Tag Archives: Helen Melchior

May 14, 2012 · 9:47 am

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S CELEBRATION GALA RAISES $1.336 MILLION

…PLUS AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY’S DISCOVERY BALL, ADLER PLANETARIUM HONORS DYNAMO, CHEFS NIGHT OUT FOR COMMON THREADS, A NIGHT IN BLUE & WHITE WITH CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE, DUPAGE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CELEBRATION, WOMEN IN ENTERTAINMENT, FASHION COLUMBIA 2012, STELLA FOSTER HONOR, PLAYBOY SAYS GOODBYE AND MORE!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Celebration Gala honored the 10th anniversary of its Women’s Board at the legendary Palmer House Hilton on Sunday, May 6th. The grand affair began at the Auditorium Theatre with a special performance created by artistic director Ashley Wheater. Beginning with George Balanchines’ “Stars & Stripes,” this segment included a uniformed Ashley dancing and then stepping out of the line to deliver his opening remarks to a surprised and appreciative crowd. It was one of my favorite performances so far, maybe because the evening was so special to me personally since this was my fifth Joffrey event co-chairing with Helen Melchior. We started planning this benefit two months or so before. Our co-chairs were chosen for their dynamism and willingness to work hard to bring this vision to light. They included Donna LaPietra, designer Pamella Roland DeVos, Victoria Holdren, Mary Pat Burns, Liz Sharp, Joan Colmar, Kate Bensen, Leslie Hindman, Jan Melk, Anne Kaplan, Nancy Gottlieb Bauer and Mary Jo Basler. Maureen Dwyer Smith served as 10th Anniversary Chair. Donna LaPietra (Kurtis Productions) created a remarkable tribute video which was shown during the Gala dinner. It contained archival photos as well as taped comments from Nate Berkus (who had hosted the first two Couture & Cocktails), Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Ashley Wheater, executive director Christopher Clinton Conway, the Joffrey dancers and dancers from the Bridge and Exelon Strobel Step Up programs. There were also photos and video clips from past Women’s Board events as well as member photos. In short, it was a collection of treasured memories from the past 10 years of the Women’s Board. There were many firsts for this event starting with the fact that it was held on a Sunday. This date happened to coincide with the closing performance of the season and, typically, the Junior Auxiliary Board hosts an event to celebrate this occasion. Because of this fact and because we felt it would be a great idea to combine forces, we partnered with the JAB (for the first time) for the Grande Finale party in the Empire Room. From beginning to end, the night was a true celebration in the style the Joffrey is known for. With exquisite décor by Tom Kehoe Designs, the room literally glowed with white orchids and lilies filling lighted crystal vases throughout the Grand Ballroom. Mayor Emanuel welcomed the crowd and mentioned his brief moment in time as a Joffrey dancer. Then Helen and I thanked our co-chairs, committee, sponsors, Women’s Board and, of course, the dancers who inspire us every day. Una Jackman, a producer of the film “Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance,” was the recipient of the Arpino Angel Award. This event was the Joffrey's second largest fundraiser, after the 50th anniversary gala in 2006, raising more than $1.336 million!!!! (Special thanks to Pomellato jewels (41 E. Oak St.), Alayna Washington Crenshaw and Women’s Board member Christina Gilberti for making me feel like a fairy princess! I wore a rose gold bracelet recently worn by J. Lo, from their Tango line consisting of 30 carats of brown diamonds worth $101K with matching earrings ($22K). Also thanks to Bill Zwecker for the great write-up about the event and my jewels in his Sun-Times column! My black dress, which, coincidentally, slightly resembled a tutu, was from STRUT Boutique at 2549 N. Clark St. (owner Niala Conte has fabulous style and chooses beautiful pieces with budget friendly prices) and my elegant co-chair, Helen Hall Melchior, wore Jason Wu (from Nordstrom) to perfection! (Thanks to Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl for these great pics; to see more photos on Chicago Now, please click here!)

The Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel attracted a crowd of more than 700 guests and 200 dedicated volunteers to benefit the American Cancer Society on Saturday, April 28th. The evening began with co-chairs Anna and Greg Brown (chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions) welcoming guests to a VIP reception. Brown introduced the evening’s emcee, CNBC’s Maria Bartiromo, who is the first reporter to ever broadcast live from the floor of the NY Stock Exchange. After the reception, guests perused more than 200 silent auction items before moving into the ballroom with a Hamptons theme. Heffernan Morgan’s décor was inspired by the Browns’ home in Cape Cod. Anna wanted a clean elegant look to the event which featured blue hydrangeas and candles inside hurricane vases – it was gorgeous! In 2006, the first Discovery Ball was co-chaired by Motorola CEO Ed Zander and his wife, Mona, and last year, the Zanders were the honorees when the event hit the $10 million mark. Comedian Kevin Nealon was the featured entertainment and he had the crowd in stitches. At one point, he helped sell a Tiffany diamond cocktail ring, modeled by gorgeous Veronica Zepeda, for $30K to a lucky bidder! Iron Chef Bobby Flay flew in from NY to participate in a live auction package that included a dinner for 14 prepared in the winner’s home. This popular live auction package was the hit of the night, selling to three bidders for a total of $218K! Another “live” auction package – a darling silver Labrador puppy – sold to co-chair Greg Brown for $35K. Other packages included a trip to Australia ($22K), a Phil Mickelson golf package ($16K) and a trip for two to the 2012 Olympic Games in London ($24K). Notables seen on the scene included Bill Daley, Kim Duchossois, Kristina and Mike McGrath (who donated a 2013 Acura RDX for the event), Ramona and Dan Ustian, Victoria and Gary Holdren, Ashley Bond and Matthew Pritzker, Blackhawks’ Coach Joel Quenneville with wife Elizabeth, Oracio Marquez, Nancy and Michael Reinsdorf, Sonya Jackson and Kathleen and Mike Henson. Approximately $2.7 million was raised on this night to support the American Cancer Society, aka “The Official Sponsor of Birthdays.” For more info, please visit www.cancer.org. (Fab photos by Mila Samokhina…click here to view more!)

For the 10th year, the Women’s Board of the Adler Planetarium held its Women in Space Science Award Celebration luncheon at the Union League Club recently. The event honors women’s accomplishments in the fields of science and technology and, this year, honored Dr. France A. Cordova, president of Purdue University and the first woman to lead the institution. Dr. Cordova is a former NASA chief scientist, a Senate-confirmed member of the National Science Board and also a member of the Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents! Following the luncheon, this inspiring woman met with 250 middle school girls from Chicago Public Schools at the Adler. Chairs for this 2012 WISS celebration were Teri Monte and Lisa Jozwiak; committee members included Nancy Temple, Cynthia Ballew, Elaine Cottey, Courtney Pitt, Pamela Pohl, Meg Prendergast, Donna Beering, Linda Celesia, Sarah Fritz, Caroline Becker and Lisa Lewis. The Adler Planetarium – America’s FIRST Planetarium – was founded in 1930 by Chicago business leader Max Adler. For more than 80 years, the Adler has inspired the next generation of explorers by sharing the personal stories of space exploration and America’s space heroes.

