Tag Archives: Hazel Barr

May 2, 2013 · 10:14 am

THE STANLEY PAUL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT: A SPECIAL NIGHT WITH FRIENDS

…PLUS THE JOFFREY BALLET’S SPRING GALA; FLEUROTICA; SWAROVSKI CELEBRATES SAIC’S “THE WALK”; MICHAEL AND YVETTE’S COOL WEDDING GIFT; CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN’S ANTIQUES FAIR; TAILS IN THE CITY CELEBRATES NINE!; LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES’ SPRING GALA; STELLA’S LATEST HONOR; “CHECK, PLEASE!” HOST FINALISTS; RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES’ BMUG ON WATCH312.COM AND SO MUCH MORE!

I’ve never done this before so please forgive me but I’m including the recent Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit in my blog this week. Why you ask
do I beg forgiveness? Because this year, I was the evening’s honoree and it was such a wonderful night with so many friends who turned out that I would like
to share it with you. (I hope you enjoy it!) I received a call from the Apparel Industry Board a few months ago. It was Marsha Brenner: “Hello Candace. The Stanley Paul Foundation
would like to honor you this year at the Casino. Just say ‘yes.’” Are you kidding me? HELL YES!!! You could’ve knocked me over with a feather! My mind flew in a thousand different directions with the first thought being how very
humbled I felt to be receiving this honor, especially following in the footsteps of Chicago notables who included Hazel Barr, Mamie Walton, Bill Zwecker, Nena Ivon,
Dori Wilson, Leslie Hindman, Donna LaPietra, Mary Ann Childers, Mark Heister, Tony Jones, Victor Skrebneski and the late Beverly Blettner, among others. I also panicked wondering
if anyone would even show up. And then when Marsha mentioned I would need to choose some speakers, I relaxed and knew this would be an evening filled with friends…no need to worry.
It was easy to choose who I would ask to speak for me. I’ve known Rhonda Sanderson longer than anyone else in Chicago. She was the first person I met at the original Playboy
Mansion after Hef and we became and still are great friends – she was even the maid of honor at my wedding. Thank goodness she said yes. I also asked Helen Melchior, a relatively new friend by comparison
but one with whom I have already shared a lifetime of wonderful memories. I met Helen through the Joffrey Ballet and we have never looked back. I love her and I love her beautiful family, too. I’ve known the human
tornado, better known as Leslie Hindman, for 32 years. Words can’t describe how much I admire her for her incredible business acumen but what I love the most about her is her loyalty to her friends. Legendary
funnyman Tom Dreesen and I have been friends since our days on Rush Street. Even though he’s traveled far and wide making the world laugh including Frank Sinatra,
he’s never forgotten his Harvey, Ill. roots, never uses foul language and always has a positive outlook. How could you NOT love him? When I first met Chicago Tribune VP/associate editor Joycelyn Winnecke, she
was seated behind this BIG desk with four other high-powered execs for my interview for my Sunday column. I was shaking in my shoes, as you can imagine, but her kindness, honesty
and intelligence made me realize I had a friend here no matter what happened. Thankfully, she hired me and I sure hope you’re all reading my Sunday Candid Candace column! I first met Donna LaPietra when she
was the chair of the “Having a Ball” program which introduced Chicago Public School kids to ballroom dancing. (Dori Wilson, another Stanley Paul honoree, got me involved
with this wonderful event.) It was so intimidating to walk into this meeting with so many notable Chicagoans seated around this massive conference table. And I’ll
never forget the first thing she said: “Don’t cha just want to get up there and dance?” Well, it was astounding to me how this dynamic, well-connected woman could be so down to earth. She is not only
my friend but a great friend to Chicago, too. So now, I had my dream team of speakers in place and the next thought was, “OMG, what will I wear?” Well, a few weeks earlier I had run into the
renowned local designer Barbara Bates at WVON’s 50th anniversary gala. She had an outfit on that was so stunning, I became her stalker for the evening. I finally asked, “Barbara, do you
think you could design something for me for my event on April 24th?” She said yes and inwardly I screamed with excitement. I also wore the most incredible jewelry that night
from the legendary house of Van Cleef & Arpels – the diamonds were so bright and beautiful, I needed sunglasses. In short, I felt like a fairy princess. The event was held at the very exclusive, very private club, the Casino on Delaware. Their rules restrict any photography of the decor
but trust me, it is exquisite beyond measure. When the day arrived, I was told my event was the largest one they’ve ever hosted for the Stanley Paul Foundation Benefit with almost 400 people in attendance. I was (and still am!) on cloud
nine. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly did the most, well, perfect floral arrangements: There were glorious mixed bouquets with white hydrangeas on every table and the piece de
resistance was a life-size portrait done by beloved artist Rosemary Fanti that she had placed on an easel for everyone to sign. This is a memory I will always cherish and can’t believe
how lucky I am to have such supportive friends. Stanley spoke first thanking the crowd and sharing the story of his beautiful sister, Raelene Mittleman. (This scholarship was created in her honor by her loving brother.) Her love and
devotion to the world of fashion and design inspired him to establish this foundation in 1990. Proceeds from the event will help support local fashion design students and give
them a leg-up on their dreams. Sun-Times entertainment columnist/Fox news reporter Bill Zwecker was the event chair and emcee; always perfection at the podium, his words are right
on target and he never needs notes. He truly is Mr. Chicago and I was so excited to have him there! And then the speakers began. Their words made me cry and Donna’s video even included
one of the earliest clips of me as a Playboy Bunny with legendary newscaster John “Bulldog” Drummond. My voice was so young and squeaky I barely recognized
myself! Where she found this clip, I will never know but suffice it to say, this video will also be a cherished possession. (You can see it below.) Joyce teased me about how aghast
the newsroom reporters were over my emails with happy faces and exclamation points. Leslie shared memories of two African American people who raised me and who really were surrogate
parents to me, Mary and Jim Johnson, for which I was so very grateful. Helen spoke about our Joffrey memories and how we are always there for each other through good times and bad and I
added we joke that we “share the same organs.” Rhonda should’ve been a stand-up comedian – she had the audience laughing so hard. It was one of the most
memorable nights of my life and I want to thank all of my friends who attended from the bottom of my heart. I know there was a fabulous buffet served but who had time to eat!? And last but
not least, Eli’s Cheesecake even created little chocolate truffle cakes as a giveaway with my picture on top. My heart is full and I may never come
down off this cloud. Thanks for listening and thanks to all who shared this memorable night with me! A special thanks to AIBI’s Marsha Brenner and Kevin Sullivan who made everything seem so effortless. 🙂 It was truly an evening I will never forget! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, another beloved friend, click here.)

The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet hosted its annual Spring Gala on April 19th and it was a huge success, thanks to dynamic co-chairs Deborah and Cody Engle and Astrid (Mrs. McKay) McKinnon! Nearly 800 people attended the spectacular celebration of
the company and its educational programs. The gala raised more than $1.23 million to help the Joffrey positively impact the lives of thousands of children, teens and young adults each year through their Community Engagement and Joffrey Academy of Dance programs. The annual black-tie
event began at 6:30 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University with unforgettable performance pieces by The Joffrey Ballet company, including a new piece entitled “Prokofiev
Suite,” created by Alexei Kremnev, the artistic director of the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the official school of The Joffrey Ballet. In addition to this world premiere, the company performed Gerald
Arpino’s “Light Rain” and other pieces curated by artistic director Ashley Wheater for this happy occasion. New this year, the program featured the Joffrey company dancers and 100-plus Joffrey students, including the 40 trainees who hail from
Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Australia, France, Japan, Korea and the U.S.!! Highlighted throughout the evening were the transformations and inspirations of a dancer, from the Community Engagement and Joffrey
Academy of Dance students to the internationally renowned company dancers. Following the performances, guests were whisked away via trolleys to the Chicago Hilton for cocktails and dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Guests were treated to a delicious menu
created just for the gala by the Chicago Hilton’s Executive Chef Mario Garcia. After dinner, the evening was topped off with a lively after-party, as guests joined the Joffrey company members for
dancing in the “Blue Star Lounge.” The Hilton was transformed with amazing dance-inspired floral designs and complementary lighting. Bill Pollack Music entertained guests from the
moment they arrived at the Hilton and all during dinner with a full orchestra. A DJ with live Latin percussionists entertained at the after-party. I was thrilled to present the Luxury Live auction with master auctioneer Greg Dellinger (aka G-Man). Fabulous packages guaranteed to impress included Business Class travel via the Joffrey’s official airline (United) with top-notch
accommodations at Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands and at Pristine Bay Resort on the island of Roatán (off the coast of Honduras) and two exclusive dinners in the home of Ashley Wheater. The Spring Gala
Presenting Sponsor was BMO Private Bank; the Dinner Sponsor was Alphawood Foundation Chicago; the Evening Sponsors were the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and Mr. Fred Eychaner; the Women’s Board Media Partner was Make It Better and the Gala Video Sponsor was the Edward and Lucy R. Minor Family Foundation. Congrats to all on another beautiful, successful year! (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Fleurotica, the hot, haute couture runway show where flowers take center stage, will take place on June 12th, so mark your calendars now! This is one of the most creative events I’ve ever attended with floral designs masquerading as high fashion that will take your breath away! To see a sneak peek, take a look at my Watch312.com video below! This year’s co-chairs, Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky and Deirdre Koldyke, have planned an exciting evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Honorees will include Dr. Gwen Rodgers, Jackie McKay, Mary Nelson and Reverend Eudory Ramey, founders of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The Mayor and Theaster Gates are serving as honorary chairs. For tickets and more info, please visit www.garfieldconservatory.org.

I can’t WAIT to attend the School of the Art Institute’s “The Walk” on May 3rd for its 79th annual fashion show. To celebrate this milestone event, Swarovski – the leading designer of fashion jewelry and the
presenting sponsor – hosted a cocktail reception recently to unveil its window installation in honor of Fashion 2013. This is Swarovski’s third year partnering with this prestigious design institution and will be supporting its
students by providing jewelry and crystals to compliment and complete their designs for the show as well as supporting the SAIC Fashion Department Scholarship Fund. Swarovski also provided jewelry to create a visual window display at its flagship store at 540 N.
Michigan (through December 31st) by students and faculty from the school’s master’s program mentored by Nick Cave, professor for the fashion design department. For more info for “The Walk,” please visit www.saicfashion.org.

The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Celebrity Bartending Event, hosted recently at the Glen Prairie restaurant, included a fun-filled evening with Brittney, Jarrett and Connie Payton as well as super radio personality Eddie V. All bar tips benefited the WCPF charity including the amazing line up of
autograph auction items. To add to the special evening, the City of Glen Ellyn presented the Payton family with a proclamation naming April 24th the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Day. Awwww…love this! Congrats to the Paytons!

The Michael Jordan/Yvette Prieto nuptials are history now with the lovebirds back in their 35,000-square-foot nest in the elegant Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida. Guests are still talking about the wedding tent which, according to my sources, was one of the world’s largest at 40,000 square feet! It was even bigger than their house! I can only imagine the wedding gifts they must’ve received – after all, what would you ever buy for Michael
Jordan that he didn't already have? Well, I bet none topped this idea for the legendary basketball superstar and his model wife: Upper Deck (the world’s leading sports memorabilia company) created a one-of-a-kind Michael Jordan wedding card. The oversized card, named “Shining Moments,” has been signed by 16 athletes and celebrities who are friends of the famous
couple. Upper Deck’s marketing manager Chris Carlin said, “Upper Deck has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Michael Jordan over the years. We wanted to create something that would be meaningful, not only to Michael, but to his new wife Yvette as well. Over the past few weeks, we have worked to collect a variety of autographs from sports legends and personalities who are close to both Michael and Yvette. Our Athlete
Relations Team did an amazing job of collecting 16 autographs.” Carlin pointed out that this is also the first collectible to feature the couple together. This unique gift is signed by Ahmad Rashad, Brandi Chastain, Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, Dwight Freeney, Flex Alexander, Julius Erving, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mario Lemieux, Richard Dent, Ron Harper, Salli Richardson, Toni Kukoc, Vince Coleman, Wayne Gretzky and Winn McMurry. It’s good to be king! (For more pics and info from the wedding, please click here!)

On May 8th, I hope you can join me for the launch party to introduce the new BlackBerry Z10 at Untitled (111 W. Kinzie) with Jonny Imerman of Imerman Angels and Katie Schroeder of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The party will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP to RSVPChicago@ModernLuxury.com. Hope to see you there!

