Tag Archives: Illinois Centers for Broadcasting

CHICAGO BEARS ISRAEL IDONIJE AND JERRY AZUMAH “LAUGH OUT LOUD” FOR CHARITY

…PLUS RICHARD DENT SHARES A SECRET, NORTHWESTERN STUDENTS’ EARTH SAVING PROJECT, CRYSTAL’S BIG HEART, NICOLE’S BRIDAL TIPS, A HOMETOWN DESSERT FIT FOR A PRESIDENT, PAMELLA AND DAN MAKE SOME PLANS, A SECRET PARTY (WELL, NOT ANYMORE!), THE LYRIC TAKES YOU TO PARIS, WOMEN DRIVING EXCELLENCE AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
1 - Co-hosts Jerry Azumah and Israel IdonijeA cold and rainy night didn’t keep the crowds from packing the house at the hot River North nightclub, Untitled, for the second annual Laugh Out Loud comedy show on January 29th. Chicago Bear Israel Idonije and former all-pro Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah teamed up to benefit 2 - Leon Rogerstheir respective charities for a night that included some of the top comedic talent around. Jerry’s charity, the Azumah Student Assistance Program (ASAP) Foundation, develops innovative and unique programs and charity events designed to raise funds for 3 - Glam girls at Untitleddisadvantaged students. Israel’s charity, the Israel Idonije Foundation, inspires underserved communities by providing 4 - Basketball great Antoine Walkerprograms focused on social and emotional life skills. Together, these great superstars created an evening that all those in attendance won’t soon forget. By the end of the night, my sides hurt from 5 - Ali Claytonlaughing so much at the show’s co-hosts WGCI’s Leon Rogers and Brian Babylon, along with featured comedians Damon Williams (of BET’s "Comic View" who also served as the opening act for the 6 - Kelley Speck (R) and cute friendlegendary Kings of Hollywood Comedy Tour), Adrienne Irmer (Perri’s darling daughter), Ali Clayton, Tony Scolfied, Ron Baker, Jr. (handsome brother of Ryan), Mitch Hurley, Erica Clark and Willie Lynch. The fun-filled 7 - Ron Baker, Jr.night began with a VIP reception in the club’s exclusive bar area behind the main stage. Here, guests got a chance to meet the hosts and mingle with the comedians as well as enjoy a fabulous buffet. I covered the event for 9 - Damon WilliamsCandid Candace Chicago (on Watch312.com) so stay tuned for all of the evening’s fun captured on video as well as great interviews with the hosts and the many sports stars in attendance. Seen on the scene were Antoine Walker, Trista Phillips, Jason McKee, 8 - Idonije Foundation’s Kendra Fogarty and Sharbel ShamoonKelley Speck, Erica Clark, Nina Chantelle, Les Coney, Alayna and DC Crenshaw, KISS-FM’s Angi Taylor and Saran Dunmore to name a few. To learn more about these wonderful charities, please visit www.israelidonije.org and www.theasapfoundation.org. Congrats Izzy and Jerry and thanks for all you do to make the world a better place. 🙂 (To see more pics from this fun-filled evening, please click here!)

 
1 - Richard Dent & Fred MitchellLegendary Chicago Bear, 1985 Super Bowl MVP and Class of 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Richard Dent was the featured guest speaker at the Union League Club reception and luncheon held on January 29th. Richard was there to discuss his RJ, Shiloh & DeEtta Jonesbook, "Blood, Sweat & Bears," written with veteran Chicago Tribune sportswriter Fred Mitchell. After lunch, Fred interviewed Richard as he recounted stories in the book and playing football for the fiercest, most dominant defense in NFL history AND playing the game before violent helmet-to-helmet 3 - Richard giving his speech at Pro Football Hall of Fametackles were forbidden. He spoke about growing up in a family with nine kids and having a mother who did whatever it took to make ends meet. Richard asked the audience, “How many of you have seen the movie, ‘The Help’? That was my mom and she made the best 4 - Fred Mitchell, Margaret O'Connor, Sheila Dorman, Richard Dentbiscuits around.” Fred fielded questions from the crowd and as the luncheon came to a close, Richard shared this with the audience, “You are the first to know I will be carrying the Vince Lombardi trophy onto the field at Sunday’s Super Bowl game!” Two 5 - Richard and his son RJ at the premiere of The Karate Kidguests at the luncheon who sat with Richard and Fred at the Author’s table were Sheila Dorman (Sr. VP and COO of Northern Trust) and Margaret O’Connor (the producer of Richard’s pre-induction Hall of Fame celebration at Carnivale for 450 people). Sheila and Margaret also traveled to Canton, Ohio, for Richard’s induction into the Hall of 6Fame in August 2011. (Our beloved photog Steve Starr also made the trip and would be so pleased to know that his photograph of Richard’s children RJ and Shiloh and long-time girlfriend DeEtta Jones is in the book). To purchase "Blood, Sweat & Bears!", please click here!
 
