Tag Archives: Greg Hyder

November 13, 2019 · 9:47 am

EVERSIGHT’S MYSTERY MASQUERADE FUNDS THE GIFT OF SIGHT

Plus: Service Club's Flight of Fantasy; Field Museum celebrates 125; Chicago Public Library Foundation dinner honors literary greats; Gateway for Cancer Research party with Ceelo; An international gathering for Chicago Consular Corps Gala; Hebru's magical Nevermore Park;"Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred and Justin"; Cooper and Scarley wed; Kip and Trey's new venture; Gold Coast Fashion Show; Gift of Life Gala; Oak Street's new Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant; SC Holiday Luncheon; Monday Night Live at Petterino's; Chicago Toy & Game Fair; Bruno's TOCCO North; Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish: A magical, family-friendly holiday musical; Brushes with Cancer Gala; The (fabulous!) World of Chocolate; TWO holiday markets for Randolph Street Market rounds out 2019; This & That; Darling videos and SOOO much more!

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2019 Eversight honorees Sherry Lea Holson and Dr. David Lubeck.

Making Vision a Reality! The 4th annual Gift of Sight fundraiser for Eversight, this year themed "Mystery Masquerade," was

Co-chair Michael Caputo beside his elegant MyEyeDr Cosmo Bar (Kehoe Designs)

held at the Peninsula Chicago on October 24. In year's past, the event was held in June but the over 250 guests who attended this year seemed to really enjoy the move to October and especially the masquerade concept since nearly everyone came wearing elaborate and creative masks! As guests descended the staircase to the grand ballroom, passing through golden curtains, they were greeted by incredible "human candelabra" (courtesy of ZZAZZ Productions). Two performers

Human candelabra courtesy of ZZAZZ Productions.

were outfitted in golden catsuits with fully LIT candelabra on their heads–think Lumiere on

Diane Hollingsoworth, Eversight VP Partner Relations, with honoree Dr. David Lubeck.

steroids! Tamar Productions upped the decor ante with an exquisitely tented ballroom in ribbons of black and gold. A MyEyeDr "gold cosmo" bar, an event sponsor, was placed at the end of the hallway and was created by Kehoe Designs in collaboration with co-chair Michael Caputo. A giant, golden "Winged Victory" stood watch behind the bar that was flanked by soaring golden, sculptural candle holders. As guests perused the extensive silent auction, white ostrich feathers in golden urns lined the hallway. It was truly a gorgeous event! Even the place settings were decorated with the addition of stunning crystal masks courtesy of Mary Ann Rose (Tamar Productions/committee

Nina Mariano and Dr. Stacie McClane with honoree Sherry Lea Holson.

Mary Ann Rose (Tamar Productions) and Heinz Kern.

member). I was honored to return as a co-chair with Michael to honor the evening's honorees Sherry Lea Holson (2019 Woman of Vision) and Dr. David Lubeck (Gift of Sight Award recipient). Diane Hollingsworth, Eversight's VP Partner Relations, opened the program thanking guests in attendance that included past honorees Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern, Greg Hyder, Susanna Homan, Jean Antoniou, Sherrill Bodine, Susan Gohl, Mamie Walton, Drs. Charles Bouchard, Randy Epstein, Robert Feder, Marian Macsai,

Stanley Paul, Denise Tomasello, past honoree Mamie Walton and Peter Martino.

Jonathan Rubenstein and Joel Sugar, and yours truly. Sherry spoke eloquently about the nonprofit and

Sherrill Bodine, Bobbi Panter and Sheree Valukas.

encouraged everyone to sign up to be a donor if they hadn't already. She thanked her friends and Tom Kehoe in particular for his glam decor that included beautiful purple floral arrangements (fit for a queen!). Dr. Lubeck explained the corneal transplant process to the crowd, which is a key component of the services that the organization provides to doctors as well as research involving

Frances Renk and Sylvia Perez.

all aspects of restoring sight and preventing blindness. A live

Masquerade fun with my Chuck Jordan. (Mask courtesy of Mark Olley).

auction conducted by Greg Dellinger (G-Man) offered amazing trips, courtesy of the Peninsula (GM Maria Zec), to Paris, China, NY, Chicago, Beverly Hills, Quail Lodge in California and The Breakers. A trip to NYFW, courtesy of my favorite designer Pamella Roland, included two tickets to her by-invite-only fashion show! Dinner followed with dancing to the sounds of DJ Andreas. The evening concluded with guests enjoying the stocked-to-the-brim MyEyeDr Candy Bar. Sponsors included Sherry Lea and Richard S. Holson III, Ocean Prime, Guarantee Trust Life (GTL), MyEyeDr, The Peninsula Chicago with media sponsor Chicago Magazine. The funds raised will help ensure that anyone in need of a sight restoring transplant will be not be left in the dark! (For more info about Eversight, please click here!)

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SC pres Tracey DiBuono, co-chair Dr. Sapna Rathi, emcee Rob Johnson, co-chair Sylvia Muller and honoree Vonita Reescer.

The Service Club of Chicago hosted its annual gala on Friday, November 1 at the Four Seasons. Flight of

Myra Reilly with Sustaining Sponsor Marguerite Hark.

Fantasy celebrated 129 years of giving for the SC with co-chairs/members Sylvia Muller and Dr. Sapna Rathi and honoree Vonita Reescer. This was the final gala for outgoing president Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, who has done an amazing job in this prestigious position. She said, "Not only do we

The SC Auxiliary Board had a strong presence at the gala!

celebrate our achievements of 129 years, but we spread our wings and travel towards our future. At the end of our days, we will be judged by the good we have done with our time

Alpana Singh with auctioneer John Walcher.

and with our blessings." She added, "Our founders in 1890 had a fantasy that they could help our city's burgeoning immigrant communities who were in need. Tonight, look at what our dreams have become. Our founders' fantasy is alive and well," she said. In 2019, the "good" the SC has done can be translated into the over $400,000 it has

Shaun Rajah and Rochelle Trotter.

distributed to 43 worthy nonprofits across Chicagoland through its renowned Philanthropic Grant Fund. Costumed performers from ZZAZZ Productions

The beautiful DiBuono Family.

performed a firefly dance to celebrate the theme and the Becca Kaufman Orchestra kept the crowd, that included many Auxiliary Board members, on the dance floor. Kehoe Designs' exquisite decor bathed the room in a purple glow with ginormous, sparkly butterfly centerpieces on the tables, representing the transformation

Honoree Vonita Reescer surrounded by friends.

the SC does for the nonprofits it supports. In between courses, a live auction featured items that included Super Bowl 2020 tickets, a week-long stay in Vail and a casting opportunity on the

Scott Seaman reads the proclamation from the Mayor for Vonita.

show "Check, Please!" Tracey introduced honoree Vonita Reescer citing her many philanthropic efforts within the community and for the SC. Vonita is a long time member of the organization and a past president. Her friend Scott Seaman read a proclamation from Mayor Lightfoot proclaiming November 1 "Vonita Reescer Day" in Chicago. All proceeds raised from the event will go toward the organization's grant program. (For more info on SC, click here!) (Photos by John Reilly Photography)

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Judy Block accepts the Marshall Field V Award for Distinguished Leadership.

The Field Museum hosted its annual fundraising gala, marking the culmination of the Museum’s

Gala Chair Megan Hoffmann

125^th Anniversary celebration, on October 19. The gala, hosted by the Women’s Board, is the Field’s largest fundraising event of the year. This year, it raised $2.3 million for groundbreaking science research, conservation programs, visitor experiences and education

Bobby Mehta (Trustee) Field Museum Presdient and CEO Richard Lariviere Board Chair Bill Gantz Northern Trust Chairman and CEO Mike O'Grady (Trustee) by Bob Carl

Bobby Mehta (Trustee), Field Museum Pres/CEO Richard Lariviere, Board Chair Bill Gantz and Northern Trust Chairman/CEO Mike O'Grady (Trustee)

outreach in Chicago and around the world. The gala was chaired by Women’s Board member Megan Hoffmann. Highlights of the event included the presentation of two service awards: the 2019 Marshall Field V Award for Distinguished Leadership that was presented to Judy

Robert and Leslie Zentner (Women's Board) by Bob Carl

Bob and Leslie Zentner (WB member)

Block, past president of the Women’s Board and the first woman to chair the board of trustees. Michael O’Grady, CEO of Northern Trust, accepted the inaugural Corporate Philanthropy Award in honor of the Bank’s 125 years of partnership with the Field. “It’s difficult to fully express the impact Judy Block

Women's Board President Donna Greenberg and Jack Greenberg (Trustee) by Bob Carl

WB president Donna Greenberg and Jack Greenberg (Trustee)

has had at the museum over four decades. She has displayed outstanding leadership and support. She became the first woman to chair the board of a major cultural institution in Chicago when she took on her role

Kathleen (Women's Board) and Dennis Klaeser by Bob Carl

Kathleen Klaeser (past WB president/member) and Dennis Klaeser.

as our board chair in 1997, and she was the driving force behind our acquisition of SUE,” said Marshall Field V, for whom the Marshall Field Award is named. (Under Block’s leadership, the museum acquired SUE, the world’s largest and most complete T. rex fossil.) “Northern Trust has been stalwart in its philanthropic commitment to the museum since the founding of our institution in

Karen Grey-Krehbiel (Trustee) and John Krehbiel.

1893. They have helped bring world-class exhibitions to the Field – and Chicago – and they have been profoundly important to our work with Chicago students and teachers.”^”said Museum President and CEO, Richard W. Lariviere, PhD. The memorable evening

Flip Block Susu Block Judy Block Margie Stineman Kevin Stineman by Bob Carl

Flip Block, Susu Block, Judy Block, Margie Stineman and Kevin Stineman.

included a reception, seated dinner and dancing for 600 guests. Partygoers enjoyed decor by HMR Designs, dinner and dessert from Calihan Catering and music by Talk of the Town Big Band. The museum’s young professionals

2019 Womens Board Gala - mark campbell productions-2

Gorgeous decor by HMR Designs.

group, the Field Associates, co-hosted the gala after-party. In September 2018, The Field Museum launched its $250M fundraising campaign, Because Earth. The Campaign for the Field Museum. The funds secured through this campaign will fuel the institution’s work to document environmental change, make the museum accessible to all audiences and maintain its historic building on the lakefront. (Photos by Bob Carl)

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Image05_Brenda Langstraat Mayor Lori Lightfoot Author George R.R. Martin and Bob Wislow at CSLA -- Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Brenda Langstraat, CPLF pres, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Carl Sandburg Literary Award winner George R. R. Martin and Bob Wislow, CPLF board chair.

The Chicago Public Library Foundation and Chicago Public Library’s 2019 Carl Sandburg Literary Awards

Image08_Dr. Eve L. Ewing and Host Bill Kurtis at CSLA -- Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

21st Century Award winner Dr. Eve L. Ewing and host Bill Kurtis.

dinner was a tremendous success that brought together more than 900 corporate and community leaders on October 10 at The Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. The Sandburg Literary Award was presented to best-selling author,

Leslie Hindman and CPL chair Linda Johnson Rice.

screenwriter and television producer George R.R. Martin. His body of work includes award winning works of science fiction, horror, and fantasy fiction such as A Song for Lya (1974), Fevre Dream (1982) and the world-wide best-selling epic fantasy series A Song of

Image13_Donna La Pietra Author George R. R. Martin and Bill Kurtis at CSLA 2019 - Photo Credit Lynn Renee Photography

CPLF director Donna La Pietra, honoree George R. R. Martin, author Scott Turow (top L) and host Bill Kurtis.

Ice and Fire (1996) that inspired the HBO series “Game of Thrones” which Martin also helped co-write. The 21st Century Award, presented to a Chicago-based author with recent writing achievements, was presented to sociologist, author, poet, visual artist and

Image12_Commissioner Telli Brenda Langstraat and Jennifer Friedes at CSLA 2019 - Photo Credit Lynn Renee Photography

Commissioner Andrea Telli, Brenda Langstraat and event chair Jennifer Friedes.

assistant professor at the University of Chicago Dr. Eve L. Ewing. Her numerous diverse works include writing for Marvel’s Ironheart series, Electric Arches (2017) Ghosts in the School Yard (2018) and 1919 (2019). Bill Kurtis served as emcee with Scott Simon leading an onstage

Francee Harrington, Bob Wislow and Mary Houpt.

conversation with George R.R. Martin. One of the highlights of the annual benefit is that each guest has the opportunity to engage in dinner table conversation with an esteemed author with ties to

Brian Riddick and Constance Jones.

Chicago. This year, guests were seated amidst notable authors including six past recipients of the 21st Century Award and one past recipient of the Carl Sandburg Literary Award: Rich Cohen, Elizabeth Crane, Eric Charles May, Natalie Moore, Nami Mun, Erika L. Sánchez, and Sandburg Literary Award Recipient Scott Turow. Other notable

Image07_Table Settings at CSLA - Photo credit Kyle Flubacker

Lucky guests were treated to complimentary books at each table as well as a seated author.

participating authors in attendance were Pulitzer finalist and author of The House of Broken Angels Luis Albert Urrea; contributing editor at Vanity Fair and Rolling

Constance O'Neal and Kaelee Arrieta.

Stone and author of The New York Times bestseller The Last Pirate of New York, Rich Cohen; and Chief White House official photographer and author of The New York Times best seller Obama: An Intimate Portrait, Pete Souza. “The annual dinner has been tremendously successful and grows more and more prominent each year. The event demonstrates the power of investing in our city’s Library as we celebrate the Chicago literary

Image09_ Event Chair Jenny Friedes and Author George R.R. Martin at CSLA -- Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

Event chair Jenny Friedes and George R. R. Martin holding his award.

community,” said Library Foundation President Brenda Langstraat. “It is such a privilege to honor some of the greatest literary figures of our time, and we are so grateful to everyone who participated in the event. We will activate the funds raised to directly impact the lives of

Image17_Dr. Eve L. Ewing speaks at CSLA -- Photo Credit Kyle Flubacker

21st Century Award winner Dr. Eve L. Ewing.

thousands of library patrons in every neighborhood.” The evening raised more than $2.2 million for the Foundation and initiatives of the Library. The event was chaired by civic leader Jennifer Friedes. BMO Harris Bank was the presenting sponsor of the event that was produced by Library Foundation Director Donna LaPietra. The Carl

Image09_Room Setup at CSLA - Photo credit Lynn Renee Photography

Exquisite room decor for annual CPLF dinner.

Sandburg Literary Award celebrates a writer’s collective body of work. Many of the world’s most important authors have been recognized with the prize, which is regarded as one of the nation’s most prestigious literary prizes. The annual

First Lady Amy Eshleman.

celebration is one of the highlights of Chicago’s social calendar, hailed as “the smartest event in Chicago” by Crain’s Chicago Business. The Carl Sandburg Literary

Jenny Friedes, Riley Florsheim and Laura Piel.

Award recognizes the work of the world’s most heralded authors and have included past winners Isabel Allende, Margaret Atwood, Judy Blume, Robert Caro, Neil deGrasse Tyson, Don DeLillo, Roger Ebert, Dave Eggers, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Nikki Giovanni, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Walter Isaacson, Erik Larson, Michael Lewis, David Mamet, David McCullough, Larry McMurtry, Toni Morrison, Joyce Carol Oates, Salman Rushdie, Stephen Sondheim, Mavis Staples, Scott Turow, John Updike, Kurt Vonnegut, Alice Walker, and Tom Wolfe. (Photos by Kyle Flubacker and Lynn Renee)

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Samantha Harris Richard J Stephenson and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson

Samantha Harris with event hosts Richard J Stephenson and Dr. Stacie J Stephenson.

Gateway for Cancer Research, a non-profit organization dedicated to funding transformational cancer research, raised a whopping $4.2 million at its recent Cures Gala, which featured a “Gateway Studio 54” theme this year. The annual gala was held on November 2 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center Hotel and was hosted by global philanthropists Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson (Vice Chairperson, Gateway) and Mr. Richard J Stephenson (Gateway’s Founder and Chairman). Esteemed philanthropist Muneer Satter served as honorary co-chair. “Cancer affects all of us and the generosity and dedication of those passionate about our urgent cause makes the vital research funded by Gateway possible, giving patients more comfort, more hope, and one of life’s most precious gifts – time,” said Dr. Stephenson. “This

Ceelo Green helps announce the great fundraising news.

inspirational evening reflected the impact and continued promise of lifesaving research, and our tireless commitment to changing the face of cancer care.” Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer CeeLo Green treated the crowd to his music along with Grammy Hall of Fame recipients the SugarHill Gang that delighted the crowd with their hit, “Rappers Delight.” Tony Vincent, ABBA Revisited and the Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra also performed live for guests. Actress Melissa Peterman served as emcee for the evening, which was attended by special guests including Samantha Harris (EMMY Award winning TV host and model), Torrey DeVitto (NBC’s Chicago Med), Joe Minoso (NBC’s Chicago Fire), Marina Squerciati (NBC’s

Dr. Stacie Stephenson, gala vice chair.

Chicago P.D.), Molly Bernard (NBC’s Chicago Med), Willa Fitzgerald (MTV’s Scream) and Alycia Mondavi (CEO and co-owner of Aloft and Dark Matter Wines). “Gateway for Cancer Research is dedicated to funding transformational clinical trials for the patients we serve – courageous men, women and children facing cancer. We advance our mission in partnership with those who share our goal to end cancer as we know it,” said Michael Burton, CEO, Gateway for Cancer Research. Proceeds from the event will support transformational Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for cancers of all types. Since 1991, Gateway has raised more than $85 million for cancer research and funded 170+ studies benefitting over 5,500 patients worldwide. 99 cents of every dollar Gateway receives directly funds early phase clinical trials at renowned research institutions around the world.

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Andrea Zopp, First Lady Amy Eshleman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and John Robak (president/COO Greeley & Hansen)

The Chicago Consular Corps Gala was held on November 1 at the Hilton Chicago with over 600 guests in attendance. The event was hosted by World

Bethany Florek and John Robak.

Business Chicago and Chicago Sister Cities (CEO Andrea Zopp) and presented by Greeley and Hansen. The gala is Chicago's premier international event honoring the Chicago Consular Corps (CCC), an international group of Consulates, Consulates General and Honorary Consulates representing 86 countries around the world and celebrating the long-

John Robak welcomes the crowd.

standing relationship between the city and the Consular Corps. Honorary chairs were Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman and The Honorable Patricia Maza-Pittsford and Phillip Pittsford. John C. Robak, president Greeley and Hansen, served as the gala chair. The honorees for this year's gala were: Samuel C. Scott III (Global Citizen Award); Ruben D. Ocampo (Chicago Sister Cities Volunteer of the Year); Future Founders (Chicago Next Award) and PWC (Corporate Ambassador Award). The gala raised nearly $1 million to support the work of World Business Chicago, Chicago Sister Cities International and the Chicago Consular Corps scholarships to the University of Illinois at Chicago. Congrats to all! To learn more about the Chicago Consular Corps, click here.

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Artist Hebru Brantley enjoying his Nevermore Park experiences.

Artist and Chicago native Hebru Brantley wants to invite you inside his world. Nevermore Park, at 949 W. 16th St., is a visually stimulating, immersive, pop-up universe that spans nearly

Chuck Jordan enjoying an "El ride" at Nevermore Park.

6,000-sq-ft offering 19 different (cool) experiences. Guests enter through a traditional art gallery and then "fall through a canvas" into the world of Nevermore Park. A newspaper tunnel takes visitors through the stories of black history from the 1950's to today. A newstand displays past issues of Ebony and Jet magazines, many collected by Hebru's grandmother. Every inch of the space is interactive including a cave where you regulate your own vibration frequencies. If you don't pay close attention, you can miss something magical. A crashed

Nevermore Park, see it now through December 1!

rocket plays JFK's moon speech inside with take-off and landing sounds. A Pullman train care with leather Chesterfield chairs and a vintage Victrola takes you back in time. One of my favorite experiences was the recreation of a vacant lot transformed into a community garden. Many of the elements reminded me of some of the garden plots back home as did a backyard BBQ set-up. I won't give anymore away but suffice it to say, it's an experience you shouldn't miss, now through December 29. If we're lucky, it might become a permanent exhibit changing with the times, as Hebru does so well. For more info/tickets, click here!

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Entertainment dynamos Becky Menzie and Denise McGowan Tracy at Petterino's.

Chuck and I were definitely late to THIS party! Who knew!? Thanks to Beth Silverman for turning us onto the best Monday night spot in town, Petterino's Monday Night Live, a weekly, impromptu musical showcase that is now on its 500th show! This Monday night cabaret series, which is akin to Sardi's in NYC, is co-hosted (and created) by dynamos Denise McGowan Tracy and Beckie Menzie and features performers from various Chicago shows who share their singing talents with the crowd while they enjoy a delicious dinner. On this night, the stage was ruled by performers from Denise's new musical production "Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish-The

Eleanor's Very Merry Christmas Wish-The Musical opens November 19!

Musical", which is based on the book of the same name penned by Denise! The world premiere production opens at the Greenhouse Theater in Lincoln Park on Tuesday, November 19. It's a 65-minute heartwarming musical that is an "engaging tale of love, friendship and the magic of

Cast of Eleanor's performing at Petterino's in advance of production debut.

the holiday season." (For all "dreamers", ages 3 and up). Single tickets are $29.50 and family packs of four are available at $100. Each ticket includes the opportunity for every girl and boy to take a photo with Santa immediately following the performance and, on opening night, all are invited to a cast party after. I just can't wait! Congrats, with love, Denise! (For info on Petterino's Monday Night Live showcase, click here , and for info on this delightful, new holiday musical, click here!) Santa approves! (To see cast singing finale song, click here!)

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With the Gabby Road team Fred Weintraub, Hannah Stanley and Justin Kulovsek.

A special thanks to WGCO Radio's "Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred & Justin" for the fun-loving and free wheeling interview recently! I was lucky to follow "Price is

With "Price is Right" star Paul Iacono.

Right" contestant (for its 9,000th episode!) Paul Iacono on this popular talk radio show. Paul discussed his near miss on the "big wheel" and the inner workings of this beloved CBS game show. I spoke about my long history with Playboy, an exciting recent photo shoot and my work as a columnist. To listen, click here!

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Cooper Hefner weds his longtime love Scarlett Byrne.

Speaking of Playboy, happy news for Hef's son Cooper who recently married his longtime sweetheart, and

Mr. and Mrs. Cooper Hefner.

Harry Potter actress, Scarlett Byrne! They were officially married and will be planning a wedding soon with family and friends. On Insta, Cooper posted, "Cheers to a life full of love, happiness, adventure, and great purpose. Mrs. Hefner, I love you dearly and very much look forward to planning our wedding celebrations in the months ahead. I love you, Scarlett." Awwwww, here's to a lifetime of love and happiness for this darling pair!

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Open to the public! The 17th annual Chicago Toy & Game Fair is coming to Navy Pier November 23/24, Saturday/Sunday, showcasing the best toys and games from around the globe! This family play experience will offer over 125 interactive exhibits, immersive events and activities for all ages, created by leading toy and game brands! Blast off in the world's largest kid-powered rockets, enjoy a Frozen II Scavenger Hunt, a beer garden with popular adult and party games, test out products before they hit retail shelves and find out what's hot for the holidays, enjoy photo opps with Star Wars characters, a Yo-Yo championship, Ben's Giant Bubble Show, Stage Events, Magic Shows and so much more! (Tickets/more info here)

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More congrats are in order for Kip Gonzalez and his partner Trey Gonzalez, who are the new owners of Smith's, the iconic menswear store in Lake Forest that's been in operation since 1937. Mark your calendars for their Grand Opening on Saturday, November 23, 10 am–6 pm, 770 N. Western Ave., Lake Forest (847.234.5866). Visit Smith's website here!

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Ilana Lerman (of Lurie Children’s), Megan Hodes (Children’s Service Board President).

The Children’s Service Board (CSB), an affiliated organization of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, hosted its signature fundraising

Tina Koegel and Wendy Krimins (of Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue).

event, the Gold Coast Fashion Show, at Revel Fulton Market on September 26. Over 700 fashion loving supporters helped raise more than $1 million for Lurie Children’s and its commitment to the Department of Family Services. “This year, the CSB was thrilled to continue their dedication to supporting Lurie Children’s Department of Family Services,” said Megan Hodes, CSB president. “The CSB understands the importance of providing the highest quality medical care for patients at the hospital, while offering families the ability

Sara Spicklemire, Sr. VP CRBE, Marit Bohbot and friend.

to feel at home in a hospital environment. The devoted staff of the Department of Family Services is instrumental in the healing process for not only

Lukas, Patient Champion and Family.

patients, but the whole family.” The Department of Family Services is funded entirely through philanthropy and addresses the emotional, social and spiritual needs of the children and families treated at the Hospital. The Department encompasses a wide range of essential personnel at Lurie Children’s including child life specialists, social

Megan Hodes and Ryan Bennett.

workers, art and music therapists, teachers, activity coordinators and more. The fashion show celebration kicked off with a cocktail reception followed by the fashion presentation from the show’s long-time partner

Hope Katz (center), Nooshin Felsenthal (R) and friend.

and sole retail sponsor, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. The evening’s festivities concluded with a paddle raise and live auction. The event was hosted by the Children’s Service Board executive committee led by president Megan Hodes with Emily Flaherty, Melissa Kearney, Danielle Hoeg, Susan Flosi, Casey Ray, Julie Simon, Melissa Wolf and Alison Heyman. This year’s lead sponsors included, presenting sponsor, Clune Construction Company, as well as CIBC, Kirkland & Ellis, Park Chicago and Reed Smith.

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Gift of Life Gala Honorees Joan and Paul Rubschlager.

The National Kidney Foundation of Illinois (NKFI) hosted its 34^th Annual “Gift of Life Gala” at The Drake Hotel on October 24. With over 200 guests in attendance, the evening raised $255,000 to benefit the health and well-being of those at risk or affected by kidney disease. Regina Waldroup (of NBC-5) hosted the event that presented Joan and Paul Rubschlager, renowned Chicago philanthropists, with the “Harold & Molly

CPD Officer Daniel Johnson , NKFI CEO Jackie Burgess-Bishop, retiring CPD Chief Superintendent Eddie Johnson.

Schwartz Founders Award” for their outstanding commitment and achievement on behalf of the organization. Retiring CPD Chief

Dr. Madhavi Ryali and Dr. Sejal Kalawadia.

Superintendent Eddie Johnson and his son CPD Officer Daniel Johnson were honored with the “Gift of Life Award” in recognition of their contributions to fight kidney disease. Nearly two years ago, 25-year-old Daniel donated a kidney to his father, Eddie, after he was diagnosed with glomerulonephritis, an acute inflammation of the kidney. Inspired by the spirit of “Old Chicago,” the event featured dinner stations

Emcee Regina Waldroup.

highlighting classic Chicago flavors with dishes from Greektown, Little Italy, Pilsen and ballpark favorites, themed activities and raffles. A cocktail reception included Windy City-inspired fundraising stations such as Crosstown Classic Trivia, where guests tested their knowledge of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox; Prohibition,

Dr. Ivo Tzvetanov and Polly Tzvetanov.

which allowed guests to test their luck at the roulette wheel; and World’s Fair Wine Toss, giving guests a chance to take home a bottle of wine. The evening ended on a sweet note with dessert stations, a doughnut "wall" and treats provided by Garrett Popcorn Shops. Guests danced to lively music and entertainment from FAMOS! DJ Entertainment. Platinum sponsors included Gift of Hope and Nephrology Associates of Northern Illinois & Indiana. All proceeds from the evening directly supported the NKFI mission to improve the health of those at risk or affected by kidney disease through free screening programs and community health initiatives in Illinois.

