Tag Archives: Joffrey Ballet

November 29, 2011 · 6:37 am

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE’S 40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

…PLUS “MAKING A SCENE” FOR CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE, “GREAT FUTURES” FOR UNION LEAGUE, WORLD OF CHOCOLATE, POP TABS FOR CHARITY, WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR AND MORE!

The Junior League’s 40th annual Gazebo Holiday Market celebrated the organization’s centennial year on Friday, November 18th, and was filled with more than 40 vendors from across the country. The preview party, “Martinis & Mistletoe,” was chaired by Julie Rogers and Laura Stevenson and attracted more than 350 young, professional movers and shakers. Santa (aka John Sullivan) greeted guests at the door and, for a small donation, you could have your photo taken with him. The atmosphere was festive and happy and it seemed like ALL of the organization’s 1,600 women members participated in some way to make this event the success that it was. Shopping continued on Saturday with almost 1,000 people attending! Friday night’s preview party included cocktails, music, cheese samplings from Cabot Creamery, Jo Malone fragrance consultations, facials by Thrive Integrative Medical Spa, chair massages by Health Source Chiropractic, raffle drawings, Sugar Bliss Cupcakes samplings, tasty hors d’oeuvres and so much more. It also offered a first look at the unique holiday offerings that included gifts from Antique Creations (Art Deco cufflinks, Victorian watches and more items filled with nostalgia), Tiny Creations (children’s clothing), Katherine Anne Confections (delicious handmade chocolate truffles and caramels), K. Amato Jewelry, Barque (canine couture) and Shernette Swaby (designer creations) among many others. There were a couple of standouts at this holiday market that could be a column all on their own – the first being Frames by Devora. I was captivated by this colorful booth manned by a very cheery Sheila Fisher, mother of Devora. At seven months old, Devora was diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and has since then had numerous additional medical problems requiring 24-hour supervision. Despite her diagnosis, she graduated from New Trier High School in 2007 and now, at age 26, is painting and designing custom photo frames to raise awareness for this disease as well as to enable herself and others like her to live with family and lead fulfilling lives as productive members of their community. Sheila Fisher said, “Our goal with Frames by Devora is to spread the message that no matter what level someone is that everyone can do something and everyone has worth.” What a delightful idea for a holiday gift! My other highlight was an amazing baby collection called TwoTara designed and conceived 15 months ago by Kate Janeczko that included pink-to-blue reversible clothing and accessories for newborn babies. With over 40 percent of new parents not learning the sex of their baby until birth, this product is a game changer! No more settling for yellow and green for a baby gift. TwoTara also makes a perfect baby shower gift, take-home outfit and the perfect hand-me-down! Kate’s collection is now in 50 stores in eleven states and I’m pretty sure it will become a household name soon! For this wonderful two-day market, a portion of every purchase was donated to the JLC’s community projects dedicated to the empowerment of at-risk women and children in the Chicagoland area. Mark your calendars now for their next event, “Windy City Nights,” which is set for Saturday, March 24th.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel kicked off the annual “Making a Scene” benefit with more than 250 supporters in attendance to benefit the Chicago Children’s Theatre, the city’s only professional theatre company dedicated to young audiences. The event was held at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory, a hip, urban one-of-a-kind special event venue filled with classic cars, retro neon signs, steel beams and skylights. Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7’s “Hungry Hound” planned a delicious menu for the evening in consultation with J & L Catering. Magician and House Theatre company member Dennis Watkins performed a daring stunt made famous by Harry Houdini – a death-defying escape from Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. (Watkins’ stunt spurred buzz for the theatre’s upcoming world premiere of “The Houdini Box,” the new musical adventure set to begin on January 27th at Chicago’s Mercury Theater.) With leadership from event co-chairs Krista and J.P. Gallagher, Julia Harris, Sonny Garg and the CCT “Making a Scene” host committee, this event surpassed its fundraising goals raising more than $340K for the theatre company and its Red Kite Project, an ongoing outreach initiative dedicated to making live theater accessible to children on the autism spectrum. Actor Daniel Eichengreen delivered a touching testimonial about this project and the effect it’s had on his own life. Auctioneer Greg Dellinger fielded bids on live auction packages that included a Starwood’s Viceroy Anguilla Caribbean Beach Resort trip with first class United Airlines airfare (what a perfect time for this prize!) and a Top Gun Simulator package gifted by United Airlines to experience flight from the captain’s seat at their Denver training facility among other exciting offerings. (I’ll take the Caribbean trip please, thank you very much!) “Scenemaker” host committee members included Eda Davidman, Gigi Pritzker Pucker and Michael Pucker, Elizabeth and Jeff Purvis, Steve Dolinsky, Ahmer and Samar Ahmad, Kristen and Matt Bonanno, Tom and Dawn Clewatt, Rob and Mary Collins, Nancy Cooper, Jerry and Bill Eichengreen, Bridget Gainer, Mara and Andy Gloor, Nada and Michael Gray among others. Chicago Children’s Theatre’s latest hit musical, “Goodnight Moon, the Musical” is on stage now at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln, through December 23rd. To view ALL event pics by Ravi Ganapathy, please click here!)

The 34th Annual Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Gala, “Great Futures Start Here,” brought out more than 300 supporters and raised upwards of $200K to support the organization’s five clubhouses throughout the city. ABC7 anchor Kathy Brock emceed this event chaired by Gail Kiss to raise funds to expand programs and services which will benefit more than 11,000 Chicago children. The evening included a silent and live auction featuring a sculpture by respected Chicago artist, Richard Hunt. Guests dined on a seasonally inspired four course meal by Union League Club Executive Chef Michael Garbin and danced the night away to the sounds of the Al Sofia Orchestra. The organization’s impact on the community is substantial with 99 percent of its members graduating from high school. Union League Boys & Girls Club President Michael Chioros had this to say: “Over the past 34 years the gala has raised more than $3 million and benefitted over 250,000 youths ages 6-18 in Chicago. Additionally, we are able to offer 697 youths an opportunity to attend our 250 acre summer camp in Salem, Wisconsin where they can experience an environment free from drugs, gangs and violence and lead them to a great future.” For more than 90 years, the organization has served thousands of children in five inner city Chicago clubs in the Pilsen, West Town and Humboldt Park communities. (For more info about this wonderful organization, please visit www.ulbgc.org and big thanks to Steve Starr for the fab fotos!)

