Tag Archives: Christopher Clinton Conway

December 20, 2011 · 5:03 pm

KANDY KANE BALL COLLECTS TONS OF TOYS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS!

…PLUS THE JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER, ANOTHER ART INSTITUTE COUP, GOLDEN GLOBE NEWS, CHEF CHARLIE TROTTER’S 25TH ANNIVERSARY, THE APARECIO FOUNDATION EVENT AND MORE!

The Kandy Kane Ball is the largest party with a kid-friendly purpose in town hosting more than 1,000 guests at Joe’s Bar recently and including one of the city’s biggest toy drives! I had never been to this event before and it’s not surprising, since it sells out almost before it is even publicized! My handsome friends and hosts Mark Bell, Chris Draska and Matt Unertl invited me this year and I was thrilled! This event consisted of young professionals with a charitable bent and everywhere you looked there were beautiful people. Joe’s 12,000-square-foot space was transformed into a winter wonderland by Derrick Taylor of Taylor & Co. There was a spinning Victorian kissing ball and fresh mistletoe straight from Texas. An eight-foot flocked Wisconsin Frasier fir hung upside down over the red room changing colors as it rotated. The “Northern Lights” theme dictated the frosty décor with ice sculptures while LED lights throughout the five party rooms changed color every five minutes. Five projectors scattered throughout the venue made the walls look as if they were, in fact, snowing and on 120 plasma TVs, classic Christmas movies were being played. It was a sight to behold! There were opportunities to chat with Santa and have your photo taken as well as passed hors d’oeuvres including steak sandwich sliders, pulled pork tostadas, parmesan stuffed artichoke hearts and buffalo chicken Rangoon among other tasty treats. The upstairs VIP Lounge was by-wristband-only and included comfy lounge seating, a full bar and festive holiday décor and allowed you to view the crowd from an aerie perch. Cocktail attire was required as well as a toy donation. During the course of the evening, more than 5,000 toys filled a 53-foot semi trailer truck for delivery to Holy Family Church on December 17th. The toy distribution was overseen by Father Jeremiah Boland. Holy Family Church has been involved with the Kandy Kane Ball since the inception of the event in 2002 which began in a basement with a group of close friends who had gathered to throw a surprise party for a friend diagnosed with cancer. Courtney Dempsey’s only wish was to provide enough toys on Christmas to the children of Chicago who were less fortunate than her. Her wish was fulfilled that night and the Kandy Kane Ball, now in its ninth year, continues to raise money and provide toys to thousands of Chicagoland children while providing an enjoyable and fun-filled night for those who were lucky enough to attend. The night included an open bar, a champagne toast by the hosts and songs of the season by The Arlingtones. World class DJ entertainment by one of my favorites, DJ Sye Young (along with DJ Jem), kept the crowd fueled for fun along with Drummer Miro and DJ Ryan Pullano. In addition to the toys donated, the host committee (along with Target) donate hundreds of mountain bikes for kids of all ages. Congrats to the committee members (aka elves) of the Kandy Kane Ball – Matt Joki, Paul Manning, David Sacher, Steve Angelo, Jason Vargovchik, Larry Loethen, Jared Schlicht, Ed Warm, Gabby Lobascio, Mark Bell, Matt Unertl, Chris Draska, Christian Habitz and Donnie Kruse. What a wonderful party for a heartwarming cause! To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here…and to see the latest “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!

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The Joffrey Ballet’s “Nutcracker” came to life at the Palmer House Hilton for its annual Nutcracker Family Dinner. Held in multiple ballrooms and attracting more than 450 guests, this lively, holiday favorite was chaired by WB members Sonya Jackson and Cindy Burns. Children delighted in creating snow-flakes, taking photos with Nutcrackers, decorating ballet shoes, making their own cupcakes and having their faces painted. A sit-down family style dinner included traditional favorites: turkey, roasted chicken, stuffing and cranberries. Before and after dinner, trolleys shuttled guests between the hotel and the Auditorium Theatre for matinee and evening performances of this classic ballet deemed “America’s #1 Nutcracker.” Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra provided entertainment along with carolers while Hubert the Lion, from sponsor Harris Bank, posed for photos. Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway, along with the co-chairs, welcomed the crowd. The Nutcracker is one of The Joffrey Ballet’s largest touring shows, traveling with 80 people and requiring five 48-foot long semi trailer trucks. This company has been hailed as “America’s Company of Firsts.” The list includes being the first dance company to perform at the White House (at Jacqueline Kennedy’s invitation), first to appear on TV, first American company to visit Russia, first classical dance company to go multi-media, first to commission a rock n’ roll ballet, the first and only dance company to appear on the cover of Time magazine and the first to have a major motion picture based on it, Robert Altman’s “The Company.” Premiering in 1987, “The Nutcracker” now features 42 company dancers and 70 children set against a magical, 19th century Christmas backdrop and runs through December 27th. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Collins Saville, please click here!)