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Bruno Abate.

Congrats to much loved restaurateur Bruno Abate on his new restaurant, TOCCO North, newly opened in Winnetka. This jewel of a spot opened on November 10 to rave reviews at 507 Chestnut (across from the post

TOCCO North in Winnetka, now open!

office). Bruno has always been a pioneer in the industry opening his first hotspot in the West Loop, Follia, where he served not only delicious food but also showcased local design talent. The Winnetka location will have 50-55 tables including a chef's table for 10. Abate cooks with his signature pure silver pans, which allow dishes to be cooked slowly over low heat. Out of a side window, baked goods such as panini, pizza and breads will be sold from 11am until the restaurant closes. I'm so happy for Bruno, not only is he a genius when it comes to food but he's also a champion in the world of philanthropy with his much needed work in the prisons teaching inmates to cook (thus preparing them for a new life on the street) through his nonprofit, Recipe for Change. All good Bruno! Keep up the great work with all of your endeavors!

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Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant's new flagship on Oak St.

Three months after Del Frisco's closed, the old Esquire Theater space has a new tenant. Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, the suburban chain founded in 2005 in Orland Park is now open! The space is still as elegant as ever and the centerpiece, the "wine tower" is still in tact albeit more appropriate now with Cooper's Hawk's wine history. The location at 58 E. Oak St. is the first Chicago restaurant in its 14 year history and will now serve as its

Tantalizing ribeye (photo courtesy of Anthony Martorina)

flagship. The menu has 5 signature dishes by Chef Matt McMillin (formerly a partner in the Lettuce Entertain You restaurant group) including a 25 ounce prime bone-in ribeye. The menu is loaded with tantalizing dishes for every taste. This restaurant is also the only one in the franchise that will offer non-Cooper's Hawk wines. The chain has 35 locations in nine states, mostly in the Midwest. Welcome to the 'hood CH! Opened to the public, Monday, November 11.

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SC Holiday Luncheon at the elegant University Club.

The Service Club of Chicago will host its wildly popular Holiday Luncheon on Wednesday, December 4 at the legendary University Club. Guests will enjoy a variety of local vendors, holiday entertainment and festive decor, all to fund the nonprofit's grant program. Congrats in advance to co-chairs Lezley Hodes, Karen Peters and Sherrill Bodine! For tickets/more info, click here!

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Artist Ashley D'Amico (L) and Inspiration Hilary Rikower.

Twist Out Cancer hosted its seventh annual Brushes With Cancer Gala at Moonlight Studios on November 2. Over 500 people were treated to an evening centered on art, entertainment, storytelling, hope, inspiration, and survivorship. This unique celebration paired pre-

A performance by National Recording artist Jesse Palter.

vivors, survivors, fighters and caregivers, referred to as Inspirations, with accomplished artists working in a variety of mediums. Those touched by cancer shared their ‘twist on cancer’ – stories, feelings and experiences – with the artist, which served as the inspiration for the art. All the money that was raised will go back into the program to help bring Brushes With Cancer to more people in Chicago and around the world that have been touched by cancer. At the Brushes With Cancer Gala in Chicago, 35 unique works of art were on display – with each one representing an Inspiration’s personal journey

Artist Dana Phipps (L) and Inspiration Lil Rel Howery.

with cancer. (You can still view all of the artwork and read the stories behind them here) Throughout the evening, guests were also treated to presentations and speeches centered on personal stories from those who have been touched by the disease. This included a presentation from Jenna Benn Shersher, who founded Twist Out Cancer after surviving Grey Zone Lymphoma; a speech from Chicago native, actor, and comedian Lil Rel Howery, who lost his mom and brother to cancer; as well as an original song from Jenny Conlee-Drizos,

Inspiration Rachel Reichblum (L) and Artist Jeffrey Guerrero (R)

Inspiration Rachel Reichblum and artist Jeffrey Guerrero.

who is a breast cancer survivor and is the organist and pianist for The Decemberists. Jenny wrote the song for a cancer survivor in Chicago. The Brushes With Cancer Gala in Chicago was the culmination of a year in which inaugural programs were held in Detroit, Mich., Philadelphia, Pa. and Austin, Texas. Since its inception, the organization has touched over 22,000 people around the world through its programs and events.

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The World of Chocolate, benefiting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, comes to Revel Fulton Market on Thursday, December 5. You won't wanna miss this sweet fundraiser filled with over 20 of the city's top chefs! (Tickets available now here!)

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Randolph Street Market, my favorite, returns on November 23/24 and December 14/15 with TWO Holiday Markets! For its final two indoor markets of 2019, RSM is decking the halls at Plumbers Hall with 3 floors of one-of-a-kind shopping and fun for the whole family! Grab a specialty cocktail courtesy of Diageo and snack on free popcorn in the new Sports Bar while shopping the most stylishly crafted mix of vintage and modern decorative objects, housewares, fashion, art, hostess gifts and more from 125 vendors (including makers and shakers like Swoon Living, Luxe 1978, and Cocktail Courier). For tickets/more info, click here!

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I hope you enjoyed the early snowfall! Oh, happy day! We've begun putting up our Christmas decor with the festive holiday musical backdrop of Melissa Forman and 93.9 The Lite. After dragging 5 trees (4 for the balcony, one for indoors) out of our storage locker and into our home, we discovered that not one damn light worked. Oh well, that's God's way of telling me I need a new tree. Soooo, I found a unique "Flip" tree from Balsam Hill and I'll let you know if it meets the hype. (See video here). Hope you're gearing up now for whatever holiday is your favorite too! Nothing wrong with turkey either! Gobble! Gobble!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace @CandidCandace.com

P.S. Something to leave you with a smile…..

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September 23, 2019 · 11:22 am

THE CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE: A FLAIR FOR FASHION AND FUNDRAISING

PLUS: Adler Planetarium's Celestial Ball; Step Up's Shine & Dine; Melody's BIG book launch; Shirley Ryan AbilityLab's Art in Motion; Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic; Navy Pier's Pumpkin Lights; Jack's Pumpkin Glow; 900 Shops' beautiful Fleurs de Villes; The Symphony Ball; Chicago Botanic Garden's stunning Lightscape; Cirque's first holiday show at Chicago Theatre; Making an Impact–Havana Nights; Muslim American Leadership Alliance gala; Lynn Sage Fall Benefit Luncheon; Joffrey Ballet WB hosts Jane Eyre Luncheon; Chicago Public Library Foundation Dinner honors literary heavyweights; Michelle's Masterclass; Dancing with the Giordano Stars; Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration; Urban Prep hosts Aces UP!; White Pine Fall Fest; Steppenwolf's GREAT LEAP; Chef Williams' Soul Crab Chicago; Randolph Street Market hosts Editor's Choice for Charity; Happy Birthday dear Chuck; This & That; Darling videos and so much MORE!

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Honorees Cheryl Coleman and Ron Katz.

It was the most successful fundraiser yet, raising over $100,000, for The Chicago Lighthouse! FLAIR 2019 was held at the Drake Chicago on September 13 and honored Cheryl Coleman and Ron Katz. The afternoon fashion show, "Visions of Elegance", was

Co-chairs Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine with Lighthouse president Dr. Janet Szlyk

expertly co-chaired for the third year by Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine. The record crowd, nearly 250, got a first look at fall during the runway show presented by ZZAZZ Productions and included some of Chicago's leading retailers: Anne Fontaine, Carlisle, Contessa Bottega, Frances Heffernan, Mira Couture, my stylist @Macy's and redE. During a reception before the show, attendees enjoyed a silent

Fashion show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions)

auction in the luxurious Palm Court with pop-up shops from Chanel, Chicago Plastic Surgery Center, Jen Hansen Jewelry, L'Occitane, Lex's Lotion, The RealReal and Trish McEvoy. Local notables walking the runway included Kathy Piccone, Paula Borg, Sherry Abrahams, Dr.

Kim Gleeson and Cheri Lawrence.

Stacie McClane, Bobbi Panter, Dori Wilson, Melissa Babcock, Michael Caputo, Mamie Walton, Stanley Paul, Mark Olley, Chilli Pepper, Kim Gleeson, Cheri Lawrence, Sharyl Mackey, Jean and Alex Antoniou, Holly Twardak, Cathy Bartholomay, the darling co-chairs and so many more! Baton Show Lounge star Chilli Pepper vamped it up

The Lighthouse's Sandy Murillo and Learnus Ross wearing mystylist@Macy's.

on the runway wearing a short fox coat and showing off those legs that she's so famous for! It was my honor to introduce Cheryl and Ron whose philanthropy in our communities stretch far and wide. Ron is chair of the board of directors for ELKAY Manufacturing and

The star of the show, child piano prodigy Avett Ray!

supports charities in the fields of health, education and animal protection. They are both cancer survivors and are deeply committed to the

Alex Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Jean Antoniou.

University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cheryl was raised in a philanthropic family and in 1981 founded one of the first shelters for battered women in the U.S. The program opened with Lighthouse president Dr. Janet Szlyk welcoming guests. She shared part of the reason why the honorees support the Lighthouse–it's because they love the fact that the nonprofit never turns anyone away because of an

With Mark Olley, Chilli Pepper, Kathy Piccone, Jennifer Sutton, Michael Caputo and Stanley Paul.

inability to pay. Szlyk spotlighted three children who have benefited because of the Lighthouse's support–Matilde, 4, was born without irises and receives braille and rehabilitation training. Austin has multiple disabilities, he's both blind and autistic, and came to the Lighthouse in the "fetal position." He's now an engaged

Michelle Baker (L, wearing Mira Couture) with Dori Wilson in Contessa Bottega.

and "engaging" teenager! And lastly, Blaine who came from a large family of limited means. His inclusion in the First Jobs Program brought him to a permanent job at Walgreen's! The highlight of the event was YouTube sensation Avett Ray, 7, who's blind in one eye and visually impaired in the other. He's an amazing piano prodigy who has appeared on The

Holly Twardak and Helena Kogiones.

Today Show, among many others. His rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody (that he played that day,(see it here) brought him over 6 million views on YouTube. From the moment his mom, Sara Moore, introduced him, he had the crowd in the palm of his hand. The first song, he said, was "for the ladies" as he belted out Stevie

With Tracey Tarantino and The Lighthouse's Carly Englander and Sandy Murillo.

Wonder's "Isn't She Lovely" in a surprisingly adult voice! There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Mom Susan said he's been playing melodies since he was 11 months old! The audience also heard from Sandy Murillo, Lighthouse Development and Media maven. She lost her sight as a baby and the Chicago Lighthouse was there to support her and her family. This nonprofit, founded in 1906, serves the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. The FLAIR program was created in 2000 and supports children's and teen's program at The Lighthouse. (For more info, please click here) (Photos by Mila Samokhina)

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"One Giant Leap" author Charles Fishman (L) and Captain James A. Lovell Jr.

The Adler Planetarium Women’s Board hosted Celestial Ball, the Adler’s biggest fundraising event of the year which also celebrated its 25th anniversary. Held on September 7, the gala raised nearly $1.8 million to support the

Meg Sauer (Adler's WB pres.), Pradip Patiath (Adler Board of Trustees chair), and Linda Jojo (of United Airlines- the 2019 Corporate Partner Honoree)

Adler and its many exciting programs. Event chair Lilly Farahnakian (Global Chief Compliance Officer at GCM Grosvenor), Meg Sauer (Adler WB president) and Pradip Patiath (Board of Trustees chair) welcomed

Laura Glick, Lisa Bertagna and Mihra Seta.

approximately 600 guests. During the evening, guests enjoyed an elegant cocktail reception featuring interactive moments from key Adler programs and a seated dinner followed by dancing and a jazz lounge, complete with cosmic visualizations projected onto the dome in the Grainger Sky Theater. This year’s theme, The Future is Now, perfectly encapsulated the 50th anniversary of the Moon

Pamela Vargas and William Weinstein.

landing and the Moonshot that got us there 50 years ago. "In the future, technology may be better, people may be smarter and solutions to our most difficult problems may be within reach, but a future like that doesn’t just happen. We have to build it, starting today. NASA’s Apollo team didn’t wait for the future or for a more convenient time to attempt the impossible. We won't either. The future is

David Silverman and Lilly Farahnakian (2019 event chair).

the choices we make, the moonshots we take, the work we do together. The future is us. The future is now," said Farahnakian. As part of this year’s Celestial Ball dinner program, the Adler welcomed Apollo 8 and Apollo 13 astronaut Captain James A. Lovell, Jr. and One Giant Leap author Charles Fishman for an in-depth conversation touching on personal stories from on the ground and in the sky during the Apollo missions of the 1960’s. The conversation illuminated the triumphs and setbacks that unfolded in the global race to the Moon. The Adler also recognized United Airlines as its 2019 Corporate Partner Award honoree. (Photos by figMEDIA and David Miller)

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Niyah Simpson, a senior at Carl Schurz HS, played the viola during the reception.

More than fifteen local restaurants and culinary partners came together in support of mentorship at Shine & Dine on August 8. Benefiting Step Up, an after-school and weekend mentorship program for high school girls living or going to school in under-served communities, the event attracted over 500 guests. The nonprofit honored alumna Ahja Howard for inspiring women and girls to fulfill their potential. Howard, a member of Step Up’s Class of 2016, shared her moving story during the event’s brief program and is scheduled to graduate as part of the University of Illinois Springfield’s Class of 2020. During the evening, guests enjoyed tasting stations from Chicago’s top eateries that included Boka, Do-Rite Donuts, Eden, ENO Wine

Step Up alumnae Aminata Bah and Paris Scales chat with Whitney Capps.

Bar, Honey Butter Fried Chicken, Le Colonial, Madison and Rayne, Michael Jordan’s Steak House, Nacional 27, The Signature Room, Sprinkles, Troquet River North, and Wow Bao. Beverage partners include Beam Suntory and MillerCoors. Now in its second decade of service, Step Up was founded in 1998 by Kaye Popofsky Kramer and offers mentorship programs for high school girls in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Dallas. The Chicago chapter reached approximately 500 girls from seven high school partners across the city. The event raised over $275,000 for programming.

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T. Shawn Taylor and Melody Spann Cooper–co-authors of "The Girlfriend's Guide to Closing the Deal"

I'd be hard pressed to remember when I saw so much love in a room but that was exactly the case for the book launch party for "The Girlfriend's Guide to Closing the Deal", by the one and only Melody Spann Cooper, chairman of Midway Broadcasting Corporation, a best-in-class African American owned media boutique whose properties include radio and interactive platforms as well as the popular WVON 1690 AM, the oldest Black-

Cheryl Burton conducts a convo with Meloday Spann Cooper.

oriented radio station in Chicago. The book was co-written by T. Shawn Taylor and held at SX Skybar with a powerhouse gathering of Melody's legion of friends, fans, sisters and supporters who alllllll turned out to hear a spellbinding convo led by Cheryl Burton, who

It was a packed house!

was also a host of the event along with Cheryle Jackson, Shawnelle Richie and Toi Salter. Melody is a real woman's woman and her empathy and concern for her fellow sisters were very evident during the

Buy this book!

conversation. She bared her soul talking about her childhood and how hard it was to take over a legacy company–like Linda Johnson Rice, who she acknowledged in the crowd. Seen on the scene were Mahalia Ann Hines (Common's mom), Angela Thompson, Star Jones, Michelle McKinney Hammond, Tarrah

Follow her on Insta–@melodyspanncoooper.

Cooper, Stella Foster, Dionne Williams, Diane Primo, Sylvia Perez, George Fuller, Mary Mitchell, State's Attorney Kim Foxx, Hermene Hartman, Andrea Zopp, Shari Runner and many others. I'm thrilled to know Melody is already planning her next book which will be the story of Black women in America to be titled "Invisible." (Mel's book is available on Amazon here and at Barnes & Noble).

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Ted Reynolds, Matt Toczylowski, Genevieve Dolan and Barrett Stephan.

The 17^th Annual Art in Motion, hosted by the Associate Board of the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, was held on September 6 with over 400 guests. The event took place at the hospital where the 10^th floor SkyLobby and Auditorium were transformed into an exciting art

James Sliwa, Chief Medical Officer.

exhibit and cocktail lounge that featured 25 patient artists along with live music and an art and raffle auction. The theme of this year’s Art in Motion was “The Soul Moves First” – a phrase that holds important meaning to the exhibiting artists who were once patients and participants in the

Michael Swan, Breanne Littleton and Tony Seaman.

hospital’s art therapy program. As Sami, a former patient from Venezuela, said, “Our bodies are fragile, but our souls are strong. Push yourself and you can believe that you can recover, and you will be stronger than before.” This year’s event

Daniel D., Mary and Danny Dolan.

raised $500,000 for therapeutic recreational programs that are typically not funded by insurance and that enable patients to let “the soul move first.” Kudos to the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab’s Associate Board for an exciting and meaningful event!

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BSF Gold Classic foursome sponsored by William Blair and Brent Glendhill–Mike Sabo, Cameron Morris, Matt Gilmore and Greer Clausen.

More than 300 civic and corporate leaders from across the country came out recently to participate in the 19^th Annual Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic co-chaired by Giancarlo Turano. The event is Big Shoulders Fund’s largest

BSF president/CEO Josh Hale and Mike Hanna, United Airlines VP of O'Hare Operations.

annual fundraiser and supports the Friends of Big Shoulders Scholarship, which provides critical tuition assistance to a portion of the nearly 20,000 inner-city students and families seeking access to a values-based education at one of the 75 Big Shoulders Fund schools. Hosted at the prestigious Olympia Fields Country Club, attendees participated in a series of contests, raffles and live and silent auctions, which, along with ticket sales,

BSF Foursome sponsored by GATX.

go towards funding scholarships. Over the last 19 years, the Golf Classic has raised more than $9 million and funded more than 12,500 scholarships. “We’re thrilled with the success of the event and grateful for the support of all those who came out to Olympia Field and helped us further Big Shoulders Fund’s mission of providing access and opportunity for deserving students who are eager to learn,” said Turano. “It’s empowering to see leaders from across the country and the Chicagoland area come together to make a difference in the lives of the next generation of leaders in our city and beyond.” Big Shoulders Fund is an independent charitable organization that has

Student volunteers from Leo High School, one of 75 Big Shoulders Fund schools.

offered support to schools in the neediest areas of Chicago for 33 years. Big Shoulders Fund invests approximately $30 million annually in 75 schools and nearly 20,000 students to enhance the quality of their education through academic programs, scholarships and enrichment, leadership development and operational strategy and improvements. All but three of the schools in the Big Shoulders Fund network are in the city of Chicago and many of the students we serve come from diverse socioeconomic and racial backgrounds – 80 percent represent minorities and nearly 70 percent live in low-income households.

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FREE!! The first-ever Pier Pumpkin Lights is coming to Navy Pier this October, where guests will explore a variety of pumpkin pop-up installations and enjoy Pier-wide deals during the month-long seasonal celebration. From jack-o’-lantern towers to glowing light displays, the Pier will be decked out for autumn. Designed by local Ivan Carlson Event Design, six installations will be displayed across the 50-acre Pier, stretching from the main entrance to past the iconic Centennial Wheel. Building on inspiration from traditional Halloween images as well as unique and original designs, featured stations include the Juggernaut of Jack-O-Lanterns in Polk Bros Park, Pumpkin Picasso, Garden of Totems, Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree, Pumpkin Dancers and Arachnids, as well as Skeleton Grave Dancers scattered throughout. The pop-up installations will be on exhibit daily during normal Pier operating hours but will best be experienced after dusk. The Pier will be full of fun and fright with several other Halloween festivities. Guests can enjoy three dates of free trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 26; Sunday, October 27; and on Halloween, Thursday, October 31. HalloWheel also returns this year, offering guests an opportunity to ride the Centennial Wheel free of charge. The first 1,031 guests to register for tickets will enjoy complimentary access to the iconic, year-round attraction during normal operating hours on Thursday, October 31. Tickets will be available one week prior to Halloween and, on select weekend dates and on Halloween, an Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze will transform into a Haunted Maze, inspired by famous Chicago ghost stories for a spooky, twisty time. Finally, Navy Pier will host the inaugural Cosplay on the Pier: Halloween Fest 2019 on Saturday, October 26 from 2 – 10 p.m. With a designated cosplay photo area, the Chicago skyline, iconic Centennial Wheel and Pier Pumpkin Lights displays, the event will offer great views and backdrops for Halloween photos and fun. All cosplayers who register before the event will also receive a variety of perks, including a free Centennial Wheel ticket, discounted parking, a chance to win a $300 Visa gift card and more. For more information, visit www.navypier.org.

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And speaking of pumpkins, how sweet is this? Jack's Pumpkin Glow in Lisle will have a special, sensory-friendly night for kids/adults with autism or who might need special care. Autism Glows will open a little earlier, 6:30 pm, and the crowds will be smaller (due to limited tickets), music will be a little lower and the atmosphere will be a little brighter. This special event will be held on Sunday, October 6. For tickets/more info, click here!

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Spring is alive and well at the fabulous 900 North Michigan Shops! You won't want to miss Fleurs de Villes ’ Floral Couture Installation as it makes its first appearance in Chicago from September 25-29. This unique, five-day exhibition is Fleurs de Villes’ signature event, blending luxury floral couture and fresh blooms with bespoke floral-dressed mannequins and fresh flower market stalls daily from September 26-29. Fifteen of Chicago’s leading florists, including HMR Designs, Kehoe Designs, The Revel Group,Flowers for Dreams, The Flower Firm, Flora Chicago, Les Fleurs Chicago, Fleur Inc., Flowers Flowers, Elenas Garden Events, Luci Floral Design, Mila Floral Design School, Anemone Chicago, Designs by Pael and more will be paired with world-class brands to design stunning displays from fresh flowers. The five-day extravaganza kicks off on Wednesday, September 25 when the finished mannequins, each clothed in a one-of-a-kind design made up of hundreds of fresh blooms, will be exhibited at 900 North Michigan Shops until Sunday, September 29. I just can't wait! I'm proud to be a judge of this fun exhibit with the one and only Michelle Alegria (of Fox-32)! Join US!

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Arnel Sacianco and Rashaad Hall at opening night for The Great Leap at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. (Photo by Gracie Meier)

Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s 2019/20 season of complex, beautiful and maddening theater kicked off with a thrilling Chicago premiere by in-demand playwright, Lauren Yee, directed by Jesca Prudencio.

Actor Deanna Myers and playwright Lauren Yee at opening night for The Great Leap at Steppenwolf Theatre Company. (Photo by Gracie Meier)

Set in 1989, The Great Leap tells the story of Manford Lum, a local star of the sidewalk basketball courts of San Francisco’s Chinatown who strong arms his way onto an American college team traveling to Beijing for a “friendship” game. Set amidst the friction of the post-Cultural Revolution era, The Great Leap keeps tensions high right up to the final buzzer.The Great Leap is currently playing through October 20 in the Upstairs Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St. (For tickets/more info, click here!)

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Symphony Board co-chairs Mimi Murley and Leslie Henner Burns with CSOA president Jeff Alexander at Symphony Ball kick-off party at Tiffany & Co.

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Women's Board hosted a kick-off event in advance of their annual Symphony Ball at Tiffany & Co. on September 10. This year’s Symphony Ball, on September 21, took its

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Symphony Ball performance.

theme of romance, revelry and artistry of the Italian Renaissance from the evening’s musical program which featured the CSO and Maestro Riccardo Muti, along with internationally acclaimed soloist Leif Ove Andsnes on the piano. Following the concert,

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Gala dinner at the Four Seasons.

guests continued their evening at The Four Seasons for special entertainment, a gala dinner and dancing. Outstanding vintages of wine from private cellars, exclusive wineries and Chicago's finest restaurants were donated for a creative Wine Pull raffle. While every ticket yielded a wine selection, it might also have yielded magnificent jewelry and crystal items

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Maestro Muti with Leif Ove Andsnes.

donated by Tiffany, as well as other surprises and gift certificates. Tiffany also sponsored the "Anniversary Raffle" in honor of the 10th anniversary of the Women’s Board of the CSOA. A 16-stone signature Schlumberger ring encircled one lucky lady’s finger at the end of the evening! Sigh…..Congrats to all! (Photos by Todd Rosenberg)

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Mark your calendars for a spectacular holiday show, Lightscape, debuting for the first time in the U.S. at the Chicago Botanic Garden from November 22 to January 5! You’ll wander into a festive world of wonder and light. Along a mile-long path, the night comes alive with color, imagination, and sound, from a playful choir of singing trees to a spectacular waterfall of light. At times, you’ll find yourself in the center of it all — stepping inside a cathedral of golden light, walking down an avenue of luminous linden trees, moving through colorful ribbons of light. More than one million people in 2018 were delighted by the show across the U.K. (For tickets, more info, click here!)

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And more holiday fun coming to the Chicago Theatre! You know how much I love this time of the year, well this production is going to satisfy all of my cravings and then some! Mark your calendars for 'Twas the Night Before…", a world premiere presented by Cirque du Soleil and the Madison Square Garden Company coming for a limited engagement November 29. This magical, family-friendly production, with stunning visuals, will run through Dec. 8. (This is Cirque's first ever Christmas show so you know it will be fabulous!) For tickets/more info, click here!)

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The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation will present its annual gala, this year themed "Making an Impact: Havana Nights" at the Drake Hotel on Saturday, November 9. Indulge in some of Cuba's cultural cuisine and enjoy an evening of entertainment, dancing, auctions and raffles along with an inspiring program to combat IBD. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation's mission to cure Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and to improve the quality of life of children and adults affected by these diseases. For tickets and more info, click here!

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The Muslim American Leadership Alliance will host its 4th annual gala on Thursday, November 7, at the Chicago History Museum. Chicago legend Malik Yusef, 6-time Grammy award-winner and seven-time ASCAP award-winner for pop and R & B, will deliver the keynote address. For tickets and more info, click here!

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Martin Short will be keynote speaker at the LSCRF fall benefit luncheon.

The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation will host its annual Fall Benefit Luncheon on Friday, October 25 at the Hilton Chicago. Co-chaired by Justyna Della Valle and Michelle Williams, the event will feature funnyman Martin Short as its keynote speaker. For tickets, more info, click here!

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The Chicago Public Library Foundation will host its annual Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner on Thursday, October 10 at the Isadore & Sadie Dorin Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Road). Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Carl Sandburg Literary Award will be presented to "Game of Thrones" author George R. R. Martin! The education sociologist Dr. Eve L. Ewing will be honored with the 21st Century Award. For tickets, more info, click here!

