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May 14, 2012 · 9:47 am

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S CELEBRATION GALA RAISES $1.336 MILLION

…PLUS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S DISCOVERY BALL, ADLER PLANETARIUM HONORS DYNAMO, CHEFS NIGHT OUT FOR COMMON THREADS, A NIGHT IN BLUE & WHITE WITH CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE, DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CELEBRATION, WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION COLUMBIA 2012, STELLA FOSTER HONOR, PLAYBOY SAYS GOODBYE AND MORE!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Celebration Gala honored the 10th anniversary of its Women’s Board at the legendary Palmer House Hilton on Sunday, May 6th. The grand affair began at the Auditorium Theatre with a special performance created by artistic director Ashley Wheater. Beginning with George Balanchines’ “Stars & Stripes,” this segment included a uniformed Ashley dancing and then stepping out of the line to deliver his opening remarks to a surprised and appreciative crowd. It was one of my favorite performances so far, maybe because the evening was so special to me personally since this was my fifth Joffrey event co-chairing with Helen Melchior. We started planning this benefit two months or so before. Our co-chairs were chosen for their dynamism and willingness to work hard to bring this vision to light. They included Donna LaPietra, designer Pamella Roland DeVos, Victoria Holdren, Mary Pat Burns, Liz Sharp, Joan Colmar, Kate Bensen, Leslie Hindman, Jan Melk, Anne Kaplan, Nancy Gottlieb Bauer and Mary Jo Basler. Maureen Dwyer Smith served as 10th Anniversary Chair. Donna LaPietra (Kurtis Productions) created a remarkable tribute video which was shown during the Gala dinner. It contained archival photos as well as taped comments from Nate Berkus (who had hosted the first two Couture & Cocktails), Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ashley Wheater, executive director Christopher Clinton Conway, the Joffrey dancers and dancers from the Bridge and Exelon Strobel Step Up programs. There were also photos and video clips from past Women’s Board events as well as member photos. In short, it was a collection of treasured memories from the past 10 years of the Women’s Board. There were many firsts for this event starting with the fact that it was held on a Sunday. This date happened to coincide with the closing performance of the season and, typically, the Junior Auxiliary Board hosts an event to celebrate this occasion. Because of this fact and because we felt it would be a great idea to combine forces, we partnered with the JAB (for the first time) for the Grande Finale party in the Empire Room. From beginning to end, the night was a true celebration in the style the Joffrey is known for. With exquisite décor by Tom Kehoe Designs, the room literally glowed with white orchids and lilies filling lighted crystal vases throughout the Grand Ballroom. Mayor Emanuel welcomed the crowd and mentioned his brief moment in time as a Joffrey dancer. Then Helen and I thanked our co-chairs, committee, sponsors, Women’s Board and, of course, the dancers who inspire us every day. Una Jackman, a producer of the film “Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance,” was the recipient of the Arpino Angel Award. This event was the Joffrey's second largest fundraiser, after the 50th anniversary gala in 2006, raising more than $1.336 million!!!! (Special thanks to Pomellato jewels (41 E. Oak St.), Alayna Washington Crenshaw and Women’s Board member Christina Gilberti for making me feel like a fairy princess! I wore a rose gold bracelet recently worn by J. Lo, from their Tango line consisting of 30 carats of brown diamonds worth $101K with matching earrings ($22K). Also thanks to Bill Zwecker for the great write-up about the event and my jewels in his Sun-Times column! My black dress, which, coincidentally, slightly resembled a tutu, was from STRUT Boutique at 2549 N. Clark St. (owner Niala Conte has fabulous style and chooses beautiful pieces with budget friendly prices) and my elegant co-chair, Helen Hall Melchior, wore Jason Wu (from Nordstrom) to perfection! (Thanks to Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl for these great pics; to see more photos on Chicago Now, please click here!)

The Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel attracted a crowd of more than 700 guests and 200 dedicated volunteers to benefit the American Cancer Society on Saturday, April 28th. The evening began with co-chairs Anna and Greg Brown (chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions) welcoming guests to a VIP reception. Brown introduced the evening’s emcee, CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo, who is the first reporter to ever broadcast live from the floor of the NY Stock Exchange. After the reception, guests perused more than 200 silent auction items before moving into the ballroom with a Hamptons theme. Heffernan Morgan’s décor was inspired by the Browns’ home in Cape Cod. Anna wanted a clean elegant look to the event which featured blue hydrangeas and candles inside hurricane vases – it was gorgeous! In 2006, the first Discovery Ball was co-chaired by Motorola CEO Ed Zander and his wife, Mona, and last year, the Zanders were the honorees when the event hit the $10 million mark. Comedian Kevin Nealon was the featured entertainment and he had the crowd in stitches. At one point, he helped sell a Tiffany diamond cocktail ring, modeled by gorgeous Veronica Zepeda, for $30K to a lucky bidder! Iron Chef Bobby Flay flew in from NY to participate in a live auction package that included a dinner for 14 prepared in the winner’s home. This popular live auction package was the hit of the night, selling to three bidders for a total of $218K! Another “live” auction package – a darling silver Labrador puppy – sold to co-chair Greg Brown for $35K. Other packages included a trip to Australia ($22K), a Phil Mickelson golf package ($16K) and a trip for two to the 2012 Olympic Games in London ($24K). Notables seen on the scene included Bill Daley, Kim Duchossois, Kristina and Mike McGrath (who donated a 2013 Acura RDX for the event), Ramona and Dan Ustian, Victoria and Gary Holdren, Ashley Bond and Matthew Pritzker, Blackhawks’ Coach Joel Quenneville with wife Elizabeth, Oracio Marquez, Nancy and Michael Reinsdorf, Sonya Jackson and Kathleen and Mike Henson. Approximately $2.7 million was raised on this night to support the American Cancer Society, aka “The Official Sponsor of Birthdays.” For more info, please visit www.cancer.org. (Fab photos by Mila Samokhina…click here to view more!)

For the 10th year, the Women’s Board of the Adler Planetarium held its Women in Space Science Award Celebration luncheon at the Union League Club recently. The event honors women’s accomplishments in the fields of science and technology and, this year, honored Dr. France A. Cordova, president of Purdue University and the first woman to lead the institution. Dr. Cordova is a former NASA chief scientist, a Senate-confirmed member of the National Science Board and also a member of the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents! Following the luncheon, this inspiring woman met with 250 middle school girls from Chicago Public Schools at the Adler. Chairs for this 2012 WISS celebration were Teri Monte and Lisa Jozwiak; committee members included Nancy Temple, Cynthia Ballew, Elaine Cottey, Courtney Pitt, Pamela Pohl, Meg Prendergast, Donna Beering, Linda Celesia, Sarah Fritz, Caroline Becker and Lisa Lewis. The Adler Planetarium – America’s FIRST Planetarium – was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. For more than 80 years, the Adler has inspired the next generation of explorers by sharing the personal stories of space exploration and America’s space heroes.

Common Threads' Annual Black Tie Gala was held at the River West hotspot, Nellcote. Culinary rock stars for the evening included chefs Jose Garces (smoked oyster soup), Paul Kahan (Dungeness crab salad), Michael Laiskonis (black sesame panna cotta), Bill Telepan (Normandy duck with foie gras custard), Jared Van Kamp (rib eye with Perigueux sauce) and Marc Vetri (ravioli with fava beans). One hundred twenty elegant guests attended this $1,000-per-person event and enjoyed a six-course seated dinner with wine pairings plus a performance by JC Brooks & Uptown Sound. Hosted by Gwen Farinella, Anne Hokin, Sonya Jackson, Brook Jay and Linda Levine, the evening raised more than $140K for Common Threads! (To view more pics from this event, please click here!)

"A Night in Blue and White" began with a beautiful solemn high mass said by Cardinal Francis George at St. Ferdinand's on the Northwest Side Tuesday, May 8th. “I always love coming back to the NW side where I grew up,” said Cardinal George. “Founded 75 years ago at the end of the Great Depression, it took a great deal of hope for the sisters to come here when there wasn't much hope around. My father always had
a job but he didn't always get paid.” Established in 1937 by the order founded by St. Julie Billiart (the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur), Notre Dame High School for Girls is a small (81 students), all-girls college prep high school. They boast a 16 to 1 student-teacher ratio with 65 percent of the faculty and staff holding master’s degrees or higher. The Class of 2011 earned more than $1.1 million in scholarships and awards towards higher education. On this night, the celebration continued after mass in the auditorium with Cardinal George being surprised by Chair Emeritus Dia Weil with a birthday cake and students singing “Happy Birthday.” (Even though his birthday was in January, they still celebrated their 75th year together.) Ariel Reboyras, Alderman of the 30th Ward, was on hand to offer congratulations along with past alums…some from as far back as the Class of 1943. Avanti Gourmet Catering and Oak Mill Bakery provided a delicious buffet for the evening. Molly Socha from ND's Development Office helped coordinate the event with help from students, faculty and staff along with Michelle Durpetti of Michelle Durpetti Events. It was truly a night of joyous celebration as the high school seniors excitedly spoke about the colleges they would be attending as well as how much they would miss “this fine school that has taught them so much.” Congrats to co-chairs, Noreen Musica and Susan Miller, for this delightful celebration! To learn more about this wonderful institution, please click here. I was honored to be included. 🙂

