. The event supported the nonprofit's mission to provide respectful and equal access to cost-free breast health testing through a network of partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations. Founder Dr. Sandy Goldberg's long time vision is to ensure that socioeconomic status doesn't affect an individual's ability to obtain timely breast health testing. The event featured a fashion show produced by ZZAZZ Productions with participating local designers and models bedecked in jewels from A. Marek Fine Jewelry. Designers included Mark Roscoe, Leandro Mulet,

53752715_2200609993295117_1195516701031006208_n

Yvette Klobuchar, ZZAZZ Productions' Tracey Tarantino and designer Mira Horoszowski.

Elda de la Rosa, Ricorso, Tamra Ellingson, Mira Couture, Sylwia Designs and Contessa Bottega. Emcees were Micah Materre and Paul Lisnek with Dr. Sandy serving as the inspiring guest speaker. The evening concluded with a powerful performance by Opal Staples. For more info on this worthy cause, please click here.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

IMG_0003

Newly engaged lovebirds Kathleen Henson (wearing Escada) and Chris Sarpy.

It was a lovely affair as more than 120 VIPs raised a glass and toasted the whirlwind romance of local PR maven and CEO of Agency H5, Kathleen Henson, and Chris Sarpy, a health-tech sales executive and recent transplant from Dallas at the elegant DL Loft. Guests gathered in the stylish studio space of celeb event planner Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event, who curated an elegant evening of light bites, Champagne

54525564_10157046101109144_5048495574093922304_n

Elegant party venue–DL Loft at 3050 N. Lincoln Ave.

and (the couple’s favorite) particularly potent old fashioneds. When they weren’t congratulating the happy couple, guests snapped photos in front of a floor-to-ceiling white rose flower wall or next to the fireplace, which had been stuffed with white and gold balloons. Henson’s close friends Dorri McWhorter (CEO of the YWCA), Courtney Wright (CEO of Gemini Builds It) Ellie Forman (VP of Community Relations of Mesirow Financial) and Heidy Best (renowned stylist) took the mic to deliver heartfelt (and occasionally tearful)

#2--Debi Lilly  Heidi Best and Whitney Reynolds

Debi Lilly, Heidi Best and Whitney Reynolds.

toasts to the betrothed. Henson and Sarpy’s love story is one for the books. The two met in Summer 2018 and quickly hit it off. A dinner in Chicago led to an unusual second date: A weekend getaway in Paris. From there it was time to introduce the families: her five kids (aged 10 thru 19) and his one son, 12. A family vacation to Mexico and countless

IMG_0070

Kathleen, Chris and friends.

trips back and forth between Chicago and Dallas later, the pair knew it was real love. They got engaged at the very place they first serendipitously met through a mutual contact when Sarpy dropped to a knee at local hotspot Prime & Provision. The two plan to tie the knot in summer 2019.  Guests included Bela Gandhi and husband, Andrew Annacone, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Susanna Homan, Noren

Ungaretti, Rochelle Trotter, Zak Stemer, Whitney Reynolds and husband, David Heiner, Jaime Laurita and husband, Rich Lane, Abigail Zoe Martin and husband, Leo Anguiano, Amy Dordeck and husband, Steve Dolinsky, Jamie-Claire Flaherty, among others. Here's to a lifetime of happiness!!!  

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

John  Stacie Ryan (Villa Park)

John and Stacie Ryan.

The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago hosted its 4th annual Patrick J. Ryan Main Event at Drury Lane in Oak Brook Terrace. The ballroom was turned into a boxing ring with a mini-casino for more than 800 guests. Proceeds from this February 1st event directly benefited the Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program created for children and youth who have endured the loss of

Amee Kuehlem (Aurora)  Dali Monrejon (Aurora)

Amee Kuehlem and Dali Monrejon.

a loved one to suicide. LOSS provides its members with education, therapy, group support and hope for the future.The event was established by former

