Plus: Norma zooms into the Chicago Costume Council funder; Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Humanitarian Awards; Girls in the Game's (virtual) Field of Dreams Gala; Chicago Star lights up the Windy City; Steak 48 teams up with Common Threads; The Landan Twins want to help; Richardson Adventure Farm's first ever TULIP FESTIVAL!; Dining in the Dark, a new pop-up culinary experience; Cindy McCain keynotes Rush Woman's Board Luncheon; Back to the movies (what's open NOW?); Jurassic Quest is BAAACCKKK!; The Pendry Chicago set to open mid-May; PAWS Chicago's High Rollers Bingo; The Service Club is "Desperately Seeking Fashion"; ULBGC Ring Lardner Awards; "The Happy Magic Chair" makes its debut; Bear Tie Ball "Untied"; Ingalls' Fashion Reveal; Event updates; Randolph Street Market premieres in Three Oaks!; Memories of Hef on his 95th heavenly birthday; Fun videos and SOOO much more!
$49 per vehicle (8 people or less) and available at www.jurassicquest.com. An audio tour comes standard with every purchase (choose from two; special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired) as well as a safari-style digital souvenir photo of your vehicle and family transported back in time via a Jurassic setting. Special souvenir packages and other add-ons can be purchased at check out. (The attraction follows all Covid-19 protocols. Police, military, medical personnel and first responders receive 10% off ticket prices with valid ID.) (We went last year and loved it although the car lines were very long!)
PAWS Chicago will host High Rollers Bingo on Wednesday, April 28, 6 pm. Join them for 3
PAWS Chicago's virtual bingo fundraiser.
rounds of virtual bingo emceed by board member Fred from The Fred Show on 103.5 KISS FM. $20 for one card or $50 for three cards.
And a brand new event for PAWS Chicago, Fore PAWS: A Golf Outing Benefiting PAWS Chicago will take place on Monday, June 14 at Westmoreland Country Club. For info, click here!
Eversight's Gift of Sight Masquerade returns Wed., Sept. 8 to the Peninsula.
Eversight Illinois'Gift of Sight Masquerade, themed Fantasea, will be held at the Peninsula Chicago on Wednesday, September 8, honoring community leaders Justine Fedak and Dr. Parag Majmudar. I'm proud to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo for this friend-raiser to help restore sight and prevent blindness. (Click here for info!)
The Service Club of Chicago will host its uber-popular hat luncheon, this year themed "Desperately Seeking Fashion." The event will be held at the Woman's Athletic Club (WAC) on Friday, May 21. To accommodate safety and distancing requirements, there will be 4 separate rooms of 50 people each, with guests sporting their finest millinery for what has become THE Hat Luncheon in Chicago! Co-chaired by Michelle Baker, Cathy Bell Bartholomay and Annette Findling, the hybrid event will be produced by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions). The guest speaker will be Sandy Schreier, the famed fashion curator and historian. For tickets/more info, click here. The SC's next event, Day on the Terrace, will return on Monday, Aug. 2, co-chaired by Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Tracey, whose ZZAZZ Productions will again produce the show. More details coming soon for DOT. (Chicago Star Media will be the proud media sponsor!)
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs will host the Ring Lardner Awards, honoring excellence in sports journalism via zoom on Thursday, April 29, 7 pm. All funds raised will go to ULBG, which has served the after-school development needs
Dan Roan, sports anchor at Nexstar, WGN-9, has been named broadcast recipient of the 2020 Ring Lardner Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism.
of Chicago's youth for over 100 years. Since 2002, the program has honored writers and Chicago sports broadcasters who encapsulate the same "wit and warmth" of Lardner's writing. The Ring Lardner Awards represent journalists in three categories: Broadcast, Print, and Posthumous. This year’s honors include Chicago sports journalists Toni Ginnetti (former Chicago Sun-Times reporter, to be presented by current Sun-Times senior columnist Rick Telander); Dan Roan (current WGN TV sports anchor, presented by former WGN TV sportscaster Rich King); and Cooper Rollow (former Chicago Tribune sports editor, to be presented by former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Mike Conklin).
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
The Ingalls Development Foundation will host "Promise of Hope Fashion Reveal," a virtual fashion show produced by ZZAZZ Productions. The event will take place on Sunday, April 18, 5-7 pm CST, to support its cancer research program. Register for FREE here!
