Tag Archives: David Cangelosi

CHICAGO BEARS ISRAEL IDONIJE AND JERRY AZUMAH “LAUGH OUT LOUD” FOR CHARITY

…PLUS RICHARD DENT SHARES A SECRET, NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS’ EARTH SAVING PROJECT, CRYSTAL’S BIG HEART, NICOLE’S BRIDAL TIPS, A HOMETOWN DESSERT FIT FOR A PRESIDENT, PAMELLA AND DAN MAKE SOME PLANS, A SECRET PARTY (WELL, NOT ANYMORE!), THE LYRIC TAKES YOU TO PARIS, WOMEN DRIVING EXCELLENCE AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
1 - Co-hosts Jerry Azumah and Israel IdonijeA cold and rainy night didn’t keep the crowds from packing the house at the hot River North nightclub, Untitled, for the second annual Laugh Out Loud comedy show on January 29th. Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and former all-pro Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah teamed up to benefit 2 - Leon Rogerstheir respective charities for a night that included some of the top comedic talent around. Jerry’s charity, the Azumah Student Assistance Program (ASAP) Foundation, develops innovative and unique programs and charity events designed to raise funds for 3 - Glam girls at Untitleddisadvantaged students. Israel’s charity, the Israel Idonije Foundation, inspires underserved communities by providing 4 - Basketball great Antoine Walkerprograms focused on social and emotional life skills. Together, these great superstars created an evening that all those in attendance won’t soon forget. By the end of the night, my sides hurt from 5 - Ali Claytonlaughing so much at the show’s co-hosts WGCI’s Leon Rogers and Brian Babylon, along with featured comedians Damon Williams (of BET’s "Comic View" who also served as the opening act for the 6 - Kelley Speck (R) and cute friendlegendary Kings of Hollywood Comedy Tour), Adrienne Irmer (Perri’s darling daughter), Ali Clayton, Tony Scolfied, Ron Baker, Jr. (handsome brother of Ryan), Mitch Hurley, Erica Clark and Willie Lynch. The fun-filled 7 - Ron Baker, Jr.night began with a VIP reception in the club’s exclusive bar area behind the main stage. Here, guests got a chance to meet the hosts and mingle with the comedians as well as enjoy a fabulous buffet. I covered the event for 9 - Damon WilliamsCandid Candace Chicago (on Watch312.com) so stay tuned for all of the evening’s fun captured on video as well as great interviews with the hosts and the many sports stars in attendance. Seen on the scene were Antoine Walker, Trista Phillips, Jason McKee, 8 - Idonije Foundation’s Kendra Fogarty and Sharbel ShamoonKelley Speck, Erica Clark, Nina Chantelle, Les Coney, Alayna and DC Crenshaw, KISS-FM’s Angi Taylor and Saran Dunmore to name a few. To learn more about these wonderful charities, please visit www.israelidonije.org and www.theasapfoundation.org. Congrats Izzy and Jerry and thanks for all you do to make the world a better place. 🙂 (To see more pics from this fun-filled evening, please click here!)

 
1 - Richard Dent & Fred MitchellLegendary Chicago Bear, 1985 Super Bowl MVP and Class of 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Richard Dent was the featured guest speaker at the Union League Club reception and luncheon held on January 29th. Richard was there to discuss his RJ, Shiloh & DeEtta Jonesbook, "Blood, Sweat & Bears," written with veteran Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell. After lunch, Fred interviewed Richard as he recounted stories in the book and playing football for the fiercest, most dominant defense in NFL history AND playing the game before violent helmet-to-helmet 3 - Richard giving his speech at Pro Football Hall of Fametackles were forbidden. He spoke about growing up in a family with nine kids and having a mother who did whatever it took to make ends meet. Richard asked the audience, “How many of you have seen the movie, ‘The Help’? That was my mom and she made the best 4 - Fred Mitchell, Margaret O'Connor, Sheila Dorman, Richard Dentbiscuits around.” Fred fielded questions from the crowd and as the luncheon came to a close, Richard shared this with the audience, “You are the first to know I will be carrying the Vince Lombardi trophy onto the field at Sunday’s Super Bowl game!” Two 5 - Richard and his son RJ at the premiere of The Karate Kidguests at the luncheon who sat with Richard and Fred at the Author’s table were Sheila Dorman (Sr. VP and COO of Northern Trust) and Margaret O’Connor (the producer of Richard’s pre-induction Hall of Fame celebration at Carnivale for 450 people). Sheila and Margaret also traveled to Canton, Ohio, for Richard’s induction into the Hall of 6Fame in August 2011. (Our beloved photog Steve Starr also made the trip and would be so pleased to know that his photograph of Richard’s children RJ and Shiloh and long-time girlfriend DeEtta Jones is in the book). To purchase "Blood, Sweat & Bears!", please click here!
 
