Susanna Wickham, Alexis and Paula Fasseas and Suzanne LeMignot.
It was a night of tail-wagging fun for the nearly 700 guests at PAWS Chicago's 17th annual Animal Magnetism party at Morgan Manufacturing. Partygoers, many with pups in tow, arrived at this popular venue in the West Loop to raise
Sylvia Perez and daughter Magali Blasdell.
funds for PAWS Chicago, the Midwest's largest no-kill shelter. Held on April 28, the event was hosted by PAWS Chicago's Professional Board and presented by Becker’s Healthcare. Co-chairs were Sarah Atkinson, Brittany Keegan and Paige Krueger. Many guests arrived with their dogs dressed in full party mode wearing frilly dresses, sunglasses,
Susanna Wickham, PAWS Chicago CEO, with adoptable dog.
tuxes and more to enjoy an evening that included a VIP dinner sponsored by Avli (Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros), dancing, a silent auction and raffle, and an award presentation. A lavish buffet was served by some of the city’s top chefs, including Cristiano Bassani (Gene & Georgetti), and so many others. Partygoers could have some fun posing on the
Avli (VIP dinner sponsor) Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros.
“glambot pup-parazzi” pedestal (hosted by PetCon and The Dog Agency) and get an illustration of their pets from well-known artists onsite. Canine guests relaxed in doggie daycare and the “pampered pooch” station and enjoyed custom buffets. Jake Hamilton (of Fox-32) and Fred (Kiss-FM) served as the evening’s emcees. CEO Susanna Wickham welcomed guests and announced the presentation of the adoptable dogs showcase and
Chuck Jordan, Chris Wickham and Gus!
the Animal Welfare Leadership Awards, a special recognition for members of the community who have gone above and beyond for animals in need. Susanna, along with co-founders Paula and Alexis Fasseas, presented the awards as the emcees shared the recipients’ remarkable stories. Suzanne LeMignot (CBS-2
Phil Brooks (aka CM Punk) was an honoree.
weekend morning anchor) was the first award recipient. She has been involved with PAWS Chicago since the very beginning, going door-to-door with Paula helping start the first humane education program in the Chicago Public School system. She would take her pit bull mix, Pixie, to school assemblies to show kids that dogs are not violent, as they might have previously learned from experiencing dog fights in their neighborhood. She now sits on PAWS Chicago’s Board of Directors
Emcees Jake Hamilton and Fred (KISS-FM).
and continues to help homeless dogs and cats each week through the PAWS Pet of the Week segment, which started in the 1990s, and still airs on CBS 2 to this day. The next award recipient, Phil Brooks, aka CM Punk (professional wrestler, actor, and author), adopted his first PAWS dog in 2015 with his
Co-chairs Paige Krueger and Sarah Atkinson.
wife AJ Mendez. Larry was a misfit dog with a scruffy look, tough underbite and a personality that required a special adopter willing to work through his challenges. In 2017, Phil brought national attention to the cause by choosing PAWS Chicago as his charity when he was a contestant on MTV’s “The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros, “ and in 2021, he partnered
Co-chair Brittany Keegan.
with PAWS to tell his story about the transformation possible once a misunderstood dog finds the right home. He and Larry became the face of the “Underdog to Wonderdog” campaign to bring much-needed awareness to forgotten dogs and inspire people to consider adopting an overlooked pet. Dr. Aaron Jackson, a
Honorees Dr. Aaron Johnson, Dr. Paula Zdziarski-West, Phil Brooks (CM Punk), Suzanne Le Mignot, and Eileen Johnson.
veterinarian surgeon who focuses on orthopedic cases, was the next honoree. He was the very first Medical Director of MedVet and has performed more than 15,000 surgeries over the course of his career. He volunteers his time to perform these types of surgeries at the PAWS Medical Center, providing care for some of the most difficult cases that come through their doors. Dr. Jackson has also established an orthopedic program at PAWS, while mentoring future generations of surgeons to continue this important work. He advanced
Judy and Howard Tullman, longtime supporters/board members.
surgical care to animals that would never have had the
PAWS dog anyone?
opportunity to recover. The next award recipient was Dr. Paula Zdziarski-West, also a veterinary surgeon who has helped so many PAWS pets get their second chance at life. She finds surgery to be a rewarding specialty because she can literally fix problems, returning function to animals who would otherwise be disabled, or save an animal with a life-threatening illness or injury. Since starting her volunteer work in 2022, providing orthopedic surgeries to PAWS Chicago, Dr. West has performed and saved PAWS more than $60,000. Last, but not least, the final award recipient was
Cute partygoers.
Eileen Johnson, a PAWS volunteer since 2015. To date, she has put in nearly 3,800 hours. As a volunteer, Eileen has washed
Gene & Georgetti executive chef Cristiano Bassani.
thousands of dishes, done hundreds of loads of laundry, and of course, given love and enrichment to the dogs and cats. Over the last three years, she has driven over 36,000 miles traveling with the PAWS Chicago intake team, driving multiple trips to disaster areas to clear shelters, allowing lost animals an opportunity to be found by their owners, and saving thousands of those lives who were already up from adoption. Following the program, guests enjoyed dancing, dessert tasting stations, a glow bar and a photo booth. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding in 1998, over 76,000 pets have found forever homes. (pawschicago.org)
Glam partygoers Stephanie Andre, Melissa Canning (PAWS Board Development Board Chair), Helan Kalantzis, Lori Paris and Shanna Nikolic.
Game show fun with Chicago White Sox players at the Beyond the Diamond fundraiser.
The Chicago White Sox hosted its signature fundraiser, Beyond the Diamond, presented by Peoples Gas and Wintrust, in Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom on April 19. Fans and friends of the organization came together for a gala evening of entertainment benefiting Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC). White Sox players, coaches,
White Sox Charities ED Christine O'Reilly.
broadcasters and alumni attended the evening celebration to raise funds for youth baseball initiatives supported by CWSC. The evening began with an hour-long First Pitch Reception, presented by Modelo, followed by remarks from White Sox manager Pedro Grifol and White Sox Charities executive director Christine O’Reilly. Attendees enjoyed guest
ACE athlete Sir Jamison Jones.
appearances from fan-favorite White Sox stars and a Family Feud-style game show with players from the 2023 roster hosted by play-by-play broadcaster Jason Benetti. The game included the “Cease Family” – Dylan Cease, Andrew Vaughn, Andrew Benintendi, Gavin Sheets and Romy Gonzalez. And the “Giolito Family” – Lucas Giolito, Seby Zavala, Jimmy Lambert, Eloy
Young athletes in White Sox ACE initiatives.
Jimenez and Jake Burger. Additional highlights included a Q&A with athletes from the CWSC-supported White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program and Team Teflon, a Black-owned travel youth softball program, and a conversation with White Sox ACE athlete Raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, catcher Sir Jamison Jones has been a member of the White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program since 2017. The St. Rita High School junior is committed to Illinois State and has attended top MLB events, including the Breakthrough and Dream Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, MLB States Play and Area Code Team, where he was selected to compete by the White Sox scouting department. Jones had breakout performances at both the “A Dream Fulfilled” game at the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, as well as the RBI Junior World Series, where he helped the organization win its fifth championship in Vero Beach, Fla. The gala concluded with attendees enjoying an Extra Inning Celebration, presented by NBC Sports Chicago. (whitesoxcharities.org)
With Nick Pullia, Greg Cameron (The Joffrey Ballet president- CEO) and Chuck Jordan. (Photo by Sean@PurplePhoto.com)
Stormy skies and traffic jams didn’t keep The Joffrey Ballet’s supporters away from opening night of “The Little Mermaid.” In fact, it was a full house, filled with anticipation before the 2.5 hour performance of
Victoria Jaiani as The Little Mermaid, Anais Bueno, Dylan Gutierrez and Stefan Goncalvez. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)
this hauntingly beautiful ballet that combined breathtaking dance with the heart-breaking story by Hans Christian Anderson. John Neumeier, longtime director and choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet, brought this story
Ken Norgan with choreographer John Neumeier.
to life through exuberant contemporary choreography, stark but effective scenery and unique costuming. And, although “The Little Mermaid” is probably better known from Disney’s 1989 animated version, do not expect any similarities. Neumeier’s production is more in keeping with the original dark fairytale from 1837. The ballet is
Young ballerina/fans before the performance.
the story of a mermaid who longs for love and desires to be human but, just as in life, we don't always get what we want. The Mermaid's story is one of pain and loss superbly performed by Victoria Jaiani, dancing the role of a lifetime. Her moves,
Artistic Director Ashley Wheater with Nichelle and William Mayberry.
mostly done while trailing voluminous material behind her as fins, was riveting to watch. She is as much a great actor as she is a superb dancer. This difficult performance calls on skills we’ve not seen before and that seem appropriately, almost inhuman. She completely inhabits the role of the Little Mermaid and
The Joffrey Ballet's Brian Smith with Pam Crutchfield and Dawn Stanislaw.
loses herself in the character before our very eyes. She’s onstage for nearly the entire ballet, demonstrating yet again, her extraordinary endurance and other-worldly capabilities. The musical
Victoria Jaiani, in the role of a lifetime. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)
score, composed by Lera Auerbach and performed live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, brought the production and the audience to another level, perfectly matching the intensity of what we see onstage. The addition of the theremin, an electronic instrument invented in 1928, depicts the Mermaid’s voice and her ethereal, mystical side. People may recognize the eerie sound of this
The Joffrey Ballet president/CEO Greg Cameron with Jean de St. Aubin.
instrument from sci-fi films of the 1950s. It is controlled without physical contact- the musician (thereminist) waves their hands near two antennas to create sounds associated with ominous situations, of which there were many throughout the performance. The entire cast was outstanding. Yoshihisa Arai, retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season, played the menacing Sea Witch and Dylan Guiterrez expertly performed the role of the Prince, also requiring as much acting skills as dance and succeeding wildly at both. A heart-warming tender moment occurred when the dancers were taking their many curtain calls. Jaiani’s 9-year-old son and husband, former Joffrey dancer Temur Suluashvili, both presented their shining star with flowers. The production was entrancing, unsettling and danced with skills beyond imagining. During intermission, VIP guests enjoyed mixing and mingling in the Graham Room. If you missed this production this time around, make sure to see it when it returns!
And in more The Joffrey News ! Join this amazing dance company for a weekend of surrealism and dance, celebrating President and CEO Greg Cameron on the occasion of his 10th anniversary with the organization. Unleash your imagination and unlock your subconscious at the Joffrey’s fantastical bash, "Sir Real." Expect to be mesmerized into an all-consuming surreal dreamland for the senses. With bizarre surprises and dazzling curiosities around every corner, dare to dress in your most avant-garde fashions and join the party, taking place in the Old Post Office on Friday, June 23. This event will support Joffrey for All initiatives.The Friday night gala will be followed by a free performance in Millennium Park on Sunday, June 25. The free public performances will take place in the heart of downtown Chicago in Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Created as a gift to all Chicagoans, and the first event of its kind, The Joffrey Ballet’s Joffrey for All Celebration will feature dance workshops on the lawn and performances by Joffrey Company Artists, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and students from the Joffrey Community Engagement programs.
Service Club Day on the Terrace co-chairs Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey and Jean Antoniou.
Now that the Service Club of Chicago has its successful Spring (Hat) Luncheon under its belt (watch for complete coverage in next post), I want to share their next exciting event coming up Monday, August 7, at the Peninsula. Co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sharyl Mackey, the event will feature a spectacular fashion show and luncheon. Top retailers and designers from around town will showcase their most eye-catching looks, that will be available for purchase, on the catwalk. This event always sells out so be sure to get your tickets when they become available here! (Returning exclusive hair stylist is the Charles Ifergan Salon– thank you Philippe!)
Houndstooth ball host Elliott Bambrough with Heather Owen, One Tail at a Time executive director.
The 15th annual Houndstooth Ball attracted more than 500 animal-loving supporters, many with their pups, to Morgan Manufacturing on March 18. Benefiting One Tail at a Time (OTAT), a no-kill animal rescue organization, the event celebrated 15 years of supporting ongoing and new
Partygoers and pup.
initiatives such as its ISO House, a quarantine location in Logan Square that creates a safe, transitional space for sick or injured dogs from Chicago shelters. During the lively evening, that celebrated a decade of lifesaving, partygoers enjoyed a whiskey tasting presented by Green Briar and made memories in a variety of animal-related photo ops. Professional doodlers created hand-drawn portraits of pets and an onsite SPAW helped them relax. The silent and live auctions featured over 100 items, including a unique OTAT “patchwork” quilt. The program was emceed by Elliott Bambrough (of Chicago’s Best), who was joined by Heather Owen, OTAT executive director. Bambrough spoke about being inspired by the dedication of the organization's volunteers and how well it functioned as a family. Owen thanked the crowd and sponsors and shared the nonprofit's ongoing success story. An all-vegan buffet was served and, on every table, were photos with short stories of OTAT's adoption successes. The event raised over $300,000 which will fund the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of dogs, kittens, and bunnies in need. The funds will also help support adopters and grow community outreach, including humane education and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. Rescued animals are housed in both foster homes and at OTAT's Bucktown adoption center location. (Photos by Jeremy Lawson, onetail.org)
Pooped-out pup at Houndstooth Ball (those lil' shoes tho').
2024 Guy Adkins Award recipient Roberta Duchak speaks at the event.
Porchlight Music Theatre’s annual signature fundraising event, Chicago Sings, returned with Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II, at the House of Blues Chicago recently. The production was directed by Porchlight’s Artistic
The company performs at Chicago Sing Broadway Pop II at the House of Blues.
Director Michael Weber and Producing Artistic Associate Frankie Leo Bennett with music direction by David Fiorello and choreography by Clayton Cross. The presentation of the 2023 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago went to Roberta Duchak. A Chicago cast of Porchlight favorites and students from Porchlight’s summer camps and classes delighting the audience with songs that have appeared on Broadway. The event raised over $175,000. ______________________________________________________________________
Chicago Lights Executive Director Stacy Jackson (l) and Fourth Presbyterian Church Pastor Shannon Kershner.
Chicago Lights held its annual Gala of Hope benefit at the Ritz-Carlton recently. The event attracted over 350 guests and is the organization’s biggest fundraiser. The night included an evening of dinner, dancing, live and silent
Gala Co-Chairs Pete Shannon (l) and Bill Patterson.
auctions, and so much more. Chicago Lights Executive Director Stacy Jackson welcomed guests before Shannon Kershner, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church, offered a blessing. The nonprofit was founded by the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, launching its tutoring program in 1964. Since its inception, the nonprofit has served more than 60,000 people. _______________________________________________________________________
DJ Casper and ABC-7 Samantha Chatman.
After School Matters celebrated its 3rd annual Sneaker Ball April 29 at the Chicago Sports Museum. More than
Adorable Sneaker Ball guests.
230 guests enjoyed performances and exhibitions by After School Matters teens, a live performance by DJ Casper—the creator of the famed Cha-Cha slide—as well as live music, food and drink, and more. The event raised over $175,000 for After School Matters fund which pays teens for their participation in their programs.
"Chicago Chefs Cook" did it again! This time they came together to celebrate the much loved Ina Pinkney, "The Breakfast Queen of Chicago," on the occasion of her 80th birthday! The party was held at The Geraghty on April 26. The event featured tasting stations from more than 60 of the city’s most celebrated chefs and benefited the nonprofits Green City Market andPilot Light. (Photo by George Burns)
Big thanks to Rick Kogan for having me back on WGN Radio! We chatted for a whole hour about everything you can imagine! Please listen to the show, “The candid life of Candid Candace,” (LOL) here.
Speaking of shows, we are now on “Candid Candace: The Podcast” number TWO! As always, a big, big thanks to my steadfast co-host and producer, the one and only John St. Augustine! I’m so lucky to have this ultimate pro on my team as well as the amazing intro by Jenniffer Weigel, another a media legend. In this latest episode, I take you behind the scenes to all the best parties, share the events you need to put on your calendars and talk with one of my besties, August of 1982 Playboy Playmate, the fabulous Cathy St. George. We chat about our shared experiences, what we loved about Hugh Hefner, celebs we’ve met along the way, what life was really like at the Playboy Mansion and what Frank Sinatra shared with Cathy in confidence! John couldn’t help slipping in a little "Harry Caray" tribute on the side! Holy Cow! (Listen here!)
The Ronald McDonald House Gala, we held at the Geraghty recently with over 650 guests. This year’s event featured the Kozak family whose lives were forever changed when their daughter Adeline, now three-years-old, was diagnosed with hypo-plastic left heart syndrome
Molly Gilbride, Jane and Scott Billish and Holly and Kraig Buckendahl.
at birth. The Gala offered a look into the Kozak family’s journey and how the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Children’s Hospital allowed Adeline’s parents to stay just moments away from their daughter for over 200 nights while she recovered in the hospital. More than 650 guests were in attendance raising $1.3 million in critical funds to help connect thousands of families with sick children with high-quality medical care and resources. (Photos by Hilary Higgins/Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana)
On April 23, we celebrated the beautiful life of Shirley Baugher, also known as the Mayor of Old Town, at the Old Town Triangle Center. Chuck and I were lucky to know her and her artist husband Norman during the years that we
The late, great Shirley Baugher.
lived there. She was a force of nature and involved in all good deeds in the neighborhood. She was also a source for advice and inspiration if you were feeling low. She knew
this part of Chicago better than anyone else and was its biggest cheerleader. Her book, “Hidden History of Old Town” was/is a must-have in every home. She was an incredible cook, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, and upon her passing, had amassed over 2000 cookbooks. I loved her for her honesty, among many other reasons. You could always expect the truth from Shirley. She had a heart as big as all outdoors and she never knew a stranger. She was welcoming, funny, kind and wickedly smart. Chuck and I will always treasure our memories of her and Norman. But then, no one ever really dies. She will always live in our hearts.
Amdur Productions gives artists, young and young-at-heart, the opportunity to showcase their original work across multiple platforms. This summer, they are inviting creative kids and teens this opportunity at the following festivals: Port Clinton Art Festival (Aug. 26-27); Deerfield Art Festival (June 3-4) and Bayshore Spring Makers Market (May 20-21). For only a $50 entry fee, kids can show and sell their works. Scholarships are also available on a need basis. (They are also looking for interns!) To enter and for more information, call 847-926-4300 or email info@amdurproductions.com
the Ritz-Carlton. The afternoon event, celebrating a decade on the runway, will honor Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and feature fall looks from Chicago’s top designers and retailers. Returning co-chairs are Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea Holson and Sheree Schimmer. I will return as event host along with Tracey. I hope you can join us to help support the Lighthouse’s many programs for the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. (For info, click here!)
The Chicago Lighthouse 2023 FLAIR Planning Committee.
After a three year-hiatus, the Chicago Public Library Foundation Associate Board brought back Night in the Stacks, a special party for library supporters, in Harold Washington Library Center’s iconic Winter Garden. The
The B Sisters, Adiat Baker and Iya Bakare.
event, which was held April 14, celebrated the Library’s 150th birthday and raised more than $125,000 for its programs. In celebration of this historic milestone, the Library transformed after dark with neon bright décor, dance floor, live music from DJ Rex Balcita, and an open bar. Nearly 400 attendees saw the Maker Lab’s 21st-century technologies in action, took a spin in a 360-photo booth, and joined the raffle for chances to win amazing prizes.
CPLF's Night in the Stacks 2023
“What a comeback for Night in the Stacks! We are so grateful to our dedicated Associate Board for creating an event that is unique, memorable and brings our community of Library supporters together,” says Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Since 2014, Night in the Stacks has raised funds for free library programs such as homework help with Teacher in the Library, one-on-one digital literacy support lessons for adults, creative spaces for teens, preservation of Chicago’s history through archival collections, among many others. The evening’s Platinum Sponsors were BMO, For Good Advisory and In Memory of Barbara Lewis.
Fleurs de Villes, the exhibit featuring custom, floral couture made of thousands of fresh blooms (thanks the floral donations from Kennicott Brothers), returned to 900 North Michigan Shops. This year's theme, "Voyage,” took guests on a fragrant and visually arresting journey to
The 900 Shops' Alicia Skruba and Taylor Stucker.
some of the world's most iconic travel destinations. Floral exhibit standouts spotlighted the Honduras (from Bloome Floral Design, which won for Best in Show); Marrakech (created by Lucalessa Floral Design); London Guard Mannequin (also a winner, by The Roof Crop); Peru (by Vision in Bloom); Egypt Mannequin (by Dilly Lily) and many others. The preview party, held May 3, featured signature cocktails, light bites and DJ Megan Taylor. Dancers from ZZAZZ Productions entertained guests before the judging results were announced. The Honduras, Best in Show exhibit/mannequin byBloome, was created in honor of exchange student Christi Carol Garcia Orellana, who studied here for her college degree before heading back to her home in Honduras. In addition to the exhibit, there were daily, floral workshops and a pop-up, fresh flower market.
Skyline columnist extraordinaire Thomas O'Gorman will be hosting an exhibit of his colorful artwork on May 13-15. The exhibit will take place at 1059 N. Winchester (corner house at Winchester and Thomas) from 11 to 3 pm. (See his Instagram page for full collection, @thomasogormanart)
Another packed edition of Candid Candace and I hope you've enjoyed every bit of it. I want to share with you how this whole concept actually
With my much loved Mom, Elsa Mae Stott.
came about. I'm an only child, as some of you know, and my mom was as much my sister as she was my mother. We were thick as thieves and did everything together–traveled, shopped, talked into the wee hours- no one knew me better than my mom Elsa Stott. When I moved to Chicago, I wanted her to see everything I saw through my eyes so I began writing very detailed letters about any event, party, dinner, etc. that I attended so she would feel like she was there. I think this style, and the reason for it, has served me well. Now, I get to take all of you around town with me –so basically, you're family too. 🙂
There is no better antidote for Chicago's winters than a trip to a warm climate. Chuck and I were lucky this year to have an extended vacay in Florida, a week in Hobe Sound with my sister-in-law and then two glorious weeks in Palm Beach. The first word that comes to mind about being in
With Leslie Hindman and Chuck at Trevini restaurant, Palm Beach.
Florida is "liberating." Restaurants are open, people are walking the streets with smiles on their faces, churches are holding services and I didn't see one boarded up store.
The manicured perfection of Palm Beach.
Granted, people are still masked and practicing social distancing but it seems less fear-based than Chicago and more common sense-based there. I'm not surprised that people live longer in Florida, no dangerous icy sidewalks, more physical activity and a LOT more vitamin D! In a perfect world, I would divide my time between the two but that's not doable so I will
At Pizza al Fresco, PB, with Kim Renk, Greg Dryer, Leslie Hindman and Chuck.
just enjoy every minute we're away and keep those memories top of mind when I receive weather updates
Beauty along A1A.
from Chiberia. Hobe Sound is beautiful, quiet but lovely. You can actually hear the birds in the trees and the gentle sounds of kids playing pickleball from Loblolly Pines Golf Club. We spent time with my sister-in-law, Nancy Steinwald, who lost her husband Dr. Os Steinwald a year ago. It
Kitchy City Diner in West Palm Beach.
was bittersweet as there was really nothing we could do to ease her pain except be there for her. So, we went to dinners and had a memorable brunch at Harry and the Natives, a restaurant that seemed to be plucked
Harry & the Natives in Hobe Sound, a Jimmy Buffet inspired restaurant.
straight out of Jimmy Buffet's "Cheeseburger in Paradise" song. After the end of our stay in Hobe Sound, we rented a racy red Mustang convertible and headed for Palm Beach where our dear friend Leslie Hindman was gracious enough to invite us for a stay. Her home, in the heart of Palm Beach, had just been sold within 4 hours of being on the market! Her new home is even closer to the ocean and so beautiful. She has impeccable taste and
At Renato's, PB, with Ken Norgan, Leslie Hindman and Chuck.
vision so we can't wait to see what she does with this latest acquisition. When we left, it was already Architectural Digest perfect. As smart as she is in her auction business, I think her true calling lies in real estate. I think it's also a passion of hers….We had so many
With Christine Schott, Palm Beach Social Diary author.
dinners at wonderful restaurants that I lost count….but, as for the extra pounds Chuck and I gained, sadly I do know that number. There is so much happening in Palm Beach now. It's not the sleepy little town I
The Breakers which, sadly, appears to now have office furniture for the lobby decor.
remember from our first visit years ago. In part, due to the influx of NYC restaurants that have recently relocated there. Our favorite, Swifty's, is also the most beautiful with old world charm combined with rich, modern touches. The hotel it lives in, The Colony (155 Hammon Ave), is steps from Worth Avenue and was established in 1947. After Andrew Wetenhall (Andrew's family were the hotel's previous
Peace and quiet in Hobe Sound.
owners) and wife Sarah purchased the hotel in 2016, Sarah discovered a mid-century postcard featuring the hotel's original lobby which was painted with a mural titled "The Early Days in Palm Beach." The mural inspired a partnership with the famed house of de Gournay, known for exquisite, hand painted
One of my favorite shops in PB, F. S. Henemader.
wallpapers. Kemble Interiors created the decor and the place is even more beautiful now with the wallpaper hiding secret meanings about the owners and its history, including a sweet drawing of the couple's King Charles Spaniel. Swifty's founder, Robert Caravaggi, has created another hit here and his presence makes the restaurant hum with excitement day and night. (The Colony contacted
Before dinner at Club Colette with Leslie Hindman, Nancy Traylor and friend.
him in 2019 asking him to open there after the NYC outpost closed in 2016.) On this visit, I was lucky to dine here on a couple of occasions, once
Chuck, dreaming on Worth Avenue.
for dinner around the pool (with its dramatic views) with Leslie and Chuck and, on another day, lunch with friends Kim Renk, Sharon Bush and Fran Weissler. Fran is 93 years young and a real hoot. She regaled us with her stories in show business with her husband Barry (they are Broadway producers with over 9 Tony Awards to their credit!–Pippin, La Cage aux Folles, Sweet Charity, Wonderful Town, Grease, Cabaret–you get the picture). Their first production on Broadway, "Othello," scored their first Tony Award and starred Christopher Plummer and James Earl Jones. The story of how she snagged Plummer for the role could be made into its own movie. Anyway, we also dined at another former NYC hotspot, Le Bilboquet (245 Worth Ave.), that's also relocated to PB. This was a slightly different story….Even though the space was heart-breakingly chic, the service and prices were not. Our waiter took my order and then walked away without even taking Chuck's! It is a new spot, but at these prices, there should be no room for errors like this.
La Goulue, Palm Beach, another NYC transplant to PB.
Anyway, I hope they can up their service game as it is a lovely spot. The third hotspot transplanted from NYC is the newly opened La Goulue at 288 S. County Rd. This restaurant
Batch, a Southern-style restaurant in Palm Beach on bustling Clematis Street.
is so true to the original that you feel like you could be at the one still located in NYC. The
Another great home decor shop in PB, Jennifer Garrigues.
French cuisine is impeccable and delicious. The Wine Channel's Jessica Altieri suggested a waiter there that she knew, Fernando, who came from the Four Seasons PB (which was entirely taken over by Ken Griffin's Citadel corp. during quarantine!) Anyway, the whole evening was a delight there and I highly recommend it. In a Palm Beach Social Diary article, "All Eyes on Palm Beach," one of my favorite writers, Christine Schott, said, "Booking a reservation in Palm Beach has now become a sport." I agree, it was difficult at times, but if you're nice
The one and only Colony Hotel with its beautiful, new de Gournay wallpaper.
on the phone, sometimes reservations do open up. Lol! And not only is the restaurant scene heating up, but the real estate market is insane. In a Palm Beach Daily News article (the "shiny sheet"), the cover story was
Le Bilboquet, looking down its tunneled entryway.
about an estate at 320 Island Road that sold in January for $26M and then was back on the market in less than a month for $45M! Miami Realtors Association stated, "Palm Beach County luxury home sales spiked 83% in Q3, of 2020." A fun note about the "shiny sheet", I was talking to the check-out lady at Green's Pharmacy and she gave me a little history about this revered newspaper that is now all plain, white paper. She
Driving A1A, the best….
said, "Back in the day, when women wore white gloves, they didn't want to get ink on them so the paper was glossy to avoid newsprint, aka the "shiny sheet." So, now you know. Some other highlights included the newly opened White Elephant Palm Beach (280 Sunset Ave.) a super-chic, super-
With Leslie Hindman and Chuck at her new PB house.
pricey luxury boutique hotel (with Lola 41 restaurant, which friends Phillip Emigh and Bruce Haas LOVED); The Ben (part of the Marriott's Autograph Collection) at 251 N. Narcissus in West Palm Beach. Its rooftop restaurant, Spruzzo, has breathtaking views of PB; Pizza al Fresco (where a famous descendant of President John Adams resides in the former Addison Mizner home with his pet pig, wife and an assortment of other pets), 14 Via Mizner; a couple of favorite design stores, F.S. Henemader, 316 S. County Road, and Jennifer Garrigues, 308 Peruvian); Batch, a fabulous Southern-style restaurant in West Palm Beach at 223 Clematis; Henry's Palm Beach (owned by The Breakers) at 229 Royal Poinciana Way is too cold and stark, we walked out; City Diner, a charming throwback diner in West Palm Beach at 3400 S. Dixie Hwy.; Trevini, a chic restaurant at 223 Sunset Ave.; Palm Beach Grill at Royal Poinciana Plaza doesn't have the pizzazz it once had; and of course Renatos, at 87 Via Mizner is perpetually elegant and chic.
Views from The Ben, a new hotel in West Palm Beach owned by the Marriott.
Our friend/designer Daniel Kinkade told us not to miss The Breakers this year. He wanted to know what I thought about its recent reno. I didn't like it at all. It looked like they replaced their plush, luxurious lobby furniture with stuff from IKEA. It was a horrible mix for this iconic, National Historic Landmark that deserves better. Thankfully, the magnificent carpet is still in place as are the luxurious floral arrangements that dot the vaulted lobby. This vacation was sorely needed. I'm sorry my blog is late because of it, but it gave us memories to last a lifetime and I hope some news you can use here. Special thanks, with love, to all of our friends (and my sister-in-law Nancy) who joined us, played with us and shared their homes. Forever grateful.
No restaurant in PB beats dining around the Colony's pool at Swifty's, our favorite hands down.
Dori and Lori, she knew everybody and they loved her.