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!)
"Games Galore” for The Chicago Lighthouse's Associate Board! Join them virtually on Wednesday, April 14 for virtual canasta. Purchase raffle tickets to win some great prizes, including a gold and diamond necklace by Dana Rebecca Designs and so much more! (Tickets and all info here.
Friday, April 9 was Hugh Marston Hefner's 95th (heavenly) birthday. The memories I have of Playboy and Hef will last me several lifetimes and beyond. I've been dabbling on a book but who knows what will happen with it. All I know is that I miss him so and am so appreciative of the life he's given me. I wrote a sort of love letter to him here in Chicago Star Media. I hope you like it.
Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
And special thanks to Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, for having me on his "The Real Chat Daddy Show" in honor of Women's History Month. It was a fun, free-wheeling interview with Art and his co-host K. Renee Mason. See segment below, my part comes in at 1:05, but it's all good!
______________________________________________________________________ I couldn't be more excited about the return of my favorite market, Randolph Street Market! Watch for Sally Schwartz' first market foray into Three Oaks, Michigan, on Memorial Day Weekend, May 30 and 31 (Saturday and Sunday). Other dates on the books are June 19,20; July 3,4; August 7, 8; September 4, 5; and October 2,3. I can't wait to attend and love the idea of a little road trip out of the city! Who's with me!? 🙂
Congrats, with love, to author Justine Fedak and her creative partner Chris Walker (Urbanime). Their new
Illustrator Chris Walker, founder of Urbanime.
book, "The Happy Magic Chair" is out now and is a must-have for kids of all ages. It's a story written for children that know they are "magic" and to remind adults OF their magic. The character, Little Pea, beautifully realized by Chris, sometimes feels sad but she doesn't know why. Thanks to the Happy Magic Chair, she realizes that she has everything she needs already inside. (Buy it through publisher Balboa Presshere and on Amazon).
Enjoying Jennifer Sutton Brieva's special birthday at Le Colonial recently.
As you can see, things are heating up around town, especially with the return of many of our beloved nonprofit events! I know many are still virtual or hybrid but at least they're returning and are STILL HERE! This is very good news! And the
La Scarola with Armando, Chuck and Michael Kutza.
same is true for our restaurants, slowly filling with smiling, happy faces. We've visited La Scarola, Gibson's, Le Colonial, RL, Ping Pong, Pizano's, Shaw's Oyster Bar and others, and have been so happy to see them safely filled with new and old customers. A special shout-out again to the Landan Twins for trying to advance restaurants' efforts through their new lending program (see details above).
I hope you are successful with your vaccinations and that you're happy and healthy. Just remember, this too shall pass…..
Plus: PAWS Chicago, down on the farm; Justin, Hailey & Chance hit the town; Adler's Celestial Ball; Chicago Lighthouse's virtual FLAIR fashion show; "Hope in Bloom" for Debi Lilly; Kathy's (FAB) Che Sguardo; Lookingglass Theatre Company's "Chicago Stories"; Porchlight Palooza; European flair for Maple & Ash; Eli's ARK Chicago (a VERY sweet treat!); Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic; Azeeza designs for BEYONCE!; BEST virtual event calendar right HERE!; The Voice's Katie Kadan to star at Holocaust Museum's SOIREE; DINOS in DUPAGE; Welcome Baby Luca; The Joffrey Ballet is "pulling back the curtain"; This & That; Cute videos and SOOO much more!
DOT co-chairs Tracey DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Jamie Thorsen.
There is a very good reason why The Service Club of Chicago has been around since 1890! Their survival instincts have been intact through the 1918 Spanish Flu, the Crash of '29 and two World Wars! This year, in the time of Covid,
SC president Sherrill Bodine (wearing Lauren Lein) and Andrea "Nou Nou" Antoniou, SC Auxiliary Board President, at Marchesa Watch Party.
they proved their mettle once again with a brilliant pivot from their always sold-out "Day on the Terrace" fashion show, held virtually this year on Monday, August 3. The event was co-chaired by SC members Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou, Tracey DiBuono and Jamie Thorsen,
Gibson's Watch Party hostess Sherry Lea Holson (L) and friends.
with DiBuono's ZZAZZ Productions producing the show. The taped, fashion show portion of the event took place socially distanced and masked at The Geraghty (thank you Tom Kehoe, BlackOak Productions and Kehoe Designs) on July 20 with just 28 models. Typically, this popular event is held at the Peninsula with over 75 models on the runway! This year's first look at fall fashion showcased designer looks from alice+olivia, Carlisle,
Tina Weller at her glam-filled Watch Party at her home in Hinsdale.
