Tag Archives: Ken Arlen Orchestra

February 18, 2012 · 11:12 am

THE MCA’S artEDGE GALA IS THE TALK OF THE TOWN!

…PLUS BLACK CREATIVITY GALA, AUSTRALIA BALL, BUNKY DOES IT AGAIN, POOR HEF, TCW SINGLES ALERT, A FILM PREMIER FOR SHOE LOVERS AND MORE!

You always expect something creative when you receive an invite from the Museum of Contemporary Art – after all, this is what they’re all about! – but no one could’ve anticipated the excitement that their latest fundraiser, artEdge, produced. Co-chaired by Liza and Marc Brooks, Penny Pritzker, Anne and Don Edwards and Bryan Traubert, this event brought out 600 fashionably funky art-loving supporters. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his lovely wife, Amy Rule, were honorary chairs and took this job very, very seriously. As the co-chairs spoke onstage during the cocktail hour, they playfully spoke to one another in the background. The Mayor, dressed chicly in black jeans, a black sport coat and a white shirt, seemed clearly at ease in NON-black-tie attire and even thanked the co-chairs for this dress code. (A standout was Jay Franke, who wore a brightly dyed wig of dreadlocks and red sunglasses with pink socks.) Guests entered the event through the tented Sculpture Garden after parking their cars with the complimentary valets. (And there was an army of them waiting which was very smart considering the ticket price was $1,000 per person!) The décor by Heffernan Morgan made you feel like you were inside a giant ice palace with everything (and I mean everything!) covered in plastic. This included chandeliers, tables, floors, walls and table fixtures, all of which had been recycled, and would be again once the benefit ended. During this glamorous cocktail reception, guests were treated to a special presentation from renowned artist Nick Cave and his Soundsuits. If you haven’t had the good fortune to witness one of these Soundsuits up close and personal, you are really missing something very, very cool. The larger than life, colorful living sculptures are all made of found materials and have their own individual sounds as they move through a crowd. The “Su
its” draped themselves over balconies, on benches and danced with the guests much to the delight of all. (One of Cave’s Soundsuits recently sold at a gallery for over $50K.) Following this exciting performance art, guests were guided into the museum for a seated dinner, courtesy of Wolfgang Puck himself, who made a rare appearance. Dinner guests were seated at long communal tables with a frame of light above each that reminded me of a star’s dressing room. The delicious menu consisted of heirloom beets, roasted chicken, wild mushroom spoon bread pudding, caramelized yams, chestnuts and braised collard greens with cheesy corn bread and sweet potato biscuits. After this DELICIOUS dinner, Nick Cave’s Soundsuits once again threaded through the dinner crowd to lead them onto the next experience which was an energetic performance by George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Clinton, considered the architect of this type of music, had the crowd dancing to a blend of funk, rock and soul. A special ticket ($150) was available for this concert only which I thought was a nice idea. It was a packed crowd for George Clinton and his energetic and talented Parliament Funkadelic orchestra and performers; no one wanted to leave but we had to go since I had another big night after this one. But guess who was STILL swaying to the music when we left? Rahm! I loved this! He had said earlier if this had been a black tie event, he would’ve stopped by and then he and wife would’ve probably gone to a movie. I just loved this and am about through with black tie attire myself! I loved seeing this already fashionable crowd so creatively dressed. What do you think about black tie? (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The G’Day USA Australia Day Ball brought out 350 Australians, Americans and other nationalities to celebrate this Australian national holiday at the Mid America Club on January 26th. This year was the fifth for this black tie ball in Chicago. Upon arrival, guests had the opportunity to have their photo taken between the Australian and American flags before moving into the reception
. Dinner – a five-course menu inspired by Australian Celebrity Chef Pete Evans and executed by the Mid America Club’s Executive Chef Michael Pivoney – followed in the ballroom overlooking Chicago’s fabulous skyline. The Honorable Roger Price, Consul General of Australia in Chicago, took to the stage and welcomed dignitaries and guests before introducing the Honorable Kim Beazley, Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, who toasted the bond between our two countries. David Quinn delivered greetings and congrats on behalf of the State of Illinois and his dad, Governor Pat Quinn. Tabatha Coffey, host of Bravo’s hit reality show “Tabatha Takes Over,” was the evening’s emcee and entertained the crowd with her delightful humor before introducing Joe Robinson, “Australia’s Got Talent” winner. The night’s raffle included two business class tickets on Qantas. Over $5K was raised through the raffle and proceeds benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Guests danced into the wee hours to the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Other notable guests included Lorenzo Strano, Joan and David Maliband, Damien Hawcroft, Tom Allison, Paul Douglas and Christina Rafidia (Miss Arab USA from South Barrington), Aimee and Bill Osborne, Jacqui O’Neill, Pam and David Kay, Margaret O’Connor and Dr. Michael O’Meara, Catherine and Jim Richards, Glenn Hines and Danielle Landfald, Shane and Rene Young, Jude Fitzgerald and Kyle Robinson and Dana and Justin Biggs among many others. (Photos by Steve Starr.)

