Plus: Apparel Industry Foundation REVS UP; Friends of Prentice "Together at Home"; "Sounds of Celebration: An Evening at Home with the CSO"; "Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker"; WINGS' Purple Tie Ball; CASL celebrates Bernie; Streeterville Week; Palm Beach happenings; Service Club's Phantom Gala pivots to victory; Shannon Rovers bring smiles roving around Rush Street; The Holiday Shoppe; Mangel's and the Drake celebrating 100; Eleanor the Musical streaming soon; DMen Tap taps into the spirit of Christkindlmarket; A Covid vaccine?; A surprise holiday pop-up; Maria rules the pulpit too; PAWS Chicago's virtual Fur Ball; One Tail at a Time's virtual Houndstooth Ball; Doorstep Divas Chicago-the Holiday Edition; Jennifer and Erin's happy news; Wings to Cure cancer; This & That; Videos and SOOOO much more!
Rev Up honoree Sherrill Bodine accepts her award from designer/AIBI board president Lauren Lein.
The Apparel Industry Foundation hosted its annual Rev Up! fashion show/fundraiser virtually on October 29 honoring author/philanthropist Sherrill Bodine and featuring designs
AIBI executive director Ambar Campos (R) and Kat Anderson (AIBI member services coordinator).
from seven top local designers. The exciting show was broadcast simultaneously on Facebook Live and YouTube Live as well as on the Tiltify donation platform (which remains open for donations through November 15). From beginning to end, this high powered fashion show
Model Atelier designer Robin Harris (L) with one of her models.
was flawless, thanks to the production by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono of ZZAZZ Productions and filming by Francis Son. AIBI executive director Ambar Campos (who has been with AIBI for decades since she was a young girl!) and Kat
Glam model wearing Elda de la Rosa.
Anderson (AIBI member services coordinator) planned the event to perfection, with a great script and creative filming ideas. I was proud to host this hour long event, which was filmed (in part) at AIBI's office at 4255 N. Knox. The fashion films were shot at Pat and
Kristine Kinder and designer Al Menotti.
Joe Perillo's Bentley Gold Coast (which is typically the venue of choice for their live in-person events). Fashions segments included designs by Elda de la Rosa who
Designer Lauren Lein (2nd from R) with her models.
presented her romantic Esperanza (Hope) Collection. Lauren Lein (Cavanaugh) (who is also AIBI board president) showcased her collection titled "Lauren: at Home, Work, and Play," whimsical designs with an artful,
Designer Peach Carr's whimsical designs.
feminine aesthetic. Model Atelier designer Robin Harris focused on fashions for tall women with her collection titled "Vertically Blessed in the City." Designer Peach Carr burst onto the fashion scene as a cheeky, self-taught designer from Chicago
Rebellion handbag designer Stephanie Wheat (2nd from L) with models.
on the hit reality show Project Runway (Season 8 and All Stars Season 2). Drawing from her 60s and 70s childhood, her collection was inspired by paper dolls. Designer Daryl Sneed displayed his fashion vision between two brands, Ricorso (which focuses on
Designer Daryl Sneed with his models.
essentials with impeccable tailoring) and Soundoff (a line that explores the multi-cultural street scene in Chicago). Al Menotti, designer for Menotti Couture, has been designing women's fashions since 1985 and his collection featured timeless designs with clean, simple lines. Rebellion designer Stephanie
Designer Elda de la Rosa.
Wheat's handbags are made from upholstery grade leathers and beautiful fur pelts and are light weight and comfortable to carry with an edge of modern fashion. Before Sherrill accepted her honor
It was an honor to host this fabulous event! Thank you AIBI!
from AIBI board president/designer Lauren Lein, several friends congratulated her via video. They included Laurie Demma Davis, Mary Clare Moll, Tracey DiBuono, Lezley Hodes (who called her a "change agent in stilettos"), Lauren Lein, Karen Peters, Myra Reilly, Tina
CHEERS to all who supported and donated! Thank YOU!
Weller, Susan Gohl, Sally Jo Pfaff, Beena Joseph, moi and others. AIBI was created by the late Mayor Harold Washington in 1987 as a Delegate Agency of the City of Chicago and remains today the only official organization in Illinois specifically dedicated to the needs of the sewn products and manufacturing industries. AIBI nurtures the Chicago design and creative industries through a series of innovative programs that allow today’s dreamers to be the design stars of tomorrow. (For more info or to make a donation, click here!).
FOP executive director Kristen Field and Michael Borders, FOP board president.
Friends of Prentice (FOP), a non-profit organization working in partnership with Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women’s Hospital to fund innovative and leading-edge research benefiting the lives of women, raised nearly $600,000 at its annual fundraising benefit, themed Still Together, At Home. Due to COVID-19, this is the first year that the gala was held virtually on Saturday, October 24. The
FOP emcee Val Warner.
dollars raised during the virtual gala will go towards awarding doctors and clinicians grants needed to continue their life saving research across all areas of women’s health. Mike Borders, Friends of Prentice Board President, along with Executive Director Kristen Field, co-hosted the event with special appearances from gala co-chairs Donna Socol and Shannon Flavin. Close to 1,000 guests tuned in from the comfort of their own homes and “hosted” a virtual or socially distanced table. This year’s gala featured one of a kind online auctions, music from DJ Megan Taylor and the Dr. Bombay band (with my favorites, Lee Golub on drums and singer Molly Callinan) as well as a cocktail hour led by two-time James Beard award-winner and mixologist Belinda Chang. Windy City Live co-host Val Warner served as emcee for the event that
Shannon Flavin, and friends–event co-chair.
encouraged guests to ‘come together’ virtually to honor the healthcare community while raising critical funds for medical research. In addition, the frontline health heroes, clinicians and physicians who have received grants from Friends of Prentice shared highlights of their research and the positive impact the funding has had on the research conducted within their respective
Dr. Bombay, Lee Golub and band, performed.
areas of women’s health. "We are so humbled and grateful for everyone who showed support to FOP by attending our virtual gala,” said Borders. “This year’s gala definitely looked and felt different, but it was a successful night of not only celebrating all our
Singer Molly Callinan performed with Dr. Bombay during the event.
healthcare heroes, but also celebrating the mission of Friends of Prentice – to provide crucial seed money to brilliant clinicians and researchers who are shaping the future of women’s health care.” Since 1983, Friends of Prentice has raised over $20M and awarded grants to more than 100 researchers and clinical programs. FOP’s annual grants initiative has funded projects in the areas of COVID-19 research, gynecologic oncology, mental health, heart disease, disparities in access to care, diabetes, HIV, uterine and pelvic medicine, genetic biomarker research, home health care outreach and more. Funds raised during the gala go directly to research, education, and patient care programs at Prentice. (To make a donation or learn more about the nonprofit, click here!
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma performs with Civic Orchestra member Dara Hankins.
The CSO's recent "Sounds of Celebration: An Evening at Home with the CSO", a virtual event, was a blockbuster raising over $910,000 (and counting) on October 31! Musical stars from around the world reflected on what makes the CSO so special with superstar cellist Yo-Yo Ma creating an evening highlight during his duet with fellow cellist Dara Hankins, a Civic Orchestra member. Chiming in from Ravenna, Italy, CSO music director Riccardo Muti said, "I'm waiting until the orchestra can be together again…My family, my music family, is the Chicago Symphony so practically, I am sort of a father without the family around." He thinks the reunion will be "like a miracle" with the "feelings of every person coming together to create something really magical." Other contributors to the special evening included jazz pianist Herbie Hancock, trumpeter/composer Wynton Marsalis and pianist Mitsuko Uchida. The evening concluded with Robert Chen and principal cellist John Sharp performing Ravel's Sonata for Violin and Cello.
The Joffrey Ballet's Ashley Wheater, Marie B. Galvin artistic director, took us behind-the-scenes of Christopher Wheeldon's "The Nutcracker."
The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet hosted a virtual event, "Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker" on Friday, November 7. The 45 minute (afternoon) event was a look back at the last 5 years of Christopher Wheeldon's "The Nutcracker" and allowed viewers into a world of magic, mind-blowing creativity and artistic genius. When the Joffrey first introduced this production in 2016, I was still in love with the old version and couldn't imagine how it could be improved upon. Boy, was I ever wrong. Wheeldon, along with an amazing team, completely
The Nutcracker choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.
reimagined the "Nut," moving the setting to Chicago in 1892 during the construction of the famed World's Columbian Exposition. And the protagonist, Marie, was no longer a rich girl but rather an immigrant worker's child, a dreamer who has very
WB member/co-chair Marcie Wright.
little but through an epic, magical Christmas journey, is to gain a great deal. The Great Impresario character was actually based on architect Daniel Burnham, who was the director of works for the Exposition. The story was written by brilliant children's book author/illustrator Brian Selznick, ("The Invention of Hugo
WB member/ co-chair Jessica Jecmen.
Cabret" and others) and beautifully narrated by Judy Hsu, ABC 7 Chicago. Ashley Wheater, the Marie B. Galvin artistic director, opened the show welcoming viewers along with co-chairs Melinda LaGrange, Jessica Jecmen and Marcie Wright. In interviews with company artists, we heard from Anais Bueno, Dylan Gutierrez, Dara Holmes, Victoria Jaiani, Yumi
Author Brian Selznick.
Kanazawa and Greig Matthews. The behind-the-scenes footage was breathtaking and made me wish we could see it onstage for this holiday season. And the scenes of Wheeldon with the dancers showed you what a genius choreographer he truly is. Proceeds from this event will go toward the Joffrey’s Crisis Stabilization Fund, a $12M initiative to provide for the continued health of the organization despite the COVID-19 pandemic. I hope you will consider a donation to keep this vital arts organization alive and thriving. Thank you Joffrey for this peek behind the curtain!
Mike and Melissa Canning, lead sponsors of the event.
At the 20th annual WINGS' Purple Tie Ball on October 3, 400 attendees came together virtually to end domestic violence, celebrate survivors and support victims. The event featured the band Maggie Speaks and guests listened to impassioned speeches about the scourge of domestic violence and the ways that WINGS
WINGS Supporters Jared and Kevin Wasserman
is working to break the cycle in the Chicagoland area. Rebecca Darr, WINGS President/CEO said, “We are overwhelmed by the incredible generosity of the attendees of the Purple Tie Ball. Your generosity will support so many families who are escaping domestic violence.” Jillvona accepted the David K. Hill award, an award given to an outstanding WINGS graduate each year. 80 guests received a "Gala in a Bag," delivered by the Entertaining Company that included dinner, wine, hand sanitizer, chocolates and a program book. The funds raised, over $325,000, will help support WINGS' mission to provide housing, integrated services, education and advocacy to end domestic violence.
On October 29, the Chinese American Service League (CASL) honored its founder and former President Bernie Wong, with the Lifetime Achievement Award during its annual Gala (presented virtually this year by the Sue Ling Gin Foundation). Starting with two
donated desks and chairs in 1978, Bernie grew CASL into the largest social service agency in the Midwest dedicated to serving Chinese Americans and immigrants. Bernie has been named in numerous lists of influential people in Chicago and beyond, even being awarded the “Champion for Change” award at the White House in 2012 by President Barack Obama. The event was emceed by ABC-7's Judy Hsu (co-chair of CASL's Advisory Board) and included congratulatory videos from Father Francis Li, Esther Wong, Kenneth Gunn (Acting Commissioner at Chicago Human Relations), Ling and Francis Leung, Pauline Pak,Lois Chan, Amy Wishnick and many others. Congrats Bernie for your lifetime of service!
New York Social Diary's Blair Sabol casting her vote in Scottsdale.
I don't know if you read the New York Social Diary but it's one of my favorites, especially writer Blair Sabol. Her wit and wisdom is always spot on and I particularly loved her latest column that pretty much nails the way some of us might be feeling now (at least it does for me). "An endless fatigue has set in that is making us feel lax even with last week’s viral resurgence. We are losing interest, so our masks are slipping below our nose and our vigilance is faltering. It’s getting old and we are getting older. Remember last March when we were all in it to win it? Nightly we banged pots in our cities from apartment windows for all medical first responders. That seems years ago. We’ve gone from cheers to jeers. We’ve morphed from impatience to rage to exhausted disinterest." But we're trying Blair! (Read her full column here).
Swifty's Robert Caravaggi poolside in Palm Beach. (NYSD photo)
I found it interesting to learn that a few of NYC's hotspot restaurants are adding new locations in Palm Beach. Swifty's, our favorite, has completely decamped to PB where it has found a second life under the watchful eye of Robert Caravaggi (lunch and dinner poolside only for now). Le Bilboquet will be opening there soon and La Goulue Palm Beach has already opened for dinner only.
Chicago Star Mediawill host its first Streeterville Week, a community-focused event that will spotlight and support local businesses, all of which will be offering exclusive deals. The event was created to lift community spirits, boost morale and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally. Join them (and me) for a fun-filled kick-off event at Ogden Plaza (300 E. North Water) from 12:30 to 2 pm. A series of deals will be on offer during the week at gyms, hotels and other neighborhood businesses plus special menus at restaurants. For the kick-off, Marley Kayden of "Chicago's Best" on WGN-TV will serve as emcee, which will be live-streamed on the Chicago Star Media Facebook page and open to the public. The program, designed to support local artists and brighten this normally gray area of Streeterville, features rotating appearances from Chicago performers and street musicians, including actor Vikram Konkimalla — known for his role as Tiny Tim in The Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol "— and Andrew David, a street performer whose powerful cover of “Hallelujah” in Chicago’s empty streets went viral this spring. To ensure the safety of attendees and performers during the walk-by event, masks are required, signs indicating social distancing will be placed in front of performers. Each performer will display a QR code to receive tips from passersby. Participating Streeterville Week restaurants will include Beatrix Market, Tallboy Taco, Pinstripes, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, Labriola, Pinched on the River, Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company, Rosebud Steakhouse, Saigon Sisters and Yolk, among others. A complete list of businesses and offers can be found online here. Chicago Star Media, which publishes Streeterville News, New Eastside News and West Loop News, is dedicated to providing a positive, informative and community-building presence in the neighborhoods it serves.
The restaurants in and around Gibson's and LuxBar got a treat Wednesday night, courtesy of the Shannon Rovers who marched and played much to the delight of diners. Their intent was to "bring a smile to people's faces and a little happiness during these trying times." They succeeded.
Kudos to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, whose boundless energy has now taken her into the pulpit! Recently, Maria delivered a stem-winding speech at Holy Trinity Church during Polish Heritage Month (watch it here) and she went head-to-head with radio talk show host Maze Jackson, where she discussed how taxpayers can protect their homes and find lost owed back taxes. She, and her office, analyzed 80 million pieces of data! #MariaforPresident
SC co-chairs Tina Weller, Kristine Kinder, Mary Clare Moll and Mary Lasky.
Congrats to these beautiful women who were the co-chairs for The Service Club of Chicago's Phantom Gala, Mary Lasky, Tina Weller, Mary Claire Moll and Kristine Kinder. This event is usually a very festive black-tie affair, but this year it was held virtually from October 12-22. The ladies/SC members helped raise much needed funds for the nonprofit's philanthropic grant program. (To donate and learn more, click here!) The organization's next event will be a virtual wine tasting tour "through Lombardy and Tuscany" on November 19. Full details here!
Well, I've begun decorating for Christmas, don't judge. I think that, for this year especially, you can't start too
The Holiday Shoppe at the Peninsula.
soon. I love the fact that WLIT-FM is already playing holiday tunes now too! I've got some wonderful ideas for where you can find some holiday cheer! The Holiday Shoppe at The Peninsula is like a Christmas jewel box in the old space where Pierrot Gourmet used to be at the corner of State and Superior. It's been brought to life by Kehoe Designs (Tom Kehoe) and his Green Market Garden. Inside, you'll find a stunning, designer-inspired selection of seasonal home decor and gifts. Also, watch for Green Market Garden coming to the Lakeshore East, Lakeview and West Loop neighborhoods with a selection of indoor and outdoor trees, plants, flowers and seasonal arrangements. (Details here!)
Another wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit is a family-friendly viewing of Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical, which will be available to stream November 27–December 27. Adding to the fun is the availability of two immersive Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Party in a Box options, ranging in price from $45-$60 which will contain items inspired by the production– a copy of the book, a keepsake ornament, Eleanor's own stationary and pencil for letters to Santa, holiday hats, cookie cutter with recipe card, Twinkle's reindeer ring toss game and so much more! Denise McGowan Tracy, executive producer, said, "Our wish is to keep the magic of the holidays sparkling in the eyes of children no matter what challenges we face this year." The musical tells the story of a rag doll named Eleanor who lives in the magical world of the North Pole. Despite her love for her family there, she is wishing for something very special and writes a letter to Santa. And so the adventure begins! Ho! Ho! Ho! (Details here!)
DMen Tap will keep Christkindlmarket's beloved tradition alive this year!
As we now know, the Christkindlmarket will be held online this year (see website here, through Dec. 31), but you can still get the experience thanks to DMen Tap, an Avondale restaurant that will offer a similar experience with traditional German food, sipping hot drinks from one of the festival's signature mugs and even a photo backdrop for Insta pics. Starting November
DMen Tap's food truck.
27 (and running through Christmas Eve), DMen Tap's food truck will be in front of the restaurant at 2849 W. Belmont Ave. People will be able to walk up and grab hot cocoa, cider, bratwursts, schnitzel sandwiches,
The traditional Christkindlmarket mugs will be for sale too!
pretzels and raclette cheese sandwiches — food and drinks traditionally found at Christkindlmarket. Gluhwein, or mulled wine, will be available for carryout from the bar inside. The DMen Tap crew will also sell Christkindlmarket mugs from past years, which have become a hot-ticket item. A photo backdrop will be set up so people can take photos with their mugs, also a tradition at Christkindlmarket. With the pop-up, the owners of DMen Tap are looking to keep the holiday tradition alive and bring in revenue during the pandemic, which has restaurants and bars across Chicago struggling to survive. What a great idea! I just can't wait!
A BIG holiday pop-up experience, "FA, LA, LA", will be coming toTaylor & Co. Events (Derrick Taylor, 2819 W. Montrose) on Tuesday, December 1….think Santa granting wishes, Christmas decor galore including a 20' tree, professional photo opps, wreath-making classes, a warehouse sale and so much more! Check out their website for all the details here. In the meantime, enjoy this video of the work in progress!
PAWS Chicago virtual Fur Ball co-chairs Phillip Emigh, Angie DeMars and Bruce Haas.
Join PAWS Chicago in your best black-tie attire from your home on Friday, November 13 at 7:45pm for a virtual FUR BALL program
PAWS Chicago's virtual Fur Ball will be November13, 7:45 pm.
that will help PAWS raise important life-saving funds so they can save more homeless dogs and cats! The program will feature a live auction, a Bid to Save Lives mission moment, stories of our Adoptable Pets and music by Maggie Speaks! Congrats in advance to the event's adorable co-chairs Angie DeMars, Phillip Emigh, Bruce Haas and Tinsley Mortimer. (To register, please click here and make sure to check out the exciting auction items too!)
One Tail at a Time, another beloved No-Kill rescue, will host its 12th annual Houndstooth Ball virtually on Friday, November 13, 6-9 pm. I'll miss not seeing these
Heather Owen, founder/ED One Tail at a Time.
adorable homeless dogs (and kittens) up close and personal but I hope you will consider supporting this wonderful shelter's life-saving efforts by tuning in for FREE here! (Be sure to check out their at-home Celebration Kits too, ranging in price from $35–$1000!) Pet-loving philanthropists will be coming together to celebrate the record-breaking 1,500 animals saved this year by OTAT! Executive director Heather Owen said, "The outpouring of support One Tail at a Time and homeless pets have received in this pandemic has been nothing short of remarkable. Chicago rallied and opened their homes and hearts to hundreds of dogs during quarantine, enabling us to save more lives than ever before."
Newly married Jennifer N. Pritzker and Erin E. Solaro.
Huge congrats to Jennifer N. Pritzker and Erin E. Solaro who were married in a private ceremony in Chicago on October 31. Ms. Pritzker is President & CEO of Tawani Enterprises, Lieutenant Colonel U.S. Army, Retired, and Founder and Chairwoman of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. Ms. Solaro is currently employed as a sales executive for a medical device manufacturer. She is also the author of "Women in the Line of Fire" (Seal Press, 2006), and a veteran herself. Congrats, love wins! (And thanks for all you do in the community Jennifer!)
The Doorstep Divas Caitlin Simone Buffa and Molly Callinan.
The Doorstep Divas Chicago want to rock your holiday world! These two vocal dynamos have created a festive holiday show that will make you want to don your Santa hats ASAP! They're available to appear in your virtual gala videos; in person (socially distanced, of course); at holiday parties; ANY occasion– live, in-person or pre-recorded, at your pleasure! Congrats to superstar singers/artists Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa for always bringin' da joy! (Contact them here: hchords1@yahoo.com
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's "Wings to Cure" Gala will be virtual on Saturday, November 14 from 6-7:30 pm. You will hear from doctors, cancer survivors
Eleni Bousis, along with friends and supporters created HCRF, shown here with Dr. Leonidas Platanias, director Lurie Cancer Center.
and celebrity guests and have the chance to bid in spectacular live and silent auctions. HCRF's mission is to find and implement new treatments for cancer patients by promoting and supporting breakthrough cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Over half of all men and one-third of all women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime. The Foundation's goal is to discover and implement new treatments in order to eliminate this dreaded disease and save lives. (Once registered, a link to view the virtual event will be sent to you on the day of. Details here.)
If reports are true that Pfizer has found a vaccine for Covid (that will be ready by the end of the month?!), our collective prayers have been answered! I know we probably won't go back to "normal." Quite frankly, I'm not even sure what this means anymore. I do miss all of our in-person events, that's a given, but I also miss the little things like lingering in bookstores (when I could find one) or spending hours wandering around the make-up section in a department store and actually TRYING THINGS ON. All the little things that I used to love to do seems like it happened in another lifetime, like living in the "Matrix." Wearing a mask takes away any joy anyway because, for some reason, when I'm
Bonnie Spurlock and Judy Tullman with hubbys Jim and Howard at a PAWS Chicago Beach Party.
wearing one I can't see, hear or think. I know people are edgy now and, in some cases, aimless not knowing what's going to happen next. Many are looking for anything to do just to keep busy…my friends Bonnie Spurlock and Judy Tullman find joy volunteering at PAWS Chicago. Now THAT is something truly
Just for fun…..
worthwhile. I'm keeping busy writing The Blog (thanks to all my new subscribers too!), writing for Chicago Now and pondering some possibilities. I had a blast hosting the Apparel Industry Board Foundation'sRev Up event and would like to do more of that. I'd also like to discuss my events and what's going on in Chicago on some media outlets. I'm looking forward to a new venture with Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and videographer Troy Mairs that will be fun and fulfilling. In every case, I will continue to be a voice for Chicago, its charities, its happenings and whatever else is exciting and makes our city shine. Yes, despite Covid, the future is looking very bright. I can't wait to see what's around the next corner, hopefully a cure!
Welcome back for my second blog under covid. Like everyone else in the world, I feel like this thing has me by the throat. I understand the frustration of people trying to gain back some freedom. In the beginning, believe it or not, I thought this was sort of fun–at least I had an excuse to stay home with Chuck and Rooney. I even got in some very creative cooking, thanks to Chef Art Smith and his great Insta videos. The stay-at-home order was like having permission to take a staycation. Little did I, or anyone else,
We miss shooting the breeze with Joey.
realize how long this would last and the horrible loss of life, sickness and personal sacrifice (on behalf of the front line workers
Gibson's with Kathy Piccone–such a sweet memory that I hope will return soon.
and others) it would cost. I understand the safety precautions we all need to take but I'm definitely ready to get back to work, get out of the house and have a reason to get dressed and earn a paycheck again. Zoom meetings are not for me. I'm a Gemini, I need social interaction like I need air to breathe. I know this will end but then what? What will the new normal look like? We all see how the world changed following 9/11. I
Pizano's, festive at Christmastime and always.
can't imagine flying with plastic panels between seats, nor can I imagine what dining in restaurants will look like. How in
Armando Vasquez, La Scarola. We're waiting to do this again!
the world will Armando Vasquez, from La Scarola, share tequila shooters with us? How will I handle not getting a hug from Kathy Piccone at Gibson's and how sad would it be not to be able to sit at Tufano's with Joey DiBuono or at the bar at Pizano's with Brian shooting the breeze. Times will change but I pray memories like these will return for us all, and soon.