Contessa Bottega, Cram Fashion (menswear), Elda de la Rosa Couture, Max Mara at Bloomingdale's, Maximilian Furs at Bloomingdale's, Mira Couture, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, St. John Boutique, SYLWIA and Tom James. The live event portion featured
Michelle Baker, Jamie Thorsen, Melissa Babcock wearing Max Mara at Bloomingdale's.
"satellite remotes" from some local watch parties around town. SC president Sherrill Bodine hosted an event at Marchesa with Auxiliary Board president Andrea Antoniou, DOT Hat Luncheon co-chair Michelle Baker and friends. Tina Weller and her bevy of beautiful girlfriends (that included Maple &
Rose Kallas hosts Watch Party with cute friends in the Gold Coast.
Ash's Mary Lasky) gathered at her gorgeous home in Hinsdale (and also celebrated Tina's 50th birthday)! Sherry Lea Holson gathered a group of cute friends at Gibson's to watch, all dressed in safety-first PPE
Paula Borg, Felicia Winiecki and Sheree Valukas.
plastic face shields. Friends there included Kathy O'Malley Piccone, Paula Borg, Frances Renk and others. SC vice-president Myra Reilly hosted an elegant soiree at her Lake Forest home with last year's DOT honoree Marguerite Hark, Cheryl Coleman, Susan Regenstein, Susan Gohl, John Reilly (who has
Kathy O'Malley Piccone wears Elda de la Rosa. (Photo by John Reilly)
been such a big supporter of ALL SC events) and others. Heather Spyra also hosted a watch party with her good friend Peggy Klingenberg. In other parts of
Neiman Marcus' Wendy Krimins with SC vice-president Myra Reilly.
the city, Rose Kallas hosted a party that included Pam Capitanini, Peggy Martay, Susan Colletti, Dusty Stemer and others. Greg Hyder and Jim Smith hosted a darling DOT brunch at their new home in Irving Park with the men who modeled in the CRAM fashion segment including store owner Marc Engel and his partner Stephane Gonzalez, Craig Hogan and Rudy Zavala. Besides the exciting fashion, a highlight of the event was the surprise shout-outs from
CRAM models–Owner, Marc Engel, Scott Bobek, Greg Hyder, Shaun Rajah, Craig Hogan and Tom Kehoe. (Photo by John Reilly)
celebrities and local media stars. Lending their support in congratulatory videos were Jerry Springer ("Judge Jerry");
Alayna Crenshaw wearing Elda de la Rosa. (Photo by John Reilly)
Leslie Zemeckis (actress, author, award-winning documentarian and 1/2 of THE Hollywood Power Couple with husband/director Robert Zemeckis); Ryan Chiaverini (Windy City Live); Maria Pappas (Cook County Treasurer); Chef Art Smith and husband/artist Jesus Salgueiro;NBC Chicago co-hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues; FabriceCalmels (former lead dancer The Joffrey Ballet); Israel Idonije (philanthropist and former Chicago Bear); LeeAnn Trotter (NBC-5 Entertainment Reporter); Sylvia Perez (Fox-32 news anchor); Melissa Forman (93.8 LITE FM's "Melissa Forman in the Morning"); Lisa Fielding (Newsradio 780 anchor/reporter); Zoraida Sambolin (WMAQ-TV news anchor); Molly Callinan (lead singer for Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band and all-girl cover band Catfight) and Chilli Pepper (world famous female impersonator, Baton Show Lounge star). Other congratulatory videos came from Maria Zec (GM Peninsula Chicago) and Lakesha and Jim Rose. Callinan ended the show belting out "Walking in Memphis" with DJ Akib playing dance
Mary Lasky and Sharyl Mackey.
music. The event raised over $70,000 for SC's Philanthropic Grant Program and already has
Bobbi Panter (wearing SYLWIA) and Annette Findling (wearing Elda de la Rosa).
other events lined up (no surprise here!), including its popular Hat Luncheon, this year themed "A White House Floral Affair" and, of course, going virtual on Thursday, Sept. 3; Auxiliary Board Bingo on Sept. 13; the "Phantom Gala" which will run from October 12-25 and the Holiday Luncheon scheduled for Friday, December 4. (All event details here). Congrats to all of these hard-working members and those who support them!