The 10th annual World of Chocolate holiday extravaganza benefitting the Aids Foundation of Chicago will be held at the Hilton Chicago on Thursday, December 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. This year’s event will help commemorate World AIDS Day and help celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in grand style with chocolate creations from more than 30 of Chicago’s finest restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers. A Memory Wall, a powerful display of photos and words, will honor those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who bravely live with the disease every day. For tickets and more info, please click here.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Food was plentiful at my sister and brother-in-law’s, (Nancy and Os Steinwald) and the family is healthy. Sadly, I know this isn’t the case for everyone. Maybe this is why I’ve always loved Oprah’s idea of a gratitude journal. I also love – and never miss – Michael Sneed’s annual Sun-Times Thanksgiving column where she gives thanks for the important things in her life. And it isn’t just the obvious things like the good health of your children or the love of your spouse: She is thankful for the small things, too, like a cactus wren or the smell of coffee from a favorite restaurant in Mexico. As I reflect on the year that’s almost behind us, I think there is certainly much to be thankful for. Of course I am grateful for my ever-patient husband Chuck. I don’t know how he puts up with some of my “ideas” but I am certainly grateful. I love putting up my Christmas décor and love the memories of each and every ornament as I place it on our tree. I love feeding the backyard birds and especially love the Downy woodpecker that seems so tame he practically comes when I call. I love watching the dancers of the Joffrey Ballet do anything. I love knowing that our city will have the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House. I love knowing that Common Threads is growing by leaps and bounds so more kids can gain confidence and knowledge through its programs. I love the horse and carriages that clatter down our street when you least expect it. I love my neighbors…yes, you heard me right. I love any party at Steve and Lucy Weiss’. They remind me of what a community should be like with wonderful camaraderie and happy, easy laughter. And I love seeing my friends succeed at whatever task they’re attempting. (To see pics, please click here.) I am also so very, very grateful to have this blog, my Tribune column, my Chicago Now gig (and Jimmy Greenfield especially) and my new show on Watch312.com. You never know where life will take you but I am ready for the ride! 🙂

Love and thanks for your readership,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I know that money is short nowadays for everybody and that buying expensive tickets to charity galas is not always an option, but if you still want to help the less fortunate, Ronald McDonald House Charities has a solution! If you have the opportunity, please save your pop tabs! United Scrap Metal, a local recycling company, recycles the metal and pays RMHC the market value, plus a charitable match on a percentage of their profit. There are six locations to turn in your tabs so please click here for more info and happy recycling!

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Tagged as Ahmer Ahmad, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Al Sofia Orchestra, Andy Gloor, Antique Creations, Barque, Bill Eichengreen, Bridget Gainer, Cabot Creamery, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago Now, Chuck Jordan, Common Threads, Daniel Eichengreen, Dawn Clewatt, Dennis Watkins, Devora Fisher, Eda Davidman, Elizabeth Purvis, Frames by Devora, Gail Kiss, Gazebo Holiday Market, Gigi Pritzker Pucker, Good Night Moon the Musical, Great Futures Start Here, Greg Dellinger, Harry Houdini, Health Source Chiropractic, Hungry Hound, J & L Catering, J.P. Gallagher, Jeff Purvis, Jerry Eichengreen, Jimmy Greenfield, Jo Malone, Joffrey Ballet, John Sullivan, Julia Harris, Julie Rogers, Junior League, K. Amato Jewelry, Kate Janeczko, Katherine Anne Confections, Kathy Brock, Krista Gallagher, Kristen Bonanno, Laura Stevenson, Lucy Weiss, Making a Scene, Mara Gloor, Martinis & Mistletoe, Mary Collins, Matt Bonanno, Mercury Theater, Michael Chioros, Michael Garbin, Michael Gray, Michael Pucker, Michael Sneed, Nada Gray, Nancy Cooper, Nancy Steinwald, Oprah Winfrey, Os Steinwold, Rahm Emanuel, Ravenswood Billboard Factory, Ravi Ganapathy, Red Kite Project, Richard Hunt, Rob Collins, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Samar Ahmad, Santa, Sheila Fisher, Shernette Swaby, Sonny Garg, Starwood’s Viceroy Anguilla Caribbean Beach Resort, Steve Dolinsky, Steve Starr, Steve Weiss, Sugar Bliss Cupcakes, Sun-Times, The Houdini Box, Thrive Integrative Medical Spa, Tiny Creations, Tom Clewatt, Top Gun Simulator, Tribune, TwoTara, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Gala, United Airlines, United Scrap Metal, Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, Watch312.com, Water Torture Cell, Windy City Nights, World AIDS Day, World of Chocolate

October 18, 2011 · 8:16 pm

STELLA FOSTER HONORED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM CHICAGO JOURNALISTS ASSOCIATION

…PLUS JOFFREY DANCERS' PARTY FROM EMBARC, CHICAGO GOURMET'S GRAND AFFAIR, HECTOR MONARREZ FASHION SHOW, WATCH312.COM'S LAUNCH PARTY PLANS, ANTI-CRUELTY'S FUN FUNDRAISER, MARIANO'S FRESH MARKET ROCKS AND SO MUCH MORE!

The room was packed with more than 400 adoring fans and friends as the Chicago Journalists Association hosted its largest awards dinner yet for its 72nd annual event. No wonder!!! The Lifetime Achievement Award winner was none other than Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster! Even Governor Quinn had a hard time reaching the recipient to congratulate her since the crowd was packed wall to wall outside the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza. He said, “She has a lifetime ethic of service and when people want to get the word out, they know where to go! She’s got a BIG heart!” The CJA annually recognizes journalistic excellence and this year they honored many more deserving recipients. The evening began with Jimmy Damon singing the National Anthem followed by the invocation from Monsignor Kenneth Velo. He thanked “all of the journalists because they capture life in a day.” Emcees Karen Jordan and Christian Farr kept the night moving along as the award winners were announced. The CJA Dale Messick/Brenda Starr Award went to Tribune columnist Mary Schmich who shared the honor with artist June Brigman. The Chicago Journalist of the Year Award was presented to the Tribune’s arts and jazz critic, Howard Reich, who attended with his wife, Pam Becker, an editor at the Tribune. The award for Best Online Journalism went to Roger Ebert, with adoring wife Chaz accepting, for his popular blog. Sister 2 Sister Magazine founder Jamie Foster Brown – and Stella’s real life sister! – introduced the Lifetime Achievement Award winner, Estella Mae Foster. She spoke of Stella’s 34-year relationship with the legendary columnist, Irv Kupcinet, as his secretar
y and confidant. She said, “She’s irreverent and sassy and oh boy, is she opinionated. I love how people love my sister. From this sister to my sister, this is YOUR night!” After this, the crowd exploded, leaping to their feet to honor this beloved Chicago treasure. She said, “This has been such an outpouring of love…I love my family at the Sun-Times.” She started to name friends in the audience but realized the task would be too great. So she continued, “Kup, that was quite a person. What I loved about Kup, he loved writing. We were doing six columns a week except for Saturday and I loved every moment of it with him.” (Stella’s popular column – “Stella’s Column” – can be found every Tuesday and Thursday in the Sun-Times.) Stella’s award was followed by the Daniel Pearl Award which was given to CBS News’ chief foreign affairs correspondent, Lara Logan. Logan and her CBS crew were arrested and detained for a night by the Egyptian Army on Feb. 3, while covering the revolution there. She said the crew was blindfolded and handcuffed at gunpoint, and their driver beaten. They were advised to leave the country, but were later released. Since 2002, she had spent the next four years reporting from war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq for CBS News. Other Sarah Brown Boyden Award winners included Sun-Times’ John J. Kim (Photography), Sun-Times’ Francine Knowles, Kim Janssen and Sandra Guy (Business), WBEZ-FM’s Robert Wildeboer (Features), Tribune’s Dan Pompei (Sports), Sun-Times’ Frank Main, Mark Konkol, John J. Kim (Public Service), Tribune’s Joel Hood, Annie Sweeney and Stacy St. Clair (Spot News), Tribune’s Patricia Callahan and Trine Tsouderos (Science), Tribune’s Sam Roe and Jared Hopkins (Health), Sun-Times’ editorial page staff (Editorial Coverage), Tribune’s Michael Hawthorne (Investigative), AP’s Sharon Cohen (Best Series) and Best of the Best honors went to Sun-Times’ Frank Main, Mark Konkol and John J. Kim for their public service entry, “The No-Snitch Code.” It was an evening filled with familiar faces including Jimmy Rittenberg, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Alan Kaye, Dori Wilson, Joy Germont, Israel Idonije, Juanita Jordan, Grant DePorter with daughter Margot, Hermene Hartman, Linda Yu, Joe Ahern, Linda Johnson Rice, Larry Wert, Otis Wilson, Hosea Sanders, John Colletti, Rich Varnes, Leah Hope, Celeste and Bill Van Dahm, Lisa Lenoir, Cheryl Burton, Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levine, Robert Jordan, Allison Payne, Christina and Lou Vasta, Tony Preckwinkle, Tim Evans, Chaz Ebert, Marion Brooks, LeeAnn Trotter, Father Ken Velo, Karen Jordan, Christian Farr, Rob Johnson, Merri Dee, Robin Robinson, Dutchie Caray, George Daniels, Kathleen Henson, Diana Palomar Scott, Morene Dunn, Barry Axler, Courtney Nzeribe, Jamey and Melissa Sage Fadim, Tony Abruscato, Johnny Snickers, Margot DePorter, Cherie and Ernest Baker, Chris Ruys, Pam Becker, Tai Duncan, Devin Blackburn and Shell Reyes among many, many others. Congrats to all of the deserving honorees! What a great night for Chicago!