Still can't believe she's gone. Dori Wilson was such a powerful light, every room she walked into she made it better. I met her
Dori Wilson, one of the best kind.
when I first moved to Chicago in the early 70s. She was a Chicago star even then and she kindly took me under her wing, introducing me to all the important people. She even had me in the front row at Operation Push headquarters to meet Rev. Jesse Jackson. Everyone who knew her, loved her. We even talked about going into the public relations business together. Don't get me wrong, she wasn't all warm and fuzzy. Whatever was on her mind, she let you know. She was a "no bull-sh_t" kind of a girl for sure. And I admired that. She never pretended to be something she wasn't and didn't want her friends to be that way either. She gravitated towards people who were similar–real, honest, hard working and good-hearted–she loved Michael Kutza who she saw regularly, the late Victor Skrebneski who photographed her
With her dear friends Michael Kutza and Victor Skrebneski.
often and her dearest friend Lee Blackwell Baur, who created a foundation (with other friends) in
Dori during her successful modeling days.
her honor, The Dori Wilson Foundation. This foundation will support some of the many charities she lent her heart and time to. She loved and raised her nephew Travis and always shared his achievements like a proud mom. We were both Chihuahua lovers and she called hers, Taco and Belle, they were her "babies." But as much as I thought I knew her, I realized after reading her obit (written lovingly by another dear friend of hers, Tarrah Cooper Wright), that there was so much I didn't know about this most remarkable woman. Here's an excerpt: "Dori Wilson was born to Fannie Brown Wilson and William Wilson on October 15, 1943, in Winona, Mississippi. She spent the earliest years of her life smelling the honeysuckle bush on the side of the house,
Beautiful Dori.
walking uphill to school each morning, developing a fondness for fishing, and listening to the crickets as she lay in bed each night. When Dori was 7, the family moved to Hyde Park, Illinois, and then to Chicago’s bustling Washington Park neighborhood. Dori loved reading, tumbling and doing double-dutch, but would later remember always working—reupholstering chairs, finishing her homework and book reports early so she could draw and create art, and earning money by doing hair for the
Dori with friends Patrick Sheehan and Cheryl Coleman.
neighborhood ladies when she was just 9. For Dori, having a keen eye for beauty and a strong work ethic always came naturally. As a high school freshman at Hyde Park High School, Dori caught the bus to the Woolworth store at 43rd & Ellis, where she—age 14, not 16—had lied about her age to get a
Dori with former Mayor Harold Washington.
job. After high school, Dori attended Roosevelt University before working at Goldblatt’s on State Street, and then at Compton Advertising as a secretary and assistant producer. One day, while at a commercial shoot, Dori met a talent agent who suggested
Dori, always chic, even working….
that Dori shouldn’t just be behind the camera—she should be in front of it. Tall, thin and beautiful, Dori had all the makings of a model. She later remembered that while there were few models who looked like her at the time, she didn’t see that as a roadblock—she saw her uniqueness as an asset, and she was right. Dori was motivated by her inner drive to always go after what she wanted and to not take no as a final answer. But she also knew she was breaking barriers for other Black girls and women. As a dark-skinned Black woman, Dori felt that she always had to work harder, try harder, and aim higher than many of her peers because of the way things were stacked against her; Dori was determined to succeed against any obstacle, and she did. “I first saw Dori from afar when I was a teenager working in
Lee Blackwell Baur, Dori, Zorada Gowenlock and Deirdre Pratt.
a stock room on Oak Street,” said longtime friend and Ariel Investments Co. CEO/President Mellody Hobson. “When I raved about her to my mother, she told me that Dori was helping to change old-fashioned and highly conventional definitions of beauty. When I later met her as a young professional, we became instant friends. I often told her that when I looked at her face, I saw the face of my own mother. She was
Dori with Pam Capitanini and Myra Reilly.
quite special to many, including me.” In 1964, Dori became the first Black runway model in Chicago. She opened shows for Bonwit Teller, Marshall Field's, I. Magnin, Carson Pirie Scott and Saks and worked with acclaimed photographer and friend Victor Skrebneski. Around this time, people in the business told her to quit advertising and model full time. But Dori had too many
With Dori, Barb Samuels and friend.
ideas to just be a canvas on which other people painted their stories. In 1968, she joined Foote, Cone & Belding to work on their advertising project with Sears, Roebuck & Co, and in 1970, she was promoted to Director of Fashion and Casting. That same year, an appearance as a contestant on TV’s “The Dating Game” won her a trip to Italy and England. Dori
continued to split her time and modeled in numerous fashion shows, advertisements and events, including Gucci’s Fall 1970 campaign and the Dress Horsemen and Trophy Board Annual Benefit Fashion Spectacular
Dori featured in "My Start Story."
in 1975. She even served as the prototype for the first Black mannequin in Marshall Field’s and hosted her own public affairs talk show called “Memorandum” on WMAQ-TV. In 1980, Dori launched Dori Wilson & Associates. For 40 years, she served clients across a broad range of industries, crafting their messages and helping them reach new audiences. Her clients included the City of Chicago, Tiffany & Co., the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and many more. Dori never waited for the phone to ring; instead, she picked it up and asked for what she wanted. She was never scared of hearing “no.” She kept moving until she found the “yes.” Dori was committed to giving back to the community and served on the board of many organizations including the Harris Theater, The Council of Regents of Loyola University, PAWS Chicago, Chicago Workforce Board, Chicago International Film Festival, Columbia College, Brookfield Zoo, First Bank & Trust of Illinois, Board of Trustees of the Chicago Public Library, Girls Scouts of Chicago Association Board, and more. In interviews with The History Makers organization, Dori
Dori with Helen "Helpful" Melchior.
noted that while she got her work ethic from her father, she got her kindness from her mother—a quality she prized even more. She was asked many questions, but two in particular resonate today. How would you like to be remembered? “Dori was good and kind and did her best to help others,” she said. If Travis is watching this, what would you want him to know? “That I loved him and did the best I could, and that I’m very happy to have had him in my life.” Dori departed the world on February 1, 2021. She is survived by her nephew Travis Wilson, her brother William Thomas Wilson, Sr. and his spouse Joanna; her nephew Wil Wilson and his wife
Dori and Shauna Montgomery.
Kathy, grand-nieces Laura, Brittany and Taylor Wilson; first cousins Mary Elizabeth Hunt and her husband Colle, Bettie Ann Priester and her husband John; second cousins Maria Hunt, Lisa Hunt, Colle Hunt, Jr. and wife Janice and their children Naomi
Kate and Leslie Zentner with Dori.
and Isabel. She was preceded in death by parents Fannie Laura Brown and William (Willie) Wilson, sister Mamie Agusta Wilson, and half-sisters Georgia Jones and Dorothy Edwards. Dori's friend/philanthropist Lee Blackwell Baur, summed up her friend's remarkable life and presence, “Dori Wilson was a trailblazing woman and Chicago icon who brought a larger than life status to the many fundraising efforts and charitable organizations she touched. Her stunning beauty and unbridled energy put her in a distinctive category, touching the lives of so many including my own. Our 20-year friendship was one of mutual respect and undying love. We will honor Dori’s life with the creation of the Dori Wilson Foundation, which will support those organizations to which Dori so intimately gave her heart and soul.” You are greatly missed dear Dori.
Kudos to Sam Toia and the Illinois Restaurant Association for continuing to fight for our restaurants
Restaurateur Sam Sanchez, new IRA board chair.
and also for its exciting new honorees and board of directors! First off, congrats to Sam Sanchez, the newly elected chairman of the board. Sanchez most recently served as the IRA's First Vice Chairman and is the Founder and CEO of Third Coast Hospitality Group. In the mid-80s, Sam moved from his family's hometown in Sabinas Hidalgo, Mexico to start what is now an accomplished
Restaurant critic Phil Vettel, Lifetime Achievement honoree.
hospitality career in Chicago. In addition to his
Amanda Puck, Mariano's Director of Strategic Brand Development, accepted the Sara Rowe ProStart Company of the Year award on behalf of Mariano's.
restaurants, he also owns EMC Construction, a full-service construction company that handles renos of existing properties and new construction. In other IRA news, award recipients were announced in four categories: Restaurateur of the Year to Gregory Schulson, CEO of Burrito Beach and Lunan Corporation; Vendor of the Year to Gordon Food Service, Performance Foodservice, US Foods and Sysco; the Sara Rowe ProStart Company of the Year to Mariano's (accepted by Amanda Puck, Director of Strategic Brand Development) and a special Lifetime Achievement Award went to Phil Vettel, longtime food writer for the Chicago Tribune. Congrats to ALL!
Misericordia's Sister Rosemary Connelly and Lois Gates, Assistant Executive Director.
And, in the mean time, I'm receiving lots of encouraging event notices. I'm hopeful we'll be back in person soon at our beloved nonprofit events. On Feb.
Beloved philanthropists Diane and Richard Weinberg.
27, Cal's Angel's hosted a virtual fundraiser for pediatric cancer. The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted Norma Kamali as she discussed her new book, virtually, "I AM Invincible" on Feb. 25. Presenting sponsors were Liz Stiffel and Richard and Diane Weinberg. The Chicago Lighthouse hosted a Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament on Feb. 26 to raise funds for its mission of serving the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. On February 26, Misericordia hosted "Heart of Gold: A Night at the Races" to support its services for children and adults with special needs. Girls in the Game celebrated its 26th anniversary, also on Feb. 26, of empowering girls and helping them build their confidence and social skills. More to come!
Join the dynamic ladies of The Service Club of Chicago on Monday, March 8, from 5-6 pm, CST. I'm so proud to host this tribute/Zoom party in honor of International Womens Day! Any donation of $25 or more will get you into the virtual party! Join us to help the SC carry on their 131 year mission of supporting those in need. (Click here to register/donate here)
Each spring, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center hosts its signature event, the Humanitarian Awards Dinner. Now one of the largest fundraising dinners in the city of Chicago, this high profile event pays tribute to pillars in our community, Holocaust Survivors and highlights the Museum’s achievements. This year's dinner on Wednesday, March 10, will be a hybrid event with virtual and in-person (limited) programming. Honorees include Exelon Corporation, Scott Swanson (PNC Bank, Ill.) and Zev and Shifra Karkomi (posthumously, Survivor Legacy Award). Keynote speaker will be Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, former NBA star/activist. (For tickets and more info, click here!)
Porchlight Music Theatre will host "Chicago Sings Rock & Roll Broadway" virtually on Saturday, March 20. The honoree will be Tony Award winning actress Felicia P. Fields. The event will feature a who’s-who roster of Chicago’s own music theatre and cabaret favorites with all funds raised supporting the theatre's artistic and educational programming. (For tickets/details, click here!)
St. Patrick's High School, led by friend and president Joe Schmidt, is asking for your support of its virtual Shamrock Green & Gold Gala on Thursday, March 11. Funds will support its mission to provide educational experiences of the highest quality which enables young men to develop their highest potential as lifelong learners and assets to society and the Church. (For more info, click here)
Join the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum for some vintage, fashion fun on Tuesday, March 23 from 5:30 – 7 pm, CST! The webinar presentation will discuss the rich history of Bes-Ben hats, Chicago's Mad Hatter, alongside former costume curator of the Museum, Elizabeth Jachimowicz, and Nena Ivon.The first 40 registrants will receive a free set of Bes-Ben magnets! Details here!
And speaking of nonprofits, I was so proud to co-host,
Steak 48's Oliver Badgio and Agency H5's Kathleen Sarpy.
with Agency H5's Kathleen Sarpy, Pretty Powerful 3.0, a zoom party celebrating the city's philanthropic leaders. Nearly 70 women joined us for a virtual cocktail party sponsored by Steak 48 on February 9. Last year, we hosted the party at the restaurant but, this year, we were proud and grateful to be able to continue this tradition despite Covid. Four nonprofit
Some of the nearly 70 community leaders who joined Pretty Powerful 3.0.
leaders: Nancy Wright, CEO of Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago; Holly Buckendahl, CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana; Lauren Schrero Levy, executive director of The Nora Project and Marilynn Gardner, CEO of Navy Pier, shared how their organizations had pivoted and adapted to the changes caused by the pandemic, as well as their hopes for the future. I was so excited to see so many familiar (powerful) faces, including Heather Owen (One Tail at a Time), Katie Law (PAWS Chicago),
More Pretty Powerful 3.0 participants.
Brenda Langstraat (Chicago Public Library), Mimi Plauche (Chicago International Film Festival), Joyce Winnecke (YWCA Metro Chicago), Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Shelley MacArthur (Old St. Pat's rep), Sandi Hartstein (The Joffrey Ballet), Rebecca Darr (WINGS) and SOOO many others! As a surprise at the end of the zoom party, Steak 48 (Oliver Badgio and Jeff Mastro, Steak 48 owner) provided participants with a dining gift certificate to the restaurant, located at 615 N. Wabash Ave., as a show of appreciation for their service to the Chicago community. I'm already looking forward to Pretty Powerful 4.0!! Thanks to all who participated and shared their plans for the future and told us how they coped in 2020. It was such an inspiring hour of hope and friendship! God Bless our Nonprofits!
power of a dog’s unconditional love. You’re invited to join TPAN and me on March 25 for a discussion featuring the author of "When Dogs Heal," Dr. Rob Garofalo, an HIV specialist whose practice centers on adolescents and LGBTQ youth. Join us as we discuss the book, share our life journeys—and, of course, talk about dogs! Dr. Rob will be joined by some of the people living with HIV who appear in the book, and by Julie Supple, TPAN’s programs director, who will discuss Paws N' Effect, TPAN’s program that brings together people living with HIV with a dog companion. When you purchase When Dogs Heal from Unabridged Bookstore either online or at their store, Unabridged will donate 20% of the book price to TPAN with all proceeds going directly to the Paws n’ Effect program, which helps find safe, forever homes for rescue dogs. “ Please sign up here and join us at 6 pm, CST, Thursday, March 25.
And she can cook too, Maria Pappas, Cook County Treasurer.
Hats off, again, to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. She had a standing O at the Polish Museum of America recently in honor of Pulaski Day. She gave this amazing speech (without notes, see below)) that left the audience wildly applauding. She is one of our city's most active politicians, always looking for ways to help we, the people. Recently, she and her team assembled a 234 page report describing the eye-popping trends of property tax growth in Cook County. She is sharing the data as a call to action for voters who have sat on the sidelines while taxes have continued to skyrocket. "The residences and commercial owners, who do not vote have allowed this to happen because they don't hold anybody accountable. I want to inspire people to get registered," she said. Amen to that Maria! On another Maria note, catch her WVON radio show every Monday (1690 AM) when she hosts "Black Houses Matter," a talk show about helping homeowners access unclaimed property tax refunds. Mayor Pappas? Sounds good to me!
There is lots of exciting news on the Chicago Star Media front! First off, I'm thrilled to announce that I've been named Contributing Editor to this wonderful group of papers that I like to call "a love letter to Chicago." I love its mission, which is mine too, to deliver positive news you can use with a hyper-local bent. In other words, a paper about Chicago,
With CSM publisher/founder Elaine Hyde. (Who's also a physicist!)
for Chicago! Our first rebranded issue as Chicago Star debuted on March 1 and it's a hit, I'm proud to say! (Read it all here) We have a brand new writer, Bridget McGuire,
Gibson's Restaurant Group are Chicago Star fans! (Thank you Kathy O'Malley Piccone!)
whose story "The Pandemic, Sales and the Single Girl", will make you laugh out loud! And I'm pretty proud of my column in this new issue too, "Wedding Bell DOs", with fabulous love stories and advice and tips from couples you know from around town. They include Gibson's Restaurant Group's Peg and Steve Lombardo, Izzy Idonije and Jatnna Toribio, WGN-TV's Ana Belaval and Steve Vihon, "Windy City Live's" Val Warner and Elijah "Jobba" Maxey, The Joffrey Ballet's Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Cheryl and Albert Grace, Marcus Riley and Jude Fitzgerald, Donna La Pietra and Bill Kurtis, award winning producer/director/writers Robert and Leslie Zemeckis, Agency H5's
Chicago Star Advisory Board member Howard Tullman and Gertie.
Kathleen and Chris Sarpy and more. These couples shared some great tips on making, keeping and building relationships with some surprising admissions. (Read story here!) We are building a family at Chicago Star and want you to be a part of it! Don't miss an issue, subscribe now
Chicago Star Advisory Board member Bonnie Tullman (and her Remi) are fans!
here! Special thanks to our exciting, STELLAR new Advisory Board members too: Howard Tullman, Sargent McCormick, Bonnie Spurlock, Sherren Leigh, Paul Iacono, Leslie Hindman, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Michael Kutza, Robert Zentner, Alex Pissios and Tom Kehoe. We are SOOOO grateful for your support! In more exciting news, Chicago Star was the featured article in this week's must-read Robert Feder's column. (Read it here)
Love and thanks to all of the romantic couples here who shared their stories with me!
I hate sharing bad news but it doesn't look like our city's convention business is coming back, this year at least. The Chicago Dental Society has cancelled its annual February meeting. Since March, more than 200 trade shows have been scrapped according to info from the Illinois Restaurant Association. These shows were expected to generate more than 2 billion for Chicago. Other cancellations include the National Restaurant Association show, the Inspired Home show and even Macy's annual, greatly anticipated Flower Show display at the State Street store. On a brighter front, it appears that the Chicago Auto Show is still working on returning this year. Fingers crossed for better convention news coming soon.
I started spring cleaning early this year. Saw a moth and freaked. I'm finished now with one walk-in closet and will soon be heading for the others. It was a bittersweet walk down memory lane. I'm a saver so I loathe throwing anything away, especially things with sentimental value. I had to decide what to do with a lot of pieces of clothing that had special memories for me. I have the top I wore when Chuck and I got our marriage license; the gown I wore to my first Joffrey Ballet Gala; the gown I wore when I co-chaired a Service Club Gala; the cocktail dress I wore when I was honored by the Chicago Lighthouse; the short red
I started a little early.
dress I wore to the opening of the Modern Wing, the fancy custom top, created by an Art Institute student, I wore when I was inducted into the BizBash Hall of Fame…well, you get the idea. They all hold such special memories for me and even looking at them makes all of those memories and occasions come back in a rush. But, I have to grow up and out of this habit. I got rid of them all and I feel 20 pounds lighter (kinda). I got rid of everything except the top I wore for getting our marriage license. That will stay.
With the weather getting warmer and restaurant restrictions becoming more reasonable, I'm almost giddy with excitement. We get our second shot recently and, after that, I can't wait to go bar hopping and cram myself into crowded elevators. (Totally kidding here) But it's fun to think about reaching a better place in our city and country….(prayer hands here).
Thanks for tuning in and for your patience with my late blog! If not a subscriber, please sign up here!
Love, as always,
Candace
(Send any info, questions or comments to Candace@CandidCandace.com)
We are all suffering in one way or another during these strange times. People in the restaurant industry, the arts, design and the nonprofit communities are the ones that first come to mind for me. I guess because I have dear friends in all of these categories and know of so many who have lost their jobs and businesses or who are struggling. I'm thrilled the restaurants and bars have partially reopened but we still have a long way to go. The nonprofits, to me, are the backbone of our city, maybe because I've worked with so many of them for so long. They help prop up the most vulnerable and even our homeless pets find care, comfort and protection through them. Since 2008, I've been writing about and promoting charities and events that are close to my heart. I want to put them in the spotlight now, so I quizzed some of my favorites to find out what they were planning for 2021. Please take note. Some have a whole calendar filled with a variety of fundraisers while others have nothing planned. It's a new normal that some are having difficulty navigating. However, I've included as many as I could and I hope you will mark your calendars for their events as well as share them across your social media. I've been asked on many occasions how people can get involved and which charities I would recommend. All of the ones listed below are well vetted and wonderful. And, if you don't have money to donate, there are many other ways to become involved, including volunteerism. Websites are included for each organization, so reach out to the one/ones that touch your heart. And, if your nonprofit's events aren't listed below, be sure to send them to Candace@CandidCandace.com for the next edition. I'm determined to make all of your voices heard moving into the New Year. (Events/nonprofits are mentioned in no particular order below, and they all need our help).
Chicago Children’s Choir, a nonprofit that inspires and unites youth from diverse backgrounds to become global ambassadors through music, will present its free virtual Black History Month concert, Preserving and Persevering, on Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.
Chicago Children's Choir.
CT. Exploring how the power of Black music has been
Chicago Children's Choir, live onstage on national TV.
the cultural key in both preserving African traditions in America and in helping millions persevere in the face of racial injustice, the concert is curated by CCC’s Director of African Diasporic Music and Studies Lonnie Norwood and includes performances from the Voice of Chicago, Dimension and Neighborhood Choir singers. And on Saturday, Sept. 26, the CCC will present "Reverberations" (formerly Red Jacket Optional Gala). Kudos also to conductor/pianist/singer Josephine Lee and her CCC for their recent live appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. They performed alongside Chance the Rapper, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Kofi Lost, Peter CottonTale and Cynthia Erivo. (Details here!)
One Tail at a Time executive director Heather Owen and friend.
One Tail at a Time'sHoundstooth Ball is set for Friday, November 19. This wonderful animal rescue saves homeless dogs and cats with their goal, this year, being 2,250 rescues. They will also focus on growing their outreach and support programs in big ways for Chicago pet families struggling to make ends meet. Please check out the details here!
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs are celebrating its 102nd year of mentoring the next generation to become leaders in their communities, particularly those who are underserved. Despite Covid, this nonprofit wants you to know that they are still offering a safe and spacious home to its Club's youth for e-learning. Save the date for February 25 for their annual (virtual) Youth of the Year event! (Details here!)
PAWS Chicago, the largest No Kill animal shelter in the Midwest, has several events
PAWS Chicago, adoptable cats and dogs.
planned. At this point, they're not sure if the summer Beach Party will be virtual or a smaller, in-person event at the Castaways but I will keep you posted. In the meantime, mark these events on your calendar! Virtual Trivia Night, Thursday, February 25 ($5 minimum donation to participate); Virtual Mutt Madness, fundraising/adoption event in which 32 dogs and 32 cats work their way through a 6 round tourney ala an NCAA tourney, March 11-18; Inaugural Golf Outing, Monday, June 14, at the Westmoreland Country Club in Winnetka; PAWS Chicago Beach Party, August (date TBD); PAWS Chicago 5K/Walk/Run, September (date TBD); PAWS 20th annual Fur Ball, November 12 (location TBD); Team PAWS (fall). (Check website here for more event info and to register).
Each year, the Illinois Holocaust Museum hosts one of the largest fundraisers in Chicago and welcomes over 2,000 civic, business, and community leaders in support of the Museum’s educational outreach. On March 10, 2021, former NBA Star & Activist Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will be the keynote speaker of the 2021 Humanitarian Awards Dinner. During the virtual and in-person event, the Humanitarian Award will be presented to Exelon Corporation, accepted by CEO Chris Crane and Scott Swanson, president of PNC Bank, Illinois, for their demonstrated commitment to educate current and future generations about the Holocaust and the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and indifference. Zev and Shifra Karkomi will be honored posthumously with the Survivor Legacy Award to recognize their vision and support in creating the Karkomi Holocaust Exhibition – a cornerstone of the Museum. (Dinner details here.) For the Women's Leadership Committee's signature event, SOIRÉE, I'm thrilled to be returning as host! This annual event typically brings together guests for a spirited evening filled with socializing, silent auction bidding, and entertainment. It raises funds to support the Museum’s mission to combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference and to inspire visitors to become Upstanders who speak out for what’s right – turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today. The 2021 event is scheduled for Wednesday, September 1, and will likely be a hybrid of in-person and virtual. I hope you can join us! (Details here!) Two new, BIG exhibitions are coming up too, “Mandela: Struggle for Freedom" (Feb. 2021 – Sept. 2021) and "Rise Up: Stonewall and the LGBTQ Rights Movement" (Oct. 2021 – May 2022).
The Service Club's All-In Zoom meeting with over 100 members celebrating their record-breaking fundraising success.
The Service Club of Chicago certainly didn't let a pandemic slow down its fundraising efforts! They broke two records this year — in their 131 year history! The SC held its most profitable Gala ever — and also raised the most revenue overall to distribute through its Philanthropic Grant Program, an all-time high of $ 621,632.28! For the coming year, they're still going full steam ahead! First, the Spring Hat Luncheon, which is hopefully scheduled for May (in person, hybrid or maybe a combo); Day on the Terrace will be the first Monday in August at the Peninsula; the Gala will be held at the Four Seasons on November 5 and their Holiday Luncheon will be back in the beautiful dining room of the University Club on December 1. As president Sherrill Bodine stated, "We will never surrender our mission to help make Chicago a better place in which to live." (Donate/learn more, here!)
Hyde Park Art Center, the non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s South Side, will present socially-distant exhibitions throughout the coming year that highlight Chicago’s diverse art scene featuring emerging and established artists. While all time-frames are subject to change, visual arts fans can expect the following: FEBRUARY will see the opening of a trio of exhibitions: Ground Floor, a biennial that features some of Chicago’s most promising emerging talent from area MFA (Master of Fine Arts) graduate programs; Cuts & Beats, a solo multi-media exhibition by Cecil McDonald, Jr.; and Next Window, Please!, showcasing young adult artists from the Art Center’s Teen Program. THIS SPRING, artist Gabriel Villa translates the language of Mexican traditions and the personal urban American experience into charged intimate narratives in The Metamorphosis of Gabriel Villa while artist Faheem Majeed creates a new installation that focuses on the history of the historic South Side Community Art Center, in Faheem Majeed: Planting and Maintaining a Perennial Garden IV. SUMMER will bring Future Fossils: SUM, the final major sculpture installation in a trilogy of work by Lan Tuazon. And note that every month on the first Sunday, the Hyde Park Art Center hosts Center Sundays, a free public program introducing ongoing offerings at the Art Center for all ages, interests and skill levels, which is now being held virtually but soon will return to in-person. For more information on all, click here!
Some members of the Merit School of Music performing.
Merit School of Music, for over 40 years, has been dedicated to helping young people transform their lives by providing equal access to a high-quality music education, with nearly 70 percent of students benefiting from need-based financial aid and low-cost instrument rental. Merit will host its 42nd annual benefit Gala, honoring Lyric Opera of Chicago Music Director and Principal Conductor Sir Andrew Davis as he concludes his two-decade-long Lyric tenure. Davis will receive Merit’s Alice S. Pfaelzer Award for Distinguished Service to the Arts at the virtual Gala celebration in mid-May (date TBC). Plus, Merit will be offering both online and in-person options for its summer line-up of camps, classes, electives and workshops. Merit School of Music’s online summer camps and classes help students, from early childhood through high school, to stay social, creative, and engaged with their instrument from the comfort of home or in a socially-distanced small group environment. Summer registration opens in May; more information can be found here.
Misericordia, that fabulous place that provides love, caring and comfort, since 1921, for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, is hosting a few fun events this year! I'm super excited to support this amazing nonprofit via video for their Women's Auxiliary – All You Need is Love event with a wine theme happening on February 12. And don't miss the Women's League – Heart of Gold, Night at the Races event with a Kentucky Derby theme happening on February 26. Love Sister Rosemary and Lois!
Some of the inspiring members of Giordano Dance Chicago.
Giordano Dance Chicago, one of the premiere jazz dance companies in the world, has some exciting highlights for 2021. The Nan Giordano Certification Program® continues virtually in March with dance educators from around the globe. And on June 13-18, the Giordano Workshop goes virtual! GDC will bring its high energy technique and repertoire into people’s homes and studios around the world. Artistic director Nan Giordano said, "While operations have slowed due to COVID-19, we have taken the opportunity to engage in a strategic planning process to strengthen our organization and ensure we emerge from this time better than ever!" And I know they will! Follow them along here!
The Joffrey Ballet, like many other dance companies, have had to cancel performances due to Covid. Luckily, they have a deep well of material to choose from as well as the creativity and artistic talent to create something new and suitable for the times. Their main goal is to stay afloat financially, which they have managed to do so far through significant budget cuts and a $12 million fundraising
The Joffrey Ballet rehearses Bolero.
campaign. They plan to return to the Lyric Opera House this fall with a full 2021–22 season. Their strategy, for now, is to create short, studio performances and footage that artistic director Ashley Wheater says “pulls back the curtain” on the rehearsals and staging like they did with their recent online "Nutcracker" production. Originally created for its spring gala, "Bolero" is the company's latest offering, a 16-minute one-act production that is ideal for online viewers who, like me, have short attention spans. Here's to more Joffrey greatness in the coming year! (Follow their event and production schedule here)
Congo Square Theatre Company, one of the nation’s premier African American theatres (they worked with a young playwright named Chadwick Boseman before he was a household name), has pivoted to digital programming for their 21st season. Coming up is their three-day arts celebration Festival on the Square from Feb. 4-6, culminating with the 2021 Vision Benefit honoring founding board chair Les Coney and the company’s first director, Ron OJ Parson. Ongoing is the theater’s new digital sketch comedy show Hit ‘Em on the Blackside, currently available for free viewing on their website with new episodes starting in March. More information here!
On January 31, the Chicago Dance History Project will host a Marathon Interview with the world's leaders in dance–7 hours of interviews with amazing dance people from all over the world (Twyla Tharp, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater’s Robert Battle, Lou Conte, Ashley Wheater and many, many more). Info and sign up here.
The Music Institute’s 90th Anniversary Gala is scheduled Monday, May 10 starting at 6 p.m. in a virtual format with some live components (pending pandemic restrictions) for a limited number of guests at Nichols Concert Hall. The Dushkin Award, which for 35 years has been bestowed upon some of the world’s most accomplished musicians, will be presented to Maestro Zubin Mehta. (There will also be a Cultural Visionary Award and a Richard D. Coburn Award for Teaching Excellence—recipients TBD.) Proceeds go toward scholarships and financial assistance for music instruction through the Music Institute’s Community Music School, which leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music by providing widely accessible resources for high-quality music teaching, performing, and service activities. (All info here!)
Chicago Dancers United is making plans for the 30th anniversary of its annual fundraiser Dance for Life, which supports The Dancers’ Fund assisting those with diagnosed critical health needs (expanded this past year to cover routine medical expenses due to the pandemic). The hope is for a live, outdoor event some time in August, more details to come soon! (Check their website here for upcoming plans!)
The Jackson Chance Foundation is hoping you'll join them for the Owl Ride for Jackson, a two-day 111-mile round-trip bike ride from Chicago to Valparaiso, IN. taking off from Chicago’s lakefront on Saturday, Aug. 21 through Sunday, Aug. 22 . The route serves up breathtaking views
Jackson Chance Foundation founders Carrie and Terry Meghie.
and scenic bike trails to Valparaiso with bikers riding 55.5 miles on day one. Enjoy a complimentary dinner and an evening in Valpo and then another 55.5 miles day 2 back to Chicago. With a mix of rolling terrain and a few punchy climbs it offers something for cyclists of all abilities. (A one-day option is also available.) All riders are invited to enjoy a post-ride celebration on Sunday including dinner, treats and massages! Proceeds from Owl Ride for Jackson benefit JCF’s NICU Transportation Program which partners with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Northwestern Prentice Women’s Hospital and Rush University Children’s Hospital to provide complimentary parking passes for families with critically ill babies in the NICU. Challenge yourself or enjoy the ride while impacting so many families when they need it most. Register today here!
Chicagoan Lauren Schrero is co-founder and executive director of The Nora Project. When Lauren’s daughter was born disabled, she became inspired to create a place for disability studies in every child’s education and launched The Nora Project to help create a more inclusive and accepting world. (Watch Lauren’s TED Talk about the program, here) Next month, The Nora Project is celebrating its 4th annual Friendship February, a charitable effort that challenges community members to commit to 28 days of friendship, kindness and inclusion. As we head into nearly 12 months of pandemic lockdown, it’s a great time to spread friendship and kindness as many continue to face hardship, emotional distress and COVID-19 fatigue. To see a complete list of Friendship February Challenges and get a sense of what this campaign is all about, see video below. Beyond Friendship February, The Nora Project supports local schools and communities year-round and brings students of all abilities together to teach empathy, demystify disability and promote inclusive beliefs and practices in school and beyond. Friendship February is an extension of these programs, and part of the campaign proceeds will provide grants to partner schools to make inclusion improvements like adding ramps, diversifying library books, and making all kids feel more included and welcome. (All info here!)
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago Area and Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) kicked off the 2021 Girl Scout Cookie season nationally, during a challenging time when many Girl Scouts are selling in creative, socially distant, and contact-free ways to keep themselves and their customers safe. Even in light of Covid, girls are adapting their sales methods to share the joy of Girl Scout Cookies through the largest girl-led entrepreneurship program—including taking contact-free pickup and delivery orders through a new national collaboration with Grubhub. Additionally, GCNWI has made online cookie ordering available so consumers who don’t know a Girl Scout can still purchase cookies from a local troop for direct shipment to their homes or donation to local organizations. If you don't know a Girl Scout to order from, click here!