Happy 9th anniversary to Tails in the City! To celebrate, they are hosting a party at Proof Nightclub (1045 N. Rush St.) on May 10th. In addition to hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, the night will also include red carpet photos, pet psychic Denise Zak, doggie massages, pet portraits, doggie makeovers, goodie bags and more! Proceeds will benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society. For tickets ($60 in advance, $75 at the door), please visit www.tailsinthecity.com or call 312.649.0347. Happy anniversary, Bruce and Phillip…thanks for all you do for us and our four-legged friends!

Congrats are also in order for Leah Chavie and her fabulous Leah Chavie Skincare Center & Boutique at 2500 and 2457 N. Halsted! Celebrate her three years in business AND the VIP Grand Opening (presented by Platinum Events) of her new space from 6 to 9 p.m. at both locations.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago along with Holy Family Villa and the Bishop Lyne Residence hosted “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne” on April 13th. Bishop Timothy Lyne was
presented with the Holy Family Caritas Sanctae Familiae Award in recognition of his 70 years of the ordination to the priesthood, 30 years of his ordination as bishop and for his love and dedication to the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The event took place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and included a reception, dinner and program. Guests enjoyed fine cuisine and entertainment by the City
Lights Orchestra and proceeds from the dinner benefitted the Holy Family Villa Expansion Project. The honorary chairman was Monsignor Michael M. Boland and the event chairs were Reverend John R. Gorman and Monsignor John A. Kuzinskas. Congrats Bishop Lyne!

More than 600 guests were undeterred by area floods and determined to enjoy spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening. Though the flooding required “all hands on deck,” the party was smooth sailing: The event raised $250,000 for the Garden’s conservation, education and research programs! Preview partygoers dined on a selection of sumptuous dishes prepared by Jewell Events as they shopped an exquisite array of antiques from 120 exhibitors from the United
States and Europe. The Preview Evening was co-chaired by Kimberly and Randy Burt, Peggy and Jack Crowe, Kathy and Chris Deveny, and Kate and J.T. Fitzgerald. Returning for its 13th year, the Antiques & Garden Fair featured four lectures including one by Michael S. Smith, one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today. Smith, the fair’s honorary chair, attended the Preview. Five of the Chicago area’s premier landscape designers donated indoor display gardens to interpret the theme, “Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View,” including Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc., William Heffernan Landscapes, Mariani
Landscape, The Organic Gardener and Maria Smithburg with Manfredini Landscaping & Design. Principal sponsor of the 2013 Antiques & Garden Fair was BMO Harris Bank; additional support provided by American Airlines, Bonterra Organic Vineyards and Plante Moran. Co-producers of the 2013 Antiques & Garden Fair were Cathy Busch, Susan Canmann, Jen Kasten, Donna LaPietra, Jane O’Neil and Peggy Swartchild and artistic director Bill Heffernan. (Photos by Cheri Eisenberg.)

The League of Chicago Theatres will present its 2013 Spring Gala, an elegant, extravagant evening celebrating the 175th anniversary of Chicago theater. This event will bring together supporters from the community to champion more than 200 Chicago theatre companies. This year’s event will be held on May 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the
Grand Ballroom of the luxurious InterContinental Chicago, located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue. This year, the League will honor Jeff Perry as the recipient of the 2013 Tribute Award. Writers’ Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Halberstam will receive the 2013 Artistic Leadership Award. The Jeff Committee, now celebrating its 45th anniversary, will receive the
first-ever Theatre Advocacy Award and the 16th Street Theater will receive the fifth annual Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award. Individual tickets are $300 and tables of 10 are $3,000. All proceeds from ticket sales and contributions directly support the League’s programs and services to more than 200 Chicago theatre companies. For more information and tickets, contact Nancy Weber at 312-554-9800 or nancy@chicagoplays.com.

This woman is going to have to buy a bigger trophy case! Beloved scribe Stella Foster will be receiving the first ever Woman of the Decade Legend of Print Media Award from the All-Illinois 2013 Coalition Banquet Awards Selection Committee. The theme of this year’s awards ceremony is “People Who Have Made A Difference.” This huge honor will be presented to our Stella at the Coalition for United Community Action-ORTC, Inc., 41st Annual Unity Testimonial Awards Banquet on June 7th at the Palmer House Hilton. (Whew, that’s a
mouthful!) So deserving Stella since you are someone who HAS made such a difference!! And I know you’re blogging, tweeting and Facebooking now – follow her on Twitter @Stellascolumn and on Facebook at Stella Foster – BUT I still miss reading your work in the paper! Love you and congrats AGAIN on yet another wonderful, deserving award!

Well, finally the weather is heating up making it the perfect time for PATIOS in Chicago! One of my new favorites is the downtown Rush Street location of Giordano’s Famous Chicago Pizza, located at 730 N. Rush St. Recently, Javier Colon (winner of Season 1 of “The Voice”) played at a benefit there and Tampa Bay Ray’s pitcher Matt Moore ate din-din with his family there. (They loved the stuffed version.) Other Giordano fans include Lady Gaga
and her boyfriend/“Chicago Fire” star Taylor Kinney, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Channing Tatum, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Taylor Lautner and many more! I can’t wait! Woot woot! And it certainly doesn’t hurt that D. Rose is now their awesome spokesperson either!

The five finalists have just been announced for WTTW's "Check, Please!" host position! They are Senam Amegashie (freelance writer), Donny de Castro (owner of Tavern on the Park), Catherine De Orio (president of Culinary Curator), Sarah Levy (magazine editor and owner of S. Levy Foods) and Ina Pinkney (chef/owner of Ina's). Good luck to ALL!

I hope you were able to join in on the fun on Sunday in my Candid Candace column in the Chicago Tribune! I covered the BIG masquerade ball benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, “Big Mac Under Glass.” To read my column and see all of the pics, please click here and to see the fun for yourself, watch my Watch312.com video below of this cool night in Chicago! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed covering this amazing event!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=13Y3RhYjqXPHC_N88NV5XvdktJt4dX4h&version=2

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! The weather has finally broken and it’s time to break out our grills again! Yippee! Enjoy your day and I hope to see you here again next week!

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

P.S. Congratulations are in order for newlyweds Rachel and James DeMarte, who sealed their vows recently at Paradisus Playa del Carmen Hotel on the Mayan Riviera with lots of friends. What a beautiful bride!

P.P.S. Keep those congratulations going for Sharyl and Mike Mackey who just recently welcomed two new bundles of joy to their family – Aidan and Reed Mackey. Welcome to the world little ones!

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Tagged as 16th Street Theater, A Perfect Event, Ahmad Rashad, AIBI, Alexei Kremnev, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, American Airlines, Anti-Cruelty Society, Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening, Apparel Industry Board, Ashley Wheater, “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne, Barbara Bates, Beverly Blettner, Big Mac Under Glass, Bill Heffernan, Bill Pollack Music, Bill Zwecker, Bishop Lyne Residence, Bitter End Yacht Club, BlackBerry Z10, BMO Harris Bank, BMO Private Bank, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Brandi Chastain, Brett Hull, Brittney Payton, Broadway in Chicago, Bruno Mars, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Casino, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cathy Busch, Channing Tatum, Chef Mario Garcia, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago Fire, Chicago Hilton, Chicago Tribune, Chris Carlin, Chris Chelios, Chris Deveny, City Lights Orchestra, Coalition for United Community Action-ORTC Inc. 41st Annual Unity Testimonial Awards Banquet, Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View, Community Engagement, Connie Payton, Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Debi Lilly, Deirdre Koldyke, Denise Zak, Derrick Rose, Donna LaPietra, Dori Wilson, Dr. Gwen Rodgers, Dwight Freeney, Eddie V., Edward and Lucy R. Minor Family Foundation, Eli's Cheesecake, Fleurotica, Flex Alexander, Frank Sinatra, Fred Eychaner, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Gerald Arpino, Giordano’s Famous Chicago Pizza, Glen Prairie, Greg Dellinger, Having a Ball, Hazel Barr, Holy Family Villa, Holy Family Villa Expansion Project, Hugh Hefner, Imerman Angels, Inc., InterContinental Chicago, J.T. Fitzgerald, Jack Crowe, Jackie McKay, James DeMarte, Jane O’Neil, Jarrett Payton, Javier Colon, Jeff Committee, Jeff Perry, Jen Kasten, Jewell Events, Jim Johnson, Joffrey Academy of Dance, Joffrey Spring Gala, John “Bulldog” Drummond, Jonny Imerman, Joycelyn Winnecke, Jr., Julius Erving, Justin Bieber, Kate Fitzgerald, Kathy Deveny, Katie Schroeder, Ken Griffey, Kevin Sullivan, Kimberly Burt, Lady Gaga, League of Chicago Theatres, Leah Chavie, Leah Chavie Skincare Center & Boutique, Leslie Hindman, Light Rain, Make it Better, Mamie Walton, Manfredini Landscaping & Design, Maria Smithburg, Mariani Landscape, Mario Lemieux, Mark Heister, Marsha Brenner, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Johnson, Mary Nelson, Matt Moore, Mayor Emanuel, Michael Halberstam, Michael Jordan, Michael S. Smith, Mike Mackey, Mila Samokhina, Monsignor John A. Kuzinskas, Monsignor Michael M. Boland, Nena Ivon, Nick Cave, Peggy Crowe, Peggy Swartchild, Plante Moran, Platinum Events, Playboy Bunny, Playboy mansion, Pristine Bay Resort, Prokofiev Suite, Rachel DeMarte, Randy Burt, Reverend Eudory Ramey, Reverend John R. Gorman, Rhonda Sanderson, Richard Dent, Ron Harper, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosemary Fanti, Salli Richardson, School of the Art Institute, Selena Gomez, Sharyl Mackey, Shauna Montgomery, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Shining Moments, Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit, Stella Foster, Susan Canmann, Swarovski, Tails in the City, Tampa Bay Rays, Taylor Kinney, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, The Organic Gardener, The Voice, The Walk, Theaster Gates, Tom Dreesen, Toni Kukoc, Tony Jones, United Airlines, Upper Deck, Van Cleef & Arpels, Victor Skrebneski, Vince Coleman, Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Day, Watch312.com, Wayne Gretzky, Whitney Lasky, William Heffernan Landscapes, Winn McMurry, Woman of the Decade Legend of Print Media, Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet, Yvette Prieto

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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August 23, 2012 · 11:24 am

GLAMORAMA’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE!