The Evening Associates of the Art Institute hosted a party to celebrate the projection of Andy Warhol’s film “Empire” onto the Aon Center recently. This monumental outdoor screening onto 12 upper stories (150 feet tall) was the first outdoor projection of the film in the United States. The film began at 6 p.m. and ran in its entirety until 2:05 a.m. More than 125 guests showed up in the Nichols Trustees Suite at the Modern Wing and enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and a DJ. Did YOU see the projection?

Moet & Chandon will return as the official champagne for the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards in L.A. Sofia Vergara, Gerard Butler and Rashida Jones were on hand to present the nominations and celebrate a nomination for Sofia herself in the “Best Supporting Actress – TV movie or Miniseries” category. More than 1,000 Imperial minis and 500 Grand Vintage 2002 magnums will be served on both the Red Carpet and inside the ballroom totaling more than 9,000 glasses being served during one of Hollywood’s biggest nights! Prepare for some exciting stage moments! (The Globes will air on Sunday, January 15th from the Beverly Hilton.)

Through December 30th, star chef Charlie Trotter will be celebrating his silver anniversary. And for this 25th anniversary occasion, American Express card members are invited to dine on a quarter century of inspired dishes on Friday, December 30th where they will be welcomed into the private Studio Kitchen with a champagne reception, enjoy a four course menu and depart with an exclusive Charlie Trotter anniversary gift! Happy anniversary, Charlie!!! For more info, please call 800.445.7374.

I’ve had so many exciting media moments lately beginning with the inclusion in Michigan Avenue Magazine as one of their “High Society Style Setters.” This was one of their biggest fashion features yet and I feel so privileged to have been included! Thanks to editor-in-chief Susanna Negovan and publisher Dan Uslan for this exciting opportunity! Also a big shout and thank you to CBS Ch. 2’s Pam Jones who interviewed me about Playboy’s plans to relocate. (To see the interview, please click here! I also had the thrill to return on WGN radio in an interview with top talent and author, John St. Augustine. His latest book, "Living an Uncommon Life," is an inspiration. (To hear this interview, please click here. And last but not least, I had the best time talking to Janelle Price from Chicago 3 Media, along with Bill Maxwell. (Remember Janelle’s name – she is definitely going places!) Chicago 3 Media covers Chicago with lively interviews and terrific videos of events, people and places. (Check out our talk here!) Good luck and thanks to all!

The Aparecio Foundation hosted a “Viva la Vida Masquerade Party” at the W Hotel recently. And even though it said “masquerade party,” no one wore a mask except for NowYouKnow.com’s Katie Cahnmann, who seemed to be the only person who paid attention to the invite bringing a gorgeous gold feathered one that looked like it came straight from Carnival in Venice. There was a fashion show by designers Miriam Cecilia Carlson and Horatio Nieto (expertly styled by Benjamin Cottrell) as well as DJ performances by Sadie Woods and Megan Taylor. The event also celebrated the launch of Hasana’s eCommerce site. (Hasana is the fundraising arm of the Aparecio Foundation which promotes diversity, accessibility and fellowship opportunities to advance academic achievement for low-income, high-potential women in Chicago Public Schools). I was honored to be a co-host with Eric Himel of "Windy City Live." (Click here to see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina!)

Well, that’s this week’s lowdown on some of our city’s highlights! And as Christmas approaches, be alert for diversity in the manger scene, particularly with the Baby Jesus. He just might turn out to be a Chihuahua!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And in keeping with the “adorable pet” theme, check out this darling video to make you smile… 🙂

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS: SIX YEARS LATER AND STILL GOING STRONG!