1 - Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky congratulates NU studentsWater is one of the most important elements on earth and an exciting new documentary, “Water Pressures,” a film that features Northwestern University students and desert villagers in water-distressed Rajasthan, India, 3 - “Water Pressures” executive producer-director Bill Natalewill premiere on March 20th at the Wilmette Theater (1122 Central Ave).  Produced by Artistic Circles’ Ann Feldman, the film is hosted by "Entourage" star Adrian Grenier and directed  by Bill Natale (executive producer for Illinois Centers for Broadcasting and Watch312.com), 2 - On location in Rajasthan, Indiawho also served as the associate producer of the doc. The story demonstrates how understanding, education and collaboration can lead to sustainable solutions, particularly between developing and developed countries. Based on the relationships created by the documentary, Northwestern is now setting up a research site in the desert at the Jal Bhagirathi Foundation to study and 5 - Rajasthan, Indiaassist with desalination and water-related diseases. “Water Pressures” premiered at the Chicago 4 - NU students attend forum on global water crisis at NU CampusSouth Asian Film Festival, winning merit awards for a video for social change. It has been translated into Hindi with plans to be broadcast in India as well as on public TV stations nationwide beginning March 20. “Water Pressures” is presented by WTTW Chicago and will be nationally distributed by American Public Television. Enjoy this three-minute trailer and congrats to all involved for creating this eye-opening film!
 
Astrologer Jolie EvansI don’t know how many of you consult an astrologer from time to time but I have a wonderful woman who even gives readings over the phone based on your info! Jolie Evans has been in the business for a long, long time and her reading for me from last year was so precise that I just had to share her info with you! Anyone interested, please email jolieevans@live.com and tell her Candid Candace sent you! 🙂
 
Nicole Jacob DelehantyHuge congrats to one of my very favorite makeup artists, Nicole Jacob Delehanty! She is featured in this month’s issue of Town & Country Weddings, which showcases hair and makeup pros who travel to destination weddings. Anyone lucky enough to nab Nicole will certainly look her very best on her special day! Congrats to this gorgeous, Scan0001talented new mom who looks more beautiful than ever! Here are her five top tips for wedding makeup: 1.) Wear individual fake lashes, they draw attention to the eye 2.) Add shimmer to foundation for a natural luminous healthy glow, 3.) Enhance your features but don't mask your face with makeup, 4.) Bronzer is super important all the time – heathy color, and 5.) Light pink see through lip gloss is feminine and beautiful! (Unless of course you prefer Candid Candace Coral from CAMP Cosmetics, LOL!) For wedding makeup inquiries, please call Cathy at 312-961-6588 and to book appointments for makeup or brows, contact the Paul Rehder Salon at 312-943-7404. 

Hef and CrystalHef’s leading lady, Crystal Harris Hefner, is auctioning off her wedding dress from their nuptials in honor of Hef’s longtime and much-loved assistant, Mary O’Connor, who recently passed away. Given that Mary was responsible for helping H
ef and Crystal reconcile and eventually marry, Crystal has decided to put her pink, strapless, mermaid-style Romona Keveza gown up for auction along with her Aruna Seth pumps to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (This is the disease that recently claimed Mary’s life.) The auction ends February 11th. Click here to bid! What a loving gesture Crystal!

 
Dan and Pamella DeVos (Roland)Stylish fashion designer Pamella Roland – who has been the featured designer for The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails – will be spending more time in Chicago and wants her husband Dan to stay busy! Daniel DeVos, son of billionaire Richard DeVos of Grand Rapids, Michigan, just opened a Ford Dealership west of McCormick Place at 2401 S. Michigan Ave. Since buying a home downtown, Pamella hopes to spend more time in the Windy City and we  couldn't be happier to hear this good news! Welcome to Chicago, Pamella and Dan!!
 