Since 1974, Ronald McDonald House Charities have been providing a home away from home and resources to families who travel far from home for the medical care their child needs. To date, RMHC around the world have provided 2.5 million overnight stays for families with nearly 700 programs in 65+ countries and regions. In the Chicago region, they learned a lot in 2020, and have adapted their lineup of special events to be more inclusive by incorporating both in-person and virtual components to each experience. Mark your calendars for the following: Annual Golf Classic, Wed., June 9; Annual Gala, Saturday, Aug. 7; Sporting Clays Tournament, September 24/25 and Paint the Night, Sunday, Feb. 7. (Find further details and buy tickets here!)
The Chicago History Museum reopens to the public on March 4, the city's birthday! AND its fundraising arm, the Costume Council of the CHM, will present a zoom presentation on Thursday, February 25, with one of my favorite designers, Norma Kamali. Norma will discuss her new book, "Norma Kamali: I Am Invincible" and registrants will receive a gift box that includes a signed copy of the book, her Normalife Skinline Kit and more! Costume Council Patron Members and "Head to Toe Annual Appeal Donors" of $50 or more will receive a complimentary invitation to the Zoom lecture. All proceeds benefit the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (Tickets/more details here!)
The Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation and the Lynn Sage Foundation have merged to become the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. With 35 years of success, this old/new org will continue to fight breast cancer by funding research to find cures and raising awareness about prevention and screening. Click here to for event updates. I was told their uber-popular Fall Benefit Luncheon will probably be virtual again this year but they had great success with this in 2020 (the event was hosted by Hoda), so I can't wait to hear of all the fun they have planned this year! (I'll share the details when they're available!)
A Silver Lining Foundationhas an exciting line-up of events for 2021! For spring, they are planning a celeb-filled virtual fundraiser sometime in May. Details are still being ironed out. In the summer "Tasting Stars" will return on June 19, benefiting the programs and services provided by this
Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Greg Hines.
wonderful nonprofit in its efforts to ensure everyone can afford a mammogram and have access to all the services. For fall, the 17th annual "A Sterling Event" will take place on Saturday, October 2. This is the Foundation's largest fundraiser and it's being planned as a hybrid experience featuring live and remote access to what will most certainly be a memorable evening. Proceeds from all of these events will provide life-saving breast health testing to uninsured, underinsured and, most recently, to those who have lost their health insurance due to the pandemic. I hope you can join us for ALL! (Details here!) (The charity was recently spotlighted by The Ford Motor Company in its "Built For" campaign for doing "meaningful and essential work throughout America.")
The Big Shoulders Fund has been serving the communities since 1986, supporting Catholic schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. Through scholarship support and a variety of programs, BSF provides children in need access to a quality, values-based education. Reopening school buildings (75 inner-city schools) safely in August was a huge task, and teachers and principals were nimble and innovative in determining how best they could continue to meet the needs of their students in the COVID-19 era. Now in 2021, their work continues. Upcoming fundraising events will further these efforts by providing much needed scholarship and operational support. Big Shoulders is continuing to plan for its upcoming events and will host them in some capacity, whether in person, hybrid or virtual as safety guidelines advise. The large fundraisers for the year will include: Humanitarian Award Dinner, Friday, May 21, 6 pm; Golf Classic, Monday, August 9, 8:30 am, Check-in and 11 am shotgun start. Olympia Fields Country Club;Big Shoulders Fund Ball, Friday, October 1. And, in the coming months, they will also be hosting a number of other events such as: Scholar Events/Activities, Virtual Student Activities, Programming–CapitalOne Coding, Junior League Art Club, How to be an Entrepreneur; Virtual events that will include special speakers, dance classes, field trips to museums, and on January 29, Chicago Sky’sCheyenne Parker is speaking to elementary and high school students in a fun special assembly; Volunteers from companies like KPMG,Houlihan Lokey, etc. reading books, doing career panels and playing jeopardy learning games with students virtually; Scholar events/opportunities; Scholar tours and learning sessions with the Chicago History Museum; High School Scholar Symposium where students learn about trending careers, applying to college and for financial aid, what it means to be a scholar athlete and so much more in a fun virtual and video based event; They will continue to have guest speakers (Chris Gardner is scheduled) speak to students on a variety of topics from careers to life skills; Big Shoulders Fund Supporter Activities; Networking speaker events included one for the kick-off to their Black History Month Book Club where next generation board members and high school scholars read and discussed “Strides Toward Freedom, The Montgomery Story" which was moderated by State Representative Curtis Tarver. (For more info, click here!)
Established in 1985, WINGS is one of the biggest domestic violence programs in the Midwest. This nonprofit provides a pathway to independence for people whose lives have been disrupted by domestic violence by providing housing, integrated services, education and advocacy. It has big plans for the coming year that include these events and programs: WINGS Metro 5-Year Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, February 11, 5:30pm–Join a virtual cocktail hour when WINGS will share stories and videos to highlight the history and impact of WINGS Metro which, when it opened, was the first new shelter for victims of domestic violence to open in Chicago in more than 10 years. Since it opened, WINGS Metro has provided 59,919 nights of critical emergency shelter and served 815 domestic violence survivors, including 410 children. (Spotlighting a special thank you to WINGS Board member Amy Rule and Rahm Emanual, who as Mayor, led the plan to establish WINGS Metro, and donated $25,000 to mark this anniversary.) Register here for FREE . ($2,500+ donors will receive a cocktail party kit to enjoy during this virtual celebration); WINGS Sports Luncheon, June 2021, Exact date TBD, Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, 11:00am to 1:30pm—A Conversation with Chicago’s sports team owners George McCaskey , Michael Reinsdorf , Tom Ricketts and Rocky Wirtz, Event co-chairs Trish Rooney and Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel, Sponsorship levels: Presenting $100,000; Premier $50,000; Lead $25,000; Gold $15,000; Silver;$10,000, Bronze $5,000’ Tickets: TBD , FYI: This benefit originally was scheduled for March 16, 2020; all sponsorships and ticket purchases made for that fundraiser are honored for this benefit luncheon. WINGS 21st Annual Purple Tie Ball, Saturday, October 2, The Westin Hotel in Itasca, 6:00 PM to midnight , Traditionally held during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Event co-chairs: Melissa Canning and Debby Jackson, Sponsorship levels: Presenting $50,000; Lead $25,000; Gold $10,000; Silver $5,000; Angel $2,500; Tickets: $250 per person. 18th Annual Sweet Home Chicago, Sunday, December 12, Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, 10:00am to 1:00pm, Honorary chairs: Rita and John Canning, Event co-chairs: KatherineBanich, Meghan Norton and Maria Shideler, Sponsorship levels: Title $100,000; Presenting $50,000; Lead $25,000; Gingerbread $15,000; Gum Drop $12,000; Candy Cane $6,000. (ALL info HERE!)
Eversight Illinois' mission is to restore sight and prevent blindness through the healing power of donation, transplantation and research. In 1985, the Illinois Eye-Bank and Michigan Eye-Bank formed a partnership—one that would earn a reputation for clinical excellence made possible by some of the finest medical directors, staff and board members in the eye banking field. The success of the organization attracted affiliations with other regional eye banks like the BroMenn-Watson Gailey Eye-Bank, Lions Eye Bank of New Jersey, Cleveland Eye Bank and the Connecticut Eye Bank, forming one of the largest networks of eye banks in the U.S. In 2015, the network
Sip and Sup for Sight, Feb. 11.
became known as Eversight, all working together as a unified operation to deliver the highest quality services to surgeons and their patients and to continue to grow our impact around the world. Their fundraising efforts continue this year with their signature fundraiser, the Gift of Sight Celebration, which will be held at the Peninsula in the fall. The event will honor Justine Fedak as its Woman of Vision and Dr. Parag Majmudar as its Gift of Sight honoree. I'm proud to return as co-host with Michael Caputo. I hope you can join us for Fantasea, Mystery Masquerade! (Watch for details here!)
Sips and Sweets for Sight, a virtual tasting on Feb. 11, 7-8 pm.
Since 1906, The Chicago Lighthouse has been a leader in comprehensive vision care and social services that improve the quality of life for patients, clients and their families. Even through these difficult times, they have not stopped delivering for those who depend on them. In 2020, I was proud to co-host their virtual FLAIR Fashion Show with Tracey DiBuono. They are planning the next one, which they hope to have in-person with a video component included (details to follow). As “stay-at-home” orders were being issued in March, their IT and management teams worked around-the-clock securing licenses and assistive technology equipment so that many of their employees with disabilities could continue working from
Chicago Lighthouse president/CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk.
home. Birth-to-Three Program Senior Director Marla Garstka personally appealed to state officials for the ability to provide remote therapies. Though physically separated, their community rallied online too, donating more than $40,000 on #GivingTuesdayNow, guaranteeing their clients would have assistance when they needed it most. To help some of the youngest members of their community, art therapy kits were packed and distributed to Preschool and Children’s Development Center students. When one of their employees, who is visually impaired, needed a safe place to live, Human Resources Senior Vice President Jeanette Bonzani helped secure a new apartment for her and her family. As some staff members who are blind remained homebound, their colleagues went to grocery stores and pharmacies for necessities. This is what they are, a “Community of Care” and this type of giving will continue into 2021 promises Lighthouse president/CEO Dr. Janet Szlyk. (To learn more, click here!)
Gilda's Club Chicago is a place where men, women and children whose lives have been impacted by cancer, as well as their families and friends, can feel they are part of a welcoming community of support. Even throughout Covid, they figured out ways to maintain their level of support and are now offering over 150 virtual programs monthly, such as cancer support groups, lectures, healthy lifestyle activities and more. At various times during the year, GCC hosts special events. Please watch for these event details on their virtual calendar: Gilda's Night In hosted by the Associate Board; Annual Awards Dinner; Red DoorSociety recognition event for donors who have contributed $1,000 or more each year; Gilda’s Club Untapped. Enjoy an evening of craft beers, wines and a raffle for some great prizes; Team Gilda raises money and awareness for GCC as an official charity partner of the Bank of America Chicago Marathon and Shamrock Shuffle, RAM Racing's Cinco de Miler and other races. (For more info on programming and events, click here) ________________________________________________________________________
After School Matters students.
After School Matters is a non-profit organization that provides life-changing after-school and summer program opportunities to 20,000 Chicago high school teens each year. They continue to design and deliver project-based, apprenticeship programs in a variety of areas, including the arts, communications and leadership, sports and STEM. They develop public-private partnerships including those with CPS, Chicago Park District, the Chicago Public Library and others to further support their youth. In 2020, they hosted their popular After School Matters Gala virtually (see video below) and are planning more fundraising opportunities for 2021. (Details to follow here)
Since 2016, SocialWorks, founded by Grammy-award-winning musician and humanitarian Chance the Rapper, has been empowering youth through the arts, education and civic engagement. The nonprofit has created 5 initiatives for youth to help them learn and act on their passions. Programming focuses on education, mental health, homelessness and performing and literary arts. Through the initiatives, OpenMike, Warmest Winter, Kids of the Kingdom, The New Chance: Arts & Literature Fund and My State of Mind, SocialWorks hopes to inspire creativity, build dreams, and advocate for youth success in all its forms. (For more information on these initiatives, click here.) Lately, school districts around the nation have been struggling to create remote education plans for diverse learners. To help fill the need for these students, SocialWorks and Altitude Chicago have created an education pod. Students within the SocialWorks' e-pods follow the school's curriculum within a controlled CDC compliant atmosphere and receive lunch, supervision, specialized tutoring and socialization exercises throughout the school day. SocialWorks and Altitude Chicago hope to support 32 students and teachers and teacher aides this coming school year. (Classes are scheduled to start Monday, February 1, 2021.)SocialWorks and Altitude Chicago's e-pod was inspired by
A SocialWorks learning program.
a local parent, Danielle Giles, whose son struggled with remote learning. Danielle researched ways to help her son and realized that wealthier communities created their own pods and micro-schools. Frustrated with the lack of similar support in her area, Danielle made a GoFundMe page to help support diverse learners like her son, who is deaf. After connecting with Tori Niestrom, a local educator, and SocialWorks, the Diverse Learner Pod Program was born.(Qualified teachers and aides are needed to make this programming possible and are encouraged to apply here. Pod Leaders and Aides must have experience with sign language or children with disabilities, be CPR certified and a DCFS mandated reporter. Parents and students can register here. Interested groups must have 3-8 diverse learners of the same grade and school to register for a pod. All students must individually register to be considered.) To support the pod, reach out to info@socialworkschi.com or donate here.
The ARK Chicago, a nonprofit that annually supports over 4,000 area Jews facing adversity, announced the newest members of its leadership team as it enters its 50th year of service in 2021: Marna Goldwin as CEO, Steven Blonder as president of the Board of Directors and Michael Garlin as Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer. The ARK continues to commit itself to serving the growing and changing needs of the Chicagoland Jewish community, focusing on providing high-quality, free care and support in a safe and dignified setting, while expanding efforts to move its programs forward in all ways. With more than 2,000 volunteers serving in a number of different departments, it has become an integral part of the Chicagoland community. For more information about The ARK, its services and its expansion, please click here. Watch the story of The Ark Chicago below….
Chicago Scholars is entering its 25th Anniversary year in 2021 and celebrating continued growth in creating college access and mentorship for Chicago’s first-generation and under-resourced high school students! They will share more exciting events in honor of this milestone year in the coming months. They also welcomed Jeffery Beckham Jr. as interim CEO in December – Jeff was previously the VP of Partnerships for the organization.
Chicago Lights’ "Gala of Hope at Home" is virtually scheduled for Friday, March 5 at 7pm. This signature annual event benefits the youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights and the community support efforts of the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. The event is free to register with any donations happily accepted. (Sign up here!)
Devices 4 the Disabled was honored to start the year as the recipient of the Chicago Bear’s 2020 Community All-Pros initiative. This generous grant brings awareness to a critical need of medical equipment that is often not met for Chicagoans and gives D4D the ability to ensure people with disabilities have access to the medical devices they need. (Learn more here!)
This year, The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is celebrating 50 years of dance education and artistic support! In 1971, having already established herself as an internationally acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and arts patron, Ruth Page created an arts center and school of dance where artistic excellence could thrive. The Ruth Page Center for the Arts stands today as an example of how far her legacy has grown in 50 years. The Center has become home to a vibrant Artists In-Residence program and a comprehensive theater performance space. It consistently provides performance and professional opportunities to the next generation of dance artists and world-class training with a strong focus on international partnerships. The arts organizations who work and create there, and the artists who train and perform there, together are truly representative of Ruth Page’s iconic work, "Expanding Universe," created in collaboration with artist Isamu Noguchi. Any donations will go towards supporting dance teachers, accompanists, and subsidized instruction for students in need, in addition to artistic development programs such as the Keystone Dance Academy, Artists In-Residence, Subsidized Theater and Studio Rental, International Dance Experience, and The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company. The mission of The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is to “Be a platform for developing great artists and connecting them with audiences and community.” To celebrate its 50th, the Center is hoping to raise $50,000, one thousand dollars for each year. To support this remarkable nonprofit, click here!
HCRF co-founder Eleni Bousis, Dr. Leonidas Platanias and friends at a Wings to Cure Gala.
Nearly half of all men and one-third of women in the United States will develop cancer during their lifetime. The mission of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation is to discover, develop and implement effective new treatments for patients with cancer by advancing groundbreaking research. The Foundation's diverse network of donors helps provide the philanthropic support to fund interdisciplinary research teams at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, empowering world-class investigators to join forces and address the most urgent questions in the fields of cancer biology and oncology in innovative ways. By investing in "out of the box" research, with an emphasis on translational cancer research, the HCRF will accelerate and heighten the impact of scientific discoveries. For the coming year, they will host their 6th "The Wings to Cure Gala" on Saturday, November 6. at the Hilton Chicago, (For more info, click here.)
Young at Heart Pet Rescue–It all began in 2005 with a group of people who loved animals. But in particular, the older animals: Dogs who had a little grey around the muzzle, but whose hearts were young and whose love knew no bounds. Cats who lounged around, pretending to be hard of hearing, until the whir of the can-opener proved otherwise. These animals had once been loved, cherished and part of a family until one day they were no longer wanted. Passed by for younger dogs and cats, these pets are often just what an adopter is looking for – quiet, calm, housebroken, good with kids, affectionate and easily acclimated to a new home. Yet, they sit and wait for someone to love them, until many times, it is too late. In April of 2005, Young At Heart was formed to aid in the rescue and re-homing of older dogs and cats in the Chicagoland area. Since that fateful day, hundreds of senior pets have been rescued and adopted into loving homes. And, in September 2019, Young at Heart opened Chicagoland's first adoption center and sanctuary just for senior dogs and cats., a place where age is just a number, and where the care and comfort of those with greyer muzzles and stiffer joints than their younger counterparts come first and foremost. Executive director Dawn Kemper tells me they have a lot planned
Senior dog and cat resting at YAH, waiting for new homes.
for 2021 but are being careful. First up, this exciting PELOTON BIKE+ RAFFLE. Only 500 tickets will be sold, $50 each. Raffle ends on 1/31/21! Click here for rules and ticket purchase; VALENTINE'S AT-HOME WINE & CHOCOLATE PAIRING KITS For Valentine's Day, Young at Heart offering an At-Home Wine & Chocolate Pairing Kits; SUMMER VIBES MUTT MOSEY fundraiser walk from May 15 – August 15th, 2021. Teams must commit to and raise $500 or more to qualify. Prizes awarded for top fundraising teams. Registration opens in March 2021; OUTDOOR YOGA IN PEACHES' MEADOW classes offered monthly May – September. Ticket is required. Limited number of participants per class, and all Covid safety measures will be followed. Registration opens April 2021. (To find more details for these fun events, click here!)
Since 1916, the Chicago Urban League, through collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships, has helped people find jobs, secure affordable housing, enhance their educational experiences, and grow their businesses. One of the oldest and largest affiliates of the National Urban League, they promote strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, innovation, and collaborative community, corporate and civic relationships. They work to achieve equity for Black families and communities through social and economic empowerment. Throughout 2020 and now into 2021, they create programming, initiatives and events to help them achieve their mission. During the Covid crisis, they administered more than $6 mil in grants to more than 1,000 small businesses and hosted a virtual Golden Fellowship Exchange, partnering with Black owned restaurants which delivered nearly 500 meals across Chicago. Follow them here to learn more!
Imerman Angels’ was founded in 2003 by Jonny Imerman, a testicular cancer survivor. The nonprofit was created on the belief that no one should have to face cancer alone. They provide 24/7, 365, one-on-one FREE cancer support to anyone who needs it around the world. Their mission is to provide comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, pre-vivors and caregivers through a personalized, one-on-one connection with someone who has been there. Through its unique matching process, Imerman Angels partners anyone, any age, any gender, anywhere and any cancer type seeking support with someone just like them – a “Mentor Angel”. (A Mentor Angel is a cancer survivor or caregiver who, most importantly, has faced the same type of cancer.) Throughout a typical year, they offer a variety of friend-raising opportunities. (Watch this website for their event news coming in 2021)
Chicago House is a social service organization that supports individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ community with housing, health, and employment support. Founded in 1985 during the height of the AIDS crisis, this nonprofit initially served as a housing resource, and in most cases a hospice, for those affected. Today, the organization continues to empower the people they serve by supporting advancements in medicine and being a leader in finding housing opportunities. Moving into the New Year, they will continue their many support programs and are planning for future fundraisers. (Follow their progress here!)
Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF was founded in 1964 by Michael Kutza), is a year-round non-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to fostering better communication between people of diverse cultures through the art of film and the moving image. They are not letting Covid slow
Michael Kutza, CIFF founder. (Photo by Tim Klein)
down their world class delivery of film–For instance, CineYouth, their four-day youth film festival showcasing short films from filmmakers 22 years old and under, will be virtual and include free screenings, filmmaker talks, and master classes in May 2021 and will be free on the Festival's streaming platform. Their annual free Summer Screenings program, usually held at the Chicago Cultural Center, will also be virtual and run May-September, again on the Festival's streaming platform. The 57th Chicago International Film Festival (with over 100 films on offer!) will take place October 13-24 as a hybrid event with both in-person (theater and drive-in) and virtual screenings and events. Monthly virtual film screenings and filmmaker Q&As through Cinema/Chicago's Member Film Series and Virtual Cinema will continue throughout the year. (For all the details, click here!)
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation was founded in late 1992 by Kathleen Casey, CEO/President. The foundation is named in memory of her eight-year-old son, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, who died after a courageous five and a half year battle with Wilms Tumor, a pediatric cancer. Bear Necessities operates two programs, Bear Hugs and Bear Discoveries. While the Foundation is funding cutting-edge research to end pediatric cancer, it’s also providing for the immediate needs of the children and families battling the disease. Throughout the year, they host a number of fundraising events, including the Bear Tie Ball, A Walk for the Bear, Little Black Dress Luncheon, Young Professional Board and third party events. (Watch their website here for events coming this year and see video below!)
The leading emerging designer runway show "Emerge! Fashion Show," established to be a catalyst and provide a platform for designers, will celebrate its 10th anniversary during New York Fashion Week on February 16 with a virtual fashion event. The show themed “A Decade of Diversity on the Runway,” will feature top emerging designers from the United States as well as Africa. The virtual event will stream on GFNTV.com and on http://www.Emergerunwaynyc.com at 6:00PM CST/7:00PM EST. GFNTV is a premiere online video network, which also streams live on various platforms including ROKU & Apple TV. The virtual fashion event will be hosted by Claire Sulmers of Fashion Bomb Daily, with special guest presenters Andre’ Leon Talley (former Vogue
Dionne Williams, Emerge! fashion show creator.
contributor) and Fern Mallis (creator of New York Fashion Week). The virtual event will also feature congratulatory remarks from fashion and style notables, a performance by Yanna Cello, a look back
Super model Pat Cleveland, a past Emerge honoree.
over the 10 year history of Emerge! with special clips including a design talk with London-based designer Ozwald Boateng, urban street wear designer Karl Kani and iconic model Pat Cleveland. Each season, EMERGE! presents the coveted Fashion Innovator Award. Past recipients have included Audrey Smaltz (president of the Ground Crew, presented by Harriette Cole); Constance C.R. White (editor-in-chief Essence Magazine presented by Tracy Reese); Andre’ Leon Talley (former contributing editor of Vogue, presented by Diane Von Furstenberg); fashion icon Mikki Taylor, presented by style expert Philip Bloch); legendary model Pat Cleveland
Diane Von Furstenberg and Andre Leon Talley with Dionne Williams at a past event.
(presented by equally legendary fashion designer Stephen
Burrows) and Fern Mallis (presented by Bibu Mohapatra). This year’s Fashion Innovator Award Honoree is celebrity stylist and “image architect” Law Roach. Law will be recognized for his impact
Guest presenter Fern Mallis, a past honoree and creator of NYFW.
in shaping the global fashion industry. A host of emerging designers will also unveil their newest collections: Terri Stevens of funkinbeautiful Designs (Chicago), Scalo Designs (Johannesberg), Jesu’ Segun London , Orla Couture (Lagos, Nigeria), Haus of L.A. (Los Angeles, Chicago). The runway will be “reimagined” and feature the designs in creative vignettes. “I am so excited about the upcoming anniversary show,” says Dionne Williams, creator and producer of Emerge! Fashion Show, “When I created Emerge 10 years ago my purpose was to highlight the creativity and art that designers create for the runway. I am always in awe of the talent and gifts that designers bring to light.” (To register for free access to the virtual event, click here or visit http://www.GFNTV.com the day of the show.)
Renowned Irish violinist Patricia Treacy, who performed at the Inauguration.
Beauty AND talent! Congrats to renowned Irish violinist Patricia
Being fitted for a glam gown at Dimatra's Bridal Couture with Ismini Walsh.
Treacy, who performed during the Presidential Inauguration at the request of President Joe Biden. Patricia performed for him many times when he was VP and, for this important occasion, played a rare $4 million dollar Stradivari violin (courtesy of Bein & Co.) during the inaugural mass. (Only 244 of these rare violins are known to exist). She said in her beautiful Irish brogue, "I'm going to be sick to the gills having to give it up." It was touch and go whether or not she would be playing live or virtually due to security concerns, but in the end, she appeared live onstage at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle. She wore a stunning blue dress (the official color of Ireland!) by Dimitra's Bridal Couture (1009 N. Rush St.) and diamond earrings from Martin Katz Jewelers (Beverly Hills). Patricia lives in Ireland, County Louth, but travels frequently around the world performing. She recently filmed a documentary about Ireland, with actor Liam Neeson doing the voiceover, that she hopes will be unveiled at the White House sometime in March. See her rehearsal video below at Chicago's Old St. Patrick's Catholic Church (produced by One CityFilms). Kudos to this very accomplished Irish beauty!
With Chicago Star Media editor/publisher Elaine Hyde.
I am SO excited with my new affiliation as a columnist with Chicago Star Media! This small group of community-centric newspapers is determined to make an impact in our communities and so am I. Think of them as your love letter to Chicago! No politics, only news you can use, feel-good stuff, people you should know and so much more.
With CSM's Elaine Hyde and Jay Kopp.
Many of you have already subscribed (I know who you are and am working my way through thank-you emails now) and some of you didn't know this opportunity existed! Well, it's just now being offered so you will be the first onboard. They/we offer both digital editions and hard copies as well as a free newsletter. Prices are very reasonable for all the great content you'll be receiving (like my columns–wink, wink– including a new "Ask
Zoom meeting with some of the Chicago Star Media team.
Candid Candace" advice column coming soon!!) Other fabulous, dedicated writers include Nuria Mathog (also associate editor), Angela Gagnon, Jon Cohn and Jacqueline Davis. Jay Kopp is in charge of marketing and advertising and Elaine Hyde, the editor/publisher (if you would like to send letters to the editor, please write to her here: info@chicagostarmedia.com. And here are the subscription options: $4.99 monthly; $78 for 2 years; $49 for one year or digital for $27 annually. And, please start planning your questions for my advice column now too–I'll answer anything– fashion, romance, what to do, where to go, etc., WHATEVER! Send all questions here, CandidCandace@ChicagoStarMedia.com and maybe yours will be selected. Make sure to include your name and title too! All details to subscribe are here AND don't forget to sign up for the free newsletter too: https://bit.ly/35QoN28 (I would be so grateful!)
I love seeing all of the creativity and fun surrounding the
Bernie in Charles Ifergan's chair.
meme-generator that lets you place Bernie Sanders anywhere in the world. I've seen images of him on The Dating Game, in Stephen King's movie "The Shining," in bed with one of the Golden Girls, with his arms wrapped around Janet Jackson, sitting in stylist Charles Ifergan's chair getting a haircut, inside the Oscar Meyer Weiner Mobile, chatting with Svengoolie and so many others. I even saw him
Tobey Time Crochet Bernie doll.
in front of my childhood home in Dupo, Ill! LOL! Nick Sawhney, the creator of the meme-generator says over 9 million people used the online tool and, that due to costs, had to be scrapped. And now, Tobey Time Crochet has created the most believable tiny knitted version of him
Bernie with a Golden Girl.
seated wearing his now-iconic mittens that is up for auction. The current bid is $14,900! The meticulously crafted doll includes hair, glasses, the blue surgical mask and the mittens and measures approximately 9". A reporter asked Bernie about his mittens and he replied, "Fashion? Every American needs their $2000 check!" Bernie is also using his image to
Double Bernie in The Shining.
raise money for charity, turning the events from "fun to good." He told CNN, "We're going to be selling sweaters, T-shirts and more around the country with all of the money raised, I expect a couple of million dollars, going to programs like Meals on Wheels that feed low-income senior citizens." Tobey Time Crochet has made these Bernie patterns available but notes they're not for beginners. (And, if interested in bidding on the Bernie doll auction, click here!)
Wisconsin's Door County will welcome a brand new hotel in the village of Sister Bay in late May. The Dorr Hotel will feature 47 contemporary rooms and suites, a two-story beamed lobby with fireplace, a welcoming lobby bar, a large outdoor courtyard with fire pit and lawn games and a guest experience team who will design Door County touring itineraries. The Dorr will be the area's first newly built hotel in almost 20 years! Inspired by the area's Scandinavian heritage, the four-story cobalt blue building will embody "coziness and contentment" according to owner Christopher Schmeltz. Rooms range from $175 to $440 per night. For further info, call 844.944.0354 or click here.
Ms. Anita Harris turns 102! (Photo by her goddaughter Jonquil Byers.)
Happy birthday, with love, to Miss Anita Harris who turned 102 on January 25! She's as spry as can be with a beautiful full head of blond hair that she tends to on a regular basis at her favorite, local beauty salon. She loves fashion, watching "Jeopardy" and "Family Feud" and listening to smooth jazz while enjoying a mimosa now and then. She lives by herself in the iconic
Ms Anita Harris and her own beautiful blond hair!
complex known as Hilliard Homes and enjoys cooking healthy meals, including gourmet food. She's an upbeat, positive person who has learned to adjust to difficulties imposed by Covid–including having to attend her Salem Lutheran Church services via Zoom. She was born in 1919 at the old St. Luke's Hospital and lived for 30 years in the Jackson Park neighborhood. She is married and the mother of one daughter (husband and daughter both now deceased). Ms. Anita was a housewife for many years before going to work for the Department of Welfare and finally, the Board of Education where she spent 17 years. She said, "Some of my family were enslaved. I can't believe we're going through this kind of turmoil again. This is all so sad." She said she was "so happy to have lived long enough to see a Black president and now a Black woman as VP." She donates to charities, including those dedicated to cancer survivors, the homeless and pets. God Bless you and keep you Miss Anita! Love your inspiring story!
Nick Pullia with his late, much loved Moluccan cockatoo Elliott.
Many of you know and love dear Nick Pullia, he of the always upbeat demeanor and scintillating wit, who also happens to be the director of communications for the venerable Ravinia Festival. Chuck and I have been privileged to have spent time with him throughout the years and the one thing that always stood out was his
One of the many tributes Nick has received in honor of Elliott.
larger-than-life love for all animals. He owned many himself, including big, happy dogs as well as birds. (Between you and me, I think his heart stretched out a little bigger when he was with his avian friends). Recently, he suffered horrible heartbreak when he unexpectedly lost one of his best friends, a Moluccan cockatoo named Elliott. "She" had been his constant companion
The late, great Baby Elliott Pullia.
since she was 4 months old and they recently had celebrated 30 wonderful, fun-filled years together. Shortly after this milestone celebration, Elliott passed away unexpectedly when she suffered massive trauma caused by a prolapse while trying to pass an egg. The heartbreak is unimaginable and our prayers and love go out to Nick and the rest of his furry/feathery family. Nick had made arrangements for Elliott's care after HE had passed with A Refuge for Saving the Wildlife, a parrot rescue that helps homeless birds find new families.(Their motto is "don't buy, don't breed, please adopt a bird in need.") Being the wonderful pet parent that he is, he had, of course, thought of everything. Sadly, life had other plans. RIP dear Baby Ell and, if you would like to support this wonderful bird wildlife refuge (and Nick), please donate here.
Special thanks to MB Luxury Group's Maggie Baczkowski and Curt Rose, the wonderful co-hosts of a new show
With co-hosts Maggie Baczkowski and Curt Rose.
called "Switching Gears." And, even though they're both luxury real estate specialists, this show is about all the things that make Chicago fun! I was proud to be the first interview on their debut show that also included Shaun Rajah, Joseph Szymczak and DC Crenshaw. (Watch segment here, my part runs from 21:25 to 34:06, but it's ALL good!)