The 29th Annual Black Creativity Gala was held at the Museum of Science + Industry on January 28th and welcomed nearly 800 guests. The gala, planned in collaboration with a committee of prominent Chicago African-American leaders chaired this year by Gale Foster Farley, raised more than $475,000 to support the Black Creativity program which pays tribute to the culture, heritage and science contributions of African Americans. Keeping in tune with the evening’s Harlem Renaissance theme – a period of heightened African-American energy and culture during the ‘20s and ‘30s – guests feasted on a lavish strolling buffet with seven stations decorated in black, silver and red by Kehoe Designs. NBC5’s Marion Brooks emceed the evening’s program and introduced the musical entertainment, Maurice Mahon, and the New Face of Soul – the evening’s featured entertainer, Grammy-nominated artist, Freddie Jackson. His songs “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight” were hits among this gala crowd. Guests experienced the 2012 Black Creativity exhibit, “Powerful: African Americans in Energy,” which explores America’s energy future and different energy sources with an interactive miniature golf experience. Guests “putted” their way through a diverse landscape of “energy lands” representing oil, natural gas, wind, solar, hydropower and more. Gala collaborators included Shari Runner (Sr. VP at the Chicago Urban League), Anita Green (President of Anita Green Relocation Management) and Gregory T. Hinton (chief diversity officer for the Democratic National Committee). The gala also included a juried art exhibition featuring more than 100 original works of art from African American artists. (To view more pics from this amazing evening, please click here!)

It is a very coveted invite. Some women wait years just to be included…and yes, the ladies ALWAYS wear red. This, of course, is Bunky Cushing's yearly (usually, unless he's redoing his kitchen or something) soiree/get-together/lovefest of some of our town's most fashionable and philanthropic women. It's a celebration for Valentine's Day that brought out 85 ladies this year for Bunky's 15th anniversary of the Tea. And even though this particular event was just for fun, Cushing is a well-known and longtime fundraiser for so many important charities around town. He founded the Handbags & Halos annual luncheon in 2002 (which to date has raised more than $1 million) and benefits the Howard Brown Health Center and also supports the Chicago History Museum as well as The Friends of Versailles. His Author's Breakfast in May ("Early Birds & Bookworms") benefits the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. This year will be his fourth annual breakfast to support their work with low-income senior citizens, helping them to find affordable housing and healthcare. I will let these beautiful photos by Caitlin Saville Collins speak for themselves here!

Leave it to Laurie Davis! She always thinks BIG and creatively, not only for her fahhhhbulous store, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, but also in the planning for an exciting film premiere of “God Save My Shoes,” that she’s bringing to Chicago on April 17th at the AMC Theatre, along with Maria Smithburg and media sponsor/friend Susanna Negovan. The film is an interesting documentary into the life of legendary shoe designers including Christian Louboutin. So, save the date for this special screening with producer Thierry Dahler and the director of this film along with its stellar guest list. Tickets will be $75 for the premier and after-party. The red carpet will be waiting!