1 - The Schulmans and their Eli’s Cheesecake at the InauguralMore Chicagoans making a national impact include the delightful owners of Eli’s Cheesecake, Maureen and Marc Schulman: This year marks the fourth inaugural cake that Eli’s has been invited to create! Both of former 2 - Kori, Haley and Elana Schulman at the Inaugural Balls wearing LuLu’s at the Belle KayPresident Bill Clinton’s inaugurals and President Obama’s 2009 Commander-in-Chief Ball all had giant Eli’s cheesecakes! This year’s 500-pound creation was served at the Staff Ball after Tony Bennett 3 - Eli’s Executive Pastry Chef Laurel Boger places the Statue of Freedom atop the edible Capitol Dome (all chocolate chip cheesecake)and Lady Gaga performed. The President, First Lady, Vice President and Second Lady were also in attendance. Maureen says, “It was a cheesecake frenzy!” The cake also appeared on the Jumbotron much to the delight of the Schulmans! Also in attendance were Eli’s executive pastry chef 4 - Marc Schulman looks on as Inaugural CEO Stephen Kerrigan (front) and Inaug. Exec. Dir. David Cusack cut the cakeLaurel Boger (who decorated the big cake in the kitchen of the Washington Convention Center), Schulman daughters Haley, Kori and Elana (who all wore glam dresses and 5 - Pep rally with Eli’s bakers before the cheesecake left for Washington, DC.exquisite jewelry from LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, no doubt styled by its chic owner Laurie Davis). What a thrilling opportunity for this Chicago institution, Eli’s Cheesecake!! Congrats to Maureen, Marc and all the little Schulmans! 
 
Women Driving Excellence invite finalI’m so excited to be a featured speaker for Women Driving Excellence, an inaugural event at the Chicago Auto Show on February 12th. In celebration of "women who start, accelerate
, fuel and steer others to strive for excellence," MJ Tam and Beth Rosen (ChicagonistaLIVE social talk show), Monika Dixon, Debi Lilly, Elisa All, Jill Saltzman, Saya Hillman along with the Chicago Tribune, Red Eye and Cars.com will partner to co-host this exciting event. Featured speakers/honorees include Corri McFadden (eDrop-Off founder), Genevieve Thiers (founder of Sittercity.com), Luvvie Ajayi (AwesomelyLuvvie.com), Anupa Singla (Chicago Now blogger and former CLTV news broadcaster), Karen Weigert (City of Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer) and ME! 🙂 Giveaways will be offered throughout the event and will include iPad Minis, spa services, hotel stays and many more! The day’s thrilling activities will begin at 10 a.m. – to see all details and to RSVP, please click here! HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

 

1 - With Sargent McCormick (2nd from R) with friends at Pump Room

With Sargent McCormick (2nd from R) with friends at Pump Room

I received a very unusual invite for the 108th Twelfth Night Masquerade. What the hell is this, you ask? I know, I asked myself the same question so I googled it: It turns out this is a very exclusive party (by invite only and, by this I mean only you and not your spouse or a plus-one which irritated me to no end). However, my natural curiosity got the best of me so I just had to go. From what I discovered, this event was founded in 1905 by Bill Gamble (of Procter & Gamble fame) and his high-society cohorts, who banded together to break up the doldrums of winter in Chicago by inaugurating the Widow & Widowers Ball. From the start, it was a party with an irreverent twist: Gamble and company drew up a list of all the couples in their social circles, decided which member of each couple they deemed the most fun and invited that person alone to attend the ball. By 1920, this rule was relaxed – no doubt because of the outrage from the other partner – and the name was changed to The Twelfth Night Masquerade. Billy Gamble died in 1921 but the party continues as his lasting legacy to Chicago social life. Twelfth Night 2 - Clemente Dadoo from the University of Chicago and Thomas Love from Northwesternhas been a fixture on the Chicago social calendar for more than a century and for many remains a family tradition with current guests, their parents and even their grandparents in attendance. In order to receive an invite, you must be known to the Committee of Twelve. Oh, and the evening was also a celebration of charming Sargent McCormick’s 30th birthday. 🙂 I could only attend the pre-party cocktail get-together at the Pump Room but the party hit its zenith later with 600 guests in costume in the Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel. No press allowed…oops, there goes next year’s invite! 😉 Their motto: Let good taste prevail to no avail. Their rule: No equestrians or mounted pedestrians. 
 
Ladybug_Bash_final-01-19-13I love this event that benefits Atia’s Project Ladybug.  On March 23rd, HGTV host and “hottie-with-a-heart” Dina Manzo will host the third annual Ladybug Bash to benefit Comer Children’s Hospital at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St. Tickets begin at $65 and will help raise awareness for this non-profit which aims to ease the struggles of childhood cancer. Please come out for the fun and be inspired by this great cause!
 