The DuPage Children’s Museum hosted its Champions for Children Benefit Ball at Hotel Arista in Naperville. Presented under the sparkling stars of a dramatic Venetian night, the black tie optional benefit was a glamorous night of live entertainment, unique auction items and special honorees, all to support educating young children. Emceed by ABC 7’s Judy Hsu, the evening honored the late Dorothy Carpenter, who co-founded DCM with Louise Beem. Last year’s Honorary Chairs, Tom and Brenda Harter, introduced this year’s 2012 Benefit Ball Honorary Chair, Amy Louis. The Museum impacts children’s lives by providing educational programs for 40,000 school children and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors per year. (To view additional pics from this event, please click here!)

A big thank you to Sheila Henley for including me in her W.IN.E (Women in Entertainment) Forum TV segment! Sheila created W.IN.E by asking one simple question: “Where are the women in entertainment and what do they have to say about the industry?” With that, Ms. Henley started the W.IN.E newsletter, which grew to become the W.IN.E magazine and now, W.IN.E TV. Sheila says, “W.IN.E TV has a commitment to be a platform for women who are visionaries and pioneers in their field of entertainment and to encourage and provide role models for women, as well as men. This platform will allow women to share their successes and failures of making it in this dynamic industry. W.IN.E TV will encourage and promote content that will be suitable for all ages. W.IN.E has been a voice for women in entertainment for almost 12 years.”(Visit W.IN.E TV on You Tube and check out my segment here!)

Congratulations to wonderful writer Margie Wilson-Mars for her beautiful and lovingly-written article for Gather News about Playboy leaving Chicago titled “Hugh Hefner and Playboy Say a Bittersweet Goodbye to Chicago.” She has known Hef since she was five years old having met him and Barbie Benton when they took a trip to Disneyland. Her father and mother used to have parties at their home in Miami and many of the Playmates would attend. Margie became a fan saying, “I would sneak out of the room in awe of these glamorous women, just to get a peek at the clothes, hair, etc.” Her article is a must-read for Playboy fans and I was honored to be included.

Our own Stella Foster, Sun-Times columnist extraordinaire, will be honored with the 2012 Dante Award at a luncheon hosted by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans at Galleria Marchetti, located at 825 W. Erie, on Thursday, May 17th, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 708.450.9050 or by emailing jcc@jccia.com. JCCIA’s illustrious members include Dominic DiFrisco (President Emeritus), Antonio Romanucci (President) and Jo Ann Serpico (Executive Director).

Join Desiree Rogers for Columbia College’s premiere spring fundraising event, Fashion Columbia 2012, on Friday, June 8th beginning at 7 p.m. This event will feature the work of students in the Fashion Studies program with net proceeds benefitting the newly established Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship Fashion Studies Fund. Jewelry designer Lana Bramlette (Class of ’97), will be honored with the Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award, as her Lana Jewelry line is worn by celebs and fashionistas around the globe. Host committee members include Trish Rooney Alden, Madele
ine Moore Burrell, Gwendolyn Butler, Nora Daley, Susan Downing, Ikram Goldman, MK Pritzker, Shawnelle Ritchie, Julie Latsko, Rich Gamble, Diane Primo, and Mellody Hobson among others. General admission tickets are $150 per person, VIP tickets are $250 and standing room only tickets are $75. For more info, please click here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace! Please send any information on events, parties or people YOU would like to see covered to Candace@CandidCandace.com! And, as always…

Love,
Candace 🙂

P.S. Congrats to beloved photographer, Amie Hana, on her recent feature in Marie Claire Magazine titled "Call Me a Professional." Her work is well known in Chicago and now the world will know of her incredible talents too! Check out one of her recent portfolio pics from "Red Riding Hood in Venice" – in a word: SPELLBINDING! Congrats, Amie!

