Tag Archives: Marcus Riley

May 13, 2013 · 8:57 am

STEPPENWOLF’S MILLION DOLLAR FUNDRAISER IS LOADED WITH TALENT!

…PLUS BUTTERFLY, CAMPFIRE AND DISCOVERY BALLS; NEIMAN MARCUS' FAB MAN’S STORE OPENING; STACIE’S “TEA FOR TOTS”; GLAMORAMA; THE DINNER PARTY (VIDEO); WONKA BALL WAS A THREE-RING CIRCUS!; CENTER ON HALSTED’S HUMAN FIRST GALA; OZZIE IS BACK!; ROBERT REDFORD LOVES CHICAGO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

1 - Steppenwolf co-founders and ensemble members Terry Kinney, Gary Sinise and Jeff PerrySteppenwolf Theatre Company’s star-studded ensemble was joined by 600 members of Chicago’s corporate, civic and cultural communities for its 2013 gala on May 4th, raising $1.1 million for Steppenwolf’s artistic, educational and
2 - Jeff Perry, Steppenwolf Board Chair Nora Daley and Desiree Rogerscommunity programming! Its premier fundraising event took place in the Downstairs Theatre (1650 N. Halsted) and at Blackhawk on Halsted (1460 N. Halsted) and offered guests the unique opportunity to connect with Steppenwolf artists while
3enjoying theatrical entertainment and the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime auction items. The gala kicked off at Steppenwolf Theatre Company with a showcase of scenes from the world-premiere production of “Head of Passes” by ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, directed by ensemble
4 - Blackhawk on Halstedmember Tina Landau and featuring ensemble members Alana Arenas and Tim Hopper. Following the performance, the party moved two blocks south to Blackhawk on Halsted, a space with theatrically-inspired décor by Event
5 - Penny Pritzker with Steppenwolf ensemble member and 2013 Tony Award nominee Laurie MetcalfCreative and a breathtaking view of Chicago’s skyline. There, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, a gourmet dinner prepared by Limelight Catering and the annual live auction (led by auctioneer Michael Davis of Hart Davis Hart Wine Co.) including once-in-a-lifetime
6 - Terry Kinney, Pat Pulido Sanchez and Manuel Manny Sanchezadventures with Steppenwolf ensemble members and artists. The evening concluded with dancing and live music and a late night set with DJ Madrid. Steppenwolf ensemble members in attendance included: Kevin Anderson, Alana Arenas,
7 - Doug Brown with Steppenwolf ensemble member and 2013 Tony Award nominee Amy MortonKate Arrington, Robert Breuler, Gary Cole, K. Todd Freeman, Jon Michael Hill, Tim Hopper, co-founder Terry Kinney, Tina Landau, Martha Lavey, 2013 Tony Award nominee Laurie Metcalf, 2013 Tony Award nominee Amy Morton, Sally Murphy, co-founder Jeff
8 - Mary Finnegan, co-chair Stephen Quazzo with ensemble member Kate Arrington and Michael ShannonPerry, Yasen Peyankov, Rondi Reed, co-founder Gary Sinise, Lois Smith and Jim True-Frost. The gala co-chairs were Ron and Paula Mallicoat, Deborah and Stephen Quazzo, Colette Cachey Smithburg
9 - Ensemble member Alana Arenas with Eileen and Christopher Murphyand Tom Smithburg. Other notable guests included Steppenwolf Board Chair Nora Daley, Chairman and CEO of Northern Trust Rick Waddell, Ellen Alberding and Kelly Walsh, Trisha Rooney Alden, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, David and Luann Blowers, featured actor in “Head of Passes” Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Phil
10 - Gary Sinise with Rick and Cate Waddelland Mary Beth Canfield, Michael and Elizabeth Cole, Mary Dempsey, Peter and Paula Fasseas, Paul and Mary Finnegan, David and Alexandra Fox, King and Steppenwolf Trustee Caryn Harris, Jack
11 - Ensemble member Jon Michael Hill (center) with Rebecca and Dennis Ryanand Marty Higgins, Marko Iglendza, Deputy Mayor Steve Koch, Rick Kogan, 2013 Tony Award nominee and 2013/14 Steppenwolf director Pam MacKinnon, Barry and Tracy Mansur, Randy and Evie Lyon, 2013/14 Steppenwolf playwright Bruce Norris,
12 - Bill and Maria Smithburg with co-chairs Tom and Colette SmithburgPenny Pritzker and Bryan Traubert, Bruce and Diana Rauner, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Michael and Cari Sacks, Michael Shannon, Bill and Maria Smithburg, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Courtney Thompson, Steve Traxler, Estelle Walgreen and Neal
13 - Co-chair Colette Cachey Smithburg with Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Bruce NorrisZucker. Northern Trust was a lead sponsor of the 2013 gala, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky were the Live Auction Sponsors, and Deborah and Stephen Quazzo were the Live Entertainment Sponsors. Co-founders Terry Kinney, Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise started off the live auction with prizes that included an exclusive
14 - Natalie Lavoie, Steve Traxler and Jan Melkdinner in New York with Steppenwolf ensemble member and three-time Emmy Award-winning actress Laurie Metcalf and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Bruce Norris, as well as prime tickets to Norris’ new play featuring Metcalf, “Domesticated,” at Lincoln Center, and luxury seats in a suite at a
15 - Gary Sinise entertains the crowdChicago Cubs home game on August 12th with Steppenwolf ensemble member William Petersen, who will sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the seventh inning stretch. Also included was a signed jersey from Chicago Cubs two-time all-star Kerry Wood; an intimate cocktail reception, dinner and tequila tasting in the
16 - CEO of CPS Barbara Byrd-Bennett and Diana RaunerChicago home of acclaimed Chef Rick Bayless with guests of honor Steppenwolf ensemble members Joan Allen and Martha Lavey with Chef Rick and Deann Bayless, followed by a performance of “The Wheel,” featuring Allen in her return to the Steppenwolf stage for the first time since 1991; an exclusive, private dinner at The Underground Goat with a menu
17 - Caryn Harris, Randy and Evie Lyonprepared exclusively by Chef Stephanie Izard with guests of honor Steppenwolf co-founders Terry Kinney and Josh Charles (star of the CBS drama “The Good
18 - Nora Daley Conroy and ensemble member K. Todd FreemanWife”). As excitement built for this package during the event, fellow Steppenwolf co-founders Jeff Perry and Gary Sinise as well as frequent Steppenwolf artist and Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon joined the package; a sneak peek at the film “August: Osage County” in the Chicago home and private screening room of ensemble member and Pulitzer Prize-
19 - Blackhawk on Halsted venue with decor by Event Creativeand Tony Award-winning “August” playwright Tracy Letts; four prime tickets to the Broadway opening of “Of Mice and Men” directed by Tony Award-winning ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro and starring James Franco. Also included were a private backstage tour and champagne toast with Shapiro and exclusive passes to the official opening night party; a “Scandal”ous weekend in Los Angeles,
Steppenwolf signincluding a private, gourmet dinner in the Hollywood Hills home of Steppenwolf co-founder and star of the ABC political drama “Scandal,” Jeff Perry and Emmy Award-winning casting director Linda Lowy, “Scandal” co-stars Tony Goldwyn and Bellamy Young, as well as Steppenwolf ensemble member Rondi Reed from the CBS comedy, “Mike & Molly.” Guests also receive signed scripts and photos with the cast of “Scandal.” WOW! Now that’s an exciting auction list if I’ve ever seen one! This is always a great event especially with the stars of Steppenwolf in attendance!  Congrats STC! (For more info, please visit www.Steppenwolf.org.) (Photos by Kyle Flubacker and Joan Hackett.)
 

1 - Cece and Tom Ricketts with Deborah LaheyGuests from across Chicagoland celebrated nature and science May 3rd at the Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s 15th annual Butterfly Ball. More than 620 guests enjoyed the Museum’s signature gala,
2 - Don Lowery, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Susan Whiting and Rebecca Roussellwhich raised more than $1.52 million to support the museum’s essential education initiatives. Each aspect of the gala showcased the museum’s commitment to be the urban gateway to nature and science. The theme for the
3 - Chris Leggee and Alex Sabbagevening – “Savour Nature” – was inspired by the museum’s newest self-developed exhibition, “Food: The Nature of Eating.” The ball’s décor, designed by Event Creative, featured centerpieces made of local flora and vegetation. Mason jars filled with locally grown vegetables were scattered throughout the museum for guests to enjoy. During the cocktail
4 - Vera and Danny Davishour, guests had the opportunity to explore the museum in its entirety, enjoy the serene, tropical paradise that is the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, interact with animals from the museum’s Living Collections and experience the Food exhibition. “We are so thankful for the way corporate and civic leaders continue to embrace and support the essential work we do at the museum,” said Deborah Lahey, the museum’s
5 - Kelly Hackett, Deborah Lahey and David Hackettpresident and CEO. “Their support enables us to continue connecting our guests, students, teachers and Chicagoans to the wonder of nature and science.” Distinguished Butterfly Ball co-chairs Mamie and Gregory Case (Aon), Claire and Joseph A. Gregoire (PNC Bank), Donna and Anders Gustafsson (Zebra Technologies Corporation) and
7 - Susan Whiting, Susana Mendoza and David SzostakKelly and David P. Hackett (Baker & McKenzie) were recognized by Lahey and Chair of the Board of Trustees Susan Whiting (Nielsen Corporation). The museum’s senior curator of urban ecology Steve Sullivan and student programs coordinator Michelle Rabkin concluded the program with an exciting science experiment that ended in applause.
6 - Kimberly and Dan ClancyCalihan Catering created a menu that began with a gazpacho salad followed by a filet of beef with cabernet reduction sauce with grilled Green Market asparagus and Yukon gold potato and parsnip puree. Dessert was chocolate vanilla bean panna cotta with poached Seedling Farm cherries and shaved dark chocolate. Following dinner, guests danced to music from Dr. Bombay, sponsored by Lincoln Park 2550. For more info about this cultural highlight and their programs, please visit www.naturemuseum.org. (To view more pics from this always amazing event, please click here!)
 

1 - John Hinshaw, Billy Gardell and Julia HinshawNearly 900 guests attended the sixth annual American Cancer Society’s Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel recently. Actor and comedian Billy Gardell, star of the CBS comedy “Mike & Molly,” performed
3 - Alina Plaia, Azeeza Khan and Donna Mittelstadtat the black-tie event that was emceed by ABC 7 news anchor Ron Magers. “The Discovery Ball is a great opportunity for us to come together with the corporate and philanthropic community in support of the fight against cancer,” said John Hinshaw,
2 - Anna Brown, Jackie and Glenn Tilton and Greg Brownexecutive vice president of technology & operations for Hewlett-Packard and one of the society’s “100 Ambassadors for Our 100th Birthday,” a distinguished leadership group comprised of corporate leaders and
4 - Billy Gardell, Nancy Yaw, Ron Magersphilanthropists. “Every year I am amazed by the individuals that make this event a success,” Hinshaw remarked. “Let’s all renew our commitment to finding a cure and celebrating more
5 - Ilene Gordon and Bram Bluesteinbirthdays.” More than 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds were generated from the nearly 170 silent auction items, eight live auction packages and a raffle. Top live auction items included a 2.95 carat Tiffany & Co. diamond bracelet and trip to New York City for “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” in the
6 - Kim Hammondsjeweler’s famous store. (This package sold for $18,000.) A Paris Air Show package sold for $15,000. Next year’s American Cancer Society Discovery Ball will be held on April 26th so mark your calendars now! The event raised more than $2.1 million for the American Cancer Society! (To view more pics from this night, please click here!) 
 

1 - Wendy Krimins, E.J. Viso and Fritz BonrbergNeiman Marcus Michigan Avenue hosted a grand unveiling bash to introduce their new Man’s Store to 700 of Chicago’s most stylish men and women who flocked to the fourth floor for the festivities. General Manager Wendy Krimins personally greeted
2 - Lesley Stump, Lauren Petticrew and Bridget Halanskieach guest as they arrived. As you may know, the store is undergoing a massive renovation of the entire building and this is the first area to be finished. The new department on the fourth floor encompasses 11 shops from the best designers such as Kiton, Ralph Lauren Black Label, Brunello Cucinelli, Loro Piana, Brioni, Giorgio Armani, Zegna, Isaia, Tom Ford, Stefano Ricci and Gucci. All of the shops have a unique design so you feel like you are in a private boutique
3 - New GNMAA president Mary Ann Rose, Amy Wimer and her husband Ed Wlodarczyksetting. The party also celebrated CS Magazine’s Men of Style issue. This
5 - Walegan Koya and Ryan Bakeryear’s stylish gents were DJ Matt Roan, auction house owner Richard Wright, Oak Street’s Rino Burdi, Jamal Mayers, Leonard Goldberg, Chris Hendel, Dr. Julius Few and Mike Cao. Neiman’s fashion director Matthew Singer along with IZOD Indycar Series Driver of Andretti Autosport E.J. Viso,
4 - Wendy Krimins and some CS Men of Style, Chris Hendel, Matt Roan, E.J. Viso, Dr. Julius Few, Mike Cao and Rino Burdiwere also special guests in attendance. The engines roared in honor of Viso with a slot car racing track presented by Kiton. The crowds loved it and kept cheering the players all
7 - Jenna and Tad Strickerevening long. Revae Schneider, the party's exclusive mixologist of Femme du Coupe, showing off her mix master skills behind illuminated lucite bars. Guests relaxed and escaped the crowds in the sophisticated setting of the
8 - Jason Hopkins and Christopher TheobaldMan’s Store club room with Dewar’s 12 scotch tastings and goodies from Baked by Pure Kitchen. DJ Rock City shook the floors with his genius mash-ups and kept the party going strong until the lights went down. Well-dressed party goers included Corri McFadden, D.C. Crenshaw, Kyle De Santis, Noreen Heron, Marcus Riley, Jon and Andrew Landan, CBS TV sportscaster Ryan
6 - Jon Landan, Fern Baker, Zack Baker and Andrew LandanBaker, CS Magazine’s John Carroll, CS Men’s Book publisher Amy Wimer, new GNMAA president Mary Ann Rose and her husband Heinz Kern, Adrienne and Stan Green and Omar Barragan. This great new space is
9 - Sleek new Man's Store on the 4th floor at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenuedestined to be the ultimate place for men to shop! Congrats Neiman Marcus – I can't wait to see ALL of your exciting renovations! Love this store, much to my husband’s chagrin! 🙂 (Check out more pics here!)

