Tag Archives: Ken Norgan

June 13, 2012 · 9:39 am

A FANTASY ISLAND FOR FRIENDS OF PRENTICE GALA

…PLUS BUNKY’S RL BREAKFAST, GIULIANA AND BILL CELEBRATE AT RPM, KEITH MAGEE’S RSA HONOR, SERVICE CLUB’S MAD HATTER LUNCHEON, MAMIE HONORED AT TIFFANY EYE-BANK KICK-OFF, LISA MADIGAN HOSTS AUTHOR RECEPTION, OLD ST. PAT’S WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, SUMMER LOVIN’ SINGLES PARTY AT MCA, LANGHAM NABS JOE AGUILERA AND SO MUCH MORE!

With a theme like “Fantasy Island,” it was no surprise that this fun-filled and visual feast attracted more than 800 supporters to the 26th annual Friends of Prentice benefit at Navy Pier recently. Co-chairs Erica Goldman, Chris Newton and Stan Pillman outdid themselves in the planning and event décor specialist extraordinaire Derrick Taylor created a fantasy world that included something special around every corner. Beginning with the cocktail reception and silent auction, the Digging for Diamonds raffle was a magnet for guests who dug in a giant sandbox for all sorts of “bling” with tiny golden shovels. The raffle giveaway was a trip for two to Mexico. Additionally, guests could contribute to the Giving Tree, a faux palm tree with leaves that could be pulled off to make donations to fund services at the Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, which provides pre- and post-natal care to low-income women. The silent auction had hundreds of items where you could find anything your heart desired including tickets to Lollapalooza (which has been sold out for weeks!), tickets to the Ryder Cup (another sold out event), tickets to the Kids’ Choice Awards in L.A., John Oates and Lyle Lovett concert tix, restaurant packages (including dinners at Nellcote, Paris Club, A Tavola and more), a Joffrey Ballet package and getaways to Michigan, London, New Hampshire and Ireland. As guests headed into the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, event planner Derrick Taylor (whose company, Taylor & Company, is owned by co-chair Erica Goldman) had planned some delicious surprises. First of all, partygoers were lei-ed with orchids before entering into a tropical, elegant beach- themed paradise through a tunnel ending with a faux “waterfall” complete with sounds of the ocean. Tables were adorned with five-foot-tall palm fronds, candles and crystal candelabras much to the delight of guests. I was privileged to participate in the live auction portion of the evening with Mary Gallo (Prentice board member and account director for global retail leisure and luxury sales with Starwood Hotels) and star auctioneer, Greg Dellinger, aka G-Man. (If you have any events that require the services of an auctioneer, do yourself a favor: he’s your guy!) The live auction included a never-before-offered package at the St. Regis NY with a stay in the Tiffany Suite. There was also an amazing Napa Valley wine lover’s package, an Italian dinner package at Piccolo Sogno and a trip to Mexico at the luxurious St. Regis Resort Punta Mita. I was also honored to present a moving video tribute that featured Alex and Mike Jacobson: They had lost twin boys who were born prematurely but the loving care and support they received at Prentice moved them to join the Board in appreciation. (In October, Alex gave birth to a healthy baby boy.) As the pirates moved into the dancing crowd with gift bags, the great band Maggie Speaks kept the music pumping. What a great night for charity in Chicago! This event raised $1 million to fund groundbreaking research, clinical care programs and advanced educational opportunities at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. To view ALL pics from this amazing evening, please click here!

Last week, Walter E. Smithe and Comcast hosted a finale viewing party for Giuliana and Bill Rancic at RPM Italian restaurant with partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman and acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis. Giuliana and Bill warmly greeted guests taking photos with everyone on the Style Network’s flowery red carpet. Excited fans of their show won tickets and a trip to Chicago for the exclusive party through a sweepstakes on the Style Network. Tim Smithe gifted the Rancics with a custom Walter E. Smithe rocking chair for their new baby, who will be arriving at the end of the summer. After Tim (a father of six!) offered a few words of advice, Giuliana sat down in the chair and Bill jumped on her lap. Giuliana was overheard saying she hadn’t watched much of the finale episode yet which featured the sold-out FabFest event she hosted with breast cancer advocate and Chicagoan, Lindsay Avner of Bright Pink. (The event raised $240,000 for the cause, largely due to Giuliana’s support.) Lindsay and Giuliana were spied excitedly talking about her upcoming baby shower in L.A. The reality duo hinted to another season of “Giuliana and Bill” on Style and joked they were negotiating the baby’s contract. Spotted at the party were Tim Smithe, Mary Astor Smithe, Kathleen Henson, Shane Talbott, Lindsay Avner, Ryan Chiaverini, Allison Rosati, Rob Stafford, Dori Wilson, Tarrah Cooper, Richard Roeper, Erica Strama, Kelly Zink, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal (co-owners of Luxury Garage Sale), Eric Ferguson (from 101.9 The Mix) and Luis Gomez among many others. (Photos by Jeff Schear and Anjali Pint…view more here!)

