Tag Archives: Grand Chefs Experience

Plus: Service Club of Chicago Holiday Luncheon; 900 Shops' Illuminate 900 party; Martin Short keynotes LSCRF luncheon; Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration; Lurie Children's Winter Wishes; Camp One Step Takes Flight; MALA gala with Grammy winner Yusef; Celebrating with Noreen and friends at Irish Fellowship Luncheon; Elaine and Mellody co-star at Executive Club luncheon; Good luck and goodbye dear Fabrice; Chicago Botanic's Lightscape Preview party; The Waldorf Astoria celebrates the holidays; Happy birthday Bill!; STK Chicago's new event space; A Night of Magic & Wonder for Runaway Safeline; Zoola 2019; Randolph Street Market's gift to us for 2020; Goodman Theatre's Legacy & Promise; Dancing with the Giordano Stars 2020; See Cats the Movie!; Our fave late night dining spot; Grand Chefs Experience for Cystic Fibrosis; Justine's new chapter; Playboy magazine, The Equality Issue; In the "Backroom" with Chicago Magazine; This & That; Darling videos and SOOOO much MORE!

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As many of you know, I absolutely adore the holidays! I would leave my decor up year round if I could and, as a matter of fact, do have a year-round cabinet filled with antique Christmas items that are too fragile for storage. I'm always curious what other people think about the holidays so I asked a few of my favorite celebrities and Chicago notables to answer a couple of questions for me. 1) What is your favorite gift to

receive?  2) What is your top gift to give? I was surprised and humbled by their thoughtful answers. Chicago Fire actor/hunk and all-around great guy Taylor Kinney loves to gift photographs. He says, "I enjoy shooting black and white photography on 35mm film. If I take a photo of someone and I like the way it turns out, I enjoy the process of

printing it and framing it and giving it to them. That to me is worth more than something I can buy at a store." I laughed when I read his response to the best gift he ever received. "It was the best and worst gift I've received. It was my first bike. When I was around 5 years-old, I asked Santa Claus for a motorcycle and he brought me something with training wheels. It was the worst because it didn't have a motor. I lost faith in Santa. In the end, I loved the bike because I learned how to ride but I never asked Santa for a motorcycle ever again," Taylor said. Love this/love HIM!

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One of my very favorite fashion designers/friends is Pamella Roland, she of the uber-elegant evening wear. She has a home in Chicago but truly is a woman of the

world. Celebrities clamor for her clothes and I, along with some friends, had the honor of sitting in the front row at one of her exciting shows. It was no surprise that her favorite gift to receive was a Pamella Roland scarf. The best gift she ever received though was from her daughter Cassandra who hand-knitted her one. She

said, "But something special and a surprise was when I was in Paris with my daughter Sydney. She saw this trunk

which was custom made by Louis Vuitton. It was called the Cindy Sherman, and it was a customized studio in a trunk created in 2014 that took about 10 months to make. It was quite something and I didn't know where to put it but we found the perfect place in the closet of our Chicago home!" Just love her!

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One of my very favorite writers is Rick Kogan, who's had a column in the Chicago Tribune, among other publications, for a very long time. He writes about Chicago in ways that make me weep. He doesn't strike me as the sentimental type but his answer about the best gift he's ever received made me think otherwise. "A kiss on the cheek and a silver dollar from a woman dressed as Mrs. Santa Clause at the bygone Tavern Club when I was 10, " he said. His favorite gift to give are "books of all kinds." He and his Kate Murray make such a beautiful pair. You should watch for his work in print, on the radio, TV…well, everywhere!

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Someone who has made such an impact on Chicago's philanthropic world, Israel "Izzy" Idonije, also responded to my questions. He recently debuted his

FBRK Impact House, a philanthropy center where nonprofits can land for collaborations that will strengthen their collective impact and maximize their potential. His favorite gift he's ever given was paying off his parents' home mortgage and the most exciting gift he's ever received, as a child, was a Sega video game console (that he still has!) Lol!

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I love the world of dance, especially here in Chicago. One of my favorite companies is Giordano Dance Chicago. Their hearts are as big as their talent, all led and hand-picked by founder/artistic director Nan

Giordano. Her favorite gift to give is filling her son Keenan's stocking with "many tiny treasures." She said it's been his favorite thing to open on Christmas Day since he was a small child! The best gift she's ever received is learning on Christmas Eve in 1994 that she was pregnant. "Best gift ever," she said. Love thissssss!!!