 


Ozzie_flierThe Ozzie Guillen Foundation was founded in Venezuela in 1998 by Ozzie and his wife, Ibis, with the goal to improve the lives of children and families who have been touched by various illnesses. The foundation has expanded its reach to support foster children and families and to enhance educational opportunities for some of Venezuela’s most underserved youths. In 2013, Ozzie and Ibis decided it was time to bring the foundation’s work to the United
Ozzie and Ibis GuillenStates and received their 501(c)(3) certification. While expanding the foundation’s efforts in the United States, the mission of supporting children in need will continue both in the Chicagoland area and throughout the country. So welcome Ozzie and Ibis back to town on May 29th at Grid (351 W. Hubbard) beginning at 6:30 p.m. and help them help others. There will be cocktails, a silent auction, raffle prizes and hot sounds by Dante’s Danny V. (For tickets and more info, please visit www.OzzieGuillenFoundation.org.)
 

3 - Milesh Jain aka Dr. GhabitFor all the families out there, here is someone you should know and a not-to-be-missed event! Milesh Jain (aka Dr. Ghabit) has authored a delightful children’s book that teaches little ones how to leave a greener footprint on the earth. With delightful visuals and a clever storyline, Milesh has created a book for all ages called “Gaby’s Organic Garden” and on May 17th, the author will present “Under One Green
1 - Milesh Jain's new book Gaby's Organic GardenRoof,” a fun-filled workshop at the Auditorium Theater located at 430 S. Michigan that will introduce kids to Ghaby, the green penguin from planet Ghabit, who will share her green stories, present educational activities for parents and kids including storytelling, making heart seed planters, yoga, dancing, painting and more! For more info, please visit www.ghabit.eventbrite.com or contact Milan at info@ghabit.com.


1 - Chicagoland graphicWell, Chicago will finally get its own version of a reality show in a very big way when Robert Redford comes to town to film “Chicagoland,” an eight-part series/documentary ordered by CNN that will “look at the challenges faced by the city of Chicago.” According to the CNN press release, “Chicagoland”
2 - Robert Redford (Pic by Mila Samokhina)will capture “the riveting, real-life drama of a city looking to unite at this critical moment in the city’s history. In the aftermath of a countrywide economic collapse, Chicago faces the challenges of improving its public education system, and neighborhood and youth safety. Can the city's leaders, communities, and residents come
3 - Filmmaker-producer Marc Levintogether in ways that expand opportunities and allow aspirations to be realized?” I'll answer that: HELL YES! Series producer Marc Levin said, “Chicago is the quintessential American city and where it goes tells us a lot about where our country is going.” The series will be executive produced by Redford and his Sundance Productions partner Laura Michalchyshyn with filmmakers Marc Levin and Mark Benjamin (“Brick City”). Love that our city is playing host to so many exciting movie productions! Move over L.A., it’s Hollywood Central right here in Chicago!


Humanfirstlogohf_mainEach year, Center on Halsted hosts its annual Human First Performance & Gala to recognize the contributions of individuals, businesses and other organizations to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities in Chicago. Human First provides an opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate past accomplishments, while looking forward to the work
BillieJeanKingahead as we continue to build a human first world, together. This year’s Human First Award recipients are Sarah Schmidt & Julie Matthei, Brad Lippitz & Jonathan “Yoni” Pizer, who have each actively participated in the advancement of the marriage equality movement, and Richard Turner, who has been active in AIDS/HIV and LGBTQ issues for decades. The Community Spirit Award will go to Allstate Insurance Company, which has been a great supporter of Center on Halsted programs. Co-chairing this year’s event are CEO Integrys Energy Group Charles A. Schrock and Chairperson of the Board for
Center on halsted2011LOGOChicago Cubs Charities Laura Ricketts. Billie Jean King, who has done so much to advance the rights of women both on the court and off, has agreed to serve as honorary co-chair along with Maria C. Bechily, Amina Dickerson, Anne L. Kaplan and Abby O’Neil & Carroll Joynes. Headlining this year’s Human First gala on Saturday, MAY 18, will be Chicago-born singer, songwriter and musician Chaka Khan!! Visit www.centeronhalsted.org/hf for tickets and pricing.


Glam imageThis year’s Glamorama promises to be one exciting night of fashion and fun in Chicago with the addition of Sheryl Crow as the featured entertainment! Held this year at the Harris Theater on August 9th, the ever-popular after-party will be held under the stars on the Rooftop Terrace following the fashion show and performances with all the excitement you've come to love and expect from Macy’s Passport Presents! Themed “Fashion in a New Light,” this event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities for the fifth year in a row and will also feature a live performance by Cirque du Soleil! AND to kick-off the hottest event of the summer, join me and our illustrious host committee for the official GLAMORAMA LAUNCH PARTY on June 13th (note date change from the 6th) at Gallery 225
Macy's Glamorama 2012(225 W. Hubbard) from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be fun food from Food for Thought, Tito's Vodka cocktails, specialty drink stations, a Hershey dessert bar, music by DJ Sye Young, fashions by beloved local designers who include Anna Fong, Elda de la Rosa, Horacio Nieto and Eva Pazola, the popular
Sherylcrow300Action Booth, a red carpet reception with Ronald McDonald, eye-popping floral decor by Debi Lilly (A Perfect Event) and so much more! One hundred percent of your ticket purchase will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana! Ticket levels are $75 (performance seating only), $175 (performance seating, access to after-party and access to Launch Party), $285 (premier performance seating, access to after-party and Launch Party) and $1,000 (VIP performance seating, access to after-party VIP Lounge and Launch Party); a ticket to Glamorama at $175 level or higher will provide you with access to the Launch Party on June 13th! (For tickets and more info, please email Christina Thomas at cthomas@rmhccni.org.)


Randolph Street MarketDon’t miss this month’s Randolph Street Market coming May 25th and 26th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival is home to the world-renowned Chicago Antique Market, Indie Designer Market, Modern Vintage Chicago and the Holiday Market. As seen in Travel &
RSM_webpromo-may2013Leisure, the NY Times, Lucky and featured on TV news shows and web casts, the Randolph Street Market Festival is considered “a mecca of cool,” “the best hot spot for antiquing,” “the best Chicago venue for people watching” and “the Barney’s of Vintage.” Celebrity designer Nate Berkus says, “I love this market…the quality is incredible!” As one of Chicago’s most happening monthly parties, Randolph Street Market has become the summer destination: This European-style, indoor-outdoor urban antique market in the historic West Loop neighborhood features 200 select purveyors of high quality, amazingly priced “finds,” offering unlimited creative inspiration and hours of fun. Shoppers can find
My favorite market!furnishings, vintage clothing, jewelry, collectibles and so much more! Upcoming market dates are  June 29/30, July 27/28, August 24/25, September 28/29, October 26/27, November 23/24 and December 14/15. So mark your calendars now and I'll see you there! 🙂


1 - With Lin Brehmer, Nick Bowling and host Elysabeth AlfanoWhat a thrill it was to appear on “The Dinner Party” with charming, energetic host/creator Elysabeth Alfano at City Winery on May 6th! Guests included WXRT’s funnyman Lin Brehmer and associate director of the Timeline Theatre, Nick Bowling. We, along with the audience, enjoyed tastings of appetizers and entrees created by NoMI’s talented Chef de Cuisine
With Nora Dunn, Arica and Sven AsmusSean Pharr. Over food, wine and Vosges chocolates, we discussed everything from theatre in Chicago to Cee-Lo Green. Lin even read one of his popular “Lin Bins” about traveling with family that had the crowd in stitches! The night also included performances by Hubbard Street 2 and a moving musical presentation by singer/actress Rebecca Finnegan (a Jeff Award nominee who will star in the Nick Bowling-directed musical “Juno” next year) and pianist Liz Doran. “Saturday Night Live”
264482_10151974159348018_988459042_nalum Nora Dunn was even in the audience – how cool is that?! Elysabeth, as you may or may not know, also produces the popular Fear No Art show which showcases Chicago’s artistic side in a fun-filled, informative way. Elysabeth has been called the “Rachel Ray of the Chicago art scene” and I couldn’t agree more! To see the latest “Dinner Party,” see below! Congrats Elysabeth and thanks so much for including me on this memorable night…you just rock!

 


 

Martin_Short 2012 (2)Friends of Prentice will host its annual Make-A-Wish Ball on May 18th at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt). The event will feature actor/comedian Martin Short as the guest entertainer with “Windy City Live” hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini serving as emcees for the event that attracts more than 1,000 guests who are passionate about supporting children with life-threatening medical conditions. For tickets ($500) and more info, please visit www.wishes.org.
 

1 - Event co-chairs and AFT Board members Billy Lullo and Benjamin SprungerNearly 450 guests gathered for a three-ring party of colossal entertainment and excessive elegance at About Face Theatre’s WONKA BALL 2013: CIRCUS MAXIMUS on April 26th at Chicago’s Architectural Artifacts, located at 4325 N. Lincoln Ave. Guests were also introduced to
2 - 46th Ward Alderman James Cappleman whose office was the 2013 Leppen Leadership Award recipientAFT’s newly-announced artistic director Andrew Volkoff, who succeeds outgoing artistic director Bonnie Metzgar this spring. Greeted by fire dancers, stilt walkers, a
3swinging mermaid and other sideshow entertainers, guests made their way into the giant red and yellow Wonka Big Top. Following an exclusive Ringmaster’s VIP cocktail reception,
4 - Outgoing AFT Artistic Director Bonnie Metzgar, Artistic Associate Patrick Andrews and Megan Carneypartiers spilled into the playfully decorated venue for spirits and tasty bites at tasting stations and a chance to bid on tempting silent auction items. Partygoers enjoyed non-stop entertainment, including opera tenor Scott Ramsay, a marching band, belly dancers, contortionists and more. Revelers capped off the evening with dancing to the tunes of
5 - AFT Board Prez William Michel, co-chair Benjamin Sprunger and Artistic Associate John FranciscoDJ Swaguerilla. The 2013 Leppen Leadership Awards were presented to Mary F. Morten and the Office of
6 - Bryan West, Chris LeBeau and Terrance HawkinsAlderman Cappleman and Uptown United. Named for About Face Youth Theatre supporter Michael Leppen, the annual awards recognize those whose efforts on behalf of About Face Theatre and the LGBTQA community empower youth leaders to take action
7and encourage LGBTQA adults and youth to create intergenerational
8 - Taryn Shultz and Danni Sullivanunderstanding and dialogue. Nemo Serges was the recipient of the About Face Youth Theatre 2013 MVP Award, given annually to an outstanding youth theatre ensemble member for exceptional service to the company and to the greater LGBTQ community. The WONKA BALL 2013 was co-chaired by board members Billy Lullo and Benjamin Sprunger. The company’s 17th annual gala raised more than $85,000 for About Face Theatre programming, including its groundbreaking Youth Theatre. (Check out more pics here!) 
 

Tea for Tots invite imageOn May 18th, join Dr. Stacie McClane Mickelson and her Faces for Love Foundation’s “Tea for Tots” event at the Peninsula Hotel from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Stacie founded this non-profit last year to help women and children in distressed situations. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Primo Center for Women and Children (PCWC) and Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CAWC). All guests are asked to bring a new or gently used toy, game or book, which will be donated to children in these shelters. Tickets for adults are $100 and tickets for children 12 years and under are $40. Click here for tickets and more info. I hope to see you there! 
 

Campfire-Ball-2013Relive your summer camp days at the sixth annual Campfire Ball benefitting Children’s Oncology Services, Inc., at Venue One (1044 W. Randolph) from 7 to 11 p.m. This fun-filled night will include your favorite summer camp treats (think s’mores, tater tots, mac and cheese) from Hub 51 and Bub City, Theory, Stout and Swirlz. Enjoy spiked bug juice served up by local celebrity bartenders (such as Aly Bockler, Anthony Ponce, Kori Chambers, Whitney Reynolds, Gina Ferraro and Ron Kittle) and help send kids with cancer to the inspiring One Step At A Time Summer Camp! For tickets and more info, please visit www.CampfireBall.org or call 312.235.6836.
 