IMG_0850

Patrick J. Ryan Main Event

Attorney General of Illinois Jim Ryan and his wife Marie and their family, after the loss of their son, Patrick J. Ryan, to suicide. Jim and Marie Ryan also served as co-chairs for the event again. Boxing has been a family tradition for the Ryans, starting with Jim Ryan Sr., who won the Middle Weight Golden Glove Championship in 1964. His sons, John (Chief of Staff at Catholic Charities), Jimmy and Matt Ryan, all grew up boxing. The program provides individual, family and group counseling for children and youth, as well as consultation for caregivers and key family members and, since 2010, has supported nearly 300 children. (Photos by John Reilly Photography)

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2019 Gala of Hope - mark campbell photography-32_Brian Van Klompenberg and Jen Kurth Van Klompenberg

Event co-chairs Brian and Jen Kurth Van Klompenberg.

The Chicago Lights Gala of Hope raised over $700,000 for youth development and social services on March 1 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. Led by co-chairs Brian Van Klompenberg and Jen Kurth

2019 Gala of Hope - mark campbell photography-14_Stacy Jackson_Katy Frey Bever

Stacy Jackson, Chicago Lights exec. dir. and Katy Frey Bever.

Van Klompenberg, the gala brought together 500 guests for a night of philanthropy and fun. Stacy Jackson, executive director for Chicago Lights, said, "We believe that every child deserves quality educational opportunities and access to arts learning and that all young people deserve a path to a good job and satisfying career. We believe that adults who have found themselves in the midst of hard times deserve to be treated with dignity as they rebuild their lives." Attendees enjoyed an elegantly-decorated space courtesy of Revel Décor, a seated dinner, a live auction 2019 Gala of Hope - mark campbell photography-96conducted by Ron Magers (for the 14th year in a row!) and dancing to the fabulous Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra (for the 15th year in a row!) The event supports the life-changing youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights, a  nonprofit at Fourth Presbyterian Church, that has served over 50,000 people since the inception of its first program and annually serves over 4,000 children, youth, and adults in the city. A portion of the proceeds also benefit the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being at Fourth Presbyterian Church.

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_1604

Appearing on Kitchen Chat TV with hosts Margaret McSweeney and celeb Chef Jaime Laurita.

What a thrill appearing on the award-winning Kitchen Chat TV show hosted by Margaret McSweeney with celebrity Chef Jaime Laurita! The show was filmed in the elegant Viking Showroom at the Merchandise Mart, which was designed by Laurita as well as other locations across the country. Jaime serves as a brand ambassador and they are very lucky to have this one man dynamo–he does it all from cooking to designing to hosting his own show on TLC, "Make This Place Your Home." I had a blast chatting about my

IMG_1561

Best fried chicken recipe from Mama Mary Johnson coming soon!

passions and projects but, the most fun, was cooking with JAIME, who has worked for top stars including Madonna,

IMG_0099

Exquisite Viking Showroom designed by brand ambassador/designer/chef/ TV host Jaime Laurita.

Sting, Aerosmith, the Rolling Stones, Prince, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and many more. He's an author, graduate of the Culinary Institute of America and has his own Italian food and wine lines. Whew! Anyway, of course I was nervous, but Jaime can make a cat in a room full of rocking chairs feel calm. I'm definitely not a "cook" but I do love to cook and my fallbacks are always things I learned in the kitchen with my Mama Mary Johnson, who was like a second mother to me. She was born in 1903 in Tupelo, Mississippi and taught me all about authentic Southern cooking–dishes that included Navy beans and cornbread, greens, black-eyed peas, fried green tomatoes, fried chicken and so IMG_1368 much more. On this day, I even brought her Griswold cast iron skillet from the 1930s as a good luck charm and it worked! My chicken turned out fantastic! It's a simple recipe that I will share when I receive the show video but, suffice it to say, Jaime "Jaime-ized" it to make it even more delectable and I can't wait for you to see it! On another fun note, the show just won TWO Taste Awards recently in Beverly Hills!

 

________________________________________________________________________

(From left) Larry Snider  Lalla Essaydi  Karen Irvine

Larry Snider, award-winning artist Lalla Essaydi and MoCP chief curator/deputy director Karen Irvine.

