Tag Archives: Karen Gray

December 7, 2011 · 7:38 pm

THE ART INSTITUTE’S “LET IT SNOW” IS AN INSTANT FAMILY FAVORITE

PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, HEART OF MERCY BALL, CHEF ART SMITH AND LADY GAGA, PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOCCO PARTY, DECEMBER MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, ZACUTO AND MADONNA, VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY LIVE, ICB DONATES TO TROOPS, CHARLES GIVES BACK AND MORE!

The Art Institute’s “Let it Snow” was a debut holiday party that enchanted young and old and from the looks of joy on the children’s faces is sure to become a seasonal favorite. The Women’s Board of the Art Institute, led by president Francie Comer and event chair Laura Werner, were delighted with the turnout of more than 350 guests for this inaugural event. As you entered Griffin Court of the Modern Wing, it felt as if you had crawled inside a giant snow globe. The twinkling snowflakes projected by Frost Lighting all around the room completed this effect as guests looked on in wonder. Balloonists and performance artists greeted everyone at the entrance. Children were dressed in their finest holiday wardrobes and delighted at the balloons fashioned into gingerbread men, reindeer, candy canes and more. Partygoers sampled delicious and creative hors d’oeuvres by Bon Appetit that included treats such as caviar on toast points, beef tenderloin crostinis and butternut squash soup shooters with maple popcorn. To the delight of the kiddies, macaroni and cheese, PB&J sandwiches, ham and cheese lollipops and pigs in a blanket were served. An extensive and colorful dessert display completed the bountiful buffet with s’mores and mixed berry shortcakes, cheesecake lollipops, cookies and cupcakes. As guests sampled the buffet tables, the local gospel choir True Voices of Christ performed on the grand staircase, beginning appropriately with “Let it Snow.” The gingerbread house contest was something to see as competing museum departments vied for the win. Entries included a gingerbread school, fire station, train station, theater and more, all representing scenes of Chicago. Everyone was already on sensory overload when the Midnight Circus stepped into the spotlight. Founded by Julie and Jeff Jenkins, the performance included jugglers, clowns, musicians, dancers, acrobats, aerialists and magicians as well as the “Chicago Boyz” who wowed the crowd. I can’t wait to attend this fun event next year and I know that it will become a perennial favorite. Seen on the scene were Anne and Will Hokin, Naomi Reese, Margot and Mark Bowen, Karen Gray, Max and Jim Farrell, Susan and Michael Canmann, Cathy and Michael Busch, Stephanie and Bill Sick, Jan and Bill Jentes, Melissa and Ward McNally, Elizabeth O’Connor Cole, Connie and David Coolidge, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Kay Krehbiel, Ellen and Jim O’Connor, Penny Pritzker, Gigi Pritzker Pucker, Shirley Ryan, Brenda
Shapiro and Betsy Rosenfield among many others. To learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago, please click here!)

The Service Club’s annual Holiday Luncheon was a beautiful affair held in one of the most magnificent rooms in all of Chicago, the Cathedral Room at the University Club. Event Chair Sheree Valukas, along with her formidable committee, welcomed 150 women who came dressed in their most festive outfits to celebrate and raise funds for one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. A holiday bazaar made Christmas shopping easy this year and vendors included LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Bountiful Homes, Elsa Johnson, Elda de la Rosa, Fabbri Furs, Hinsdale Furriers, Jennifer Kole Designs, Joelle Nadine, Leslie Hodes, Mary Mary, Pam Bernstein, Shrine and Tails in the City. There was new as well as vintage jewelry collections, magnificent furs, designer clothing, men’s gifts and even something for Fido to put under the tree at this extensive, something-for-everyone shopping extravaganza. The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus’ beautiful voices filled the elegant room with sounds of the season as jolly little bell-clad elves roamed among the tables much to the ladies’ delight. A delicious, seasonal luncheon included roasted butternut squash soup, parmesan crusted Amish chicken and chocolate raspberry crème tarts. As always, there was a philanthropic component to the day as the SC ladies all brought children’s gifts to benefit Clara’s House Shelter. The luncheon raised more than $8000 to benefit the grant program for the Service Club. (To see ALL fab event photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