1 - Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky congratulates NU studentsWater is one of the most important elements on earth and an exciting new documentary, “Water Pressures,” a film that features Northwestern University students and desert villagers in water-distressed Rajasthan, India, 3 - “Water Pressures” executive producer-director Bill Natalewill premiere on March 20th at the Wilmette Theater (1122 Central Ave).  Produced by Artistic Circles’ Ann Feldman, the film is hosted by "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier and directed  by Bill Natale (executive producer for Illinois Centers for Broadcasting and Watch312.com), 2 - On location in Rajasthan, Indiawho also served as the associate producer of the doc. The story demonstrates how understanding, education and collaboration can lead to sustainable solutions, particularly between developing and developed countries. Based on the relationships created by the documentary, Northwestern is now setting up a research site in the desert at the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation to study and 5 - Rajasthan, Indiaassist with desalination and water-related diseases. “Water Pressures” premiered at the Chicago 4 - NU students attend forum on global water crisis at NU CampusSouth Asian Film Festival, winning merit awards for a video for social change. It has been translated into Hindi with plans to be broadcast in India as well as on public TV stations nationwide beginning March 20. “Water Pressures” is presented by WTTW Chicago and will be nationally distributed by American Public Television. Enjoy this three-minute trailer and congrats to all involved for creating this eye-opening film!
 
Astrologer Jolie EvansI don’t know how many of you consult an astrologer from time to time but I have a wonderful woman who even gives readings over the phone based on your info! Jolie Evans has been in the business for a long, long time and her reading for me from last year was so precise that I just had to share her info with you! Anyone interested, please email jolieevans@live.com and tell her Candid Candace sent you! 🙂
 
Nicole Jacob DelehantyHuge congrats to one of my very favorite makeup artists, Nicole Jacob Delehanty! She is featured in this month’s issue of Town & Country Weddings, which showcases hair and makeup pros who travel to destination weddings. Anyone lucky enough to nab Nicole will certainly look her very best on her special day! Congrats to this gorgeous, Scan0001talented new mom who looks more beautiful than ever! Here are her five top tips for wedding makeup: 1.) Wear individual fake lashes, they draw attention to the eye 2.) Add shimmer to foundation for a natural luminous healthy glow, 3.) Enhance your features but don't mask your face with makeup, 4.) Bronzer is super important all the time – heathy color, and 5.) Light pink see through lip gloss is feminine and beautiful! (Unless of course you prefer Candid Candace Coral from CAMP Cosmetics, LOL!) For wedding makeup inquiries, please call Cathy at 312-961-6588 and to book appointments for makeup or brows, contact the Paul Rehder Salon at 312-943-7404. 

Hef and CrystalHef’s leading lady, Crystal Harris Hefner, is auctioning off her wedding dress from their nuptials in honor of Hef’s longtime and much-loved assistant, Mary O’Connor, who recently passed away. Given that Mary was responsible for helping H
ef and Crystal reconcile and eventually marry, Crystal has decided to put her pink, strapless, mermaid-style Romona Keveza gown up for auction along with her Aruna Seth pumps to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (This is the disease that recently claimed Mary’s life.) The auction ends February 11th. Click here to bid! What a loving gesture Crystal!