The annual Mad Hatter Luncheon benefitting the Service Club of Chicago filled the elegant Chicago Club on Van Buren with 260 ladies sporting all varieties of chapeaux! Chaired for the second year by SC member Sherry Lea Holson, this event also featured private hat collections by renowned designer Raymond Hudd which were on loan from collectors Mary Robak, Iris Sholder and Eia Radosavljevic. While the ladies sipped cocktails and browsed the collection, a panel of judges that included Bill Zwecker, Robin Robinson and Elizabeth Hamel selected winners in various categories. The Most Original hat award went to Tammy Beeler; the Most Fashionable was worn by Sarena Weil; Best Spring Ensemble was won by Rosa Guidarelli; the Best Fascinator was awarded to Jessica Priego and the Mad Hatter’s Choice was awarded to Hazel Barr. The winners won beautiful hats donated by beloved milliner Loreta Corsetti, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Carlucci Millinery; Jenny Pfanenstiel of Former Millinery and, last but least, Nicole Betti of Gold Coast Couture. SC Prez Vonita Reescer welcomed the guests and introduced speaker Jenny Pfanenstiel who delighted the ladies with a lecture on “The Hat Life of Raymond Hudd.” During the presentation, models from Zzazz Productions (Tracy Tarantino) walked throughout the venue wearing the hats on display. Each guest received a note holder and pen set and the floral
basket centerpieces were donated and created by Arturo from Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest. (Photos by John Reilly Studios…view more here!)

I’ve never been to RL Restaurant at such an early hour as I did recently for Bunky Cushing’s fourth annual “Early Birds & Bookworms” breakfast but it was sure worth it! The room was packed with bold-faced names waiting to see and hear guest speaker Cornelia Guest. Daughter of fashion icon C.Z. Guest and Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia is a polo champion, handbag designer, baker and heir to the Phipps steel fortune. Her father was a cousin of Winston Churchill. In 1982 she was named “Debutante of the Year” and “Deb of the Decade” in 1986. Her mother was 1937’s “Deb of the Year” and also the guest speaker at Bunky’s first hat luncheon 15 years ago! Besides her remarkable family history, she has made a name for herself in her own right: She is the author of “The Debutante’s Guide to Life” and, on this day, was signing her latest book, “Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures.” From childhood, Cornelia had an aversion to eating animal products due to her love for all creatures great and small. When her mother became ill, her research steered her toward a cruelty-free diet. In her latest book, she reveals secrets she learned from her parents’ privileged lifestyles as well as her favorite, simple recipes. Her tips on entertaining take the stress out of any meal and, as she laughingly stated during her talk she “is far from a master chef.” The book is organized by seasons with contributions from her favorite chefs, doctors, a veterinarian and other health experts. She charmed the crowd with her self-effacing banter and blonde, Palm Beach good looks and was on her way to Bloomingdale’s to promote her cruelty-free (made of PVC) and already-popular new handbag line (under $300) which she launched a year ago. Seen in the crowd were Bill Zwecker, Tom Gorman, Zarada Gowenlock, Hazel Barr, Cornelia’s handsome husband and doggie, Toni Canada, Sherren Leigh, Nina Mariano, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Lynda Silverman, Myra Reilly (sporting a short new ‘do she cut herself!), Stanley Paul, Lori Daniels, Dusty Stemer (whose cute son, Zac, is working for the Sun-Times now), Mary Lasky, Lynn McMahan, Sarena Weil (carrying a croc Birken similar to the one sawed in half on Dina Eastwood’s reality show “Mrs. Eastwood & Co.”), Dr. Stacie McClane and more. Long may you reign, Cornelia and Bunky! “Early Birds & Bookworms” benefitted the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and was completely underwritten by the Gibson Group…awwwwww, so nice! Even nicer: The breakfast raised more than $20,000 for the Senior Caucus! (Click here for more fun pics.)

I just can’t wait for the new Langham Hotel to open in Chicago! Slated to open in 2013, it will be a 316-room luxury hotel in one of the city’s most famous downtown riverfront landmarks – a Mies van dere Rohe-designed building at 330 N. Wabash Ave. But the most exciting part of this news is that long time Elysian VP, Joe Aguilera, will be its Director of Sales and Marketing! I adore Joe, as those who know him do, and know he will be a fabulous addition! Currently, 29 member hotels are open or in the pipeline across four continents; to find out where and more info, please visit www.langhamhospitalitygoup.com. I will see YOU soon, Joe, at this sure-to-be elegant spot!