Even though the attendees were socially distanced and masked on the 35 acre farm, that didn't mean they weren't close in heart for animal welfare. PAWS Chicago hosted a "Summer Farm Party" on Saturday, August 1 for longtime supporters and donors. We were so happy to have a reason for a road trip so Chuck, Rooney and I happily drove to
Angie DeMars with our Rooney Rules.
LaPorte for some fun and philanthropy on the Fasseas Farm. The setting was breathtaking and so relaxing. Even lil' Rooney came alive with the fresh country air and the scents from the "doggie buffet"! One of the barns on the property had been transformed into a state-of-the-art "retreat space" for Level 3 dogs with "issues." There, they are gently rehabilitated so
PAWS founder Paula Fasseas with Suzanne LeMignot.
they can find their forever homes. The digs are so inviting. I can't imagine how happy those dogs must be living there. Upon arrival, smiling PAWS volunteers directed us to the fun. Everything was very spread out due to the Covid concerns but still easily accessible. I loved seeing the animals brought from "A Zoo to You." Chickens, goats, cows and sheep co-mingled peacefully while a little Shetland pony peeked
Susanna Homan, Chris Wickham and "kids."
around the corner, all saddled up and ready for kiddie rides. Live country music from Rendition filled the air along with one of PAWS' favorite DJs, Dan Holloway (Icon Entertainment). A delicious menu featured freshly made guacamole, salsa and chips; jumbo shrimp cocktail; grilled portabella burgers with carmelized
Nique Christensen, Bruce Haas, Phillip Emight and Angie DeMars.
onions on brioche buns from Hewn Bakery in Evanston; grilled 1/3 lb. beef burgers from LaPryor Farms in Ottawa, Illinois; grilled Butcher & Larder all-beef, grass-fed Wagyu hot dog; locally made peach and blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream, triple chocolate brownies and freshly sliced watermelon. A French green bean salad and Italian potato salad were served as sides. And even though there was a
Dirk Peterson and Michele Mistovich.
beautiful pool, sadly I didn't see anyone swimming. During a short program, longtime PAWS friend, country radio personality Lisa Dent, who owns several PAWS rescue dogs, served as emcee. Alexis and Paula Fasseas
Socially distanced remarks from emcee Lisa Dent, Paula Fasseas and auctioneer David Goodman.
(founders PAWS Chicago) spoke about ongoing rescue efforts and updates. Paula said, "Your continual support of PAWS Chicago, especially during this pandemic, is greatly appreciated. Funds raised through our Virtual Beach Party and this farm event are crucial to PAWS Chicago's ability to continue to care for and save homeless dogs and cats. Thank you for helping ensure that the Medical Center can continue to treat illnesses, that the Lincoln Park Adoption Center can continue to find loving homes for our animals, and
Alexis Fasseas introduces some cute PAWS dogs.
that our Community Outreach program can continue to serve needy pets and their people." A live auction was conducted by David Goodman that included a one-week stay at Meadow House, a luxurious 3-bed, 3-bath home on 30 acres; a one-week stay for 10 at a private 7500-sq-ft home in
Walter Jacobson and Kim Gleeson.
the Dominican Republic and a 6-night stay for 12 in a luxury mountain retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado. Farm party guests included Phillip Emigh, Bruce Haas, Angie DeMars, Susanna Homan and Chris Wickham, Kim Gleeson, Walter Jacobson, Suzanne LeMignot, Claudia Tangman, Tom Hayes, Amy Halsted, Michele Mistovich, Dirk Peterson, Nique Christensen and many others. One of the sweetest touches was the take-home gift, farm fresh veggies in a bag!!! Oh, what a fine day! (And mark your calendars now for PAWS Chicago's 5K Walk/Run set for October 31! Details here!)
