Tag Archives: Maria Smithburg

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!

Steppenwolf 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
community 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
enjoying 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
member 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
Creative 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
adventures 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,
Kate 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
Perry, 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
and 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
and 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
and 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,
Penny 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
Zucker. 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
dinner 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
Chicago 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
Chicago 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
prepared exclusively by Chef Stephanie Izard with guests of honor Steppenwolf co-founders Terry Kinney and Josh Charles (star of the CBS drama “The Good
Wife”). 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-
and 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,
including 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.)

Guests 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,
which 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
evening – “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
hour, 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
president 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
Kelly 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.
Calihan 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!)

Nearly 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
at 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,
executive 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
philanthropists. “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
birthdays.” 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
jeweler’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!)

Neiman 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
each 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
setting. The party also celebrated CS Magazine’s Men of Style issue. This
year’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,
were 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
evening 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
Man’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
Baker, 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
destined 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!)

The 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
States 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.)

For 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
Roof,” 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.

Well, 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”
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
together 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!

Each 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
ahead 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
Chicago 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.

This 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
(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
Action 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.)

Don’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 &
Leisure, 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
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! 🙂

What 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
Sean 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”
alum 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!

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.

Nearly 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
AFT’s newly-announced artistic director Andrew Volkoff, who succeeds outgoing artistic director Bonnie Metzgar this spring. Greeted by fire dancers, stilt walkers, a
swinging 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,
partiers 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
DJ Swaguerilla. The 2013 Leppen Leadership Awards were presented to Mary F. Morten and the Office of
Alderman 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
and encourage LGBTQA adults and youth to create intergenerational
understanding 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!)

On 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!

Relive 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.

The 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!

And 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

P.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!

THE STANLEY PAUL SCHOLARSHIP BENEFIT: A SPECIAL NIGHT WITH FRIENDS

…PLUS THE JOFFREY BALLET’S SPRING GALA; FLEUROTICA; SWAROVSKI CELEBRATES SAIC’S “THE WALK”; MICHAEL AND YVETTE’S COOL WEDDING GIFT; CHICAGO BOTANICAL GARDEN’S ANTIQUES FAIR; TAILS IN THE CITY CELEBRATES NINE!; LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES’ SPRING GALA; STELLA’S LATEST HONOR; “CHECK, PLEASE!” HOST FINALISTS; RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES’ BMUG ON WATCH312.COM AND SO MUCH MORE!

I’ve never done this before so please forgive me but I’m including the recent Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit in my blog this week. Why you ask
do I beg forgiveness? Because this year, I was the evening’s honoree and it was such a wonderful night with so many friends who turned out that I would like
to share it with you. (I hope you enjoy it!) I received a call from the Apparel Industry Board a few months ago. It was Marsha Brenner: “Hello Candace. The Stanley Paul Foundation
would like to honor you this year at the Casino. Just say ‘yes.’” Are you kidding me? HELL YES!!! You could’ve knocked me over with a feather! My mind flew in a thousand different directions with the first thought being how very
humbled I felt to be receiving this honor, especially following in the footsteps of Chicago notables who included Hazel Barr, Mamie Walton, Bill Zwecker, Nena Ivon,
Dori Wilson, Leslie Hindman, Donna LaPietra, Mary Ann Childers, Mark Heister, Tony Jones, Victor Skrebneski and the late Beverly Blettner, among others. I also panicked wondering
if anyone would even show up. And then when Marsha mentioned I would need to choose some speakers, I relaxed and knew this would be an evening filled with friends…no need to worry.
It was easy to choose who I would ask to speak for me. I’ve known Rhonda Sanderson longer than anyone else in Chicago. She was the first person I met at the original Playboy
Mansion after Hef and we became and still are great friends – she was even the maid of honor at my wedding. Thank goodness she said yes. I also asked Helen Melchior, a relatively new friend by comparison
but one with whom I have already shared a lifetime of wonderful memories. I met Helen through the Joffrey Ballet and we have never looked back. I love her and I love her beautiful family, too. I’ve known the human
tornado, better known as Leslie Hindman, for 32 years. Words can’t describe how much I admire her for her incredible business acumen but what I love the most about her is her loyalty to her friends. Legendary
funnyman Tom Dreesen and I have been friends since our days on Rush Street. Even though he’s traveled far and wide making the world laugh including Frank Sinatra,
he’s never forgotten his Harvey, Ill. roots, never uses foul language and always has a positive outlook. How could you NOT love him? When I first met Chicago Tribune VP/associate editor Joycelyn Winnecke, she
was seated behind this BIG desk with four other high-powered execs for my interview for my Sunday column. I was shaking in my shoes, as you can imagine, but her kindness, honesty
and intelligence made me realize I had a friend here no matter what happened. Thankfully, she hired me and I sure hope you’re all reading my Sunday Candid Candace column! I first met Donna LaPietra when she
was the chair of the “Having a Ball” program which introduced Chicago Public School kids to ballroom dancing. (Dori Wilson, another Stanley Paul honoree, got me involved
with this wonderful event.) It was so intimidating to walk into this meeting with so many notable Chicagoans seated around this massive conference table. And I’ll
never forget the first thing she said: “Don’t cha just want to get up there and dance?” Well, it was astounding to me how this dynamic, well-connected woman could be so down to earth. She is not only
my friend but a great friend to Chicago, too. So now, I had my dream team of speakers in place and the next thought was, “OMG, what will I wear?” Well, a few weeks earlier I had run into the
renowned local designer Barbara Bates at WVON’s 50th anniversary gala. She had an outfit on that was so stunning, I became her stalker for the evening. I finally asked, “Barbara, do you
think you could design something for me for my event on April 24th?” She said yes and inwardly I screamed with excitement. I also wore the most incredible jewelry that night
from the legendary house of Van Cleef & Arpels – the diamonds were so bright and beautiful, I needed sunglasses. In short, I felt like a fairy princess. The event was held at the very exclusive, very private club, the Casino on Delaware. Their rules restrict any photography of the decor
but trust me, it is exquisite beyond measure. When the day arrived, I was told my event was the largest one they’ve ever hosted for the Stanley Paul Foundation Benefit with almost 400 people in attendance. I was (and still am!) on cloud
nine. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly did the most, well, perfect floral arrangements: There were glorious mixed bouquets with white hydrangeas on every table and the piece de
resistance was a life-size portrait done by beloved artist Rosemary Fanti that she had placed on an easel for everyone to sign. This is a memory I will always cherish and can’t believe
how lucky I am to have such supportive friends. Stanley spoke first thanking the crowd and sharing the story of his beautiful sister, Raelene Mittleman. (This scholarship was created in her honor by her loving brother.) Her love and
devotion to the world of fashion and design inspired him to establish this foundation in 1990. Proceeds from the event will help support local fashion design students and give
them a leg-up on their dreams. Sun-Times entertainment columnist/Fox news reporter Bill Zwecker was the event chair and emcee; always perfection at the podium, his words are right
on target and he never needs notes. He truly is Mr. Chicago and I was so excited to have him there! And then the speakers began. Their words made me cry and Donna’s video even included
one of the earliest clips of me as a Playboy Bunny with legendary newscaster John “Bulldog” Drummond. My voice was so young and squeaky I barely recognized
myself! Where she found this clip, I will never know but suffice it to say, this video will also be a cherished possession. (You can see it below.) Joyce teased me about how aghast
the newsroom reporters were over my emails with happy faces and exclamation points. Leslie shared memories of two African American people who raised me and who really were surrogate
parents to me, Mary and Jim Johnson, for which I was so very grateful. Helen spoke about our Joffrey memories and how we are always there for each other through good times and bad and I
added we joke that we “share the same organs.” Rhonda should’ve been a stand-up comedian – she had the audience laughing so hard. It was one of the most
memorable nights of my life and I want to thank all of my friends who attended from the bottom of my heart. I know there was a fabulous buffet served but who had time to eat!? And last but
not least, Eli’s Cheesecake even created little chocolate truffle cakes as a giveaway with my picture on top. My heart is full and I may never come
down off this cloud. Thanks for listening and thanks to all who shared this memorable night with me! A special thanks to AIBI’s Marsha Brenner and Kevin Sullivan who made everything seem so effortless. 🙂 It was truly an evening I will never forget! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, another beloved friend, click here.)