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Mekky Media Relations (Michelle Mekky, a Crain's Notable Entrepreneur) is launching a Masterclass workshop which will help professionals of all levels enhance their skills in areas such as public speaking, networking, media interviews and even generating media coverage for themselves or their businesses. Tickets are on sale now for this one-day workshop which will be held Friday, Nov. 15, at Exchange312, an innovative event space in Wicker Park. The inaugural Mekky Media Masterclass will help each participant become a dynamic public speaker, network with confidence and conduct powerful media interviews (plus learn a few tricks for getting media coverage). The day will focus on providing valuable tools that can help professionals improve their career, business and future. Not to be missed! Love her! (Tickets/more info here)

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We're just two weeks away from Giordano Dance Chicago's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" on Thursday, October 3 at Park West! New this year is the addition of a once-in-a-lifetime live auction package that allows the winning bidder to STAR in the opening production number of the next event! Value: PRICELESS! Join us for a dance party like none other and cheer on your friends who are competing! They will include 11 local notables (who will be paired with Giordano dancers): Wendy Berger, Kevin McIntyre, Collin McKenna, Sarah Cunningham, Bobby Hagelstein, Kristine Kinder, Nicole Klotz, Karen Larson, Gregory Long, Jennifer Thurswell and Jeannie Tremblay. For tickets/more info and to place a vote for a favorite, click here!

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Friends of La Rabida will host its annual Awards Celebration on Thursday, November 21 at the Ritz-Carlton. Award recipients will be Randy Markowitz (a trustee for La Rabida Children's Hospital) and Lisa Rolfe Burik (owner Frankie's on the Park). For tickets, more info, click here!

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Urban Prep Academies will host it's annual Aces Up! Charity Poker Tournament on Thursday, October 24, at Chicago Sports Museum (Water Tower Place, level 7). This 13th annual event, hosted by Alexi Giannoulias, Tim King (UPA founder), Richard Roeper and Chris Zorich, will include high-stakes gambling, great food and media, entertainment and sports stars in attendance, all to support Urban Prep Academies, a non-profit that operates a network of free, open-enrollment public male college-prep high schools. From 2010-2016, 100% of the seniors in the school's graduating classes were admitted to four-year colleges or universities. (For tickets/more info, click here!)

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We tried to get into Chef Darius Williams new Soul Crab Chicago

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Chef Darius Williams.

restaurant on opening night but the line stretched around the block and we got too hungry staring into the windows as lucky diners were slurping down house specialties like Bahamas-style deep-fried lobster, buttermilk battered catfish fingers, Chinese wontons stuffed with collard greens and crab meat and so much more. If you get a chance to eat here (1904 N. Western Ave.), please let me know how it was!

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The Joffrey Ballet Women's Board will host its Jane Eyre Luncheon on Tuesday, October 8, at the Hilton Chicago. WB co-chairs Chrissie Walker and Marcie Wright have planned an afternoon of exciting convo and a behind-the-scenes look at the production with choreographer Cathy Marston. (For tickets/more info, click here!) (The production runs from October 16-27. For tickets, click here!)

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Randolph Street Market will host its next vintage market on Sat/Sun, Sept. 28/29. This market will feature an Editor's & Designer's Choice for Charity! Shop finds hand-picked by some of Chicago's top interior designers, fashion stylists, journalists and influencers who will place a ribbon on their choices. When customers buy these items, RSM will make a donation to the charity of their choice! And, for the first time, this market will feature a world class Vintage Motorcycle Show, with over 45 of the most beautiful European, Asian and American bikes around! (For tickets/more info, click here!)

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Doesn't this look like a great reason for a fall road trip? White Pine Farm in New Buffalo, Michigan, will host its 2nd annual White Pine Fall Fest on Saturday, October 19! The afternoon event (from noon-3 pm, EST) will include live music by Groupies Wanted, hayrides, a pumpkin patch, food, games and more! Guests are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to benefit the Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry. (To RSVP, email Kristina at khanna@ucdgrp.com. )

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Please indulge me for a moment while I wish my Chuck a

Celebrating Chuck's BD with a cake from the Peninsula (Greg Hyder).

happy, happy birthday! On his special day, Thursday, September 19, he allowed me to celebrate him at Haute Dog Chicago, an event I covered benefiting Haute Dog Companions (watch Trib for details coming soon!). The Peninsula's Greg Hyder presented him with a surprise cake, so thoughtful! I feel so blessed to have this guy as my husband, he makes everything I do possible in every way and I couldn't live a minute without him. Happy BD dear one and thanks for your love and support!

________________________________________________________________________

That's it for this week! I hope you've enjoyed the blog as much as I enjoy writing and sharing it with you!! And remember, if you have any event info or happy news I can share, please send it my way at Candace@CandaceJordan.com. Please sign up here if you're not a subscriber!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And, of course, something to leave you with a smile! That fist bump tho'…watch video here.

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Tagged as 900 Shops, Aces UP, Adler Planetarium, Alexi Giannoulias, Autism Glows, Avett Ray, Big Shoulders Fund, Canine Companions for Independence, Captain James Lovell, Chef Darius Williams, Cheryl Coleman, Chicago Botanic Garden, Chicago events, Chicago parties, Chicago Public Library Foundation, chicago theatre, Chris Zorich, Chuck Jordan, Cirque du Soleil, Crohn's and Colitis Foundation, Dancing with the Giordano Stars, Event news, Fig Media, FLAIR, Fleurs de Villes, Fox Lincoln, fundraisers, Giancarlo Turano, Giordano Dance Chicago, Greg Hyder, Haute Dog Chicago, Jack's Pumpkin Glow, Jane Eyre Luncheon, Joffrey Ballet, La Rabida, Lightscape, Linda Johnson Rice, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Madison Square Garden Company, Melody Spann Cooper, Michelle Mekky, Mila Samokhina, Muslim American Leadership Alliance, MyEyeDr, Navy Pier, nonprofits, Pier Pumpkin Lights, Randolph Street Market, Richard Roeper, Ron Katz, Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner, Shine and Dine, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Soul Crab Chicago, Step Up, Steppenwolf, Symphony Ball, The Chicago Lighthouse, The Peninsula Chicago, things to do, Tim King, Twas the Night Before, Urban Prep, White Pine Fall Fest, WVON, York Furs

April 25, 2013 · 10:49 am

JENNIFER HUDSON HELPS QATAR AIRWAYS INTRODUCE THEMSELVES TO CHICAGO!

…PLUS AN ELEGANT NYC BLUE BOOK BALL; DUSABLE’S “NIGHT OF 100 STARS”; JANE SEYMOUR OPENS HER HEART; TENNIS LEGEND JIMMY CONNORS SHARES ALL; CUBS' “BRICK & IVY” BALL; JOAKIM NOAH GIVES BACK AND EVENTS FOR MAY YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!

The first direct route from Chicago to Doha, the capital city of the state of Qatar, opened for business on April 10th. On April 11th, Qatar Airways celebrated with a blow-out party for 580 guests at the Field Museum
featuring Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson as the evening's entertainment. The event began with a cocktail reception and red carpet photos with beautiful Qatar Airways flight attendants. As guests
entered the ballroom for a sit-down dinner, a dramatic lighting display was shown on the wall above the stage where Hudson would later perform. A video presentation showcased the beautiful city of Doha and
this world class airline. Skytrax, the bible in aviation, has named Qatar Airways the “World's Best Airline” two years running now. (Doha will also be hosting the World Cup in 2022.) The delicious dinner, catered by Food for Thought, began with a poached lobster salad followed by beef tenderloin with
thyme jus. Dessert was a Nobu specialty – macana, which is mango jelly with white chocolate mousse, raspberries, pistachio sponge and lime sorbet. I’m told the wine pairings were an oenophile's dream! The program continued with Miss Illinois Megan Ervin introducing the CEO of
Qatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker. He told the rapt audience that this new collaboration between Qatar and Chicago is expected to generate $250 million dollars and bring thousands of jobs to the community. Chicago Deputy Mayor Steve Koch spoke next and welcomed Qatar Airways to the Windy City. Qatar flight attendants were
scattered throughout the audience collecting business cards which were then used to choose the lucky winners of free trips for two to Doha. Five trips were offered but sadly, no one at our table won. :( When Hudson appeared onstage,
the crowd went wild. She looked fantastic in a short, flared black leather mini. Near the end of her performance, guests were invited to dance with her onstage and boy, was that ever a thrill! Tables for this historical gala were offered
to members of its VIP social committee. I was thrilled to be included along with these Chicago notables: Israel Idonije, Alexi Giannoulias, Lindsay Avner, Greg Hyder, Monika Dixon, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Jon and Andrew Landan, Neal Zucker, Linda Johnson Rice, Julie Latsko, Les Coney, Keene
Addington, Larry Wert, Shawn Baldwin, Justin Jacobson, Sheila King, Kristine Green, Tracy Schmidt, Wendy Krimins, Marco Larsen, J.P. Anderson, Katherine Tarbox, Abigail Tarbox and Laurie Davis. “As the world's best airline, our goal tonight was to showcase the full extent of our five-star service and invite the people of this great city to
fly with us to Doha and our many exciting destinations around the world,” said Al Baker. Qatar Airways is currently offering three non-stop flights a week between Doha and Chicago with plans to upgrade to daily service in June. For more info and flight schedules, please visit www.qatarairways.com. Oh, what a night! (To see ALL event pics, please click here!)

Recently, NYC was glittering with 1920’s pizzazz! The Jazz Age returned for one spectacular evening, summoned by Tiffany & Co. to ignite the Blue Book Ball. The champagne-fueled celebration was held in honor of the 2013 Blue Book Collection of Tiffany’s
most breathtaking jewels, inspired by the Roaring Twenties that transformed fashion and culture. The preeminent jeweler, then and now, designed the jewels that epitomized glamour and lit up posh Manhattan supper clubs. The sheer exuberance of this magical moment in American life pervaded Rockefeller Center, scene of the Ball that took place within a 31-foot-high Tiffany Blue Box covering the center’s famous 15,000-square-foot ice rink. In his remarks, Tiffany & Co.’s chairman and
CEO Michael J. Kowalski said, “The
Jazz Age was a time of great energy and creativity. All eyes looked to New York for the latest in music and style. As the city’s first great jeweler, Tiffany provided the diamonds for this nonstop party and, I am happy to say, we still do. So it is with pleasure and gratitude that we celebrate this memorable chapter in American life, in the city where it all began — and with our diamonds that are still the world’s most beautiful.” The 400 guests included
celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Carina Lau, Alice Eve, Poppy Delevingne, Peter and Harry Brant, Doutzen Kroes and Hilary Rhoda,
along with Carey Mulligan, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin (star, director/producer/co-writer and costume/production designer of “The Great Gatsby,” respectively). Guests disembarked at Fifth Avenue and proceeded along the promenade, which was bathed in Tiffany Blue, toward a beribboned entrance to an elegant supper club tailor-made for Jazz Age revelry. The seamless Art Deco setting, designed in a palette of chic gray tones, was lined with luxurious velvet drapes and laid
with carpeting in a striking starburst pattern. At the floor’s center, a towering tribute to the bubbly rose toward the ceiling on mirrored risers, with 240 glasses and 142 magnums of Moët & Chandon Imperial champagne. Surrounding it were elegant lounges
and banquettes arranged for dining in the style of a supper-club buffet, served amid lavish arrangements of white flowers. And trays of iPads for posting images on social media circulated like the cigarette trays of a previous era. (Was this a great idea or what?) Showcased in custom-designed vitrines were jewels from the 2013 Blue Book Collection that reflect Tiffany’s legacy of Art Deco design. Among them were diamond necklaces and drop earrings, platinum and diamond bracelets set in patterns
of a jazz composition or with great diamond fans unfolding on black enamel; a suite of voluptuous diamond flowers; and the rarest fancy color
diamonds — pink, orange, blue and green. Gemstones Tiffany introduced to the world included green tsavorite, pink morganite, lilac-pink kunzite and blue-violet tanzanite, Montana sapphires and luxuriant turquoise. The bronze-gilded statue of the Greek Titan Prometheus, a fixture of Rockefeller Center, served as backdrop to the stage and a full-scale, ‘20s-style revue. Backed by an orchestra, dancers in fringed and spangled “flapper” costumes reprised classic songs (“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”), complete with raucous renditions of the Lindy and
Charleston, and current pop hits (Rihanna’s “Diamonds”), followed by Broadway singer Megan Hilty with more standards from the American
Songbook. The singer led the finale, accompanied by aerialists that descended from above, trailing feathered headdresses and dancing in mid-air. On cue, a blizzard of silvery fine confetti brought down the curtain on a simply fabulous evening. It was a milestone in the history of New York and its legendary jeweler: the night Tiffany brought the Jazz Age brilliantly to life at the glamorous and euphoric Blue Book Ball. Three words, OH MY GOODNESS! Congrats to Tiffany & Co. on their continuing dedication to excellence in ALL things, including glamorous, over-the-top events like THIS one!

The DuSable Museum of African American History hosted “A Night of 100 Stars” recently at the South Shore Country Club. This lavish evening included exquisite food, stellar entertainment and an award
presentation with a sell-out crowd of more than 800 in attendance. Paparazzi’s flashbulbs illuminated the sky as guests walked the red carpet to indulge in “out-of-the-world” cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a lavish buffet and world-class
entertainment and towitness the presentation of the “2013 A Night Of 100 Stars Awards.” This year, five incredible Chicago women were honored during this annual black-tie celebration
of excellence, women who have made outstanding contributions to society, the city and to the world through their careers and civic engagement. The honorees were Mara Brock Akil (award-winning
television producer/writer), Barbara Bates (fashion designer/philanthropist), Michelle L. Collins (president, Cambium L.L.C.), Diane I. Primo (CEO, IntraLink Global) and Cymbrehona Warren (senior, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School). Serving as 2013 Gala chairmen were Nicole Johnson-Scales
and Sandy Reynolds. ABC 7’s Karen Jordan and Charles Thomas hosted the awards presentation. Committee Members included Lynne Bamford, Keiana Barrett, Sharon Bourne, Cheryl Bowman-McPherson, Deborah O. Brown, Florestee Buss E.D., Toiya Butler-White, Randall
Caldwell, Yolanda Collins, Valerie Corr Hanserd, Linda Crane Boyd, Dolores Cross Ph.D., Yolanda Daniel, Nicole Durham, Stanley Gilkey, Frances Guichard, Diana Hennington, Valerie Hill, LaWanda Holmes-
Williams, Delores Irvin, Lisa M. James, Zara Johnson, Grace LaJoy-Little, Sonya Lewis, Shirley Massey, Sandra McCollum, Adrienne McGee, Reverend James T. and Jamell Meeks, Lisa Newman, Pastor Smokie and Carla Norful, Joyce Owens, Darlene Pierre-Louis, Yvette
Powe, Sandra Rand, Cheryl Rayner, Toi Salter, Dona Scott, Gladys Smith, Valerie Stoudemire, Gail Swain, Dolores Thibodeaux, Wendy Walker Williams, Cheryl Whitaker, M.D., Cheryl Williams, Carole Wood, and Mary Ann Young.
Caterers included Beyond Events Catering, Bon Manger Catering, C’Est Si Bon, Fanfares Catering, Inc., Ja’Grill Catering, Josephine’s Southern Culture Cooking, Just Turkey of Homewood, Lenore’s Kitchen, Melon Express, Sinha Catering and The Parrot Cage. I always like to give credit where credit is due and the food was fabulous at this event! The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of
the oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Their mission is to collect, preserve and display artifacts and objects that promote understanding and
inspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans. For more information on the Museum and its programs, please call (773) 947-0600 or visit www.dusablemuseum.org. Congrats on another great event! (Photos by Jerome Simmons.)

Eighty-five Chicago-area girls ages 5 to 17 hit the catwalk on a mission to help other children for the third annual Girls’ Spring Fashion Show & Tea. The Comer Development Board, Frankie’s On The Park children’s boutique and
Rock Candy Salon & Spa teamed up to host this event with more than 250 parents, friends and supporters in attendance in the Women’s Athletic Club of Chicago’s elegant ballroom. The afternoon raised more than
$30,000 to support critical patient care programs and treatments at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. Celebrity stylist Eric Himel, who studied design under style guru Tim Gunn of “Project Runway”
fame, served as the show’s emcee. The fundraiser offers girls an exciting opportunity to help save and improve the lives of children suffering from serious illnesses. Now in its third year, this event continues to increase in popularity drawing a slate of young
models and guests from across the Chicagoland area. The show featured the latest in kids’ fashions from Frankie’s On The Park, a top Lincoln Park destination for trendy tweens and teens, who also donated 25% of its
proceeds from each outfit to Comer Children's Hospital. Rock Candy Salon & Spa was on hand to help each young model get runway ready. Other sponsors included Gene & Georgetti’s, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley
Design, Nancy Krause Floral Design & Garden Antiques, Lisa Schenkman Interiors, O'Neil Family Foundation, Fishman's Fabrics and Vineyard Bath Company. Congrats to all of the young models and generous donors who contributed to this wonderful charity event. (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Adversity and obstacles confront us all yet how an individual responds to life’s challenges was the sole focus of a special gala evening hosted by actress, artist and philanthropist Jane Seymour and award-winning director and producer James Keach. For the third year, the Open Hearts Foundation recognized some incredible people and organizations that are devoted to inspiring and supporting others. Jane Seymour was stunning in a
turquoise Pamella Roland gown (one of my fav designers!) and took the stage to kick off the event. Highlights included Marie Tillman’s speech. (She is the widow of fallen soldier and NFL star Pat Tillman; she was joined by her new husband, Joe Shenton.) She tearfully addressed the 300 attendees, while noting how Pat Tillman would have been so proud and that it’s remarkable how his life still has so much meaning. ESPN’s Hannah Storm, with 14-year-old daughter Ellery in tow,
spoke about her devotion to removing the stigma of disfiguring vascular birthmarks and empowering those affected by finding their inner beauty. She spoke candidly about her recent accident, which left her wondering if her career in front of the camera was over due to severe facial burns from the fire and the loss of her hair. An emotional video from former NFL great and ALS advocate patient Steve Gleason and his wife Michelle, set the mood for an
incredible evening. Eighties movie star Jonathan Silverman and wife, soap star Jennifer Finnigan, accepted the award on their close friends’ behalf. Gleason, who suffers from ALS, spoke via computer technology using only his eyes, leaving not a dry eye in the crowd. Bob and Lee Woodruff learned all too well that life can change in just an instant when Bob suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq in 2006. Due to recent developments in South Korea, Bob was unable to attend at the last minute but made quite the appearance via a heartfelt taped message while on
location. Former lead vocalist for The Calling, Alex Band, not only wowed the crowd with his hit “Wherever You Will Go” but candidly broke the heartbreaking news that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just six months ago, a surprise to all guests. Congrats to Jane and James for shining a light where it’s most needed. Keep up the wonderful work!

I’m getting so excited about tennis great Jimmy Connors’ upcoming autobiography, “The Outsider.” His wife Patti told me he’s looking forward to a book tour that sadly, for now, doesn’t include a stop in Chicago but I will keep working on them! Here’s Jimmy’s description of the book, “A lot has been written about me, my family, my on-court behavior and my off-court life. Some of it is true, well, you decide. This book is going to change
that. People may think they know Jimmy Connors. Maybe they do, but now it's time to set the record straight.” I just can’t wait, love him and love his darling family! The book will be available May 14th. To pre-order, please click here!

More than 840 guests helped raise $1.2 million in a night filled with glamour, baseball and community at the recent Bricks and Ivy Ball to benefit Chicago Cubs Charities. Cubs owners, managers, players, front office associates and fans gathered together at Navy
Pier’s Grand Ballroom to enjoy cocktails, dinner, silent/live auctions and live music by DJ Kasper K and his ‘70s dancers. Now in its third year, the Bricks and Ivy Ball has become one of the key fundraisers for CCC and supports numerous organizations and programs targeting youth sports access
and improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. As the program began, chairman Tom Ricketts addressed the Cubs’ commitment to supporting Chicago’s children through community outreach and charitable programming. “Our goal is to make life better for the youth and families of Chicago by doing our part to improve health, fitness and educational opportunities for those at risk,” said Ricketts.
“Whether it’s a hospital visit, holiday toy drive, serving lunch at a USO or Thanksgiving dinner to homeless teens, our team is there donating their time and resources.” During the evening,
CCC introduced a video featuring some all-star youth who have benefitted from grants, including Cubs Care grants, a McCormick Foundation Fund. Hannah Perez from Cubs Care RBI Fast Pitch Girls Softball, Isaac Diaz from Urban Initiatives, Aaron Ibarra from Midtown Educational Foundation and Devin Hall from Breakthrough Urban
Ministries all talked about how the Chicago Cubs are making a difference in their communities and their lives. The video also featured Cubs players Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija who interviewed the youth for the video. Congratulations on all you do Chicago Cubs Charities! For more info, please click here!

Mark your calendars for April 29th! Beloved diva Lynne Jordan returns to City Winery with her sexy bunch of The Shivers for a night of joyous entertainment and song. Tickets are only $15 to see this award-winning chanteuse sing with her incredible orchestra! For tickets and more information about this event, please call 312.733.9463 or click here!

Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah joined more than sixty friends, family and supporters recently at soon-to be opened West Loop eatery Kabocha (located at 952 W. Lake) to raise
awareness for his namesake charitable organization, Noah’s Arc Foundation. Guests sipped specialty cocktails and snacked on an array of tasty bites from Kabocha’s Chef Shin Thompson while mingling with the basketball star and his
mother/expressive art therapist/sculptor and foundation co-founder Cecilia Rohde. During a short presentation in which smiling faces of children at NAF-organized camps and
programs beamed from the screen, Noah reflected on the work his charity had done over its first two years. “When I think about those kids, they give me strength,” he said. Rodhe also said a few words, thanking partygoers and extolling the necessity of arts education and artistic expression for those children most in need. Noah’s Arc Foundation
was founded in 2010 by Noah and Rodhe to help engage children in positive self-expression through arts and sports. Guests in attendance got a sneak peek
at Kabocha, Chicago’s first Japanese brasserie. Hors d’oeuvres were modeled on dishes one can expect to find on the menu when Kabocha opens soon and included tuna and hamachi
tartare, Kabocha squash and corn soup and rabbit dumplings with Thai basil. Some notable names came out in support, including artist and author Beth O’Donnell (mother of Kabocha co-owner Ryan O’Donnell), Nancy Crown, Caroline Crown and “Check, Please!” creator and executive producer David Manilow.

Stay tuned for these upcoming May events: WTTW Gala featuring Emmy Lou Harris on May 1st; Steppenwolf Gala on May 4th; "The Dinner Party" with host Elysabeth Alfano on May 6th (I can’t wait to be on with Lin Brehmer, Sean Pharr and Nick Bowling); Alzheimer’s Gala on May 11th; Taste for the Arts at the Harris Theatre on May 14th; Shakespeare Theater Gala on May 17th; Goodman Theatre Gala on May 18th; Campfire Ball on May 18th; DePaul University Theatre School Gala on May 22nd; Merit School of Music Gala on May 23rd; my birthday on May 26th (!); and the Hubbard Street Dance Spotlight Ball on May 30th! Whew! We’re going to be very, very busy!

Hope spring is around the corner and I hope you have enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace!

Love, as always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I can’t wait to share an exciting documentary with you all soon! I’ve been working with Emmy Award-winning director and founder of Zacuto, Steve Weiss, to produce an inspiring story of an incredible family, the Herrick Family. You might know them as an Ambassador Family for Ronald McDonald House Charities but there’s so much more to learn! We can’t wait to share this heart-warming story with you, it will make you change the way you live in a very good way! Vanishing Point Films creator/editor Josh Orr will be collaborating on this dynamic and awe-inspiring piece. Stay tuned! #INSPIRING

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Tagged as 2013 A Night of 100 Stars Awards, 2013 Blue Book Collection, A Night of 100 Stars, Aaron Ibarra, Abigail Tarbox, Adrienne McGee, Akbar Al Baker, Alex Band, Alexi Giannoulias, Alice Eve, Alzheimer’s Gala, Andrew Landan, Anthony Rizzo, Barbara Bates, Baz Luhrmann, Beth O’Donnell, Beyond Events Catering, Bob Mariano, Bob Woodruff, Bon Manger Catering, Bricks and Ivy Ball, Campfire Ball, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carey Mulligan, Carina Lau, Carla Norful, Carole Wood, Caroline Crown, Catherine Martin, C’Est Si Bon, Cecilia Rohde, Charles Thomas, Check Please!, Chef Shin Thompson, Cheryl Bowman-McPherson, Cheryl Rayner, Cheryl Whitaker M.D., Cheryl Williams, Chicago, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Cubs Charities, Comer Development Board, Cymbrehona Warren, Dan Uslan, Darlene Pierre-Louis, Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, David Manilow, Deborah O. Brown, Delores Irvin, DePaul University Theatre School Gala, Devin Hall, Diana Hennington, Diane I. Primo, DJ Kasper K, Doha, Dolores Cross Ph.D., Dolores Thibodeaux, Dona Scott, Doutzen Kroes, DuSable Museum of African American History, Ellery, Elysabeth Alfano, Emmy Lou Harris, Eric Himel, ESPN, Fanfares Catering, Fishman's Fabrics, Florestee Buss E.D., Food for Thought, Frances Guichard, Frankie’s On The Park, Gail Swain, Gene & Georgetti’s, Girls’ Spring Fashion Show & Tea, Gladys Smith, Goodman Theatre Gala, Grace LaJoy-Little, Greg Hyder, Gwyneth Paltrow, Hannah Perez, Hannah Storm, Harris Theatre, Harry Brant, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley Design, Herrick Family, Hilary Rhoda, Hubbard Street Dance Spotlight Ball, Inc., Isaac Diaz, Israel Idonije, J.P. Anderson, Ja’Grill Catering, Jamell Meeks, James Keach, Jane Seymour, Jeff Samardzija, Jennifer Finnigan, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Biel, Jimmy Connors, Joakim Noah, Joe Shenton, Jon Landan, Jonathan Silverman, Josephine’s Southern Culture Cooking, Josh Orr, Joyce Owens, Julie Latsko, Just Turkey of Homewood, Justin Jacobson, Kabocha, Karen Jordan, Kate Hudson, Katherine Tarbox, Keene Addington, Keiana Barrett, Kristine Green, Larry Wert, Laurie Davis, LaWanda Holmes-Williams, Lee Woodruff, Lenore’s Kitchen, Les Coney, Lin Brehmer, Linda Crane Boyd, Linda Johnson Rice, Lindsay Avner, Lisa M. James, Lisa Newman, Lisa Schenkman Interiors, Lynne Bamford, Lynne Jordan, Mara Brock Akil, Marco Larsen, Marie Tillman, Mary Ann Young, Megan Ervin, Megan Hilty, Melon Express, Merit School of Music Gala, Michael J. Kowalski, Michelle Gleason, Michelle L. Collins, Moët & Chandon Imperial, Monika Dixon, Nancy Crown, Nancy Krause Floral Design & Garden Antiques, Neal Zucker, Nick Bowling, Nicole Durham, Nicole Johnson-Scales, Nina Mariano, Noah’s Arc Foundation, O'Neil Family Foundation, Open Hearts Foundation, Pamella Roland, Pastor Smokie Norful, Pat Tillman, Patti Connors, Peter Brant, Poppy Delevingne, Project Runway, Qatar, Qatar Airways, Randall Caldwell, Reverend James T. Meeks, Rock Candy Salon & Spa, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ryan O’Donnell, Sandra McCollum, Sandra Rand, Sandy Reynolds, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sean Pharr, Shakespeare Theater Gala, Sharon Bourne, Shawn Baldwin, Sheila King, Shirley Massey, Sinha Catering, Skytrax, Sonya Lewis, Stanley Gilkey, Steppenwolf Gala, Steve Gleason, Steve Koch, Steve Weiss, Taste for the Arts, The Calling, The Dinner Party, The Great Gatsby, The Outsider, The Parrot Cage, The Shivers, Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Blue, Tim Gunn, Toi Salter, Toiya Butler-White, Tom Ricketts, Tracy Schmidt, University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital, Valerie Corr Hanserd, Valerie Hill, Valerie Stoudemire, Vanishing Point Films, Vineyard Bath Company, Wendy Krimins, Wendy Walker Williams, Wherever You Will Go, World’s Best Airline, WTTW Gala, Yolanda Collins, Yolanda Daniel, Yvette Powe, Zacuto, Zara Johnson