And more kudos are in order for another beloved Chicagoan Keith Magee who is the executive officer of the much-anticipated National Public Housing Museum. On June 7th, he was named as a Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts of the United Kingdom. “RSA Fellows inspire innovative thinking, enable positive change and support each other to create an enlightened space to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.” – this describes Keith to a T, as he wears his desire to make the world a better place on his sleeve. “I'm just attempting to do what I'm required – as my grandfather has said – for as long as I can remember: ‘You have to pay your rent for taking up space on earth.’ And, the resounding message of my father (now deceased), ‘Your wealth will never be determined by what you have in the bank. It will be based on the deposit you made for the next generation.’ So, really, I'm just filling the requirements. :-)” I look forward to seeing and hearing a LOT more about this remarkable man.

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing the move by Common Threads’ Linda Novick O’Keefe to Austin, Texas. Her husband, Nick, was given an offer he couldn’t refuse from the state of Texas, so of course, the family will follow. However, she will be back every month to monitor her beloved Common Threads, where she will continue to serve as the organization’s executive director. With the world living on computers, we can all do business any
where we like and with Common Threads opening up new facilities across the country, Linda will be smack dab in the middle! Common Threads co-founder Chef Art Smith said, “I think Austin is a very exciting young community where many opportunities exist that could help us grow even more.” I love you LNO and wish you and your beyond-adorable family all the best! See you soon!

“Bridal Wave” Season 2 is looking for brides-to-be for the hottest, live online show produced by Kenmore Studios! Audition for a chance to win a $10,000 Kenmore Dream Kitchen by clicking here! “Bringing the wisdom of the world to brides-to-be everywhere on July 13th!”

The Kick-Off for the upcoming Illinois Eye-Bank Gala (set for Thursday, June 14th) was recently hosted at Tiffany’s by VP Cathy Elward and Group Director Liza Zito along with Peter Latz, the Chairman of the Illinois Eye-Bank Board. Supporters came out to congratulate Mamie Walton, this year’s Woman of Vision, and Dr. Joel Sugar, the Gift of Sight honoree. Always elegantly attired, on this night Mamie was wearing a simple black dress which highlighted her Tiffany Strawberry pin by Jean Schlumberger on her shoulder. Accompanied by long-time friend Stanley Paul, she greeted guests with that charming British accent and winning smile. Liza Zito welcomed the crowd and Diane Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the IEB, thanked Mamie for her support and presented her with a pair of Tiffany cat-eye shaped sunglasses. The June 14th soiree at the Peninsula, “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” will be emceed by Bill Zwecker. Guests will be transported across the pond to the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s – the exclusive member-only club catering to royalty, celebs and an elite clientele. Guests seen at the Kick-Off party included Myra and John Reilly, Hazel and Warren Barr, Tiffani Kim and Brad Ingram, Dr. David Donnesberger and Claire Kenneally, Rich Varnes and Cynthia King, Tom Segesta, Amy Wimer and Ed Wlodarczyk, Ken Norgan, Charles Hocevar, Suzanne LeMignot, Sherrill Bodine, Vonita Reescer, Larisa Kronfeld, Megan McKinney, John Regas, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern and Helen and Ralph Applegate. For tickets and more info to “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” click here and to view more images from this event, view this gallery!

Don’t miss Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party coming on June 29th and 30th! Headliner is Ben Folds Five with Life House also performing! The WLBP is a Chicago summer tradition supporting Old St. Pat’s many missions including Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and Global Alliance for Africa to name a few. Chicago celebs will be bartending and the food will be awesome! Come out and say hi- to Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Andrea Metcalf, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Stefan Holt, Anthony Ponce, Rob Stafford, Marcus Riley, Borris Powell, moi aussi, and many others! For more info, please check out my PSA below!!

America’s oldest and liveliest urban antiques market, the Randolph Street Market, will be returning to 1340 W. Randolph on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th with more than 250 vendors! There will be plenty of art, fashion, antiques, vintage treasures, decorator finds, food, drinks, music and FUN! Come out and see for yourself! I can’t wait to see what jewelry dealer Ira Scheck brings this time!

On Wednesday, June 13th, Vital Bridges is hosting a kick-off party at Studio Paris for their annual Chefs & the City fundraising event. This year, CATC will be held on July 27th at the Ritz-Carlton featuring delicious bites from the city’s best chefs including Ryan Pitts (RL Restaurant), Ryan Poli (Tavernita), Doug Psaltz (RPM Italian), Moosa Reaume (Pump Room) and more! For tickets and more info, please click here!

The Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Chicago magazine will present the 12th annual Summer Lovin’ event on Friday, June 15th, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., from 7 to10:30 p.m. Auxiliary Board President Laura Beres said, “Our sponsors and the magazine’s featured singles provide Chicago’s young professionals with an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and fun!” NBC 5’s Stefan Holt and Cheryl Scott will be the emcees and Watch312 (Candid Candace Chicago) will be there to cover all the fun! For tickets ($85) and more info, please click here.

Wags to Wishes’ inaugural dinner and auction benefit will be held on Saturday, June 16th, at the Meadows Club, located at 2950 W. Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, Ill. from 6 to10 p.m. This event will benefit Young at Heart Pet Rescue, an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of senior dogs and cats. As the only rescue dedicated exclusively to older animals, they have provided “happily ever afters” for close to 500 senior dogs and cats that would’ve otherwise been euthanized in traditional shelters. For tickets ($65) and more info, please click here!