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Tagged as 2012 Dante Award, 2012 Olympic Games, A Night in Blue and White, Alayna Washington Crenshaw, Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award, American Cancer Society, Amie Hana, Amy Louis, Anna Brown, Anne Hokin, Anne Kaplan, Antonio Romanucci, Ariel Reboyras, Arpino Angel Award, Ashley Bond, Ashley Wheater, Avanti Gourmet Catering, Barbie Benton, Bill Daley, Bill Telepan, Bill Zwecker, Black Tie Gala, Bob Carl, Bobby Flay, Brenda Harter, Bridge, Brook Jay, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cape Cod, Cardinal Francis George, Caroline Becker, Celebration Gala, Champions for Children Benefit Ball, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Now, Chicago Sun-Times, Christina Gilberti, Christopher Clinton Conway, CNBC, Columbia College, Common Threads, Courtney Pitt, Cynthia Ballew, Dan Ustian, Desiree Rogers, Dia Weil, Diane Primo, Discover Ball, Dominic DiFrisco, Donna Beering, Donna LaPietra, Dorothy Carpenter, Dr. France A. Cordova, DuPage Children’s Museum, Ed Zander, Elaine Cottey, Elizabeth Quenneville, Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship Fashion Studies Fund, Exelon Strobel Step Up, Fashion Columbia 2012, Galleria Marchetti, Gary Holdren, Gather News, George Balanchines, Greg Brown, Gwen Farinella, Gwendolyn Butler, Hamptons, Heffernan Morgan, Helen Melchior, Hugh Hefner and Playboy Say a Bittersweet Goodbye to Chicago, Ikram Goldman, Iron Chef, Jan Melk, Jared Van Kamp, Jason Wu, JC Brooks & Uptown Sound, Jennifer Lopez, Jo Ann Serpico, Joan Colmar, Joel Quenneville, Joffrey Ballet, Joffrey Women’s Board, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans, Jose Garces, Judy Hsu, Julie Latsko, Junior Auxiliary Board, Kate Bensen, Kathleen Henson, Kevin Nealon, Kim Duchossois, Kristina McGrath, Kurtis Productions, Lana Bramlette, Leslie Hindman, Linda Celesia, Linda Levine, Lisa Jozwiak, Lisa Lewis, Liz Sharp, Louise Beem, Madeleine Moore Burrell, Marc Vetri, Margie Wilson-Mars, Maria Bartiromo, Marie Claire, Mary Jo Basler. Maureen Dwyer Smith, Mary Pat Burns, Matthew Pritzker, Max Adler, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Meg Prendergast, Mellody Hobson, Michael Laiskonis, Michael Reinsdorf, Michelle Durpetti, Michelle Durpetti Events, Mike Henson, Mike McGrath, Mila Samokhina, MK Pritzker, Molly Socha, Mona Zander, Motorola Solutions, Nancy Gottlieb Bauer, Nancy Reinsdorf, Nancy Temple, NASA, Nate Berkus, National Science Board, Nellcote, Niala Conte, Nora Daley, Nordstrom, Noreen Musica, Notre Dame High School for Girls, Oak Mill Bakery, Oracio Marquez, Palmer House Hilton, Pamela Pohl, Pamella Roland DeVos, Paul Kahan, Phil Mickelson, Playboy, Pomellato, Purdue University, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Ramona Ustian, Rich Gamble, Sarah Fritz, Shawnelle Ritchie, Sheila Henley, Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents, Sonya Jackson, St. Jilie Billiart, Stella Foster, STRUT Boutique, Susan Downing, Susan Miller, Teri Monte, Tiffany & Co., Tom Barter, Tom Kehoe Designs, Trish Rooney Alden, Una Jackman, Union League Club, Veronica Zepeda, Victoria Holdren, W.IN.E Forum TV, Women in Entertainment, Women in Space Science Award Celebration, Women’s Board of the Adler Planetarium, You Tube

May 11, 2009 · 9:02 pm

THE MODERN WING OPENING GALA!