Logo-gmnaaThe Greater North Michigan Avenue Association (GNMAA) will host its annual gala on May 17th at the Hyatt Regency Chicago presented by Northstar Lottery Group. This year’s theme – “Shaken, Not Stirred” – celebrates 50 years of James Bond traveling the world in film. The evening will begin with a cocktail and gaming reception hosted by Rivers Casino followed by dinner in the grand ballroom. Guests will dance the night away to music provided by The Business, a Chicago-based horn band. For tickets and more info, please click here! 
 

Mission Possible Logo 2And last but not least, the Juvenile Protective Association will hold its signature “Mission Possible” benefit on May 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Proceeds from JPA’s largest event of the year will support programs serving Chicago's families who are struggling with child abuse and neglect. The auction highlights will include a chance to win a photo shoot with renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski, a baseball autographed by some of the greatest Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Lou Gehrig, and a walk-on role/set visit through ABC’s Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning TV show, “Modern Family.” For tickets ($350) and more info, please click here! (I've never seen such incredible auction offerings! OMGoodness!)
 
I hope I’ll see you at some of these wonderful events around town! Chicago is such a supportive city and it thrills me to see the amounts being raised for so many deserving charities! Great fun and great causes! Have a beautiful week and I’ll see you again soon!
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 

Jenny McCarthy with the Doyle FamilyP.S. Congrats to Jenny McCarthy on her successful sixth annual Rescue Our Angels event held at Chicago hotspot Studio Paris on April 23rd. More than 350 guests turned out to help raise funds to support families dealing with an autism diagnosis via non-profit Generation Rescue. (Jenny is the organization’s president.) Honorees for the evening and the event co-chairs were Michele and Peter Doyle, who founded Rescue Our Angels. Great job, Jenny – thanks for raising autism awareness and for all the good work you do!

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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!
 

1 - Steve’s sisters Adrienne Ingebrigtsen and Bobbi Weiss with Steve WrightA 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
2 - Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Bruno Abate and Jennifer Suttonbiggest 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
3 - Co-chairs Margaret O’Connor and Leonard Mogul with friendsget 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
4 - Skrebneski portrait of Stevetold 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
5 - Designer Mark Roscoe and modelsbeen 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
6 - Co-hosting with Bill Zweckerdaunting 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
7 - Ald. Bob Fioretti presents City Council proclamation in Steve’s honorfavorite 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
30 - Crowd scene at the MurphyLibrary. I was thrilled to serve as a host
8 - Reute Butler, Paul Iacono and Hazel Barrfor 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
9 - Natalie Martinez, Jennifer Sutton and Amy Jacobsondressed 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
10 - Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Ann Hickey, Benjamin Cottrell and Shari Duffyyou 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
DSC_4731Newspaper 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
12 - Melinda Jakovich and Lucien LaGrangeLoreta 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!
13 - Colleen Kelly and Thomas McElroyCrooner 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
14 - Ann Hickey, Rich Varnes, Stanley Paul and Tracey TarantinoSteve 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
15 - Leah Chavie and Benjamin Cottrellfeatured 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
16 - Jorge Niedas and Liz Sungthe 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
17 - Fred Tokowitz and Stanley PaulSutton 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,
18 - Brenda Arelano, Loreta Corsetti and Kate Johnsonsweets, 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
19 - “Big Cat” Williams and Jennifer BridgeforthWimer, 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,
20 - Mark Roscoe designs and the Clark Kent GreetersRose 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,
22 - Helen Melchior, Camille Britton and Joan ColmarCatherine 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
23 - Alderman Bob Fioretti and Nicki Pecoriwho 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
21 - Michel Desjardins, Pierre Desy and Frank JefferyGodfrey 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!)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=9jcjgxODouzzK6E7ZyF_zVOJHRUBw-26&height=360&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=9jcjgxODouzzK6E7ZyF_zVOJHRUBw-26

 
 

1 - Hef and Crystal (photo by Elayne Lodge)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
2 - Hef and Crystal with his brother Keith (L)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
3 - Lee Lovitt (Crystal’s mom), Hef and Crystalreception/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
4 - Cooper Hefner hosting NYE at Playboy’s London Clubcombined 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!
 

1 - With Nicole Townsend, Regina Lee, Justin Ross Lee, Marcus Riley and producer Justin JacobsonAnother 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
2 - Hip hop artist Marcas “Mr. Robotic” Harrisspace 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
3 - My cute cuz Alexander Groce and Jenny Davisonand 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
4 - Harpo’s Andrea Dres and Liz Abrahamescapades 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
5 - Danielle Davis and Misty Callahansee 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
6 - Untitled’s Felipe, Lisa Walt and Marco Fostermixes 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
7 - Co-host Justin Ross Lee with his (hopefully, soon-to-be) wife Regina Brauerby 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!) 


1 - AJ surrounded on NYE!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
2 - AJ and fellow Chicagolicious cast-mate Valincia Saulsberryeyebrows 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
4 - Laura Mitchell and AJGeorge Daniels at Eclipse, a multi-million dollar luxurious restaurant and lounge at 2554 W.
3 - Soroya Smith and Chicagolicious’ Aristylez JohnsonDiversey. 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!)


1 - Young JeezyAnd 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
2 - Rico Love, T.I. and Evan RossRoyce 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
4 - Slim ThugNew 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
3 - T.I. performsMan: 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. 


1The 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
2black-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
3 - Bonnie and Jim Spurlock at First Look 2012 (pic by Mila Samokhina)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
4Community 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
5 - Elena Samokhina at First Look 2012 (Pic by Mila Samokhina)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,
7 - Having fun in the Cadillac booth 2012 (Pic by Mila Samokhina)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
6dealers). 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


1 - Keith MageeA 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
2create 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
3 - Keith Magee and Betty Whitein 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
4public 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
5 - NPHM design planpeople 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
6Polish 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!


1 - Magical décor by Tom KehoeI 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
2 - With Helen Melchior and Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conwaystage 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
3 - Nutcracker and cookie decorating enthralled young gueststhe 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
4 - ChicagoStreetStyle dotcom blogger Amy Creyer (R) and cute friend.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
5 - The Lego Creation Stationdesigns. 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
The Palmer House decorated for the holidays at the Nutcracker DinnerCarol 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.)
 

2Are 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
1slated 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!


1 - Benjamin Newby, Kye Martin, Kathleen Page, Michael Dolan and Alicia RomanOn 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
2 - Ryan Beshel and Morgan Wallerluck 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
3 - Nikki Lynette, Joe Reyes and Keisha HowardHennessy 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
4 - Kristin Henriksen, Jen Knoedl and Kristi Cateswith 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.
5 - Jena Gambaccini and Micky CicchinelliThroughout 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)
 

1 - Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe and David BrandtJoin 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
2 - Featured speaker Laura SchwartzS. 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
4 - Obama InauguralSchwartz 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!


StrikeaposelogoSports 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
Kim and David DeJesuson 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.


Brandon MarshallAnd 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.) 


Mayor Rahm Emanuel with Evan BrightfieldSo 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!


1 - Adiat Baker and Dr. Sandy GoldbergA 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
2 - Robert Mackey, Adiat Baker, Otis Wilson and Ryan JeffriesChicago 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
3 - Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Paula Allen-MearesTexan 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
4 - Nancy Amicangelo, Kathy Kalesperis-Smith, Greg Hines and Juancetta Smith-Lindseycommitment 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!) 


Candace Jordan in Reklama Newspaper 12-12A 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
E Mag 1-2Perfect 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


Rich Varnes, Valerie Jarrett, Cynthia and Eleanor King at the White HouseP.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
Alexis Mattera and Scott Silberbergclick 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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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!
 

1 - Grinch (aka Aurora Sexton) and friendsThe 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
2 - Co-hosts Chris Draska, Brian Thompson, David Sacher, Mark Bell and Christian Habitzcity’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
3back 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,
4 - Meredith Kaleciak, Rob Lee, Kathryn Cole, Derrick Taylor and Monica Monroe Brandtmaking 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”
5Christmas 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
6the 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
7 - DJ Sye Young (left) and friendrooms. 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
8 - Chicago Children’s Choir performs as the Grinch looks onMedical 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
9 - With friends at Kandy Kane Ballwho 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!)

 
 

1 - Hazel Barr, elf and event chair Sheree ValukasEvery 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
2 - Chicago Gay Men’s Chorusglorious 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.
3 - Hazel Barr, Al Menotti, Peggy Jester and Elizabeth BertucciNumerous 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
4 - Hazel Barr, Sheree Valukas, Cheryl Bollinger and Cookie Cohenvariety 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
5 - Mother McAuley High School choirand 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
5 - SC President Vonita Reescer and Elyse Leavyluncheon 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
6 - Millicent Holmes, Shana Jones, Sally Jo Morris, Eileen Weinberg and Sherrill Bodineand 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
8 - Sheryl Dyer and Sharyl Mackey1890, 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
7 - Simona Garcia, Jennifer Lane, Karen Peters, cute friend and Ellen Wesleyprograms 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!) 
 

1 - John and Rita Canning with Jim O’Connor and Monsignor Kenneth VeloLed 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
2 - Honorary Co-Chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts with John Canning and WINGS Board Chair Rita Canning$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
3 - Ellen O’Connor with her grandchildren Reagan and Caroline ColeHome 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,
5 - Clara Ricketts, age 7decorated 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
4 - Wendy, Caroline, Sarah, Benjamin and Steve Backerarea. 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.)


Elysabeth Drink 1Congrats 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
Huffington Post logomovers 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
The Dinner Party LogoChicago’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
Elysabeth interviewing artist on Fear No Artthem 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!
 

1 - Tony Hunter & Kirk JamesGenerous 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.
2 - Glenda Williamson, Alfrieda Davis, Kenneth Little, Katrina Cavens, Jeshaiah CampbellThe 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
3 - Ric Estrada & Merle Goldblatt Cohenservices, which provide hope and opportunity to more than 53,000 Chicago-area
4 - LizVeth Mendezfamilies 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
5 - Metropolitan Family Services Holiday Celebration at Hilton ChicagoUpward 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. 

 

 


Sage-logoThe 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
2 - Valentine's kids partyfor 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
3 - Valentines day kids partyMandy 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
4 - Valentine's day kids partyValentine 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!
 

StellaFosterFor 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
Chicago-crimestatistic. 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
Scoreboardbigrunning 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!
 

YAH infoGreat 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
2 - Toby (Image from story by Scott Craven)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!   
 

Pet Rescue Chicago logoAnd 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
Contactreminded 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
Pet Rescue Chicago imagedogs 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. 🙂
 

Happy to be back!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
Jeremy Roenick tries on Candid Candace lipstick on WCIUfellow 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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Bub City by Anjali Pinto--InteriorHuge 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
Whiskey Bar by Anjali Pinto16-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!
 

Candace Jordan in January Playboy with Al PacinoWoot! 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
Crystal HefnerPlayboy, 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!! 

 
 

3Don’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
2 - Ryan Dempster as Harry CaraySarah 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
1 - Sarah and Kerry Woodjersey 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!
 

Untitled NYE inviteDon’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.
Gold Coast All StarsKinzie. 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!
 

GRG's Kathy O'Malley Piccone and Steve LombardoThe 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
Gibsons RestaurantCharities. 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! 🙂
 

1 - Hosts Kristina McGrath and Korinna IsselhardtYou 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
2 - Danielle Guzman, Julie Lampert, Tracey Tarantino and Rosemary FantiGold 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
3 - A bevy of beautiesphotographer Christoper Free was on hand snapping
4 - Mike McGrath surrounded by friendsshots 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
5 - Mike and Kristina share a special momentas the guests’ goody bags as they left the party – just brilliant! I was still there (ahem) when Kristina’s handsome
5 - Julianne Glatz, Gayle Anthony, Jennifer Sutton and Heather Ingramand 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!) 


With Jan Flanagan and hosts Michaela Parrillo and LynnMcMahan at their Casino holiday teaIt 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
59682_4319466937206_1765034435_nfours, 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!
 

Happy Holidays from the JordansThat’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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December 13, 2012 · 11:15 am

JENNIFER HUDSON & JAMAR ROGERS ROCK THE HOUSE OF BLUES!