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Another favorite of ours in the dance world is The Joffrey

Ballet led by its artistic director Ashley Wheater. He said, "I know it might seem to be a cliché, but the greatest gift is love and friendship. My gift to give is supporting people who are in need." The best gift he's ever received? "Sharing the day with Brian, the love of my life." Awwwww….:-) 

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Jonny Imerman is one of the most positive people I've ever met. After a horrible bout with testicular cancer, he and a group of friends founded the amazing nonprofit Imerman Angels, that provides 24/7 cancer mentoring

support so "no one ever has to face the diagnosis alone." He said, "My favorite gift is sharing my story and mentoring other young adults with testicular cancer. I would never wish anyone to have it. If someone does though, it's one of the best feelings in the world for cancer survivors to share their story with the next person who has just started fighting the same disease. The

friendships are so deep and powerful! On all sides! It's our honor as survivors to share our 'insider tips' and knowledge to empower and inspire the next fighter in the battle," he said. The best gift he's ever received?  "One year not long ago, I got all my 'roots' friends together for the holiday in Detroit, where I'm from, and we spent some quality time together. I think the best gifts focus on human energy, not stuff. Just sayin,'" Jonny said.

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One of my favorite chefs in the world is Art Smith. His rise to fame started with Oprah Winfrey who he cooked

for and then eventually began appearing on many of her shows. The rest, as they say, is history since he and his husband Jesus Salgueiro now have many restaurants under their belts, not to mention, countless TV appearances around the globe and a beautiful family of four. His favorite gift to give? "The gift of food! Dinner that I cook or a big homemade cake!" His favorite gift received? "Oprah gave my mother Addie Mae and me a trip to Italy and Greece. I had broken up with my old boyfriend and she asked who I would like to take and I said, for such a generous gift, it deserves to be shared with the woman that gave me life." Chef Art, this oh-so sweet just like you!

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If you're looking for A Perfect Event, look no further than Chief Eventeur Debi Lilly! Her eponymous brand can be

found in the 2500 Safeway Albertsons stores in North America, to name just one of her many partners. And her generosity in regards to philanthropy is legendary, always donating her talent, services and time to so many deserving charities. Her

favorite gift to give are ready-to-pop amaryllis or paperwhite flower bulbs. She said "they're the perfect vibe for a Chicago winter." Her husband Mike Springer is responsible for her favorite gift–a sketch of her beloved grandpa following his passing. She keeps it in her wallet to keep him close. Awwwww…….

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I have too many favorite media peeps to list them all here but one of my tops is Lisa Fielding, WBBM Newsradio 780 host. Her voice is so perfectly pitched that I could listen

to her all day. And I've yet to hear her make a mistake as she covers all the top news stories of the day. She said her motto is "more experiences, less stuff." I can relate to that. She said, "I'm a much better gift giver than a receiver. I love to give experiences, especially to my young nieces and nephews. I'll rarely buy them toys. My godson loves the theater so I always take him to a show or a play. My niece loves sports so I get tickets to a Cubs or Bulls game. I personalize them to their interests. Those kind of gifts also guarantee quality time together beyond the holidays." She added, "Due to my career, I spent most of my adult life away from family and friends each holiday so the best gift I could ever receive now is being nearer to those I love most!" Just love her!

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Another favorite media star/friend is Melissa Forman. I got to know her (and love her) when she was hosting WCIU's "You & Me", one of my favorite shows that I still

miss. She has moved on to star on the radio as a host on 93.9 Lite FM. Melissa's favorite gift and one that makes her feel loved is by friend/designer Margie Cedrone that she never takes off, a beautiful gold necklace with her initials. A favorite gift of hers to give are hats, especially those found here. She said, "This might be the softest thing that ever goes on your head. Literally like butter!" She liked their price point too, under $15! She said she'll be "ordering 100"! Lol!  

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WFLD-TV host of "Good Day Chicago," Sylvia Perez, said her favorite gift she ever received brought tears to her eyes. Her daughters made her a plaque when she started her own company, Sylvia Perez Productions, that hangs in

her office. Her favorite gift to give is something she makes herself, like baked goods, or a bottle of Coquito. She said, "It's a traditional Christmas drink, a Puerto Rican coconut rum punch that reminds me of my heritage and the traditions that come with it. The rum will kick you in the butt but it will help make the holidays even more cheerful!" I'm waiting by the door Sylvia!