The 4th annual Chicago Gourmet was, yet again, a smashing success! Presented by title sponsor Bon Appétit in conjunction with the Illinois Restaurant Association and presenting sponsor Southern Wine & Spirits, this year’s event took place from September 23rd through 25th in Millennium Park and brought out a crowd of more than 10,000 attendees. The Kick-Off party, the popular Hamburger Hop, was held atop the Harris Theatre Rooftop and was the ultimate burger showdown with more than 17 determined competitors preparing their top burger dishes. Two chefs emerged victorious: Bandera Executive Chef Colleen McHugh received the judge-selected Allen Brothers Award presented by Todd Hatoff, president of sponsor Allen Brothers Steaks, and Executive Chef Steven Lawhorn of Palmer Place took home the People’s Choice Award for his “Benchmark Burger.” Other exciting activities surrounding Chicago Gourmet included cooking demos, book signings, food and wine seminars, Grand Cru Tastings, numerous gourmet tasting pavilions, and much more. Hundreds of renowned chefs participated including Rick Bayless, Stephanie Izard, Tony Mantuano, Mary Sue Milliken, Jonathan Waxman and Ted Allen. Winemakers, premium spirit producers and brewmasters from around the world were also on hand to interact with the attendees. The event raised big money for the Illinois Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (IRAEF), whose mission is to build the Illinois hospitality workforce through career exploration, workforce development and scholarships. Congrats to IRA’s Sheila O’Grady and her dedicated staff and supporters for another great year of Chicago Gourment!!! (Photos courtesy of David Ditzler and Jeff Schear.)

The Joffrey Ballet dancers are not only incredible artists but they are also dedicated fundraisers for worthy causes! EMBARC is a non-profit organization that provides unique cultural experiences and interactions to high school students from Chicago’s most socially and economically isolated neighborhoods. And in support of this worthy cause, the Joffrey Dancers have created a special event called “A New Movement.” This intimate evening will feature the dancers in their home, The Joffrey Tower (located at Randolph and State), where they will share their art for the cause, presenting six world premieres that the dancers have choreographed on their own time. The evening will also include cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of J & L Catering, plus a silent auction with décor donated by Kehoe Designs. I hope you can join me and see these groundbreaking new pieces being performed in support of EMBARC. For tickets and more info, please click here. (One hundred percent of the proceeds will go to EMBARC’s programming!)

The Anti-Cruelty Society will be hosting its 11th annual It’s Raining Cats and Dogs Benefit on Friday, October 21st, from 7 – 11 PM at the Palmer House Hilton. This event, their second largest annual fundraiser, is sponsored by Chopper Trading, Hill’s Science Diet, RCN Cable and CS Magazine and will be emceed by NBC 5’s Andy Avalos. There will be more than 15 chef tastings, complimentary bars, live entertainment from The Ron Harris Music Group, a Panache Boutique fashion show, live and silent auctions, a wine pull, $5000 cash raffle, and of course, adorable adoptable cats and dogs serving as the host committee! Individual tickets are $175 in advance or $200 at the door. For more info and tickets, please call 312-645-8006 or visit www.itsrainingcatsanddogs.org.

Well, I guess there could be a cuter designer than Hector-Javier MonArrez but I don’t know who it would be! His beautiful Front Row 2012 Runway Show was held recently in the legendary Union League Club’s Crystal Room in front of a packed, appreciative audience. The evening began with a VIP champagne reception and then moved into the Crystal Room for the main event. Expertly produced by soon-to-be-wed Kimberly Palmisano (her soon-to-be-proud-hubby is hunky Wulf Kaal), the show featured glamorous Factor Models styled by Joseph Michael’s Salon. The show was hosted by NBC’s Zoraida Sambolin with music provided by DJ Konsept. And it wouldn’t be a party without seeing the Queen of Illustrations, Rosemary Fanti, who was there making everyone look much better than they really are! I loved Hector’s sassy designs and especially his copper colored leather- and fur-trimmed suit. His attention to detail is flawless and this collection highlighted his masterful skills. Congrats Hector! (Additional photos by Steve Starr…view ALL pics HERE!)

Mariano’s Fresh Market is hands-down my favorite grocery store in town! And not only because it generously donated $10,000 to Common Threads recently, but this event did give me the opportunity to see this brand new store for myself for the first time. I will tell you I’ve never seen so much beautiful food so lovingly arranged. While we were there accepting the check from owner, Bob Mariano (darling hubby of Nina DiFrisco), the staff burst spontaneously into song spelling out Mariano’s! I’ve never seen anything like it! The store brochure reads “We provide world-class neighborhood shopping at compelling prices. We are a full-service, complete destination grocery store that caters to family shoppers and foodies alike.” I am totally hooked. Congrats to Bob Mariano on this wonderful new concept that makes grocery shopping such an exciting experience! And thanks also to Bob and Roundy’s Supermarkets for their wonderful policy of always giving back to the communities they’re involved with. Check out Mariano’s for yourselves at 333 E. Benton Place. Welcome to Lakeshore East and thanks for the support on behalf of the kiddies of Common Threads!

Mark your calendars and save the date for Watch312.com’s Launch Party set for Wednesday, November 30th at the Joffrey Tower! See for yourselves the new shows being debuted and meet DC Crenshaw from “Chicago Unplugged” and Dr. Sandy Goldberg and co-host Scott Mackay from “LIVE! With Dr. Sandy.” Lots of surprises in store, too! In the meantime, check out my latest videos from the Green Tie Ball and the Chicago Beach Polo Matches…more fun than the law allows! 🙂

I still haven’t made it to that pumpkin patch, sadly. I am still hopeful the weather will hold so until I get there, here’s a video to remind us all that “The Time is Now!”