Our fabulous gala-going days have been cut short too, for now. Thank you Rona. However, that doesn't mean nonprofits aren't getting creative with their fundraising, ergo virtual galas! Now, we all know this isn't nearly as gratifying as rubbing shoulders with friends, comparing new outfits or toasting a successful night, but it is a vital effort for the organizations to stay afloat and keep revenue streams open. I've come to realize that if supporters have their heart set on your nonprofit, they will find a way to help and this gives them a perfect opportunity during this crisis. Case in point, I recently "attended/watched" Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's online event, "Toast to Shakespeare's Birthday." It's lucky for them that they have such a deep arsenal of performing and creative talent, which helped move along the 1/2 hour free celebration. It was joyous and thoughtfully produced with nearly 2000 households tuning in and several thousand more on-demand. The organization was really ahead of the game though as they've been producing "tons" of online content as part of their ongoing Shakes@Home initiative. The recent birthday celebration for the bard was the first virtual event of this kind that they have produced. The event was part of its Brave New World campaign which brought in more than $10,000 in new and first time gifts toward the $900,000 raised to date. Read details below:
Shakespeare Theater Company's virtual gala was a great success!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presented a one-night-only streaming event Toast to Shakespeare’s Birthday! on April 23. On the occasion of the Bard’s 456th birthday, a line-up of special guests—including the Queens of SIX on Broadway, Chicago Theater legend Larry Yando, hip-hop sensations the Q Brothers Collective, actor/author John Tufts, as well as T.R. Knight, Heather Headley, Peter Sagal, Chef Rick
A 456th BD celebration!
Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton and Rebecca Night, James Vincent Meredith, E. Faye Butler, and more–all offered toasts to the Bard during the 1/2 hour virtual event that opened with a welcome from artistic director Barbara Gaines and creative producer Rick Boynton. The fun-filled event featured a special musical performance from the
The virtual event was hosted by Rick Boynton and Barbara Gaines.
SIX Queens—Adrianna Hicks, Andrea Macasaet, Abby Mueller, Brittney Mack, Samantha Pauly, and Anna Uzele—who headlined the North American Premiere production of the hit show at Chicago Shakespeare in Spring 2019 and now await their return to the Broadway stage. Legendary Chicago theater actor Larry Yando joined online to discuss Shakespeare after appearing onstage in some of the Bard’s most storied roles. The evening also featured Chicago hip hop sensations, the Q Brothers Collective – GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos, who have created award-winning “ad-rap-tations” of Shakespeare including Othello: The Remix. Actor
Beautiful stars from the "Queens of Six"
and author John Tufts, along with his son, shared a birthday-themed recipe from his newly released book, Fat Rascals: Dining at Shakespeare’s Table. Making special appearances throughout the event were T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Heather Headley (Broadway’s The Color Purple, Aida, The Lion King), NPR’s Peter Sagal (Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me), Chef Rick Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton (Downton Abbey, Broadway’s My Fair Lady) and Rebecca Night (Chicago Shakespeare’s The King’s Speech), James Vincent Meredith (The Book of Mormon National Tour), award-winning vocalist E. Faye Butler, as well as Heidi Kettenring, Laura Rook and Nate Burger, Jennifer Latimore, and Sean
The theater company's design department is hard at work helping create masks during the crisis.
and Linda Fortunato. The event highlighted Chicago Shakespeare’s current initiatives to serve audiences, artists and the community and covered Chicago
John Tufts, and his son, cooked on the show and "shamelessly" touted his new cookbook.
Shakespeare’s new free educational initiative, Stream and Study, which provides educators with a digital stream of the Theater’s 2017 abridged production of Romeo and Juliet, adapted and directed by Marti Lyons and a wide array of teaching materials and activities, tailored for the now-virtual classroom. Hundreds of teachers have already signed up to implement the program in their digital curriculum. The
The project workers have completed more than 18,000 patient face masks for UI Health hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the state, all while providing a source of income to more than 100 theater-makers across the city, many of whom are out of work due to the COVID-19-releated theater closures. The virtual event closed with cast members and other theater VIPs thanking the viewers and the front line workers. Gaines ended with, "Stay safe, be well and let's all take care of each other."
Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago for its first ever virtual Zoom jazz dance experience that was held on Gus Giordano Day April 25 with renowned choreographer Ray Leeper. The
GDC's Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas welcomed viewers from Nan's living room.
energetic and inspiring online event opened with a welcome from artistic director Nan Giordano and artistic programs manager, Cesar Salinas, from Nan's beautiful living room. Nan introduced Leeper who appeared from his Los Angeles home. This was followed by 20-minute combo sessions conducted by Giordano and Leeper with appearances by the
Choreographer Ray Leeper led us all in dance from his home in LA.
dancers at various intervals. Everyone was encouraged to follow along for this intermediate level online dance celebration. Over 300 viewers tuned in from 12 countries and 31 states, raising $3000 for America's original jazz dance company, now in its 57th year. At the conclusion, a full screen
The entire GDC company participated and joined together at the conclusion to thank supporters.
of all of the dancers appeared with Nan, Cesar, Ray and Michael McStraw, executive director. GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in America. The event will be held again on June 9 led by Leeper, this time on NAN GIORDANO DAY! Congrats to all and I'll "see" you on June 9! (To follow along, click here!)
Pants Optional, a virtual gala for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Saturday, May 9.
And you won't want to miss THIS virtual gala! Steppenwolf Theatre Company will replace its 2020 Gala with a special (FREE) online event, Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée. The event will celebrate the power of theatre and raise critical funds to keep the company alive during a time of necessary social-distancing. Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee this festive virtual gathering on Saturday, May 9, at 6:30 pm CST, with special appearances by Steppenwolf ensemble members Joan Allen, Gary Cole, John Malkovich, Sandra Marquez and Laurie Metcalf, along with celebrity guests who will be announced on
STC ensemble member John Malkovich will participate in the virtual event.
Steppenwolf’s social media channels and website. Steppenwolf ensemble members and esteemed celebrity guests will make special appearances in this
Ensemble member Tracy Young.
virtual soirée, uniting with Steppenwolf supporters, audiences and fans viewing the event from the comfort of their homes. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to give online, by phone or by text to help raise funds to bring back to the stage I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, this season’s Steppenwolf for Young Adults hit world premiere based on the award-winning novel by
Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee.
Erika L. Sánchez, adapted by celebrated Chicago playwright Isaac Gómez. The extended and sold out run was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis and remounting the production in the Spring of 2021 would bring back to life this essential Chicago story for those who were unable to see it and others who want to see it again. Wrapping up Steppenwolf’s spectacular online bash, attendees can participate in a virtual dance party with the talented DJ Tracy Young, who won a 2020 Grammy for her remix of Madonna’s I Rise. “Although our traditional gala is always a wonderful night that we look forward to, I know that this year’s event will be truly special. Being able to come together online with a greater swath of Steppenwolf artists, audiences and supporters for a collective
Beloved ensemble member Joan Allen will also participate.
moment of joy during these difficult times is just what we need to support live theatre and each other,” shares artistic director Anna D. Shapiro.
Ensemble member Gary Cole.
Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée co-chairs include ensemble member Joan Allen; trustee Susan Berghoef; ensemble members Gary Cole and Sandra Marquez; and trustee Anne Phillips and Don Phillips. “Every year we look forward to a fun celebration with artists, ensemble, trustees and guests in support of the incredible work that Steppenwolf
Ensemble member Sandra Marquez.
Education does season after season. We’re thrilled that this year’s virtual platform allows us to expand our reach by making it free and open to all. What better way to uplift the power of live theatre than raising funds to bring back a production that was so meaningful to our teen and public audiences. We are looking forward to reuniting with our Steppenwolf community online with this event and at our theatre again in the future,” shared executive director David Schmitz. Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée lead sponsors are Anne and Don Phillips with additional support from Innovators Allstate, The Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Exelon, Grosvenor Capital Management, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, The Orlebeke Foundation and The Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, among others. For more details on how to stream this exciting event, click here!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana hosted its first virtual UNGala on May 2. Hosted by Fred (of KISS 103.5 FM) and Holly Buckendahl, the nonprofit's CEO, the 40 minute event featured a performance by Sixteen Candles (that was introduced by lead singer Adam LeBlanc). The group sang "Chains of Love." Nick Lynch, 3-time
Fred, of KISS 103.5 FM) hosted the show.
American Idol contestant sang "Best Days" by Graham Colton. In between performances, RMHC ambassador families shared their stories of staying at the Houses when their children were sick. The Donnelly family's daughter Olivia, was born with a rare heart condition
Baby Olivia before her first heart transplant.
that required hospitalization that eventually led to heart transplant surgery, not once, but twice. Every year, the family leads a Walk for Hope and Olivia is doing great now! Throughout the event, Holly shared info about the 5 Houses spread across Chicagoland (along with three Family Rooms). She said, "We
Sixteen Candles' Adam LeBlanc.
exist so families can get better together." The Houses served around 18,000 kids last year. It costs about $85 per night to house a family but they are asked to donate only $10, if they can. If they can't, no family is ever turned away. There was a Q&A with Ronald McDonald introduced by franchise
American Idol's Nick Lynch performed.
owner/operator Derrick Lott. Ronald led the viewers in a dance and told some cute jokes. Mardelle Gundlach, program director, gave supporters a tour of the House near Comer Children's Hospital. Fred spoke about his own family's experiences staying in various
Olivia in dancing mode–she's doing great now!
Houses when he had meningitis as a kid. In conclusion, the band Spoken Four sang Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Pete Bensen, RMHCCNI board chair, thanked everyone for viewing and donating. "While the world around us is on pause, childhood illness doesn't take a break." The event
Spoken Four performed.
raised over $760,000 towards a $1 million goal with donations pouring in online from the Benson Family ($10K); McGonigal Family ($5K); True Group ($10K); Koerner Family ($2500); Hammock Family ($2500); Caitlin Griffin ($1K); Capgemini Family ($10K); Red Shoes Society ($5K) and the Chicago Bulls and White Sox ($5K) and so many more. Donations for the UnGala are continuing through the end of the month (and anytime, of course). To donate or bid on silent auction items, click here!
Chicago House has reset its event to September 13.
the return of previously cancelled galas! Please mark your calendars for the following big events that will be live and in person (for now anyway). Make sure you check each nonprofit's website though as the event draws closer in case there have been changes.
Chicago House & Social Service's 34th annual Brunch & Fashion Show has been rescheduled for September 13. I will be front and center for this hotly anticipated, fun-filled, joyous event to benefit this nonprofit that, since 1985, has provided support for those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. For tickets, more info, please click here!
Josh Hale, pres/CEO Big Shoulders Fund, and friends.
The Big Shoulders Fund will host its annual "Reach for the Stars" gala on Friday, September 23 at the Hilton Chicago. Here's what Josh Hale, president/CEO, had to say about BSF which provides support to Catholic Schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. "We are actively working to keep our mission strong and vibrant. Our 95 schools are providing e-learning to some 26,000 children in under-resourced communities. Also, we are listening to the needs of these schools and children and are providing them with what they need – chromebooks, social-emotional supports, food, and caring – love! While all of these are critical, ensuring these children, their families and communities have access to food has been the most critical and uplifting! With the support of generous supporters, we have initiated an innovative partnerships with small community-based restaurants to deliver food/meals to our students, families, and others in the community facing food instability. Currently, we have 20 sites set up – our schools – located in some of Chicago’s lowest income communities. We have partnered with just over 30 local, family owned
Happy kids enjoying meals from Big Shoulders Fund initiatives.
restaurants in these communities to provide meals. We pay the restaurants to prepare the meals which are either distributed at our schools or picked-up from the restaurant. They are fresh, hot and restaurant quality. We see this as a win-win in that we help local community-based organizations – restaurants and our schools – to remain open, vibrant and fulfilling a great need in their community. This program has grown significantly and, thus far, we have served nearly 20,000 meals and counting." Keep up the great work Josh and BSF! (For gala tickets, more info about this amazing nonprofit, and/or to support, click here!)
After School Matters, a nonprofit that provides Chicago high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities, had to cancel its Sneaker Ball this year that was scheduled for May 2. It will be reset for Spring 2021.
Bright Futures virtual gala is set for Thursday, May 14.
Bright Futures has changed its event to a virtual gala set for Thursday, May 14. The event will support its Youth Guidance initiative that mentors and counsels 13,000 youth.
The National Museum of Mexican Art had to cancel its May 8th fundraiser that would've presented the Arthur R. Velasquez Award to Adela Cepeda for her significant contributions and support. She will now be honored at next year's gala. In the meantime, the Museum asks if you can donate, please do so here. The Museum is the only one dedicated to Mexican art and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show had to cancel its always anticipated event this year but they are offering new content every week online through its Get Growing channel on YouTube. Please check it out and donate if you can here.
Victory Gardens Theater will honor actor Andre De Shields at its October24 Chicago Stories Gala.
Victory Gardens Theater's "Chicago Stories" gala will be held on Saturday, October 24 at the Four Seasons. The event will honor the very talented actor/legend Andre De Shields with guest playwright and MSNBC legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks. For tickets and more info, click here!
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is offering a variety of digital content online on its CSO From Home channel. Check it out and support, if you can.
The Harris Theatre for Music & Dance, in association with the Lyric Opera, will livestream Beyond the Aria on May 11. Artistic director Craig Terry will be joined by three Lyric artists for an evening of uplifting music. Click here for more info and to watch.
The Second City, the famed comedy institution, has adapted its improvisation-based shows to create real- time, interactive and socially "together" virtual experiences available to audiences world-wide. The events are streamed for free but donations will be accepted to The Second City Alumni Fund, a resource for performers and other members of The Second City community experiencing critical health and financial challenges. Register for shows here.
The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago offers a free digital museum archive that features a rich repository of 20,000+ Greek American artifacts, photos, historic newspapers, books and more than 450 recorded oral histories to explore. This is the largest collection of its kind in the world and it's right here at your fingertips!
WTTW-WFMT's annual gala scheduled for May 6 was cancelled. It would've celebrated women on the 100th anniversary of us getting the right to vote. The theme was Trailblazers: Women Who Change the World. No info is available yet as for a new date. I'll be waiting to hear Julia!
The Adler Planetarium Women's Board had to cancel its WISS (Women in Space Science) Luncheon and is now focusing on the Celestial Ball set for September 12 at the Planetarium. Mark your calendars and check out more info here! See video of last year's spectacular Ball below!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago has made the decision to reschedule the 71st Annual Woman's Board Ball to Saturday, November 14 at the Four Seasons Chicago. They will hold the ball as originally planned by honoring two Woman's Board Visionaries, Karen Gray-Krehbiel and the late Kim White. For more info, click here.
St. Jude'sFour Stars Restaurant Extravaganza has a tentative hold on Tuesday, September 29 to hold its event, this year at a new venue The Field Museum! And the always exciting St. Jude Fashion Show, this year chaired by dear friend Ann Danner Dwyer, will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021! Mark your calendars for both and follow along here for details.
Nothing deters The Service Club of Chicago! The annual Spring Luncheon (the hat luncheon) will now be held on Thursday, September 3, at the Drake Hotel. Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will feature the same speaker as originally planned, Laura Dowling, who
The SC Spring Luncheon has been moved to Thursday, September 3.
served as the Chief Floral Designer at The White House. SC president Sherrill Bodine said, "These are uncharted waters but SC does have plans to continue our mission. We have survived the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the '29 Crash, two World Wars and much more because we keep doing our job!" The nonprofit also is conducting virtual philanthropic grant sessions so help in the community will still be ongoing to those organizations who need it the most. The Day on the
SC's virtual cocktail party will be held on Thursday, May 7.
Terrace Fashion Show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions and co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey, Tracey DiBuono and Jamie Thorsen is still scheduled for Monday, August 3 at the Peninsula. (For more info, click here!) Also, mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7 when the SC presents its first Zoom Cocktail Party! Hosted by Nikki Friar at Marchesa Chicago, the event helps the SC support nonprofits throughout Chicagoland. There will be much camaraderie, cocktail recipes, mixology tips and, I'm sure, a lot of laughs! Click the link for more info and to purchase your ticket ($25) here! Boy, these ladies are BUSY!
Another great women's organization is hard at work making a difference in Hinsdale. The Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club (HJWC) is comprised of generous, dedicated, diligent women always asking, "How can we help?", and in unprecedented times like these, that question is coming up even more frequently. Recently, Hinsdale Hospital reached out for HJWC’s help in relation to its COVID-19 needs. The hospital shared a wish list of various medical items they desperately needed and HJWC came through to support them. Thanks to efforts from its philanthropy co-chairs Tina Weller, Dee Bauer, Ruta Brigden, Colleen Whitehead and Liz Weir, along with its executive board, HJWC was able to donate a grant of $19,210 to help purchase three handheld Echo Cardiology Machines and a Portable Patient Monitor. Kudos to all involved in this remarkable effort!
The Chicago Lighthouse will now host its "Seeing What's Possible" gala, chaired by Anida "Cookie" Cohen, on Wednesday, September 23. The event, with a Roaring '20s theme, will be held at the Four Seasons with dinner, a program and dancing to the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. It will honor David and Nancy Huber and the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences Systems. For more info, click here!
JourneyCare's "Allstars of Project Runway" event will be held on Saturday, September 26
JourneyCare's Allstars of Project Runway event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26.
at the Arlington International Racecourse. The event will raise funds and shine a spotlight on care for children and adults living with serious illness. FYI, the runway show is spectacular. Last year it was led by Chicago's own Peach Carr! For more info, click here!
The Holiday Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit led by executive director Felicia Winiecki, provides joy and entertainment to children who are seriously ill by hosting themed hospital parties. Their annual event has been pushed to September but a date hasn't yet been decided. To check details when they become available, please click here!
The thrill of a lifetime, riding in the Pride Parade on the Baton Show Lounge float.
Sadly, the much loved Pride Parade has been postponed from its June 28th date. Tim Frye, coordinator of the 2020 parade, said he hopes the event can be held in late summer or early fall and that, if it can't be rescheduled then, it will be back in 2021. Boystown's annual Pride Fest, which was planned for June 20/21, was also postponed. It has been rescheduled for Sept. 5 and 6. Yeah!!!! (Watch for updates here).
Besides the ones mentioned above, all of these following arts, dance and theater companies will provide a virtual stage for programming. They include the Joffrey Ballet, Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theatre, The Neo-Futurist Theater, Lookingglass Theatre, Sideshow Theatre, Black Button Eyes Productions, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Congrats to TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network)! The organization's Dining Out For Life campaign, that raised funds for community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV, had to be re-imagined this year due to the Covid crisis. Bryant Dunbar (TPAN director of development), Michael Murphy (board chair), Charlie Jungwirth(manager of events and community engagement) and other team members. decided the nonprofit would still show its support for the restaurant community that has supported it for so long. TPAN encouraged supporters to take part in a Solidarity Dinner on April 30 as a way of giving back. Chuck and I ordered a
Wilde Bar & Restaurant Solidarity Dinner carry out.
delicious dinner from WildeBar & Restaurant. As an added bonus, inside the carry-out bag, were two laminated cards. One had a quote from Victor Hugo, "Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." And on another
Thoughtful inserts in carry out bag from Wilde Bar & Restaurant.
card, there was the most beautiful poem by Donna Ashworth which read, in part, "History will remember when the people sang on their balconies, in isolation but so very much together in courage and song…History will remember when the virus left and the houses opened and the people came out and hugged and kissed and started again. Kinder than before." Just beautiful!
Cancer and Careers helps cancer patients and survivors who are navigating the job market, returning to work and/or looking for work. This nonprofit has a relationship with QVC and The Home Shopping Network and are offering an incredible sale for a contribution. The annual event, called "Beauty with Benefits," will take place on May 28 and run for 4 hours. With each purchase, regardless of how much is spent, the customer will receive a free gift valued at $230. All the brands who participate will donate the products to be sold with 80% of each purchase supporting CAC. Click here for all the details! (Thanks for the heads-up Christie Hefner!)
Win virtual happy hours with Tom Ricketts, Rahm and ESPN’s Sarah Spain; a very rare 1973 Old Fitzgerald's 1849 8-Year bourbon; experiences at Utopian Tailgate, The Second City, Roots, Steadfast and more when you purchase a raffle ticket to benefit The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group's charity initiatives. The Food Drive Raffle will help feed those in need and, to date, has produced over 25,000 meals. Raffle tickets start at $20 (which will provide two meals for those in need), and the raffle ends at 11pm CST on Tuesday, May 12. Winners of each prize will be chosen via an online random winner selector, and winners will be notified on May 13. To see all of the items available and to purchase raffle tickets, click here!
Designer Phil Cooper's new event planning idea, High-minded Events.
Designer Phil Cooper is on a real "high" with his new event planning idea. He has created High-minded Events, "Illinois' premiere cannabis concierge"! This new concept will take events to a whole new level! "From infused dining to creative explorations, High-minded Events will offer elevated experiences that harness the cannabis plant's ability to foster togetherness and fortify relationships," Phil shared. "Whether guests are connoisseurs or curious, we provide a tailored, smoke-free way to enhance the occasion." Good luck Phil! (For details, click here!)
The Chicago Sun-Times shared a very important article about face masks. Basically, it's everything you need to know about wearing them, caring for them and what types are the best for safety. The article, by Stephanie Zimmermann, states that there are three kinds of masks–N95 masks, medical or surgical masks and cloth masks. N95s block 95% of particles and medical/surgical masks filter out about 60-80% of particles. Any of these types of masks work better than a bandana. Read article here for all the details. #StaySafe #StayMasked
Leave it to the Rolling Stones, they never miss an opportunity to stay relevant. They have released a very cool song perfectly describing the weird times we're all living through. "Living in a Ghost Town," the song and accompanying video, was written and created by Jagger and Keith Richards in London and L.A. (in isolation). Mick said, ‘‘So the Stones were in the studio recording some new material before the lockdown and there was one song we thought would resonate through the times that we’re living in right now. We’ve worked on it in isolation. And here it is – It’s called ‘Living in a Ghost Town’ – I hope you like it” Keith said, “So, let's cut a long story short. We cut this track well over a year ago in L.A. for part of a new album, an ongoing thing, and then shit hit the fan. Mick and I decided this one really needed to go to work right now and so here you have it, "Living in a Ghost Town." Stay safe!” Watch it below…..so cool!
Happy 31st anniversary to Gibson's Bar & Restaurant! Chuck and I got married the same year this wonderful hotspot opened,
Frank with Tom Dreesen.
1989, and we always celebrate our anniversaries "together"! We even had our rehearsal dinner at the brand new Gibsons! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9 when everybody's favorite comedian, Tom Dreesen, will livestream a Zoom event, in collab with the restaurant! “The Man Who Made Sinatra Laugh” will share never-before-told stories from his friendship with the legendary Frank Sinatra! For Zoom tickets, $25, click here!
On Saturday, when the temps reached 70 and the sun came out, Chuck, Rooney and I made a break for it. We took our old Sebring convertible north on Lake Shore Drive and we didn't stop until we reached a beach. We were careful to stay outside the police barricade but we could still feel the breeze on our faces and hear the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. It felt like we had taken a long trip but it was only 20 minutes away. It's true that this virus has forced us to stop and smell the roses. I guess out of everything bad, comes something good. For us, that trip rejuvenated us beyond belief. We had sand in our shoes and grateful hearts. I hope you get a chance to do the same.
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And now, a bed time story of how it started and why hindsight’s 2020.