…PLUS JHUD/ROGERS WATCH312.COM VIDEO, MEN’S JOURNAL’S “MEN OF THE YEAR,” LOCAL DESIGNERS AND ZZAZZ playCHIC, ART BASEL AND AN ARTIST YOU SHOULD KNOW, A SILVER LINING AND MARCO FOSTER, “NAUGHTY OR NICE,” CHEF ARUN AND AMIE HANA HOST A PARTY, COACH LOVIE AND MARYANNE’S NEW ADDITION, JONNY, JOE, LILY AND ELYSABETH HONORED, WCIU’S “YOU & ME IN THE MORNING,” A WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

1 - Mich Ave Mag’s Dan Uslan and JP Anderson with Jennifer HudsonMichigan Avenue Magazine celebrated its December holiday issue in grand style with Oscar- and Grammy-winning star Jennifer Hudson along with “The Voice” finalist Jamar Rogers at the House of Blues on Tuesday,
2December 4th. The event, entitled “A Hudson Holiday,” featured a performance by Hudson that blew the doors off the place. I can’t imagine the planning that had to go into an event of this size with two stars of this caliber but I do know the emails were flying as I tried to ensure that my
3Watch312.com cameras could be there to film this momentous occasion. President/publisher Dan Uslan couldn’t have been more helpful and it was exciting to see him collaborate with editor-in-chief JP Anderson. As I
4 - Event sponsor Bob Loquercio with Veronica Zepedawaited on the red carpet with a ton of other newsies, it was cute to see them joking with each other and mock-rehearsing their speeches for later that night. They are very supportive of one another and it’s good to know this beloved magazine is in such good hands. Another highlight on the red carpet were four Joffrey Ballet dancers: Dressed in beautiful tutus,
5 - The Voice’s Jamar Rogers with Dan, JP and friendthey added to the excitement of the evening. One of my cameramen, Alonzo Stallings, was trying to hold his own on the carpet crammed between two other camera people. It did get a little tense since it
6 - Dan Uslan with Jamar Rogersseemed there was more media than there was carpet space but everyone cooperated in the end. Channel 7’s Janet Davies had wisely positioned herself at the start of the carpet to ensure she had first dibs on
7 - Bright Pink’s Lindsay Avner with her COO Kathleen RalstonJennifer and, sure enough, she was able to spend the most time with her before she was ushered along. JKLS PR’s Jill Katz did a terrific job of keeping everyone happy and, at the same time, ensuring that Jennifer felt comfortable with all of the interviews. Jennifer’s supportive sister, Julia,
8 - Handsome guys, Israel Idonije and Jamar Rogerswalked the red carpet with her and you could feel the love and closeness that these two sisters share. Many times, I saw Jennifer defer to her big sister for questions so she could be included in the interviews. And now let’s talk about
9 - Jennifer signs her second cover for Mich Mag!that Weight Watchers program, shall we? Since 2010, Jennifer has kept off the 80 pounds she lost following her pregnancy. She credits WW and her trainer Harley Pasternak for her hot new bod and she
10 - Jamar performs his new single, “High”has NEVER looked better! Wearing a 3.1 Phillip Lim skin tight, sequined short dress with goddess-like flowing hair, she brought gasps from the crowd when she came onstage! But before her appearance, charmer Jamar Rogers had already whipped the crowd into a
11 - The Joffrey Ballet dancers onstage with Dan for his welcomefrenzy singing his hit single “High” that had just dropped on iTunes that day. His inspirational delivery and positive aura filled the room with love and you can bet this Team Cee Lo protégé will be going far! For this invite-only party, Michigan Avenue Magazine requested all guests bring a new unwrapped book or toy that was given to
13 - 24-7’s Jeff Conway in foreground at House of BluesChicago children in need through the Julian D. King Gift Foundation. It was a great idea and SUVs were standing by
14 - Dan introduces two superstars, Israel Idonije and Jamar Rogersto collect them as guests entered. With the Joffrey dancers elegantly posed behind them, Dan and JP welcomed the crowd and offered a toast before Jennifer performed. At the end of this blockbuster evening, the magazine presented a check for $10,000 to Jennifer and Julia. It was an
14 - With Watch312’s Matt Natale, Krista Cook, Alonzo Stallings, Danielle Davis and Erin Clucasunforgettable memory with an entertainer who told me “I don’t do it for the awards, I do it because I love it.” We were thrilled to
15 - With event sponsor, Essentia’s Thomas Dentbe invited into sponsor Thomas Dent’s (Essentia) VIP Lounge where Moet Hennessy specialty cocktails were flowing. Other sponsors for the evening included 3X Ranch, Hillshire Brands, Motorola Mobility Foundation, United Airlines, Bob Loquercio Autogroup and TR Napa Valley among others. To read more about this exciting night and for more pics, please click here!

 

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2 - Men’s Journal “Men of the Year 2012”On Thursday night, December 6th, leading men’s lifestyle magazine, Men’s Journal honored the Chicago Men of the Year at their new 4,575-square-foot Gear Lab
1 - Chris McLaughlin (Men’s Journal Publisher), Matt Smith (honoree), Jesse Will (Men’s Journal Sr. Editor)Pop-Up Shop, located at 520 N. Michigan Ave., that opened just in time for holiday shoppers seeking gift ideas for the men in their lives. Honorees and attendees included some of
3 - Kerry and Sarah Wood with Brittany Fletcher and Gordon BeckhamChicago’s biggest names – Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears), Scottie Pippen (retired Chicago Bulls superstar), Jeff Garlin (actor/comedian who recently debuted his new show at Steppenwolf
4 - MaryAnne Smith with new parents Matt and Kathleen SmithTheater), Grant Achatz (three-star Michelin chef/owner of Alinea), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Luke Donald (PGA golfer), Kerry Wood (former Chicago Cub), Gordon Beckham (Chicago
5 - Erica Strama and Marcus RileyWhite Sox), Mark Silverman (Big Ten Network president), RJ Melman (Lettuce Entertain You partner), Matt Smith (IMG agent), Stefan Holt (NBC), Jerry Azumah (former
6 - Larsa and Scottie Pippen (honoree)Chicago Bear and entrepreneur), Jerrod Melman (Lettuce Entertain You partner), AJ Johnson (“Chicagolicious” star), Paul McGee (nationally-acclaimed mixologist), Jon Harris (Sara Lee Corporation), Les Coney (Mesirow Financial), Rob Johnson (CBS),
7 - Sarah and Kerry WoodBill Zwecker (FOX/Chicago Sun-Times) and Mark Giangreco (ABC). Each was chosen because they not only embody what makes Chicago a great city, but also what the magazine is all about: “an adventurous spirit, confident sense of style, active lifestyle and desire to live the interesting life.” There supporting the men in their lives were adoring wives Larsa Pippen, Sarah
7 - Honorees Jerrod and RJ Melman, Doug Psaltis, Paul McGeeWood, Diane Donald and Chef Hsing Chen (wife of chef Doug Psaltis), Kathleen Smith, Stacy Johnson, Allie Harris and Morgan Holt, as well as proud moms Martha
8 - Erica Strama, Dan Uslan, Shelly Menaker, Mary SandbergMelman and MaryAnne Smith. A venerable who’s who of Windy City tastemakers also stepped out for the private affair including Erica Strama (Shops at Northbridge),
9 - Jerry Azumah (honoree) and Bianca CamarenaLarry Wert (NBC5), Ryan Baker (CBS2), Catie Keogh (“24/7 Chicago”), Luis Gomez (Chicago Tribune), Marcus Riley (NBCChicago.com), Shelly Menaker (B96), Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Dan Uslan (Michigan Avenue Magazine),
10 - Mark Silverman, Brandon Marshall (honoree) and Mark Neschis (Men’s Journal)Amy Carr (Time Out Chicago), Tarrah Cooper (Mayor’s office) and Laura Schwartz (White House Strategies), among more than 200 others. During the event, Men’s Journal publisher Christopher McLoughlin toasted the honorees and even bantered with Jeff Garlin, who took over the mic and had some fun joking with the
11 - Stefan and Morgan Holt (honoree)crowd, stating he was actually THE leading man of the year in Chicago, which got huge laughs from Pippen, Marshall and other honorees standing behind him. While sipping on Patron cocktails and enjoying signature passed hors d’oeuvres from RPM Italian,
15 - Men’s Journal publisher Chris McLaughlin with Jeff Garlinguests were able to check out the “gear of the year” at the interactive pop-up shop – the only one of its kind in the nation. The Men’s Journal pop-up shop is open through December 23rd, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (For more pics, please click here!)
 

1 - Moshi Monsters by company toy designer Be ForeLocal designers helped launch Chicago Toy & Game Group Week on November 14th when the runway became a ‘fun-way’ as top models wore one-of-a-kind concept pieces created by some
2 - Tracey DiBuono Tarantino with designer Horacio Nietoof Chicago’s most innovative and respected fashion designers. Elda de la Rosa, Nade Baer, Gibeon Tolbert and Miriam Cecilia were each given a toy or game brand as inspiration to create a fashion forward look from head to toe. These designers gladly accepted the challenge given to them by ZZAZZ
3 - Brenda Starr by Elda de La RosaProductions, the first playCHIC fashion show producer. Led by the always stylish Tracey Tarantino and her team, the designers stepped up their creativity game to accomplish something that has never been done before. The concept of merging the fashion and gaming world was an
_MG_3800exciting one that ZZAZZ was proud to be a part of. This inaugural event hopes to continue in the future thanks to the positive reactions from the designers, toy/game brands, and the audience. Girls play dress up. Women playCHIC. PlayCHIC fashion concepts were created based on these brands: Settlers of Catan®, one of the fastest-selling board games in the U.S.
5 - Annie by Elda de la Rosawith a die-hard cult following of fans including Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) and Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn); Moshi Monsters®, virtual pet monsters that have already been adopted online by over 65 million kids worldwide!; Word Winder® The Game of Winding Words is a new brand of board games, mobile apps, puzzle books and more
6 - Word Winder by Gibeon Tolbertcreated by the world's most syndicated puzzle creator; Annie®, the beloved musical based on the Tribune comic strip, Little Orphan Annie is back on Broadway with an all-new, star-studded production premiering at the famous Palace Theatre in Times Square on November 8th; Brenda Starr, Reporter™, one of the most popular comic strip
7 - Pony Royale by Nade Baercharacters-turned-dolls of all time, and a woman noted for being a pioneering fashionista; and Pony Royale®, the award-winning fashion doll line featuring 12 beautiful princess ponies, that delivers open- ended creative play with interchangeable manes, tails and mix-and-match fashions. Tarantino said,“This is the best of the toy inventors and design fields merging and Chicago was the perfect place to stage it! Bravo, Chicago designers!!! They wowed the toy & game industry in great style!” Only in Chicago, baby! Congrats to Tracey, ZZAZZ and all of our talented local designers!!!
 

1 - Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado issues proclamation in honor of Martin KreloffI know there are a lot of snowbirds from Chicago who either live in or visit Miami on a regular basis so I thought this Art Basel story about an artist you should know might be of interest!
2 - Artist Kreloff and his famous painting “The Scream”Miami's cultural leaders gathered at the JW Marriott Hotel Miami on December 3rd for a tribute to the city's arts pioneers who helped transform the community into a global art
3 - Martin with students from Miami’s New World School of the Artsdestination. “Miami Says ART – The Retrospective” by artist Martin Kreloff attracted more than 100 art lovers to the opening reception, ushering in Art Basel Week. According to
4 - Harvey Burstein (Miami ArtZine), architect Jose Castro and Luis Iglesiasthe Miami Herald's visual arts editor Jane Wooldridge, “Art Week Miami has kicked off as perhaps it always should but never has, with a tribute to the city’s arts-loving pioneers. It was something of an Old Home Week scene
5 - Daniel Perron with photog Iran Issa-Khan and Troy CampbellMonday morning at the JW Marriott Hotel on Brickell Avenue when a few hundred of Miami’s arts pioneers and current cognoscenti turned up for a reprise of Martin
6 - Harvey Burstein with arts patron Carmencita Betancourt-LewisKreloff’s 1976 Miami Says Art project. Kreloff first sprang onto the American art scene in Miami in 1976, when he captured Miami’s arts leaders in a pioneering collective portrait series
7 - Margaria Cano’s & David Vance’s original 1976 portraits at Miami Says Art-2expressing the passion and emotion of the word “ART” for his first museum solo show “MIAMI SAYS ART.” Many of his paintings found their way into the personal collections of some of the
8 - Dennis Edwards (New World School of the Arts Fndtn. Board Chair)nation’s most accomplished celebrities including Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, Ann Miller, Esther Williams and Gloria Vanderbilt. His work is held by the New York Museum of Modern Art and
9 - Martin with Arnold Lehman (Brooklyn Museum Director) as Beth Boone (Miami Light Project) looks ondozens of other prestigious galleries, museums and corporate collections across America. I asked this popular artist what his inspiration is and he said, “My art is inspired by
10 - Martin with renowned arts publicist Charlie CinnamonWarhol, Lichtenstein, Matisse, Disney Studios, Al Hirschfeld and Japanese woodblock prints of the 1800’s; the color of the cities I have lived in…yellows don’t work as well in SF as they do in
11 - Miami arts patrons Frances Sevilla-Sacasa and Swanee DiMare with KreloffMiami or LA but reds glow in SF because of their lavender sky; the people I create portraits for…when I unveil their portrait, and watch them cry, it is a shared moment of bliss. I usually hear ‘you captured my
12 - Mark Levin (producer of Miami Says Art 2), Kreloff and Tim Olsensoul.’ Most of the people I have painted have become my lifelong friends as creating a portrait is such an intimate process for both of us. These are my influences.” City of Miami
13 - Ray Sullivan (Miami Contemporary Dance Co.), George Neary (Miami CVB) and Mary Luft (Tigertail Productions)Mayor Tomas Regalado presented a proclamation, declaring it “Miami Says Art Week.” Guests included Adolfo Henriques (Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council chairman) and
14 - Artists Lynne Gelfman and Barbara FarrelMonty Trainer (executive director and president of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival); Arnold Lehman (director of the Brooklyn Museum); Howard Herring (New World Symphony CEO); John Richard (president/CEO of the Arsht Center); Dr. Carol Damian (director of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum at
15FIU); and Cathy Leff (Wolfsonian director). Chicagoans visiting this world class art fair included MCA curator Naomi Beckwith, Marilyn and Larry Fields, Eric McKissack, Gary Metzner, Dr. Walter Massey and Watch 305’s Bob “Hatman” Mills.  The exhibition also launched
16 - Ruth Shack, Adolfo Henriques, Swanee DiMare and Frances Sevilla-Sacasa“Miami Says Art-2,” a new cultural time capsule honoring Miami’s New World School of the Arts’ 25th anniversary. “This is a terrific opportunity for our students,” says Dennis Edwards, Foundation Board Chair for the NWSA. “We
La-piaggia-miami3-loresare honored to be representing the future in this time-capsule honoring Miami's arts leaders.” (Photos courtesy of Hector Gabino.) Love this town, love its art and love its food! We especially love Sunday brunch at La Piaggia! LOL! (Here’s a shout out to owner Robert Pascal and manager Alex Maufroy – hope to see you soon!)