…PLUS HOTEL LINCOLN’S GRAND OPENING, LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S GARDEN PARTY, WATCH312.COM’S GLAMORAMA VIDEO COVERAGE, CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW PARTIES, “OUT IN THE PARK” AT SIX FLAGS, TUESDAY WANTS YOU AT PAWS CHICAGO, MOVE OVER REVLON – CAMP IS COMING AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was a cornucopia of exciting visuals, fabulous fashions, glamazon models, great people watching and the best after-party around: Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama wowed the crowds again this year at the Harris Theater on August 10th. This new venue provided a different feel to the show with a smaller stage, which (thankfully!) didn’t affect the quality or excitement level in the least and the Rooftop at Millennium Park proved to be one of the BEST after-party venues thus far! The show (expertly produced by Myron Johnson), and themed “The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now,” opened with Macy’s I Heart Radio contest winners, Meg & Liz. These two 19-year-old fraternal twins from Nashville became YouTube sensations when their cover songs and original pop anthems racked up 160 million views. Their latest hit, “Are You Happy Now?” an anti-bullying song, features Meg’s soulful acoustic guitar alongside her sister Liz’s soaring vocals. The chart topping duo Karmin also performed – they too shot to fame through their collection of YouTube cover songs, only theirs featured the rapid fire rapping of Amy Heidemann alongside her musician/singer/fiancé, Nick Noonan. They ignited the web when they posted a cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” on YouTube; the clip went viral, Ellen Degeneres called and the rest is history! (They even had the honor of introducing this year’s Ronald McDonald Host Family, Janae McVey, and her mom, LaTressa.) Headliner Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of 12 and by 21, had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums for Michael Jackson, Marc Anthony, Pink, Christina Aguilera and others. Macy’s fall fashions featured collections from Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Material Girl, Sean John, Bar III, Rachel Roy and Donna Karan; always a crowd pleaser, the Diesel underwear segment did NOT disappoint this year with hunky male models sporting Beefeater hats, police helmets and billy clubs, House of Lords wigs and, of course, underwe
ar! The segment opened with the guys lined up atop a London bus, tearing off their shirts and marching down stairs towards the appreciative audience. The young British Invasion dancers included some favorites from last year like Bailey Munoz (aka BailRok), who Cee-Lo Green famously lifted over his head in last year’s finale. The after-party on the Rooftop of Millennium Park was over-the-top spectacular with British touches everywhere you looked. The “Windsor Terrace’s” champagne lounge featured the “Queen’s jewels” in a Lucite case while the “Piccadilly Circus” section offered Lancome makeup touchups and a photo booth with props. Delicious food was everywhere you looked with specialty drinks offered at all 18 Patron bars! Attendees included Andrea Schwartz with Dr. Steven Stryker, Martine Reardon, Robin Reibel, Jeff Ganette, Doug Porter, Christina Thomas, Paul Heubener, Kamal Bosamia, Fabrice Calmels, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Sheila Musolino, David Sanchez, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Melchior, Gretchen Klotz, Billy Dec, Ken Norgan, Jose Conforme, Marcus Riley, Nicole Townsend, Marco Foster, Laura Schwartz, Justin Jacobson, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Carol Gibson, Camille Britton, Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser, Joan Colmar, Kathleen Henson, Michelle Durpetti, Stephanie Kroll, Heather Ingram, Kathy O’Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Quenten Schumacher, Katie McLenaghan, John Bourgeois, Donna Pecci, Marcellas Reynolds, Samantha Lurie, Stephanie Teymourian, Sara Jahn, Ami York, Joanne Lee Paul, Tee Lam Dubois, Marketa Kazdova and Sadhna and Narmda Kumar. All of the dancers, models and performers travel to all four cities – Minneapolis, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. For the fourth year, Glamorama benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. To date, this event has raised more than $750K for this charity to support the building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House which officially opened on June 26th! During the past 13 years, this event has raised more than $2 million for Chicagoland charities. See below for an incredible Watch312.com video documenting this historic event! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=9tdTJwNTqrT3sRVib6ovXa5x86KyMdQ5&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Chicago's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Lincoln, hosted its official Grand Opening Party at 1816 N. Clark on Thursday, August 16th. Hundreds of locals and hotel guests partied on three floors including the J. Parker Rooftop, which has one of the best views in the city. Looking out over Lincoln Park, the zoo and lagoons with the lake beyond is a sight not to be missed! Even Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln were on hand to greet guests as they entered. Neon wristbands allowed party-goers all-access into this charming hotel located at the crossroads of Lincoln, Clark and Wells. Conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Green City Market, Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this 12-story hotel has 184 rooms that begin reasonably at $179 a night. Dining specials can even be ordered up from restaurant hotspot, Perennial Virant, whose beloved food and beverage director Jason Dohmann was on hand on this special night greeting guests with a smile and a hug. Congrats to BOKA Group restaurant owners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz and Joie de Vivre Hotel Group for this terrific addition to the neighborhood. Guests seen on the scene included Marlaine Selip, Cindy Patrasso, Emerald-Jane Hunter and Ji Suk Yi from “Windy City Live,” Andrea Schwartz, Scott Bobek, Julianne Glatz, the Landon twins, Laura Schwartz, Charley Jordan, Jennifer Sutton, Deborah Chapman, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Alli Turner, Luis Gomez, Patrick Parkey and Mitchell Obstfeld. I'm so happy to see that horrible "Days Inn" sign disappear! For more info on Hotel Lincoln, please click here!! (P.S. The Hotel Lincoln is pet-friendly AND charitable, with a $1 donation per room being donated to PAWS Chicago – more than $4,800 has been donated to date, thanks to Deborah Chapman!) Check out more fun party pics here!

Lincoln Park Zoo’s second annual Wine & Wildflowers Garden Party was a casually elegant affair in the zoo’s gardens with almost 350 people enjoying this August 1st event that included a wine tasting, mingling and leisurely strolls through the pristine grounds of this urban oasis. Strains of bluegrass music from the Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, which could be heard over the Hope B. McCormick swan pond, delighted attendees who feasted on Southern favorites including an upscale selection of brisket and pork barbecue bites from Tigerlily Events, deviled eggs topped with smoky bacon and chicken salad tartlettes. Wine stations included selections from sponsors Apothic Wines, Martin Codax, William Hill Estate Winery and Wirtz Beverage Illinois. Tours throughout the night highlighted striking garden displays of purple fall anemone, tardiva hydrangeas and dinner plate hibiscus. Senior VP of Facilities Troy Baresel and Director of Horticulture Brian Houck gave guests an exclusive sneak peek at what lies ahead for the Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo. Their aim is to create a garden for all seasons that preserves the historic character of the Zoo’s grounds. Founded in 1868, our zoo is one of the country’s only free, privately-managed zoos. (Click here to view more pics!)

The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of my favorite events every summer – Chuck and I always love seeing the rehearsals the day before when the planes fly right over our deck and terrify the Chihuahuas! And although much is written about the show itself, I love the viewing parties thrown across the city to celebrate! I know the newly opened Hotel Lincoln hosted an event as did friends Michael Wilkie and Kristina and Mike McGrath. Wilkie's penthouse home – high atop 1500 N. Lake Shore – is, in my opinion, the best perch from which to view these amazing feats of daring since the planes are right at eye level from the 24th floor. His beautiful home was formerly owned by an heir of Morton Salt so you can imagine the grandeur. Kristina and Mike McGrath's home holds a special sense of place for me since they live at the Palmolive Building, formerly Playboy headquarters. Their h
ome on the 22nd floor was formerly the editorial department where I spent a lot of my time in earlier years so I felt right at home in their luxurious space with two grand outdoor patios…one with a putting green! Partygoers included Sonya Jackson, Korinna Isselhardt (Kristina's darling twin sis), Hazel and Warren Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Michaela and Dick Parrillo, Susanna Negovan, Sherrill and John Bodine, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Uslan, Gayle and Jim Anthony, Sherren Leigh, Sugar Rautbord, Rebecca Besser, Toni and Rick Canada and Julee White. A gorgeous lakefront, world-class aerial displays and great friends to see it all with – Chicago is MY kind of town! (To see all party pics, please click here!)

I’ve been fortunate to have attended quite a few unique events in my time but this is one clever idea for a party! An all new private LGBT event benefitting TPAN will feature rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere: “Out in the Park” will be at Six Flags Great America on Saturday, September 8th from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The park will be closed to the general public for this event, where more than 3,000 guests are expected to attend. Attendees will enjoy DJs Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, who will be spinning simultaneously as a team. A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, one block west of Broadway. Buses will depart at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., all returning at 1 a.m. Tickets in advance are $35, which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to this private event. (For tickets, visit sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012 and for bus ticket info, please visit gaysixflagschicago.com or call 773.878.5323.)

Congrats to the students of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, who donated their time and efforts for Congressman Danny Davis’ recent Back to School Parade & Picnic. Twelve students happily assisted seniors by serving meals, helping them on and off of buses and with games. The kids gave back to the community in the spirit that won ICB the 2012 ACCSC Award (Accrediting Commission Career Schools & Colleges) that OICB Prez Bob Mills will be receiving in San Diego this September. They beat out more than 1,400 schools and 250,000 college kids in garnering this award so congrats to the students and to ICB on this major honor!

Friends for the Cure is a dynamic group of associates who have been working together since 2003 to help raise money for research to cure diabetes. The founder, Margery Teller (one of Crain’s “100 Most Influential Women”), will bring together more than 700 celebrants on Saturday, September 15th from 7 p.m. until midnight at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave. The night will include strolling musicians, performing artists, DJs and an extensive silent auction that will include a pair of weekend stays at the Langham Hotels in Boston and Pasadena, among many other exciting items. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. (To purchase tickets, please visit www.diabetes.org/friends.)

I’m sad to report that Chicago Beach Polo won’t be returning to North Avenue Beach this year but the good news for polo buffs is that it is alive and well in Oak Brook! Last Sunday was the first of four polo events this year. Remaining dates are August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th and games are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more info, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Social Gravity, a network connecting people and businesses that share common causes and goals with the nonprofits they support, will be hosting a networking and fundraising happy hour on Friday, August 24th, at the Redhead Piano Bar, located at 16 W. Ontario St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Social Gravity founder Randy Shipley explains, “This event will raise money for MyPlea.org, an innovative new online charitable organization dedicated to helping those in need on an individual case by case basis.” (Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info, please contact Sarah Vargo via phone at 224.622.1759 or email at sarah@maven-chicago.com.)

My favorite market, Randolph Street Market, returns to 1340 W. Washington on August 25th and 26th! America’s largest and liveliest urban antiques market offers more than eight acres of indoor and outdoor shopping plus some of the best food vendors in Chicago! It also offers free downtown furniture deliveries, a trolley from Water Tower Place and is very pet-friendly! Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Remember, early Saturday shopping will benefit Chicago House! (For more info, please click here.)

If you’re in the market for a 10-month-old Pointer pup, read no further and get over to PAWS Chicago NOW! Tuesday is an affectionate girl who loves to fetch and is anxious to bring so much life and energy to her new family! She is good on leash and walks and would probably make a great running partner, too! She sits on command and will need lots of exercise, structure, love and training. If you think you qualify for this bundle of love, contact Sarah Ahlberg at sahlberg@PawsChicago.org.

It came out of the blue: I didn’t even know the guy and had never heard of Camp Cosmetics but when owner Michael Perich contacted me about creating my own lipstick, I had dreams of Elizabeth Taylor and her Diamonds fragrance! Well, a dream for sure but what fun to have my own special coral color named “Candid Candace” and, best of all, getting to donate a portion of the proceeds to PAWS Chicago! He is a dedicated makeup artist with a salon filled with like-minded professionals who believe in their slogan “Women are beautiful…we make them pretty.” My signature color sells for $19.50 and can be ordered by phoning Camp Cosmetics at 630.545.0240 or visiting the store at 480A N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn. I am sooooo excited! 🙂 (Photo courtesy of Amie Hana.)

Thanks for being here and I hope to see you next week – same time, same place! I hope you’re enjoying this glorious weather that makes Chicago the most delightful city in the world!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 1500 N. Lake Shore, Abraham Lincoln, Alli Turner, Ami York, Amie Hana, Amy Heidemann, Andrea Schwartz, Andrea Scott Bobek, Apothic Wines, Bailey Munoz, BailRok, Bar III, Billy Dec, BOKA Group, Brian Houck, Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, Camille Britton, CAMP Cosmetics, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol Gibson, Cee Lo Green, Charley Jordan, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Chicago Air & Water Show, Chicago Beach Polo, Chicago House, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Christina Thomas, Cindy Patrasso, Corinne Melchior, Dan Uslan, David Sanchez, Deborah Chapman, Diamonds, Dick Parrillo, Diesel, Donna Karan, Donna Pecci, Dori Wilson, Doug Porter, Dr. Steven Stryker, Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen Degeneres, Emerald-Jane Hunter, Fabrice Calmels, Gale Gottlieb, Gayle Anthony, Green City Market, Gretchen Klotz, Hazel Barr, Heather Ingram, Hotel Lincoln, J. Parker Rooftop, Janae McVey, Jason Dohmann, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeff Ganette, Jennifer Sutton, Ji Suk Yi, Jim Anthony, Joan Colmar, Joanne Lee Paul, John Bodine, John Bourgeois, John McMahan, Joie de Vivre Hotel Group, Jose Conforme, Julee White, Julianne Glatz, Justin Jacobson, Kamal Bosamia, Karmin, Kathleen Henson, Kathy O'Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Katie Mclenaghan, Ken Norgan, Kevin Boehm, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Latressa McVey, Laura Schwartz, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Lincoln Park Zoo, Luis Gomez, Lynn McMahan, Macy’s Passport Present Glamorama, Marc Anthony, Marcellas Reynolds, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Marketa Kazdova, Marlaine Selip, Martin Codaz, Martine Reardon, Mary Todd Lincoln, Material Girl, Matthew Harvat, Meg & Liz, Michael Jackson, Michael Perich, Michael Wilkie, Michaela Parrillo, Michelle Durpetti, Mike McGrath, Mitchell Obstfeld, MyPlea.org, Myron Johnson, Narmda Kumar, Nick Noonan, Nicole Townsend, Out in the Park, Palmolive building, Patrick Parkey, Paul Heubener, PAWS Chicago, Perennial Virant, Phil DaBeatz, Pink, Playboy, Quenten Schumacher, Rachel Roy, Rachel Schwanz, Randolph Street Market, Randy Shipley, Rebecca Besser, Redhead Piano Bar, Rick Canada, Rob Katz, Robin Reibel, Robin Thicke, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rooftop of Millennium Park, Sadhna Kumar, Samantha Lurie, Sara Jahn, Sarah Ahlberg, Sarah Vargo, Sean John, Second City, Sheila Musolino, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Six Flags Great America, Social Gravity, Sonya Jackson, Stephanie Kroll, Stephanie Teymourian, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Sugar Rautbord, Susanna Negovan, Tee Lam Dubois, The British Invasion: The Music Then The Fashion Now, the Landon twins, Tigerlily Events, Tommy Hilfiger, Toni Canada, TPAN, Troy Baresel, Tuesday, Warren Barr, Wildflowers & Wine Garden Party, William Hill Estate Winery, Windy City Live, Wirtz Beverage Illinois, YouTube

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 26, 2012 · 9:07 am

FASHION COLUMBIA 2012: BIGGEST, GREENEST AND RECORD BREAKING!