Poor Hef: His oldest son, Marston, has been charged with alleged battery against his on-again, off-again girlfriend, 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair. The last time I met his two sons, I was completely impressed with their demeanors and gentlemanly qualities. They seemed humble and thoughtful and their manners were impeccable. So when I learned through KTLA that Marston is free on bail after allegedly attacking his Playmate girlfriend at their Pasadena home, I was very saddened, especially since my longtime involvement with Playboy has been a very happy one. Prosecutors filed misdemeanor domestic violence charges Monday against Marston (21), Hef's oldest of two sons from his previous marriage to 1989 Playmate of the Year Kimberley Conrad. Sinclair opened up to E! News this week, beginning with her account of Sunday night's altercation: "We had just freshly moved into the apartment, and I know Marston was a little stressed about it, and Marston has been unstable throughout the whole course of our relationship…and we got into an argument about something really silly and it kind of escalated and it became violent. Initially, he kicked me and I went backwards, I fell. Then he punched me and grabbed me up, and I scratched him to defend myself. It was very shocking." Sinclair also reported to E! News that neither Marston nor Hef have reached out to her after this altercation. She went on to say, "Nobody, no support. Nobody's empathetic or concerned. It's more like, cover it up and protect the image. You know what I'm saying? All I want is for Marston to give a public apology. And I want him to get psychiatric help. I want him to admit that he did hit me more than once." I can't personally confirm that Hef hasn't tried to contact Claire and as shocking as this is, I hope people don't blame the father for the sins of the son. I do agree that Marston obviously needs counseling and hope he can also receive some anger management support as well. When I met Claire at a past Glamourcon, she couldn't have been more charming to everyone she met at the event. I wish them both well and hope they can move on to healthier relationships. Sometimes, the choices we make in our youth aren’t always the smartest ones…

TCW will be hosting its annual Top Singles Party on March 9th at Enclave, located at 220 W. Chicago Ave. There will be a sponsored bar, appetizers, music, dancing, raffle and a silent auction. Jane Monzures from the LOOP will emcee this year and I will be covering it for my show, “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com. All funds raised will go towards the TCW Woman Foundation. (Please click here for ticket info!

And if you’re planning any Italian cruises anytime soon, don’t forget to pack these shoes!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Tagged as Aimee Osborne, Amy Rule, Anita Green, Anita Green Relocation Management, Anne Edwards, Annual Tea, artEdge, Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, Australia’s Got Talent, Author’s Breakfast, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, Bill Osborne, Black Creativity Gala, Bryan Traubert, Bunky Cushing, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace Chicago, Catherine Richards, Chef Michael Pivoney, Chef Pete Evans, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Urban League, Christian Louboutin, Christina Rafidia, Claire Sinclair, Consul General of Australia in Chicago, Damien Hawcroft, Dana Biggs, Danielle Landfald, David Kay, David Maliband, David Quinn, Democratic National Committee, Don Edwards, Dr. Michael O’Meara, E! News, Early Birds & Bookworms, Freddie Jackson, Gale Foster Farley, G’Day USA Australia Day Ball, George Clinton, Glamourcon, Glenn Hines, God Save My Shoes, Grammy Awards, Gregory T. Hinton, Handbags & Halos, Harlem Renaissance, Heffernan Morgan, Howard Brown Health Center, Hugh Hefner, Jacqui O’Neill, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Jane Monzures, Jay Franke, Jim Richards, Joan Maliband, Joe Robinson, Jude Fitzgerald, Justin Biggs, Kehoe Designs, Ken Arlen Orchestra, Kim Beazley, Kimberley Conrad, KTLA, Kyle Robinson, Laurie Davis, Liza Brooks, Lorenzo Strano, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Marc Brooks, Margaret O’Connor, Maria Smithburg, Marion Brooks, Marston Hefner, Maurice Mahon, Mid America Club, Mila Samokhina, Miss Arab USA, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science + Industry, Nick Cave and his Soundsuits, Pam Kay, Parliament Funkadelic, Pat Quinn, Paul Douglas, Penny Pritzker, Playboy, Playmate of the Year, Powerful: African Americans in Energy, Qantas, Rahm Emanuel, Rene Young, Roger Price, Shane Young, Shari Runner, Steve Starr, Susanna Negovan, Tabatha Coffey, Tabatha Takes Over, TCW, TCW Woman Foundation, The Friends of Versailles, Thierry Dahler, Tom Allison, Top Singles Party, Watch312.com, Wolfgang Puck

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 SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO GALA REVISITS CLUB EL MOROCCO!

…PLUS HALLOWEEN FUN, EMMY NEWS, THE JOFFREY BALLET'S NUT, MENDING FENCES, A NEW CHICAGO STREET, A "CLASSY" BOOK, UPCOMING FUN EVENTS AND MORE!