Common Threads' Annual Black Tie Gala was held at the River West hotspot, Nellcote. Culinary rock stars for the evening included chefs Jose Garces (smoked oyster soup), Paul Kahan (Dungeness crab salad), Michael Laiskonis (black sesame panna cotta), Bill Telepan (Normandy duck with foie gras custard), Jared Van Kamp (rib eye with Perigueux sauce) and Marc Vetri (ravioli with fava beans). One hundred twenty elegant guests attended this $1,000-per-person event and enjoyed a six-course seated dinner with wine pairings plus a performance by JC Brooks & Uptown Sound. Hosted by Gwen Farinella, Anne Hokin, Sonya Jackson, Brook Jay and Linda Levine, the evening raised more than $140K for Common Threads! (To view more pics from this event, please click here!)

"A Night in Blue and White" began with a beautiful solemn high mass said by Cardinal Francis George at St. Ferdinand's on the Northwest Side Tuesday, May 8th. “I always love coming back to the NW side where I grew up,” said Cardinal George. “Founded 75 years ago at the end of the Great Depression, it took a great deal of hope for the sisters to come here when there wasn't much hope around. My father always had
a job but he didn't always get paid.” Established in 1937 by the order founded by St. Julie Billiart (the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur), Notre Dame High School for Girls is a small (81 students), all-girls college prep high school. They boast a 16 to 1 student-teacher ratio with 65 percent of the faculty and staff holding master’s degrees or higher. The Class of 2011 earned more than $1.1 million in scholarships and awards towards higher education. On this night, the celebration continued after mass in the auditorium with Cardinal George being surprised by Chair Emeritus Dia Weil with a birthday cake and students singing “Happy Birthday.” (Even though his birthday was in January, they still celebrated their 75th year together.) Ariel Reboyras, Alderman of the 30th Ward, was on hand to offer congratulations along with past alums…some from as far back as the Class of 1943. Avanti Gourmet Catering and Oak Mill Bakery provided a delicious buffet for the evening. Molly Socha from ND's Development Office helped coordinate the event with help from students, faculty and staff along with Michelle Durpetti of Michelle Durpetti Events. It was truly a night of joyous celebration as the high school seniors excitedly spoke about the colleges they would be attending as well as how much they would miss “this fine school that has taught them so much.” Congrats to co-chairs, Noreen Musica and Susan Miller, for this delightful celebration! To learn more about this wonderful institution, please click here. I was honored to be included. 🙂

The DuPage Children’s Museum hosted its Champions for Children Benefit Ball at Hotel Arista in Naperville. Presented under the sparkling stars of a dramatic Venetian night, the black tie optional benefit was a glamorous night of live entertainment, unique auction items and special honorees, all to support educating young children. Emceed by ABC 7’s Judy Hsu, the evening honored the late Dorothy Carpenter, who co-founded DCM with Louise Beem. Last year’s Honorary Chairs, Tom and Brenda Harter, introduced this year’s 2012 Benefit Ball Honorary Chair, Amy Louis. The Museum impacts children’s lives by providing educational programs for 40,000 school children and welcomes more than 300,000 visitors per year. (To view additional pics from this event, please click here!)

A big thank you to Sheila Henley for including me in her W.IN.E (Women in Entertainment) Forum TV segment! Sheila created W.IN.E by asking one simple question: “Where are the women in entertainment and what do they have to say about the industry?” With that, Ms. Henley started the W.IN.E newsletter, which grew to become the W.IN.E magazine and now, W.IN.E TV. Sheila says, “W.IN.E TV has a commitment to be a platform for women who are visionaries and pioneers in their field of entertainment and to encourage and provide role models for women, as well as men. This platform will allow women to share their successes and failures of making it in this dynamic industry. W.IN.E TV will encourage and promote content that will be suitable for all ages. W.IN.E has been a voice for women in entertainment for almost 12 years.”(Visit W.IN.E TV on You Tube and check out my segment here!)

Congratulations to wonderful writer Margie Wilson-Mars for her beautiful and lovingly-written article for Gather News about Playboy leaving Chicago titled “Hugh Hefner and Playboy Say a Bittersweet Goodbye to Chicago.” She has known Hef since she was five years old having met him and Barbie Benton when they took a trip to Disneyland. Her father and mother used to have parties at their home in Miami and many of the Playmates would attend. Margie became a fan saying, “I would sneak out of the room in awe of these glamorous women, just to get a peek at the clothes, hair, etc.” Her article is a must-read for Playboy fans and I was honored to be included.

Our own Stella Foster, Sun-Times columnist extraordinaire, will be honored with the 2012 Dante Award at a luncheon hosted by the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans at Galleria Marchetti, located at 825 W. Erie, on Thursday, May 17th, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $45 and can be purchased by calling 708.450.9050 or by emailing jcc@jccia.com. JCCIA’s illustrious members include Dominic DiFrisco (President Emeritus), Antonio Romanucci (President) and Jo Ann Serpico (Executive Director).

Join Desiree Rogers for Columbia College’s premiere spring fundraising event, Fashion Columbia 2012, on Friday, June 8th beginning at 7 p.m. This event will feature the work of students in the Fashion Studies program with net proceeds benefitting the newly established Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship Fashion Studies Fund. Jewelry designer Lana Bramlette (Class of ’97), will be honored with the Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award, as her Lana Jewelry line is worn by celebs and fashionistas around the globe. Host committee members include Trish Rooney Alden, Madele
ine Moore Burrell, Gwendolyn Butler, Nora Daley, Susan Downing, Ikram Goldman, MK Pritzker, Shawnelle Ritchie, Julie Latsko, Rich Gamble, Diane Primo, and Mellody Hobson among others. General admission tickets are $150 per person, VIP tickets are $250 and standing room only tickets are $75. For more info, please click here.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace! Please send any information on events, parties or people YOU would like to see covered to Candace@CandidCandace.com! And, as always…

Love,
Candace 🙂

P.S. Congrats to beloved photographer, Amie Hana, on her recent feature in Marie Claire Magazine titled "Call Me a Professional." Her work is well known in Chicago and now the world will know of her incredible talents too! Check out one of her recent portfolio pics from "Red Riding Hood in Venice" – in a word: SPELLBINDING! Congrats, Amie!