The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet hosted its annual Spring Gala on April 19th and it was a huge success, thanks to dynamic co-chairs Deborah and Cody Engle and Astrid (Mrs. McKay) McKinnon! Nearly 800 people attended the spectacular celebration of
the company and its educational programs. The gala raised more than $1.23 million to help the Joffrey positively impact the lives of thousands of children, teens and young adults each year through their Community Engagement and Joffrey Academy of Dance programs. The annual black-tie
event began at 6:30 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University with unforgettable performance pieces by The Joffrey Ballet company, including a new piece entitled “Prokofiev
Suite,” created by Alexei Kremnev, the artistic director of the Joffrey Academy of Dance, the official school of The Joffrey Ballet. In addition to this world premiere, the company performed Gerald
Arpino’s “Light Rain” and other pieces curated by artistic director Ashley Wheater for this happy occasion. New this year, the program featured the Joffrey company dancers and 100-plus Joffrey students, including the 40 trainees who hail from
Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Australia, France, Japan, Korea and the U.S.!! Highlighted throughout the evening were the transformations and inspirations of a dancer, from the Community Engagement and Joffrey
Academy of Dance students to the internationally renowned company dancers. Following the performances, guests were whisked away via trolleys to the Chicago Hilton for cocktails and dinner in the Grand Ballroom. Guests were treated to a delicious menu
created just for the gala by the Chicago Hilton’s Executive Chef Mario Garcia. After dinner, the evening was topped off with a lively after-party, as guests joined the Joffrey company members for
dancing in the “Blue Star Lounge.” The Hilton was transformed with amazing dance-inspired floral designs and complementary lighting. Bill Pollack Music entertained guests from the
moment they arrived at the Hilton and all during dinner with a full orchestra. A DJ with live Latin percussionists entertained at the after-party. I was thrilled to present the Luxury Live auction with master auctioneer Greg Dellinger (aka G-Man). Fabulous packages guaranteed to impress included Business Class travel via the Joffrey’s official airline (United) with top-notch
accommodations at Bitter End Yacht Club in the British Virgin Islands and at Pristine Bay Resort on the island of Roatán (off the coast of Honduras) and two exclusive dinners in the home of Ashley Wheater. The Spring Gala
Presenting Sponsor was BMO Private Bank; the Dinner Sponsor was Alphawood Foundation Chicago; the Evening Sponsors were the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and Mr. Fred Eychaner; the Women’s Board Media Partner was Make It Better and the Gala Video Sponsor was the Edward and Lucy R. Minor Family Foundation. Congrats to all on another beautiful, successful year! (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)

Fleurotica, the hot, haute couture runway show where flowers take center stage, will take place on June 12th, so mark your calendars now! This is one of the most creative events I’ve ever attended with floral designs masquerading as high fashion that will take your breath away! To see a sneak peek, take a look at my Watch312.com video below! This year’s co-chairs, Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky and Deirdre Koldyke, have planned an exciting evening at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Honorees will include Dr. Gwen Rodgers, Jackie McKay, Mary Nelson and Reverend Eudory Ramey, founders of Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance. The Mayor and Theaster Gates are serving as honorary chairs. For tickets and more info, please visit www.garfieldconservatory.org.

I can’t WAIT to attend the School of the Art Institute’s “The Walk” on May 3rd for its 79th annual fashion show. To celebrate this milestone event, Swarovski – the leading designer of fashion jewelry and the
presenting sponsor – hosted a cocktail reception recently to unveil its window installation in honor of Fashion 2013. This is Swarovski’s third year partnering with this prestigious design institution and will be supporting its
students by providing jewelry and crystals to compliment and complete their designs for the show as well as supporting the SAIC Fashion Department Scholarship Fund. Swarovski also provided jewelry to create a visual window display at its flagship store at 540 N.
Michigan (through December 31st) by students and faculty from the school’s master’s program mentored by Nick Cave, professor for the fashion design department. For more info for “The Walk,” please visit www.saicfashion.org.

The Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Celebrity Bartending Event, hosted recently at the Glen Prairie restaurant, included a fun-filled evening with Brittney, Jarrett and Connie Payton as well as super radio personality Eddie V. All bar tips benefited the WCPF charity including the amazing line up of
autograph auction items. To add to the special evening, the City of Glen Ellyn presented the Payton family with a proclamation naming April 24th the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Day. Awwww…love this! Congrats to the Paytons!

The Michael Jordan/Yvette Prieto nuptials are history now with the lovebirds back in their 35,000-square-foot nest in the elegant Bears Club in Jupiter, Florida. Guests are still talking about the wedding tent which, according to my sources, was one of the world’s largest at 40,000 square feet! It was even bigger than their house! I can only imagine the wedding gifts they must’ve received – after all, what would you ever buy for Michael
Jordan that he didn't already have? Well, I bet none topped this idea for the legendary basketball superstar and his model wife: Upper Deck (the world’s leading sports memorabilia company) created a one-of-a-kind Michael Jordan wedding card. The oversized card, named “Shining Moments,” has been signed by 16 athletes and celebrities who are friends of the famous
couple. Upper Deck’s marketing manager Chris Carlin said, “Upper Deck has enjoyed a fantastic relationship with Michael Jordan over the years. We wanted to create something that would be meaningful, not only to Michael, but to his new wife Yvette as well. Over the past few weeks, we have worked to collect a variety of autographs from sports legends and personalities who are close to both Michael and Yvette. Our Athlete
Relations Team did an amazing job of collecting 16 autographs.” Carlin pointed out that this is also the first collectible to feature the couple together. This unique gift is signed by Ahmad Rashad, Brandi Chastain, Brett Hull, Chris Chelios, Dwight Freeney, Flex Alexander, Julius Erving, Ken Griffey, Jr., Mario Lemieux, Richard Dent, Ron Harper, Salli Richardson, Toni Kukoc, Vince Coleman, Wayne Gretzky and Winn McMurry. It’s good to be king! (For more pics and info from the wedding, please click here!)

On May 8th, I hope you can join me for the launch party to introduce the new BlackBerry Z10 at Untitled (111 W. Kinzie) with Jonny Imerman of Imerman Angels and Katie Schroeder of Ronald McDonald House Charities. The party will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Please RSVP to RSVPChicago@ModernLuxury.com. Hope to see you there!

Happy 9th anniversary to Tails in the City! To celebrate, they are hosting a party at Proof Nightclub (1045 N. Rush St.) on May 10th. In addition to hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, the night will also include red carpet photos, pet psychic Denise Zak, doggie massages, pet portraits, doggie makeovers, goodie bags and more! Proceeds will benefit the Anti-Cruelty Society. For tickets ($60 in advance, $75 at the door), please visit www.tailsinthecity.com or call 312.649.0347. Happy anniversary, Bruce and Phillip…thanks for all you do for us and our four-legged friends!

Congrats are also in order for Leah Chavie and her fabulous Leah Chavie Skincare Center & Boutique at 2500 and 2457 N. Halsted! Celebrate her three years in business AND the VIP Grand Opening (presented by Platinum Events) of her new space from 6 to 9 p.m. at both locations.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago along with Holy Family Villa and the Bishop Lyne Residence hosted “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne” on April 13th. Bishop Timothy Lyne was
presented with the Holy Family Caritas Sanctae Familiae Award in recognition of his 70 years of the ordination to the priesthood, 30 years of his ordination as bishop and for his love and dedication to the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The event took place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers and included a reception, dinner and program. Guests enjoyed fine cuisine and entertainment by the City
Lights Orchestra and proceeds from the dinner benefitted the Holy Family Villa Expansion Project. The honorary chairman was Monsignor Michael M. Boland and the event chairs were Reverend John R. Gorman and Monsignor John A. Kuzinskas. Congrats Bishop Lyne!