 
Dan and Pamella DeVos (Roland)Stylish fashion designer Pamella Roland – who has been the featured designer for The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails – will be spending more time in Chicago and wants her husband Dan to stay busy! Daniel DeVos, son of billionaire Richard DeVos of Grand Rapids, Michigan, just opened a Ford Dealership west of McCormick Place at 2401 S. Michigan Ave. Since buying a home downtown, Pamella hopes to spend more time in the Windy City and we  couldn't be happier to hear this good news! Welcome to Chicago, Pamella and Dan!!
 
1 - The Schulmans and their Eli’s Cheesecake at the InauguralMore Chicagoans making a national impact include the delightful owners of Eli’s Cheesecake, Maureen and Marc Schulman: This year marks the fourth inaugural cake that Eli’s has been invited to create! Both of former 2 - Kori, Haley and Elana Schulman at the Inaugural Balls wearing LuLu’s at the Belle KayPresident Bill Clinton’s inaugurals and President Obama’s 2009 Commander-in-Chief Ball all had giant Eli’s cheesecakes! This year’s 500-pound creation was served at the Staff Ball after Tony Bennett 3 - Eli’s Executive Pastry Chef Laurel Boger places the Statue of Freedom atop the edible Capitol Dome (all chocolate chip cheesecake)and Lady Gaga performed. The President, First Lady, Vice President and Second Lady were also in attendance. Maureen says, “It was a cheesecake frenzy!” The cake also appeared on the Jumbotron much to the delight of the Schulmans! Also in attendance were Eli’s executive pastry chef 4 - Marc Schulman looks on as Inaugural CEO Stephen Kerrigan (front) and Inaug. Exec. Dir. David Cusack cut the cakeLaurel Boger (who decorated the big cake in the kitchen of the Washington Convention Center), Schulman daughters Haley, Kori and Elana (who all wore glam dresses and 5 - Pep rally with Eli’s bakers before the cheesecake left for Washington, DC.exquisite jewelry from LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, no doubt styled by its chic owner Laurie Davis). What a thrilling opportunity for this Chicago institution, Eli’s Cheesecake!! Congrats to Maureen, Marc and all the little Schulmans! 
 
Women Driving Excellence invite finalI’m so excited to be a featured speaker for Women Driving Excellence, an inaugural event at the Chicago Auto Show on February 12th. In celebration of "women who start, accelerate
, fuel and steer others to strive for excellence," MJ Tam and Beth Rosen (ChicagonistaLIVE social talk show), Monika Dixon, Debi Lilly, Elisa All, Jill Saltzman, Saya Hillman along with the Chicago Tribune, Red Eye and Cars.com will partner to co-host this exciting event. Featured speakers/honorees include Corri McFadden (eDrop-Off founder), Genevieve Thiers (founder of Sittercity.com), Luvvie Ajayi (AwesomelyLuvvie.com), Anupa Singla (Chicago Now blogger and former CLTV news broadcaster), Karen Weigert (City of Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer) and ME! 🙂 Giveaways will be offered throughout the event and will include iPad Minis, spa services, hotel stays and many more! The day’s thrilling activities will begin at 10 a.m. – to see all details and to RSVP, please click here! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

 

1 - With Sargent McCormick (2nd from R) with friends at Pump Room

With Sargent McCormick (2nd from R) with friends at Pump Room

I received a very unusual invite for the 108th Twelfth Night Masquerade. What the hell is this, you ask? I know, I asked myself the same question so I googled it: It turns out this is a very exclusive party (by invite only and, by this I mean only you and not your spouse or a plus-one which irritated me to no end). However, my natural curiosity got the best of me so I just had to go. From what I discovered, this event was founded in 1905 by Bill Gamble (of Procter & Gamble fame) and his high-society cohorts, who banded together to break up the doldrums of winter in Chicago by inaugurating the Widow & Widowers Ball. From the start, it was a party with an irreverent twist: Gamble and company drew up a list of all the couples in their social circles, decided which member of each couple they deemed the most fun and invited that person alone to attend the ball. By 1920, this rule was relaxed – no doubt because of the outrage from the other partner – and the name was changed to The Twelfth Night Masquerade. Billy Gamble died in 1921 but the party continues as his lasting legacy to Chicago social life. Twelfth Night 2 - Clemente Dadoo from the University of Chicago and Thomas Love from Northwesternhas been a fixture on the Chicago social calendar for more than a century and for many remains a family tradition with current guests, their parents and even their grandparents in attendance. In order to receive an invite, you must be known to the Committee of Twelve. Oh, and the evening was also a celebration of charming Sargent McCormick’s 30th birthday. 🙂 I could only attend the pre-party cocktail get-together at the Pump Room but the party hit its zenith later with 600 guests in costume in the Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel. No press allowed…oops, there goes next year’s invite! 😉 Their motto: Let good taste prevail to no avail. Their rule: No equestrians or mounted pedestrians. 
 