The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago (MoCP) hosted DARKROOM, its annual benefit auction on February 28 at Venue SIX10. The event brought in over $230,000 to support the museum's exhibitions, collections and community engagement initiatives. Highlights of the night included a conversation

(from left) Natasha Egan  Dawoud Bey  Catherine Edelman

Natasha Egan, Dawoud Bey and Catherine Edelman.

between MoCP chief curator and deputy director Karen Irvine and artist Lalla Essaydi about her photographic contributions. A ceremony honored Essaydi with the Silver Camera Award, followed by a rousing Raise the Paddle, that brought in over $20,000 to support MoCP education

Krisitn Taylor  Marisa Murillo  Michal Raz-Russo

Kristin Taylor, Marisa Murillo and Michal Raz-Russo.

initiatives, including expanded teen programs and a bus subsidy program aimed at bringing more Chicago Public School students to the museum from underserved communities. Co-chaired by Ted Keim and Marisa Murillo, with honorary co-chairs Bill and Vicki Hood, DARKROOM 2019 hosted over 300 guests, who enjoyed a celebration of photography while supporting the Museum of Contemporary Photography, the only museum of its kind in the region. The Museum at Columbia College is the world’s premier college art museum dedicated to photography. As an international hub, the MoCP generates ideas and provokes dialogue among students, artists and diverse communities through groundbreaking exhibitions and programming.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Event chair Stacy Fleming  Finalist Kristian  ULBGC Board Chair Craig Labus (Park Ridge)

Event chair Stacy Fleming, finalist Kristian, ULBGC board chair Craig Labus.

More than 200 guests joined the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs for their annual Youth of the Year Dinner, sponsored by Disney and Toyota,  held at the Union League Club of Chicago on February 28. The exciting Clemente Drumline kicked off the evening's festivities that included a program celebrating youth who have overcome enormous odds and

YOY Winner Ruben Plaza  YOY Jr Winner Jazmine Toudle

YOY winner Ruben and YOY Jr. winner Jazmine!

demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. Beginning at the club-level and continuing through the state and regional competitions, BGC members compete for Youth of the Year honors. The five regional winners will meet in our nation’s capital in

Room Shot

Beautiful ballroom at the Union League Club.

September where they will compete for the National Youth of the Year title. This year was extra special because 2019 is the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs BIG 100th anniversary of serving Chicago youth! Winners this year included Ruben, a 17 year-old Barreto Club member, won the ULBGC Youth of the Year and Jazmine, a 13 years-old Wentworth Club member, won the Junior honor. Ruben will represent ULBGC at the state competition. (The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs is a separate organization from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago. Both are chartered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.) (Francis Son photography)

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Susan Gohl--Animaltarian Award from Humane Society  2019 Naples Yacht Club.

Susan Gohl–Animaltarian 2019

Congrats to much loved philanthropist Susan Gohl on yet another honor! The Humane Society of Naples honored her with its Animaltarian Award (isn't that adorable?!) for her support of animals in need at the Naples Yacht Club. Susan, you're a wonder! Thanks for all you do for so many! She will also be honored at the Service Club of Chicago's annual Hat Luncheon, this year themed "A Royal Garden Party" on Friday, May 17 at the Drake. More details here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Fb3-14-19 (169)c@Mila  Samokhina

Honoree Carol DiFrisco with Honorable Dorothy Brown.

Congrats are also in order for Carol DiFrisco who recently received the Outstanding Woman Award at the Daley Center on March 14. In honor of Women's History Month, Carol was presented with the award in honor of her excellence in music and the arts by the Honorable Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Other proud honorees were Regina Taylor, Jackie Taylor, Marti Lyons, Yasuko Oura, Sureya Perez, Myrna Salazar, Kim Stratton and Jimalita Tillman.