…PLUS JOFFREY’S COSTUME LUNCHEON, RUSSIA DAY, SERVICE CLUB’S FASHION SHOW, VICTORIAN BALL, NICOLE’S BABY LUNCHEON, A WHITE PARTY FOR CHARITY, A NEW FASHION BLOG, "ELEVEN DIVAS" AT DUSABLE, MY FAVORITE WEDDING AND SO MUCH MORE!

Fashion Columbia 2012 raised record funds, was the greenest fundraiser and was largest event at the college to date! Proceeds from the event, which brought out over 200 guests, will benefit the Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship in Fashion Studies. All of this good news must’ve made event chair Desiree Rogers very, very happy along with her glam Host Committee that consisted of Trish Rooney Alden, Madeleine Burrell, Gwendolyn Butler, Bonita Chapman, Nora Daley, Janice Barnes Davis, Susan Downing, Elissa Hamid Efroymson, Rich Gamble, Ikram Goldman, Mary Lou Haddad, Mellody Hobson, Susie Kiphart, Julie Latsko, Sylvia Neil, Diane Primo, MK Pritzker, Shawnelle Ritchie, Lynne Turner and Allison Grant Williams. The event at the Media Production Center at 16th and State Streets opened with a red carpet which led to models wearing a selection of vintage pieces from fashion icon, Eunice Johnson’s Fashion Fair Collection. For the main event, 15 fashion studies students showcased 45 designs that included menswear, evening gowns and dresses. The models wore Fashion Fair cosmetics, of course, from the company founded by Eunice Johnson. Desiree had this to say: “Many of the designs intrigued me and I would have purchased them that evening. I could not help but think of how happy Eunice Johnson would have been to see such talent. It was a magical evening.” During the program, Lana Jewelry founder Lana Bramlette was awarded the Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award by VP of Institutional Advancement, Eric Winston. Lana is known as the “Queen of Hoops,” with her jewelry adorning celebs like Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson, Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz, to name a few. A host committee dinner, rooftop reception, VIP lounge and after-party all completed this fabulous night of fashion that raised more than $70,000. Event sponsors included Macy’s and Mercedes-Benz. Live auction packages raised an additional $16K and included a fur donated by Fabbri Furs and a travel package to New York Fashion Week. As for the green aspect, the organizers recycled all post-event paper and other products, even composting food scraps! To learn more about Columbia College and the Eunice Johnson Scholarship Fund, please visit www.colum.edu/. (Click here to see ALL of the pics by Caitlin Saville Collins!)

The Joffrey Ballet’s 10th Anniversary Celebration of its Women’s Board continued with a Costume Luncheon held recently at the Ritz Carlton. Joffrey trainees modeled historic ballet costumes from its archives displaying the wonderful cross section, variety and depth of the collection. Besides the costumes, more than 200 guests also enjoyed beautifully decorated tables by Drew Holitik with mounds of flowers spilling out of Joffrey hat boxes and a luncheon menu that featured spring pea soup, followed by grilled chicken salad and ending with a chocolate Pot de Crème – elegant and yummy all at the same time! The 10th Anniversary Chair, Maureen Smith, introduced her long-time friend, Tina Sloan (a well-known actress from her time on “Guiding Light” and the author of “Changing Shoes”), who delivered a hysterical presentation of her one-woman show based on her book and life experiences including her role in the Academy Award- winning film, “Black Swan.” Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway (who could definitely have his own stand-up comedy show) then introduced Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, who thanked everyone for coming. The chairwomen for the event were Sophie Bross, Liz Ryan, Jennifer Litowitz and Maggie Scheyer with Nena Ivon (Chicago History Museum president and former fashion director of Saks on Michigan Avenue) serving as honorary chair. More than $50K will go towards supporting the Joffrey’s programs and performances as well as providing funds for the Costume Project, whose capable and devoted chair is Lisa Leiden. Seen on the scene were Helen Melchior, Kathleen Klaeser, Dusty Stemer, Tina Weller, Sherren Leigh, Amelia Silva, Leslie Hindman, Suzette Bulley, Jamee Field, Liz Adams, Mary Jo Basler, Sandy Deromedi, Astra Gamsjaeger, Yolanda Tyler, Jim Karas, Shelley Farley, Shauna Montgomery and Marci Holzer among many others. (View more pics here!)

More than 250 Russian nationals and Americans joined together to celebrate Russia Day at a black-tie gala at the Chicago Cultural Center on June 14th. Hosted by the Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, chaired by the dynamic Aleksandra Efimova and Prince Piotr Galitzine, the event honored Russia’s national holiday, which is celebrated on June 12th and commemorates the day in 1990 when the Russian Parliament formally declared sovereignty over Russia. This is only the second year that Russia Day has been celebrated in Chicago and the first year the event included a black-tie gala. The evening began with Sergey Kislyak, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the U.S., giving the keynote speech highlighting the importance of strengthening the relationships between the U.S. and Russia and focusing on the similarities between Chicago and Moscow. Other speakers included Prince Galitzine, the chairman of TMK IPSCO (a Russian company with offices in Downers Grove); Alexander Tseitline, VP of technology and research of NLMK USA (the U.S. arm of a Russian-owned steel company); and Mike Rehwinkel, president and CEO of EVRAZ North America. In addition to the speeches, the evening included a dinner featuring authentic Russian food, as well as performances by the Campanella Children’s Choir, the Joffrey Ballet, the Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Ryan Opera Center and 75 members of the Chicago Master Singers, who will be traveling to St. Petersburg at the end of June. The Moscow Committee presented donations to the Children’s Choir as well as to several WWII vets from both the Russian and American sides. “I truly hope Russia Day encourages people of all countries to see the commonalities between each other and fosters collaboration among Russians and Americans to promote peace and economic growth,” Ms. Efimova said. Since its inception in 1960, Chicago Sister Cities International has built bridges between the people of Chicago and its international neighbors to achieve greater mutual understanding and to strengthen civic, economic and cultural ties. (Chicago has been a sister city with Moscow since 1997.) To conclude Russia Day 2012, Aleksandra and the Russian Federal Agency for the Commonwealth hosted a children’s story time that featured Aleksandra’s Russian translated books and toys. Is there no end to this woman’s talents!!?? Congrats Aleksandra…can’t wait to see what you do next!! For more info, please visit www.cityofchicago.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina unless otherwise noted.)

The Service Club of Chicago is hosting its annual Day on the Terrace Fashion Show and Luncheon at the Peninsula on Monday, July 30th. This year’s luncheon will have a Parisian theme – “C’est Magnifique in Couture & Contemporary Fashion” - and feature the fall collections from Escada, Intermix, Ralph Lauren, Starr Couture, Neapolitan, Lulu’s at the Belle-Kay, Burdi, Thomas James, Stuart Weitzman and a presentation of evening wear and furs by Neiman Marcus. Fashion show co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey DiBuono and Saira Cooper along with Chair Emeritus Hazel Barr guarantee a show-stopping fashion extravaganza with some surprises planned, as always! The Cocktail Reception will begin on the Terrace at 11 a.m. and will be followed by the Fashion Show at 11:45 a.m. and a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $175 with all proceeds benefitting the Club’s supplemental grant program. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

Fashion, art, music and dance came together on June 15th at the Stan Mansion for the Victorian Ball in the 21st Century. Founder Laura Elvis created one of the most intriguing events of the summer with proceeds, this year, benefitting Chicago Lost and Found and their efforts to raise funds for art education. This year’s star performers included the Joffrey Ballet’s Abigail Simon and Mauro Villanueva and Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit. The event was emceed by WGN’s Jane Monzures with a red carpet hosted by HGTV’s design star (and all around cute guy) Kevin Grace. The Ball was produced by the handsome and talented Benjamin Cottrell with photos by Kirsten Miccoli and custom designed looks by Anna G. Costumes. It takes a village to have a successful event and Laura Elvis – along with event contributors Shari Duffy, Cera Stan, Ramsey Prince and April Padilla – pulled it off! Congrats to all!

A beautiful baby shower was hosted at the Casino Club recently by glam soon-to-be-grandma, Lynn McMahan for her only daughter, Nicole Brown. Thirty lucky ladies mixed and mingled amidst the elegance of a room dressed in shades of blue for Baby Boy Brown, who is due in September. Designer Tom Kehoe and Lynn planned beautiful table décor that included oversized floral arrangements of blue (naturally!) hydrangeas, New Zealand tea tree blossoms, white stock, purple hyacinths and baby roses with children’s alphabet blocks scattered across the pale blue tablecloths. In a word: BREATHTAKING! Lynn gave a heartfelt and loving tribute to Nicole and after both of their eyes cleared from tears, Lynn asked Rebecca Besser to say a few words. Rebecca emphasized being consistent, not ever be afraid to tell your children that you love them and to savor every moment. Hazel Barr spoke next, commenting that she has raised “three children, five grandchildren and half the neighborhood!” She went on to say, “You will feel a degree of love that you never thought you would have and like most things in life, you learn on the job.” (She also joked that “having children makes you no more of a parent than having a piano makes you a pianist.”) It was a true love fest for Lynn and Nicole and I couldn’t be happier for them or prouder to have been included! Seen in the elegant room were Michaela Parrillo, Toni Canada, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan, Hedwig Golant, Dede Lubeznik, Gail Leahy, Sherrill Bodine, Lynda Silverman, Susan Gohl and Averill Leviton among others. Can’t wait to meet the little guy in September! Congrats, Nicole! Beautiful job, Lynn! (For more pics, please click here!)

And speaking of love, dear friends Alison Howlett and Josh Walters tied the knot in a loving ceremony at Holy Name Cathedral on June 9th. The reception and dinner followed at Gibson’s, where Steve Lombardo and John Colletti outdid themselves to ensure that Alison and Josh were happy as clams! Popular crooner Tony Ocean sang for the wedding party that included Zack Edwards (best man) and Kanika Rankin (maid of honor). The Shannon Rovers even led the couple into the room – how’s THAT for cool?! Guests included proud papa Ed Howlett, Mr. and Mrs. Vinnie Mehta, Senator Howard Carroll and wife Eda, Judge William Bauer and wife Patty, Alison’s mom Lynn Cialdella and grandma Helen Howlett, Judge Mike Howlett and wife Kathy, Helen Cashman and family, Senator Jim Deleo, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Allison, Mr. and Mrs. Al Childress (Alison’s aunt), Roxanne Holloway (Josh’s mom) and John Walters (Josh’s dad) among many others. The couple flew off for their honeymoon shortly after at the Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort in Aruba. Congrats with love, Mr. and Mrs. Walters! (Fab, creative fotos by Kristyna Archer.)

Mark your calendars now for The White Party set for Friday, July 27th, from 9 to 11 p.m. at Underground Chicago, located at 56 W. Illinois. Last year, beloved man-about-town Marco Foster planned this benefit for One Hope United around his birthday so it was a dual celebration. This charity helps abused children as well as foster kids and their parents and since Marco was a foster child himself, this event is very near and dear to his heart. Marco said, “I know what it’s like to get passed around from home to home and it’s not fun. It just so happens my last name is Foster by my adopted mother.” This two-hour cocktail reception will have very low ticket prices as Marco wants everyone to be able to come and support this wonderful cause! For tickets and more information, please click here!

