Tag Archives: Lynn McMahan

May 22, 2013 · 1:27 pm

CHICAGO’S GREAT “GREAT GATSBY” PARTIES!

…PLUS SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE’S “THE WALK” (NEW WATCH312 VIDEO!); PLAYBOY’S PLAYMATE OF THE YEAR PARTY (VIDEO!); FLEUROTICA 2013 (VIDEO!); LYNNE TAKES NEW YORK; ZOO BALL IS “WILD AT HEART”; JOFFREY AUXILIARY BOARD’S MASQUERADE BALL; A SPECIAL MAY BIRTHDAY PARTY; ELLEN BITCHES ABOUT FITCH AND SO MUCH MORE!

Maxim’s was the place to be on May 6th when Warner Brothers, Margaret O’Connor (MarCon Communications), Dr. Michael O’Meara and ReachMail hosted one of the hottest Gatsby parties in town. With Gatsby fever raging for months, this
invitation was coveted among the see-and-be-seen crowd and besides being a blockbuster film, Margaret had another reason for producing this event: Being a fellow Aussie like director Baz Luhrmann, she was keen to present this movie since most of the filming takes place in her native
Australia! The invitation requested guests dress in Gatsby attire with the added enticement of prizes for the most Gatsby-esque. (And it didn’t take much to encourage attendees to channel their best “Daisy” and “Jay” attire either!) Before the start of the film, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Chicago Lorenzo Strano
said he hoped the beautiful scenery would entice everyone to visit Australia. Next, Bill Zwecker and Chaz Ebert introduced the film. Chaz said “The Great Gatsby” was a favorite film and book of her late husband Roger’s and he had been eagerly awaiting the film and he
was “so jazzed” to see Baz Luhrmann’s version. She added that the last page of the book had been recited at their wedding. Bill said that he, too, was looking forward to Baz’s interpretation and that he had run into Mia Farrow (who played the part of
Daisy Buchanan in the 1974 version) in Connecticut a couple weeks earlier. After the film, guests headed over to Maxim’s, located in Chicago’s Gold Coast and once the hot spot for celebrities and the posh set back in its heyday. With its
striking plush red velvet and mahogany décor, Maxim’s was the perfect backdrop for this lavish Gatsby-themed party. At the entrance, under the canopied walkway, a blue 1931 Ford Phaeton replica, belonging to Mamie Walton and given to her at Maxim’s on her 50th birthday, was
parked alongside a lemon yellow 1947 Lincoln convertible (somewhat reminiscent of Jay Gatsby’s yellow Rolls Royce). Having their photos taken with the cars were men of style Michel Desjardins, Pierre Desy, Paul Iacono and William Holdeman, all wearing pastel suits and looking every bit the part of a 1920’s GQ fashion spread. Models dressed in ’20s attire draped themselves languorously beside the
classic cars in a fashion installation created by Kate Johnson Artistry. Others channeling Gatsby style included Mamie Walton, Margey Teller, Dr. Kathleen Albrecht, Laurie Davis, Jan Melk, Joan Colmar, Hazel Barr and couples John
Donohue & Julianne Glatz, Katie and Jason Mclenaghan, Kevin & Janine Larson and Stanley Paul & niece Joanie Legittino. Inside, music from the Stanley Paul 1920’s Theatre Collection mixed in with Jay-Z’s film soundtrack played while Gatsby-style attired guests table-hopped and chatted about Luhrmann’s dazzling 3-D
epic which captured the glamour, opulence and indulgent lifestyle of the era. Prosecco, served in keepsake flutes embossed with the Gatsby logo, flowed while servers wearing black flapper fringed dresses and sequined headpieces circulated with St. Claire vodka cocktails and
hors d’oeuvres. Models dressed in the theme of the night took pictures with guests throughout the evening and attendees took home gift bags filled with items from the sponsors that included everything from Warner Brothers’ water bottles and martini shakers
to iPad and iPhone covers and screen wipes. Prizes for “Best Gatsby Attire” included Gatsby beach bags, the book, soundtrack and more. For the film’s official opening at the Cannes Film Festival on
May 15th, there was a glittering red carpet premier. Director Luhrmann found it only fitting to premier the film first in Cannes since F. Scott Fitzgerald’s first draft of “The Great Gatsby” was completed on the French Riviera. (An extravagant
Australian premier is set for May 22nd.) Others guests seen in the crowd included Jacqui O’Neil, Dr. Michael O’Meara, Chicago Bear Henry Melton, former Bear James “Big Cat” Williams, Greg & Lily Gulik, Mary Sleger & John Murphy, Steve Traxler, Paul Iacono, Jesus Salgueiro, Sean Eshaghy, JP
Anderson, Diane Primo, Kelli Zink, Melissa & Brian Babcock, Toni Canada, Johanna Cook, Bunky Cushing, Rachel DeMarte, Michel Desjardins, Pierre Desy, Susanna Negovan, Nina Mariano, Andrea Schwartz, Sherrill Bodine, Julie Darling, Amy Wimer, Debi Lily, Sheryl Dyer, Deborah Brown (soon to be
married!), Mary Ann Rose & Heinz Kern, Dr. Joaquin Brieva & Jennifer Sutton, Joey Majumdar, Andrea and Dr. Mimis Cohen, Michael Judge, Mark Roscoe and Sheila Dorman. Maxim’s backstory: This legendary hotspot opened in 1963 and quickly became the gathering spot for celebrities and Chicago’s elite. The striking décor was an exact replica of the famous
Parisian restaurant and throughout the years Maxim’s has been used in other films – there is an extended sequence in Quentin Tarantino’s “Inglourious Basterds” and Owen Wilson and Marion Cotillard’s characters travel back in time to the Belle Époque and have dinner together at Maxim’s in Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris.” (Photos by Jon Recana and Alex Riemann.)

Tiffany & Co. jewels sparkled at the recent Chicago screening of “The Great Gatsby” when they rolled out the red carpet on May 15th to host an exclusive screening at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
More than 100 by-invite-only guests attended the 1920’s Jazz Age-themed cocktail party and movie premier with Tiffany designs taking center stage as models showcased pieces that appear in the film. Many of
the jewels are from Tiffany & Co.’s famed 2013 Blue Book Collection. Featured statement pieces from the Collection included The Savoy, a diamond and
freshwater cultured pearl headpiece with detachable brooch and a brilliant necklace featuring a 49.59 carat emerald-cut aquamarine. A jazz quartet set the stage for the event while guests sipped signature cocktails, including “The Daisy” and “Red Berry Mint Julep.” Passed hors d’oeuvres
included griddled buckwheat blinis with American sturgeon caviar presented by Blue Plate Catering. As the lights dimmed, guests were handed boxes of truffle salted and caramel drizzled popcorn to enjoy while they watched the fabulous show! Congrats to Tiffany’s for making a wonderful movie even more visually delightful with your awesome bling! 🙂 (Photos by Mila Samokhina…see more pics here!)

It was a night filled with fashion…but not the kind you are used to seeing on a runway: No my friend, this was the 79th annual School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s (SAIC) “The Walk,”
arguably the most creative and innovative fashion show of its kind in the country! More than 90 design students from SAIC filled the 90-foot runway with the most awe-inspiring, futuristic designs I’ve ever seen. Everything from clear plastic blazers to headgear resembling something Princess Leia would wear, it was a head-spinning evening for sure in
Millennium Park on May 3rd! The Legend of Fashion honor went to sisters Laura and Kate Mulleavy, award-
winning designers/creators of the Rodarte line which they founded in 2005. Their beautiful fashions are worn by First Lady Michelle Obama, Kiera Knightly, Cate Blanchett, Natalie Portman, Kirsten Dunst, Chloe Sevigny, Tilda Swinton, Dakota Fanning,
Scarlett Johansson and Reese Witherspoon to name a few and The New Yorker calls the sisters “the most celebrated American designers working today.” Philanthropist Melissa Sage Fadim was honored with the first ever
Heart of Fashion award. Even though the runway fashions were to-die-for, the 500+ attendees could’ve taken a turn on their own runways! I always love this event because the fashions are usually as innovative on the guests as they are on the models!
This year’s stand-outs included Ellen Sandor (who looked chic wearing a student-designed cape), Azeeza Kahn (who looks great in anything all the time), Laura Kofoid (whose outfit was colorfully creative), Quintin Primo III (who was wearing a Mick Jagger-inspired jacket) and Tommy Walton (a “Check, Please!” host contender who
always makes a fashion statement). Other notables included Creatures of the Wind’s Shane Gabier, Chris Peters and Michael Walls, Todd and Sylvie Ricketts, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Nina Ricci artistic director Peter Copping,
AJ Johnson, Kim and David DeJesus, Elle magazine’s Anne Slowey, Paper magazine’s editorial director Mickey Boardman, designer Maria Pinto, Ebony’s editor-in-chief Amy Dubois Barnett, and Bill Kurtis and Donna
LaPietra. The evening raised $400,000 for SAIC – great to see the future of fashion is alive and well in Chicago with the students of SAIC! (To see ALL pics by Sara Condo and Chasitie Neal, please click here!)

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Congrats to 25-year-old Raquel Pomplun for winning the Playboy Playmate of the Year title as the first Mexican-American centerfold! Fellow Playmate Dianne Chandler attended this year’s PMOY party at
the Mansion in LA on May 16th and shared the story with me: For many of the luncheon guests, the day began with a trolley ride from UCLA’s parking lot. This is usually the case with Hef’s parties since those fine folks in Holmby Hills frown
on having cars parked on their multi-million dollar manicured lawns. Dianne says she was helped from the trolley by an exceptionally handsome Latino man whose muscles sent her into a temporary swoon. The luncheon was
held on the front lawn under a lavishly decorated tent in shades of Playmate pink and white. Chandeliers were twinkling and the day was a typical gorgeous, sunny California dream. One of the drinks offered was a non-alcoholic cucumber/water concoction (How I miss the old days…I
don’t recall any non-alcoholic drinks even offered in the ‘70s!) Dianne insists it was “delightfully refreshing” so I’ll have to take her word on this. Cooper Hefner spoke first and introduced his dad, who was dapper in a white
suit and seated with his lovely new wife Crystal Harris. (Hef recently gifted Crystal with a $4-million home on Sunset Strip.) He introduced Raquel, noting that she was chosen by the magazine’s readers, editors, photographers and
the PR department of Playboy. He presented her with a check for $100K and a year’s lease on a red Jaguar F-Style convertible. (It’s good to be PMOY these days: The checks have increased tenfold since the
days when I was a PM!) Raquel, a biochemistry major and a classically trained ballerina, had a 103-degree temperature when she shot her pics. If this layout was Raquel on a “bad day,” I can’t imagine what her photos would’ve
looked like had she been feeling well! Married at age 22 to Alejandro Pomplun, she submitted her photos via Playboy’s website with her husband’s blessing. She said posing nude “made me more confident and less obsessive about little things. I learned to appreciate my body a
little bit more. Not a little bit more. I appreciate it, period.” At the end of the day, a group photo photo was arranged by handsome and beloved Playmate promotions director, James Gonis. There were Playmates in attendance from all generations and Dianne was thrilled that Hef
remembered her from her centerfold days. (They were both alums of the University of Illinois.) All past Playmates are invited to Hef’s parties and it’s always a thrill to connect with old friends. Dianne was one of
the few Playmates who was also a Playboy Bunny: A hometown girl from Berwyn who now lives in Atlanta, she was September 1966 Playmate. Her gatefold was shot by the legendary lensman Pompeo Posar (who also shot Patti McGuire’s beautiful layouts).
Congrats to Raquel and I’m not surprised about Hef's memory: He might be growing older but he always remembers the ladies who brought him to the party! The wonderful video below was created by fellow Playmate Miss May 2010 Kassie Logsdon, who captured the afternoon perfectly!

If you’re in New York City on July 2nd, don’t miss the Big Apple debut of Chicago’s very own Diva Lynne Jordan! This soulful chanteuse will bring her Nina Simone show to City Winery on July 2nd. Located deep in the heart of SoHo, this gorgeous 300-seat venue is just the place for our girl to go BIG! Please share the news with your friends and buy your tickets now!! ($15 Music Only or upgrade to the five wine pairing, $30 admission)

The Women’s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo recently held a Preview Party at Paul Stuart to kick-off this year’s festivities for Zoo Ball 2013: Wild at Heart. The cocktail party was hosted by dapper Paul Kelly (regional manager of Paul Stuart) at the chic Paul Stuart Oak Street location. Guests of honor included Zoo Ball co-chairs Charlotte Monhart, Vasiliki Weiden and Jennifer Caruso and
Women’s Board president Peggy Swift White. Mark Walter (CEO of Guggenheim Partners and presenting sponsor of Zoo Ball 2013) and his wife Kimbra were also in attendance alongside Lincoln Park Zoo’s president & CEO Kevin Bell. Guests enjoyed small bites courtesy
of Boutique Bites paired with Maker’s Mark cocktails and Goose Island craft beer while perusing Paul Stuart’s expansive inventory and taking in the musical styling of jazz artist Kyle Asche. The buttoned-up preview party at Paul Stuart is just a little taste of what to come at Zoo Ball 2013’s annual affair on July 12th so mark your calendars now! (For tickets and more info, please visit www.lpzooball.org.)

Fleurotica 2013 will be presented at the Museum of Contemporary Art on June 12th. Co-chaired by Deirdre Koldyke, Shauna Montgomery and Whitney Lasky this flower-filled fashion show will also include a champagne reception with small bites. The show is a unique haute couture fashion extravaganza with all of the runway designs created from a variety of flowers and greenery. (To see highlights from last year’s show, please see my Watch312 video below.) A portion of proceeds will benefit Garfield Park Conservatory’s educational programs. (For tickets – beginning at $250 – please click here!)

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The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board is hosting an unforgettable night filled with mystery and intrigue at its inaugural Joffrey Blue Masquerade Ball on June14th. The event will be located at the Joffrey Tower at 10 E. Randolph from 8 p.m. until midnight. Partygoers are encouraged to wear their favorite masks and will be treated to complimentary cocktails, delicious bites from Chicago’s top restaurants, an exciting raffle and the hot sounds of DJ Madrid! I hope you’ll join me for this exciting night benefitting The Joffrey Ballet co-chaired by John Walcher, Camille Britton and Terrence Chapell. To purchase tickets or for more info, please visit www.joffrey.org/blue. (Individual tickets are $85.)

Thanks to the Palmer House Hilton for including me as a member of its “Iron Chef” competition on May 7th. I partnered with PH Catering Director David Brandt for an event that put me clearly out of my
comfort zone! Executive Chef Stephen Henry conducted the competition between the four teams. A long table was laid out with every kind of kitchen goody imaginable and each team had a few seconds to grab whatever ingredients they thought
they would need to add to the “secret ingredient,” which turned out to be ground beef. My team quickly whipped up delicious blue cheese mini-burgers sautéed with mushrooms and onions. In the end
(and to our surprise), the team of judges selected our team as the winners! I love this hotel and it was thrilling to take a peek behind the scenes into its gorgeous, massive kitchen area and sample its always-delicious cuisine!!
Also, don’t miss longtime Palmer House PR director Ken Price’s exciting historical presentations about this legendary hotel: He knows everything there is to know about the PH and shares it with guests in thrilling detail! (For more info about the Palmer House and Ken’s lectures, please click here!)

And last but not least, a big Happy Birthday shout-out to glam girlfriends Lynn McMahan, Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt! I loved feting these beautiful-
inside-and-out friends at one of our fav restaurants: RL. Happy guests included Nina Mariano, Michaela Parrillo, Jan Flanagan, Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer, Tracy Scurto and Patty Nalepa. Happy, happy birthday lovely ladies! (View more pics here!)

That’s it for this week! So happy the weather is finally cooperating for all of our outdoor activities! Until next time, have fun, use sunscreen and happy grilling!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I loved this video from the “Ellen Degeneres Show” about the Abercrombie & Fitch controversy. Hope it makes you smile, too!

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Tagged as 2013 Blue Book Collection, Abercrombie & Fitch, AJ Johnson, Alejandro Pomplyn, Alex Reimann, Amy Dubois Barnett, Amy Wimer, Andrea Cohen, Andrea Schwartz, Anne Slowey, Azeeza Kahn, Baz Luhrmann, Bill Kurtis, Bill Zwecker, Blue Plate Catering, Brian Babcock, Bunky Cushing, Camille Britton, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cate Blanchett, Charlotte Monhart, Chasitie Neal, Chaz Ebert, Check Please!, Chef Stephen Henry, Chicago Bears, Chloe Sevigny, Chris Peters, City Winery, Cooper Hefner, Creatures of the Wind, Crystal Harris, Dakota Fanning, David Brandt, David DeJesus, Debi Lily, Deborah Brown, Deirdre Koldyke, Deputy Consul General of Australia in Chicago Lorenzo Strano, Diane Primo, Dianne Chandler, DJ Madrid, Donna LaPietra, Dr. Joaquin Brieva, Dr. Kathleen Albrecht, Dr. Michael O’Meara, Dr. Mimis Cohen, Dusty Stemer, Ebony, Elle, Ellen Degeneres Show, Ellen Sandor, Fleurotica 2013, Garfield Park Conservatory, Gene Siskel Film Center, Greg Gulik, Hazel Barr John Donohue, Heinz Kern, Henry Melton, Holmby Hills, Ikram Goldman, Inglourious Basterds, Iron Chef, Jacqui O’Neil, James “Big Cat” Williams, James Gonis, Jan Flanagan, Jan Melk, Janine Larson, Jason Mclenaghan, Jay-Z, Jennifer Caruso, Jennifer Sutton, Jesus Salgueiro, Joan Colmar, Joanie Legittino, Joey Majumdar, Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board, Joffrey Blue Masquerade Ball, Johanna Cook, John Murphy, John Walcher, Jon Recana, Josh Goldman, JP Anderson, Julianne Glatz, Julie Darling, Kassie Logsdon, Kate Johnson Artistry, Kate Mulleavy, Katie Mclenaghan, Kelli Zink, Ken Price, Kevin Bell, Kevin Larson, Kiera Knightly, Kiesten Dunst, Kim DeJesus, Kimbra Walter, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Kyle Asche, Laura Kofoid, Laura Mulleavy, Laurie Davis, Lily Gulik, Lincoln Park Zoo, Lynn McMahan, Lynne Jordan, Mamie Walton, MarCon Communications, Margaret O’Connor, Margey Teller, Maria Pinto, Marion Cotillard, Mark Roscoe, Mark Walter, Mary Ann Rose, Mary Sleger, Maxim’s, Melissa Babcock, Melissa Sage Fadim, Mia Farrow, Michael Judge, Michael Walls, Michaela Parrillo, Michel Desjardin, Michelle Obama, Mick Jagger, Mickey Boardman, Midnight in Paris, Museum of Contemporary Art, Natalie Portman, Nina Mariano, Nina Ricci, Owen Wilson, Palmer House Hilton, Paper, Patti McGuire Connors, Patty Nalepa, Paul Iacono, Paul Kelly, Paul Stuart, Peggy Swift White, Peter Copping, Pierre Desy, Playboy, Playboy mansion, Playmate of the Year, Pompeo Posar, Quentin Tarantino, Quintin Primo III, Rachel DeMarte, Raquel Pomplun, Reese Witherspoon, RL, Rodarte, Roger Ebert, SAIC, Sara Condo, Scarlett Johansson, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Sean Eshaghy, Shane Gabier, Shauna Montgomery, Sheila Dorman, Sherrill Bodine, Sheryl Dyer, Stanley Paul, Stanley Paul’s 1920’s Theatre Collection, Steve Traxler, Susanna Negovan, Sylvie Ricketts, Terrence Chappell, The Great Gatsby, The New Yorker, The Savoy, The Walk, Tiffany & Co., Tilda Swinton, Todd Ricketts, Tommy Walton, Toni Canada, Tracy Scurto, UCLA, Vasiliki Weiden, Warner Brothers, Watch312.com, Whitney Lasky, William Holdeman, Women;s Board of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Woody Allen, Zoo Ball 2013: Wild at Heart

January 7, 2013 · 9:47 am

A LOVE-FILLED CELEBRATION HONORS STEVE STARR AT HIS 45TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

…PLUS MR. PLAYBOY MARRIES RUNAWAY BRIDE, CHICAGOLICIOUS STAR PARTIES IN STYLE, HIP HOP STARS ON NYE, UNTITLED BASH, CHICAGO AUTO SHOW’S FIRST LOOK, NPHM’S KEITH MAGEE HONORED, THE JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER, TELEMUNDO IS LOOKING FOR ONE GOOD VOZ, THE WHITE HOUSE SCENE WITH HYDER, BRANDT, KEHOE, SCHWARTZ AND VARNES AND KING, STRIKE A POSE WITH THE CUBS’ DAVID DEJESUS, THE BEARS’ BRANDON MARSHALL SIGNS FOR CHARITY, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

A month to the day…it just wasn’t fair that we lost beloved photographer Steve Starr so close to the event he had been anticipating and planning for over a year. His Face of the News exhibition was to be the
biggest event of his life and the 45th anniversary of his Steve Starr Studios. I’d never seen him more excited: Everywhere he went, he had the familiar brown flyers in his pocket (no one escaped without one) and he stayed up even later than usual, planning and calling his friends to
get their approval on this or that aspect of his party. It was a joy to see him so happy – not that he wasn’t always this way – I never saw him without a huge smile on his face or his iconic camera around his neck, which he
told me he felt naked without. He had created a huge black leather binder with SSS in big silver letters on the front that he used to collect all of his thoughts and ideas and when he left us all too soon, it was this leather binder and the fact that he had
been working with Margaret O’Connor for most of the year that helped his friends decide that the show must go on…and that, indeed, it COULD go on just as he had wanted. With only a month to put this big event together, it was a
daunting task but with a very motivated committee, it all came together on 12/12/12 in the most beautiful way at the Murphy Auditorium. A sell-out crowd of more than 300 guests oohed and aahed over the elegant black and gold décor by Judy Ippolito Floral & Event Décor (Steve’s
favorite color combo, of course!) as well as his extensive collection of more than 200 images of media stars from all over the world that he’d met throughout the years. The walls couldn’t accommodate ALL of his beautiful photos but I hope, as Steve had hoped, that his collection will be placed in a museum or somewhere special in Chicago sometime soon, perhaps the Harold Washington
Library. I was thrilled to serve as a host
for the evening with Bill Zwecker, who was the emcee. As guests arrived, they were met by the Clark Kent Greeters who looked suspiciously like Starr himself with the black framed glasses and reporter Amy Jacobson who was
dressed as Brenda Starr. (Steve had jokingly told Amy that he felt that Brenda Starr was his first cousin.) He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always telling tales about himself that would make
you howl with laughter. When asked how old he was, he would always say 120. I wish this could’ve been the case. Fashion designer Mark Roscoe played a big role in the evening, too, creating a
Newspaper Couture Collection modeled by “The Four Women of the World” – Lily’s Talent Agency models Candice Hill, Aya Jackson, Cynovia Potts and Laura Silva. I couldn’t believe his designs were made entirely out of paper! Beloved milliner
Loreta Corsetti created dramatic head pieces to match (also of paper) and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks designed exquisite jewelry using Neiman Marcus boxes to match the Roscoe designs! These looks rivaled the hottest designer gowns and were drop-dead gorgeous!
Crooner Steve Biossat performed along with Spider Saloff (who Steve adored) and The Headliners. A cello/piano duo by iAN&ANi and a sensuous tango number by Liz Sung and Jorge Niedas completed the evening as
Steve had wished. Illustrator Rosemary Fanti was on hand to capture the guests’ special memories on this night and legendary pianist/orchestra leader Stanley Paul presented selections from “The Great American Songbook” that
featured music from the ‘30s and ‘40s, Steve’s favorite era. Stanley had also produced a wonderful video featuring Steve’s beloved museum-quality collection of Art Deco frames holding images of classic film stars. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of
the last photo taken of Steve by renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski. His black-and-white montage of Steve in various poses captured his essence perfectly and brought gasps of appreciation from the crowd upon the unveiling. As guests departed, loaded goody bags assembled by superstar committee members Paul Iacono and Jennifer
Sutton were handed out. These were some of the best gift bags I’ve seen in a long, long time…with a lot of the expenses coming out of their own pockets: Paul even found the most perfect black and gold bag with a star on the side to hold gifts, which included a DVD of Steve at a recent book signing, his signature star votive candle holder, a bottle stopper in the shape of a globe,
sweets, a tin of mints with a tuxedoed man on the front (that Paul had to fill by hand!), an elegant program book and so much more! Margaret O’Connor and Leonard Mogul served as co-chairs with a committee that also included Chris and Frances Renk, Rich Varnes, Amy
Wimer, JP Anderson, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Michael Kutza, Lynn McMahan and Rich Gamble among others. Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino (whose ZZAZZ Productions produced the show), Brenda Arelano,
Rose Mandel, Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Leah Chavie, Anna Fong, Leslie Hindman, Shari Duffy, Joey Majumdar, Carter Cortez, Stephen Wright, Carmen C. Rivera, Amie Hana, Jennifer Bridgeforth,
Catherine Carey (The Murphy), Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Benjamin Cottrell, Frost Lighting and so many others. It was truly a labor of love made even more special by Steve’s family
who were in attendance. They included his loving sisters Adrienne Ingebritsen and Bobbi Weiss, who delivered moving speeches about their dear brother, as well as Michael Weiss, Samantha Pitello, Lori Zaitz, Faith
Godfrey and Lenny Weiss. An after-party continued at the Drake Hotel, as there were still so many memories to share. Steve will never be forgotten and will always be missed. RIP Steve…you’re making the angels smile now. (Photos by Jon Recana and Amie Hana…for more pics from this event, please click here and to view a video from this event, please see the media below!)