Silver Lining InviteThe A Silver Lining Foundation Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party will be held at Frontier Chicago (located at 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave.) on Thursday, December 13th, from 7 to 10 p.m. The night will include a silent auction (that will include two roundtrip
Ug_naughty_nice_longtickets to anywhere in the U.S. on United Airlines!), door prizes, a live DJ, cocktails and delicious appetizers courtesy of Frontier Chicago. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s “Buy a Mom a Mammogram” program. Tickets are $55 and will be available at the door as well as online here! (For more info about this wonderful organization, please visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.
 
Another fabulous “Naughty or Nice” party (this seems to be a popular title!) will be hosted by Marco Foster on Friday, December 21st, from 9 to 11 p.m. at The Underground, located at 56 W. Illinois. Tickets are only $20 (also available at the door) and benefit the American Brain Tumor Association. The invite says “wear white if you’ve been nice and red if you’ve been naughty!” LOL! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)


1 - Jovie Calma and Amie HanaFor the first time in Chicago, all aspects of Thai culture united in celebration of National Father’s Day – an important day in Thai culture – on Wednesday, December 5th, at NV Penthouse Lounge. More than 280 guests attended this event with celebrity host Chef Arun, whose
2 - Benjamin Cottrell, Marisa Buccheit, Gloria Santiago, Shannon Ihrkeacclaimed restaurant (Arun’s Thai Restaurant) has been voted the best Thai restaurant in the country. Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit was on hand for hostess duties and renowned photographer Amie Hana (event host with Ladies Night Chicago) took photos of guests in authentic Thai costumes. There
3 - Shari Duffy and Chef Arun Sampanthavivatwas classical Thai dancing, cooking demos from restaurants that included Dharma Garden,
5 - Mark Roscoe, Amie Hana and Shannon IhrkeJitlada Thai House, TAC Quick and Lovely Thai and live performances by PopRockJazz Band, Jovie Calma and DJ Corey Sanford. Guests included Benjamin Cottrell, Laura Silva, Aya
4 - Meiling Jin, Sesamir Yearby, Sophie Williams, Olga Barladym, Beba GeorgievaJackson, Gloria Santiago, Jovie Calma, Shari Duffy, Mark Roscoe, Shannon Ihrke, Joe Paciorek, Sophie Williams, Michael Jewula, Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Meiling Jin, Sesamir Yearby and Dan Hahn among others. (To view more pics from this fun event, please click here!)

 


Baby Jack SmithCongrats (and good news!) is in order for the family of Coach Lovie Smith: MaryAnne and Lovie are Glam-Parents, thanks to son Matt and daughter-in-law Kathleen’s new bundle of joy! Jack Smith was born on 11/29 and is already stealing hearts wherever he goes! Congrats to ALL and welcome to the world, Baby Jack! 


Joe AguileraMore congrats for a beloved friend, Joe Aguilera! We all remember him from his time at the Elysian but now he has a big, brand new job as hotel manager of the Langham Chicago, a 316-room luxury hotel slated to open in the summer of 2013 at 330 N. Wabash Ave. We can’t wait to visit and celebrate this wonderful new addition to Chicago’s hot hotel scene! Congrats Joe and see YOU soon!


1 - LilyHappy 30th anniversary to Lily’s Talent Agency! They joined forces with The Foundation of Artist Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) and The Drake Hotel for this big celebration that was held in the Palm Court recently. Guests from Chicago’s advertising community, casting
2agencies, models and talent attended this event that raised funds for struggling artists’ scholarships. Sadly, this was the last event covered by our beloved Steve Starr…hope you were able to make it to his celebration on 12/12/12.


1 - Jonny Imerman with Jennifer SuttonFounder of Imerman Angels and cancer survivor Jonny Imerman is receiving another much deserved honor. Produced by James Payton and Icon Productions, “An Evening Honoring Jonny Imerman” will be held on Friday, December 14th, from 7 to
2 - Mike Ditka10 p.m. at the Allerton Hotel’s Tip-Top-Tap Ballroom, located at 701 N. Michigan Ave. Jonny’s non-profit organization matches anyone seeking cancer support with a Mentor Angel. Mentor Angels are cancer survivors (or survivors’ caregivers) who are the same age, gender, and who, most importantly, have experienced the same type of cancer as the person they are matched with to offer walking,
3 - Tip-Top-Tap Ballroomtalking, living proof and inspiration that cancer can be beaten. The event will feature a special program highlighting Jonny’s service to the cancer community, a guest appearance by football legend Mike Ditka,
1hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live entertainment. Tickets are $50 each ($60 at the door) with all proceeds benefiting Imerman Angels. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)


2 - Holiday gifts at Randolph Street Market!Don’t forget the fabulous Randolph Street Market’s Holiday Market will be at Plumber’s Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington, on Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th. You’ll find a great mix of vintage, antique and modern gift ideas plus FREE gift wrapping! I’ll see you there! (For ticket and more info, please click here!)


With WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow and Exec. Producer Rob MorhaimA big shout out and thank you to WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” for having me back on their fabulous show on December 7th. Co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman, along with executive producer Rob Morhaim, Aly Bockler and Art “Chat Daddy” Sims couldn’t make guests feel more at home! Watch for a brand new set coming soon! I will be returning to the show on 12/28 so I hope you'll tune in for my top NYE party suggestions! And, if you missed my segment, tune in below!

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Candace-Jordan-Gift-Guide-Glossed-FoundHave a great week and I hope to see you here again next week! If you are planning any holiday shopping, please check out some of my ideas on GlossedandFound.com! (Thanks to G&F Creative/Editorial Director Graham Kostic for including me!) Ho Ho Ho!
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 

Casablanca pianoP.S. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, check out Sotheby’s auction house in New York! They will be offering the iconic “Casablanca” piano played by Sam in the Paris flashback scene at the La Belle Aurore café on December 14th. While Sam (actor Dooley Wilson) sings “As Time Goes By,” Rick and Ilsa lean on the piano drinking champagne and outside, Paris prepares for the imminent arrival of the German army. Clinking glasses with Ilsa, Rick utters the now famous line: “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.” The estimate for this lot
White House Christmas card 12-12-bo on front(#1) is $800K to $1.2 million…that’s a lotta piano! (For more info, click here!)


P.P.S. Last but not least, it was a very “Bo” Christmas for the Obamas this year! Their Christmas card featured their loveable, lucky dog romping in the snow…awwwwww! 🙂

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December 5, 2012 · 3:04 pm

CHICAGO WELCOMES BURBERRY AND DEL FRISCO’S WITH PACKED PARTIES!

…PLUS THE SPLENDOR OF IMPERIAL RUSSIA AT BOTANIC GARDEN, NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY SUGGESTIONS, FINE ARTS BUILDING’S HOLIDAY PARTY, INDIE FILM FEST, BOYS & GIRLS CLUB GALA, CAMP COSMETICS CAMPAIGN HITS THE MAGS AND SO MUCH MORE!


1 - Burberry on opening nightIt was going to be a BIG night with two hotly anticipated grand openings on November 29th with Burberry and the hot new restaurant on Oak Street, Del Frisco’s. Let’s start with the former: I believe Burberry’s “Art of the
2 - Gregg Zgonena, Ford’s Nancy Tennicott, David Sanchez and friendsTrench” campaign began back in October…at least this was when I was contacted. I know of more than 50 local Chicagoans who were photographed for this photo exhibition intended to herald and publicize the opening of
3 - Monika Dixon (2nd from L), STATUS’ Yana Nirshberg and friendsBurberry’s largest store in the country outside of New York. The email read, “This autumn, Burberry is launching its new flagship store on Michigan Avenue and celebrating Burberry in Chicago by hosting an event on Thursday, November 29th,
4 - WCL’s Jessie Kalin in her trench picwith Chief Creative Officer Christopher Bailey. This event will be a local celebration of our global platform, www.artofthetrench.com, and will feature images of influential Chicagoans on Burberry's digital platform as well as in a physical incarnation of the luxury brand's
5 - Chai Lee and Shannon O’Briensite in store. We would like to invite you to participate in this project and photograph you for Art of the Trench.” HELL YES! COUNT ME IN! It was a fun photo shoot with a photographer who I already knew, loved and admired – Amy Creyer. Her popular
6 - DJ Kid Colorwebsite www.ChicagoStreetStyle.com is a must read and her work has appeared on The Huffington Post, in W Magazine and on MTV. It was a rainy day but it made the atmosphere for the shoot even better on film so I
7 - Best friendswas happy even if the weather was less than perfect. Now that I’ve seen all of the images (see them here), the one thing that stands out (besides the people, of course) is how gorgeous our city is. From the back alleys to the side streets to the historical monuments, every photo looks like a piece of artwork with Chicago as the star. Everyone looked so
8 - Carrie Lannon in her trench picpowerful in their photos too…most were not the usual smiley images that we Midwesterners are so fond of but rather true portraits of people in the “city that works.” I’m so proud to be a part of this campaign but moreover, just so proud of our city and all of the people
9 - Dennis Minkel, Katie McLenaghan and Ryan Beshelin it. They were determined to keep this campaign top secret until the week of the grand opening and they succeeded. It's fun and exciting to see all of the images popping up around town now. The opening was one of the splashiest I’ve seen
10 - Victor Skrebneskiin a loooooonnnnng time! The new five-story space was brought to life with a distinctly British mix of music with guests experiencing an immersive physical and digital experience.
11 - Carl Barat and the Libertines with Billy Zane in foregroundModel/performers emulated the sound of rain throughout the space as images were projected onto the walls of every floor. Live music for the evening was provided by British musician Carl Barat and his band played their little hearts out on the main floor with the performance projected on all
12 - Kevin Aeh in his trench picof the levels so guests wouldn’t miss a moment. DJ Matt Roan, an “Art of the Trench” subject, followed with more hot music. Opened earlier this month, the Chicago flagship store (which
13 - Charlie Barnettpurportedly cost $10 million to build) will blur the brand’s physical and digital worlds through the Burberry Retail Theatre concept which will enable broadcast of live events and global synchronized content that can be played on the store’s interior digital screens. Additionally, the store offers the first physical representation of Burberry Bespoke, a concept that allows customers to create their own trench coat by selecting the
14 - Billy Zane and Amir Attaiecut, the fabric, the color and then navigating through options that include bronze-studded sleeves, bridle leather cuff straps, mink linings and shearling collars. Step by step, the screen
15 - Michel Desjardins, Marianne Strokirk and Pierre Desyassembles the virtual trench coat as specified and the real-life version arrives in four to eight weeks from Burberry's factory in Yorkshire, England (though the leather trenches are dispatched from Italy). The
16 - Chef Art Smith and Chucktag displays a special limited-edition number, plus a designation in block letters: “Bespoke.” (Prices for the custom trenches start at about $1,800; luxe features such as leather
Marc Brooks (R) and friendssleeves and mink linings run the price up as high as $8,800. Trench coats from Burberry's off-the-rack collections start at about $700 and range up to about $6,000.) The store also
Dr. Alex and Dusty Stemeroffers the first Burberry beauty in-store consultation counter in America – this is what you call one stop shopping, my friends! This exciting evening ended with a striking display of lights
Christopher Cooper and Paul Iaconoand digital projections amidst a sea of confetti that illuminated the iconic Burberry check on the store’s exterior façade, officially switching on the new Michigan Avenue site! In celebration of the
19 - Luca Lanzetta in his trench picopening, the Burberry Foundation is partnering with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to create $2.2 million in funding to support the Chicago Hive Learning Network. This new funding,
20 - Joan Colmar and Helen Melchior$1.7 million and $500,000 from the MacArthur and Burberry foundations respectively, will be used to inspire young people in Chicago, creating new innovative educational experiences designed to nurture their skills and creative confidence. (To see more party pics, please click here!) Welcome to Chicago, BURBERRY!!!

1 - Monsignor Ken Velo, Troy Smith, Alderman Brendan Reilly, DF Regional Mngr.Ray Kasperski, Josh HaleFollowing this sensory overload, we headed to 58 E. Oak St. for the Del Frisco’s grand opening. Cars were backed up down the street as the valets scrambled to keep pace
2 - Juanita Jordan and Chef Anthony Reyeswith the arriving guests. Located in the old Esquire Theater space, this multi-level dining experience seats over 500! With an 11,000-bottle wine cellar, it was a marvel to behold and guests could see it from every floor since it “floated” in the center of the building. Glistening
3 - Regional Manager Ray Kasperski and CEO Mark Mednanskybars, sparkling oversized crystal light fixtures, friendly service and dark wood appointments created an atmosphere that I’m sure will become a magnet for locals and out-of-towners alike. Chef de Cuisine
Carlos Romano and Kerry ShorrAnthony Reyes’ extensive menu includes their famous steaks and chops plus a “Wagyu Longbone,” which is a 32-ounce ribeye for $89. Other dishes include bacon-wrapped scallops, crab cakes, cheesesteak eggrolls and a gorgeous “Shellfish Plateau” for two
5 - Jerry and Shari Michaels, Leonard Goldbergfor $75. On this night, the seafood bar was a sight to see with enormous ice sculptures flanking each end of a table that was overflowing with every sort of shellfish imaginable! I saw a lot of familiar, happy faces on this night and I’m pretty sure we will all be meeting there
6 - Bob Loquercio, Larry Wert and Veronica Zepedaagain very soon! Del Frisco’s donated $10K to its charity, the Big Shoulders Fund, which provides support to
7 - With Donna Grant and Jess Altierithe Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. All this and charitable, too…can’t beat this combo! General Manager Troy Smith and Private Dining Coordinator Anna Saavedra must be so excited! (Open for lunch and dinner – call 312.888.2499 to make a reservation!)


