Plus: Dance for Life's "United as One"; One Tail at a Time, WINNING!; Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru; Remembering Studio 54; Dining Out for Life; Chicago's Farmers' Markets; CMFA Superstar Spotlight Series; Holiday Heroes' "MASK-erade"; Drive-in NW Film Festival; Navy Pier update; AIBI's Rev UP! honors Sherrill; Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Friends of Prentice's "Still Together, at Home"; Mark, (always) a Distinct Man of Honor; Luminarts' "Next Begins Now"; Chicago Children's Choir's "Reverberation"; Illinois Holocaust Museum SOIREE update; This & That; Fun videos and soooo much MORE!
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If you're a fan of the iconic Barbie Doll and you didn't Zoom into the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum's "Dressing Barbie" event, then you really
missed a great time! Fans, friends and supporters tuned in on Saturday, August 15 to see/ hear from Carol Spencer, one of the top Barbie Doll clothing designers whose book "Dressing Barbie" has created a sensation among fans who are young and young-at-heart. Before the event, Barbie Boxes, packed with loads of unique Barbie-related items, were sold for
$100 each so viewers could truly get into the spirit of the occasion. Co-chairs Maggie M. Morgan and Dustin Erikstrup and other Costume Council members really did their
homework on this incredible virtual event. They did everything right–remarkable and passionate speaker, great buzz surrounding the event, awesome collateral material, dedicated fans who made it fun and very, very interesting information artfully delivered. Kudos to committee members
Heather Farley Ingram, Anne Forman, Blythe Lee, Elise Maltby, David Mordini, Dusty Stemer and Michelle Bibergal, the President of the Costume Council. Bibergal welcomed viewers saying, "By joining us today, you are helping the Museum preserve,
collect and showcase our amazing 50,000 piece costume collection featuring garments from the past 250 years." Co-chair Dustin Erikstrup served as event host moving the presentation along and conducting a live Q & A with Carol at the end of the hour-long segment. In spite
of an early sound glitch, the event moved along smoothly. Keynote speaker Carol Spencer built an extraordinary career as the designer of Barbie's fantastic fashions that impacted style while it thrilled children and adults for decades. The first Barbie Doll was launched on March 9, 1959 with businesswoman
Ruth Handler being credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild
Lilli as her inspiration. During the presentation, Carol first spoke about her early years as a fashion designer that began in 1955 with her first job in a lingerie shop. Her 35 year career saw many changes with the doll. In 1980, Mattel created the first Black doll followed by Hispanic dolls. Now there are dolls that represent countries and ethnicities from all over the world. Currently, there are four sizes of dolls available: original, tall, petite and curvy. Most recently, former Chicagoans Matt Jacobi and his husband Nick Caprio convinced Mattel to acknowledge the gay market too after they had trouble creating a doll package to reflect their status for Matt's nieces. Their eventual collaboration birthed the
"Same-Sex Barbie Wedding Fashion Packets"! Matt said, "This will give children the tools to imagine any kind of wedding they want. All couples can now be represented with their choice of wedding fashions along with the brand's diverse doll line. For children around the world, they now have the opportunity to put together, narrate and play out a wedding day that is reflective of their own life
experience. We have great trust in Barbie. For now, we invite you to enjoy playtime with your little ones while reminding you that love is love!" Amen to that. During the event, viewers hosted several
exciting, themed Watch Parties. Gina Bollenbach brought together 3 generations of Barbie lovers, all dressed in pink and holding their favorite dolls. The party included Denise, Sophia and Camilla Person and Darlene Lovisa and Dina Dennis. The most elaborate Watch Party Award goes to Pam Capitanini, who along with friends Simona Garcia,
Rose Kallas, Christina Montgomery, Sasha Sino, Violetta Gutowska and Peggy Martay, enjoyed Barbie creativity that was unrivaled. Pam, along with daughter Lucia, had decorated her gorgeous Gold Coast home from top to bottom with Barbie inspiration: Barbie flower-filled vases, Barbie cookies in
cellophane on tiny Barbie hangers, custom Barbie purses, Barbie coasters, food and placemats…well, you get the picture. Pam was gifted with a Warhol Barbie print signed by all her guests too. Awwww….The virtual event was sponsored by Richard and Diane Weinberg, Pamella Capitanini, Peggy Martay,
Elaine Cohen Rubin, Marci Holzer, Maggie M. Morgan and Noren Ungaretti. During the Q&A, Carol told the rapt viewers that her
favorite designs for Barbie were: The Golden Jubilee Barbie (that bears her name on the back); Totally Hair Barbie (the best selling doll of all time) and the Color Magic Barbie Series from the 60s which allowed kids to change the doll's hair color using a special solution. Today, 58 million Barbie Dolls are sold each year in over 150 countries. (For more about the Costume Council, please click here! Barbie fans, click here!)