More than 600 guests were undeterred by area floods and determined to enjoy spring at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening. Though the flooding required “all hands on deck,” the party was smooth sailing: The event raised $250,000 for the Garden’s conservation, education and research programs! Preview partygoers dined on a selection of sumptuous dishes prepared by Jewell Events as they shopped an exquisite array of antiques from 120 exhibitors from the United
States and Europe. The Preview Evening was co-chaired by Kimberly and Randy Burt, Peggy and Jack Crowe, Kathy and Chris Deveny, and Kate and J.T. Fitzgerald. Returning for its 13th year, the Antiques & Garden Fair featured four lectures including one by Michael S. Smith, one of the most original and respected talents in the design industry today. Smith, the fair’s honorary chair, attended the Preview. Five of the Chicago area’s premier landscape designers donated indoor display gardens to interpret the theme, “Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View,” including Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Inc., William Heffernan Landscapes, Mariani
Landscape, The Organic Gardener and Maria Smithburg with Manfredini Landscaping & Design. Principal sponsor of the 2013 Antiques & Garden Fair was BMO Harris Bank; additional support provided by American Airlines, Bonterra Organic Vineyards and Plante Moran. Co-producers of the 2013 Antiques & Garden Fair were Cathy Busch, Susan Canmann, Jen Kasten, Donna LaPietra, Jane O’Neil and Peggy Swartchild and artistic director Bill Heffernan. (Photos by Cheri Eisenberg.)

The League of Chicago Theatres will present its 2013 Spring Gala, an elegant, extravagant evening celebrating the 175th anniversary of Chicago theater. This event will bring together supporters from the community to champion more than 200 Chicago theatre companies. This year’s event will be held on May 20th at 5:30 p.m. in the
Grand Ballroom of the luxurious InterContinental Chicago, located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue. This year, the League will honor Jeff Perry as the recipient of the 2013 Tribute Award. Writers’ Theatre’s Artistic Director Michael Halberstam will receive the 2013 Artistic Leadership Award. The Jeff Committee, now celebrating its 45th anniversary, will receive the
first-ever Theatre Advocacy Award and the 16th Street Theater will receive the fifth annual Broadway in Chicago Emerging Theatre Award. Individual tickets are $300 and tables of 10 are $3,000. All proceeds from ticket sales and contributions directly support the League’s programs and services to more than 200 Chicago theatre companies. For more information and tickets, contact Nancy Weber at 312-554-9800 or nancy@chicagoplays.com.

This woman is going to have to buy a bigger trophy case! Beloved scribe Stella Foster will be receiving the first ever Woman of the Decade Legend of Print Media Award from the All-Illinois 2013 Coalition Banquet Awards Selection Committee. The theme of this year’s awards ceremony is “People Who Have Made A Difference.” This huge honor will be presented to our Stella at the Coalition for United Community Action-ORTC, Inc., 41st Annual Unity Testimonial Awards Banquet on June 7th at the Palmer House Hilton. (Whew, that’s a
mouthful!) So deserving Stella since you are someone who HAS made such a difference!! And I know you’re blogging, tweeting and Facebooking now – follow her on Twitter @Stellascolumn and on Facebook at Stella Foster – BUT I still miss reading your work in the paper! Love you and congrats AGAIN on yet another wonderful, deserving award!

Well, finally the weather is heating up making it the perfect time for PATIOS in Chicago! One of my new favorites is the downtown Rush Street location of Giordano’s Famous Chicago Pizza, located at 730 N. Rush St. Recently, Javier Colon (winner of Season 1 of “The Voice”) played at a benefit there and Tampa Bay Ray’s pitcher Matt Moore ate din-din with his family there. (They loved the stuffed version.) Other Giordano fans include Lady Gaga
and her boyfriend/“Chicago Fire” star Taylor Kinney, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars, Channing Tatum, Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Taylor Lautner and many more! I can’t wait! Woot woot! And it certainly doesn’t hurt that D. Rose is now their awesome spokesperson either!

The five finalists have just been announced for WTTW's "Check, Please!" host position! They are Senam Amegashie (freelance writer), Donny de Castro (owner of Tavern on the Park), Catherine De Orio (president of Culinary Curator), Sarah Levy (magazine editor and owner of S. Levy Foods) and Ina Pinkney (chef/owner of Ina's). Good luck to ALL!

I hope you were able to join in on the fun on Sunday in my Candid Candace column in the Chicago Tribune! I covered the BIG masquerade ball benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, “Big Mac Under Glass.” To read my column and see all of the pics, please click here and to see the fun for yourself, watch my Watch312.com video below of this cool night in Chicago! I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed covering this amazing event!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=13Y3RhYjqXPHC_N88NV5XvdktJt4dX4h&version=2

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! The weather has finally broken and it’s time to break out our grills again! Yippee! Enjoy your day and I hope to see you here again next week!

Love, as always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congratulations are in order for newlyweds Rachel and James DeMarte, who sealed their vows recently at Paradisus Playa del Carmen Hotel on the Mayan Riviera with lots of friends. What a beautiful bride!

P.P.S. Keep those congratulations going for Sharyl and Mike Mackey who just recently welcomed two new bundles of joy to their family – Aidan and Reed Mackey. Welcome to the world little ones!

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Tagged as 16th Street Theater, A Perfect Event, Ahmad Rashad, AIBI, Alexei Kremnev, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, American Airlines, Anti-Cruelty Society, Antiques & Garden Fair Preview Evening, Apparel Industry Board, Ashley Wheater, “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne, Barbara Bates, Beverly Blettner, Big Mac Under Glass, Bill Heffernan, Bill Pollack Music, Bill Zwecker, Bishop Lyne Residence, Bitter End Yacht Club, BlackBerry Z10, BMO Harris Bank, BMO Private Bank, Bonterra Organic Vineyards, Brandi Chastain, Brett Hull, Brittney Payton, Broadway in Chicago, Bruno Mars, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Casino, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Cathy Busch, Channing Tatum, Chef Mario Garcia, Chicago Botanic Gardens, Chicago Fire, Chicago Hilton, Chicago Tribune, Chris Carlin, Chris Chelios, Chris Deveny, City Lights Orchestra, Coalition for United Community Action-ORTC Inc. 41st Annual Unity Testimonial Awards Banquet, Color in the Garden: An Artist’s View, Community Engagement, Connie Payton, Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Debi Lilly, Deirdre Koldyke, Denise Zak, Derrick Rose, Donna LaPietra, Dori Wilson, Dr. Gwen Rodgers, Dwight Freeney, Eddie V., Edward and Lucy R. Minor Family Foundation, Eli's Cheesecake, Fleurotica, Flex Alexander, Frank Sinatra, Fred Eychaner, Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, Gerald Arpino, Giordano’s Famous Chicago Pizza, Glen Prairie, Greg Dellinger, Having a Ball, Hazel Barr, Holy Family Villa, Holy Family Villa Expansion Project, Hugh Hefner, Imerman Angels, Inc., InterContinental Chicago, J.T. Fitzgerald, Jack Crowe, Jackie McKay, James DeMarte, Jane O’Neil, Jarrett Payton, Javier Colon, Jeff Committee, Jeff Perry, Jen Kasten, Jewell Events, Jim Johnson, Joffrey Academy of Dance, Joffrey Spring Gala, John “Bulldog” Drummond, Jonny Imerman, Joycelyn Winnecke, Jr., Julius Erving, Justin Bieber, Kate Fitzgerald, Kathy Deveny, Katie Schroeder, Ken Griffey, Kevin Sullivan, Kimberly Burt, Lady Gaga, League of Chicago Theatres, Leah Chavie, Leah Chavie Skincare Center & Boutique, Leslie Hindman, Light Rain, Make it Better, Mamie Walton, Manfredini Landscaping & Design, Maria Smithburg, Mariani Landscape, Mario Lemieux, Mark Heister, Marsha Brenner, Mary Ann Childers, Mary Johnson, Mary Nelson, Matt Moore, Mayor Emanuel, Michael Halberstam, Michael Jordan, Michael S. Smith, Mike Mackey, Mila Samokhina, Monsignor John A. Kuzinskas, Monsignor Michael M. Boland, Nena Ivon, Nick Cave, Peggy Crowe, Peggy Swartchild, Plante Moran, Platinum Events, Playboy Bunny, Playboy mansion, Pristine Bay Resort, Prokofiev Suite, Rachel DeMarte, Randy Burt, Reverend Eudory Ramey, Reverend John R. Gorman, Rhonda Sanderson, Richard Dent, Ron Harper, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosemary Fanti, Salli Richardson, School of the Art Institute, Selena Gomez, Sharyl Mackey, Shauna Montgomery, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Shining Moments, Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit, Stella Foster, Susan Canmann, Swarovski, Tails in the City, Tampa Bay Rays, Taylor Kinney, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, The Organic Gardener, The Voice, The Walk, Theaster Gates, Tom Dreesen, Toni Kukoc, Tony Jones, United Airlines, Upper Deck, Van Cleef & Arpels, Victor Skrebneski, Vince Coleman, Walter and Connie Payton Foundation, Walter and Connie Payton Foundation Day, Watch312.com, Wayne Gretzky, Whitney Lasky, William Heffernan Landscapes, Winn McMurry, Woman of the Decade Legend of Print Media, Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet, Yvette Prieto