April 4, 2013 · 11:59 am

COMMON’S ‘UN-COMMON’ STAR-FILLED FUNDRAISER

…PLUS ELDA’S ODE TO SPRING; BLUE MASQUE BALL; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO CELEBRATES 50; JENNY MCCARTHY’S “RESCUE OUR ANGELS”; ART INSTITUTE’S “NIGHT HEIST”; COOL, CHRIS AND FLORIDA PARTY IN MIAMI; JOE’S BAR WINS BIG; ULTA BEAUTY’S CARRIE AND MOLLY PARTY WITH NAOMI, KAROLINA AND NIGEL; PALM BEACH POLO ANYONE?; WONKA BALL; PUPPY MILLS BE GONE!; TEA AND FASHION WITH SARAH WOOD; MY TOP EVENT PICKS ON WGN-TV; A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was no wonder the Common Ground Gala was a sell-out at the Four Seasons on March 23rd! Who wouldn’t want to rub shoulders – or even be in the same room – with the legendary Earvin “Magic” Johnson and rapper-turned-actor-turned-author Common (aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn)? I was so excited to be covering this major event for my
Watch312.com show “Candid Candace Chicago” but was a bit surprised that there wasn’t more press in attendance for the VIP red carpet portion of the event. Mind you, I’m not complaining and in reality, this was reserved for the night’s honorees so I know they wanted to keep this
portion of the evening manageable. I was also surprised to see Magic Johnson not only arrive on time for the red carpet interviews but to arrive FIVE MINUTES EARLY! No wonder this guy is such a success: Besides being a Hall of Fame
basketball player and able to play every single position on the court, his business acumen is legendary. Presented by Coca-Cola, this third annual event honored Magic, Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, Quintin and Diane Primo and Tim Rand and Everett Rand and raised over $350,000. This colorful and inspiring group of honorees was selected based on their
service, impactful lives and unprecedented career success. Though honoree Gabby Douglas was unable to attend, she sent a video expressing how thrilled she was and concluded playfully with energetic footage of her family and friends doing the Harlem Shake. Emceed by ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and actor Lamman Rucker, the event was exciting from
beginning to end but perhaps the most breathtaking moment came when Magic raised more than $100,000 with a live auction package he donated in the first few minutes of the event. Cheryl Burton started off the bidding at $20K for seven floor seats to a Laker’s game, seven signed throwback jerseys and a private dinner with Magic. It sold three times for $90K with Magic adding
another $10K for an even $100K donation! WOW, right? Honorees Quintin and Diane Primo and Tim Rand and Everett Rand graciously accepted their awards and pledged their support to the Common Ground Foundation’s Summer Youth Camp. They praised
Common, highlighting his authenticity and commitment, noting how truly “uncommon” he is. Six teens from the Common Ground Foundation’s “Dreamers and Believers Mentoring Program” spoke movingly about how important and life changing the summer camp and year-round mentoring has been for each of them.
All proceeds from the black tie event benefited Common’s non-profit organization, the Common Ground Foundation (CGF). Additional attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Jim Reynolds (Loop Capital), co-chairs Les Coney (Mesirow Financial) and Juanita Jordan (Vanoy Jordan Enterprises), red capet host Michelle Releford (NBC 5), Andre Johnson (Magic Johnson Enterprises), Melody Spann-Cooper (WVON), Andrea Zopp (CEO, Chicago Urban League), Nina and Bob Mariano, Jeanne
Sparrow (co-host WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning”), Marc Brooks, Terri
Mariano, Tamara Brown and Derek Dudley among many others. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction reception (with a highlight being an ALL-access trip to the Grammys), live performance by Chicago Soul Centric (featuring Aziza Lisa), dinner and dancing. The evening was followed by an after-party at the Hard Rock Hotel.

In order to pay homage to honorees that have achieved success all while impacting communities in a significant way, the Common Ground Foundation began hosting the gala in an effort to highlight the accomplishments of key influencers and help fund the organization. Last year’s
event honored legendary and famous activist and actor Harry Belafonte as well as executive vice president of the Boeing Corporation James A. Bell, Chicago Bear and youth advocate Israel Idonije and CEO and founder of MillionDollar$cholar Derrius Quarles. “I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help, most of all to help people help
themselves. I always believed if we started with the youth, then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom,” says Common. Love this guy! To learn more about this incredible organization, please click here! To see ALL of the fun from this wonderful night, please watch my video below! Magic and Common give some great advice to Chicago’s youth and Magic tells us just what he thinks about Chicago so let me take YOU to the party!

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Beloved designer Elda de la Rosa presented her 2013 Spring collection, titled “La Vie en Rose,” on March 19th in the Avenues Ballroom of the beautiful Peninsula Hotel. Elda had been working hard for months getting her beautiful designs
ready for the runway and her hard work paid off as the SRO crowd oohed and aahed for every model who sashayed down the salon-style runway. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracy Tarantino, the event’s host committee included Jean Antoniou, Toni Canada, Diana Palomar, Dusty Stemer, Tracy, Tasia June Travlos, Moira Tuffy and
Marsha Brenner. Elda’s honorary committee included many politicos including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Heather Steans, State Rep Kelly Cassidy, Aldermen Patrick O’Connor and Harry Osterman and Committeewoman Carol Ronen. ABC 7’s Sylvia Perez, a longtime friend of Elda’s, served as emcee wearing a stunning blue Elda gown. I was thrilled to be a model along with Greg Hyder, Jean Antoniou, Diana Palomar, Patricia Gillman,
Moira Tuffy, Nancy Meyerson, Kathy
Burke and Minister Blaine Moulton. The evening began with a silent auction and reception in the Grant Park Room. At 8 p.m., the show began in the ballroom with Sylvia welcoming the crowd. She introduced Chanel style consultant Randolph Tovar who talked about his fashion inspirations and how style influences us. Then, the lights dimmed and the classic French song by Edith Piaf, “La Vie en Rose,” began to play. Sylvia repeated a line from the song, “When he takes me in his arms and speaks softly to me, I see life in rosy hues, he tells me
words of love, words of every day and, in them, I become something.” She went on to say, “A woman who wears Elda de la Rosa does indeed ‘become
something,’ something very special, gorgeous, beautiful and radiant.” And then the show began! Every woman was a star as she glided down the runway in her Elda creation. The finale was the gorgeous wedding gown worn by Jordan Stemer at her recent nuptials. All of the proceeds from the event benefited the programs and work of the Edgewater Development Corp., an organization dedicated to working with Chicago’s small business entrepreneurs. Congrats again Elda on a beautiful collection! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins and David Stephens…view more here!)

The Greek America Foundation presented its second annual Blue Masque Ball, a fundraising event to benefit charities in debt-stricken Greece, at the Blackstone Hotel on March 16th. This year’s honorary chairs
were Emmy Award-winning journalist Tom Negovan and his wife, Splash editor at the Chicago Sun-Times, Susanna Negovan. The couple brought years of support to local charities of the Greek America Foundation and Susanna was excited to support and honor her Greek heritage. The entire ballroom was transformed into a casino gaming floor with blackjack, craps and roulette tables dotting the room. All proceeds
from the ball, which brought together the best of traditional Greek Mardi Gras celebrations in Casino Royale style, benefited Project Hope for Greece. This is a new initiative launched by the Greek America Foundation to support a
wide range of accredited charity-driven institutions in Greece that are struggling to solve the problems of its people amidst the country’s worst economic crisis since World War II. Proceeds will be shared with various charities and organizations that have a proven track record of offering support to the country. Ellison Sunglasses CEO Aristotle Loumis served as the Young Professionals Chair. Celebrity guests included Constantine Maroulis of “American Idol” fame and
now performing in the musical “Jekyll & Hyde”; Christos Garkinos of
Decades and BravoTV’s new reality show “Dukes of Melrose” who was joined by Amanda Puck; Evangeline Goutelas of CITE Restaurant and Skyline Equities and Paula Fasseas of PAWS Chicago. DJ John Grammatis kept the lounge jumpin’ with nonstop music and
dancing. Founded in 1997, the Greek America Foundation’s mission is to “promote, preserve and perpetuate Greek culture, history and heritage in North America.” For more info on this wonderful non-profit, please visit greekamerica.org. Congrats Susanna and Tom!

Giordano Dance Chicago celebrated its BIG 50th anniversary at the Harris Theater with a Gala Benefit (presented by the Boeing Company) on March 23rd. Pam Crutchfield served as honorary chair for this
special event, with choreographer to the stars Liz Imperio serving as artistic chair. The benefit drew 275 people and raised $100,000 for GDC and their programs. VIP gala ticket holders began their evening with an intimate pre-show
backstage Signature Experience, including an in-the-wings champagne toast while viewing the final last-minute on-stage dancer preparations, followed by a backstage buffet dinner and conversation with artistic
director Nan Giordano, Crutchfield and Imperio. As a special treat, they also had the chance to be part of “Circle,” GDC’s inspirational pre-performance ritual, moments before the dancers took the stage. The performance featured the
premiere of Imperio’s “La Belleza de Cuba” plus works from the GDC critically-acclaimed repertoire. Each work was preceded by video introductions, created by HMS Media from recent and archival GDC video and photos, providing historical content and
illuminating the company’s extraordinary achievements. At 9:30 p.m., following the performance, gala attendees were escorted to the Pritzker Pavilion stage where they took in the dazzling view of Chicago’s Millennium Park nighttime skyline
while mingling with GDC dancers and alum, enjoying an exquisite buffet catered by Cork Catering and Special Events and listening to live music by the George McRae Trio. “We knew this golden anniversary celebration was going to be special but on so many levels the results far
exceeded our expectations,” says GDC artistic director Nan Giordano. “A lion’s share of the credit goes to our incredible benefit chairs and committee, who, along with our hardworking staff, selflessly poured their heart and soul into
this event. We are extremely grateful to everyone who joined us for this evening, the memory of which is something I will remember and cherish forever. It was an incredible tribute to my late father, Gus Giordano, and all who have supported us
throughout our 50 years.” GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in Chicago and one of the very few dance companies in the U.S. to have achieved this half-century milestone. This achievement was recognized on the cover of the March 2013 edition of Dance Magazine.

Televions star, model, actress and hometown girl Jenny McCarthy hosts the 6th Annual Rescue Our Angels event to support her nonprofit Generation Rescue, raise awareness of autism and generate funds to support families dealing with an autism diagnosis. McCarthy – whose son Evan has recovered from autism – is president of Generation
Rescue and an advocate for children with autism and their families. The exclusive party will feature red carpet arrivals for VIP guests, remarks by McCarthy honoring Chicago couple Michele and Pete Doyle (founders of the event) and an “experience zone” – a hands-on way for guests to better understand the sensitivities that children on the autism spectrum experience. In addition to McCarthy, more than 400 VIP guests are expected to be in attendance, including Jacqueline and Chris Laurita (“Real Housewives of New Jersey”), Doug
Clerget (“The Bachelorette”), Alexis Wineman (2013 People’s Choice Winner, Miss America), Colette Davis (open wheel driver), Heath Frisby (X Games snowmobile medalist) and Madi Wolf (singer). Tickets to the event are $100 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entertainment and access to a live auction of incredible prizes. A limited number of VIP booths are available for purchase, too. For tickets, visit rescueourangels.com or click here.

The Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago’s annual fundraising event, “Night Heist”, returns for its third year to the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court on April 26th from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Art Institute’s major exhibition Picasso and Chicago – a celebration of the work of Picasso, his connections to the city and his enduring influence. Event includes live music, entertainment, themed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. General admission tickets are $95 (price to increase after 4/19) and the VIP Night Heist Experience (includes a one-hour reception beginning at 7 p.m.) is $150. For tickets and more info, please click here!

Recently, Chris Brown, FloRida and Hennessy V.S put on a show at Dream nightclub in Miami, all to celebrate the birthday of super producer Cool, from Cool & Dre. Chris Brown hit the stage and performed a slew of his hits including, “Look At Me Now” and “No Bullsh*t.” The singer put on a complete show, showcasing his
signature dance moves and even showing off his rock hard abs. Rapper FloRida also hit the stage to celebrate Cool’s birthday and even helped lead the crowd in a “Happy Birthday” chant for the producer. Cool, huh? 🙂 (Photos by Humberto Cruz…view more pics here!)

Chicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s Modern Vintage Chicago spring installation will return to the West Loop’s Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington) on April 20th and 21st. Recognized as one of the top three vintage shows in the country, this bi-annual event comes just in time to add vintage flair to spring and summer wardrobes that will turn heads! Offering the
best selection of jewelry, clothing and accessories vendors from across the Midwest, as well as Atlanta, NYC, Texas, Minneapolis and Philadelphia for men and women, this event is not to be missed! Among its 90+ vendors, new to the Market this year is the talented, Danielle Colby of “American Pickers” fame. Danielle will bring her vintage wares from her Wicker Park boutique, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, as well as perform with her burlesque troupe, Burlesque Le’Moustache. For more info, visit modernvintagechicago.com, call 312-666-1200 or email info@modernvintagechicago.com.

The SPRING AWAKENING Fashion Show didn’t herald the advent of spring but it did provide a beautiful night inside the warm greenhouse at City Escape Garden Center & Design Studio in the West Loop recently.
Hosted by Benjamin Cottrell and Shari Duffy, this event offered VIP guests the opportunity to stroll the gardens during the champagne reception, shop City Escapes’ unique gifts and listen to the sound of Miss Heart Illinois 2013,
Marisa Buchheit. The show opened with a performance by the Candid Concert Opera Company as models strutted the runway in designs by Stix & Roses, LH Couture, Tres Haute Chic, Just Class Jewelry and StyleUp Girl
Shoes. World renowned cellist Ian Makin serenaded the models down the garden inspired runway. A portion of the proceeds benefitted Chicago Gateway Green. TCW Magazine was the media sponsor. (Photos by Jun Nagano.)

Congratulations are in order for Joe’s Bar on Weed St. (940 W. Weed St) owner Ed Warm: His Chicago venue – known for hosting some of the biggest names in country music – has just been named Nightclub of the Year by the Academy of Country Music!!!
Warm, whose keen ear for emerging talent has earned him immense respect within the Nashville music scene, is also taking home honors as Promoter of the Year. (This is the third time Joe’s has been named Nightclub of the Year but the first win for Warm as Promoter of the Year.) Huge congrats on these much deserved wins! (The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 7th).

Talk about a dream job! ULTA Beauty Director of Public Relations Carrie Lannon and ULTA Beauty Director of Trend Development Molly Sloat partied with supermodel Naomi Campbell
and Nigel Barker in New York during the filming of their hit show, “The Face.” (The finale episode was March 26th.) I sure hope to see this cool model driven show return soon! The show, hosted by Nigel Barker, followed three supermodel coaches (Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova and Naomi) as they
competed with each other to find “the face” of ULTA Beauty. Carrie and Molly worked with Nigel, Naomi, Coco and Karolina and appeared on the final episode as they chose the winner of the show: Twenty-one-year-old Devyn Abdullah from Team Kurkova became the first Face of
Ulta Beauty! She will appear in its ads, go to Fashion Week and make personal appearances in ULTA Beauty stores. Congrats to Devyn, Carrie and Molly! If you need an assistant, you know who to call!

And now for some exciting news from Palm Beach! The USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship is a four-week, 26-goal tournament that will finalize its 10th Anniversary Season at the International Polo Club. The
action began on March 31st and will continue on April 7th, 14th and 21st, showcasing the world’s most elite, high-goal players and the finest polo ponies. As one can imagine, the celebrity line-up is impressive and will include heartthrob Antonio Sabato, Jr., Emmy Award winner Liz Calloway, actress Ann Hampton Callaway, American Idol’s Brooke Eden and a perfect “10”
Bo Derek. Country music star Lee Greenwood will
perform “God Bless the USA” before the final match on April 21st. This high-goal polo action takes place every Sunday through April 21st, with tickets starting at $10 for general admission and up to $120 for box seating. Tickets for the lavish Sunday brunch at The
Pavilion and its reception start at $65 going upward to $330 for the Veuve Clicquot brunch package for two. Tickets can be purchased online at InternationalPoloClub.com or by calling 561.204.5687. Anybody up for a few good chukkers? 🙂

The Puppy Mill Project is proud to be honoring the “Mothers in the Mills” at their annual fundraiser on May 11th at John Barleycorn River North (149 W. Kinzie) from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The evening will raise awareness about the cruel and inhumane conditions that dogs endure in puppy mills. Chicago fan-favorite band, Out of Control, will perform, a buffet dinner will be served, and guests will enjoy a silent auction and live raffle. This benefit is held annually on Mother’s Day weekend to honor and bring attention to all female (mother) dogs held captive in the mills who are forced to breed until they are no longer profitable to the breeder. The mission of TPMP is to educate the public about puppy mills, while advocating for legislative reform and facilitating the rescue of mill dogs. “The proceeds from the Mothers in The Mills benefit will
educate and expose the truth about this cruel and inhumane industry that people are unknowingly supporting when purchasing pets through pet shops, the internet and newspaper ads,” says founder Cari Meyers. “We will never stop fighting for the freedom of the mill dogs.” I wish them the best of luck. Tickets are $100 per person ($125 at the door) and can be purchased here.

About Face Theatre celebrates its 17th year with a three-ring party of entertainment at the Wonka Ball 2013: Circus Maximus
on April 26th beginning at 8 p.m. (For those interested, a Ringmaster’s VIP cocktail party begins at 7 p.m.) AFT’s premier fundraiser, hosted by About Face board members Benjamin Sprunger and Billy Lullo, combines the surprising delights of the Big Top with
the inspired grandeur of this year’s venue, Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood). For tickets ($135) and more info, please visit aboutfacetheatre.com or call 773.784.8565.

Don’t miss “Hats Off to Girls We Love,” a tea and fashion presentation hosted by the dynamic Sarah Wood benefitting the Wood Family Foundation on April 27th at 2 p.m. at Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Author Cynthia Bardes will be a special guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for kids up to age 12. For more info, please click here or call 312-924-9234. (And I can’t WAIT to tell you what Sarah and Kerry are planning for August! OMG! They are both heroes at giving back! 🙂

Thanks so much to WGN-TV for having me on to discuss my FIVE top event picks for April! I won’t tell but hope you’ll watch it here! Thanks to my sweet friend Marissa Rudman for this clip – just love her!

Don’t miss the latest edition of A Perfect Event’s E-Mag – Debi Lilly has done it again assembling the best of the best to contribute to her beyond beautiful magazine! I’m so proud to have an
article (“Things Our Mothers Taught Us”) included! This Mother’s Day feature offers words of wisdom from the mothers of comedian Tom Dreesen,
philanthropist and football star Israel Idonije, television star/author/designer Nate Berkus, super chef Art Smith, shoe god Brian Atwood and media darling Val Warner. I’m not one bit surprised why these special people became who they are – it’s advice everyone can use! Congrats to contributors Amanda Puck, Eric Himel, Matt Savage, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Elaina Vazquez and Corey Amaro, among others. ALL great reads here (my article appears on pages 26 & 27)! And a special thanks
to friend/artist Rosemary Fanti for this wonderful image of my mom Elsa Stott and me in South Beach where some of our best memories happened! She was my best friend. 🙂 (Check out more pics here!)

And, last but not least, I was so thrilled to be interviewed on Vocalo/NPR radio by Shantell Jamison for her (ahem) “Wise Woman of the Week” segment…I know, I know. Hear it here, if you want!

Hope you all have spring in your hearts even if it isn’t here in reality and I hope you enjoy this week’s Candid Candace!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to the Peninsula Chicago and Greg Hyder on the fabulous party held in honor of Conde Nast Traveler’s special April feature, “The Grand Tour of Asia.” As always, it was a perfect event! (Want to see more pics? Just click here!)

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Tagged as 4 Miles 2 Memphis, 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, A Perfect Event’s E-Mag, ABC-7, About Face Theatre, Academy of Country Music, Alderman Harry Osterman, Alderman Patrick O’Connor, Alexis Wineman, Amanda Puck, American Idol, American Pickers, Andre Johnson, Andrea Zopp, Ann Hampton Calloway, Antonio Sabato Jr., Aristotle Loumis, Aziza Lisa, Benjamin Cottrell, Benjamin Springer, Billy Lullo, Blue Masque Ball, Bo Derek, Bob Mariano, Boeing Corporation, Brian Atwood, Brooke Eden, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Candid Concert Opera Company, Cari Meyers, Carrie Lannon, Chef Art Smith, Cheryl Burton, Chicago Bears, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Soul Centric, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Urban League, Chris Brown, Chris Laurita, Christos Garkinos, City Escape Garden Center & Design Studio, Coca-Cola, Coco Rocha, Colette Davis, Committeewoman Carol Ronen, Common, Common Ground Foundation’s Summer Youth Camp, Common Ground Gala, Conde Nast Traveler, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Constantine Maroulis, Cool, Cool & Dre, Corey Amaro, Cork Catering and Special Events, Cynthia Bardes, Dance Magazine, Danielle Colby, David Stephens, Debi Lilly, Decades, Derek Dudley, Derrius Quarles, Devyn Abdullah, Diana Palomar, Diane Primo, DJ John Grammatis, Doug Clerget, Dreamers and Believers Mentoring Program, Dukes of Melrose, Dusty Stemer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Ed Warm, Edgewater Development Corp., Edith Piaf, Elaina Vasquez, elda de la rosa, Ellison Sunglasses, Elsa Stott, Eric Himel, Evangeline Goutelas, Everett Rand, FloRida, Gabby Douglas, Generation Rescue, George McRae Trio, Giordano Dance Chicago, Grammy Awards, Greek American Foundation, Greg Hyder, Gus Giordano, Hard Rock Hotel, Harry Belafonte, Hats Off to Girls We Love, Heather Frisby, Hennessy V.S, Humberto Cruz, Ian Makin, International Polo Club, Israel Idonije, Jacqueline Laurita, James A. Bell, Jean Antoniou, Jeanne Sparrow, Jekyll & Hyde, Jenny McCarthy, Jim Reynolds, Joe’s Bar on Weed St., Jordan Stemer, Juanita Jordan, Jun Nagano, Just Class Jewelry, Karolina Kurkova, Kathy Burke, La Belleza de Cuba, La Vie en Rose, Lamman Rucker, Lauren Holly, Le’Moustache, Lee Greenwood, Les Coney, LH Couture, Liz Calloway, Liz Imperio, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Loop Capital, Madi Wolf, Magic Johnson Enterprises, Marc Brooks, Marisa Buchheit, Marissa Rudman, Marsha Brenner, Matt Savage, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Melody Spann Cooper, Mesirow Financial, Michele Doyle, Michelle Releford, MillionDollar$cholar, Minister Blaine Moulton, Miss America, Miss Heart Illinois 2013, Modern Vintage Chicago, Moira Tuffy, Molly Sloat, Nan Giordano, Nancy Meyerson, Naomi Campbell, NBC 5, Neiman Marcus Northbrook, Nigel Barker, Night Heist, Nina Mariano, NPR, Out of Control, Pam Crutchfield, Patricia Gillman, Paula Fasseas, Peninsula Hotel, People’s Choice Awards, Pete Doyle, Picasso and Chicago, Puppy Mill Project, Quintin Primo, Randolph Street Market, Randolph Tovar, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Rescue Our Angels, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Sally Schwartz, Sarah Wood, Senator Heather Steans, Shantell Jamison, Shari Duffy, Splash, Spring Awakening Fashion Show, State Rep Kelly Cassidy, Stix & Roses, StyleUp Girl Shoes, Susanna Negovan, Sylvia Perez, Tamara Brown, Tasia June Travlos, TCW Magazine, Terri Mariano, The Bachelorette, The Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, The Grand Tour of Asia, Things Our Mothers Taught Us, Tim Rand, Tom Dreesen, Tom Negovan, Toni Canada, Tracy Tarantino, Tracy Travlos, Tres Haute Chic, Ulta, USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship, Val Warner, Vanoy Jordan Enterprises, Veuve Clicquot, Vocalo, Watch312.com, WCIU, WGN-TV, Wise Woman of the Week, Wonka Ball 2013: Circus Maximus, Wood Family Foundation, WVON, X Games, You & Me This Morning, ZZAZZ Productions

February 18, 2013 · 1:01 pm

MCA’S ARTEDGE: A WONDERFUL CASE OF SENSORY OVERLOAD

…PLUS HAMBURG BALLET; CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR; A BIBLIOPHILE’S DREAM; GUESS WHO WON A TELLY?; LEGENDARY LANDMARKS; WOMEN’S DAY AT CHICAGO AUTO SHOW; MISERICORDIA’S GOLD MEDAL WINNER; CRYSTAL HEART BALL; EVENING IN BLOOM; QATAR COMES TO CHICAGO; BUNKY SEES RED AND FUCHSIA; WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) hosted its annual artEdge fundraising benefit on February 2nd with more than 500 guests in attendance at this never-to-be-forgotten, over-the-top with creativity
event. Chicago’s art lovers, performance enthusiasts and philanthropists gathered at the MCA Warehouse for an evening of factory flair and unique performances, raising $900,000 for MCA
programming. Known for its unfettered imagination and thought-provoking events, this year’s artEdge was no exception as the MCA presented an interactive and full-sensory experience where guests were taken on
a journey and transported into a revolutionary, working factory. Notable Chicago attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Amy Rule, MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn, Tom Shapiro, MCA Board Chair King Harris and wife Caryn, MCA Trustees Marilyn and Larry
Fields, MCA Trustee Cari Sacks, MCA Trustee Mary Ittelson, MCA Trustees Lois and Steve Eisen, MCA Deputy Director Janet Alberti, MCA Trustees Stefan Edlis and Gael
Neeson, artists Theaster Gates, Kerry James Marshall, Dawoud Bay and Kara Walker, Chef Michael Kornick and wife Lisa, EXPO Chicago’s Tony Karman and wife Sondra, Sylvie Leger and Todd Ricketts, Neil Bluhm and Johnson
Publishing CEO Linda Johnson Rice. On a chilly Chicago evening, attendees began their journey by entering through the back alley of the MCA Warehouse, arriving at the destination’s loading dock. Upon
entering, patrons traveled upstairs to the second floor, where chain link walls and mechanical sounds guided guests into the factory. Awash with rich lighting of yellow, red and orange, the fantastic factory featured graffiti walls by Chicago
artist Hebru Brantley. artEdge co-chairs Anne Kaplan, Anita Blanchard and Martin Nesbitt and Susan and Michael Canmann greeted guests and playfully draped them with “caution” tape, preparing them for the evening of factory fun as they punched in timecards for entry. The space
featured three different rooms and each held a distinctive dining experience for guests. Throughout the evening, guests dined buffet-style and enjoyed a variety of delicacies from Jewell Events Catering served by factory workers wearing gloves and navy
blue factory coats. The first room guests arrived in – the Chain Link Room – featured scrumptious hors d’oeuvres of onion rings, fried mushrooms, pub chips and popcorn cleverly attached to chain-linked walls. Patrons were treated to an ensemble of performers, hanging high above on
chains and entertaining guests with their impressive theatrics. Jyldo and Peter Taub, MCA Director of Performance Programs, curated all performances for the evening and they were awe-inspiring with a touch of the risqué which had many guests popping out
their cell phones to record the incredible imagery. The show-stopping crowd, dressed uniquely in industrial chic cocktail attire, entered the Cafeteria Room, which featured a spinning “turn table,” where guests could sit while dining on tins of
macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes with chipped beef and tuna casserole. The highlight of the room was the “dry cleaning rack,” which featured an oscillating rack of assorted meats and cheeses hanging from hooks that guests were able to both admire and eat.
After experiencing the Cafeteria Room, guests continued the adventure, arriving in the Corrugated Room where performance troupes amused guests with sporadic, spirited performances on an illuminated stage. The Corrugated Room included a
buffet wall with an assortment of salads including cumin and carrot salad, Mediterranean faro salad and kale and Brussels sprout salad as well as a variety of soups served in trashcan-inspired containers. Following the dining hours, groups traveled downstairs to the first floor, for a special concert performance from indie pop and soul group, Fitz and The Tantrums.
Before the performance, MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn gathered the co-chairs on stage for welcoming remarks, thanking them for
their dedication and support to the museum. An extravagant lighting display and distinct guitar chords signaled the arrival of Fitz and The Tantrums to the stage. The lively performance featured the band’s signature tunes and had guests dancing, Dancing, DANCING! During the concert performance, guests enjoyed
a Rubber Bar and dessert reception, featuring a special “donut wall” that had to be seen to be believed: Created cleverly with pegboards, the “donut wall” was a favorite among attendees and included four different types of donuts. The VIP Rubber Bar doubled as an apothecary, with
oversized jars filled to the brim with gummy bears, peach rings and different flavors of licorice. It was an evening I’ll never forget and was one of the best parties I’ve ever attended. Gala co-chairs, MCA staff and Heffernan Morgan’s Bill
Heffernan collaborated to create this magical evening and were inspired by the fact that this venue was indeed at one time a factory, so they brought it back to its original roots in grand style! Kudos to the co-chairs and to the MCA –
they always kick it up a notch for each and every event. All proceeds from this hugely successful factory-inspired fete will support MCA programming. Don’t miss any of their events, check out their website here! (Additional photos by Mila Samokhina.)