I knew when I received the unique invitation that this opening event was not going to be ordinary. The heavily padded greige invitation with a design by Renzo Piano on the front measured 8" X 8 ½" and was elegant in its simplicity. It announced the Modern Wing Opening Gala of the Art Institute which was presented by the Board of Trustees and the Women’s Board of the Art Institute of Chicago. Table level prices were $25,000 for the Modern Patron, $50,000 for the Modern Benefactor and to host the Modern Wing Opening cost a cool $100,000. Individual tickets were $2,500 each. Gala chairs were Francie Comer, Caryn Harris, Judy Keller and Maureen Dwyer Smith. A friend asked me if I didn’t think this ticket price was outrageous in this stressed economy and I told her, “Yes, I think it’s outrageous and I can’t wait to go!” And it did NOT disappoint. Approximately 1,100 guests sipped champagne and cocktails in the massive rotunda. Mary Frey was there capturing all of the glamour and believe me, there was plenty of it. Men and women in all manner of dress—short, long, pants, ballgowns, incredible jewels (real and not real). The common denominator for dress was all out DRAMA! Everywhere you looked was a vision worthy of Paris Vogue. After cocktails, we were all ushered down Monroe Street under a tented tunnel to Grant Park where there was a giant glass tent that looked like an oversized sparkling Tavern on the Green as you got closer. Inside, expert catering by George Jewell made the event even more perfect. I even saw George helping out and mixing drinks! The ceiling was hung with scattered modern, silver spiked orbs of light that overlooked a sea of white, crystal and silver. The Mayor and Maggie and everyone who was anyone was there enjoying this special moment in Chicago’s history. At the end of dinner, there was a sound and light celebration with people rappelling down the side of a building but, at this point, we were all on sensory overload and heading back to the Modern Wing for dessert. The entire building is formidable and intimidating in its scope but once inside, the collections overtake you as you wander from floor to floor open-mouthed viewing the priceless pieces. The restaurant with its huge sculpture terrace is gorgeous—all white with the most amazing views of the city. I went up in the elevator with its designer, Dirk Lohan (grandson of Mies van der Rohe) and he said the restaurant will be run by the Levy Group and he also thought the views would be spectacular and he was so right. The Modern Wing itself was designed by Pritzker award winning architect Renzo Piano and provides a new home for the museum’s collection of 20th and 21st century art. This 264,000 square-foot building has been a decade in the making and increases the size of the Art Institute by a third, making it the second largest art museum in the U.S. behind the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. It will house the museum’s permanent collections of 20th century and contemporary painting and sculpture, photography, and architecture and design, plus special exhibition areas, an education center, a bookstore, the gorgeous restaurant and dramatic terrace. The public opening will be May 16th with a couple of other celebrations including the Young Modern Party on the 15th which is sold out (ticket price was $75) and a members’ party on Friday, May 22nd. Chic modern guests included Christina Gidwitz, Jamee Field and Michael Kane, Julie and Fred Latsko, Martin Gapshis, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Shelley and Bill Farley, Helen Melchior, Jay Franke, Leslie Hindman, Noren and Richard Ungaretti, Chris Long, Mary Lou Gorno, Caryn and King Harris, most of the Pritzkers and Crowns, Jennifer Perucca, Susan Babin, Tammy Kohl, Mary and Roy Cullen, Patsy Callahan, Peter Bakwin, Harve Farrer, Karla Scheer, Kathy Tazlitz, Carol and John Winsler, Terry Newman, Shirley and Pat Ryan, Jamie Dimon, Bill Wrigley, Susan and Lew Manilow, Kim and Miles White, Wells Kaufman, Ann and Burton Kaplan, Ed and Debbie Smith, Ashley Wheater, Christopher Clinton Conway, Fred Echyaner, William Kennedy Smith, Kate Gaynor, Barbara Pearlman, Pat Sheehan, Diane and Robert Levy, Tina and Bryon Trott, Pam Phillips Weston and Roger Weston, Andrea and Jim Gordon, Ann and John Grube, Maxine and Jim Farrell, Mike and David Fox, Judy and John Keller and many, many more fabulous people doing fabulous things. This new addition to our great city is obviously a must-see! 🙂 Photos from top right: cocktail and champagne reception; Christina Gidwitz; Jennifer Perucca in J. Mendel; Patsy Callahan in Chado Ralph Rucci; Ed Smith and gala co-chair Maureen Dwyer Smith; Michael Kane and Jamee Field; Katherine Chez and Judd Malkin; chic couple; Mary Lou Gorno, Leslie Hindman and Martin Gapshis; Kate Gaynor and Chris Long (in Oscar de la Renta); Grace Barry, me and William Kennedy Smith; dining pavillion in Grant Park; Rebecca Besser; Houston's Mary and Roy Cullen; dining pavillion par nuit; Helen Melchior, Christopher Clinton Conway, me, Ashley Wheater, Grace Barry and Jay Franke; Modern's restaurant designed by Dirk Lohan; view from the Sculpture Terrace; designer Dirk Lohan with friends; Kathy Tazlitz; another chic couple enjoying the gala. For more photos from this enchanting evening, click here.