The Women’s Board of Misericordia presented their annual Heart of Mercy Ball this year at the Fairmont Hotel. More than 650 people attended this black tie ball which raised more than $600K. Honorees this year included the Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland who received the Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion and the Brian and Sue Shannon family who received the Heart of Mercy Award. The evening also included a silent and live auction (what event nowadays doesn’t?) and the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra. All of the money raised supports Misericordia Home, Heart of Mercy, in Chicago which serves more than 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds on its 31-acre campus. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home. (You might recognize Sister Rosemary as the feisty nun who jokingly stood up to Mayor Emanuel recently over beginning to charge charities for water.) For more info on this charity and upcoming events, please click here! (For more event photos by Robert Kusel, please click here.)

Did everyone see Chicago’s own Chef Art Smith in the fabulous Thanksgiving special hosted by Lady Gaga??!! Well, I know for sure that 5.4 million of you watched: It was the highest-rated show in this time slot! Huge congrats to Chef Art and Lady Gaga! Chef Art also attended a party at Barney’s in NY with his better half, partner Jesus Salguiero, to celebrate the windows that Gaga has designed for the store for the holidays…what a dynamic duo! I can’t wait to see what they “cook up” next!

The Chicago Photographer’s Party was held recently at one of my favorite restaurants, Tocco (located at 1266 N. Milwaukee) in honor of our wonderful local photographers! If it wasn’t for them, how in the world would we keep track of all of the social comings and goings? So, it was a fitting night of celebration that attracted around 200 party loving guests. There was a fantastic fashion display that featured gowns by Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and Karol Barrero. Models Nicole Townsend, Bebe Georgieva, Cassandra and Freida Medina dressed up the room while the wonderful sounds of the Steve Biossat Trio filled the air. Handsome Tocco owner Bruno Abate was hard at work making sure everyone got a chance to sample his delicious Italian cuisine. (The pizzas are my favorite!) The event was planned by the Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago committee that included Steve Starr, Sandra Smith-Doghmi and Javier Enriquez. The party was so glam and so much fun that no one wanted to leave! (Additional photos by Helena Rafeyan and Steve Starr…to view ALL of the event pics, please click here!

Speaking of parties, I must say the latest issue (December) of Michigan Avenue Magazine has to be my very favorite! I wonder why!? I loved the party scene and those fabulous clothes and I am so grateful to Susanna Negovan for including me!! Photographer to the stars Steve Starr looked dapper as well in his two-page spread. I thought this was their best fashion feature to date. The jewelry, accessories and wardrobe were all so well planned and the models were just so darn cute/handsome! This magazine just keeps getting better and better and I couldn’t be happier for them! Congrats Mich Mag and thanks so very much for including me! 🙂

When I first met my neighbor down the street, Steve Weiss, I had no idea what he did for a living. And quite frankly, I still don’t know for sure other than the fact that he is an owner of Zacuto, which is one of the largest high-quality, originally-designed motion picture camera accessory manufacturing companies around. And Zacuto Films produces its own original web series with six Emmy nods and two wins. As I question him more, I find out that everyone – and I do mean EVERYONE – uses a piece of his equipment…who knew?!

Please mark Wednesday, December 14th on your calendar for the VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY when two cites – Chicago and New York – come together for one night to broadcast the latest fashion trends and happenings LIVE! New York hosts will be the editor and publisher of Gotham magazine, Samantha Yanks and Debra Halpert, while I will be a Chicago host along with "Windy City Live" style guru Eric Himel! This evening, sponsored by the Aparecio Foundation, will also launch Hasana’s e-commerce site at The Mid Nightclub located at 306 N. Halsted beginning at 6 p.m. Live entertainment provided by Sadie Woods and Megan Taylor! Guest bloggers Nicki Brashear and Katie Shuppler will be on hand, too, to keep fans updated. Please come to the party and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute #HVLV updates! Be there! 🙂

Huge congrats to Illinois Center for Broadcasting for their unique way to give thanks to the military this holiday season! On 12/8 and 12/15, at all of their campuses around the country, they will be offering a free Digital Care Package for families, friends and supporters of military personnel that can be shared with loved ones through email and online social networks, no matter where they are. For more details, please click here!