1 - Co-chairs Alicia Crawford and Gail MillerThe Splendor of Imperial Russia was the theme for the Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society’s recent All Aboard! party. Co-chaired by Gail Miller and Alicia
2 - Patrick Kearney, Emily Betts Susanin, Sean SusaninCrawford, the evening began with a cocktail reception complemented by a caviar and vodka bar (my kind of party!) decorated with ice sculptures. The Russian mood was further enhanced by a performance
3 - Dr. Lawrence Becker and Nicole Williams, Robert and Linda Sullivanby Golosa, a Russian singing ensemble. Guests dined in sumptuous recreations of three Imperial palaces including The Catherine Palace; Peterhof, where Peter the Great exhibited
4 - The Catherine Palace dining roomhis love of fountains and all things gold; and The Winter Palace, that featured rich décor and the shimmer of ice. (Dramatic décor by Jody, Inc.) Set in and among the garden’s 10,000-square-foot indoor winter exhibition of garden scale trains, winter flora and 80
5 - Karen and Jack MacKayiconic Chicago landmarks, the evening set the tone for celebrating the season. Jewell Events Catering prepared a delicious menu which featured such passed
6 - Susan Green, Janice Beck, Jennifer Martay, Valerie Foradashors d’oeuvres as truffled golden beet and goat cheese on cracker bread, petit crepe beggars’ purses with wild mushrooms, very petite filet of salmon, a
7 - Jane Irwin and Bob Romopear and walnut sandwich and truffled pate on brioche toast. The Woman’s Board is in its second year of “Growing The Future,” a $1 million pledge to the Chicago Botanic Garden. All
8 - Barbara and Richard MetzlerAboard! raised $300,000 to support the Garden’s Green Youth Farm and Windy City Harvest community gardening programs. For more info about Garden programs and events, please call 847.835.5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org. (Photos by Robin Carlson.)


3I hope you can join me and NBC’s Marcus Riley when we co-host the New Year’s Eve Countdown for Chicago Empire 2013 on December 31st, beginning at 9 p.m. at Untitled, located at 111 W. Kinzie. Produced by Platinum Events, this black tie optional event will feature a performance by The Gold Coast All Stars with Chicago native turned LA superstar Mr. Robotic jamming out hits, while Platinum DJs Flaco and Wags spin all night! VH1 reality star and NY socialite “JRL” (Justin Ross Lee) and
2 - Justin Jacobson and Shannon WilliamsMORE will also be there! Toast in the New Year with six rooms, a premium open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres and a midnight toast! If you know Platinum Events’ Justin Jacobson, you know this will be one fantastic party! (For tickets and more info on packages, please click here!


Cheeky Party inviteCheeky Chicago and Vertigo Sky Lounge, located at 2 W. Erie, will be toasting the New Year with a Winter White Party. Beginning at 9 p.m., enjoy appetizers from Argent raw bar and specialty cocktails while dancing to the high energy sounds of DJ Mister Wolf on Chicago’s only year-round rooftop patio! Countdown the seconds until 2013 on a 12-foot screen while enjoying festive party favors, passed late night bites and a complimentary toast at midnight! (Tickets range from $125 to $200; to purchase tickets and obtain more info, please click here!)


NYE“An Evening of Opulence” is the theme for a grand New Year’s Eve party presented by Genuine Entertainment and PR maven Monika Dixon at N9NE Steakhouse, located at 440 W. Randolph St. Beginning at 9 p.m., the evening will include an open bar, award-winning food and a decadent dessert buffet. DJ Madrid will keep the crowd fueled for fun! For tickets and more info, please click here!
 

Fine Arts BuildingIf you haven’t had a chance to visit the Fine Arts Building during their holiday celebration (A Night at the Fine Arts Building), then you’ve been missing out on a lot of fun and holiday cheer! On Friday, December 14th, from 5 to 10 p.m. at 410 S. Michigan Ave., this legendary building’s 10 floors will be
Santa4teeming with entertainment by the artists of the building as well as from the Flat Iron Building and will include tap dancing, symphony, spoken word, opera, jazz, ballet, theatre recitals, chamber music, modern music, visual arts and so much more! (For more info, please visit www.nightatthefab.com.)

 

1 - Filmmakers Eric Gulbrandsen (L) and Josh Orr with actress Carissa Leandra BrownThe Indie Incubator Film Fest, billed as a “night of kick-ass short films from regional filmmakers,” was recently held at Mother’s on Division. I was thrilled to be there to support two of
2the coolest filmmakers I know, partners Josh Orr and Eric Gulbrandsen. Their short film series features three- to five-minute genre films and are not to be missed! Inspired in part by Rod Serling’s “Twilight Zone” series, their two latest segments are chilling and creative. On
3this night, more than 23 films were screened, with Josh and Eric WINNING for “Best Scare” for their first film, “Terms and Conditions.” Follow them on Facebook here. I can’t wait to see their NEXT film! Congrats and good luck, Josh and Eric!


1 - Louise LaRue, Martha Martin and Melanie MartinThe 35th annual Boys & Girls Club Gala was held at the Union League Club on November 3rd. These clubs provide 11,000 kids in Chicago’s inner city with academic, arts and athletic afterschool programs. Over the past 35 years, the clubs
2 - Club One Chairman Michael Chioros and wife Lyndahave raised more than $3 million and benefitted more than 250,000 kids ages 6 to 18. This year’s gala, which raised $200,000, included silent and live auctions, a sit-down dinner and dancing to the Al Sophia Orchestra. Congrats! (Photos by Steve Starr, RIP.)


1 - Camp adI’m so excited about the new ad campaign for CAMP Cosmetics, which is hitting magazines around town this month. I love seeing the ad in TCW Magazine as well as Michigan Avenue
2 - Camp founder Michael PerichMagazine! Darling CAMP founder Michael Perich also has a great article about his philosophy and company on page 35 (TCW Mag) so don’t miss it! I’m thrilled to be a part of this excitement with
3my new Candid Candace lipstick! I hope you like it and I hope you buy it…it’s the shade I’ve always looked for and could never find! The whole CAMP line, which includes skin care and everything else you can think of, is fantastic, too! Color me coral! You can see the video from the shoot below! (Campaign photo by Amie Hana.)

 

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1


LoResCCClogoAnd speaking of TCW Magazine, I’m thrilled to announce our online partnership which will include all of my “Candid Candace Chicago” shows on Watch312.com! So, make sure to check it out online here as well as on Watch312.com!
 

Mila on ReclamaA big GET WELL WISH goes out to beloved photog Mila Samokhina. A recent health scare landed her in Skokie Hospital but she is back home now in the loving care of handsome husband, Arthur, and her daughter, glam-girl-about town Elena Samokhina. Love and get well soon – we all miss you! (Here is a photo of Mila being celebrated on the cover of Reclama! Much deserved, Mila Pila!)


Steve Starr Face of News InviteI hope you’re all in the holiday spirit right about now and I hope you will send me some images of your festive décor so I can add them next week! Here’s a link to mine as well as this link to Debi Lilly’s beautiful A Perfect Event E-Magazine, which is filled with the most fabulous images, recipes and décor ideas! Congrats, Debi – love this and YOU! Have a great week and I hope to see you back here soon!


Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If you haven’t bought your tickets yet for this wonderful Memorial Celebration of the life and legacy of Steve Starr on 12/12/12, please do it soon! The space at the John B. Murphy Auditorium only holds 325 and you won’t want to miss this! Beginning at 6 p.m. for a VIP reception, the evening will include entertainment, Steve’s remarkable “Face of the News” photo exhibition, cocktails, food from our town’s top restaurants and so much more! There will be some wonderful surprises, too! (For tickets and more info, please click here!


IMG_2757P.P.S. Jennifer Hudson and Jamar Rogers of “The Voice” were at the House of Blues last night for Michigan Avenue Magazine’s second cover party for Jennifer! Stay tuned for my “Candid Candace Chicago” coverage coming next week on Watch312.com!

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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!

Blog 1 - Pink Tie Guys 2013The 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 Blog 2 - PTG Jonny Imerman, Laurie Dimakos, JoeAnna LaCourse, Melissa Quintas, Paula PozucekChicago. 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
Blog 3 - Victor LaGroon (L) and friendsthis 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 Blog 4personal 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 Blog 5 - Pink Tie Guy Ryan Chiaverini and Michael ZeinerPublic 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 Blog 6carefully 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 Blog 7 - Alex Sabbag and friendsCancer 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), Blog 8 - Carmen Rivera (2nd from L) and cute friendsWade 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 Blog 9 - Alex Sabbag, Dina Bair and Brotha FredRichard 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 Blog 10 - PTG Wade Miquelon strikes a Heisman pose!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 Blog 11 - 2012 Pink Tie GuysTribune’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 Blog 12 - Patty Nalepa, Korrina Isselhardt and Kristina McGrathcan 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 Blog 13 - Jill and Bill Sullivanwith 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 Blog 14 - Mitchell’s Soda Shop goodieslocal 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!)
 
Blog 1 - Cory Tran designGermania 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 Blog 2 - Aleah Connect with show producer Rose Mandel and Associate Producer Marco Fosterdimmed, 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 Blog 3 - Ann Hickey, Israel Idonije and Margaret O’Connorunitards. Midway through the show, a moving video presentation showcased the work Blog 3 - Rachel Schwanz, William Holdeman, Paula Fasseas, Alexis Fasseas and Paul Iaconoof 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 Blog 4 - Akira’s Jon Cotay takes a bowboard members stole the show with their four-legged friends: Participating designers and boutiques included Mark Blog 5 - Azeeza Khan and Corri McFaddenRoscoe 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 Blog 6 - Megan Ervin, Ashley Hooks and Meiling Jinevent 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, Blog 7 - Co-host Marcus Riley and Billy DecCorri 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, Blog 8 - Catie Keogh, Katie McLenaghan and friendErica 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 Blog 9 - Deborah O. Brown and cute friendand 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

Blog 1Luxury 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 Blog 2on 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 Blog 3 - Corri McFadden and the star of the show, Alyssawish 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 Blog 4line (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 Blog 5intermission 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 Blog 6 - Dramatic model presentationmoney 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!

Blog 1 - Congressman Joe Walsh and host Jerry LaskyThe 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 Blog 2 - Jeremy Katz, Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Jerry Laskyprivate viewing party for the vice presidential debate. The high powered get-together, that included Republican Congressman Joe Walsh and wife Helene, Blog 3 - Dr. John McMahan, Rick Canada and Jerry Laskyfeatured a viewing of the 90-minute debate by 30 politically-active friends who included Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Blog 4 - Ron Allen, Congressman Joe Walsh, Jay GottliebDr. 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!

Keith McGee and grandnephew Ivory Reason Carson mms_pictureAnd 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!

Blog 2 - Justin Bieber, Scott McLellan and OprahWhat 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.

Blog 1 - Heather Farley, Carol Beitler, Gwen and Biff Ruttenberg and Lesley Prizant GoodmanRonald McDonald House Charities’ “Eat Global, Give Local” event attracted more than 150 people to Carnivale Restaurant recently for a night of charity, socializing and Blog 2 - Billy Marovitz, John Dakajos, Ken Norgan and Jim DeMariawonderful 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 Blog 3 - Jamie Haberkorn (2nd from L), Melinda Jakovich and friends at J. Parkerand 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 Blog 4 - Dr. Lauren Streicher and hubby Jason Brett load up on raffle tix!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 Blog 5 - With Carol Beitler and Whitney Reis Laskyfor 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 Blog 7 - Sam Madonia and beautiful friendAuxiliary 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 Blog 6 - Jerry Kleiner (R) with girlfriend Marisa Molinaro’s cute parentsHeather 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!)

Blog 1 - Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma and Marc BrooksThe 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 Blog 1 - Christopher Clinton Conway, Marc Brooks, Jason Berngard and Paul KellyClinton 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 Blog 2 - Beth Silverman, Christopher Clinton Conway, Doug Smith2012 Collection, Paul Stuart’s new line of contemporary men’s clothing. On hand for the evening was Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma, Blog 3 - Jason Berngard and Paul Stuart Regional Manager Paul Kellywho debuted the new collection and mingled with more than 100 stylish attendees. Guests mingled, shopped and enjoyed beer from local Chicago brewery Blog 4 - Andreas Mitisek, Geraldine and Michael Schlutz, Helen Melchior and Ken NorgenGoose Island, spirits by Maker’s Mark, and water from Smartwater. Notable Chicago attendees included CBS’s Ryan Baker, Blue Chicago Media Group’s Ryan Blog 5 - Ryan and Jessa BakerJeffries, 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 Blog 6 - Brenda Swauger, DC and Alayna Crenshawand 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!) 