On Thursday, May 7th, Bulgari hosted a lovely cocktail reception to benefit Save the Children’s “Rewrite the Future” Campaign. This Michigan Avenue store was crammed with well-wishers, many of us scrambling to order one of the signature sterling silver rings created just for this occasion. At $290, it was the perfect way to be supportive and not have to spend a fortune. This also makes a perfect gift idea! It has “Bulgari” engraved on the outside and “Save the Children” engraved on the inside. Store Manager Lisa Kraus welcomed guests and was beaming at the wonderful turnout. I was told Ellen DeGeneres gave a ring to each member of her studio audience….nice! The event was catered by Jon Wool of Finesse Cuisine. A wonderful event for a very worthy cause! Photos from top left: Robin Mucha, store manager Lisa Kraus and Adrienne Brown; Sean Eshaghy and Courtney Kennedy; Save the Children ring presentation; Megan McMillan.

Graham Kostic did it again! His “Glossed & Found” party at Galleria Unico brought out a fun-loving crowd to this unique Gold Coast venue at 44 E. Superior St. Guests included Paul Sherman, Lynne Bredfeldt, Jon Wool, Jessa Brinkmeyer, Toni Canada, Lisa Trunda, Harold Zimmerman, David Rothstein (who has a wonderful organization called “Share Your Love”), Paul Gonzalez, Ed and Mike Howlett, Thea Robinson, Danijela Ricco, Jiwon McCartney, JoAnne Bush, Tanya Robinson, gallery owner Julia Jacobs-Sandford, Ann Brodette, Jean Lilly, Sandy Stephan, Rebecca Morga, Traci Kuhn and many more! It was sponsored by Votre Vu, Grey Goose, MaiChef Cuisine and Fig Media. Graham’s parties are always so much fun and high energy! Thanks again Graham! :) Photos from top left: me, Graham Kostic and Toni Canada; Tanya Robinson; Jake's Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel with Amanda Puck; Joey Majumdar and Veronica Zepeda; Toni Canada, Heather Farley and Ellen Wesley. For more photos from this event, click here.

I’ve saved an article from O Magazine for several months and just came across it again. It’s about an incredible website called Taaz.com. All you need to do is upload a headshot of yourself and it takes you places you might never have been before! You can choose a new hairstyle, change your makeup, add false lashes, try different hair colors and even whiten your teeth—all in the privacy of your own computer area. I tried all of the looks and it was a blast! Try it for yourself and see how you look as a redhead! :) There is also a similar site at www.InStyle.com where you can do Hollywood makeovers by trying on 100+ different star styles. (See more of my new looks here!) Photo: one of my many Taaz.com makeovers.

Big congratulations to my friend Carlo Mondavi on his terrific spread in this month’s Vanity Fair magazine! The article, entitled “Fortune’s Children”, showcases 38 heirs and heiresses photographed by Bruce Weber. They are all making privilege count and include Ivanka Trump, Antoine Arnault, Georgina Bloomberg, Lord Edward-Spencer Churchill, Armie Hammer, Amanda Hearst, Kathleen Kennedy, Andrea Casiraghi and Harry Morton. It’s a terrific article with wonderful photos! Congrats Carlo! :) You’re the cutest! (For more on Carlo and his latest luxury skincare line, Davi, see his interview on CNBC here.) Photo: Carlo Mondavi (photo credit: Bruce Weber).

I hope you have a wonderful week and please take a look at another video that will start off your week with a smile….

Love,
Candace 🙂

JOFFREY WOWS SPRING GALA CROWD!