Chance the Rapper, Justin and Hailey Bieber at Beatrix.
Even with the crime and Covid, Chicago is still a celebrity magnet! Spotted around town were Justin and Hailey Bieber lunching and dining with our own
Justin's photo of his beautiful wife Hailey at RPM Seafood.
Chance the Rapper. The trio visited Beatrix on Wednesday, July 29 sitting outside on the patio around 12:30 pm. Hailey sipped on an Iced Matcha with Honey & Oat Milk (thought you needed to know this). They chatted and enjoyed the weather at the neighborhood restaurant and coffeehouse for about an hour and a half. After coffee at Beatrix, they went for dinner that same night at RPM Seafood, sitting outside on a private terrace overlooking the Chicago River. After they finished dinner, which included the restaurant's signature Seafood Tower, they enjoyed dessert, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake. On their way out, they stopped to take photos with a few fans outside the restaurant. On Bieber's Insta page he said of the evening and of his wife, "the love of his life," "This is my view during date night. Wtf. I'm so blessed."
The Adler Planetarium will host a (virtual) Celestial Ball on Saturday, Sept. 12 with a pre-party beginning at 6 pm and the main event at 6:30 pm CST. Free on Adler's YouTube, $25 for access to Pre-Party via Zoom (main event will be streamed from Zoom to YouTube) This entirely online event will give you an exclusive first look at how the Adler experience is being reimagined for a digital age, with virtual exhibitions and innovative programming. Join them and find out what’s on the horizon for the next 90 years. Click here for all the info!
Mark your calendars NOW for The Chicago Lighthouse's Virtual Flair Fashion Show (produced by ZZAZZ Productions), Friday, Oct. 16 from 11 am -12:30 CST! Co-chaired by Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine, the event will give you a front row seat at new collections from top luxury brands and designers all while supporting life changing programs for children who are blind, visually impaired or disabled. As always, this year's event features an inclusive runway of
Hard-working, adorable event co-chairs Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine.
diverse models including Chicago's prominent women and business leaders, as well as employees of The Chicago Lighthouse, many with disabilities. Watch parties will be offered this year so you can enjoy the event with friends. There will also be an inspiring performance by
Gaelynn Lea will perform.
Gaelynn Lea Music, 2016 winner of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest and internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and violinist who advocates for disability rights and accessibility in the arts. To help build the excitement leading up to the event, don’t miss out on Master Classes with FLAIR, which are included with VIP – All Access tickets ($175) or can be purchased individually. These classes will offer great inspiration and “how-to’s” to look and feel your best again. The silent auction is one that you won't want to miss, including everything from salon and fitness experiences to elegant jewelry. Buy your tickets now here! (100% of ticket price supports the Lighthouse's Children's Programs)
Debi Lilly, and friend, holding her "Hope in Bloom" bouquet.
Nobody does it like Debi Lilly, owner/founder of one of the TOP event planning companies, A Perfect Event. We all know she has the ultimate knack for beautifying and planning events but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her floral arranging (and choosing) talents. Check out her new, gorgeous "Hope in Bloom" bouquet. With each purchase, meals will be donated to first responders in senior centers and hospitals from local restaurants coast to coast, as well as a donation to American Heart Association's rapid research antiviral accelerator to fight Covid-19! With 50 stems of farm fresh peach, orange and white blooms, this bursting bouquet features roses, spray roses, dianthus, snapdragons, dusty miller, hypericum berries and lush greens! Flowers and philanthropy, a winning match! Thanks so much Debi! (Item #VF1B8), $80, order here!
Happy 15th birthday to the love/light of our lives, Rooney
Rooney Rules Springfield!
Rules! He may be a little hard of hearing and a little wobbly on his feet, but his heart is still as big as all outdoors. Thank you PAWS Chicago for letting us adopt/snatch this little bundle of love from that fateful PAWS Development Board meeting….I knew once he got around to me that I would never let him go. Check out all the PAWS' dogs and cats available for adoption here!
Simply the best makeup place around, Che Sguardo (208 W.
Che Sguardo,208 W. Huron.
Huron). I've been a fan of this spot, that also offers skincare, lessons and more, for over 30 years and have been friends with the owner, Kathy Schmalen-Abbene, a former top model, for a long time too. She scours the globe for the latest and greatest in makeup and skincare and, believe me, you will find things here you've never seen before. Love her, love her store! Check her out!