Congrats to personal stylist Maggie Rei Stepf, formerly manager of J.Mendel on Michigan Avenue: This enterprising and talented lady has launched a new website, ChicXCity.com, which exclusively highlights local designers and boutiques as well as featuring insider scoops on deals of must-have items for the season. Maggie also offers wedding styling advice! I’m so happy for her and wish her all the best! Click here and find out the latest fashion news! :)

A thrilling concert featuring eleven of our town’s top female vocalists will return to the DuSable Museum, located at 740 E. 56th Place, on Sunday, July 8th. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Timeless Gifts, which is a summer mentoring program that gives young performers the opportunity to participate in performances where they will be mentored by world-class performers and technicians. The concert, dubbed “Eleven Divas,” was founded by Joan Collaso and will feature Lynne Jordan (love you…and your Shivers!), Frieda Lee, Sue Conway, Julia Huff, Maggie Brown, Bobbi Wilsyn, Tecora Rogers, Margaret Murphy, Theresa Davis, Yvonne Gage and Joan herself. There will be two shows – 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. – and for ticket info, please call 312.808.0005.

Who will I see at Old St. Pat’s Block Party next weekend, June 29th and 30th!? I hope YOU! I’ll be guest bartending with some very well-known peeps so I hope you’ll come out and see us! (Please don’t order anything difficult as my skills behind the bar leave something to be desired! Have a great week and I hope to see you here the next time! If you enjoy my weekly “blogazine,” please sign up (above right) and receive updates. :)

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. As I’m always happy to promote new models/designers, I would like to introduce you to 19-year-old Johnathan Cook, who is trying to make a fashion statement from Rockford, Illinois! Besides being a designer, Johnathan describes himself as “son, brother to Liberty Cook, gospel singer, musician and model.” From the looks of this photo, I think he’s got a great start! Good luck, Johnathan, and follow your dreams!

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Tagged as Abigail Simon, Al Childress, Aleksandra Efimova, Alexander Tseitline, Alison Howlett, Allison Grant Williams, Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award, Amelia Silva, Angelina Jolie, Anna G. Costumes, April Padilla, Ashley Wheater, Astra Gamsjaeger, Benjamin Cottrell, Black Swan, Bobbi Wilsyn, Bonita Chapman, Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, Burdi, Caitlin Saville Collins, Cameron Diaz, Campanella Children’s Choir, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, C’est Magnifique in Couture & Contemporary Fashion, Cera Stan, Changing Shoes, Chicago Master Singers, ChicXCity.com, Christopher Clinton Conway, Columbia College Chicago, Costume Luncheon, Day on the Terrace Fashion show and Luncheon, Dede Lubeznik, Desiree Rogers, Diane Primo, Drew Holitik, DuSable Museum, Dusty Stemer, Ed Howlett, Eda Carroll, Eleven Divas, Elissa Hamid Efroymson, Eric Winston, Escada, Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship, EVRAZ North America, Fabbri Furs, Fashion Columbia 2012, Frieda Lee, Gail Leahy, Gibson's, Guiding Light, Gwendolyn Butler, Hazel Barr, Hedwig Golant, Helen Cashman, Helen Howlett, Helen Melchior, HGTV, Ikram Goldman, Intermix, J. Mendel, Jamee Field, Jan Flanagan, Jane Monzures, Janice Barnes Davis, Jean Antoniou, Jennifer Litowitz, Jennifer Lopez, Jim Karas, Joan Collaso, Joffrey Ballet, John Colletti, John Walters, Johnathan Cook, Josh Walters, Judge Mike Howlett, Judge William Bauer, Julia Huff, Julie Latsko, Kanika Rankin, Kate Hudson, Kathleen Klaeser, Kathy Howlett, Kevin Grace, Kirsten Miccoli, Kristina McGrath, Kristyna Archer, Lana Bramlette, Lana Jewelry, Laura Elvis, Leslie Hindman, Lisa Leiden, Liz Adams, Liz Ryan, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Lynda Silverman, Lynn Cialdella, Lynn McMahan, Lynne Jordan, Lynne Jordan and the Shovers, Lynne Turner, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Macy’s Mercedes-Benz, Madeleine Burrell, Maggie Brown, Maggie Rei Stepf, Maggie Scheyer, Marco Foster, Margaret Murphy, Mary Jo Basler, Mary Lou Haddad, Maureen Smith, Mauro Villanueva, Mellody Hobson, Michaela Parrillo, Mika Samokhina, Mike Rehwinkel, Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit, MK Pritzker, Moscow Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, Neapolitan, Neiman Marcus, Nena Ivon, New York Fashion Week, Nicole Brown, NLMK USA, Nora Daley, Old St. Pat’s Block Party, One Hope United, Patty Bauer, Peninsula, Prince Piotr Galitzine, Ralph Lauren, Ramsey Prince, Rebecca Besser, Rich Gamble, Roxanne Holloway, Russia Day, Ryan Opera Center, Saira Cooper, Sandy Deromedi, Senator Howard Carroll, Senator Jim Deleo, Sergey Kislyak, Service Club of Chicago, Shannon Rovers, Shari Duffy, Shauna Montgomery. Marci Holzer, Shawnelle Ritchie, Shelley Farley, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Sophie Bross, Stan Mansion, Starr Couture, Steve Lombardo, Steve Starr, Stuart Weitzman, Sue Conway, Susan Downing, Susan Gohl and Averill Leviton, Susie Kiphart, Suzette Bulley, Sylvia Neil, Tecora Rogers, The White Party, Theresa Davis, Thomas James, Timeless Gifts, Tina Sloan, Tina Weller, TMK IPSCO, Tom Allison, Tom Kehoe, Toni Canada, Tracey DiBuono, Trish Rooney Alden, Underground Chicago, Victorian Ball in the 21st Century, Vinnie Mehta, Yolanda Tyler, Yvonne Gage, Zack Edwards

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

June 13, 2012 · 9:39 am

A FANTASY ISLAND FOR FRIENDS OF PRENTICE GALA

…PLUS BUNKY’S RL BREAKFAST, GIULIANA AND BILL CELEBRATE AT RPM, KEITH MAGEE’S RSA HONOR, SERVICE CLUB’S MAD HATTER LUNCHEON, MAMIE HONORED AT TIFFANY EYE-BANK KICK-OFF, LISA MADIGAN HOSTS AUTHOR RECEPTION, OLD ST. PAT’S WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, SUMMER LOVIN’ SINGLES PARTY AT MCA, LANGHAM NABS JOE AGUILERA AND SO MUCH MORE!

With a theme like “Fantasy Island,” it was no surprise that this fun-filled and visual feast attracted more than 800 supporters to the 26th annual Friends of Prentice benefit at Navy Pier recently. Co-chairs Erica Goldman, Chris Newton and Stan Pillman outdid themselves in the planning and event décor specialist extraordinaire Derrick Taylor created a fantasy world that included something special around every corner. Beginning with the cocktail reception and silent auction, the Digging for Diamonds raffle was a magnet for guests who dug in a giant sandbox for all sorts of “bling” with tiny golden shovels. The raffle giveaway was a trip for two to Mexico. Additionally, guests could contribute to the Giving Tree, a faux palm tree with leaves that could be pulled off to make donations to fund services at the Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, which provides pre- and post-natal care to low-income women. The silent auction had hundreds of items where you could find anything your heart desired including tickets to Lollapalooza (which has been sold out for weeks!), tickets to the Ryder Cup (another sold out event), tickets to the Kids’ Choice Awards in L.A., John Oates and Lyle Lovett concert tix, restaurant packages (including dinners at Nellcote, Paris Club, A Tavola and more), a Joffrey Ballet package and getaways to Michigan, London, New Hampshire and Ireland. As guests headed into the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, event planner Derrick Taylor (whose company, Taylor & Company, is owned by co-chair Erica Goldman) had planned some delicious surprises. First of all, partygoers were lei-ed with orchids before entering into a tropical, elegant beach- themed paradise through a tunnel ending with a faux “waterfall” complete with sounds of the ocean. Tables were adorned with five-foot-tall palm fronds, candles and crystal candelabras much to the delight of guests. I was privileged to participate in the live auction portion of the evening with Mary Gallo (Prentice board member and account director for global retail leisure and luxury sales with Starwood Hotels) and star auctioneer, Greg Dellinger, aka G-Man. (If you have any events that require the services of an auctioneer, do yourself a favor: he’s your guy!) The live auction included a never-before-offered package at the St. Regis NY with a stay in the Tiffany Suite. There was also an amazing Napa Valley wine lover’s package, an Italian dinner package at Piccolo Sogno and a trip to Mexico at the luxurious St. Regis Resort Punta Mita. I was also honored to present a moving video tribute that featured Alex and Mike Jacobson: They had lost twin boys who were born prematurely but the loving care and support they received at Prentice moved them to join the Board in appreciation. (In October, Alex gave birth to a healthy baby boy.) As the pirates moved into the dancing crowd with gift bags, the great band Maggie Speaks kept the music pumping. What a great night for charity in Chicago! This event raised $1 million to fund groundbreaking research, clinical care programs and advanced educational opportunities at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. To view ALL pics from this amazing evening, please click here!

Last week, Walter E. Smithe and Comcast hosted a finale viewing party for Giuliana and Bill Rancic at RPM Italian restaurant with partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman and acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis. Giuliana and Bill warmly greeted guests taking photos with everyone on the Style Network’s flowery red carpet. Excited fans of their show won tickets and a trip to Chicago for the exclusive party through a sweepstakes on the Style Network. Tim Smithe gifted the Rancics with a custom Walter E. Smithe rocking chair for their new baby, who will be arriving at the end of the summer. After Tim (a father of six!) offered a few words of advice, Giuliana sat down in the chair and Bill jumped on her lap. Giuliana was overheard saying she hadn’t watched much of the finale episode yet which featured the sold-out FabFest event she hosted with breast cancer advocate and Chicagoan, Lindsay Avner of Bright Pink. (The event raised $240,000 for the cause, largely due to Giuliana’s support.) Lindsay and Giuliana were spied excitedly talking about her upcoming baby shower in L.A. The reality duo hinted to another season of “Giuliana and Bill” on Style and joked they were negotiating the baby’s contract. Spotted at the party were Tim Smithe, Mary Astor Smithe, Kathleen Henson, Shane Talbott, Lindsay Avner, Ryan Chiaverini, Allison Rosati, Rob Stafford, Dori Wilson, Tarrah Cooper, Richard Roeper, Erica Strama, Kelly Zink, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal (co-owners of Luxury Garage Sale), Eric Ferguson (from 101.9 The Mix) and Luis Gomez among many others. (Photos by Jeff Schear and Anjali Pint…view more here!)

The annual Mad Hatter Luncheon benefitting the Service Club of Chicago filled the elegant Chicago Club on Van Buren with 260 ladies sporting all varieties of chapeaux! Chaired for the second year by SC member Sherry Lea Holson, this event also featured private hat collections by renowned designer Raymond Hudd which were on loan from collectors Mary Robak, Iris Sholder and Eia Radosavljevic. While the ladies sipped cocktails and browsed the collection, a panel of judges that included Bill Zwecker, Robin Robinson and Elizabeth Hamel selected winners in various categories. The Most Original hat award went to Tammy Beeler; the Most Fashionable was worn by Sarena Weil; Best Spring Ensemble was won by Rosa Guidarelli; the Best Fascinator was awarded to Jessica Priego and the Mad Hatter’s Choice was awarded to Hazel Barr. The winners won beautiful hats donated by beloved milliner Loreta Corsetti, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Carlucci Millinery; Jenny Pfanenstiel of Former Millinery and, last but least, Nicole Betti of Gold Coast Couture. SC Prez Vonita Reescer welcomed the guests and introduced speaker Jenny Pfanenstiel who delighted the ladies with a lecture on “The Hat Life of Raymond Hudd.” During the presentation, models from Zzazz Productions (Tracy Tarantino) walked throughout the venue wearing the hats on display. Each guest received a note holder and pen set and the floral
basket centerpieces were donated and created by Arturo from Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest. (Photos by John Reilly Studios…view more here!)