How does one describe a magical evening like Friday night when the Joffrey Spring Gala was held at the Hilton Chicago? From beginning to end, the memory-making moments never stopped. First, guests arrived at the Auditorium Theater for a wine reception starting at 5:30 p.m. and the performance began at 6:30 p.m. Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Mary Jo Basler and Jay Franke welcomed the crowd and thanked the sponsors and artistic director Ashley Wheater and executive director Christopher Clinton Conway introduced the program which began with an inspiring video. The production was, in a word, breathtaking. I’ve followed the Joffrey dancers for a while now and I will tell you, they are a world-class ballet company and every time they dance, they are so much better than the time before. (If you haven’t gotten tickets for the Spring Series, DO IT NOW! You don’t have to be a dance aficionado to appreciate these thrilling performances. The program began with all of the Exelon Strobel Step-Up students performing "Groove", a fast paced, energetic piece that showcased these young dancers’ incredible skills. (They are brilliantly and passionately directed by former dancer Pierre Lockett.) Next up was our own Joffrey Ballet performing a pas de deux from “Reflections” and danced exquisitely by Christine Rocas and Temur Suluashvili. Then “Age of Innocence” choreographed by Edwaard Liang and danced by Derrick Agnoletti, Raul Casaola, Aaron Rogers and Mauro Villanueva. A haunting “Aria” was performed by Matthew Adamczyk and you could hear a pin drop in the audience with his skillful performance. “In the Middle Somewhat Elevated” was danced to perfection by Fabrice Calmels and Victoria Jaiani. This number was very modern and Pulp Fiction-esque in feel and had the audience enthralled. The closing piece – the highlight – was “Carousel A Dance.” With music by Richard Rodgers and choreographed by the genius Christopher Wheeldon, the company was at its peak. The clever and unique staging made the country fair come to life for everyone in the audience. It was danced by the gorgeous Victoria Jaiani and handsome Matthew Adamczyk with “friends” Mauro Villanueva, Allison Walsh, Elizabeth Hansen and Temur Suluashvili. It brought the audience to their feet as the dancers took bow after bow amid a waterfall of glittering confetti. It made me so proud to be a part of this incredible organization that I could almost bust. My husband and I were moved to tears… Photos from top right: Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Jay Franke and Mary Jo Basler; Exelon Strobel Step-Up students; Joffrey dancers taking their bows; Gala hostesses Jessica Steffenson, Astra Gamsjaeger, Heidi Keeling and Marjorie Habermann; Liz Ryan, Shawna Owen, Sophie Bross and Heather Webster; Pam Strobel with Jeff and Lisa Leiden; Julie Garwood and Julie Johnson; me and Jesus Salguiero; Nancy Bauer and Debbie Beitler; Kelly Dettman and Judy Pierpont; Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax; Margaret O'Connor, Harold Ramis, Erica Ramis, Katherine Veach and Mayari Pritzker.

On this night, we were fortunate enough to be picked up and driven to the theatre and gala in a 1960 Rolls Royce limousine with chauffeur courtesy of our friends Deb and John Gross. Now I know how Queen Elizabeth feels!!! Thanks so much Deb and John!! You made a special evening even MORE special! Photo: me and Christine Ott with the vintage Rolls Royce limo.

The Gala was held at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan Ave. and guests were transported there via trolleys that were running constantly. Gala co-chairs Sandy Deromedi, Mary Jo Basler and Jay Franke thought of EVERYTHING and in this very tough economy brought in 950 guests and raised almost $1.2 million dollars this year for the Joffrey! This is simply amazing and I know how hard they all worked to make this happen! Huge kudos and thank you to Sandy, Mary Jo and Jay!! Presenting sponsor was Harris Private Bank and the dinner and performance was underwritten by Alphawood Foundation. Premier grand benefactors included Abbott Fund, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Basler, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Deromedi, Mr. Fred Eychaner, Mr. Jay Franke and Mr. David Herro, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Levy and J.B. and M.K. Pritzker Family Foundation. Thank you all! Photos from top left: Richard and Kate Benson; Harriet and Irwin Ross.

There was a cocktail reception in the Normandie Lounge and then dinner and dancing by Rich Daniels and the City Lights Orchestra in the Grand Ballroom. The Grand Ballroom has never looked more elegant thanks to the floral and décor efforts by Jonathan Ryan of “A Perfect Event.” It was simply breathtaking: There were two-foot-tall white floral arrangements composed of soaring calla lilies, amaryllis, peonies and hydrangeas placed on various tables in beautiful crystal vases. On other tables were chic, modern silver based lamps with white shades and then on the rest of the tables, were gorgeous small white and pale green flowers all set on custom made Fortuny linens. A dramatic touch were the apple green uplights on the second balcony highlighting all of the gilding and moldings. It was the crowning touch and even the giant crystal chandeliers seemed to sparkle a little brighter. Dinner began with smoked salmon, followed by filet mignon topped with an herb crust, truffle sauce, sautéed spinach, fingerling potatoes and seasonal vegetables. The dessert, an apple tatin surrounded by caramel sauce under a golden chocolate cage with fresh raspberries, was a delightful tribute to the Joffrey Ballet. Photos from top left: Angela Flenoy of Sara Lee and Sharon Ford; arriving at the Hilton; Linda Johnson Rice; decor by Jonathan Ryan of A Perfect Event; Marci Holzer and her darling family; delicious Joffrey dessert.