Lyric Save the DateThe Lyric Opera wants to take you to Paris! On February 9th, the Lyric will present the Fantasy of the Opera: Midnight in Paris. The Civic Opera house will be transformed into 1920’s Paris with the lower-level Opera Club morphing into the Moulin Rouge, the foyer and mezzanine levels will become the “Streets of Paris” with French gourmet Lyric venue scenesamplings and spectacles, the Cabaret will showcase stars of the Lyric’s winter productions performing non-opera repertoire and will include singers Jamie Barton, David Cangelosi, Elizabeth Futral, Amanda Majeski, Ana Maria Martinez, Lucas Meachem, Albina Shagimuratova and Andrea Silvestrilli. Event chairman Courtney Rosen (who will be wearing a chic gown by Atelier Azza) promises this will be a very unique experience! Dance music will be provided by big band Rendezvous! For tickets, beginning at $275 and more info, please click here! Ooh la la!
 
1 - Lynne Jordan sings Nina Simone wearing a chic gown by designer Reggie NewportCongrats to beloved cabaret star Lynne Jordan and her hot band, The Shivers!  Her sell-out show, which channeled Nina Simone, was a huge hit at City Winery last month and her recent show at Davenport’s, a tribute to Janis Joplin, was also a 2 - Lynne Jordan & the Shivers at City Winerysell-out! There's nothing this woman can’t sing and Roger Ebert said so in a recent tweet to his almost 800,000 followers! Don’t miss another show from this Chicago treasure!
 
Win black history eventThe Black History Month Innovation Panel will be hosted by the Women’s Innovation Network on February 19th at the International House at the University of Chicago. Panelists will include beloved PR queen Dori Wilson (Dori Wilson Public Relations), Jetta Bates (award-winning marketing expert and creator of JettaSetting), Makeba Kedem-Dubose (artist, curator and art educator) and Dawgelene Sangster (author and founder of Think Royally Inc.). Moderator, and another Chicago treasure, will be NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter. For tickets and more info, please click here.
 
2007 champion Dan PonceDancing with Chicago Celebrities is an annual star-studded charity ball presented by Arthur Murray to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer. Over the last seven years, the ball has raised more than $800K which has been donated to deserving charities who champion this cause. The 8th Annual Dancing with Chicago Celebrities will take place March 8th Val Warnerat the Hyatt Regency and will include beloved WGN’s Dina Bair (I’ve seen this woman dance at Newsapalooza and I hope the other competitors are rehearsing NOW!), WBBM-TV’s Pam Jones, ’06 champion Chef Rick Bayless, ’12 MVP Kim Vatis (NBC5) and ’12 champion and former Chicago Bear Desmond Clark, NBC’s Stefan Holt, WGN’s Frank Holland, ABC’s Michelle Gallardo, Miss Illinois Megan Ervin, former Chicago Bear Anthony Adams and Christina Filiaggi (WLS-AM Radio 890). For tickets and more info, please click here
 
CFCA_775The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) will celebrate its 24th annual Awards Show on February 9th at the Muvico Theaters in Rosemont, located at 9701 Bryn Mawr Ave. Nadine Velazquez and Joe Perillo will emcee and award-winning actress Jane Lynch will receive the Comedia Extraordinaire Award at 7:30 p.m. at the theater. Net proceeds will support the 2013 Emerging Film Makers Award for Columbia College Chicago film students. For tickets and more info, please click here!

 
Jenny McCarthyI love it that Playboy glamour girl and perpetually fit Jenny McCarthy (40!), loves Chicago’s delicious Giordano’s pizza…and stuffed pie at that! In a recent cover story article in Shape Magazine, she says she gets her Windy City fix by having it shipped to LA when Giordano's signshe craves a taste from home. She said, “There’s this place in Chicago called Giordano’s which has the best deep-dish pizza in the world. It’s my therapist, my best friend and my boyfriend on Friday nights.” I doubt that she’s ever very lonely but nice to know she loves one of Chicago’s many legendary institutions!
 
AdlerThe Adler Planetarium will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a reception hosted by new president Dr. Michelle Larson and chairman of the board, John Estey, on February 7th. The night under the stars will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Adler’s Sky Pavilion followed by a program honoring featured speaker and New York Dava SobelTimes best-selling author of “Galileo’s DaughterDava Sobel. Cynthia Ballew is event chair with co-chairs Nancy Temple (WB President), Linda Celesia, Caroline Becker Joss, Lisa Lewis, Erika Bartelstein, Pamela Pohl, Mihra Seta and Linda Gerstman. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.adlerplanetarium.org.)

 
Candid Candace Coral Lipstick-CAMP CosmeticsSpecial thanks to the Sun-Times Splash editor, and all-around great peep, Susanna Negovan for including my CAMP Cosmetics Candid Candace lipstick in Sunday’s fab section! This color is a great cure for the winter doldrums – hope you agree and buy it here!!! Me at Windy City Live(Wink wink!)
 