As we all know, the world as we know it has been turned upside down and inside out with this pandemic. People are scrambling to rethink the way they live and how they might have to live going forward. Nothing could've prepared us for this, not the German measles, not H1N1, not SARS, not even Ebola. It's ability to mutate is the worrisome part. I worry about everyone, from the nonprofits to the restaurants and to all those who support them…our service workers in essential jobs who put their lives at risk every day…and on and on and on. It affects every single part of human life. All of my dreams are virus-based nightmares. Now, more than ever, we need to hear good news, light-hearted stories, jokes, virtual hugs and kisses and a compassion like we've never seen before. All over the world, we see this happening. From the Italian balcony singers to right here in Chicago where the Bon Jovi song, "Living on a Prayer" could be heard from our own buildings, people are stepping up and not giving up. It's the most heartening thing I've ever seen. Neighbors checking on neighbors, animal lovers taking in more fosters so the shelters aren't overloaded, GoFundMe pages for hospitality workers and others….everyone is putting their creative juices to work and, in my mind, it's definitely working. Health-wise, a positive attitude can save lives and that's what we're seeing now. I quizzed some of my friends in the nonprofit, restaurant and art worlds to see how they're faring and what they want us to know….here's a few of their comments, along with other uplifting news and updates:
Paula Fasseas with Alexis Fasseas and PAWS dog Loretta.
I've been heartened to hear that a lot of people are stepping up at the animal shelters to be fosters and volunteers. I spoke to Paula Fasseas, the founder of PAWS Chicago, the largest No-Kill shelter in the Midwest and this is what she had to say: 1) How is PAWS coping during the crisis?
PAWS Animal Magnetism party 2019
We are well versed in disease management – we do it every day in our shelter environment! We have taken many measures to ensure that we are able to meet the needs of all the animals in our care, while keeping the public, staff, and volunteers as safe as possible. We have placed
Susanna Homan and Gus, her PAWS rescue, at PAWS Animal Magnetism party 2019
hundreds of animals in foster and adoptive homes thanks to the incredible response from our community. We just launched a virtual adoption process, allowing prospective adopters to adopt online while sheltering in place. You can find your animal, complete your paperwork, meet with an adoption counselor and do it all from the comfort of your living room. We will make every effort for approved adopters to spend time with their dog or cat in advance of the adoption. A two-week foster-to-adopt period will apply to all virtual adoptions to make sure it’s the right fit for all. You can see all of our changes to operations here. And here’s a link to our blog which we try to update daily: 2) What would you like the public to know? It’s times like these that we see the best in our community and our friends. From the beginning of this
PAWS Animal Magnetism 2019 –pretty partygoer.
COVID-19 crisis, all of us at PAWS have been humbled by the outpouring of care and concern for the animals. We have continued our operations during this time as we remain committed to the animals. The community can continue to support us
Treasured PAWS volunteers and rescue dogs.
through donations, adoptions, volunteering, and fostering. 3) Any rescheduled plans for events, etc.? Several of our locations have temporarily closed, or operating at a limited capacity. Our Training Center classes are temporarily postponed and our Clinic is temporarily closed to the public. The Animal Magnetism gala was cancelled and we are postponing our PAWS 5K that was scheduled for
Longtime PAWS supporter Melissa Canning (center) and friends at Animal Magnetism Party 2019.
May 31 to sometime later this fall. We are evaluating all of our upcoming events and will communicate future changes on our website. 4) What services are you
PAWS Animal Magnetism Party 2019 with Philip Emigh, Bruce Haas, Angie DeMars and Susanna Homan.
providing to the community? Virtual Adoptions : We’ve launched a virtual adoption process, allowing prospective adopters to adopt online while sheltering in place. Interested adopters fill out a quick form on our website and our Adoption team will reach out to them directly if they are a match with an available animal. Now is great time to adopt or foster, especially as we are spending more time at home. Pets are scientifically proven to improve health. Benefits include but are not limited to: better sleep, lower anxiety, decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol levels, decreased triglyceride levels, lower heart rate, decreased feelings of loneliness, increased social support, and decreased stress levels. Crisis Care Foster: During these challenging times, PAWS Chicago is here to support our community. Our COVID-19 Crisis Care Foster Initiative is available to owners who are temporarily unable to care for their pets, because they have been directly affected by COVID-19, and for those experiencing financial hardships. Our objective is to place all crisis care pets in a loving, temporary foster home. We are able to offer care for 60 days, which may be able to be extended if necessary. Please fill out the COVID-19 Crisis Care Foster Initiative Form if you are in need of crisis care. Volunteer
Beverly Laser Treatment before going into foster.
Opportunities: We have temporarily discontinued our regularly scheduled volunteer orientations. Interested volunteers can sign up on our website to be added to the Emergency Volunteer roster. Emergency Volunteers are heroes for the animals in times of greatest uncertainty. In the event we have special need of volunteers, we will reach out for support and assistance at our Medical and Adoption Centers. Once we resume regular new-volunteer
Just for fun!
orientations, we will help these volunteers join our ongoing volunteer team. 5) And, most importantly, what do you need? How can your supporters help? So many individuals, families, businesses and charities are facing economic difficulties right now. PAWS Chicago and our homeless animals are no exception. PAWS Chicago does not receive government
Marco Ramirez with Hyannis at Animal Magnetism 2019.
funding and is 100% reliant on the support of our community. We are asking for donations to support our life-saving work. We know this is going to be a very difficult year for everyone, but we’re confident that our wonderful community of friends and supporters will provide resources PAWS Chicago will needs to continue to be there for the animals in need. We have transformed animal welfare in Chicago and beyond, and we will continue to be on the front lines and be the last chance for the animals who depend on us. (Photos by Jim Svehla)
Brenda Langstraat (CPLF president) and Bob Wislow (CPLF board chair) at Night in the Stacks 2019.
The Chicago Public Library Foundation is offering a huge variety of online services: books, movies, cultural conversations, job resources and even a Digital Care Package that includes fun activities for kids, recipes, online book suggestions and info about its virtual "non-event" planned for Tuesday, April 3. CPLF president Brenda Langstraat answered a few questions. How Is your nonprofit coping during crisis? As we all navigate this ever-shifting landscape, the mission and the work of the Library Foundation continue ─ with compassion, empathy, and determination to empower every Chicagoan by connecting them with the resources they need. To do our part in containing COVID-19, the Library Foundation team has been practicing social distancing. We have been working from home since March 13. We stay connected in our home offices through Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings. We have daily “heart and head” check-ins to support one another professionally and personally. What would you like the
Gordon and Ray Fleming at Night in the Stacks 2019.
public to know? There are a lot of uncertainties that we are facing as a community. One certainty is that ─ on the other side of this crisis ─ Chicago Public Library services and programs will be more essential than ever in bringing our community together to connect, share, and learn. We also know that our work with the Library will be shaped by this time, leading to new ideas and enhanced vision for ourselves, for each other, and for our city. Any rescheduled plans for events? As we come together as a city to protect each other and manage COVID-19, we are postponing Night in the Stacks on April 3 at Harold Washington Library Center. We plan to reschedule for a date this summer. Social distancing doesn’t mean we should stop connecting. In fact, we need to connect now and check-in with each other so we can stay sane. As we work through sheltering in place, we
Cute partygoers at Night in the Stacks 2019.
want to connect with all library lovers. We are inviting all Chicagoans to participate in a virtual gathering via social media on April 3 between 8-9pm. We have uploaded a digital care package to our website with information on how to participate, links to fun resources, and tips for a cozy night in. What services are you providing?
Adiat and Iya Baker at Night in the Stacks 2019.
The Library Foundation is working closely together with Chicago Public Library to support families and communities during this time. We’ll have more details as the plan take shape over the following days. In the meantime, we encourage you to explore the Library’s extensive online resources, including e-books, audiobooks,
Brenda Langstraat (CPLF president, 2nd from R) and friends.
mobile applications to stream TV, music, and movies. Don’t have a Library card yet? You can apply for an eCard. For families with kids of all ages at home, Chicago Public Library offers plenty of resources to keep everyone
learning! Resources for children include games and homework help and for discerning teens there are plenty of blogs and access to online content. How can supporters help? Libraries are essential community hubs where we come together to access information and connect to the world around us. We are in unchartered waters and with libraries closed, one thing we can do is to foster that sense of community that exists all around us. We encourage everyone to look out for one
another and stay connected to their communities whether that be your block, your book club, your playgroups, your network of friends. Along with our friends and donor communities, we are committed to our mission of powering our Library and empowering every Chicagoan. We are keeping everyone updated with the latest on library resources and COVID-19 essential information via our website and social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn)." (Photos by Hilary Higgins)
Ashley Wheater MBE, The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director, shared his thoughts on how The Joffrey Ballet is handling this crisis, what their plans are for the community and how you can help. How is the Joffrey coping during the crisis? In these unprecedented times, we made the difficult decisions to temporarily closeJoffrey Tower, cancel our Academy and Community Engagement classes, as well as our Center Stage celebration, and postpone our upcoming performances of Don
Joffrey Artist Jeraldine Mendoza and ensemble. "The Times Are Racing," Justin Peck’s piece speaks to the power of people coming together to support each other in difficult times. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)
Quixote at the Auditorium Theatre. Our administrative staff is practicing social distancing and taking advantage of remote work options. We are optimistic. With crisis also comes strength and opportunity, and opportunity is what the Joffrey knows best. The determination and positivity of the Joffrey staff during this time has been truly inspiring. What would you like the public to know? The Joffrey's message has always been one of hope. Nowhere is hope more evident than the arts. As our daily lives and routines pause, we want to do our part to keep the world spinning. We look to the arts for surprise and joy. There is lots of that to go around, in the Joffrey community and far beyond. Any rescheduled plans for events,
Joffrey artistic director Ashley Wheater (2nd from R) with dancers ad UNGala 2019. (Photo by Yvette Dostatni)
productions, performances? Out of an abundance of caution and safety, we have decided to cancel our previously postponed Winning Works performances and our Center Stage performance and event. This was not an easy decision, but the health of our staff, artists, and patrons is paramount. We are also currently working to identify alternative performance dates for Don Quixote at the Auditorium Theatre. What services are you offering for the community? Over the next
Performer Gabriel Bowman at Joffrey UNGala 2019.
few weeks, we will be sharing stories on our website and social media channels from the Joffrey family to keep life uninterrupted. We will introduce you to the people who bring their talent to the Joffrey and stage each day. We are also investigating posting weekly videos of past performances to keep our audiences engaged. This is our campaign to keep the hope in our lives strong and unwavering. We will get through this together. Because in the end art will prevail. It always does. And, most importantly, what do you need? How can your supporters help? Like many organizations, the Joffrey is feeling the financial impact of closing its doors. The elimination of Center
Baton performers Maya Douglas, Mimi Marks and Chilli Pepper at the Joffrey UNGala 2019. (Photo by Yvette Dostatni).
Stage (our largest annual fundraiser), the cancellation of Winning Works, and the fragile status of Don Quixote make this a particularly challenging time. With a crisis at hand the Joffrey needs your support now more than ever. We ask you to strongly consider converting your ticket purchases for Winning Works and our Center Stage celebration to a fully tax-deductible donation to The Joffrey Ballet. Doing so will help us minimize our losses and keep us moving forward. (To make a monetary donation, please visit Joffrey.org/donate)
John Peller (L, AFC pres) at the 30th Anniversary AIDS Foundation Milestone Gala on Saturday, May 16, 2015
AIDS Foundation Chicago president/CEO John Peller shared info about how his organization is staying positive while continuing to help within the communities. "Here at AFC, we had to quickly respond to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to keep everyone healthy and safe. Nearly all staff are working remotely, and our services continue uninterrupted.To help our community, we have
Johnny Ford and David Murga at the 30th Anniversary AIDS Foundation Milestone Gala, 2015
Mable Buckner and Joyce Stanley at the 30th Anniversary AIDS Foundation Milestone Gala, 2015
to identify unmet needs that our clients are experiencing, such as:Additional minutes on their phones to make lifesaving medical appointments; Ride-sharing to get to their doctor’s appointments, the grocery store or pharmacy; Medical and sanitizing supplies; Food and
Tim Russell, Anthony Guerrero , Mari Martinez, Percy Fleming and Brian Porcello at AFC 30th anniversary milestone gala 2015.
food deliveries. While this is an unbelievably tough time, remember
Bryan and Julie Barrish at AIDS Foundation's 30th anniversary milestone gala 2015.
that we have done this before: We responded to the AIDS epidemic when AFC was founded 35 years ago. Working in the midst of an epidemic is in our DNA. We are health equity advocates to our core — and we will fight for our community’s well-being! Click here to make amonetary donation todayto support its services and fill in gaps as they identify them."
The cast of Porchlight Music Theatre’s Sophisticated Ladies.
One of my favorite theatre groups is Porchlight Music Theatre. Founded in 1995 by Jill Moore, the company came to symbolize creativity, comfort and community and for nearly 25 years, its light has been shining brightly! Here's how they're coping: Porchlight Music Theatre, Chicago’s center for music theatre, had to immediately assess all the activities and productions that were scheduled this spring and make some very difficult decisions. Sadly, we had to cancel the Chicago premiere of Disney’s Freaky Friday and postpone several events: our 25th
Porchlight Music Theatre 25th Anniversary Committee Chairs: Bill Kurtis, Donna La Pietra, Deann and Rick Bayless (ICONS Gala 2019)
Anniversary ICONS Gala honoring Broadway legend Joel Grey, in person, and the inspiring contributions of Arlen and Elaine Cohen Rubin; the next edition of our series introducing new talent to our audience, New Faces Sing Broadway 1987, and all of our young people’s programming. However, we have announced our 2020 – 2021 season that includes Legally Blonde, Titanic and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, among many other productions. Currently, we are monitoring the situation, day by day, really hour by hour, and we are
Hollis Resnick and Billy Rude in Porchlight Music Theatre’s Sunset Boulevard.
beginning the work of launching our 26th season and sharing all of what people love about our productions. They are intimate—we are at the Ruth Page Center in the Gold Coast for most productions and this theatre has just over 200 seats. Our last production, the Duke Ellington revue Sophisticated Ladies, performed to universal raves and sold out houses. Our audiences, especially during these times, have been letting us know via social media and emails that they can’t wait for Porchlight to return to the spotlight! It is definitely a bright spot in all of the current darkness that our supporters and our Board of Directors have been so supportive! Music theatre is one of America’s own art forms. Music has been part of theatre since ancient times, however, the music theater we know and love today was uniquely born in our country. The stories told lift spirits, confront issues and expand the imagination. Our hope is to come out of the current situation ready to share new experiences and create new memories. To use a phrase from one of the best
E. Faye Butler in Porchlight Music Theatre’s Gypsy.
loved musicals, “Kiss today goodbye, and point me toward tomorrow!” 2) What would you like the public to know? Porchlight, for 25 years, has been producing award-winning music theatre, celebrating this uniquely American art form and engaging our under-resourced communities to reach Chicago youth with exposure to, and appreciation for, music, theatre, dance and so much more. Because of the cancellation of two of our major spring events, we are very much asking everyone, if they are able, to support Porchlight with a donation. If you know a child aged 7-17 years old who might be
Bill Marovitz, Asia Gajderowicz, Julian Frazin and Porchlight Music Theatre board member Rhona Frazin at Porchlight's ICONS Gala, 2015.
interested in Musical Theatre Summer Camp, those are still on sale and slated to meet at the state-of-the-art DePaul School of Music. Every penny is more valuable than you can imagine and needed at this time. Also, purchasing a subscription, single tickets, and flexible gift certificates to our season starting in fall 2020 is a great investment as well as a vote of confidence in Porchlight as an essential artistic leader in the community. 3) Any rescheduled plans for events, productions, performances? We are working with the Ritz-Carlton Chicago and Mr. Grey to see what dates work for them to hold our ICONS Gala. We encourage all of you to follow us on social media for any updates and we hope you may join us for one of our upcoming events, as soon as they are announced! 4)
Porchlight Music Theatre Executive Director Jeannie Lukow, 2018 Luminary Award Recipient Jim Jensen and 2019 Luminary Award Recipient Jean Klingenstein and Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Director Michael Weber at the ICONS Gala 2019.
What services are you providing? During this period, we hope to engage all with memories of past events and previews of what is to come as well as some fun original online content that we are creating. Porchlight values the experiences we are sharing and showcasing the skills and talents of all those we partner with — organizations, performers, audiences and others. We have gift certificates and season subscriptions for sale and we are adding to our messaging every day. Our Education Department is also working with students at home via study guides and online sources. We want to engage, educate and entertain those who are social distancing. Letting them know we will return and that we value them as a part of the Porchlight family! 5) And, most importantly, what do you need? How can your supporters help? There are a variety of ways, people may support Porchlight Music Theatre at this time – they can subscribe to our new 2020-21 season here, make a donation here and buy a gift certificate that is applicable on performances, classes and our summer camp here . And if one really feels they have the background and resources, they may ask about joining our Board of Directors. If interested, please reach out to Lisa Torgerson, our director of development, at Lisa@PorchlightMusicTheatre.org.
One of our favorites, Gibsons Restaurant Group, has been "very humbled by the outpouring of support." This was so good to hear. Liz Lombardo Stark, the Director of Marketing and PR for Gibsons Restaurant Group, answered a few questions. 1) How is your restaurant coping during the crisis? Our focus is on our employees right now. We are relying on our core values,
Gibson's Italia
especially Family, which leads our decisions and activity around how we will support our employees through this crisis. We are distributing family meals to all employees (for pick up) twice a day in our restaurants. Employees can order meals for themselves and their families, and there is no charge for, or limits on any meals. All employees have been paid through March and all benefits remain active for all employees enrolled. 2) What would you like the public to know? Gibsons is here for you! We're open for carry-out and delivery every day from 11am-9pm. Our steaks are available cooked and vacuum-packed to cook at home, all at approximately 50% off normal pricing. We also have wine and beer available for carry-out orders at 50% off of beverage menu pricing. And new to our menus – family-style meals. The meals are portioned to feed 4 and feature choices among main courses, sides and desserts that include Gibsons favorites, like the 48 oz porterhouse steak, double baked potato, creamed spinach and carrot cake (desserts are sliced as usual – one slice feeds 4-6
That legendary wall–Gibson's Rush Street.
people). Four salads and choice of dressing are also included.3) Any tips on how to survive during this time if you're a restaurant For us, it has been helpful
Gibson's Kathy Piccone and Steve Lombardo.
to modify and streamline our regular menu a bit to meet the needs of customers during this challenging time. For example, in addition to cooked steaks, we now sell vacuum-packed steaks to cook at home. Overall, we're focused on committing every available resource to taking care of our employees and our customers. 4) What services are you providing? All Gibsons Restaurant Group locations – Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (Chicago, Rosemont, Oak Brook), Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House (Chicago and Naperville), Gibsons Italia, LUXBAR and Quartino – offer delivery via DoorDash and Caviar, as well as carryout. As always, gift certificates are available on our
Lux Bar
website, along with our line of Gibsons seasoning salts. 5) And, most importantly, what do you need? How can your supporters help? We are so
Steaks are 50% off normal pricing at Gibson's!
humbled and grateful for the outpouring of support we continue to receive from our Gibsons customers in the form of carry-out and delivery orders, gift card purchases for future use, engaging with us on social media and signing up for our newsletter (at the bottom of our homepage) to stay in the loop. Every little bit helps us take care of our staff and remain open to do what we love to do. In addition, please try to support your other favorite restaurants by ordering delivery/takeout, purchasing gift cards, and donating to employee relief funds. All of Chicago restaurants need your help right now!"
Kathleen Casey, BN founder, with Bear Hug receipients.
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a Chicago based national nonprofit dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are touched by it. Founder Kathleen Casey shared some info.
Boots & Bling cuties, Bear Necessities Bear Tie Ball 2020.
What would you like the public to know? Families dealing with cancer are no stranger to what we are all going through. Due to
With Dr. Joaquin and Jennifer Brieva and Chuck at Bear Tie Ball 2020.
compromised immune systems our kids must be quarantined during most of their treatment leaving them isolated as we are all struggling with now. And now with a Pandemic these children are so in danger of catching COVID-19. What do you need? How can your supporters help? We are experiencing high demand for the
Todd Hatoff, Paul Iacono, Donna Rotunno and Kirk Williams at the 25th anniversary of the Bear Tie Ball 2018.
“Necessities” for our families so grocery gift cards, gas gift cards are greatly needed. Since we can’t provide experiential Bear Hugs right now, we are purchasing items such as electronics and other things that occupy these children at
home or in the hospital so we are getting many requests for purchased Bear Hugs so Amazon and Target are always needed to bring hope to these kids. (To donate or learn more, click here) Kathleen shared some happy news about volunteer Amy LeMay, who works with BN families facilitating Bear Hugs. Her wedding was planned for March 28, so obviously, it had to be postponed. However, love conquers all and she and her fiancee/now husband Kyle Ruch married, with only 10 people present, at Holy Name Cathedral. See sweet video below by Windy City Productions:
Kerry Wood with kids from the Wood Family Foundation Pitch In Program.
TheWood Family Foundation, that provides mentoring for kids in under-served neighborhoods, are still figuring out ways to help. Through their Pitch In Program, Kerry
Lisa Fielding (WBBM NewsRadio 780) pitching in at Woody's Winter Warm-up 2019.
and Sarah Wood want you to know their latest efforts include: "At-home deliveries of non-perishable groceries, cleaning supplies, and other critical household goods; Connecting virtually to ensure our students and their families have everything
Do-gooders Kerry and Sarah Wood.
they need to stay healthy, safe, and continue learning during this time; Equipping students with tablets to bolster access to e-learning opportunities; Sharing critical information from CPS and the CDC with families, including at-home activities, fun project ideas, and resources; Beginning to develop a virtual Pitch In curriculum that will allow us to continue supporting the social-emotional skill-building so critical to students in the 4th-8th grades. Pitch In Mentors are also stepping up by picking up their smart phones to record homemade videos of support for our students and families. Their friend and partner Simon from Media House, will then edit the clips into a Pitch In Family compilation movie that will share words of support and connection, messages of love, and ideas for at-home activities with all Pitch In students." (To find out more and how you can help, click here).
A tip of the hat to the Big Shoulders Fund that recently announced a $3 million fundraising campaign in support of the students, families, teachers and administrators in its network of schools. The Big Shoulders Fund COVID-19 Emergency Fund was established two weeks ago and has already raised nearly $300,000 from more than 80 donors. This Emergency
Big Shoulders Fund Dinner 2018 Josh Hale (BSF pres/CEO), Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Jim O'Connor and John Canning. (Photo by Jim Svehla)
Fund will help provide critical resources for the 20,000 children in the Big Shoulders Fund network, including covering the cost of devices and supporting e-learning programs, providing scholarships and financial aid for families struggling to pay tuition and food outreach for the students, families, and the communities where Big Shoulders Fund schools exist. “The
Big Shoulders Fund Gala 2018 supporters Mary Pat Burns and Sheila O'Grady (Photo by Jim Svehla).
number of calls and emails we have received at Big Shoulders Fund offering help with food, school materials, and emergency scholarships for those truly living on the margins is uplifting. The way our principals work to find creative ways to bolster community and learning to their students and families is an inspiration. Fear is not winning. Our core American value of helping those in need is alive and well. It seems President Franklin Roosevelt’s call to action – ‘the only thing we have to fear, is fear itself!’ – continues to move us today,” said Josh Hale, pres/CEO Big Shoulders Fund. For more information and to contribute to the Big Shoulders Fund, click here: COVID-19 Emergency Fund.
Heather Owens is a founder/executive director of One Tail at a Time, an animal rescue that focuses on dogs and young kittens. She said, ""If you'd told me last Monday that rescue dogs would be the silver lining during the COVID-19 pandemic, I'm not sure I would have believed you. In fact, at that time I was preparing to shut down
Heather Owen, ED OTAT (Photo by Jeremy Lawson)
operations. But in the past eleven days, something incredible has happened. We have received well over five hundred new foster applications, about five times as many adoption applications as normal, and everyone on our team adjusted to the new standards of social distancing and staying safe. Because of that, we have welcomed 107 dogs and 6 cats into our program since last Monday.
Christina Brown, Randall Fassbinder with Cali at Houndstooth Ball 2019.