1 Comment

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 2012 Dante Award, 2012 Olympic Games, A Night in Blue and White, Alayna Washington Crenshaw, Alumni Achievement in Fashion Design Award, American Cancer Society, Amie Hana, Amy Louis, Anna Brown, Anne Hokin, Anne Kaplan, Antonio Romanucci, Ariel Reboyras, Arpino Angel Award, Ashley Bond, Ashley Wheater, Avanti Gourmet Catering, Barbie Benton, Bill Daley, Bill Telepan, Bill Zwecker, Black Tie Gala, Bob Carl, Bobby Flay, Brenda Harter, Bridge, Brook Jay, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cape Cod, Cardinal Francis George, Caroline Becker, Celebration Gala, Champions for Children Benefit Ball, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Now, Chicago Sun-Times, Christina Gilberti, Christopher Clinton Conway, CNBC, Columbia College, Common Threads, Courtney Pitt, Cynthia Ballew, Dan Ustian, Desiree Rogers, Dia Weil, Diane Primo, Discover Ball, Dominic DiFrisco, Donna Beering, Donna LaPietra, Dorothy Carpenter, Dr. France A. Cordova, DuPage Children’s Museum, Ed Zander, Elaine Cottey, Elizabeth Quenneville, Eunice W. Johnson Scholarship Fashion Studies Fund, Exelon Strobel Step Up, Fashion Columbia 2012, Galleria Marchetti, Gary Holdren, Gather News, George Balanchines, Greg Brown, Gwen Farinella, Gwendolyn Butler, Hamptons, Heffernan Morgan, Helen Melchior, Hugh Hefner and Playboy Say a Bittersweet Goodbye to Chicago, Ikram Goldman, Iron Chef, Jan Melk, Jared Van Kamp, Jason Wu, JC Brooks & Uptown Sound, Jennifer Lopez, Jo Ann Serpico, Joan Colmar, Joel Quenneville, Joffrey Ballet, Joffrey Women’s Board, Joffrey: Mavericks of American Dance, Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans, Jose Garces, Judy Hsu, Julie Latsko, Junior Auxiliary Board, Kate Bensen, Kathleen Henson, Kevin Nealon, Kim Duchossois, Kristina McGrath, Kurtis Productions, Lana Bramlette, Leslie Hindman, Linda Celesia, Linda Levine, Lisa Jozwiak, Lisa Lewis, Liz Sharp, Louise Beem, Madeleine Moore Burrell, Marc Vetri, Margie Wilson-Mars, Maria Bartiromo, Marie Claire, Mary Jo Basler. Maureen Dwyer Smith, Mary Pat Burns, Matthew Pritzker, Max Adler, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Meg Prendergast, Mellody Hobson, Michael Laiskonis, Michael Reinsdorf, Michelle Durpetti, Michelle Durpetti Events, Mike Henson, Mike McGrath, Mila Samokhina, MK Pritzker, Molly Socha, Mona Zander, Motorola Solutions, Nancy Gottlieb Bauer, Nancy Reinsdorf, Nancy Temple, NASA, Nate Berkus, National Science Board, Nellcote, Niala Conte, Nora Daley, Nordstrom, Noreen Musica, Notre Dame High School for Girls, Oak Mill Bakery, Oracio Marquez, Palmer House Hilton, Pamela Pohl, Pamella Roland DeVos, Paul Kahan, Phil Mickelson, Playboy, Pomellato, Purdue University, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Ramona Ustian, Rich Gamble, Sarah Fritz, Shawnelle Ritchie, Sheila Henley, Smithsonian Institution Board of Regents, Sonya Jackson, St. Jilie Billiart, Stella Foster, STRUT Boutique, Susan Downing, Susan Miller, Teri Monte, Tiffany & Co., Tom Barter, Tom Kehoe Designs, Trish Rooney Alden, Una Jackman, Union League Club, Veronica Zepeda, Victoria Holdren, W.IN.E Forum TV, Women in Entertainment, Women in Space Science Award Celebration, Women’s Board of the Adler Planetarium, You Tube

February 9, 2012 · 3:30 pm

GENE & GEORGETTI’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!

…PLUS FANTASY NIGHT AT THE LYRIC, COMMON THREAD’S NEW PARTY, DUSTY, TONI AND NENA HOST HAL, JERRY ROPER’S AWARD, THODOS CELEBRATES 20TH, CS MAGAZINE’S COOL PAGE, A NEW WATCH312 VIDEO AND MORE!

There are not many restaurants around town that can boast about a 70th anniversary party but this was happily the case with steakhouse icon, Gene & Georgetti’s. On Sunday evening January 29th, this venerable restaurant celebrated in grand fashion at Park West with a by-invite-only party for more than 300 friends, family, staff and regulars. The evening, produced expertly by Michelle Durpetti (Michelle Durpetti Events), started off with an hour-long film by Loudbyte Cinematography that included regulars, Chicago notables and family on camera discussing the restaurant’s history and never-before-heard stories. Opening the film was longtime regular Terry “Whitey” Pearson and Charles Herrick. Other “stars” included Phil Stefani (who catered the event), Bobby Hatoff (Allen Bros. supplies the meat to the restaurant), Rich Melman, Dominic DiFrisco, Phil Hanahan, Peter Wright, David Lissner, Lee Flaherty and Vince Conroy among many others. Marion and Tony Durpetti are second generation owners (Marion’s dad, Gene Michelotti, founded the restaurant with a partner) and throughout the film, family and friends recounted tales of this beloved spot. DiFrisco spoke about the time Yankees Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio planned a dinner at the restaurant…but first, he had an aide find out whether or not there were photos of Marilyn Monroe on the wall and, if there were, that they were removed before he came. (Her loss was too raw for him to bear.) There was also a story about Lucille Ball: She had asked if she could have her "Mame" premiere party at the restaurant on Saturday night (which would mean closing the restaurant) and Gene said no. She settled for Sunday and the next thing you know, she marched herself in and wanted to meet the man who said “no.” The premiere party WAS planned at the restaurant and a 5’ X 4’ photo of her – autographed in her own red lipstick – hangs on the wall to this day. Michelle had so many exciting plans for the night including partnering with Tracey Tarantino (ZZazz Productions) to have “legends of the stage and screen” make appearances at the party. I saw Elton, Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner (aka Darcy DiBuono), Lady Gaga, Prince and Dolly circulating throughout the crowd. Michelle also surprised her parents onstage with a custom- created cake by Tipsy Cake lit with sparklers for their 43rd wedding anniversary. Sugar Chic Designs hosted a delectable “movie concession stand” filled with themed sweets (like miniature chocolate Academy Awards) and Garrett’s Popcorn. After the film, Sway Chicago performed a big band-style set followed by a dazzling, live theatrical number by ZZazz Productions. To the dancing crowd’s delight, a confetti cannon blast signaled the last hour of the evening as DJ Brent Rolland of Fig Media kicked off the evening’s grand finale. There were beautiful floral arrangements by Exquisite Designs as well as a red carpet for photo ops. It was such a memorable evening for everyone who loves this restaurant and this wonderful Durpetti family who have done so much to keep Chicago on the map but also to see the love and power of a caring family and their loyal staffers. Long may they reign! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to see a clip from the film by Loudbyte, please click here.) Also, check out my coverage of this amazing evening for Watch312.com below!

http://imgsrv.intertechmedia.com/image/flash_players/new_07062010/singleshot_video_16x9.swf?xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_xml.php%3FstationId%3D3301%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12044321&styleXML=http://watch312.com/pages/wtc_PlayWindowPlayer_1766.xml&episodeXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_episode_xml.php%3FvideoEpisodeId%3D37056%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12044321&emailFormURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Femail.php&embed=yes&autoPlay=no&mute=no&playerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fpages%2F12044321.php%3FcollectionId%3D1766

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

The 20th anniversary party for Thodos Dance Chicago was a return to the roaring ‘20s at their annual Gala on January 28th at the Cultural Center. Legendary Broadway and film veteran, Tony Award-winning choreographer and frequent Thodos collaborator Ann Reinking mixed and mingled with more than 250 of her Chicago fans and the company’s top supporters as Honorary Chair. The evening raised more than $85K for the non-profit Thodos Dance Chicago, a 20-year-old contemporary dance company. One of the evening’s most exciting revelations was the announcement that “Beneath the White City Lights: The Making of an American Ballet Story” by Emmy Award-winning producer Chris Olsen, a half-hour documentary about the making of TDC’s current signature dance, “The White City: Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893,” co-choreographed by Reinking and Thodos in 2010, would make its broadcast debut on WTTW-TV, Channel 11 on Thursday, February 23 at 10:30 p.m. The evening also included a surprise video tribute to founder Melissa Thodos, “20 Years in 20 Minutes,” as well as the always popular “Dancing with the Thodos Stars,” an inspiring performance by the Thodos/Menomonee Club Youth Ensemble, pre-dinner cabaret music courtesy of Tommy Hensel and Dan Stetzel, dancing to the Swing Assembly orchestra plus a sit-down dinner, silent auction and a wine roulette. If you haven’t seen this company perform, then you are missing out on some incredibly dedicated and talented dancers. (Stay tuned for more exciting Thodos news in my next blogazine!)