I’m so happy that Chicago’s social whirl has picked up! There's so much to do and so many great events planned! Tune into "Windy City Live" on February 25th, when I’ll share my top picks for March! 🙂
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Leave a comment

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

WOOD AND DEJESUS WARM UP & STRIKE A POSE!

…PLUS INAUGURATION (CELEBS & PARTIES), THODOS TURNS 21, JAN’S OSCAR SWAG, BLACK CREATIVITY GALA, TICKLED PINK, CHEEKIEST CHICKS OF 2013, EMERGE! IS ON FOR NYFW, SHELLEY’S “THING CALLED LOVE,” CHEF ART'S BIG BASH, MY TOP 2012 VIDEO MOMENTS ON WATCH312 AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

1 - Hosts Kerry and Sarah WoodIt was the second annual Woody’s Winter Warm-Up hosted by beloved former Cubs pitcher Kerry Wood and his beautiful wife, Sarah. I attended the inaugural event last year and it seemed to double in size this time,
2 - Ryan Chiaverini, Matt Garza, Whitney Reynoldswhich I was thrilled to see! Everyone wants to support this charitable pair and there were more than 400 guests at Harry Caray’s Tavern at Navy Pier to celebrate. The line snaked down the hallway with early arrivals and you could hear the excited voices as soon as you entered the building. Trolleys had been
3 - Chi-Town Finest Breakersscheduled to bring all of the players from the Cubs Convention on Friday night to Navy Pier so there were a lot of anxious PR people working their radios – at one point, I heard that a driver
4 - Crowd scene at Harry Caray’s Tavernhad gotten lost! The red carpet was co-hosted by two of my favorite people, Windy City Live’s Ryan Chiaverini and Whitney Reynolds (who will be hosting her own show on WTTW coming soon!). The press was out in force for this party that included sports stars past and
5 - Kerry and Sarah Wood with military friendspresent, media personalities and top-notch entertainment. Emceed by radio personality Pete McMurray and TV/radio
6 - Tom Ricketts (center) and friendsshow host Jane Monzures, the night included meet-and-greet opportunities, an open bar, dinner buffet and a raffle with ALL proceeds benefitting the Wood Family Foundation (WFF). A silent auction included sports memorabilia such as signed
7 - DC Crenshaw (right) serves drinksjerseys from Cubs Hall of Famers Ernie Banks and Fergie Jenkins, a signed retirement flag from Banks, a Kerry Wood signed jersey, a W flag signed by players,
8 - Matt Garza serves Homer’s Ice Cream to fannumerous signed baseballs (lucky collector Tom Strehle nabbed one signed by Billy Williams) and a football signed by Mike Ditka with a bottle of Ditka merlot thrown in for good measure. Guests enjoyed
9 - Chi-Town Finest Breakers wow the crowdmusical performances by rock n’ roll Hall of Famer Dave Mason and R&B singer Gina Venier but the group that brought the house down was Chi-Town’s Finest Breakers! These five
9 - Kim DeJesus (center) and friendssiblings, ranging in age from 7 to 14 years old, have appeared on Ellen and Oprah and were back-up dancers for Justin Bieber. Their acrobatic skills were a sight to behold: Spinderella holds the world record for the longest head spin at
10 - Sarah and Kerry thank the crowdmore than 15 minutes! DJ Greg Corner (an Obama favorite) started and finished the night with some eclectic tunes with a highlight of the evening
11 - WTTW’s Whitney Reynolds and her cute fiancéhappening near the end when Cubs players signed their bartending shirts and auctioned them off to the crowd. Guests seen on the scene included Cubs Hall of Famer Ernie Banks, Matt Garza, Darwin Barney, Starlin Castro, David and Kim DeJesus, Jeff Samardzija, Travis Wood,
12 - With Ryan Chiaverini, AJ Johnson, Chuck and beautiful friendJames Russell, Wellington Castro, Tom Ricketts, Theo Epstein, Cheryl Scott, Peggy Kusinski, Stefan Holt, Kathy Hart, Rafer Weigel, Showbiz Shelley, AJ Johnson, Megan and Lance Josh Needle, Trevor Mosvaugh, Grant
13 - Jane Monzures and Pete McMurrayDePorter, Shawn Camp, Nick Struck, DC Crenshaw, Glaros, Nick Roach, Jody Davis, Josh Vitters, Anthony Rizzo, Tom Strehle, Daphne Ortiz, Dale, Sveum, Kelli Zink, Luis Gomez, Hannah
14O’Leary, Beth Heller, Laurie Dimakos, Kate Gaddi and Tony Campana. All proceeds from the evening (more than $100K) benefitted the Wood Family Foundation, which works to improve the
15 - Ronnie “Woo Woo” - a diehard Cubs fanlives of children in and around Chicago by raising funds and awareness for its children’s programs and other children’s charities they support. This year, Sarah announced that the organization opened the Wood Family Foundation
16playroom on the oncology floor at Lurie Children’s, broke ground on Kerry Wood Cubs Field, held a free baseball clinic in Englewood, supplied more than 400 coats and toys to Nash Elementary and, for the first
17 - Kerry with fans and friendstime, will be sending a student to UIC on a full scholarship. I was told that near the end of the evening, Kerry even paid out of his own pocket to extend the party! I heard many other stories
Kerry slings drinks, too!this night about the generosity of the Wood family and I stand in awe. Congrats Sarah and Kerry on all of your many good works! I can’t wait to see what next year brings! To learn more about the WFF, please click here.