February 25, 2013 · 10:30 am

POINTE OF DEPARTURE: THE JOFFREY BALLET’S “ARTFUL” AFFAIR

…PLUS SHELLEY MACARTHUR HOSTS JOFFREY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY; VAL AND JEFF’S “HEARTFELT” NIGHT; CHEF ART AND JESUS WANT “JUSTICE FOR ALL”; FOUNDERS FIRED UP (A FREE EVENT); SPRING FASHION SHOWS; A NEW SHOW FOR WATCH312; GIORDANO CELEBRATES 50; A PHOTO SURPRISE FOR KATIE; SAM’S 28TH; COMMON THREADS CELEBRATES TEN; WORLD FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SOLDIER FIELD AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board hosted its third annual Pointe of Departure at the elegant space of Block 37 on February 7th. It attracted more than 200 guests and helped raise $25,000 to support the Ballet’s
programs and performances. The theme of this year’s event was taken from the title of The Joffrey’s Winter Program, “American Legends,” which features pieces by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino and Stanton Welch. (Arts critic Sid Smith
said in a recent article that the company is moving into “legendary territory” and I couldn’t agree more!) The
event featured more than 63 pieces of art inspired by the movement of dance and available for sale. Participating artists were encouraged to explore creative interpretations of “American Legends” ranging
from classic examples of American art and dance to famous Americans. The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Special Events, Herbert Migdoll, selected three finalists for Best in Show and they
included beloved photographer Mila Samokhina (“Rehearsal”), John Rush (“Cloven Kingdom”) and fabulous Joffrey dancer, Temur Suluashvili (“Untitled”). The artwork covered the walls of Block 37’s 3rd floor space,
overlooking State Street and the Joffrey Tower, appropriately. The night began with a cocktail reception provided by Skinnygirl (helllooo Tom Strehle!), Peroni and St. Germain. Jewell Events
Catering served a selection of canapés and RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts created mini lobster rolls at an action table on site. The happy art and ballet-loving attendees left with delicious More Cupcakes after dancing the night away to DJ Chicago. The event was expertly co-chaired by Alan Swanke and David Kimball. For more info on Joffrey programming, upcoming events and the Auxiliary Board, please click here! (See all photos by Mila Samokhina here!)

Another FABULOUS Joffrey event, “What is This Thing Called Love,” celebrated Valentine’s Day with beautiful songstress Shelley MacArthur at The Murphy, located at 50 E. Erie. Guests
swayed to the music as this talented vocalist took the audience on a journey through song to discover the power that love brings. Shelley was joined by special guests, opera stars Alfreda Burke and Rodrick
Dixon, along with The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels. The event attracted more than 250 guests who enjoyed a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception with a delectable and inspired menu specially designed for the event by distinguished Chef
Charlie Trotter. Attendees were also treated to a superb raw bar from Fortune Fish Company featuring an array of lobster, crab and oysters, paired with a sampling of some of the world’s best limited-production vodkas served up by master mixologists. Following the show, guests were invited to a lavish champagne and dessert reception in the lobby of The Murphy and each received a special Valentine’s
Day gift from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. “What is This Thing Called Love” raised more than $210,000 for the organization! Event co-chairs included Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky, Melissa Babcock, Renee Crown, Marty Higgins,
Jerrilyn Hoffmann, Traci Mansur, Maria Smithburg and Kim White. Guests included Joan Colmar, Toni and Rick Canada, Virginia Bobins, Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Floyd Elwell, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sam Kori George, Wendy Irvine, Jim Karas, Kathleen Klaeser, Dino Labot, Donna LaPietra and Bill
Kurtis, Cheryl Larsen and Robert Murphy, Lucien LaGrange and Melinda Jakovich, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tedford, Dawn Meiners, Jan Melk, Shirley Michels, Dierdre and Steve Nardi, Ken Norgan, Shawna Owen, Ken Price, Amanda
Puck, Sugar Rautbord, Anthony Rossi, Dale Sandro, Michael Shannon, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Maureen and E.B. Smith, Karen Strumillo, Robin and Mark Tebbe, Rochelle and Charlie Trotter, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Tina and Jeff Weller and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson among many others.
More GREAT event news in store for the Joffrey’s much-anticipated and loved “Couture & Cocktails” event: Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway has secured the internationally renowned design team of Badgley Mischka for its 2013 C & C
designers!! I can’t imagine the crowd THIS year! Wow! Since 1995, the Joffrey Ballet has been Chicago’s own classical ballet company, reaching more than 150,000 people annually through its performances, classes and outreach initiatives. Just over
four years ago, the Joffrey moved into its first permanent home, Joffrey Tower, at the corner of State and Randolph streets, in the heart of Chicago’s revitalized theater district, reinforcing its
commitment to Chicago and taking its place amongst the city’s preeminent cultural institutions. Joffrey Tower, with its 52,000 square feet of space, is home not only to the Joffrey’s world-class company of dancers, but has become a family center for dance in the north loop, dedicated to nurturing young talent while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of classical ballet. (Thanks to Bob Carl for the photos!)

The penthouse at Hotel 71 was packed with friends and family who turned out to wish Windy City Live's Val Warner, and her longtime love, handsome Jeff
Cartwright, a life filled with happiness at their recent engagement party. A Perfect Event's Debi Lilly had created, well, a perfect event: A charming cupcake bar, ice cream, popcorn and donut stands as well as
a delightful Smile Booth all helped to make the evening enchanting and DJ Vince Adams had guests line dancing well into the night while the specialty cocktails flowed. Before coming to
Chicago in 2005, Valerie spent five years as primary evening anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Mich. While there, she was very active in the community mentoring young people and speaking at schools. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Valerie's family roots are here in Chicago (South Holland) – her children, Zoe and Max, are her primary focus as well as her darling grandmother, mom and sister. I met Val when she was still working at WGN-TV and even then her energy and
charm were off the charts. And, as WCL's executive producer Marlaine Selip once told me, "She is lightning in a bottle" …and her legion of fans couldn't agree
more. When I asked Jeff what he loved most about his Val, he said, "Even with all of her many successes, she still remains the same person." On this night, clad in a sexy low-backed black cocktail dress surrounded by admirers, Val looked every inch the star that she is. I feel very lucky to know them both. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, Val and Jeff! (To see all event pics, please click here!)