Common Threads will be hosting its first Bright Threads event on Sunday, March 11th at the James Hotel. The benefit will be hosted by Gail Simmons, “Top Chef” judge and Food & Wine magazine director, and will include a chance to attend an intimate VIP book signing and cocktail hour with Gail before the start of the main event. This party will be a seated family-style coursed dinner served on communal tables with the CT Small Threads working alongside the participating chefs to prep, cook and serve. VIP tickets are $500 and general admission tickets are $250. To purchase tickets and for more info, please email Eleanor@commonthreads.org or call 312.329.2501.

The Annie B. Brown Foundation will host an inaugural Gospel Concert on Thursday, March 29th, during Colon Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the benefits of colon cancer screenings. Proceeds raised will be donated to the Loretto Hospital Foundation to carry out screenings and educate people on the risks of this disease. The program, which will be emceed by Dr. Sandy Goldberg at Biagio’s at 4242 N. Central, will include a silent auction, dinner and performances by church choirs as well as Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Darius Brooks. For tickets and more info, please visit www.abbfoundation.org or call 630.765.2886.

Hal Rubenstein, fashion director
of InStyle magazine, will have a busy two days when he is in town on March 13th and 14th. Dusty Stemer and Toni Canada will host a party at Blake, located at 212 W. Chicago Ave., on Tuesday, March 13th, from 4 – 7 p.m., to celebrate Rubenstein’s new book, “100 Unforgettable Dresses.” (RSVP to 312.202.0047.) The following day, Toni, Dusty and Nena Ivon will host a conversation with Hal for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum as he discusses his book and the Fall 2012 collections from the runways of NY, Paris and Milan. This event will be moderated by Susanna Negovan at the Casino, located at195 E. Delaware, beginning at 11:30 am. Tickets are $75. Please RSVP to Wendy Schiller at 312.799.2113.

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats are also in order for author Beth Aldrich! Her new book, “Real Moms Love to Eat,” received rave reviews recently at Michigan Shore Club in Wilmette. (Pic by Mila Samokhina.)

WHAT THE VICS (VERY IMPORTANT CHICAGOANS) DID FOR NYE!

…PLUS HARRIS THEATER’S PARIS OPERA BALLET/GRAFF LAUNCH PARTY, JOFFREY’S POINTE OF DEPARTURE, TOP CHEEKY CHICKS 2012, GIBSON’S CHARITABLE NYE CONTRIBUTION, “THE DINNER PARTY” AND MUCH MORE!

My, my, my…it’s 2012 already and I feel like I barely scratched the surface of 2011! We were so lucky to spend our New Year’s Eve this year with old and new friends in Florida. Newlyweds ICB’s Bob Mills and Kim Venezia Mills combined their wedding celebration with a New Year’s Eve party and the results were outstanding! An evening boat ride through the waterways of the Intracoastal eating, drinking and dancing while viewing the most magnificent display of holiday lights I’ve seen outside of the Griswold home! Every mansion was draining electricity like an alcoholic downs whiskey. And yes, we were enjoying adult beverages as well along with every other food group you can think of. Kim missed her calling as a social director but I’m sure glad she was ours! Kim, along with Bob and their respective families, made a group of around 60 guests feel so very welcome in every way. Every day, there was a BBQ, dinner or a pool get-together and I loved meeting their wonderful friends who had flown in from all across the country to celebrate with the new lovebirds. Congrats, Mr. and Mrs. Mills and watch for their upcoming launch of Chicago’s Online Network, Watch312.com, now with eight shows in production! (To view many more fun Florida pics, please click here!)

I’m always so interested in everyone’s New Year’s Eve plans so I quizzed some VICs (Very Important Chicagoans) to see just what they were up to on the eve of 2012:

I have always loved Nate Berkus…he was the first person to host The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails at the Illuminating Company on February 8, 2007, at the request of my co-founder and friend, Helen Melchior, and he will always be a VIC in my heart. His exciting NYE was spent at Playacar Palace in Cancun celebrating event planner extraordinaire Colin Cowie’s 50th birthday. Other VIP guests included Padma Lakshmi, Niche Media’s Jason and Haley Binn, Clear Channel’s Bob Pittman, Chef Todd English and NBC’s Ted Harbert. Natalie Cole even sang “Unforgettable.” Niceeeee…

And even though this event happened LAST NYE, I certainly thought it was worthy of inclusion: I mean how many people have intimate dinners with HRH Prince Charles in his own home!!?!?! I’ll tell you who, the dynamic Natasha Isaacs and her handsome husband, Michael. Natasha was allowed to invite whomever she wanted and, of course, she invited her dearest friends (who are equally gorgeous) Eva and Cezar Jakubowski along with Bozena and Arie Zwieg. The occasion was to thank them for their fundraising efforts for the Shakespeare Theater that’s being built in Gdansk, a project they’re both passionate about. And who could ever say no to Natasha anyway? 🙂

Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan and her handsome husband Tom had quite a night, too. They dined at Charlie Trotter’s and during the course of the evening, Charlie dropped the bombshell announcement that he is leaving the industry to pursue philosophy! Susanna said it made the evening even more special knowing this would be the last NYE celebration at Charlie’s historic restaurant.

Gibson’s Restaurant’s Kathy O’Malley Piccone and John Colletti, along with 75 volunteers (mostly staff) served more than 300 people for Catholic Charities at the restaurant New Year’s Day…after they had served almost 1,000 customers for dinner the night before! Special guests arrived at noon and enjoyed steaks, shrimp cocktails, garbage salads and chicken with all of the trimmings. They were also given goody bags that included warm hats, gloves, scarves and tooth paste and toothbrushes. I LOVE THIS PLACE and their staff – especially Kathy – all of whom are just too wonderful for words!

Beautiful Gayle Anthony’s equally gorgeous sister, Julie Weindling and her beau Phil Geier, spent NYE at Round Hill Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, where they hobnobbed with Sir Paul McCartney and his new wife Nancy, daughter Stella and their kids including Beatrice, his daughter from Heather Mills. Also seen at this posh resort were Ewan McGregor, Ralph and Ricky Lauren and Lauren Bush. WHEW! What a hotspot!