The internationally-acclaimed Hamburg Ballet made its highly-anticipated Chicago debut at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance performing the full-length ballet, “Nijinsky.” Created
by John Neumeier, the company’s director and chief choreographer for the past 40 years, this touching ballet had the sellout crowd enthralled. Before opening night, the Harris Theater Board of Trustees held a
special pre-performance reception to welcome the company to town as it launched its 2013 U.S. Tour. The visit was a homecoming for the Milwaukee-born Neumeier, who spent time in Chicago learning about dance as a young student. Dance supporter Mayor Rahm Emanuel was in attendance to join in the
welcoming festivities with theater board members, theater president and managing director Michael Tiknis, as well as dignitaries, Consul Generals and officials representing six countries. The opening night performance received a standing ovation from the audience and rave reviews from critics. (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)

I loved seeing the Chicago Children’s Choir perform in the blockbuster theater production of “Sita Ram” recently at the Harris Theater. And now, under the direction of president and artistic director Josephine Lee, they
participated in a 10-day tour of India, with stops in Delhi, Agra, Jaipur, Chennai and Bangalore for concerts presented by the Jaipur Literature Festival and the U.S. Embassy. “Chicago Children’s Choir is proud to serve as global ambassadors of our great city and the country,” said Lee. “These children are truly the Voice of Chicago and this tour gave them the opportunity to experience the rich
culture of India while exhibiting the power of music to unite people through our performances and exchanges.” Throughout India, 45 singers from the world-renowned Concert Choir showcased music from “Sita Ram,” the organization’s world musical based on the ancient Hindu epic “Ramayana,” and performed selections from their diverse
repertoire spanning classical, world, gospel and popular music. In addition to scheduled performances, the Choir conducted workshops with children from The Salaam Baalak Trust, a non-profit that provides support for street and working children in inner cities of New Delhi and Mumbai. The Concert Choir is the most advanced Chicago Children’s Choir ensemble, with children ages 12-18 selected from thousands in Chicago Children’s Choir Programs throughout the city. (For more info, please visit www.ccchoir.org.)

If you love books, you should know of this wonderful international bookseller, Books Tell You Why. Established in South Carolina in 2002, this company is one of the leading sources for rare and autographed books. I was honored when they asked to interview me for their book blog. (Read here!) I never get tired of reading and talking about rare books and love the wonderful stories surrounding great finds: A copy of Edgar Allan Poe’s first book, “Tamarlane,”
was found in a Goodwill shop and recently, a young man cleaning out his deceased grandfather’s library came across a signed copy of “Frankenstein” by Mary Shelley, whose signature is rarer than hen’s teeth! It’s a fun hobby and this is the website to check out to get started yourself!

I hope you are all fans and followers of my Watch312.com show, “Candid Candace Chicago.” Our most recent video covers a hilarious night of comedy at “Laugh Out Loud” with Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and darling former Bear Jerry Azumah! Their famous friends came out to support them and it’s all captured
here on my show! I'm also very excited to report that one of my show segments won a TELLY AWARD (Tellys honor the very best film and video productions, groundbreaking online video content, and outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs!!) (See the award winning segment here!) Congrats to my Watch312.com editor Josh Orr (check out his scary Vanishing Point films here!), Watch312.com executive producer Bill Natale and crack cameramen Alonzo Stallings, Fred Jackson and Abe Pina! More to come!!!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=N5bmo1OTqfFnDjEh-GbTPCkYrl-QF5ZI&version=2

The 2013 Legendary Landmarks Celebration will honor Leslie Hindman, John W. McCarter and Target at the Four Seasons Hotel on March 7th. The evening will begin with a cocktail reception followed by dinner, a live auction and an awards ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. in the Ballroom. Honoree Leslie Hindman founded Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
in 1982 and for the past three decades, she has remained a constant force behind high profile auctions. My personal friendship with Leslie began when she discovered a Van Gogh painting in an attic; I attended the auction (did NOT buy the Van Gogh) and we've been friends ever since. She is not only an amazing businesswoman but she is loved by all who know her. (Leslie will be presented by John H. Bryan.) As president of the Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, honoree John W.
McCarter has served the museum for the last 16 years. He is a fellow of the American Academy of the Arts and Sciences and serves on many high-profile boards. McCarter graduated from Princeton University, has an
MBA from Harvard Business School and also attended the London School of Economics. (John will be presented by Kim White.) Minneapolis-based Target Corporation opened its first store in 1962 and today serves guests at nearly 1,800 trend-forward discount retail stores and at Target.com. Target entered the Chicago market almost 20 years ago and today has 11 stores within the city limits and more than 50 in the metropolitan area. (Target will
be presented by Marty Stern.) The Chicago Sun-Times' Bill Zwecker will serve as emcee and the event will be co-chaired by Joseph Antunovich and Janet Rotner and the celebration committee includes Madeline Gelis, Shelley Gorson and Karen Prieur. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Landmarks Illinois Preservation Heritage Grant Fund, which has made more than 80 grants providing essential assistance for the revitalization of historically and architecturally significant properties. Hope to see YOU there! For tickets and more info, please click here or call 312.553.2000.

Congrats to Oak Park native and Misericordia Heart of Mercy Home resident Patrick McCarthy: He recently won a gold medal for speed skating in the Special Olympics! His gold came in the 777m speed skating category and he also
won a bronze medal in the 500m and finished fourth in the 333m, while attending the Special Olympics World Games from January 29th through February 5th in South Korea. On February 2nd, Patrick was seeded fifth out of sixth in the 777m races. In the semi-final he skated 11 seconds faster than his personal best, finishing in first place and advancing to the finals.
While competing against speed skaters from Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Austria and Hong Kong, Patrick was able to shave off an additional four seconds for a personal best finishing in first place to win a gold medal! Olympic gold medal-winning American speed skaters Apolo Ohno and Dan Jansen were both on hand to congratulate Patrick’s Team USA and skate a unified relay race. The 23-year-old has been a resident at Misericordia Heart of
Mercy Home since 2010. The Home, located on the north side of Chicago, supports more than 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Patrick, who has Down syndrome, has been an active participant in Special Olympics since he was eight years old and is a member of the Misericordia Special Olympics team in aquatics,
athletics, golf, basketball, and power lifting. His career on the ice began in August of 2000 with the Tomahawks, a special needs hockey team sanctioned by Amateur Hockey Association Illinois. Patrick began speed skating to improve his hockey skills but soon discovered his love of the sport and began competing one year later. (He currently trains with the Evanston Speed Skating Club.) Huge congrats Patrick and to learn more about Misericordia Heart of Mercy, please click here!)

The Chicago Auto Show was THE place to be this year for Women’s Day on February 12th. Hundreds of women came out to peruse the latest auto trends and attend the inaugural Women Driving Excellence event.
This first-time networking event was hosted by Debi Lilly, Elisa All, Jill Salzman, Barbara Rozgonyi, Saya Hillman, MJ Tam and Beth Rosen and presented by Broadway in Chicago, Cars.com,
RedEye, Chicago Tribune and Monika Dixon PR. It was a chance to mix and mingle, sample spa and wellness services and enjoy the show. I was honored to be included as one of the speakers for its Women Driving Excellence presentation that also included
Anupy Singla (celebrity author and entrepreneur and Chicago Now blogger), Corri McFadden (E-DropOff founder), Genevieve Thiers (Sittercity founder/serial entrepreneur), Karen Weigert (the Mayor’s Chief Sustainability Officer) and Luvvie Ajayi (The Red Pump Project co-founder). Every
speaker was inspiring and had incredible stories to share about how they “start, accelerate, fuel and steer others to excellence.” The event also included a Broadway in Chicago “I Love Lucy” stage performance. I will treasure my award and this special day shared with inspiring women – congrats to all! Darling reporter LeeAnn Trotter summed up the event perfectly here in her NBC coverage below…thanks for being there, LeeAnn!

http://media.nbcchicago.com/assets/pdk449/pdk/swf/flvPlayer.swf?pid=PEe98WS9IYL6

Little Company of Mary Hospital’s Foundation hosted its 23rd annual Crystal Heart Ball on February 2nd at the Field Museum featuring the Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts exhibit. The emcee was Little Company of Mary’s very own Patrick Elwood
(Fox 32 Chicago). More than 830 guests danced the night away to the music of the Indigo Orchestra while perusing more than 200 rare, sparkling artifacts including elaborate jewelry, ornate weaponry, royal costumes, and stunning artwork of the “great king,” the Maharaja. This premiere gala raised more than $467,000 for “Values, Vision, Innovation: the
Campaign for Little Company of Mary Hospital.” The Mary Potter Humanitarian Award was presented to Harmony, Hope & Healing (HHH) and accepted by its founder, Marge Nykaza. (HHH is a non-profit organization that provides creative, therapeutic and educational music programs, offering spiritual and emotional support to
homeless and underserved women, children and men in the Chicago area.) The Sister Nancy Boyle Award for Excellence was presented to The Cancer Center’s Integrative Therapy Department of Little Company of Mary Hospital. Susan Arnold, R.N., B.S.N., M.S., Director of Patient Care Services, accepted this honor on behalf of the Integrated Therapy team. Dr. Irving and Shirley Fuld chaired the
fundraising event along with their co-chairs, Mr. Matt and Mrs. Mary Ellen Filosa. They presented four cash raffle prizes as well as a raffle prize of an 18-karat gold agate yellow sapphires and white diamonds bracelet won by Matt Kavanaugh. The grand prize cash raffle of $15,000 went to Francis J. O’Donovan. For more information on Little Company of Mary’s Foundation Department or to learn how you can donate, please visit www.LCMH.org/foundation.

“Evening in Bloom,” an exclusive first-look preview event of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show opens on March 8th. The event is from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. in Festival Hall at Chicago’s Navy Pier and heralds the arrival of spring in the city. The theme of
the 2013 Chicago Flower & Garden Show is The Art of Gardening. The show opens to the public at 10 a.m. on March 9 and runs daily through March 17th. A portion of the proceeds from “Evening in Bloom” benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit
organization dedicated to greening and beautifying Chicago’s neighborhoods, gateways and expressways; Peterson Garden Project, a volunteer non-profit organization committed to teaching people how to grow their own food; the Kendall College Charitable Trust, a nonprofit
organization dedicated to providing support for students of need enrolled full time in the school’s culinary, hospitality, business and education programs; and Special Olympics Chicago, which provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The preview event
will showcase nearly two dozen stunning display gardens, as well as original artworks in a variety of forms. Guests will have an opportunity to meet several artists, whose works will be shown during the event. As they mingle in the garden “gallery,” guests will sample fine wines and a variety of hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants as well as enjoy a garden-themed regional cake competition on the closing day. For tickets ($125 each) and more info, please visit www.chicagoflower.com.

Drum roll please: And the Chicago Interior Design Firm of the Year issssssssss…CANNON FRANK! In a contest sponsored by Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine and the Design Center at the Merchandise Mart, Cary Frank and John Cannon’s creative company won top honors! Congrats on your wonderful partnership, both professionally and personally! 🙂

Bunky Cushing did it again! For his 20th annual Valentine’s Day Tea held in the Greenhouse at the Ritz-Carlton, more than 100 of our town’s movers and shakers turned out in force to celebrate with this beloved Chicago
icon. For the first time, the invite offered guests the option of dressing in either fuchsia, pink or red as opposed to the previous “Ladies Please Wear Red” request. This annual tea – now privately known as the “Red Heart 100” – has been called “one of Chicago’s most sought-after-invitations” by Harper’s Bazaar. Attendees included Mary Pat Burns, Sharyl Mackey, Sherry Lea Holson, Lynda Silverman, Robin Segesta, Laurie
Davis, Nina Mariano, Toni Canada, Myra Reilly, Hazel Barr, Jean Antoniou, Stacie Mickelson, Eileen Weinberg, Felicia Winiecki, Diane Edelman, Greg Hyder, Dan Uslan, JP Anderson, Sherrill
Bodine, Megan McKinney, Rochelle Trotter, Mary Ann Rose, Darby Hills, Tina Weller, Cathy Bell (newly engaged!), Sheree Valukas, Amalie Drury, Rebecca Besser, Martha Wallace, Ann Wallace and Heather Farley Ingram among others. Bunky has been a fixture on the city’s philanthropic
scene for as long as I can remember. He hosts annual fundraisers that benefit the Howard Brown Clinic as well as the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. The Chicago Tribune has called Bunky “an arbiter of style for the
crème de la crème of Chicago society,” and Vogue has called him “Chicago’s social tugboat.” He has been associated with Ralph Lauren for more than 25 years as a consultant, his time with the company taking him to
New York, Miami, and finally settling in Chicago in 1990. His weekly column, “Squire of Society,” is not to be missed! Thanks for all you do Bunky! (To see ALL pics from this always amazing event, please click here!)

On April 10th, Qatar Airways will officially honor Chicago as its newest gateway! A VIP host committee met recently at the Waldorf for a luncheon to learn more about this five-star airline and what their plans are for our fair city. I was happy to learn that they plan on becoming involved in the communities, spreading some love to our local
charities while increasing their visibility. Qatar’s Rebecca Jelfo welcomed the group and said, “This partnership with Chicago will bring an estimated $250 million and thousands of jobs to the community.” I was honored to
be a part of this committee who also included Israel Idonije, Christopher Clinton Conway, Linda Johnson Rice, Les Coney, Alexi Giannoulias, Lindsay Avner, Sheila King, Tracy Schmidt, Wendy Krimins, Greg Hyder, Kedzie Schotters, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Jon and Andrew Landan, Neal Zucker, Julie Latsko, Shawn Baldwin, Keene Addington, Angela Schoenhard, Justin Jacobson, JP Anderson, Katherine and Abigail Tarbox and Laurie Davis among others. Welcome to Chicago, Qatar…this will be the beginning of a beautiful friendship!

A Drink With Chicago is hosting a charity comedy event on February 19, at The Laugh Factory, located at 3175 N. Broadway. Co-founder Kelly Kane and Hillary Sawchuk will be interviewing the comedians on stage as well as over a drink, of course! Proceeds will benefit Rescue Our Angels which raises funds for families in need to receive autism treatment. Jenny McCarthy's Generation Rescue Foundation will then distribute the funds raised through their grant program. For tickets and more info, please click here!

“Night of the Matador” will be held on February 23rd from 9 p.m. to midnight at Tavernita, located at 151 W. Erie. This event – themed “Old Spain” – will benefit the Equestrian Connection, which is one of the largest therapeutic riding centers in the country. Treating more than 300 children and adults with disabilities, this charity improves the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing by providing equine therapeutic programs. For tickets, $40, and more info, please click here!

Get your poker face on! The Little City Foundation and Spex – Chicago’s favorite stop for luxury eyewear – will co-host “Seeing Hope Together” on March 9th at the Hard Rock Hotel. This exciting poker tournament and casino night will support children and adults with autism and developmental disabilities and include an eyewear trunk show, all-night lavish buffet, open bar and swag bags! Spex Director of Marketing Michael Caputo and Little City Executive Director Shawn Jeffers hope to see YOU there! For tickets ($150), and more info, please click here!

“Cameron Rocks On!” will be held at Rockit Bar & Grill, located at 22 W. Hubbard on March 14th. Join honorary co-chair Antonio Romanucci and The Friends of Cameron for a night of fun and heart-felt giving to help kids with disabilities as they raise funds to provide care for Declan Keddy, whose Irish heritage inspired the event. The night will also support the Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Patient Emergency Fund as well as the Pediatric Hydrocephalus Foundation. For tickets ($125), and more info, please click here!

I know there are a lot of Oscar parties planned but the one I’ll be attending will be at PUBLIC Hotel (located at 1300 N. State Pkwy.) hosted by GlossedandFound.com’s Graham Kostic, Monika Dixon, Alexis Cozzini, Jessie Kalin and Darnell Robinson. From 6:30 to 10 p.m., enjoy the Academy Awards in style with champagne and hors d’oeuvres plus a chance to win a Best Dressed Award! Tickets ($50) are available at the door or online here!

That’s it for this week! Hope you’ve enjoyed this edition of Candid Candace and I hope you’ll follow me on Twitter (@CandidCandace) and Facebook (Candid Candace)! And don’t miss my Candid Candace column every week in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine!

Love, as always!
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to Chicago entrepreneurs and dynamic chef duo, Marc J. Sievers and Ryan L. Sievers, who competed on – and won – the Chicago episode of “Bobby’s Dinner Battle” on the Food Network! Woot woot!

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January 7, 2013 · 9:47 am

A LOVE-FILLED CELEBRATION HONORS STEVE STARR AT HIS 45TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

…PLUS MR. PLAYBOY MARRIES RUNAWAY BRIDE, CHICAGOLICIOUS STAR PARTIES IN STYLE, HIP HOP STARS ON NYE, UNTITLED BASH, CHICAGO AUTO SHOW’S FIRST LOOK, NPHM’S KEITH MAGEE HONORED, THE JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER, TELEMUNDO IS LOOKING FOR ONE GOOD VOZ, THE WHITE HOUSE SCENE WITH HYDER, BRANDT, KEHOE, SCHWARTZ AND VARNES AND KING, STRIKE A POSE WITH THE CUBS’ DAVID DEJESUS, THE BEARS’ BRANDON MARSHALL SIGNS FOR CHARITY, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

A month to the day…it just wasn’t fair that we lost beloved photographer Steve Starr so close to the event he had been anticipating and planning for over a year. His Face of the News exhibition was to be the
biggest event of his life and the 45th anniversary of his Steve Starr Studios. I’d never seen him more excited: Everywhere he went, he had the familiar brown flyers in his pocket (no one escaped without one) and he stayed up even later than usual, planning and calling his friends to
get their approval on this or that aspect of his party. It was a joy to see him so happy – not that he wasn’t always this way – I never saw him without a huge smile on his face or his iconic camera around his neck, which he
told me he felt naked without. He had created a huge black leather binder with SSS in big silver letters on the front that he used to collect all of his thoughts and ideas and when he left us all too soon, it was this leather binder and the fact that he had
been working with Margaret O’Connor for most of the year that helped his friends decide that the show must go on…and that, indeed, it COULD go on just as he had wanted. With only a month to put this big event together, it was a
daunting task but with a very motivated committee, it all came together on 12/12/12 in the most beautiful way at the Murphy Auditorium. A sell-out crowd of more than 300 guests oohed and aahed over the elegant black and gold décor by Judy Ippolito Floral & Event Décor (Steve’s
favorite color combo, of course!) as well as his extensive collection of more than 200 images of media stars from all over the world that he’d met throughout the years. The walls couldn’t accommodate ALL of his beautiful photos but I hope, as Steve had hoped, that his collection will be placed in a museum or somewhere special in Chicago sometime soon, perhaps the Harold Washington
Library. I was thrilled to serve as a host
for the evening with Bill Zwecker, who was the emcee. As guests arrived, they were met by the Clark Kent Greeters who looked suspiciously like Starr himself with the black framed glasses and reporter Amy Jacobson who was
dressed as Brenda Starr. (Steve had jokingly told Amy that he felt that Brenda Starr was his first cousin.) He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always telling tales about himself that would make
you howl with laughter. When asked how old he was, he would always say 120. I wish this could’ve been the case. Fashion designer Mark Roscoe played a big role in the evening, too, creating a
Newspaper Couture Collection modeled by “The Four Women of the World” – Lily’s Talent Agency models Candice Hill, Aya Jackson, Cynovia Potts and Laura Silva. I couldn’t believe his designs were made entirely out of paper! Beloved milliner
Loreta Corsetti created dramatic head pieces to match (also of paper) and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks designed exquisite jewelry using Neiman Marcus boxes to match the Roscoe designs! These looks rivaled the hottest designer gowns and were drop-dead gorgeous!
Crooner Steve Biossat performed along with Spider Saloff (who Steve adored) and The Headliners. A cello/piano duo by iAN&ANi and a sensuous tango number by Liz Sung and Jorge Niedas completed the evening as
Steve had wished. Illustrator Rosemary Fanti was on hand to capture the guests’ special memories on this night and legendary pianist/orchestra leader Stanley Paul presented selections from “The Great American Songbook” that
featured music from the ‘30s and ‘40s, Steve’s favorite era. Stanley had also produced a wonderful video featuring Steve’s beloved museum-quality collection of Art Deco frames holding images of classic film stars. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of
the last photo taken of Steve by renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski. His black-and-white montage of Steve in various poses captured his essence perfectly and brought gasps of appreciation from the crowd upon the unveiling. As guests departed, loaded goody bags assembled by superstar committee members Paul Iacono and Jennifer
Sutton were handed out. These were some of the best gift bags I’ve seen in a long, long time…with a lot of the expenses coming out of their own pockets: Paul even found the most perfect black and gold bag with a star on the side to hold gifts, which included a DVD of Steve at a recent book signing, his signature star votive candle holder, a bottle stopper in the shape of a globe,
sweets, a tin of mints with a tuxedoed man on the front (that Paul had to fill by hand!), an elegant program book and so much more! Margaret O’Connor and Leonard Mogul served as co-chairs with a committee that also included Chris and Frances Renk, Rich Varnes, Amy
Wimer, JP Anderson, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Michael Kutza, Lynn McMahan and Rich Gamble among others. Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino (whose ZZAZZ Productions produced the show), Brenda Arelano,
Rose Mandel, Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Leah Chavie, Anna Fong, Leslie Hindman, Shari Duffy, Joey Majumdar, Carter Cortez, Stephen Wright, Carmen C. Rivera, Amie Hana, Jennifer Bridgeforth,
Catherine Carey (The Murphy), Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Benjamin Cottrell, Frost Lighting and so many others. It was truly a labor of love made even more special by Steve’s family
who were in attendance. They included his loving sisters Adrienne Ingebritsen and Bobbi Weiss, who delivered moving speeches about their dear brother, as well as Michael Weiss, Samantha Pitello, Lori Zaitz, Faith
Godfrey and Lenny Weiss. An after-party continued at the Drake Hotel, as there were still so many memories to share. Steve will never be forgotten and will always be missed. RIP Steve…you’re making the angels smile now. (Photos by Jon Recana and Amie Hana…for more pics from this event, please click here and to view a video from this event, please see the media below!)

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New Year’s Eve was a very big night for King of the Bunny Hutch’s Hugh M. Hefner (86) and his (former) “Runaway Bride” Crystal Harris (26). Before Hef’s annual NYE party at the Playboy Mansion, a few guests and family joined together in the grand reception foyer for an intimate wedding ceremony. The bride was resplendent in pink (a signature color in the world of Playboy Playmates) and even their King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, was
decked out in a mini tuxedo. A harpist played “As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca” (Hef’s favorite film) as well as “Because You Loved Me” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Hef’s brother Keith (a recently married man himself) served as his best man. The day of the ceremony, Crystal tweeted to her more than 500K followers, “Today is the day I become Mrs. Hugh Hefner. Feeling very happy, lucky and blessed.” Following the ceremony, Hef tweeted, “Love that girl!” and then the newlyweds joined the revelers in the ginormous tent in the backyard for a dual wedding
reception/NYE party. Guests included Gene Simmons, Jon Lovitz and Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney among others. On December 19th, Crystal’s best friend and business partner Ashley Matthau threw her a bridal shower in their new lingerie boutique in Studio City, Femme Fatale. The party
combined Crystals’s two favorite things: Disney and Christmas. “We really love Disney. We are huge fans. We go to Disneyland together a lot. My favorite movie is ‘The Little Mermaid’ so she [Ashley] got me an Ariel-themed cake,” Crystal told Us Weekly. I wish Crystal and Hef the very best and hope they have a long love-filled life!

Another exciting New Year’s Eve event, Chicago Empire, took place at the hot River North venue Untitled! Produced by Justin Jacobson’s Platinum Events, this party attracted more than 500 fashionables to this 17,000-square-foot
space and was the scene of exciting entertainment including The Gold Coast All-Stars! This 11-piece band, founded by Danny Chaimson, had the crowd whipped into a frenzy. As a solo artist, Chaimson performed across the country headlining the hottest clubs and opening for legendary acts like Etta James
and The Neville Brothers, as well as current favorites like O.A.R., Eric Hutchinson and Jem. Dapper VH1 reality star Justin Ross Lee was also on hand to add to the excitement. Justin, an internet personality/sensation, is based in Manhattan and has been featured in The New York Observer and The New York Post among many other publications due to his many
escapades around the globe. His jet-setting style and party adventures always land him in the press including a recent first-class encounter with Ashley Olsen in Star Magazine as well as a face-to-face with Brad Pitt which was also recounted in the press. He’s a charming character with a darling girlfriend, Regina Brauer, and I hope to
see them again soon! (Check out his Pretentious Pocket site! Very cool stuff!) It was fun co-hosting the evening with this social scenester and NBC’s Marcus Riley and I was thrilled to be there covering the action for my Watch312.com show, too. (Stay tuned!) Untitled boasts six rooms, all with different vibes, and was packed with party people who enjoyed the hot
mixes of DJs Flaco, Wags and Iman Amy Danielle while hip-hop artist Marcas "Mr. Robotic" Harris brought screams of delight from the crowd. The invite suggested Prohibition-era wear and many of the guests were decked out in this attire inspired
by the venue. The night included multiple open bars, appetizers and the prerequisite noisemakers and hats. I was thrilled that my handsome cousin Alexander Groce and his beautiful girlfriend Jenny Davison could attend, too! I saw so many familiar faces and it was a joy to ring in the New Year with friends like Marco Foster, Andrea Dres, Leonard Mogul, Danielle Davis, Misty Callahan, Shelley Howard, Liz Abraham, Nicole Townsend (wearing an exquisite Borris Powell gown) and so many more! (Click here for more fun pics!)