Chicago-based nonprofit Common Threads is proud to announce its 10th anniversary!!! To celebrate, the organization is holding the 7th Annual World Festival at Soldier Field’s United Club on March 4th from 6-9 p.m. Founded in 2003 by beloved, celebrated chef
and restaurateur Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salgueiro, with founding chief executive officer Linda Novick O’Keefe, Common Threads has been teaching school-based nutrition and health education programs to underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Palo Alto and Washington, D.C. for 10 years. This year’s World Festival Chicago will feature dishes and participation by such top chefs as: Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Mercadito’s
Patricio Sandoval, Boka’s Carl Shelton, Socca’s Roger Herring, Paris Club’s Alex Ageneu, Tavernita’s Greg Bastien, Belly Q, Urban Belly and Belly Shack’s Bill Kim, Table 52’s Rey Villalobos, Prasino’s Riley Huddleston, among many others. Be sure to come HUNGRY! “World Festival is an example of the power of the chef community,” said O’Keefe. “It shows us that growth is unlimited when you work together
and these chefs have rallied from around the world in support of Common Threads and our greater mission – to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical wellbeing, all while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking.” The event kicks off with
an exclusive VIP trolley ride hosted by Food & Wine editor in chief and Bravo’s "Top Chef" judge Gail Simmons. For $1,000, a limited number of generous and epicurean guests will board a Chicago trolley with Simmons and a few surprise
chefs that will land at Kendall College, where students from Common Threads’ Small Threads classes will prepare a chef-led meal before heading to Soldier Field for the main event. General admission tickets are $250 and World
Festival VIP tickets are $500. The evening will feature a live fund-a-need auction, with all proceeds going directly to Common Threads programs. Common Threads is also conducting a silent online auction thru March 12th. Click here to participate! I’m proud to be co-chairing this event with Hillshire Farm’s Jon Harris and Beam’s Mindy MacKenzie. Hope to see YOU there!

Governor Pat Quinn declared "a historic week in Illinois" and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage
Fairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic
governor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year
we're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody
works together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate (we did), to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for
LGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The
freedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of
Illinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event,
including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President
Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and
Danny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (Photos by Mystic Images Photography).

Twelve of Chicago’s non-profit founders get four minutes on the mic to tell their stories at “Founders Fired Up” on April 11th from 6-9 p.m. Emceed by Immerman Angels founder Jonny Immerman, the event will feature Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Jenna Benn (Twist Out Cancer), Kathleen Casey (Bear Necessities), Israel Idonije (Israel Idonije Foundation), Jackson Kaguri (The Nyaka Aids Orphan Project), Colleen Kisel (Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Fndtn.), Cathy Krieger (The Children’s Place), Diane Latiker (Kids Off the Block), Jeff Nelson (ONEGOAL), Reveca Torres (Backbones) and Immerman. This night at John Barleycorn (located at 149 W. Kinzie) promises to be an evening of celebration, inspiration and enlightenment and is FREE to the public (with a cash bar). I hope to see you there!

The Fashion Show Production class at the Illinois Institute of Art- Schaumburg is hosting its annual fashion show, Awakening, at the Meadows Club (2950 W. Golf Rd.) in Rolling Meadows, Ill., on March14th beginning at 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Women
At Risk International, an organization that helps women in more than 30 different countries, including the United States, who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. Help them “Create a Circle of Protection & Hope Around Women at Risk.” For more information about this charity, visit www.warinternational.org and for more information about the show please contact Amanda St. Augustine at aaugustine2@gmail.com.

Giordano Dance Chicago will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a concert and gala celebration on March 23rd at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Following the performance, a celebration will take place on the stage of the Pritzker Pavilion overlooking Millennium Park. Tickets are $200 per person but the $500 VIP Signature Experience will include
an in-the-wings champagne toast, a back-stage buffet and conversation with artistic director Nan Giordano, honorary chair Pam Crutchfield and choreographer/honorary artistic chair Liz Imperio. My friend Kip Helverson, who has a long history with this dance company, has been invited to perform! This alone will be worth the price of admission! The troupe is featured on this month’s Dance Magazine cover, too! I can’t wait and hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, please click here!

I’m so excited for a brand new show coming to Watch312.com! “Gear Grinders,” hosted by John Basile and Kyle DePersia with segments by Hersey Mallory, promises to be the end-all, be-all car show! I know these guys are huge gear heads and really know their stuff so “Top Gear” better watch out! Stay tuned for their
premiere episode of the Chicago Auto Show’s hits and misses. I was honored to be their first guest! Good luck guys! Also, “Candid Candace Chicago” can now be seen on Watch305.com!! Founder Bob Mills has expanded programming so now you can see the latest news from Chicago AND Miami!

Beloved girlfriend Katie McLenaghan received a very special surprise 40th birthday gift from talented photographer/friend Lori Allen. Lori shot 28 of Katie’s dearest friends for a very unique photo shoot, dressed them all in white and created a dramatic montage starring Katie as the Lady in Red! Katie said, “When Lori showed me the photos of all of my glamorous, gorgeous, gifted and generous girlfriends, I was floored!!! I still cannot believe that our dear friend Lori Allen conceptualized and executed this amazing shoot as her gift to me. How spoiled are we to not only have such a beautiful and kind friend but one that is the talented photographer that she is?”

The photo included adoring girlfriends Kerry and Sally Shorr, Carey Isom, Jennifer Rexroat Lavin, Dr. Hasen, Fadila Zec, Carla Frangella, Annette Isom, Sarah Zeller, Margaret O’Connor, Julianne Glatz, Cindy Burns, Rachel DeMarte, Mary Long, Julie Darling, Sonya Jackson, Frances Renk, Sylvia Perez, JoeAnna LaCourse, Heather Murphy, Jennifer Sutton, Katie, Lori and me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Katie – we are all SO lucky to have you in our lives! (To contact Lori Allen and find out what she can create for YOUR special moments, please email her at laphotodesigns@aol.com.)

The Smithe brothers (Tim, Walter and Mark), known across Chicago for their witty and memorable Walter E. Smithe television commercials and extensive inventory of stylish and well-made furniture are at it again, this time inviting Billy Corgan and his Resistance Pro wrestling company to join in their commercial hijinks, which can be seen below. Corgan may be best known as the Smashing Pumpkins’ singer/songwriter but he’s not OK with smashing just anything. In the commercial, Corgan humorously saves a bar chair by beloved Chicago furniture retailer Walter E. Smithe from a royal crushing. “I am proud of Resistance Pro’s growing popularity,” says Corgan. “Tim Smithe and his brothers presented us with the opportunity to share our brand. I’m grateful
to the Smithe brothers for their $50,000 donation to PAWS, a charity that is important to me.” (Corgan has helped raise more than $140,000 for PAWS this year!) Why musical chairs in a wrestling ring, you ask? Corgan is the creative director of Chicago-based Resistance Pro wrestling company – a partnership between Corgan and brothers Jacques and Gabriel Baron. The commercial will officially air on TV soon.

I hope you will save April 24th, when I’ll be honored by The Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board at the Casino on Delaware. Tickets are $200 and will benefit the Stanley Paul/Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund, which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman, who was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students from greater Chicago and/or Illinois who are enrolled in a Chicago college that has a fashion design program. I’m honored and humbled by this recognition and hope you can join me! (For tickets and more info, please call 312.836.1041 or email aibi@aibi.com.)

It’s all about the kids for the “Mini Me Fashion Show” coming March 10th. Presented by Fashion Wars (Kesha Wilson), this is a total kid’s production from top to bottom with child models and even stylists! This fun competition teaches hands on training in the world of fashion with designers who include Andre Swanson, Derricka Cole, Rachel Spencer, Lande Sanusi, Anne Marie and Kia Hall. In addition to the runway show, the event will feature many on-site vendors, including children’s boutiques, activity stations and interactive games with a silent auction benefitting RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). For tickets ($40 includes adult and child) please click here! The event will be held at Lacuna Fitness, located at 645 N. Clark.

Thanks for reading Candid Candace and if you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know! I write for YOU!