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My favorite politico/friend is Maria Pappas. She's doing such a kick-ass job in the Cook County Treasurer's Office and receiving accolades from every community because of it. Her

top gift for giving is organic oregano from a farm in Greece, where she's from. Her best gift to give? "Advice for straightening out your life!" Lol! She can also add therapist to her long list of talents too!

I loved all of these thoughtful answers and had so many more people I wanted to include. The gift of the holidays means something different to everyone. My favorite gift? All of you….:-) so thank you.

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The annual Holiday Luncheon of The Service Club of Chicago was held on December 4, in the gorgeous Cathedral Hall of The University Club. The weather was chilly as just over 200 guests donned their holiday finest and came together to celebrate this year’s lunch, themed “Noel Nostalgia”. Welcoming the

guests with revelry were the sounds of carolers from Porchlight Music Theatre, beautifully costumed and definitely in the “spirit” of the season. Starting at 10:00 am guests were able to shop from outstanding vendors offering unique holiday gift items from jewelry

and fur accessories to holiday items for home décor and sweet treats. Every year the event selects a charity partner – this year, The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center, which works on the front lines helping children at risk, was the recipient. Guests were requested

to bring unwrapped gifts for the kids of CCAC. Attendees enjoyed an interactive rendition of The Twelve Days of Christmas (a tradition), led by the carolers. Service Club of Chicago President Tracey DiBuono opened the program by thanking all of the

members and guests for their support throughout the year. “Your generosity year-in and year-out enables us to help so many people in Chicago. Please know that we are grateful for you,” DiBuono said. Luncheon co-chairs Sherrill Bodine (new SC president), Lezley Hodes and Karen Peters thanked their committee and acknowledged their generous partners,

donors and volunteers who “never said no” and who helped underwrite everything from champagne and favors to the carolers and the wine service. The event raised just over $40,000 to enable the SC to continue its philanthropic work by assisting, improving and expanding upon agency programs in the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients operate in the areas of social service, cultural, educational and civic fields. The nonprofit is an all-volunteer women's organization founded in 1890. All proceeds raised are distributed to the most-worthy 501c3 agencies in the community. (Photos by John Reilly Photography)

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Once again, 900 North Michigan Shops transformed its atrium into a winter wonderland at its annual, tree lighting ceremony, Illuminate 900, on Nov. 21. The event is an arts-forward, community-wide kick off to the holiday season that featured

artists from various Chicago neighborhoods performing holiday classics throughout the evening for charity partner Make-A-Wish Illinois. There

were performances by the Chicago Children's Choir (that sang Christmas carols); Ballet Chicago (performed excerpts from "The Nutcracker"); New Music School (featured vocalists performing seasonal favorites); Forward Momentum (danced to "All I Want For Christmas Is You"); Evelyn

Galstad (who was dressed as the fantastical snow angel with giant wings, performed an operatic rendition of "Carol of the Bells") and Chicago vocalists Ava Fain and Tina Jenkins Crawley (who performed

holiday classics). Photo ops abounded and included pics with Rockettes-like dancers from ZZAZZ Productions, the Real Elf (Tommy Holl) and Toy Soldiers (from 10 MGMT model management), among others. The event also included sugar cookie decorating from Sur La

Table and hands-on craft making experiences from Bubbles Academy. Kehoe Designs and BlackOak Technical Productions brought the holiday dreamscape to life with luxe, seasonal decor and an immersive experience. The event was hosted by a committee of

Chicago influentials that reflect the city's rich, cultural diversity. “Each year we set out to produce an event that will truly capture the magic of Christmas and reignite the

true meaning of the season in the hearts of Chicagoans everywhere!”, said Alicia Skruba, Marketing & Business Development Manager, 900 North Michigan Shops. “The magical evening is intended to be a holiday love letter to the City of Chicago, as well as a spirited way to raise funds for Make-A-Wish Illinois!” (Click here for updated information on all holiday events happening at 900 Shops.)  (Photos by Erika Dufour and Ben Ramos)

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Another festive celebration brought out over 150 guests to the Waldorf Astoria Chicago for a holiday kick-off party

benefiting the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago on November 13. The luxury hotel unveiled one of the Gold Coast’s most popular holiday attractions, a 20-foot Christmas tree adorned with over 14,000 twinkling lights. The tree lighting was conducted by honorary guest Gia Ramian, patient at the hospital, and her family. In addition to holiday decorations, guests were welcomed by a stunning 5-foot tall chocolate replica of the Waldorf Astoria on display in the lobby. Guests enjoyed festive drinks and hors d'oeuvres from award-winning chef Michael Mina’s Margeaux Brasserie and kiddies decorated cookies with pastry chef Ashley Torto. Gifts collected were donated to the Lurie Children’s Hospital.