Congrats to Chicago author Jodee Blanco, on her latest and very timely book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me.” This book tells her compelling personal story about being bullied as a child. Attorney General Lisa Madigan interviewed Jodee and outlined initiatives taken to counter cyber bullying at Studio Paris at The Paris Club with more than 200 guests in attendance. To order Jodee’s book, please click here.

Congrats to my long-time friends from across the pond, Anita and Ken Brown, on their 33rd wedding anniversary! We’ve traveled a lot together and these two lovebirds never age. They have only grown more in love with each other over the years! We love and miss you guys – congrats on your anniversary!

Well, this is it for now! Hope your summer is off to a roaring start! Stay tuned for Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party news and more Watch312 videos coming soon! Mark your calendars for the main event on August 10th at the Harris Theatre with Robin Thicke and Karmin benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana! (For more info and tix, please click here.)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I was so thrilled to see the premiere of the Style Network’s newest reality show, “Chicagolicious,” in its glorious debut Monday night! I was even more thrilled to find out that my blog and I played such a big role! The show revolved around darling salon owner AJ Johnson and his cute team trying to find a way to be included on this website! I’ve gotten so many Twitter requests that I can’t believe it and the hits on my blog the following morning were amazing! The power of television – WOWZA! Here’s what AJ had to say about my blog on the show: “Candace Jordan’s blog is the most important society blog in the country. We have to be mentioned on it if we want to be nationally recognized. If we can get on Candid Candace, we will have lines wrapped around the block for the salon!” Oh, AJ and “Chicagolicious,” how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Thanks SO much for including me and Candid Candace in such big way! Love you, love your show, love that adorable cast! Good luck!

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Tagged as 101.9 The Mix, A Posh Night at Annabel’s, A Tavola, AJ Johnson, Alex Jacobson, Allison Rosati, Amy Wimer, Andrea Metcalf, Anita Brown, Anjali Pint, Annabel’s, Anthony Ponce, Art Smith, Arturo, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ben Folds Five, Bill Rancic, Bill Zwecker, Bob Zentner, Borris Powell, Brad Ingram, Bridal Wave Season 2, Brielle Buchberg, Bright Pink, Bunky Cushing, C.Z. Guest, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, Carlucci Millinery, Cathy Elward, Charles Hocevar, Chefs and the City, Cheryl Scott, Chicago Club, Chicago magazine, Chicagolicious, Chris Newton, Claire Kenneally, Comcast, Common Threads, Cornelia Guest, Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures, Cynthia King, Dean Richards, Derrick Taylor, Diane Hollingsworth, Digging for Diamonds, Dina Eastwood, Dori Wilson, Doug Psaltis, Dr. David Donnesberger, Dr. Joel Sugar, Dr. Stacie McClane, Dusty Stemer, Early Birds & Bookworms, Ed Wlodarczyk, Eia Radosavljevic, Elizabeth Hamel, Eric Ferguson, Erica Goldman, Erica Strama, Fantasy Island, Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts, Former Millinery, Friends of Prentice, Gibson Group, Giuliana & Bill, Giuliana Rancic, Giving Tree, Global Alliance for Africa, Gold Coast Couture, Greg Dellinger, Hazel Barr, Heinz Kern, Helen Applegate, Horizons for Youth, Illinois Eye-Bank Gala, Ira Scheck, Iris Sholder, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Jean Schlumberger, Jeff Schear, Jenny Pfanenstiel, Jerrod Melman, Jessica Priego, Jodee Blanco, Joe Aguilera, Joffrey Ballet, John Oates, John Regas, John Reilly, John Reilly Studios, Karmin, Kathleen Henson, Keith Magee, Kelli Zink, Ken Brown, Ken Norgan, Kenmore Dream Kitchen, Kenmore Studios, Kids’ Choice Awards, Langham Hotel, Larisa Kronfeld, Laura Beres, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Leslie Zentner, Life House, Linda Heister, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Lindsay Avner, Lindsay Segal, Liza Zito, Lollapalooza, Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest, Loreta Corsetti, Lori Daniels, Luis Gomez, Luxury Garage Sale, Lyle Lovett, Lynda Silverman, Lynn McMahan, Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party, Mad Hatter Luncheon, Maggie Speaks, Mamie Walton, Marcus Riley, Mary Ann Rose, Mary Astor Smithe, Mary Gallo, Mary Lasky, Mary Robak, Meadows Club, Megan McKinney, Mike Jacobson, Mitchell Canoff, Molly Melman, Moosa Reaume, Mrs. Eastwood & Co., Museum of Contemporary Art, Myra Reilly, Napa Valley, Natalie Martinez, National Public Housing Museum, Nellcote, Nick O’Keefe, Nicole Betti, Nina Mariano, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Old St. Pat’s, Paris Club, Peninsula, Peter Latz, Phipps Steel, Piccolo Sogno, Please Stop Laughing at Me, Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, Prentice Women’s Hospital, Pump Room, Ralph Applegate, Randolph Street Market, Ravi Baichwal, Raymond Hudd, Rich Varnes, Richard Roeper, RJ Melman, RL restaurant, Rob Stafford, Robin Robinson, Robin Thicke, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosa Guidarelli, RPM Italian, Ryan Chiaverini, Ryan Pitts, Ryan Poli, Ryder Cup, Sarena Weil, Service Club of Chicago, Shane Talbot, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea Holson, St. Regis NY, St. Regis Resort Punta Mita, Stan Pillman, Stanley Paul, Starwood Hotels, Stefan Holt, Studio Paris, Style Network, Summer Lovin’, Suzanne LeMignot, Tammy Beeler, Tarrah Cooper, Tavernita, The Debutante’s Guide to Life, Tiffani Kim, Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Suite, Tim Smithe, Tom Gorman, Tom Segesta, Toni Canada, Tracey Tarantino, Vital Bridges, Vonita Reescer, Walter E. Smithe, Warren Barr, Watch312.com. Wags to Wishes, Winston Churchill, Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, World’s Largest Block Party, Young at Heart Pet Rescue, Zarada Gowenlock, ZZAZZ Productions