One of my favorite reality shows is Chicago's very own Chicagolicious! The lovable bunch of characters at AJ's Salon in the West Loop has had me laughing, crying and raising my
eyebrows ever since its premiere on the Style Network on 6/11/12. And any party hosted by the show's star has GOT to be a blast and, indeed it was when celebrity hairstylist AJ Johnson co-hosted NYE with legendary music man
George Daniels at Eclipse, a multi-million dollar luxurious restaurant and lounge at 2554 W.
Diversey. The party featured the hot sounds of Timbuck2 and the lovely DJ Nikki as well as a lavish buffet, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors and some of Chicago's sexiest, stylish and most sophisticated movers and shakers! Check out the pics here of AJ and his fun-loving friends! So happy this show has been picked up again! More HAIR-raising adventures to come! (Photos by Donna Binbek Photography…see more pics here!)

And for fans of hip hop, here’s some NYE news from Atlanta: Young Jeezy celebrated 2013 in style at the Hennessy V.S. New Year’s Eve Takeover Party at Compound, a dance club in the city’s Homepark neighborhood. Jeezy, arriving in a white Rolls
Royce and wearing a blue embroidered jacket, partied alongside club promoter Alex Gidewon and some of the sexiest ladies in town. Simultaneously in Miami, hip hop recording artist Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. (better known as T.I.) rang in the
New Year at LIV, a nightclub on Collins Avenue in SoBe. The “King of the South” performed a medley of his hits for the crowd that included his latest from his top selling album, “Trouble
Man: Heavy is the Head.” Other guests included T.I.’s wife Tiny, actor Evan Ross, Houston rapper Slim Thug and Jonathan Cheban. (Photos by Prince Williams and Thaddaeus McAdams.) And, if you care, Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated NYE in St. Barth's with his Ciroc Vodka at Sea bash on a yacht.

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity Gala announces its move to Friday, February 8th and a new and improved start time of 7 p.m. at McCormick Place! This
black-tie gala has generated more than $34 million for charities since its inception in 1992. This year, these 18 Chicago area charities will benefit from the more than $2 million expected to be raised: 100 Club of Chicago, Boys and Girls
Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, The Cradle Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Franciscan
Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, JDRF, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital), March of Dimes, Misericordia, Respiratory Health Association, Special Olympics Illinois, Spina Bifida Association of
Illinois and the Jesse White Tumbling Team. More than 9,000 guests are expected to attend this world-class event that provides an elegant, inaugural look at the annual Chicago Auto Show and will boast more than 1,000 new vehicles,
dozens on display for the first time anywhere. Those in attendance will also have a chance to win two new vehicles: a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (courtesy of Hyundai Motor America and Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai dealers) and a 2013 Buick Encore (courtesy of Buick and Chicagoland Buick-GMC
dealers). Guests will enjoy a coordinated feast themed around some of the world's greatest cities and live entertainment by American English and the cast of the smash Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.” Tickets are $250 and tuxedo attire is mandatory. For more information, including the complete list of charities and how to purchase tickets, visit www.FirstLookForCharity.org. To check out the First Look at last year's Auto Show on Watch312.com, please see below.

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A huge congrats to National Public Housing Museum’s executive director Keith Magee on being named by Chicago Reader as one of 25 extraordinary Chicagoans! He has been tireless in his efforts to
create a National Public Housing Museum in the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes. In the article (by Sam Worley), Magee explains, “This museum has been around in concept for 15 years. Deverra Beverly still lives
in the Robert Brooks Homes, and serves on the board of commissioners on the Chicago Housing Authority. She and public housing resident Beatrice Jones were talking about Chicago's Plan for Transformation, and that they were tearing down traditional
public housing. She said, ‘What are we gonna do? How are our grandchildren and great-grandchildren going to know that we existed as a community?’ I went and I saw the building and I closed my eyes. I could hear the children in the playgrounds and I thought about all of the stories and all of the lives. That building – the Jane Addams Homes opened in '38 – was predominantly occupied by
people of European descent, and by 2002 it was predominantly occupied by people of African descent. I thought about what it looked like from Jewish to
Polish to Italian to African-American, every race and ethnic group having some kind of footprint in this space. And I got it.” He sure did GET IT and we’re so glad he did! This will be great, not only for Chicago but for the world. If you would like to learn more and how you can help, please visit www.nphm.org. Congrats Keith on all of your good work!

I never tire of The Joffrey Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" performance! Nothing puts you in a holiday mood like watching these graceful dancers glide across the stage in exquisite costumes with magical, breathtaking
stage sets. This year's 25th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner, hosted by The Women’s Board, was held on December 15th at the Palmer House Hilton in the State and Grand ballrooms. More than 650 guests attended
the biggest family dinner thus far for an enchanting evening that featured entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and of course, a thrilling performance
of Robert Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” (Guests had the option of attending the matinee or evening performance.) Children enjoyed decorating toe shoes, cookies and nutcrackers as well as LEGO
designs. Artists were on hand to personalize Nutcracker t-shirts and The Great Frankini, Frank Glab, delighted the children with his juggling and magic tricks. Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, along with co-chairs Laura Kofoid and
Carol Stone, welcomed the crowd. Tiny bells had been placed at each table setting and guests were asked to join in singing "Jingle Bells" to start the festivities. The next Joffrey event will be Pointe of Departure on February 7th. DON’T MISS IT! (For details, please visit www.joffrey.org.)

Are you between the ages of 7 and 14 and ready for your close-up? NBC Universal’s Telemundo Media kicks off a nationwide casting call for its much-anticipated global hit singing competition “La Voz Kids” (The Voice Kids) and the Chicago auditions will be on January 26th and 27th! To register, visit www.lavozkids.com or call 1-855-VOZ-KIDS OR send an email to castings@lavozkids.com! The show is
slated to air in the spring on the Telemundo network! The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music AND a scholarship!! (If only I were 10 with a good voice! Sigh…) Good luck to all participants!

On December 31st, more than 650 Chicago social notables came together to celebrate New Year’s Eve for the second annual Entrepreneur’s Eve at the Alder Planetarium. A stylish and philanthropic group showed up to raise a glass, have a dance and try their
luck to benefit the H Foundation, a charitable foundation committed to raising funds to cure cancer in partnership with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Cor Strategies welcomed guests to the Adler for an evening under the stars. VIP guests experienced a swanky seated lounge with
Hennessy Black cocktails carefully created by Chicago’s very own Benjamin Newby. After a bit of liquid courage, guests grabbed friends to dance in one of the Alder’s full-size theaters, staged as a private club for VIP attendees. General admission also delivered an exceptional NYE experience
with full open bar, champagne and a dance floor under the glass ceiling of the Adler – which offered out-of-this-world skyline views of Chicago and the perfect spot to watch the NYE fireworks over Lake Michigan. All in attendance had access to the museum’s exhibits, the cigar lounge and casino, to name a few.
Throughout the night, a group of top DJs kept the crowd moving, including DJ DOLO, DJ Will Galvan, DJ Matt Roan (Crossfader King), DJ Yours Truly and #EE12’s headliner, DJ Zeke Thomas. When all was said and done, Entrepreneur’s Eve raised almost $70K for H Foundation…what a great way to start of 2013! For more info, please click here. (Photos by Mateo)

Join some of our town’s most beloved peeps as the Palmer House’s David Brandt, the Peninsula’s Greg Hyder and Kehoe Designs’ Tom Kehoe present the Master’s Program & Brunch at VenueSIX10, located at 610
S. Michigan) on January 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s program and discussion will take you behind the scenes of the most demanding and intricate event of 2013: the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Join these darling event chairs – some of Chicago’s top event planning ring leaders – as they welcome former White House director of events, Laura
Schwartz of White House Strategies, as they shed light on what really goes on during a presidential family dinner? Just how friendly is the Secret Service? What are presidents typically like with event staffers? How can you bring the inauguration’s seamlessness and level of service to your events? For tickets ($225) and more info, please click here!

Sports stars helping others is the theme for these next two events starting with Chicago Cubs newcomer David DeJesus! He and wife Kim are keeping busy in the off-season by preparing for their upcoming fundraiser
on January 17th at the River East Arts Center to kick off Cubs Convention weekend. Strike a Pose will feature Cubs players past and present and their wives walking the runway in a variety of fashions from the 900 N. Michigan Shops. Besides DeJesus, participants will include Kerry and Sarah Wood, Darwin and Lindsey Barney, Shawn Camp, Tony Campana, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, Anthony Rizzo and so many more! The David DeJesus Foundation will be donating all proceeds from the event to ALS research in honor of a close friend. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 773.404.CUBS.

And on January 14th, Chicago Bear Brandon Marshall will be signing autographs and memorabilia at Ziegler Auto Group, located at 1230 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg. A portion of the proceeds will support Project Borderline, Brandon’s foundation that fights the stigma, spreads the word, educates and advocates for borderline personality disorder. (For more info, please visit www.projectborderline.com.)

So proud of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy student, Evan Brightfield! He created this “Rahmfather” gift for Mayor Emanuel who actually LIKED IT! As you can imagine, it’s not easy to please the “Rahmfather” but Evan and his dad figured out a way to do it! Very cute and very clever, Evan…and congrats!

A Silver Lining Foundation (founded by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in 2006) celebrated the holiday season with the Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party on December 13th. Guests gathered at Frontier
Chicago Restaurant and partied for a purpose. CS Magazine and TCW Magazine co-sponsored the event. Special guests included former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion Otis Wilson and former Houston
Texan Robert Mackey. The Naughty or Nice event is the first of a series of Auxiliary Board events to support ASLF's Buy a Mom a Mammogram program, which successfully raised awareness among attendees of the need for uninsured women to have access to cost-free mammographies. The enthusiasm and
commitment in the room was electric! The goal of future events is to raise funding to provide potentially lifesaving testing for at least 20 women at one of the foundation's 10 partner hospitals. (To learn more and find out how you can help, please click here!)

A special thanks to photographer Mila Samokhina for including me in a recent
article in Reklama, one of Chicago’s most
popular newspapers! I’m also thrilled to be a contributor to A
Perfect Event e-Mag, the most
gorgeous digital magazine I’ve ever seen, presented by the uber talented Debi Lilly! Click here to read the
latest issue
and make sure to check out pages 230 through 233! 🙂

I hope your New Year is off to a great start and here’s hoping we can spend more time together in 2013!! Love and thanks for your support this year and every year!

Love always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And under the “Thrill of a Lifetime” category, huge congrats and thanks to Rich Varnes, Cynthia King and their darling daughter Eleanor King for letting me see the White House at Christmas through their eyes! What an amazing story with such beautiful photos! To read about their fabulous holiday adventure, please
click here!

P.P.S. Please help me congratulate dear Alexis Mattera on her upcoming marriage to
her longtime love, Scott Silberberg! Alexis has been a part of this blog from its very inception and I couldn’t
do this without her! Thanks and congrats for all you do and for your happy impending
plans! Love you so, Lex…release the doves!

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November 9, 2012 · 10:36 am

DOMINIC DIFRISCO: BELOVED HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION GETS HIS “WAY”

…PLUS MCGRATH’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE GALA, COLUMBIAN BALL CELEBRATES OLD AND NEW, TCW MAG’S HALLOWEEN BASH, CHEF ART “TARTS IT UP” FOR ERIC, STEVE STARR’S “FACE OF THE NEWS,” WCIU’S “YOU & ME IN THE MORNING” IS MOVIN’ ON UP, A PERFECT HOLIDAY E-MAG PLUS NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was a great day in Chicago on Saturday, November 3rd when beloved Dominic DiFrisco, a champion of Italian-Americans and a cultural torch bearer, was honored with his own street! More than 60 fans, friends and family congregated at the corner of Astor and Schiller to join Dominic, his wife Carol, daughter and son-in-law Nina and Bob Mariano, and Alderwoman Michelle Smith as she unveiled “Honorary Dominic DiFrisco Way.” The Alderman read Dominic's extensive bio and cited how he's been a bridge builder in Chicago for not only the Italian-American community but for all ethnic and religious communities. Dominic is president emeritus of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans – an organization founded on the principle that Italian-Americans and Americans from all backgrounds should be able to preserve their heritage – while also pursuing the American Dream without prejudice. Dominic spoke eloquently about his goal for Chicago to be a beautiful mosaic and not a melting pot. Monsignor Kenneth Velo and Father George Clements were on hand and spoke of Dominic's many social and civic efforts while his grandson Pasquale Gianni brought the crowd to tears with his tribute. The party moved on to Gene & Georgetti’s for a two-hour love fest and Italian feast! Friends on the scene included Marion and Tony Durpetti, Terry “Whitey” Pearson, Jamie and Tess Gabala, Mark O’Malley and so many others. It was a fitting day for a man who makes a difference. Love and congrats, Dominic…keep up the GREAT work! (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)

McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago’s by-invite-only grand opening on October 24th brought out hundreds of fans and friends to this magnificent dealership, seven years in the making. You could see this 50,000-square-foot space for miles before you actually arrived thanks to the ginormous rotating Hollywood lights out front! Inside, it was so beautiful that even if it wasn’t a dealership, it could easily double as an event space or grand art gallery; in fact, the first event held there was for the Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails,” which McGrath Acura co-owner Kristina McGrath also co-chaired. During the festivities, speed painter Elliott From of Artbeat Live created an impressionist painting of the dealership that was presented to the family. Co-owner Mike McGrath’s sons, Kevin and Mike Jr., were on hand with their families as well as glam wife Kristina and her equally gorgeous twin sister, Korinna Isselhardt. Hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Dan Uslan and produced by Platinum Events, the grand opening was planned as a way to thank their loyal customers that have been doing business with the family’s six other dealerships over the course of the past 62 years. Key executives from Honda were in attendance as well as McGrath Executive VP of Sales John Mendel and GM of Westmont McGrath Acura Ken Girard. Glen Missner (Missner Group) built the dealership, the first of its kind in the country using the newest designs from Acura and state-of-the-art technology. Michigan Avenue Magazine president and publisher Dan Uslan paid tribute to the McGraths in a moving speech which highlighted their importance in the community. He said, “Trust takes many forms. Few people can say they unilaterally trust someone. The same person you trust in business is not necessarily the same one you'd trust with your money, spouse or reputation. But the McGraths are those rare people that you can feel good about trusting in every way. They've created a personal brand for themselves and business that's enviable. Their reward has been loyalty amongst their friends, business partners and customers. Others want to do right by them simply because the McGraths are so genuine.” Located at 1301 N. Elston and situated on the river, the dealership has hundreds of new Acuras, pre-owned and certified vehicles, many of which were artfully displayed on this special night. Guests seen at this gala celebration included Justin Jacobson, Paul Iacono, Margaret O’Connor, Nina Mariano, Kerry Bowler, Jennifer Sutton, Heather Farley Ingram, Toni and Rick Canada, DC Crenshaw, Larry Wert, Marco Foster, Tonya and Adam Stevenson, Grace and Zack Napolitano, Toni and Ed Mallof and Lynn and John McMahan among many others. Congrats to the McGraths and their dedicated employees! When I do the math, I always choose McGrath!

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The Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation welcomed more than 425 guests, including prominent business and civic leaders, for its Eighth Annual Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Friday, October 12th. Guests at the elegant black tie event enjoyed a cocktail reception with live music by Oncore Productions, followed by a lavish dinner catered by Radisson Blu. Special remarks were given by Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) chairman Martin Stern, who welcomed guests and thanked them for continued support of the Foundation’s programs, which include the award-winning Pop-Up Art Loop storefront gallery initiative and annual Art Loop public art commission. The fun continued into the evening as guests filled the dance floor and enjoyed live music by Hey Jimmy! The gala co-chairs were Turner Construction Company business development manager Bill Burfeind, Chicago magazine publisher and GM Rich Gamble, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University chief development officer Judie Moore Green and Merchandise Mart Properties VP and GM Bill Noonan. Additional distinguished guests at the event included 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner Gabe Klein, Broadway in Chicago president and CLA vice-chairman Lou Raizin, Choose Chicago VP for cultural tourism and neighborhoods Melissa Cherry, Pressure Washing Systems president and founder Bill Mologousis, and CLA interim executive director Laura Jones. Lead sponsors for the Eighth Annual Gala were Presenting Sponsor Pressure Washing Systems and Silver Table Patrons BMO Harris Bank, Columbia College Chicago, Gensler, theWit Hotel and Turner Construction Company. The event raised more than $175,000 in support of the Foundation and its ambitious efforts to develop and promote artistic, cultural and public events wit
hin the Loop. (And speaking of the Chicago Loop Alliance, huge thanks to Philip Barash (CLA Director of Marketing and Development) for choosing me to record the holiday greetings for its “Lightscape” installations on State Street! Listen for a familiar voice on that great street beginning November 24th ! 🙂 Ho! Ho! Ho! (To view more images, please click here!)

On Saturday, October 20th, the Museum of Science and Industry held its 32nd annual Columbian Ball. From the fascination of the famed White City of 1893 to groundbreaking, high-tech exhibits, this year’s ball celebrated the spirit of innovation that has always been within the museum’s walls and part of its rich history. Nearly 900 guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing co-chaired by Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin and Christina and Ron Gidwitz. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also an honorary co-chair of the ball. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the co-chairs and – a special addition this year – by the Anybot QB2, a remote-controlled robot. The décor took guests back to the Columbian Exposition with lights strung between the museum’s balcony levels and historic images of the museum from the fair projected on the massive marble walls, giving the rotunda a spectacular glow. An acrobatic artist spun and twirled from a sheet of silk hanging from the ceiling. The museum’s Science Storms exhibit was open throughout the evening for guests to enjoy. In the museum’s Rosenwald Court, novelties from the fair (including two large paintings and a six-foot-tall vase) from the museum’s collection were displayed. A virtual tour took guests through the fair’s grounds and various buildings. On the adjacent side, technology ruled with current and future innovations featured. Guests interacted with robots (like the Anybot QB2 and NAO) and since spray paint was invented during the fair, guests paid homage to the invention by expressing their creativity on a “digital graffiti” wall. The party then adjourned to a heated tent on the museum’s front lawn (courtesy of Party Time Productions) with event décor by Heffernan Morgan Ronsley. Tables were adorned with camellias and white roses with historic images of the Museum projected on white, fabric sculptures. A live auction raised $242K, which included eight exciting packages including a deep sea diving expedition in Hawaii with world-renowned marine engineer, Graham Hawkes. The ball raised more than $2.2 million to support the museum’s vision. The evening ended with entertainment provided by the Steve Biossat Orchestra. For more info about the Museum and upcoming events, please visit www.msichicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl and JB Spector…click here for more pics!)

Can you imagine how much fun a costume party would be if you saw Grant DePorter dressed as Harry Caray, Sherren Leigh as a witch, Corri McFadden as a skeleton, Bob Graham as the Joker, Cindy Burns as Cleopatra, Shari Duffy as a Hooters girl and Paul Iacono as a mime?! Well, this was exactly the scene for TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party at the Cultural Center on October 30th. The “Pumpkins on Parade” silent auction was a huge hit with highly creative offerings from some of our town’s VIP’s including Barbara Bates, author Brad Thor, Grant DePorter, artist Rosemary Fanti, Cassandra Gaddo, Greg Hyder, Mellody Hobson, Sherren, RJ Melman, Corri McFadden, Andrea Metcalf, Roe Conn and Richard Roeper, Chef Devon Quinn, Hedy Ratner, Laura Sage, Tim Smithe, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Mario Tricoci, Rich Varnes, Maria Wynne and moi. (My funkins were courtesy of my uber creative girlfriend, Tissy Eggleston!) Catered by Paramount Events, the evening also included delicious mini white cheddar cheese/fig jam sandwiches, lobster salad on cornbread and seared tuna on a wonton crisps. Comfort food stations included hot dogs, BLT’s and meatloaf sandwiches and the “skull” cake donated by TipsyCake was a crowd favorite. More than 200 guests attended this spooky fundraiser that raised a little over $45,000 for the Today's Chicago Woman Foundation 501(c)(3) charity and its 2012 30 For 30 Campaign. TCWF will give grants to 30 area charities that assist women and children in need. (The 30 charities will be featured in the 2012 December issue.) Spooktacular guests included Cece Gonzalez and Melinda Joseph, Kathleen Henson, Carrie and Harry Hightman, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Maria Zec, Erica Strama, Ryan Beshel, Jason Erkes, Holly Hughes, Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, WGN’s Erin McElroy, Bill Shipley and Frank Holland among many others. (Check out more fun pics here!)

And speaking of Halloween, there is nothing like a party in Old Town and, particularly, there is nothing quite like a party at Lucy Wojtas and Steve Weiss’ house! Their home is the talk of the town and it’s decorated inside and outside for Halloween, much to the delight of their constant parade of trick-or-treaters! For the party, hostess Lucy was dressed as Elvis…complete with a white cape, oversized sunglasses, a huge “diamond” ring and, of course, a microphone that never left her hand. She stayed in character for the entire evening and made the night so special for everyone, especially her adoring husband. Her sister, Christina Wojtas, came dressed as a little devil, my stepson, Charley Jordan, made a mean looking Dexter (complete with bloody face, garden boots and a BIG knife) and John Waterfield was unrecognizable as a six-foot Sasquatch. Seen on this boo-tiful night were author Shirley Baugher and husband Norman, Carolyn Armenetta-Davis, Lucy and Dan Baldwin, Shannon Waterfield, Michael Warnick, Todd Humes, Alan Naragon, Karen Pfendler, David Pfendler and Stefani Turken, Mary O’Neill, Karen Stephenson, Chloe Mae Loop and so many more! Thanks so much to the Weisses for keeping our ‘hood so festive! (Click here to view more pics!)

More than 600 guests gathered for an inspirational afternoon at Chicago House’s 4th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon at the Chicago Hilton Hotel on November 2nd. In a 30-minute keynote address to the crowd, Kenneth Cole recounted his unique entry into the fashion world, selling shoes out of a trailer in mid-town Manhattan. His advocacy and trailblazing efforts in the global fight against AIDS are what attracted Chicago House to him. VIP guests included ABC’s Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu, Project Runway Season 2 contestant Steven Rosengard, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, Macy’s Media Relations VP Andrea Schwartz, Glossed & Found’s Graham Kostic, local designers Borris Powell and Horacio Nieto and American Airlines’ Mary Francis Fagan, among many others. Special Events Manager for Chicago House Jeremy Hilborn said, “The 2012 Speaker Series was our most successful yet. Kenneth Cole was the perfect addition to the growing list of unique speakers who have lent their voice to further validate Chicago House’s important work. We are proud to have raised such significant funds for our programs, but even more proud to shed light on important issues at an event which hopefully serves as a catalyst for discussion and change.”(Chicago House provides permanent, community-based housing, supportive services, and prevention outreach to individuals and families struggling with HIV and AIDS). Guests left with swag bags from Room & Board, featuring sweet treats from Sweet Miss Giving’s, Little Miss Muffin, and Cheshire Cat Confectionary. For more information, visit www.chicagohouse.org. (Photos by Steve Starr…see more here!)

You CANNOT MISS beloved photog Steve Starr’s upcoming “Face of the News” celebration on 12/12/12 at the John B. Murphy Auditorium, located at 50 E. Erie! Celebrity photog, author and collector, Steve is celebrating his 45th anniversary of Steve Starr Studios with an elaborate photo exhibition/party of broadcasters, publishers, columnists, writers, journalists, entertainment news reporters and producers. This grand night celebrating the media (and Steve!) will showcase more than 400 framed images and will begin with a VIP “News Hour” reception followed by the opening at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by lovable entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker, the night will include tasty bites from local restaurants as well as a few surprises! (A portion of the proceeds will support CPJ – the Committee to Protect Journalists.) For tickets and more info, please visit click here!

HUGE congrats to beloved author/pastry Chef Eric Lanlard on the publication of his latest book, “Tart It Up”! Chef Art Smith and partner Jesus Salgueiro feted him recently at a delightful brunch at their house that featured scrambled eggs with white truffles they dug on their recent trip to Tuscany. Other delicious offerings included Benton Ham of Tennessee with biscuits, Art’s homemade cinnamon rolls, Eleven City Diner’s red velvet cake and assorted tarts from Eric’s book. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly made it all look, well, perfect! Congrats Eric and we hope to see you back in town soon! (Purchase Eric’s delightful book here and to see ALL the party pics, click here!)

Thank you so much to WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” for having me on a segment recently! I love this show and darling co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow – I don’t have a clue as to how they get up so early, look so good and remain so perky every single day! Thanks also to senior producer Rob Morhaim for including me! (Ratings for this popular show have been steadily climbing and on the day I was there, the show beat out CBS2 News, Fox32 and Mancow on Power! Woot woot! Power to the U!) If you want to see my segment, watch here and make sure to tune in to Channel 26 from 6 to 8 a.m. every weekday!

Don’t forget to check out the BEAUTIFUL holiday issue of A Perfect Event’s E-Magazine! Debi Lilly has done it again in her glorious second issue! Love the mag, love the contributors and love, Love, LOVE the images! A visual feast throughout! Congrats to Debi and all involved! (And make sure to turn to page 246 for my little article on Christmas!)