Blog 1 - Irresistible ZemrahIt 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, Blog 2 - With N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman and Reginald TorianNancy 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 Blog 3 - Zemrah sings “At Last” with Marcus Gentryand 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 Blog 4 - With Wilda Belk, Alonzo Stallings and Zemrahsolo 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!

TheHauteSpotInSpot-293x300And 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!

Blog 1 - With the one and only Nate Berkus!Huge congrats to beloved designer Nate Berkus on his recent book signing at Jayson Home & Garden! His gorgeous book, “The Things Blog 2 - With Francine Turk (3rd from L) and Courtney CaseyThat 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! 

2012_Gazebo_InvitationThe 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!  

Luxury_Opening_Invite-page-001I 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!

Chairs for CharityJoin Chicago Home + Garden Magazine's third annual Chairs for Charity event on Wednesday, November 7th from 6 to Diffa8:30 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 CHG_Logo_grayproceeds and a portion of ticket sales will benefit The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Chef Andy of Sushi-O-SushiIf 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

(2nd from L) Trish Frick, Hef, Crystal Harris, Caya Ukkas and husband Keith Hefner

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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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!
 
Blog 1 - Co-chairs Sonya Jackson and Kristina McGrathThe 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 Blog 2 - Toni Canada, Rebecca Besser and Dusty Stemerknown 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 Blog 3 - Floyd Elwell and Joffrey Exec. Dir. Christopher Clinton Conwaydécor 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 Blog 4 - Korinna Isselhardt, Patty Nalepa, Lynette Perkins, Kathy Sullivan and Jill Vorobievand 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 Blog 5 - Dancers just wanna have fun!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 Blog 6 - Whitney Lasky, co-chair Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan and Lynn McMahanamong 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 Blog 7 - Pam Phillips Weston, Anne Kaplan, Ashley Wheater (Joffrey Artistic Director) and Yolanda Tylerbegan 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 Blog 8 - Beam VP-friend Tom Strehle with his familystrut,” 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 Blog 9 - Chef Art Smith and life partner Jesus Salgueiroby 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 Blog 10 - Sue Gray Goller, Sonya Jackson, Pamella Roland and Melissa Babcock (WB Prez)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 Blog 11 - Featured designer Pamella Roland with her TCW Mag coverown 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 Blog 12 - Co-chair Sonya Jackson, Leon and Jacqueline KinlochMcGrath 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 Blog 13 - Newly engaged Charlie Brumbaugh and Mary Ann MurphyBlanco, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Derrick Agnoletti, Fabrice Calmels, Erica Lynette Edwards, Dylan Guiterrez and Tian Blog 14 - Cheryl Jackson (Sonya’s sis), Eva Chess, Traci Jetzer, Tarrah Cooper (Rahm’s Press Secretary), Jessica Kimbrough and friend.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 Blog 15 - Kathleen Henson and Daniella GuzmanSte 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 & Blog 16 - Darling couple-Joffrey dancers Miguel Blanco and April DaleyC 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 Blog 17 - Husband-wife Joffrey dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria JaianiDavid 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 Blog 18 - Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels (center), Gale Gottlieb (L) and friendsSpirits & 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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Blog 1 - Susanne Ghez, Judy Ledgerwood, Greg CameronThe 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. Blog 2 - Julie Marie Lemon, Michelle Boone, Naomi BeckwithThe 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 Blog 3 - Gael Neeson, Tony Karmanmuseum 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 Blog 4 - Michelle Holland, Glenn Holland, Nada Grayphoto 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 Blog 5 - Rebecca Ford Terry, Susanne Ghez, Don Terrydécor 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 Blog 6 - Jennifer Conklin, Evan Boris, Stephanie Smithyears 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 Blog 7 - Carrie Secrist, Kavi Guptaby 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 Blog 8 - Howard Stone, Lisa Dorin, Dirk Denison, Judy LedgerwoodPeter 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 Blog 9 - Matt Witkovsky, Susanne Ghez, Janine Mileaf, Liz GlassmanInstitute 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 Blog 10 - Hamza Walker, Susanne GhezBoone, 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 Blog 11 - Greg Cameron, Deirdre McBreenElizabeth 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.)

 
Blog 1 - Rande Gerber with Caliche Rum’s bevy of beautiesOn 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 Blog 2and 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! 🙂

Blog 1 - Mayor Emanuel, honorary chair of Facing History and OurselvesThe 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 Blog 2 - Lashana Jackson, Celeste Wright Harris and Denise Banksparty 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 Blog 3 - Greg Case, Upstander honoree Nikki Jarvis and Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman-Pres-CEO)emcee and Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News co-anchor Cheryl Burton, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, Blog 4 - Bonnie Oberman, Margot Stern Strom and Judy WiseChoosing 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 Blog 5 - CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard and the MayorGarling and her husband Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman, President and CEO), Blog 6 - Co-chair Greg Case (AON pres-CEO), Mayor Emanuel, Albert R. Grace, Jr. (Loop Capital Markets co-founder-president)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 Blog 7 - FH&O Co-founder Judy Wise walk the Mayor thru exhibitexhibition examining the impact and history of bigotry and injustice that features five installations telling stories Blog 8 - ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and Greg Casein 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, Blog 9 - Advisory Board Chairman Jill Garling and the Mayorfeaturing 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 Blog 11 - Henry Henderson and familythe 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 Blog 10 - Walmart Chicagoland Marketing Manager Reginald Reesestudents 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.)

 
Abe at podiumLongtime 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!

Christopher Clinton ConwayCongrats 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 Liza and Marc Brooksfor 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.

Cheryl Tama OblanderDance 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 Rakatan3-2194organizing 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!

Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay SegalI 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 Luxury Garage Sale choices 10-12think…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 Nate Berkus invitesame 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!

Lahore InviteChicago 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!

6a00e55455088488330147e35a5380970b-350wiMany 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!

Zemrah invite 993What 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!

DavidsTea founder David SegalAt 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 David's Tea(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!

Howl-homepage-bannerDon’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 PAWSChicagoinvited 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!)

Racked logo untitledA 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!

With Ronald and New House Director Jamie HaberkornFrom 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 RMHCCNI’s Doug Porter, Jamie Haberkorn and Ken Norgan (owner-operator)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

Beautiful “funkins” created by Tissy Eggleston for TCW Mag PartyI 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

RhondaP.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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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!
 
Blog 1 - Meg & Liz, Robin Thicke, Janae and LaTressa McVey and friendIt 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 Blog 2 - Laura Schwartz, Nick Noonan, Amy Heidemann, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steve Strykerthe 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 Blog 3Millennium 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,” Blog 4opened 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 Blog 5 - YouTube sensations Meg & Lizlatest 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 Blog 6 - Marco Foster, Nicole Townsend, Paul IaconoNoonan. 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 Blog 7 - Macy’s Jeffrey Gennette, Janae LaVey, Macy’s Martine Reardon, LaTressa McVey, Doug Porter21, had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums for Michael Jackson, Marc Blog 8 - Gretchen Klotz, Fabrice Calmels, Elena Samokhina and Corinne MelchiorAnthony, 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 Blog 9 - Macy’s Robin Hall with British Invasion Dancers (Bailey Munoz, Will, Charlize and cute friend)the guys lined up atop a London bus, tearing off their shirts and marching down stairs towards the appreciative audience. The Blog 10 - Liz Kores, Kamal Bosamia, Lauren Rapisandyoung 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 Blog 11 - Diesel underwear, yeah!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 Blog 12 - Headliner Robin Thickewith 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, Blog 13 - Robin Reibel and Andrea SchwartzGretchen 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, Blog 14 - With Deborah Brown, Tarrah Cooper and friendCamille 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 Blog 16 - Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser and Gale GottliebBourgeois, 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 – Blog 15Minneapolis, 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 Blog 17building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House which officially opened on June 26th! During the past 13 years, this event has raised more Blog 17 - Confetti-filled finalethan $2 million for Chicagoland charities. See below for an incredible Watch312.com video documenting this historic event! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr.)

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Blog 1 - Boka Groups’ Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm with Mary Todd and Abe LincolnChicago'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. Blog 2 - Chicago Tribune’s Luis Gomez (2nd from L) and Emerald-Jane Hunter (R) with friendsParker 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 Blog 3 - RMHC’s Alli Turner, her cute hubby and Lesley Prizant-Goodmanand 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 Blog 4 - Perennial Virant’s Jason Dohmann and Boka Group VP Ian GoldbergMarket, 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 Blog 5 - Deborah Chapman (L) and friendsBoehm 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 Blog 6 - Christopher Dovalina and Jennifer SuttonLive,” 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 Blog 7 - The Landon Twins and Scott Bobek with friendsMitchell 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!

Blog 1 - Verdant lagoon vistaLincoln 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 Blog 2 - Brian Houck, Troy Baresel, Judy Keller, Kevin Bellleisurely 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 Blog 3 - Houck discusses the future of the gardensattendees 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 Blog 4 - Guests dressed for upscale barbecue themestations 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 Blog 5 - Lovely ladieshydrangeas 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!)

Blog 1 - Host Mike Wilkie and Terry LeontiosThe 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 Blog 2 - (Front) Tess, Jamie Gaballa, Whitey Pearson, (top) Charles Herrick and Chuckmuch 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 – Blog 3 - Mr. and Mrs. Paul Episcope and friendhigh 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 Blog 4 - Hosts Mike and Kristina McGrath with Richard (Dickie) Parrilloby 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 Blog 5 - The “1500 Penthouse Pals”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 Blog 6 - Hostess Kristina McGrath (R), twin sis Korinna Isselhardt (L) & Gayle AnthonySonya 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!)

TPAN bannerI’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 Out in the Park inviteSix 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. Blog 1 - ICB Executive Director Bill Natale and Congressman Danny DavisTickets 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 Blog 2 - ICB student Kiera CobbDanny 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 Blog 3 - ICB’s Ashley Stevensoncommunity 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 logoFriends 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.)

Oak-Brook-Polo-Club-season4I’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 logoSocial 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.orgMyPlea.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.)

August2012-RSM-lgMy 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.) 

Tues6If 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 Tues7and 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.

Blog 1 - Camp Cosmetics founder Michael PerichIt 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 Blog 2of 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 Blog 3 - Photo by Amie Hanalike-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 Blog 4630.545.0240 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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July 16, 2012 · 11:09 am

ARETHA FRANKLIN WOWS N’DIGO GALA CROWD

…PLUS WINDY CITY LIVE’S EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION, ELI’S BAKES BIG CAKES, CUPID'S ARROWS FIND HEDY AND LAURIE, WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, MARCO'S BENEFIT FOR ONE HOPE UNITED, UPCOMING EVENTS, PEOPLE IN THE NEWS, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1I knew she was called the “Queen of Soul” and I certainly loved her music but it wasn’t until I attended the 17th annual N’Digo Gala that I realized WHY she IS the Queen! This event was something special. First of all, I adore N’Digo Magazine Blog 2 - The One and Onlypublisher/founder Hermene Hartman. She is a one woman dynamo who loves her community and is the pure definition of giving back with her N’Digo Foundation, which she founded in 1995. This foundation awards merit-based college Blog 3 - 2012 N’Digo Foundation scholarship recipientsscholarships to students from Chicago and the suburbs and, to date, has awarded 286. Hermene’s friends and fans are legion and her Gala always includes top notch entertainment plus fun-loving, well-dressed attendees. In years past, performers including Blog 4 - KC and Cheryl Pearson-McNeil with Reverend Jesse JacksonBabyface, Ray Charles (with a full orchestra), Jerry Butler and Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Ledisi and Seal have all appeared at this event. More than 1,500 guests turned out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of soul music as well as to support the foundation at this black-tie gala themed “Legends de Soul.” The dynamic and inspiring Blog 5 - The Impressionsprogram began with hosts Hermene and NBC’s Art Norman welcoming the crowd. Hermene introduced a video showcasing past scholarship recipients and what they’re doing now, saying, “These are the youths who’ve done it their way and are now living their Blog 6 - Quinton de’ Alexander with his designs and modelsdreams.” It was a wonderful confirmation of the good that this organization does. The 2012 winners were introduced onstage as Pastor Charles Jenkins and the choir of Fellowship Chicago Baptist Church performed their hit song, Blog 7 - Michelle Boone proclaims Aretha Day in Chicago“Awesome.” Music legends The Impressions took the stage as the concert began at 7 p.m. wowing the audiences with their infectious energy as well as their classic songs that Blog 8 - Aretha performs tribute to Whitneyincluded “Gypsy Woman” and “Super Fly,” which was an homage to the late great Curtis Mayfield. Comedian Jonathan Slocumb – a favorite of Ms. Franklin for his clean-cut style – had the crowd in stitches especially during his impersonation of Reverend Jesse Jackson who happened to be coming down the aisle at the same time. Arie Blog 9 - Hermene does some steppin’ to celebrate the night!Crown Theater was filled to capacity when the Queen took the stage and announced, “Hello Chicago, here I am!” Before her performance, Michelle Boone, the Mayor’s Cultural Commissioner, proclaimed June 30th to be Aretha Franklin Day in Chicago – it’s good to be Queen! She performed Blog 10 - Lindsay Rafaykotirelessly for at least two straight hours, never leaving the stage. (The only concession was removing her shoes.) She looked great in a white gown embroidered with large pink/red flowers and her voice rocked the rafters as she sang hits such as “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” and “Skylark.” She introduced “Skylark” after telling of being turned away from “The Ed Sullivan Show” at age 17 when they told her they had Blog 11 - The dramatic Terrace at McCormick Placeoverbooked. She said, “This is the song I was going to sing.” She played the piano during a moving tribute to Whitney Houston as photos were shown overhead. “She was gracious, she was real and my Christian sister,” said Franklin of Houston. As the show continued, photos Blog 12 - The Wobble!were also shown of Aretha with greats such as Stevie Wonder, Clive Davis, Don Cornelius, Smokey Robinson and Ray Charles among many others. I couldn’t believe the energy this 70-year-old woman had! It was an incredible history Blog 13 - With comedian Jonathan Slocumbmaking moment as she finished her performance with “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to standing ovations…oh what a night! Ms. Franklin has won 18 Grammys and is the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I couldn’t believe she would allow anyone into her dressing room after this tiring performance (let alone me!) Blog 14 - The Impressions at the After-Party on the Terracebut she did and I will never forget it. My cameraman and photog were the only media allowed in her dressing room and I will be forever grateful to Hermene for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity…check out my Watch312.com video below! But the party didn’t stop there, as guests moved onto the terrace for more refreshments, small bites and dancing – I even learned how to do the Wobble!! BTW, watch for N’Digo Magazine in Blog 15 - Interviewing the Queenyour local Walgreen’s coming soon for just $1.00! Guests seen on the scene included Tom Ricketts, Albert Grace, Jr., Wayne Watson, Les Coney, Cassandra Gaddo, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, designer Quinton de’ Alexander, Art Norman, Rick O’Dell, Dionne Williams, Milton Carroll, Jocelyn Stoller, Reverend Helen Carry, Ernesto Borges, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Henderson, Reverend Jesse Jackson, KC McNeil and James Bell. (For more information about this wonderful N’Digo Foundation, click here!)