Once upon a time in 1890, 14 young ladies - inspired by Jane Addams of Hull House – met to form a philanthropic organization to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Now, 121 years later, the Service Club of Chicago celebrated this landmark anniversary with its annual Gala, this year themed “An Evening of Glamour at Club El Morocco.” The ballroom of the Four Seasons was magically transported back to an era of elegance and Old World Hollywood glamour where the rich and famous danced and drank the night away against the backdrop of zebra printed banquettes. This Manhattan supper club, famous from the ‘30s thru the ‘50s, celebrated a lifestyle that everyday people could only read about in the newspapers. Where people like Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich and Jackie Kennedy Onassis (in both incarnations) mixed and mingled with royalty. Event designer Tom Kehoe was the genius behind this evening’s transformation and, according to some who had visited the original El Morocco, it was true down to the last detail. When I first entered the room, my jaw dropped in amazement; believe you and me, I’ve seen some pretty incredible event venues but nothing like this. Tom had even created zebra banquettes that replaced chairs around many of the tables. The centerpieces featured three-foot-tall, thin crystal vases holding simple white calla lilies or wispy palms evocative of that era. Many of the guests were inspired by the invitation to dress accordingly. I saw beautiful vintage gowns with statement jewelry, fur boas, feathered evening bags, flapper-inspired hairstyles, cigarette holders…there were even old-fashioned cigarette girls selling Cuban cigars while wearing flirty, little pillbox hats, shorts and cropped tuxedo jackets. There were prizes inside some of the cigars such as rounds of golf or dinners at top restaurants. (Insanely clever, right?) I also saw some guests who thought “El Morocco” meant the country of Morocco but this is another story! LOL! The live auction prizes, presented by Jim Karas, were outstanding too and included a trip to Ireland for the Notre Dame/Navy football game ($4,500), three days and two nights on Susan and Fred Gohl’s yacht in Naples, Florida ($3,500), an African photo safari ($6,500), a seven-day Holland America Cruise Line trip for two (your choice of itinerary, $3,750), after-party tickets to the Golden Globes, NY Fashion Week tickets and a trip to Skibo Castle in Scotland. An adorable Havanese puppy from PAWS went to a lucky bidder as well. Raffle prizes included a custom gown by designer Elda de la Rosa, earrings from Pomellato and a John Reilly photography session among others. SC President Sherrill Bodine welcomed the crowd and spoke about dedicating her year as president to the memory of her mother, who was mentally disabled since birth. She said, “Mentally, she never progressed older than six years old. She could not read or write. I am a writer—she was never able to read any of my books. In the years I’ve worked on the Philanthropic Committee and seen the organizations in Chicago which assist women like my mother, I’ve often thought that if she’d lived in this wonderful city she could have been helped. She might have been able to learn to read. What a gift that would’ve been. That is the kind of gift you are giving to others by being here tonight. Thank you for helping us make Chicago a better place in which to live—for everyone.” Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini (struggling with crutches from his recent surgery), spoke about the history of the Service Club and thanked them for their 121 years of service. Event co-chairs Toni Canada, Laurie Davis and Dusty Stemer brought out a sell-out crowd of more than 430 people who danced the night away to the sophisticated dance arrangements by the Ken Arlen Orchestra who played everything from Cole Porter to club music. The orchestra also accompanied special guest performer Shelley MacArthur Farley, who entertained the crowd with her cabaret style. The memorable and delicious dinner menu included potato pumpkin soup, roast beef tenderloin with wild mushroom sauce and asparagus as well as a seasonal trio of desserts. The party continued into the State Room where the Leopard Lounge was in full swing as we said our goodbyes. I could almost hear Truman Capote gossiping in the corner. This year’s Gala raised close to $250K. (Additional photos by Cindy Barrymore, Caitlin Saville Collins and Steve Starr.) Please enjoy my video coverage on Watch312.com and to view ALL event pics, please click here!

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I don’t know about you, but it was a pretty spooky Halloween in my Old Town neighborhood this year. Emmy award winner Steve Weiss of Zacuto Manufacturing, along with his beautiful wife Lucy and sister-in-law Christina Wojtas, hosted a thriller of an evening complete with fog machines, 12-foot-tall ghosts, vampires, bonfires, roasted weenies and marshmallows and witches’ brew along with a cast of local, costumed characters. Steve and Lucy’s ethereal daughter Isabel was dressed as a Victorian vampire (think Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise’s daughter in “Interview with the Vampire”) and she played her part to the hilt complete with pet “rats” (fake, thank God!) she carried around in a cage to scare the bejesus out of guests to peals of laughter (hers). It was a great night with friends who feel like family. Thanks for the memories! (To view all pics, please click here!)