Interviewing Larry King with Sugar Rautbord enroute to a Cubs game.
RIP dear Larry King. I was so sorry to hear of his recent passing. I've always admired this talk show legend and was beyond thrilled to be offered a one-on-one interview with him in August of 2011 when
he traveled to Wrigley Field to throw out the first
Pals Sugar Rautbord and Larry King.
pitch at the Cubs/Cardinals game. Larry was in town being feted by author/socialite, Sugar Rautbord. She was a great pal of his and hosted a party at her house following the game for his book "Truth Be Told." (She also arranged this opportunity that I will never forget.) Larry was
Larry King after throwing out first pitch at a Cubs/Cardinals game in 2011.
witty, charming and funny and the interview lasted the entire route from the Park Hyatt to the ballpark! He talked nonstop and was the perfect interview. I was spellbound hearing his amusing stories with world leaders like Vladimir Putin who called him at the barber shop (due to his mistrust of cell phones) or the time Saddam Hussein called him at a restaurant (he told the waiter to "put him on hold.") or the time former President Clinton called during his impeachment proceedings and asked "who's winning?" With his far reaching knowledge and humor, it's no surprise that he became a much loved celebrity himself. Read the full story here! (Photos by Mila Samokhina)
That's it for now, my love letter to some of Chicago's beloved nonprofits. As I mentioned in my opening, if I missed your organization, please send me your event updates for 2021 and I'll be happy to include it in the next edition. As we move into the New Year, let's hope it doesn't even remotely resemble the year past. I'm looking forward to celebrating and hugging as many people as possible and am excited to see what new opportunities this year brings for all of us. As Winston Churchill said, "If you're going through hell, keep going." And that's exactly what we're all going to do….
Plus: What nonprofit fundraisers are coming back in 2021?; YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's GREAT news; Izzy "Shops with a Cop" for the kids; Silver linings for PAWS Chicago, One Tail at a Time and Young at Heart Pet Rescue; CHI-lebrities open their hearts in Chicago Star Media; Remembering Hef's HOT New Year's Eve parties; Eversight Illinois' Mystery Masquerade; Playboy's new centerfold policy; Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's Wings to Cure; Chicago Light's Gala of Hope; Happy engagement announcements; Six Flags Holiday Drive-Thru; In the news with John and Steve; Thoughts on 2020 and what the New Year will bring; A touching video and SO MUCH MORE!
New Year's Eve looked a little different this year. Besides Covid changing the landscape of the entire world, it also kept us from celebrating the end of one of the worst years in recent memory. Restaurants missed out on much needed revenue, friends missed traditional celebrations with family and Times Square was eerily empty. People could only peek out their windows like Jimmy Stewart in "Rear Window" trying to get a feel for what was happening outside. We are all still on lockdown, mentally and physically. Chuck and I grabbed longtime friend Michael Kutza
NYE at cozy Avli on Wells.
determined to still experience NYE, this year in a tent with heaters. Even though people were having fun we all knew this was just a (hopefully temporary) substitute for the real thing. All of this lack of freedom made me think about the wild and woolly days of NYEs past. We're so lucky
Yurts at Swift & Sons designed by Kehoe.
to have experienced the heyday of Playboy with Hefner at his Mansion in LA. I always felt his parties rivaled Jay Gatsby's in exquisite excess and excitement. The invitations, always with beautiful pinup artwork created by Olivia De Berardinis, arrived in the mail a few weeks before the big event (I've saved them all).
LA Playboy Mansion lit up for NYE 2009.
We would RSVP immediately and then the anticipation began. You never knew what to expect at any of his
With Hef at a past NYE in LA.
parties as the guest lists were always changing to accommodate whoever was in town along with some of his celebrity friends. One year, the Village People performed, another year Three Six Mafia hit the stage that was inside a ginormous tent on the grounds of Hef's Holmby Hills estate. Another year, one of Hef's three girlfriends, Bridget Marquardt, popped out of a giant cake
Hef surrounded by admirers at a past NYE.
and did a slow strip tease as she gazed into his eyes (the crowd went wild). Hef's party guests have included John Elway, Penelope Cruz, James Caan, Nicholas Cage, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, Robert Culp, Tiffany Trump, Donald Trump, Julie Newmar, Bill Cosby (ick), Jane Russell, Quentin Tarantino, Pamela
Chuck enjoying the views at one of Hef's NYE parties.
Anderson, Jack Nicholson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madonna, Eddie Murphy, Warren Beatty, Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Connors, Paris and Nicky Hilton, Eddie Murphy and so many more. It was always a great
adventure wondering who you would see that night. I was lucky that Hef liked Chuck too and always included him. During the parties, guests enjoyed gourmet buffets,
Celebrating with fellow Playmates Marcy Hanson, Hope Olson and Patti McGuire Connors.
unlimited champagne and cocktails, swimming in the pool or lounging in the grotto. Guests were encouraged to wear lingerie which definitely added to the excitement. Some girls' interpretations of the "suggested attire" left little to the imagination. Oh, those were truly the days! I'm happy to see Playboy doing so well online now too. Even though the magazines have physically disappeared, the brand's online presence is strong and growing. I'm so happy to still have them as a family too. Here's to another 68 years and to a bigger, brighter 2021 for us all!
I quizzed some of my favorite bold-faced names to see how they were handling the pandemic, what their NYE resolutions were, their best moments of 2020, hopes for the future and any advice that might give us some inspiration. I discovered that we all have more in common than we know. I hope you enjoy these enlightening, and in some cases, surprising, comments from some of my favorite Chicago notables.
One of my favorite media peeps, Sylvia Perez (Fox-32) provided these thoughtful answers. Her
Sylvia Perez: "We are Puerto Rican and I love these shirts. We eat Pasteles and drink coquito (Puerto Rican egg nog) it’s a holiday tradition!"
favorite moment, "When they finally took Texas off the travel ban list and I was able to see my 86 year-old mother who I had not seen since last year because of the pandemic. It warmed my heart. I needed my mommy. It doesn't matter how old you are." Her NYE resolution? "To live in the moment!" Her advice? "Everyone is going through something, respect and try not to judge."
Kathy O'Malley Piccone
Kathy O'Malley Piccone, the hostess with the mostest at Gibson's Steakhouse, said her favorite moments during the pandemic were "when people started to reach out to each other, sending texts, jokes, puzzles, flowers, delicious foods from local restaurants and the wonderful 'calm app.'' She said, "Most of all, just sending love and positive vibes to each others. Touching moments that brought me to tears every evening at 8 pm throughout the city [when people serenaded the healthcare workers]." Her NYE resolution is to "spread more kindness, more love and generosity, more understanding of one another, more courage and peace and be more in the moment."
Amanda Puck, Director Strategic Brand Development Mariano's, has worked in the food industry for a long time. She shared,
Amanda Puck w/ Mariano's community partner Jermaine Anderson, Corey Carr, 6th Ward Alderman Roderick Sawyer, Ron Baker Jr. and Otis Wilson.
"Through the pandemic, it was great to see organizations and individuals step up and help the community more than ever! Both the Greater Chicago Food Depository and Northern Illinois Food Bank have worked so hard feeding the community, as well as all the local food pantries across Chicagoland." During the isolation she learned "how to make a mean arancini from Chef Tony Priolo, delicious Mac & Cheese from Chef Brian Jupiter and taste more wines with Belinda Chang all via our Mariano's meet-ups and zoom classes." Her NYE resolution? "To read more! She has started with Julia Child's "My Life in France." Amanda said, "I admire her, she started and blossomed in her career later in life. She's an epic legend in our industry." She added a quote from one of her favorite authors Morgan Harper Nichols, 'Even if the wait carries on another year, I will not get where I am going without first learning to be here.'"
Melody Spann Cooper with former First Lady Michelle Obama.
Melody Spann Cooper, Chair and CEO Midway Broadcasting Corp., said her favorite moment of 2020 was "when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris were declared the President and VP-Elect of the United States. I didn't realize how sleep deprived I had been over the past four years." Her NYE resolution is to "remain healthy and helpful. I'm making a commitment to 365 days of giving. Every day I plan to intentionally give something that will help someone." Her hope for the future? "I hope for healing and restoration. Restoring health to those who have been impacted by the pandemic. Restoring compassion in all of humanity and restoring Chicago to the great city we love. It's not perfect, but in its imperfection, it's still home and a place that has allowed me to dream past my zip code."
Paul Iacono, president Chicago Dowel Company, and much loved man-about-town, said his
Paul Iacono with niece Jennifer and nephew Tommy.
favorite moment of 2020 was being able to squeeze in a last minute trip to Hawaii during Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. His hopes for next year are a "quick return to normalcy, especially for my friends in the hospitality industry who truly have had a rough go of it." His words of advice, "This too shall pass."
Always stylish, Mark Olley.
Another handsome friend, Mark Olley (Co-op Lending Manager, Chicago Financial Services), said, "No matter what hand we've been dealt, we adapt, we flourish, it's who we are, it's what we do, we're CHICAGO STRONG!" Mark discovered new skills during the pandemic, as many of us did. He enjoyed learning to cook, plant and tend to a vegetable garden and credits his husband and dog Grayson for keeping him sane. Mark says, "I always lead with hope, optimism and love." His dream for 2021 is good health and an end to Covid-19. "A positive mind and outlook, no matter how trying the circumstances, helps to get us through a lot."
Yolanda "Dusty" Stemer, philanthropist, member of Service Club of Chicago, Costume Council and others, said that two of her three sons had mild cases of Covid and both recovered rapidly."Things like this makes you realize and give credit to our healthcare workers." Her NYE resolution is to "not turn that Peloton into a clothes rack!" Her hopes for 2021, "The same as everyone, to get a vaccine to all of our loved ones and free Botox for all!" Dusty is married to Dr. Alex Stemer, who is deeply involved in treatment, research and prevention of Covid. "There is light at the end of the tunnel. Recent advances will help make 2021 much better than 2020…Tomorrow is promised to no one, and the one thing Covid steals from us is time with those we love," she said.
Justine Fedak, Corporate Hippie, motivational speaker and soon-to-be Woman of Vision
Justine Fedak, "a girl who never gives up!"
for this year's Eversight IllinoisGift of Sight Celebration told me her title should be "a girl who never gives up." She's a good friend and I can tell you I have never met anyone so tenacious and driven (in a very good way). She said 2020 was a time of total renewal for her. She regained mobility "by some miracle" [she suffered from MS for years and years] and "connected deeply" with her dearest friends. Her NYE resolution is to "cry when things make me happy or sad and to feel and live my life to the fullest, no pretending anything." Her motto? "Be in love with your life every single minute. My grandma passed away this December at age 98 and she was the strongest, toughest, most loving person who never complained about anything she had to live through. To be alive is to be in love…with your life," she said.
Sherrill Bodine with Paula Borg and Sherry Lea Holson.
Sherrill Bodine, author, president of the Service Club of Chicago and philanthropist, said her favorite moment of the last year was "working with the dedicated women of the Service Club who worked tirelessly through these challenging times to raise money for our Philanthropic Fund which will be given out in 2021 to worthy charities all over Chicago." Sherrill recently lost her husband and said her resolution is "to seek the light and find my way on this new journey without John." She always greets each day with hope and vows to "never surrender."
Sean Lewis, WGN News Anchor, remembers his favorite moment of 2020 very well. He
Newlyweds Sean Lewis and Trover Gray Wilson.
married the love of his life, Trover Gray Wilson, in a ceremony at City Hall. "The pandemic didn't allow us a large in-person celebration but I'm hoping 2021 will!" He said his resolution is "to realize that resolutions aren't a good idea. Usually it becomes the first disappointment of any new year for me." He hopes that when the pandemic ends, that people will treat each other better. His words of advice? "Eat well, appreciate the small things and learn one new thing a day."
Nan Giordano (3rd from L) with Joshua Blake Carter, Beth Tarrant, her son Keenan Casey, Sophie Darley and Cesar Salinas.
An icon in the dance world, Nan Giordano, artistic director Giordano Dance Chicago, is looking forward to "launching Illuminate the Possibilities, an initiative which represents global connection, unity, positivity and possibility, all through dance." She said, "Amidst our dim world light I have chosen to focus on the many silver linings that have immersed. I hope we learn and grow and take the many challenging circumstances and make something positive out of them. Mankind and peace, front and center!" Her motto? "Today is the day! Adversity creates strength and change brings opportunity."
Dear friend Michael Caputo, brand and creative strategist, enjoyed long walks around
Michael Caputo (R) with friend Greg Hyder at RL.
the lakefront in the warmer months. He said, "It was lots of good thinking time. The views of our beautiful city were a hopeful reminder that things will soon return to normal." His NYE resolution is to "be adept with change and related growth." He said, "This pandemic has challenged us to rethink the 'why' of our respective lives/careers." His advice: "Every storm runs out of rain. We've all had to make do and redirect energies this past year, that can be stressful. Don't let a setback define the day. Or your life."
Dionne Williams
Dionne Williams, president D. Williams PR Group, said, even though 2020 was a "rough year", she was able to spend more quality time with her family and a small group of friends, by staying in touch via phone or Zoom. She said, "2020 made me slow down, so for 2021 I will continue to not rush myself and live in the present and enjoy my surroundings. I want to focus more on fitness and travel when it's safe to do so." She added, "During these rough times, I have learned to be more patient. I also will take this time to work on things that I was too busy for previously, in life and business."
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, executive producer ZZAZZ Productions, said, "Having family
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and her Joey.
close and my young granddaughters in my home has given me a foundation of great unity as a family. Work paused. My husband Joey prepared family dinners that brought us all to the table, dinners that we never dreamed would happen in our previously busy lives." She looks forward to adding a new component to her business, virtual fashion shows and events. Her NYE resolution? "Don't expect things to return to normal…make a choice to accept and then create a new normal and keep my faith in God." She hopes that "new avenues become open to us and that prayers will be answered for everyone. Open your heart to what has been given and find gratitude in every day."
Michelle Durpetti with her fab fam–dad Tony Durpetti, mom Marion and hubby Collin Pierson.
Michelle Durpetti, managing partner Turnkey Hospitality Group, chief planner Michelle Durpetti Events, said her favorite moment of 2020 was seeing her Gene & Georgetti management team come together, be more creative, more adaptive and supportive of each other. "We have even laughed while sometimes we felt like
Michelle Durpetti and her team from Gene & Georgetti restaurant.
crying and I think that is because we have each other. Yanni, Sal, Cristiano, Luis, Jessica, Nicole, Jeremy and Angelo are all such incredible human beings. My favorite moment hands down has been seeing them flourish and fight all the challenges." As far as resolutions, "I don't believe in resolutions to be honest. I live my life out loud, with empathy and compassion always and when I get something wrong, I own it. And that is year round." Her advice going forward: "I think I now live with the knowledge that life truly can change so fast. It has really affirmed for me that I need to take a moment every day to be grateful for all that I have and for making it this far." Her words of advice? "Let's stop tearing at one another and, instead, extend helpful hands and grateful hearts towards each other."
Holly Buckendahl, CEO Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & NW Indiana, said a silver lining, that she didn't expect, was the ability to stay connected virtually with family and friends. Her hope for the coming year? "While open through the pandemic (with many restrictions), I look forward to RMHC-CNI reinstating the full breadth of services critically ill children and their families need on their journey to heal together." Her advice during these tough times comes from professor, social worker and author Brene Brown who said, "In order to empathize with someone's experience, you must be willing to believe them as they see it and not how you imagine their experience to be."
My PR gal pal Kathleen Sarpy, founder/CEO Agency H5, said her favorite moment of 2020,
Kathleen Sarpy and her family.
despite a tough year filled with personal losses, was being able to be "immersed" with all of her kids. She and her husband Chris discovered that "love and connectedness is truly the most important thing." She said, "I really need to find a hobby. I'm a wife, a mom to 6 awesome kids, run a company and I don't really have something that I do just for me. I might finally give meditation a try or yoga, to have a space to be mindful in body and spirit."
Pandemic baking with Jennifer Sutton Brieva and Paul Iacono.
Jennifer Sutton Brieva, felt that Christmas was one of her favorite moments of 2020. She said "it was a much needed shift in energy for everyone. We need that all year long." Her hopes for 2021? "To learn from 2020 and never take people or experiences for granted again and to get back into pre-Covid shape!" Her words of advice? "People need to be grateful and embrace the simple pleasures of life that have become so very vital." I am so grateful for a FaceTime call with my parents, happy hour Zoom with dear friends, a classic movie with my cat Zoe or even a walk in Lincoln Park or a dance party in the kitchen with my husband Joaquin–those every day opportunities for joy often overlooked become special moments of connection, never to be taken for granted again."
WBBM Newsradio anchor/reporter Lisa Fielding, who has one of the most distinctive voices
Lisa Fielding, the Voice of WBBM.
in the business, said her favorite moment of 2020 was a mother/daughter trip to Mexico in February. "I got my travel fix, after this, by hitting the road to Michigan a couple of times to see the sunset from the other side. I'm a big "sunset" person and try to find them wherever I go," she added. Her hope for the coming year? "I hope for better days for the world, where jobs and prosperity return, where we can hug each other, sing and dance with each other while enjoying live music in our favorite venues or in that dark bar with the awesome jukebox, where we can travel the world again, enjoy a cold one and the crack of the bat at a baseball game, enjoy family gatherings, weddings, celebrations, our favorite restaurants, happy hour with friends and escape through live theater."
Another dear friend in media is Dori Wilson, publicist/founder Dori Wilson Public Relations. Her favorite moment of 2020 was "watching a racially diverse movement develop and grow in recognition of long-standing racial inequality and injustice in this country, watching individuals and corporations commit to do better and recognition of "we're all in this together." Her NY resolution? "To actually use my Peloton!" Her hope for 2021? "I am so hopeful for a vaccination and a vacation!"…..Words of wisdom? "Laughter is the best medicine and forgiveness runs a close second!"
The editor-in-chief of Cancer Wellness magazine, Caylei Vogelzang, said the best moment of 2020 was being able to spend more time with her family on the golf course. Her NYE resolutions include learning to do the splits 3 ways and a backward walkover; improve on physical fitness assessments; visit a yoga retreat; grow and expand her magazine and "become more of an essential source for those touched by cancer"; plan a family holiday to a national park; wear more pieces from local designers and sustainable fashion and practice gratitude daily and more meditation. The words she lives by is "exercise, exercise, exercise!"
Jean de St Aubin, the executive director of the Gene Siskel Film Center, says her favorite
Jean de St. Aubin and her daughter holiday baking.
moment of 2020 was presenting the Black Harvest Film Festival. She said, "The timing could not have been better. It was so great to have a month of celebrating Black stories, the joy felt virtually was a much needed balm to a turbulent year." Her hopes for 2021? "That everyone gets vaccinated ASAP, and that we all be together again. I think I will turn into a hugging machine as soon as it is safe." Her advice? "Count your blessings and share your gifts."
Jean Antoniou and family at Chicago Botanic Garden.
Jean Antoniou, philanthropist, Service Club of Chicago Board of Managers, said her favorite part of 2020 was "knowing it is almost over." Her advice moving forward? "To cherish family and friends because they will always be your biggest supporters. Glass is half full is always a good way to look at each day."
Michelle Mekky, president and founder of
Michelle Mekky
Mekky Media Relations, found silver linings in a tough year. She said spending more time with her kids and husband made her so grateful for "the little moments." She also found joy in the hiring of four new people for her 5 year-old business. In 2021, she plans on prioritizing her own health and to invest in herself in ways she never has. Her motto? "Every day is a new day. Every morning we wake up with a new chance. I truly believe the energy you give out is what comes back to you. Despite all of the negativity around us, never lose hope. We will get through this!"
Pam Capitanini (center) with friends Simona Garcia and Cristina Montgomery.
Pamella Capitanini, philanthropist, Service Club of Chicago, loved watching people's inventiveness during 2020 as many learned new ways to pivot. She said, "From drive-by birthday celebrations, mask creativity and eating in igloos, it was amazing and inspiring to see." Her NYE resolution: "To keep smiling and do my best! And remember the front line workers who have given all and those who have left us." She added, "I believe many of us have realized that nails, hair and party dresses don't make a difference, but reaching out to one another does!"
And last but certainly not least, everyone's favorite elf, The Real Elf Tommy Holl,Head of Media for The
Tommy Holl, aka "The Real Elf."
North Pole, had much to be thankful for in 2020. "This holiday season is one for the history books that I hope we never have to repeat, but we were able to create a spark of joy for young and old." His favorite moments included: "Elfing" at 900 North Michigan Shops; Sending Elf Gram video messages with proceeds benefiting Imerman Angels (Tommy is a cancer survivor); Being hired to pop into 5 Zoom calls from around the world; Appearing on "Around Town with Ana Belaval", "Happy Hour with the Hoovers", WGN radio with Paul Lisnek, Tom Skilling's Christmas Eve and so much more. His NYE resolution is to: "Pause, reset, reorganize, reflect, be prepared, be ready, be thankful and be kind." His advice? "You can't grow from NO. It's okay to say no when it doesn't feel right, but saying no all the time will lead you nowhere. Try not to take things too seriously, none of us get out of here alive. And appreciate what you have."
Eversight Illinois "Gift of Sight Celebration" Save-the-Date with mask included.
I'm so excited to see some events coming BACK!! Mark your calendars for Eversight Illinois' "Gift of Sight Celebration", set for Thursday, October 21 at the Peninsula. Justine Fedak will be honored as the Woman of Vision and Dr. Parag Majmudar will be the Gift of Sight honoree. This year's masquerade theme is "Fantasea" and I'm honored to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo! (For more details, click here!)
Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation Save-the-Date with mask included.
Foundation, will host its 6th annual "Wings to Cure." This gala will be held at the Hilton Chicago and funds raised will help support cutting edge cancer research at the Lurie Cancer Center. For more details, click here!
Chicago Lights "Gala of Hope at Home" is still set for Friday, March 5 at 7 pm CST. This signature event will benefit the youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights and the community support efforts of the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. (More details here!)
Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, ex-wife of Amazon's Jeff Bezos.
million unrestricted contribution from billionaire venture philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This major gift will help the nonprofit and its mission to empower women and families and advance racial justice. This major gift is part of more than $4 billion in philanthropic contributions made by Ms. Scott over the past four months. Board president Joyce Winnecke (just love her!) called this gift an "affirmation of YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's strategy."
Israel "Izzy" Idonije with CPD officers from his "Shop with a Cop" initiative.
Former Chicago Bear Israel "Izzy" Idonije has lifted charitable giving to an art form. For the 6th year in a row, Izzy and his IF Charities team hosted "Shop With a Cop", a great initiative that builds trust between CPD officers and the communities they serve. On Thursday, December 17, more than 60 police officers shopped for kids in need, who had submitted a wish list "for Santa" in advance. The officers picked up items that were donated by Target with special $50 gift certificates included for family dinners donated by Jewel. (To support Izzy in his many charitable endeavors around town, click here!)
Special thanks to CBS-2 Chicago's Steven Graves and to
John Garcia, ABC-7.
ABC-7's John Garcia for having me on their segments recently! I loved chatting about what to do for NYE with John (watch segment here) and to Steven about how our nonprofits are pivoting their fundraisers. (Watch this segment here!)
One of my favorite silver linings to this pandemic mess is the fact that our animal shelters are at their lowest point with un-adopted rescues! As a matter of fact, PAWS Chicago has reported a near record number of adoptions in 2020–4,100! Through their Holiday-Adopt-a-Thon and usual grassroots efforts, they have managed to find forever homes for 4100 DOGS AND CATS! Can I get a Woot! Woot!? PAWS Chicago also provides extensive resources to help pets make a seamless transition into their news home and also provides a lifetime safety net for every animal, ensuring that if something happens to the adopter, their PAWS pet will always be cared for. I'm hearing similar good news from One Tail at a Time and also Young at Heart Senior Pet Rescue–all my favorites and much recommended animal shelters. Please check them out if you're looking for a pet!
I'm so loving my new home at Chicago Star Media! This group of hyper-local papers delivers, monthly, positive news you can use and I hope you're a subscriber! (Please click here for details or just leave your name and address here, info@chicagostarmedia, to receive the free online newsletter.) My latest column, "Chicago's CHI-lebrities Reflect on 2020, Share Hopes for the Coming Year" has been a hit, garnering both the front page and centerfold of the recent publication! (Read it here and get advice and discover the hopes and dreams of Chef Art Smith, rocker Jim Peterik, Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra, comedian Tom Dreesen, Kerry Wood and his Sarah, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Leslie Hindman, Israel "Izzy" Idonije, The Joffrey Ballet's Ashley Wheater, entertainer Chilli Pepper, restaurateur RJ Melman, Alpana Singh, Michael Kutza, Aldmerman Brian Hopkins and Dr. Ian Smith. I was so moved by their honest, thoughtful answers….there is uplifting advice, inspiration for the future and their thoughts on 2020! Read it all here!
There's a lotta love in the air right now! So many exciting betrothals to announce! First off, love and
Marcus Riley is engaged to Jude Fitzgerald!
congrats to Jatnna Toribio and her Israel Idonije, who were recently engaged. Also, congratulations to Marcus Riley and his Jude Fitzgerald who got engaged on New Year's Day and,
Val Warner is engaged to Jobba Jordan.
last but not least, to Windy City Live's Val Warner who just became engaged to Jobba Jordan. I'm thrilled for each and every one of these beautiful people who managed to not only survive during
Val and Jobba sittin' in a tree…..
this nasty year, but to thrive and find love. It's definitely easier to face any storm when you're supported by your best friend. Here's wishing them all a lifetime of health and happiness and, as Kup always said, "Long may they love!"
We recently experienced Six Flags' Holiday in the Park Drive-Thru in Gurnee. Over 3 million lights illuminate the park as cars drive through at 3 mph. We ordered hot chocolate, a funnel cake and I bought an ornament (of course). We listened to piped in holiday music and it was sort of eerie, to be honest, and had the feel of driving through a deserted theme park in the Truman Show. However, I guess if we'd lived closer, the experience would've been a little easier and better. But, frankly, driving through the park with the Notre Dame game blasting on the radio might've had something to do with my lack of enthusiasm (although Chuck was certainly entitled to cheer on his favorite team!) This is only my POV, so please go and find out for yourselves (and let me know what you think!) The experience has been extended through Jan. 10, details here!
Playboy has changed the format of its iconic centerfold. No longer will the featured Playmate be spotlighted for just a month, now she will have a whole season all to herself! There will be only 4 Playmates a year….makes me wish for a do-over! Read deets here on how Playboy is growing, and meet the Winter 2021 Playmate, Izabela Guedes.
As I close out my first blog of 2021, I must say, I am glad to leave 2020 (far) behind. I've never had a worse year and I know many of my friends feel the same. There's was no "dashing through the snow on a one horse open sleigh, o'er the fields we go, laughing all the way"…… Not this year when everything in the world changed in the blink of a Covid eye. I couldn't even get in my usual cheery mood for Christmas, at least not in the way I used to. One minute, we're planning family gatherings, figuring out seating, who will sit at the kids' table and the next thing you know, we're all Zooming in to "celebrate" on computer screens. I found myself decorating for Christmas almost manically, trying to create much needed joy that is at a premium now. I know store
This is definitely NOT my work, beautiful gingerbread house by Jennifer and Joaquin Brieva (kit from Vanille Chicago).
shelves were shopped clean of all holiday decor long before the usual time. On social media, my friends busily shared photos of their trees, holiday cookies, DIY Christmas ideas and so much more. Hell, we even attempted building a gingerbread house for the first time but it
I'm thinking our tree will be up until Easter or beyond. (Sort of kidding?)
looked like a tornado hit it before I could even ice the roof. This year, we lost our dog, family members, I lost a job, Chuck lost his three dearest friends and had a TIA (mini-stroke). I think I was entitled to decorate as much as I wanted to try to fill this void and you can bet these decorations are gonna be here for a while. Nothing makes me happier than twinkling Christmas tree lights. It reminds me of all the GOOD years in the past when all of our family was gathered together, giving gifts and
Marshall Field's famous Chicken Pot Pie.
thanks for our good health and the fact that we were still here. Pre-Covid, you could still find Santa in all the department stores, which were decorated to the nines. I'm happy though to see that retail, despite all its setbacks, still
Marshall Field's Walnut Room at Christmas 1950.
tried to be festive. Macy's, although certainly not close to the old Marshall Field's in holiday decor, still had cheerful windows and the Great Tree in the Walnut Room. And, although families couldn't carry on life-long traditions of dining there during the season, they could still order carry-out–the famous Mrs. Hering's Chicken Pot Pie (recipe here), lobster bisque, Frango Mint
Ann Gerber's book, "Sweet Tooth," a collection of recipes by Chicago notables.
Chocolate Ice Cream Pie and more. For Chuck and me, we still tried to carry on family traditions. We baked my mom's ham (Cooks only) and I fixed Mama Mary Johnson's famous sweet potato pie (whose recipe was featured in Ann Gerber's 1985 book, "Chicago's Sweet Tooth."). I also cooked the requisite black-eyed peas for good luck on New Year's Day (I pray it works). We toasted to the loved ones we lost and prayed for a better future, one that will bring back the human element and social interaction that is necessary to the survival of a species. We can't drift apart. We need "parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting and caroling out in the snow," now more than ever. Here's hoping this year is off to a great start for you!
Victor and Cindy on cover of Chicago Tribune's Style.
He had an unerring eye. Victor Skrebneski saw the world in black and white with subtle shades in between and no one has ever photographed it like he did. I remember a comment he once made about how much he loved Paris, a city he referred to as his "muse." He said it was because "nothing there offends my eye." I never forgot
Supermodel Carmen Dell' Orefice's favorite (iconic) photo, by Victor.
this…He made the commonplace seem grand and the grand even grander. He was a genius and one that we, as Chicagoans, were always thrilled and proud to call our own. We almost lost him to NYC but, thanks to his longtime friend and supermodel Carmen Dell'Orifice,
Inside looking out from Victor's spotless studio on LaSalle.(9/15/13)
he stayed in the Windy City. He had spoken to her in the '50s about moving and she asked the most logical question, "Why would you want to leave Chicago when you're positioned as the greatest fashion and portrait photographer outside of NYC? The opportunities for you being in Chicago would be endless!" She was right and
Sherren Leigh and Victor.
he stayed, although I'm pretty sure he would've made history wherever he chose to live. My first encounter with Victor came in
TCW Mag 31st anniversary cover shot by Victor in 2013.
2013, when I had the honor of appearing on the 31st anniversary cover of Today's Chicago Woman Magazine, thanks to its dynamic founder Sherren Leigh. I was thrilled with the idea of appearing on the cover but when I heard it would be shot by the legendary Skrebneski, I damn near lost my mind. He didn't remember our first "almost" meeting though
Dennis Minkel and Victor from my favorite book by the photog, "Ageing".
back in my modeling days. I was sent by my agent for a "go-see" to his famed studio at 1350 N. LaSalle. Then as now, having Victor shoot a photo of you was considered the holy grail of the industry. To be shot by him said you had arrived and in a very big way. Well, I was flatly rejected because
Andrea Schwartz' beautiful Victor portrait, won at a PAWS Fur Ball live auction.