Blog 1 - Ryan and Val cut the Eli’s cheesecake!It’s one of my favorite shows and I’m so glad they're doing SO well! “Windy City Live” hosted its one-year anniversary on June 11th at Epic on Hubbard. I was expecting this by-invite-only party to be jam packed but it was the PERFECT number of people – not too Blog 2 - Marlaine Selip, John Idler (new Prez and GM Ch. 7) and Cindy Patrassomany and not too few. Executive Producer Marlaine Selip explained, “We invited all of the people who’ve made this night possible, our family, our producers, our advertisers and our friends.” It was a joyous affair and the whole place was reserved for this party Blog 3 - Ryan and Ernie Banks toast!including their lovely rooftop bar area where everyone seemed to congregate on this perfect summer evening. A giant cake, courtesy of Eli’s Cheesecake, was the first thing guests saw as they entered the venue. Along with Marlaine, “WCL” hosts Blog 4Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini welcomed the crowd and thanked their many contributors. New General Manager John Idler was in the crowd and laughed as Ryan joked about having his 10-year contract drawn up and ready for him Blog 5 - Emerald-Jane Hunter and Ji Suk Yito sign. It was a loving group of supporters who were all there to cheer this great show on. Seen in the crowd were “WCL” Supervising Producer Cindy Patrasso, producer Emerald-Jane Hunter (with hubby Ronny), Dawn Watkins, “WCL” regulars Mark DeCarlo, Nina Blog 6 - Chicagolicious’ AJ Johnson and Niki Robinson with Dionne Williams (center)Chantelle, Hank Mendheim, Billy Dec and Roe Conn (with Barb), “Chicagolicious” stars AJ Johnson and Niki Robinson, winner of “The Bachelorette” Season 5 Ed Swiderski, Kathleen Henson, Blog 7 - Diana Palomar and Jess AltieriDebi Lilly, RJ and Jerrod Melman, Cub great Ernie Banks, Amy Tara Koch, Grant DePorter, Chef Kevin Hickey, Terri Hickey, Maureen Schulman, Steve Shern, Jess Altieri, Paul Bryant, Veronica Zepeda, Chuck, Lindsey Avner, Kevin Aeh, Erica Strama, DC Crenshaw, Margaret O’Connor, Jim Karas, Shea Vaughn, Dan Uslan, Lisa Ripson, Brook Jay, Graham Kostic, Nicole Pearl, Stephanie Krol, Nick Harkin, Carly Leviton and Rachel Gillman among many others! HUGE congrats and happy anniversary, “WCL” – Can’t wait to see the mountains you'll climb! (To see ALL the party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Kelsey Grammer cuts the cake!Maureen and Marc Schulman have been very busy this week! Besides the "WCL" party, they also appeared at the opening of Taste of Chicago! Kelsey Grammer (Chicago Mayor Tom Kane on Starz original hit series “Boss”) performed some "mayoral" duties when he opened Taste by cutting a 1,000-pound Eli's Blog 2Cheesecake in celebration of Chicago's 175th birthday and the 32nd birthday of Taste of Chicago AND Eli's Cheesecake. Restaurateur Eli Schulman debuted the cheesecake at the first Taste of Chicago in 1980. Grammer, along with the leads from “Rock of Ages,” led the crowd in "Happy Birthday." The cake was then served free to the public.  Awwwwww… (Great pics by Jennifer Girard.)

Blog 1 - Lucky in love—Hedy and Mort make it official!Love was in the air for a popular and much-loved couple who “have been living in sin for the last 43 years," according to Hedy. Hedy Ratner, founder and co-president of the Women’s Business Development Center, and Blog 2 - Hedy in FINE form on her big day!Mort Kaplan, of Morton H. Kaplan and Associates, finally tied the knot after fooling friends and family with a few false starts (some would call them pranks) for the last few years. Last year’s party celebrated Hedy’s birthday with a fake wedding but this time, the nuptials were for real. Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg wrote a delightful column on this remarkable and loving couple and in his Blog 3 - Hedy and Mort dance for joy!interview, he asked them what had changed. “A couple of things,” said Mort. “I had a stroke in January and something happened in that period that I did not like. She wanted to get a prescription filled, and one doctor said, ‘Who are you? You’re the girlfriend.’ And I said, ‘She’s not the girlfriend!’ She was the quarterback of my recovery.” They were married on July 1st at Orchestra Hall. And they will CONTINUE TO live happily ever after!  🙂

Blog 1 - Highland Park Theater marquee with proposalSpeaking of love, beautiful chanteuse Laurie Marchese is ENGAGED to longtime love, Bill Russ. Laurie lives in LA now but is originally from Oak Lawn and Bill, who also lives in LA, is from Aurora. Their love story could be a Hollywood movie: They met 30 years ago on the set of “Risky Business,” where Bill was an assistant to the producer and a stand-in for Tom Cruise, and Blog 2 - Laurie and Bill at SpagoLaurie was an extra in a crowd scene at the Highland Park Movie Theater. They had a whirlwind teenage romance and then parted ways as their careers moved in different directions. Fast forward to 2012 after fatefully reuniting, Bill arranged a surprise marriage proposal at the same theater where they met all those years ago and, of course, Laurie said YESSSSSSSSS!!!! Cupid’s arrows have hit their marks AGAIN!!  Congrats Laurie and Bill!

Blog 1 - Waiting for Ben Folds FiveThe 28th annual World’s Largest Block Party for Old St. Pat’s was another blowout event with almost 18,000 people attending this two-day event in the parking lot across from the Church. This party is known for creating marriage matches and has connected dozens of attendees throughout the years. I was so thrilled to be a guest bartender along with Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Anthony Ponce, Stefan Holt, Blog 2 - Serving beer with WCIU’s Aly BocklerMarcus Riley, Borris Powell, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Jason Knowles, Aly Bockler and Andrea Metcalf. Proceeds support the church and the Center for Social Concerns on the Old St. Pat’s campus, which houses the following outreach programs: Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and the Global Alliance for Africa. Ben Folds Five and Lifehouse headlined the event. Watch312.com was THERE to cover all the fun – check it out below!!

MarcoFosterWhiteParty_final big (1)Hope you can join me for the second annual White Party in support of One Hope United. Founded by handsome man-about-town Marco Foster, this night will also be a celebration of his birthday! Marco decided what better way to celebrate than to give back with 100 percent of all proceeds going to this wonderful charity whose mission is to protect children and strengthen families in Chicago. Hosted by Akira Chicago’s owner Jon Cotay, WGN’s “Living Healthy Chicago” host Jane Monzures, PR pioneer Chris Foltz and moi, this party with a purpose will be held on July 27th at Underground, located at 56 W. Illinois, from 9 to 11 p.m. Hope to see you there!  (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

Blog 1 - The David Rothstein Orchestra has the crowd on their feet!Congrats to David Rothstein and his dynamic and talented music company on their 12-year anniversary! This versatile 11-piece orchestra has won numerous awards, performed for celebrities and Fortune 500 companies, and is regularly flown cross country for special events. And besides Blog 2 - David Rothstein and Goldiebeing such a talent, he has a big philanthropic heart, too! His “Share the Love” program is nothing short of genius. After weddings, instead of throwing away floral arrangements or begging guests to take them home, David delivers them to the nearest nursing home or women’s and children’s shelters. He has also made numerous charitable contributions of his musical talent. And on top of it all, this cute guy is single, too! (Ladies are you listening?) Anyway, I’m thrilled for his success and can’t wait to watch his star climb even higher! (For more info, please click here and for a sample of his work, see video below.)

 

Blog 1 - Sven AsmusAfter almost 17 years in the luxury and exotic automotive industry, handsome Sven Asmus has decided to pursue his passion. On July 11th, Hilton/Asmus Blog 2 - Dennis Manarchy’s “Metal”Contemporary Art Gallery opened its doors at 716 N. Wells St. in Chicago’s River North Art District. His gallery will specialize in modern and contemporary paintings, limited edition graphics, glass art, sculpture and photography. A separate division, Art Travel Adventures, will arrange art-related trips throughout the world to places like Spain, Turkey and the Himalayas. For more info, please visit www.hilton-asmus.com. Congrats and good luck, Sven!

Sherren LeighCongratulations are in order for Chicago’s own Sherren Leigh! The Arnstein & Lehr law firm is honoring the TCW magazine founder and publisher with its sixth annual Woman TCW Magazineof Vision Award on behalf of her Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation, which is highlighting 30 charities for its 30th anniversary. One of these charities, the Chicago Battered Women’s Network is also supported by some of the firm’s attorneys who will be presenting a check earmarked for CBWN. For more info on the TCW Foundation, please click here and for info on CBWN, please click here.
 
DSC03947Now for some up and coming Windy City events! This year’s Chicago Dancing Festival will begin on August 20th thru August 25th. Venues for this free-to-the-public festival will include Grant Park, MCA, Millennium Park, Harris Theater and the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University. Works will be presented by world class choreographers and performed by top dance companies from across the country. (For more info, please click here!)

Chefs and city invite 221Chefs & the City will be returning for its eighth year to the Ritz-Carlton on July 27th. Guests will enjoy savory fare presented by 26 of Chicago’s top chefs to benefit Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care which helps people impacted by HIV/AIDS. The VIP Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Main Tasting at 7:30 p.m. DJ Megan Taylor will be mastering the mixes while Honorary Chairs Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, Jason Dohmann and Chef Chair Ryan Pitts mix and mingle. There will be a live auction as well as a grand raffle. (For tickets, beginning at $250, visit www.vitalbridges.org.)

L3_Invite_Michael_Jackson“Live.Love.Life: Where Grit Meets Glam,” hosted by WGN’s Jane Monzures, will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center on August 18th from 8 p.m. until midnight. This benefit for Northwestern Memorial Foundation will feature entertainment, fashion and sports all mixed into one philanthropic package! For more info, visit www.live-love-life.org.

Skyline Cancer Invite-page-001[1]Skyline Soiree will be held at the River East Art Center on July 27th from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by the Associate Board of Ambassadors of the American Cancer Society, this party will include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and live music by Final Say: A Maggie Speaks Band. For tickets, $95 in advance and $105 at the door, please visit www.skylinesoiree.org.
 
Blog 1 - Fun friends in MichiganI am so happy Chuck and I got a chance to take a weekend getaway trip to Michigan – we were thrilled to spend time with good friends in fabulous spots! The lake was like glass and I even tried kayaking for the first time with friends Paul Iacono, Ken Norgan and Blog 2 - My favorite new home décor store in Union Pier!Pepe Conforme. We also had a delicious dinner at fabulous caterer George Jewell’s Burscott Park estate and met uber-talented interior designer, Jim Dennen. (Friends if you need a designer, OMG call this guy – his home is completely and utterly gorgeous!) Thanks to all for a great time away from my computer, sort of! 🙂 (To view more pics, please click here!)

Well, I hope you’re having loads of summer fun and staying cool! Thanks for joining me again for another edition of my blogazine! If you’re so inclined, please follow me on Twitter and join my Facebook page, Candid Candace. Have a wonderful week!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

1P.S. Loved the pics Diane Edelman sent from her trip to Sapphire, North Carolina. “Every view was picture perfect. It’s incredible what God has created,” said Diane who had travelled there with her beloved Chadwick Randolph Cat IV. :)(To see all of these great pics, click here!)

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