 

1 - Event hosts Kim and David DeJesusGood deeds seems to be the hallmark of our Chicago Cubs as outfielder David DeJesus and his wife Kim hosted more than 275 guests at the River East Arts Center on January 17th for their inaugural Strike a Pose Fashion Show benefitting
2 - Brian and Lindsay Schnurstein (front) and Dennis & Diana Hilltheir non-profit, the David DeJesus Family Foundation. The show featured Cubs players and their wives walking the runway in fashions from the 900 North Michigan Shops, Peach Carr Designs and Two Penny Blue. NBC’s Cheryl Scott welcomed everyone before taking to the runway and host David DeJesus enlisted the help of teammate Anthony Rizzo to help announce the show. The evening raised more than
3 - Kelly Kenney, Marie Whitney, Sarah Wood, Carrie Armour$180K to help in the fight against ALS. Kim and David presented a video
4 - Theo Epstein, Laurie Rizzo, John Rizzo, Pete Rickettsthat featured their dear friend Brian Schnurstein (who was in attendance) and his personal struggle since being diagnosed with this disease. Brian’s wife, Lindsay, spoke eloquently and from the heart about the affects ALS has had on
5 - Ed Swiderski and Matt Garza with cute friendher family. Guests enjoyed cocktails and food from some of Chicago’s hottest restaurants while listening to the sounds of DJ Kasper K. The live and silent
6 - Cubs players Starlin Castro and Darwin Barneyauctions raised about $80K and featured courtside Bulls tickets, a diamond necklace, field lessons with David DeJesus and autographed sports memorabilia. Runway VIPs included Kerry and Sarah Wood, Darwin and Lindsay Barney,
7 - Erika VonBorcke, Ryan Beshel, Peach CarrShawn Camp, Tony Campana, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, Scott Feldman, Brett Jackson, Anthony Rizzo, James Russell, Ian Stewart, Travis and Brittany Wood, Matt Garza and “The Bachelorette” winner Ed
8 - Cubs manager Dave Sveum with Rob DeerSwiderski. VIP guests in attendance included designer Peach Carr (Project Runway Season 8 and Project Runway All Stars Season 2), Tom, Pete and Todd Ricketts, Chef Art Smith, Cubs president of operations Theo Epstein
9 - Cubs wives Darby Anderson, Kelli Feldman, Kathryn Schierholtz, Brittany Woodand wife Marie Whitney (Two Penny Blue), Patrick Mannelly (Chicago Bear) and Dave Kaplan (Comcast). “It has been a longtime desire to host a charity event in our hometown of Chicago,” said David. “We felt it was only natural to make our first fundraiser dedicated to raising funds for research, patient care and family support for those suffering from ALS.” “We are excited to give ALS a voice in this city!” added Kim. For more info, visit the foundation's website.
(To see ALL event pics by Hallie Duesenberg, click here!)

I was thrilled to cover so many fabulous Chicago parties last year for my Watch312.com show, "Candid Candace Chicago." I hope you enjoy some of my favorite moments below! 🙂

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=BrYTlwODrrr0V6gmZixZIvLSSsdXOnG4&height=360&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=490