Well, that’s the news for this week and I hope you’ve enjoyed it! Please subscribe to Candid Candace – both here, on Facebook and Twitter (if you want!) – and I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!!!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Tagged as 30 for 30 Campaign, A Perfect Event, Adam Stevenson, Alan Naragon, Alderwoman Michelle Smith, Amanda Puck, Andrea Metcalf, Andrea Schwartz, Anita Alvarez, Anybot QB2, Artbeat Live, Barbara Bates, Bill Burfeind, Bill Mologousis, Bill Noonan, Bill Shipley, Bill Zwecker, BMO Harris Bank, Bob Carl, Bob Graham, Bob Mariano, Borris Powell, Brad Thor, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol DiFrisco, Carolyn Armenetta-Davis, Carrie Hightman, Cassandra Gaddo, Cece Gonzalez, Charley Jordan, Chef Art Smith, Chef Eric Lanlard, Cheshire Cat Confectionary, Chicago House’s Speaker Series Luncheon, Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, Chicago magazine, Chloe Mae Loop, Christina Gidwitz, Christina Wojtas, Cindy Burns, Columbia College Chicago, Columbian Ball, Committee to Protect Journalists, Corri McFadden, Dan Baldwin, Dan Uslan, David Pfendler, DC Crenshaw, Debi Lilly, Dominic DiFrisco, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Dr. Steven Stryker, Ed Mallof, Elliot From, Erica Strama, Erin McElroy, Face of the News, Father George Clements, Frank Holland, Gabe Klein, Gene & Georgetti’s, Gensler, Glen Missner, Glossed & Found Graham Kostic, Grace Napolitano, Graham Hawkes, Grant DePorter, Greg Hyder, Harry Hightman, Heather Farley Ingram, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley, Hey Jimmy!, Holly Hughes, Honorary Dominic DiFrisco Way, Horacio Nieto, Jamie Gabala, Jason Erkes, JB Spector, Jeanne Sparrow, Jennifer Sutton, Jeremy Hilborn, Jesus Salgueiro, John McMahan, John Mendel, John Waterfield, Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans, Judie Moore Green, Justin Jacobson, Karen Pfendler, Karen Stephenson, Kathleen Henson, Ken Girard, Kenneth Cole, Kerry Bowler, Kevin McGrath, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Larry Wert, Laura Jones, Laura Sage, Linda Yu, Lisa Aronin, Little Miss Muffin, Lou Raizin, Lucy Baldwin, Lucy Wojtas, Lynn McMahan, Marco Foster, Margaret O’Connor, Maria Wynne, Maria Zec, Mario Tricoci, Marion Durpetti, Mark O'Malley, Martin Stern, Mary Francis Fagan, Mary O’Neill, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago, Melinda Joseph, Melissa Cherry, Melissa Forman, Melllody Hobson, Michael Warnick, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mike McGrath, Mike McGrath Jr., Mila Samokhina, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Museum of Science and Industry, Nina Mariano, Norman Baugher, Oncore Productions, Paramount Events, Party Time Productions, Pasquale Gianni, Paul Iacono, Philip Barash, Platinum Events, Pressure Washing Systems, Project Runway, Pumpkins on Parade, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Rich Varnes, Richard Roeper, Rick Canada, RJ Melman, Rob Morhaim, Robert Fioretti, Roe Conn, Ron Gidwitz, Room & Board, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Shannon Waterfield, Shari Duffy, Sherren Leigh, Shirley Baugher, Stefani Turken, Steve Biossat Orchestra, Steve Starr, Steve Weiss, Steven Rosengard, Sweet Miss Giving’s, Sylvia Perez, Tart It Up, TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party, Tess Gabala, theWit Hotel, Tim Smithe, TipsyCake, Tissy Eggleston, Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation, Todd Humes, Toni Canada, Toni Mallof, Tony Durpetti, Tonya Stevenson, Turner Construction Company, WCIU, Whitey Pearson, You & Me in the Morning, Zack Napolitano

August 9, 2012 · 1:21 pm

THE SERVICE CLUB’S 8TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

…PLUS CHEFS & THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS, COOPER TAKES CHARGE, A WHOLE BLU WORLD, IADT’S IMAGINE ’12 FASHION SHOW, OLYMPIC NEWS, STELLA’S LATEST HONORS, BIRTHDAYS GALORE, A VERY SPECIAL NECKLACE, CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S GIFT TO READERS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

This event has been a longtime labor of love for this year’s Chair Emeritus and event founder Hazel Barr, who, along with co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Saira Cooper and Tracey DiBuono (Tarantino), planned a fashion extravaganza July 30th that was a sell out with more than 260 guests. The perfect summer day started on the Peninsula terrace. And with the Hancock building looming in the background, guests mingled and enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres while anxiously awaiting the start of the show. Since I was modeling, I got there early for rehearsals which is always great fun with all of the ladies in high spirits and excited about spending the day with their friends. The Grand Ballroom was bathed in a sea of pink and themed “C’est Magnifique.” Images of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were projected on the walls with a pink runway waiting for models who included Service Club members along with other local celebrities. Tracey Tarantino, as always, expertly produced the show even adding original French street music and remixed French pop music. This year’s runway collections featured fall fashions from top retailers that included Escada (Mary Pat Burns wore my favorite outfit of the day: a feathered coat dress over a strapless dress – exquisite!), Intermix, Starr Couture and Neopolitan. Laurie Davis’ Lulu’s at the Belle Kay provided vintage splendor for a show that had something for everyone. The men’s fashions were provided by Burdi and Tom James with an exciting finale inspired by the Olympics from Ralph Lauren Polo that featured models waving American flags on their runway walks. Other highlights included an exciting evening gown and fur segment from the always popular, long-time supporter, Neiman Marcus, and Stuart Weitzman, whose shoe segment had women clamoring for more! Baton Show Lounge performer Chilli Pepper was a crowd pleaser in her own black mini-dress topped with an eye-popping red cropped fur jacket. (Neiman’s gowns are breathtaking and I was honored to wear one by designer Robin Singer.) Models included Dan Uslan, Skip Grisham, Rich Gamble, Bunky Cushing, Stanley Paul, DC Crenshaw, Dr. Julius Few, Greg Hyder, Rich Varnes, Elizabeth Brodsky, Mamie Walton, Karen Peters, Kelly Drury, Larissa Kronfeld, Matt Lee, John Carroll, Scott Bobek, Rino Burdi, Jean Antoniou, Kim Gleeson, Lynn McMahan, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Abe Thompson, Rich Gamble, Mary Lasky, Sheila O’Grady, Saira Cooper, Tina Weller, Sherren Leigh, Susanna Negovan, Kip Lewis, Robin Robinson, Amy Wimer, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Mary Ann Childers, and more. (Photography by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…please click here to view more pics!)

Finally, the PAWS Beach Party is ready for your viewing pleasure! Since we are upgrading our network, this has taken a little longer than usual. Hope you enjoy this darling segment about the pets and the people who love them!

Chefs & the City is always a much-loved and highly-supported event at the Ritz-Carlton benefitting Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center and for its eighth annual event in the Grand Ballroom, more than 30 top chefs donated their time and fabulous samplings for a delectable evening of food for a cause! Beginning with a VIP Reception, guests sipped Grey Goose cocktails and beverages provided by Magic Hat, enjoyed tunes from DJ Megan Taylor and snapped photos in the Magbooth provided by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. Savory fare was prepared by 24 top chefs who included Ryan Pitts (from RL who was also the Chef Chair), Heather Terhune (Sable), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Carl Shelton (BOKA), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster), Patricio Sandoval (Mercadito), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Roger Herring (Socca), Greg Bastien (Tavernita), Michael Garbin (Union League Club), Chuck Kazmer (Deca), Shawn McClain (Green Zebra), Jerome Bacle (Courtright’s), Paul Virant (Perennial Virant/Vie), Andy Motto (Quince) and Jonathan Gorecki (Karyn’s on Green) among many others. Honorary chairs for the event were Rich Varnes, Amanda Puck and Jason Dohmann. The evening also featured an amazing raffle that included a weekend in Harbor Country, a week in Puerto Vallarta, tickets to Chicago Gourmet, a C.D. Peacock necklace and so much more! The tastings were out of this world: Some of my highlights were Chef Jerome Bacle’s tomato gazpacho, Chef Tony Priolo’s seafood salad,
Chef Michael Garbin’s short rib sliders, Chef Stephen Henry’s heirloom tomato burrata with fresh basil and Chef Adam Grandt’s crispy pork bellies with tomato jam. Vital Bridges President/CEO Debbie Hinde, presented RL Restaurant and Gibsons Restaurant Group with the Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping Award which was accepted by RL GM Rich Varnes and Chef Pitts. The dance floor filled for the after-party as DJ Taylor jammed with drummer Michael Riendeau. Guests in attendance included Todd Hatoff, Mark Smithe, Joli Burrell, Jessica Zweig and Brian Fisher, Leslie Hindman’s John Walcher (who did the auctioneering), Alan Harder, Lorin Adolph, Sanjay and Natasha Sharma, Chuck Benya, Tina Weller and Dr. Jeff Weller, Bill Lasche, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono and Elizabeth Brodsky. For this portion of the evening, food choices included a hot dog cart from America’s Dog, Swirlz cupcakes, Vosges chocolates and Jake Melnick’s hamburgers. More than $100,000 was raised to support Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, which helps low-income people living with AIDS rebuild their health and lives by providing food and nutrition services, housing and counseling. Revenue from Chefs & the City will underwrite food for more than 30,000 meals and 1,200 nights of housing. (To see more pics and my complete Chicago Tribune Sunday coverage, please click here!)

It was a whole BLU world of fundraising when co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley Weinzweig welcomed a record 1,200 guests to a sold-out lakeside soiree at the Shedd Aquarium for the sixth annual Auxiliary Board fundraiser, BLU! Raising more than $266,000 to support Shedd’s conservation and education initiatives, Shedd’s sultry summer evening benefit was filled with the sounds of tinkling cocktail glasses and local performers who included Detour JazFunk, Diver, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate and DJ Zebo. Against a backdrop of the Chicago skyline with fireworks popping over Lake Michigan, this event is always a sellout and a very popular summer social event! “The combining of exotic food and wine tastings with the glittering Chicago skyline made for an unforgettable night to come together in support of the Shedd,” said Barnes. Attendees enjoyed an array of mouthwatering dishes throughout the evening such as Big Fish Farms’ sustainable American paddlefish caviar (a staple at any Shedd event), summer garden rolls from Sunda, walleye tacos with tomato jalapeno chutney from Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop and peeky toe crab cannoli from The Florentine. The planet-friendly event also featured a delectable dish from Sweetspring Salmon – the only sustainably-farmed salmon in the world, signs that were made from recycled materials or will be reused for other Shedd events and compostable plates and silverware. “This is the most successful BLU in the event’s history,” said Weinzweig. “From dollars raised to people in attendance – even down to how much fun everyone had!” To cap off an already enjoyable evening, trolleys shuttled guests between Shedd and Underground for the after-party. (For more pics, please click here!)

One of the city’s hottest fashion showcases is set to take place at the UIC Forum Stage on Friday, September 21st at 8 p.m. when students from The International Academy of Design & Technology host Imagine ’12. Emceed by Jane Monzures of Loop FM’s morning show and host of "Living Healthy" on WGN, this student-produced exhibition will showcase an impressive array of garments by 44 student designers and the production talents of IADT’s students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the school. Join designer Borris Powell, Michelle Tan, Suzanne Kopulos, Mallory Ulaszek, Rebecca Taras, Horacio Nieto, Tonya Pierce, Fraley Le, LaTonya Williams and Katie Schuppler, among many others, for a night of fashion and inspiration! For tickets ($15 for students and $25 for general admission) and more info, please call 312.980.9295 or email imagine@iadtchicago.com.

W.I.N.E. (Women in Entertainment) TV profiles a journalist and producer who is doing it ALL – Vicky Baftiri. As an Emmy-winning journalist and National Association of Black Journalist “Salute to Excellence” nominee, Vicky’s producing credits include the NBC nationally syndicated “Open House” and special news reports for WGN-TV. W.I.N.E. TV creator Sheila Henley says, “I’m so excit
ed for her to share her experiences and I hope it inspires young women everywhere to write, edit and produce!” Congrats, Vicky and Sheila!

Olympian Ruth Riley, who won gold as a member of the undefeated 2004 USA women’s basketball team in Athens, hosted an Opening Ceremony viewing party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Prior to her party, she spent the afternoon as the guest of the British Consulate in Chicago watching a live feed of the Opening Ceremonies. The viewing was held at the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson with citizens of Great Britain, members of the Mayor’s office and other guests in attendance. Ruth is currently a member of the WNBA basketball team, the Chicago Sky. Selected by ESPN as one of only three former Olympians to be given a Flip cam, she recorded interviews from both viewing parties with portions from each to be used as vignettes during telecasts. Meet Ruth and her teammates in person when they appear at a fundraiser for Nothing But Nets sponsored by Amazing Cosmetics on August 12th in Libertyville from noon to 4 p.m. Nothing But Nets' malaria campaign is a global initiative to eliminate one of the leading killers of children in Africa. For more info, please click here. (Pics by Slawek Chrzaszcz and Steve Starr…check out more pics here!)

Six months ago, the Chicago Tribune proudly launched Printers Row, a membership program for those who love books, authors and conversations about the ideas they generate. This weekend, they offered readers a special eight page sample tucked inside the Sunday section (where Candid Candace’s column also appears!). And beginning this week, they are offering even MORE perks with the membership program ($99 per year) which will include four free tickets to Printers Row Live! Events in addition to Book-of-the-Month discounts, private author receptions and conversations at Tribune Tower. You can now also buy it as a digital-only subscription for $29 or just the journal/fiction, no events or programs, for $49, which includes the Printers Row Journal and Fiction home-delivered every week in print and digital editions. To join, call 866.977.8742, offer code X156, or click here! Happy reading from your friends at the Chicago Tribune!!! This is a real literary treat!

Lots of friends’ birthdays this month! I loved celebrating the Squire, Bunky Cushing’s, birthday at the Four Seasons’ Allium Restaurant with his special ladies who included Hazel Barr, Zarada Gowenlock, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Robin Segesta, Myra Reilly and Megan McKinney. Chef Kevin Hickey’s menu is out of this world delicious and I was so thrilled to be included! Friends also celebrated the perpetually glam Toni Canada’s birthday (or as Dusty Stemer called it “her birthday tour”) at Piccolo Sogno. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect and Toni matched the occasion in one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen in a long time, a form-fitting floral sheath with purple feathers by Prabal Gurung. Friends on the patio included Corri McFadden (who regaled us with tales of her fairytale engagement on Capri), Jan Flanagan (sporting the coolest Louis Vuitton cuff on the planet), Lynn McMahan, Nina Mariano, Dusty, Susanna Negovan, Heather Farley Ingram and Jennifer Hamood. And a special thanks to all of my sweet friends who came out for my late birthday celebration at Chicago Cut! I loved seeing Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Helen Melchior, Toni Canada, Nina Mariano, Jan Flanagan, Sheryl Dyer, Chris Long, Kristina McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Hazel Barr, Lynn McMahan, Mary Pat Burns, Mamie Walton, Jean Antoniou and Tracy Tarantino. (Sharyl Mackey couldn’t attend since she and Mike were vacationing in Michigan.) Bon anniversaire a mes amis! 🙂 (For more pics from these fun parties, please click here!)

I’m lovin’ all of this great press for and about Stella Foster! People are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate, honor, fete and host events to celebrate her long career! Her "Windy City Live" interview on Monday was priceless and now comes word she will be the FIRST African American women to be named Honorary Grand Marshall for the Columbus Day Parade on October 8th!!!! Later that same night, she also appeared on Jim Williams’ Show and Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce! I have a feeling her “retirement” won’t be quite what she thinks it will be! LOL! Oh, and did I tell you the Mayor proclaimed Monday to be Stella Foster Day in Chicago!?! I was honored to be included in her last column along with so many other friends like Shell Reyes, Tony Weisman, Ken Bedford, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Anna Davlantes, Les Coney, John Roger and Mark Suppelsa! Stay tuned for more “Stellabration” updates! The Foster Love Train is just startin’ to roll!

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Check out this pic of Cooper Hefner that his dad tweeted Monday night along with the phrase, “And the legend continues!” He is the spitting image of Hef! I also hear he was a fabulous host at Saturday night’s Midsummer Night’s Dream party, even donning PJs! Too cute for words! And yes, Crystal Harris (aka the runaway bride) was there, too! (Check out a few more pics here!)

And if you’re in the market for unique jewelry and fast cars, then you might want to check out the Concurs d’ Elegance in Pebble Beach next week, August 15th through 19th. This is one of the top car shows in the world with rare autos showcased against a stunning backdrop. A special highlight of the grand event will be a one-of-a-kind necklace created by former race car driver, Mary Kaczor. This piece is so special (for this 100th anniversary) that it even has its own name, Winning Ways II! It was created from pieces of famous cars in the past including the frame nut from the Marmon Wasp, the very first car to win the Indy 500. The necklace is sculpted out of 18K white gold with black and white princess cut diamonds on its sides symbolizing two checkered flags. The centerpiece is a 10.43 carat diamond graded E VVS1. Bids will begin at $1.6 million…yeah, you heard me! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum as well as the Wheldon Family Trust. (Driver Dan Wheldon was killed in the Las Vegas race last year and is survived by his widow and two young sons.) (For more info, visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net or email mary@racerxdesigns.com.)

One of my favorite boutiques, STRUT, will be hosting a special shopping night, “High Fashion Without the High Price,” on Thursday, August 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2549 N. Clark. Darling designer Borris Powell will feature his latest ready-to-wear collection and be on hand to answer all of your fashion questions. Beautiful boutique owner Niala Conte will be offering wine and appetizers to her lucky customers! Hope to see you there!

A special thanks to CS Magazine for featuring our Glamorama Launch Party in such fun style
in this month’s magazine! I love the comments and thought this was so clever! Hope to see you all Friday night, too! 🙂

That’s all folks! Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition and I hope you’re having a fun-filled summer!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Breaking news from my friend Tissy Eggleston who submitted this pic of the FIRST image transmitted from the Curiosity Rover on Mars!

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Tagged as Abe Thompson, Alan Harder, Allium Restaurant, Amanda Puck, Amazing Cosmetics, America’s Dog, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate, Amy Wimer, Andy Motto, Anna Davlantes, Ashley Weinzweig, Baton Show Lounge, Big Fish Farms, Bill Lasche, BLU, BOKA, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Borris Powell, Brian Fisher, Bunky Cushing, Burdi, C.D. Peacock, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carl Shelton, Chefs & the City, Chicago Cut, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Sky, Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce, Chicago Tribune, Chilli Pepper, Chris Long, Chris Pandel, Chuck Benya, Chuck Kazmer, Columbus Day Parade, Concurs d’Elegance, Cooper Hefner, Corri McFadden, Courtright’s, Crystal Harris, CS Magazine, Curiosity Rover, Dan Uslan, Dan Wheldon, DC Crenshaw, Debbie Hinde, Deca, Detour JazFunk, Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, Diver, DJ Megan Taylor, DJ Zebo, Doug Psaltis, Dr. Jeff Weller, Dr. Julius Few, Dusty Stemer, Elizabeth Brodsky, Escada, Four Seasons, Fraley Le, Gale Gottlieb, Giuseppe Tentori, Glamorama Launch Party, Green Zebra, Greg Bastien, Greg Hyder, Grey Goose, GT Fish & Oyster, Hazel Barr, Heather Farley Ingram, Heather Terhune, Helen Melchior, High Fashion Without the High Prices, Horacio Nieto, Hugh Hefner, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Intermix, International Academy of Design and Technology, Jake Melnick’s, Jan Flanagan, Jane Monzures, Janet Barnes, Jason Dohmann, Jean Antoniou, Jennifer Hamood, Jerome Bacale, Jessica Zweig, Jim Williams’ Show, John Carroll, John Roger, John Walcher, Joli Burrell, Jonathan Gorecki, Karen Peters, Karyn’s on Green, Katie Schuppler, Kelly Drury, Ken Bedford, Ken Norgan, Kevin Hickey, Kim Gleeson, Kip Lewis, Kristina McGrath, Larissa Kronfeld, LaTonya Williams, Laurie Davis, Les Coney, Leslie Hindman, Lorin Adolph, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Lynn McMahan, Magic Hat, Magnolia Photo Booth Co., Mallory Ulaszek, Mamie Walton, Mark Smithe, Mark Suppelsa, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Kaczor, Mary Lasky, Mary Pat Burns, Matt Lee, Megan McKinney, Mercadito, Michael Garbin, Michelle Tan, Midsummer Night’s Dream Party, Mila Samokhina, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Myra Reilly, Natasha Sharma, Neiman Marcus, Neopolitan, Niala Conte, Nina Mariano, Nothing But Nets, Patricio Sandoval, Paul Iacono, Paul Virant, PAWS Beach Party, Perennial Virant, Piccolo Sogno, Prabal Gurung, Printers Row, Printers Row Live! Events, Quince, Ralph Lauren Polo, Rebecca Taras, Rich Gamble, Rich Varnes, Rino Burdi, RL, Robert Chatterson Dickson, Robin Robinson, Robin Singer, Rockit Bar & Grill, Roger Herring, RPM Italian, Ruth Riley, Ryan Pitts, Sable, Saira Cooper, Sanjay Sharma, Scott Bobek, Service Club of Chicago, Sharyl Mackey, Shawn McClain, Shedd Aquarium, Sheila Henley, Sheila O’Grady, Shell Reyes, Sherren Leigh, Sheryl Dyer, Skip Grisham, Slawek Chrzaszcz, Socca, Sonya Jackson, Stanley Paul, Starr Couture, Stella Foster, Stella Foster Day, Steve Starr, STRUT, Stuart Weitzman, Sunda, Susanna Negovan, Suzanne Kopulos, Sweetspring Salmon, Swirlz, Tavernita, The Bristol, The Florentime, Tina Weller, Tissy Eggleston, Todd Hatoff, Tom James, Toni Canada, Tony Priolo, Tony Weisman, Tonya Pierce, Tracey DiBuono, Tracey Tarantino, UIC, Underground, Union League Club, Vie, Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center, Vivky Baftiri, Vosges, W.I.N.E. TV, Wheldon Family Trust, Windy City Live, Winning Ways II, WNBA, Women in Entertainment TV, Zarada Gowenlock

June 20, 2012 · 8:16 pm

ALL EYES WERE ON MAMIE WALTON AT THE ILLINOIS EYE-BANK GALA!

…PLUS BETTY WHITE RULED THE NIGHT AT MBC, A NAVY PIER HOTSPOT FOR LOCALS!, GLAM LAUNCH PARTY (WATCH 312 VIDEO!), ZOO-OLOGIE BASH IS BACK, OLD TOWN ART FAIR (HIGHLIGHTS ON WATCH312!), SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW AND SO MUCH MORE!

It’s not often that you feel transported to Britain here in the Windy City but this was the theme and the ambiance for the recent Illinois Eye-Bank Gala honoring Mamie Walton as the 2012 Woman of Vision and Dr. Joel Sugar as the Gift of Sight Honoree. (Joel has been the Illinois Eye-Bank’s Medical Director for 25 years.) The party, titled “Annabel’s: Indulge in London’s Veddy Best,” brought out more than 200 guests to the Peninsula on a perfect summer night. This hotel has one of the finest patios in town and when the weather is as flawless as it was on this night, no one wanted to move inside for dinner! Mamie Walton’s British roots made the party’s theme so appropriate for this magnetic and ageless woman. With décor by Tom Kehoe, the Grand Ballroom perfectly captured the look and feel of the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s, with purple linens, gold napkins and chairs and even a signature Annabel’s touch, a circular dance floor. This legendary club was founded in 1963 and named after the late Sir James Goldsmith’s wife, Annabel. It was the first of its kind – a members-only nightclub that catered to an exclusive clientele that included royals such as Princess Anne and the Prince of Wales, President Richard Nixon, Aristotle Onassis and Frank Sinatra. Entertainers who have performed there include Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and, most recently, Lady Gaga. On this night, we had our own top-notch entertainment with Mamie herself serenading us in song (“Time After Time”) in perfect pitch. As she glided around the dance floor in a glamorous vintage black Chanel cocktail dress, you felt like you were truly a lucky member of an exclusive club, the Mamie Walton Fan Club! Her dress, by the way, was worn 20 years ago to Annabel’s when she and her late husband, Julius, were in London. After dining out with friends, the Morales, they hit Annabel’s. He was the Ambassador for Great Britain to Panama at the time. The Mark Olen Trio performed and Franklin Lamphere sang three songs from the 50’s and 60’s. Master of Ceremonies was the incomparable Bill Zwecker who is a long-time friend of Mamie’s. Eye-Bank Executive Director Diane Hollingsworth announced the Beverly Blettner Gift of Knowledge education fund and acknowledged Amy Wimer. “Beverly looked for one person to carry that torch and it was Amy who chaired the event for the first three years.” Dr. Randy Epstein introduced Dr. Sugar and awarded him his honor. Bill introduced last year’s Woman of Vision honoree Jean Antoniou who proudly presented Mamie with her Woman of Vision Award to wild applause. Guests for the evening included Hazel and Warren Barr, Greg Hyder and Jim Smith, Vonita Reescer, Myra and John Reilly, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith, Sherren Leigh, Tina and Jeff Weller, Ken Norgan, Maria Zec, Mary Ann Rose, Heinz Kern, Lynne Bredfeldt, Ray Drymalski, Dr. David Donnersberger, Margaret O’Connor and Dr. Michael O’Meara, Eileen and Howard Weinberg, David Brandt, Sheryl Dyer, Sean Eshaghy, Toni and Rick Canada, Heather Farley and Bruce Ingram, Tom Gorman, Linda and Mark Heister, Gregg Zgonena, Cynthia King and Rich Varnes, John Regas, Her Serene Highness Princess Anna Christina Radziwill (whose maternal aunt was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), Stanley Paul, Karen and Peter Martino, Megan McKinney, Lynn and John McMahan, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Segesta, Bunky Cushing and Sherrill and John Bodine among many others. More than $80,000 was raised to help restore the sight to over 1,000 people each year throughout Illinois. Congrats to Mamie and Joel on their much deserved honors and to learn more about this worthy organization, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org. (To view more pics, please click here!)

It was one of those perfect nights in Chicago that we wait all winter for. Everyone was dressed in their best with smiles from ear to ear. If you live here, you know what I'm talkin' about. And it was on this night that a new, chic soon-to-be hotspot opened on Navy Pier called City Porch. I was proud to co-host the party with owner Manolis Alpogianis of America's Dog fame. He and his family have a long history of restaurant successes and this new spot will be yet another notch on their belts. For opening night, Chef Heather Terhune (Sable) featured some of her specialties. Every month, there will be a celeb
rity chef with Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) in July and in August, Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven and The Purple Pig) will be featuring his special menu. The menu under Executive Chef George Alpogianis (Manolis' cute brother) and Chef de Cuisine Anthony Riley has a variety of delicious selections in place under "Big, Small and Sweet Plates." For small plates, mouth-watering dishes like Moroccan buffalo wings, Wagyu beef sliders, Havarti mac & cheese, chicken souvlaki and hand-packed crab cakes are on the menu. Salad plates include a killer lobster avocado salad, heirloom tomato salad and chicken chopped salad. Big Plates offers some of the best margherita pizza I've tasted in a long, long time and the sandwich offerings are too extensive to mention! There is also a section for the little ones (whose menus I always covet) as well as fabulous sweets including Eli's Cheesecake, skillet cookies and chocolate peanut butter Napoleons! Designed by Gretchen Dockendorff (with input from Manolis) this new restaurant offers a chic dining experience looking over Lake Michigan and the skyline. It's charming yet upscale all at the same time. Chef Art Smith had this to say: “What I love about City Porch is the fact that it brings the best of Chicago to a very popular destination place, Navy Pier. Yes, there are funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc. but now, there are beautiful artisanal foods prepared by Chicago's very best. Our city has amazing chefs and thanks to Manolis Alpogianis and his family they will introduce this to thousands upon thousands of tourists at Navy Pier, too.” On opening night, bold-faced locals came out to play and party! Hopefully, I will see you on the City Porch soon – the Adirondack chairs arranged for fireworks viewing are genius! Watch for Watch312.com's "Candid Candace Chicago" video coming soon!!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

On Friday evening, June 8th, hundreds of Chicago’s most fashionable and philanthropic joined together at the Greenhouse Loft (located at 2545 W. Diversey) for Macy’s Glamorama kickoff event, the Glam Launch Party! I was so proud to chair this event for the third year benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI). The evening was a nod to the 60’s, coinciding with the 2012 Glamorama theme “British Invasion: The Music Then, The Fashion Now!” and featured the music of American English (who were just voted the top Beatles cover band in the country!) They kept the crowd dancing with rousing renditions of all of the Beatles classics along with a great DJ, Lee Michaels. At this exclusive event, guests mixed and mingled while sipping on cocktails courtesy of SkinnyGirl Cocktails (thanks for the introduction Tom Strehle!), Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Voga Wines, and enjoying passed appetizers from Food for Thought catering. Sweet treats were courtesy of our new sponsor, Amy DiTomasso of Sugar Chic Designs. Models, dispersed throughout the expansive space, showcased collections from local designers Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and M2f Brand Denims. The view of Chicago from the beautiful landscaped rooftop garden was a highlight and as guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres al fresco, other supporters were busy having their photos taken by on-site photog, Steve Ewert. Other highlights included a performance from the high-energy hip hop dance troop, Hip Hop Connixon, fashion illustrations by beloved Rosemary Fanti and the ever popular (and my favorite!) Action Booth that had lines all night long! Familiar faces spotted at the party included RMHC-CNI Chairman of the Board Paul Huebener and chic wife Rosanne, Macy’s Kamal Bosamia, Shops at Northbridge Marketing Manager Erica Strama, Glam Host Committee members Paul Iacono, Katie McLenaghan, Lynn McMahan, Quenten Schumacher, Michaela Parrillo, Macy’s Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Katie Cahnmann, Justin Jacobson, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Fabrice Calmels, publicist Kathleen Henson, Heather Farley, Stephanie Krol, Julianne Glatz, Joan Colmar, Helen Melchior, Corinne Melchior, Vonita Reescer, Erica Strama, Eric Himel, Tom Gorman, Dionne Williams, Cece Gonzalez, Melinda Joseph and Michelle Durpetti among many others! To purchase tickets to the MAIN EVENT, GLAMORAMA, featuring Robin Thicke and Karmin at the Harris Theater, please click here . And to see the fun on Watch312.com’s "Candid Candace Chicago," looky here! (Oh, and check out this gallery for more pics from Steve Starr and moi!)