I have a soft spot for The Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails”…I admit it. Six years ago when Helen Melchior and I planned this event, I could never have anticipated how successful it would become nor how it would bring me a lifelong friend in Helen. I know this year’s co-chairs, Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath, also bonded over this event. It usually happens this way when two like-minded people unite for a common purpose, especially one that is so much fun to plan and for such a wonderful organization. The Joffrey Ballet has come a long way too since its inception. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956 in NY, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway. I have loved watching it grow since I’ve been a Women’s Board member and, this year, the Women’s Board has a birthday, too: Our 10th anniversary is being planned as I type and I can’t wait to share those details with you when they’ve been formed by Event Chair Maureen Smith. Every year, Couture & Cocktails has presented a top name designer and, in years past, they have included Maria Pinto (for the inaugural event at The Illuminating Co.), Temperley London and Escada (for the party at the Bentley Dealership where the street was closed and tented!), Pamella Roland (for the first fashion show ever to be presented in the Grand Lobby of the Palmer House), Carmen Marc Valvo (another killer show at the W) and this year’s designer, David Meister. This year’s event was also a first, being the first institution to host a major event at The Hudson at 2222 South Michigan. The previous party held there was the much publicized Ikram anniversary party! Another signature for Couture & Cocktails is always the food! For the original event, we had re
al White Castle sliders in boxes served on silver trays – the first, fun food idea! This year, The Entertaining Company carried on in fine form with sliders, yes, but beef tenderloin sliders, along with many other tasty and creative choices. The dancers were an inspiration and the reason the event was created. We wanted to showcase them in a friendly, fun atmosphere…away from the stage where guests could get to know them as people. They are not only incredible dancers, as we all know, but the most amazing human beings with multiple talents. Why, dancer Amber Neumann even designed cocktail dresses for a number of her cohorts for this night and they were GORGEOUS! Many others are artists and designers. And they are all charming! The live auction was something to behold this year. Great auction packages included a trip for four plus airfare to the British Virgin Island’s Bitter End Yacht Club with airfare courtesy of United Airlines that sold for $14,500. For this package, Executive Director Christopher Conway even donned a sailor suit! He looked adorable! Another package was an “Instant Cellar: Wine & Champagne Collection” with over 50 bottles that sold for $6,500. A PGA Masters Tournament and the Double Eagle Club for four (courtesy of Charlie and Rebecca Besser) plus business class airfare on United Airlines sold for $13,500. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated their 108-foot yacht, the Kristina, for a group of eight for four days and three nights that sold for $21,000. And for the final package, for the first time in the ballet company’s history, a dance-on role was offered during the season opener of its upcoming world premiere of Don Quixote (which begins on October 12th and runs through the 23rd). This sold for $5,000. The party continued in the Intersport VIP Lounge as hot DJ Ashok lured the guests onto the dance floor. Seen on the scene were Chicago Bears Charles Tillman, Anthony Adams, J’Marcus Webb and Robbie Gould as well as the sensational, international choreographer for Don Quixote, Yuri Possokhov. May it never end! Congrats to Kristina and Rebecca along with the supportive Joffrey staff and Women’s Board committee members. (C & C 2011 raised over $250K). For tickets and more info for the Joffrey Ballet and Don Quixote, please visit www.Joffrey.org/DonQuixote or call 800.982.2787. (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, with additional pics by Steve Starr, please visit here!)

Huge congrats to Emerge!, the premier runway showcase for new designers hosted during New York Fashion Week on its recent blockbuster success! More than 400 people attended this event that opened with designer Tracy Reese presenting the 2011 Fashion Innovator Award to Constance C. White, Editor-in-Chief of ESSENCE Magazine. The audience applauded as White took the runway and expressed her gratitude to the fashion industry and confidence in the Emerge! production (hosted by PR whiz Dionne Williams). Hosted in the magnificent landmark Broad Street Ballroom, located in the financial district, this fantastic production included collections from Adriana Osorio Lugo (Adriana Osorio Lugo Designs), Kirk Johnson (b.-Vain Couture), Berny Martin (Catou) and Borris Powell (Borris Powell Designs). The audience included fashion icon Freddie Leiba, Tamron Hall (MSNBC), Rebecca Crews, fashion execs, buyers, bloggers, socialites, family and friends. Check out this cool video and I hope to see you in the front row next year! To view more pics, please click here!