Celebrity scribe and TV personality Bill Zwecker and his partner, real estate broker extraordinaire Tom Gorman spent an exciting NYE at Linda Johnson Rice’s spectacular mountaintop home in Palm Springs. Seen on the scene were Desiree Rogers, Neal Zucker, Julie Latsko, James Bell (Boeing CFO) and wife Mary, Sue Leonis and others. Awwww…what a life!

Darling freelance writer and Chicago magazine nightlife reporter Amalie Drury always has fun wherever she goes and this night was no exception! Her friends Megan and Alex Menocal hosted a dinner party at their Albany Park apartment where they all enjoyed a “beautiful” grilled rib roast, smoked salmon and butternut squash Wellington. They drank countless bottles of champagne, played board games and danced in the living room and, at midnight, Alex played “Auld Lang Syne” on his guitar while they all sang along. Sounds like a perfect night with friends! Love you, AD!

Man-about-town-but-with-a-serious-job Paul Iacono spent NYE with a “triple header” beginning with a dinner at Piccolo Sogno with Elizabeth Brodsky and her family and friends at 7 p.m. sharp. At 10 p.m., he was off to ring in the New Year with bottle service at the Pump Room at Public Chicago, where he and his buddy Brian Thompson occupied Booth One, of course, which was reserved for eight and included Brian’s girlfriend Kristin Atchison, Cindy Burns and Spiro Megremis, Kevin Wright, Emily Greenaway and Rhea Lyn. Restaurant Director Jay Schuster was “spot on” and the evening included a midnight champagne toast..but Paul’s night wasn’t over yet! He concluded his NYE at the home of Shabbir Helaly with glam girls Monika Dixon, Saira Cooper and their cute hubbies…life is good in the World of Iacono! Maybe this could be a ride at Universal?

CheekyChicago.com founders Erica Bethe Levin and Jessica Zweig know how to party, too, of course! Erica (along with handsome Terry) dined at NAHA for their annual tradition, enjoying Chef Carrie Nahabedian’s magical dinners that included lobster risotto this year. Jessica hosted a party with 15 of her best friends at her home. Her “date” for the night was Lisa Frame, founder of MugShotMonday.com. After, a stretch limo (courtesy of Uber) took them to Whistler, a mixology-focused hipster bar in Logan Square, where they danced their cheeky cheeks off!

Biz Bash’s Jenny Berg and her BF Dustin Berta spent NYE at Playboy’s party at the Hilton Chicago where they rang in midnight with a confetti
explosion, a kiss and a Bunny at the turntable. NBC’s handsome Marcus Riley also attended the Playboy party but not before making dinner for his glam model girlfriend, Nicole Townsend, accompanied by a couple of bottles of champagne. After, they attended friend Justin Jacobson’s Hard Rock Chicago event before the final stop at the Hilton to party with the Bunnies.

Reality star and Edrop-Off’s Corri McFadden rang in the New Year with her love Spiro Tsaparas and friends for a simple, low-key dinner at Le Colonial. Although NOTHING is low-key in Corri’s world including her Louboutins that she’s rockin’ in this pic!

Auctioneer extraordinaire Leslie Hindman spent the New Year in style in Paris with long-time friends Mary Lou Gorno and Ann Tomlinson with her charming college-aged kids at Le Grand Colbert. (BTW, Leslie is opening more auction houses around the country so more good things to come for Leslie Hindman Auctioneers!)

CS Magazine’s Samantha Saifer Berngard, along with her hubby and friends, dined at Tony Mantuano’s new restaurant Bar Toma. Afterwards, they headed over to the Hard Rock Hotel where they listened to their wedding band, The Gold Coast All Stars, perform with a few special guests including Hey Champ, American Idol’s Lee DeWyze and O.A.R.’s Chris Culos. CS sponsored the event and they all danced the night away!

Foodarazzi blogger/XA’s Amanda Puck kicked off the night with BF Jerome Weitzel and friends at Big Star for some tacos and bourbon. Then they returned home for their second annual French Onion Soup Fete where they prepared a soup recipe from the October issue of Bon Appetit. (Watch for Amanda’s new internet show, “Dish It,” coming soon on Watch312.com!)

Fabulous in every way designer Pamella Roland (DeVos) has just become a VIC having recently bought a beautiful new home here! For NYE she and her glam family, along with their friends, sailed the seas near Cabo on her luxury yacht.

(For space reasons, I wasn’t able to include all of the exciting NYE happenings so to see what ALL of the VIC’s did for NYE, please check out my jam-packed Chicago Now column here!)

More than 100 of Chicago’s arts and civic leaders joined presenting sponsors/co-chairs Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and John Nichols along with Gala Presenting Sponsor, GRAFF, in celebrating the announcement of the Chicago debut engagement by the Paris Opera Ballet coming in June. This event has been described as “one of the most significant projects for Chicago’s arts community in decades.” The launch party was held at Graff on Oak Street and included VIP guests Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Suzette Bulley, Consul General of France Graham Paul, Margaret Unetich, Paul and Kelly Kaiser, David and Luann Blowers, Sandy and Jack Guthman, Lori Gray Faversham, Ken Norgan, Maya Polsky and Nicolas Bridon, Maria Zec, Dori Wilson and Elton Dixon among others. The Gala, on June 26th, will debut the Paris Opera Ballet’s “Giselle” and mark the company’s first return to America in more than a decade. Mayor Rahm Emanuel will be Honorary Chair. For tickets and more info please visit www.harristheaterchicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

I mentioned the CheekyChicago.com founders’ NYE plans a bit earlier and now I am thrilled to announce the Top 10 Cheeky Chicks of 2012! They include *drumroll please* Kiran Advani (Programming Director, Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture), Bridget Albert (Mixologist, Southern Wine & Spirits), Maryilene Blondell (Development Director, The ALS Assn.), Leah Chavie (Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique), Jackie Chen (Exec. Chef Chicago Cut Steakhouse), Allison Cooke (Marketing Mngr. CS Mag), Charity Gonzalez (Founder UrbanFitClubs.com), Melissa Muoio (personal stylist) and Ashley Zisook (owner Sofia Boutique). What a great list of CHEEKY CHICKS – congrats to ALL!

The Auxiliary Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents their second annual Pointe of Departure event on Thursday, January 26th from 6 – 9 p.m., at a NEW venue this year, Venue Six/10 at the Spertus Institute, located at 610 S. Michigan Ave. Joffrey dancers including Temur Suluashvili and Matthew Adamczyk will again be contributing amazing artwork as well as man
y other artists. Fab fotog/artist/jeweler Mila Samokhina will also be donating an exquisite piece entitled “Illusion.” The after-party will be at TZAR (215 W. Ontario), another new venue for this unique and much-loved event. Besides the original artwork, the evening will also include DJ Sadie Woods, cocktails and Wolfgang Puck’s tasty hors d’oeuvres plus a silent auction! Tickets can be purchased here or by calling 312.386.8979. Congrats in advance to co-chairs Diane Crary and Andrew Caravella and their dynamic committee! See you all soon!