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Check out this great pic of Chef Art Smith’s latest restaurant, Southern Art & Bourbon Bar, at 3315 Peachtree Road in Atlanta! Rhonda Sanderson reports it was some of the best fried chicken she’s ever had…so now we know!

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Tagged as A New Movement, Alan Kaye, Allen Brothers Steaks, Allison Payne, Andy Avalos, Annie Sweeney, Anti-Cruelty Society, Art Smith, Barry Axler, Bill Van Dahm, Bob Mariano, Bon Appetit, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Celeste Van Dahm, Chaz Ebert, Cherie Baker, Cheryl Burton, Chicago Beach Polo, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Journalists Association, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Chopper Trading, Chris Ruys, Christian Farr, Christina Vasta, Colleen McHugh, Common Threads, Courtney Nzeribe, CS Magazine, Dan Pompei, David Ditzler, DC Crenshaw, Devin Blackburn, Diana Palomar Scott, DJ Konsept, Dori Wilson, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Dutchie Caray, EMBARC, Ernest Baker, Estella Mae Foster, Factor models, Francine Knowles, Frank Main, Front Row 2012 Runway Show, George Daniels, Governor Quinn, Grant DePorter, Green Tie Ball, Hamburger Hop, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Hermene Hartman, Hill’s Science Diet, Hosea Sanders, Howard Reich, Illinois Restaurant Association, Irv Kupcinet, Israel Idonije, J&L Catering, Jamey Sage Fadim, Jamie Foster Brown, Jared Hopkins, Jay Levine, Jeff Schear, Jimmy Damon, Jimmy Rittenberg, Joe Ahern, Joel Hood, Joffrey Ballet, John Colletti, John J. Kim, Johnny Snickers, Jonathan Waxman, Joseph Michael’s Salon, Joy Germont, Juanita Jordan, June Brigman, Karen Jordan, Kathleen Henson, Kehoe Designs, Kim Janssen, Kimberly Palmisano, Lara Logan, Larry Wert, Leah Hope, LeeAnn Trotter, Linda Johnson Rice, Linda Yu, Lisa Lenoir, Lou Vasta, Margot DePorter, Mariano’s Fresh Market, Marion Brooks, Mark Konkol, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Schmich, Mary Sue Milliken, Melissa Sage Fadim, Merri Dee, Michael Hawthorne, Millennium Park, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Morene Dunn, Nina DiFrisco, Otis Wilson, Palmer Place, Pam Becker, Panache Boutique, Patricia Callahan, Peggy Lombardo, RCN Cable, Rhonda Sanderson, Rich Varnes, Rick Bayless, Rob Johnson, Robert Jordan, Robert Wildeboer, Robin Robinson, Roger Ebert, Ron Harris Music Group, Rosemary Fanti, Sam Roe, Sandra Guy, Scott Mackay, Sharon Cohen, Sheila O’Grady, Shell Reyes, Southern Art & Bourbon Bar, Southern Wine & Spirits, Stacy St. Clair, Stella Foster, Stephanie Izard, Steve Lombardo, Steve Starr, Steven Lawhorn, Tai Duncan, Ted Allen, Tim Evans, Todd Hatoff, Toni Preckwinkle, Tony Abruscato, Tony Mantuano, Trine Tsouderos, Watch312.com, Wulf Kaal, Zoraida Sambolin

September 20, 2011 · 10:02 pm

MISERICORDIA FAMILY FEST RAISES $1.2 MILLION

Misericordia held its 31st annual Family Fest and 10,000 people attended! I had never been to this joyous event before and I couldn’t believe how BIG it was! The 31-acre campus held wonders of all sorts. There was entertainment everywhere you looked and on multiple stages that included Pirates Over 40 (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band), Lesley Byers & the Jazz Cats (pop and oldies), the Shannon Rovers, Misericoridia Heartzingers & Heartbreakers (choir), Artie Fitzgerald, Croatian Vines, Dr. Mark & the Sutures, Loyola Academy Ramblerettes, Brian Horner (Misericordia drummer), Finbarr Fagan, Big Rock Bluegrass Band and McNulty Irish Dancers. There was also a Ronald McDonald magic show, a Misericordia Puppet Tree with Peter Martin and a Children’s Sing-Along with Sandy Lucas. And this is just a FEW of the acts! No one can refuse Misericordia’s formidable Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connelly, who has been the ED for 42 years! Her Assistant ED of 40 years, Lois Gates, seemed to be everywhere at once on the fairgrounds making sure everything was running perfectly and that everyone was in their proper places, it was and they were! Father Jack Clair, Assistant ED for 11 years, and Kevin Connelly, CFO for 19 years, all keep this loving place running like a top. I’ve never seen such organization! From the ticket-takers to the trolley drivers, everyone knew exactly what needed to be done and when. And the FOOD!!! OMG! The International Food Tent served Polish, Mexican, Greek and American specialties while the Budweiser Beer Tent held everyone’s attention with the ongoing Bears game (they won!) that was shown on two large screen TVs. They thought of EVERYTHING! There were live and silent auctions, Misericordia Art, Greco Garden plants, clowns, a dunking booth, demonstrations by Rainbow Dogs Pet Therapy, Frisbee Dogs, and the Jesse White Tumblers to name a few. You couldn’t reach the overflowing, bakery goods table (Hearts & Flour Bakery), with all treats made by Misericordia’s kids. The Bakery is on-site and allows for a work opportunity for the residents. Everything from cookies, brownies and Irish soda bread plus an assortment of other breads and caramel corn can be ordered online and shipped anywhere! The Bingo tent was filled as well as the Wheel of Fortune, Pot-O-Gold and Chances-R tables. There were gifts from Heartworks & Gardens, Gift It Again, Gentle Touch, Heartstrings and the Misericordia Boutique. Gently used and new toys, games, crafts, garden supplies and even Christmas gifts were to be had around every corner. And did I mention the kiddie rides, the ring toss and Bozo buckets? There was a moment of silence observed at noon in honor of those that died on 9/11 as well as a ceremony to honor the late Jerry Gleason, a longtime supporter whose dealership has provided cars for the raffle for years. Misericordia is one of the most worthwhile charities around offering exceptional programs for more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. This year, Misericordia will move forward with construction projects in order to welcome some of the 500 individuals on its waiting list. Family Festival 2011 raised over $1.2 million dollars for these good works. If you’re interested in more info, bakery items or to make a donation, please visit www.Misericordia.org. In Latin, Misericordia means “Heart of Mercy” and I can sure see why. See you all next year for this love-filled fest!