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New Year’s Eve was a very big night for King of the Bunny Hutch’s Hugh M. Hefner (86) and his (former) “Runaway Bride” Crystal Harris (26). Before Hef’s annual NYE party at the Playboy Mansion, a few guests and family joined together in the grand reception foyer for an intimate wedding ceremony. The bride was resplendent in pink (a signature color in the world of Playboy Playmates) and even their King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, was
decked out in a mini tuxedo. A harpist played “As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca” (Hef’s favorite film) as well as “Because You Loved Me” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Hef’s brother Keith (a recently married man himself) served as his best man. The day of the ceremony, Crystal tweeted to her more than 500K followers, “Today is the day I become Mrs. Hugh Hefner. Feeling very happy, lucky and blessed.” Following the ceremony, Hef tweeted, “Love that girl!” and then the newlyweds joined the revelers in the ginormous tent in the backyard for a dual wedding
reception/NYE party. Guests included Gene Simmons, Jon Lovitz and Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney among others. On December 19th, Crystal’s best friend and business partner Ashley Matthau threw her a bridal shower in their new lingerie boutique in Studio City, Femme Fatale. The party
combined Crystals’s two favorite things: Disney and Christmas. “We really love Disney. We are huge fans. We go to Disneyland together a lot. My favorite movie is ‘The Little Mermaid’ so she [Ashley] got me an Ariel-themed cake,” Crystal told Us Weekly. I wish Crystal and Hef the very best and hope they have a long love-filled life!

Another exciting New Year’s Eve event, Chicago Empire, took place at the hot River North venue Untitled! Produced by Justin Jacobson’s Platinum Events, this party attracted more than 500 fashionables to this 17,000-square-foot
space and was the scene of exciting entertainment including The Gold Coast All-Stars! This 11-piece band, founded by Danny Chaimson, had the crowd whipped into a frenzy. As a solo artist, Chaimson performed across the country headlining the hottest clubs and opening for legendary acts like Etta James
and The Neville Brothers, as well as current favorites like O.A.R., Eric Hutchinson and Jem. Dapper VH1 reality star Justin Ross Lee was also on hand to add to the excitement. Justin, an internet personality/sensation, is based in Manhattan and has been featured in The New York Observer and The New York Post among many other publications due to his many
escapades around the globe. His jet-setting style and party adventures always land him in the press including a recent first-class encounter with Ashley Olsen in Star Magazine as well as a face-to-face with Brad Pitt which was also recounted in the press. He’s a charming character with a darling girlfriend, Regina Brauer, and I hope to
see them again soon! (Check out his Pretentious Pocket site! Very cool stuff!) It was fun co-hosting the evening with this social scenester and NBC’s Marcus Riley and I was thrilled to be there covering the action for my Watch312.com show, too. (Stay tuned!) Untitled boasts six rooms, all with different vibes, and was packed with party people who enjoyed the hot
mixes of DJs Flaco, Wags and Iman Amy Danielle while hip-hop artist Marcas "Mr. Robotic" Harris brought screams of delight from the crowd. The invite suggested Prohibition-era wear and many of the guests were decked out in this attire inspired
by the venue. The night included multiple open bars, appetizers and the prerequisite noisemakers and hats. I was thrilled that my handsome cousin Alexander Groce and his beautiful girlfriend Jenny Davison could attend, too! I saw so many familiar faces and it was a joy to ring in the New Year with friends like Marco Foster, Andrea Dres, Leonard Mogul, Danielle Davis, Misty Callahan, Shelley Howard, Liz Abraham, Nicole Townsend (wearing an exquisite Borris Powell gown) and so many more! (Click here for more fun pics!)

One of my favorite reality shows is Chicago's very own Chicagolicious! The lovable bunch of characters at AJ's Salon in the West Loop has had me laughing, crying and raising my
eyebrows ever since its premiere on the Style Network on 6/11/12. And any party hosted by the show's star has GOT to be a blast and, indeed it was when celebrity hairstylist AJ Johnson co-hosted NYE with legendary music man
George Daniels at Eclipse, a multi-million dollar luxurious restaurant and lounge at 2554 W.
Diversey. The party featured the hot sounds of Timbuck2 and the lovely DJ Nikki as well as a lavish buffet, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors and some of Chicago's sexiest, stylish and most sophisticated movers and shakers! Check out the pics here of AJ and his fun-loving friends! So happy this show has been picked up again! More HAIR-raising adventures to come! (Photos by Donna Binbek Photography…see more pics here!)

And for fans of hip hop, here’s some NYE news from Atlanta: Young Jeezy celebrated 2013 in style at the Hennessy V.S. New Year’s Eve Takeover Party at Compound, a dance club in the city’s Homepark neighborhood. Jeezy, arriving in a white Rolls
Royce and wearing a blue embroidered jacket, partied alongside club promoter Alex Gidewon and some of the sexiest ladies in town. Simultaneously in Miami, hip hop recording artist Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. (better known as T.I.) rang in the
New Year at LIV, a nightclub on Collins Avenue in SoBe. The “King of the South” performed a medley of his hits for the crowd that included his latest from his top selling album, “Trouble
Man: Heavy is the Head.” Other guests included T.I.’s wife Tiny, actor Evan Ross, Houston rapper Slim Thug and Jonathan Cheban. (Photos by Prince Williams and Thaddaeus McAdams.) And, if you care, Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated NYE in St. Barth's with his Ciroc Vodka at Sea bash on a yacht.

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity Gala announces its move to Friday, February 8th and a new and improved start time of 7 p.m. at McCormick Place! This
black-tie gala has generated more than $34 million for charities since its inception in 1992. This year, these 18 Chicago area charities will benefit from the more than $2 million expected to be raised: 100 Club of Chicago, Boys and Girls
Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, The Cradle Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Franciscan
Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, JDRF, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital), March of Dimes, Misericordia, Respiratory Health Association, Special Olympics Illinois, Spina Bifida Association of
Illinois and the Jesse White Tumbling Team. More than 9,000 guests are expected to attend this world-class event that provides an elegant, inaugural look at the annual Chicago Auto Show and will boast more than 1,000 new vehicles,
dozens on display for the first time anywhere. Those in attendance will also have a chance to win two new vehicles: a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (courtesy of Hyundai Motor America and Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai dealers) and a 2013 Buick Encore (courtesy of Buick and Chicagoland Buick-GMC
dealers). Guests will enjoy a coordinated feast themed around some of the world's greatest cities and live entertainment by American English and the cast of the smash Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.” Tickets are $250 and tuxedo attire is mandatory. For more information, including the complete list of charities and how to purchase tickets, visit www.FirstLookForCharity.org. To check out the First Look at last year's Auto Show on Watch312.com, please see below.

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&height=360&embedCode=xvbmZqNTqi3BnNny-0QsM9NBO32EVlyG&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=xvbmZqNTqi3BnNny-0QsM9NBO32EVlyG

A huge congrats to National Public Housing Museum’s executive director Keith Magee on being named by Chicago Reader as one of 25 extraordinary Chicagoans! He has been tireless in his efforts to
create a National Public Housing Museum in the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes. In the article (by Sam Worley), Magee explains, “This museum has been around in concept for 15 years. Deverra Beverly still lives
in the Robert Brooks Homes, and serves on the board of commissioners on the Chicago Housing Authority. She and public housing resident Beatrice Jones were talking about Chicago's Plan for Transformation, and that they were tearing down traditional
public housing. She said, ‘What are we gonna do? How are our grandchildren and great-grandchildren going to know that we existed as a community?’ I went and I saw the building and I closed my eyes. I could hear the children in the playgrounds and I thought about all of the stories and all of the lives. That building – the Jane Addams Homes opened in '38 – was predominantly occupied by
people of European descent, and by 2002 it was predominantly occupied by people of African descent. I thought about what it looked like from Jewish to
Polish to Italian to African-American, every race and ethnic group having some kind of footprint in this space. And I got it.” He sure did GET IT and we’re so glad he did! This will be great, not only for Chicago but for the world. If you would like to learn more and how you can help, please visit www.nphm.org. Congrats Keith on all of your good work!

I never tire of The Joffrey Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" performance! Nothing puts you in a holiday mood like watching these graceful dancers glide across the stage in exquisite costumes with magical, breathtaking
stage sets. This year's 25th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner, hosted by The Women’s Board, was held on December 15th at the Palmer House Hilton in the State and Grand ballrooms. More than 650 guests attended
the biggest family dinner thus far for an enchanting evening that featured entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and of course, a thrilling performance
of Robert Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” (Guests had the option of attending the matinee or evening performance.) Children enjoyed decorating toe shoes, cookies and nutcrackers as well as LEGO
designs. Artists were on hand to personalize Nutcracker t-shirts and The Great Frankini, Frank Glab, delighted the children with his juggling and magic tricks. Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, along with co-chairs Laura Kofoid and
Carol Stone, welcomed the crowd. Tiny bells had been placed at each table setting and guests were asked to join in singing "Jingle Bells" to start the festivities. The next Joffrey event will be Pointe of Departure on February 7th. DON’T MISS IT! (For details, please visit www.joffrey.org.)

Are you between the ages of 7 and 14 and ready for your close-up? NBC Universal’s Telemundo Media kicks off a nationwide casting call for its much-anticipated global hit singing competition “La Voz Kids” (The Voice Kids) and the Chicago auditions will be on January 26th and 27th! To register, visit www.lavozkids.com or call 1-855-VOZ-KIDS OR send an email to castings@lavozkids.com! The show is
slated to air in the spring on the Telemundo network! The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music AND a scholarship!! (If only I were 10 with a good voice! Sigh…) Good luck to all participants!

On December 31st, more than 650 Chicago social notables came together to celebrate New Year’s Eve for the second annual Entrepreneur’s Eve at the Alder Planetarium. A stylish and philanthropic group showed up to raise a glass, have a dance and try their
luck to benefit the H Foundation, a charitable foundation committed to raising funds to cure cancer in partnership with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Cor Strategies welcomed guests to the Adler for an evening under the stars. VIP guests experienced a swanky seated lounge with
Hennessy Black cocktails carefully created by Chicago’s very own Benjamin Newby. After a bit of liquid courage, guests grabbed friends to dance in one of the Alder’s full-size theaters, staged as a private club for VIP attendees. General admission also delivered an exceptional NYE experience
with full open bar, champagne and a dance floor under the glass ceiling of the Adler – which offered out-of-this-world skyline views of Chicago and the perfect spot to watch the NYE fireworks over Lake Michigan. All in attendance had access to the museum’s exhibits, the cigar lounge and casino, to name a few.
Throughout the night, a group of top DJs kept the crowd moving, including DJ DOLO, DJ Will Galvan, DJ Matt Roan (Crossfader King), DJ Yours Truly and #EE12’s headliner, DJ Zeke Thomas. When all was said and done, Entrepreneur’s Eve raised almost $70K for H Foundation…what a great way to start of 2013! For more info, please click here. (Photos by Mateo)

Join some of our town’s most beloved peeps as the Palmer House’s David Brandt, the Peninsula’s Greg Hyder and Kehoe Designs’ Tom Kehoe present the Master’s Program & Brunch at VenueSIX10, located at 610
S. Michigan) on January 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s program and discussion will take you behind the scenes of the most demanding and intricate event of 2013: the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Join these darling event chairs – some of Chicago’s top event planning ring leaders – as they welcome former White House director of events, Laura
Schwartz of White House Strategies, as they shed light on what really goes on during a presidential family dinner? Just how friendly is the Secret Service? What are presidents typically like with event staffers? How can you bring the inauguration’s seamlessness and level of service to your events? For tickets ($225) and more info, please click here!

Sports stars helping others is the theme for these next two events starting with Chicago Cubs newcomer David DeJesus! He and wife Kim are keeping busy in the off-season by preparing for their upcoming fundraiser
on January 17th at the River East Arts Center to kick off Cubs Convention weekend. Strike a Pose will feature Cubs players past and present and their wives walking the runway in a variety of fashions from the 900 N. Michigan Shops. Besides DeJesus, participants will include Kerry and Sarah Wood, Darwin and Lindsey Barney, Shawn Camp, Tony Campana, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, Anthony Rizzo and so many more! The David DeJesus Foundation will be donating all proceeds from the event to ALS research in honor of a close friend. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 773.404.CUBS.

And on January 14th, Chicago Bear Brandon Marshall will be signing autographs and memorabilia at Ziegler Auto Group, located at 1230 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg. A portion of the proceeds will support Project Borderline, Brandon’s foundation that fights the stigma, spreads the word, educates and advocates for borderline personality disorder. (For more info, please visit www.projectborderline.com.)

So proud of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy student, Evan Brightfield! He created this “Rahmfather” gift for Mayor Emanuel who actually LIKED IT! As you can imagine, it’s not easy to please the “Rahmfather” but Evan and his dad figured out a way to do it! Very cute and very clever, Evan…and congrats!

A Silver Lining Foundation (founded by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in 2006) celebrated the holiday season with the Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party on December 13th. Guests gathered at Frontier
Chicago Restaurant and partied for a purpose. CS Magazine and TCW Magazine co-sponsored the event. Special guests included former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion Otis Wilson and former Houston
Texan Robert Mackey. The Naughty or Nice event is the first of a series of Auxiliary Board events to support ASLF's Buy a Mom a Mammogram program, which successfully raised awareness among attendees of the need for uninsured women to have access to cost-free mammographies. The enthusiasm and
commitment in the room was electric! The goal of future events is to raise funding to provide potentially lifesaving testing for at least 20 women at one of the foundation's 10 partner hospitals. (To learn more and find out how you can help, please click here!)

A special thanks to photographer Mila Samokhina for including me in a recent
article in Reklama, one of Chicago’s most
popular newspapers! I’m also thrilled to be a contributor to A
Perfect Event e-Mag, the most
gorgeous digital magazine I’ve ever seen, presented by the uber talented Debi Lilly! Click here to read the
latest issue
and make sure to check out pages 230 through 233! 🙂

I hope your New Year is off to a great start and here’s hoping we can spend more time together in 2013!! Love and thanks for your support this year and every year!

Love always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And under the “Thrill of a Lifetime” category, huge congrats and thanks to Rich Varnes, Cynthia King and their darling daughter Eleanor King for letting me see the White House at Christmas through their eyes! What an amazing story with such beautiful photos! To read about their fabulous holiday adventure, please
click here!

P.P.S. Please help me congratulate dear Alexis Mattera on her upcoming marriage to
her longtime love, Scott Silberberg! Alexis has been a part of this blog from its very inception and I couldn’t
do this without her! Thanks and congrats for all you do and for your happy impending
plans! Love you so, Lex…release the doves!

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Tagged as 100 Club of Chicago, 25th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner, 57th Presidential Inauguration, A Perfect Event e-Mag, A Silver Lining Foundation, Adler Planetarium, Adrienne Ingebritsen, AJ’s Salon, Alex Gidewon, Alexander Groce, Alexis Mattera, American English, Amie Hana, Amy Jacobson, Amy Wimer, Andrea Dres, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Anna Fong, Anthony Rizzo, Ashley Matthau, Ashley Olsen, Ashley Wheater, Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party, Aya Jackson, Beatrice Jones, Benjamin Cottrell, Benjamin Newby, Bill Zwecker, Bob Mariano, Bobbi Weiss, Borris Powell, Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, Brad Pitt, Brandon Marshall, Brenda Arelano, Brenda Starr, Buick, Buy Mom a Mammogram, Candace Jordan, Candice Hill, Candid Candace, Carmen C. Rivera, Carol Stone, Carter Cortez, Catherine Carey, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity Gala, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Empire, Chicago Reader, Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai, Chicagoland Buick-GMC, Chicagolicious, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chris Renk, Christopher Clinton Conway, Ciroc Vodka at Sea, Clark Kent Greeters, Clearbrook, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., Compound, Crossfader King, Crystal Harris, CS Magazine, Cynovia Potts, Cynthia King, Cystic Fibrosis Goundation, Dan Uslan, Danielle Davis, Danny Chaimson, Darwin Barney, David Brandt, David DeJesus, David DeJesus Foundation, Debi Lilly, Deverra Beverly, DJ DOLO, DJ Flaco, DJ Matt Roan, DJ Nikki, DJ Wags, DJ Will Galvan, DJ Zeke Thomas, Donna Binbek, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Drake Hotel. Jon Recana, Eclipse, Eleanor King, Entrepreneur’s Eve, Eric Hutchinson, Etta James, Evan Brightfield, Evan Ross, Face of the News, Faith Godfrey, Femme Fatale, Frances Renk, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, Frank Glab, Frontier Chicago Restaurant, Frost Lighting, Gene Simmons, George Daniels, Gold Coast All Stars, Greg Hyder, H. Foundation, Harold Washington Library, Hennessy Black, Hennessy V.S. New Year’s Eve Takeover Party, Houston Texans, Hugh Hefner, Hyundai Motor America, iAN&ANi, Iman Amy Danielle, JDRF, Jem, Jennifer Bridgeforth, Jennifer Sutton, Jenny Davison, Jesse White Tumbling Team, Joe Don Rooney, Joey Majumdar, Jon Lovitz, Jonathan Cheban, Jorge Niedas, JP Anderson, Judy Ippolito Floral & Event Décor, Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Justin Jacobson, Justin Ross Lee, Keith Hefner, Keith Magee, Kerry Wood, Kim DeJesus, La Voz Kids, Laura Kofoid, Laura Schwartz, Laura Silva, Leah Chavie, LeAnita Ragland-Brooks, Lenny Weiss, Leonard Mogul, Leslie Hindman, Lilu’s Talent Agency, Lindsey Barney, LIV, Liz Abraham, Liz Sung, Loreta Corsetti, Lori Zaitz, Lynn McMahan, Marcas “Mr. Robotic” Harris, March of Dimes, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Margaret O’Connor, Mark Roscoe, Mateo, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, McCormick Place, Michael Kutza, Michael Weiss, Mila Samokhina, Million Dollar Quartet, Misericordia, Misty Callahan, National Public Housing Museum, NBC Universal, Neiman Marcus, New York Observer, New York Post, Newspaper Couture Collection, Nicole Townsend, Nina Mariano, O.A.R., Otis Wilson, Palmer House Hilton, Paul Iacono, Platinum Events, Playboy, Pointe of Departure, Pretentious Pocket, Prince Williams, Project Borderline, Rascal Flatts, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, Regina Lee, Reklama, Respiratory Health Association, Rich Gamble, Rich Varnes, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Robert Mackey, Rose Mandel, Rosemary Fanti, Sam Worley, Samantha Pitello, Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Sarah Wood, Scott Silberberg, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Shari Duffy, Shawn Camp, Shelley Howard, Slum Thug, Special Olympics Illinois, Spider Saloff, Spina Bifida Association of Illinois, Stanley Paul, Star Magazine, Starlin Castro, Stephen Wright, Steve Biossat, Steve Clevenger, Steve Starr, Steve Starr Studios, T.I., TCW Magazine, Telemundo Media, Thaddaeus McAdams, The Cradle Foundation, The Great American Songbook, The Great Frankini, The Headliners, The Joffrey Ballet, The Neville Brothers, The Nutcracker, The Women;s Board, Timbuck2, Tiny, Tom Kehoe, Tony Campana, Tracey Tarantino, Tribeca Flashpoint Academy, Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head, Untitled, Us Weekly, VenueSIX10, Victor Skrebneski, Watch312.com, White House Strategies, Young Jeezy, Ziegler Auto Group, ZZAZZ Productions

December 23, 2012 · 10:36 am

THE GRINCH DIDN’T STEAL XMAS AT THIS KANDY KANE BALL!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, WINGS HOSTS “SWEET HOME CHICAGO,” HUFFPO LOVES ELYSABETH, METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES’ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, STELLA SPEAKS, PET RESCUE NEWS, BBQ AND COUNTRY MUSIC AT BUB CITY, BACK IN PLAYBOY, ROE CONN WEARS CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK ON “WINDY CITY LIVE,” KERRY WOOD’S WINTER WARM-UP, IS CRYSTAL A MRS.?, KRISTINA, KORINNA, MICHAELA AND LYNN HOST HOT HOLIDAY PARTIES, GIBSONS GIVES BACK AND SO MUCH MORE!

The annual Kandy Kane Ball is always a sell-out and this year (its 10th) was the best one yet! More than 1,000 partygoers descended on Joe’s Bar on Weed Street on December 8th for an event described as the
city’s largest private toy drive. One of the event founders and organizers, Mark Bell, said, “The ticket for admission [$50] is purposefully set low in order for guests to focus their contribution on the mission of our event – TOYS! We’re all fortunate and blessed in many ways and it’s always important to give
back to less fortunate individuals, particularly during the holiday season.” The semi-trailer truck was filled to the brim with toys by the end of the evening,
making this year’s event the most successful ever! And I can sure see why: The fabulous theme by Derrick Taylor & Company was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The winter wonderland included holly “Who” wreaths, abstract “Who”
Christmas trees, Grinch fingers made from cedar and 800 yards of lime green and candy apple red silk bunting that framed the stage where the Chicago Children’s Choir opened
the evening singing holiday carols. Surprise guest, celebrity illusionist Aurora Sexton, then wowed the crowd as she posed for photos dressed as the Grinch. The band Sorry for Partying and hot DJ Sye Young (one of my favs) kept the crowd on their feet into the early hours while classic holiday films played on 20 plasma screen TVs throughout the
rooms. Father Jeremiah Boland of Holy Family Church was on hand to help distribute thousands of toys and bikes to multiple charities that included Catholic Charities of Chicago, Pediatric Unit of U of I Medical Center, Rush
Medical Center, Kellen Shelter, West Side Employment Outreach and St. Anthony’s Hospital Community Outreach as well as to families who suffered during Hurricane Sandy. Congrats to some of the Kandy Kane Ball elves
who included Brian Thompson, Chris Draska, David Sacher, Christian Habitz, Mark Bell and so many others who bring this party with a purpose to life in such grand style! Mark your calendars now for next year’s event – it’s one of my favorite holiday parties and you will love it, too! (To see more pics from this fun event, please click here!)