Congrats to Fear No Art’s Elysabeth Alfano, one of the hardest working women in show business, on the birth of her latest production, “The Dinner Party.” This live artist talk show takes place at the Mayne Stage Theatre and will launch on January 30th. “The Dinner Party” happens onstage over wine and appetizers created by celebrity chefs in front of a live audience and will stream live on the internet at www.FearNoART.tv. MOTO Chef Homaro Cantu will be featured in the first production along with guest artists Tony Fitzpatrick, Jon Langford and Rachel Rockwell. Get your tix here!

So 2012 is off to a roaring start! I hope all of your wishes come true this year and that you keep enjoying Candid Candace!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Thanks to CS Magazine for including this blog in their "Best of the City 2012" book (the "Follow the Leaders" article). I am honored and thrilled!

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS: SIX YEARS LATER AND STILL GOING STRONG!

I have a soft spot for The Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails”…I admit it. Six years ago when Helen Melchior and I planned this event, I could never have anticipated how successful it would become nor how it would bring me a lifelong friend in Helen. I know this year’s co-chairs, Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath, also bonded over this event. It usually happens this way when two like-minded people unite for a common purpose, especially one that is so much fun to plan and for such a wonderful organization. The Joffrey Ballet has come a long way too since its inception. Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956 in NY, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway. I have loved watching it grow since I’ve been a Women’s Board member and, this year, the Women’s Board has a birthday, too: Our 10th anniversary is being planned as I type and I can’t wait to share those details with you when they’ve been formed by Event Chair Maureen Smith. Every year, Couture & Cocktails has presented a top name designer and, in years past, they have included Maria Pinto (for the inaugural event at The Illuminating Co.), Temperley London and Escada (for the party at the Bentley Dealership where the street was closed and tented!), Pamella Roland (for the first fashion show ever to be presented in the Grand Lobby of the Palmer House), Carmen Marc Valvo (another killer show at the W) and this year’s designer, David Meister. This year’s event was also a first, being the first institution to host a major event at The Hudson at 2222 South Michigan. The previous party held there was the much publicized Ikram anniversary party! Another signature for Couture & Cocktails is always the food! For the original event, we had re
al White Castle sliders in boxes served on silver trays – the first, fun food idea! This year, The Entertaining Company carried on in fine form with sliders, yes, but beef tenderloin sliders, along with many other tasty and creative choices. The dancers were an inspiration and the reason the event was created. We wanted to showcase them in a friendly, fun atmosphere…away from the stage where guests could get to know them as people. They are not only incredible dancers, as we all know, but the most amazing human beings with multiple talents. Why, dancer Amber Neumann even designed cocktail dresses for a number of her cohorts for this night and they were GORGEOUS! Many others are artists and designers. And they are all charming! The live auction was something to behold this year. Great auction packages included a trip for four plus airfare to the British Virgin Island’s Bitter End Yacht Club with airfare courtesy of United Airlines that sold for $14,500. For this package, Executive Director Christopher Conway even donned a sailor suit! He looked adorable! Another package was an “Instant Cellar: Wine & Champagne Collection” with over 50 bottles that sold for $6,500. A PGA Masters Tournament and the Double Eagle Club for four (courtesy of Charlie and Rebecca Besser) plus business class airfare on United Airlines sold for $13,500. Mike and Kristina McGrath donated their 108-foot yacht, the Kristina, for a group of eight for four days and three nights that sold for $21,000. And for the final package, for the first time in the ballet company’s history, a dance-on role was offered during the season opener of its upcoming world premiere of Don Quixote (which begins on October 12th and runs through the 23rd). This sold for $5,000. The party continued in the Intersport VIP Lounge as hot DJ Ashok lured the guests onto the dance floor. Seen on the scene were Chicago Bears Charles Tillman, Anthony Adams, J’Marcus Webb and Robbie Gould as well as the sensational, international choreographer for Don Quixote, Yuri Possokhov. May it never end! Congrats to Kristina and Rebecca along with the supportive Joffrey staff and Women’s Board committee members. (C & C 2011 raised over $250K). For tickets and more info for the Joffrey Ballet and Don Quixote, please visit www.Joffrey.org/DonQuixote or call 800.982.2787. (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, with additional pics by Steve Starr, please visit here!)

Huge congrats to Emerge!, the premier runway showcase for new designers hosted during New York Fashion Week on its recent blockbuster success! More than 400 people attended this event that opened with designer Tracy Reese presenting the 2011 Fashion Innovator Award to Constance C. White, Editor-in-Chief of ESSENCE Magazine. The audience applauded as White took the runway and expressed her gratitude to the fashion industry and confidence in the Emerge! production (hosted by PR whiz Dionne Williams). Hosted in the magnificent landmark Broad Street Ballroom, located in the financial district, this fantastic production included collections from Adriana Osorio Lugo (Adriana Osorio Lugo Designs), Kirk Johnson (b.-Vain Couture), Berny Martin (Catou) and Borris Powell (Borris Powell Designs). The audience included fashion icon Freddie Leiba, Tamron Hall (MSNBC), Rebecca Crews, fashion execs, buyers, bloggers, socialites, family and friends. Check out this cool video and I hope to see you in the front row next year! To view more pics, please click here!

Chicago Gateway Green

hosted its 20th Green Tie Ball at A. Finkl & Sons over the weekend as you know from, hopefully, reading my Tribune column on Sunday! The theme, “A Return to the Emerald City,” made it easy for some guests to plan their wardrobe! Ruby slippers? Check. Toto? Check. Tin hat and oil can? Check! This year’s co-chairs, Tim Smithe (Walter E. Smith Furniture & Design) and Stephanie Castagnier (The Apprentice 2010) planned an event that included tastings from more than 60 restaurants, a silent auction, charitable gaming, live entertainment by Dr. Bombay, Too White Crew, DJ Rock City plus Platinum Event DJs. Music was everywhere! The Supreme Lobster Chef Challenge featured its final round of the Chicago Summer Chef Challenge Series, too, judged by the Food Dude David Lissner. Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini kicked off the party in grand style as Grant DePorter was honored with a Leadership Award for his longtime support. His dad, Don DePorter, created Chicago Gateway Green in 1986. This event hosted more than 2,500 guests who came out to support this organization dedicated to the greening and beautifying of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods. For more info, please visit www.GatewayGreen.org or call (312) 540.9930. (For ALL event photos by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The 47th Chicago International Film Festival will host its opening night benefit on Thursday, October 6th at the Harris Theater located 205 E. Randolph St. beginning with a Red Carpet at 6 PM. The opening night presentation will premiere “The Last Rites of Joe May.” This film is the latest creation from two giant Chicago institutions, actor Dennis Farina and the Steppenwolf Theater Company. Farina gives “the finest performance of his career as an aging hustler whose way of life is at a crossroads” in this film shot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and featuring members of the Steppenwolf ensemble. Expect to see Dennis walking the Red Carpet along with the show’s cast and writer/director Joe Maggio. Event emcee will be award-winning journalist Bill Kurtis. The VIP Reception will follow at the Chicago Cultural Center at 77 E. Randolph from 9:30 –11:30 PM. Opening Night tickets can be purchased by visiting the Festival Box Offices (322 E. Illinois or 30 E. Adams) or by calling the Festival Hotline at 312.332.3456. Hopefully, I will see you all there! (I am proud to be a co-chair for this event along with dynamo, RL’s Rich Varnes 🙂 )

I love the name of this event! The 8th Annual “Mutt Strut” invites Chicago to “strut” their stuff for charity on Saturday, October 8th, in Lakeview along Newport Avenue (between Southport and Lakewood) from noon until 2 PM. The party kicks off with a 1.5-mile walk “with your mutt” followed by an old-fashioned block party. This event is open to all ages and will include lunch, children’s activities, contests, raffles, music and a chance to visit with adoptable Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation doggies. Tickets are $25 but kids and dogs get in free! Proceeds will benefit CCR, which was founded in 2001 to help find loving homes for dogs and cats, especially for the most vulnerable in Chicago who are slated for euthanasia because they are too old, too young, too injured, have disabilities or have simply been overlooked for too long by potential adopters and other shelters. CCR is moving to a larger space and the proceeds from this event will help a lot! I hope to see you all there with your four-legged and two-legged friends!