We were able to shut down all our facilities and are now being sustained entirely by 207 selfless foster homes, and we're not slowing down. We are proud that the comfort of rescue pets can be the silver lining right now. Rescue pets are having a moment, and it's proof that we will get through this together." Heather also answered a few questions about the nonprofit: 1) How is OTAT coping during the crisis? We are lucky that the state has allowed us to keep operating. Because so many people are working from home we have seen a surge in foster homes and adopters, which has allowed us to save so many animals in
OTAT adoptable dog.
need. We have had to adjust and write policies to keep
OTAT adoptable dogs resting with an angel foster.
everyone safe, but our volunteers, fosters, and staff have really come through to make the transition smooth. 2) What would you like the public to know? We are open for adoptions! We are doing virtual meet and greets and then handing off leashes for a foster to adopt. If it's a match, the adopter can finalize and pay through a link. We would love to get the word out that we're looking for more
Scout is waiting for his forever home.
adopters for big dogs! 3) Any rescheduled plans? Unfortunately our veterinary clinic grand opening has
Rigby is available for adoption and was found abandoned with a broken leg and open sores. His leg will require an amputation that will be covered by OTAT. He will make a very cute "tripod" for adopters who aren't afraid to take on a special needs dog.
been delayed. We believe we'll be able to get in soon, but some of our major equipment has been delayed which means we won't be able to do surgeries and x-rays until things go back to normal. We are disappointed, but our medical team is getting really creative and doing an incredible job. 4) What services are you providing? We are continuing to intake animals and provide adoptions. 5) And, most importantly, what do you need? How can your supporters help? Monetary donations for the increase in our intake: onetail.org/donate and adopters for big dogs! We are still accepting foster homes, however we received so many offers there is currently a wait list.
Founders Terry Carrie Meghie with Kye Martin Brandon Hardesty
Over 60 Jackson Chance Foundationand Rush University Children’s Hospital supporters celebrated a partnership to help Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Carrie Meghie, Mary Sullivan Stephanie Krol.
families on March 3. Jackson Chance Foundation’s NICU Transportation Program provides complimentary parking passes to every family with a premature or critically ill baby in the NICU. Now, no family with a baby in their NICU will have to pay for parking! The
Dr. Jean Silvestri, Kim Carmignani and Carrie Meghie.
hospital’s NICU Unit Director Kim Carmignani and JCF founder Carrie Meghie led the crowd in a toast! The expansion will add another 72 beds totaling 252 beds in JCF’s NICU Transportation Program. The Foundation works directly with parking garages to purchase passes in bulk that are otherwise not available to the public. A $300 donation provides one monthly parking pass that could save a family more than $1,000/month. (To donate or for more info, click here!)
Tom Kehoe, the go-to expert on event planning and design.
With all of our fun events being cancelled, I turned to an expert (and friend) for his advice. Tom Kehoe has been an industry insider since he was in diapers and is the mastermind behind the uber-successful Kehoe Designs, The Geraghty, Black Oak Productions and Floral Exhibits. He knows everything there is to know about the event industry and these are some valuable
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital Gala at The Geraghty.
tips he shared on how to postpone an event and make the next one even more exciting! (YOU are welcome!) 1) Be Informed – Review vendor contracts to ensure you understand policies on rescheduling. And then reach out to vendors to secure a new date that works for everyone – you might think of hosting a virtual meeting in order to reach consensus quicker. 2) Inform – Once you’ve settled on a new date, be sure to let guests know right away about all updates, so they can plan accordingly. 3) Get Creative – If you are locked into a contract, or decide you’d like to continue to support the vendor, get creative. In lieu
Beautiful UNICEF Gala at The Geraghty.
of a sit-down dinner, see if the caterer will shift to delivering boxed dinners or treats – either to your original guest list, senior centers, or frontline medical staff/volunteers. 4) Take Care – Stay informed and prioritize the health of you, your guests and vendors. It takes a village to pull off a well-orchestrated wedding so it’s important to keep everyone’s wellbeing in mind. 5) Hire a Pro – If you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring an event planner to help manage the workload. And if you’re already working with one, rely on them for additional counsel while you look to shift gears. 6) Safety Net – Allocate 10%-15% of your budget for unexpected challenges
Chicago Children's Choir Gala at The Geraghty.
along the way. 7) Don’t Panic – Don’t panic about the unknown and uncontrollable. Recalibrate with updated information in hand, and challenge yourself to envision an even better experience for your guests. 8) Up the Ante – Amp up the tech production for a fully immersive, next level guest experience. Folks have been
Weizmann Institute Gala at The Geraghty.
confined – this is your chance to transport them to a unique place and time! 9) Go Green – After sheltered in place, folks will long for a sense of the outdoors. Incorporate lush greenery to add a verdant and vivacious layer to your event’s ambience. 10) Virtual Success – If postponing your event isn’t an option, consider a custom, virtual experience. Enlist a tech company to work with your planner and décor company to produce a creative and compelling event that delivers on your original goals, and allows for an even greater audience to participate in." Thanks, with love, Tom!
Congrats to former Chicago Bear and world-class entrepreneur, Israel "Izzy" Idonije. According to this article in Crains, Izzy had the foresight to buy quite a unique company, Blessed Communion, a business that sells sealed, pre-filled communion cups. For the past 11 years, he has been pushing churches worldwide to become more sanitary and now his company is producing over 650,000 cups a day, filling orders virtually from all over the world, including the U.S., Europe, China and Africa. “We can barely keep up
Blessed Communion cups.
with all the orders we’re getting,” said Idonije, who took over Blessed Communion in 2009 against the recommendation of his financial advisers. “This is our Super Bowl.” The cups are filled with red or white grape juice and include an unleavened bread wafer. A pack of 100 costs $24.97. “Nobody should be getting sick because you want to pray or safely practice your beliefs,” he said. Amen to that!
Congrats to York Furrier (Kathy and John Rezny) on its 89th anniversary! Since 1931, Chicagoland's favorite
John and Kathy Rezny.
furrier has been serving the community, not only with high quality, chic products, but also with its many philanthropic endeavors through a variety of charities. The family-owned and operated business was started by Kathy's grandfather Joseph R. Wagner. Congrats, with love, Kathy and John! (York Furrier, 107 N. York St., Elmhurst, IL) Nearly 100 years of helping people make lasting memories!
Happy news! We were so happy to hear that Gene & Georgetti's (500 N. Franklin, Chicago) has reopened after a fire in October. This institution has been around since 1941 so it's loss in the community was palpable. They opened Monday for curbside pickup and delivery. Click here to order! And this from co-owner Michelle
The Gene & Georgetti family hope to see YOU!
Durpetti, "While this is not the opening we imagined, Gene & Georgetti Chicago is now open for delivery and take out. We hope that opening this location will provide a moment of joy for our beloved customers and our team,
G&G owners Michelle, Marion and Tony Durpetti with the late/great Dominic DiFrisco.
allowing G & G Chicago to provide delicious meals to those who have found comfort and love in our food since 1941. Our building was built from wood scrap found after the Chicago fire. Gene opened this restaurant with Georgetti at a time of war. We have been closed for six months due to our own fire - and here we are. Hoping to show our love to Chicago the only way we know how – from our kitchen, to all of you."
In the wake of the intensifying pandemic, many of the world’s most venerable art institutions have been forced to temporarily shut their doors. Luckily, that doesn’t mean that we’ve lost access to the countless treasures housed by these great museums. Thanks to the extensive Google Arts & Culture project, more than 2,500 spaces from around the world are accessible online, and many offer virtual tours of their holdings. Here are 14 favorites. (They include MoMA, Musee d'Orsay, J. Paul Getty Museum, Art Institute Chicago and so many more). Click here for your armchair tours!
Chefs Sebastien Canonne, M.O.F. and Jacquy Pfeiffer have launched the result of three years of hard work with a new revolutionary online baking, pastry and cake decorating platform called The Butter Book. It's the most comprehensive online pastry, baking and cake decorating educational experience to date and you can view it for free! In an effort of solidarity and in the spirit of sharing education in this difficult time, they made this site available to all, worldwide, for free and with no-strings-attached for 60 days with a robust library of 150+ instructional recipe lessons and 30+ courses, with new releases weekly. Chef Jacquy said, "We think it will help families who are stranded at home and that they might actually connect on a deeper level through the love of home baking." Amen and thanks to you both! Here is a link to the site. As co-founders of The French Pastry School, the dynamic duo has been teaching the art of pastry to thousands of pastry chefs and students from all over the world for many years.
Justine Fedak–Eversight 2020 Woman of Vision honoree.
And please make sure to mark your calendars for Eversight Illinois' next big, fun, Gift of Sight fundraiser, set for Thursday, October 22! I am proud to announce our 2020 WOMAN OF VISION will be the one and only Justine Fedak, former BMO honcho, co-founder and principal at Instant Impact Group and current Corporate Hippie! Her list of support in the philanthropic community is too long to mention here but we are all so very excited she will be honored at this very SEE-worthy event (theme hint here!) Dr. Majmudar is the Gift of Sight Honoree. Check website here for event details coming soon! (Honored to be a co-chair for the 3rd year with MyEyeDr's Michael Caputo!)
One of our favorite restaurants, La Scarola, has added delivery and to-go options for fans on the North Shore! Armando Vasquez and Joey Mondelli are cooking their
We love you Armando!
little butts off to expand service to Highland Park, Schaumburg, Oakbrook and more. The downtown restaurant at 721 W. Grand is also offering these take-out and delivery services. SO, if you want to enjoy this amazing Italian cuisine in your own home, call 312.243.1740 or 630.865.6239 to set it all up! Buon appetito!
Chicago designers are stepping up to help out too!
Heidi, a nurse at Evanston Hospital, wears a mask designed by Lauren Lein.
Project Runway star Peach Carr and Lauren Lein are both designing masks for those in the medical fields. Where there's a need, you can bet there's a generous-hearted Chicagoan willing to fill it! Kudos to you both!
And then there's this from Snopes: "When readers first came across a biological weapon named “Wuhan-400” in Dean Koontz’s novel “The Eyes of Darkness,” we doubt
Passage from Sylvia Browne's book "End of Days".
anyone had the notion that the famous thriller author was “predicting” a real-world outbreak of COVID-19, coronavirus disease. But in February 2020, after such an outbreak had occurred, eagle-eyed Koontz fans shared this passage as if the famous thriller author was a prognosticator." (Hello, it's pretty damn close to a prediction!) And another coincidence? Self-described psychic Sylvia Browne wrote in her 2008 book "End of Days" that a respiratory illness would spread across the globe in 2020. Say what?!
And now for something a bit naughty! Michelle L' amour is an Oak Park raised burlesque star and a friend. She has created a free website to provide support to entertainers who are out of work. Performers from all over the world are sending in videos that she hosts from her living room. Lol! Called "Quarantine Cabaret", the online show features burlesque, comedy, magic, music and more! (Watch here!) (Not for minors)
Dining Out For Life Chicago eateries and their patrons have provided a lifeline of support for TPAN's mission to care for LGBT and HIV-affected individuals and families in
Participating "Dining Out For Life" restaurants in support of TPAN, thus far.
Chicago. However, Dining Out For Life partners – whose dining rooms closed under an earlier state order– can still offer carryout, curbside service, drive-thru, and delivery services. On the right is a list of restaurants who pledged their support of this year's Dining Out For Life effort. When you order home delivery or takeout, or consider buying a restaurant gift certificate for a friend, please put these community supporters at the top of your list! (Although, as we know, they ALL need our support). #proudcochair
"Toilet paper" cakes from Sweet T's Bakery & Cake Studio.
Lord knows we need a sense of humor amidst all this bad news! A bakery in Arlington Heights has come up with the perfect antidote, Toilet Paper Cakes! If these creations don't make you smile, nothing will. Tammy Montesino's bakery, Sweet T's Bakery & Cake Studio, are accepting call-ahead orders for pick-up! Now here's one clever way to get your TP! Thanks for the giggles Tammy and your creativity! Visit their website here!
MyEyeDr, my go-to spot for frames, lenses and check-ups, wants you to know they're here for you during this crisis! If you're an existing patient and need new contact lenses, order here! Free shipping too! Thanks so much MED!
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas has come up with a unique way to entertain the kiddies!
Congrats and thanks to our much loved Cook County Treasurer, Maria Pappas. Maria has launched a site and created a song just for children to help ease their concerns during this Coronavirus scare. "Me and My Iguana" is an animated video produced by Pappas, Tim Maeder and Frank Lucas. In the video, a child and an iguana share activities that emphasize friendship while
a young voice sings the original kids tune, "Me and My Iguana." The idea is for the electronic iguana to provide companionship and diversion to out-of-school children during the pandemic. Pappas studied music in high school and college and plays several instruments. Pappas wrote the script, Mader created the graphics and video. Read article here and watch darling video below. Thank you Maria for always putting the community first!
New mom Elizabeth Lawlor with her darling baby Eli.
Now for some really sweet news! My dear friends, Cheryl and
Baby Eli!
David Lawlor's beautiful daughter Elizabeth gave birth to Baby Eli at 4:23 am on April 2. Momma and baby and doing great! So nice to have such happy news for a change! (Dave, as you may or may not know, is the tech genius behind my blog, and therefore an essential person. )
Chef Tony Priolo is working overtime to figure out ways to help his fellow hospitalityworkers. Follow him on Insta @Tony_Priolo.
Now there are a lot of ways out there that you can help our friends who are suffering in the hospitality industry, most of the restaurants have some sort of Employee Relief Fund, but one of the first chefs to get on board and start the process was Chef Tony Priolo, chef/co-owner Piccolo Sogno, Nonnina and Maillard Tavern. He immediately started offering Chicago Hospitality t-shirts for sale with 100% of the proceeds going to the "people who don't have a voice or the means to survive without work in the industry." The government shutdown of bars and restaurants has put thousands out of
Chicago Hospitality t-shirts will benefit workers in the industry.
work for the foreseeable future. Chef Priolo said, "Just as we rely on them to keep Chicago one of the most vibrant dining cities in the world, they rely on us to support them through good times and bad. 100% of the net proceeds from these tees go directly towards financial relief for hourly employees affected by the necessary precautions Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot have implemented." (Please purchase a black or white T-shirt here for only $25! www.stockmfgco.com. (And please share this info if you're so inclined!) Thank YOU Chef Tony!
And another great way to #stayhome and still help the restaurant business? Rent “A Chef’s Voyage,” , a great doc following Chef David Kinch and his Michelin 3-starred culinary team as they travel to France to explore, learn and celebrate his Manresa restaurant's 15th anniversary. The doc premieres today, April 3, on SOMM TV. Every penny of the rental fee goes to the The LEE Initiative’s Restaurant Workers Relief Program, a nationwide network of restaurants providing much needed essentials (meals and provisions) to hospitality workers who have been laid off during this pandemic. The Initiative was created by Chef Edward Lee with Managing Director Lindsey Ofcacek in collaboration with Maker's Mark. Thanks for the info and your support of this Mary Wagstaff! And see trailer below….
And a big thank you goes out to Mayor Lori Lightfoot who is doing her darndest to make self-isolation fun! Her series of hilarious "Stay at Home, Save Lives" PSAs are SNL-worthy! Watch them here!
On a sad note, Chicago has lost one of its most beloved characters and friends, Whitey "Terry" Pearson
Besties in St. Tropez-1999.
has passed at age 90. No one had as much fun in their lifetime than this guy. A 45 year friend of Chuck's, he brought laughter, positivity and joy wherever he went. He was a groomsman at our wedding and we traveled the world together, most memorable were the July 4ths we spent together in St. Tropez for 20 years running. All who knew and loved him will now have a hole in their hearts. His celebratory toasts were always this, "May it never end." RIP dear Whitesides.
I've been so very sad that all of my nonprofit events have been cancelled. The impact on the community has been devastating with many scrambling to find extra ways to raise revenue. (Click here for some resources for nonprofit support) I know they will all come roaring back, bigger and better than ever, so make sure to keep your dancing shoes at the ready and I hope I'll be the first to greet you at the door.
Thank you to all who took the time to answer my questions and provide much needed guidance for the nonprofits, arts and restaurant communities. I wish I could've included everyone. I know we're all stressed and stretched right now but, if you see anything here that touches your heart, please try to help.
Plus: Celebrating Chicago's "Pretty Powerful Women"; Amita Health Gala "Leaping Forward Together"; Gift Gala 2020: "An Intimate Evening"; Meet the newest Legendary Landmarks!; Michelle and Brittney team up for a great cause; Hadley's Centennial Celebration; Luminarts Cultural Foundation's "The Gala"; Harry Caray's "Worldwide Toast to Harry" goes virtual; Old Town School of Music features Robert Plant at Blue Jean Gala 2020; A cool way to support our hospitality industry; Playboy magazine, another victim of Covid-19; Giordano Dance Chicago's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars"; Stork is on the way for the Hefners; SAIC alumnus Geoffrey Mac is WINNING!; Driehaus Design Initiative's fashion awards show; Retrospect and Randolph Street Market have a new date; Chatting with Anna Davlantes; Daily Mail TV's Playboy video; Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are all on Team Sylvia; This & That; Inspiring videos and SO MUCH MORE!
I'm pretty sure that most, if not all of the events I'm going to keep posting about might be cancelled, but that won't keep me from spreading awareness about them. So please bear with me, you just might find a new org you hadn't heard of before and then be able to support it when the new event date is set. During this awful time, if you have the means, please consider supporting whichever nonprofits touch your heart. They, along with all of our wonderful arts organizations and cultural institutions, need our help now more than ever. Also, for our restaurant community, please consider carry-out, curb service or delivery, if offered. Hopefully soon, the news cycle will look a little different but, until then, I hope everyone stays safe and follows the guidelines (that seem to change hourly) Fingers crossed and prayers up……
Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the beloved founder of A Silver Lining Foundation, show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions) and Gregory Hines.
A Silver Lining Foundation did it again with another blockbuster "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show and another sellout on March 4 at the Peninsula. Every
Eli Soto, McKenzie Jackson and Mark Roscoe.
year, for the past 6 years, this remarkable event has been a sell out to benefit ASLF which was founded in 2006 by the beloved and respected Dr. Sandy Goldberg(with much love and support from her devoted husband Gregory N. Hines). The Glitz & Glamour
A. Marek Fine Jewelry's Robert Sherman and Barbara Bradford (presenting sponsor)
event, conceived by Dr. Sandy and Mark Roscoe, fashion designer extraordinaire, brought together the brightest local fashion designers with celebrity models and runway stars from ZZAZZ Productions (Tracey
Dramatic mural photographed by Ernest Collins was the wow factor for the show conceived by Mark Roscoe.
Tarantino), who also produced the show (with support from Dana Nolan, production manager). There were so many highlights I don't know where to begin! For the first
Whitney Reynolds, photog Ernest Collins and Kendall Howard.
time, celebrity models were photographed by the legendary lensman Ernest Collins. An invite into his studio is like winning Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket so everyone felt very, very lucky with this cool perk (arranged by Ernest's longtime friend Mark!) In a stroke of pure
The fabulous Opal Staples, who brought the house down with her voice (Photo by Ernest Collins, design by Mark Roscoe)
genius, Mark and Ernest combined everyone's photos (we all posed with our designers)
Micah Materre (WGN-TV) served as emcee.
into one magnificent collage that was used as a ginormous backdrop for the show. It brought gasps from the crowd and models when they saw it for the first time. In a beautifully written thank you note to all the participants, Roscoe wrote, "It takes a village to raise awareness and money for any cause and yesterday's show was no exception. Sandy and I never imagined the impact it would have on bringing a community together to fight a disease that has affected so many of our families." He thanked all of the participating designers—Mira and Julie Mersine from Mira Couture; Sylwia Designs; Elda de la Rosa; Tamra Ellingson; Ann Everette; Ricorso and Contessa--as well as the VIP models, Tracy Butler, Zoraida
Dori Wilson, Jeanne Sparrow, Nika Clark, Brenda Arelano and friends.
Sambolin, Rozalyn Varon, Maria Castro, Laurette
Sharyl Mackey, Greg Hyder and Jean Antoniou.
Micah, LeeAnn Trotter, Whitney Reynolds, Caylei Vogelzang, Micah Materre, Susanna Homan and yours truly (I was so honored to open the show surrounded by gorgeous ZZAZZ models!) As Mark said, it takes a village so, on hand, were A- list hair and makeup experts that included
With Tracy Butler (ABC-7) wearing Mark Roscoe Design.
Brenda Arelano, Marcus Geeter, Zazu Salon & Day Spa and
ZZAZZ Productions models Sydney Cross, Sierra Smith, Christina Wiltijer Eenigenburg & Juni Park wearing Mira Couture.
Jordyn Olawumi. A big note of thanks went out to Mark's design partner Eli Soto and the true stars of the show, Dr. Sandy's longtime supporters and lead sponsors, Barbara Bradford and Robert Sherman from A. Marek Fine Jewelry. Before the show began, guests enjoyed a reception where pianist Ani Gogova played beautiful music. During the show, DJ Akib matched hot mixes to each models' walk creating special moments for every segment. Eli/Roscoe Design Labels created an elegant bridal look worn by Micah Materre's gorgeous daughter
Opal Staples lifts her voice (and crowd) up in song.
McKenzie Jackson, who floated down the runway
Adiat Baker and her sister Iya Bakare.
flanked by Roscoe and Soto. (See video here) The finale had everyone crying happy tears when iconic singing sensation (and actress), of the famed Staple Singers gospel family, Opal Staples (wearing a golden Roscoe Design gown), brought the house down singing "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" (by Martina McBride). All of the celeb and ZZAZZ models stood behind her lifting their arms at the refrain. Opal's voice was filled with emotion and strength as she filled the room
Tracy Butler, Zoraida Sambolin, Dr. Sandy and Caylei Vogelzang.
with love….everyone there felt it. It was one of the most amazing moments in a fashion show that I've ever been a part of. To top it all off, I was thrilled to wear an oh-so-chic design by Mark Roscoe Couture that consisted
LeeAnn Trotter, Maria Castro and Eliana Mockler.
of a silk, black organza blouse shot through with silver threads with black onyx and "diamond" buttons over a tuxedo slack (perfection!). And, of course, the jools by A. Marek Fine Jewelry was like wearing a party in my ears! Thank you for making me feel so special. All the ladies felt the same thanks to the expertise of our fantastic design/fashion
Roz Varon, LeeAnn Trotter, Zoraida Sambolin and Susanna Homan.
community. The event, as you may or may not know, is the signature fundraiser for A Silver Lining Foundation that funds cost-free breast health testing for women and men who are uninsured, under-insured and/or ineligible for
Finale!
other breast health testing programs. Through its "Buy a Mom a Mammogram (BAMAM) program, nearly 18,000 women have received cost-free screening mammograms and diagnostic testing, which includes diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRIs and biopsies. ASLF works with 15 partner hospitals throughout Chicagoland, Rockford, Elgin, Evanston and Des Plaines. (For more info about this deserving nonprofit, and to check out its upcoming events, click here!) (The good photos are by Kevin Detrick).
Photo by Ernest Collins, conceived by Mark Roscoe.
The 2nd Annual Pretty Powerful Women celebration was held at the chic River North hotspot, Steak 48, on
With Steak 48's Oliver Badgio.
February 24. The event gathered together some of our city's most philanthropic women to thank them for their dedication to the numerous non-profits and charities in our city. I had the privilege of co-chairing the event with Kathleen Sarpy. She and her fabulous Agency H5team put together our best event yet with the largest turn-out thus far too! The event was initially created to celebrate all of the amazing women who help make Chicago great and, this year, it grew by leaps
Jean de St. Aubin, Vivian Teng and Jackie O'Connor.
and bounds! Over 100 women from some of Chicago most respected non-profits were in attendance
Beth Silverman and Helen Melchior.
including Diane Hollingsworth (Eversight Vision), Dr. Sandy
Goldberg (A Silver Lining Foundation), Jackie O'Connor and Vivian Teng (Chicago International Film Festival), Kathleen Casey and Courtney Krupa (Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation), Jean de St. Aubin (Gene Siskel Film Center), Helen Melchior (Joffrey Ballet and Auditorium Theatre), Julie Lampert (Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation), Cheryle Jackson, Holly Buckendahl
With Linda Johnson Rice and Dionne Williams.