I’ve never been to RL Restaurant at such an early hour as I did recently for Bunky Cushing’s fourth annual “Early Birds & Bookworms” breakfast but it was sure worth it! The room was packed with bold-faced names waiting to see and hear guest speaker Cornelia Guest. Daughter of fashion icon C.Z. Guest and Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia is a polo champion, handbag designer, baker and heir to the Phipps steel fortune. Her father was a cousin of Winston Churchill. In 1982 she was named “Debutante of the Year” and “Deb of the Decade” in 1986. Her mother was 1937’s “Deb of the Year” and also the guest speaker at Bunky’s first hat luncheon 15 years ago! Besides her remarkable family history, she has made a name for herself in her own right: She is the author of “The Debutante’s Guide to Life” and, on this day, was signing her latest book, “Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures.” From childhood, Cornelia had an aversion to eating animal products due to her love for all creatures great and small. When her mother became ill, her research steered her toward a cruelty-free diet. In her latest book, she reveals secrets she learned from her parents’ privileged lifestyles as well as her favorite, simple recipes. Her tips on entertaining take the stress out of any meal and, as she laughingly stated during her talk she “is far from a master chef.” The book is organized by seasons with contributions from her favorite chefs, doctors, a veterinarian and other health experts. She charmed the crowd with her self-effacing banter and blonde, Palm Beach good looks and was on her way to Bloomingdale’s to promote her cruelty-free (made of PVC) and already-popular new handbag line (under $300) which she launched a year ago. Seen in the crowd were Bill Zwecker, Tom Gorman, Zarada Gowenlock, Hazel Barr, Cornelia’s handsome husband and doggie, Toni Canada, Sherren Leigh, Nina Mariano, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Lynda Silverman, Myra Reilly (sporting a short new ‘do she cut herself!), Stanley Paul, Lori Daniels, Dusty Stemer (whose cute son, Zac, is working for the Sun-Times now), Mary Lasky, Lynn McMahan, Sarena Weil (carrying a croc Birken similar to the one sawed in half on Dina Eastwood’s reality show “Mrs. Eastwood & Co.”), Dr. Stacie McClane and more. Long may you reign, Cornelia and Bunky! “Early Birds & Bookworms” benefitted the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and was completely underwritten by the Gibson Group…awwwwww, so nice! Even nicer: The breakfast raised more than $20,000 for the Senior Caucus! (Click here for more fun pics.)

I just can’t wait for the new Langham Hotel to open in Chicago! Slated to open in 2013, it will be a 316-room luxury hotel in one of the city’s most famous downtown riverfront landmarks – a Mies van dere Rohe-designed building at 330 N. Wabash Ave. But the most exciting part of this news is that long time Elysian VP, Joe Aguilera, will be its Director of Sales and Marketing! I adore Joe, as those who know him do, and know he will be a fabulous addition! Currently, 29 member hotels are open or in the pipeline across four continents; to find out where and more info, please visit www.langhamhospitalitygoup.com. I will see YOU soon, Joe, at this sure-to-be elegant spot!

And more kudos are in order for another beloved Chicagoan Keith Magee who is the executive officer of the much-anticipated National Public Housing Museum. On June 7th, he was named as a Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts of the United Kingdom. “RSA Fellows inspire innovative thinking, enable positive change and support each other to create an enlightened space to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.” – this describes Keith to a T, as he wears his desire to make the world a better place on his sleeve. “I'm just attempting to do what I'm required – as my grandfather has said – for as long as I can remember: ‘You have to pay your rent for taking up space on earth.’ And, the resounding message of my father (now deceased), ‘Your wealth will never be determined by what you have in the bank. It will be based on the deposit you made for the next generation.’ So, really, I'm just filling the requirements. :-)” I look forward to seeing and hearing a LOT more about this remarkable man.

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing the move by Common Threads’ Linda Novick O’Keefe to Austin, Texas. Her husband, Nick, was given an offer he couldn’t refuse from the state of Texas, so of course, the family will follow. However, she will be back every month to monitor her beloved Common Threads, where she will continue to serve as the organization’s executive director. With the world living on computers, we can all do business any
where we like and with Common Threads opening up new facilities across the country, Linda will be smack dab in the middle! Common Threads co-founder Chef Art Smith said, “I think Austin is a very exciting young community where many opportunities exist that could help us grow even more.” I love you LNO and wish you and your beyond-adorable family all the best! See you soon!

“Bridal Wave” Season 2 is looking for brides-to-be for the hottest, live online show produced by Kenmore Studios! Audition for a chance to win a $10,000 Kenmore Dream Kitchen by clicking here! “Bringing the wisdom of the world to brides-to-be everywhere on July 13th!”

The Kick-Off for the upcoming Illinois Eye-Bank Gala (set for Thursday, June 14th) was recently hosted at Tiffany’s by VP Cathy Elward and Group Director Liza Zito along with Peter Latz, the Chairman of the Illinois Eye-Bank Board. Supporters came out to congratulate Mamie Walton, this year’s Woman of Vision, and Dr. Joel Sugar, the Gift of Sight honoree. Always elegantly attired, on this night Mamie was wearing a simple black dress which highlighted her Tiffany Strawberry pin by Jean Schlumberger on her shoulder. Accompanied by long-time friend Stanley Paul, she greeted guests with that charming British accent and winning smile. Liza Zito welcomed the crowd and Diane Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the IEB, thanked Mamie for her support and presented her with a pair of Tiffany cat-eye shaped sunglasses. The June 14th soiree at the Peninsula, “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” will be emceed by Bill Zwecker. Guests will be transported across the pond to the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s – the exclusive member-only club catering to royalty, celebs and an elite clientele. Guests seen at the Kick-Off party included Myra and John Reilly, Hazel and Warren Barr, Tiffani Kim and Brad Ingram, Dr. David Donnesberger and Claire Kenneally, Rich Varnes and Cynthia King, Tom Segesta, Amy Wimer and Ed Wlodarczyk, Ken Norgan, Charles Hocevar, Suzanne LeMignot, Sherrill Bodine, Vonita Reescer, Larisa Kronfeld, Megan McKinney, John Regas, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern and Helen and Ralph Applegate. For tickets and more info to “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” click here and to view more images from this event, view this gallery!

Don’t miss Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party coming on June 29th and 30th! Headliner is Ben Folds Five with Life House also performing! The WLBP is a Chicago summer tradition supporting Old St. Pat’s many missions including Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and Global Alliance for Africa to name a few. Chicago celebs will be bartending and the food will be awesome! Come out and say hi- to Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Andrea Metcalf, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Stefan Holt, Anthony Ponce, Rob Stafford, Marcus Riley, Borris Powell, moi aussi, and many others! For more info, please check out my PSA below!!

America’s oldest and liveliest urban antiques market, the Randolph Street Market, will be returning to 1340 W. Randolph on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th with more than 250 vendors! There will be plenty of art, fashion, antiques, vintage treasures, decorator finds, food, drinks, music and FUN! Come out and see for yourself! I can’t wait to see what jewelry dealer Ira Scheck brings this time!

On Wednesday, June 13th, Vital Bridges is hosting a kick-off party at Studio Paris for their annual Chefs & the City fundraising event. This year, CATC will be held on July 27th at the Ritz-Carlton featuring delicious bites from the city’s best chefs including Ryan Pitts (RL Restaurant), Ryan Poli (Tavernita), Doug Psaltz (RPM Italian), Moosa Reaume (Pump Room) and more! For tickets and more info, please click here!

The Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Chicago magazine will present the 12th annual Summer Lovin’ event on Friday, June 15th, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., from 7 to10:30 p.m. Auxiliary Board President Laura Beres said, “Our sponsors and the magazine’s featured singles provide Chicago’s young professionals with an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and fun!” NBC 5’s Stefan Holt and Cheryl Scott will be the emcees and Watch312 (Candid Candace Chicago) will be there to cover all the fun! For tickets ($85) and more info, please click here.

Wags to Wishes’ inaugural dinner and auction benefit will be held on Saturday, June 16th, at the Meadows Club, located at 2950 W. Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, Ill. from 6 to10 p.m. This event will benefit Young at Heart Pet Rescue, an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of senior dogs and cats. As the only rescue dedicated exclusively to older animals, they have provided “happily ever afters” for close to 500 senior dogs and cats that would’ve otherwise been euthanized in traditional shelters. For tickets ($65) and more info, please click here!

Congrats to Chicago author Jodee Blanco, on her latest and very timely book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me.” This book tells her compelling personal story about being bullied as a child. Attorney General Lisa Madigan interviewed Jodee and outlined initiatives taken to counter cyber bullying at Studio Paris at The Paris Club with more than 200 guests in attendance. To order Jodee’s book, please click here.

Congrats to my long-time friends from across the pond, Anita and Ken Brown, on their 33rd wedding anniversary! We’ve traveled a lot together and these two lovebirds never age. They have only grown more in love with each other over the years! We love and miss you guys – congrats on your anniversary!

Well, this is it for now! Hope your summer is off to a roaring start! Stay tuned for Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party news and more Watch312 videos coming soon! Mark your calendars for the main event on August 10th at the Harris Theatre with Robin Thicke and Karmin benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana! (For more info and tix, please click here.)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I was so thrilled to see the premiere of the Style Network’s newest reality show, “Chicagolicious,” in its glorious debut Monday night! I was even more thrilled to find out that my blog and I played such a big role! The show revolved around darling salon owner AJ Johnson and his cute team trying to find a way to be included on this website! I’ve gotten so many Twitter requests that I can’t believe it and the hits on my blog the following morning were amazing! The power of television – WOWZA! Here’s what AJ had to say about my blog on the show: “Candace Jordan’s blog is the most important society blog in the country. We have to be mentioned on it if we want to be nationally recognized. If we can get on Candid Candace, we will have lines wrapped around the block for the salon!” Oh, AJ and “Chicagolicious,” how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Thanks SO much for including me and Candid Candace in such big way! Love you, love your show, love that adorable cast! Good luck!

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Tagged as 101.9 The Mix, A Posh Night at Annabel’s, A Tavola, AJ Johnson, Alex Jacobson, Allison Rosati, Amy Wimer, Andrea Metcalf, Anita Brown, Anjali Pint, Annabel’s, Anthony Ponce, Art Smith, Arturo, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ben Folds Five, Bill Rancic, Bill Zwecker, Bob Zentner, Borris Powell, Brad Ingram, Bridal Wave Season 2, Brielle Buchberg, Bright Pink, Bunky Cushing, C.Z. Guest, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, Carlucci Millinery, Cathy Elward, Charles Hocevar, Chefs and the City, Cheryl Scott, Chicago Club, Chicago magazine, Chicagolicious, Chris Newton, Claire Kenneally, Comcast, Common Threads, Cornelia Guest, Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures, Cynthia King, Dean Richards, Derrick Taylor, Diane Hollingsworth, Digging for Diamonds, Dina Eastwood, Dori Wilson, Doug Psaltis, Dr. David Donnesberger, Dr. Joel Sugar, Dr. Stacie McClane, Dusty Stemer, Early Birds & Bookworms, Ed Wlodarczyk, Eia Radosavljevic, Elizabeth Hamel, Eric Ferguson, Erica Goldman, Erica Strama, Fantasy Island, Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts, Former Millinery, Friends of Prentice, Gibson Group, Giuliana & Bill, Giuliana Rancic, Giving Tree, Global Alliance for Africa, Gold Coast Couture, Greg Dellinger, Hazel Barr, Heinz Kern, Helen Applegate, Horizons for Youth, Illinois Eye-Bank Gala, Ira Scheck, Iris Sholder, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Jean Schlumberger, Jeff Schear, Jenny Pfanenstiel, Jerrod Melman, Jessica Priego, Jodee Blanco, Joe Aguilera, Joffrey Ballet, John Oates, John Regas, John Reilly, John Reilly Studios, Karmin, Kathleen Henson, Keith Magee, Kelli Zink, Ken Brown, Ken Norgan, Kenmore Dream Kitchen, Kenmore Studios, Kids’ Choice Awards, Langham Hotel, Larisa Kronfeld, Laura Beres, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Leslie Zentner, Life House, Linda Heister, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Lindsay Avner, Lindsay Segal, Liza Zito, Lollapalooza, Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest, Loreta Corsetti, Lori Daniels, Luis Gomez, Luxury Garage Sale, Lyle Lovett, Lynda Silverman, Lynn McMahan, Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party, Mad Hatter Luncheon, Maggie Speaks, Mamie Walton, Marcus Riley, Mary Ann Rose, Mary Astor Smithe, Mary Gallo, Mary Lasky, Mary Robak, Meadows Club, Megan McKinney, Mike Jacobson, Mitchell Canoff, Molly Melman, Moosa Reaume, Mrs. Eastwood & Co., Museum of Contemporary Art, Myra Reilly, Napa Valley, Natalie Martinez, National Public Housing Museum, Nellcote, Nick O’Keefe, Nicole Betti, Nina Mariano, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Old St. Pat’s, Paris Club, Peninsula, Peter Latz, Phipps Steel, Piccolo Sogno, Please Stop Laughing at Me, Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, Prentice Women’s Hospital, Pump Room, Ralph Applegate, Randolph Street Market, Ravi Baichwal, Raymond Hudd, Rich Varnes, Richard Roeper, RJ Melman, RL restaurant, Rob Stafford, Robin Robinson, Robin Thicke, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosa Guidarelli, RPM Italian, Ryan Chiaverini, Ryan Pitts, Ryan Poli, Ryder Cup, Sarena Weil, Service Club of Chicago, Shane Talbot, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea Holson, St. Regis NY, St. Regis Resort Punta Mita, Stan Pillman, Stanley Paul, Starwood Hotels, Stefan Holt, Studio Paris, Style Network, Summer Lovin’, Suzanne LeMignot, Tammy Beeler, Tarrah Cooper, Tavernita, The Debutante’s Guide to Life, Tiffani Kim, Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Suite, Tim Smithe, Tom Gorman, Tom Segesta, Toni Canada, Tracey Tarantino, Vital Bridges, Vonita Reescer, Walter E. Smithe, Warren Barr, Watch312.com. Wags to Wishes, Winston Churchill, Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, World’s Largest Block Party, Young at Heart Pet Rescue, Zarada Gowenlock, ZZAZZ Productions

December 29, 2011 · 3:28 pm

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN CHICAGO: GOODBYE 2011 – HELLO 2012!