My handsome friends and uber wardrobe stylists to the stars, Jesse Garza and Joe Lupo, have designed their own line of clothing for QVC called VT Luxe. They always have great fashion styling tips and have advised many an A-list celeb, too! Check out their latest video here and you’ll see what I mean! Congrats to Jesse and Joe on their much-deserved success!

And, as long as you’re in a video state of mind, please check out my “Social Circles” video from the Parkways Foundation Hat Luncheon…there is a story around every Chicago corner and I will find it and share it with you! So, keep checking my website at www.Watch312.com for continuous updates of “Behind the Velvet Ropes” coverage of all of Chicago’s TOP events! Some expected, some surprising, but ALWAYS fun!!!!!

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s Chicago highlights! Hope to see you all for this weekend’s first Chicago Beach Polo Event! May the chukkers be spirited and the horses light-footed! (Who would’ve ever thought these words would come out of my computer!?) I’ll just meet you at the bar… :) (For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

3 Comments

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Sports, Television, Travel

Tagged as A. Finkl & Sons, Adrian Osorio Lugo Designs, Adriana Osorio Lugo, Amber, Anthony Adams, Ashley Wheater, b.-Vain Couture, Berny Martin, Bill Kurtis, Bitter End Yacht Club, Borris Powell, Borris Powell Designs, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carmen Marc Valvo, Catou, Charles Tillman, Chicago Beach Polo, Chicago Bears, Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago International Film Festival, Christopher Clinton Conway, Constance C. White, Couture & Cocktails, David Meister, Dennis Farina, Dionne Williams, DJ Ashok, DJ Rock City, Don DePorter, Dr. Bombay, Emerge!, Escada, Essence Magazine, Food Dude David Lissner, Freddie Leiba, Gerald Arpino, Grant DePorter, Green Tie Ball, Helen Melchior, J’Marcus Webb, Jesse Garza, Joe Lupo, Joe Maggio, Kirk Johnson, Kristina McGrath, Maria Pinto, Maureen Smith, Mila Samokhina, MSNBC, Mutt Strut, Neuman, New York Fashion Week, Pamella Roland, Platinum Event DJs, QVC, Rebecca Besser, Rebecca Crews, Robbie Gould, Robert Joffrey, Ryan Chiaverini, Social Circles, Stephanie Castagnier, Steppenwolf Theater Company, Tamron Hall, Temperley London, The Apprentice, The Entertaining Company, The Joffrey Ballet, The Last Rites of Joe May, Tim Smithe, Too White Crew, Tracy Reese, United Airlines, Valerie Warner, VT Luxe, Walter E. Smithe Furniture & Design, Watch312.com, Yuri Possokhov

August 28, 2011 · 6:59 pm

SHINING & DINING FOR STEP UP AND ON THE ROOF FOR RMHC!

Two great events for wonderful causes BOTH on the same night! What is Candid Candace to do? Go to both, of course! The first “Shine & Dine” was held at Galleria Marchetti recently to benefit Step Up Women’s Network. This event, the first of its kind, attracted more than 400 guests. Honorary Chair, ABC 7’s Valerie Warner, sparkled and inspired from the stage to the crowd consisting of local professionals and notables. The evening was a mix of philanthropy plus seasonal fare from Chicago’s hottest restaurants all to benefit the charitable programs of Step Up Women’s Network. 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.” Wave Executive Chef Kristine Subido and ZED451 Executive Chef Patrick Quakenbush were on hand to offer guests their exclusive tastings as well as favorites from The Purple Pig. The event’s host committee included D.C. Crenshaw, Cameron Croft, Amalie Drury, Cassandra Gaddo, Todd Helmink, Jonny Imerman, Stacy Levy, Kim Lichtenstein, Peter Marsh, Robert McGhee, Susanna Negovan, Daphne Ortiz, Todd S. Pugh, Marcus Riley, Laura Schwartz, Erica Strama, Genevieve Theirs, Julee White and moi. This wonderful organization supports and mentors teen girls in Chicago’s most underserved communities to become confident, college-bound and career-ready! For more info on how YOU can become involved, please visit www.suwn.org. (All photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

This same evening, one of my favorite new spots in town, The Rooftop at Studio Paris, was the scene of a party hosted by The Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House Near Lurie Children’s. This benefit was co-chaired by three of the most enthusiastic ladies I know – Carol Beitler, Lesley Goodman and MaryAnne Smith (Coach Lovie’s vivacious wife). Two hundred plus supporters participated in this benefit that raised more than $50,000 to support the Rooftop Retreat of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House. Debuting in 2012 and designed to give families a chance to relax and replenish after a day at the hospital, this impressive space will be surrounded by nine-foot glass walls with both a family activity area and a meditation garden. The brick sculpture dividing the two areas will feature the city’s first skyline bricolage mosaic, a customized mural constructed from pieces of tile, mirrors, paintings and photographs which the Auxiliary is sponsoring. On this night, guests were introduced to some of the wall’s artists as well as having an opportunity to create a tile to be embedded in the structure.Another fun event is planned for September 27th. Starting at 4 PM, “Topping Off” festivities will begin on the garage rooftop across the street from the new House at 211 E. Grand. Following the official ceremony at 5 PM, Saks on Michigan Avenue (courtesy of Heather Farley) has invited everyone for an exclusive night of fashion and cocktails from 6 to 8 PM. (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins. To view ALL images, please click here.)