Ladybug_Bash_final-01-19-13I love this event that benefits Atia’s Project Ladybug.  On March 23rd, HGTV host and “hottie-with-a-heart” Dina Manzo will host the third annual Ladybug Bash to benefit Comer Children’s Hospital at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St. Tickets begin at $65 and will help raise awareness for this non-profit which aims to ease the struggles of childhood cancer. Please come out for the fun and be inspired by this great cause!
 
Lyric Save the DateThe Lyric Opera wants to take you to Paris! On February 9th, the Lyric will present the Fantasy of the Opera: Midnight in Paris. The Civic Opera house will be transformed into 1920’s Paris with the lower-level Opera Club morphing into the Moulin Rouge, the foyer and mezzanine levels will become the “Streets of Paris” with French gourmet Lyric venue scenesamplings and spectacles, the Cabaret will showcase stars of the Lyric’s winter productions performing non-opera repertoire and will include singers Jamie Barton, David Cangelosi, Elizabeth Futral, Amanda Majeski, Ana Maria Martinez, Lucas Meachem, Albina Shagimuratova and Andrea Silvestrilli. Event chairman Courtney Rosen (who will be wearing a chic gown by Atelier Azza) promises this will be a very unique experience! Dance music will be provided by big band Rendezvous! For tickets, beginning at $275 and more info, please click here! Ooh la la!
 
1 - Lynne Jordan sings Nina Simone wearing a chic gown by designer Reggie NewportCongrats to beloved cabaret star Lynne Jordan and her hot band, The Shivers!  Her sell-out show, which channeled Nina Simone, was a huge hit at City Winery last month and her recent show at Davenport’s, a tribute to Janis Joplin, was also a 2 - Lynne Jordan & the Shivers at City Winerysell-out! There's nothing this woman can’t sing and Roger Ebert said so in a recent tweet to his almost 800,000 followers! Don’t miss another show from this Chicago treasure!
 
Win black history eventThe Black History Month Innovation Panel will be hosted by the Women’s Innovation Network on February 19th at the International House at the University of Chicago. Panelists will include beloved PR queen Dori Wilson (Dori Wilson Public Relations), Jetta Bates (award-winning marketing expert and creator of JettaSetting), Makeba Kedem-Dubose (artist, curator and art educator) and Dawgelene Sangster (author and founder of Think Royally Inc.). Moderator, and another Chicago treasure, will be NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter. For tickets and more info, please click here.
 
2007 champion Dan PonceDancing with Chicago Celebrities is an annual star-studded charity ball presented by Arthur Murray to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. Over the last seven years, the ball has raised more than $800K which has been donated to deserving charities who champion this cause. The 8th Annual Dancing with Chicago Celebrities will take place March 8th Val Warnerat the Hyatt Regency and will include beloved WGN’s Dina Bair (I’ve seen this woman dance at Newsapalooza and I hope the other competitors are rehearsing NOW!), WBBM-TV’s Pam Jones, ’06 champion Chef Rick Bayless, ’12 MVP Kim Vatis (NBC5) and ’12 champion and former Chicago Bear Desmond Clark, NBC’s Stefan Holt, WGN’s Frank Holland, ABC’s Michelle Gallardo, Miss Illinois Megan Ervin, former Chicago Bear Anthony Adams and Christina Filiaggi (WLS-AM Radio 890). For tickets and more info, please click here
 
CFCA_775The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) will celebrate its 24th annual Awards Show on February 9th at the Muvico Theaters in Rosemont, located at 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave. Nadine Velazquez and Joe Perillo will emcee and award-winning actress Jane Lynch will receive the Comedia Extraordinaire Award at 7:30 p.m. at the theater. Net proceeds will support the 2013 Emerging Film Makers Award for Columbia College Chicago film students. For tickets and more info, please click here!