February 9, 2012 · 3:30 pm

GENE & GEORGETTI’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (WERE!)

…PLUS COLUMBIAN BALL, AIRPLANE ENVY AT AVIATOR’S NIGHT FOR SIGHT, A “SWEET” CHEF AND A BUSY CHEF, A BLOCKBUSTER AUTHOR, ELMO’S, BREAKING ART SMITH/LADY GAGA NEWS AND MORE MUST-ATTEND EVENTS FOR YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR…AND MY LATEST VIDEO FROM WATCH312.COM!

It’s not often that a black tie fundraiser includes holding baby snow leopards, watching kudus on the dance floor or seeing young kangaroos bounding from table to table in a crowded ballroom but this was exactly the scene for the Friends of Conservation’s 21st Ball to benefit the wildlife and culture in East Africa. Reute Butler chaired this event and also serves as president of the organization which was founded in 1982 by her mother, Jorie Butler Kent, and Geoffrey Kent. (On this evening, Jorie was receiving the World Saver Award, as founder of A & K Philanthropy, in Singapore and couldn’t attend). The FOC’s mission, with core support from Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy and other generous donors, is to join with the local people to support traditional and sustainable ways of living in harmony with wildlife and the ecosystem. Also, they promote resource and energy efficient solutions to alleviate the effects of climate change and advancing civilization. Their programs and Conservation Clubs also teach the children of the Masai Mara tree planting, bird watching, bee keeping as well as helping to develop community health projects. FOC also takes a very active role in promoting the overall education in 30 Mara schools. This year alone, the FOC also captured 29 poachers! The quote of the night came from renowned wildlife expert (and former “Wild Kingdom” star) Jim Fowler: “When you look into the eyes of these animals, you feel a connection. And this is important in encouraging the desire for wildlife conservation.” Fowler brought along his friends from the “Wild Kingdom,” as I mentioned above, who definitely brought the point home for the 150 guests this evening. Emcee Zoraida Sambolin introduced Reute by saying, “When you look into her eyes, you see love, heart and a desire to see the world in a better place.” The patron of the organization for the last 23 years, HRH, the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, also sent a message of congratulations: “I am greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm with which you have pursued your work. Your support for projects to preserve wildlife and its habitat has not only benefitted endangered species but also the local communities which depend upon them. We all must redouble our efforts to put economic value on the vital benefits we receive from nature.” He went on to say, “Our work has made a difference but it is far from over.” The FOC has been making a difference for 29 years now in the world-renowned Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, where the largest remaining mammal migration on earth occurs when 1.8 million wildebeest follow the new grass after the rains from the Serengeti every year. It is also the home of the largest concentration of the legendary Masai. Women from the tribe had made exquisite beaded jewelry, belts and more for the silent auction on this night that was filled with intoxicating live auction packages, too. Auctioneer David Goodman hammered down trips, donated by Abercrombie & Kent, to Peru for two (that sold for $3K), a South African safari (that sold for $5K), two business class tickets to London (courtesy of event sponsor American Airlines that sold for $6K), an eight- day journey for two to Turkey ($7K) and a trip to Thailand ($10K). Other unique offerings included a chance to create your own brew, courtesy of Greenbush Brewing Co. owner Scott Sullivan and Fitzgerald’s Gastro-Pub, and a ready-made wine collection consisting of 100 bottles with messages attached from the donors about the wine. (A very clever auction idea, by the way, that gets all of the supporters involved). Rachael Phillippe, Holly Rothschild, Wendy Sherman and Jessica Swift were the co-chairs for the evening and honorary co-chairs included Reute’s uncle (and creator of “Hair,” the musical), Michael Butler, Jutta and John Maue-Kay, Geoffrey Kent, Kay and Fred Krehbiel and actress Stefanie Powers. Special thanks also went to Dr. Wharton Shober (Reute’s father) and Frank O. Butler II (her uncle), who both flew in for the event. The evening was not only for a wonderful caus, but it was a chance to celebrate with party animals and furry animals to the sounds of my favorite bandleader, Stanley Paul. Congrats to Reute, the FOC, long-time supporter Joan Wegner and her family, emcee Zoraida Sambolin and the ever charming, Jim Fowler for bringing these good works and the reasons for them to our attention. Jim Fowler closed the evening by introducing his equally charming wife: “I was a specialist on wildlife and I’d like you to meet my wife Betsy. I tamed her with the rewards system.” (Thanks also to Richard Wiese for his expert help with the wildlife presentations. If it weren’t for him, the little snow leopard would’ve been a bit more than I could handle on my own! What an incredible evening!) Other supporters seen on the scene included Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono, Neal Steiner, Stephanie-Kraml Sutter, Manuela Hung, Marianna Kohl, Sarah Shillington, Rebecca Halpern, Tom Hackett, Colleen Remsburg, Denise Foy, Suzie Browne, World War II ace fighter pilot Burt Avedon, Tom Juffernbruch, William Holdeman, George Jewell, Susan and Joe Ahern and family, Janice Bergamin, Sandya Dandamudi, Teri Maki, Tom McGuire, Barbara and Alain Wood-Prince, Jill and Ben Wigdor, Brien Comerford, Dana and Stanley Day, Wendy Dunaway and Mike McGonagle, Cindy and David Wigdahl, Betsey Burhams Fowler, Ann Epting, Pamela Lassers, Jean Fawcett, Sue Mitchell, Sandra Busse, Norma Cooke and Sean Eshagy among many others. To learn more and/or to donate, please visit www.FriendsofConservation.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and to see the fun for yourselves, enjoy my four- minute video clip on Watch312.com below!)