With drinks named Mr. Grant, Mr. Martin, Mr. Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, I expected something very special but I was prepared to be disappointed. I'm an unabashed traditionalist so with all of the plans and rumors swirling about the changes and renovations being made to our/my Pump Room, I was more than a little apprehensive when we were invited to a "soft opening" last week. The entryway is not on Goethe anymore, where you used to enter through the lobby to the hotel. Oh yes, you can still enter here but the real (proper) entry is now at the corner of State and Goethe. The simple sign, Pump Room at Public Chicago, is surrounded by high hedges and reminded me of the first time we went to The Delano in South Beach. It has the same cool vibes and the same chic, white, clean looks but still manages to be cozy and inviting. The first thing you see upon entering are those iconic black and white photos…still there, thankfully, but arranged and presented in a fresh, new way. The front desk greets you with a smile and I loved seeing Jay Schuster (formerly of Sepia) installed as the restaurant's director. The orbs on the dining room ceiling are what you notice first. They remind you of the planets in the night sky and as the room grew darker, their soft glow lit the room with just the right amount of light. And I was thrilled to see Booth One along with its original white phone still intact, albeit in a more modern incarnation. According to the friendly bartender, the place is owned by partners Ian Schrager and Chef Jean George Vongerichten. Chef's menu is a "complete sister" to his menu at his award winning NY restaurant, ABC Kitchen. And it WAS delicious! The old Byfield's is again a cozy bar with a fireplace and glowing back bar. I can see this as a terrific place to meet for a pre-dinner cocktail with friends. We didn't get a chance to view the changes to the old Ambassador East hotel, now called Public Chicago, but if the restaurant is any indication of what to expect, then I think we will all be in for a treat! (Official opening is set for October 11th.) Congrats to Ian and Chef Jean George! I can't wait to come back for more!!!!!

We attended a fantastic burlesque show last week! Surprisingly, this was one event Chuck didn’t seem to mind attending with me! It was called “Superstars of Burlesque” and was held at Park West. The room was packed for this show (one night only, two shows) that featured entertainers who all hold titles from the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. Produced by and starring the dynamic Michelle L’amour, the show was eclectic and captivating with a dozen acts. Hysterical funnyman/woman Murray Hill did the hosting duties. Most of the stars, as you would expect, had amazing figures and were exceptionally athletic, too. Duh??!!! Michelle also owns and teaches burlesque instruction at her school, Studio L’amour. View ALL pics from this fun evening here!

Tyra Banks first appeared on the cover of Chicago-based Sophisticate's Black Hair magazine when she was 18 years old. Coming full circle, she visited the offices this week on her book tour for her debut work of fiction, Modelland (first in a series of three). The cover, designed by Howard Tullman's Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy (also Chicago based), captures one of Tyra's gorgeous eyes! Says SBH Publishing Director Bonnie Spurlock, watch for Tyra in an upcoming issue (cover again??!!!) and check out the video below filmed at SBH's offices. Congrats to Tyra, Bonnie and Howard!! Can't wait to read Modelland!!!

Actor Harry Lennix of Matrix, Ray and The Five Heartbeats (where he co-starred with Robert Townsend) fame dropped by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting’s downtown campus this week. He has hired delighted ICB grad, Tanesha Manuel, to edit the trailer for his latest film entitled “Mr. Sophistication,” which will star Academy Award winning actress Tatum O'Neal. Congrats are in order for Tanesha and ICB!

There are some great events coming up! Please enjoy CANDACE RECOMMENDS and I hope to see you at some of these fun soirees!

On Friday, Sept. 23rd, we have the Joffrey Ballet’s 7th annual Couture & Cocktails at 2222 S. Michigan (the Hudson) beginning at 6 PM. For tickets, please visit www.Joffrey.org. Come and meet the fantastic dancers and congrats in advance to co-chairs Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath!

Come celebrate all things gourmet at Chicago Gourmet, presented by Bon Appétit, September 23th through 25th. Saturday is sold out, so get your Friday and Sunday tickets while they last HERE! Chicago Gourmet features gourmet food, wine, spirits, and beer tastings, live cooking demos, educational seminars, and more. The Hamburger Hop, a lively burger showdown, kicks-off the weekend on Friday night (Sept. 23rd) in style on the Harris Rooftop from 6 – 9 PM, and the Grand Cru provides daily elegance with unmatched tastings of some of the world's finest wines. (Both Grand Cru and Hamburger Hop tickets are in addition to the cost of general admission). 🙂

Saturday, September 24th, the Chicago Lighthouse will be the beneficiary of the Flair Runway Show at Saks Fifth Avenue hosted by TCW’s Sherren Leigh and Cassandra Gaddo. Following the show, The 900 Shops will offer two hours of exclusive preview shopping. For more info, please call 312.997.3679.

The Lyric Opera’s Opening Night Gala is set for Saturday, October 1st. The featured performance will be “The Tales of Hoffmann.” For tickets and more info, please visit the Lyric Opera website here.

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will hold its 9th Annual Best Friends Reception & Season Preview on Monday, October 3rd, at the Fairmont, located at 200 N. Columbus Dr., from 6 – 8 PM. Guests are asked to make a $150 donation for attending. For more info, please call 773.296.0541.

Save the date for Thursday, October 13th, for the “Art of Home” Gala Benefit. I am proud to be the Honorary Chair for this event to benefit the Lakeside Community Development’s housing programs which will be held at the Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. from 6-9 PM. “Art of Home” celebrates the unique perspectives of more than 50 Chicago area artists regarding the idea of “home.” Artwork will be auctioned at the event via silent and live auctions. The event will also feature live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door. For tix and more info, please click here.

Also set for Thursday, October 13th, the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will present its “Heart of the Matter” Leader Luncheon 2011 at the Swisshotel, located at 323 E. Wacker Dr. beginning at 11:30 AM. Honorees include Gloria Castillo, Patricia Hemingway Hall, Dolores Kunda, Jackie Taylor and Lindsay Avner. For tickets and more info, please call 312.553.2000.

The Art of Fashion, presented by StyleChicago.com comes to Millennium Park on Friday, October 21st beginning with a VIP reception at 6 PM. Featured designers include Borris Powell, Eva Pazola, Lara Miller, Nade Baer, Nora del Busto, RUCH, Shernett Swaby, Squasht by Les, Sylwia Wilczynska and Zamrie. Tickets range from $35-$95. To reserve and for more info, please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/193113.

And now for some sad news. I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me to terrorize (beg) you into voting for my blog for the CBS Best Blogger Contest. I want you all to know that I’m not blaming you for my psychologically, crippling loss. In my “Local Affairs” category, the People’s Choice winner was Second City Cop and Editor’s Choice winner was Gapers Block. To view other winners – not me 🙁 – in all categories, please click here. Congrats to all!