 
Jenny McCarthyI love it that Playboy glamour girl and perpetually fit Jenny McCarthy (40!), loves Chicago’s delicious Giordano’s pizza…and stuffed pie at that! In a recent cover story article in Shape Magazine, she says she gets her Windy City fix by having it shipped to LA when Giordano's signshe craves a taste from home. She said, “There’s this place in Chicago called Giordano’s which has the best deep-dish pizza in the world. It’s my therapist, my best friend and my boyfriend on Friday nights.” I doubt that she’s ever very lonely but nice to know she loves one of Chicago’s many legendary institutions!
 
AdlerThe Adler Planetarium will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a reception hosted by new president Dr. Michelle Larson and chairman of the board, John Estey, on February 7th. The night under the stars will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Adler’s Sky Pavilion followed by a program honoring featured speaker and New York Dava SobelTimes best-selling author of “Galileo’s DaughterDava Sobel. Cynthia Ballew is event chair with co-chairs Nancy Temple (WB President), Linda Celesia, Caroline Becker Joss, Lisa Lewis, Erika Bartelstein, Pamela Pohl, Mihra Seta and Linda Gerstman. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.)

 
Candid Candace Coral Lipstick-CAMP CosmeticsSpecial thanks to the Sun-Times Splash editor, and all-around great peep, Susanna Negovan for including my CAMP Cosmetics Candid Candace lipstick in Sunday’s fab section! This color is a great cure for the winter doldrums – hope you agree and buy it here!!! Me at Windy City Live(Wink wink!)
 
I’m so happy that Chicago’s social whirl has picked up! There's so much to do and so many great events planned! Tune into "Windy City Live" on February 25th, when I’ll share my top picks for March! 🙂
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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GENE & GEORGETTI’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!