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Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) hosted its annual Fall Benefit Luncheon with featured guest speaker Martin Short on October 25 at the Hilton Chicago. T.J. Shanoff, The Second City host, director, writer and

musical director, served as emcee with more than 800 guests in attendance. The event raised more than $800,000 to support the advancement of treatment, education and early detection of breast cancer. The luncheon, co-chaired by Michelle Williams and Justyna Della Valle,

began in the Normandie Lounge with the PURSE-SUE THE CURE™ purse auction. The auction featured more than 100 new, collectible and kids’ handbags, as well as men’s items from preeminent retailers, upscale boutiques and private collections. Attendees then moved into the

Grand Ballroom for the program and lunch where guest speaker Martin Short shared the impact that cancer has had on his life. His mother died of breast cancer in 1968 and his late wife of thirty-six years, Nancy, to ovarian cancer in 2010. Since its inception in 1985, LSCRF has raised over $34 million toward advancing the understanding and research of breast cancer.

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Nearly 500 guests came together at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago for the Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration gala honoring community leaders who have shown a commitment to children with special healthcare needs on November 21. The gala, the

organization's largest fundraiser, provides great awareness about its important role in the Chicago children’s medical community maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of its patients with complex conditions, disabilities and chronic illness, regardless of ability to pay. The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. In the live auction, guests had the opportunity to win a week-long stay in a luxurious villa in Saint Maarten, Chicago Bulls courtside club tickets, a VIP Chicago White Sox experience including

tickets, access to batting practice and a meet and greet with Harold Baines and Jason Benetti, and

finally, an at-home dining experience with Chef Emily Adler and Sommelier Jeremy Adler. Ravi Baichwal (ABC 7 Chicago) served as the evening’s emcee. Notable guests in attendance included Randy Markowitz (partner, FGMK), who received the Lifetime of Service award and Lisa Rolfe Burik, (Frankie’s on the Park owner), who received the Community Support award. Both honorees have demonstrated unwavering support of La Rabida’s mission. The event raised $765,000 to support the organization. (Photos by Robert Carl)

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The Founders’ Board of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago kicked off the holiday season with over 400 supporters raising funds for pediatric medicine and research at the 10th annual

Winter Wishes holiday cocktail reception on November 14. The event, co-chaired by Caroline Crown and Kate Van Vlack, raised over $575,000 to support the Board’s three-year, $7.5 million commitment to Lurie Children’s New Frontiers in Pediatric Medicine and Research. The funds will be used to provide philanthropic support in three key areas: (1) transformational research; (2) community-based healthcare delivery; and (3) the appointment of an endowed

chair in Medical Ethics. “Events like Winter Wishes allow us to support Lurie Children’s innovative research and community healthcare efforts that affect children and families throughout Chicagoland,” said Founders’

Board President Shelley Patenaude. “Lurie Children’s understands that addressing children’s health includes social, economic and environmental issues.” Shelly Patenaude and Patrick Magoon,

president/CEO of Lurie Children’s, welcomed guests. Other speakers included Dr. Matthew Davis, senior VP/Chief, Community Health Transformation, and Mary Kate Daly, VP, Healthy Communities, who spoke about Lurie Children’s Healthy Communities program. This

program’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of children by working outside the walls of the hospital in partnership with community leaders and organizations. Lurie Children’s has a network of 13 outpatient centers and 15 partner hospitals, providing top pediatric care across the greater Chicago area. As a nonprofit hospital, Lurie Childrens relies on philanthropic support to care for more than 220,000 children each year.