Every year, the Service Club of Chicago hosts a delightful Holiday Luncheon at the University Club. This year’s theme – “12 Days of Christmas” – brought out almost 200 attendees to this
glorious venue at 76 E. Monroe. The room was beautifully decorated with a 20-foot Christmas tree that glowed beneath the dramatic stained glass window. An elf and an angel welcomed guests to the organization’s largest holiday luncheon yet with a champagne reception.
Numerous vendors participated making holiday shopping easy and fun, all for a good cause: There was vintage jewelry and clothing from Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, fabulous furs from Hinsdale Furriers, a
variety of gifts from Mary Mary and toys for our four-legged friends from Tails in the City. Other vendors included Aleksandra, Beijing Boutique, Elsa Johnson, Lisa Cotton Collection, Reginald, Inc., Toria Rose
and Joelle Nadine. All of the shops donated 15 percent back to the Service Club of their sales that day. Members were also requested to bring gifts to benefit Mount St. Joseph, home to 121 special ladies with developmental and physical disabilities. The
luncheon feast, chaired by SC member Sheree Valukas, included roasted butternut squash and cider soup and Amish chicken with lemon caper sauce. For dessert, a delicious chocolate crumble cake with chocolate sauce and raspberries was served. The festive tables were decorated with poinsettias
and holiday greenery. The melodic sounds of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus filled the room with guests joining in singing the “12 Days of Christmas.” The Service Club is one of the city’s oldest charitable organizations; founded in
1890, they have continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities. Its policy of giving is to assist, improve and initiate new
programs via its grant program and 100 percent of all funds raised goes directly to charity. For more info, please visit www.ServiceClubofChicago.org. (Check out more pics here!)

Led by honorary co-chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts and event co-chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) raised a record
$610,000 at the not-for-profit organization’s ninth annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser on December 9th, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Since it started in 2004, Sweet
Home Chicago has become one of the city’s most successful brunch fundraisers and this year’s benefit brings the total bottom line to more than $4 million to help support WINGS Safe House. More than 480 people (approximately half children) enjoyed a delicious brunch,
decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for family portraits by photographer Curtis Newborn, enjoyed balloon artists dressed as clowns and danced to a concert by Ralph’s World. Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago
area. Ninety-eight percent of its operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as WINGS three northwest suburban resale shops. Guests in attendance included WINGS Board Chair Rita Canning with husband John, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Ellen and Jim O’Connor and their grandchildren Reagan Cole and Caroline Cole, and the Wendy and Steve Backer family. For more info, please visit www.wingsprogram.com. (Photos by Waldemar Reichert.)

Congrats are in order for my beautiful friend/whirling dervish/columnist/filmmaker/human dynamo Elysabeth Alfano! Not only does she have TWO hit shows – “Fear No Art,” a great show that demystifies the art world with all of the
movers and shakers (and the cutest host) AND “The Dinner Party,” where Elysabeth mixes it up with our town’s most notables/celebs during a fabulous dinner prepared by top notch chefs WITH entertainment – but she was also chosen this year as one of HuffPo
Chicago’s 25 top bloggers! I’m tired just reading this but there really is nothing this talented woman can’t do and I’m so happy to see her doing it ALL in such grand style! Both of her shows are must-sees; don’t miss a segment – see
them all! Her most recent column for the Huffington Post includes holiday gift and stocking stuffer ideas from 15 of “Chicago’s Most Creatives”…not sure how I fit in this category but I’m honored to be included!

Generous sponsors and guests helped Metropolitan Family Services raise a whopping $1,187,000 at its 31st Annual Holiday Celebration, held December 1st at the Hilton Chicago.
The Gerst Family was honored as Metropolitan’s Family of the Year for its many contributions to the organization. All event expenses were generously underwritten by an anonymous donor. (Nice!) That means all event proceeds will support the Metropolitan’s programs and
services, which provide hope and opportunity to more than 53,000 Chicago-area
families and individuals each year. More than 700 guests came out to enjoy the Holiday Celebration, which was emceed by Chicago Tribune Co. publisher and CEO Tony Hunter. The event featured various entertainment and activities including vocalists Liane Williams and Markiyla Moore, Sammie Torres and His Latin Ensemble and the Calumet Center Community Schools Choir. There were also live and silent auctions, a wine raffle featuring select vintages and a Holiday Giving Tree raffle. (Tree raffle proceeds benefitted Metropolitan’s
Upward Bound program, which prepares first-generation college students to successfully enter college; click here to see a short video that shows how Metropolitan helps youth in the Upward Bound program to realize their dreams.) Visit www.metrofamily.org for more and view pictures here.

The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event will be on February 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson. The fun-filled event will feature a family brunch buffet, Valentine’s activities
for children and a special concert by award-winning children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events, who will also be providing fantastic DJ entertainment for dancing, dancing, dancing! Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet
Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, make-overs from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. The Be My
Valentine Family Event is co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers and all proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Expect this event to be a sell-out so get your tickets now: Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance and $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or by calling 312-926-7133. Hope to see you there!

For all of you who miss the “voice of reason” Stella Foster, here are some of her thoughts on all of the violence that’s occurring in our country now. Thanks for allowing me to share this with my readers, Stella: “Given all these ‘Bloody Weekends’ that this city is now noted for, the best you can do out here in your everyday lives is try to not become a
statistic. Blacks killing blacks will not stop because self-hatred is a real issue in the black community. The overwhelming cases of shootings in Chicago has created a runaway train most likely filled with violence -prone children from unwed teens, who never should have had babies in the first place. Babies cannot raise babies and when this society became so tolerant and seem to embrace and celebrate unwed girls and boys having babies all willy nilly, babies become susceptible to gangs taking over their lives early in life and the result is what u c
running wild in our streets with no heart! The decline of morality in this country along with the daily images of sex and violence will continue to cause sadness . So try not to become a stat by staying ever alert and pay attention to who you are around when you have to venture into the dangerous streets of Chicago and the burbs! If there were no bullets, guns would not be in demand!” WE MISS YOU STELLA!

Great news and congrats to Chicagoland’s senior pet adoption option Young at Heart Pet Rescue on its recent purchase of eight acres of beautiful land in unincorporated Woodstock. This property will eventually become a serene oasis for senior dogs and cats (seven years and older) in need of rescue and will include an adoption center, sanctuary and grounds designed specifically with
these pets in mind. I love this charity that has placed more than 520 senior pets into loving homes this year. Executive Director Dawn Kemper shared this delightful holiday story written by Scott Craven called “Toby and the Christmas Ring.” Read the story here (with a box of tissue nearby) and find out more about this wonderful charity!

And speaking of pet rescues, don’t miss Freezin’ for a Reason, a benefit for Project Rescue Chicago on January 5th at Foster Avenue Beach (located at 5200 N. Lake Shore in Andersonville) beginning with a 10:15 a.m. check-in and photos. Every year, Chicagoans are
reminded of just how lucky they are to have a warm place to call home every night but many homeless dogs and puppies don’t have this luxury. It is in honor of these animals that Project Rescue Chicago (PRC) is throwing its first fundraiser of 2013. Join fellow animal lovers and take the plunge for charity! A PRC founder Bridgid Nolan said, “We like to have a good time out on the lake and at the bar afterwards but I’m most excited about helping the
dogs in need. This fundraiser will provide resources for many shelter animals.” To register (there is a $25 fee) and for more info, please click here or call Project Rescue Chicago at 312-623-0939. I’ll be cheering you on from the shore…brrrrrrrr. 🙂

Thanks so much to “Windy City Live” for having me back on! It was a delightful surprise to find out when I arrived at the studios that not only would I be doing my event segment but that I had also been included in Host Chat! Never mind the terror I felt for not having read the newspapers that morning, I was still pumped albeit a bit quiet during the segment! LOL! I especially loved seeing Ryan applying my CAMP Cosmetics’ Candid Candace lipstick to his
fellow co-host, Roe Conn! Real men do wear Candid Candace! Remember, hockey great Jeremy Roenick also wore it on WCIU’s “You and Me This Morning” not long ago?! Maybe I need to come up with a new unisex color…perhaps Candid Candace Manly Mango? If you missed the segment, see below – it was really cute! (Thanks to Amie Hana for the great photos used during the segment, too!)

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Huge congrats to the Melman siblings for yet another restaurant coup! RJ, Jerrod and Molly, in conjunction with partners Chef Doug Psaltis and mixologist Paul McGee, have created their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun! With Joe’s Bar on Weed Street partners Ed Warm and Tom DeSanto in the mix, guests can expect to see some of country music’s top emerging talent perform on the venue’s
16-foot stage positioned at the center of the 4,500-square-foot space. BBQ-focused Bub City is located at 435 N. Clark and serves signature items that include slow-smoked bone-in short ribs, baby back ribs, Carolina-style pulled pork and a shellfish bar. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder served with four sides – I can’t wait to try it! BBQ, beer, bourbon and the best of country music comes to River North! Yee haw!

Woot! Woot! Thanks to Playboy for including me in its January 2013 issue! It seems that my interview with legendary actor Al Pacino drew some interest from Hef! Thanks to Mila Samokhina for the fab photo and to the Chicago International Film Festival for making a dream come true! And speaking of
Playboy, under the draw-your-own-conclusions category, I came across Hef’s fiance’s (Crystal Harris) Twitter page and it seems there has been a name change to Crystal Hefner! If true, I wish them both a world of happiness!!

Don’t miss the Wood Family Foundation’s second annual Woody’s Winter Warm-Up at Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier on January 18th. Retired Cubs great Kerry Wood and glam wife
Sarah have invited past and present Cubs along with other sports stars and celebs to this wonderful event benefitting their foundation that supports children in need in the Chicagoland area. There will be a dinner buffet, amazing silent auction laden with sports memorabilia (last year, Ernie Banks’ signed bat and
jersey was snagged by Beam VP Tom Strehle), open bar, raffle, photo ops and so much more! For tickets ($150) and more info, please click here!

Don’t forget to join me on NYE for Chicago Empire, an event named as one of the “top NYE parties in Chicago” by the Huffington Post! I will be doing the countdown with NBC’s Marcus Riley at Untitled, located at 111 W.
Kinzie. Six floors of fun will include the Gold Coast All Stars, Mr. Robotic, VH1 reality star “JRL” Justin Ross Lee and so much more! Tickets begin at $125 for this sure-to-be-fabulous production from Platinum Events’ Justin Jacobson!

The Gibsons Restaurant Group not only serves up delicious food but, it also has a very strong charitable bent, too! For the past five years, John Colletti and Kathy O’Malley Piccone, along with dozens of darling helpers, host “Gibsons New Year: New Friends, Full Bellies, Warm Feet” in partnership with Chicago Catholic
Charities. You can help by donating gifts of warmth such as hats, socks, gloves and scarves to Gibsons Restaurant, located at 1028 N. Rush St. They will be serving more than 400 less fortunate individuals at the restaurant on New Year’s Day. Kind hearts and good food for charity – LOVE these peeps! 🙂

You couldn’t imagine a more elegant holiday party than the one recently hosted by glamorous and charitable twins Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt at the McGrath home in the
Gold Coast. More than 100 equally glam friends turned out in force to celebrate the holidays in grand style at this gorgeous condo in the former Playboy building. As soon as the elevator doors opened onto their floor, you knew you were in for a most delightful, festive evening filled with friends. Serving elves offered up specialty cocktails, a bountiful dinner buffet and
photographer Christoper Free was on hand snapping
shots of friends wearing various types of holiday headgear and there was magnificent décor everywhere you looked. I loved their clever idea of asking friends to bring a beauty-related gift under $50. These gifts then served
as the guests’ goody bags as they left the party – just brilliant! I was still there (ahem) when Kristina’s handsome
and loving husband Mike came home after his own night out with friends. As he embraced her, I heard him ask, “Are you happy?” I’m sure this was Santa disguised as Mike McGrath! Ho! Ho! Ho! (View more fun and festive pics here!)

It was a winter wonderland theme for guests at the holiday luncheon recently co-hosted by beautiful ladies Michaela Parrillo and Lynn McMahan. The room at the Casino had a cozy fire roaring, elegantly appointed tables all done in sparkling shades of winter white, liveried waiters offering tea service and tiny sandwiches of smoked salmon, brie and apple, cucumber, tomato and egg salad, profiteroles filled with chicken salad and gluten free rice paper chicken salad wrap. Decadent desserts included white and dark chocolate dipped strawberries, petit
fours, tea cookies and miniature lemon meringue tarts. Michaela and Lynn had planned some surprises including asking guests to sing-a-long to the “12 Days of Christmas.” It was a lovely afternoon with the most beautiful décor I’ve seen: Even the tablecloths looked like they were dipped in fairy dust and were imported by Lynn from a faraway place, of course! If you know these two ladies, you know that every detail was attended to! Guests left with gifts topped with crystal snowflakes that held the perfect Chanel lip gloss inside. Love these girls and loved being part of their special day!

That’s it for this week and I hope you’re not too frenzied as we near Christmas and the end of the year. I'm also glad the Mayans were wrong… 🙂

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Religion, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 12 Days of Christmas, Abt Electronics, Al Pacino, Aleksandra, Amie Hana, Anna Bilton, Aurora Sexton, Be My Valentine Family Event, Beam, Beijing Boutique, Brian Thompson, Bridgid Nolan, Bub City, Calumet Center Community Schools Choir, CAMP Cosmetics, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Caroline Cole, Casino, Cece Ricketts, Chef Doug Psaltis, Chicago Catholic Charities, Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Empire, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Chicago International Film Festival, Chicago Tribune Company, Chris Draska, Christian Habitz, Christopher Free, Crystal Harris, Crystal Hefner, Curtis Newborn, David Sacher, Dawn Kemper, Derrick Taylor & Company, DJ Sye Young, ECIU, Ed Warm, Ellen O’Connor, Elsa Johnson, ELTIF Designs, Elysabeth Alfano, Ernie Banks, Father Jeremiah Boland, Feat No Art, Freezin’ for a Reason, Gerst Family, Gibsons New Year: New Friends Full Bellies Warm Feet, Gibsons Restaurant Group, Gold Coast All Stars, Harris Kal Productions, Harry Carays, Hinsdale Furriers, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Huffington Post, Hugh Hefner, Inc., Jeremy Roenick, Jerrod Melman, Jim O’Connor, Joe’s Bar, Joelle Nadine, John Canning, John Colletti, JRL, Justin Jacobson, Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players, Justin Ross Lee, Kandy Kane Ball, Kathy O'Malley Piccone, Kerry Wood, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Liane Williams, Lisa Cotton Collection, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Lynn McMahan, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Marcus Riley, Mark Bell, Markiyla Moore, Mary Mary, Mayans, Meghan Norton, Metropolitan Family Services, Michaela Parrillo, Mike McGrath, Mila Samokhina, Molly Melman, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Mr. Robotic, Paul McGee, Platinum Events, Playboy, Project Rescue Chicago, Ralph's World, Reagan Cole, Reginald, Rita Canning, RJ Melman, Roe Conn, Sammie Torres and His Latin Ensemble, Sarah Wood, Scott Craven, Service Club of Chicago, Sheree Valukas, Sorry for Partying, Stella Foster, Steve Backer, Sweet and Sassy, Sweet Home Chicago, Sweet Mandy B’s, Tails in the City, The Dinner Party, Toby and the Christmas Ring, Tom DeSanto, Tom Ricketts, Tom Strehle, Tony Hunter, Toria Rose, Untitled, VH1, Waldemar Reichert, Wendy Backer, Windy City Live, Wings, Women in Need Growing Stronger, Wood Family Foundation, Woody’s Winter Warm-Up, You and Me This Morning, Young at Heart Pet Rescue

November 9, 2012 · 10:36 am

DOMINIC DIFRISCO: BELOVED HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION GETS HIS “WAY”

…PLUS MCGRATH’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE GALA, COLUMBIAN BALL CELEBRATES OLD AND NEW, TCW MAG’S HALLOWEEN BASH, CHEF ART “TARTS IT UP” FOR ERIC, STEVE STARR’S “FACE OF THE NEWS,” WCIU’S “YOU & ME IN THE MORNING” IS MOVIN’ ON UP, A PERFECT HOLIDAY E-MAG PLUS NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was a great day in Chicago on Saturday, November 3rd when beloved Dominic DiFrisco, a champion of Italian-Americans and a cultural torch bearer, was honored with his own street! More than 60 fans, friends and family congregated at the corner of Astor and Schiller to join Dominic, his wife Carol, daughter and son-in-law Nina and Bob Mariano, and Alderwoman Michelle Smith as she unveiled “Honorary Dominic DiFrisco Way.” The Alderman read Dominic's extensive bio and cited how he's been a bridge builder in Chicago for not only the Italian-American community but for all ethnic and religious communities. Dominic is president emeritus of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans – an organization founded on the principle that Italian-Americans and Americans from all backgrounds should be able to preserve their heritage – while also pursuing the American Dream without prejudice. Dominic spoke eloquently about his goal for Chicago to be a beautiful mosaic and not a melting pot. Monsignor Kenneth Velo and Father George Clements were on hand and spoke of Dominic's many social and civic efforts while his grandson Pasquale Gianni brought the crowd to tears with his tribute. The party moved on to Gene & Georgetti’s for a two-hour love fest and Italian feast! Friends on the scene included Marion and Tony Durpetti, Terry “Whitey” Pearson, Jamie and Tess Gabala, Mark O’Malley and so many others. It was a fitting day for a man who makes a difference. Love and congrats, Dominic…keep up the GREAT work! (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)

McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago’s by-invite-only grand opening on October 24th brought out hundreds of fans and friends to this magnificent dealership, seven years in the making. You could see this 50,000-square-foot space for miles before you actually arrived thanks to the ginormous rotating Hollywood lights out front! Inside, it was so beautiful that even if it wasn’t a dealership, it could easily double as an event space or grand art gallery; in fact, the first event held there was for the Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails,” which McGrath Acura co-owner Kristina McGrath also co-chaired. During the festivities, speed painter Elliott From of Artbeat Live created an impressionist painting of the dealership that was presented to the family. Co-owner Mike McGrath’s sons, Kevin and Mike Jr., were on hand with their families as well as glam wife Kristina and her equally gorgeous twin sister, Korinna Isselhardt. Hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Dan Uslan and produced by Platinum Events, the grand opening was planned as a way to thank their loyal customers that have been doing business with the family’s six other dealerships over the course of the past 62 years. Key executives from Honda were in attendance as well as McGrath Executive VP of Sales John Mendel and GM of Westmont McGrath Acura Ken Girard. Glen Missner (Missner Group) built the dealership, the first of its kind in the country using the newest designs from Acura and state-of-the-art technology. Michigan Avenue Magazine president and publisher Dan Uslan paid tribute to the McGraths in a moving speech which highlighted their importance in the community. He said, “Trust takes many forms. Few people can say they unilaterally trust someone. The same person you trust in business is not necessarily the same one you'd trust with your money, spouse or reputation. But the McGraths are those rare people that you can feel good about trusting in every way. They've created a personal brand for themselves and business that's enviable. Their reward has been loyalty amongst their friends, business partners and customers. Others want to do right by them simply because the McGraths are so genuine.” Located at 1301 N. Elston and situated on the river, the dealership has hundreds of new Acuras, pre-owned and certified vehicles, many of which were artfully displayed on this special night. Guests seen at this gala celebration included Justin Jacobson, Paul Iacono, Margaret O’Connor, Nina Mariano, Kerry Bowler, Jennifer Sutton, Heather Farley Ingram, Toni and Rick Canada, DC Crenshaw, Larry Wert, Marco Foster, Tonya and Adam Stevenson, Grace and Zack Napolitano, Toni and Ed Mallof and Lynn and John McMahan among many others. Congrats to the McGraths and their dedicated employees! When I do the math, I always choose McGrath!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=Q0OTBwNjrbiNiXrqzgp7h83xOjqMisyq&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

The Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation welcomed more than 425 guests, including prominent business and civic leaders, for its Eighth Annual Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Friday, October 12th. Guests at the elegant black tie event enjoyed a cocktail reception with live music by Oncore Productions, followed by a lavish dinner catered by Radisson Blu. Special remarks were given by Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) chairman Martin Stern, who welcomed guests and thanked them for continued support of the Foundation’s programs, which include the award-winning Pop-Up Art Loop storefront gallery initiative and annual Art Loop public art commission. The fun continued into the evening as guests filled the dance floor and enjoyed live music by Hey Jimmy! The gala co-chairs were Turner Construction Company business development manager Bill Burfeind, Chicago magazine publisher and GM Rich Gamble, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University chief development officer Judie Moore Green and Merchandise Mart Properties VP and GM Bill Noonan. Additional distinguished guests at the event included 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Chicago Department of Transportation commissioner Gabe Klein, Broadway in Chicago president and CLA vice-chairman Lou Raizin, Choose Chicago VP for cultural tourism and neighborhoods Melissa Cherry, Pressure Washing Systems president and founder Bill Mologousis, and CLA interim executive director Laura Jones. Lead sponsors for the Eighth Annual Gala were Presenting Sponsor Pressure Washing Systems and Silver Table Patrons BMO Harris Bank, Columbia College Chicago, Gensler, theWit Hotel and Turner Construction Company. The event raised more than $175,000 in support of the Foundation and its ambitious efforts to develop and promote artistic, cultural and public events wit
hin the Loop. (And speaking of the Chicago Loop Alliance, huge thanks to Philip Barash (CLA Director of Marketing and Development) for choosing me to record the holiday greetings for its “Lightscape” installations on State Street! Listen for a familiar voice on that great street beginning November 24th ! 🙂 Ho! Ho! Ho! (To view more images, please click here!)

On Saturday, October 20th, the Museum of Science and Industry held its 32nd annual Columbian Ball. From the fascination of the famed White City of 1893 to groundbreaking, high-tech exhibits, this year’s ball celebrated the spirit of innovation that has always been within the museum’s walls and part of its rich history. Nearly 900 guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing co-chaired by Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin and Christina and Ron Gidwitz. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also an honorary co-chair of the ball. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the co-chairs and – a special addition this year – by the Anybot QB2, a remote-controlled robot. The décor took guests back to the Columbian Exposition with lights strung between the museum’s balcony levels and historic images of the museum from the fair projected on the massive marble walls, giving the rotunda a spectacular glow. An acrobatic artist spun and twirled from a sheet of silk hanging from the ceiling. The museum’s Science Storms exhibit was open throughout the evening for guests to enjoy. In the museum’s Rosenwald Court, novelties from the fair (including two large paintings and a six-foot-tall vase) from the museum’s collection were displayed. A virtual tour took guests through the fair’s grounds and various buildings. On the adjacent side, technology ruled with current and future innovations featured. Guests interacted with robots (like the Anybot QB2 and NAO) and since spray paint was invented during the fair, guests paid homage to the invention by expressing their creativity on a “digital graffiti” wall. The party then adjourned to a heated tent on the museum’s front lawn (courtesy of Party Time Productions) with event décor by Heffernan Morgan Ronsley. Tables were adorned with camellias and white roses with historic images of the Museum projected on white, fabric sculptures. A live auction raised $242K, which included eight exciting packages including a deep sea diving expedition in Hawaii with world-renowned marine engineer, Graham Hawkes. The ball raised more than $2.2 million to support the museum’s vision. The evening ended with entertainment provided by the Steve Biossat Orchestra. For more info about the Museum and upcoming events, please visit www.msichicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl and JB Spector…click here for more pics!)