I was only 5' 7" and he insisted his models be 5'8" or over. He wouldn't even look at me …..I remember Jovanna Papadakis, who was his right hand woman at the time, even apologized to me as she thought I had some potential. Sun-Times writer Larry Findley said in Jovanna's obit that she was "the stern
Kerry Harper Melchi, a favorite model of Victor's.
gatekeeper who protected the inner sanctum of Victor Skrebneski's famous photography studio." Her friend Camilla Hawk said, "The models shuddered in
Another favorite model of Victor's, Deborah Larsen.
their boots when they walked in. Her reputation spread far and wide that she was a fearsome taskmaster. No model got past her to show their book to Victor. She would take the book, and if she thought it was appropriate, she would show it to him." Well, Jovanna did show it to him but still he wouldn't see me. This was one of the great regrets of my life, but happily, Sherren Leigh and TCW made my dream come true in later years. As I pulled into his
Sexy Dori Wilson, who was a friend and model for Victor.
driveway for the TCW shoot on Sept. 15, 2013, I purposely slowed down and put the top down on my car hoping someone would see me pulling in. When I opened the
Dori by Victor.
big, imposing wooden door, there was Dennis Minkel, Victor's assistant and studio manager, with a big grin on his face….I relaxed. And then there was Victor, also with a big smile, and I knew I was among friends. Suddenly, my worries about squeezing into a too tight Herve Leger dress were behind me and I could only focus on the studio and the legends who had been shot there and the decor. All in shades of white and beige, with his famous portraits dotting the walls, it was truly an honor and a privilege to be invited inside. Sherren was there
Kerry Harper Melchi by Victor.
as well as four beautiful models who would be shooting the fashion feature. Representatives from A. Marek Fine Jewelry were on hand, too, including an imposing security guard
Dr. Steve Stryker by Victor, a sweet anniversary gift.
who followed me everywhere once I'd been layered with their exquisite diamond necklaces. The photography space was all white with a step-down that I'm sure has brought many a client and model to their knees as their eyes scanned the room and not the floor as they entered. The lighting was deceptively simple …..clearly, here was a man who didn't require a bank of white lights to make someone look good. No, this lighting was for a genius who knew exactly what he wanted before he shot
Fast friends, Maria Pappas, Victor and Leslie Hindman.
it and knew what it would look like before he even snapped his Hasselblad's shutter. This was not a photographer who took
A 50+ year friendship/collab–Michael Kutza and Victor at the unveiling of his last poster for the Festival.
all day long to get "the" shot either. Victor took very few shots and stopped when he knew he had what he wanted. I was in awe. Even after the cover shot, when he cleared the studio for a private portrait (which was much to my surprise as I had no idea he planned on doing this!), there was no time wasted. As Frank
Sugar Rautbord shot by Victor.
Sinatra played in the background, the shot took just a few lighting adjustments and an arch of my back for Victor to say, "We have it." Victor shot the covers for TCW Mag for
A beautiful friendship–Victor, Carmen Dell' Orefice and Peter Martino.
about 8 years. Sherren said, "Victor took TCW’s layouts and fashion pages to a level I never could. A true artistic genius." Lots of friends have had the good fortune to own a "Victor Portrait" which I believe he charged around $25K for. Through the years, Victor's generosity extended to so many charitable causes. He would donate a sitting and,
Victor captured the energetic late photog Steve Starr perfectly.
invariably, the money raised would be astronomical for this coveted photo shoot. He raised millions for local charities. Philanthropic friends Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, have matching Skrebneski photos. Andrea's was purchased at the PAWS Fur Ball's live auction in
Victor, winner of the Lucie award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Fashion', accompanied by model Carmen Dell'Orefice at 11th Annual Lucie Awards at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall on October 27, 2013 in NYC.
2014, shortly after they became engaged, and Steve's was purchased by his loving wife for their 1st anniversary in 2016. What a thrill for those lucky enough to have such a treasure! And even though he shot legends the world over, the images of people I know are the ones I relate to the most. Back in the day, I modeled with one of Victor's favorites, Kerry Harper Melchi. She of the long dark hair and lithe
Along with every other ad campaign, Victor made I. Magnin ads iconic. (Kerry Harper Melchi)
5'8" frame….along with Deborah Larsen, these two shot so many iconic ads with Victor–I. Magnin, Grosvenor Furs, Oscar de la Renta and so many others. They were/are flawless. I asked Kerry how she came to be a model for the genius. She said, "In 1977 I graduated from high school and went to Chicago to see if I could make it as a model. One day I had a job at his studio, for shoes only. During the shoot, he called in a makeup
Victor at Ralph Lauren for the book signing of "Ageing", my favorite book of his.
artist and after that he began booking me for fashion. Although he did book hair and makeup he liked us to be able to do our own as well. It was 'The School of Victor' so to speak. We knew hair, makeup, styling, posing, acting and becoming aware of what clients wanted. He taught us to be a perfectionist at our job. I became a sought after
Chuck by Victor for Red Hot Chicago 2013.
model because of what I learned at his studio. I was very grateful. The shoots were amazing, surrounded by very creative and talented people. Always fun music playing and great lunches brought in. We all just clicked and it was a unique atmosphere." Dori Wilson, Dori Wilson PR and a longtime friend and also a former model of
With Victor, Michael Kutza (and Chuck peeking) at the Landmarks Library Foundation Gala. Both Michael and Victor were both honored as Living Landmarks, of course.
Victor's, had this to say about her experiences with the maestro. "We were all so honored for the opportunity to work for Victor, that we always tried our very best. He didn't say much … one could just tell from his eyes if he was happy or if something needed to be changed. He did makeup better than anyone. I recall Victor told me to show up on a Saturday for a shoot … I did … and thought nothing more about it. Of course, I did not tell my folks that I had done a nude (actually I had on bikini bottoms, but same were retouched out.) One day my Dad came home from work with a page from LOOK Magazine that his boss had given
Dear friend of Victor's, Joey Mondelli (La Scarola)
him. He was not pleased. I said "well, it's not me"… he responded, "well, why is your name there?" …That's how I learned the photo had been picked up by a national magazine…..Yikes! He was THE BEST!" Another longtime friend Michael Kutza, founder of the Chicago International Film Festival, bonded with Victor over the Festival photo shoots, which are now iconic. Michael shared this about his friend, "What can I say about Victor? Victor was a very focused professional. I was friends with SKREBNESKI while a select others were friends with VICTOR! So for 55 years we worked on projects for Film Festival posters to help raise funds for the organization. I would bring him a whole slew of
Shelley MacArthur Farley by Victor.
movie stars and personalities to shoot that we then made into posters, with some being included in the book I was doing for the 40th Anniversary entitled MOVING PICTURES. From Francois Truffaut, Anne Nicole Smith, Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, Sigourney Weaver Faye Dunaway so many fun people. They all loved meeting Skrebneski and being in a
Laura Barnett by Victor.
shoot. His private life was his private life. I have always respected that. There would be months and months where I would never hear from him and then, maybe 6 months later, I'd get a morning call, "When are we going to RL or La Scarola?" As you or may not know, he put RL on the map. It was a failed enterprise of Ralph's [Lauren]! Ralph asked Victor for advice and he said you need Steve Lombardo to reinvent the place and
Bonnie Spurlock by Victor.
manage it. He did and it worked. He loved RL. When I went to him in 1966 and asked him to make the Film Festival SEXY, it took him a few months but he came back with
Myra Reilly by Victor for Red Hot Chicago 2013.
some images that put the Chicago International Film Festival on the map!!! He could be completely impossible and stubborn, but I certainly understood being a fellow Sagittarius, as we are always RIGHT…and do it our way. One year, we Sagittarians got together for a drink at The Casino. The group included Victor, Donna La Pietra, Sugar Rautbord, Leslie Hindman, Beverly Blettner and me. VIC ( as I called him) is about to have a new chapter in his life. He will be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. His iconic photography will live on…" Leslie Hindman,
Carmen Dell' Orefice by Victor for Marshall Fields. Now hanging in the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
Hindman Auctions founder, remembered the unique creativity of Victor. She shared, "When Sandra Hindman and I had Antiques Chicago at Navy Pier in 2001, Victor agreed to be honored and to design a “celebrity booth” at
Playboy cover, Aug. 1959, shot by Victor.
the fair. I couldn’t wait to see what he would bring to the exhibit. He has the best taste of anyone, as you know, and the chicest home in the entire city other than Marilynn Alsdorf’s. He brought his own little paint container and told the painter that the booth needed to be exactly that color – it was off white – but he was SO specific about it that it had to be exactly that off white. Later, I stopped by to see his booth. The ONLY THING in the booth was one beautiful live naked man lying on a very simple table. Stark naked. That was it. Victor explained that that was ART and DESIGN at its best and that there was nothing else necessary whatsoever. So the naked man just sat in various poses in the off white booth – which was just under the stage in the rotunda at Navy Pier – for the duration of the show. Everyone LOVED IT. How
Museum of Contemporary Photography honors Victor with the Silver Camera Award (with Karen Irvine and Natasha Egan).
brilliant. It was fantastic!" (Me: I just wish I had been there to see THIS!) Another dear, dear friend of Victor's, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas had this to share. "Victor was the guy in my life who finished my sentences before I started them. Sometimes we never talked we just made faces, giggles and frowned. He unconditionally loved me and was always up for my cooking. He would even tell me to serve straight out of the pot. He could do no wrong, I could do no wrong. We were two interwoven spirits navigating the world's circus." Carmen Dell' Orefice, who is still modeling at age 88 (and who is my favorite of all time) worked with Skrebneski alot, creating museum quality images. She said, ”My heart will always vibrate whenever I think about Victor and our many photo shoots and times together. I'm grateful for the fact, as long as my memory works, that some of his energy is forever intertwined with mine. Comforting at this moment. He knew he had taken my all time favorite portrait from that era! Raising the biggest cup of turmeric tea right now, in his honor!“ (Below is the video that introduced Victor when he was awarded the prestigious Achievement in Fashion Award from the world-renowned Lucie Foundation in 2013. (Carmen accompanied him)
Carmen's dear friend, Peter Martino (jewelry designer to the stars and also for the rest of us) remembers Victor's inclusiveness. "I'll never forget how kind Victor was to me early in my career, coming to Chicago. He introduced me to so many of his social and fashion
Victor with Mamie Walton and Carmen.
friends. He was a Chicago icon who took an interest in “a friend of a friend” (ie: Carmen) and made a concerted effort to help me succeed. He came to many of the events I supported knowing it would help
La Scarola's Armando Vasquez 2014 Victor portrait.
promote my collections and give me recognition. That kind of kindness is rare and will never be forgotten. Victor and I attended quite a few parties and galas together as guests of Beverly Blettner and these bring back wonderful
Joey Mondelli and Victor, longtime friends. Joey was dear friends with Victor's mother Anna too. This photo hangs in La Scarola.
memories. He and Beverly were close friends who loved to bicker (actually fight! Lol! But always made up) In NYC, we saw each other through Carmen or at fashion events. He was always a very genuine, true and supportive friend. At times a bit testy- but what genius isn’t!? He will always be a beloved mentor and friend to me," Martino said.
Shortly before Victor passed away, he was interviewed by
Victor with Sylvia Perez.
Fox 32 Chicago's Sylvia Perez in one of the best interviews I've ever seen him do. I also believe this might have been the last request he granted. He and Sylvia hit if off so well, they had made plans to get together for dinner. In a move that showed just how brilliant an artist Victor was, he asked Sylvia to shoot the interview in black and white. Her editor popped the color in at the end. The results are spectacular as you will see below. Kudos and thank you dear Sylvia for capturing this beloved man so beautifully.
I could share so many more stories, since every encounter with Victor was so memorable, but I'll just leave you with these for now. And I'll close with these words from his friend Michael Kutza, "He will be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. His iconic photography will live on…a new beginning." Amen to that.
Another tragic loss to our community was Ernest Collins, a world renowned photographer, who was also a Chicago native. Ernest passed away on April 12 at age 67 in his home and studio on the Near West
A beauty by Ernest.
Side. He started his career as a makeup artist and hairstylist who styled The Emotions, the Pointer Sisters and so many more. In this wonderful obit in the Sun-Times by Maureen O'Donnell, it states "Ernest elevated black beauty in elite modeling circles in Chicago, Milan and Paris. As his reputation grew, his clients included model Tyra Banks, basketball legend Michael Jordan, singer Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations, actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Gabrielle Union, model-actress Roshumba Williams and Oprah Winfrey." I was so lucky to have been photographed by him. As a matter of fact, his headshot of me is my all-time favorite. It's surprising that these two legendary photogs, he and Victor, would pass away so close to each other. They each had such a striking style of shooting glamour and, in many ways, were very similar. Each worked with a bare minimum of shots and had lighting that was deceptively simple and yet genius all at the same time. Ernest was a big bear of a guy…gruff on the outside with a marshmallow heart. I didn't know him as well as I'd wanted to. His last big shoot was for A Silver Lining Foundation's "Glitz & Glamour" gala on
A photo montage by Ernest for A Silver Lining Glitz & Glamour fashion show.
March 4. Produced and conceived by his longtime friend, fashion designer Mark Roscoe, the shoot consisted of all of the event's celebrity models being shot by Ernest in his studio. Afterwards, he photo-shopped them all together in a brilliant backdrop/collage for the show that
My favorite photo–by Ernest.
went from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. I was so happy he was in the audience to see the thunderous applause and appreciation for his work. I adored him in every way. We had plans for another shoot and more laughs, but sadly, that wasn't meant to be. His longtime friend and hairstylist Leigh Jones said, "He basically brought a lot of black models to the forefront. He saw in these young black women what some other white photographers didn't see." Ernest did campaigns for L'Oreal, Fashion Fair and Iman Cosmetics, Soft Sheen hair products, Alberto-Culver, and many more. A future memorial is planned. RIP dear Ernest.
Fashion designer Lauren Lein and a few of her masks.
Since we all have so much time on our hands, I love seeing all the creative ways people are surviving this crisis. Many of our beloved local designers and everyday people have
Fashion designer Shernett Swaby and her mask.
taken on the life-saving task of making masks. A pivot for sure and one that is greatly appreciated. I believe Peach Carr was the first to jump in to help followed by designers Elda de la Rosa, Lauren Lein,Shernett Swaby, Thierry Couture and even PR maven Betsy Shepherd, who is creating reversible Cubs masks on her brand new Etsy page. And I love and appreciate all the people out there who have shared on Instagram their support of said designers like Sherry Lea Fox, Mary Lasky, Bobbi Panter, Sherrill Bodine, Thomas O'Gorman and so many others. Thanks to all!
Other Chicago companies making a difference include BBJ Linens, which provides linen rentals for all occasions, has temporarily shifted its focus to making gowns and masks and shields for hospitals across the country. Lanie Hartman, BBJ Linens regional account exec, said, "I’m so, so proud of the help that we have given during this crazy time. Our talented sewers are so busy trying to get all of these PPE’s finished as quickly as possible. We’ve turned our talented staff and Atelier Custom Department into a Covid 19 fighting machine!"
And kudos also go out to Justin Jacobson, founder of Platinum Events, a premiere event planning company. He and his company have pivoted towards sanitation services through his newly formed Platinum Sanitation Services. They offer antibacterial and antiviral deep cleaning, steaming and more for warehouses, offices, homes and educational facilities. #HatTip
More love from Common Threads— To address food insecurity issues Chicago residents are facing in the wake of COVID-19, Common Threads, Top Box
Chef Bill Kim, as always, pitching in to help.
Foods and local restaurateurs are teaming up to deliver family meals and grocery boxes for up to 500 residents per week. Distribution began the week of April 6 and will continue through at least early June thanks to support from Mariano’s, Nielsen-Massey Foundation and donations from Common Threads supporters. Common Threads identified participating chefs, including Chef Bill Kim of Urbanbelly, Chef Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn, Chef Josh Katt of KitchFix, Chef Paul Hitalenko of Huegah Catering Company and Chef Tiffany Williams of Exquisite Catering to produce the family meal boxes. (To learn more and how you can support, click here!)
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are touched by it, has put a hold on individualized Bear Hug
American Idol stars Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo.
experiences due to COVID-19 social distancing. Children and families affected by pediatric cancer in 18 Midwest-area hospitals and at home received a giant virtual Bear Hug recently, through the efforts of celebrities, Chicago personalities and supporters. “We are thrilled to
SNL alum Nora Dunn
be blessed by the participation of these individuals who have come together to provide much needed hope at this time,” said Kathleen A. Casey, founder and CEO of BNPCF. Celebrities, Chicago personalities and supporters bidding well-wishes to Bear Necessities families in the Bear Hug video include power couple of American Idol fame Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, who were set to headline the March premiere of the Chicago musical HIT HER WITH THE
Chicago Bear Patrick Scales.
SKATES; “Saturday Night Live” alum and film star Nora Dunn; Chicago Bears long snapper Patrick Scales; ABC7’s Roz Varon; CBS2’s Ryan Baker; FOX32’s Sylvia Perez; Brookfield Zoo and The Langham Chicago and yours truly. Bear Necessities has supported thousands of children and families through the unique Bear Hugs program over the years, providing customized experiences from events such as tickets to a concert or a Joffrey Ballet to family-friendly moments like brand-new backyard swing sets and fishing trips to Wisconsin. More than 384 Bear Hugs were provided in 2019 alone. For more information on how to support Bear Necessities and Bear Hugs programs for families in need, visit https://www.bearnecessities.org/donate/.
If you're not following Chef Art Smith on Insta (@thechefartsmith), you are truly missing out! A week
Art's executive producer and health coach, Chef Lucas Cancelier.
ago, he started doing 30 minute virtual cooking demos called "Healthy & Comfort Cooking with Chef Art Smith", executive produced by Lucas Cancelier (who is also a chef and kick-ass health coach (Insta @iamdapower). He helped Chef Art lose 50 lbs. in 6 weeks on a healthy eating, fitness plan!). Art's broadcasts are on his Insta story for 24 hours and then they go to IGTV. He said, "In these challenging times people need some happy! A little food and love makes people's day. Pray about better days to come and don't allow the news to become the narrative of your day." Amen to this Chef! In the first week, he showed viewers how to make his famous Hummingbird Cake and, in his most recent video, he showed us (with wit, charm and talent) how to fix un-fried chicken and his world famous fried chicken. Next week, Wednesday, April 22 (4-4:430 pm, EST) he plans on sharing his recipes for biscuits and sweet tea, among others! You have to tune in. He films from his home kitchen in Jasper, Florida, and you feel like you're spending time with a much loved relative. Thank you Art for bringin' the foodie love!
Mary Ann Rose and Bob Hope (Image appeared in Life Magazine)
Our very own Mary Ann Rose's life story should be made into a movie! We all know and love her as a premier event planner through her Tamar Productions but I bet you didn't know she was a star performer for many of Bob Hope's shows entertaining the troops and others! She said, "I toured with Bob Hope during the Viet Nam War and then worked for him for several years as an opening act throughout the US. In addition to the opening of the Notre Dame Center, you’d get a kick to know that I was working with him on one of his birthdays at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva as well as when he appeared in Chicago for the National Houseware’s Show opening event at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. I was dating Heinz [Kern] at the time but had never told him I had another career other than as a meeting planner. I'd invited him to come see me and he brought some fellow co-workers from the Hyatt and they almost fell off their chairs. He had no clue that I could actually sing! In addition to my opening act, we did a comedy duet together to “
Mary Ann Rose and her Heinz Kern.
It’s Wonderful. “ I don’t think I’ll ever get over the look on Heinz’s face. That picture you have was also featured in Life Magazine’s tribute to Bob. When my daughter was old enough to go to school at Francis Parker, I decided that since I was never going to be a household name, it was time to look for other employment. A friend told me “you can’t stay too long at the party.” Thus the founding of Tamar Productions, Inc. which looking back, is the best thing I ever did, other than marrying Heinz." Mary Ann, I think you ARE a household name! Thanks for sharing this fun story! Once a star, always a star!
Chicago History Museum's In This Together initiative.
The Chicago History Museum announced a community-based initiative, “In This Together” to collect digital records that capture personal experiences during these uncertain times. Gary T. Johnson, Chicago History Museum president said, "In the midst of a global pandemic, it is imperative we turn to our friends, family and community for support and share stories of these uncharted moments in everyday life that will soon be vital pieces of history. We are all affected by this crisis in varying degrees, and personal materials such as diaries, journals, oral histories, images and recordings will help us tell stories of this unprecedented time in history. (Contributions can be made here.) Now more than ever, the Chicago History Museum is committed to sharing Chicago’s stories, and we are honored to launch “In This Together” to shine a light on our shared experiences during this critical time in our history. History is in the making, and we encourage all Chicagoans to share their stories and continue to lean on our community for support as we navigate through the unknown together.” “In This Together” invites those living in Chicago and its surrounding metropolitan area to contribute any digital records that document their experience and tell a story of their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These could include digital journal entries, audio/video recordings, images or emails. Submissions can be made via smartphones, tablets or computers. Contributors will have the option to remain anonymous. To contribute a physical item, please use our donation inquiry form.
My favorite hair stylist, Charles Ifergan, is throwing it back! Take a look at the salon's new 20th anniversary tee-shirts! 100% of the profits will go toward its employee fund. I've been going to Charles since we were both in diapers. Back in the 80s, I appeared in ads for the salon shot by another iconic photographer Jack Perno (the image appears on the tee-shirt). We have a long history together and I love this fashionable idea to support the stylists. (Click here for info) Or check your own salon for ways you might be able to support them, too. Perhaps prepay for haircuts so they have money now to support the staff?
So many nonprofit events have been cancelled but several have plans in place for either an actual rescheduled event or to take the fun online virtually. Ronald McDonald House Charities, whose Un-Gala was cancelled on April 2, is now hosting the event online through May 2. Check it out here! The Digestive Health Gala has been
RMHC's Un-Gala is online now through May 2.
reset to Friday, June 5. Luminarts, a nonprofit that provides support to aspiring young artists, had to cancel its signature event that was originally scheduled for April 18th. It will now take place sometime in the fall and will be held at the Union League Club and include performances by Luminarts Fellows and a sit-down dinner. Lookingglass Theatre has developed a whole host of free digital offerings presented by Lookingglass Ensemble Members and Artistic Associates, including a new weekly podcast, a virtual yoga class, and exclusive performances (click here). Designs for Dignity, a nonprofit that supports organizations serving adults and children dealing with homelessness, abuse, mental health issues and more, announced a new fundraising initiative to honor its 20th anniversary. The $20 for 20 Challenge will help fundraise for pro-bono design services for charitable organizations. (For more info, click here) Chicago Zoological Society’s largest annual fund-raising gala, the Whirl benefiting Brookfield Zoo, is going virtual too. This year’s event, Rain Forests of the Virtu-Whirl, which is presented by the Society’s Women’s Board and Board of Trustees, will consist of an online auction. Beginning Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing through Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 p.m., the public can bid on a variety of fabulous auction items or even contribute with a monetary donation as in a paddle raise. (Details and register here!)
I love seeing all of the funny memes, gifs and jokes out there. It seems this virus has brought out a sense of humor I didn't realize we had. As they say, laughter is the best medicine, and we sure do need a lot of this now. I don't know how much longer this will last but I do know that we will all get through it together. I'm not a big phone person but I have been calling friends more and more. The sound of their voices is comforting and makes me feel connected. I so miss not being out and covering my nonprofit events but I know they will return in one form or another and, hopefully, I will be there to cheer them on. And, I never miss the 8 pm balcony call to cheer on our frontline healthcare workers….Stay safe out there!
In closing, my friend/designer/art curator Daniel Kinkade, shared these comments on his Facebook page. I couldn't have said it better nor agree more: "Can we STOP complaining and whining about being in lockdown? We are BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE to live where we have access to WIFI, Netflix, Hulu, cable, Facetime, ZOOM, social media, air conditioning, heat, food, food delivery, grocery pickup, grocery delivery, etc. As Americans we don't have to worry about what over 50% of the rest of the world worries about on a DAILY basis such as clean water and food to eat. If you're not in a third world country stuck in a one room hut in a slum in 105 degree heat with 10 other immediate family members and none of the above mentioned pleasures we take for granted every day, then you sound ridiculous moaning and groaning about a few weeks in which we have to self-reflect, meditate, pray, read, organize, learn a new language, grow internally and perhaps cherish our loved ones even more. Let's step back and be thankful that we are ALIVE. This will pass." Thank you Daniel.
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. Funniest bird video ever, watch that lil' claw….
Plus: Celebrating Chicago's "Pretty Powerful Women"; Amita Health Gala "Leaping Forward Together"; Gift Gala 2020: "An Intimate Evening"; Meet the newest Legendary Landmarks!; Michelle and Brittney team up for a great cause; Hadley's Centennial Celebration; Luminarts Cultural Foundation's "The Gala"; Harry Caray's "Worldwide Toast to Harry" goes virtual; Old Town School of Music features Robert Plant at Blue Jean Gala 2020; A cool way to support our hospitality industry; Playboy magazine, another victim of Covid-19; Giordano Dance Chicago's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars"; Stork is on the way for the Hefners; SAIC alumnus Geoffrey Mac is WINNING!; Driehaus Design Initiative's fashion awards show; Retrospect and Randolph Street Market have a new date; Chatting with Anna Davlantes; Daily Mail TV's Playboy video; Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are all on Team Sylvia; This & That; Inspiring videos and SO MUCH MORE!
I'm pretty sure that most, if not all of the events I'm going to keep posting about might be cancelled, but that won't keep me from spreading awareness about them. So please bear with me, you just might find a new org you hadn't heard of before and then be able to support it when the new event date is set. During this awful time, if you have the means, please consider supporting whichever nonprofits touch your heart. They, along with all of our wonderful arts organizations and cultural institutions, need our help now more than ever. Also, for our restaurant community, please consider carry-out, curb service or delivery, if offered. Hopefully soon, the news cycle will look a little different but, until then, I hope everyone stays safe and follows the guidelines (that seem to change hourly) Fingers crossed and prayers up……
Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the beloved founder of A Silver Lining Foundation, show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions) and Gregory Hines.
A Silver Lining Foundation did it again with another blockbuster "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show and another sellout on March 4 at the Peninsula. Every
Eli Soto, McKenzie Jackson and Mark Roscoe.
year, for the past 6 years, this remarkable event has been a sell out to benefit ASLF which was founded in 2006 by the beloved and respected Dr. Sandy Goldberg(with much love and support from her devoted husband Gregory N. Hines). The Glitz & Glamour
A. Marek Fine Jewelry's Robert Sherman and Barbara Bradford (presenting sponsor)
event, conceived by Dr. Sandy and Mark Roscoe, fashion designer extraordinaire, brought together the brightest local fashion designers with celebrity models and runway stars from ZZAZZ Productions (Tracey
Dramatic mural photographed by Ernest Collins was the wow factor for the show conceived by Mark Roscoe.
Tarantino), who also produced the show (with support from Dana Nolan, production manager). There were so many highlights I don't know where to begin! For the first
Whitney Reynolds, photog Ernest Collins and Kendall Howard.
time, celebrity models were photographed by the legendary lensman Ernest Collins. An invite into his studio is like winning Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket so everyone felt very, very lucky with this cool perk (arranged by Ernest's longtime friend Mark!) In a stroke of pure
The fabulous Opal Staples, who brought the house down with her voice (Photo by Ernest Collins, design by Mark Roscoe)
genius, Mark and Ernest combined everyone's photos (we all posed with our designers)
Micah Materre (WGN-TV) served as emcee.
into one magnificent collage that was used as a ginormous backdrop for the show. It brought gasps from the crowd and models when they saw it for the first time. In a beautifully written thank you note to all the participants, Roscoe wrote, "It takes a village to raise awareness and money for any cause and yesterday's show was no exception. Sandy and I never imagined the impact it would have on bringing a community together to fight a disease that has affected so many of our families." He thanked all of the participating designers—Mira and Julie Mersine from Mira Couture; Sylwia Designs; Elda de la Rosa; Tamra Ellingson; Ann Everette; Ricorso and Contessa--as well as the VIP models, Tracy Butler, Zoraida
Dori Wilson, Jeanne Sparrow, Nika Clark, Brenda Arelano and friends.
Sambolin, Rozalyn Varon, Maria Castro, Laurette
Sharyl Mackey, Greg Hyder and Jean Antoniou.
Micah, LeeAnn Trotter, Whitney Reynolds, Caylei Vogelzang, Micah Materre, Susanna Homan and yours truly (I was so honored to open the show surrounded by gorgeous ZZAZZ models!) As Mark said, it takes a village so, on hand, were A- list hair and makeup experts that included
With Tracy Butler (ABC-7) wearing Mark Roscoe Design.
Brenda Arelano, Marcus Geeter, Zazu Salon & Day Spa and
ZZAZZ Productions models Sydney Cross, Sierra Smith, Christina Wiltijer Eenigenburg & Juni Park wearing Mira Couture.
Jordyn Olawumi. A big note of thanks went out to Mark's design partner Eli Soto and the true stars of the show, Dr. Sandy's longtime supporters and lead sponsors, Barbara Bradford and Robert Sherman from A. Marek Fine Jewelry. Before the show began, guests enjoyed a reception where pianist Ani Gogova played beautiful music. During the show, DJ Akib matched hot mixes to each models' walk creating special moments for every segment. Eli/Roscoe Design Labels created an elegant bridal look worn by Micah Materre's gorgeous daughter
Opal Staples lifts her voice (and crowd) up in song.
McKenzie Jackson, who floated down the runway
Adiat Baker and her sister Iya Bakare.
flanked by Roscoe and Soto. (See video here) The finale had everyone crying happy tears when iconic singing sensation (and actress), of the famed Staple Singers gospel family, Opal Staples (wearing a golden Roscoe Design gown), brought the house down singing "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" (by Martina McBride). All of the celeb and ZZAZZ models stood behind her lifting their arms at the refrain. Opal's voice was filled with emotion and strength as she filled the room
Tracy Butler, Zoraida Sambolin, Dr. Sandy and Caylei Vogelzang.
with love….everyone there felt it. It was one of the most amazing moments in a fashion show that I've ever been a part of. To top it all off, I was thrilled to wear an oh-so-chic design by Mark Roscoe Couture that consisted
LeeAnn Trotter, Maria Castro and Eliana Mockler.
of a silk, black organza blouse shot through with silver threads with black onyx and "diamond" buttons over a tuxedo slack (perfection!). And, of course, the jools by A. Marek Fine Jewelry was like wearing a party in my ears! Thank you for making me feel so special. All the ladies felt the same thanks to the expertise of our fantastic design/fashion
Roz Varon, LeeAnn Trotter, Zoraida Sambolin and Susanna Homan.
community. The event, as you may or may not know, is the signature fundraiser for A Silver Lining Foundation that funds cost-free breast health testing for women and men who are uninsured, under-insured and/or ineligible for
Finale!
other breast health testing programs. Through its "Buy a Mom a Mammogram (BAMAM) program, nearly 18,000 women have received cost-free screening mammograms and diagnostic testing, which includes diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRIs and biopsies. ASLF works with 15 partner hospitals throughout Chicagoland, Rockford, Elgin, Evanston and Des Plaines. (For more info about this deserving nonprofit, and to check out its upcoming events, click here!) (The good photos are by Kevin Detrick).
Photo by Ernest Collins, conceived by Mark Roscoe.
The 2nd Annual Pretty Powerful Women celebration was held at the chic River North hotspot, Steak 48, on
With Steak 48's Oliver Badgio.
February 24. The event gathered together some of our city's most philanthropic women to thank them for their dedication to the numerous non-profits and charities in our city. I had the privilege of co-chairing the event with Kathleen Sarpy. She and her fabulous Agency H5team put together our best event yet with the largest turn-out thus far too! The event was initially created to celebrate all of the amazing women who help make Chicago great and, this year, it grew by leaps
Jean de St. Aubin, Vivian Teng and Jackie O'Connor.
and bounds! Over 100 women from some of Chicago most respected non-profits were in attendance
Beth Silverman and Helen Melchior.
including Diane Hollingsworth (Eversight Vision), Dr. Sandy
Goldberg (A Silver Lining Foundation), Jackie O'Connor and Vivian Teng (Chicago International Film Festival), Kathleen Casey and Courtney Krupa (Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation), Jean de St. Aubin (Gene Siskel Film Center), Helen Melchior (Joffrey Ballet and Auditorium Theatre), Julie Lampert (Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation), Cheryle Jackson, Holly Buckendahl
With Linda Johnson Rice and Dionne Williams.