Join Lookingglass Theatre Company for its Aug. 20 Chicago Stories initiative that will revisit a largely unknown piece of history that unfolded on July 24, 1915, in the heart of the City, the Eastland Disaster. On the evening of Thursday, August 20 at 7pm CT, you’re invited to a free online public watch party/fundraiser of the Company's acclaimed production of EASTLAND: AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL in support of the Theatre. After the show, join creative team members Andrew White and Andre Pluess for a post-show conversation. The event will be streamed on Lookingglass Theatre’s YouTube and Facebook pages. More information here!
Celebrate Porchlight Music Theatre's 25th Anniversary at PorchlightPalooza — Featuring Broadway legend and ICON Award recipient Joel Grey! An entertainment-packed, FREE three-episode online streaming event featuring all new performances and surprise appearances by your favorite musical theatre artists (including Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, Raul Esparza, Josh Gad, Mandy Patinkin, Tonya Pinkins and Chita Rivera) dreamy raffle prizes and more! August 21–23, nightly at 7pm CDT. The three day virtual festival will culminate with an interview between legendary broadcaster Bill Kurtis and honoree Joel Grey!
Wow, a little bit of Europe in Chicago for Maple & Ash, 16 W. Maple! Their beautiful new patio recently opened AND with a new menu item, SUSHI! Kudos Mary and Jim Lasky and team! For res, call (312) 944-8888.
Thanks to NBC Chicago co-hosts Matt Rodriguez and Cortney
Sweet treat at Eli's Ark Chicago, 1843 W. North Ave.
Hall for introducing us to just the cutest ice cream place, Eli's Ark Chicago, at 1843 W. North Ave.! The talented and creative staff serve up the most adorable sweets for the young and young-at-heart! Well worth a visit!
Beyonce wearing AZEEZA!
Congrats to Azeeza Khan, one of Chicago's much loved designers who is truly making her mark in the design world. Her fashions can be found at the best high end stores AND she has now dressed Barbra Streisand AND Beyonce! Her colorful gowns can be seen in Bee's latest visual album, "Black Is King." Kudos Azeeza!
I'm very sad to be missing all of our deserving nonprofits' in-person fundraisers. At this point, I don't have a feel when they might return but I will continue to cover as many of their virtual events as I can HERE so please stay tuned. AND please send me any event info that you might be aware of too. For now, this is what I have on my calendar. 1) Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum "Dressing Barbie" on Saturday, August 15, 11 am; 2) Service Club of Chicago's "White House Floral Affair" (hat luncheon), Thursday, Sept, 3 11 am-1 pm; 3) Chicago Lighthouse's "Seeing What's Possible" gala, Sat., Sept. 12, 7-8 pm; 4) Boys & Girls Clubs LAWN BALL, Friday, Sept. 25, 8 pm; 5) JourneyCareAll Stars of Project Runway, Saturday, Sept. 26; 6) St. JudeFour Stars Restaurant Extravaganza, Tuesday, Sept. 29; 7) 1st Gen Scholarship Gala (benefiting Chicago State University), Friday, October 2, 7 pm; 8) WINGS Purple Tie Ball, Saturday, Oct. 3, 9) A Silver Lining Foundation Gala, Saturday, Oct. 3; 10) Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Fall Benefit, Thursday, October 22; 11) Big Shoulders Fund, "Reach for the Stars," Friday, October 23; 12) (STILL PLANNED LIVE) Victory Gardens' Theatre'sChicago Stories Gala (Four Seasons, Sat., Oct. 24); 13) (STILL PLANNED LIVE) Boys & Girls Clubs'Women's Board Ball, Sat., Nov. 7, Four Seasons Chicago.
Please mark your calendar's for this year's Illinois Holocaust Museum'sSOIRÉE, presented by its Women's Leadership Committee, on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm
With The Voice's Katie Kadan, who will bring the house down with her SOIREE performance! Don't miss it!