1 - Chef Art surrounded by chefs, fans and friends at D.C. Chef’s BallCelebrity Chef Art Smith hosted a late night Chef’s Ball at his hot Washington, D.C. restaurant, Art & Soul (located in The Liaison Capitol Hill Affinia Hotel) on January 19th to
2 - Roll Call reporters Neda Semnani and Warren Rojascelebrate President Obama’s inauguration with Washingtonians, visitors, friends and the D.C. restaurant community in attendance. (Executive Chef Wes Morton co-chaired the Ball with
3 - Chefs Todd Gray, Scott Drewno and Mike IsabellaArt). A portion of the proceeds from the evening benefitted Common Threads, a non-profit founded by Art and partner Jesus Salguiero that helps low-income children understand the
4 - Liaison Capitol Hill-Affinia Hotel GM Claudia Eggspuhler and USA Today reporter Barbara DeLollisimportance of nutrition and physical well-being. Five additional D.C. chefs prepared late night bites for the event, as well, with some of the proceeds also benefitting their charities of choice. They included Erik Bruner-Yang (chef/owner Toki Underground), Scott
5 - Food writer David Hagedorn with ArtDrewno
(executive chef The Source), Todd Gray (co-owner/chef Equinox Restaurant), Rock Harper
6 - C-Span’s Howard Mortman and friend(Hell’s Kitchen Season 3 winner and director of Kitchen Operations, D.C. Central Kitchen) and Mike Isabella (Top Chef All-Stars finalist and chef/owner Graffiato, Kapnos and G). “Washington, D.C. is a burgeoning food town and when Americans
7 - Art charms USA Today reporter Barb DeLollisvisit our nation’s capital they should expect to eat well and party well into the morning,” said Chef Art Smith. “I’ve invited some of the most talented chefs I know in D.C. to help host a ball that chefs and foodies can enjoy while raising funds for their charities and showcasing some of the best food D.C. has to offer!” (Don’t miss Art and Jesus’ next BIG Chicago event, World Festival, on March 4th – details here!) 


1 - Jamie Foxx at the Hennessy V.S Inauguration TakeoverMore inaugural party news with Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and rapper will.I.Am kicking off the Hennessy V.S Inauguration Takeover at the swanky Park at 14th in
2 - Victor Cruz and Big TiggerWashington, D.C. Foxx took over the event performing for more than two hours and brought the packed house down as he sang several songs from his catalog including “Unpredictable” and
3 - Hennessy Girls“Blame It” as well as popular songs that included “All Gold Everything” by Trinidad James and A$AP Rocky's hit song “F*ckin' Problems.” will.I.Am also performed with NY Giants
4 - Will.I.Am and Jamie Foxxsuperstar Victor Cruz and radio personality Big Tigger. Foxx got a chance to visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. memorial and said, “Please know that we're living in spectacular times for
5 - Hennessy bottle paradeAfrican Americans.” He also gave a shout-out to his "Django Unchained" co-stars and shared these thoughts: “Thank you for your support of this film. Every day on the set, I thought of you and how you would enjoy this film. The only thing that mattered after we did that movie was if black folks liked it. It was about respecting you guys.” (Photos courtesy of Jeff Dormeus.)


1 - Thodos Dance Company to celebrate 21st anniversaryDon’t miss the exciting Thodos Dance Company’s 21st anniversary gala, 21 Club, at the Chicago Cultural Center on Saturday, February 2nd. TDC founder/artistic director Melissa Thodos and Tony Award-winning Broadway star and frequent TDC collaborator Ann Reinking will preview their latest creative collaboration A Light in the Dark, the
2 - Melissa Thodos, Ann Reinking and Kim Vatisstory of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan
. NBC 5 news anchor Kim Vatis will emcee this special evening that will be themed to New York’s historic restaurant and prohibition-era speakeasy, the 21 Club. Co-chaired by Reinking and guest artist Gary Chryst, the gala will be capped off with a performance by the Thodos Dance Chicago Youth Ensemble. For tickets, $275, and more info, please click here or call 312.266.6255.


1 - Designer Jan LewisHUGE congrats to Jan Lewis, wife of legendary jazz man Ramsey Lewis: Her beautiful jewelry has been selected for inclusion in the prestigious Everybody Wins at the Oscars Nominee Bag! The
2 - Jan Lewis Designs collectionunique, eye catching, hand crafted Fair Trade bangles will be hand delivered the morning after the Oscars telecast to all of the nominees and host Seth MacFarlane. “I started this business focused only on creating a new line, a new
3 - Jan and Ramsey Lewislook, for discriminating women who appreciate unique, moderately priced jewelry,” Ms. Lewis said. “My focus was also on Fair Trade. Each bangle is a one-of-a-kind piece and all of our jewelry is individually hand crafted by our artists in India who are paid a fair wage.”


I hope to see you at Saturday (1/26) night’s 30th annual Black Creativity Gala at the Museum of Science and Industry! Honorary gala co-chairs are the Honorable Anne Burke, AARP’s Merri Dee and Northern Trust Bank’s Connie Lindsey. The night will include a juried exhibition of more than 100 pieces of artwork by African-
Black creativity galaAmerican artists from around the country. The evening’s proceeds will support the museum’s Black Creativity Program. For tickets ($350), contact Octavia Hooks at 773.947.3729 or visit www.msichicago.org.