Emmy congratulations go out to Zacuto’s Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn and Scott Lynch on their exciting win this weekend! They received the award for “FilmFellas” and now have multiple Emmys on their office shelves! Kudos all around!

And speaking of kudos, congrats to Dr. Arnie Tatar! Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently passed a resolution naming a street after this beloved doc! Can’t wait to drive down Honorary Arnold M. Tatar, MD Way! Congrats to Arnie and his darling family on this great honor!

I met the “The Fence Doctor” Fred Gebbia when he was working on a street near my house…on a fence, of course! You see, Fred is a master iron worker and craftsman who has been featured in a zillion magazines and the Chicago Tribune, among other publications. He built the winning structure on national TV for HGTV’s "Landscape Design Challenge," appeared in “Public Enemies” and the “Garden in a City” show in Millennium Park. He has brought treasured, landmarked Victorian iron fences back to life, many times recreating the missing pieces himself in his studio. He has worked on many celebrity homes and to show you the kind of guy he is, he didn’t want to share their names unless he got their permission. He’s not interested in expanding his company to multiple crews since he makes sure he’s on every job himself “to make sure it’s done right.” He laughs and says, “That means I’ll never get rich but I don’t think that’s why we’re here on earth.” This guy is the real deal from the inside out and as the Carly Simon song goes, “Nobody does it better…” To learn more, email Fred here.

The holiday season is fast approaching and during this time of the year, my thoughts turn to nutcrackers – as in the The Joffrey Ballet’s annual crowd pleaser known affectionately as “America’s #1 Nutcracker” which begins on Saturday, December 9th and runs through the 27th at the Auditorium Theatre. On Saturday, December 10th, The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents the Nutcracker Family Dinner which will be held at the Palmer House Hilton in the State and Grand Ballrooms. The enchanting evening will feature entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and of course, a thrilling performance of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker. Guests will have the option of attending the matinee or evening performance of The Nutcracker on December 10th. The evening’s co-chairs Sonya Jackson and Cindy Burns, both Women’s Board members, have created an evening of family fun. The delightful evening begins at 4:00 PM on the fourth floor of the Palmer House in the State Ballroom with cocktails, punch, lively entertainment and special “Creation Stations” that the entire family can enjoy. At 5:15 PM, guests will be seated in the Grand Ballroom for a traditional family-style meal. It is a tradition you should begin now!

Desiree Rogers, Susu Block and Kara Mann co-hosted a party in PUBLIC Chicago’s Library to celebrate the launch of Derek Blasberg’s latest book, “Very Classy: Even More Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady.” Blasberg is a fashion writer, editor and New York Times best-selling author who was born in St. Louis now lives in NY (with his dachshund named Monster) where he is the editor-at-large of Harper’s Bazaar and senior editor of V magazine and VMAN, the fashion titles from arts collective Visionaire. His latest book, an expanded, updated and revamped version of his original best seller - “Very Classy” – is a collection of humorous essays and illustrations that pertain to etiquette. Harper’s Bazaar said, “He is to parties what Rob Pattinson is to vampires but you don’t get bitten, you get smitten.” In its second week, “Very Classy” was certified a New York Times best seller and has since been translated into several languages and published in countries in Asia, South America and Europe. (To order his book, please click here!)

The Chicago Academy of Dance is hosting a “More Dinner Than Dance” soiree at Tantrik Chicago, located at 800 Superior, on Friday, November 18th, from 7 – 10 PM with an after-party from 10 PM – 2 AM. This formal party will benefit the renovation of their first location at 3433 S. Indiana Ave. CAM offers free music education through a variety of programs for children who are undeserved and/or chronically poor in the South and West sides of Chicago. This event will showcase the finest vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers Chicago has to offer. For tickets and more info, please visit www.CAMChicago.org.

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s fun highlights! Hope you’re having a great week and I hope to “see” you here next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I conducted a little Facebook Halloween Contest and I had lots of creative entries but, hands down, my favorite was "24/7" producer Jeff Conway’s! Both the name and the costume made me giggle – take a look at his “Jack (Daniels) and the Beanstalk” look if you want a laugh, too! He’s a brave man! To see all of the cute entries, please click here!