Love, as always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I celebrated my beloved goddaughter’s 28th birthday recently with her and mom, Rhonda Sanderson, at the Pump Room. Samantha Amato grows more beautiful by the day and I’m so lucky to have her and her mother in my life! Happy Birthday, Sam! Love you!

Pointe of Departure: The Joffrey Ballet’s “Artful” Affair
…Plus Shelley MacArthur hosts Joffrey Valentine’s Day party; Val and Jeff’s “heartfelt” night; Chef Art and Jesus want “Justice for All”; Founders Fired Up (a free event); spring fashion shows; a new show for Watch312; Giordano celebrates 50; a photo surprise for Katie; Sam’s 28th; Common Threads celebrates TEN; World Festival returns to Soldier Field and so much more!

The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board hosted its third annual Pointe of Departure at the elegant space of Block 37 on February 7th. It attracted more than 200 guests and helped raise $25,000 to support the Ballet’s programs and performances. The theme of this year’s event was taken from the title of The Joffrey’s Winter Program, “American Legends,” which features pieces by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino and Stanton Welch. (Arts critic Sid Smith said in a recent article that the company is moving into “legendary territory” and I couldn’t agree more!) The event featured more than 63 pieces of art inspired by the movement of dance and available for sale. Participating artists were encouraged to explore creative interpretations of “American Legends” ranging from classic examples of American art and dance to famous Americans. The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Special Events, Herbert Migdoll, selected three finalists for Best in Show and they included beloved photographer, Mila Samokhina (“Rehearsal”), John Rush (“Cloven Kingdom”) and fabulous Joffrey dancer, Temur Suluashvili (“Untitled”). The artwork covered the walls of Block 37’s 3rd floor space, overlooking State Street and the Joffrey Tower, appropriately. The night began with a cocktail reception provided by Skinnygirl (helllooo Tom Strehle!), Peroni and St. Germain. Jewell Events Catering served a selection of canapés and RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts created mini lobster rolls at an action table on site. The happy art and ballet-loving attendees left with delicious More Cupcakes after dancing the night away to DJ Chicago. The event was expertly co-chaired by Alam Swanke and David Kimball. (For more info on Joffrey programming, upcoming events and the Auxiliary Board, please click here! http://www.joffrey.org)

Another Joffrey event, “What is this Thing Called Love,” celebrated Valentine’s Day with beautiful songstress Shelley MacArthur at The Murphy, located at 50 E. Erie. Guests swayed to the music as this talented vocalist took the audience on a journey through song to discover the power that love brings. Shelley was joined by special guests, opera stars Alfreda Burke and Rodrick Dixon, along with The City Lights Orchestra conducted by Rich Daniels. The event attracted more than 250 guests who enjoyed a cocktail and hors d’oeuvre reception with a delectable and inspired menu specially designed for the event by distinguished Chef Charlie Trotter. Attendees were also treated to a superb raw bar from Fortune Fish Company featuring an array of lobster, crab and oysters, paired with a sampling of some of the world’s best limited-production vodkas served up by master mixologists. Following the show, guests were invited to a lavish champagne and dessert reception in the lobby of The Murphy and each received a special Valentine’s Day gift from Vosges Haut-Chocolat. “What is This Thing Called Love” raised more than $210,000 for the organization. Event co-chairs included Shauna Montgomery, Whitney Lasky, Melissa Babcock, Renee Crown, Marty Higgins, Jerrilyn Hoffmann, Traci Mansur, Maria Smithburg and Kim White. Guests included Joan Colmar, Toni and Rick Canada, Virginia Bobins, Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Floyd Elwell, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sam Kori George, Wendy Irvine, Jim Karas, Kathleen Klaeser, Dino Labot, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, Cheryl Larsen and Robert Murphy, Lucien LaGrange and Melinda Jakovich, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tedford, Dawn Meiners, Jan Melk, Shirley Michels, Dierdre and Steve Nardi, Ken Norgan, Shawna Owen, Ken Price, Amanda Puck, Sugar Rautbord, Anthony Rossi, Dale Sandro, Michael Shannon, Amelia and Alejandro Silva, Maureen and E.B. Smith, Karen Strumillo, Robin and Mark Tebbe, Rochelle and Charlie Trotter, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Tina and Jeff Weller and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Brian Johnson among many others. More GREAT event news in store for the Joffrey’s much-anticipated and loved “Couture & Cocktails” event: Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway has secured the internationally renowned design team of Badgley Mischka for its 2013 C & C designers!!!! I can’t imagine the crowd THIS year! Wow! Since 1995, the Joffrey Ballet has been Chicago’s own classical ballet company, reaching more than 150,000 people annually through its performances, classes and outreach initiatives. Just over four years ago, the Joffrey moved into its first permanent home, Joffrey Tower, at the corner of State and Randolph streets, in the heart of Chicago’s revitalized theater district, reinforcing its commitment to Chicago and taking its place amongst the city’s preeminent cultural institutions. Joffrey Tower, with its 52,000 square feet of space, is home not only to the Joffrey’s world-class company of dancers, but has become a family center for dance in the north loop, dedicated to nurturing young talent while also promoting diversity and inclusion in the field of classical ballet.

The penthouse at Hotel 71 was packed with friends and family who turned out to wish Windy City Live's Val Warner, and her longtime love, handsome Jeff Cartwright, a life filled with happiness at their recent engagement party. A Perfect Event's Debi Lilly had created, well, a perfect event: A charming cupcake bar, ice cream, popcorn and donut stands as well as a delightful Smile Booth (http://smilebooth-midwest.smugmug.com/Smilebooth/val-jeff-engagement/i-ZsPB4TK/0/M/20130215%20Smilebooth%20a237-M.jpg) all helped to make the evening enchanting and DJ Vince Adams had guests line dancing well into the night while the specialty cocktails flowed. Before coming to Chicago in 2005, Valerie spent five years as primary evening anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Mich. While there, she was very active in the community mentoring young people and speaking at schools. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Valerie's family roots are here in Chicago (South Holland) – her children, Zoe and Max, are her primary focus as well as her darling grandmother, mom and sister. I met Val when she was still working at WGN-TV and even then her energy and charm were off the charts. And, as WCL's executive producer Marlaine Selip once told me, "She is lightning in a bottle" …and her legion of fans couldn't agree more. When I asked Jeff what he loved most about his Val, he said, "Even with all of her many successes, she still remains the same person." On this night, clad in a sexy low-backed black cocktail dress surrounded by admirers, Val looked every inch the star that she is. I feel very lucky to know them both. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, Val and Jeff!

Chicago-based nonprofit Common Threads is proud to announce its 10th anniversary!!! To celebrate, the organization is holding the 7th Annual World Festival at Soldier Field’s United Club on Monday, March 4th from 6-9 p.m. Founded in 2003 by beloved, celebrated chef and restaurateur Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salgueiro, with founding chief executive officer Linda Novick O’Keefe, Common Threads ha
s been teaching school-based nutrition and health education programs to underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Palo Alto and Washington, D.C. for 10 years. This year’s World Festival Chicago will feature dishes and participation by such top chefs as: Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Mercadito’s Patricio Sandoval, Boka’s Carl Shelton, Socca’s Roger Herring, Paris Club’s Alex Ageneu, Tavernita’s Greg Bastien, Belly Q, Urban Belly and Belly Shack’s Bill Kim, Table 52’s Rey Villalobos, Prasino’s Riley Huddleston, among many others. Be sure to come HUNGRY! “World Festival is an example of the power of the chef community,” said O’Keefe. “It shows us that growth is unlimited when you work together and these chefs have rallied from around the world in support of Common Threads and our greater mission – to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical wellbeing, all while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking.” The event kicks off with an exclusive VIP trolley ride hosted by Food & Wine editor in chief and Bravo’s Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. For $1,000, a limited number of generous and epicurean guests will board a Chicago trolley with Simmons and a few surprise chefs that will land at Kendall College, where students from Common Threads’ Small Threads classes will prepare a chef-led meal before heading to Soldier Field for the main event. General admission tickets are $250 and World Festival VIP tickets are $500. The evening will feature a live fund-a-need auction, with all proceeds going directly to Common Threads programs. Common Threads is also conducting a silent online auction thru March 12th. Click here to participate! (www.charitybuzz.com/CommonThreads) I’m proud to be co-chairing this event with Hillshire Farm’s Jon Harris and Beam’s Mindy MacKenzie. Hope to see YOU there!