Can you imagine how much fun a costume party would be if you saw Grant DePorter dressed as Harry Caray, Sherren Leigh as a witch, Corri McFadden as a skeleton, Bob Graham as the Joker, Cindy Burns as Cleopatra, Shari Duffy as a Hooters girl and Paul Iacono as a mime?! Well, this was exactly the scene for TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party at the Cultural Center on October 30th. The “Pumpkins on Parade” silent auction was a huge hit with highly creative offerings from some of our town’s VIP’s including Barbara Bates, author Brad Thor, Grant DePorter, artist Rosemary Fanti, Cassandra Gaddo, Greg Hyder, Mellody Hobson, Sherren, RJ Melman, Corri McFadden, Andrea Metcalf, Roe Conn and Richard Roeper, Chef Devon Quinn, Hedy Ratner, Laura Sage, Tim Smithe, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Mario Tricoci, Rich Varnes, Maria Wynne and moi. (My funkins were courtesy of my uber creative girlfriend, Tissy Eggleston!) Catered by Paramount Events, the evening also included delicious mini white cheddar cheese/fig jam sandwiches, lobster salad on cornbread and seared tuna on a wonton crisps. Comfort food stations included hot dogs, BLT’s and meatloaf sandwiches and the “skull” cake donated by TipsyCake was a crowd favorite. More than 200 guests attended this spooky fundraiser that raised a little over $45,000 for the Today's Chicago Woman Foundation 501(c)(3) charity and its 2012 30 For 30 Campaign. TCWF will give grants to 30 area charities that assist women and children in need. (The 30 charities will be featured in the 2012 December issue.) Spooktacular guests included Cece Gonzalez and Melinda Joseph, Kathleen Henson, Carrie and Harry Hightman, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Maria Zec, Erica Strama, Ryan Beshel, Jason Erkes, Holly Hughes, Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, WGN’s Erin McElroy, Bill Shipley and Frank Holland among many others. (Check out more fun pics here!)

And speaking of Halloween, there is nothing like a party in Old Town and, particularly, there is nothing quite like a party at Lucy Wojtas and Steve Weiss’ house! Their home is the talk of the town and it’s decorated inside and outside for Halloween, much to the delight of their constant parade of trick-or-treaters! For the party, hostess Lucy was dressed as Elvis…complete with a white cape, oversized sunglasses, a huge “diamond” ring and, of course, a microphone that never left her hand. She stayed in character for the entire evening and made the night so special for everyone, especially her adoring husband. Her sister, Christina Wojtas, came dressed as a little devil, my stepson, Charley Jordan, made a mean looking Dexter (complete with bloody face, garden boots and a BIG knife) and John Waterfield was unrecognizable as a six-foot Sasquatch. Seen on this boo-tiful night were author Shirley Baugher and husband Norman, Carolyn Armenetta-Davis, Lucy and Dan Baldwin, Shannon Waterfield, Michael Warnick, Todd Humes, Alan Naragon, Karen Pfendler, David Pfendler and Stefani Turken, Mary O’Neill, Karen Stephenson, Chloe Mae Loop and so many more! Thanks so much to the Weisses for keeping our ‘hood so festive! (Click here to view more pics!)

More than 600 guests gathered for an inspirational afternoon at Chicago House’s 4th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon at the Chicago Hilton Hotel on November 2nd. In a 30-minute keynote address to the crowd, Kenneth Cole recounted his unique entry into the fashion world, selling shoes out of a trailer in mid-town Manhattan. His advocacy and trailblazing efforts in the global fight against AIDS are what attracted Chicago House to him. VIP guests included ABC’s Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu, Project Runway Season 2 contestant Steven Rosengard, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, Macy’s Media Relations VP Andrea Schwartz, Glossed & Found’s Graham Kostic, local designers Borris Powell and Horacio Nieto and American Airlines’ Mary Francis Fagan, among many others. Special Events Manager for Chicago House Jeremy Hilborn said, “The 2012 Speaker Series was our most successful yet. Kenneth Cole was the perfect addition to the growing list of unique speakers who have lent their voice to further validate Chicago House’s important work. We are proud to have raised such significant funds for our programs, but even more proud to shed light on important issues at an event which hopefully serves as a catalyst for discussion and change.”(Chicago House provides permanent, community-based housing, supportive services, and prevention outreach to individuals and families struggling with HIV and AIDS). Guests left with swag bags from Room & Board, featuring sweet treats from Sweet Miss Giving’s, Little Miss Muffin, and Cheshire Cat Confectionary. For more information, visit www.chicagohouse.org. (Photos by Steve Starr…see more here!)

You CANNOT MISS beloved photog Steve Starr’s upcoming “Face of the News” celebration on 12/12/12 at the John B. Murphy Auditorium, located at 50 E. Erie! Celebrity photog, author and collector, Steve is celebrating his 45th anniversary of Steve Starr Studios with an elaborate photo exhibition/party of broadcasters, publishers, columnists, writers, journalists, entertainment news reporters and producers. This grand night celebrating the media (and Steve!) will showcase more than 400 framed images and will begin with a VIP “News Hour” reception followed by the opening at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by lovable entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker, the night will include tasty bites from local restaurants as well as a few surprises! (A portion of the proceeds will support CPJ – the Committee to Protect Journalists.) For tickets and more info, please visit click here!

HUGE congrats to beloved author/pastry Chef Eric Lanlard on the publication of his latest book, “Tart It Up”! Chef Art Smith and partner Jesus Salgueiro feted him recently at a delightful brunch at their house that featured scrambled eggs with white truffles they dug on their recent trip to Tuscany. Other delicious offerings included Benton Ham of Tennessee with biscuits, Art’s homemade cinnamon rolls, Eleven City Diner’s red velvet cake and assorted tarts from Eric’s book. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly made it all look, well, perfect! Congrats Eric and we hope to see you back in town soon! (Purchase Eric’s delightful book here and to see ALL the party pics, click here!)

Thank you so much to WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” for having me on a segment recently! I love this show and darling co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow – I don’t have a clue as to how they get up so early, look so good and remain so perky every single day! Thanks also to senior producer Rob Morhaim for including me! (Ratings for this popular show have been steadily climbing and on the day I was there, the show beat out CBS2 News, Fox32 and Mancow on Power! Woot woot! Power to the U!) If you want to see my segment, watch here and make sure to tune in to Channel 26 from 6 to 8 a.m. every weekday!

Don’t forget to check out the BEAUTIFUL holiday issue of A Perfect Event’s E-Magazine! Debi Lilly has done it again in her glorious second issue! Love the mag, love the contributors and love, Love, LOVE the images! A visual feast throughout! Congrats to Debi and all involved! (And make sure to turn to page 246 for my little article on Christmas!)

Well, that’s the news for this week and I hope you’ve enjoyed it! Please subscribe to Candid Candace – both here, on Facebook and Twitter (if you want!) – and I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!!!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Tagged as 30 for 30 Campaign, A Perfect Event, Adam Stevenson, Alan Naragon, Alderwoman Michelle Smith, Amanda Puck, Andrea Metcalf, Andrea Schwartz, Anita Alvarez, Anybot QB2, Artbeat Live, Barbara Bates, Bill Burfeind, Bill Mologousis, Bill Noonan, Bill Shipley, Bill Zwecker, BMO Harris Bank, Bob Carl, Bob Graham, Bob Mariano, Borris Powell, Brad Thor, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol DiFrisco, Carolyn Armenetta-Davis, Carrie Hightman, Cassandra Gaddo, Cece Gonzalez, Charley Jordan, Chef Art Smith, Chef Eric Lanlard, Cheshire Cat Confectionary, Chicago House’s Speaker Series Luncheon, Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation, Chicago magazine, Chloe Mae Loop, Christina Gidwitz, Christina Wojtas, Cindy Burns, Columbia College Chicago, Columbian Ball, Committee to Protect Journalists, Corri McFadden, Dan Baldwin, Dan Uslan, David Pfendler, DC Crenshaw, Debi Lilly, Dominic DiFrisco, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Dr. Steven Stryker, Ed Mallof, Elliot From, Erica Strama, Erin McElroy, Face of the News, Father George Clements, Frank Holland, Gabe Klein, Gene & Georgetti’s, Gensler, Glen Missner, Glossed & Found Graham Kostic, Grace Napolitano, Graham Hawkes, Grant DePorter, Greg Hyder, Harry Hightman, Heather Farley Ingram, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley, Hey Jimmy!, Holly Hughes, Honorary Dominic DiFrisco Way, Horacio Nieto, Jamie Gabala, Jason Erkes, JB Spector, Jeanne Sparrow, Jennifer Sutton, Jeremy Hilborn, Jesus Salgueiro, John McMahan, John Mendel, John Waterfield, Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans, Judie Moore Green, Justin Jacobson, Karen Pfendler, Karen Stephenson, Kathleen Henson, Ken Girard, Kenneth Cole, Kerry Bowler, Kevin McGrath, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Larry Wert, Laura Jones, Laura Sage, Linda Yu, Lisa Aronin, Little Miss Muffin, Lou Raizin, Lucy Baldwin, Lucy Wojtas, Lynn McMahan, Marco Foster, Margaret O’Connor, Maria Wynne, Maria Zec, Mario Tricoci, Marion Durpetti, Mark O'Malley, Martin Stern, Mary Francis Fagan, Mary O’Neill, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago, Melinda Joseph, Melissa Cherry, Melissa Forman, Melllody Hobson, Michael Warnick, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mike McGrath, Mike McGrath Jr., Mila Samokhina, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Museum of Science and Industry, Nina Mariano, Norman Baugher, Oncore Productions, Paramount Events, Party Time Productions, Pasquale Gianni, Paul Iacono, Philip Barash, Platinum Events, Pressure Washing Systems, Project Runway, Pumpkins on Parade, Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, Rich Varnes, Richard Roeper, Rick Canada, RJ Melman, Rob Morhaim, Robert Fioretti, Roe Conn, Ron Gidwitz, Room & Board, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Shannon Waterfield, Shari Duffy, Sherren Leigh, Shirley Baugher, Stefani Turken, Steve Biossat Orchestra, Steve Starr, Steve Weiss, Steven Rosengard, Sweet Miss Giving’s, Sylvia Perez, Tart It Up, TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party, Tess Gabala, theWit Hotel, Tim Smithe, TipsyCake, Tissy Eggleston, Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation, Todd Humes, Toni Canada, Toni Mallof, Tony Durpetti, Tonya Stevenson, Turner Construction Company, WCIU, Whitey Pearson, You & Me in the Morning, Zack Napolitano

November 2, 2012 · 8:47 am

SUSAN G. KOMEN CHICAGO GALA HONORS PINK TIE GUYS!

…PLUS NEXT FASHION CHICAGO’S FAB LOCAL DESIGNERS STRUT FOR PAWS, LUX MGT’S MAISON DE LACOUR SHOW, POTUS AND LITTLE FRIEND, RMHC’S FUN FUNDRAISERS, PAUL STUART’S PHINEAS COLE PARTY, NATE AND THE BIEBS ATTRACT CROWDS, MARTINIS & MISTLETOE, LUXURY GARAGE SALE’S GRAND OPENING, CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER, A WONDERFUL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Tribune Media Group reaffirmed its fight to help end breast cancer by hosting the second annual Pink Tie Gala (themed “Mission Possible”) at Riverfront Theater on Friday, October 19th, benefitting Susan G. Komen Chicago. The event saluted the 2013 class of Komen Chicago Pink Tie Guys and I had the honor of co-hosting with WGN’s Dina Bair. The night’s selection included eleven male influencers who are making a difference in
this battle against breast cancer. These men were nominated by the community and selected by the Komen Chicagoland Board of Directors and represent a wide range of male leaders who live in the Chicagoland area and have a personal connection to breast cancer, a dedication to philanthropy and who help bring awareness to the cause. This illustrious group of men included everybody’s favorite host Ryan Chiaverini from “Windy City Live”, Chicago Public Health Dept. Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair, 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Imerman Angels founder Jonny Imerman (Jonny is a young adult cancer survivor who, after being diagnosed at age 26, founded the organization to carefully match a cancer fighter with someone who has already triumphed over the disease), Victor LaGroon (Manager of the Community Engagement, Cancer Disparities Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago Cancer Center), Jim Logothetis (senior client service partner for Ernst & Young), Reverend Percy W. McCray (Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center), Wade Miquelon (EVP, CFO and President of International for Walgreen’s) and Dr. Steven Rosen (director Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University); VP/GM of the Chicago Blackhawks Stan Bowman and former mayor Richard Daley (honorary chairman) who couldn’t attend this night. Brotha Fred emceed the evening and thanked sponsors Lexus, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Wintrust Community Bank and Walgreen’s. (Walgreen’s Wade Miquelon announced a $25K donation that night for Susan G. Komen.) Dina Bair shared her inspiring story as a two-time cancer survivor and mother of four and then introduced a touching video of Bridget Spence, who has stage four breast cancer. Other speakers included Komen Chicago’s Executive Director Michael Ziener and the Chicago Tribune’s John O’Neil. “We are honored to have these outstanding leaders in the Chicagoland community working with us to fulfill our mission of a world without breast cancer. While traditionally a woman’s disease, the reality is, men can get breast cancer, too,” said Zeiner. With more than 300 attendees, this event also included fabulous portraits by Rosemary Fanti, a silent auction, a Heads or Tails game, an ActionBooth, a nail booth courtesy of Walgreen’s, tasty bites from Paris Club (delicious pumpkin soup with lobster and chestnuts!), Mitchell’s Soda Shop and decadent chocolates from Truffle, Truffle. Susan G. Komen Chicago has been in existence for more than 15 years and, to date, the organization has invested more than $12 million funding local non-profits that provide lifesaving services to uninsured and underinsured women in the Chicagoland area. Proceeds ($50K) from the Pink Tie Gala will go back into the community to support low income women for breast cancer screening, education, treatment and support. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.KomenChicago.org. (Fab fotos by Caitlin Saville Collins…see more here!)

Germania Place was filled to bursting on October 16th with more than 400 of our town's most stylish for the NEXT Fashion Chicago show that featured some of our top designers and boutiques. The show kicked off at 8:30 p.m., after NBC's Marcus Riley and I welcomed the crowd. The lights dimmed, the music pumped up and a Grace Kelly (esque) model wearing a Mark Roscoe-designed magenta cocktail dress hit the runway in dark glasses and an upswept 'do. The show featured everything from couture to casual, elegant to edgy and everything in-between including a clever segment spotlighting custom hand-painted stiletto boots from Just Human by Yemonja Smalls worn by models dressed in black unitards. Midway through the show, a moving video presentation showcased the work of PAWS Chicago and the animals available for adoption; this was followed by a special runway walk featuring adoptable dogs and rescued pups wearing their signature yellow kerchiefs as well as ties and coats provided by Barker & Meowsky and Tanner & Dash. PAWS volunteers as well as board members stole the show with their four-legged friends: Participating designers and boutiques included Mark Roscoe Designs, Gary Gonzalez, Just Human (designer Yemonja Smalls), Akira (owner Jon Cotay), Sahar Dada, Cleon’s Clothing Co., Studio Alade (designer Funkside Eniola), Meekis, Contessa Bottega (owner Contessa Helena), Cory Tran, Fraley Le and Mira Couture. This event was produced by Rose Mandel (Mandel Productions) with Associate Producer Marco Foster with PR support and so much more from Margaret O'Connor (Marcon Communications). A dynamic host committee featured some of our town's most notables such as Rosemary Fanti, Corri McFadden, Toni Canada, DC Crenshaw, Ava Anthony, Emma Arnold, Deborah Brown, Cindy Burns, Julie Lampert, Rita George, Lynn McMahan, Katie McLenaghan, Paul Iacono, Micah Materre, Jennifer Sutton, Alicia Roman, Kelli Zink, Billy Dec, Jessica Zweig, Erica Bethe Levin, Jon Cotay, Tyrone Farley, Deborah Goodman, Attila Gyulai, Zingha Hester, Catie Keogh, Michi Marshall, Kristina McGrath, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Crystal Peters, Arabel Alva Rosales and Sherren Leigh. Special thanks Nevena Zee and Tania Gilbert (artistic directors Custom Hair Lounge & Spa), Brenda Arelano (makeup team artistic director), Joseph and Shawna House (fashion show stylists), Siamonto Etian (Sounds AVL), Laura Bee (soundtrack engineer and event DJ), Robert Sivek (set design), Alison Libby (fashion show video), Paul Latza (videographer) and so many others! A portion of the proceeds benefited PAWS Chicago. For more info on adoptions and the work of PAWS, please visit pawschicago.org. See ALL the of the fun on my Watch312.com video below! (Fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, Amie Hana and Jon Recano…view more event pics here!)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=FoNmhrNjrBXGC3MXvyuk-ucx-udh4LRi&version=2

Luxury Management (LUX MGT) celebrated Chicago’s eighth annual Fashion Focus week by staging a dramatic runway presentation of Maison De LaCour’s latest collections to benefit the American Cancer Society on October 16th. Staged inside Chicago’s breathtaking historical gem, The Murphy Auditorium, LUX MGT’s “The Immaculate One” fashion event also made a dream come true for one young girl battling cancer. Nine-year-old cancer survivor Alyssa’s wish to walk in a real fashion show became a reality Tuesday night when she stole the show – and hearts – with her courageous debut on the runway in a Madison and Friends boutique dress. Edrop-off’s Corri McFadden, Dose Market’s founder April Francis and KISS FM host Angi Taylor introduced Alyssa and emceed the showcasing of Maison De LaCour’s new ready-to-wear line (MDLC), as well as LaCour’s Spring 2013 collection. Models, choreographed by Yana German, strutted down the runway in a kaleidoscope of shimmering sheaths, bold prints, eye-catching hair sculptures by Salon VANITE’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon and makeup by LaCOUR BEAUTE’. The intermission featured a professional modern ballet performance set to the music of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Sugar Hills Bakery provided all guests with delectable desserts and Russian Standard Vodka sponsored the pre-show VIP cocktail reception. Ricardo Sebastian founded LUX MGT as part of a college project to raise money for non-profits through event planning in 2008. Since then, LUX MGT has raised well over $600K for both not-for-profit and for-profit companies. Sebastian was nominated as one of “The Top 75 Up-and-Comers” by the Chicago Innovation Awards. Refinery 29 and Windy City Times listed him as one of this year’s “30 Under 30.” Congrats to all on this fabulous night of fashion for such a wonderful cause!

The nation is abuzz with talk of politics and, recently, Chicago’s own Jerry Lasky hosted a lavish buffet upstairs at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse at a private viewing party for the vice presidential debate. The high powered get-together, that included Republican Congressman Joe Walsh and wife Helene, featured a viewing of the 90-minute debate by 30 politically-active friends who included Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Dr. John McMahan, Rick Canada, Ron Allen, Jay Gottlieb, Jonathan Bross, Lawrence Ryan, Bill Smithburg, comedian Tom Dreesen, Michael Ferro, John Lynch, Steve Stratton, David Smith, Bill Waldrop and Dan Uslan among others. May the best man win!

And speaking of politics, what a thrill it must’ve been for Ivory Reason Carson, the nephew of National Public Housing Museum’s Executive Director Keith Magee, when he met the POTUS! The President rubbed Ivory’s little head and told him, “One day, you will be president, too!” Awww…talk about inspiration! Loved this story! Congrats to little Ivory on his BIG intro! We love Uncle Keith!

What a thrill and what a coup for RL Restaurant and manager Rich Varnes! On Wednesday, October 24th, Oprah Winfrey taped a segment for her show at her “favorite spot” with Justin Bieber! The crowds were off the hook outside the restaurant where beloved waiter Scott McLellan had the honor of waiting on them all inside! The segment will air on November 25th on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” on OWN.

Ronald McDonald House Charities’ “Eat Global, Give Local” event attracted more than 150 people to Carnivale Restaurant recently for a night of charity, socializing and wonderful food from some of our top local chefs. The restaurant is gorgeous, as you know, and designer / restaurateur Jerry Kleiner was on hand greeting guests and sampling dishes from Frontier’s Chef Brian Jupiter (who served delicious milk braised pork shoulder with pistachio cornbread doused in pumpkin bacon gravy!), Davanti’s Chef Creon Mallett (who served roasted squash faro with goat cheese and apple cider reduction), Carnivale’s Chef David Dworshak, Café des Architectes’ Chef Gregg Biggers, Quay’s Chef Dan Marquis and SmallBar’s Chef Justin White among others. Jim DeMaria, Senior Director of Development & Marketing for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, spoke about the importance of the house and encouraged guests to volunteer. Another recent RMHCCNI event was hosted at the Hotel Lincoln’s J. Parker Hotel by dynamic Women’s Auxiliary Board members MaryAnne Smith (WB President and Coach Lovie’s adorable wife), Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitler. The night included some well-known faces like Heather Farley Ingram, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, John McKinnon, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sheryl Dyer, Bill Chunowitz and many others. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the House, please check out this video and see what all of this fundraising is for! (Check out more pics here!)

The Paul Stuart townhouse at 107 E. Oak St. was full of friends and fans on October 18th to congratulate its handsome hosts and Brand Ambassadors, Christopher Clinton Conway (Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet), Marc Brooks (Park 52 owner) and Jason Berngard (Gilt City curator). The occasion was to celebrate Paul Stuart’s collaboration with Esquire Black Book to introduce the Phineas Cole Fall/Winter 2012 Collection, Paul Stuart’s new line of contemporary men’s clothing. On hand for the evening was Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma, who debuted the new collection and mingled with more than 100 stylish attendees. Guests mingled, shopped and enjoyed beer from local Chicago brewery Goose Island, spirits by Maker’s Mark, and water from Smartwater. Notable Chicago attendees included CBS’s Ryan Baker, Blue Chicago Media Group’s Ryan Jeffries, D.C. Crenshaw, Eric McKissack, Maggie Morgan, Tom Shure, Helen Melchoir, Ken Norgan and Arnie Becker. Jazz guitarist Kyle Asche played throughout the evening featuring a mix of jazz, rock and pop music. The evening concluded with guests receiving gift bags with complimentary collar stays from Paul Stuart and a special holiday treat from Maker’s Mark. Awwwwww, so sweet! Congrats to these handsome brand ambassadors and welcome Phineas Cole!!! To see more of the collection, please click here and to view more pics, please click here!)

It was a thrill to emcee cool jazz artist Zemrah’s “Here’s to Life” concert on Sweetest Day (how appropriate!) at Prairie State College Auditorium Theater on October 20th. Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood, beginning in the church choir to opening for her favorite artist, Nancy Wilson. The night also celebrated the launch of her debut CD, “Irresistible Zemrah” and, from the audience response, she certainly is irresistible! Produced by longtime musical director Syd Brown, the show also included unforgettable performances by the Impression’s Reginald Torian, who was decked out head-to-toe in black leather. (Meow!) He debuted a new song that he will be singing with the group on the Impression’s farewell tour and dedicated it to his lady love, N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman. It was such a touching moment and, since I was sitting next to her, one she did not expect! He even gave her a rose…it was a very special moment on a night filled with great moments and I was so excited to be there! Guest artist and one of the most charismatic men I’ve met, Marcus Gentry, also performed. He sang solo and then, for the finale, appeared in the entranceway in a bright yellow jacket singing “At Last” with Zemrah…the crowd went wild and when they slow-danced onstage together, it was magic. She had a great crowd of admirers who never wanted to leave after the show and stayed late to have their pics taken with her and to buy her CD. Zemrah will be performing two shows at Close-Up 2 Contemporary Jazz Club (located at 416 S. Clark St.) every Thursday beginning November 8th. Don’t miss this dynamic entertainer who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!

And now for some much deserved congrats! First up, I just love The HAUTE Spot and, apparently, I’m not the only one! Congrats on winning TimeOut Chicago’s 2012 Best Consignment Shop honor!!! Visit their fabulous River West showroom and see why!