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Chicago Dancers United (CDU) announced that its recent virtual Dance for Life 2020: United as One event exceeded its financial goal, raising more than $170,000 in contributions from nearly 700 donors! The event, sponsored by Optum, took place August 10-15 and showcased Dance for Life performances from the past 29 years via video recordings on its website, chicagodancersunited.org, including works by the annual Partner Dance Companies—Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and The Joffrey Ballet—as well as past and present companies, including Hanna Brictson and Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Visceral Dance Chicago. Additional videos revisited previous Dance for Life finales by Randy Duncan
and Harrison McEldowney/Jeremy Plummer. Videos were available free on the website beginning August 10, with extended viewing opportunities continuing through August 23. As of publication date, there had been nearly 4,000 views of the archival videos. The culminating virtual event on Saturday, August 15 the original date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life scheduled at the Auditorium Theatre, featured the World Premiere of Get It Together choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19, performed by 23 dancers from throughout the Chicago area. Serving as hosts for the evening were Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues, co-hosts
of NBC Chicago’s program Chicago Today. The final event also featured a Dance for Life highlights reel, remarks from board members and sponsors, details about resources available from The Dancers’ Fund, information about the 30th anniversary of Dance for Life in 2021, and more. Dance
for Life brings Chicago's dance community together thanks to dancers who generously donate their time, energy, and artistry to support The Dancers’ Fund, which provides financial assistance to dance professionals diagnosed with a critical health need. The Fund has been expanded to help support dance community members who need financial assistance with routine medical expenses. Dance for Life also supports two partner agencies: AIDS Foundation Chicago, which mobilizes diverse communities across Illinois living with HIV, and the American Cancer Society, which is leading the fight for a world without cancer. (More info here)
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located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. The nonprofit just received the Collective Impact Award from Best Friends Animal Society, another nonprofit that recognizes outstanding local organizations working to save pets in need across the country. Stacy Rogers, Best Friends Midwest regional director, said of OTAT, "I recently told the executive director here [Heather Owen] that if I were an
animal rescue group, I'd want to be just like them [OTAT] when I grew up! One Tail at a Time has built a community organization that is constantly growing and evolving to meet the needs of the pets and people where they live. They've helped shelter partners and families with pets, and have had a huge lifesaving impact in Chicago." Congrats and thanks to Heather, her fabulous team and her amazing nonprofit!" Congrats OTAT!
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Everyone is looking for things to do these days, now that most of our normal means of entertainment have been closed or severely limited. We decided to take a drive to Wheaton, the DuPage County Fairgrounds to be exact, for a Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru! Since I was little, I've always had
dreams of being a paleontologist so I jumped at this opportunity. Granted, it's truly more of a kids' experience but we still had fun and I saw more than a few other couples in cars (with no kids) too so we weren't the only ones. The car line to get in is VERY daunting, I must admit, but by then we were fully committed having already bought our tickets online (as you must). The adventure is strictly a drive-thru and
everyone is directed to stay in their vehicles. We were lucky to have a convertible which brought the dinos a little closer. They roar (although not nearly loud enough) and move a little….the cars snake throughout the grounds where over 80 different kinds of dinosaurs
are represented. A guided tour, which you can download prior to your arrival, explains in detail interesting tidbits about each species. There's also a cute puzzle pamphlet that each car receives which is great for the kids to play later. There are different ticket prices, with one package including a sort of swag bag (also for
the kiddies). A highlight and something that we didn't expect, was the carnival food (from Arlington's Best Concessions) that was available. Granted, you order and it's delivered to your car, but some of the offerings included funnel cakes, hotdogs, cotton candy, lemonade, sno-cones, hand-dipped caramel apples, nachos with cheese/peppers, popcorn and more. And don't forget to take advantage of the free photo opp (that you can download later) at the end. The experience is on now through Sept. 7. (For tickets and more info, click here) (Btw, nighttime seems to be better for viewing, thanks for this tip Charlene Seaman!)