(Ronald McDonald House Charities), Shelley Patenaude, Arloa Sutter, Sally Lou Loveman, Bennetta Kelly, Beth Silverman, Ellie Forman (Joffrey Ballet), Linda Johnson Rice (philanthropist) and so many more! The women in the room alone helped to fundraise hundreds of millions
Kathleen Sarpy with Liz Sharp and Holly Buckendahl.
of
dollars for a variety of top organizations in 2019 and were toasted for their philanthropic efforts. On hand were Steak 48's Jeff Mastro and Oliver Badgio, who graciously hosted the event for us. The women enjoyed passed apps and
Frances Renk and Cheryle Jackson.
cocktails while connecting
with old friends and networking with new ones. Kathleen offered a lovely takeaway gift to all the attendees, the book "Gather as You Go", an inspirational collection of
With Kathy Rezny, York Furs
stories written by Alberto Culver exec Carol Lavin Bernick
Keith A. Parrott, AMITA Health Pres/CEO, and Kristy Parrott w/ Melanie Furlan, AMITA Health Senior VP & Chief Philanthropy Officer and John Furlan.
Eight hundred twenty-five guests gathered on leap day, Saturday, February 29, for the first system-wide gala for AMITA Health Foundations, raising more than $1.5 million to benefit people in need across all
Dr. Reinhold Llerena, Dr. Kalisha Hill and Stuart Marcus, Executive VP/ Chief Clinical Officer, AMITA Health
communities served by AMITA Health. The Inaugural AMITA Health Gala, “Leaping Forward Together,” celebrated AH's coming together as one unified health system to carry on the faith-based mission that has always guided its legacy Adventist, Alexian Brothers and Presence Health ministries. It also marked the first philanthropic event
Elder Maurice Valentine and Sharon Valentine with Dianne and Bruce Christian.
with AH president/CEO Keith A. Parrott. “The foundations play a critical role in supporting the success of AMITA Health,” said Parrott, in opening remarks. “In 2019, donors contributed nearly $22 million to support the people we serve. Tonight, all contributions will be invested in programs and services from all AMITA Health ministries that would not exist without
Dina Morris, AMITA Health Gala co-chair, Susie Cassidy, David Hoppe and Jim Wienold, AMITA Health Gala co-chair and President of Bear Construction.
philanthropy.” AH Foundation co-chairs Kenneth Bauwens and Michael Benoit joined Parrott in welcoming guests to the black-tie celebration presented by Superior Ambulance Service and hosted at the Chicago Marriott Downtown
Kristy Parrott and Keith A. Parrott, pres/CEO, AMITA Health, with Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A., Provincial Superior of the Alexian Brothers.
Magnificent Mile. The evening featured a three-course gourmet menu, silent, live and reverse auctions that collectively raised more than $400,000, and dancing until midnight with the popular band Dr. Bombay. AH executive VP/COO Thor Thordarson introduced a video featuring stories representing each of AH’s legacy organizations of people whose lives have been saved or changed through the exceptional care they received, including neonatal care, cancer care and supportive housing. In addition to the auctions, well-known abstract expressionist performance artist Elliott From (ArtBeat Live) created Chicago themed canvas paintings on stage.
Ensemble Member Jay Worthington, Jesse Frageman, Olivia Toriumi, Joseph Boozell and Ensemble Member Hannah Toriumi.
The Gift Theatre’s18th annual benefit, "GIFT GALA 2020: An Intimate Evening," took place on February 15 at Chicago’s contemporary-chic Greenhouse Loft with 140 guests. The event raised $70,000 for
Tricia Park and Dustin Lowman
programming and new play development at the Jefferson Park institution on Chicago’s northwest side. The elegant evening kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail by The Gift Alchemist Shane Hassler and music by Style Matters DJRyan Norsworthy. During the main event, guests enjoyed dinner, a musical performance by
Courtney Williams, Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton and Danni James.
Darci Nalepa and Jessie Fisher, plus silent and live auctions featuring dozens of items including a 15-day European cruise. The festive evening concluded with dessert and dancing. Congrats to gala committee members, Michael Patrick Thornton, John Gawlik,
Marketing Director Claire Demos and Shane Hassler
Claire Demos, Becky Wright, Laura Gale and Ashley Sliva, on a job well done! Since 2001 and over 70 productions, The Gift Theatre has pioneered the frontiers of the American theatre via one of the most intimate professional Equity theatres in the country, leading to national acclaim and a cultural revolution on Chicago’s northwest side. (Photos by Claire Demos) Check it all out here!
Legendary Landmarks Daniel Walsh and Timuel Black Jr., Landmarks Illinois President & CEO Bonnie McDonald, Legendary Landmarks Joseph P. Gromacki and Matthew Walsh.
Landmarks Illinois hosted its 15th annual Legendary Landmarks Celebration March 5 at the Hilton Chicago with nearly 700 supporters in attendance. The event, chaired by Cherryl Thomas and Erika Block, honored 2020 Legendary Landmarks Timuel D. Black Jr., Joseph P. Gromacki and Matthew & Daniel Walsh of The Walsh Group. Guests at the annual event helped raise $840,000 for
Legendary Landmarks Leslie Hindman and Michael Kutza with Kim Coventry.
Landmarks Illinois – $135,000 of which came directly from the evening’s paddle raise! Funds raised will provide critical funding for Landmarks Illinois’ advocacy programs across the state which save historic and special places in our communities. Since 2006, Landmarks Illinois has honored more than 40 individuals, families and corporations at its annual fundraiser including Leslie Hindman, Michael Kutza, Victor Skrebneski, Fred Eychaner, Jennifer Pritzker, Rocky Wirtz, Theaster Gates, Father Jack Wall, Ernie Banks and many more. (For more info, click here!) (Photos by Pivot Photography)
Two of my favorite media stars, Michelle Alegria and Brittney Payton (of Fox 32 Chicago) are trying to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Brittney Payton–Fox 32 Chicago.
They were set to host an event on March 25 at the BOSS Store at the Shops at North Bridge but, as we all know, all social gatherings have been halted. The event was intended to raise funds to build a youth center for children coping with grief after losing a loved one. Sadly, both ladies have experience with this type of grief. Brittney, as you know, lost her father Walter Payton when she was very young and Michelle's 3 children recently lost their dad. Michelle said, "There are not enough services dealing with grief other than the therapist that the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute has on board. We want to change that, " she said. (The center will be a part of the Institute). Please watch for a new date and I hope you can all join us then!
I had never heard of this very worthwhile nonprofit until a friend brought it to my attention and it's been
Didrill Neal, a happy benefiicary of Hadley's programs.
around for 100 years! Congrats to Winnetka-based Hadley, that bills itself as the "world's oldest and largest educator of braille and provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired." Last year, Hadley reached more than 172,000 learners from all 50 states and in 65 countries! To celebrate this anniversary milestone, the Hadley Women's Board and the Board of Trustees are hosting "Centennial Celebration" on Friday, October 2 (this date was recently changed from April 4) at The Dalcy, 302 N. Green Street in the Fulton Market District. For tickets/more info, click here!
Giordano's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" 2019.
Giordano Dance Chicago will host its popular "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" event on Thursday, October 1. Come join the 15th anniversary party at Park West and cheer on your favorite "stars" who are paired with Giordano dancers for a night you'll never forget. This high energy dance competition is inspired by the hot ABC series "Dancing with the Stars" with funds supporting GDC programming and outreach. For tickets/more info, please click here! _______________________________________________________________________
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED BUT MAKE NOTE OF THE DETAILS SO YOU WON'T MISS IT WHEN IT'S RESCHEDULED! The Service Club of Chicago will host its annual Spring Luncheon, this year themed "A White House Floral Affair." Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette
Special guest Laura Dowling.
Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will take place (fingers crossed) on Friday, May 15 at the Drake Hotel. The very special guest will be Laura Dowling, who served as the Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009-2015, handling thousands of events with her special brand of floral diplomacy. Don't forget your HAT!!! For tickets/more info, click here!
Matt Olaveson, event co-chair along with Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek.
Gala" will still be held on Saturday, April 18 (if it's safe) at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W. Jackson Blvd). Co-chaired by Matt Olaveson, Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek, the event will support young artists through programs that offer financial awards, artistic opportunities and mentoring that bridge the gap between education and career. Guests will enjoy performances by soprano Nicole Cabell, pianists Tian Tang and Chen-Shen Fan and Pascal Pahl, among many others! Please check the website for updates and let's keep our fingers crossed. Even if it's postponed, perhaps you'll make note of this wonderful nonprofit?! (For info, click here!)
Harry Caray's 22nd annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray will now be virtual instead of the blow-out that was initially planned at Navy Pier on Thursday, March 19. You can now join in by listening live on WGN 720 AM from 3- 7 pm. #toastoharry
The Old Town School of Music will, hopefully, host its annual Blue Jean Gala on Friday, May 15. The event will include a unique roaming feast with teaching artists from the School entertaining guests as they make their way along Lincoln Avenue. An intimate concert performance will follow from musical guest Saving Grace, featuring Robert Plant and Suzi Dian. The evening will conclude with an after-party featuring dessert, late-night bites and, of course, music! Proceeds will support Old Town School's mission of providing arts access to all including community outreach, financial aid and education programs. For tickets/more info, click here! (Please check the website for possible cancellation and new date info).
The Driehaus Design Initiative will (hopefully) host its Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence fashion show on Friday, April 24 at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, (700 S. Desplaines St.). The nonprofit was established to promote and encourage design education and to foster public appreciation and understanding of all aspects of fashion design and history. DDI contributes proceeds from this event to support fashion and design endeavors in Chicago. Local designers will face off for the coveted prize and check! For tickets/more info, click here!
Scarlett and Cooper Hefner are expecting their first child.
In a very sweet social media post, Scarlett Byrne, the darling wife of Cooper Hefner (son of 'da man),
Scarlett and her "baby bump." Aww….
announced that they are expecting their first child. Cooper, as you may or may not know, has joined the United States Air Force and is "proud to be an Airman." His dad, Hugh Hefner, was in the Army so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in terms of military service. I wish Coop and Scarley and the soon-to-be Baby Hef, a lifetime of love, health and happiness. So sorry Grandpa isn't here….
The press just keeps on coming from the epic pictorial I was proud to be a part of for Playboy, its recent Equality issue! Daily Mail TV interviewed me for this segmentand Fox News interviewed me for this article. Below is a video created by an entity I don't have a clue about, Top Trending. A friend passed it along to me and, apart from a few mistakes (I wasn't PMOY), I think it's pretty good! Lol! Watch here!
CONGRATS GEOFFREY! School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus Geoffrey Mac was named the winner of "Project Runway" Season 18 in the recent episode, two decades after graduating! Mac beat out three other finalists with a 10-look collection inspired by his father’s military service that featured over-sized puffy coats and futuristic evening wear. His prize includes $250,000 from Bluprint; $50,000 from Pilot; a feature in Elle magazine; and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Mac told the Tribune (read story here) that he is trying to figure out what’s next, but he is leaning toward creating a unisex collection that can be worn in any season and is slated to launch a fragrance called “G” around April 1 (“The coronavirus can’t stop that,” he said).
The tee-shirts will support the hospitality industry workers.
Here's a cool, inexpensive way to help our friends in the hospitality industry! 100% of the sales from these cool Chicago Hospitality United t-shirts go to the people who don't have a voice or the means to survive without work in the hospitality industry. The government shutdown of bars and restaurants has put thousands out of work for the foreseeable future. Chef Tony Priolo said, "Just as we rely on them to keep Chicago one of the most vibrant dining cities in the world, they rely on us to support them through good times and bad. 100% of the net proceeds from these tees go directly towards financial relief for hourly employees affected by the necessary precautions Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have implemented." (Please purchase a black or white T-shirt here for only $25! www.stockmfgco.com. (And please share this info if you're so inclined!)
With Sally Schwartz, Randolph Street Market and Retrospect Market founder.
finely curated vintage fashion show with 50 top vintage sellers of wearables, jewelry, handbags and accessories AND, on the lower level, home goods, furnishings, gardening items and general vintage and maker goods! A portion of the weekend's ticket sales will benefit the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (10 am to 5 pm both days) Also, the March 28 Time Out Market Pop-Up has been pushed back to June 20. (For tickets, more info, click here! Hope to see you EVERYWHERE!)
And a special thanks to Anna Davlantes who had me on her awesome WGN Radio show recently! (Listen herefor my segment that begins at 26:17)! Anna's show is informative and fun and not-to-be-missed from 1-3 pm Monday through Friday! (Click here for more info!) Love her! Beauty, brains, empathy and so much more….:-)
Congrats to Chicago screenwriter and native Sylvia L. Jones! For two decades, Sylvia spent her days and nights covering local Chicago news as a television journalist. Now, this graduate of Providence St. Mel School finds herself making news thanks to her work as a writer in the entertainment industry. In April, she will add Lifetime Television to her long list of credits as she wrote the script for the highly anticipated biopic "The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel" executive produced by QUEEN LATIFAH, MISSY ELLIOTT and MARY J. BLIGE! Sylvia says, "I grew up listening to the Clark Sisters so to get the opportunity to write the story of their lives was truly remarkable." (See official trailer below!)
Thanks to the Chicago Tribune for running my article titled "A letter of support to my friends in the nonprofit community." Read it hereand here: I feel your pain. I've watched with dismay as one after another of the events I planned on covering in my Chicago Tribune "Candid Candace" column was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. At first I was angry that they would succumb to this panic but, as more and more organizations, governments, countries and even Broadway cancel events, close their borders, restrict air travel, limit gatherings and close down the Great White Way, I have to admit the obvious….that my way of thinking, to soldier on, could be tempting fate. I applaud businesses who have the courage to keep their doors open in the face of all of this though. Many have sent sensible messages letting their clients know they are taking extra sanitary precautions and checking their workers more closely and encouraging both to stay home if feeling sick in accordance with recent guidelines. In my opinion, this is a common sense response. I believe it's a time for preparation, not panic. Here's a thought. Many of these nonprofits and arts organizations have had to cancel their biggest fundraisers for the year. If you've already purchased a ticket to one of these events, and CAN afford it, please let the donation ride. Right now, they need it more than you know…
I woke up to such sad news today. My beloved Playboy magazine may well have published its last print issue due to complications from Covid-19. When I shot my cover pictorial in the last Equality issue on October 22, everyone at the mag seemed so upbeat and positive about
Final print edition–The Speech Issue
the future of Playboy and then, in the blink of an eye–everything changed (for everyone). Here's an excerpt from an open letter on March 18 from the magazine's editor-in-chief, Ben Kohn "Last week, as the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic to content production and the
My friend, Louann Fernald, will now be the last Playmate revisited in the mag. She was June 1979 Playmate.
supply chain became clearer and clearer, we were forced to accelerate a conversation we’ve been having internally: the question of how to transform our U.S. print product to better suit what consumers want today, and how to utilize our industry-leading content production capabilities to engage in a cultural conversation each and every day, rather than just every three months.
2nd to the last of the PB print editions, The Equality Issue.
With all of this in mind, we have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue, which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week, will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S. We will move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content."
Playboy has been my family for the last 40 years and I have no plans to let them go now. Even if it's only on a digital platform, my Bunny ears will still be attuned to its always timely, diverse and informative articles and photos. Keep it up Playboy and I'll catch you on the digital ride soon! Your Biggest Fan–"Candid" Candace Jordan
Stats from Johns Hopkins University as of March 16.
These are crazy, surreal times right now, along with you, and I'm not quite sure how to process it yet. I've always worked from home so this wasn't anything new but who knew that I've been tele-commuting all along?! The funny thing is, once you're forced to do something, you start to rebel. I'm so grateful we went out to
Source: CDC, the Economist and NY Times.
dinner recently (please don't judge, local businesses need help too and this was before the ALL OUT CLOSING of bars and restaurants! Gallucci Pizzeria Napoletana was great, btw, at 1551 N. Wells. Please try it when it reopens!) Some people still think some of this might be rather excessive but, I for one, know it's better to be safe than sorry. I just wish I'd stocked up on necessities sooner. Chuck always said I was a hoarder but definitely not in the areas of food or drink, sadly. Luckily, as much as I love my social life, I've also always been a bit of a homebody. I want this thing to end and I hope there's not more loss of life. I feel like I'm in a bad horror movie, like "Outbreak," that's now coming true! I love the way the Italians are handling isolation, singing on their balconies to let their neighbors know they're in it together. Here's praying it doesn't come to that here though….I have a horrible voice.
Plus: Woody's Winter Warm-Up; Saying good-bye to a wonderful brother-in-law; Black Creativity Gala celebrates 50!; SocialWorks' Black History Month Film Festival; Wish Ball with funnyman Steve Martin; Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons, a match made in culinary heaven; Frances & Friends at Gibson's Italia; Service Club Aux Board hosts brand new event; Chicago Lighthouse raises the stakes for vision; Dr. Sandy's "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show; Hope Through Caring Gala; Randolph Street Market returns with first ever bridal pop-up; After School Matter's Sneaker Ball; CYSO Gala inspired by Paris; Cystic Fibrosis Foundations' Grand Chefs Experience; PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
RPM Partners – Chris Meers, Bill Rancic Jerrod Melman, Molly Melman, R.J Melman, Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Clancy.
More than 800 guests celebrated the opening of RPM Seafood, the sixth restaurant from the RPM team of partners, on Saturday, January 18.
Taylor Kinney and R.J. Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Principals included R.J., Jerrod and MollyMelman (of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises) and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic. Attendees were treated to a sneak preview of the two-level space designed by
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman.
award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group before the restaurant officially opened to the public on January 23. With panoramic views of the Chicago River, RPM Seafood is the final phase of the multi-level waterfront project that also
Dedicated Caviar Bar.
includes RPM Events, a private events venue, and Pizzeria Portofino, the Italian Riviera-inspired casual restaurant. Partygoers sipped cocktails (including Giuilana Rancic’s namesake prosecco) and enjoyed freshly-shucked RPM Prestige
Patrick John Flueger, Eriq La Salle, Jesse Lee Soffer and Marina Squerciati.
oysters from Washington’s Hama Hama Farm paired with housemade mignonettes made with Casamigos mezcal and tequila; RPM private label caviar featuring Golden Kaluga with all the accoutrements served from a dedicated caviar bar; Alaskan King crab, prawns and more from the raw bar; RPM’s signature 100-day dry-
Bill and Giuliana Rancic
aged olive beef; plus over-the-top desserts including 14K Chocolate Cake and a chocolate mermaid tail – all from stations scattered throughout the
RPM Seafood exterior.
venue. In addition to Bill and Giuliana Rancic, celebrities in attendance included Empire star Taraji P.Henson, Chicago P.D. producer (and former E.R. regular) Eriq La Salle, Taylor Kinney (who might just be the nicest, most accessible celeb in town), Jesse Lee Soffer,
RPM Seafood interior.
TorreyDeVitto, Patrick John Flueger and Marina Squerciati. VIPs such as Lettuce Entertain You founder
Congrats Bill!
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, NBC’s Chicago Today hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues and former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte also attended. After the party wrapped at RPM Seafood, guests were invited to continue the festivities at Dance Studio, the new dance club in partnership between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and veteran Los Angeles- based nightlife operators, brothers Fred Grimmel (aka DJ Fred Matters) and Brian Grimmel. Seen at the after-party were Taraji, Squerciati, DeVitto, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, ABC’s Cheryl Scott , FOX’s Lou Canellis, former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and comedian DeRay Davis. Highly recommended! This place has it all–great food and ambiance and cute operators! Congrats!
Sarah and Kerry Wood, founders of Wood Family Foundation and event hosts.
Woody's Winter Warm-Up never disappoints. This great fundraiser for the Wood Family Foundation always brings the
With Chicago Fire's Jesse Spencer and Taylor Kinney who both volunteered behind the bar.
fun during the darkest of Chicago's winter and this latest party on January 17 was no exception. Consider this, Taylor Kinney bar-tending along with his fellow Chicago Fire co-star Jesse Spencer, Jim Peterik (dressed like a shiny disco ball) belting out "Eye of the Tiger" while Windy City Live co-host Ryan Chiaverini plays back-up; the Plain White T's lead singer Tom Higgenson singing "Hey There Delilah" with enthusiastic fans singing along and more sports stars and media personalities than you could shake a stick at. And THAT, my friend, was the crazy-exciting scene at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch! Nearly 300 fans turned out to mix and mingle
Tanja Babich, Lin Brehmer and Lisa Fielding.
Rocker Jim Peterik and Windy City Live host Ryan Chiaverini.
with sports stars and media personalities, all to benefit Sarah and Kerry Wood'sWood Family Foundation and its Pitch-In Program. This mentoring program supports students in grades 4- 8 in Chicago's North Lawndale and Humboldt Park neighborhoods and helps them develop academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets necessary to
Actress Bonnie Hunt with Kerry and Sarah Wood.
transition to high school successfully. The event also celebrated the 2020 Major League Baseball season and
Harry Caray's owner Grand DePorter with Jon and Andrew Landan, Wayne Messmer and his wife.
always falls on opening night of the Cubs Convention. Players who joined in to help "Pitch In" for the kids included Albert Almora Jr., Adbert Alzolay, Daniel Descalso, David Bote, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner and Rowan Wick. Cubs alums Carlos Zambrano, Bob Howry, Mike Fontenot, Dave Otto, Ted Lilly, Geovany Soto and Jon Lieber,
Cubs player Albert Almora Jr.
among others, were also in attendance. Throughout the night
Israel "Izzy" Idonije volunteers behind the bar.
media and sports stars popped behind the bar to compete for tips (with all proceeds going to the charity). Spotted handing out libations and mingling with the crowd were actress Bonnie Hunt, Lin Brehmer, Lisa Fielding, Wayne Messmer, Sarah Spain, Tanja Babich, DJ White Shadow (Paul Blair), Israel Idonije, Reed Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Glendon Rusch, Kelly Crull, Ryan Chiaverini and so many others. It was a lovefest for the fans and celebs. Former Cubs pitcher and co-founder of the Foundation, Kerry Wood said, "We're excited to host our 2020 Warm-Up and raise critical funds to support our work in Chicago middle schools. Thanks to the convention weekend, we're able to celebrate with fans from near and far, all in support of our favorite baseball team and the important work our students are doing across the city." (Photos by Knotted Photography)
David and Pat Mosena, Dr. Cheryl and Dr. Eric Whitaker.
January 25. The Gala was attended by more than 600 guests who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Black Creativity program.“It’s an honor to be able to continue the tradition of hosting this annual celebration of creativity and achievement,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “Participation and support of the Black Creativity Gala
Chef Erik Williams of Virtue Restaurant.
encourages innovators to continue to follow their curiosity, and
Erin and Demetrius Ivory.
supports the expression of exciting, new perspectives through the arts and sciences.” The gala was co-chaired by Dr. Eric Whitaker, founder and CEO of Zing Health Inc., Dr. Cheryl R. Whitaker, chairwoman/CEO of NextLevel Health Partners, Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd, and Cheryl Harris, senior VP of Sourcing and Procurement Solutions, The Allstate Insurance Company. The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while guests previewed more than 200 original works
Coodie Simmons, Ken L. Polk , Chelsea Harvey and Chike Ozah.