Film star and Oscar winner Russell Crowe tweeted to his 250,000 followers: "Rode from Algonquin to Lake Geneva (WI). Beautiful place, my first ever visit to Wisconsin. If you are in the area, check out Baker House." Well, it just so happens my darling friend, Bethany, OWNS Baker House and this is her report: "Last night (8/25), Russell Crowe arrived (unannounced) at our new restaurant, The Baker House, in Lake Geneva, WI. He came in with two male friends and asked to be seated in our lakefront garden. They were hungry and seemed a bit tired…evidently, turns out he and his two male companions had biked from Algonquin, Illinois, to Lake Geneva, 40 miles, and then spent the day trekking around our scenic 28-mile lake! Russell said it was his FIRST VISIT EVER TO WISCONSIN and thought it was beautiful, and when he left he tweeted to his fans that if ever in the area, they should check out the Baker House! Our staff all wear costumes set in the 1890's through 1920's and Russell was amused asking our waitress if she liked dressing up when she came to work! When he and his friends left, they said they had an early day in Chicago or would have spent the night in our luxury hotel rooms that just opened. That would have been awesome!" Truth be told, this beautiful, vintage hotel with a lakefront setting has been on MY hit list for quite some time. My neighbors love it and we have been invited a few times but my schedule has never allowed us to go. Nestled in scenic beauty on Geneva Lake, this hotel was built in 1885 as a summer home for a wealthy family. Situated at 327 Wrigley Dr. in downtown Lake Geneva, this vintage, painted lady boasts 30 rooms, 13 fireplaces, nightly entertainment, a lakefront garden and is a Nationally Registered Historic property. Luxury suites begin at $340 and there are many packages available. I am sure Russell will be returning…and I hope I can meet him for cocktails in the lakefront garden! (With my husband, of course!) (Baker House, 327 Wrigley Dr., downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, 262.248.4700)

I love feel-good stories, feel good movies and, of course, feel good campaigns! And this one is pretty special. Chicago Loop Alliance, along with the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, in support of their public art initiative, created the “GO DO GOOD” campaign. (You would only miss the brightly-colored yellow signs around town if you were living in a cave, which hopefully you aren’t!) This campaign is a summer long, citywide movement to prepare Chicago’s kids to succeed in school and to also encourage good deeds around town. The theme is based on the Chicago Loop Alliance’s commissioned “Go Do Good” art installation which is a six foot story mural by Midwest based, internationally-acclaimed contemporary artist, Kay Rosen. This 30-second PSA was produced by Julee White’s Testarossa Entertainment in association wih the Illinois Center for Broadcasting (that shot and edited the spot). Check it out (campaign ends on Sept. 10th) and GO DO GOOD!!! :)

And now, here are some wonderful upcoming events that Candid Candace Recommends!

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival is the first of its kind in Chicago! “In-Fashion,” presented by MasterCard, will feature a two-week (August 26th through Sept. 8th) celebration of style featuring exclusive shopping offers, hotel packages, sweepstakes, culinary events and celebrities galore! Stylist Carson Kressley kicked off the event early on Aug. 26th in Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue. There are too many events to mention here but expect to see Cubs catcher Geovany Soto, "Real Housewives'" Kyle Richards, Bill Kurtis, hunky shoe designer Brian Atwood, Chef Gale Gand and "Project Runway’s" Mondo Guerra at events around town. I will be dividing my time on Sept. 8th between Saks Fifth Avenue’s shoe salon re-opening (10022-SHOE) with Brian Atwood (6 to 9 PM) and 900 Shops VIP party featuring Bravo’s Brad Goreski (6 to 9 PM). Congrats to Carrie Lannon, In-Fashion Chairperson and National Director of PR for ULTA Beauty! For more info, please visit www.shop900.com/fno.

On Tuesday, Sept. 27th, the Goodman Theatre will present its opening benefit featuring the Tony award-winning play by John Logan, “Red,” which is described as a journey into the mind of abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, for whom paintings are “pulsating” life forces intended “to stop the heart.” The evening will begin with cocktails and dinner at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute, located at 159 E. Monroe, followed at 8 PM with the performance of “Red.” Gala and performance tickets begin at $500. Performance only tickets start at $25.

As you know, there was extensive damage to our fabulous Garfield Park Conservatory during the hail storm on June 30th. Thus, the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance is spearheading a fundraising campaign to restore the damaged panes. Entitled, “Wine & Wildflowers,” this fundraiser will be held Thursday, Sept.1st, at the Lincoln Park Zoo from 5:30 to 8 PM and will include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a meet-and-greet with author Julia Bachrach. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased by visiting lpzoo.org/wine.

On Friday, September 23rd, an event very close to my heart, “Couture & Cocktails,” will be celebrating its sixth year as one of the biggest fundraisers for The Joffrey Ballet. Co-created by Helen Melchior and myself, this year’s event is being chaired by matching dynamos Kristina McGrath and Rebecca Besser. Held for the first time at this hot, new, BIG (115,000 feet.) venue, the Hudson at 2222 S. Michigan (where Ikram hosted her anniversary party!), this party/fashion show will feature the designs of David Meister (presented by our great friends at Neiman Marcus). Beginning with a VIP Party at 6 PM, there will also be a live and silent auction as well as the event’s signature “fun food.” Live auction items feature a Championship Round Masters Golf Package for four, a dream trip to British Virgin Island’s Bitter End Yacht Club, a private yacht for eight in Florida and a Ready-Made Champagne and Wine Collection. Tickets start at $275 with packages available. For more info and tickets, please visit Joffrey.org/CoutureandCocktails.

The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation will host its 26th Annual Fall Benefit luncheon on Monday, Sept. 19th at the Ritz-Carlton. (Chuck’s birthday!!!!) Featuring Goldie Hawn, the event will begin at 11 AM followed by a luncheon at noon. Event chairs are Ashley Netzky and Lara Shipp Shiffman with Maggie Daley serving as the Honorary Chair. For tickets or more info, please visit www.lynnsage.org, email lynnsage@nmh.org or call 312.926.7133. And that’s this week’s lowdown on Chicago’s fabulous highlights! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And I hope you’re not sick of my constant pleas for you to vote for me in CBS’ “Most Valuable Blogger” contest! I am proud to be a finalist and hope to be a win-alist! Just click and vote HERE! Remember, you can vote once a day until Sept. 9th, yadda, yadda, yadda… 🙂

1 Comment

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

Tagged as 10022-Shoe, ABC-7, Amalie Drury, Ashley Netzky, Baker House, Bill Kurtis, Brad Goreski, Bravo, Brian Atwood, Caitlin Saville Collins, Cameron Croft, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol Beitler, Carrie Lannon, Carson Kressley, Cassandra Gaddo, CBS’ Most Valuable Blogger, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Loop Alliance, Couture & Cocktails, D.C. Crenshaw, Daphne Ortiz, David Meister, Erica Strama, Gale Gand, Galleria Marchetti, Garfield Park Conservatory, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Genevieve Theirs, Geovany Soto, Gina Marotta, Go Do Good, Goldie Hawn, Goodman Theatre, Heather Farley, Helen Melchior, Hudson, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, In-Fashion, Joffrey Ballet, John Logan, Jonny Imerman, Julee White, Julia Bachrach, Kay Rosen, Kim Lichtenstein, Kristina McGrath, Kristine Subido, Kyle Richards, Lake Geneva, Lara Shipp Shiffman, Laura Schwartz, Lesley Goodman, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lovie Smith, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Maggie Daley, Magnificant Mile Shopping Festival, Marcus Riley, Mark Rothko, MaryAnne Smith, Mondo Guerra, Neiman Marcus, Peter Marsh, Project Runway, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Rebecca Besser, Red, Robert McGhee, Ronald McDonald House, Rooftop at Studio Paris, Russell Crowe, Saks Fifth Avenue, Shine & Dine, Stacy Levy, Step Up Women’s Network, Susanna Negovan, Testarossa Entertainment, the 900 Shops, Todd Helmink, Todd S. Pugh, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, Valerie Warner, Wave, Wine & Wildflowers, Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House Near Lurie Children’s, Zed45 Patrick Quackenbush