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

More than 800 guests celebrated at the 31st annual Columbian Ball at the Museum of Science and Industry which raised nearly $2 million this year. This annual event featured the Museum’s “Fast Forward…Inventing the Future” exhibit and encouraged guests to celebrate today’s leading inventors and inspire innovators of the future. The evening, chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Tilton, Dr. Diana Strassmann and Jeff Smisek, also celebrated the Museum’s Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), which brings interactive science content into the classroom, out to the community, inside special Museum lab spaces and throughout the Museum itself. During the reception, guests interacted with local Chicago teens and teachers who participate in this program, giving guests an opportunity to hear first-hand the positive influence it bears. Guests dined on a delicious meal, catered by George Jewell, which paid homage to featured “Fast Forward” inventors: The meal started with “The Vertical Garden” (dedicated to inventor Dickson Despommier’s Vertical Farm Project), which included honey crisp apple, cranberry, fennel, arugula and goat cheese in a honey-lemon vinaigrette, followed by the “Out of this World” dinner entrees which were inspired by another featured “Fast Forward” innovator Peter Diamandis, chairman and CEO of the X-Prize Foundation and Zero Gravity Corp. and culminated with the dessert from molecular gastronomy king Chef Homaro Cantu – his ACME Bomb was a truffle-like dessert filled with graham cracker and crème that is a more modern take on the s’more. Emcee Bill Kurtis kicked off the live auction, which raised more than $217K, and included two round trip tickets to Hong Kong and four courtside seats plus a behind-the-scenes tour at the 2012 U.S. Open Tennis Championship among many other unique offerings. Live entertainment was provided by “Generation: The Sixties Experience.” The Museum of Science and Industry was once the Palace of Fine Arts at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Columbian Ball is named after this world-renowned fair. To learn more about Museum events and programming, please visit www.msichicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl and JB Spector…for more photos, please click here!)

The Illinois Eye-Bank brought the luxe life back for the second year with their popular “Aviator’s Night for Sight” event, which was held inside the hangar at Schaumburg Regional Airport. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception at Chicago’s Crown Plaza Hotel before departing by motor coach to the airport where numerous jets, luxury sports cars, fashion and food were waiting to greet them. Guest mixed, danced and mingled while drinking Grey Goose specialty cocktails and perusing the gourmet food stations. Spin master DJ RodX got the party started before IEB Executive Director Diane Hollingsworth and event co-chairs Morgan Stogsdill and Franco La Marca took to the stage. After welcoming the attendees, they introduced 10-year-old Anthony Diaz, a cornea recipient who was the evening’s Ambassador for Vision. Morgan and Franco ended by sharing, “Our friends and colleagues united through Ambassadors for Vision to raise awareness for the Illinois Eye-Bank’s important mission of restoring sight to the blind.” Next up, a fashion show produced by Kimberly Palmisano, in association with Akira, featured looks from the Monarrez Collection, Villapando, Anabel Salazar, By Chance, Marissa and Jason Senzon, French Connection, Hudson Jeans and Scott James among others. The evening raised approximately $25K which will be used to continue the work of the Eye-Bank. For more info, please visit www.illinoiseyebank.org. Check out the video fun here! (Photos by Steve Starr.)