Governor Pat Quinn declared "”an historic week in Illinois” and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic governor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year we're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody works together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate, to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for LGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The freedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of Illinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and Danny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (www.eqil.org)

Twelve of Chicago’s non-profit founders get four minutes on the mic to tell their stories at “Founders Fired Up” on April 11th from 6-9 p.m. Emceed by Immerman Angels founder Jonny Immerman, the event will feature Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Jenna Benn (Twist Out Cancer), Kathleen Casey (Bear Necessities), Israel Idonije (Israel Idonije Foundation), Jackson Kaguri (The Nyaka Aids Orphan Project), Colleen Kisel (Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Fndtn.), Cathy Krieger (The Children’s Place), Diane Latiker (Kids Off the Block), Jeff Nelson (ONEGOAL), Reveca Torres (Backbones) and Immerman. This night at John Barleycorn (located at149 W. Kinzie) promises to be an evening of celebration, inspiration and enlightenment and is FREE to the public (with a cash bar). I hope to see you there!

The Fashion Show Production class at The Illinois Institute of Art- Schaumburg is hosting its annual fashion show, Awakening, at the Meadows Club (2950 W. Golf Rd.) in Rolling Meadows, Ill., on March14th beginning at 7 p.m. All proceeds will benefit Women At Risk International, an organization that helps women in more than 30 different countries, including the United States, who have been trafficked or are at risk of being trafficked. Help them “Create a Circle of Protection & Hope Around Women at Risk.” For more information about this charity, visit http://www.warinternational.org  and for more information about the show please contact Amanda St. Augustine at aaugustine2@gmail.com. Local Chicago fashion designers and industry professionals will come together for the annual Spring Awakening Fashion Show on March 20th from 6-10 p.m. at the Lincoln Park Conservatory to support Chicago Gateway Green. Hosted and produced by handsome Benjamin Cottrell, VIP guests will enjoy exclusive runway seating, light bites and a private champagne reception from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. while strolling through the gardens listening to the melodic sounds of the Candid Concert Opera. After the show, guest will be treated to a pop-up boutique where they will be able to meet the designers from the show and shop their ready-to-wear merchandise and place orders with the designers. A cash bar will be available all night with drink specials. For tickets and more info, please email benjamin@benjamincottrelldesigns.com or click here! (http://www.facebook.com/events/120462988134937/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_user_joined)

Giordano Dance Chicago will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a concert and gala celebration on March 23rd at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Following the performance, a celebration will take place on the stage of the Pritzker Pavilion overlooking Millennium Park. Tickets are $200 per person but the $500 VIP Signature Experience will include an in-the-wings champagne toast, a back-stage buffet and conversation with artistic director Nan Giordano, honorary chair Pam Crutchfield and choreographer/honorary artistic chair Liz Imperio. My friend Kip Helverson, who has a long history with this dance company, has been invited to perform! This alone will be worth the price of admission! The troupe is featured on this month’s Dance Magazine cover, too! I can’t wait and hope to see you there! For tickets and more info, ple
ase click here! http://www.giordanodance.org/50thanniversarycelebration.html

I’m so excited for a brand new show coming to Watch312.com! “Gear Grinders,” hosted by John Basile and Kyle DePersia with segments by Hersey Mallory, promises to be the end-all, be-all car show! I know these guys are huge gear heads and really know their stuff so “Top Gear” better watch out! Stay tuned for their premiere episode of the Chicago Auto Show’s hits and misses. I was honored to be their first guest! Good luck guys! Also, “Candid Candace Chicago” can now be seen on Watch305!! Founder Bob Mills has expanded programming so now you can see the latest news from Chicago AND Miami! (www.Watch312.com, http://www.Watch305.com )

Beloved girlfriend Katie McLenaghan received a very special surprise 40th birthday gift from talented photographer/friend Lori Allen. Lori shot 28 of Katie’s dearest friends for a very unique photo shoot, dressed them all in white and created a dramatic montage starring Katie as the Lady in Red! Katie said, “When Lori showed me the photos of all of my glamorous, gorgeous, gifted and generous girlfriends, I was floored!!! I still cannot believe that our dear friend Lori Allen conceptualized and executed this amazing shoot as her gift to me. How spoiled are we to not only have such a beautiful and kind friend but one that is the talented photographer that she is?” The photo included adoring girlfriends Kerry and Sally Shorr, Carey Isom, Jennifer Rexroat Lavin, Dr. Hasen, Fadila Zec, Carla Frangella, Annette Isom, Sarah Zeller, Margaret O’Connor, Julianne Glatz, Cindy Burns, Rachel DeMarte, Mary Long, Julie Darling, Sonya Jackson, Frances Renk, Sylvia Perez, JoeAnna LaCourse, Heather Murphy, Jennifer Sutton, Katie, Lori and me! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear Katie – we are all SO lucky to have you in our lives! (To contact Lori Allen and find out what she can create for YOUR special moments, please email her at laphotodesigns@aol.com.)

The Smithe brothers (Tim, Walter and Mark), known across Chicago for their witty and memorable Walter E. Smithe (www.smithe.com) television commercials and extensive inventory of stylish and well-made furniture are at it again, this time inviting Billy Corgan and his Resistance Pro (www.resistancepro.com) wrestling company to join in their commercial hijinks, which can be seen below. Corgan may be best known as the Smashing Pumpkins’ singer/songwriter but he’s not OK with smashing just anything. In the commercial, Corgan humorously saves a bar chair by beloved Chicago furniture retailer Walter E. Smithe from a royal crushing. “I am proud of Resistance Pro’s growing popularity,” says Corgan. “Tim Smithe and his brothers presented us with the opportunity to share our brand. I’m grateful to the Smithe brothers for their $50,000 donation to PAWS (www.pawschicago.org), a charity that is important to me.” (Corgan has helped raise more than $140,000 for PAWS this year!) Why musical chairs in a wrestling ring, you ask? Corgan is the creative director of Chicago-based Resistance Pro wrestling company – a partnership between Corgan and brothers Jacques and Gabriel Baron. The commercial will officially air on TV soon.

I hope you will save April 24, when I’ll be honored by The Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board at the Casino on Delaware. Tickets are $200 and will benefit the Stanley Paul/Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman, who was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students from greater Chicago and/or Illinois who are enrolled in a Chicago college that has a Fashion Design program. I’m honored and humbled by this recognition and hope you can join me! (For tickets and more info, please call 312.836.1041 or email aibi@aibi.com.)

It’s all about the kids for the “Mini Me Fashion Show” coming March 10th. Presented by Fashion Wars (Kesha Wilson), this is a total kid’s production from top to bottom with child models and even stylists! This fun competition teaches hands on training in the world of fashion with designers who include Andre Swanson, Derricka Cole, Rachel Spencer, Lande Sanusi, Anne Marie and Kia Hall. In addition to the runway show, the event will feature many on-site vendors, including children’s boutiques, activity stations and interactive games with a silent auction benefitting RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). For tickets ($40 includes adult and child) please click here! (www.fashionwarkids-eorg.eventbrite.com/#) The event will be held at Lacuna Fitness, located at 645 N. Clark.

Thanks for reading Candid Candace and if you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know! I write for YOU!

Love, as always,
Candace 
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I celebrated my beloved goddaughter’s 28th birthday recently with her and mom, Rhonda Sanderson, at the Pump Room. Samantha Amato grows more beautiful by the day and I’m so lucky to have her and her mother in my life! Happy Birthday, Sam! Love you!