(Ronald McDonald House Charities), Shelley Patenaude, Arloa Sutter, Sally Lou Loveman, Bennetta Kelly, Beth Silverman, Ellie Forman (Joffrey Ballet), Linda Johnson Rice (philanthropist) and so many more! The women in the room alone helped to fundraise hundreds of millions
Kathleen Sarpy with Liz Sharp and Holly Buckendahl.
of
dollars for a variety of top organizations in 2019 and were toasted for their philanthropic efforts. On hand were Steak 48's Jeff Mastro and Oliver Badgio, who graciously hosted the event for us. The women enjoyed passed apps and
Frances Renk and Cheryle Jackson.
cocktails while connecting
with old friends and networking with new ones. Kathleen offered a lovely takeaway gift to all the attendees, the book "Gather as You Go", an inspirational collection of
With Kathy Rezny, York Furs
stories written by Alberto Culver exec Carol Lavin Bernick
Keith A. Parrott, AMITA Health Pres/CEO, and Kristy Parrott w/ Melanie Furlan, AMITA Health Senior VP & Chief Philanthropy Officer and John Furlan.
Eight hundred twenty-five guests gathered on leap day, Saturday, February 29, for the first system-wide gala for AMITA Health Foundations, raising more than $1.5 million to benefit people in need across all
Dr. Reinhold Llerena, Dr. Kalisha Hill and Stuart Marcus, Executive VP/ Chief Clinical Officer, AMITA Health
communities served by AMITA Health. The Inaugural AMITA Health Gala, “Leaping Forward Together,” celebrated AH's coming together as one unified health system to carry on the faith-based mission that has always guided its legacy Adventist, Alexian Brothers and Presence Health ministries. It also marked the first philanthropic event
Elder Maurice Valentine and Sharon Valentine with Dianne and Bruce Christian.
with AH president/CEO Keith A. Parrott. “The foundations play a critical role in supporting the success of AMITA Health,” said Parrott, in opening remarks. “In 2019, donors contributed nearly $22 million to support the people we serve. Tonight, all contributions will be invested in programs and services from all AMITA Health ministries that would not exist without
Dina Morris, AMITA Health Gala co-chair, Susie Cassidy, David Hoppe and Jim Wienold, AMITA Health Gala co-chair and President of Bear Construction.
philanthropy.” AH Foundation co-chairs Kenneth Bauwens and Michael Benoit joined Parrott in welcoming guests to the black-tie celebration presented by Superior Ambulance Service and hosted at the Chicago Marriott Downtown
Kristy Parrott and Keith A. Parrott, pres/CEO, AMITA Health, with Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A., Provincial Superior of the Alexian Brothers.
Magnificent Mile. The evening featured a three-course gourmet menu, silent, live and reverse auctions that collectively raised more than $400,000, and dancing until midnight with the popular band Dr. Bombay. AH executive VP/COO Thor Thordarson introduced a video featuring stories representing each of AH’s legacy organizations of people whose lives have been saved or changed through the exceptional care they received, including neonatal care, cancer care and supportive housing. In addition to the auctions, well-known abstract expressionist performance artist Elliott From (ArtBeat Live) created Chicago themed canvas paintings on stage.
Ensemble Member Jay Worthington, Jesse Frageman, Olivia Toriumi, Joseph Boozell and Ensemble Member Hannah Toriumi.
The Gift Theatre’s18th annual benefit, "GIFT GALA 2020: An Intimate Evening," took place on February 15 at Chicago’s contemporary-chic Greenhouse Loft with 140 guests. The event raised $70,000 for
Tricia Park and Dustin Lowman
programming and new play development at the Jefferson Park institution on Chicago’s northwest side. The elegant evening kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail by The Gift Alchemist Shane Hassler and music by Style Matters DJRyan Norsworthy. During the main event, guests enjoyed dinner, a musical performance by
Courtney Williams, Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton and Danni James.
Darci Nalepa and Jessie Fisher, plus silent and live auctions featuring dozens of items including a 15-day European cruise. The festive evening concluded with dessert and dancing. Congrats to gala committee members, Michael Patrick Thornton, John Gawlik,
Marketing Director Claire Demos and Shane Hassler
Claire Demos, Becky Wright, Laura Gale and Ashley Sliva, on a job well done! Since 2001 and over 70 productions, The Gift Theatre has pioneered the frontiers of the American theatre via one of the most intimate professional Equity theatres in the country, leading to national acclaim and a cultural revolution on Chicago’s northwest side. (Photos by Claire Demos) Check it all out here!
Legendary Landmarks Daniel Walsh and Timuel Black Jr., Landmarks Illinois President & CEO Bonnie McDonald, Legendary Landmarks Joseph P. Gromacki and Matthew Walsh.
Landmarks Illinois hosted its 15th annual Legendary Landmarks Celebration March 5 at the Hilton Chicago with nearly 700 supporters in attendance. The event, chaired by Cherryl Thomas and Erika Block, honored 2020 Legendary Landmarks Timuel D. Black Jr., Joseph P. Gromacki and Matthew & Daniel Walsh of The Walsh Group. Guests at the annual event helped raise $840,000 for
Legendary Landmarks Leslie Hindman and Michael Kutza with Kim Coventry.
Landmarks Illinois – $135,000 of which came directly from the evening’s paddle raise! Funds raised will provide critical funding for Landmarks Illinois’ advocacy programs across the state which save historic and special places in our communities. Since 2006, Landmarks Illinois has honored more than 40 individuals, families and corporations at its annual fundraiser including Leslie Hindman, Michael Kutza, Victor Skrebneski, Fred Eychaner, Jennifer Pritzker, Rocky Wirtz, Theaster Gates, Father Jack Wall, Ernie Banks and many more. (For more info, click here!) (Photos by Pivot Photography)
Two of my favorite media stars, Michelle Alegria and Brittney Payton (of Fox 32 Chicago) are trying to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Brittney Payton–Fox 32 Chicago.
They were set to host an event on March 25 at the BOSS Store at the Shops at North Bridge but, as we all know, all social gatherings have been halted. The event was intended to raise funds to build a youth center for children coping with grief after losing a loved one. Sadly, both ladies have experience with this type of grief. Brittney, as you know, lost her father Walter Payton when she was very young and Michelle's 3 children recently lost their dad. Michelle said, "There are not enough services dealing with grief other than the therapist that the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute has on board. We want to change that, " she said. (The center will be a part of the Institute). Please watch for a new date and I hope you can all join us then!
I had never heard of this very worthwhile nonprofit until a friend brought it to my attention and it's been
Didrill Neal, a happy benefiicary of Hadley's programs.
around for 100 years! Congrats to Winnetka-based Hadley, that bills itself as the "world's oldest and largest educator of braille and provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired." Last year, Hadley reached more than 172,000 learners from all 50 states and in 65 countries! To celebrate this anniversary milestone, the Hadley Women's Board and the Board of Trustees are hosting "Centennial Celebration" on Friday, October 2 (this date was recently changed from April 4) at The Dalcy, 302 N. Green Street in the Fulton Market District. For tickets/more info, click here!
Giordano's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" 2019.
Giordano Dance Chicago will host its popular "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" event on Thursday, October 1. Come join the 15th anniversary party at Park West and cheer on your favorite "stars" who are paired with Giordano dancers for a night you'll never forget. This high energy dance competition is inspired by the hot ABC series "Dancing with the Stars" with funds supporting GDC programming and outreach. For tickets/more info, please click here! _______________________________________________________________________
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED BUT MAKE NOTE OF THE DETAILS SO YOU WON'T MISS IT WHEN IT'S RESCHEDULED! The Service Club of Chicago will host its annual Spring Luncheon, this year themed "A White House Floral Affair." Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette
Special guest Laura Dowling.
Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will take place (fingers crossed) on Friday, May 15 at the Drake Hotel. The very special guest will be Laura Dowling, who served as the Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009-2015, handling thousands of events with her special brand of floral diplomacy. Don't forget your HAT!!! For tickets/more info, click here!
Matt Olaveson, event co-chair along with Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek.
Gala" will still be held on Saturday, April 18 (if it's safe) at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W. Jackson Blvd). Co-chaired by Matt Olaveson, Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek, the event will support young artists through programs that offer financial awards, artistic opportunities and mentoring that bridge the gap between education and career. Guests will enjoy performances by soprano Nicole Cabell, pianists Tian Tang and Chen-Shen Fan and Pascal Pahl, among many others! Please check the website for updates and let's keep our fingers crossed. Even if it's postponed, perhaps you'll make note of this wonderful nonprofit?! (For info, click here!)
Harry Caray's 22nd annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray will now be virtual instead of the blow-out that was initially planned at Navy Pier on Thursday, March 19. You can now join in by listening live on WGN 720 AM from 3- 7 pm. #toastoharry
The Old Town School of Music will, hopefully, host its annual Blue Jean Gala on Friday, May 15. The event will include a unique roaming feast with teaching artists from the School entertaining guests as they make their way along Lincoln Avenue. An intimate concert performance will follow from musical guest Saving Grace, featuring Robert Plant and Suzi Dian. The evening will conclude with an after-party featuring dessert, late-night bites and, of course, music! Proceeds will support Old Town School's mission of providing arts access to all including community outreach, financial aid and education programs. For tickets/more info, click here! (Please check the website for possible cancellation and new date info).
The Driehaus Design Initiative will (hopefully) host its Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence fashion show on Friday, April 24 at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, (700 S. Desplaines St.). The nonprofit was established to promote and encourage design education and to foster public appreciation and understanding of all aspects of fashion design and history. DDI contributes proceeds from this event to support fashion and design endeavors in Chicago. Local designers will face off for the coveted prize and check! For tickets/more info, click here!
Scarlett and Cooper Hefner are expecting their first child.
In a very sweet social media post, Scarlett Byrne, the darling wife of Cooper Hefner (son of 'da man),
Scarlett and her "baby bump." Aww….
announced that they are expecting their first child. Cooper, as you may or may not know, has joined the United States Air Force and is "proud to be an Airman." His dad, Hugh Hefner, was in the Army so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in terms of military service. I wish Coop and Scarley and the soon-to-be Baby Hef, a lifetime of love, health and happiness. So sorry Grandpa isn't here….
The press just keeps on coming from the epic pictorial I was proud to be a part of for Playboy, its recent Equality issue! Daily Mail TV interviewed me for this segmentand Fox News interviewed me for this article. Below is a video created by an entity I don't have a clue about, Top Trending. A friend passed it along to me and, apart from a few mistakes (I wasn't PMOY), I think it's pretty good! Lol! Watch here!
CONGRATS GEOFFREY! School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus Geoffrey Mac was named the winner of "Project Runway" Season 18 in the recent episode, two decades after graduating! Mac beat out three other finalists with a 10-look collection inspired by his father’s military service that featured over-sized puffy coats and futuristic evening wear. His prize includes $250,000 from Bluprint; $50,000 from Pilot; a feature in Elle magazine; and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Mac told the Tribune (read story here) that he is trying to figure out what’s next, but he is leaning toward creating a unisex collection that can be worn in any season and is slated to launch a fragrance called “G” around April 1 (“The coronavirus can’t stop that,” he said).
The tee-shirts will support the hospitality industry workers.
Here's a cool, inexpensive way to help our friends in the hospitality industry! 100% of the sales from these cool Chicago Hospitality United t-shirts go to the people who don't have a voice or the means to survive without work in the hospitality industry. The government shutdown of bars and restaurants has put thousands out of work for the foreseeable future. Chef Tony Priolo said, "Just as we rely on them to keep Chicago one of the most vibrant dining cities in the world, they rely on us to support them through good times and bad. 100% of the net proceeds from these tees go directly towards financial relief for hourly employees affected by the necessary precautions Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have implemented." (Please purchase a black or white T-shirt here for only $25! www.stockmfgco.com. (And please share this info if you're so inclined!)
With Sally Schwartz, Randolph Street Market and Retrospect Market founder.
finely curated vintage fashion show with 50 top vintage sellers of wearables, jewelry, handbags and accessories AND, on the lower level, home goods, furnishings, gardening items and general vintage and maker goods! A portion of the weekend's ticket sales will benefit the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (10 am to 5 pm both days) Also, the March 28 Time Out Market Pop-Up has been pushed back to June 20. (For tickets, more info, click here! Hope to see you EVERYWHERE!)
And a special thanks to Anna Davlantes who had me on her awesome WGN Radio show recently! (Listen herefor my segment that begins at 26:17)! Anna's show is informative and fun and not-to-be-missed from 1-3 pm Monday through Friday! (Click here for more info!) Love her! Beauty, brains, empathy and so much more….:-)
Congrats to Chicago screenwriter and native Sylvia L. Jones! For two decades, Sylvia spent her days and nights covering local Chicago news as a television journalist. Now, this graduate of Providence St. Mel School finds herself making news thanks to her work as a writer in the entertainment industry. In April, she will add Lifetime Television to her long list of credits as she wrote the script for the highly anticipated biopic "The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel" executive produced by QUEEN LATIFAH, MISSY ELLIOTT and MARY J. BLIGE! Sylvia says, "I grew up listening to the Clark Sisters so to get the opportunity to write the story of their lives was truly remarkable." (See official trailer below!)
Thanks to the Chicago Tribune for running my article titled "A letter of support to my friends in the nonprofit community." Read it hereand here: I feel your pain. I've watched with dismay as one after another of the events I planned on covering in my Chicago Tribune "Candid Candace" column was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. At first I was angry that they would succumb to this panic but, as more and more organizations, governments, countries and even Broadway cancel events, close their borders, restrict air travel, limit gatherings and close down the Great White Way, I have to admit the obvious….that my way of thinking, to soldier on, could be tempting fate. I applaud businesses who have the courage to keep their doors open in the face of all of this though. Many have sent sensible messages letting their clients know they are taking extra sanitary precautions and checking their workers more closely and encouraging both to stay home if feeling sick in accordance with recent guidelines. In my opinion, this is a common sense response. I believe it's a time for preparation, not panic. Here's a thought. Many of these nonprofits and arts organizations have had to cancel their biggest fundraisers for the year. If you've already purchased a ticket to one of these events, and CAN afford it, please let the donation ride. Right now, they need it more than you know…
I woke up to such sad news today. My beloved Playboy magazine may well have published its last print issue due to complications from Covid-19. When I shot my cover pictorial in the last Equality issue on October 22, everyone at the mag seemed so upbeat and positive about
Final print edition–The Speech Issue
the future of Playboy and then, in the blink of an eye–everything changed (for everyone). Here's an excerpt from an open letter on March 18 from the magazine's editor-in-chief, Ben Kohn "Last week, as the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic to content production and the
My friend, Louann Fernald, will now be the last Playmate revisited in the mag. She was June 1979 Playmate.
supply chain became clearer and clearer, we were forced to accelerate a conversation we’ve been having internally: the question of how to transform our U.S. print product to better suit what consumers want today, and how to utilize our industry-leading content production capabilities to engage in a cultural conversation each and every day, rather than just every three months.
2nd to the last of the PB print editions, The Equality Issue.
With all of this in mind, we have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue, which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week, will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S. We will move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content."
Playboy has been my family for the last 40 years and I have no plans to let them go now. Even if it's only on a digital platform, my Bunny ears will still be attuned to its always timely, diverse and informative articles and photos. Keep it up Playboy and I'll catch you on the digital ride soon! Your Biggest Fan–"Candid" Candace Jordan
Stats from Johns Hopkins University as of March 16.
These are crazy, surreal times right now, along with you, and I'm not quite sure how to process it yet. I've always worked from home so this wasn't anything new but who knew that I've been tele-commuting all along?! The funny thing is, once you're forced to do something, you start to rebel. I'm so grateful we went out to
Source: CDC, the Economist and NY Times.
dinner recently (please don't judge, local businesses need help too and this was before the ALL OUT CLOSING of bars and restaurants! Gallucci Pizzeria Napoletana was great, btw, at 1551 N. Wells. Please try it when it reopens!) Some people still think some of this might be rather excessive but, I for one, know it's better to be safe than sorry. I just wish I'd stocked up on necessities sooner. Chuck always said I was a hoarder but definitely not in the areas of food or drink, sadly. Luckily, as much as I love my social life, I've also always been a bit of a homebody. I want this thing to end and I hope there's not more loss of life. I feel like I'm in a bad horror movie, like "Outbreak," that's now coming true! I love the way the Italians are handling isolation, singing on their balconies to let their neighbors know they're in it together. Here's praying it doesn't come to that here though….I have a horrible voice.
Plus: Praying for Australia and how to help; Sheryl and Joe's big day; Goodbye Fabrice; Ashley's honor; NYE with NBC's "Chicago Today"; Push Excel's MLK Jr. Scholarship Breakfast; NYE at La Scarola; Service Club of Chicago's debut event "New Year, New Me, TEA!"; Stockton's grand opening; Remi is a cover star; Tracey passes the gavel; Hope Through Caring Gala; Videos and so much MORE!
Partygoers at Playboy magazine's Holiday Party on December 11.
Playboy magazine hosted a kick-ass Holiday Party at the Culver Hotel on December 11. It was a little like old home week for me as I loved seeing the past
Playboy magazine, Winter 2020, The Equality Issue
Playmates who were in attendance. It was also exciting to get a first-look at the Winter 2020 issue, titled "The Equality Issue: Once a Playmate, Always a Playmate." I was proud to be included along with Renee Tenison (the first African American PMOY, 1990, and November 1989 PM); Victoria
Valentino (September 1963 Playmate who was a Cosby victim and is now the oldest PM to ever appear in the magazine at age 77); Raquel Pomplun (the first Mexican/ American PMOY, 2013, and the April 2012 Playmate) and Brande Roderick (PMOY 2001 and April 2000 PM). News of the issue has been featured in Forbes, People and the Daily Mail as it's a first for the magazine and celebrates diversity, empowerment and 5 decades of Playmates. This party was the first without any Hefners and I didn't know quite what to expect as I'm a lifelong fan of the Hefner family and, of course, the man who started it all. At first, it felt a little like a betrayal but then the incredibly welcoming Playboy staff made me, and
Bonnie Large (March 1973 PM) and Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963 PM)
everyone else, feel right at home. In fact, I felt like I was right where I belonged again. It was also great to finally put faces to the names of some of the staff at the magazine. I was thrilled to see that everything seems to be in very capable hands with the likes of Cat Auer, Erica Loewy, Kristi Beck and Micaela Leone, to name a few. Playboy CEO Ben Kohn gave a short speech at the party detailing all of the magazine's recent triumphs and plans for the future, which looks very bright indeed! He announced
Cathy St. George, left (Aug. 1982 PM) and friends (@cathystgeorge photo).
that "2019 was a hugely exciting year in our storied history with some phenomenal storytelling and grand moments such as building a world class team that is aligned for 2020, and beyond, and meeting our financial
With Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963) Louann Fernald (June 1979) Jeana Tomasina Keough (Nov. 1980) and Michelle Drake (May 1979).
goals for the third year in a row!…We codified our mission which is not a departure from our 66-year history but rather a recommitment to the DNA that originally made this brand a force to be reckoned with…Our mission is to create a culture where all people can pursue pleasure." He added, "some of the biggest talent on the planet has been pursuing us this year to find ways to work together because they believe in what we stand for. This affirmed, for us, that our role serving as a pleasure/lifestyle guide promoting free expression, sex positivity and fun is maybe even more important today than ever before." Kohn went on to speak about Playboy's traction in the market. "Between two of Playboy's partners, Pacsun [a California inspired clothing and accessories brand designed for teens and young adults] and Missguided [a global online fashion brand for women], consumers in the U.S. and the U.K. spent almost $50 million buying PB branded products this year. And, internationally, we expanded our business by almost $10 million in Asia and also laid the foundation to launch in India. He closed his comments with, "We continue to champion for causes that are important to us through our storytelling,
He likes what he sees!
partnerships, events and charity involvements. These causes include reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, sex workers' rights, free speech, freedom of expression and civil rights, among others. He proposed a toast to "our history, our present,
Kristi Beck and friend.
our future and each other." This was the second time Chuck and I have been to the Culver Hotel for a Playboy party. The last time was for NYE two year's ago when Cooper Hefner was still in charge. The hotel, established in 1924, is
Victoria Valentino joyfully holds up the Equality Issue.
loaded with charm and is, in fact, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "The Wizard of Oz" was filmed a block away and, as the story goes, Judy, the Munchkins and several other cast members used to hang out here. On this night, I saw Playmates Jeana (Tomasino) Keough (November 1980 Playmate, Real Housewives of Orange County), Michelle Drake (PM May 1979), Vendela Lindblom (PM Jan. 2019), Bonnie Large (PM March 1973), Cathy St. George (PM August 1982), Raquel Pomplun (PMOY 2013), Ashley Doris (March 2013), Louann Fernald (June 1979 PM), Tiffany Toth (September 2011) and Victoria Valentino (PM Sept. 1963),
Vendela Lindblom (Jan. 2019 PM) and friend.
and so many more. We took lots of photos and chatted about what we were all up to. No matter how long I'm away from Playboy and the Playmates, our interactions always feel like we just left off yesterday. It's a very unique sorority that I'm proud to be a part of. It was a night I'll never forget. The excitement over the success of the magazine combined with seeing myself featured 40 years after appearing as a centerfold seemed like a fairytale. Thank you Hef for creating such a loving, loyal and supportive family. I'm so happy to see his vision being carried on in such grand style. I think, and I hope, he likes what he sees. I know I do. (The GOOD party pics are by Kit Karzen)
Playboy's Winter 2020 "The Equality Issue" cover featuring Renee Tenison (PMOY 1990) and the rest of us in the foreground. Lol!
About the shoot–It was always Hef's (Hugh Hefner's) mantra, 'Once a Playmate, always a Playmate,' and I felt the full force of this after I was asked to fly to L.A.
Brande Roderick (PMOY 2001) and Raquel Pomplun (PMOY 2013).
for another shoot for Playboy magazine, a full 40 years after appearing as its December 1979 centerfold. The request, obviously, caught me completely off guard since I didn't expect to be modeling for Playboy after all these years. My journey with the organization began way back in 1974 when I first became a Bunny at the St. Louis Playboy
With Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963 PM).
Club. My first photo shoot, shortly after, for a "Best Bunnies" pictorial caught the attention of the home
With Brande Roderick, Renee Tenison, Victoria Valentino and Raquel Pomplun.
office in Chicago and I was quickly invited to transfer to the hub, which I did, moving into the storied Playboy Mansion on State Street on September 22, 1974. Two years ago, Cooper Hefner invited me to reprise my February 1979 cover for another feature for the magazine that included six other "iconic" Playmates–his mother, Kimberly Conrad Hefner
Outtake (by Nadia Lee Cohen) with Renee Tenision.
(Playmate of the Year 1989, Jan. 1988 Playmate); Reneé Tenison (PMOY 1990, Nov. 1989 PM, who also appears in
Renee Tenison and Victoria Valentino during photo shoot.
the Equality Issue); Lisa Matthews (PMOY 1991, April 1990 PM); Charlotte Kemp Muhl (December 1982 PM); Cathy St. George (August 1982 PM) and Monique St. Pierre (PMOY 1979, November 1978 PM). This most recent shoot was a complete departure of anything I've ever done for Playboy before. The request to pose came via email on October 9, just after Chuck and I
A perk of the trip was spending time with my BFF, Tissy Eggleston.
had returned from a trip to Dollywood where I had been happily eating my way through every fried food stand available. This is when the crash "raisin" diet began…..Omgoodness. Talk about
Centerfold in the issue.
being unprepared! The special edition 12-page cover feature was shot by Nadia Lee Cohen (@nadialeelee), a cool, edgy female photographer who also serves as her own muse on her Instagram
This issue has garnered lots of press since it's the first of its kind for the magazine.
account, and written by Jamilah Lemieux (@jamilahlemieux). Cohen is a contributing photog for Vogue too. Her surreal vision for the shoot came as a surprise to me and a few others. It involved a step back in time, the swingin' 60s, when wigs were big (literally and
A tree growing in the living room of Esther Williams' old house where the shoot took place.
figuratively). Nadia's crack styling team was on top of it all. Looooonnngggg fake nails were glued onto everyone's hands and looooonnngggg eyelashes were applied. Heavy eye makeup was the order of the day as were the
With the truly amazing styling team!
aforementioned wigs. Downstairs, racks and racks of vintage clothing, underwear, heels, jewelry and more were strewn across every spare surface. Oh, and we were instructed to get spray tans before we came. Nadia mentioned during the shoot that she was aiming for something like a " Valley of the Dolls" vibe. I wasn't
Shoot schedule for the 12-page pictorial.
overly pleased to hear this but, in the end, her vision just rocked and made history for Playboy. The venue was a house in Burbank that was once owned by Esther
Such a class act! Playboy gifted all of us with a framed cover, satin PB PJs and a Bunny logo necklace along with a box of PB branded chocolates. Amazing!
Williams, the iconic swim star from the '40s/'50s. It's vintage vibe had never been touched as witnessed by the throwback wooden features and overall mustiness. An orange shag carpet had been brought in to add more authenticity to the era. There was a pool in back, of course, and a guest house that served as the staging area for wardrobe, hair and makeup. It was a BIG shoot, lots and lots of crew and even a dog wrangler for two cute pups who seemed to want to be
Brande and Raquel groovin to the music during the shoot.
anywhere else but where they were. I just loved
Once a Playmate, Always a Playmate! Thanks for all the memories Playboy!
reconnecting with the Playmates and was happy to meet the new guard at Playboy magazine. They were enthusiastic and very respectful of the past yet with a firm eye on the future. I was so honored to be one of the Playmates chosen for this cover feature representing five decades of Playmates. As photographer Nadia Lee Cohen explained, "I wanted to celebrate the original Playmates who helped shape and pioneer the brand"—Just what Hefner always wanted when he coined the phrase and title of the feature "Once a Playmate, Always a Playmate."
Australia, praying your ordeal will end soon. Please share photos and donate as you can to Red Cross Australia, WIRES, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriorsand whatever other agencies you find who are able to help. Any amount, no matter how small, can help. CommonNews.org reports: Ecologists at the University of Sydney are estimating that nearly half a billion animals have been killed in Australia's unprecedented and catastrophic wildfires, which have sparked a continent-wide crisis and forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes in desperation. News Corp Australia reported that "there are real concerns entire species of plants and animals have been wiped out by bush fires following revelations almost 500 million animals have died since the crisis began." "Ecologists from the University of Sydney now estimate 480 million mammals, birds, and reptiles have been lost since September," according to News Corp. "That figure is likely to soar following the devastating fires which have ripped through Victoria and the [New South Wales] South Coast over the past couple of days, leaving several people dead or unaccounted for, razing scores of homes and leaving thousands stranded." Koalas in particular have been devastated by the fires, Graham noted, because they "really have no capacity to move fast enough to get away." As Reutersreported Tuesday, "Australia's bushland is home to a range of indigenous fauna, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, wombats, and echidnas. Officials fear that 30 percent of just one koala colony on the country's northeast coast, or between 4,500 and 8,400, have been lost in the recent fires." Too sad for words.
The Joffrey Ballet artistic director Ashley Wheater.
Congrats to The Joffrey Ballet's artistic director, Ashley Wheater! He has just been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's 2020 New Year honors were announced recently in the official newspaper of the Crown, The Gazette. (Wild applause emoji here!)
On another Joffrey note, we sadly say goodbye to longtime lead dancer Fabrice Calmels, who danced his last dance for the company on December 29 at the Auditorium Theatre in the Nutcracker (by Christopher
With Fabrice, Mary Lasky, Fabrice and Tina Weller at a Couture & Cocktails event.
Wheeldon) as The Great Impresario of the Fair. He danced opposite April Daley, who starred as the Queen of the Fair. The theater was packed with fans and friends who came to say goodbye and in true Fabrice fashion, he did not disappoint. With a salute to the late Gerald
Fabrice's last kiss (with April Daley) and last dance onstage for The Joffrey Ballet.
Arpino's empty box, he placed his dance shoes side by side onstage and left the world of dance to the sounds of thunderous applause. (See moving video here). He is headed to L.A. where I know we will seeing a LOT more of him! #starmaterialbaby (Coincidentally, this was also the last Nutcracker at the Auditorium before moving to the Lyric.)
With NBC Chicago Today's co-hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues on NYE.
Thanks so much to NBC's "Chicago Today" for having me on to discuss NYE fashion with co-host Cortney
Cortney Hall and her glam sis.
Hall! The show came in second in the NYE ratings and was a blast to be a part of! All of the outfits were festive and creative and worn by adorable people so they were very easy to critique. Thanks to co-host Matt Rodrigues and producer Jamie Gregg for putting together such a cool show (and for including me!) Watch segment here and check Chicago Today show schedule here!
Following the NBC segment, Chuck and I enjoyed a NYE dinner at one of our favorite spots, La Scarola, with
With Chuck, Michael Kutza and Armando Vasquez before things got fuzzy.
Michael Kutza. The place was packed and stacked with beautiful people thanks to co-owner Armando Vasquez who always manages to make every dinner a happening. From beginning to end, it was a great way to welcome in the New Year!
Love and congrats to newlyweds Sheryl Dyer and Joe Schmidt who tied the knot in front of family and friends on December 28 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help
Handsome Jack Mackey escorts the flower girls.
Catholic Church in Glenview. Sheryl looked stunning in a backless white gown with a long, elegant train and Joe looked dapper, of course, in his tux. Sheryl's matron of honor was her sister Susan Laudick and Joe's best men were Paul and Bill Schmidt, his brothers. Other bridesmaids included Lauren Laudick and Natalie Laudick and junior bridesmaid Shannon Beyer. Darling flower girls Lanie Beyer and Stella Dyer were escorted by the very proper and
That dress tho'……
handsome Jack Mackey. Greg Hyder served as a guest soloist and sang "Mary Did You Know" with such depth and feeling that he had the crowd crying happy
Spectacular transformative decor by Kehoe Designs (Ramsey Prince).
tears. (He belongs on The Voice!) (See him singing here!) Following the beautiful ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and lavish buffet at St. Patrick High School. You can't imagine the transformation Kehoe Designs (Ramsey Prince) did to make this into a most spectacular venue! The theatre, where all the dancing occurred, was breathtakingly beautiful (see photo). I loved the song the
Sheryl with Tracey Tarantino and guest soloist/friend Greg Hyder.
couple chose for their first dance, "Love Me Tender." Ramsey Prince (of Kehoe) deserves
The Queen and her court!
a gold medal for decor design! Partygoers never wanted to leave. It was a night to remember and Sheryl's perfect touch could be seen everywhere from the ceremony to the reception following. Her taste has always been exquisite–no wonder she chose Joe! Love and congrats to the happy lovebirds! Forever may you float on a cloud of pure love and joy as we witnessed that night!
The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by PushExcel, will be held on Monday, January. 20. The nonprofit promotes educational excellence by engaging stakeholders in education to work together to transform the lives of students. For tickets/more info, click here.
I hope you can join The Service Club of Chicago on Sunday, January 12 at the Drake, when the nonprofit hosts its first "New Year, New Me TEA"! The event begins at 11am with a panel discussion following, moderated by Craig Hogan, that will include Rochelle Trotter, Andrea Schwartz, me and more! For tickets, please click here!