I will see you all next week, same place, same time…I hope!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Shelley and Bill Farley recently hosted a grand fete at their elegant East Lake Shore Drive apartment to celebrate tenor Rod Dixon (of Three Mo Tenors fame) and soprano, Alfreda Burke’s, one-night performance of “Hallelujah Broadway,” at the Auditorium Theatre Saturday night. At the party, Shelley also had the pleasure of performing the closing song from the show with them! 🙂

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Tagged as ABC Kitchen, Alfreda Burke, Art of Fashion, Art of Home, Artie Fitzgerald, Best Friends Reception & Season Preview, Big Rock Bluegrass Band, Bill Farley, Bon Appetit, Bonnie Spurlock, Borris Powell, Brian Horner Finbarr Fagan, Byfield’s, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cassandra Gaddo, CBS Best Blogger Contest, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Lighthouse, Couture & Cocktails, Croatian Vines, Dolores Kunda, Dr. Mark & the Sutures, Eva Pazola, Family Fest, Father Jack Clair, Flair Runway Show, Frisbee Dogs, Gapers Block, Gloria Castillo, Grand Cru, Hamburger Hop, Harry Lennix, Heart of the Matter Leader Luncheon 2011, Hearts & Flour Bakery, Howard Tullman, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Jackie Taylor, Jay Schuster, Jean George Vongerichten, Jesse White Tumblers, Joffrey Ballet, Kevin Connelly, Lakeside Community Development, Lara Miller, Lesley Byers & the Jazz Cats, Lindsay Avner, Lois Gates, Loyola Academy Ramblerettes, Lyric Opera, Maurry Hill, McNulty Irish Dancers, Michelle L'amour, Misericordia, Misericordia Heartzingers & Heartbreakers, Modelland, Mr. Sophistication, Nade Baer, Nora Del Busto, Patricia Hemingway Hall, Peter Martin, Pirates Over 40, PUBLIC Chicago, Pump Room, Rainbow Dogs Pet Therapy, Robert Townsend, Rod Dixon, Ronald McDonald, RUCH, Sandy Lucas, Second City Cop, Sepia. Ian Schrager, Shannon Rovers, Shelley MacArthur Farley, Shernett Swaby, Sherren Leigh, Sister Rosemary Connelly, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Squasht by Les, Studio L’amour, StyleChicago.com, Superstars of Burlesque, Sylwia Wilczynska, Tanesha Manuel, Tatum O’Neal, TCW, The Delano, The Tales of Hoffman, Tribecca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, Tyra Banks, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Zamrie, Zhou B Art Center

September 5, 2011 · 9:20 pm

WORLD CLASS POLO COMING TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

We are quickly becoming a city of FIRSTS and BIGGESTS and I am so thrilled for our Windy City! Chicago’s first beach polo matches are coming to North Avenue Beach beginning Saturday, October 1st. And, if the recent Kick-Off party for the Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I at Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar is any indication of the interest, we’re gonna need a bigger beach!!! More than 400 guests gathered at this new River North hotspot to hobnob with polo enthusiasts, players and polo royalty like Reute Butler, whose family founded Oak Brook and literally introduced the sport to the Midwest. Reute’s great-grandparents built the Oak Brook Polo Club in 1922 and, at one time, the Butler family had 13 polo fields at the height of the season with 600 to 700 horses stabled there. The Butlers also hosted the U.S. Open Tournament in Oak Brook for decades. (They have a fascinating family history, as you can see, and plans for a book are in the works so stay tuned!) The Chicago Beach Polo World Cup will take place on North Avenue Beach beginning with a VIP, by-invite-only party on Friday, September 30th. The matches begin on Saturday, October 1st with a horse parade, fashion show and more parties. The finals, along with a closing party on the Wit’s ROOF, will be on Sunday, October 2nd beginning at 11:30 AM. This event, founded by The Polo Life, produced its first beach polo event on Miami Beach in 2004. For tickets and more info, please visit, www.ChicagoBeachPolo.com. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…to view ALL images, please click here.)

The first annual Chicago Dancing Festival Opening Night Gala heralded a five day long celebration of dance in Chicago described by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as “the largest free festival anywhere in the country.” More than 19,000 people were able to enjoy the fifth anniversary of this much- anticipated and much-loved event. During its Opening Night Gala, co-founders and artistic directors Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch welcomed over 400 people to this inaugural event. Franke spoke of the Mayor’s early years as a dancer and suggested that he might have chosen a different course in his life. When the Mayor stepped up to the podium, he said, “I want you to know that’s exactly what my mother says to me, every day. And that’s only fitting as a Jewish mother.” He went on to say, “Nothing has made me more excited for the city than this dance festival, in this sense: We have 19 companies and 19,000 people are going to show up over the next five days to see dance here in the city of Chicago.” And indeed, this past week was a “dream-come-true lineup,” as described by the Tribune’s Sid Smith. On Gala night, there were a series of duets on the MCA Stage beginning with The Joffrey Ballet who opened the five performances with a pas de deux from “Swan Lake.” They sent their own dream team, husband and wife dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria Jaiani. Words can’t describe the beauty they bring to the stage so I won’t even try. They were followed by Hubbard Street Dance Chicago who performed “Following the Subtle Current Upstream.” Next, Martha Graham Dance Company danced “Shaker Interior” from “Snow on the Mesa.” Brian Brooks Moving Company performed a seemingly impossible piece by Brian Brooks and David Scarantino. A world premiere by modernist Walter Dundervill closed the show with his translation of “Swan Lake” called “Compression Piece.” The party continued on the Terrace overlooking the Sculpture Garden. On this perfect summer night, VIP guests included Susan and Lew Manilow, Pamela Crutchfield, the Mayor with his wife and daughter, Helen Melchior (who sponsored The Joffrey Ballet in the Dancing Festival), Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, George Jewell, Carrie and Michael Sacks, Commissioner Michelle Boone, Joan Harris, Dia and Ed Weil, Ken Norgan, Phil Lumpkin, Neal Zucker, Linda Johnson Rice, Grace Barry, Sandra and Jack Guthman, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Jan Melk, Lisa Key, Robert Mills, Kim Venezia and Lindsay Hoey, among others. Following the Dancing Festival’s Saturday night finale, VIP guests enjoyed an after-party called “Last Dance” at the Intercontinental. All of the dancers were invited to attend free of charge, of course! Congrats to event co-founders and artistic directors, Jay Franke and Lar Lubovitch!!! I can’t wait to see what next year’s event will bring! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins…to view ALL event pics, please click here.)

The third annual Taste of the Gold Coast was held at The Sutton Place Hotel recently. Fun-loving and food-loving guests enjoyed delicious dishes from Il Mulino’s, Chicago Q, The Drawing Room, Carmine’s, RA Sushi, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Go Roma, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Cape Cod Room, Gaylord, Devon Seafood Grill, Saloon Steakhouse and Pane Caldo. Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, along with Nan Mason & Terry Higgins, kept the music flowing for this event, whose extensive silent auction, benefitted the North Dearborn Association. Produced by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions, their next venture will occur on Friday, September 30th, at the Dana Hotel with the second annual “Who Is Chicago” event. This evening will highlight and honor 10 influential Chicagoans who are active in the philanthropic community. Emceed by Laura Schwartz, the honorees include Sonya Jackson, Sherrill Bodine, Jonny Immerman, Janet Szylk, Shaun Rajah, Rochelle Trotter, Sergio Fernandez, Linda Novick O’Keefe, Quenten Schumacher and Jamie Haberkorn. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ceceandmelinda.com. Congrats to all of these deserving honorees AND to Cece and Melinda! (Photos by Steve Starr)

Don’t miss the TOPSHOP/TOPMAN opening set for Thursday, Sept. 8th at Pearson and Michigan (in the old Borders spot). Free and open to the public, this event will begin at 9:30 AM with a day filled with activities beginning with a ribbon cutting by founder Sir Philip Green at 10:30 AM. This will be their second flagship store in the U.S. (their first in the Midwest) and will feature over 30,000 feet of trend-setting fashions. The opening day runway show will be hosted by the always adorable Brittney Payton. Will YOU be there, too?