We all danced until the wee hours and hated to say goodbye. Everyone was at their most elegant and I can’t wait to see what next year brings! Chuck and I were whisked back home in our vintage Rolls and then we turned back into pumpkins but were very happy pumpkins indeed! Hope to see you all there next year!!! Photos from top left: John Amato and Rhonda Sanderson; Greg Hyder, Michelle Desjardins and Bob Golant. For more photos from this magical evening, click here!

Saturday night we attended the American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball at the Civic Opera House as guests of Kristina and Mike McGrath. It was a packed audience and the rooms were beautifully decorated by Kehoe Designs with massive hanging baskets of flowers and six-foot-tall florals on the auction tables. They had a silent and live auction which raised almost $250,000 with the entire event raising over $2.9 million for cancer research. This is the first time I’ve seen these wireless remote bidding devices that were used but they were very effective. Bidders could watch their bids on the giant live screen and bid from the comfort of their tables throughout the course of the evening. For the live auction, a behind-the-scenes tour with Katie Couric and breakfast at Tiffany’s went for $22,000. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated a 2010 Lexus IS 250 convertible with your choice of colors which is the first of its kind in Chicago. It sold for $50,000. Lucky Mike also won one of the raffle prizes which was a gorgeous diamond and platinum ring from Tiffany’s. A silver lab puppy was auctioned off for $25,000 to United Airlines president Glen Tilton and wife Jackie. An Indianapolis 500 racing package with a full racing suit from Danica Patrick sold for $32,000. Haity and Jim McNerney, CEO of Boeing, were event chairs. CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo was the emcee for the evening and Natalie Cole gave an amazing performance. Natalie has been diagnosed with Hepatitis C and needs a kidney. My tablemates informed me they saw her last year and this year she looks much frailer. We wish her the best. Next year’s chairs will be Victoria and Gary Holdren. Photos from top left: Discovery Ball at the Civic Opera House; dining on stage at the Civic Opera House; Kristina and Mike McGrath with a Tiffany's model; bidder's board; United Airlines president Glen Tilton and wife Jackie with their new puppy; performer Natalie Cole; 2010 Discovery Ball co-chairs Victoria and Gary Holdren; Shauna and Barry Montgomery; David and Julie Lampert. For more photos from this event, click here!

There are lots more fun events coming up and I want to share a few with you. The first party is hosted by Graham Kostic from “Glossed and Found.” It will be held on Thursday, April 30th, at Galleria Unico from 6 to 8 p.m. to honor their spotlighted profiles. Honorees are Jessa Brinkmeyer, Toni Canada, Lisa Trunda, Harold Zimmerman and moi. Space is limited so please RSVP to Rachel@glossedandfound.com if you can join us. The second event, Art Rocks, will take place on May 1st and is hosted by Cynthia Rowley, Melissa and Henrique Kerch, Claudia Kleiner, Christine Sanderson, Kasia Koniar, Tracey Mayer and moi aussi. This is the official after party for Art Chicago and space fills up fast. Enjoy local paintings, digital art, specialty drinks and mingle with Chicago’s hottest fashion and art scene. RSVP to www.Factio-Magazine.com/artrocks. The final fun and exciting party will be the premier of the cult classic movie Star Trek on May 8th with a private screening at 600 N. Michigan Ave. theatres. Tickets are $100 and will benefit Columbia College. They can be purchased online by clicking on this link. Doors open at 5 p.m., movie starts at 5:30 p.m. and the after-party at Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar will start at 8 p.m. There will be a special introduction by Trekkie Richard Roeper. This is a Chicago Link Productions event so you just know it will be loads of fun! Photos from top right: Glossed & Found logo; Art Rocks invite; Star Trek poster.

I hope to see you around our wonderful town and I also hope that someday spring will arrive……in case you’ve forgotten, this is what it looks like! This photo was taken last year in Harbor Country in Michigan during the Celebration of Home and Gardens Tour which benefits Heartland Alliance. This year it will take place on Saturday, June 6th. For ticket info, please call (312) 660-1319. It is a wonderful way to spend the day and you’ll bump into a lot of friends too… :) And now, if you feel like you’re swimming with sharks in this terrible economy, take a tip from our little friend and see how it will all work out in the end.