Huge congrats to beloved designer Nate Berkus on his recent book signing at Jayson Home & Garden! His gorgeous book, “The Things That Matter,” is not your typical how-to, should-do book on home design but rather a fresh take on what makes you the happiest in your home, and THOSE are the “things that matter.” This book would make a fantastic holiday gift for ALL of your friends! Click here to buy and congrats Nate! Everyone loves YOU!

The Junior League of Chicago will be hosting its annual fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Randolph. This Gazebo Holiday Market always has a broad selection of gifts and is a perfect place to start your holiday shopping. Come to the “Martinis & Mistletoe” preview party on Friday night and have an exclusive first look while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffle prizes and more! (For tickets and more info, please click here!

I can’t wait for Luxury Garage Sale’s Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 7th at 1658 N. Wells St., in Old Town (my ‘hood!). Darling owners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal are hosting an evening of mixing, mingling, shopping and champagne while viewing “the city’s most refined collection of consignment couture and accessories.” For more info, please call 312.291.9126 or visit www.luxurygaragesale.com. I’ll see YOU there!

Join Chicago Home + Garden Magazine's third annual Chairs for Charity event on Wednesday, November 7th from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cosentino Center located at 1060 W. Division St. as they auction off vintage chairs given new life by Chicago's top designers. Get exclusive access to 15 one-of-a-kind chairs from Francine Turk, Soucie Horner, Erik Kolacz, Lance Lawson, Michele Fitzpatrick and more. While bidding on your favorite chairs, enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres by Texas de Brazil and complimentary beer by Peroni and wine provided by City Winery. Tickets are $35. Auction proceeds and a portion of ticket sales will benefit The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

If you love sushi in a cozy, fun-filled environment, then check out Sushi-O-Sushi at 346 W. Armitage: Chef Andy makes everyone feel like they’re family!! I just love this spot and you will, too!

Thanks so much for checking in and I hope you’re enjoyed this week’s edition! Please follow me on Facebook (Candid Candace) and Twitter (@CandidCandace) and see what’s HAUTE in the Windy City!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. It’s great to see Hef is still having fun and that his Halloween parties still rock…and author Margie Wilson-Mars tells all right here! (Who knew Holly was pregnant and see who the surprise guest was!)

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Tagged as ActionBooth, Akiram Jon Cotay, Alicia Roman, Alison Libby, Alyssa, American Cancer Society, Amie Hana, Andrea Schwarts, Angi Taylor, April Francis, Arabel Alva Rosales, Arnie Becker, Attila Gyulai, Ava Anthony, Barker & Meowsky, Bill Chunowitz, Bill Smithburg, Bill Waldrop, Billy Dec, Brenda Arelano, Brian Jupiter, Bridget Spence, Brielle Buchberg, Brotha Fred, Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Café des Architectes, Caitlin Saville Collins, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace Chicago, CandidCandace, Carnivale Restaurant, Carol Beitler, Catie Keogh, Chairs for Charity, Chef Andy, Chicago Home + Garden, Chicago Tribune, Christopher Clinton Conway, Cindy Burns, Cleon’s Clothing Co., Congressman Joe Walsh, Contessa Bottega, Contessa Helena, Corri McFadden, Cory Tran, Creon Mallett, Crystal Peters, Custom Hair Lounge & Spa, Dan Marquis, Dan Uslan, Davanti, David Dworshak, David Smith, DC Crenshaw, Deborah Brown, Deborah Goodman, DIFFA, Dina Bair, Dose Market, Dr. Bechara Choucair, Dr. John McMahan, Dr. Steven Rosen, Eat Global Give Local, eDrop-Off, Emma Arnold, Eric McKissack, Erica Bethe Levin, Erik Kolacz, Fraley Le, Francine Turk, Frontier, Funkside Eniola, Gary Gonzalez, Gazebo Holiday Market, Germania Place, Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse, Gilt City, Gregg Biggers, Heather Farley Ingram, Helen Melchior, Helene Walsh, Hermene Hartman, Holly Madison, Hotel Lincoln, Hugh Hefner, Imerman Angels, Irresistible Zemrah, Ivory Reason Carson, J. Parker Hotel, Jason Berngard, Jay Gottlieb, Jennifer Sutton, Jerry Kleiner, Jerry Latsky, Jessica Zweig, Jim DeMaria, Jim Logothetis, Joffrey Ballet, John Lynch, John McKinnon, John O’Neil, Jon Cotay, Jon Recano, Jonathan Bross, Jonny Imerman, Joseph House, Julie Lampert, Junior League of Chicago, Just Human, Justin White, Katie Mclenaghan, Keith Magee, Kelli Zink, Ken Norgan, Kerry Shorr, Komen Chicago Pink Tie Guys, Kristina McGrath, Kyle Asche, LaCour Beaute, Lance Lawson, Laura Bee, Laura Schwartz, Lawrence Ryan, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Lexus, Lindsay Segal, Lovie Smith, LUX MGT, Luxury Garage Sale, Luxury Management, Lynn McMahan, Maggie Morgan, Maison De La Cour, Mandel Productions, Marc Brooks, Marco Foster, MarCon Communications, Marcus Gentry, Marcus Riley, Margaret O’Connor, Margie Wilson-Mars, Mark Roscoe, Martinis & Mistletoe, MaryAnne Smith, Meekis, Micah Materre, Michael Ferro, Michael Ziener, Michele Fitzpatrick, Michi Marshall, Mira Couture, Mitchell’s Soda Shop, Nancy Wilson, Nate Berkus, National Public Housing Museum, N’Digo, Nevena Zee, NEXT Fashion Chicago, Oprah Winfrey, OWN, Paris Club, Park 52, Patrick Donelly, Paul Iacono, Paul Latza, Paul Stuart, PAWS Chicago, Phineas Cole, Pink Tie Gala, Pink Tie Guys, Playboy, President Barack Obama, Quay, Ralph Auriemma, Refinery 29, Reginald Torian, Reverend Percy W. McCray, Ricardo Sebastian, Rich Varnes, Richard Daley, Rick Canada, Rita George, RL restaurant, Robert Fioretti, Robert Sivek, Ron Allen, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rose Mandel, Rosemary Fanti, Ruan Jeffries, Russian Standard Vodka, Ryan Baker, Ryan Chiaverini, Sahar Dada, Sally Shorr, Salon Vanite Paul Mitchell Focus Salon, Scott McLellan, Shawna House, Sherren Leigh, Sheryl Dyer, Siamonto Etian, SmallBar, Soucie Horner, Stan Bowman, Steve Stratton, Studio Alade, Sugar Hills Bakery, Susan G. Komen Chicago, Sushi-O-Sushi, Syd Brown, Tania Gilbert, Tanner & Dash, The HAUTE Spot, The Things That Matter, TimeOut Chicago, Tom Dreesen, Tom Shure, Toni Canada, Tribune Media Group, Truffle Truffle, Tyrone Farley, Victor LaGroon, Wade Miquelon, Walgreen’s, Watch312.com, Windy City Times, Wintrust Community Bank, Wsquire Black Book, Yana German, Yemonja Smalls, Zemrah, Zingha Hester

October 11, 2012 · 8:23 am

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER: COUTURE & COCKTAILS!

…PLUS RENAISSANCE SOCIETY GALA, RANDE GERBER’S RUM PARTY, FACING HISTORY & OURSELVES EXHIBITION, ABE THOMPSON’S “LEGENDARY” HONOR, PAUL STUART’S COOL BRAND AMBASSADORS, A CUBAN DANCE OPPORTUNITY, LUXURY GARAGE SALE, WATCH312.COM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE DOC, PAWS CHICAGO’S BIG HOWL-O-WEEN, MY FAV PUMPKIN PATCH AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails, now in its seventh year, is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. This year, glamour queens Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson co-chaired the event that attracted more than 500 trendsetters. This party has always been known for its exciting venues and, this year, the new McGrath Acura dealership was the place to be! With more than 50,000 sq. feet of dramatic space, guests were filled with excitement and anticipation as they walked the red carpet leading into the party. Ivan Carlson’s décor set the tone with flashing pink strobe lights while chic bars filled with Skinnygirl cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Stefani Catering were major crowd pleasers. A vintage couture auction presented by LUXURY GARAGE SALE had partygoers oohing, ahhing and bidding. At 7:30 p.m., white curtains parted to reveal another gorgeous space filled with a huge runway and row upon row of Lucite chairs. Bartenders served the seated VIP guests who included “Chicagolicious” star AJ Johnson, Jan Flanagan, Lynn and John McMahan, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Michaela Parrillo, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Toni and Rick Canada, Daniel DeVos and designer/wife Pamella Roland DeVos, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro and Mike McGrath among others. To open the fashion show, co-chairs Kristina and Sonya roared into the space in a $380,000 cherry red Lexus LFA. After inviting Leon Kinloch and orchestra leader turned auctioneer David Rothstein to the stage, the quartet began the live auction portion of the night. Packages included exotic trips on United Airlines with hotel stays at the Langham Hotel Group among other exciting offerings. After the live auction, more donations were raised with a “runway strut,” where guests could take a turn on the runway for varying amounts – there were some pretty fancy moves up there and it was a very clever idea for additional fundraising. And then, the main event: Pamella Roland’s Spring 2013 collection presented by Neiman Marcus! I will tell you that I wanted almost every single thing I saw on that runway. From simple daytime dresses to elegant, entrance-making gowns, Pamella’s creations had the crowd cheering and clapping in appreciation. When I interviewed her for Watch312.com, she told me her inspiration was the minimalistic paintings by Ellsworth Kelly…and indeed, her black-and-white theme made a dramatic yet elegant statement. The peplum dresses were gorgeous enough on their own as the models glided down the runway but when they turned and the crowd saw that the entire backs were sheer, it made everyone moan. At the end of the show, when Pamella made her triumphant runway walk, a standing ovation rattled the walls. Guests were then shuttled to another magnificent room for the post-show reception while this space was transformed into a dance floor. The McGrath Acura space, with its soaring ceilings and exquisite artwork, could be a museum if it wasn’t an uber successful dealership. White leather furniture was arranged for special VIP seating that included darling pillows emblazoned with McGrath Acura and champagne waiting patiently in elegant containers. Beginning at 9 p.m., the dance party was kicked off by the world-famous Joffrey dancers led by Mauro Villanueva and David Gombert, April Daley and Miguel Blanco, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Derrick Agnoletti, Fabrice Calmels, Erica Lynette Edwards, Dylan Guiterrez and Tian Shuai among others. Food trucks were stationed in the entrance space and included delicious mac and cheese from Southern Mac & Cheese, Chef Leah’s perfect pancakes from Babycakes, Two Italians' delicious meatballs and pizza, Mexican fare from La Adelita and vegan, dairy-free offerings from Ste Martaen. No one wanted this exciting night to end at this glorious new venue on the river but sadly, we will all have to wait till next year to find out what new adventure C & C takes us on! Congrats to Sonya and Kristina and the Joffrey on this fun-filled night that rai
sed more than $275K for Joffrey programming and outreach. This event has grown exponentially in size since its inception in 2007 with past featured designers including David Meister, Carmen Marc Valvo, Maria Pinto, Temperley London and Escada. A special thanks to this year’s sponsors United Airlines, McGrath Imports, Pamella Roland, Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Laura Mercier, Beam Global Spirits & Wine (love Tom Strehle!), Skinnygirl, Constellation Brands, Inc., Exelon, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and the beautiful sweet tables from Sugar Chic Designs! (To see ALL party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

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The Renaissance Society welcomed more than 340 guests, including prominent business leaders, curators and artists for its 2012 Benefit Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday, September 8th. The event grossed more than $677,000 in support of The Renaissance Society’s 2012-2013 exhibition season and celebrated director Susanne Ghez’s 40th year at this internationally-renowned non-collecting museum of contemporary art. Guests enjoyed an evening that began with a cocktail reception and silent art auction featuring pieces by past Renaissance Society artists, alongside a special preview of a limited edition photo portfolio curated by guest of honor Susanne Ghez in celebration of her tenure as director of The Renaissance Society. During a lavish dinner by Radisson Blu Catering paired with wines from Todd Hess/H2Vino, guests were treated to the visually stunning décor and table arrangements of Paul Buenvenida and Gary Heiferman. A special tribute to Ghez included remarks from Renaissance Society Board of Directors President Greg Cameron, who warmly congratulated her on 40 years of inspiring leadership and generosity of spirit in supporting artists, noting the profound impact Ghez has had in creating one of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibition venues. The evening concluded with a live auction of cutting-edge art by Matt Saunders, Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall and a luxury trip to a private villa in the Mexican Riviera. The 2012 Benefit Gala Chair was Deirdre McBreen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary and Principal at Peter J. McBreen & Associates. Distinguished guests at the event included Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Director Madeleine Grynsztejn and curators Naomi Beckwith and Michael Darling, Art Institute of Chicago director Douglas Druick and curators Peter Zegers, James Rondeau, Matt Witkovsky and Lisa Dorin, Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography director Natasha Egan, darling City of Chicago Cultural Affairs commissioner Michelle Boone, Northwestern University Block Museum director Lisa Corrin, Chicago Humanities Festival artistic director Matti Bunzl, Santa Monica Museum of Art director Elsa Longhauser, Terra Foundation director Elizabeth Glassman, Richard Wright of Wright Auction, Tang Museum curator Ian Berry, Arts Club director Janine Mileaf, Jane Addams Hull House Museum director Lisa Lee, and EXPO CHICAGO president/director Tony Karman. (Photos by Erin Drewitz.)

On the heels of successful launches in LA, NY, Miami and Dallas, creator Rande Gerber (husband of gorgeous supermodel Cindy Crawford) was joined by family and friends in Chicago recently to celebrate the launch of Caliche Rum, a rum six generations in the making and exclusively from the Serrallés Family Distillery, the birthplace of premium Puerto Rican rum. Since launching in March 2012, Caliche Rum has been very well received among consumers and trade alike being honored with some of the highest rated reviews in the industry. Congrats Rande and bring Cindy back home! 🙂

The Chicago office of international educational nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves welcomed Mayor Rahm Emanuel along with more than 200 partners, donors and supporters of its acclaimed multimedia exhibition Choosing to Participate for a private party on Monday, September 24th in the Winter Garden of the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guided tours of the exhibition (which is on display at the Harold Washington Library Center now through November 11th). In addition to Mayor Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, other distinguished guests included event emcee and Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News co-anchor Cheryl Burton, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, Choosing to Participate co-chair and Aon president and CEO Greg Case, Walmart Chicagoland Market manager Reginald Reese, Facing History co-founder and Klarman Family executive director Margot Stern Strom, Facing History Chicago co-founder Judy Wise, Loop Capital Markets co-founder and president Albert R. Grace, Jr., Facing History Chicago Advisory Board chairman Jill Garling and her husband Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman, President and CEO), Facing History Chicago director Bonnie Oberman and her husband Marty Oberman (former 43rd Ward Alderman and private practice lawyer) and Choosing to Participate Upstander honorees Mazher Ahmed, Henry Henderson, Nikki Jarvis and Tony Wasilewski. Facing History’s Choosing to Participate is a powerful multimedia exhibition examining the impact and history of bigotry and injustice that features five installations telling stories in the first-person about people and communities that have experienced racism and injustice, and how courage and compassion are necessary to protect democracy. The two local components of the exhibition are Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, featuring photographs and narratives celebrating 12 individuals and groups making a difference in Chicago and pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, a display of original artwork from Chicagoland students in grades 7 – 12 that illustrates the importance of choices we make in our daily lives. For more information, please visit www.choosingtoparticipate.org. Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. For more information, visit facinghistory.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

Longtime Chicago-based media exec Abe Thompson accepted the Living Legends Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) during their 12th Annual Living Legends/Passing the Torch© recently at the Parkway Ballroom. The Living Legends event was conceived by BUFI as a way to encourage generational continuity in civil rights, business and the professions while sharing the collective skills, ideas and strategies with a new generation of leaders. Thompson passed the torch to the students of Kennedy-King College. Huge congrats to a beloved Chicago icon!

Congrats to the Joffrey Ballet’s Christopher Clinton Conway and Park 52’s Marc Brooks on being named the Fall 2012 Chicago Brand Ambassadors for Paul Stuart and its Phineas Cole Collection! They couldn’t have picked more perfect candidates for this honor than Christopher and Marc, whose chic style is always inspiring and uniquely their own. Since 1938, Paul Stuart has been a leading arbiter of taste, style and fashion for luxury menswear in the U.S. The store has dressed world leaders, dignitaries, celebrities and titans of business for over 70 years. In the fall of 2007, Paul Stuart launched Phineas Cole, the first new brand in the company’s history. Its slimmer, more contemporary silhouette is perfectly suited for our town’s best dressed guys! Congrats CCC and MB – they are very lucky to have you in their beautiful new brand! Join them on Thursday, October 18th, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate this new line from 6 to 8 p.m. at 107 E. Oak St. RSVP@Skirtpr.com.

Dance devotee Cheryl Tama Oblander is helping plan a major ballet festival in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for October 27th through November 4th (leaving from Miami). Cheryl has been named as the representative for the Center for Cuban Studies and is organizing an amazing itinerary that includes eight nights, welcome and farewell dinners, motor coach tours, exclusive museum passes, five festival performances and so much more! The trip is limited to 25 to 30 guests so email interplanner@comcast.net or visit www.festivalballethabana.cult.cu/ for more info!

I was so honored to have been asked by LUXURY GARAGE SALE to sift through their fabulous fashions and pick my top five! It was no easy task with pages upon pages of beautiful couture offerings but it was a very fun challenge that I happily accepted. Check out my choices and see what you think…and then check out YOURS here! LUXURY GARAGE SALE – an upscale consignment service that specializes in selling new and gently-used contemporary, designer and vintage clothing and accessories – was co-founded by partners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal. Childhood friends, Brielle and Lindsay always had a love of collecting beginning with stickers and erasers and evolving to shoes and handbags. Over the years, however, their assorted collections soon overwhelmed their available storage space. Utilizing their backgrounds in fashion and sales, Brielle and Lindsay began selling their unwanted items and after realizing that their friends had the same predicament as well, a light flashed and voila – LUXURY GARAGE SALE was born! Happy Hunting!

Who wouldn’t like to party with Nate Berkus!!??? Join handsome and talented Nate as he celebrates the launch of his new book, “The Thing
s That Matter” on Tuesday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jayson Home and Garden, located at1885 N Clybourn Ave. EVERYONE is welcome! Also, bubbly and bites are being provided by Francis Coppola Winery and Chicago's Real Kitchen. I can't wait to read your new book and see YOU, Nate – we love you!

Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) brings Chicagoans a festive evening of cultural discovery with From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus. This party with our Pakistani sister city will celebrate the work of artists from Chicago and Pakistan and will highlight our similarities and the impact of arts upon people of all cultures. Free and open to the public, this event will be at the Chicago Cultural Center (located at 77 E. Randolph) on Wednesday, October 17th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The night will include an exhibition of visual arts, a brief speaking program, film screenings, musical performances, poetry readings and so much more. For more info, please click here!

Many thanks to journalist/producer extraordinaire Elysabeth Alfano for including me in her recent fabulous Huffington Post article about the Art Institute’s Rubloff paperweight collection! This one-woman dynamo is also the creator and producer for “Fear No Art” and “The Dinner Party.” To read her latest article, please click here. What a great piece…nice work, Elysabeth!

What a perfect way to spend Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20th! Join me as I host “Here’s to Life Concert 2” presented by the very irresistible jazz soloist Zemrah at Prairie State College’s Main Auditorium, located at 202 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Heights), beginning at 7 p.m. (A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m.) Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood becoming the lead female vocalist of the duet “Fire & Ice” to being selected as the Crown Royale Female Vocalist of the Year. She continued as a solo artist opening for Nancy Wilson to now having her own inspirational concert. The night’s musical director Syd Brown will be joined by guest artist Marcus Gentry. For show information and tickets beginning at $55, please visit www.zemrahsongstress.com or call 318.936.7241. (Her first CD, “Irresistible Zemrah,” is – quite simply – irresistible!) I hope to see you there!

At Cheeky Chicago’s 4th Anniversary Party (coverage coming soon!), I had the opportunity to sample DavidsTea, which will be making its debut in Chicago on October 13th at 1645 N. Damen. Now, I’m not a big tea drinker but with flavors like Read My Lips (a black tea with chocolate, vanilla, mint and red candy lips), Pumpkin Chai (black tea with cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, squash, carrot and caramel bits) and Banana Nut Bread (dates, currants, almonds and freeze-dried bananas), I stand up and take notice! I also love the fact that all proceeds for their Haitian-inspired KANPE Tea (a blend of hibiscus, mango, cinnamon, papaya, banana, coconut and stevia) will go toward the KANPE organization dedicated to long-term relief in Haiti. The company opened last year with two locations in NYC and plans locations this month in San Francisco. DavidsTea is also available online at www.davidstea.com. Congrats to owners David Segal and his cousin Herschel Segal and WELCOME to Chicago!

Don’t miss this new fall event benefitting PAWS Chicago! PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party “Howl-O-Ween” will be coming to the Grand Salon of the Park Hyatt on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 5 p.m. You and your family are invited to join in this spooky, fun-filled event featuring a costume contest at 3 p.m. for people and pets with celebrity judges, prizes for Best in Show for Dog, Family, Favorite Duo and Most Outrageous. Co-chaired by Nancy Timmers and Walter Brindell, the party will also include delectable desserts by pastry chef Meg Galus, pawtastic bites by executive chef Ryan LaRoche, beer, wine and Tail-tinis for adults from NoMI Lounge! There will also be a live auction, children’s face painting, photographer Greg Szoda and intuitive dog readings by Denise Zak. Tickets are $75 (adult and 13-up), $25 (6-12) and $20 per pet. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

A special thanks to all of you who voted for me as “Chicago’s Most Social Scenester” in the contest recently hosted by RackedChicago.com! I know I terrorized so many of you to vote but it worked and I won!! 🙂 So thanks for being so patient and so supportive! ALL of the nominees are dynamite social scenesters and included Amanda Puck, Billy Dec, Ryan Beschel, Lisa Frame, Cece & Melinda, Marcus Riley, Emma Arnold, Graham Kostic, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin and Monica Dimperio. I am so honored and promise to live up to this title! 🙂 Thanks so much to Jared Hatch for the nomination!

From humble desires to complete fruition, the story of the building of the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House is an inspiring one. This love-filled Watch312.com documentary will make you laugh, cry and believe that goodness and hope can overcome all obstacles. The new Ronald McDonald house near Lurie Children's opened June 26th and is located at 211 East Grand in Streeterville. Its14 stories offers 86 guest rooms and amenities to comfort families in time of need. If you would like to help support this worthwhile cause please click here. I also hope you enjoy my video that was a labor of love from beginning to end!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=ozaHkyNjqnLf5_u_LD3bqW7lEXvPRU0m&height=275&embedCode=ozaHkyNjqnLf5_u_LD3bqW7lEXvPRU0m&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

I hope your fall is off to a beautiful start and I hope you get a chance to celebrate with a visit to a pumpkin patch! One of our favorites is County Line Orchard, located at 200 S. County Line Road in Hobart, Indiana. I love their apple cinnamon and pumpkin donuts but they also have a corn maize, petting zoo, live band performances and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Their country store offers fresh jam, homemade pies, kettle corn and lots of other tasty treats. A perfect way to enjoy the change of seasons!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. My friend Rhonda Sanderson recently shared a story of her bout with breast cancer in this inspiring video. For every new Facebook fan, story shared or purchase made through Hungry Howie’s Pizza chain, a donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Please click here to see it and share it with your friends to help make a difference. 🙂 Great job, Rhonda!