Is there a more beautiful city in the country than Chicago during the holidays? Granted, New York has a lot to offer – I love those Bergdorf Goodman windows and the Barney’s windows, this year decorated by Lady Gaga and who could resist that huge snowflake hanging in the center of Fifth Avenue? – but we have that and more (kinda)! I’ve never seen a prettier display than our own Lincoln Park Zoo’s “ZooLights” display. I can just imagine the animals having holiday parties after all of the humans have gone. And who can resist the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza? This delightful spot is one of my favorites with its variety of crafts, gifts, entertainment, German food, drinks and more! Macy’s windows are always a must-see attraction and the Joffrey Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition. And finally, I don’t believe there is a prettier spot than right here in my own backyard – the Old Town Triangle. Across the street from us is the most popular house on any Chicago tour, a darling fisherman’s cottage owned by Steppenwolf’s lucky David Hawkanson. I love this city that just keeps getting better and better and better…can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Have a happy holiday! (To enjoy more photos from Christmas’ past in Chicago, please click here!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I love my hairdresser Charles Ifergan and not just because he’s super cute, skilled and fun to be around but because he’s also good at giving back! The Charles Ifergan Salon at 106 E. Oak St., along with Furla, is co-hosting a children’s toy drive at the salon and store: Each client who donates will receive 20-percent off any hair care products and 20-percent off merchandise at Furla! LOVE this!

THE LYRIC OPERA AND THE 47TH CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING NIGHTS!

…PLUS ST. JUDE'S "DREAM A LITTLE DREAM" FASHION SHOW, FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL AND LESLIE HINDMAN AUCTIONEERS PLAN FOR BIG EVENTS!

The Lyric Opera’s Opening Night Gala Benefit (sponsored by Aon Corporation) never fails to be one of the most glamorous affairs of the year. Their dynamic Women’s Board, led by President Anne Reyes, always plans a night of sheer, almost fairytale, elegance. The opening night performance of Offenbach’s “The Tales of Hoffman” enchanted 3,500 white and black-tie clad guests who filled the theater to watch the 2 ½ hour performance. The sets inspired the romantic décor in the Rice Grand Foyer at the Civic Opera House with overflowing floral arrangements and sparkling crystal and candlelight. The pre-performance festivities and between the two intermissions included delicious sweets and savories as well as a reception in the exclusive Graham Room. Here, the VIPs and bold-faced crowd mixed and mingled while enjoying Calihan Catering’s delicious ratatouille and goat cheese tarts, seafood bouillabaisse served over jasmine rice, quail, beef tenderloin over whipped parmesan potatoes and wild boar over truffled mascarpone quiche. Chocolate cognac-filled dessert crepes with assorted berries finished off this feast. Just a simple little meal before the performance! Opening Night and Opera Ball Chairs Trisha Rooney Alden and Karen Gray, along with vice chairs Rebecca Knight and Caryn Harris, created magic for the 625 guests who continued on to the Opera Ball at the Hilton Chicago. The sound of trumpets and women’s board members greeted guests as they arrived. The Grand Ballroom was filled with clouds of white floral arrangements set atop two foot tall crystal vases designed by Heffernan Morgan. The Stu Hirsh Orchestra performed in front of a replica of the backdrop that featured prominently in the performance and everywhere you looked, massive screens projected photos from past ball attendees as well as scenes from the opera. The Grand March of the Stars heralded the opening of the Ball as the crowd took their seats to dine on chilled lobster salad, filet mignon topped with red onion marmalade and slow braised beef short ribs served with Jerusalem artichoke heart hash and sweet potato gratin. Dessert included chocolate brulee, flourless white chocolate cake and strawberry and blueberry compotes. Caterer George Jewell outdid himself yet again! The Opening Night committee included Suzette Bross Bulley, Elizabeth O’Connor Cole, Stephanie Fisher, Christina Kemper Gidwitz, Rebecca Knight, Alison Wehman McNally, Mimi Mitchell, M.K. Pritzker and Dawn Shapiro. The Opera Ball committee was comprised of Renee Crown, Maxine Farrell, Caryn Harris, Debby Janotta, Kay Krehbiel, Ellen O’Connor, Cathy Osborn, Barbara Pearlman, Shirley Ryan, Nancy Searle and Liz Stiffel. More than $875,000 was raised for Lyric programming. Performances run through October 29th. For tickets and more info, please visit www.LyricOpera.org. (To view ALL of the fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click HERE!)