Tickled Pink ImageTickled Pink
, one of the hottest parties for a great cause, returns to the River East Art Center on February 8th. This event was founded in 2005 after Carrie Kenney lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer the year before at the age of 35. Her cousin Jodi Fyfe gathered a group of close friends and colleagues to start Tickled Pink Chicago in honor of Carrie. For tickets ($95) and more info, please click here


ShelleyAnd now, The Joffrey Ballet’s Women’s Board presents something special for Valentine’s Day! Chicago’s own Shelley MacArthur will star in a benefit performance called “What is This Thing Called Love?” on February 14th (of course!) at the Murphy Auditorium, located at 50 E. Erie St. A lavish pre-performance cocktail
Shelley performs at Service Club Galareception begins at 6 p.m. followed by a 7:15 p.m. show. Shelley’s special guests include Rodrick Dixon and Alfreda Burke with orchestration by The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels. For tickets ($350) and more info, please email love@joffrey.org or call 312.386.8921. Hope to see YOU there! 


1 - Cheeky Chicago’s Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe LevinCongrats to all of the deserving Cheeky Chicks of 2013!! At a recent party at PUBLIC Hotel, honorees included Megan Chappell (founder of TruHarmony Yoga), Monika Dixon (prez of Monika Dixon PR), Meg Galus (exec pastry chef of NoMI Kitchen), Coco Meers (founder of PrettyQuick.com), Laura Modica (nightlife director at
2 - Cheeky Chick 2013 Monika Dixon(L) with Leah Chavie (R) and friendPUBLIC Hotel), Shannon O’Brien (freelance makeup artist), Brittney Payton (host of “Chicago’s Best”); Lindsay Segal (co-founder of Luxury Garage Sale), Laura Schwartz (political correspondent and author) and Jenna Zielbauer (founder of Cotton Candy Couture). I also loved the fab write-up in the Sun-Times that featured CheekyChicago.com founders Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin! Woot woot!

 

Emergeinvite2013-social-791x1024Emerge
!, the fashion collective showcasing local talent, returns during New York Fashion Week on February 12th! Produced and founded by Dionne Williams, this year’s Emerge! designers will include Parul Aneja (Gorgeous Ways), Deidre Jefferies (Espion Atelier), Bernice Morgan (Designersberg) and C. ‘Butterfli Tia’ Dunkley. Red carpet arrivals will begin at 6 p.m. with the show and Innovator Award Ceremony beginning at 7 p.m. at the Broad Street Ballroom, located at 41 Broad St. in NYC. For more info, please call 312.243.9060, email Dionne@dwilliamspr.com or visit www.dwilliamspr.com.


1 - Laudi Vidni storefront picA first!!!! I had such a thrill designing my very own handbag at the hot Lincoln Park store Laudi Vidni at 1007 W. Armitage! Co-founder Laura Kofoid approached me a while back and we finally had a chance to
2 - Laura Kofoidmeet over a design concept. Their philosophy empowers women to be their own brand, think outside the logo and gives them the opportunity to design high-quality leather handbags that reflect their own tastes and needs, not those of someone else. With more than 40
3 - Laudi Vidni—so many options!imported leathers to choose from and 10,000+ possible style combos, it was a daunting task but I can’t wait to share my design concept with you – I think it will be THE perfect clutch! An in-store celebration is planned to introduce my bag to the public so I hope you can join me! Details to follow! “We
1 - On Windy City Live!believe fashion is limitless and the only ‘rule’ that should be followed is one that says do what you like,” said Kofoid. AMEN!

 

I’ll be returning to “Windy City Live” on February 25th to share some of my TOP parties for the month of March! I hope you will tune in and check out some of Chicago’s hottest happenings!

 

Beyonce and Jay-Z at InaugurationLoved the inauguration and loved seeing all of the cool fashions, especially on this glam pair! Hope you’re enjoying January and I hope to see you next week!

 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com


Candid Candace seminar flyerP.S. If you or someone you know is interested in a career in television, radio, production, broadcasting or emerging media, check out the Illinois Centers for Broadcasting! I’m so exciting to be conducting a seminar at the Chicago campus on February 9th on entertainment reporting! During my video presentation using clips from my past shows, I'll share my dos and don’ts of the interview process with some of the top movie stars in the world! Sign up and see! (You must be an enrolled student). Hope to see you there!

1 Comment

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