The “Mob Wives Chicago” premier party for cast member Pia Rizza took place June 10th at JBar in The James hotel. Jennifer Graziano, creator of the “Mob Wives” franchise, was also there with more than 100 guests. According to the press release, “Pia Rizza is the daughter of Vincent Rizza, a dirty Chicago cop who worked for the Mob. He testified against the Mob and then went into the Witness Protection Program. Pia has struggled all her life to hide from the shame of having a ‘rat’ for a father. It’s been especially difficult to avoid the judgments and finger pointing in a town like Chicago. With the success of the original ‘Mob Wives NYC,’ it would only be a natural progression to feature women that were associated with the ‘alleged’ Chicago Outfit.” I haven’t seen it yet but will be on the lookout! Sadly, Lord knows, everywhere you go in the world, the first gesture is of a machine gun when you tell people you’re from Chicago.

The Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoo-ologie Gala was their biggest one yet, with 1,000 guests raising more than $150,000! Hosted by the Auxiliary Board and co-chaired by Frank Favia, Melissa Kearney and Jodi McNally, the sold-out event included gourmet food, signature drinks and exclusive after-hours access to Lincoln Park Zoo which is one of the nation’s last remaining free admission zoos in the world. Thanks to décor by Flower Firm, a luxury tent was reminiscent of a South Beach celebration with young, hip Chicagoans dancing to the beat of DJ Rock City and enjoying cutting edge cocktails. Nibbles were offered from some of Chicago’s best restaurants including GT Fish & Oyster and Mercadito. Luxury raffle winners took home incredible prizes: a Bulgari handbag, two round trip tickets to Europe courtesy of United Airlines and a custom Lilly Pulitzer bicycle. Seen on the scene were Ryan Chiaverini, emcee Billy Dec, Café Spiaggia Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg, LPZ President and CEO Kevin Bell, Rockit Ranch’s Arturo Gomez and Akira’s Jon Cotay among many others. (Photos by Jaclyn Simpson Photography.)

I met Karen Wojcikowski at Gene & Georgetti’s and I think she is someone you should know. She is the founder and president of The Bully Police Squad, an organization she created after receiving numerous cases of reported bullying, many of which have involved death. Karen, a Chicago police officer with 15 years of service, is a life coach and public speaker, speaking to schools, parents, teachers and children on the effects of bullying and educates them in the process. She hopes to establish a national hotline for bullying victims and parents and is in the process of writing her first book, “Stop the Bull.” To learn more about the Bully Police Squad and how you can help, please click here or call their 24-hour toll-free number at 800-914-1873 and don’t worry, they never let any call go unanswered. Great job Karen and congrats! (Karen is in the process of completing her Master’s at Penn State University.) Hello, Chicago Tribune! I have a Remarkable Woman candidate for YOU!

The 63rd Annual Old Town Art Fair was one of the best ones yet! We live in the heart of Old Town and every year, I can’t wait to hear the little hammers hard at work outside my door with artists building their booths for one of the largest juried art fairs in the country! With 300 artists participating this year and more than 50 private gardens open to the public, many for the first time, this was a weekend to remember. There was great festival food from Adobo Grill, Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap, Phil Stefani’s, Caroll’s Corn Crib and more. Music by Brad Cole Music and Check With Lucy made the weekend simply perfect! It was pretty awesome people watching, too! Check out this Watch312.com video and see what I mean!

The Museum of Broadcast Communications celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 12th. More than 400 guests came out to see legends of television including Betty White, Hugh Downs and John Mahoney at the MBC’s new location at 360 N. State, which also served as its unofficial grand opening. (The official ribbon cutting occurred the following morning.) With 62,000 square feet, this building houses the National Radio Hall of Fame, sets and costumes from “Bozo’s Circus,” puppets such as Charlie McCarthys, vintage radios and TVs, one of the cameras used in the Kennedy-Nixon debate, a former “Meet the Press” set and a studio dedicated to Paul and Angel Harvey among many other objects of interest. Collections span more than 25,000 TV programs, 5,000 radio shows and 12,000 commercials totalling almost 100,000 hours of viewing. The evening began with a welcome from founder, president and CEO Bruce Dumont followed by comments from Richard Price (event co-chair and chairman and CEO of Mesirow), Pam Cullerton (event co-chair/civic leader) and Cheryl Pearson-McNeil (SVP of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen). Hugh Downs spoke next and recounted his first TV appearance: “It was 67 years ago and my first spot was in September of 1945. I was asked to do a newscast. The lights began to heat up and by the end of it, sweat was all over my seersucker suit, which I thought was a good thing because it kept me from catching fire.” (He also went on to say that, “The really innovative stuff came out of Chicago.”) John Mahoney introduced Betty White as “one of the most talented people in the world.” She quipped, “Boy, have I got YOU fooled!” and went on to say, “I’ve lusted after him for so long and he finally did my show. And it STILL didn’t happen.” (I whispered to Betty that she was the only woman I knew who could cuss like a trooper and still be elegant! Her smile was from ear to ear…LOVE that lady!) Lucky guests included Keith Magee (my sweet host), Carol Marin, Dan Rutherford, Tom Dreesen, Larry Wert, Marty Wilke, Joe Ahern, Dean Richards, Terry Hemmert, Rich Koz, Theresa Gutierrez, Lyn McKeaney, Rob Johnson, Brenda Arelano, Steve Starr, Kathy Brock, Barb and Roe Conn, Thea Flom, Mancow, Pat Brickhouse, Roderick Hawkins, Melissa Kennedy, Alan Krashesky, Paul Harvey Jr., Toby Eveland, Caroline Cracraft, Stephen Lewis and Alonzo Brown among others. For more info, please visit www.museum.tv. (Pics by Steve Starr and moi…view more here!)

That’s all for this week! Hope you enjoyed the Style Network’s second "Chicagolicious" show Monday night – I know I sure did!!! May your flowers not wilt and may the force of summer be with you!!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Click here for a story that will make you go "awwwwwwww!"

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Tagged as 2012 Woman of Vision, 63rd Annual Old Town Art Fair, Action Booth, Adobo Grill, Alan Krashesky, Alonzo Brown, America’s Dog, American English, Amy DiTomasso, Amy Wimer, Andrea Schwartz, Angela Harvey, Anna Fong, Annabel’s: Indulge in London’s Veddy Best, Aristotle Onassis, Arturo Gomez, Barb conn, Betty White, Bill Zwecker, Billy Dec, Borris Powell, Bozo’s Circus, Brad Cole, Brad Griffith, Brenda Arelano, British Invasion: The Music Then, Bruce Dumont, Bruce Ingram, Bulgari, Bunky Cushing, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace Chicago, Carol Marin, Caroline Cracraft, Caroll’s Corn Crib, Cece Gonzalez, Charlie McCarthy, Check with Lucy, Chef Anthony Riley, Chef Art Smith, Chef George Alpogianis, Chef Heather Terhune, Chef Jimmy Bannos, Chef Tony Mantuano, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Chicago Tribune, Chicagolicious, City Porch, Corinne Melchior, Cynthia King, Dan Rutherford, David Brandt, Dean Richards, Diana Ross, Diane Hollingsworth, Dionne Williams, DJ Rock City, Dr. David Donnersberger, Dr. Joel Sugar, Dr. Michael O’Meara, Dr. Randy Epstein, Dr. Steven Stryker, Eileen Weinberg, elda de la rosa, Eli's Cheesecake, Ella Fitzgerald, Eric Himel, Erica Strama, Fabrice Calmels, Flower Firm, Food for Thought, Frank Favia, Frank Sinatra, Franklin Lamphere, Gene & Georgetti’s, Gift of Sight Honoree, Glam Launch Party, Greenhouse Loft, Greg Hyder, Gregg Zgonena, Gretchen Dockendorff, GT Fish & Oyster, Hazel Barr, Heather Farley, Heaven on Seven, Heinz Kern, Helen Melchior, Her Serene Highness Princess Anna Christina Radziwill, Hip Hop Connixon, Howard Weinberg, Hugh Downs, Illinois Eye-Bank Gala, Jaclyn Simpson Photography, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Jean Antoniou, Jeff Weller, Jennifer Graziano, Jim Smith, Joan Colmar, Jodi McNally, Joe Ahern, John Bodine, John Mahoney, John McMahan, John Regas, John Reilly, Jon Cotay, Julianne Glatz, Justin Jacobson, Kamal Bosamia, Karen Martino, Karen Wojcikowski, Karmin, Kathleen Henson, Kathy Brock, Katie Cahnmann, Katie Mclenaghan, Keith Magee, Ken Norgan, Kennedy-Nixon debate, Kerry Shorr, Kevin Bell, Lady Gaga, Larry Wert, Lee Michaels, Lilly Pullitzer, Lincoln Park Zoo, Linda Heister, Lyn McKeaney, Lynn McMahan, Lynne Bredfeldt, M2f Brand Denims, Macy’s Glamorama, Mamie Walton, Mancow, Manolis Alpogianis, Margaret O’Connor, Maria Zec, Mark Heister, Mark Olen Trio, Marty Wilke, Mary Ann Rose, Meet the Press, Megan McKinney, Melinda Joseph, Melissa Kearney, Melissa Kennedy, Mercadito, Mesirow, Michaela Parrillo, Michelle Durpetti, Mob Wives Chicago, Museum of Broadcast Communications, Myra Reilly, National Radio Hall of Fame, Navy Pier, Nielsen, Pam Cullerton, Pat Brickhouse, Paul Harvey, Paul Harvey Jr., Paul Huebener, Paul Iacono, Peninsula, Peter Martino, Phil Stefani’s, Pia Rizza, Prince of Wales, Princess Anne, Purple Pig, Quenten Schumacher, Ray Charles, Ray Drymalski, Remarkable Woman, Rich Koz, Rich Varnes, Richard Nixon, Richard Price, Rick Canada, Rob Johnson, Robin Segesta, Robin Thicke, Roderick Hawkins, Roe Conn, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosanne Huebener, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Chaverini, Sable, Sally Shorr, Sarah Grueneberg, Sean Eshaghy, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Sheryl Dyer, Shops at Northbridge, Sir James Goldsmith, SkinnyGirl Cocktails, Spiaggia, Stanley Paul, Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap, Stephanie Krol, Stephen Lewis, Steve Ewert, Steve Starr, Stop the Bull, Sugar Chic Designs, Terry Hemmert, The Beatles, The Bully Police Squad, The Fashion Now, Thea Flom, Theresa Gutierrez, Tiffani Kim, Tina Turner, Tina Weller, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Toby Eveland, Tom Dreesen, Tom Gorman, Tom Kehoe, Tom Segesta, Tom Strehle, Toni Canada, United Airlines, Vincent Rizza, Voga Wines, Vonita Reescer, Warren Barr, Watch312.com, Windy City, Zoo-ologie Gala

May 3, 2012 · 10:11 am

STARS SHINE IN CHICAGO FOR THE HUGO TELEVISION AWARDS

…PLUS VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ GRANDE SOIREE, CHICAGO RED DRESS PARTY, LADYBUG BASH, A THEATER COMPANY YOU SHOULD KNOW, WTTW DEBUT'S HOT NEW SHOW, NOMI’S HOT LIST HONOR, WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Beyond the International Film Festival and now in its 48th year, the Hugo Television Awards is an international television competition that culminated in a grand gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua recently honoring the best television commercials and productions from nine countries around the world. Co-hosted by Cinema/Chicago and the IFF, the highlight of the night was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to actor Kelsey Grammer. Best known for his award-winning role as Dr. Frasier Crane, among countless other roles, the evening’s tribute to actor/producer/director Grammer included video highlights and the award presentation by his longtime "Frasier" co-star, John Mahoney. Earlier in the year, Grammer received the Golden Globe for Best Actor in the Chicago-based drama series “Boss” as Mayor Tom Kane. As Dr. Frasier Crane, he played the celebrated character in three television series ("Wings," "Cheers," and "Frasier") for more than 20 years. He’s won four Emmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations and 16 SAG nominations and he is the first actor in TV history to receive multiple Emmy nods for performing the same role on three series! (Not surprising, since he received his training at the prestigious Juilliard School of the Performing Arts.) Michael Kutza, founder and artistic director of Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago IFF, said, “For decades Kelsey Grammer has entertained us — across genres and media he has proven himself to be a remarkable talent. From the stage to the screen, from behind the camera to our television, Grammer has provided audiences with some of our most beloved, iconic characters. We are thrilled to honor him for his television work at the Hugos.” Judging from the banks of media at the event, everyone agreed! We could barely squeeze our Watch312.com cameras onto the red carpet but we managed to get some great interviews with Mahoney, Grammer and Grammer’s “Boss” co-star Rotimi Akinosho. Kelsey was accompanied by his beautiful wife, Kayte (whose name he had tattooed on his abdomen that day to much fanfare), and who is expecting twins. She couldn’t have been more gracious and when he was asked what his inspiration was replied, “She is.” They never stopped holding hands and he kissed her at every opportunity. It was so sweet. Following the red carpet, guests were ushered into the ballroom after enjoying a cocktail reception. Darling co-hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini (of “Windy City Live”) welcomed the crowd of 400 and introduced event founder, Michael Kutza, who said, “It was funny thinking back to 1965 when Mr. Leo Burnett himself helped me start the TV Festival and to see so many awards going to some fantastic Leo Burnett spots tonight!” Leo Burnett had the most wins of the evening (24), winning Silver Hugos for “Active Duty” (a heartwarming Hallmark commercial) and “Mayhem” (a series of Allstate commercials featuring actor Dean Winters). Other top winners included a Gold Hugo for the documentary series, “Have You Heard from Johannesburg” (about anti-apartheid in South Africa) directed by Connie Field. Director Magdalena Lazarkiewicz (“The Deep End”) traveled all the way from Poland to receive her Gold Hugo in the Dramatic Series category. David Hyde Pierce also made a surprise video appearance telling Grammer, “I’m so frustrated that you’re there tonight being honored and I can’t stop them!” (He went on to say that he did hope Grammer ran for office.) Production company powerhouse Optimus won the Commitment to Excellence Award while the Audience Choice award went to Burrell Communications for “A Frosty Affair,” a McDonald’s commercial about meeting someone special over a McFrappe. The after-party continued in the Felini Bar with everyone from Hugo winners to John Mahoney taking turns in the photo booth. Event producer Alex Kopecky did a great job putting the whole show together and Carol Fox and Associates’ Carly Leviton and Nick Harkin did an outstanding job as well. I can’t wait to see the surprises Michael Kutza brings to Chicago next! (Great pics by Mila Samokhina and be sure to check out our Watch312.com video of this cool event below!)

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Legendary jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels, recently hosted “une grande soiree” for 100 lucky Chicagoans to celebrate the opening of their beautiful new boutique in the Drake Hotel. Van Cleef & Arpels’ handsome president/CEO of the Americas and worldwide creative director Nicolas Bos and chic store director Sheryl Dyer were on hand to meet guests and wax poetic about this iconic brand that has been a favorite of celebrities and royalty for decades. Nicolas Luchsinger (VP of retail operations for the Americas), Brent Nestor (senior VP of sales) and Kristina Buckley (VP of communications) also flew in for this grand occasion. For over a century, the Place Vendome location has been at the forefront with a signature style and a mastery of the craft of fine jewelry inspired by the longstanding themes of the House, nature, couture and the arts. I was so proud that Watch312 was the exclusive media outlet for this event. As high-profile guests mixed and mingled in the exquisite jewel box boutique, it was the jewelry that was the star of the night. The pieces are never as they seem, with earrings that can be worn as brooches, necklaces that can be reassembled into bracelets or the famous zip necklace that is an engineering marvel, all of the jewelry is created with extreme attention to detail and of the highest quality gems and stones. I was thrilled to wear an exquisite necklace and earring set from Oiseaux de Paradis Volutes collection for the night and felt like Cinderella until the very end when I turned back into a pumpkin. It is true that high jewelry is empowering…I even felt taller. 🙂 The event was co-hosted by the lovely MaryAnne Smith, a champion of the soon-to-be-opened Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s Hospital on June 26th, and Lesli Falk, chair of Children Memorial’s Medical Research Institute Council. After cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the boutique, guests were led to the Palm Court which had been transformed by Tom Kehoe into a Parisian salon complete with languid models draped over ivory chairs in chic gowns created by French designer Gaspard Yurkievich. In earlier times, women’s fashions were designed to match their jewelry as was the case on this night. Factor models floated around the room showcasing millions of dollars’ worth of exquisite gems to appreciative guests as they sipped champagne in this flower-filled room to the sounds of a string quartet. It was truly surreal. And as if this weren’t enough, we were then ushered into the Gold Coast Room for the main event. Sharp intakes of breath emanated from every guest upon seeing this already magnificent room transformed as if for Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee dinner! I’ve never seen anything like it. A long, single table was brimming with flowers, candles, crystal and silver while the sparkling chandeliers above had been dimmed and spotlighted with pale colored lights. The room literally glowed…I heard several people mumbling that “had they known this event would be like this, they would’ve dressed better!” And the menu seemed to be something that would be served at Buckingham Palace, too, beginning with quenelles of Lake Erie Pike, diver scallops, morel mushrooms and Beluga caviar. Main course: Kobe Filet and foie gras, local farmed asparagus, haricot verts, roasted shallot pommes Dauphines with Bordeaux reduction. Dessert included a trio of miniature desserts, charlotte russe, hand churned salted caramel ice cream and passion fruit crème brulee. (And the sweetest part, pun intended, the plates all carried this message: “To Chicago, Love Paris.”) Wines served featured Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre (Loire France 2010), Chapoutier Estate “La Petite Ruche” (Crozes Hermitage 2007) and, of course, Taittinger Brut La Francaise (Champagne NV). Guests enjoying the evening and admiring the collections included William Wolf, Martha Melman, Leslie Prizant Goodman, Laura Schwartz, Greg Hyder, Linda Yu, Sylvia Perez, Suzy and Al Friedman, Melissa and Brian Babcock, Carol Beitler, Heather Farley, Paul Rehder, Greg Hyder, Toni and Rick Canada, Susanna Negovan, Mary and Tim Smithe, Heather Farley, Sherren Leigh and Sonya Jackson among others. The new 1,600-square-foot boutique is designed to resemble a luxurious Parisian apartment in muted shades of white and grey. You have to see it to believe it! Long may you reign Van Cleef & Arpels! (Great pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…click here for more!)

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Chicago’s second annual Red Dress Party was held in the Loop recently at the beautiful Joffrey Towers, located at 10 E. Randolph. More than 300 people donned their favorite red fashions to benefit the Aids Foundation of Chicago and the Equality Project. This party began in the 1990's when two gentlemen who were dating discovered they had both contracted HIV/AIDS. They swore to one another they would each wear red dresses to their partner's funeral. From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently, there are Red Dress parties all over the U.S. from Seattle to Chicago. The highlight of the evening was a performance by Beverly McClellan, who was a contestant in the Final 4 on the first season of the popular NBC show, “The Voice.” “The Voice” introduced Beverly to the world as a singer of stunning power and range comparable to Etta James, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge to name a few talents whose legacies she evokes. The party also included a dramatic aerial act and a decadent VIP Red Carpet reception hosted by the beloved Miss Lucy Foozie. Ginger Zee (“Good Morning America” meteorologist) and actor/singer Christian Carabias were the hosts for the evening. Event chair and board president Kyler Ashton Powell sang a memorable duet with McClellan to Cee Lo Green’s “F*ck You” song. Dedicated host committee members included Adiat Baker, Katie Cahnmann, Kyle Hillman, Terrence Chappell, Marco Foster, Julianne Glatz, Cece Gonzales, Melinda Joseph, Haley Lertola, Jerry Nunn, Ramsey Jay Prince, Arabel Alva Rosales, Mark Roscoe and Hilary Schwartz. (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here and to donate and learn more about this great cause, please visit www.reddressparty.org.)

Don’t miss this year’s second annual Ladybug Bash, “Stars & Cars: Hollywood Through the Ages” on Thursday, May 17th at Grossinger City Autoplex, located at 1530 N. Dayton from 7 to 11 p.m. This event benefits Atia’s Project Ladybug Fund, which was named after a small, brave princess named Atia, a patient undergoing cancer treatment at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. Out of concern for the various non-medical necessities of Comer’s patients and their families, Project Ladybug Fund was established to help meet some of those needs, in the hopes of improving the lives of patients and their families. The event will include a red carpet reception hosted by Project Ladybug founder Dina Manzo with special guests Ana Belaval (WGN’s “Around Town” reporter), Meg Caswell (host of HGTV’s “Meg’s Great Rooms”), Ted Brunson (producer and host of WGN’s “Chicago’s Best,” Alpana Singh (host of WTTW’s “Check Please”), Amber Podell (Ms. Illinois 2012) and Nancy To (Miss Illinois 2012). For tickets and more info, please click here!

Congrats to the Polarity Ensemble Theatre group on a wonderful production of "Tom Jones" at Wicker Park’s Josephinum Academy. Adapted by David Hammond and directed by Maggie Speer, the six-week run garnered wonderful press from the Chicago Tribune as well as Time Out Chicago! Polarity Ensemble Theatre was founded in 2004 by Richard Engling, Ann Keen and Irv Gorman with the mission of presenting work consisting of the classic and the brand new. It is dedicated to working with Chicago area writers and theatre artists. In addition to producing live theatre, Polarity is also a publisher, having produced its first volume of plays in 2006. Its production of "Hamlet" at the Athenaeum Theater prompted the Chicago Reader to name Polarity the 2008 Best Emerging Theatre Company. Congrats to Charley Jordan and the entire, amazing cast! To follow upcoming PET events, please click here!

More congratulations are in order for the NoMI Spa at the Park Hyatt! Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List – the ultimate insider’s guide to the hottest new hotels, spas and restaurants of the year – has included NoMI Spa in the May issue! To celebrate this recognition, a complimentary glass of champagne will be offered to guests booking spa appointments during the month of May! Just mention #HotList2012 upon booking your appointment! Congrats, congrats, congrats!

There are more parties, fundraisers and events coming up this week than I’ve ever seen! Mark your calendars for the following, if you have the energy!

Thursday May 3rd: Common Threads' “Come Paint It Black Tie” Fundraiser will be held at Nellcote, located at 833 W. Randolph. Tickets are $1,000; visit www.commonthreads.org for more info.

Sunday, May 6th: Joffrey 10th Anniversary Celebration Gala will be held at Palmer House Hilton beginning with a 6:30 p.m. performance at the Auditorium Theatre and followed by the Gala Dinner, Arpino Angel Award presentation and commemorative video salute. For the first time, the Women’s Board will partner with the Junior Auxiliary Board for a Grand Finale Party following in the Empire Room to celebrate the end of the season for all of the dancers. Tickets are $600 for Gala and $110 for the Grand Finale Party; visit www.joffrey.org/gala and www.joffrey.org/grandefinale for more info.

Sunday, May 6th: See Tom Dreesen’s “Sinatra” at the Laugh Factory, located at 3175 N. Broadway, for an evening of standup and storytelling of Sinatra. Tickets are $45; call 773.327.3175.

Monday, May 7th: Hubbard St. Dance Chicago’s Spotlight Ball, will take place at the Chicago Hilton. Tickets are $600 by calling 312.553.2000.

Tuesday, May 8th: St. Jude Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza (its 50th anniversary!) will take place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Tickets are $350 and includes top chef tastings. Call 773-784-6704 for more info.

Wednesday, May 9th: WTTW/WFMT “The British Are Coming” with emcee Jeremy Irons begins with a 60-minute onstage celebration at the Harris Theater (Chicago Children’s Choir, Joffrey Ballet, Under the Streetlamp, etc.) followed by dinner on the Rooftop Terrace. Tickets are $500; call 773.509.5434 for more info.

Thursday, May 10th: The Service Club of Chicago’s Mad Hatter Luncheon will take place at the Chicago Club. Tickets are $100; learn more at www.serviceclubofchicago.org.

Thursday, May 10th: Taste for the Arts’ 30th Anniversary Gala will be hosted by Bill Kurtis, Donna LaPietra, Rick and Deann Bayless at the Harris Theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. Chicago Academy for the Arts students will perform on the Rooftop Terrace featuring “Top Chef” chefs (think Stephanie Izard and Rick Bayless) serving up their specialties. Tickets are $350.

Saturday, May 12th: Alzheimer’s Association 25th Anniversary Rita Hayworth Gala starts 6:30 p.m. at Hilton Chicago. Tickets to the “Lights Camera, Glamour” homage to the films of Rita Hayworth are $500 and can be purchased at www.alz.org/galas/chicago or by calling 312.335.5768.

Saturday, May 12th: RMHC Big Mac Under Glass will be held at the Aragon Ballroom and will star KC & the Sunshine Band. Tickets are $375 at www.ronaldhousechicago.org.

Saturday, May 19th: Campfire Ball will take place at Venue One (located at 1044 W. Randolph) from 7 to 11 p.m. benefitting Children’s Oncology Services will serve all of your favorite camp treats including s’mores, grilled cheese and hot dogs, with DJ and campfire sing-a-longs. Tickets are $85 advanced and $100 at the door; call 312.235.6836 for more info.

I hope to see you at one of more of these wonderful events around town! In the meantime, I hope to see you again next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to my talented and gorgeous friend Colleen Kelly on her new WTTW show, “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly.” The premiere is Friday, May 4th at 8:30 p.m. and is the only show WTTW has chosen for a national launch in 2013! And, if you don’t know, Colleen is Catie Keogh’s sister (“24/7”) – must’ve been something in the water! Congrats to TWO talented and beautiful women in the world of media!!