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More than 350 guests joined Camp One Step by Children’s Oncology Services for FLIGHT 2019: An Evening In Park City, Utah at the Ritz-Carlton on November 8. This year, the nonprofit refocused the “destination” meaning of Flight from a culturally-themed gala to that of the journey of the campers. Guests embraced the

true meaning of camp through this virtual trip to the home of Camp One Step’s Utah Ski Program in Park City. Partygoers enjoyed lodge-inspired decor and dancing to music provided by the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. The

program featured  Mirissa, a participant in the Camp One Step program, who spoke about how the program impacted her since being diagnosed with brain cancer at the age of five. The nonprofit honored two organizations this year for their outstanding service to Camp One Step. The Richard

Schwebel Family Award was presented to The National Ability Center. The NAC empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs. The Hospira Foundation Award was presented to The Richard A. Perritt Foundation. Dr. Perritt was a world-renowned pioneer of ophthalmology who practiced in Chicago. After Dr. Perritt passed in 1991, Ron Tyrpin and his wife, Diane, began to serve as trustees of the new Richard A. Perritt Charitable Foundation. Today, several generations of the Tyrpin Family now work together to continue advancing the Foundation’s mission, which funds numerous important initiatives in ophthalmology research, education, children’s health care, and senior programs. This foundation has been supporting Camp One Step since 2000, and has donated more than $500,000 to date.

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Supporters of the Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) gathered for a celebration of the organization’s strides in promoting individual freedom and diversity, uniting Americans of all backgrounds and honoring Muslim American heritage on November 7. MALA’s annual Gala, held at the Chicago History

Museum, also showcased exciting plans for the coming year, when MALA will build on its four years of progress in community building. The Gala, attended by a dynamic group of thought leaders, community builders and philanthropists, raised over $45,000 that will, in part, fund efforts to mentor, support and provide resources for emerging leaders in the Muslim

community through the MALA Scholarship Program and Young Leaders Fellowship Program. This will be a major focus in 2020, as MALA expands its efforts to empower young Muslims, helping them share their talents and achieve the American dream. The scholarship applications are now open here,  the deadline is March 1, and winners

will be announced by April 1. Special guest speaker was Chicago native Malik Yusef, a celebrated spoken word poet who writes timely lyrics that bring attention to national and global issues. He was given MALA’s Community Builder Award for Arts & Culture, and he spoke about the importance of culture around the world and maintaining one’s own sense

of selfhood. Born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, Yusef rose from a humble beginning to become a 24-time Grammy nominee and 6-time Grammy winner with songwriting credits for Beyoncé, Kanye West and many other stars. Continuing the celebration of diverse Chicagoans dedicated to leadership and cultural development, MALA gave Community Builder Awards to other local notables: Fam Mirza received the Entrepreneurship Award, Dorri McWhorter received the Leadership Award, Sadia Covert received the Civic Award, and Dale Ginsburg received the Interfaith Award. The Chicago Cubs was the Premier Sponsor for this fourth annual gala. Julian Green, VP of communications for the Cubs, delivered the keynote address and noted the significance of the Cubs organization in MALA’s history, as the inaugural gala took place during game seven of the 2016 World Series.

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Love and gratitude to my extraordinary, effervescent PR friend, Noreen Heron (founder/president of the Heron Agency)! She put together a dynamic table of her

media friends for the recent Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago Christmas Luncheon and I was so honored to be included! The Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago was packed to the brim, even Sister Jean was in attendance! There were lots of toasts onstage but none meant as much as our birthday toast to dear Noreen, a new Irish Fellowship board member! Long may you reign! In attendance were Robert Feder, Susanna Homan, Lisa Fielding, Roz Varon, Melissa Forman, Chris Jones, Bill Marovitz and Eric Ferguson.

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On Thursday, January 9, you won't want to miss the next Executives' Club of Chicago annual Women's Leadership luncheon at The Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Ct. Co-founder of Wynn Resorts and its largest shareholder, Elaine Wynn, will sit down with Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments. For a special Candid Candace discount, use code WYNNEXEC (for individual tickets) and WYNNTABLE (for table sales). For all info, click here!

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Sad news for fans of The Joffrey Ballet's lead dancer, Fabrice Calmels, who will be retiring this month. After 18 years with the Joffrey, he will follow his heart and career to L.A. where he hopes to "pursue his next adventure as an artist." 38-year-old Calmels said the move came about "because a lot of things that I want to do could be movie related. I also feel like it's far away from ballet." His final performances, in "The Nutcracker" will be Dec. 26, 27 and a 2 pm show on Dec. 29. (For tickets, more info, click here!)