The Opening Night of the 47th International Chicago Film Festival couldn’t have been more exciting as the stars of the film, “The Last Rites of Joe May,” turned out in force to pack the Red Carpet! The film’s star, Chicago native and former cop Dennis Farina, happily chatted with every camera on the carpet along with the cast that included Gary Cole (who looked so thin but very handsome in person), Ian Barford (a Chicago actor and Steppenwolf Theatre Company ensemble member who played the very nasty villain), Jamie Anne Allman, Chelcie Ross, writer/director Joe Maggio and proud Film Fest founder Michael Kutza (who created the fest in 1964). Handsome actor Billy Zane (“Titanic”) also came out to support his friends. He was set to have a recurring role as Oscar Bianchi on the now-defunct "The Playboy Club." When I asked him what happened, he said, “Oooh, I’m not gonna go there. It could be anything…things behind the scenes that no one knows about…” (Watch for all of my Red Carpet interviews coming soon on Watch312.com!) The film was shot in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood and was produced by Farina’s production company, You’re Faded, and Steppenwolf Films, part of the legendary Steppenwolf Theatre Company. It features Farina as a small time hustler who finds a shot at redemption. It’s a dark film, definitely NOT the Disney Channel, but very compelling and powerfully acted by all involved. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert called it a “career performance” for Farina. The Festival, which runs through October 20th at the AMC River East 21, will feature 180 films from 55 countries and introduce 40 first time filmmakers. After the film’s debut at the Harris Theatre, 850 guests walked to the Chicago Cultural Center, which was lit up by strobe lights, to attend the after-party. I was happily surprised to see the stars show up as well and watched as they took photos and chatted with the happy fans. Delicious food, courtesy of The Gibsons Restaurant Group, included turkey burger sliders from LuxBar, jumbo shrimp cocktail from Hugo’s, filet mignon sliders from Gibsons and caramelized onion-goat cheese canapés and cauliflower-Stilton bisque soup from RL. I was proud to be a co-chair with Film Fest board member Rich Varnes for this event, whose proceeds supported Cinema/Chicago’s year-round Educational Outreach program that brings 5,000 children from Chicago’s public schools into theaters for special screenings that expose them to new cultures, foreign languages and thought-provoking subject matter. (For screening tickets and to learn more, please visit www.ChicagoFilmFestival.com.)

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will feature their annual “Dream a Little Dream” fashion show and luncheon on Sunday, November 13th, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. This year’s fashion show, presented by ZZazz Productions and emceed by NBC’s Alison Rosati, will feature the latest in fabulous designer trends, furs by York Furrier, Swarovski and a special guest appearance by "Project Runway" darling Peach Carr! This exciting event, benefitting the premier pediatric cancer research center, will begin with a champagne reception at 11 AM and an elegant luncheon beginning at noon (doors open at 10 AM). The Dream Raffle will include tickets to the finale of “American Idol,” a Disney package with a Waldorf-Astoria stay, Blackhawks, Sox and Cubs tickets, a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card and a Kayman Scooter among hundreds of other prizes! I am so proud to be the Honorary Chair for this event which is supported passionately by St. Jude CEO Rick Shadyac and my long-time friend, Ann Danner. When she approached me to be a part of this, I was thrilled as her enthusiasm for this worthy charity is contagious. She has shared the stories of St. Jude patients and survivors and I have been so inspired. Watch last year’s video of Marget Graham here and see for yourself. I hope you can all join me! (For tickets and more info, please visit www.StJudeFashionShow.com or call 800-621-5359). Happily, the tickets are going fast!