…PLUS FANTASY NIGHT AT THE LYRIC, COMMON THREAD’S NEW PARTY, DUSTY, TONI AND NENA HOST HAL, JERRY ROPER’S AWARD, THODOS CELEBRATES 20TH, CS MAGAZINE’S COOL PAGE, A NEW WATCH312 VIDEO AND MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Marion, Tony and Michelle DurpettiThere are not many restaurants around town that can boast about a 70th anniversary party but this was happily the case with steakhouse icon, Gene & Georgetti’s. On Sunday Blog 2 - Dominic DiFrisco and Darcy DiBuonoevening January 29th, this venerable restaurant celebrated in grand fashion at Park West with a by-invite-only party for more than 300 friends, family, staff and regulars. Blog 3 - Richard Ciato and his darling wifeThe evening, produced expertly by Michelle Durpetti (Michelle Durpetti Events), started off with an hour-long film by Loudbyte Cinematography that included regulars, Chicago Blog 4 - Bill Brennan and Jim Verrarosnotables and family on camera discussing the restaurant’s history and never-before-heard stories. Opening the film was longtime regular Terry “Whitey” Pearson and Blog 5 - Bonnie Schultz (R) and friendCharles Herrick. Other “stars” included Phil Stefani (who catered the event), Bobby Hatoff (Allen Bros. supplies the meat to the restaurant), Rich Melman, Dominic DiFrisco, Phil Hanahan, Peter Blog 6 - Tony and Phil StefaniWright, David Lissner, Lee Flaherty and Vince Conroy among many others. Marion and Tony Durpetti are second generation owners (Marion’s dad, Gene Michelotti, founded the restaurant with a partner) Blog 7 - A cute ZZazz Production numberand throughout the film, family and friends recounted tales of this beloved spot. DiFrisco spoke about the time Yankees Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio planned a dinner at the restaurant…but first, he Blog 8 - Taso Maroulis and Erinhad an aide find out whether or not there were photos of Marilyn Monroe on the wall and, if there were, that they were removed before he came. (Her loss was too raw for him to bear.) There was Blog 9 - Phil Hanahan and ladyfriendalso a story about Lucille Ball: She had asked if she could have her "Mame" premiere party at the restaurant on Saturday night (which would mean closing the restaurant) and Gene said no. She settled for Blog 10 - Party sceneSunday and the next thing you know, she marched herself in and wanted to meet the man who said “no.” The premiere party WAS planned at the restaurant and a 5’ X 4’ photo of her – autographed in her own red lipstick – Blog 11 - Elvis has NOT left the building!hangs on the wall to this day. Michelle had so many exciting plans for the night including partnering with Tracey Tarantino (ZZazz Productions) to have “legends of the stage and screen” make appearances Blog 12 - On the Red Carpet with the Durpettisat the party. I saw Elton, Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner (aka Darcy DiBuono), Lady Gaga, Prince and Dolly circulating throughout the crowd. Michelle also surprised her parents onstage with a custom- Blog 13 - Chuck, Tracy, Jamie and friendcreated cake by Tipsy Cake lit with sparklers for their 43rd wedding anniversary. Sugar Chic Designs hosted a delectable “movie concession stand” filled with themed sweets (like Blog 14 - Dave and Roberta Sheehanminiature chocolate Academy Awards) and Garrett’s Popcorn.  After the film, Sway Chicago performed a big band-style set followed by a dazzling, live theatrical number by Blog 15 - Chuck, Tracy Tarantino and Whitey PearsonZZazz Productions. To the dancing crowd’s delight, a confetti cannon blast signaled the last hour of the evening as DJ Brent Rolland of Fig Media kicked off the evening’s grand finale. Blog 16 - Marion and Tony DurpettiThere were beautiful floral arrangements by Exquisite Designs as well as a red carpet for photo ops. It was such a memorable evening Blog 17 - Supportive G & G friendsfor everyone who loves this restaurant and this wonderful Durpetti family who have done so much to keep Chicago on the map but also to see the love and power of a caring family and their loyal staffers. Long may they reign! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to see a clip from the film by Loudbyte, please click here.) Also, check out my coverage of this amazing evening for Watch312.com below!