Denitra and John Griffin, Avis LaVelle and Tammye Coleman.
of art from African-American student and professional artists. After cocktails, guests sampled food stations from Sodexo inside the Museum’s Rotunda. WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory emceed the evening’s presentation. Live musical
Gala host committee co-chairs Dr. Kimbra Bell Balark and Sam Balark.
entertainment was featured throughout the night from Chicago Children’s Choir, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Yanna Cello, Rockstar Ev, and Manasseh Croft. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio was also open, providing
Artist Dorthy Straughter and John Straughter stand in front of Dorthy's work.
guests with a chance to get hands-on and create their own glowing badge. In addition to the Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests were able to explore other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including the Black Creativity: 50 Years exhibit, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story. (Photos by JB Spector, John Wheeler and Jackie Guataquira)
I hope you can forgive the lateness of my blog this week. The Steinwald and Jordan families lost a great husband,
Chuck and his buddy Os.
father, friend, grandpa in Dr. Osmar "Os" Steinwald, my wonderful, accomplished brother-in-law. He passed away on January 17. The Celebration of Life was held at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island on January 25. As we are all well aware, these sad times seem to be the only time families are brought together so, on a happier note, it was a pure delight to see everyone gathered in one place. It was all blue skies and sunshine as guests filed into the charming chapel. He had so many friends, seating had to be placed outside on the lawn. It was a happy coincidence that the church
The family at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island.
abutted a gorgeous golf course, which was
Dr. Osmar and Nancy Steinwald.
one of Os' many passions, having scored not one but TWO holes-in-one during his lifetime! He was a member of both the Knollwood Club and Old Elm in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he lived for many years as a much respected plastic surgeon. At Lake Forest Hospital, he was Chief of the Medical Staff and elected President of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons in the late 1980s. During his later years and into retirement, he volunteered his surgical skills to benefit patients in underdeveloped countries. For 12 years,
Os was definitely a guy after my own heart. He loved Christmas too.
Os and Nancy, Thanksgiving in Lake Forest.
he worked through Interplast in countries like Peru, Ecuador, India and Vietnam performing cleft lip and palate surgeries for those less fortunate. More recently, he participated with Volunteers in Medicine in Florida, providing services to uninsured patients in his Florida community. During the celebration, Os' children (Susan Mena, Dr. Paul Steinwald and George Steinwald) delivered powerful, loving eulogies about Os and his love
With Os and Nancy at our house in Old Town for Christmas.
of family, church and community. He and his wife (my beautiful sis-in-law NancyJordan Steinwald) would frequently travel back and forth from their home in Lake Forest to Hobe
Osmar on the green.
Sound where they eventually settled (and Os became a member of the Loblolly Club in 1988). Following the church services, a reception was held at the country club where a nurse who volunteered with Os spoke about his many life-saving surgeries she had witnessed. A friend told the tale of how he even saved her dog's life after a vet had given up on him. As you can see, there was much to celebrate. His love of life and sense of humor are two of the things I will always remember. Also, he was a nut for Christmas, just like me. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP dear Osmar. I know you're making the angels smile…..
SocialWorks’ 3rd annual Black History Month Film Festival kicked off February 1 at Showplace Icon Theater. All month long, from Saturday, February 1 – Sunday, March 1, SocialWorks will be screening their favorite Black movies like Hollywood Shuffle with Robert Townsend, Set It Off with Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, Akeelahand the Bee, and Oscar Award-Winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. SocialWorks, founded by Grammy-award-winning musician and
Chance the Rapper chats with a filmmaker (Photo by Jordy Macy)
humanitarian Chance the Rapper, aims to empower the youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. This year, the month kicked off with a celebration screening on Saturday, February 1. Each ticket to the first film of the festival, Hollywood
Black History Month Film Festival schedule.
Shuffle, comes with access to complimentary SocialWorks Black History Month customizable merchandise plus free popcorn, soft drinks, and cocktails provided by Crown Royal (ages 21+). The final day concludes on Sunday, March 1 highlighting some of the best young indie Chicago and Midwest filmmakers. Included this year are films like Sugar Hill, Brothers from the Suburbs, The CTA project, and Present Tense. Post-screening, guests will enjoy a panel of the young filmmakers on their inspiration, advice, and what’s next, with a special guest moderator. Click here to purchase tickets and, for more info, click here. Ticket prices range from $10.50 – $14.50 for each showing.
Make-A-Wish Illinois will feature entertainer Steve Martin at its annual Wish Ball on Saturday, May 16 at Navy Pier. One of the most well-known talents in entertainment, Martin has earned an Academy Award, five Grammy awards, an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honors. For children with critical illnesses, the
Steve Martin will headline Make-A-Wish Ball 2020!
journey to hope and strength begins with a life-changing wish experience. In addition to entertainment by Steve Martin, nearly 1,000 guests will share in moments conveying the spark of hope that ignites the way for wish families and hear first-hand how wishes change lives. Tickets are $675 per person or $6,750 per table of ten. Premium tables can be reserved for $13,500. Tickets are available online here or by calling 312.602.WISH (9474).
Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons set to partner in new restaurant venture at 110 N. Wacker Drive.
Award-winning Chef Jose Andres is set to partner with the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group!The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) and Riverside Investmentand Development announced that Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, together with Chicago’s own Gibsons Restaurant Group, has signed a 17,200-square-foot lease at 110 North Wacker Drive, the new trophy-class office tower in downtown Chicago. The group will be opening a veritable dining destination with multiple concepts, including a fine dining restaurant and an elevated cocktail
Award winning Chef Jose Andres.
bar experience, as well as providing catering for the building’s 10,000-square-foot event space. This joint venture represents an unprecedented pairing of Gibsons Restaurant Group’s Lombardo family with the two-Michelin star Chef Andrés, combining the culinary ingenuity of his ThinkFoodGroup with the local operational expertise of the Gibsons team. “We are thrilled to partner with José Andrés, his ThinkFoodGroup, and the Gibsons Restaurant Group as we continue to set a new standard for development
Steve Lombardo with his family, daughter Christa Vrabel, wife Peggy O'Ryan Lombado and their daughter Liz Lombardo Stark.
and see overwhelming market and tenant demand at 110 North Wacker Drive,” said Paul Layne, CEO of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “The Gibsons team has been setting the standard for steakhouses in Chicago for decades and José Andrés is an award-winning chef as well as an incredible humanitarian—together the team will bring an array of exceptional new culinary experiences to one of the best cities for food in the country.” “The opportunity to partner with Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup in our home city in a sensational new building on the river is exciting, and we think it's a natural, complementary partnership that will result in fantastic new dining experiences for Chicagoans," said Steve Lombardo of Gibsons Restaurant Group. I just can't wait! Congrats to all!
Andrea Antoniou, SC Aux Brd Pres, and Sherrill Bodine, SC Pres.
Congrats to the Service Club of Chicago's Auxiliary Board which hosted its first "New Year, New Me Tea" at the Drake Hotel on Sunday, January 12. Filled to the brim with
Rudy Savala, Jean Antoniou and panel moderator Craig Hogan.
supporters, the corner room (formerly the Oak Terrace), was awash in sunlight and excitement for this first annual event thrown by the next generation of Service Club members. I was proud to participate in a panel discussion led by Craig Hogan with Andrea Stryker, Felicia Davis and Rochelle Trotter. All of these women (and
Proud to serve as a panelist with Felicia Davis, Andrea Stryker and Rochelle Trotter.
Craig) had such
Sharyl Mackey and Mary Pat Burns, who introduced the event.
incredibly inspiring stories to share. The event was designed to empower young women and allow them to learn from successful Chicago-based businesswomen. Members and guests mingled over mimosas, shopped a fabulous silent auction and started off the year with a lot of camaraderie. Congrats to Andrea Antoniou, Aux Board President, and SC president Sherrill Bodine on a wonderful afternoon!
Join the Chicago Lighthouse on Thursday, February 27 at Gibson's Steakhouse for "Raising the Stakes for Vision: 4th annual Poker & Casino Night," an evening filled with poker, the chance to win $20,000 in prizes, including Chicago hotel packages, Blackhawks tickets and memorabilia, gift cards to top restaurants including Gibson's, and a three-night stay at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas–in addition to a $10,000 seat at the WSOP seat in Las Vegas! For tickets, more info, click here!
Frances Renk celebrates with a few of her closest friends at Gibson's Italia. (Photo by Lori Allen Photo Design).
On Saturday, January 11, one of our town's most popular gals-about-town, Frances Renk, hosted a
Hostess with the mostest Frances Renk with Kathy Piccone and Paul Iacono.
party for 53 of her nearest and dearest at Gibson's Italia. Even though it was snowing sideways, there were no no-shows. Everyone wanted to celebrate with Frances and see familiar faces at this elegant winter/holiday luncheon. Champagne was flowing, loving toasts were presented and everyone went home with delicious goodies. There was lots of food, lots of giggles and lots of bubbles. Thanks for including yours truly dear Frances! (The fab black and white group photo is by Lori Allen Photo Design)
I hope you can join us on Wednesday, March 4 for Dr. Sandy Goldberg's annual "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show/luncheon at the Peninsula to benefit her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will feature elegant designs by Mark Roscoe, Tamra Ellingson, Sylwia Designs, Mira Couture, Ricorso, Ann Everett Designs and Elda de la Rosa. The returning emcee is Micah Materre, a longtime supporter of the charity. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, the event will raise critical funds to provide equal access to cost-free breast health testing. (For tix/more info, click here!)
The Les Turner/ ALS Foundation will host its annual "Hope Through Caring Gala" on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. Emceed by Dina Bair, the event will support the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine which advances research and care in pursuit of life-enhancing treatments. For tickets and more info, click here!
SAVE-THE-DATE for After School Matters'Sneaker Ballset for Saturday, May 2! Enjoy bites from some of Chicago's top restaurants, live entertainment, raffles, prizes and more! The nonprofit provides after-school and summer programs for high school teens. Click here for all the details!
The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras will celebrate its annual gala on Feb. 8 at the Four Seasons. The event's theme is inspired by the enduring Gershwin classic, “An American in Paris,” and the music of this legendary city of lights. As the organization's largest fundraising event of the year, the gala supports world-class music education for young people from across the Chicago region. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, live auction, and performances from members of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Kaiso Steel Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and Preparatory Strings. (Info and tickets here!)
The Grand Chefs Experience, hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, comes to the Field Museum on Saturday, February 8. This one-of-a-kind experience begins on the Upper Level of this historic museum and features over 35 Chefs Tasting stations. Each station includes a signature hors d'oeuvre and the chance to grab a quick word with the mastermind behind it. Once the Chefs Tasting concludes, guests move down to the Main Hall to dine with the world’s largest dinosaur… Maximo! While enjoying dinner, partygoers will hear from an honored CF Fighter, have a chance to win some fantastic live auction items and support continued scientific advancements during Bid for a Cure. The celebration continues with live music, dancing, custom curated cocktails, desserts and late-night bites during Nightcap, the Grand Chefs Experience’s swanky after party. Throughout the evening, food will be abundant, libations will be flowing and your support will bring them one step closer to a CURE. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board, Animal Magnetism will take place on Friday, March 13 at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. This event welcomes 600+ of Chicago’s urban professionals, animal lovers, and canine companions! Guests will enjoy a night of food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, a spectacular silent auction, and much more! Pups at the party can enjoy their own dog buffet or receive personal pampering in the designated Dog Spa! This pet-friendly celebration is critical in raising funds that provide the operational support PAWS Chicago needs to continue saving thousands of homeless pets around the world each year. Several homeless, adoptable pets rescued by PAWS Chicago will be debuted at the event and guests interested in adopting them will have the first opportunity to give them a forever home! (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Randolph Street Market, my favorite, returns, February 7-9 with "My Heart's Desire," a sweet Valentine's Day theme. This market will feature a first ever Bridal Pop-Up! Locate wedding dress designers, cake decorators, caterers, florists, photographers and more! Plus, shop an amazingly curated selection of antiques, vintage, global and handmade goods to wear, decorate, party and share with loved ones: past, present and future. Grab some love punch at the Single Collectors Mingle on Saturday afternoon at the Market Bar and meet some potential flea marketing friends at the least and a best friend for life at best. It’s gonna be a total loveFEST! (For tickets, more info, click here)
Chuck, Rooney and I finally got a chance to take a little vacay
Swifty's at The Colony.
to sunny Florida, Palm Beach and SoBe. It's amazing how quickly you relax when you can see palm trees. Can't wait to share the details and, hopefully, bring a little sunshine your way through the telling. One thing I don't want to forget to tell you about though is the new Swifty's pop-up restaurant at the Colony Hotel! It's a must-visit! Its handsome owner/founder Robert Caravaggi is still at the helm, dashing as ever, overseeing a room filled with the creme de la creme of PB (and us). Lol! More exciting details to come in the next edition!
That's all for now! Thanks for your patience this month and I'll be back on track with postings now!
P.S. On Jupiter Island, Fla., (and, I'm sure, wherever these darling creatures are found) street lights are turned off for sea turtles. Females instinctively seek out dark places to lay eggs and bright lights can deter them from coming ashore. Also, hatchlings are attracted by moonlight reflecting off the ocean and know to head out to sea, but they can become confused by island lighting and head inland instead. So, now you know. 🙂
PLUS: The Joffrey Ballet's Jane Eyre Luncheon; JUMP SHOT doc celebrates Sailors with superfan Jesse; The Price was Wrong for Paul; Lyric Opera's Grand Ball; Porchlight Music Theatre launches 25th season; A (Costume) Walk for the Bear; World's oldest (and best) supermodel; Eisenberg Foundation Dinner; Murphy Scholars' 30th anniversary party; Chicago Costume Council's Men's Fashion Awards; Haute Dog LA; A Toast to Tutoring for Chicago Lights; Tails in the City's Doggie Halloween Parade; Hell in a Handbag's "Rip Nelson's Celebrity Roast"; 900 Shops' Illuminate the Holidays; Camp One Step's (sort of ) Park City Gala; "Arctic Dogs" cute premiere with kids and a supermodel; Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up (right here in the city!); Executive Club hosts Diane Von Furstenberg and Kristina O'Neill (special ticket coupon!); Hebru's Nevermore Park; Friends of Prentice's "Evening in Oz"; "A Night of Magic & Wonder: Celebrating the Spirit of Youth"; "Lights UP" for DePaul Theatre School; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
Designer Peach Carr with models Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu.
Chicago fashion lovers Rev'd UP! for our local designers at the fashion show fundraiser presented by and benefiting the Apparel Industry Board Foundation on October 10.
Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship winner Claire Groppe (R) with models Arabel Rosales and Erica Strama.
Held at Perillo Rolls Royce Gold Coast, the event attracted nearly 300 guests for a runway presentation produced by ZZAZZ Productions that featured top local designers Elda de la Rosa, Mark Roscoe, Peach Carr, Tamra Ellingson, Ann Everett, Laurie Borse, Rebellion, Model Atelier and Lauren Lein. Ji Suk Yi
Emcee Ji Suk Yi and fashion show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions).
graciously emceed (and we were so thrilled to have her since she's one helluva busy lady on WGN Radio, co-hosting The Steve Cochran Show, sharing the culinary news in the Sun-Times' The Grid and so much more!) She dressed
With committee chair Frances Renk.
the part wearing a chic feathered skirt and sparkly top. The night also paid tribute to two remarkable women who shaped the organization, Dorothy Fuller and Marsha Brenner. Their absence was sorely felt by all who knew them. They gave their hearts and worked tirelessly to advocate for and support our local design community for over 32 years. The show was dedicated in their memory. Lauren Lein, AIBI president/fashion designer,
AIBI president/designer Lauren Lein with models Mary Lasky, Melinda LaGrange, Dr. Stacie McClane, Sherrill Bodine and Bethany Florek.
shared the history of the organization. She said, "AIBI remains the only official organization in Illinois dedicated to the apparel design and manufacturing community. It works with
Designer Mark Roscoe with his model Opal Staples of the famed Staples singers.
dreamers to help make their dreams a reality and to help educate, inform and nurture them into tomorrow's successful entrepreneurs." The night also showcased the student designers who were finalists for the coveted Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Foundation Scholarship. (Stanley was out of the country and couldn't attend). Tracey Tarantino, ZZAZZ Productions founder, introduced the
Designer Elda de la Rosa with model Erica Strama.
students who presented outstanding, cutting edge looks. They were Claire Groppe, Shaylin Thurston and Evelin Zermeno (the VIP models wearing these designs were Arabel Rosales, Nicole
Longtime event/AIBI supporters and 2018 honorees Joe and Pat Perillo.
Zwerican, Kristin Kinder, Erica Strama, Eliana Mockler, Mary Lasky and Felicia Winiecki). Each design brought rousing applause from the standing-room-only crowd but, in the end, the winner of the $5000 scholarship was Claire Groppe! (Congrats Claire!) The fashion show opened with thrilling and playful designs by Peach Carr (of Project Runway fame). Peach brought out the big guns
New designer Laurie Borse with her model Cheri Lawrence.
for her models–Linda Yu, Sylvia Perez, Dr. Stacie McClane, Eliana Mockler and Nicole Zwerican! Next up, was the sleek, fashion-forward designs by Tamra Ellingson (worn by Felicia Winiecki, Mary Lasky, Arabel Rosales, Kristine Kinder and
With models/friends Sherry Abrahams, Bobbi Panter, Cheri Lawrence, Kim Gleeson, Whitney Reynolds and Melinda LaGrange.
Nicole Zwerican). I especially loved her vibrant, strapless red column dress with the words "Je t'aime" written all over it that Kristine wore (and bought). Designer Ann Everett was up next with models Melissa Canning, Laura Dantuma, Sheree
Jennifer Popish holding Rebellion handbags and Melissa Canning wearing Ann Everett.
Valukas, Erica Strama and Andrea Antoniou. All of the models rocked these designs but my favorite was the black puffy-type jacket worn by Melissa (who also bought the chic
Designer Tamra Ellingson, friend, Patricia Suszka and Kristine Kinder.
piece). Designer Laurie Borse, a talented new designer, showcased her looks on beautiful models Cheri Lawrence, Patricia Suszka, Kim Gleeson, Sherrill Bodine and Whitney Reynolds. Rebellion was up next with super chic, fuzzy bags of every size and color draped on models April Schwartz, Bobbi Panter, Melissa Babcock, Jennifer Popish and Erica Strama.
AIBI executive director Ambar Campos presents me with my Rev Up Award.
Model Atelier's models Jean Antoniou, Cheyenne Parker, Elise Spencer, Eliana Mockler and Felicia Winiecki rocked these chic, classic looks too. Lauren Lein, AIBI president and designer, always showcases
With Robin Harris (L), CEO/Creative Director Model Atelier, and friends.
her playful side and, for this collection, she was inspired by the streets of Chicago with bricks from the streets captured on the clothing with handwritten graffiti. Model Melinda Jakovich-LaGrange loved her look so much, she bought it. Other glam models in this segment were Mary Lasky, Bethany Florek (who closed the segment with Lauren), Dr. Stacie McClane, and
Julie Barrish, Paul Iacono and Jennifer Sutton.
Sherrill Bodine. Elda de la Rosa (one of my faves and whose look I proudly wore on this night), created elegant evening looks worn by Laura Dantuma, Sheree Valukas, Erica Strama, Andrea Antoniou and Bobbi Panter.
With Andrea and Jean Antoniou and Felicia Winiecki.
Mark Roscoe closed the show with models Whitney Reynolds, Sherry Abrahams, Kim Gleeson, Kristine Kinder and a member of the famed Staples family singers, Opal Staples (who closed the show in a stunning strapless gown that shimmered like moonlight on the runway). After the
Thank you Kevin Sullivan for all you do for so many!
event, guests stayed to mingle, filled with "champagne wishes and caviar dreams." Thanks AIBI executive director Ambar
Michael Caputo and Michael Kutza.
Campos, Kevin Sullivan, Marsha and Dorothy for all the great things you do and have done for our design community! It was an honor to be recognized by YOU! (For more info on how you can become involved, click here!) (Photos by MILA SAMOKHINA) Sorry I couldn't include all of the great photos/friends but check my Chicago Now site where I will post them all soon!
The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet hosted more than 300 guests at the Hilton Chicago on October 8 in celebration of the
Liz Sharp, Sandi Harstein, Janet Anixter.
Chicago premiere of Jane Eyre by choreographer Cathy Marston. The event, co-chaired by Women’s Board members Chrissie Walker and Marcie Wright, also served as a fundraising opportunity, raising more than $129,000 to support upcoming productions and educational programming at the Joffrey. Joffrey board chair Anne Kaplan and Joffrey president/CEO Greg Cameron were also in attendance. The afternoon featured a panel conversation with members of the Jane Eyre creative team, including Marston, The Mary B.
Anne Kaplan, Amanda Assucena, Marcie Wright, Chrissie Walker and Cathy Marston.
Galvin Artistic Director of The Joffrey Ballet, Ashley
Diana E Harris, Dr. Linda Curtis O'Bannon and Deana Hayes.
Wheater, Joffrey artist and lead dancer Amanda Assucena and moderator Linda Murray, curator of the Jerome Robbins Dance Division at the New York Public Library. Guests enjoyed a sit-down lunch and a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the process of bringing Jane Eyre to life on stage. (The production received raved reviews from the press). Presented in partnership with American Ballet Theatre and set to music by Philip Feeney, Marston’s celebrated adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s classic novel combines
Linda Murray, Joffrey artistic director Ashley Wheater and Cathy Marston.
theater and dance to tell the coming-of-age story of one of literature’s most iconic
Erica Attanasio, Lisa Katz, Lauren Fine and Emily Rubinstein.
characters. This production of Jane Eyre challenged the idea of a classic ballet heroine. After a difficult upbringing, Jane becomes the Governess for the mysterious Mr. Rochester, discovering the struggles of society’s expectations. With stirring choreography and a captivating Victorian design, this avant-garde ballet showed that love can conquer any obstacle. Jane Eyre features live music performed by the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Scott Speck, Music Director of The Joffrey Ballet. (Fabulous Chicago farm flowers, American grown, were donated by Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event, who contributes to so many charities! Vintage book covers are tucked into British azalea blooms. So sweet!) (Photos by Sean Su)
He invented something everyone loves, but you've probably never heard of him. The new documentary JUMP SHOT
Brenda Robinson, exec. producer, with her uncle Rev. Jesse Jackson and producer Mary Beth Minnis
chronicles the larger than life story of one basketball's greatest innovators, the legend you've never heard of, Kenny Sailors, who is credited with inventing the jump shot in the 1940s. It also tells another tale of how the "zenith of our lives doesn't end in our athletic prime." The doc was executive produced by Warriors star Steph Curry and had its world premiere at
Producer Ty Clark, ED Melissa Neugebauer, ED Brenda Robinson, producer Mary Beth Minnis, director Jake Hamilton and Rev. Jesse Jackson.
SXSW in March 2019. The doc recently made its Chicago premiere at the Chicago International Film Festival. Brenda Robinson, an executive producer, brought her uncle, the Reverend Jesse Jackson to the Chicago premiere where he offered some remarks. Jackson is a close friend of both Curry and Kevin Durant and considers himself a major basketball fanatic! The film will return to Chicago during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend where players will be in attendance. Check out the amazing clip below:
The Price was Wrong for our very own Paul Iacono who appeared on the 9,000th episode of the popular CBS show "The Price is Right"! He was an animated contestant
Paul Iacono and his partner in LA crime, Jennifer Sutton Brieva.
which is one of the reasons he was probably chosen. Everyone who knows him knows how charismatic he is! He won the first round, correctly guessing the cost of a bunch of designer goods (no surprise there) but missed out on a fabulous trip to Lake Como–of the two price choices, he chose the higher one which was incorrect. Maybe he needs a new travel agent?! Also, in the audience with him was Jennifer Sutton Brieva–who should've also been onstage! Love and congrats Paul–thanks for spreading your joy across the country!
Craig and Rebeca Huffman, Patrick and Shirley Ryan, Chaz Ebert and George Lepauw. (Photo by Dan Rest.)
Elegantly dressed guests made red-carpet entrances amidst paparazzi at the Lyric Opera House for the opening night of The Barber of Seville, which launched Lyric Opera of Chicago’s 65th season, on September 28. Doors opened at 4:30 with
WB member Amelia Silva with her beautiful family. (Photo by Jeff Ellis).
guests arriving for a private pre-performance reception in the William B. and Catherine Graham Room. There, elegant decor by HMR Designs matched the space as black-tie attired attendees
Sir Andrew Davis, William and Faye Dunbar and Lawrence Brownlee. (Photo by Jaclyn Simpson).
enjoyed hors d'oeuvres by Calihan Catering. The Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Grand Foyer was also festively lit and decorated, and filled with patrons excited for the new season to begin. Sir Andrew Davis began his 20th season as Lyric’s beloved music
Lyric Young Professional members.
director conducting Rossini’s sparkling score in an original Lyric production. The over 3 hour performance was followed by the Opera Ball at the Hilton Chicago. Mother-daughter duo Mrs. James J. O’Connor (Ellen) and Elizabeth O’Connor
Anthony Freud, Nancy Searle, co-chair Ellen O'Connor, co-chair Elizabeth O'Connor Cole and David Ormesher. (Photo by Jaclyn Simpson.)