The enchantingly elegant and wonderfully wild Conservation Ball will be held on Friday, October 21st, at the Fairmont Hotel, located at 200 N. Columbus Drive. Hosted for the 21st time by chairman and FOC President, Reute Butler, daughter of Founder and International Chairman Jorie Butler Kent, this grand affair benefits the Friends of Conservation whose mission provides protection for wildlife in the Masai Mara and other wildlife reserves in Kenya and Tanzania, through habitat conservation programs, anti-poaching efforts, youth education and community development. Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy is the presenting supporter of this black tie ball, along with American Airlines and Gala Chairmen Rachael Phillippe, Holly Rothschild, Wendy Sherman, Jessica Swift and Joan Wegner. The evening will also feature renowned wildlife expert, Jim Fowler, who always brings along his delightful, furry friends. I’ve never seen a more extensive and exciting group of auction packages either! The trips offered are once in a lifetime experiences and include a South African safari, American Airlines business class tickets to London and South America, an eight-day trip throughout Turkey, a two-week trip to Antarctica aboard Le Boreal (the first all-balcony stateroom and suite expedition ship to travel to Antarctica), an 11-day trip throughout Thailand, a five-day journey to Peru, a collection of 100+ bottles of wine and the opportunity to custom craft your own batch of beer courtesy of Greenbush Brewing Co. & Fitzgerald’s Gastro Pub. Whew! The best part is you can be an absentee bidder, too! Donor tickets begin at $375 and for the younger set – 35 and under – tickets are $250. And if you’d just like to experience dancing to the Stanley Paul Orchestra and the wildlife presentation beginning at 8:30 PM, tickets are only $75. For more info, please visit their website. For bidding info and tickets, please email info@friendsofconservation.org or call 630.288.2714. Lions and tigers and bears, OH MY!

Leslie Hindman Auctioneers has a BIG auction coming up for fashion lovers and especially fans of the legendary Ebony Fashion Fairs founded by the one and only Eunice Johnson. Famed designer Stephen Burrows had this to say about Mrs. Johnson: “She exposed black Americans to a view of the world they would not have seen without the Ebony Fashion Fair at the time.” In a note enclosed in the auction catalog, Desiree Rogers said, “We will be selling a select collection from the Ebony Fashion Fair show and are excited to offer people a chance to own a piece from this historic collection.” There are 706 lots with items by designers including Valentino, Thierry Mugler, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Issey Miyake, Geoffrey Beene, Emanuel Ungaro, Christian Lacroix, Carolina Herrera, Bill Blass and too many other notables to name. Eunice’s daughter, Linda Johnson Rice, said, “The show began in 1958 as a means of raising funds for black organizations and causes and over the course of its run, it succeeded in raising an astounding $55 million for charity!” Vogue’s Andre Leon Talley said, “Eunice was one of the most influential forces in the high-fashion world.” To see these exquisite pieces for yourself and, perhaps own a piece of history, come to the preview beginning on Saturday, October 15th at 10 AM at Leslie Hindman Auctioneers, located at 1338 W. Lake St. The auction will be on Saturday, October 22nd, beginning at 10 AM. (Keep your eyes off of Lot #443 by the way – it’s going to be mine!) Fair warning!

Boy, we will be busy bees attending all of these fun and fashionable events around town! Hope to see you at one or more and that you’re enjoying these beautiful fall days! Next week, we will be taking the “kids” to one of the many pumpkin patches in the area where I hope to eat more than my fair share of apple cider donuts! Have a great week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Don’t miss One Book, One Chicago’s interview with author Martin Amis at the Harold Washington Library Center, located at 400 S. State St., beginning at 6 PM on Tuesday, October 18th. Sun-Times publisher John Barron will be conducting the interview in the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium. Click here for more info!