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The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society raised $325,000 at its inaugural Lightscape Preview on November 21, at the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 335 guests enjoyed the event that

supports the Chicago Botanic Garden’s many global scientific, research and conservation initiatives. The cocktail party was a celebration of the U.S. debut of Lightscape, an immersive artist-designed illuminated trail. Guests began the evening with a hot malt drink and a custom herbal trail mix to enjoy while they walked the Lightscape trail. As they returned to the Regenstein Center, they were greeted with a sparkling Prosecco

cocktail with a white sugar rim and a Swiss raclette station where guests could continue

viewing the Lightscape grand finale. Musicians of the Stanley Paul Orchestra played festive smooth jazz and classics for guests throughout the evening. Guests mingled and entered the raffle for two

first class airline tickets from American Airlines. The Entertaining Company catered the event with fabulous indoor Lightscape décor by Kehoe Designs. Departure delights included a deluxe coffee station, mulled cider, warm, silvery glazed mini doughnuts and home-baked butter cookies with edible flowers. Hmmmm!!! The evening, sponsored by Beam Suntory, was co-chaired by Gail Seidel-O’Gorman and Jill Danaher. The Lightscapes installation will be at the Botanic Garden through Jan. 5. (For tickets and more info, click here!)

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Happy birthday BILL RUSSELL! Bill's darling wife bought a birthday shout-out for him in my blog at the recent Service Club of Chicago's (fabulous) gala auction! What a sweet gift to surprise your handsome husband, with all in the name of charity! Bill is truly someone you should know. He's well known in the boating, yachting and commercial boat business. Captain Bill started his maritime career as a crewman on Western Rivers Towboats in 1977 and joined the Coast Guard in 1981. During more than 20 years of service, he has served in several mission areas including search and rescue, law enforcement, marine safety and also served aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Sherman in the Pacific Ocean, Bering Sea and Arctic Ocean. Since retiring from the Coast Guard, Russell has served as Director of Marine Operations for Chicago Line Cruises and Director of Safety and Training for Illinois Marine Towing. His current work includes co-ownership of Chicago Boat Adventures. He and his wife Lori Tisinai are active in many philanthropic activities in the Chicago area, including supporting the Service Club of Chicago in grand style! Happy BD Bill!

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Looking for a new event space? You should try STK Chicago's newly available 11,000-sq-ft space at 9 West

Kinzie! The venue can seat 400, 500 standing, and has a patio that overlooks State Street! The space is perfect for everything from sit-down dinners, to cocktail receptions, brand activations to charity fundraisers, weddings to corporate gatherings, and more. For more info, or a site visit, contact Megan Frasca at 312.340.5636 or click here!

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The National Runaway Safeline (NRS) hosted A Night of Magic & Wonder: Celebrating the Spirit of Youth at Revel Fulton Market on November 2. Nearly 300 people celebrated/honored the Chapin Hall Center for Children (located at the University of Chicago) and the cast and crew of NBC’s “Chicago P.D.”, and The event helped raise critical funds to help end youth homelessness and featured performances by the Magic Penthouse magicians, award presentations and a sneak peek of a new documentary, “Lost in

America." The Spirit of Youth Award was presented to Bryan Samuels, executive director of Chapin Hall, for the research center’s dedication to improving the lives of society’s most vulnerable children, youth and families. NBC’s “Chicago P.D.” actor and Harvey, IL, native LaRoyce Hawkins accepted the Spotlight Award on behalf of the television show. His energized spoken word performance reinforced the need to nurture young minds. He also spoke about the police drama’s commitment to telling the stories of real people living on the streets. The program continued with remarks from "Lost in America" film director Rotimi Rainwater He spoke about his personal experience being homeless and the ability to rise above obstacles.

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The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo hosted more than 200 Zoo supporters for an intimate evening at The Casino on November 21 during its biennial event ZooLA (Zoo Live Auction). Raising more than $245,000 to benefit this beloved institution, the event offered guests a live auction where rare, luxury packages were available for purchase, including an opportunity to name two of Lincoln Park Zoo’s Chilean flamingos. Co-chaired by Jennifer Caruso and Beth Harrington Stamos, the event supported the Women’s Board's mission to obtain the highest standards of animal care, education and conservation for the Zoo as well as ensure a free educational and all-inclusive experience that is accessible to all.