…PLUS A PERFECT ANGEL, TOP HOLIDAY PARTIES, MY FAVORITE CHINESE FOOD IN THE CITY, PAWS’ “12 STRAYS OF CHRISTMAS,” JOFFREY HONORS, FUN WITH FRIENDS, PLUS GREAT RESTAURANTS AND MORE!

The holidays are almost over and I hope they were happy and healthy! Now it’s countdown to New Year’s and a time to reflect on all we’re grateful for. Besides the obvious, the continued good health of my loved ones, I’m so very grateful for your continued support of this blog and will endeavor to make it even better in the coming year, so please stay tuned!

There were so many great holiday parties around town that I don’t know where to start so let’s begin with one of the most elaborate and beautiful ones at the home of Michaela and Dick Parrillo. Their home, built on more than seven lots in Lincoln Park, is one of the most dramatic ones in the city – you feel like you’re in France at a grand chateau when you pull up to their driveway! The elegant, ornate four-story home was designed by architect Thomas Beeby, who also designed the Harold Washington Library Center, the Harris Theater in Millennium Park and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building at the Art Institute. At more than 20,000 square feet, it was furnished by Michaela, a Francophile, in the French classical manner with fine imported antiques. It was a privilege to be invited to this exclusive party with more than 60 friends. Every room was decorated differently with holiday décor that Michaela does herself. She began in November decorating the many Christmas trees with ornaments she’s been collecting since she was 20 years old. One tree was prettier than the next and rivaled the glamorous décor in the various rooms. The entryway had the most beautiful marble pattern I’d ever seen with a dramatic black wrought iron winding staircase. Guests first gathered in the wood paneled bar to mix and mingle before moving onto dinner in a magnificent dining room and library. Round tables were adorned with gilded holiday centerpieces and white orchids and, as the Dom Perignon was served, guests gave toasts. First to speak was Bruce MacArthur who thanked the hosts followed by Charlie Besser and then Dick himself who laughingly welcomed his guests saying, “It is nice to see so many of Michaela’s friends!” (Dick is CEO of United Auto Insurance Group and the recipient of the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.) The delicious dinner featured beef bourguignon and a beautiful dessert with a spun sugar Christmas tree on the plate! This party was something straight out of Town & Country – too bad for them and lucky for me that I get to cover it! Love and thanks to the Parrillos for including us and for being the host & hostess with the MOSTEST! Seen on the scene were Donna and Jon Kleinman, Susan and Bruce MacArthur, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Hedwig and Bob Golant, Toni and Rick Canada, Lynn and John McMahan, Peter Schivarelli, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Bill Parrillo, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lyn McKeaney, Robin Berger and Mark Tebbe, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Debbie Marchese, Mary Jo Gordon, Gale Leahy, Lee Lechowicz and Mike Tadin, Caryn and Lowell Kraff and Dede Lubeznik among many others. What a great way to celebrate the season in style! (Click HERE to view all pics!)

Supermodel Lily Aldridge was destined for fame from the start. Born in LA in 1985 to famed British fashion photographer Alan Aldridge and Playboy Playmate Laura Lyons (my darling girlfriend), she hails from a fashion oriented family. Her dream was always to be a model and this dream came true at age eight when she was discovered at her school carnival. Her siblings include half-sister Saffron Aldridge (a multi-year face of Ralph Lauren in the ‘90s), half-brother Miles Aldridge (married to ‘90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy) and sister Ruby Aldridge (one of the faces of Marc by Marc Jacobs who is already well on her way to fame as a budding supermodel herself). Mom Laura had quite a career herself with the Playboy empire beginning with her Chicago Bunny of the Year honors in 1975. Her gatefold followed with her Playboy Playmate of the Month pictorial in February 1976 and as a Bunny/Playmate, she was known for leading the march for Bunny Rights in Chicago, which was highly publicized at the time. Like mother, like daughter, Lily’s career is growing by leaps and bounds…but instead of Bunny tails, she’s wearing Angel wings! She has been seen in spreads for Italian Vogue, Italian Elle, Glamour, L’Uomo Vogue, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan, among many other publications. At age 18, she appeared on the cover of Spanish Vogue. In 2009, she modeled in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time and after several campaigns for the company, she earned her wings and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010. This year, of the 38 Angels appearing in the show taped in early November at NYC’s Lexington Avenue Armory, Lily was featured as one of the highlights along with Miranda Kerr (wife of actor Orlando Bloom and who wore the $2.5 million “Fantasy Bra”), Skokie’s Erin Heatherton, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepol and Adriana Lima. Her fairytale life is continuing with her marriage on May 12, 2011, to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill at the luxurious San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. In addition to modeling, Lily is also setting her sights on acting…I can’t wait to see her gorgeous face on the silver screen! (For more pics, please click HERE!)

It is always a challenge deciding where to go in Chicago for special occasions since almost EVERY restaurant in town is a good choice. For our annual Girls Night Out Holiday Dinner, we wanted to do something completely different, something with a Chinatown connection. This is where celebrity chef, restaurateur and dedicated community server Tony Hu entered the picture. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sheila O’Grady came up with this idea after writing a fascinating article in TCW about Tony. His Tony Gourmet Group includes Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer Ave.), Lao Shanghai (2136 S. China Place), Lao Beijing (2138 S. Archer), Lao You Ju (2202 S. Wentworth) and Lao Hunan (2230 S. Wentworth). Sheila made reservations at Lao You Ju and, of course (knowing Sheila!) brought champagne but it was Tony himself who wowed the group with his extensive knowledge of food and wine and did I say charm? His charm alone would attract a large clientele even if his food wasn’t fantastic, but it is! I highly recommend this group of restaurants. Each one offers a different flavor of China and Taiwan and it shows a part of our city’s dining scene that many people don’t often get a chance to experience. Ask for Tony…and be prepared to chat! 🙂

Another top dining experience can always be found at the Peninsula, but it was a very special occasion that warranted a cozy round table in a nook in the back corner of this elegant room decorated (literally!) to the ceiling with magnificent holiday decor. It was dubbed the Special Friends Luncheon and I couldn’t have been more honored to be included with H
azel Barr, Amy Wimer, Mary Ann Rose, Zarada Gowenlock, Jean Antoniou, Mary Pat Burns and Sheryl Dyer. GM Maria Zec and Catering Director Greg Hyder hosted and Chef Kai Lermen prepared a delectable menu that included striped bass, butternut squash risotto with parmesan and the most delightful holiday dessert selections you’ve ever seen. Big plans are coming for the Pen…can’t say what, but Chicago will be thrilled! 🙂 (To view all pics, please click HERE!)

Donnie Madia’s Blackbird on Randolph still packs them in and it was a great treat to spend a night there with friends Gayle Anthony, her sister Julie Weindling and Paul Iacono. Another great evening was spent at Jim Lasky’s The Southern on North Avenue (their fried chicken is to DIE for!) with friends Hedwig and Bob Golant, host Rhonda Sanderson, John Amato, Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax. “I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Winnie-the-Pooh, "I wish I were there to be doing it, too." (To view more pics, please click HERE!)

I am so proud of The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker! Have you heard the news? Goldstar, an online ticket seller, selected our Nutcracker as the country’s best-loved Nutcracker based on member reviews and ratings. The Joffrey’s Nut beat out more than 50 productions from around the country to earn this title! Additionally, they will receive a cash prize for their educational programs. I am also thrilled to report that for the first time, the Joffrey’s “Couture & Cocktails” party has made Biz Bash's “Chicago’s Top 100 Events” list. Kudos to The Joffrey Ballet who is racking up more wins than Meryl Streep!

I know that holiday gift giving is over but that doesn’t mean a New Year’s gift is out of the question! My suggestion: Beth Aldrich’s fabulous and informative book, “Real Moms Love to Eat.” Aldrich says, “Diets make everyone feel tired, empty, stressed and unfulfilled. In my book, I explain how to eat the foods we love with some tweaks – learning how to control indulgences, understanding why we crave what we do and how to still enjoy our dysfunctional food friends (salt, fat and sugar) all with just a little makeover.” Congrats Beth on a wonderful book that includes not only tasty recipes but an interesting life story along the way!

Every year, the Illinois Education Foundation, which supports 250 scholars at colleges around the state, has an evening for these scholars called Suited for Success planned this year at the Standard Club on January 21st. And even though this is a closed event for the young students, IEF needs your help in finding donations of new or gently used, current high-quality business/interview suits for men and women by January 14th. Davis Imperial Cleaners has graciously donated the dry-cleaning for all donations and the tailoring has been donated by Brooks Brothers. Allen Edmonds and Lori’s are also donating a new pair of shoes to each student! (Let’s make sure we patronize these charitable companies!) IEF empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work and in life. Please help…this is a wonderful way to clean your closets for a wonderful cause! Donors can email suzannejfaber@gmail.com for pick-up and drop-off logistics. (Pics by J. Geil)

Chuck and I were so proud to be a part of PAWS’ “12 Strays of Christmas” adoption event which began on December 13th. Chicago personalities including Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, WGN’s Steve Sanders, Brotha Fred (host of Kiss FM’s morning show), US 99’s Lisa Dent, Sun-Times’ Elizabeth Hamel, WBBM news-radio’s Julie Mann (with niece Lauren), Radio Disney’s DJ Angela and Tribune reporter Bill Hageman and wife Dona joined together in an effort to find homes for dogs and cats at this time of the year. Leading Chicago area shelters with nearly 2,763 animals transferred from Chicago’s Animal Care & Control (ACC), PAWS Chicago has helped reach an all-time euthanasia low of 10,599 cats and dogs in 2010. The magnitude of this progress is best seen when compared to the 26,394 animals euthanized there in 1997. With special holiday hours through the end of December, the PAWS website and the Adoption Center will feature a special group of animals available for adoption each day. As pets at the Adoption Center find new homes, PAWS Chicago will be able to take in more homeless dogs and cats, saving more lives. PAWS Chicago will be taking in extra animals from Chicago Animal Care & Control throughout the week to find as many homes as possible before the year is over. Please help the helpless at www.PAWSChicago.org. (For more pics, please click HERE!)

Thanks for being here and here’s a toast to 2012! I am wishing you all the best, biggest, brightest and happiest year ahead! May the best of this year be the worst of next!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here’s what the Connors family “cooked” up for their Christmas Eve Dinner! I love these PEEPS! 🙂 If you would like to follow tennis great Jimmy Connors on Twitter, he’s got some cool insights into the world of sports – among other news! (For more pics, please click HERE!)