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I ran across this great article about celebs partying in the '70s, many at Studio 54, and it brought back so many fun memories. I was lucky enough to go there when I lived in NYC while I was modeling with Wilhelmina. It was, as everyone has heard, THE place to be and, in hindsight, it was the most exciting nightclub I've ever
been to in my life. I remember seeing Liza Minnelli, Halston and so many other celebs. I met Grace Jones there and she took a liking to me, inviting me and a fellow model back to her beautiful apartment after Studio. I'll always remember her all white piano and her fabulous outrageousness. She invited me to one of her performances in NYC after this encounter too but I didn't
go (duh!?)…Studio became the place to be for one reason, its uber-strict door policy. It was always a scene but I do think because not everyone could get in, everyone wanted to go. I was very lucky as I never had to wait in line. Being friends with the doormen are always rule number one in places like this and I'm no fool. In the Decades TV segment below, I talk about the glory days of this iconic hotspot with Lorna Luft, Nikki Haskell, Ian Schrager, Anthony-Haden Guest and others. Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell opened this joy factory on April 26, 1977. (Ian's description of the opening in the video is priceless).
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Dining Out for Life Chicago! will take place Thursday, Sept. 24! People can dine in, order takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurants to support TPAN's mission to serve people affected by HIV. I'm honored to serve as a co-chair with WGN-TV's Sean Lewis and restaurateur Amy Lawless. Dozens of participating restaurants across Chicagoland will support TPAN. Just a few include The Dearborn, Farmhouse Evanston, Hamburger Mary's Chicago, Lark, Mr. Brown's Lounge, Yoshi's Cafe Chicago and Uncommon Ground Edgewater. (More details here!) Thanks to ALL who participate!
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The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's
virtual SOIREE event, as you know, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm. Their amazing raffle is now LIVE! Buy a ticket to win a Peleton indoor bike, a bottle of rare Old Rip Van Winkle Whiskey, a $1000 gift card to Chicago Cut Steakhouse or an iPad Air! Click here for all the raffle details and click here to join us for the live event featuring The Voice finalist Katie Kadan! (See her message below!)
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Get ready to celebrate! The Apparel Industry Foundation will honor the one and only Sherrill Bodine at its annual Rev Up! Fashion Show benefit at Bentley Gold Coast on Thursday, October 29! All proceeds from the evening help support the work of AIBI which provides scholarships, educational programming, vocational training to young people starting careers in the sewn products industry, and most recently keeping unemployed theater stitchers working to produce PPE. (For tickets and more info, click here). (Rosemary Fanti illustration) Hope to see you ALL there!
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Market in Wicker Park. The entrance was at 1425 N. Damen. With Covid precautions in full swing, visiting these markets is a little different now. First off, the line was two blocks long to get in due to social distancing restrictions. And, once inside, no food could be consumed on the premises which was pretty hard to do with a tamale stand, homemade donuts and ice cream and other such vendors. But we still enjoyed the beautiful offerings from Stamper Cheese, Lyons Fruit 
Farm & Green House, Iron Creek Farm and so many others. We loved Tomato Bliss, whose owner is dedicated to preserving the heirloom tomato trade. There were all 
sorts of tempting treats made from these tasty tomatoes and we bought several. This market is open every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm. We can't wait to tour more! According to Wiki, Chicago has 178 neighborhoods! We're gonna be very busy!
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The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will host the 5th annual Chicago Men's Fashion Awards virtually this year, during the week of September 14-20. The CMFA Superstar Spotlight Series campaign will honor ten past, best-dressed winners who have the talent of combining fashion and philanthropy. The ten past winners answered an intensive questionnaire and their profiles will be released during this week accompanied by photos shot by Sandro Miller. The virtual event will raise awareness for the Costume Council and the Chicago History Museum and allow participants to win several fabulous prizes through a raffle. Follow along here and please support if you can.
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I LOVE HOLIDAY HEROES! This amazing nonprofit provides joy and a much needed diversion for hospitalized kids by hosting themed parties, providing activity boxes and costumed characters and so much more. As we all know, fundraising these days is proving challenging but this organization, led by the much loved Felicia Winiecki (executive director), has planned a virtual CARNIVAL! The Midway Mask-erade will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 7 pm CST. Emceed by WGN's morning weatherman Paul Konrad, the event will feature performances by Sixteen Candles and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, the magic of Ben Seidman (live from Las Vegas), amazing feats by the Actors Gymnasium and so much more. One of my favorites, auctioneer Greg "The G-Man" Dellinger will also be presenting some fabulous packages and you can even "mix your own carnival cocktail" with Gibson's very own bartender Mark Wagner. (For all the details, click here!)