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Blog 1 - Leslie Hindman and Ken NorganIt is always an elegant evening at the Lyric Opera but for their 28th Fantasy of the Opera Gala, it was “A Night Under the Czars” for this Russian-themed evening that attracted more than 500 Blog 2 - Oleg Vasliev, Aleksandra Efimova, Itina Ivanove, Robert Johnsonguests. Event Creative designed a night of wonder with ice sculptures of Faberge eggs, frosted glass table chandeliers, golden branches dripping with crystal strands and white peacocks overlooking the Grand Foyer from the Blog 3 - Dr. Linda O’Bannon and friendMezzanine. Guests enjoyed Moscow Mule cocktails, champagne and other refreshments while they bid electronically on the extensive silent auction Blog 4 - Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kernitems expertly coordinated by auction chairman Julie Anne Benson. Before a seated dinner by Limelight Catering, top Chicago restaurants provided gourmet tastings. (Participating restaurants Blog 5 - Dustin Berta and Jenny Bergincluded Carnivale, Coco Pazzo, Devon Seafood Grill, Il Mulino, N9NE, Prosecco, Province, Vera and more.) I was thrilled to be a guest of Board Member and Gold Sponsor Ken Norgan and his group of friends that included Blog 6 - Cynthia and Rich VarnesJose “Pepe” Conforme, Leslie Hindman, Helen Melchior, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern, Cynthia and Rich Varnes, George Jewell and Karen Harding. Emceed by General Director Anthony Freud, the Fantasy Cabaret performance featured 14 stars of the Lyric’s current and previous seasons. Philip Kraus did a hysterical rendition of Noel Coward’s “Don’t Put Your Blog 7 - Helen Melchior, Ken, George Jewell, Karen Harding, Heinz KernDaughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington” and David Blog 8Cangelosi, who sang Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” had the crowd joining in on the chorus. We dined like czars and czarinas in boxes 28 and 30 with glowing “Faberge” eggs as centerpieces after the Fantasy Cabaret performance. Chair of the Blog 9 - Jose “Pepe” Conforme, Sanjay Sharma, Ken (R) and friendevent, Nancy Temple, along with her co-chair Courtney Rosen, welcomed the crowd and Linda Pedian Blog 10 - Lyric Manager of Media Relations, Magda Krance(of American Airlines, the Lyric’s official airline) was the raffle sponsor. (Allison Alexander was Raffle Chairman.) For the first time, Lyric Young Professionals joined in the festivities and enjoyed an exclusive Russian-themed dinner in The Sarah and Peer Pedersen Room by Jewell Events Catering. This LYP event was Blog 11 - Sun-Times Elizabeth Hamel and Kurt Guzowskichaired by Aleksandra Efimova, who had this to say: “As a LYP gala chair and being born in St. Petersburg, Russia, it was a true honor to share the beauty and richness of Russian culture with the Blog 12gala guests. This event was another important step to strengthen understanding, communication and interest between the U.S. and Russia—something I strongly and Blog 13passionately believe in.” Other evening sponsors included Guild Board President David Ormesher (whose company, Closerlook, was the presenting sponsor), Donna Blog 14 - Box 28 & 30 FriendsVan Eekeren, Richard and Susan Kiphart, Elaine and Allan Muchin, Maura Ann McBreen, Bob Finke and Alan Schriesheim among others. Also seen in the crowd were Meg Caswell (a Blog 14recent HGTV "Design Star" winner) as well as Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. The evening ended on a sweet note with Blommer Chocolate, Blog 15e.leaven Food Company, Katherine Anne Confections, Sprinkles Cupcakes and Terry’s Toffee providing dessert treats. All of the Lyric singers stayed around for the after-party taking pix of each other while dancing to Ken Arlen’s Indigo. The Fantasy evening raised more than $470,000 for Lyric programming.

 Blog 1 - Chris Olsen, Melissa Thodos and Ann ReinkingThe 20th anniversary party for Thodos Dance Chicago was a return to the roaring ‘20s at their annual Gala on January 28th at the Cultural Center. Legendary Broadway and film veteran, Tony Award-winning choreographer and frequent Thodos collaborator Ann Blog 2 - Thodos Youth EnsembleReinking mixed and mingled with more than 250 of her Chicago fans and the company’s top supporters as Honorary Chair. The evening raised more than $85K for the non-profit Thodos Dance Chicago, a 20-year-old contemporary dance company. One of the Blog 3 - Liz and Jeff Sharp, Annabelle Volgman and Art Margulisevening’s most exciting revelations was the announcement that “Beneath the White City Lights: The Making of an American Ballet Story” by Emmy Award-winning producer Chris Olsen, a half-hour documentary about the making of TDC’s Blog 4 - Thodos dancers Cara Carper, Annie Deutz and Danielle Scanloncurrent signature dance, “The White City: Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893,” co-choreographed by Reinking and Thodos in 2010, would make its broadcast debut on WTTW-TV, Channel 11 on Thursday, February 23 at 10:30 p.m. The evening also Blog 5 - Margaret Murphy, Cheri Lawrence and Marcia Sisneyincluded a surprise video tribute to founder Melissa Thodos, “20 Years in 20 Minutes,” as well as the always popular “Dancing with the Thodos Stars,” an inspiring performance by the Thodos/Menomonee Club Youth Ensemble, pre-dinner cabaret music courtesy of Tommy Hensel Blog 6 - Kaye Rahn, Don Hunter and Melissa Thodosand Dan Stetzel, dancing to the Swing Assembly orchestra plus a sit-down dinner, silent auction and a wine roulette. If you haven’t seen this company perform, then you are missing out on some incredibly dedicated and talented dancers. (Stay tuned for more exciting Thodos news in my next blogazine!)
 