CST. I'm excited and honored to be hosting this virtual event that will include performances by The Voice finalist Katie Kadan, AMAZING surprise celebrity shout-outs, survivor stories and so much more. In preparation for this night, I took a tour of the Museum last week and was so moved by what I saw in that 65,000-square-foot space at 9603 Woods Drive in Skokie. The 3D interactive hologram of Survivors'
Great rehearsals for event at FROST Chicago.
stories was profoundly moving and created by the Museum, which is the first in the world to employ this technology in a permanent exhibition space. To create this interactive experience, 13 Survivors from around the world agreed to go through a rigorous interviewing process. Each of the participating Survivors spent several days in a Los Angeles studio, answering over 2,000 questions about their Holocaust experiences before the unblinking gaze of 50-plus cameras. The experience is interactive and you can ask all the Survivors questions about their lives. Take a look at FritzieFritzshall's story below and I hope you get a chance to visit the Museum soon AND join me for the virtual event on Sept. 2 (Event details here!)
Kevin O’Hara, Daniel Shakeshaft, Rorak Siko and Jeffrey Oostema played in the Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic.
Big congrats to the Big Shoulders Fund, an independent charitable organization that supports inner-city schools across the Chicagoland area, on its latest major fundraising effort, the 20th annual Golf Classic! This event, held at the Olympia Fields Country Club on August 3, raised nearly $600,000 and brought together more than 115 civic and corporate leaders. The funds raised supported the Friends of Big Shoulders
Giancarlo Turano II – Golf Classic co-chair.
Scholarship Fund, which provides critical tuition assistance to a portion of the nearly 20,000 students and families seeking access to a quality, values-based education at one of the 72 Big Shoulders Fund schools in Chicago. “The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted many of our students and families and the communities in which they live,” said Josh Hale, President/CEO of Big Shoulders Fund. “We’re overjoyed at the continued support we receive from a committed philanthropic community that believes in the mission of Big Shoulders Fund and sees bright futures for the students we serve. Now, more than ever, our students need our support to ensure they continue to have access to a high-quality academic experience and a supportive school community.”
Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru coming to DuPage County Fairgrounds.
DINOS IN DUPAGE! The Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru is coming to the DuPage County Fair Grounds, Aug 21 to Aug 30. Featuring over 80 life-size Dinosaurs, a 40-foot T-Rex, massive Triceratops, 30-foot tall Brontosaurus and many more. Enjoy all the prehistoric fun from the comfort and safety of your vehicle! I have our tix for Friday but they're going fast! Get yours here!
In lieu of a fall Luncheon, The Joffrey Ballet is thrilled to present a new virtual fundraising event, "Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker." In November 2020, we’ll get a glimpse at The Nutcracker like never before with behind the scenes footage, interviews with Company Artists and members of the Artistic team, and delightful surprises to celebrate this beloved tradition. Guests can add to the magic in their own home by purchasing party packages with food, beverage, and merchandise. The program will be appealing to all ages, so that guests from age 2 to 92 can share an afternoon together to get into the holiday spirit! The event will be co-chaired by WB members Melinda Jakovich-Lagrange, Jessica Jecmen and Marcie Wright. The potential event date will be either November 7 or 8, and I'll share an update just as soon as this information is confirmed. (Check here for more info!)
With the world spinning at such a pace and Chicago being turned upside down, I always think of this quote by the English theologian and historian Thomas Fuller. "It is always darkest just before the dawn." I pray this is true because we are going through some of the darkest days I've ever experienced here in our beautiful city. Looters seem to be on every corner and the disrespect towards our police is at an all-time high. I am not a political person but I do have common sense and I think I know what's right and what's morally wrong. There is no excuse for all this crime. NONE. PERIOD. I hope these hard times will serve a positive purpose as a wake up call to our communities, government officials and citizens. Protesting for what you believe in is one thing but trashing a city is an entirely different matter and should NOT be allowed in any way, shape or form.
And while Rome is burning and Nero is fiddling, there IS some
Proud parents-Giancarlo Fonda and Samantha Amato.
good news! Love and huge congrats to friend Rhonda Sanderson, a first time glam-ma now that her daughter Samantha Amato and Giancarlo Fonda have welcomed a new baby boy into the world, Luca Herbert Fonda. He has arrived just when he's needed the most, brightening the lives of all who love him! Love and congrats to ALL!
The Center for Enriched Living will host a virtual Chef's Night on Monday, June 28. Watch website for details coming soon! 
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!) 
Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and 
national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