_______________________________________________________

FashionBar Chicago will present "Identity," a series of 5 fashion shows FashionWeekCalendar_revisedFinalUpdate and a marketplace, beginning March 31 thru April 7 at Water Tower Place. The Trans Media Fashion show will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Howard Brown Health center and its VOICES program. (For tickets/more info, click here: http://bit.ly/2HnIbsT)

_______________________________________________________________________

CASLCongrats to the Chinese American Service League on its 40th anniversary of devoted service to its community! Join them at their annual gala on May 9 at Morgan Manufacturing! Tickets/details here!

 

 

 


________________________________________________________________________

Join Orphans of the Storm Animal Shelter at its annual fundraiser "Wags and Whiskers" on April 9 at Ravinia Green Country Club. The Orphans of Storm April 9 nonprofit will celebrate 91 years of serving Lake County! This event is always a fun night of cocktails, dinner and an amazing silent auction all to fund its mission to shelter orphaned dogs and cats, provide the best care possible and place them into loving, forever homes. Individual tickets are $250 (Sponsorships available). Call the shelter directly to purchase tickets at 847-945-0235.

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________

IMG_7894

WBBM NewsRadio's Lisa Fielding!

Huge congrats to the much loved Lisa Fielding! We will be hearing her beautiful voice as the new co-anchor (opposite Keith Johnson) on WBBM Newsradio weekdays from 3-6 pm! So happy we'll be hearing more from her. Woot! Woot!

 

 

 

_______________________________________________________________________

Rhapsody on the Runway

Rhapsody on the Runway fashion show/fundraiser.

Chicago House and Social Service Agency will host Rhapsody on the Runway, a fashion show supporting the agency's efforts to help people living with HIV/AIDS by providing housing and support services. The event will take place on Sunday, May 5, at the Harold Washington Library. For tickets/more info, click HERE: http://bit.ly/2YbzJSH

________________________________________________________________________

SOS Children's Villages May 1So excited and honored to be a "Luminary" and brand ambassador for this year's "Dining & Conversation," the May 1 signature fundraiser for SOS Children's Villages Illinois, a nonprofit that provides foster care for at-risk youth. Other "luminaries" will include actors Christian Bale and David Raisingsuperheroes-blogEigenberg , Leslie Hindman, authors Gillian Flynn and Scott F. Turow, Lou Canellis and Star Jones, among others! Celebrity chefs will include Tony Priolo, Ryan Pitts, George Jewell, Dan McGee, Kevin Cuddihee and Graham Crowe, among others. For tickets/more info, click here) #raisingsuperheroes

_______________________________________________________________________

IMG_0001Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana will host its annual gala on Saturday, April 27, at the Geraghty! The event will support local RMHC Houses and their wonderful efforts to keep families of critical ill children close. For tickets, more info, click here!

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

9Little Emma Mertens is a 7-year-old Wisconsin girl who is terminally ill. All she's asking for is letters from dogs! Rooney has already sent his to: Emma Mertens, P.O. Box 230, Hartland, WI  53029. Hope your dog will do the same! Arf! Arf! #EmmaLovesDogs

_______________________________________________________________________

RSM-March 30-31Don't miss the next Randolph Street Market coming March 30/31! This always delightful adventure in vintage features over 125 vendors offering everything from antiques to fashion to unique accessories and so much more! The RSM is the largest market of its kind in the Midwest. The Indie Designers market boutiques offer unique Chicago-designed fashion direct from local designers. Art, jewelry and decor made by local crafters are also popular at the market. Hope to see YOU there! For tickets, more info, click here!

 

____________________________________________________________________

Celebrating 50 years of PRIDE, Chicago will host the first-ever "Pride in the Park", on June Pride in the Park-June 29-2019 29 in Grant Park, the event will feature live musical performances by international and local talent, fireworks and more! Get more exciting deets here!

_______________________________________________________________________

Spring has sprung after, what seemed to be, a verrrrrry long winter! I hope you've packed Best-Funny-Quotes-It39s-Spring your heavy coats and boots away and are getting ready for some much needed warmer weather! Here's to an exciting spring in Chicago!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Baby elephant discovers his trunk….so adorable! (To find out how you can help save these noble creatures, click here.)

 

 

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Uncategorized