Cole were co-chairs of the Opening Night Gala Performance and Opera Ball. The Opening Night Gala was sponsored by Aon for the 35th consecutive year, by ITW for its 17th year and by Northern Trust for its
Kara Killmer (from Chicago Fire) with husband Andrew Cheney. (Photo by Jeff Ellis.)
21st year. Following the cocktail reception, guests were welcomed by Lyric Board of Directors Chair David T. Ormesher. As dinner commenced, the opening-night artists were presented by Lyric during the Grand March of the Stars led by General Director Anthony Freud. The Stu Hirsh Orchestra provided dinner and dancing music with guests lingering well into the wee hours. Opera Ball decor, again created by HMR Designs, evoked an evening in Seville. Funds raised will support opera performances at the Lyric. (For more info about the Lyric Opera of Chicago, and performance updates, click here!)
Hollis Resnik and Billy Rude from Sunset Boulevard/Porchlight Theatre opening night.
Porchlight Music Theatre launched its 25th anniversary season with Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSUNSET BOULEVARD starring Hollis Resnik. The production has been receiving rave reviews and is now extended through December 8 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts in the Gold Coast. The opening night celebrations were held at the Palette and Chisel, next to the Ruth Page Center with a great mix of performers from Sunset Boulevard and previous performances, board members and VIPS. (Photo by Austin Packard)
Bear Necessities Founder and CEO Kathleen A. Casey with Top Fundraising Team "Team Reagan"
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation hosted its 6th annual A Walk for the BearCostume Walk on Sunday, October 20, in Lincoln Park. A Walk for the Bear brought together family, friends and supporters of Bear Necessities to honor the children who are
Mimi Bajagich, Amy LeMay, Courtney Krupa, A Walk for the Bear emcee Whitney Reynolds, Bear Necessities Founder and CEO Kathleen A. Casey.
currently fighting and those who have lost their battle to cancer. With 733 participants in attendance, including Child Ambassadors being treated for cancer, the event successfully raised more than $95,000 for
Jim Sykora, A Walk for the Bear Ambassador Bryce Sykora, Lilah Sykora and Michelle Sykora.
pediatric cancer research and programs for those affected and was the nonprofit's largest walk to date! The fang-tastic event was emceed by Emmy-nominated talk show host Whitney Reynolds with a warm-up led by Mike Jimenez, professional boxer and WBC Continental Americas 2017 Champion. Friends and families walked the 3-mile trail dressed in their favorite costumes and trick-or-treated along the way. Following the walk, attendees enjoyed a boxed lunch provided by Mariano’s and grabbed their broomsticks for festive activities including pumpkin decorating, face painting, Halloween scratch art and a bounce house in the Kids Tent. Presenting Sponsor of A Walk for the Bear was Donlen, A Hertz Company. Event proceeds benefited pediatric cancer research grants through Bear Discoveries, that are awarded to fellows and junior investigative researchers nationwide, and customized experiences through Bear Hugs. Mark your calendars now for the event's signature fundraiser, the 27th annual Bear Tie Ball on February 22, 2020! (Details here!)
Seven hundred of Chicago’s business and civic leaders gathered at the Hilton Chicago on October 15 for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s 21st annual Dinner. The event raised $490,000 to benefit the foundation’s two-pronged mission of funding gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research and advancing real estate education. The Foundation celebrated GI cancer survivors who
Buzz Ruttenberg, Dylan Er and Savas Er
have benefited from the Foundation’s $1.5M commitment to fund the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation GI Cancer OncoSET program and other research initiatives at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. The OncoSET program is
Scholarship winners!
an unprecedented initiative to deliver personalized cancer treatments to patients with very limited options. One of these survivors, Kyle Davis, shared his personal journey with GI cancer. Nearly one year ago, Kyle was
Danny Spitz, Jason St. John, Trisha Connolly, Eric Helfand and Peter Weitz.
diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver. Working with the doctors at Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern and learning about the genetic makeup of his specific tumor, Kyle was able to discover a treatment plan that has given him
Jenna Goebig, Claudia Sadowicz, Kim Curschaman and Brooke Jaenson.
options that were never before possible. On the real estate education side, the Eisenberg Foundation offers 15 education programs that has impacted thousands of students, and invested nearly $500,000 in scholarships and programming to advance
Board president Peter Eisenberg.
the careers of young real estate talent. This year’s deserving student scholarship winners were recognized and congratulated by the Foundation’s first ever scholarship recipient 19 years ago. “We are so grateful for the support of our
Brad Emanuel and Katie Hurley Wales.
board members, sponsors and the commercial real estate industry who continue to push us forward in our work to fight GI cancer through cutting-edge personalized medicine,” says executive director, Katie Wales. “The reality is that one in five people who receive a cancer diagnosis will learn that it is categorized as a GI cancer. This means that there is still so much work to do. The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation and its supporters are determined to push forward in the world of cancer research, providing patients with new and more effective treatment options.” The event was co-chaired by Kevin WolfbergElizabeth O-Brien. The evening’s presenting sponsor was Wintrust with premier sponsors, NARE and Old Second Bank.
My favorite model in the world, Carmen Dell'Orefice, shot her first Vogue cover at age 15. She was born in 1931 and still reigns as a supermodel at age 88. At a luncheon once, she told us one of the secrets of her longevity and beauty–she never goes in the sun. It's too late for me for this advice but I have been her fangirl forever. Special thanks to my friend Peter Martino who is also very dear friend of hers. Recently, at lunch in NYC, he asked her to sign a photo for me that I will always treasure. Watch the video below and stand in awe…..
Dennericka Brooks, Murphy Alum Class of 2000, Legal Aid attorney.
Revel Fulton Market in the West Loop was filled with more than 650 Murphy Scholars, Murphy Scholar alumni, partnership high schools, founders, donors, families and friends who came out to celebrate the Daniel Murphy Scholarship Foundation's 30th anniversary on Sept. 28. The event raised more than $1.5 million to support the organization’s mission to give financial assistance and
Murphy alums Olivia Carberry and Victor Cerda.
educational support to Chicago students from under-resourced neighborhoods, starting with a scholarship to college prep high schools throughout the city and country. It was chaired by Mike and Lindy Keiser and honored Loretta and Bob Cooney, longtime advocates and supporters of DMSF. “Murphy Scholars are graduating from Chicago’s most selective high schools, the country’s top boarding
Maria Barnett, Murphy Alum Class of 2000, Hatfield Medical Group.
schools and from many of the nation’s leading universities at rates that far surpass the national average for all students in the U.S.,” said Jose Rodriguez, executive director of DMSF. In Chicago and its suburbs, Murphy Scholars attend and have graduated from most of the prestigious
college prep high schools including Brother Rice, The Chicago Academy of the Arts, DePaul College Prep, Ida Crown Jewish Academy, The Latin School, Loyola Academy, St. Ignatius College Prep and Willows Academy. Rodriguez shared highlights of the three decades of the city's largest high school scholarship program that was founded in February of 1989 by Jim Murphy, Bob Murphy, Betsy Murphy and their close friends and family.
Justin Foley, DMSF Past President, with his wife Erin Foley and friends.
Fast-forward 30 years and, today, more than 460 Murphy Scholars from Englewood , Little Village, Uptown, North Lawndale and more than forty
Manny Hodzic, Murphy Alum Class of 2015, an Institutional Equity Associate.
communities in the Chicagoland area are benefiting from this scholarship program at more than 80 partner high schools throughout the city and at boarding schools around the country. More than 3,000 scholarships have been awarded in the last 30 years.
Lindy and Mike Keiser, event chairs and longtime advocates of DMSF.
“Murphy Scholars are some of the most driven, hard-working, thoughtful and courageous leaders we know, and over the next 30 years, we are excited to see how they take on key roles in education, business and policy to move our city forward,” said Rodriguez. Murphy Scholar Dennericka Brooks said, “DMSF changed the course of my life." She has graduated from Grinnell College and Loyola University School of Law and, today, she mentors DMSF Scholars and is a supervisory attorney at Legal Aid Chicago.
CMFA Awardees 2019: Tony Stavish, Michael Tedeschi, Duke Alden, Daryl Sneed, Kareen (K.W.O.E.) Wells, Christopher Kent, John Weldt, Blake Alexander and Gary Metzner.
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted its 4th annual Men’s Fashion Awards to honor Chicago’s men of style. The event took place on September 17 at Louis
Sheree Valukas, Paula Borg, CC member Dr. Jennifer Glover, Heather Jane Johnston and Candace Tyndall.
Vuitton Michigan Avenue. The event, emceed by Zak Stemer, Agency H5 creative director and Fox Chicago contributor, drew over 200 guests dressed in their best interpretation of elevated personal style to honor
Emcee Zak Stemer with CMFA Awardee Rino Burdi.
Chicago's most fashionable men. Honorees included Duke Alden, Blake Alexander, Rino Burdi, John Weldt, Christopher Kent, Gary Metzner, Daryl Sneed, Tony Stavish, Michael Tedeschi and Kareem Wells. Besides LV, event partners were Limelight and Perillo Auto Group. Models from
Darnell Robinson and pretty guest.
10MGMT showcased the latest in Louis Vuitton’s menswear. Co-chairs David Mordini and Courtney Hopkins led a committee that included Michael Anderson, Thierry Roger, John Rogers, Pawel Drozda, Dustin Erkstrup, Peggy Martay and
Holly Twardak (R) and friend.
Karen Zupko. “The Men’s Fashion Awards have grown tremendously over the past four years, both in size and recognition,” said Hopkins. “We are thrilled to present this event to showcase Chicago’s most fashionable men while increasing awareness of the Costume Council’s mission.” The Costume Council supports the preservation, interpretation, and documentation of the Chicago History Museum’s costume collection, which has grown to be one of the world’s premier collections with over 50,000 pieces.
Julie Chen-Moonves with Haute Dog LA co-chairs Bobbi Panter (top R) and Annette Ramirez.
Chicagoans have very big, philanthropic hearts! Not only did they come out in force to support Haute Dog Chicago, a recent fundraiser benefiting Canine Companions for Independence, but they also FLEW OUT to support the 8th Annual HAUTE DOG LA, another
Chicagoans who are Haute Dog LA supporters: Mary Lasky, Heather Johnston, Sherry Abrahams, Sherrill Bodine, Sheree Valukas, Tina Weller, April Schwartz, Sally Jo Morris and Sherry Lea Fox.
fundraiser benefiting CCI at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, October 20th. Celebrities and a large Chicago contingent lent their star power and support in a big way to
LA co-chair Annette Ramirez with her beloved CCI dog Patch.
this life changing national organization that provides assistance dogs to those in need, free of charge. Chicago based co-chair Bobbi Panter and her LA co-chair, Annette Ramirez, a quadruple amputee, (along with her darling Canine Companions dog, Patch) hosted an amazing event filled
Celebrity supporter Paul Schaffer (L) and friends.
with love, excitement and celebrities that included Paul Shaffer, Julie Chen-Moonves, John O’Hurley, Tom Kenny (Spongebob), Michael McDonald, Tony Dow, Laraine Newman, Tai Babilonia, Ed Begley Jr., Joanne Worley, Peter Marshall and more. The Hollywood-themed doggie runway fashion show drew over 430 guests and raised nearly $400,000, making this year's event a record-breaker! The event honored Tommy Lasorda and his family with the Paws of Distinction Award for their years of support and generosity to Haute Dog LA and CCI. Chicago
Matt Arnoux Bebe and Cece
notables lending their support included Sherry Abrahams, Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea Fox, Heather Jane Johnston, Mary Lasky, Sally Jo Morris, April Schwartz, Sheree
Co-chairs Annette Ramirez and Bobbi Panter recognize Sheree Valukas in the crowd for her support.
Schimmer Valukas, Tina Weller, Rhonda Sanderson, Patrick Parkey, Karin Carlson, Ann-Marie Streibich, Stephen DiPadua, Michael Rosenblum,Jim Jacobsen, Felicia Ferguson Winiecki, Julee White and Jill Talley (former Chicagoans) and Matthew Arnoux, among others. CCI provides highly trained assistance dogs to children, adults and veterans with disabilities at no cost. Haute Dog LA has helped them do that, thanks in large part to its great Chicago support!
Stacy Jackson (Chicago Lights exec. dir.) and Chad Tischer (board pres.)
Chicago Lights, a leading organization that creates opportunities for Chicagoans to overcome economic and social barriers, raised over $95,000 during its annual
Cynthia Joho, Kathryn Bates (Toast to Tutoring co-chairs).
fundraising event, A Toast to Tutoring. The party took place on October 15 at Dance Studio, a club at 59 W. Hubbard in River North. The event celebrated the one-on-one, student-tutor relationships created through the Chicago Lights Tutoring program. Chad Tischer, Chicago Lights Board president, spoke of the organization’s impactful work and shared moving stories of students who benefited
Liz Patterson and Xavier Reed (tutoring pair)
from the mentoring relationships. Stacy Jackson, executive director of Chicago Lights, introduced Xavier Reed, a recent Tutoring student alumnus, and Liz Patterson, a Tutoring volunteer and Xavier’s mentor, who spoke about their close relationship throughout their 7-year mentoring program. This year’s event was not only a
Kellie O'Connell, C. Rodrigo Carrillo and Michelle Mekky.
successful fundraiser, but a celebration of the high-quality tutoring Chicago Lights has been providing for students living in the Near West, Near North, and South Side neighborhoods of Chicago for the past 55 years at Fourth Presbyterian Church. The Chicago Lights Tutoring program is based on wraparound care. Every
Ray and Larry Guess.
session begins with a healthy dinner followed by enrichment classes. More than 600 Chicago volunteers serve as mentors, substitute tutors and enrichment class instructors to 440 first through twelfth grade students. Each mentoring partnership fosters academic and personal growth and increases the likelihood that the students will pursue higher education and thrive in meaningful careers.“Chicago Lights believes every young person deserves the resources and support they need. We know that access to one-to-one mentorship with a caring adult plus educational resources helps students to thrive,” said Jackson. The event was co-chaired by Chicago Lights board members Kathryn Bates and Cynthia Joho.
Hell in a Handbag Productionswill present its annual benefit, THE RIP NELSON CELEBRITY ROAST on Saturday, November 9, from 6 – 11 pm at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster Ave. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets ($75 in advance) are currently available here or by calling (800) 838-3006. The stars – dead and alive – are coming out in droves to roast everyone’s favorite Hollywood has-been, Rip Nelson (Ed Jones), described as a mash-up of Paul Lynde, Charles Nelson Reilly and Rip Taylor. The celebrity line-up includes Lucille Ball (David Cerda), Bette Midler (Caitlin Jackson), Liza Minnelli (Alexa Castelvecchi), Doug Henning (David Lipschutz) and Dame Maggie Smith (Danne Taylor). The star-studded evening also includes a full course of your favorite TV dinner-style comfort foods by Chef’s Joey Chiapetta and Adam Ordish with hearty helpings of Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes and other favorites with desserts from Bubbie’s Kitchen (Nancy Lipschutz) and refreshments, plus games, raffles, silent auctions and a few surprises. All proceeds benefit the nonprofit, Hell in a Handbag Productions, Chicago’s leading camp and parody theater company.
Tails in the City hosted their 16th annual Halloween Pet Parade and Party on Sunday, October 27th. Over 150 dogs who arrived in costume, along with their owners, paraded to Washington Square Park to raise money for PAWS Chicago, one of the largest No Kill shelters in the country. Prizes were awarded for the Scariest Costume, Funniest Costume, Best Duo or Group, Most Glamorous, and Best In Show. Best in Show honors went to a Mary Poppins pup look-a-like. This popular event was sponsored by Leslie Struthers and Guaranteed Rate, The Talbott Hotel, K9 University, D/Vision Optical and Big Shoulders Coffee.
Escape (virtually) to Park City and do some good at the same time on November 8th! You won’t need your skis to enjoy An Evening In Park City, Utah with Camp One Step by Children’s Oncology Services at TheRitz-Carlton Chicago. In 2019, Camp One Step is refocusing the “destination” meaning of flight from a culturally-themed gala to that of the journey of the campers. Guests will receive and embrace the true meaning of camp through this virtual trip to the home of Camp One Step’s Utah Ski Program in Park City. While the Utah Ski Program will be featured throughout the event, the evening benefits Camp One Step’s multiple programs including the nonprofit’s popular Summer Camp, Winter, Family or Dude Ranch camp programs–all provided to families at no cost. The evening will support childhood cancer awareness and help send more kids to Camp One Step programs. Guests of FLIGHT will enjoy lodge-inspired decor and dancing to music provided by the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. The Hospira Foundation Award will honor The National Ability Center, that empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs. The Richard Schwebel Family Award will be presented to The Richard A. Perritt Foundation, which funds numerous initiatives in ophthalmology research, education, children’s health care, and senior programs.
The Midwest Region of the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science (ACWIS) celebrates the Institute’s 70 years of making advancements in scientific innovation at its annual Gala, which takes place this Saturday, November 2 at The Geraghty, 2520 S. Hoyne. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Chaim, An Ambitious Vision for Science and Humanity.” The Gala celebrates the Weizmann Institute’s achievements in fighting cancer, protecting our planet, advancing technology, enriching education, improving health and medicine and exploring the physical world. For tickets/more info, contact Marilyn Tamayo, 312-861-7755 or m.tamayo@acwis.org.
Heidi Klum adds to the excitement for the unique premiere of Arctic Dogs.
In lieu of a typical red-carpet movie premiere for the animated motion picture ARCTIC DOGS (from Entertainment Studios), Byron Allen (philanthropist/founder Entertainment Studios) opted to create a very special moment for deserving kids! Byron, along with supermodel Heidi Klum, introduced the movie to a roomful of kids at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles recently. ARCTIC DOGS was created for kids, so there was no better audience to premiere the movie than with the kids at this hospital through its partnership with Holiday Heroes, a nonprofit that provides joy and normalcy to
Heidi Klum with Paul Viviano, CEO Children's Hospital of LA.
hospitalized children who are critically, chronically or terminally ill. Holiday Heroes created 100 boxes that were distributed to the kids themed around the movie that included craft projects, movie branded merchandise, gift cards and more. The room was decorated in an Arctic theme with a 10-ft-long standee of the characters of the movie that the kids happily posed beside. Over the last decade, Holiday Heroes has become an established partner for children’s hospitals across the country with a growing national footprint. (For more info on this very worthy charity, click here!) Congrats to its Chicago executive director Felicia Winiecki and PR whiz Julee White for sharing this wonderful story with me!)
Finally! We didn't have to drive to the suburbs to get our pumpkin/Halloween fix! It came to us at 1467 N. Elston! Jack's Pumpkin Pop-Up offered over 2 acres of fun in Goose Island. We even got lost in the corn maze that was so cleverly constructed on the grounds. It's a larger than life, multi-sensory adventure in the heart of Chicago that
Michelle Durpetti during a nighttime visit to the Pop-Up, which is what I suggest.
includes axe throwing, four full service bars, food trucks and stations, carnival games, gypsy caravans, music and a zillion Instagrammable moments. You can lounge inside a
Fun for all ages!
giant daisy, sit on an oversized cutely branded chair, enjoy thousands of artfully carved pumpkins and so much more! Sadly, the experience only lasts through November 3 so catch it while you can! We went in the afternoon but I suggest going when the lights are glowing at dusk or later. Click here for times, tickets and more info!
Fashion icon/designer/mogul Diane Von Furstenberg will be a keynote speaker for the Executive's Club of Chicago's Women's Leadership luncheon on Thursday, November 14 at
WSJ Mag editor-in-chief Kristina O'Neill.
the Radisson Blu Aqua. Von Furstenberg will appear with Kristina O'Neill, WSJ Magazine editor-in-chief. Diana and Kristina will discuss "the importance of utilizing one's voice, knowledge and connections to uplift liberties and freedoms in this country." I sure hope they talk about fashion too! (For tickets and more info, click here. And use this special Candid Candace code for $20 off–DVF20!)
I know it might be a bit early to be sharing holiday festivities but I don't want you to miss the 900 Shops' Illuminate 900, a city-wide holiday celebration for all ages, to be held on Thursday, November 21 at the shops on Michigan Avenue. Food, fun, Santa, performances and so much more! Hope to see you there!
The PAWS Fur Ball is always a sellout so snag your tickets now for the
PAWS Chicago co-founders Paula and Alexis Fasseas.
black-tie event on Friday, November 15 at the Drake Hotel. With this year's co-chairs Frances and Chris Renk and Melissa and Michael Canning, you know the event will be a record-breaker! For tickets/more info, please click here!
Authors/self-help gurus Bob Roth and Saudia Davis invite you to join them on Thursday, Nov 7 for a unique recharging luxury breakfast retreat at Cindy's Rooftop. Every detail has been carefully curated for you to experience self-care. Your breakfast will be delightfully decadent with author Bob Roth of Strength In Stillness. Bob is known for teaching meditation to Ellen Degeneres, Arianna Huffington and others. Saudia is writing a book called Power Up to Power Down inspired by a "desire to shine a warm informed light on a silent serge of successful women burning out nationally." (For tickets/more info, click here: bit.ly/2ldb1CS)
Nevermore Park, a 6,000-sq-foot art experience, will transport you into an exciting alternate reality filled with new sights and sounds. Powered by the imagination of artist Hebru Brantley, visitors will get the chance to
Hebru Brantley at his Nevermore Park.
spend a day in the life of his iconic characters, Flyboy and Lil Mama. You won't want to miss exploring this vibrant community filled with joy, hope and wonder! Expect the unexpected around every corner. Take as many photos as you like–fun for ALL ages! It's a place that encourages everyone to be creative, activating the senses with story elements waiting to be discovered and art you can touch, interact with and share. It will allow you to experience a story-world through art that everyone can participate in! (For details, click here!)
FOP board pres. Mike Borders, gala committee chair elect Shannon Flavin, committee co-chairs Erica Goldman and Donna Socol w/ honoree Dr. Michael Socol (R).
The 34th annual Friends of Prentice "An Evening in Oz" benefit raised more than $750,000 for research of women's health. FOP board member Dr. Michael Socol was honored for his distinguished service to Prentice Women’s Hospital over the past 40 years, including the training of over 350 obstetric residents and 40 fellows and for delivering over 6,000 babies over his long career. The event was chaired by Shannon Flavin with committee chairs Erica Goldman and Donna Socol. Congrats to Taylor & Co. (Derrick Taylor) for always making the event so special with your brilliant decor and spectacular themed characters–that were perfect for photo opps!
The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) will present "A Night of Magic & Wonder: Celebrating the Spirit of Youth" on Saturday, November 2 at Revel Fulton Market. The event, emceed by B96 DJ Gabe Ramirez, will raise funds for NRS' mission to keep America's runaway, homeless and at-risk youth safe and off the streets. LaRoyce Hawkins (of Chicago P.D.) will accept the Spotlight Award on behalf of the cast and crew of the police drama, that through many of its storylines, helps raise awareness of these issues. Bryan Samuels, executive director of Chapin Hall, will also be honored. For tickets/more info, click here.
The Theatre School at DePaul University will present "Lights UP!", a fundraiser to support the school's scholarship fund. Join them on Thursday, November 14 at Theater on the Lake where the festivities will begin at 6 pm with P.J. Byrne (MFA Acting '99), best known for appearing in The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Rampage (2018), and Big Little Lies (2017-2019), as the evening's host.(For tickets/more info, click here!)
NOTE: The Randolph Street Market ad on the blog is incorrect. The next Holiday Markets will be on November 23/24 and December 14/15. Over 125 vendors will be waiting for YOU with the best in vintage including holiday items, fashions, furniture, cool collectibles, gifts, food, fun and so much more! My favorite market is not to be missed! Hope to see you there! Click here for tickets and all the cool details!