And now I have a wonderful book suggestion for you! Not only does “A Dog Named Slugger” have a wonderful message, but 100 percent of the proceeds will go to the nonprofit St. Francis Service Dogs Organization! The book, lovingly written by Leigh Brill, is a true story about a woman (Leigh) who, at the height of her cerebral palsy symptoms, turned to a service dog organization where she was matched with Slugger, a highly intelligent, devoted and loving yellow Lab. More than just a memoir, this book shines a light on the growing service dog movement, hopefully leading to more trainers, helper dogs and triumphant “Slugger stories” throughout the country and the world. A must- read for dog lovers and people lovers everywhere! Leigh is a writer, speaker and advocate for people with disabilities and is actively involved in organizations promoting the noble work of service dogs. To order, PLEASE visit www.LeighBrill.com and to learn more about this wonderful service dog organization, please visit www.saintfrancisdogs.org.

I hope you will join me for a meet-and-greet with Victory Gardens Theater’s new Artistic Director, Chay Yew, on Monday, Sept.12th, beginning at 5:30 PM at Victory Gardens Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln Ave. Refreshments will be served followed by a season preview presentation. Please RSVP to 777.871.3000.

A reminder! Don’t forget to follow the Yellow Brick Road to buy your tickets for Chicago Gateway Green’s 20th Annual Green Tie Ball on Saturday, September 17th, at A. Finkl & Sons, located at 2011 N. Southport, in Chicago. With fun-loving co-chairs like Tim Smith (Walter E. Smithe) and Stephanie Castagnier (NBC’s “The Apprentice”), you know this formal affair will be something to remember! (Tickets are $125, VIP tickets are $250; purchase yours at www.GatewayGreen.org.)

I can’t wait for the fun-filled week ahead! I’m so excited and grateful to be returning to “Windy City Live” on Wednesday, September 7th, and Monday, Sept. 12th! On Wednesday, with all of the news about the upcoming show “The Playboy Club” and rumors of a real-life Playboy Club opening here, I’ve been asked to come on and discuss my own Playboy Bunny experiences. AND, on Monday, Sept. 12th, I will be discussing all things Chicago with Val, Ryan and Ji. (Windy City Live, Monday-Friday, 9 AM, Ch. 7!)

And, happily for all of you, this will be the LAST time I ask, so please remember to vote HERE for my blog, Candid Candace, IF you enjoy reading it! I will send you ALL lots of money if I win! (Thankfully, voting ends on September 9th!)

Have a happy and healthy week and I will “see” you again soon!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandacecom

P.S. And even though Hurricane Irene was nothing to laugh at, this photo did crack me up! My neighbors had chosen this moment in time to visit the Jersey Shore with their entire family, dog included! Here is a pic of Berit Waterfield with Burger (aka Toto) escaping back to Chicago!

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Tagged as A Dog Named Slugger, A. Finkl & Sons, Berit Waterfield, Brian Brooks, Brian Brooks Moving Company, Brittney Payton, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cape Cod Room, Carmine’s, Carrie Sacks, Cece & Melinda, Chay Yew, Chicago Dancing Festival, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Q, Chicago Tribune, David Scarantino, Devon Seafood Grill, Dia Weil, Dr. Linda O’Bannon, Ed Weil, Gaylord, George Jewell, Go Roma, Grace Barry, Green Tie Ball, Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Cup I, Hendrickx Belgian Bread, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Hurricane Irene, Il Mulino’s, Jack Guthman, Jamie Haberkorn, Jan Melk, Janet Szylk, Jay Franke, Joan Harris, Joffrey Ballet, Jonny Immerman, Ken Norgan, Kim Venezia, Lar Lubovich, Laura Schwartz, Leigh Brill, Lew Manilow, Linda Johnson Rice, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Lindsay Hoey, Lisa Key, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers, Martha Graham Dance Company, Michael Sacks, Michelle Boone, Mila Samokhina, Nan Mason, Neal Zucker, Nora Daley, North Avenue Beach, North Dearborn Association, Pamela Crutchfield, Pane Caldo, Phil Lumpkin, Quenten Schumacher, RA Sushi, Rahm Emanuel, Raymi Productions, Reute Butler, Robert Mills, Rochelle Trotter, Saloon Steakhouse, Sandra Guthman, Sean Conroy, Sergio Fernandez, Shaun Rajah, Sherrill Bodine, Sid Smith, Sir Philip Green, Sonya Jackson, St. Francis Service Dogs Organization, Stephanie Castagnier, Steve Starr, Susan Manilow, Taste of the Gold Coast, Temur Suluashvili, Terry Higgins, The Apprentice, The Drawing Room, The Playboy Club, Tim Smith, Topman, Topshop, Union Sushi & Barbeque Bar, Victoria Jaiani, Victory Gardens Theater, Walter Dunderville, Walter E. Smithe, Whiskey Bar & Grill, Windy City Live

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… 🙂

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August 9, 2011 · 8:42 pm

51st GLAMOURCON HIGHLIGHTS PLAYBOY PLAYMATES, PAST AND PRESENT!

Glamourcon is a bi-yearly event that celebrates the world of glamour and pinup art with an emphasis on Playboy Playmates. This year at the Crowne Plaza O’Hare, more than 20 Playmates participated. There were girls from every era including the current Playmate of the Year, Claire Sinclair. Claire’s looks harken back to the days of famous pinup Bettie Page with her dark hair and short cropped bangs. Even her flirty, polka dot skirt reminded me of a kinder, gentler time. No wonder Hef picked her! Of course, I guess it doesn’t hurt to be dating his son, Marston, either! At 20 years of age, Claire is one of the youngest Playmates of the Year! My husband wondered if she even had her driver’s license and I replied that I am sure she has no shortage of limo offers! She is cute, adorable, bright, funny and sexy all rolled into one package. Her star turn at MGM Grand’s Crazy Horse Paris revue brought the house down during her hot burlesque number on the big, red lips sofa. But enough about Claire – there were lots of other fabulous Playmates there too like Janis Schmitt, Miss February 1978 (who I was a Bunny with in St. Louis), Lee Ann Michelle (Miss February 1979), Liz Glazowski (4/80), Charlotte Kemp (12/82), Kerri Kendall (9/90), Crystal McCahill (5/09) and her mom Gale Olson (8/68), Henriette Allais (3/80), Cathy St. George (8/82), Lorraine Michaels (4/81) and Lisa Sohm (4/77), among others. The two-day event attracted more than 600 fans and offered everything under the sun pin-up related including vintage Playboy magazines, original artwork, t-shirts, sculptures, Playboy clothing, photography sessions, an old-time burlesque show by Vaudezilla.com and jewelry to name a few of the highlights. It was great seeing favorite friend/fans like Tom Shimada who never fails to amaze me. During the last show, he had found a Playboy cover that I had never seen and he did it again this year! He brought an unknown cover from Mexico dated March 1981. Playmate Cathy St. George had done the identical cover for the U.S. version in October 1981. Playboy is one of the original “recyclers!” Also seen on the scene, the “Playmate’s Friend” Larry Armstrong (who always finds treasures to bring to the show), John O’Neill, photographer Tom Testolin, Seth Grenald, calendar and poster dealer Thomas Helmke (who presented me with my calendar from 1982), John Newman, artists Alex Lord and Steve Baier along with dear Jeff Evans (who is the only person I know with a baseball signed by almost every single 500+ home run hitter including Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle, Frank Thomas, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, Reggie Jackson and Barry Bonds to name a few!!!). Friend and United Airlines pilot, Bloke Mauer, touched my heart by gifting me with half of his pilot’s wings! The next Glamourcon will be at the Hilton in Long Beach, California, on November 5th and 6th. I talked to Patti Connors and we hope to make it a Bunny/Playmate reunion with Janis Schmitt and Debra Jensen McMurray, (Miss January1978). Who knows, maybe we can take a casserole over to the Mansion to console Hef! Thanks to all who attended Glamourcon 51 and event founder Bob Schultz! Hope to see you all in Long Beach!!! To learn more about the event, click here. (To view ALL event photos, please click here!)