STEPPENWOLF’S AUXILIARY COUNCIL HOSTS RED OR WHITE BALL

…PLUS IT’S ALL ABOUT THE SHOES FOR SERVICE CLUB AND SAKS, NATIONAL PUBLIC HOUSING MUSEUM BENEFIT CELEBRATES TOP PHILANTHROPISTS, DEFENDING HEF ON NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO, WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND MORE!

The Steppenwolf Theater’s Red or White Ball began as a simple wine tasting party – hence the name “Red or White” – in 2002 but it has now mushroomed into a must-attend event for the young professional crowd. The party at Architectural Artifacts on April 13th brought out more than 500 guests for a night of music, dancing, cocktails, food tastings and a silent auction. Ensemble members and honorary co-chairs Lily Mojekwu (star of Steppenwolf’s “fml: how Carson McCullers saved my life”) and Robert Schleifer (“The Heart is a Lonely Hunter” star) mingled with guests at the VIP reception along with Kathryn Erbe, star of “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” who also served as honorary chair. Steppenwolf Executive Director David Hawkanson welcomed the crowd and introduced co-chairs Kim Davis, Bryce Cooper and Dina Searle. The VIP portion of the evening included gift bags, special access to Steppenwolf artists, delectable tasting stations from Paris Club, ZED451, Fred’s, The Pump Room and drink stations from Barrelhouse Flat and Goose Island Brewery. The party continued in the main room where guests enjoyed signature red or white cocktails with more food samplings from Limelight Catering and a dessert station courtesy of Magnolia Bakery. A DJ kept the crowd moving and the photo booth provided memories from the evening. The silent auction was loaded with nearly 70 exciting packages that included a private party on a rooftop garden, a one-night stay and a round of golf at the Grand Geneva Resort plus the highlight, round-trip airfare to NY for a Broadway show plus a taping of “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” that sold for $4,700! Other notable guests in attendance included Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, Fran Guinan, Jon Michael Hill, Mariann Mayberry and James Vincent Meredith, Carrie Coon (currently appearing at Steppenwolf in “The March”), host Finnigan of KISS-FM, ABC-7 reporter Eric Horng, Ben Pritzker, Jason More, Stephanie and Edward Linn, Stephen Cole, Chef Jean Tippenhauer, Chef Tim Graham, Chef Moosah Reaume, Kady Yon and Chef Kate Milashus. Partygoers grabbed late night snacks from the Wagyu Wagon before moving on to the after-party at Lady Gregory’s. The party raised $80,000 benefitting Steppenwolf for Young Adults, the theater’s nationally recognized arts education program which annually impacts more than 15,000 students, teachers and families. The Red or White Ball is the primary fundraiser presented by Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council, a community of more than 150 dynamic young professionals. Since its inception in 2000, the AC has raised more than $1 million in contributions. (Photos by Kyle Flubaker and Manocam Photography…to view ALL event pics, please click here!)

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The Service Club of Chicago, with hosts Laurie Davis, Susanna Negovan and Maria Smithburg, presented the U.S. premiere of “God Save My Shoes,” a documentary about women and their relationships with their shoes starring Kelly Rowland, Fergie, Dita Von Teese, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik, among others. Producer Thierry Dahler and director Julie Benasra flew in from Paris a night early to attend a dinner and Q & A with 30 fashionable ladies at Maria Smithburg’s lovely Streeterville apartment. This event was a pre-party for the screening that occurred the following night at the AMC Theatre. The film had only been shown in Paris and Dubai before this first U.S. screening. The Service Club of Chicago’s next big event will be the Mad Hatter Luncheon chaired by member Sherry Lee Holson at the Chicago Club on Thursday, May 10th. This event will include guest speakers and a hat contest; tickets are $100. The SC, one of Chicago’s oldest charitable organizations founded in 1890, donates 100 percent of money raised to its grant program which distributes funds to numerous non-profits around town.

Saks Fifth Avenue hosted one of the best in-store events I’ve attended in a long, long time. Watch312.com was the media sponsor for the evening and I emceed the “Well-Heeled Walk-Off” contest with “DishIT” host Amanda Puck serving as a judge along with Saks’ director of marketing Julie Selakovich and Francesca Moceri from Chicago Children’s Charities. (CCC received a portion of the proceeds from the evening as the event beneficiary.) The contestants tested out all of their best moves on the runway from dancing to model poses inspired by Zoolander. It was a riot and everyone had tons of fun all competing to win a pair of coveted Jimmy Choo shoes. In the end, two dynamic women scored perfect 10s from each judge to compete in the final walk-off. Everyone in the third floor 10022-SHOE Salon had chosen their favorite pairs that included sky-high heels to sequined ballet flats but only two ladies strutted their way to perfect scores. Julia Douglas and Colleen Richardson worked the crowd into a frenzy trying to win their chosen shoes…and when I asked for a show of applause from the crowd to see who they thought was the winner, it seemed to be a tie. It was all up to the judges now as they huddled together for the final decision. And THEY BOTH WON!!! It was a wise decision that brought a huge cheer from the Choo-loving crowd. Congrats to Julie Selakovich on a wonderful event for a great cause! Check out the fun on Watch312.com below and view more fun fotos here! 🙂

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I attended a lovely event at Salvage One recently benefitting the National Public Housing Museum. The keynote speaker was Steve Pemberton, chief diversity officer and divisional vice president for Walgreens and author of “A Chance in the World: An Orphan Boy, a Mysterious Past, and How He Found a Place Called Home.” I highly recommend this book – it’s an inspirational story that crosses generations and cultures but specifically speaks to those who have had the odds stacked against them. (Steve is a fascinating man who spent most of his young life in foster care.) Three renowned philanthropists were also honored including Ford Foundation president Luis Ubinas, president of the Ford Foundation, Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and founder of Universal Companies Kenny Gamble and MacArthur Foundation VP Julia Stasch. Chaired by Greg Cameron, Reuben Cannon, Pam Cullerton and Regina Taylor, the event was “An Afternoon of Good Times” that raised money for the National Public Housing Museum coming to the site of the Jane Addams Homes on W. Taylor Street in June. The Museum is dedicated to interpreting the American experience in public housing from across the nation. (For more info, please visit www.nphm.org.) I loved Greg Cameron’s closing remarks: He quoted Winston Churchill, saying, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Amen to that, Greg! (Photos courtesy of Brian Powers of B. Powers Photography.)

Thanks to “Windy City Live” for having me back to discuss upcoming events! Check out the fun surprise at the end, too! (See video below.) Also, special thanks to WBEZ/National Public Radio for my recent interview with Steve Edwards, host of “The Afternoon Shift.” I shared the airwaves with Steven Watts, professor of history at the University of Missouri and author of “Mr. Playboy, Hugh Hefner and the American Dream” and DePaul professor Carolyn Bronstein, author of “Battling Pornography: The American Feminist Anti-Pornography Movement, 1976-1986.” It was a fun time talking about my Playboy days and defending Hef from the feminists…which seems to be an ongoing battle that just won’t go away…listen here and see the Windy City Live segment below!

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And another thank you shout-out to Hillary Sawchuk and Kelly Kane of “Drink With Chicago” for another fun interview at RL! We discussed everything from, “Did I date Hef?” to “What’s the best way to meet the right guy?” Thanks to photographer Natalie Probst for the wonderful photos, too! Check out the article here!

That’s all for this week but I hope to see you here same time next week! In the meantime, enjoy this popular video about just how far a little creativity can go! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Are you following the Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Childrens’ Countdown? The world’s largest House will be opening on June 26th and, so far, has had lots of familiar faces participate in the countdown including Patrick Kane, Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and Brent Seabrook of the Blackhawks, actor Colin Egglesfield, former Chicago Bear Greg Olsen, pro golfer Chip Beck, former “Bachelorette” Jen Schefft, Lisa Dent and Ramblin’ Ray on US99.5 mornings, ABC-7 sports’ Mark Giangreco, Stefen Holt and Alicia Roman from NBC5 and Chef Art Smith, Jesus Salguiero and Linda O’Keefe of Common Threads! Check here to see who is represented today! Can’t wait to celebrate the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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