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Tagged as 2012 Benefit Gala, Abe Thompson, ActionBooth, AJ Johnson, Albert R. Grace Jr., Amanda Puck, Amy Rule, Aon, April Daley, Art Institute, Babycakes, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Billy Dec, Black United Fund of Illinois, Bob Carl, Bonnie Oberman, Brian Jupiter, Brielle Buchberg, BUFI, Café des Architectes, Caliche Rum, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carmen Marc Valvo, Carnivale Restaurant, Cece & Melinda, Center for Cuban Studies, Charlie Besser, Cheeky Chicago, Chef Art Smith, Chef Leah, Cheryl Burton, Cheryl Tama Oblander, Chicago Sister Cities International, Chicago’s Most Social Scenester, Chicago’s Real Kitchen, Chicagolicious, Choosing to Participate, Christopher Clinton Conway, Cindy Crawford, Constellation Brands, County Line Orchard, Couture & Cocktails, CSCI, Dan Marquis, Daniel DeVos, Davanti Enoteca, David Dworshak, David Gombert, David Meister, David Rothstein, David Segal, DavidsTea, Deirdre McBreen, Denise Zak, Derrick Angoletti, Douglas Druick, Dylan Guiterrez, Eat Global Give Local, Elizabeth Ian Berry, Ellsworth Kelly, Elsa Longhauser, Elysabeth Alfano, Emma Arnold, Erica Bethe Levin, Erica Lynette Edwards, Erin Drewitz, Escada, Exelon, Fabrice Calmels, Facing History and Ourselves, Fear No Art, Fire & Ice, Francis Coppola Winery, From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus, Frontier Chicago, Gale Gottlieb, Gary Heiferman, Graham Kostic, Greg Cameron, Greg Case, Greg Szoda, Gregg Biggers, Henry Henderson, Here’s to Life Concert 2, Herschel Segal, Howl-O-Ween, Huffington Post, Hungry Howie’s Oizza, Inc., Ivan Carlson, Jacqueline Kinloch, James Rondeau, Jan Flanagan, Janine Mileaf, Jared Hatch, Jay Gottlieb, Jayson Home and Garden, Jean-Claude Brizard, Jessica Zweig, Jesus Salgueiro, Jill Garling, Joffrey Ballet, John McMahan, Jonathon Beatty, Judy Wise, Justin White, Kara Walker, Kennedy-King College, Kerry James Marshall, Kristina McGrath, La Adelita, Langham Hotel Group, Laura Mercier, Leon Kinloch, Lindsay Segal, Lisa Corrin, Lisa Dorin, Lisa Frame, Lisa Lee, Living Legends/Passing the Torch, Lurie Children's Hospital, Luxury Garage Sale, Lynn McMahan, Madeleine Grynsztejn, Marc Brooks, Marcs Gentry, Marcus Riley, Margot Stern Strom, Maria Pinto, Marty Oberman, Matt Saunders, Matt Witkovsky, Matti Bunzl, Mauro Villanueva, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mazher Ahmed, McGrath Acura, McGrath Imports, Meg Galus, Michael Darling, Michaela Parrillo, Michelle Boone, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Miguel Blanco, Mike McGrath, Mila Samokhina, Monica Dimperio, Nancy Timmers, Nancy Wilson, Naomi Beckwith, Natasha Egan, Nate Berkus, National Breast Cancer Foundation, Nieman Marcus, Nikki Jarvis, Pamella Roland DeVos, Park 52, pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, Paul Buenavenida, Paul Stuart, PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party, PAWS Chicago, Peter Zegers, Phineas Cole, Quay, RackedChicago.com, Radisson Blu Catering, Radisson Bly Aqua Hotel, Rande Gerber, Rebecca Besser, Reginald Reese, Renaissance Society, Rhonda Sanderson, Rick Canada, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Rubloff paperweights, Ryan Beschel, Ryan LaRoche, Serralles Family Distillery, Skinnygirl, SmallBar, Sonya Jackson, Southern Mac & Cheese, Ste Martaen, Stefani Catering, Steve Starr, Sugar Chic Designs, Susanne Ghez, Syd Brown, Temperley London, Temur Suluashvili, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, The Dinner Party, The Things That Matter, Tian Shuai, Todd Hess/H2Vino, Tom Strehle, Toni Canada, Tony Karman, Tony Wasilewski, Two Italians, United Airlines, Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, Victoria Jaiani, Walter Brindell, Watch312.com, Zemrah

August 23, 2012 · 11:24 am

GLAMORAMA’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE!

…PLUS HOTEL LINCOLN’S GRAND OPENING, LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S GARDEN PARTY, WATCH312.COM’S GLAMORAMA VIDEO COVERAGE, CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW PARTIES, “OUT IN THE PARK” AT SIX FLAGS, TUESDAY WANTS YOU AT PAWS CHICAGO, MOVE OVER REVLON – CAMP IS COMING AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was a cornucopia of exciting visuals, fabulous fashions, glamazon models, great people watching and the best after-party around: Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama wowed the crowds again this year at the Harris Theater on August 10th. This new venue provided a different feel to the show with a smaller stage, which (thankfully!) didn’t affect the quality or excitement level in the least and the Rooftop at Millennium Park proved to be one of the BEST after-party venues thus far! The show (expertly produced by Myron Johnson), and themed “The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now,” opened with Macy’s I Heart Radio contest winners, Meg & Liz. These two 19-year-old fraternal twins from Nashville became YouTube sensations when their cover songs and original pop anthems racked up 160 million views. Their latest hit, “Are You Happy Now?” an anti-bullying song, features Meg’s soulful acoustic guitar alongside her sister Liz’s soaring vocals. The chart topping duo Karmin also performed – they too shot to fame through their collection of YouTube cover songs, only theirs featured the rapid fire rapping of Amy Heidemann alongside her musician/singer/fiancé, Nick Noonan. They ignited the web when they posted a cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” on YouTube; the clip went viral, Ellen Degeneres called and the rest is history! (They even had the honor of introducing this year’s Ronald McDonald Host Family, Janae McVey, and her mom, LaTressa.) Headliner Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of 12 and by 21, had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums for Michael Jackson, Marc Anthony, Pink, Christina Aguilera and others. Macy’s fall fashions featured collections from Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Material Girl, Sean John, Bar III, Rachel Roy and Donna Karan; always a crowd pleaser, the Diesel underwear segment did NOT disappoint this year with hunky male models sporting Beefeater hats, police helmets and billy clubs, House of Lords wigs and, of course, underwe
ar! The segment opened with the guys lined up atop a London bus, tearing off their shirts and marching down stairs towards the appreciative audience. The young British Invasion dancers included some favorites from last year like Bailey Munoz (aka BailRok), who Cee-Lo Green famously lifted over his head in last year’s finale. The after-party on the Rooftop of Millennium Park was over-the-top spectacular with British touches everywhere you looked. The “Windsor Terrace’s” champagne lounge featured the “Queen’s jewels” in a Lucite case while the “Piccadilly Circus” section offered Lancome makeup touchups and a photo booth with props. Delicious food was everywhere you looked with specialty drinks offered at all 18 Patron bars! Attendees included Andrea Schwartz with Dr. Steven Stryker, Martine Reardon, Robin Reibel, Jeff Ganette, Doug Porter, Christina Thomas, Paul Heubener, Kamal Bosamia, Fabrice Calmels, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Sheila Musolino, David Sanchez, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Melchior, Gretchen Klotz, Billy Dec, Ken Norgan, Jose Conforme, Marcus Riley, Nicole Townsend, Marco Foster, Laura Schwartz, Justin Jacobson, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Carol Gibson, Camille Britton, Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser, Joan Colmar, Kathleen Henson, Michelle Durpetti, Stephanie Kroll, Heather Ingram, Kathy O’Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Quenten Schumacher, Katie McLenaghan, John Bourgeois, Donna Pecci, Marcellas Reynolds, Samantha Lurie, Stephanie Teymourian, Sara Jahn, Ami York, Joanne Lee Paul, Tee Lam Dubois, Marketa Kazdova and Sadhna and Narmda Kumar. All of the dancers, models and performers travel to all four cities – Minneapolis, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. For the fourth year, Glamorama benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. To date, this event has raised more than $750K for this charity to support the building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House which officially opened on June 26th! During the past 13 years, this event has raised more than $2 million for Chicagoland charities. See below for an incredible Watch312.com video documenting this historic event! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=9tdTJwNTqrT3sRVib6ovXa5x86KyMdQ5&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Chicago's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Lincoln, hosted its official Grand Opening Party at 1816 N. Clark on Thursday, August 16th. Hundreds of locals and hotel guests partied on three floors including the J. Parker Rooftop, which has one of the best views in the city. Looking out over Lincoln Park, the zoo and lagoons with the lake beyond is a sight not to be missed! Even Mary Todd and Abe Lincoln were on hand to greet guests as they entered. Neon wristbands allowed party-goers all-access into this charming hotel located at the crossroads of Lincoln, Clark and Wells. Conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Green City Market, Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this 12-story hotel has 184 rooms that begin reasonably at $179 a night. Dining specials can even be ordered up from restaurant hotspot, Perennial Virant, whose beloved food and beverage director Jason Dohmann was on hand on this special night greeting guests with a smile and a hug. Congrats to BOKA Group restaurant owners Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz and Joie de Vivre Hotel Group for this terrific addition to the neighborhood. Guests seen on the scene included Marlaine Selip, Cindy Patrasso, Emerald-Jane Hunter and Ji Suk Yi from “Windy City Live,” Andrea Schwartz, Scott Bobek, Julianne Glatz, the Landon twins, Laura Schwartz, Charley Jordan, Jennifer Sutton, Deborah Chapman, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Alli Turner, Luis Gomez, Patrick Parkey and Mitchell Obstfeld. I'm so happy to see that horrible "Days Inn" sign disappear! For more info on Hotel Lincoln, please click here!! (P.S. The Hotel Lincoln is pet-friendly AND charitable, with a $1 donation per room being donated to PAWS Chicago – more than $4,800 has been donated to date, thanks to Deborah Chapman!) Check out more fun party pics here!

Lincoln Park Zoo’s second annual Wine & Wildflowers Garden Party was a casually elegant affair in the zoo’s gardens with almost 350 people enjoying this August 1st event that included a wine tasting, mingling and leisurely strolls through the pristine grounds of this urban oasis. Strains of bluegrass music from the Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, which could be heard over the Hope B. McCormick swan pond, delighted attendees who feasted on Southern favorites including an upscale selection of brisket and pork barbecue bites from Tigerlily Events, deviled eggs topped with smoky bacon and chicken salad tartlettes. Wine stations included selections from sponsors Apothic Wines, Martin Codax, William Hill Estate Winery and Wirtz Beverage Illinois. Tours throughout the night highlighted striking garden displays of purple fall anemone, tardiva hydrangeas and dinner plate hibiscus. Senior VP of Facilities Troy Baresel and Director of Horticulture Brian Houck gave guests an exclusive sneak peek at what lies ahead for the Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo. Their aim is to create a garden for all seasons that preserves the historic character of the Zoo’s grounds. Founded in 1868, our zoo is one of the country’s only free, privately-managed zoos. (Click here to view more pics!)

The Chicago Air & Water Show is one of my favorite events every summer – Chuck and I always love seeing the rehearsals the day before when the planes fly right over our deck and terrify the Chihuahuas! And although much is written about the show itself, I love the viewing parties thrown across the city to celebrate! I know the newly opened Hotel Lincoln hosted an event as did friends Michael Wilkie and Kristina and Mike McGrath. Wilkie's penthouse home – high atop 1500 N. Lake Shore – is, in my opinion, the best perch from which to view these amazing feats of daring since the planes are right at eye level from the 24th floor. His beautiful home was formerly owned by an heir of Morton Salt so you can imagine the grandeur. Kristina and Mike McGrath's home holds a special sense of place for me since they live at the Palmolive Building, formerly Playboy headquarters. Their h
ome on the 22nd floor was formerly the editorial department where I spent a lot of my time in earlier years so I felt right at home in their luxurious space with two grand outdoor patios…one with a putting green! Partygoers included Sonya Jackson, Korinna Isselhardt (Kristina's darling twin sis), Hazel and Warren Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Michaela and Dick Parrillo, Susanna Negovan, Sherrill and John Bodine, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Uslan, Gayle and Jim Anthony, Sherren Leigh, Sugar Rautbord, Rebecca Besser, Toni and Rick Canada and Julee White. A gorgeous lakefront, world-class aerial displays and great friends to see it all with – Chicago is MY kind of town! (To see all party pics, please click here!)

I’ve been fortunate to have attended quite a few unique events in my time but this is one clever idea for a party! An all new private LGBT event benefitting TPAN will feature rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere: “Out in the Park” will be at Six Flags Great America on Saturday, September 8th from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The park will be closed to the general public for this event, where more than 3,000 guests are expected to attend. Attendees will enjoy DJs Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, who will be spinning simultaneously as a team. A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, one block west of Broadway. Buses will depart at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., all returning at 1 a.m. Tickets in advance are $35, which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to this private event. (For tickets, visit sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012 and for bus ticket info, please visit gaysixflagschicago.com or call 773.878.5323.)

Congrats to the students of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, who donated their time and efforts for Congressman Danny Davis’ recent Back to School Parade & Picnic. Twelve students happily assisted seniors by serving meals, helping them on and off of buses and with games. The kids gave back to the community in the spirit that won ICB the 2012 ACCSC Award (Accrediting Commission Career Schools & Colleges) that OICB Prez Bob Mills will be receiving in San Diego this September. They beat out more than 1,400 schools and 250,000 college kids in garnering this award so congrats to the students and to ICB on this major honor!

Friends for the Cure is a dynamic group of associates who have been working together since 2003 to help raise money for research to cure diabetes. The founder, Margery Teller (one of Crain’s “100 Most Influential Women”), will bring together more than 700 celebrants on Saturday, September 15th from 7 p.m. until midnight at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave. The night will include strolling musicians, performing artists, DJs and an extensive silent auction that will include a pair of weekend stays at the Langham Hotels in Boston and Pasadena, among many other exciting items. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. (To purchase tickets, please visit www.diabetes.org/friends.)

I’m sad to report that Chicago Beach Polo won’t be returning to North Avenue Beach this year but the good news for polo buffs is that it is alive and well in Oak Brook! Last Sunday was the first of four polo events this year. Remaining dates are August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th and games are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more info, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Social Gravity, a network connecting people and businesses that share common causes and goals with the nonprofits they support, will be hosting a networking and fundraising happy hour on Friday, August 24th, at the Redhead Piano Bar, located at 16 W. Ontario St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Social Gravity founder Randy Shipley explains, “This event will raise money for MyPlea.org, an innovative new online charitable organization dedicated to helping those in need on an individual case by case basis.” (Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info, please contact Sarah Vargo via phone at 224.622.1759 or email at sarah@maven-chicago.com.)

My favorite market, Randolph Street Market, returns to 1340 W. Washington on August 25th and 26th! America’s largest and liveliest urban antiques market offers more than eight acres of indoor and outdoor shopping plus some of the best food vendors in Chicago! It also offers free downtown furniture deliveries, a trolley from Water Tower Place and is very pet-friendly! Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Remember, early Saturday shopping will benefit Chicago House! (For more info, please click here.)

If you’re in the market for a 10-month-old Pointer pup, read no further and get over to PAWS Chicago NOW! Tuesday is an affectionate girl who loves to fetch and is anxious to bring so much life and energy to her new family! She is good on leash and walks and would probably make a great running partner, too! She sits on command and will need lots of exercise, structure, love and training. If you think you qualify for this bundle of love, contact Sarah Ahlberg at sahlberg@PawsChicago.org.

It came out of the blue: I didn’t even know the guy and had never heard of Camp Cosmetics but when owner Michael Perich contacted me about creating my own lipstick, I had dreams of Elizabeth Taylor and her Diamonds fragrance! Well, a dream for sure but what fun to have my own special coral color named “Candid Candace” and, best of all, getting to donate a portion of the proceeds to PAWS Chicago! He is a dedicated makeup artist with a salon filled with like-minded professionals who believe in their slogan “Women are beautiful…we make them pretty.” My signature color sells for $19.50 and can be ordered by phoning Camp Cosmetics at 630.545.0240 or visiting the store at 480A N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn. I am sooooo excited! 🙂 (Photo courtesy of Amie Hana.)

Thanks for being here and I hope to see you next week – same time, same place! I hope you’re enjoying this glorious weather that makes Chicago the most delightful city in the world!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Tagged as 1500 N. Lake Shore, Abraham Lincoln, Alli Turner, Ami York, Amie Hana, Amy Heidemann, Andrea Schwartz, Andrea Scott Bobek, Apothic Wines, Bailey Munoz, BailRok, Bar III, Billy Dec, BOKA Group, Brian Houck, Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, Camille Britton, CAMP Cosmetics, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carol Gibson, Cee Lo Green, Charley Jordan, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Chicago Air & Water Show, Chicago Beach Polo, Chicago House, Chris Brown, Christina Aguilera, Christina Thomas, Cindy Patrasso, Corinne Melchior, Dan Uslan, David Sanchez, Deborah Chapman, Diamonds, Dick Parrillo, Diesel, Donna Karan, Donna Pecci, Dori Wilson, Doug Porter, Dr. Steven Stryker, Elizabeth Taylor, Ellen Degeneres, Emerald-Jane Hunter, Fabrice Calmels, Gale Gottlieb, Gayle Anthony, Green City Market, Gretchen Klotz, Hazel Barr, Heather Ingram, Hotel Lincoln, J. Parker Rooftop, Janae McVey, Jason Dohmann, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jeff Ganette, Jennifer Sutton, Ji Suk Yi, Jim Anthony, Joan Colmar, Joanne Lee Paul, John Bodine, John Bourgeois, John McMahan, Joie de Vivre Hotel Group, Jose Conforme, Julee White, Julianne Glatz, Justin Jacobson, Kamal Bosamia, Karmin, Kathleen Henson, Kathy O'Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Katie Mclenaghan, Ken Norgan, Kevin Boehm, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrath, Latressa McVey, Laura Schwartz, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Lincoln Park Zoo, Luis Gomez, Lynn McMahan, Macy’s Passport Present Glamorama, Marc Anthony, Marcellas Reynolds, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Marketa Kazdova, Marlaine Selip, Martin Codaz, Martine Reardon, Mary Todd Lincoln, Material Girl, Matthew Harvat, Meg & Liz, Michael Jackson, Michael Perich, Michael Wilkie, Michaela Parrillo, Michelle Durpetti, Mike McGrath, Mitchell Obstfeld, MyPlea.org, Myron Johnson, Narmda Kumar, Nick Noonan, Nicole Townsend, Out in the Park, Palmolive building, Patrick Parkey, Paul Heubener, PAWS Chicago, Perennial Virant, Phil DaBeatz, Pink, Playboy, Quenten Schumacher, Rachel Roy, Rachel Schwanz, Randolph Street Market, Randy Shipley, Rebecca Besser, Redhead Piano Bar, Rick Canada, Rob Katz, Robin Reibel, Robin Thicke, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rooftop of Millennium Park, Sadhna Kumar, Samantha Lurie, Sara Jahn, Sarah Ahlberg, Sarah Vargo, Sean John, Second City, Sheila Musolino, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Six Flags Great America, Social Gravity, Sonya Jackson, Stephanie Kroll, Stephanie Teymourian, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Sugar Rautbord, Susanna Negovan, Tee Lam Dubois, The British Invasion: The Music Then The Fashion Now, the Landon twins, Tigerlily Events, Tommy Hilfiger, Toni Canada, TPAN, Troy Baresel, Tuesday, Warren Barr, Wildflowers & Wine Garden Party, William Hill Estate Winery, Windy City Live, Wirtz Beverage Illinois, YouTube

August 9, 2012 · 1:21 pm

THE SERVICE CLUB’S 8TH ANNUAL FASHION SHOW IS BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER!

…PLUS CHEFS & THE CITY HIGHLIGHTS, COOPER TAKES CHARGE, A WHOLE BLU WORLD, IADT’S IMAGINE ’12 FASHION SHOW, OLYMPIC NEWS, STELLA’S LATEST HONORS, BIRTHDAYS GALORE, A VERY SPECIAL NECKLACE, CHICAGO TRIBUNE’S GIFT TO READERS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

This event has been a longtime labor of love for this year’s Chair Emeritus and event founder Hazel Barr, who, along with co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Saira Cooper and Tracey DiBuono (Tarantino), planned a fashion extravaganza July 30th that was a sell out with more than 260 guests. The perfect summer day started on the Peninsula terrace. And with the Hancock building looming in the background, guests mingled and enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres while anxiously awaiting the start of the show. Since I was modeling, I got there early for rehearsals which is always great fun with all of the ladies in high spirits and excited about spending the day with their friends. The Grand Ballroom was bathed in a sea of pink and themed “C’est Magnifique.” Images of the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe were projected on the walls with a pink runway waiting for models who included Service Club members along with other local celebrities. Tracey Tarantino, as always, expertly produced the show even adding original French street music and remixed French pop music. This year’s runway collections featured fall fashions from top retailers that included Escada (Mary Pat Burns wore my favorite outfit of the day: a feathered coat dress over a strapless dress – exquisite!), Intermix, Starr Couture and Neopolitan. Laurie Davis’ Lulu’s at the Belle Kay provided vintage splendor for a show that had something for everyone. The men’s fashions were provided by Burdi and Tom James with an exciting finale inspired by the Olympics from Ralph Lauren Polo that featured models waving American flags on their runway walks. Other highlights included an exciting evening gown and fur segment from the always popular, long-time supporter, Neiman Marcus, and Stuart Weitzman, whose shoe segment had women clamoring for more! Baton Show Lounge performer Chilli Pepper was a crowd pleaser in her own black mini-dress topped with an eye-popping red cropped fur jacket. (Neiman’s gowns are breathtaking and I was honored to wear one by designer Robin Singer.) Models included Dan Uslan, Skip Grisham, Rich Gamble, Bunky Cushing, Stanley Paul, DC Crenshaw, Dr. Julius Few, Greg Hyder, Rich Varnes, Elizabeth Brodsky, Mamie Walton, Karen Peters, Kelly Drury, Larissa Kronfeld, Matt Lee, John Carroll, Scott Bobek, Rino Burdi, Jean Antoniou, Kim Gleeson, Lynn McMahan, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Abe Thompson, Rich Gamble, Mary Lasky, Sheila O’Grady, Saira Cooper, Tina Weller, Sherren Leigh, Susanna Negovan, Kip Lewis, Robin Robinson, Amy Wimer, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Mary Ann Childers, and more. (Photography by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…please click here to view more pics!)

Finally, the PAWS Beach Party is ready for your viewing pleasure! Since we are upgrading our network, this has taken a little longer than usual. Hope you enjoy this darling segment about the pets and the people who love them!