That's it for this week! Hope you've enjoyed this edition of Candid Candace, the go-to blog celebrating all things from Chicago and beyond! If not a subscriber, please sign up here!
SHEDD AQUARIUM'S BLU; MEDIA GIRLS ON TOUR; ELI'S AND THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE FOOD BOWL; GARTH'S RECORD-BREAKER; PORCHLIGHT MUSIC THEATRE'S "CHICAGO SINGS"; CHICAGO CUT MAKES THE CUT!; CBRE AND CHICAGO CUBS BASH; COSTUME COUNCIL'S "MEN'S FASHION AWARDS"; ROONEY'S BIG BREAK; CHICAGO CHILDREN'S ADVOCACY CENTER'S "NIGHT OF HEROES"; HERMENE REMEMBERS ARETHA; IF CHARITIES' FUNDRAISER; AIBI/AIFI REVS UP CHICAGO; ABIGAIL'S "CHICAGO LIGHTS" PROJECT; BEAR NECESSITIES' "A WALK FOR THE BEAR"; MARIA HITS THE FESTS; UNICEF CHICAGO'S HUMANITARIAN LUNCHEON; VIDEOS TO MAKE YOU SMILE AND SO MUCH MORE!
Patriotic Twilight Parade.
As a lifelong Midwesterner, I felt it my obligation and duty to attend at least one Illinois State Fair so, this year, we packed up Rooney and a few shorts and T-shirts and headed downstate to Springfield. I always love driving through this beautiful state. It seems to put me in a meditative state as we whizzed past those corn and soy bean fields and past the little red barns that have long ago lost their paint. I often wonder what it would be like to live in these little farm towns–no makeup, no social media, fried green tomatoes every night for dinner–but then I
I'll take all of the above! Lol!
digress. The Illinois State Fair has been in existence since 1853 and began as more of a display of agricultural products and equipment. Today, it's a bustling,thriving 366 acres of fun that included seemingly limitless activities, livestock, harness racing, rides, food, crafts, political pavilions and more food. This year's theme, "200 Years of Amazing" celebrated the state's bicentennial (duh). We stayed at a hotel that started out with a lot of promise–The
The famous 600 lb. butter cow!
MansionView Inn & Suites–situated right across from the Governor's Mansion. I thought, how bad could it be? It looked nice online. Well, bad. I won't share anymore details other than to say we spent as little time as possible in the room. The Governor's Mansion, on the other hand, looked spectacular after its recent renovation–impeccably manicured grounds, daily guided tours–an imposing building overlooking downtown Springfield and a stone's throw from Abraham Lincoln's home–also, lots of poverty which I was very sad to see in
Beauty Pageant Queens came in all sizes!
our state's capitol. Next to amazing, turn of the century mansions was squalor, especially as you got nearer the fairgrounds. Nonetheless, we soldiered on, anxiously anticipating our next big adventure. Parking was nowhere–every lot was full but we lucked out and parked only 1/2 a block from the entrance and under shade trees at that. The day was scorchingly hot and I was so glad I didn't bring
#RooneyRules in the state capitol.
Rooney along. We would've had to turn back. I was sad to see so many dogs there with their tongues hanging out. Anyway, the midway was jam packed with every type of decadent food group you could think of–fried Twinkies and Oreos, corn dogs (which were made famous at this very fair!), fried catfish, BBQ, funnel cakes in every flavor and more. International food stations offered even more choices. On a whim, I decided we needed to take a ride on the
Junk food heaven!
ski lift. It seemed like a good idea at the time since I figured this vantage point would give us a great overview of the fair (see the views here). We climbed aboard with our feet dangling before we realized we both hate heights and any rides of any kind at any fairs anywhere. Even though it didn't last long, it seemed like an eternity to us. Note to self–never again. All throughout the ride all I could think of was what the headline would read–"Two Naive
Over 1900 year-old redwood log house
Chicagoans Ride Shaky Ski Lift Before Dropping to their Doom". Anyway, we survived, so off we went to see the livestock barns. There, we saw the largest horses on the planet–Percherons and Shires, each easily standing over 7 feet high! Sadly, we missed the baby pig and goat barns, miniature horses and the opportunity to milk a cow. We also missed the Diaper Derby (???) and the ponytail, husband calling
It wouldn't be the State Fair without Honest Abe!
and rooster crowing contests, to name a few more highlights, BUT, we did not miss one of the main attractions–the famous 600 pound butter cow–located in the Dairy Building (every year since the 1920s). The lines snaked outside the building with people clamoring to get a look. Crazy I know, but we waited patiently in line until, finally, finally our moment came.
I never knew there was such a variety of funnel cakes!
And there it was, rotating inside a refrigerated, multi-windowed exhibit with all of us clicking and filming away. NOW I could check this sight off my bucket list. Then it was time to choose our Fair Food–we decided on fried catfish and a corn dog with lemonade, which did not disappoint. The rides seemed a little death defying to me, especially the "Down Draft" which drops riders 30 feet in an open car….also, the "Wheel of Fire" –a complete circle where riders hang upside down with flames all around. YIKES! The entertainment was varied and plentiful with Foreigner and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Boy Georgeand Culture Club, Flo Rida and Ludacris, Brantley Gilbert and so much more! It was an experience I will never forget. However, having said that, I think once was enough.
Shedd pres/CEO Bridget Coughlin and husband Brian Wegner
The recent Shedd Aquarium fundraiser BLU got me thinking about the history of this much loved Chicago institution. John G. Shedd wanted to give back to the city in which he had risen from stock boy to president of department store giant Marshall Field & Company. Because every great city in the United States and Europe had a fine aquarium, he decided that Chicago must have the biggest and best. Mr. Shedd imagined a stately marble building and a collection of aquatic animals
Shedd BLU co-chairs Drew Gravitt, Nate Fencl and Jessica Morris.
from around the world that would complement the two world-class institutions already in Grant Park, the Field Museum and the Art Institute of Chicago. With Shedd’s initial donation of $2 million, the not-for-profit Shedd Aquarium Society was founded on Feb. 1, 1924, “to construct, maintain and operate an aquarium or museum of
With Chuck in front of a Washed Ashore Project sculpture
aquatic life exclusively for educational and scientific purposes….” A circle of parkland at the end of 12th Street (now Roosevelt Road) was donated and the planning began. Walter Chute, who would become the aquarium’s director, toured the major U.S. and European aquariums to study what excelled (and what didn’t) and then worked side by side with the architects to create a state-of-the-art aquarium inside and out, supported by Mr. Shedd’s gift of
The aquatic presentation finale–parade of Magellanic penguins!
an additional $1 million. John G. Shedd never saw his aquarium. He died in October 1926 at age 76. The board of directors carried on, and ground was broken in November 1927. The John G. Shedd Aquarium opened to throngs of guests on May 30, 1930 and today, it receives over 2 million visitors annually who enjoy unforgettable encounters with 32,000 animals from the world's aquatic environments. The BLU event
Shedd BLU party on Sick Family Terrace
attracted over 900 guests and offered meet-and-greets with Magellanic penguins (see their darling finale parade here), a caiman lizard named Gil, 2 green tree pythons (sisters Jill and Jasmine), a South American puffer fish and an angry little tegu named Uncle Fester. One of the new attractions this year was the
With Diver Brian Siegel at Shedd BLU
addition of a drag show that was held in the main rotunda. There, performers Kat Sass, Trannika Rex and Tenderoni whipped the crowd into a frenzy with AlexisBevels even performing on roller skates as a mermaid! Over 30 ethically farmed food stations kept
Crystal Peters and Gregory Curtis Jr. (Shedd Aux. Board member)
the crowd fueled for fun and a stunning display of art made entirely from plastic beach trash by the "Washed Ashore–Art to Save the Sea" project raised awareness about the global marine debris crisis. Dancing under the stars on the terrace provided partygoers with magical views of the city and skyline. If possible, don't miss this exciting event next year! I highly recommend it both for its worthy fundraising aspect and for the non-stop excitement! (Photos by Heidi Zeiger)
Nekia Nichelle and Maha Gorgi
It was an afternoon of inspiration, enlightenment and fun for the "Media Girls on Tour" event on Saturday, August 25. Dynamic media personalities from across the spectrum came together to share tips, histories and advice for over 100 women (and men) in Pilsen.
Chic Mika Stambaugh
Participants included Bria Fachon (Power 92.3 FM), Mika Stambaugh (The Mas Ink + PR Pro), Maudlyne Iherjirika (Chicago Chronicles), Nekia Nichelle (ChicagoNow.com), Maha Gorgi (Power 92.3 FM), Samantha Callender (Essence Mag), Jade Lucas (106.3 Chicago) and Charmaine Johnise ("Black Ink Chicago"). Moderators were Tyler Marie and Jauntel Taffe. The 2 hour long panel
Khallilah Beecham-Watkins and Maudlyne Ihejirika
discussion touched on subjects ranging from combining motherhood, marriage and a media job to how to succeed in business. Maudlyne (president of the National Assn. of Black Journalists-Chicago Chapter) shared her words of wisdom after 25 years in the business. "Always be ready", "When it's time, it's
Charmaine Johnise ("Black Ink Chicago") in one of her bestselling aprons.
going to be too late", "Don't just want it and sit back. Do the footwork and grab it." Nekia cautioned everyone to "take care of yourself first and stay mentally grounded." Samantha Callender shared, "Never give up! I refused to allow setbacks to become excuses for not finding ways to manifest my destiny…Don't just have a goal, work towards it, know what you want and claim it!" Maha's great advice advised attendees to "make yourself
Bree Specific
unfireable" by learning all the tools of your trade and then anticipating what will come next and then learn all about that. Jade spoke about combining motherhood, child-rearing and marriage while still maintaining your media identity. (Special thanks to Serenity Barren for these awesome comment notes.) Every single woman was interesting and had so much to contribute. Mika spoke about her early days at CBS and cautioned everyone to take on every job assignment that comes their way and to
Bria Fachon
basically outwork everyone else (I know Mika well and this couldn't be truer! She's an Energizer Bunny!) Charmaine had the audience on the edge of their seats as she described her insider's views of what it's like to work on a reality show. Master massage therapist Jovan Plunkett was also on hand as well as a variety of food and drink and even salon services provided by Salon Lokei, the event venue! I was thrilled to see fabulous photographer Barb Levantat the event and can't thank her enough for most of these images. (As an aside, if you need anyone who is adept at photographing pets, people and lifestyle, she's your girl!) The "Media Girls on Tour" will be traveling to several states with Atlanta coming up next on Sat., October 6! (For more info on an event near you, click here!)
Students from Porchlight's "Make Your Own Musical Summer Camp"!
Porchlight Music Theatrewelcomed a sold-out crowd at its 13th Annual Chicago Sings concert fundraiser; Chicago Sings The MGM Musicals, held on August 20 at Second City’s UP Comedy Club. With direction by Keely Vasquez, music direction by Porchlight Artistic Associate Beckie Menzie, stage
Michael Weinberg and Amanda Black
management by Jake Allen Miller and sound design Robert Hornbostel, this event was the company’s most successful Chicago Sings to date. Sales from this one-night-only performance benefited Porchlight Music Theatre’s youth educational and community outreach programming raising more than $54,000. The stellar evening saluting MGM musicals began with
Porchlight's inaugural Luminary Award winner and board member James Jensen w/ exec. dir. Jeannie Lukow and artistic director Michael Weber
James Earl Jones II singing "Hooray for Hollywood/Going Hollywood" from Going Hollywood.Artistic Director Michael Weber then welcomed the sold out crowd to Porchlight’s special event and played host for much of the evening, sharing with the enthusiastic audience information about MGM’s
Michelle Lauto sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".
productions, their stars and the night’s performers. The entertainment-packed evening also included performances by Christine Mild, Patrick Martin,Kelvin Roston Jr., David Fiorello, Nancy Voigts, Cynthia Clarey, Genevieve Thiers, Devin DeSantis, Britt-Marie Sivertsen, Stephen Schellhardt, Neala Barron, Brandon Dahlquist, Jim DeSelm, Alexis J. Roston and many others. The audience gave a standing ovation during
WGN's Paul Lisnek and Institutional Advancement Director Don Sprague
the presentation of the Luminary Award to James Jensen, who accepted the inaugural award from Executive Director Jeannie Lukow. Jensen was honored for his selfless dedication to, not only Porchlight, but also the arts throughout Chicago and the nation, for more than 40 years. Tammy Mader and Richard Strimer closed out Act 1 with "Moses
Khaki Pixley, Jim DeSelm, Sharriese Hamilton and Brandon Dahlquist perform
Supposes,” the only song specifically written for the musical Singin’ in the Rain. Students Camila Barragan, Kaitlin Deodhar, Sara Deodhar, Maeve McGeehan and Janelly Rosendo from Porchlight
Lynn Orschel with Connie Barkley
Music Theatre’s ”Make Your Own Musical” Summer Camp began Act 2 with a medley. Yando Lopez’s beautiful rendition of "Get Happy" from Summer Stock prepped the audience for the all-star conclusion of “That’s Entertainment” from Band Wagon that had the audience on their feet and singing along. (Photos by MichaelCourier)
With Eli's Cheesecake's Maureen Schulman and Mary's cobbler.
The Chicago Tribune Food Bowl was a roaring success with foodie and chef events happening all over town! I was thrilled to be asked to participate in Eli's Cheesecake's "Sweet Taste of Summer" held at its impressive headquarters at 6701 W. Forest Preserve Dr. Besides me, their "Celebrity Chef"
Disregard the duplicated blueberries and add 2 TBSP orange juice! Voila!
collaborations included a real chef–Kelly Helgeson (Parachute'sJean Banchette Award winner) who created an apricot rum cake and Roxana Kayvani (from Roxana's Kitchen). She made a delicious peach and plum saffron yogurt cake. It was an honor to share a childhood recipe from someone near and dear to me. Mama Mary Johnson was a shining light for me, helping raise me from birth. Her famous Peach & Blueberry Cobbler will bring tears to your eyes (recipe below, except it's
With friend Geoff Burton, Chef Laurel Boger and an empty cobbler dish!
missing 2 TBSP of orange juice which really makes the flavors pop!) I was thrilled to see longtime friend Geoff Burton in the crowd who was also the first in line for a sample! Lol! Following the demo with Eli's Executive Pastry & Creative Research Chef (and so patient) Laurel Boger , Maureen and Marc Schulman gave us a tour of their remarkable facilities.
Best part of the demo–EATING IT!
It was truly awe-inspiring to see the "sweet magic" that happens there. They also never forget, and always honor, their history with founder Eli Schulman, whose first mixer that whipped up the original cheesecake is proudly on display in the entryway. A kick-ass farmer's market takes place every weekend through Halloween from Nichol's Farm & Orchard (a favorite among restaurants/chefs in the know). (And to see a little demo of my cooking skills (lol!), click here!)
Chicago Cut staff and owners Matt Moore and David Flom.
Congrats are in order for one of my favorite restaurants! Chicago Cut has been named one of "100 Most Scenic Restaurants in America" according to OpenTable! AND, it's the only one in Chicago to have been named to this cool list! Congrats Matt Moore and David Flom! We just love it and couldn't agree more!
CBRE Charity Bash check presentation with Ryne Sandberg, Kyle Schwarber, Joe Maddon, Wilson Contreras, Jon Lester, Andre Dawson and friends.
The Chicago office of Coldwell Banker Real Estate (CBRE) and the Chicago Cubs recently hosted the 11th Annual CBRE Charity Bash at historic Wrigley Field. The event raised $500,000, with
All Star Kids Clinic with Kyle Schwarber
100 percent of net proceeds benefiting numerous local charities. More than1,600 CBRE professionals, their clients, families and guests were in attendance to participate in this year’s event, along with Cubs manager Joe Maddon, as well as Cubs legends Ryne Sandberg and Andre Dawson. This year’s event featured an All-Star Kids clinic led by Cubs players Jon Lester, Willson Contreras and Kyle Schwarber with more than 150 kids participating in the hour-long clinic with the players. Beneficiaries of this year’s event are CBRE Cares charities as well the Jon Lester NVRQT Campaign for Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Joe Maddon’s Respect 90 Foundation Kyle Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes Campaign and Cubs Charities. This is the third year that CBRE and the Cubs have partnered on this charity initiative, which has raised a total of $1.35 million.
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will host its 3rd annual Chicago Men"s Fashion Awards on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at Room & Board (55 E. Ohio)! Deserving, best dressed award recipients include Michael Caputo, David Sanchez, Shaun Rajah, Aaron Shirley and many others! Congrats to ALL! (Media sponsor Chicago Splash) Includes a fall fashion presentation by Saks Fifth Avenue. For tickets, only $75!, and more info,click here.
Garth Brooks making history at the Grand Ole Opry.
Wow! A first in Grand Ole Opry history! Reigning CMA Country Music Association's "Entertainer of the Year" Garth Brooks returned to the Opry recently for two special back-to-back sold-out shows. During his second performance the unrelenting crowd went wild, asking for Garth to come back and chanting for “more." In the FIRST TIME in Opry history, in an unprecedented move, the Opry raised the curtain for an encore and Garth performed four more songs, marking an unforgettable night for the thrilled audience!
Exciting news! Guess who has been tapped as a pinup model for the famous PAWS Chicago desktop calendar? Yep, the one and only Rooney "Rules" Jordan! Can't wait to share the fun! I think he's so handsome.
Of all the tributes I've read about Aretha Franklin, in my opinion, the most definitive and comprehensive one is by N'Digo Magapaper's Hermene Hartman. Why? Because they were longtime friends and she knew her best. Read this very personal account here and see
With Aretha Franklin, Hermene Hartman and Reverend Jesse Jackson at N'DIGO Gala in 2012.
my interview and coverage of the NDIGO Gala that Ms. Franklin headlined below! Participants in her memorial service being held today, Friday, Aug. 30 at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit include Faith Hill, Ariana Grande, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, former President Bill Clinton, The Williams Brothers, The Clark Sisters, Revs. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, Chaka Khan, Ron Isley, Cicely Tyson, Clive Davis, Smokey Robinson, Isaiah Thomas, Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Holliday and the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir, among many others.
Chicago Children's Advocacy Center will host its annual "A Night of Heroes" on Wed., Oct. 10 at The Montgomery Club! The VERY important CAC and its partners are the front-line responders in Chicago to reports of child sexual and physical abuse, witnesses to violence and other serious maltreatment. Please support by buying tickets here!
Party with Israel "Izzy" Idonije on his birthday November 17, at iF Charities' signature fundraiser! Check this website for more details, coming soon!
Aibi Aifi's "Rev Up Chicago" showed us the best of the best of Chicago fashion and honored two much loved philanthropists–Pat and Joe Perillo ! Check out complete coverage HERE in Candid Candace in the Chicago Tribune!
With artist Abigail Zoe Martin
Thrilled to be included in Abigail Zoe Martin's "Chicago Lights" project, an audio/visual exhibition that will "spotlight select Chicagoans who give off their own positive light." Others to be included: Rick Kogan, Father Michael Pfleger, Izzy Idonije, celebrity Chef Jamie Laurita and many more! Will open at the Zhou B Art Center in November. More details coming soon!
Trick-or-Treat & Move Your Feet at Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation's "A Walk for the Bear 5th annual Costume Walk Benefiting Pediatric Cancer Research" on Sunday, October 21. The 3-mile walk will be held in Lincoln Park at 1700 Stockton Drive. At this family event, participants come dressed in costume to raise awareness for Bear Necessities and raise funds for “Bear Discoveries” pediatric oncology research grants. For tickets and more info, click here! http://bit.ly/2oj7lNW
Maria Pappas at Ukranian Fest
Maria Pappas is the hardest working politician I've ever met. Serving as the Cook County Treasurer since 1998 and before that, two terms on the Cook County Board of Commissioners, she is much loved and VERY effective! This past weekend alone, she hit a melting pot of festivals– Greek, Assyrian, Peruvian, Ukranian and more! Follow her adventures on Facebook, @MariaPappas–she is tireless! Thanks for your wonderful service Maria! We're BIG fans!
The 8th annual UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Luncheon will be held on Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Ritz-Carlton. The theme, #EatPlayLove will focus on early childhood development and feature a keynote address from Sherrie Rollins Westin, president of Global Impact and Philanthropy for Sesame Workshop and UNICEF USA National Board Member. This year's recipients are Dr. Colleen Cicchetti (executive director of the Center for Childhood Resilience at Lurie Children's) and Phyllis Glink (executive director of the Irving Harris Foundation). (For tix, more info, click HERE!)
The summer seems to be racing by and we're trying to grab as many corndogs as we can to enjoy it! I hope you and yours are too! If you have any events/happenings you would like to share, please contact me at the email below and, as always, if not a subscriber, please sign in here! My lists are never shared, only treasured!
auctions, music from DJ Megan Taylor and the Dr. Bombay band (with my favorites, Lee Golub on drums and singer Molly Callinan) as well as a cocktail hour led by two-time James Beard award-winner and mixologist Belinda Chang. Windy City Live co-host Val Warner served as emcee for the event that
me) for a fun-filled kick-off event at Ogden Plaza (300 E. North Water) from 12:30 to 2 pm. A series of deals will be on offer during the week at gyms, hotels and other neighborhood businesses plus special menus at restaurants. For the kick-off, Marley Kayden of "Chicago's Best" on WGN-TV will serve as emcee, which will be live-streamed on the Chicago Star Media Facebook page and open to the public. The program, designed to support local artists and brighten this normally gray area of Streeterville, features rotating appearances from Chicago performers and street musicians, including actor Vikram Konkimalla — known for his role as Tiny Tim in The Goodman Theatre's "A Christmas Carol "— and Andrew David, a street performer whose powerful cover of “Hallelujah” in Chicago’s empty streets went viral this spring. To ensure the safety of attendees and performers during the walk-by event, masks are required, signs indicating social distancing will be placed in front of performers. Each performer will display a QR code to receive tips from passersby. Participating Streeterville Week restaurants will include Beatrix Market, Tallboy Taco, Pinstripes, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, Labriola, Pinched on the River, Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company, Rosebud Steakhouse, Saigon Sisters and Yolk, among others. A complete list of businesses and offers can be found online here. Chicago Star Media, which publishes Streeterville News, New Eastside News and West Loop News, is dedicated to providing a positive, informative and community-building presence in the neighborhoods it serves. 
The restaurants in and around Gibson's and LuxBar got a treat Wednesday night, courtesy of the Shannon Rovers who marched and played much to the delight of diners. Their intent was to "bring a smile to people's faces and a little happiness during these trying times." They succeeded.
Kudos to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, whose boundless energy has now taken her into the pulpit! Recently, Maria delivered a stem-winding speech at Holy Trinity Church during Polish Heritage Month (watch it here) and she went head-to-head with radio talk show host Maze Jackson, where she discussed how taxpayers can protect their homes and find lost owed back taxes. She, and her office, analyzed 80 million pieces of data! #MariaforPresident
Well, I've begun decorating for Christmas, don't judge. I think that, for this year especially, you can't start too
Another wonderful way to get into the holiday spirit is a family-friendly viewing of Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical, which will be available to stream November 27–December 27. Adding to the fun is the availability of two immersive Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Party in a Box options, ranging in price from $45-$60 which will contain items inspired by the production– a copy of the book, a keepsake ornament, Eleanor's own stationary and pencil for letters to Santa, holiday hats, cookie cutter with recipe card, Twinkle's reindeer ring toss game and so much more! Denise McGowan Tracy, executive producer, said, "Our wish is to keep the magic of the holidays sparkling in the eyes of children no matter what challenges we face this year." The musical tells the story of a rag doll named Eleanor who lives in the magical world of the North Pole. Despite her love for her family there, she is wishing for something very special and writes a letter to Santa. And so the adventure begins! Ho! Ho! Ho! (Details here!)
One Tail at a Time, another beloved No-Kill rescue, will host its 12th annual Houndstooth Ball virtually on Friday, November 13, 6-9 pm. I'll miss not seeing these
The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's "Wings to Cure" Gala will be virtual on Saturday, November 14 from 6-7:30 pm. You will hear from doctors, cancer survivors
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