The Les Turner ALS Foundation will host its annual Hope Through Caring Gala, emceed by the wonderful Dina Bair, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Radisson Blu. The evening will include dinner, dancing,a paddle raise, balloon raffle and more to honor those whose extraordinary commitment to the fight against ALS has helped raise funds for research and clinical care, provide services for people living with ALS and their families and increase public awareness. For tickets/more info, click here.
PAWS Chicago 2020 calendar cover star Remi Spurlock.
I'm so in love with PAWS Chicago's 2020 Desktop Calendar, especially since its cover star is Remi Spurlock, the much loved, handsome feline that owns Bonnie and Jim
Remi's loving mom and dad, Jim and Bonnie Spurlock.
Spurlock. All of the images in the calendar were shot by photographer/writer David Sutton, who has a keen eye for capturing the shared humanity between people and their pets. Sutton was named the “best pet photographer in America” by Forbes and theChicago Tribune called him “the Doctor Dolittle of photographers.” I think he captured Regal Remi perfectly! For more info and to purchase a copy of this charming calendar supporting PAWS Chicago, click here!
Retrospect Chicago returns on April 24 through April 26 at 1341 W. Randolph, the home of Randolph Street Market! This second annual event, hosted by Image Pilots/ RSM, will feature a vintage fashion show produced by Nena Ivon on Friday, April 24 followed by the weekend market. Last year, was such a blast with so many beautifully curated items for sale–jewelry, clothing, one-of-a-kind designer creations and so much more! The designers there are so knowledgeable and bring their A-Game to this market for sure! I can't wait to see what's on offer this year! Hope you can join us! (For more info, click here!)
Stockton co-owner Joseph Devito, Special Children's Charities / Special Olympics Chicago Executive Director Heather Kundert, Stockton co-owner Josh Carl.
Stockton Restaurant & Lounge, the globally-inspired restaurant and high-end lounge located in Chicago's Gold Coast at 1009 N. Rush St., celebrated its Grand Opening on Thursday, November 14 with more than 700 attendees. The private event benefited Special Children’s Charities / Special Olympics Chicago. Guests were greeted with live DJ mixes and treated to the restaurant's signature seafood towers. Surprise pop-up performances by TomCat Trumpet entertained guests as they indulged in
Laurel Stradford and John Rodgers.
gourmet desserts. Later in the evening, guests moved into The Lounge at Stockton, which was decorated in scarlet red from floor to stage with plush couches and a bronze-finished bar, where Vibe Music Live heated up the evening as the champagne flowed. Owned by Josh Carl and Joseph de Vito, Stockton Restaurant & Lounge is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (For more info, click here!)
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sherrill Bodine–past and future Service Club presidents.
Last night's Service Club of Chicago meeting saw the passing of the gavel from outgoing president Tracey Tarantino DiBuono to incoming president Sherrill Bodine, who has accepted a one year term in honor of her dear friend and longtime SC member, the late Lynda Silverman. Tracey delivered a heartfelt speech on her time in office that had the spillover crowd in happy tears. She said, "My heart is full with the joy of connecting on so many personal levels as well as professional. I will cherish these moments and look forward to continued friendships made. I deeply appreciate all of the hard work, determination, coordination, co-operation, and time devoted by all of you. I am proud to stand amongst you. Thank you for your support and kindness." Congrats, with love, to Tracey, Sherrill and all of the hard-working members of this amazing nonprofit!
I don't know about you, but I'm feeling a little short-changed on the holidays. It seems like as soon as I got our decor up, it was time for it to come down. Oh, I'm still holding out but am noticing all the lights blinking out around town and it's so sad that people are giving up so soon (Michael Caputo, I'm talking to you!) Anyway, it's staying put for a while longer as it brings such a warm, cheery sparkle to our home. It's not over till the Christmas Tree sings and I don't hear anything yet.
Hope the New Year has started off in grand style for all of you! I sense a year of change, in a good way, and I can't wait to see what 2020 brings. Here's hoping for good health, finding joy in every moment (big or small) and discovering something new around every corner.
Plus: The Happiness Club sings and dances; Livin' the high life at Tribune Tower; Porchlight Music Theatre's night of song; Thoughts on the Air & Water Show; Music Box Theatre has a LOT to celebrate; REELING Film Fest; Mane in Heaven's main event; Dr. Sandy's A Sterling Event; The film doctor is in da' house; Rush Street Reunion; Driehaus Museum Gala; Chefs' Playground Reimagined; Costume Council's Men's Fashion Awards; "Come From Away" returns to the Cadillac!; Lisa's Teal Lights Celebration Cruise; Lauren and Tom tie the knot; Benjamin Marshall Society's E. Lake Shore Drive soiree; Chicago Tribune Food Bowl's Night Market; Made in Chicago's Michael Perich and The Gnome Colony; This & That; Darling videos and so much MORE!
This year marked the 8th annual Le Dîner en Blanc Chicago, the city's largest, secret culinary pop-up event that is held in an undisclosed and unexpected public space. This year, a record-breaking 3,500 Chicagoans descended on Daley Plaza on August 8 to celebrate the Windy City in all its beauty with a staggering 30,000 people
Windy City Live's Val Warner was a guest wearing a dress by Kham' ryn B. (Follow her on Insta at @valwarnerTV)
making up the waitlist for this secret event! Each summer in more than 80 cities around the world, thousands of people dressed entirely in white meet up at a landmark public space with everything they need for an elegant soirée in tow, including folding tables and chairs, gourmet picnic food, fine china, silverware and tablecloths. Over the course of the evening, guests eat and celebrate amid live music and dancing, many of them spending weeks in advance planning their lavish menus and striking ensembles. This year the event was hosted by Roger Hobby, James Wild, Lauren Haras and Brandy Koch. Here is Diner by the numbers–3,500 sparklers used, 2,040 bottles of wine and champagne enjoyed and 188 Diner en Blanc volunteers. Invitations for the event occur in three stages. Each invitation is for two people: Phase 1 is for members who attended the previous year’s event; Phase 2 is for new members who are sponsored by Phase 1
Val Warner, Tabby Cage, Karen Macklin.
attendees; and Phase 3 is for guests who register on the waiting list. In keeping with Le Dîner en Blanc’s unique tradition, guests observe a few key rules: Once confirmed, guests’ participation is essential; The dress code is simple, elegant, white outfits and accessories; The table setting should be all white. This is a green event, so no disposables; Wine and/or Champagne permitted through pre-purchase from the official e-store; Beer and hard liquor is prohibited; Non-alcoholic beverages welcome; The location is a secret. Guests meet at their selected
LaTanya Murphy, Tamika Smith, Keisha Holmes and Tia West.
departure point (this year, there were 20) and are escorted by a Dîner en Blanc volunteer to the secret event site. Le Dîner en Blanc's official partner was Glunz Wines with Chateau Ste. Michelle, Citi Bank and Sofitel serving as official national partners. The first Chicago event was held in August, 2012, in the South Gardens of the Art Institute of Chicago. Since then, the hosts have sought out significant Chicago venues throughout the city that are underutilized or have previously not been available for a public or private event including IIT, Pioneer Plaza, the Lincoln Park Zoo Nature Boardwalk, Federal Plaza and Queen’s Landing along Chicago’s lakefront. In June 2018, Le Diner en Blanc de Paris marked its 30th anniversary. A record 17,000 guests from Paris and around the world gathered at the Esplanade des Invalides to celebrate this historic moment. Launched in Paris in 1988 by François Pasquier and a handful of friends, Le Dîner en Blanc has become a worldwide epicurean phenomenon. (For more info, click here!)
Miguel Cervantes, Artist of the Year honoree, sings with The Happiness Club kids!
I've been a huge fan of The Happiness Club ever since I first became aware of it through its longtime supporters Maureen and Marc Schulman. This organization does such good in our communities, providing a safe and happy place for kids. From Bronzeville to
Receiving The Happiness Club's Legacy Award from artistic director Tanji Harper and chair Maureen Schulman.
Englewood to Glenview and as far as Algonquin, The Happiness Club represents all levels of income and ethnicities. On Sunday, August 11 at Park West, all of their amazing talents were on full display during its signature
Co chairs Maureen and Marc Schulman with daughters Elana, Haley and Kori Schulman, all proud Happiness Club alums.
fundraiser. The dance portion of the evening opened with The Happiness Club kids performing "Make it Through." A lot of the songs and dances are created solely by the kids in reaction to what they're experiencing so it's cathartic as well as
The alumni returned for a number, including singer/songwriter Kaina (orange) who just released her first album.
artistic. I was a proud Legacy Award honoree along Artist of the Year recipient Miguel Cervantes, Alexander Hamilton in the Chicago production of Hamilton the Musical. (See his moving acceptance speech here). I couldn't have been in better company and to be able to see
With Bethany Florek, Heinz Kern, Mary Ann Rose, John Robak, Miguel Cervantes and Chuck.
him rehearse and perform with the kids is a memory I'll always treasure. He is as kind as he is talented and it was a real privilege to be in the same room. During his number with the kids, Miguel chose a mash-up of The Jackson 5'sI Want You Back with The Schuyler Sisters. Miguel sang and played the guitar. I made my "hip hop" debut (YIKES!) with a Happiness Club original song, Shake That Stress Off.
Just trying to keep up!
Also honored were students of the year, Dawn Butler, Amir Leonard and Levi Carroll and graduating high school seniors Quansaa Gordon and Aja Abron. The show was dedicated to Keith Harper, the Club's beloved sound engineer and artistic director Tanji Harper's father. Co
Richard Weinberg with Miguel Cervantes.
chairs Maureen and Marc announced the debut of the Keith Harper Memorial Fund for Songwriting. As a music lover and accomplished musician, Keith understood the value of the arts in the lives of young people and was an avid supporter of The Happiness Club's mission to give kids a safe space to express themselves through the arts and have the opportunity to create original music, dance and rap that encourage positive values and social change. A tribute
Some of the proud parents of The Happiness Club kids.
to the success of the program was apparent when over 30 alumni attended the benefit and performed the song Hate it Or Love It. Among
Greg Gallagher (Aliant Mesirow) and family.
them was Kaina, a singer/songwriter who recently released her first album, Next To The Sun, and is currently on tour with the O'My's and in the fall with Cuco. The evening included a silent auction and a Taste of Chicago buffet with food donated by Eli's Cheesecake, Lou Malnati's and Vienna Hot Dogs. Funds raised, $50,000, will be used to support the programs of The Happiness Club, a year round free performing arts education program for kids ages 8-21, and an after school dance program for high school
Thrill of a lifetime with Maureen, Miguel and The Happiness Club!
kids. The Happiness Club keeps kids safe and increases their confidence and communication skills through the arts. The diversity within the group allows kids to meet and become great
Jacqueline Hayes, founder of Chicago Help Initiative, with Miguel Cervantes.
friends with peers they would otherwise never have met. Exposure to live theater, homework space and assistance with resumes, applying for college grants, scholarships, and auditions support the aim to focus on the overall development of each member. The Kids have performed at the White House and most recently, at all 3 days of Lolla. (Check out their next performance dates here!)
The cockroaches have definitely left the building at the newly refurbished Chicago Tribune Tower, now Tribune Tower condos. With a top asking price of $7.6 million, these beautiful condos have it all–outdoor terraces surrounded by Gothic finials with dramatic, drop-dead soaring architectural details and so much more. In a recent Crain's story, Lee Golub, principal of Chicago-based Golub & Co, spoke about the redevelopment project. "This iconic building is in a setting you can’t get anywhere else in the city." Crain's also reported that the developers bought the low-rise, eastern portion of the complex for $240 million. Inside, the condo finishes include 8-foot doors, white oak flooring, quartzite kitchen island tops and more for the building's 162 units. Prices range from the $700,000s to $7.6 million, At the lower end, in the $700,000s, buyers will get a one-bedroom with roughly 1,100 square feet and a balcony. In the castle-like top of the Tribune’s former tower, seven floors will contain five condominiums—two-story units at bottom and top, with three single-story units in between. Three single-level condos are about 1,420 square feet each. For $7.5 million, a buyer would get a 24th-floor space that encompasses much of what was the baronial office of Col. Robert McCormick, the owner and publisher of the Chicago Tribune from the 1920s through 1955. First move-ins for the building are planned for the end of 2020. (Read entire Crain's story here)
Porchlight's sold-out concert celebrating its 25th anniversary season!
Porchlight Music Theatre’s 25th anniversary season began with the sold-out 14th annual Chicago Sings concert: Chicago Sings 25 Years of Porchlight, on Aug. 5 at The Museum of Contemporary Art. The concert was directed by Christopher Pazdernik and artistic director Michael Weber with music direction by David Fiorello and a band featuring Kelsey Boltz, Cara Hartz, John McCreary, Greg Strauss, Celeste Park and Jake Saleh. The special event included
Co-chairs Rick and Deann Bayless and Donna La Pietra and Bill Kurtis.
performances from many of Porchlight’s 25 years of productions, special guests and the presentation of the Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago to Gary Griffin. The launch to Porchlight’s silver anniversary celebration began with a cocktail reception for its nearly 300 guests
WTTW's Heidi Weiss, performer James Earl Jones II (with the national touring company of Come From Away), and Judith Share.
including VIPs Sondra Epstein, Marsha and Phil Dowd, Jared Kaplan and Maridee Quanbeck. Guests seated in the Edlis Neeson Theater were welcomed by Porchlight Music Theatre’s executive director Jeannie Lukow who then introduced Porchlight’s 25th Anniversary Gala co-chairs Rick and Deann Bayless and Donna La Pietra and Bill Kurtis. Deann Bayless said, “I have been looking forward to this night and the celebration of Porchlight and all it does to shine a light on music theatre.” La Pietra
Porchlight's board member Bill Gilmer with John Blackburn, Alan Spaeth and Eduardo Alvarado.
added, “And not only is this a night of great music and performances, it is a fundraiser where proceeds benefit the amazing Porchlight’s education and outreach programs.” Kurtis then introduced the night’s first performers: Bil Ingraham, Gerald Richardson, Charissa Armon, Carrie Beth Bramlett and Heather Townsend. The evening’s music program was a celebration with fifty
Donica Lynn performs "I am Changing" from DREAMGIRLS.
Chicago artists singing the more than two decades of Porchlight productions; the first number was “Better,” from A Class Act, produced by Porchlight in 2012. Artistic director Michael Weber then shared some of Porchlight’s history. “Jill Moore, our founder and first artistic director, whose recollections of the joy and camaraderie she experienced putting on shows with childhood pals under the glow of the lamp on her front porch after the streetlights came on inspired her to build a warm and welcoming home for music theatre right here in
Porchlight's board member Bill Gilmer with John Blackburn, Alan Spaeth and Eduardo Alvarado.
Chicago.” Weber continued, “Jill’s tenure as artistic director in those early days transitioned briefly to another company founder, Eric Bramlett, then, in 1998, the company hit its stride with the arrival of a new brash young artistic director who, along with a passionate music director, steered Porchlight over the next 13 years to many a success.” Weber introduced former Porchlight artistic
Porchlight's artistic director Michael Weber, the 2019 recipient of the Guy Adkins Award for Excellence, Gary Griffin and executive director Jeannie Lukow.
leaders Walter Stearns, the very first Guy Adkins Award recipient, and Eugene Dizon. Among many, many wonderful performances, the penultimate numbers of the night saluted long running shows from Porchlight’s recent history with James Earl Jones II reprising his number “Go Back Home” from 2017’s The Scottsboro Boys, “Breathe” from In The Heights, presented in 2016 and performed by cast members Lucy Godinez with Yando Lopez and Michelle Lauto and Angela Ingersoll’s performance of the classic Garland song “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from End of the Rainbow, 2016.
I know a lot of people might think otherwise, but the Air & Water Show never gets old for me. I love seeing the practice runs before the weekend even more than the main event.
Chuck and Jamie Gabala.
When we had our house in Old Town, the planes flew so close, I could see the pilots' faces. Now the thrill for me is getting to visit with friends at the parties surrounding it. No more need to rubber-neck constantly. Now I have more time to socialize and we were
With Leslie Hindman at her Palazzo.
thrilled to do so at two awesome parties. Kristina and Mike McGrath and Leslie Hindman hosted two wonderful soirees, both filled with cute friends, fab food and awesome
Randy Montesinos (R) and friends.
views! Even J. Peterman (John O'Hurley), from Seinfeld fame, showed up at the McGrath's! Love this fabulous city and all it has to offer! Already looking forward to next year's show and parties! Hope you enjoyed the weekend too!
Andrew Davis and Harrison Ford on the set of The Fugitive!
Happy 90th birthday to the Music Box Theatre(3733 N. Southport)! To celebrate, it hosted a week long celebration of special screenings and events. When the theatre first opened Aug. 22, 1929, it showed the musical "Mother's Boy" starring Morton Downey (Robert Downey Jr.'s granddad) and on Friday, Aug. 23, it welcomes native son/director Andrew Davis, who will present his 1993 film "The Fugitive," which was shot in Chicago. This fabulous movie palace is one of our favorites with fantastic programming and decor that takes you back to the glory days of Hollywood.
Reeling, the second oldest LGBTQ film festival in the world, kicks off on Thursday, September 19 (thru Sept. 29) at the aforementioned fabulous Music Box Theatre! The hilarious French comedy "The Shiny Shrimps" opens the fest and for the closing night feature, "Scream Queen: My Nightmare on Elm Street." The slate of films will showcase the diversity of the LGBTQ experience. For festival schedule, click here! and see opening night film trailer below!
Mane in Heaven (one of my favorite and most adorable charities) hosted a fundraiser on August 5 at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. This fundraiser supported the wonderful work that this organization does–bringing miniature therapy horses (!!!) to places like Shriner's Children's Hospital, Gilda's Clubs, a variety of nonprofits and into the schools with their MIH Making Inclusion
Look how tiny they are!
Happen Program that helps kids understand inclusion and to embrace each other's differences. I had the pleasure of interviewing the handlers of these amazing animals when I co-hosted a show on WCIU and I was blown away. They tip-toed into the studio wearing little rubber doll shoes. I was told this was so they wouldn't create too much noise in the hospitals and places where they visited. (I fainted)…Anyway, this is just the sweetest charity and I hope you'll be able to support it. And, if you know of any nonprofits that would welcome a visit, please let them know here!
Dr. Sandy Goldberg'sA Sterling Event will return on Saturday, October 5 to the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place! This black tie affair supports A Silver Lining Foundationand it's life-saving breast health testing through 5 interrelated programs. For tickets/more info, click here! Just love her!
Michael Kutz, founder of Chicago International Film Festival, now launching KUTZA! Creative Consulting.
Need a second opinion, or a first look, on a film or design project? Well, the doctor is in! After 55 years of captaining/founding North America's longest-running competitive film festival, Michael Kutza has now launched his latest venture KUTZA! Creative Consulting and is ready to share his many talents! Michael's work with filmmakers and projects includes everything from insights on storyline and cinematic approach to marketing, design and promotion. An accomplished graphic designer, Kutza created the famous Chicago Film Festival logo with its iconic black and white silent film strip eyes and collaborated on numerous iconic festival posters with luminaries that included Art Paul, Saul Bass and Victor Skrebneski! Good luck with your new, exciting venture Michael! (skykutza@aol.com)
Partygoers of all ages and walks of life descended on the legendary Mother’s at 29 W. Division on Saturday, August 10th to celebrate the history and lineage of Rush Street, “The Street of Dreams,” at the annual Rush Street Reunion. This year's theme was "The Music of FACES" featured disco and dance music of the 1970s
Pat Marcy and Barb Bailey.
and early '80s presented by original FACES DJs Carey Weiman, "Broadway" Bill Abraham, Chip E. and internationally acclaimed DJ "Jungle" Jorge Suarez. The headliner of the evening was Chicago's original "Voice of Disco", Byron Stingily. The event began with a VIP presentation of the Carey Weiman documentary “The Disco King of Skokie”, that recently
Pam Stuart, Carey Weiman, Joe Martin (Tavern on Rush) and David Floodstrand.
aired on Chicago’s WTTW TV and has had special screenings in Chicago, LA, and D.C. with more to come. Book signings were offered by The Chicago Honey Bears of “Missing From The Sidelines”
Irene Mojica.
that featured inside stories from past members of the famous NFL Chicago Bears cheerleading team, and author Catherine O’Connell, who was on hand with her book “Last Night Out”, which takes place in areas around Rush Street and the Gold Coast. Organizers David Floodstrand and Carey Weiman said, “This was such a successful event, we are already planning next year's!”
The Richard H. Driehaus Museum will host Gala 2019 on Thursday, September 12 at the Museum, 40 E. Erie Street. The black tie optional evening will include a presentation honoring the commitment of Bulley & Andrews to the restoration of the Nickerson Mansion, the home of the Museum. For tickets and more info, click here!
I had no words when I opened the Dance for Life program book at its annual benefit on Aug. 17 and saw this. Thank you Giordano Dance Chicago and choreographer Ray Leeper for this amazing tribute. To have a world premiere, "SOUL," dedicated and created in your honor is a thrill beyond measure. They opened the show with this number and brought the house down!
Come From Away, a new musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, will return to Broadway in Chicago'sCadillac Palace Theatre for a limited two-week engagement Aug. 25–Sept. 6. This return is in response to the audience's overwhelming love for the show! For tickets/more info, click here , and see trailer below!
Join one of Chicago most loved media personalities, Lisa Fielding (WBBM News Radio 780-AM), as she hosts the 11th annual Teal Lights Celebration Cruise on Friday, September 13. The cruise will benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC) Illinois Chapter and honor those who have lost their lives to ovarian cancer and the survivors, as well as raise awareness to the importance of early detection. For tickets/more info, click here!
Mr. and Mrs. Tom Cavanaugh–Lauren Lein and Tom tie the knot!
Huge congrats are in order for one of Chicago's cutest couples–beloved fashion designer Lauren Lein and her Tom Cavanaugh, who were wed on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Fourth Presbyterian. Lauren wore a stunning gown that she had
Tom and Lauren sitting in a tree…..
designed with elegant, silk flowers popping up here and there and a flowing train. At the reception, Tom picked the song for the first dance, "Beautiful" by Gordon Lightfoot, and proceeded to sing it to her as they danced. Awwwww! And, instead of the usual guest book, Lauren displayed a hand-painted gown that she created for guests to sign, of course! The love these two share is contagious–they are true soulmates and helpmates and, for as long as I've known them, they have always been THE perfect pair! Love and congrats to these two and may this be the beginning of a lifetime of good health and happiness!
Michael Perich, the philanthropic owner/creator of The Gnome Colony boutique in Glen Ellyn.
So proud of my friend Michael Perich, creator/owner of The Gnome Colony in Glen Ellyn. Not only is his delightful boutique at 485 N. Main St., filled with "love, whimsy and wishes" but he also gives back (big time) to the community, hosting in-store nonprofit events and donating a portion of his proceeds to a different charity each month. Listen to WBBM Newsradio's popular "Made in Chicago" segment here where he was recently featured! Congrats dear Michael!
Lepauw on their recent, FABULOUS, sold-out All-White Event at the first building ever to be built on E. Lake Shore Drive (in 1912), 999 N. Lake Shore Drive! Gracious owners/hosts of the grand condo, Beth and John Jostrand, provided guests with inspiring spaces all to help fundraise for the first film on the iconic architect Benjamin H. Marshall. Guests on hand to offer toasts included Chaz Ebert and the Consul General of France, Monsieur Guillame LaCroix, bien sur!
Much love and congrats to everybody's favorite Sister Rosemary Connelly who is celebrating her 50th anniversary as director of Misericordia and her 70th year in ministry as a Sister of Mercy! Her BIG celebration at the Hilton Chicago this Sunday is completely sold-out but you can still get tickets to the Mercy Ball on November 9 (also at the Hilton Chicago) Act now before these tickets are gone too! (Contact LoisG@Misericordia.com for tix/info!)
If you haven't been attending the 2nd annual Chicago Tribune Food Bowl events, you've been missing out on a LOT of foodie fun! This 18 day food fest has featured 100s of events around town featuring a mix of dinners, panels, demos, tours, cruises, tastings and more that will all culminate with Night Market this weekend, August 24-26! This 3-day festival will feature food, drinks, pop-ups and more along the Riverwalk (at the Confluence) Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 10 pm! FREE!
Don't forget, this weekend is the fabulous indoor/outdoor "Back to Cool" RANDOLPH STREET MARKET! August 24/25, Sat/Sun from 10 am to 5 pm!
Well, that's the 411 on 312 this week! Hope you're a subscriber and remember, if you have any exciting news to share, please send it along!
…PLUS MR. PLAYBOY MARRIES RUNAWAY BRIDE, CHICAGOLICIOUS STAR PARTIES IN STYLE, HIP HOP STARS ON NYE, UNTITLED BASH, CHICAGO AUTO SHOW’S FIRST LOOK, NPHM’S KEITH MAGEE HONORED, THE JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER, TELEMUNDO IS LOOKING FOR ONE GOOD VOZ, THE WHITE HOUSE SCENE WITH HYDER, BRANDT, KEHOE, SCHWARTZ AND VARNES AND KING, STRIKE A POSE WITH THE CUBS’ DAVID DEJESUS, THE BEARS’ BRANDON MARSHALL SIGNS FOR CHARITY, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
A month to the day…it just wasn’t fair that we lost beloved photographer Steve Starr so close to the event he had been anticipating and planning for over a year. His Face of the News exhibition was to be the biggest event of his life and the 45th anniversary of his Steve Starr Studios. I’d never seen him more excited: Everywhere he went, he had the familiar brown flyers in his pocket (no one escaped without one) and he stayed up even later than usual, planning and calling his friends to get their approval on this or that aspect of his party. It was a joy to see him so happy – not that he wasn’t always this way – I never saw him without a huge smile on his face or his iconic camera around his neck, which he told me he felt naked without. He had created a huge black leather binder with SSS in big silver letters on the front that he used to collect all of his thoughts and ideas and when he left us all too soon, it was this leather binder and the fact that he had been working with Margaret O’Connor for most of the year that helped his friends decide that the show must go on…and that, indeed, it COULD go on just as he had wanted. With only a month to put this big event together, it was a daunting task but with a very motivated committee, it all came together on 12/12/12 in the most beautiful way at the Murphy Auditorium. A sell-out crowd of more than 300 guests oohed and aahed over the elegant black and gold décor by Judy Ippolito Floral & Event Décor (Steve’s favorite color combo, of course!) as well as his extensive collection of more than 200 images of media stars from all over the world that he’d met throughout the years. The walls couldn’t accommodate ALL of his beautiful photos but I hope, as Steve had hoped, that his collection will be placed in a museum or somewhere special in Chicago sometime soon, perhaps the Harold Washington Library. I was thrilled to serve as a host for the evening with Bill Zwecker, who was the emcee. As guests arrived, they were met by the Clark Kent Greeters who looked suspiciously like Starr himself with the black framed glasses and reporter Amy Jacobson who was dressed as Brenda Starr. (Steve had jokingly told Amy that he felt that Brenda Starr was his first cousin.) He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always telling tales about himself that would make you howl with laughter. When asked how old he was, he would always say 120. I wish this could’ve been the case. Fashion designer Mark Roscoe played a big role in the evening, too, creating a Newspaper Couture Collection modeled by “The Four Women of the World” – Lily’s Talent Agency models Candice Hill, Aya Jackson, Cynovia Potts and Laura Silva. I couldn’t believe his designs were made entirely out of paper! Beloved milliner Loreta Corsetti created dramatic head pieces to match (also of paper) and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks designed exquisite jewelry using Neiman Marcus boxes to match the Roscoe designs! These looks rivaled the hottest designer gowns and were drop-dead gorgeous! Crooner Steve Biossat performed along with Spider Saloff (who Steve adored) and The Headliners. A cello/piano duo by iAN&ANi and a sensuous tango number by Liz Sung and Jorge Niedas completed the evening as Steve had wished. Illustrator Rosemary Fanti was on hand to capture the guests’ special memories on this night and legendary pianist/orchestra leader Stanley Paul presented selections from “The Great American Songbook” that featured music from the ‘30s and ‘40s, Steve’s favorite era. Stanley had also produced a wonderful video featuring Steve’s beloved museum-quality collection of Art Deco frames holding images of classic film stars. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the last photo taken of Steve by renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski. His black-and-white montage of Steve in various poses captured his essence perfectly and brought gasps of appreciation from the crowd upon the unveiling. As guests departed, loaded goody bags assembled by superstar committee members Paul Iacono and Jennifer Sutton were handed out. These were some of the best gift bags I’ve seen in a long, long time…with a lot of the expenses coming out of their own pockets: Paul even found the most perfect black and gold bag with a star on the side to hold gifts, which included a DVD of Steve at a recent book signing, his signature star votive candle holder, a bottle stopper in the shape of a globe, sweets, a tin of mints with a tuxedoed man on the front (that Paul had to fill by hand!), an elegant program book and so much more! Margaret O’Connor and Leonard Mogul served as co-chairs with a committee that also included Chris and Frances Renk, Rich Varnes, Amy Wimer, JP Anderson, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Michael Kutza, Lynn McMahan and Rich Gamble among others. Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino (whose ZZAZZ Productions produced the show), Brenda Arelano, Rose Mandel, Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Leah Chavie, Anna Fong, Leslie Hindman, Shari Duffy, Joey Majumdar, Carter Cortez, Stephen Wright, Carmen C. Rivera, Amie Hana, Jennifer Bridgeforth, Catherine Carey (The Murphy), Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Benjamin Cottrell, Frost Lighting and so many others. It was truly a labor of love made even more special by Steve’s family who were in attendance. They included his loving sisters Adrienne Ingebritsen and Bobbi Weiss, who delivered moving speeches about their dear brother, as well as Michael Weiss, Samantha Pitello, Lori Zaitz, Faith Godfrey and Lenny Weiss. An after-party continued at the Drake Hotel, as there were still so many memories to share. Steve will never be forgotten and will always be missed. RIP Steve…you’re making the angels smile now. (Photos by Jon Recana and Amie Hana…for more pics from this event, please click here and to view a video from this event, please see the media below!)
New Year’s Eve was a very big night for King of the Bunny Hutch’s Hugh M. Hefner (86) and his (former) “Runaway Bride” Crystal Harris (26). Before Hef’s annual NYE party at the Playboy Mansion, a few guests and family joined together in the grand reception foyer for an intimate wedding ceremony. The bride was resplendent in pink (a signature color in the world of Playboy Playmates) and even their King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, was decked out in a mini tuxedo. A harpist played “As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca” (Hef’s favorite film) as well as “Because You Loved Me” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Hef’s brother Keith (a recently married man himself) served as his best man. The day of the ceremony, Crystal tweeted to her more than 500K followers, “Today is the day I become Mrs. Hugh Hefner. Feeling very happy, lucky and blessed.” Following the ceremony, Hef tweeted, “Love that girl!” and then the newlyweds joined the revelers in the ginormous tent in the backyard for a dual wedding reception/NYE party. Guests included Gene Simmons, Jon Lovitz and Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney among others. On December 19th, Crystal’s best friend and business partner Ashley Matthau threw her a bridal shower in their new lingerie boutique in Studio City, Femme Fatale. The party combined Crystals’s two favorite things: Disney and Christmas. “We really love Disney. We are huge fans. We go to Disneyland together a lot. My favorite movie is ‘The Little Mermaid’ so she [Ashley] got me an Ariel-themed cake,” Crystal told Us Weekly. I wish Crystal and Hef the very best and hope they have a long love-filled life!