Chefs & the City is always a much-loved and highly-supported event at the Ritz-Carlton benefitting Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center and for its eighth annual event in the Grand Ballroom, more than 30 top chefs donated their time and fabulous samplings for a delectable evening of food for a cause! Beginning with a VIP Reception, guests sipped Grey Goose cocktails and beverages provided by Magic Hat, enjoyed tunes from DJ Megan Taylor and snapped photos in the Magbooth provided by Magnolia Photo Booth Co. Savory fare was prepared by 24 top chefs who included Ryan Pitts (from RL who was also the Chef Chair), Heather Terhune (Sable), Chris Pandel (The Bristol), Carl Shelton (BOKA), Giuseppe Tentori (GT Fish & Oyster), Patricio Sandoval (Mercadito), Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Roger Herring (Socca), Greg Bastien (Tavernita), Michael Garbin (Union League Club), Chuck Kazmer (Deca), Shawn McClain (Green Zebra), Jerome Bacle (Courtright’s), Paul Virant (Perennial Virant/Vie), Andy Motto (Quince) and Jonathan Gorecki (Karyn’s on Green) among many others. Honorary chairs for the event were Rich Varnes, Amanda Puck and Jason Dohmann. The evening also featured an amazing raffle that included a weekend in Harbor Country, a week in Puerto Vallarta, tickets to Chicago Gourmet, a C.D. Peacock necklace and so much more! The tastings were out of this world: Some of my highlights were Chef Jerome Bacle’s tomato gazpacho, Chef Tony Priolo’s seafood salad,
Chef Michael Garbin’s short rib sliders, Chef Stephen Henry’s heirloom tomato burrata with fresh basil and Chef Adam Grandt’s crispy pork bellies with tomato jam. Vital Bridges President/CEO Debbie Hinde, presented RL Restaurant and Gibsons Restaurant Group with the Robert S. Mayo Extra Helping Award which was accepted by RL GM Rich Varnes and Chef Pitts. The dance floor filled for the after-party as DJ Taylor jammed with drummer Michael Riendeau. Guests in attendance included Todd Hatoff, Mark Smithe, Joli Burrell, Jessica Zweig and Brian Fisher, Leslie Hindman’s John Walcher (who did the auctioneering), Alan Harder, Lorin Adolph, Sanjay and Natasha Sharma, Chuck Benya, Tina Weller and Dr. Jeff Weller, Bill Lasche, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono and Elizabeth Brodsky. For this portion of the evening, food choices included a hot dog cart from America’s Dog, Swirlz cupcakes, Vosges chocolates and Jake Melnick’s hamburgers. More than $100,000 was raised to support Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, which helps low-income people living with AIDS rebuild their health and lives by providing food and nutrition services, housing and counseling. Revenue from Chefs & the City will underwrite food for more than 30,000 meals and 1,200 nights of housing. (To see more pics and my complete Chicago Tribune Sunday coverage, please click here!)

It was a whole BLU world of fundraising when co-chairs Janet Barnes and Ashley Weinzweig welcomed a record 1,200 guests to a sold-out lakeside soiree at the Shedd Aquarium for the sixth annual Auxiliary Board fundraiser, BLU! Raising more than $266,000 to support Shedd’s conservation and education initiatives, Shedd’s sultry summer evening benefit was filled with the sounds of tinkling cocktail glasses and local performers who included Detour JazFunk, Diver, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate and DJ Zebo. Against a backdrop of the Chicago skyline with fireworks popping over Lake Michigan, this event is always a sellout and a very popular summer social event! “The combining of exotic food and wine tastings with the glittering Chicago skyline made for an unforgettable night to come together in support of the Shedd,” said Barnes. Attendees enjoyed an array of mouthwatering dishes throughout the evening such as Big Fish Farms’ sustainable American paddlefish caviar (a staple at any Shedd event), summer garden rolls from Sunda, walleye tacos with tomato jalapeno chutney from Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop and peeky toe crab cannoli from The Florentine. The planet-friendly event also featured a delectable dish from Sweetspring Salmon – the only sustainably-farmed salmon in the world, signs that were made from recycled materials or will be reused for other Shedd events and compostable plates and silverware. “This is the most successful BLU in the event’s history,” said Weinzweig. “From dollars raised to people in attendance – even down to how much fun everyone had!” To cap off an already enjoyable evening, trolleys shuttled guests between Shedd and Underground for the after-party. (For more pics, please click here!)

One of the city’s hottest fashion showcases is set to take place at the UIC Forum Stage on Friday, September 21st at 8 p.m. when students from The International Academy of Design & Technology host Imagine ’12. Emceed by Jane Monzures of Loop FM’s morning show and host of "Living Healthy" on WGN, this student-produced exhibition will showcase an impressive array of garments by 44 student designers and the production talents of IADT’s students, in addition to highlighting unique programs at the school. Join designer Borris Powell, Michelle Tan, Suzanne Kopulos, Mallory Ulaszek, Rebecca Taras, Horacio Nieto, Tonya Pierce, Fraley Le, LaTonya Williams and Katie Schuppler, among many others, for a night of fashion and inspiration! For tickets ($15 for students and $25 for general admission) and more info, please call 312.980.9295 or email imagine@iadtchicago.com.

W.I.N.E. (Women in Entertainment) TV profiles a journalist and producer who is doing it ALL – Vicky Baftiri. As an Emmy-winning journalist and National Association of Black Journalist “Salute to Excellence” nominee, Vicky’s producing credits include the NBC nationally syndicated “Open House” and special news reports for WGN-TV. W.I.N.E. TV creator Sheila Henley says, “I’m so excit
ed for her to share her experiences and I hope it inspires young women everywhere to write, edit and produce!” Congrats, Vicky and Sheila!

Olympian Ruth Riley, who won gold as a member of the undefeated 2004 USA women’s basketball team in Athens, hosted an Opening Ceremony viewing party at Rockit Bar & Grill. Prior to her party, she spent the afternoon as the guest of the British Consulate in Chicago watching a live feed of the Opening Ceremonies. The viewing was held at the residence of Her Majesty’s Consul General, Robert Chatterson Dickson with citizens of Great Britain, members of the Mayor’s office and other guests in attendance. Ruth is currently a member of the WNBA basketball team, the Chicago Sky. Selected by ESPN as one of only three former Olympians to be given a Flip cam, she recorded interviews from both viewing parties with portions from each to be used as vignettes during telecasts. Meet Ruth and her teammates in person when they appear at a fundraiser for Nothing But Nets sponsored by Amazing Cosmetics on August 12th in Libertyville from noon to 4 p.m. Nothing But Nets' malaria campaign is a global initiative to eliminate one of the leading killers of children in Africa. For more info, please click here. (Pics by Slawek Chrzaszcz and Steve Starr…check out more pics here!)

Six months ago, the Chicago Tribune proudly launched Printers Row, a membership program for those who love books, authors and conversations about the ideas they generate. This weekend, they offered readers a special eight page sample tucked inside the Sunday section (where Candid Candace’s column also appears!). And beginning this week, they are offering even MORE perks with the membership program ($99 per year) which will include four free tickets to Printers Row Live! Events in addition to Book-of-the-Month discounts, private author receptions and conversations at Tribune Tower. You can now also buy it as a digital-only subscription for $29 or just the journal/fiction, no events or programs, for $49, which includes the Printers Row Journal and Fiction home-delivered every week in print and digital editions. To join, call 866.977.8742, offer code X156, or click here! Happy reading from your friends at the Chicago Tribune!!! This is a real literary treat!

Lots of friends’ birthdays this month! I loved celebrating the Squire, Bunky Cushing’s, birthday at the Four Seasons’ Allium Restaurant with his special ladies who included Hazel Barr, Zarada Gowenlock, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Robin Segesta, Myra Reilly and Megan McKinney. Chef Kevin Hickey’s menu is out of this world delicious and I was so thrilled to be included! Friends also celebrated the perpetually glam Toni Canada’s birthday (or as Dusty Stemer called it “her birthday tour”) at Piccolo Sogno. The evening couldn’t have been more perfect and Toni matched the occasion in one of the most beautiful dresses I’ve seen in a long time, a form-fitting floral sheath with purple feathers by Prabal Gurung. Friends on the patio included Corri McFadden (who regaled us with tales of her fairytale engagement on Capri), Jan Flanagan (sporting the coolest Louis Vuitton cuff on the planet), Lynn McMahan, Nina Mariano, Dusty, Susanna Negovan, Heather Farley Ingram and Jennifer Hamood. And a special thanks to all of my sweet friends who came out for my late birthday celebration at Chicago Cut! I loved seeing Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Helen Melchior, Toni Canada, Nina Mariano, Jan Flanagan, Sheryl Dyer, Chris Long, Kristina McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Hazel Barr, Lynn McMahan, Mary Pat Burns, Mamie Walton, Jean Antoniou and Tracy Tarantino. (Sharyl Mackey couldn’t attend since she and Mike were vacationing in Michigan.) Bon anniversaire a mes amis! 🙂 (For more pics from these fun parties, please click here!)

I’m lovin’ all of this great press for and about Stella Foster! People are coming out of the woodwork to celebrate, honor, fete and host events to celebrate her long career! Her "Windy City Live" interview on Monday was priceless and now comes word she will be the FIRST African American women to be named Honorary Grand Marshall for the Columbus Day Parade on October 8th!!!! Later that same night, she also appeared on Jim Williams’ Show and Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce! I have a feeling her “retirement” won’t be quite what she thinks it will be! LOL! Oh, and did I tell you the Mayor proclaimed Monday to be Stella Foster Day in Chicago!?! I was honored to be included in her last column along with so many other friends like Shell Reyes, Tony Weisman, Ken Bedford, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Anna Davlantes, Les Coney, John Roger and Mark Suppelsa! Stay tuned for more “Stellabration” updates! The Foster Love Train is just startin’ to roll!

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Check out this pic of Cooper Hefner that his dad tweeted Monday night along with the phrase, “And the legend continues!” He is the spitting image of Hef! I also hear he was a fabulous host at Saturday night’s Midsummer Night’s Dream party, even donning PJs! Too cute for words! And yes, Crystal Harris (aka the runaway bride) was there, too! (Check out a few more pics here!)

And if you’re in the market for unique jewelry and fast cars, then you might want to check out the Concurs d’ Elegance in Pebble Beach next week, August 15th through 19th. This is one of the top car shows in the world with rare autos showcased against a stunning backdrop. A special highlight of the grand event will be a one-of-a-kind necklace created by former race car driver, Mary Kaczor. This piece is so special (for this 100th anniversary) that it even has its own name, Winning Ways II! It was created from pieces of famous cars in the past including the frame nut from the Marmon Wasp, the very first car to win the Indy 500. The necklace is sculpted out of 18K white gold with black and white princess cut diamonds on its sides symbolizing two checkered flags. The centerpiece is a 10.43 carat diamond graded E VVS1. Bids will begin at $1.6 million…yeah, you heard me! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum as well as the Wheldon Family Trust. (Driver Dan Wheldon was killed in the Las Vegas race last year and is survived by his widow and two young sons.) (For more info, visit www.pebblebeachconcours.net or email mary@racerxdesigns.com.)

One of my favorite boutiques, STRUT, will be hosting a special shopping night, “High Fashion Without the High Price,” on Thursday, August 9th from 6 to 9 p.m. at 2549 N. Clark. Darling designer Borris Powell will feature his latest ready-to-wear collection and be on hand to answer all of your fashion questions. Beautiful boutique owner Niala Conte will be offering wine and appetizers to her lucky customers! Hope to see you there!

A special thanks to CS Magazine for featuring our Glamorama Launch Party in such fun style
in this month’s magazine! I love the comments and thought this was so clever! Hope to see you all Friday night, too! 🙂

That’s all folks! Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition and I hope you’re having a fun-filled summer!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Breaking news from my friend Tissy Eggleston who submitted this pic of the FIRST image transmitted from the Curiosity Rover on Mars!

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Tagged as Abe Thompson, Alan Harder, Allium Restaurant, Amanda Puck, Amazing Cosmetics, America’s Dog, Ami Moss & The Unfortunate, Amy Wimer, Andy Motto, Anna Davlantes, Ashley Weinzweig, Baton Show Lounge, Big Fish Farms, Bill Lasche, BLU, BOKA, Bonnie Krueger Spurlock, Borris Powell, Brian Fisher, Bunky Cushing, Burdi, C.D. Peacock, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carl Shelton, Chefs & the City, Chicago Cut, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Sky, Chicago Tonight with Phil Ponce, Chicago Tribune, Chilli Pepper, Chris Long, Chris Pandel, Chuck Benya, Chuck Kazmer, Columbus Day Parade, Concurs d’Elegance, Cooper Hefner, Corri McFadden, Courtright’s, Crystal Harris, CS Magazine, Curiosity Rover, Dan Uslan, Dan Wheldon, DC Crenshaw, Debbie Hinde, Deca, Detour JazFunk, Dirk’s Fish & Gourmet Shop, Diver, DJ Megan Taylor, DJ Zebo, Doug Psaltis, Dr. Jeff Weller, Dr. Julius Few, Dusty Stemer, Elizabeth Brodsky, Escada, Four Seasons, Fraley Le, Gale Gottlieb, Giuseppe Tentori, Glamorama Launch Party, Green Zebra, Greg Bastien, Greg Hyder, Grey Goose, GT Fish & Oyster, Hazel Barr, Heather Farley Ingram, Heather Terhune, Helen Melchior, High Fashion Without the High Prices, Horacio Nieto, Hugh Hefner, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Intermix, International Academy of Design and Technology, Jake Melnick’s, Jan Flanagan, Jane Monzures, Janet Barnes, Jason Dohmann, Jean Antoniou, Jennifer Hamood, Jerome Bacale, Jessica Zweig, Jim Williams’ Show, John Carroll, John Roger, John Walcher, Joli Burrell, Jonathan Gorecki, Karen Peters, Karyn’s on Green, Katie Schuppler, Kelly Drury, Ken Bedford, Ken Norgan, Kevin Hickey, Kim Gleeson, Kip Lewis, Kristina McGrath, Larissa Kronfeld, LaTonya Williams, Laurie Davis, Les Coney, Leslie Hindman, Lorin Adolph, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Lynn McMahan, Magic Hat, Magnolia Photo Booth Co., Mallory Ulaszek, Mamie Walton, Mark Smithe, Mark Suppelsa, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Kaczor, Mary Lasky, Mary Pat Burns, Matt Lee, Megan McKinney, Mercadito, Michael Garbin, Michelle Tan, Midsummer Night’s Dream Party, Mila Samokhina, Miss Illinois Ashley Hooks, Myra Reilly, Natasha Sharma, Neiman Marcus, Neopolitan, Niala Conte, Nina Mariano, Nothing But Nets, Patricio Sandoval, Paul Iacono, Paul Virant, PAWS Beach Party, Perennial Virant, Piccolo Sogno, Prabal Gurung, Printers Row, Printers Row Live! Events, Quince, Ralph Lauren Polo, Rebecca Taras, Rich Gamble, Rich Varnes, Rino Burdi, RL, Robert Chatterson Dickson, Robin Robinson, Robin Singer, Rockit Bar & Grill, Roger Herring, RPM Italian, Ruth Riley, Ryan Pitts, Sable, Saira Cooper, Sanjay Sharma, Scott Bobek, Service Club of Chicago, Sharyl Mackey, Shawn McClain, Shedd Aquarium, Sheila Henley, Sheila O’Grady, Shell Reyes, Sherren Leigh, Sheryl Dyer, Skip Grisham, Slawek Chrzaszcz, Socca, Sonya Jackson, Stanley Paul, Starr Couture, Stella Foster, Stella Foster Day, Steve Starr, STRUT, Stuart Weitzman, Sunda, Susanna Negovan, Suzanne Kopulos, Sweetspring Salmon, Swirlz, Tavernita, The Bristol, The Florentime, Tina Weller, Tissy Eggleston, Todd Hatoff, Tom James, Toni Canada, Tony Priolo, Tony Weisman, Tonya Pierce, Tracey DiBuono, Tracey Tarantino, UIC, Underground, Union League Club, Vie, Vital Bridges Chronic Care Center, Vivky Baftiri, Vosges, W.I.N.E. TV, Wheldon Family Trust, Windy City Live, Winning Ways II, WNBA, Women in Entertainment TV, Zarada Gowenlock

August 1, 2012 · 9:18 pm

THE WHITE PARTY GOES UNDERGROUND FOR ONE HOPE UNITED!

…PLUS SUPERMODEL & MICH MAG’S A SHORE THING, 50 & BEAUTIFUL, TALKCHIC, LOVE IS IN THE AIR, GAMING FOR GREEN, MISS FOSTER'S 'STELLABRATION,' UPCOMING EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Man-about-town Marco Foster was a man with a mission in his desire to create a successful fundraiser for One Hope United, an organization which is near and dear to his heart. On July 27th, his many friends and supporters came out in force to help Marco give back. Held at Underground, this annual event was also a celebration of Marco’s birthday with 100 percent of the proceeds going to this organization whose mission is to protect children and strengthen families in Chicago. Marco’s story is a remarkable one: After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009 and having a successful surgery on Thanksgiving Day (appropriately) that same year, he has been a role model for giving back to numerous charity events throughout Chicago, especially to causes that have made a major impact on his life. Besides being an advocate for One Hope United, he also supports the American Brain Tumor Association, where he spreads the message of his experience and the importance of giving to charity. “It shouldn’t take a drastic event in one’s life to create change,” said Marco. “We all have the ability to be an instrument of change and I’m honored to have such support from the event’s co-hosts, the Underground, and the leadership from One Hope United to help pull this all off.” Co-hosts for the night included NBC multimedia journalist and five-time Emmy winner Marcus Riley, Akira Chicago owner Jon Cotay, WGN’s "Living Healthy Chicago" host Jane Monzures, PR industry pioneer and motivational speaker Chris Foltz and moi. Marco also founded the elite fashion networking group Chicago Models, as well as creating a popular social media following that is now used as a resource by hundreds in the fashion and modeling industry. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he has a passion for fashion and is, indeed, quite the bon vivant with an eye for style. By day, Foster is an IT guru managing the HelpDesk at Sargent & Lundy in the nuclear and fossil power plant industry. He’s a man of many talents but the ones he’s most proud of are of the charitable nature. One Hope United was founded as Chicago Baptist Orphanage in 1895 and Hudelson Baptist Children’s Home in 1903. In 1987, the two created a historic partnership evolving over the years to include foster care, clinical services and early childhood development. “I know what it’s like to get passed around from home to home and it�
�s not fun,” said Foster. And he should know since he was in foster care until the age of seven. It was a love-filled affair for a great cause hosted by a great guy! Congrats Marco and Happy Birthday – you are an inspiration! (Photos by Steve Starr and Mila Samokhina…check out more pics from this fun event here!)

Michigan Avenue Magazine and the Chicago Yacht Club presented "A Shore Thing" at Navy Pier on July 21st. The official viewing party for the Race to Mackinac provided guests with a front row seat for the Parade of Boats at this inaugural party hosted at the tip of Navy Pier by president/publisher Dan Uslan and editor-in-chief J.P. Anderson. With an assist from supermodel/reality star Joanna Krupa, this party celebrated the 104th race. Since 1898, sailors have embarked on the 333-mile race to Mackinac Island. This Chicago Yacht Club Race, presented by Veuve Clicquot, is the oldest and most prestigious freshwater sailing race attracting some of the world's best sailors. "The Mac" hosts 350 boats with approximately 3,500 sailors competing in this world-class sporting event. To view all the pics from this event, please click here!

More than 300 people converged on the legendary Drake Hotel for the fifth annual 50 & Beautiful Fashion Show, hosted by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions and Shaun Rajah of the Drake Hotel. “This event is about showing that beauty has no age, no race, no height or size restrictions and embracing and celebrating this fact,” said Melinda Joseph. “I am proud to be friends with these ladies. They are beautiful inside and out,” added Cece Gonzales. Fifty stylish women walked the catwalk in designs from Al Menotti, Regina Rice, Sujata Gazder, Fraley Le, Mark Roscoe and Andrea Gems. Models included Kathy O’Malley Piccone, Margaret O’Connor, Shea Vaughn, Denise Tomasello, Mable Buckner Payton, Rosemary Fanti, Kim Gleeson, Deborah Goodman, Ellen Wesley, Dorothy Whealan and Karen Williams. A reception followed in the Palm Court where guests enjoyed live entertainment by the Mike Walters Trio. (Hot DJ Madrid did the show music.) A portion of the proceeds benefitted A Silver Lining Foundation. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the mission of A Silver Lining is to ensure dignified, respectful and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all, by creating meaningful partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations. For more info on this organization, please visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org. (Photos by Steve Starr and Nick Pinto.)

TalkChic is up and running so it’s time to break out the champagne flutes for founders Nena Ivon, Jane Stewart and Linda Heister! This speaker’s bureau is a consortium of experts who offer an array of programs on lifestyle topics. A division of Stewart Talent, speakers include Bill Zwecker (entertainment insider), Hutton Wilkinson (Beverly Hills interior designer and master jeweler), Stanley Paul (maestro and master story teller), Bunky Cushing (party planner extraordinaire), Sherrill Bodine (best-selling romance novelist), Ina Pinkney (culinary master), Debra Mancoff (art and garden expert), Michael Anderson (world of ballet expert), Ron Falzone (award winning screenwriter), Jan Parr (publishing expert), Nena (fashion history) and moi (jack of all trades and master of none). For more info, please contact Nena at nena@talkchic.com or Linda at Linda@talkchic.com or call 312.572.6111.

Love is definitely in the air this summer with beautiful weddings happening all around us. Starting with the popular and much loved Heather Farley and her new husband Bruce Ingram, theirs was the stuff dreams are made of! More than 200 guests convened in Lake Geneva at Bonnie Deutsch’s historic, private home which was once owned by Art Institute founding father, Martin Ryerson. The ceremony was presided over by long-time friend Judge Mary Pat Burns, followed by a reception held on the grounds in a massive tent. Heather’s father wrote a “speech” for the happy couple that he sang to the crowd amid many tears of happiness. At dusk, the largest boat on Lake Geneva – The Lady of the Lake – docked to gather guests for dessert and dancing. A DJ played hot mixes and special guest Katarina played the electric violin. Heather and Bruce enjoyed their first dance – to “Hooked on a Feeling” – and danced the night away with guests who included Mamie Walton, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sherrill and John Bodine, Toni and Rick Canada, Nina and Bob Mariano and Lynn and John McMahan. When the boat docked at 11 p.m., a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cart capped off a perfect summer wedding on the lake. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ingram! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

Another magical wedding was held in Lake Forest this past weekend uniting lovely Laura Nosko and Dr. Paul Steinwald. The First Presbyterian Church was filled to the rafters with guests excited to witness the union of these much loved and much IN love people. (Paul is the son of Dr. Os Steinwald, our brother-in-law). This church is so beautiful and it was only eclipsed by the bride and her lovely bridesmaids. The reception was held on the elegant grounds of Lake Forest Academy with the sit-down dinner for 250 held in the marble halls of the historic Armour House. There were many lovely speeches but a standout was Paul’s younger brother and best man, George, who admiringly called his brother “the DJ of life.” Guests in attendance included Meredith and Todd Burkitt, Ashley and Tom Margulis, Maureen and John Dugan, Susan and Antonio Mena, Nancy Steinwald, Amy Steinwald, Ann and Jim McNulty, Mary Louise Loeb, Lee Widhelm, Bruce and Ronnie Steinwald, Karen and John Nosko (parents of the bride), Mildred and John Nosko (grandparents of the bride), Christy Lukes, Beth Fioritto, Abbie Ferguson, Rachel Patel, Thomas Kelly, Chester Nakamura, Steven Vath, Miki Ferenczy, James Rooney, Richard Milone, Margie and Tom Ward and us. Congrats, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Steinwald! (Click here for more pics!)

Chicago Gateway Green, along with its sponsoring presenter and longtime Expressway Program Partner Horseshoe Casino, hosted their seventh annual Gaming for Green, a popular poker tournament and casino night held on July 12th at Galleria Marchetti. Hosted by Roe Conn and Richard Roeper of “Roe and Roeper” on WLS 890AM, the event raised $35,000 for Chicago Gateway Green’s Tree Partnership Program. This program is a large-scale volunteer tree planting initiative that transforms vacant land across
Chicago’s neighborhoods into tree-filled green spaces thereby improving Chicago’s neighborhoods. “Our Tree Partnership is a crucial part of the ongoing effort to green and beautify Chicago,” said Grant DePorter, chairman Gateway Green. Chaid Freid of Northbrook was the evening’s first-place winner and earned a Main Event Championship Seat at the World Series of Poker Circuit event in Las Vegas, a $10K value. Seen on the scene were former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich, NBC 5’s Natalie Martinez and NBC Executive Producer Matt Piacente, Sarah Cooley, Heather Korpella, John Fritchey and Joanna DePorter among others. For more info on Chicago Gateway Green, including details on the annual Green Tie Ball gala on Sept. 15th, please visit www.gatewaygreen.org or call 312.540.9930.