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Tagged as Adriana Lima, Alan Aldridge, Alan Sax, Allen Edmonds, Amy Wimer, Animal Care & Control, Art Institute of Chicago, Beth Aldrich, Bill Hageman, Bill Parrillo, Biz Bash, Blackbird, Bob Golant, Brooks Brothers, Brotha Fred, Bruce MacArthur, Caleb Followill, Candice Swanepol, Caryn Kraff, Chanel Iman, Charlie Besser, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Chinatown, Christmas, Chuck Jordan, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Cosmopolitan, Couture & Cocktails, Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building, Davis Imperial Cleaners, Debbie Marchese, Dede Lubeznik, Dick Parrillo, DJ Angela, Dona Hageman, Donna Kleinman, Elizabeth Hamel, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Fantasy Bram Erin Heatherton, Gale Gottlieb, Gale Leahy, Gayle Anthony, Glamour, Goldstar, Greg Hyder, Gretchen Jordan, Harold Washington Library Center, Harris Theater, Hazel Barr, Hedwig Golant, Holidays, Illinois Education Foundation, Illinois Restaurant Association, Italian Elle, Italian Vogue, J. Geil. Donnie Madia, Jay Gottlieb, Jay Jordan, Jean Antoniou, Jim Lasky, Jimmy Connors, John Amato, John McMahan, Jon Kleinman, Julie Mann, Julie Weindling, Kai Lermen, Kings of Leon, KISS FM, Kristen McMenamy, Kristina McGrath, Lao Beijing, Lao Hunan, Lao Shanghai, Lao Sze Chuan, Lao You Ju, Laura Lyons, L’Uomo Vogue, Lee Lechowicz, Lexington Avenue Armory, Lily Aldridge, Lincoln Park, Lisa Dent, Lori’s, Lowell Kraff, Lyn McKeaney, Lynn McMahan, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Maria Zec, Mark Tebbe, Mary Ann Rose, Mary Jo Gordon, Mary Pat Burns, Meryl Streep, Michaela Parrillo, Mike McGrath, Mike Tadin, Miles Aldridge, Millennium Park, Miranda Kerr, New Year’s, Nutcracker, Orlando Bloom, Patti Connors, Paul Iacono, PAWS’ 12 Strays of Christmas, Peggy Lombardo, Peninsula Chicago, Peter Schivarelli, Playboy, Radio Disney, Ralph Lauren, Real Moms Love to Eat, Rebecca Besser, Rhonda Sanderson, Rick Canada, Robin Berger, Ruby Aldridge, Saffron Aldridge, Sheila O’Grady, Sheryl Dyer, Spanish Vogue, Special Friends Luncheon, Standard Club, Steve Lombardo, Steve Sanders, Suited for Success, Susan MacArthur, TCW, Teen Vogue, The Joffrey Ballet, The Southern, Thomas Beeby, Toni Canada, Tony Gourmet Group, Tony Hu, Town & Country, Twitter, United Auto Insurance, US 99, Victoria’s Secret Angel, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, WBBM, WGN, Zarada Gowenlock

July 26, 2011 · 12:42 pm

TWO CHICAGO INSTITUTIONS HOLD BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS: GENE & GEORGETTI AND KATHY O’MALLEY!

Gene & Georgetti owners, Marion and Tony Durpetti, welcomed hundreds of guests over the course of three days as they recently celebrated the 70th anniversary of their legendary restaurant located at 500 N. Franklin. For this momentous occasion, they featured 1940’s décor and offered a prix-fixe, four course menu with old-time favorites that included stuffed celery, minestrone soup, mostaccioli, anchovy canapés, broiled strips, filets and pork chops, chicken Vesuvio and whitefish. Sides included sautéed spinach, broiled mushrooms and cottage fried potatoes. The entire bill (excluding tax and gratuity) was only $15.25. You can certainly see why reservations went faster than Paul McCartney tickets. Guests were seen sipping Manhattans, Old Fashioneds, Rob Roys and Hiballs as they enjoyed the Lucille Ball, Carmen Miranda, Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and Veronica Lake impersonators. Magician David Kovac enchanted the crowd before the big band, Sway, began at 8:30 with a cake cutting ceremony that included all of the guests. General Manager, Richard Ciota, said, “I don’t work a day in my life. These guys are like my family.” The restaurant served 1,100 lunches and dinners each day and night with ALL proceeds benefitting Common Threads, The Standing Tall Foundation and St. Vincent DePaul Center. Congrats also to Tony and Marion’s daughter, Michelle, for planning and promoting this great three-day celebration for wonderful causes!

Chicago’s Hostess with the Mostest, Kathy O’Malley Piccone, celebrated her 50th birthday in grand style at Moe’s Cantina recently. We have been friends for years and years (truth be known, since Faces days…all of you over 50 will know what I mean!) and she has always been one of the nicest people I know. It’s no wonder Gibson’s is so very successful having her at the front desk meeting and greeting every customer like they are long lost friends. And, in many cases, they are! She’s been featured on the cover of TCW in their “Powerful Women” issue and in many other articles and publications. She should’ve run for Mayor! Her long-time friend, BJ Murray, had been at Moe’s all day inputting tons of photos which were shown on the multiple video screens throughout the venue. Hundreds of friends showed up and stayed into the wee hours of the morning. Long may she reign! Love you Kath! Happy BD!!! (To view more party pics, most by Steve Starr, click here.)

Old St. Pat’s recently celebrated two days of music, food and fun at their 27th Annual World’s Largest Block Party. This is one of the most anticipated events of the summer with almost 20,000 people attending this year. Dubbed the “party with a purpose,” this event featured music by Farraday, Plain White T’s, Cobra Starship, Out for Hours, Spazmatics, No Love for Linus, Matt Nathanson and Barenaked Ladies. The food stands held all of the expected delights of a summer festival and then some including BBQ from Robinson’s Ribs, rotisserie chicken and pork and corn on the cob from Nicholas Quality Meats, Good Humor ice cream, Quang Noodles’ crab Rangoon, pad Thai and shrimp fried rice, burgers and brats from Old St. Pat's Grill & Bones Grill, funnel cakes, foot-long corn dogs, Wisconsin cheddar cheese curds and coconut shrimp from Suzie’s Fun Foods and Connie’s Pizza. In a word, heaven! As one of the celebrity bartenders, I even learned how to pour a perfect cup of beer! FYI, Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy was a run away winner! Other celeb bartenders included Windy City Live’s Ryan Chiaverini, NBC 5 reporter Anthony Ponce, Fox 32 meteorologist Tammie Souza, Fox 32 reporter and anchor Kori Chambers, WGN-TV anchor Lourdes Duarte and ABC 7 reporter John Garcia among others. This event is also a matchmaker’s dream come true having introduced 102 couples, who are now married, after meeting at this Block Party! So mark your calendars now for next year…maybe YOU could be next!!! Proceeds from this event goes towards Old St. Pat’s dozens of global outreach programs. (To view ALL pics, with additional photos by Gary Chang, please click here).

Four hundred guests dressed in their Sunday best to attend Bright Pink's "For the Women We Love" high tea celebration. Celeb TV's Kelli Zink emceed the fourth annual benefit, which raised over $80,000, and also included musical entertainment by former Broadway performer, Laurie Akers, who sang Rascal Flatts' "I Won't Let Go." There were heartfelt and empowering stories from young women in the Bright Pink community as well as the presentation of the "Bright Impact Award" which was presented to Carolyn Brundage, the founder of Pretty City. This successful entrepreneur and beauty columnist has raised nearly $100,000 through her "Pretty in Pink" campaign which benefits breast cancer charities. Bright Pink founder, Lindsay Avner, has created much needed awareness with her organization that supports, enlightens and empowers young women to be proactive with their breast and ovarian health. To learn more and for donations, please visit www.bebrightpink.org. (To view ALL event pics by Steve Feferman, please click here!)

Congrats to another great year for PAWS! Their 9th Annual All Paws on Deck Beach Party was a tail-wagging success! US99’s Lisa Dent, who was the emcee again this year, auctioned off some exciting packages that included two tickets to “Dancing With the Stars” (won again this year by Tails in the City’s Bruce Haas and Phillip Emigh). Judy and Howard Tullman won the right to showcase their five “kids” next year in the always hotly anticipated PAWS poster. This year’s benefit was chaired by Nancy and Ron Officer along with Dawn and Jim O’Neal. PAWS founder, Paula Fasseas, welcomed guests Deborah and Bruce Crown, last year’s co-chair Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Kim Gleeson, Alexis Fasseas, Kathy Hinton, Christine and John Mallul, Carol and John Walter, Carole Mack, Gigi Ross, Sue and Wes Dixon, Dr. Barbara Royal, Colleen Garard, Lindsay Carlton, Len Goodman, Angie DeMars and Cheri Lawrence to name a few. Presenting sponsors included North Community Bank, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock and Pomellato. This event raised $212,000 this year. Congrats PAWS and keep up the good work in support of our beloved four-legged friends! Mark your calendars now for the Fur Ball coming to the Drake Hotel on Friday, November 11th. For tickets and more info, please visit www.pawschicago.org.

The Service Club of Chicago’s “Day on the Terrace” luncheon and fashion show is just around the corner, August 1st, and I hope you all have your tickets for this 25th annual event which promises to be a show stopping fashion extravaganza featuring real women and men wearing the best Fall 2011 fashions from Chicago’s premier retailers. Participating stores include Escada, Intermix, Luca Luca, Tory Burch, Paul Stuart, Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, Saks Fifth Avenue Men, Mark Shale Women’s and Men’s and a finale presented by Neiman Marcus that will include selections from their evening wear and fur collections. The event, which will be held at the Peninsula, was the first event ever held at this hotel when it first opened 10 years ago. Fashion Chairs include Jean Antoniou, Tracey Di Buono and Hazel Barr. Look for some celebrity guest appearances, too! All proceeds from this popular event benefits the Service Club, which supports grants established by government or corporate entities. Tickets are $175. For tix and more info, please call Jean Antoniou at 630.564.5700.

Congrats to UBS for giving back! Two hundred UBS volunteers participated for the Special Olympics Softball Competition Day at Grant Park this year. This is the 13th year that UBS volunteers have totally produced the two days of fun activities supporting Special Olympic athletes. UBS Head of Community Affairs, Patrick Sheahan, said, “It’s a very fulfilling and rewarding event. Every athlete is a winner and every athlete walks away with a medal.” This year, there were more than 750 participants. Congrats to UBS for being such an excellent example of corporate responsibility!

Step Up Women’s Network will launch its first signature event in Chicago, “Shine & Dine,” on Thursday, August 18th, at Galleria Marchetti beginning at 6 PM. The evening will feature philanthropy and seasonal fare from Chicago’s hottest restaurants while welcoming 400 local professionals and notables. Valerie Warner, co-host of Windy City Live, will serve as Honorary Charo for this inaugural event. Step Up Managing Director, Gina Marotta, said, “Step Up has been a fixture in Chicago for five years and this special event is the perfect way to celebrate our work with local women and girls, as well as attract new enthusiasts to our cause.” I hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please visit www.suwn.org.

Congrats are in order for friends Leslie Hindman, Amanda Puck and Debra Baum! Leslie had a fantastic half-page article by Melissa Harris in Sunday’s Tribune about her expanding business empire! She will be opening up new locations in Palm Beach and Milwaukee (she recently opened in Naples, too) and she’s busier than ever! Amanda has started a food blog and it’s fantastic! Who better to write about food than AMANDA?! And last but not least, Debra also has a new website devoted to health issues for women over 30. It will have daily updates with a dose of humor!

Good luck and congrats to one and all!!! I hope you are enjoying my new column in the Chicago Tribune called “Chicago Scene.” I am so proud to be the new social columnist for this venerable newspaper that has just been through a major overhaul! My column appears weekly in the Sunday Magazine section, full page, full color! 🙂

And lastly, the launch is coming soon for www.Watch312.com, an online network of Chicago-centric shows! This network and its team of experts from Illinois Center for Broadcasting will provide viewers with a portal connecting them to everything Windy City! DC Crenshaw’s show, "Chicago Unplugged," covers the restaurant scene from top to bottom and everything in-between while Dr. Sandy Goldberg’s call-in show, "LIVE! With Dr. Sandy," will address nutritional and health concerns in a non traditional yet informative way. Her co-host is radio veteran Scott Mackay. As the host for “Social Circles,” I will be bringing you a behind-the-scenes look into charity events, parties, movie premieres, celebrities, nightlife and more! Check it out and let me know what you think! We are still in the early stages with lots of tweaking to do but I wanted to make you aware of all of the excitement to come!!! 🙂

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

And THAT is the lowdown on Chicago’s MANY highlights for this week! Hope to “see” you next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here is an inspiring video that will put our petty, daily concerns in the right perspective. This young Chinese girl began playing the piano three years ago and she plays masterfully, despite the fact that she has no fingers on her right hand. Miracles are all around us if we just look for them.