A big congrats to “sweet” Chef Eric Lanlard! I attended my first “Disco Dessert Tea Dance” held in his honor recently at the super cool Stephen Hamilton Studio, located at 1520 W. Fulton. Hosted by Jesus Salguiero, Naushab Ahmed and Stephen Hamilton, this ‘70s themed party also featured DJ White Shadow, who helped produce Lady Gaga’s hit, “Born this Way.” And speaking of Lady Gaga, Chef Art wasn’t able to attend, even though he was one of the hosts…but a little birdie told me he is in NY working on a Thanksgiving special with Lady Gaga!!! (So long Andy Williams!) Anyway, the guest of honor, darling Chef Lanlard, told me he’s been baking cakes since he was three years old! He is a Master Patissier, a two-time winner of the prestigious Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Awards AND he has earned himself an international reputation for superlative cakes with an impressive A-list clientele. Along with his cake emporium, Cake Boy in London, Eric also stars in two British TV series where he takes the viewer on a journey to his favorite cafes and patisseries of Paris. He is also the author of “Master Cakes” and teaches regular classes at his Southwest London cookery school. WHEW! He is definitely someone you should know. And his recent book, “Cake Boy,” has some of the most scrumptious recipes and photos I’ve seen in a long, long time. Willy Wonka has nothing on Eric! (To purchase “Cake Boy,” please click here and to view more pics, click here!)

Speaking of book news, society expert/author Megan McKinney has just published a riveting story of the country’s first media dynasty, the Medills of Chicago. “The Magnificent Medills” was featured on the COVER of The New York Times Book Review a week or so ago and, as the jacket reads, “Printer’s ink raged in the veins of the Medills, the McCormicks and the Pattersons throughout a century, and their legacy prevailed for another five decades – always in the forefront of events, shaping the intellectual and social pulse of America. At the same time, the dark side of the intellectual stardom driving the dynasty was a destructive compulsion that left clan members crippled by their personal demons of chronic depression, alcoholism, drug abuse and even madness and suicide.” There are also many, many people mentioned that we all know, or have heard of, around town. This book is a must-read! Congrats to Megan on this blockbuster! Chicago is quickly becoming the literary capitol of the world! (To purchase “The Magnificent Medills,” please click here!)

And now for some exciting upcoming events that Candid Candace Recommends 🙂

The Junior League of Chicago will hold its 40th Annual Gazebo Holiday Market on Friday, November 18th, and Saturday, November 19th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St., in the Sidney R. Yates Gallery on the 4th floor. In addition to a full-day of shopping on Saturday, the “Martinis and Mistletoe” preview cocktail party will be held on Friday, November 18th from 7 – 11 PM. Tickets to the party are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Ticket sales from the party and a portion of every purchase will be donated to the JLC’s community projects dedicated to the empowerment of at-risk women and children in the Chicagoland area. (For more info and to purchase event and raffle tickets, please call 312.664.4462 ext. 101 or visit www.jlchicago.org. (Entrance to the Gazebo Holiday Market is free and open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 19th from 10 AM to 4 PM).

Will you be meeting friends at Elmo’s on Friday evening, November 4th, for the annual Service Club of Chicago’s black tie gala at the Four Seasons, located at 120 E. Delaware Place? The theme is “A Glamorous Evening at The Club El Morocco” and will be a celebration of this organization’s 121st gala. Founded in 1890, the SC is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Co-chairs Toni Canada, Laurie Davis and Dusty Stemer have planned a night of surprises you won’t soon forget. Emcees for the evening will be Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini of “Windy City Live,” Honorary Chair is Rahm Emanuel and there will be a special performance by Shelley MacArthur Farley. The title of the Gala was inspired by the legendary supper club of the ‘30s and ‘40s, El Morocco, where the Vanderbilts dined alongside Cary Grant and Marlene Dietrich, where Jackie went as Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Onassis, and where infamous playboy Porfirio Rubirosa dallied with Delores del Rio, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Eva Peron. It was also the place where Humphrey Bogart was banned for life! As you can see, we’re in for some good ole Hollywood glamour! So grab your mink boa, a cigarette holder (well, maybe not) and your martini glass because I think we’re in for one wild ride! (For tickets, beginning at $400, and more info, please contact Laurie Davis at 773.404.5858).