Chicago Gateway Green

hosted its 20th Green Tie Ball at A. Finkl & Sons over the weekend as you know from, hopefully, reading my Tribune column on Sunday! The theme, “A Return to the Emerald City,” made it easy for some guests to plan their wardrobe! Ruby slippers? Check. Toto? Check. Tin hat and oil can? Check! This year’s co-chairs, Tim Smithe (Walter E. Smith Furniture & Design) and Stephanie Castagnier (The Apprentice 2010) planned an event that included tastings from more than 60 restaurants, a silent auction, charitable gaming, live entertainment by Dr. Bombay, Too White Crew, DJ Rock City plus Platinum Event DJs. Music was everywhere! The Supreme Lobster Chef Challenge featured its final round of the Chicago Summer Chef Challenge Series, too, judged by the Food Dude David Lissner. Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini kicked off the party in grand style as Grant DePorter was honored with a Leadership Award for his longtime support. His dad, Don DePorter, created Chicago Gateway Green in 1986. This event hosted more than 2,500 guests who came out to support this organization dedicated to the greening and beautifying of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods. For more info, please visit www.GatewayGreen.org or call (312) 540.9930. (For ALL event photos by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The 47th Chicago International Film Festival will host its opening night benefit on Thursday, October 6th at the Harris Theater located 205 E. Randolph St. beginning with a Red Carpet at 6 PM. The opening night presentation will premiere “The Last Rites of Joe May.” This film is the latest creation from two giant Chicago institutions, actor Dennis Farina and the Steppenwolf Theater Company. Farina gives “the finest performance of his career as an aging hustler whose way of life is at a crossroads” in this film shot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and featuring members of the Steppenwolf ensemble. Expect to see Dennis walking the Red Carpet along with the show’s cast and writer/director Joe Maggio. Event emcee will be award-winning journalist Bill Kurtis. The VIP Reception will follow at the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph from 9:30 –11:30 PM. Opening Night tickets can be purchased by visiting the Festival Box Offices (322 E. Illinois or 30 E. Adams) or by calling the Festival Hotline at 312.332.3456. Hopefully, I will see you all there! (I am proud to be a co-chair for this event along with dynamo, RL’s Rich Varnes 🙂 )

I love the name of this event! The 8th Annual “Mutt Strut” invites Chicago to “strut” their stuff for charity on Saturday, October 8th, in Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood) from noon until 2 PM. The party kicks off with a 1.5-mile walk “with your mutt” followed by an old-fashioned block party. This event is open to all ages and will include lunch, children’s activities, contests, raffles, music and a chance to visit with adoptable Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation doggies. Tickets are $25 but kids and dogs get in free! Proceeds will benefit CCR, which was founded in 2001 to help find loving homes for dogs and cats, especially for the most vulnerable in Chicago who are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters and other shelters. CCR is moving to a larger space and the proceeds from this event will help a lot! I hope to see you all there with your four-legged and two-legged friends!

My handsome friends and uber wardrobe stylists to the stars, Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, have designed their own line of clothing for QVC called VT Luxe. They always have great fashion styling tips and have advised many an A-list celeb, too! Check out their latest video here and you’ll see what I mean! Congrats to Jesse and Joe on their much-deserved success!

And, as long as you’re in a video state of mind, please check out my “Social Circles” video from the Parkways Foundation Hat Luncheon…there is a story around every Chicago corner and I will find it and share it with you! So, keep checking my website at www.Watch312.com for continuous updates of “Behind the Velvet Ropes” coverage of all of Chicago’s TOP events! Some expected, some surprising, but ALWAYS fun!!!!!

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Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights! Hope to see you all for this weekend’s first Chicago Beach Polo Event! May the chukkers be spirited and the horses light-footed! (Who would’ve ever thought these words would come out of my computer!?) I’ll just meet you at the bar… :) (For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com!)