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Friends of Prentice will host "Still Together, At Home," a virtual fundraiser that will take place on Saturday, October 24. The live event will celebrate the org's 35th anniversary and honor our healthcare heroes while raising funds for women's health research. To donate, click here and to register and for more info, click here.
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There are a few good things to come out of this pandemic 
and the return of drive-ins is definitely one of them! The first annual NW Illinois Film Festival will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 8 to midnight. This drive-in is located at 91 Palmyra Road in Sterling, Illinois (an hour and 48 minute drive from Chicago). The festival will celebrate Indie filmmakers and their work, which will include "Riding the Rails to Hero Street", "Follower", "Dearly Departed" and others. The event is free but registration is required. (email: condev@whiteside.org or visit filmnwillinois.com)
If you have kids, this is a great, first time offer from MYEYEDR. Online or in the classroom, MyEyeDr.'s "True Blue (back to school) Deal" includes an exam, select frames, plus lenses with blue light protection, all for $149! Schedule your child's eye exam today here at your neighborhood MED. (They are my go-to favorite for all of my own eyecare needs).
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I was so sad to hear of the temporary closing of Navy Pier starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. I understand the need to limit the financial burden and impact of the ongoing pandemic on the organization but still… The closure will put a halt to all Pier-wide operations, including that of Navy Pier’s more than 70 small local businesses,
which have also experienced significantly low attendance throughout the pandemic. Public access to the Pier’s outdoor spaces, including Polk Bros Park and North and South Docks, will also be limited or prohibited during the closure. One new business may open, however. The new 222-room Sable Hotel is nearing completion and
Pier officials said it could go ahead and open while the rest of the pier is closed, according to Robert Habeeb, CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants. He expects a November 1 opening. And, despite the Pier's planned closure through the winter months, Chicago Shakespeare Theater executive director Criss Henderson said in a statement the theater, which has been closed since March, “has exciting plans in place to welcome audiences back to the theater for the return of live, in-person performances as soon as it is safe to do so in early 2021.” Click here for the Theater's exciting 35th season virtual programming!
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Congrats, with love, to one of Chicago's most revered and beloved fashion designers, Mark Roscoe. He was
chosen as a Distinct Man of Honor 2020 by NVP 1 World Entertainment. Mark was honored for his "achievements, growth and virtuous culture that met our four pillars of the foundation: caring, loving, involvement in humanitarian activities and for influencing people positively throughout your career." It's not a surprise considering the advice Mark's late mom, Enzula Roscoe, gave him. "You can be anything or anybody that you set your mind to, but it's more important for you to be caring, compassionate and honorable. It's not what you do but how you do it." I see you've heeded your mom's advice very well Mark! Kudos, well deserved!
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Luminarts Cultural Foundation will host a virtual fundraiser, "Next begins Now," on Saturday, October 10. The event will feature performances and studio visits with the Foundation's Fellows and ways to support Luminart's mission of providing the resources needed for exemplary young artists to launch a professional career in the arts. The event will be co-chaired by Matt Olaveson and Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek. For tickets and more info, click here!
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Chicago Children's Choir will host a virtual celebration, "Reverberation: A Celebration of Enduring Voices," on Saturday, September 26 at 8 pm. This unique hybrid event will pair a FREE virtual concert program by the Chicago Children’s Choir, with exciting pre- and post-event festivities. The one-hour program will feature CCC performing a lively selection of inspirational works ranging
from U2’s "One to Just a Dream," written by 11-year-old Choir member Jamion Cotten with Choir alum W. Mitchell Owens, to special guest appearances. Pre-Show gatherings will feature engagement with CCC singers virtually or via curbside performances, while an After-Party featuring popular DJ Matt Roan will keep the party going! Creative hospitality packages, provided by BOKA Catering and Kehoe Designs, invite guests to replicate the ‘gala experience’ at home with options ranging from an in-home Chef-crafted dinner for ten to DIY meal and cocktail kits. Guests may register here!
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And, in closing, I have no idea if this is a true story or not, but I sure hope it is: A wise teacher once brought balloons to school, told her pupils to blow them up and write their name on one. After the children tossed their balloons into the hall, the teacher moved through the
hall mixing them all up. The kids were given five minutes to find the balloon with their name on it, but though they searched frantically, no one found their own balloon. Then the teacher told them to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon. The teacher said to the children, “These balloons are like happiness. We won't find it when we're only searching for our own. But if we care about someone else's happiness…it will ultimately help us find our own.”
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And now, something to leave you with a smile….