International wine and culinary event LUXEHOME Chill will be held in LUXEHOME’s showroom in the Merchandise Mart on Thursday, November 10th, from 6 – 8:30 PM. The VIP party will be held from 5 – 6 PM in their Paris Ceramics suite, #146. Hosted by L20 Restaurant and Wine Spectator Magazine, this event will feature premier seafood tastings served by Executive Chef Francis Brennan. The main event will feature 40 top chefs and 150 premium wines! Tickets to the VIP Wine Tasting and Reception plus the main event are $175. For the Wine & Culinary Event only, tickets are $85. The VIP event will benefit the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, the Lynn Sage Foundation and the Respiratory Health Association. (For tix and more info, please click here.) You will see LOTS of familiar faces here, I’m sure, thanks to much loved host, Gayle Anthony!

Still haven’t made it to the pumpkin patch…sigh. Have a great week and thanks for checking in!! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Thanks to a happenstance meeting on a reality cooking show, Lady Gaga and Chef Art Smith are doing some BIGGGGG, EXCITING things together! Chef Art and Lady Gaga met on "Oprah." She admired Art from "Top Chef Masters" and expressed disappointment that he didn’t win. He replied, “I did win, you remembered me. It’s not about winning, it’s about being remembered.” Their friendship and love for each other led to her introducing her parents, Cynthia and Joe Germanotta, to Art. Papa Gaga, a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant School at Michigan State has always dreamed of owning his own restaurant. Well, voila! Watch for a small restaurant, Joanne’s, coming to NYC’s Upper West side, in the 60’s between Columbus and Central Park with a menu inspired by family recipes with Art’s special southern touches. It will be designed by Mama Gaga and will I’m sure become an instant star-spotting, celeb hangout! AND, watch for Chef Art in a starring role in an ABC Thanksgiving Special with the Lady herself!

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Tagged as A Glamorous Evening at The Club El Morocco, Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy, Akira, Alain Wood-Prince, Anabel Salazar, Andy Williams, Ann Epting, Anthony Diaz, Art Smith, Aviator’s Night for Sight, Barbara Wood-Prince, Ben Wigdor, Betsey Burhams Fowler, Bill Kurtis, Bob Carl, Brien Comerford, Burt Avedon, By Chance, Cake Boy, Center for the Advancement of Science Education (CASE), Chef Eric Lanlard, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, Cindy Wigdahl, Colleen Remsburg, Columbian Ball, Conservation Clubs, Dana Day, David Goodman, David Wigdahl, Denise Foy, Diane Hollingsworth, Disco Dessert Tea Dance, DJ White Shadow, Dr. Diana Strassmann, Dr. Wharton Shober, Dusty Stemer, Elmo’s, Fast Forward...Inventing the Future, Fitzgerald Gastro-Pub, Francis Brennan, Franco La Marca, Frank O. Butler II, Fred Krehbiel, French Connection, Friends of Conservation Ball, Gayle Anthony, Gazebo Holiday Market, Generation: The Sixties Experience, Geoffrey Kent, George Jewell, Glenn Tilton, Greenbush Brewing Company, Holly Rothschild, Homaro Cantu, Hudson Jeans, Illinois Eye-Bank, Jackie Tilton, Janice Bergamin, JB Spector, Jean Fawcett, Jeff Smisek, Jessica Swift, Jesus Salguiero, Jill Wigdor, Jim Fowler, Joan Wegner, Joe Ahern, John Maue-Kay, Jorie Butler Kent, Junior League of Chicago, Jutta Maue-Kay, Kay Krehbiel, Ken Norgan, Kimberly Pamlisano, L2O, Lady Gaga, Laurie Davis, LUXEHOME Chill, Lynn Sage Foundation, Magnificent Medills, Manuela Hung, Marianna Kohl, Marissa and Jason Senzon, Martinis and Mistletoe, Masai Mara, Master Cakes, Megan McKinney, Merchandise Mart, Michael Butler, Mike McGonagle, Mila Samokhina, Monarrez Collection, Morgan Stogsdill, Museum of Science and Industry, Naushab Ahmed, Neal Steiner, Norma Cooke, Pamela Lassers, Paul Iacono, Peter Diamandis, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, Rachael Phillippe, Rahm Emanuel, Rebecca Halpern, Respiratory Health Association, Reute Butler, Richard Wiese, Ryan Chiaverini, Sandra Busse, Sandya Dandamudi, Sarah Shillington, Scott James, Scott Sullivan, Sean Eshagy, Service Club of Chicago, Shelley MacArthur Farley, Stanley Day, Stanley Paul, Stefanie Powers, Stephanie-Kraml Sutter, Stephen Hamilton, Stephen Hamilton Studio, Steve Starr, Sue Mitchell, Susan Ahern, Suzie Browne, Teri Maki, The New York Times Book Review, Tom Hackett, Tom Juffernbruch, Tom McGuire, Toni Canada, Valerie Warner, Villapando, Watch312.com, Wendy Dunaway, Wendy Sherman, William Holdeman, Windy City Live, Wine Spectator, World War II, Zoraida Sambolin

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!