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Great news for fans of Randolph Street Market, and who isn't? The market will now be open Friday night, 5-9 pm, as a sort of kick-off to the weekend. Come meet the over 120 dealers and scope out your plan of attack for Saturday and Sunday! The first market of 2020 will be Feb. 7-9! For tickets, more info, click here!

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The Goodman Theatre will host its 5th annual Education and Engagement Luncheon, "Legacy & Promise," on February 5 at the Palmer House. The luncheon will feature Emmy Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated actor Sean Hayes. Hayes will join the Goodman's Director of Education and Engagement Willa Taylor to celebrate the theater's programs for youth, schools and lifelong learners. Proceeds will support these three programs which are offered free to participants. Tickets start at $250; call 312.443.3811, ext. 220, to reserve.

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Giordano Dance Chicago will present its popular "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" dance party/fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 29, at the Ravenswood Event Center, 4021 N. Ravenswood. This year's honoree is Pamela Crutchfield, a beloved and longtime advocate for the arts in Chicago and a "source of support and counsel for GDC." We love her! Join the dancers for a night to remember with an amazing live auction opportunity, the chance to star in your own production with these amazing dancers! For tickets/more info, click here!

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Save the date! The Grand Chefs Experience, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, will be held on Saturday, Feb. 8 at the Field Museum. Join some of the city's top chefs as they offer samplings of their top dishes, all to benefit charity! For tickets/more info, click here!

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Justine Fedak, a longtime corporate powerhouse is retiring. Well, not really, just moving on to her exciting next chapter that I'll get to in a minute. Her retirement party at BMO was a celebration of her long service and a testament to how loved she is. The room was packed with friends, fans and colleagues when confetti guns started firing! In marched every single sports mascot in Chicago to pay homage to Justine. I was proud to be there to witness all the love along with another FOJ,

Michael Caputo. Justine's next chapter involves launching her motivational speaking career. Being on the receiving end of some much needed Justine Advice, I highly recommend her and any and all services she will be providing! She said she has decided to "consciously uncouple" from corporate life and share her story that includes an MS (Multiple Sclerosis) diagnosis; managing mobility/chronic issues; suffering significant personal loss but yet still building an impactful career and a purpose-driven happy life. She's a recognized motivational speaker across the US/Canada. She is also co-principal, with Star Jones, of Instant Impact Group, focused on helping individuals and companies build their diversity, equity and inclusion mindset. Long may you reign Justine! (Check out her website here!)

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Floating on cloud nine this month following my recent Playboy magazine feature pictorial–12 pages in its Winter 2020 issue! Proud to return and help represent 5 decades of Playmates for the magazine's #TheEqualityIssue! Full shoot details and my feeling about it  all in the next blog. 🙂

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Also, BIG THANKS to Chicago Magazine, editor-in-chief/publisher Susanna Homan, writer Mike Thomas and illustrator Kathryn Rathke, for including me in their fabulous Backroom page! This has always been

one of my favorite parts of the magazine and I've enjoyed reading about people like Rick Bayless, Penny Pritzker, Joan Harris, Sister Jean, Barbara Gaines, Chille Pepper, Gillian Flynn, Scott Turow and so many others profiled here. Never in my wildest dreams would I think I would join the ranks of these iconic Chicagoans! Humbled, excited and grateful. XXOX

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Please don't let a few critics keep you from seeing Cats the Movie! We laughed, we cried, we loved the remarkable sets, the costuming, the mini-Broadway shows, EVERYTHING, about this movie! As a matter of fact, our entire audience stood and applauded at the end. If you have an ounce of whimsy in your heart, you will love it! See trailer below!

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If you're looking for late-night dining, you should try Bijan's Bistro, at 663 N. State. Even if you've been here in the past, you have to go now during the holiday season to see their wonderful decor! Even the chairs are wearing Santa suits! It's adorable from top to bottom and, the best part (at least for night owls like me), is the fact that it stays open into the wee hours–from 8 am until 4:30 am!

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I hope you're having a healthy, happy, prosperous holiday season! Thanks for being subscribers and readers. You are truly one of my greatest gifts. I'll let Santa know how good you've been!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

 

 

P.S. And now a little something special (and adorable)……