The Shedd Aquarium’s 5th Annual BLU event was an ocean lover’s delight with more than 1,000 guests mixing and mingling at the historic aquarium on a perfect night in Chicago. The star of the show was the jellyfish (jellies) exhibit but the true star was the aquarium itself. Opening in 1930, it has been a top cultural attraction in the city and, on this night, with the decorative lighting, the exhibits looked like stage sets. The jellyfish were glowing and undulating in their temporary homes (which I hope becomes permanent!) and the sharks, along with 500 other species, were swimming lazily in the Wild Reef complete with its own crashing surf. I am ashamed to say this was only my second time at the Shedd, but thanks to their dynamic Auxiliary Board, who presented this event, I will be returning again and again. There is so much to see here! On this night there were tastings from some of Chicago’s top restaurants including farm raised caviar from Big Fish Farms, tuna and salmon tartar from cibo matto at the Wit, Spanish saffron rice and chicken from Emilio’s Tapas, steak tartar from Hubbard Inn, house smoked sturgeon from Lockwood Restaurant, tacos de carnitas from Mercadito, pan seared goat cheese from Prairie Grass Café, duck breast and beet salad from newcomer Roka Akor Sushi and Steak and a gorgeous chocolate tower of fondue from the Melting Pot among many others. At the end of the night, when dancing began on the Lakefront Terrace, delicious pizza from Aurelio’s was served. Co-chairs Janet Barnes and Julie Hawkins, along with the Shedd staff led by Katie Clark, planned a perfect night under the stars that raised over $150K for conservation and educational programs. I hope to meet you by the shark tank sometime soon! (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina).

Lots more summer fun coming in the Windy City with the first ever “Street Food Artistry Event” on Sunday, August 14th, at Galleria Marchetti, located at 825 W. Erie, from 1 – 7 PM. This unique event celebrates Chicago’s street food culture and will include food trucks, street-inspired dishes, food carts, street inspired art, photography and more. There will even be an adorable doggie ice cream truck, LickLick, which will cater to the four-legged guests! Owner Adreana Droz says, “We use only top-grade human ingredients in our doggie treats and ice cream. There are no preservatives or stabilizers of any kind.” Fido can choose between flavors such as peanut butter bacon, green apple cheddar, carrot carob and strawberry almond mint. Makes me wish I was a dog! (Not really!) The silent auction will benefit Common Threads, Chicago Street Musicians and the University of Chicago Charter School. Tickets are only $35 can be purchased by calling 312.884.1278 or visiting www.streetfoodchicago.com/event-deets.

The 47th Chicago Film Festival will honor actor Martin Sheen with a much deserved Lifetime Achievement Award before he premieres his latest film, “The Way” on Friday, August 19th. He will walk the Red Carpet beginning at 6:30 PM alongside his son, Emilio Estevez, who wrote and co-directed with his dad. The film is a feel-good movie about the relationship between a father and son. Film Fest founder Michael Kutza always reins in top talent for his galas and this year is no exception. The film will premiere at AMC River East with a post reception across the street at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Legendary Bill Kurtis will be the emcee and RL’s Rich Varnes is the chair for this event along with a great host committee. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased by calling 312.683.0121 or by visiting www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

It will be a week of dance next week beginning with the 20th anniversary of the Dance for Life Gala coming to the Auditorium Theatre, located at 50 E. Congress Parkway, on Saturday, August 20th. This event benefits DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) and will feature five dance companies including The Joffrey Ballet, Ron de Jesus Dance, Giordano Jazz Dance of Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance and River North Dance Company plus two world premieres by choreographers Harrison McEldowney and Randy Duncan. Tickets begin at $50 for performance only and $175 for pre-event reception and performance. To purchase tickets or for more info, please call 312.922.5812 or visit www.danceforlifechicago.com.

Following this dance theme, the Chicago Dancing Festival will present its opening night benefit gala at the MCA with Mayor Rahm Emanuel as the host on Monday, August 22nd. (He used to be a ballet dancer, dontcha know?) The night will feature an intimate evening of duet performances by Brian Brooks Moving Company, Faye Driscoll, Hubbard Street Dance, artists from The Joffrey Ballet, Martha Graham Dance Company and the Chicago Dancing Festival’s first ever original commissioned work by Walter Dundervill. The performance begins at 6 PM followed by cocktails and dinner. This event kicks off five days of the festival with the Grand Finale on Saturday night, August 27th, beginning at 7:30 PM with the “Celebration of Dance,” which is open to the public in Millennium Park. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 312.931.9954 or visit www.ChicagoDancingFestival.com.

ASIDES! Congrats to Tails in the City for being a destination point for John Legend and girlfriend Chrissy Teigen. Darling owners Bruce Haas and Philip Emigh tell me they stocked up on Poochee collars and leashes, a new carrier and bed plus lots of toys and treats. John was in town touring with Sade but, before the show, they headed to Table 52 for Chef Art’s famous fried chicken!

Chicago’s own Steve Starr is known for his photography skills but the set stylists for the much-talked about new television show, "The Playboy Club," sought him out for something else. Steve also has cases of vintage items available for purchase in the Lincoln Antique Mall (on Irving Park Road near Kedzie). There, they found some wonderful pieces for their set including a vintage radio and French sunglasses circa 1962. Steve Starr – a man of many talents!

Hope some of you caught me on “Windy City Live” Monday morning! It was so much fun sitting at the “BIG Chat Desk” with Val, Ryan and Ji… :-) I will be on again on Monday, August 15th, at 9 AM on Ch. 7. If you missed it, please check it out below AND, if you enjoy the segment, please Facebook “Windy City Live” and let them know!

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Well, that’s this week’s lowdown on some fantastic highlights! Hope to see you all at Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama Friday night benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities!!! Tickets are still available by visiting www.RonaldHouseChicago.org or by calling 630.623.2309.

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Wishing the happiest of birthdays to beloved Fred Gohl! A zillion family and friends celebrated his recent 95th birthday! Happy Birthday Fred and many, many more!