CT Small Threads (Pic by Caitlin Saville Collins)Common Threads will be hosting its first Bright Threads event on Sunday, March 11th  at the James Hotel. The benefit will be hosted by Gail Simmons, “Top Chef” judge and Food & Wine magazine director, and will CommonThreadsLogoinclude a chance to attend an intimate VIP book signing and cocktail hour with Gail before the start of the main event. This party will be a seated family-style coursed dinner served on communal tables with the CT Small Threads working alongside the participating chefs to prep, cook and serve. VIP tickets are $500 and general admission tickets are $250. To purchase tickets and for more info, please email Eleanor@commonthreads.org or call 312.329.2501.
 
Dr. Sandy Goldberg.jpgThe Annie B. Brown Foundation will host an inaugural Gospel Concert on Thursday, March 29th, during Colon Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the benefits of colon cancer screenings. Proceeds raised will be donated to the Loretto Hospital Foundation to carry out screenings and Darius Brooks.jpgeducate people on the risks of this disease. The program, which will be emceed by Dr. Sandy Goldberg at Biagio’s at 4242 N. Central, will include a silent auction, dinner and performances by church choirs as well as Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Darius Brooks. For tickets and more info, please visit www.abbfoundation.org or call 630.765.2886. 
 
HalRubensteinHal Rubenstein, fashion director
of InStyle magazine, will have a busy two days when he is in town on March 13th and 14th. Dusty Stemer and Toni Canada will host a party at Blake, located at 212 W. Chicago Ave., on Tuesday, March 13th, from 4 – 7 p.m., to celebrate Rubenstein’s new book, “100 Unforgettable Dresses.” (RSVP to 312.202.0047.) The following day, Toni, Dusty and Nena Ivon will host a HalRubenstein13.jpgconversation with Hal for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum as he discusses his book and the Fall 2012 collections from the runways of NY, Paris and Milan. This event will be moderated by Susanna Negovan at the Casino, located at195 E. Delaware, beginning at 11:30 am. Tickets are $75. Please RSVP to Wendy Schiller at 312.799.2113.

Senate President Cullerton, Mayor Emanuel, Jerry Roper and Speaker Michael MadiganCongrats to civic leader Jerry Roper for being honored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel with the Chicago Gateway Green Urbs in Horto (city in a garden) Award for his commitment to the greening and beautification of Chicago. The event raised more than Jerry Roper and his extended family$1.1 million for a nine-mile Kennedy Expressway Enhancement Project. As President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of Gateway Green, Roper led the formation of Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an James O'Connor and Donovan Pepperaffiliate of the Chamber. The Governor proclaimed the Kennedy/Edens Expressway Junction the Gerald J. Roper Gateway and the Mayor proclaimed January 25th as “Gerald J. Roper Day.” He is also known as an outspoken advocate of public transportation, including aviation, rapid transit John Fritcheyand high-speed rail. His aviation advocacy includes service on the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Choice and Information in the Aviation Industry as an appointee of House Speaker Dennis Hastert in 2002. He is also a founding member of Business Leaders for Transportation, which focuses on the various forms of transit and transportation that businesses and their employees use every day. Congrats Jerry and thanks for your dedication to this beautiful city!

Nina and Bob MarianoHuge congrats to Nina and Bob Mariano (Roundy’s and Mariano’s Fresh Market) who will be ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday morning! Too cool for words but I tried!

CS Magazine 2-12And finally, a big thank you to CS Magazine for the full page feature about Watch312.com in this month’s issue!  And thanks to amazing photographer Anthony Tahlier for his expertise! 

Madonna.jpgWell, that’s it for this week and I hope your team won the Super Bowl! And, did we like Madonna? As far as commercials, my favorites were the Audi vampires and the little dog, “Here, Weego,” for Bud Light…but then you know I’m a sucker for doggie commercials. I especially loved the Facebook shout out at the end for rescue dogs…nice!
 

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

1-19-12 Beth Aldrich and Jenniffer Weigel (13)368 fbP.S. Congrats are also in order for author Beth Aldrich! Her new book, “Real Moms Love to Eat,” received rave reviews recently at Michigan Shore Club in Wilmette. (Pic by Mila Samokhina.)

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