City Winery Chicago is hosting a preview party to benefit arts education non-profit Urban Gateways on Saturday, August 11th from 7 to 10 p.m. This fundraiser will be the public’s first chance to experience the new 33,000-square-foot wine, food and music venue in Chicago’s West Loop. (It officially opens on August 15th with five nights of performances by comedian Lewis Black.) Guests will be treated to complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres and live jazz and blues performances by Reginald Robinson and the 5th Element, and Eric Noden & Joe Falisko with special guest Katherine Davis. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to Urban Gateways. Michael Dorf, City Winery’s founder, first opened a City Winery location in NYC in 2008. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online or at the door. For more info, please click here!

Compassion, Fashion & Cocktails, a charity event celebrating pioneers in fashion, food and film will be held at Frontier, located at 1072 N. Milwaukee, on Thursday August 23rd, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Co-chaired by Lema Khorshid, Sarah Noonan, Fei Wang and Sam Yanover, the evening will honor the arts while raising money for the non-profits The Musical Art Institute, Bin Donated (as seen on ABC’s "Secret Millionaire") and St. Vincent de Paul Center & Marillac Social Center. Frontier will be transformed into a cutting-edge runway scene with fashions by designer Eva Franco and jazz performances from students of The Musical Arts Institute. A special menu will be presented by Chef Brian Jupiter. A cocktail reception from 6:30 to 8:30 will be hosted by Bombay Sapphire. Tickets are $40, $55 at the door. (All proceeds will go to the charities.) For info, please click here.

Bridal Wave, presented by Kenmore Craftsman, will premiere Saturday, August 4th. Join them live or online as some of the country’s most respected wedding experts share their secrets. If it has anything to do with getting married, they’ll be talking about it on Bridal Wave! Be a part of the audience at 233 W. Huron on Saturdays starting August 4th through September 29th at 10 a.m.!

Saw Denzel Washington's beautiful wife, Pauletta, at dinner at Bijan recently with makeup/style gurus Reggie Wells (Oprah’s longtime makeup artist) and George Fuller. Plans are in the works for a reality show about making everyday people on the street look fabulous with a makeover – I think the working title will be “Finding Fabulous.” These two guys could make Godzilla look great so I can't wait to see what they've cooked up!! Congrats and good luck!!!

On a sad note, I CANNOT believe I won’t be able to read Stella Foster’s column in the Sun-Times anymore!?!?!?! This wonderful reporter gave a voice to the voiceless, love to her friends and always, Always, ALWAYS told it like it is! On Saturday, Operation PUSH has proclaimed “Stella Foster Day” in Chicago at their headquarters at 930 E. 50th starting at 10 a.m. Her fans are legion and I can’t imagine the mail her paper must be receiving. And believe me, this is the first of many events that will be planned in her honor. I can’t wait to participate. “I am overwhelmed by the love and support from my readers and the dignitaries in this town,” said Miss Stella. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! We love you, Stella!

Thanks to all of you for reading my little blogazine! I hope you enjoy it! Please send me any comments at Candace@CandidCandace.com – I want to keep you informed and entertained so please send me your suggestions! Thanks and hope you’re having a wonderful summer!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. What a thrill for Dr. Steven Stryker who, along with Dan Dalton, were Distinguished Visitors aboard the U.S.S. Stennis, a Navy aircraft carrier that’s being deployed to the Persian Gulf next month. So cool!!!

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Tagged as 50 & Beautiful Fashion Show, A Shore Thing, A Silver Lining Foundation, Abbie Ferguson, Al Menotti, American Brain Tumor Association, Amy Steinwald, Andrea Gems, Ann McNulty, Antonio Mena, Armour House, Ashley Margulis, Beth Fioritto, Bill Zwecker, Bin Donated, Bob Mariano, Bombay Sapphire, Bonnie Deutsch, Bridal Wave, Bruce Ingram, Bruce Steinwald, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cece & Melinda, Cece Gonzalez, Chaid Freid, Chef Brian Jupiter, Chester Nakamura, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Models, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Yacht Club, Chris Foltz, Chris Zorich, Christy Lukes, City Winery Chicago, Compassion Fashion & Cocktails, Dan Dalton, Dan Uslan, Deborah Goodman, Debra Mancoff, Denise Tomasello, Denzel Washington, DJ Madrid, Dorothy Whealan, Dr. Os Steinwald, Dr. Paul Steinwald, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Dr. Steven Stryker, Drake Hotel, Ellen Wesley, Eric Noden, Eva Franco, Fei Wang, Finding Fabulous, Fraley Le, Gaming for Green, George Fuller, Grant DePorter, Green Tie Ball, Heather Farley, Heather Korpella, Horseshoe Casino, Hutton Wilkinson, Ina Pickney, J.P. Anderson, James Rooney, Jan Parr, Jane Monzures, Jane Stewart, Jim McNulty, Joana Krupa, Joanna DePorter, Joe Falisko, John Bodine, John Dugan, John Fritchey, John McMahan, John Nosko, Jon Cotay, Judge Mary Pat Burns, Karen Nosko, Karen Williams, Katherine Davis, Kathy O'Malley Piccone, Kenmore Craftsman, Kim Gleeson, Kristina McGrath, Lake Forest Academy, Laura Nosko, Lee Widhelm, Lema Khorshid, Lewis Black, Linda Heister, Lynn McMahan, Mable Buckner Payton, Mamie Walton, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Margaret O’Connor, Margie Ward, Mark Roscoe, Martin Ryerson, Mary Louise Loeb, Matt Piacente, Maureen Dugan, Melinda Joseph, Meredith Burkitt, Michael Anderson, Michael Dorf, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mike McGrath, Mike Walters Trio, Miki Ferenczy, Mila Samokhina, Mildred Nosko, Nancy Steinwald, Natalie Martinez, Nena Ivon, Nina Mariano, One Hope United, Operation Push, Oprah Winfrey, Pauletta Washington, Race to Mackinac, Rachel Patel, Raymi Productions, Reggie Wells, Regina Rice, Reginald Robinson and the 5th Element, Richard Milone, Richard Roeper, Rick Canada, Roe and Roeper, Roe Conn, Ron Falzone, Ronnie Steinwald, Rosemary Fanti, Sam Yanover, Sarah Cooley, Sarah Noonan, Sargent & Lundy, Secret Millionaire, Shaun Rajah, Shea Vaughn, Sherrill Bodine, St. Vincent de Paul Center & Marillac Social Center, Stanley Paul, Stella Foster, Steve Starr, Steven Vath, Stewart Talent, Sujata Gazder, Susan Mena, TalkChic, The Musical Art Institute, Thomas Kelly, Todd Burkitt, Tom Margulis, Tom Ward, Toni Canada, U.S.S. Stennis, Underground, Urban Gateways, Veuve Clicquot, White Party

July 5, 2012 · 10:17 am

REESE WITHERSPOON & DIRECTOR ALEXANDER PAYNE CHARM CROWD AT GENE SISKEL FILM CENTER BENEFIT

…PLUS THERE’S A BIG NEW RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE IN TOWN, PARIS OPERA BALLET’S ELEGANT DEBUT AT THE HARRIS, GLAMOURCON RETURNS TO CHICAGO WITH PLAYMATES, PIN-UPS & MODELS, DESIGNER AZEEZA KHAN’S NOMINATION, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

As many of you know, I write a weekly column in the Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine section and this Sunday’s Candid Candace featured the Gene Siskel Film Center benefit honoring Reese Witherspoon. Since I have limited space there (around 400 words), I’m going to tell you the WHOLE story right here! The night began with the largest bank of media I’ve ever seen at events of this type surrounding (though swarming would be a better word) the red carpet. I saw Bill Zwecker, Janet Davies, Jeff Conway, Dean Richards, the cute guy from “Extra” and more photographers than I knew even existed in our town! Everyone was in high anticipation to see this darling actress with such an amazing body of work and she didn’t disappoint. Her small frame hid her baby bump even though she joked about “feeling round.” When I asked her what her biggest challenge was filming “Walk the Line” – the film for which she won a Best Actress Oscar – she said it was “learning how to sing” and went on to talk about her seven months of lessons and sessions she had at T. Bone Burnett’s house. She was so unsure of her singing abilities that she called her lawyer at the start of filming to see if she could get out of the film. The answer, happily, was no! She went on to talk about the things she DID love about filmmaking saying, “I’ve had such a great career getting to learn new skills. I learned to ride an elephant in “Water for Elephants” and I got to play softball for another film (“How Do You Know”).” Reese was at the Film Center to accept the Renaissance Award, following in the footsteps of past honorees Jamie Foxx, Robert Downey, Jr., Nicole Kidman and George Lucas. Two-time Oscar-winning screenwriter and director Alexander Payne (who directed Reese in “Election”) conducted the Q & A with this petite actress but before the questions and retrospective of her films, a hilarious video was shown featuring past Renaissance Award winner, Robert Downey, Jr. and Gwyneth Paltrow. The video opened with Downey deadpanning into the camera, “I say the name and feel a burning in my loins but it’s not just because you’re the sexiest woman alive, it’s because of your talent, your gift. I’ve often thought about leaving my wife, Susan Downey, for you.” All the while he’s talking, Paltrow is trying to distract him. Downey turns to her and says, “Insecure newsflash! If you don’t heap compliments on them [actresses], they end up marrying rock stars.” It had the sell-out crowd roaring! (Downey and Paltrow clearly are friends and fans and Robert even donated a set visit to “Iron Man 3,” now filming in North Carolina, to the event’s auction.) During the Q & A with Payne, Reese talked about landing the lead in the “The Man in the Moon” when she was 14. She was living in Nashville and doing some community theatre. Her father saw an ad in the paper and they auditioned, thinking she might have ended up as an extra but, of course, she landed the lead. She went on to say, “I’ve never done interviews reviewing my career. Being pregnant, I hope I don’t get too emotional taking a walk down memory lane.” Film clips were shown from “Pleasantville,” “Election,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Water for Elephants,” “Legally Blonde” and “Walk the Line,” among others. Reese talked about attending Stanford for a year and said, “In retrospect, I’d wished I’d finished.” When asked how she chooses a role, she said, “I find out about the character and whether or not I could see myself in that role. Secondly, it’s about the director, not so much for comedies, but for dramas, I need a leader. It’s difficult for a woman to be able to do both comedy and drama – it’s a privilege to be able to do both.” When asked about staying in character for a role (a la Meryl Streep), she said, “It really doesn’t work staying in character if you have kids. You can’t go home and tell them to call you June.” Her favorite films "ever" are “Splendor in the Grass” and “Raising Arizona” and her favorite co-star was Rosie the elephant in “Water for Elephants.” (“She remained in character throughout the whole movie!” joked Reese.) Marlene Iglitzen, Gene Siskel’s widow, attended the event with her three beautiful children Kate, Callie and Will. Looking stunning in a full-length black Jean Paul Gaultier dress and Lanvin necklace, she said, “Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. He would be so proud to see these people here tonight.” Marlene went on to say that her husband often described his movie critic job as “covering the American dream beat.” The black-tie crowd feasted on a delicious dinner with each course inspired by one of Reese’s films. There was the “Vanity” salad, the “June and Johnny Duo” (fish and beef) and “Sweet Homes of the South: Alabama, Mississippi and Pleasantville” (a whoopie pie, mud cake and roasted strawberries). Seen in the crowd were Marc Klutznick and Anita Liskey (co-chairs), Michelle Cucchiaro (Advisory Board and committee member), Eda Davidman and Barry Missner, Melissa Sage Fadim (Advisory Board member), Bill Marcus, Ellen Sandor (Chairman of the Board) and husband Richard, Rosie Levin (Advisory Board member) and husband Elliot, Roopa Weber (Advisory Board and committee member), Jamey Fadim, Jean de St. Aubin (Film Center Executive Director), Cynthia and Rich Varnes, Jim Mayhercy, Shirley and Dr. Walter Massey (President of SAIC), Daniel Bryant and Joe Trpik, Jeffrey Sprecher, Averill and Buddy Leviton, Kelly Loeffler, Camille Cook (Film Center founder), Tony Jones (past SAIC president), Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lynn and John McMahan, Paul Iacono, Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, Diana Palomar and many others. The evening raised more than $340,000 to support programming at the Gene Siskel Film Center. Check out the website for more cool upcoming events! Check out my Watch312.com video below to see what Reese and Alexander had to say. Congrats again to the Gene Siskel Film Center on all of their wonderful programming and exciting events like this one! (Fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina.)

Well, it finally happened! After so much planning, hoping, wishing and fundraising, the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House is OPEN! I was honored to be there for this special celebration on a parking garage rooftop which was directly across from the House. It was so cool! Throughout the impressive program, more than 600 attendees could plainly see the purpose for this party. Wrapped in a giant bow, the House loomed large at 16 stories and 86 rooms. I remember when Ken Norgan first got me involved with RMHCCNI at the press party at Morton’s and I was just as thrilled then as I was this day! Emcee Mark Giangreco opened the ribbon cutting ceremony on June 26th – there were so many people there…thank goodness the real Chicago heat came later in the week! But on this day, nothing could dampen anyone’s spirits as 13-year-old Kate Wild sang the National Anthem (she will also be singing the anthem on opening day in Soldier Field.) Mary Agnes Laguatan (VP of Operations for RMHCCNI) gave a moving invocation and then Governor Quinn spoke before he had to rush off to meet with the First Lady. He declared this day “Ronald McDonald House Charities Day” in Chicago. “Long may it live!” he said. Next, Senator John Cullerton presented a proclamation from the Mayor, who ALSO named June 26th as RMHC Day in Chicago. Giangreco then jokingly introduced Jim Skinner (McDonald’s CEO) as the “Grand Imperial Quarter Pounder with Cheese.” Skinner thanked the crowd on "behalf of the 1.7 million people in the McDonald’s family." The Soul Children of Chicago, directed by Walt Whitman, gave a moving performance of “The Future’s Up to Me and You” (written by Nancy Slattery and Ira Antelis) that brought the crowd to tears. MaryAnne Smith (president of the Auxiliary Board for the House) spoke next, along with her adoring husband, Coach Lovie Smith. “As we drove down Grand, I could see the House. I said to Lovie, ‘It’s a palace, it’s a home, it feels like a home and now it’s working like a home.’ It’s what we tried to build.” Doug Porter (CEO of RMHCCNI) said, “Today’s ceremony is for you to recommit.” He called out people who were instrumental in the House’s success including Jim Murray (Founder of Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia & Former Eagles' General Manager) and Joe Antunovich (House architect) among many others. Macy’s has been a HUGE supporter of the new House and has dedicated their Glamorama funds, raising more than $645K not including this year’s event, from the last three years to its building! (Speaking of Glamorama, I hope you can put Chicago’s biggest and best fashion show on your calendars! Friday, August 10th at the Harris Theater! A huge shout out and thank you to Macy’s!!! Where would we be without YOU???!!!! Following the rooftop ceremony, guests were whisked via trolley to the River East Art Center for a delicious reception! (For Glamorama tickets, click here and to view more pics, please click here!)

I must confess, I am a total loyalist to our Joffrey Ballet but I have to say the recent Paris Opera Ballet debut at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance brought tears to my eyes it was so hauntingly beautiful. The Theater hosted a gala celebration for the world’s oldest national ballet company on June 26th. Every notable, VIP, civic leader and arts lover in town attended this black tie gala that began with the performance and a cocktail reception at the Harris. More than 800 guests enjoyed the POB’s American debut of the iconic story ballet “Giselle.” “Giselle” was created in 1841 specifically for the POB and was written by poet Theophile Gautier, composed by Adolphe Adam and choreographed by Jean Coralli and Jules Perrot. The Paris Opera Ballet is considered the birthplace of classical ballet with origins that trace back to 1661, during the reign of King Louis XIV of France. The 154-member ballet company is considered the epitome of perfection, purity, artistry and technical acumen and, from the performance on opening night, I can certainly see why: This company hasn’t been to the U.S in 15 years and the full corps has NEVER performed in Chicago before so I was so proud to hear that the company chose Chicago as a debut destination with stops to follow at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and then Lincoln Center in New York. Second City? I think NOT! Michael Tiknis, president and CEO of the Harris, welcomed the sold out crowd, “It’s my pleasure to introduce the first performance ever of the Paris Opera Ballet in Chicago!” The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra accompanied the performance with Graff as the presenting sponsor. The Mayor commented, “It’s only fitting that the POB chose the city of Chicago as the first appearance of its North American tour. In my view, they’re picking the most American of American cities. I am committed to making Chicago a worldwide destination for arts and creativity.” Abby McCormick O’Neil, chairman of the Harris Theater’s Board of Trustees, said, “The opening night gala and performance support the ongoing mission of the Harris. Proceeds from this event will benefit its programs.” (One of their programs, Access Tickets, donated 200 free tickets to students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to attend.) Before the performance, Mayor Emanuel – a former dancer himself – greeted students from the Chicago High School for the Arts along with POB dancers and Artistic Director Brigitte Lefevre. Caryn and King Harris and Alexandra and John Nichols were presenting sponsors and chairs. Vice chairs included Francie Comer, Stephanie and John Harris, Mellody Hobson and George Lucas, Lindy and Michael Keiser, Anne and J. Christopher Reyes, Linda Johnson Rice and Shirley and Patrick Ryan. Sponsors for this event included Abby McCormick O’Neil and D. Carroll Joynes, Chauncey and Marion McCormick (Foundation), Hyatt Regency Chicago, Northern Trust and United Airlines. The post performance dinner was held in an elegant tent adjacent to the theater in Millennium Park. Two million was raised on this night to support Harris programming. Guests seen in the crowd included Joan Harris, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra (Chairman of Millennium Park, Inc.), Sheila O’Grady and Jean-Luc Decaux, Francie Comer, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Ken Shanoff, Chris Long, Marilyn Vitale, Pam Crutchfield, Phil Lumpkin, Ken Shanoff and Steve Young, Desiree Rogers, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sonya Jackson, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Julie Latsko, Martha Melman, Sonya Jackson, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson and Mary and Tim Smithe among many others. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl…click here for more pics!)

Mark your calendars now for Glamourcon 53, a lively celebration and marketplace of the glamour arts that features dozens of Playboy Playmates from FIVE decades as well as many other past and present glamour and pin-up models. Vendors sell trading cards, autographs, catalogs, magazines, books, photos, original pin up art, videos and so much more. This year, attendees will get a rare opportunity to meet two “legends” of Playboy: former photo directors Gary Cole and Jeff Cohen. For all of you budding glamour photogs, this is a great opportunity to have your photos and portfolios critiqued by the experts! They will also be orchestrating a first time EVER Playmate Photo Special! A photography session will be offered with Playmates Beth Williams (Miss August 2012) and Shelby Chesnes (Miss July 2012), who are both appearing in Playboy’s July/August double issue which will be on newsstands this month. Sign up to attend a Saturday night VIP party at the Joynt (located at 650 N. Dearborn) with Playmates, Special Edition Models and other Playboy models! Glamourcon presents a great opportunity to meet your favorite vintage and contemporary pin-up stars and get their autographs. I love this event and especially love seeing my fellow Playmates at this special Glamourcon Reunion…hope to see you at Crowne Plaza O'Hare on August 4th and 5th! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

A special shout out and congrats to beautiful fashion designer, Azeeza Kahn! She has just been nominated for the Rising Star Award by the Fashion Group International! Fingers crossed, Azeeza! Ikram, are you watching??!!!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday that included good food, friends and fun! I will be taking the next week off and will see you again on July 16th!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If you missed the Summer Lovin’ party at the MCA co-hosted by Chicago magazine and the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, check out all the fun here from Watch312.com!!!

http://imgsrv.intertechmedia.com/image/flash_players/new_07062010/singleshot_video_16x9.swf?xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_xml.php%3FstationId%3D3301%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12042802&styleXML=http://watch312.com/pages/wtc_PlayWindowPlayer_1766.xml&episodeXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_episode_xml.php%3FvideoEpisodeId%3D41652%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12042802&emailFormURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Femail.php&embed=yes&autoPlay=no&mute=no&playerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fpages%2F12042802.php%3FcollectionId%3D1766

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Tagged as Abby McCormick O’Neil, Academy Award, Access Tickets, Adolphe Adam, Alejandro Silva, Alexander Payne, Alexandra Nichols, Amelia Silva, Andrea Schwartz, Anita Liskey, Anne Reyes, Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Averill Leviton, Azeeza Kahn, Barry Missner, Beth Williams, Bill Kurtis, Bill Marcus, Bill Zwecker, Brigette Lefevre, Buddy Leviton, Callie Siskel, Camille Cook, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace Chicago, Caryn Harris, Chauncey McCormick, Chicago High School for the Arts, Chicago magazine, Chicago Tribune Sunday Magazine, Chris Long, Cynthia King, D. Carroll Joynes, Daniel Bryant, Dean Richards, Desiree Rogers, Diana Palomar, Donna LaPietra, Dori Wilson, Doug Porter, Dr. Steve Stryker, Dr. Walter Massey, Eda Davidman, Election, Ellen Sandor, Elliot Levin, Extra, Francie Comer, Gary Cole, Gene Siskel Film Center, George Lucas, Giselle, Glamorama, Glamourcon 53, Graff, Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, Helen Melchior, How Do You Know, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Ikram Goldman, Ira Antelis, Iron Man 3, J. Christopher Reyes, Jacqueline Kinloch, Jamey Fadim, Jamie Foxx, Janet Davies, Jean Coralli, Jean de St Aubin, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jean-Luc Decaux, Jeff Cohen, Jeff Conway, Jeffrey Sprecher, Jim Mayhercy, Jim Murray, Jim Skinner, Joan Harris, Joe Antunovich, Joe Trpik, Joffrey Ballet, John Cullerton, John Harris, John McMahan, John Nichols, Joynt, Jules Perrot, Julie Latsko, Kate Siskel, Kate Wild, Kelly Loeffler, Ken Norgan, Ken Shanoff, King Harris, King Louis XIV, Kristina McGrath, Lanvin, Legally Blonde, Leon Kinloch, Linda Johnson Rice, Lindy Keiser, Lovie Smith, Lynn McMahan, Macy's, Marc Klutznick, Marilyn Vitale, Marion McCormick, Mark Giangreco, Marlene Iglitzen, Martha Melman, Mary Agnes Laguatan, Mary Smithe, MaryAnne Smith, Mayor Emanuel, MCA, Melissa Sage Fadim, Mellody Hobson, Meryl Streep, Michael Keiser, Michael Tiknis, Michelle Cucchiaro, Mike McGrath, Mila Samokhina, Millennium Park, Nancy Slattery, Nicole Kidman, Northern Trust, Oscar, Pam Crutchfield, Paris Opera Ballet, Pat Quinn, Patrick Ryan, Paul Iacono, Phil Lumpkin, Playboy, Playmate Photo Special, Pleasantville, Raising Arizona, Reese Witherspoon, Renaissance Award, Rich Varnes, Richard Sandor, River East Art Center, RMHCCNI, Robert Downey Jr., Ronald McDonald House, Roopa Weber, Rosie Levin, SAIC, Sheila O’Grady, Shelby Chesnes, Sherren Leigh, Shirley, Shirley Ryan, Sonya Jackson, Soul Children of Chicago, Splendor in the Grass, Stanford, Stephanie Harris, Steve Young, Summer Lovin’, Susan Downey, Sweet Home Alabama, T. Bone Burnett, The Man in the Moon, Theophile Gautier, Tim Smithe, Tony Jones, United Airlines, Walk the Line, Walt Whitman, Watch312.com, Water for Elephants, Will Siskel

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