Another exciting New Year’s Eve event, Chicago Empire, took place at the hot River North venue Untitled! Produced by Justin Jacobson’s Platinum Events, this party attracted more than 500 fashionables to this 17,000-square-foot space and was the scene of exciting entertainment including The Gold Coast All-Stars! This 11-piece band, founded by Danny Chaimson, had the crowd whipped into a frenzy. As a solo artist, Chaimson performed across the country headlining the hottest clubs and opening for legendary acts like Etta James and The Neville Brothers, as well as current favorites like O.A.R., Eric Hutchinson and Jem. Dapper VH1 reality star Justin Ross Lee was also on hand to add to the excitement. Justin, an internet personality/sensation, is based in Manhattan and has been featured in The New York Observer and The New York Post among many other publications due to his many escapades around the globe. His jet-setting style and party adventures always land him in the press including a recent first-class encounter with Ashley Olsen in Star Magazine as well as a face-to-face with Brad Pitt which was also recounted in the press. He’s a charming character with a darling girlfriend, Regina Brauer, and I hope to see them again soon! (Check out his Pretentious Pocket site! Very cool stuff!) It was fun co-hosting the evening with this social scenester and NBC’s Marcus Riley and I was thrilled to be there covering the action for my Watch312.com show, too. (Stay tuned!) Untitled boasts six rooms, all with different vibes, and was packed with party people who enjoyed the hot mixes of DJs Flaco, Wags and Iman Amy Danielle while hip-hop artist Marcas "Mr. Robotic" Harris brought screams of delight from the crowd. The invite suggested Prohibition-era wear and many of the guests were decked out in this attire inspired by the venue. The night included multiple open bars, appetizers and the prerequisite noisemakers and hats. I was thrilled that my handsome cousin Alexander Groce and his beautiful girlfriend Jenny Davison could attend, too! I saw so many familiar faces and it was a joy to ring in the New Year with friends like Marco Foster, Andrea Dres, Leonard Mogul, Danielle Davis, Misty Callahan, Shelley Howard, Liz Abraham, Nicole Townsend (wearing an exquisite Borris Powell gown) and so many more! (Click here for more fun pics!)
One of my favorite reality shows is Chicago's very own Chicagolicious! The lovable bunch of characters at AJ's Salon in the West Loop has had me laughing, crying and raising my eyebrows ever since its premiere on the Style Network on 6/11/12. And any party hosted by the show's star has GOT to be a blast and, indeed it was when celebrity hairstylist AJ Johnson co-hosted NYE with legendary music man George Daniels at Eclipse, a multi-million dollar luxurious restaurant and lounge at 2554 W. Diversey. The party featured the hot sounds of Timbuck2 and the lovely DJ Nikki as well as a lavish buffet, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors and some of Chicago's sexiest, stylish and most sophisticated movers and shakers! Check out the pics here of AJ and his fun-loving friends! So happy this show has been picked up again! More HAIR-raising adventures to come! (Photos by Donna Binbek Photography…see more pics here!)
And for fans of hip hop, here’s some NYE news from Atlanta: Young Jeezy celebrated 2013 in style at the Hennessy V.S. New Year’s Eve Takeover Party at Compound, a dance club in the city’s Homepark neighborhood. Jeezy, arriving in a white Rolls Royce and wearing a blue embroidered jacket, partied alongside club promoter Alex Gidewon and some of the sexiest ladies in town. Simultaneously in Miami, hip hop recording artist Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. (better known as T.I.) rang in the New Year at LIV, a nightclub on Collins Avenue in SoBe. The “King of the South” performed a medley of his hits for the crowd that included his latest from his top selling album, “Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head.” Other guests included T.I.’s wife Tiny, actor Evan Ross, Houston rapper Slim Thug and Jonathan Cheban. (Photos by Prince Williams and Thaddaeus McAdams.) And, if you care, Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated NYE in St. Barth's with his Ciroc Vodka at Sea bash on a yacht.
The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity Gala announces its move to Friday, February 8th and a new and improved start time of 7 p.m. at McCormick Place! This black-tie gala has generated more than $34 million for charities since its inception in 1992. This year, these 18 Chicago area charities will benefit from the more than $2 million expected to be raised: 100 Club of Chicago, Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, The Cradle Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, JDRF, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital), March of Dimes, Misericordia, Respiratory Health Association, Special Olympics Illinois, Spina Bifida Association of Illinois and the Jesse White Tumbling Team. More than 9,000 guests are expected to attend this world-class event that provides an elegant, inaugural look at the annual Chicago Auto Show and will boast more than 1,000 new vehicles, dozens on display for the first time anywhere. Those in attendance will also have a chance to win two new vehicles: a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (courtesy of Hyundai Motor America and Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai dealers) and a 2013 Buick Encore (courtesy of Buick and Chicagoland Buick-GMC dealers). Guests will enjoy a coordinated feast themed around some of the world's greatest cities and live entertainment by American English and the cast of the smash Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.” Tickets are $250 and tuxedo attire is mandatory. For more information, including the complete list of charities and how to purchase tickets, visit www.FirstLookForCharity.org. To check out the First Look at last year's Auto Show on Watch312.com, please see below.
A huge congrats to National Public Housing Museum’s executive director Keith Magee on being named by Chicago Reader as one of 25 extraordinary Chicagoans! He has been tireless in his efforts to create a National Public Housing Museum in the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes. In the article (by Sam Worley), Magee explains, “This museum has been around in concept for 15 years. Deverra Beverly still lives in the Robert Brooks Homes, and serves on the board of commissioners on the Chicago Housing Authority. She and public housing resident Beatrice Jones were talking about Chicago's Plan for Transformation, and that they were tearing down traditional public housing. She said, ‘What are we gonna do? How are our grandchildren and great-grandchildren going to know that we existed as a community?’ I went and I saw the building and I closed my eyes. I could hear the children in the playgrounds and I thought about all of the stories and all of the lives. That building – the Jane Addams Homes opened in '38 – was predominantly occupied by people of European descent, and by 2002 it was predominantly occupied by people of African descent. I thought about what it looked like from Jewish to Polish to Italian to African-American, every race and ethnic group having some kind of footprint in this space. And I got it.” He sure did GET IT and we’re so glad he did! This will be great, not only for Chicago but for the world. If you would like to learn more and how you can help, please visit www.nphm.org. Congrats Keith on all of your good work!
I never tire of The Joffrey Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" performance! Nothing puts you in a holiday mood like watching these graceful dancers glide across the stage in exquisite costumes with magical, breathtaking stage sets. This year's 25th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner, hosted by The Women’s Board, was held on December 15th at the Palmer House Hilton in the State and Grand ballrooms. More than 650 guests attended the biggest family dinner thus far for an enchanting evening that featured entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and of course, a thrilling performance of Robert Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” (Guests had the option of attending the matinee or evening performance.) Children enjoyed decorating toe shoes, cookies and nutcrackers as well as LEGO designs. Artists were on hand to personalize Nutcracker t-shirts and The Great Frankini, Frank Glab, delighted the children with his juggling and magic tricks. Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, along with co-chairs Laura Kofoid and Carol Stone, welcomed the crowd. Tiny bells had been placed at each table setting and guests were asked to join in singing "Jingle Bells" to start the festivities. The next Joffrey event will be Pointe of Departure on February 7th. DON’T MISS IT! (For details, please visit www.joffrey.org.)
Are you between the ages of 7 and 14 and ready for your close-up? NBC Universal’s Telemundo Media kicks off a nationwide casting call for its much-anticipated global hit singing competition “La Voz Kids” (The Voice Kids) and the Chicago auditions will be on January 26th and 27th! To register, visit www.lavozkids.com or call 1-855-VOZ-KIDS OR send an email to castings@lavozkids.com! The show is slated to air in the spring on the Telemundo network! The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music AND a scholarship!! (If only I were 10 with a good voice! Sigh…) Good luck to all participants!
On December 31st, more than 650 Chicago social notables came together to celebrate New Year’s Eve for the second annual Entrepreneur’s Eve at the Alder Planetarium. A stylish and philanthropic group showed up to raise a glass, have a dance and try their luck to benefit the H Foundation, a charitable foundation committed to raising funds to cure cancer in partnership with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Cor Strategies welcomed guests to the Adler for an evening under the stars. VIP guests experienced a swanky seated lounge with Hennessy Black cocktails carefully created by Chicago’s very own Benjamin Newby. After a bit of liquid courage, guests grabbed friends to dance in one of the Alder’s full-size theaters, staged as a private club for VIP attendees. General admission also delivered an exceptional NYE experience with full open bar, champagne and a dance floor under the glass ceiling of the Adler – which offered out-of-this-world skyline views of Chicago and the perfect spot to watch the NYE fireworks over Lake Michigan. All in attendance had access to the museum’s exhibits, the cigar lounge and casino, to name a few. Throughout the night, a group of top DJs kept the crowd moving, including DJ DOLO, DJ Will Galvan, DJ Matt Roan (Crossfader King), DJ Yours Truly and #EE12’s headliner, DJ Zeke Thomas. When all was said and done, Entrepreneur’s Eve raised almost $70K for H Foundation…what a great way to start of 2013! For more info, please click here. (Photos by Mateo)
Join some of our town’s most beloved peeps as the Palmer House’s David Brandt, the Peninsula’s Greg Hyder and Kehoe Designs’ Tom Kehoe present the Master’s Program & Brunch at VenueSIX10, located at 610 S. Michigan) on January 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s program and discussion will take you behind the scenes of the most demanding and intricate event of 2013: the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Join these darling event chairs – some of Chicago’s top event planning ring leaders – as they welcome former White House director of events, Laura Schwartz of White House Strategies, as they shed light on what really goes on during a presidential family dinner? Just how friendly is the Secret Service? What are presidents typically like with event staffers? How can you bring the inauguration’s seamlessness and level of service to your events? For tickets ($225) and more info, please click here!
Sports stars helping others is the theme for these next two events starting with Chicago Cubs newcomer David DeJesus! He and wife Kim are keeping busy in the off-season by preparing for their upcoming fundraiser on January 17th at the River East Arts Center to kick off Cubs Convention weekend. Strike a Pose will feature Cubs players past and present and their wives walking the runway in a variety of fashions from the 900 N. Michigan Shops. Besides DeJesus, participants will include Kerry and Sarah Wood, Darwin and Lindsey Barney, Shawn Camp, Tony Campana, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, Anthony Rizzo and so many more! The David DeJesus Foundation will be donating all proceeds from the event to ALS research in honor of a close friend. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 773.404.CUBS.
And on January 14th, Chicago Bear Brandon Marshall will be signing autographs and memorabilia at Ziegler Auto Group, located at 1230 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg. A portion of the proceeds will support Project Borderline, Brandon’s foundation that fights the stigma, spreads the word, educates and advocates for borderline personality disorder. (For more info, please visit www.projectborderline.com.)
So proud of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy student, Evan Brightfield! He created this “Rahmfather” gift for Mayor Emanuel who actually LIKED IT! As you can imagine, it’s not easy to please the “Rahmfather” but Evan and his dad figured out a way to do it! Very cute and very clever, Evan…and congrats!
A Silver Lining Foundation (founded by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in 2006) celebrated the holiday season with the Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party on December 13th. Guests gathered at Frontier Chicago Restaurant and partied for a purpose. CS Magazine and TCW Magazine co-sponsored the event. Special guests included former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion Otis Wilson and former Houston Texan Robert Mackey. The Naughty or Nice event is the first of a series of Auxiliary Board events to support ASLF's Buy a Mom a Mammogram program, which successfully raised awareness among attendees of the need for uninsured women to have access to cost-free mammographies. The enthusiasm and commitment in the room was electric! The goal of future events is to raise funding to provide potentially lifesaving testing for at least 20 women at one of the foundation's 10 partner hospitals. (To learn more and find out how you can help, please click here!)
A special thanks to photographer Mila Samokhina for including me in a recent
article in Reklama, one of Chicago’s most
popular newspapers! I’m also thrilled to be a contributor to A Perfect Event e-Mag, the most
gorgeous digital magazine I’ve ever seen, presented by the uber talented Debi Lilly! Click here to read the
latest issue
and make sure to check out pages 230 through 233! 🙂
I hope your New Year is off to a great start and here’s hoping we can spend more time together in 2013!! Love and thanks for your support this year and every year!
P.S. And under the “Thrill of a Lifetime” category, huge congrats and thanks to Rich Varnes, Cynthia King and their darling daughter Eleanor King for letting me see the White House at Christmas through their eyes! What an amazing story with such beautiful photos! To read about their fabulous holiday adventure, please click here!
P.P.S. Please help me congratulate dear Alexis Mattera on her upcoming marriage to
her longtime love, Scott Silberberg! Alexis has been a part of this blog from its very inception and I couldn’t
do this without her! Thanks and congrats for all you do and for your happy impending
plans! Love you so, Lex…release the doves!
…PLUS ACES UP! FOR URBAN PREP, CHICAGO "SITA RAM" FEATURES CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR, KUTZA WINS A POLLACK, NEWSAPALOOZA, KANDY KANE BALL, ART INSTITUTE’S BIG! WEEKEND, JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER DINNER, DARLING PAWS FUR BALL VIDEO ON WATCH312.COM, "SHOP IN CHICAGO" SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESS, WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION, MUSIC BOX’S “SCROOGE & MARLEY” PREMIERE AND SO MUCH MORE!
The Art Institute was THE place to be on November 17th when The HistoryMakers welcomed and honored Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Jr. during “An Evening with Berry Gordy.” The program consisted of a one-on-one interview with Gordy conducted by award-winning journalist Gwen Ifill and taped live before 450 guests for airing on PBS-TV. Ifill’s interview thrilled the audience with a peek into Gordy’s celebrated life as an entrepreneur, songwriter, record producer, movie director and producer who has left an indelible influence on music and films both nationally and internationally. Some of Motown’s most recognizable performers and producers were in attendance including R&B songwriter, producer and singer Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson fame. Simpson and her late husband, Nick Ashford, were an important part of the Motown family, having penned such hits as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “You’re All I Need to Get By” and “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand.” Simpson was joined by a new generation of Motown’s recording artists that included Janelle Monae and KEM, who delivered a special tribute during the taping. Gordy’s son Stefan Gordy, known to the music world as Redfoo (one-half of the hip-hop duo LMFAO), was in attendance, too. Several early members of the Motown family, including Jimmy Ruffin, Claudette Robinson of The Miracles, Freda and Sherrie Payne and former president of Stax and Motown Records Al Bell, were also on hand for this historic event. Honorary co-chairs for the evening included Christie Hefner, Clarence Avant, Walter & Shirley Massey and Richard Parsons. The title sponsor was Comcast NBC Universal; Julieanna Richardson (founder and executive director of The HistoryMakers) served as executive producer; Suzanne de Passe (former president of Motown Productionsand director of the upcoming Broadway production of “Motown: The Musical” along with Charles Randolph-Wright), served as co-producers. “American Idol” music director, Ray Chew was the show’s music producer. Music industry powerhouses Universal Music Group, Sony Music, David Geffen, Clarence Avant and Jerry Moss were major underwriters for the evening. Other major sponsors included Universal Music Group (which owns Motown), Sony Music (which owns the Motown publishing rights), Discover, Abbott Laboratories, Chicago Tribune and The Ritz Carlton Chicago. Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959 and grew the company into the most successful African-American-owned enterprise in the United States. He is also credited with having created a new sound that changed popular music, the Motown Sound. While working on an assembly line at Ford Motor Company, Gordy began writing and selling songs that were recorded by several local artists. After borrowing $800 from his father, he formed Motown Records, which was headquartered in a house on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard. In 1960, Motown released the song “Shop Around” written by Gordy’s longtime friend Smokey Robinson and recorded by The Miracles with Robinson on lead vocals. The song sold more than a million copies and helped to launch the most influential era in the history of popular music. Motown quickly turned out successive hits by signing and grooming recording artists such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell and Mary Wells. Previous honorees have included Harry Belafonte, Dionne Warwick, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, B.B. King, Colin Powell, Della Reese, Russell Simmons, Diahann Carroll, Denyce Graves, Nikki Giovanni, Andrew Young and Earl Graves. Founded in 1999, The HistoryMakers is a national, non-profit institution that develops, preserves, and provides online access to an internationally recognized archival collection of thousands of African-American videotaped oral histories that document, promote, and celebrate the successes of individuals, events, movements and organizations that are of historic value and importance to its community and American society. For further information on The HistoryMakers, please visit the website at www.thehistorymakers.com.
The PAWS Fur Ball was such a success with a sell-out crowd of more than 750 people and rocker Billy Corgan in attendance! Check out the fun and my interview with the generous Smashing Pumpkins frontman on my "Candid Candace Chicago" show on Watch312.com!
Quite simply, one of the best “amateur” shows I’ve ever seen…although you couldn’t really call Newsapalooza 3 “amateur” when you have Grammy winner Richard Marx as your musical director! Founded by Roe Conn (beloved WLS radio co-host of “Roe and Roeper”) and Marx in 2008, this annual event attracted more than 500 guests to Park West on November 10th for a musical extravaganza that left everyone speechless in its variety and quality of entertainment by local media stars. It was billed as “five networks together for one night” – all to benefit Clearbrook, the state’s largest provider of services for the people with developmental disabilities. Roe served as the emcee and Ryan Chiavarini of “Windy City Live” opened the show singing John Mellencamp’s “Hurts So Good” and playing a mean guitar. He is an amazing talent and, if “WCL” fails (yeah, right!), he could definitely make a living on the stage! Steve Dahl was up next and sang and played guitar to “Taking Care of Business.” A slightly nervous Val Warner came on next (in the cutest glittery hot pants you’ve ever seen) and sang “I’m Coming Out” with Ryan jumping on stage to give her some moral support near the end. She was adorable and that girl could sing AND dance! Channel 7’s Ron Magers and Kathy Brock introduced Rob Johnson via video from their newsroom and he sang a believable rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl.” WGN’s Dina Bair sang “Mama Said” by The Shirelles and brought whistles from the crowd when a hunky dancer joined her for her finale with an “American Idol”-style dance number. I was told by a guest who had been there for all three years that last year’s event featured more of artist Richard Marx, so when he came onstage this year to sing the song he had written for and with country star Keith Urban, “Long Hot Summer,” for the first time in public, the crowd went WILD! This guy is so darn talented…he truly can do it ALL! Beautiful Anna Davlantes and Cheryl Scott sang and danced back-up for Richard Roeper’s Elvis impersonation. (He sang “A Little Less Conversation” in a leather jacket and sunglasses.) After his performance, Roe said, “What the hell was that?” (It was so cute since, before this, he introduced him as “the best radio partner he’s ever had.”) Natalie Martinez, Alicia Roman, Megan Glaros and Daniella Guzman brought the house down in skimpy, sexy outfits dancing and singing to Beyonce’s “Who Won the World.” WTTW’s Phil Ponce introduced one of the highlights of the night: his two sons, Dan and Anthony. Their parody of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” had the crowd laughing and cheering uncontrollably. They switched lyrics to “sing us a song, you’re the anchorman…” “We’re all in the mood for a felony…” etc. They received a standing ovation for their double pianos and clever reworking of this Joel classic. Roe thanked sponsors Mike McGrath (McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago), Terlato Wines, Coca-Cola, MillerCoors and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. WGN’s Steve Sanders was up next (I would’ve hated to follow the Ponce boys) and he sang and played the guitar to the Beatles hit, “A Hard Day’s Night.” I admired the courage of each and every performer, many who were clearly stepping out of their comfort zone for this great cause. ABC's Paula Faris, who left Chicago for NY but returned to support this cause, bravely sang Joan Jett's “I Hate Myself for Loving You” that should only be left to Faith Hill who sings a reworked version to open Sunday Night Football. All of the entertainers came together for the finale to sing the Steve Miller Band’s hit, “Keep on Rockin’ Me Baby.” A private VIP after-party for 125 guests was held at the Four Seasons and featured award winning Chef Kevin Hickey’s fabulous tastings as well as the opportunity to meet the media stars and Richard Marx, who so graciously donated their time and talents to benefit Clearbrook and posed tirelessly for photos with fans. The last image I have from the party was of Ryan Chiaverini who was at the bottom of a pile of cute friends for a photo op. A great time was had by ALL! Guests seen on the scene included Robert Murphy and Cheryl Larson, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Korinna Isselhardt, Mike McGrath Jr. and Crystelle Tipton, Brenda Arelano, Louis Santini, Liz Abraham, Mark Serry, Beth Heller, Taneesha Maus, Jordyn Daniels, Marlaine Selip and Cindy Patrasso, Rebecca and Charlie Besser and Larry Wert. Don’t miss Richard Marx’s return performance to Park West on Sunday, December 16th! For tickets, visit www.etix.com, for more info on Clearbrook, please visit, www.clearbrook.org and to see all the great pics in my Tribune column, click here! (Additional pics by Mila Samokhina.)
I’m so proud of Urban Prep Academies and its founder Tim King. As you may or may not know, this non-profit organization operates the country’s first network of charter public schools for boys. Its three schools – located in the Englewood, Bronzeville and Near West Side communities – have been recognized internationally for achieving a 100-percent college acceptance rate for all of its graduates! “The fact that Urban Prep students are African-American males and mostly from low-income families makes getting our students to and through college even more important,” said King. This year, King hosts “Aces-Up!,”an annual charity poker tournament that raises funds for the Academies. The fun will take place on November 30th at the City Winery Chicago (located at 1200 W. Randolph) starting at 5 p.m. Local media stars will be mixing, mingling and participating in the Texas Hold ‘Em tournament with an open bar and buffet! In addition to King, the event will be hosted by former Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Sun-Times columnist/TV/radio personality Richard Roeper and College Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich. So, come join in the fun for this wonderful cause! I hope to see you there! (For tickets and more info, please click here!) (Photos by Kardas Photography.)
Chicago has a new clubhouse/restaurant and it’s called the Tortoise Club! In anticipation of its November 13th opening, the restaurant hosted a series of pre-opening parties to celebrate this new hotspot in the city's River North neighborhood. Hosts Ned and Debby Jannotta, friends of owners Keene and Megan Addington, hosted an intimate sit-down dinner for about 60 of their closest friends. Guests were welcomed into the warm, glowing interior with oak and mahogany paneled walls, tartan plaid covered furniture, a lounge and bar area with velvet banquettes and club chairs and the most talked about room of the night, the Parlor, or as many call it, the Red Room. With its lipstick red lacquered walls, a cozy fireplace and original books from the Newberry Library it was one of the most popular rooms of the evening. Chef Gray McNally prepared a three-course dinner that included Berkshire pork chops, Lobster Thermidor, wild pheasant pie and TC coffee cake. Some of the notable guests included Renee Crown, Andy McKenna, Michael and Jacky Ferro, Phillip and Judy Block, Chris and Anne Reyes, Susan B. Noyes, John and Holly Madigan and Gordon and Carole Segal. If you want to join the "club", visit 350 N. State St. for lunch and dinner! (Photos by Jannotta Photography.)
The 56th annual Chicago Children’s Choir’s Red Jacket Optional Benefit was recently held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. More than 750 guests raised nearly $630K for the Choir’s music education programs in 61 Chicago Public Schools, eight after-school Neighborhood Choirs and the world-renowned Concert Choir (the Voice of Chicago) that serves more than 3,000 children every year. You won’t want to miss this amazing group of voices for "Sita Ram," coming to the Harris Theater on December 14th and 15th. David Kersnar of Lookingglass Theatre Company, Josephine Lee of Chicago Children’s Choir and Krithika Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Theatre will bring “Sita Ram” – an original world musical – to the stage for three highly-anticipated shows. Premiered in 2006, “Sita Ram” presents a modern interpretation of the ancient Hindu epic “Ramayana” fusing the past, present and future in a fantastical world of song, dance, fashion, and design that leads its audience on a path of reflection and self-discovery. For tickets and more info, please visit www.sitaramthemusical.com. If you know Monika Dixon, you know it’s her passion…
The Kandy Kane Ball will be Saturday, December 8th, at Joe’s Bar – it is one of my favorite events! With more than 1,000 attendees, it is an annual sell-out. Tickets are $50 and require a toy donation for admittance. Toys are distributed to churches for underprivileged kids. This year, the Chicago Children’s Choir will perform…get your tickets NOW at www.ticketweb.com!
I’m all about supporting and shopping local so here’s a great event that offers just that! The fourth annual "Shop IN Chicago", presented by Cece & Melinda for Raymi Productions, will be held at the Drake Hotel on Tuesday, December 11th from 6 and 9 p.m. Talented Chicago designers will come together to sell clothing, jewelry, accessories and more, offering great discounts and specials for one evening only! Dior Beauty will offer complimentary make up applications for all shoppers and, for a special added treat, The Cabaret Project will share holiday cheer by donning Dickensian apparel and singing holiday harmonies from 6 to 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on this chance to help support small business in Chicago! (To RSVP for this FREE event, please click here but please note that an RSVP is mandatory for entry).
The Art Institute of Chicago hosted two back-to-back blockbuster parties recently on November 9th and 10th. The second annual Diwali Celebration on 11/9 attracted more than 350 lavishly dressed guests, many decked out in festive Indian attire, who came together for a night of lights. Diwali, in Indian tradition, is known as the Festival of Lights and guests were greeted with dazzling jewels and vibrantly colored saris draped upon the ladies who displayed the glamour of India’s rich history. A peacock was perched near the entrance and Kehoe Designs had festooned Griffin Court with canopies of banana leaves, garlands of plum orchids and hundreds of sparkling lights. Bon Appetit’s new chef Jason Gorman created a delicious Indian inspired dinner and after, guests danced to upbeat Bollywood music with a bit of “Party Rock Anthem” thrown in. The evening was co-chaired by Anita and Prabhakant Sinha, Anu and Arjun Aggarwal, and Rita and Gautam Dhingra. Ms. Dhingra welcomed guests by quoting a line from Kipling’s “The Ballad of East and West” which highlighted the unification of Eastern and Western cultures, just like the evening she and her co-hosts had planned. The following night, more than 450 guests again descended on the Art Institute to celebrate its newest galleries (The Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman and Byzantine Art), made possible by a generous $10 million donation from Mary and Michael Jaharis – the largest gift in the history of the ancient art collection of the Art Institute. A ribbon cutting ceremony and a blessing by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios marked the official opening of the new galleries. Guests then had an opportunity to survey the more than 450 marble, ceramic, gold and silver treasures that were arranged chronologically around McKinlock Court. For dinner, the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court was dramatically transformed by Heffernan Morgan to create a classical Greek-inspired setting. Attendees included His Excellency Sir Peter Westmacott (British Ambassador to the U.S.), Jonathan Williams (Director of Collections for the British Museum), The Honorable Consul General of Greece Ms. Ionna Efthymiadou, Ian Wardropper (Director of the Frick Museum in NY), James Cuno (President of the Getty Trust), Sir Paul Ruddock (Chairman of the Board of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London), Marilynn Alsdorf, Mary and Richard Gray, Susan and Lewis Manilow, Drs. Lynn Hauser and Neil Ross, Louis Holland, Karen and Walter Alexander, Alex Krikhaar and Helen Evans, Mary and Michael Jaharis (Curator of the Met of NY). Congrats to the Art Institute for an amazing weekend of culture and excitement! For more info on events, visit www.artic.edu. (Photos by Bob Carl.)
One of my favorite picks of the holidays is always the Joffrey Ballet’s performance of "The Nutcracker." It is a pure delight for every member of the family as is the Nutcracker Family Dinner which will be held on Saturday, December 15th, at the Palmer House in the State and Grand ballrooms. The enchanting evening will feature entertainment, a traditional family-style meal and, of course, a thrilling performance of Robert Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” (Guests will have the option of attending the matinee or evening performance.) Co-chaired by Women’s Board members Laura Kofoid and Carol Stone, the evening will begin at 4 p.m. with cocktails, punch, music and special “Creation Stations.” (For tickets and more info, please click here!)
Founded in 2003, the Pritzker Military Library houses more than 65,000 books, manuscripts, artworks, artifacts, films, documents and audio recordings dedicated to the experiences of America’s Citizen Soldiers. Recently, it hosted its ninth annual Liberty Gala at the Hilton Chicago, bringing together patrons of the Library with very special guests who included men and women from every branch of the Armed Services, Medal of Honor recipient Hal Fritz, Pritzker Military Library Founder Award winners Albert B. Ratner and the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation (the award was accepted by foundation president/CEO Major General Thomas Wilkerson), as well as the 2012 recipient of the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime Achievement in Military Writing, Sir Max Hastings. Hastings is the author of 23 books, has reported on 11 conflicts (including Vietnam and the 1982 South Atlantic War) and was the editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph AND The Evening Standard. Congrats to all of these worthy honorees! (For more information on this amazing organization, please visit www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org.)
I’m a HUGE fan of the Music Box Theatre at 3733 N. Southport Ave. It reminds me of the Golden Age of Film with its beautiful interior spaces and cozy theatre seating. I can’t imagine a better holiday experience than seeing the premiere of “Scrooge & Marley” at this legendary spot on Thursday, November 29th! Gala opening night will feature most of the stars of the film and include Bruce Vilanch, SNL star Tim Kazurinsky, Rusty Schwimmer, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti, Richard Ganoung and JoJo Baby. The red carpet begins at 6:30 p.m., with the film screening at 7 p.m., followed by a Q & A with cast and crew. Recounted from a gay sensibility, this production will feature a wide range of music from award-winning singers and bands, with a special end credit song performed by Jason Gould. (For tickets and more info, click here!)
Congrats to Chicago International Film Festival founder Michael Kutza on his latest accolade! The American Cinematheque honored him with its Sydney Pollack Award at the Beverly Hilton on November 15th. Accepting the award, Kutza recalled meeting Pollack in 1986 shortly after he had directed “Out of Africa.” They became good friends with Pollack becoming a mentor and encouraging Kutza to support independent film. This is only the third time this award has been given. Past recipients were the directors of the Sundance and Telluride Film Festivals! Thanks for all you do Michael! We are all lucky to know you!
As we all know, the holidays are upon us! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving…I know I did: We shared a lovely meal at my sister and brother-in-law’s, Nancy and Dr. Os Steinwald, with a fun group of 16. It’s so exciting to see how much the little ones have grown from one holiday to the next. It made me realize how quickly time is flying by but it also put me in the holiday spirit and made me want to get my Christmas décor up ASAP! Here is a post I wrote for Chicago Now explaining why I love this holiday so much (plus pics) I hope you enjoy reading it as much I enjoyed putting it all up, remembering cherished memories with each and every ornament. See you next week!
White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program since 2017. The St. Rita High School junior is committed to Illinois State and has attended top MLB events, including the Breakthrough and Dream Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, 
MLB States Play and Area Code Team, where he was selected to compete by the White Sox scouting department. Jones had breakout performances at both the “A Dream Fulfilled” game at the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, as well as the RBI Junior World Series, where he helped the organization win its fifth championship in Vero Beach, Fla. The gala concluded with attendees enjoying an Extra Inning Celebration, presented by NBC Sports Chicago. (whitesoxcharities.org)
entire cast was outstanding. Yoshihisa Arai, retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season, played the menacing Sea Witch and Dylan Guiterrez expertly performed the role of the Prince, also requiring as much acting skills as dance and succeeding wildly at both. A heart-warming tender moment occurred when the dancers were taking their many curtain calls. Jaiani’s 9-year-old son and husband, former Joffrey dancer Temur Suluashvili, both presented their shining star with flowers. The production was entrancing, unsettling and danced with skills beyond imagining. During intermission, VIP guests enjoyed mixing and mingling in the Graham Room. If you missed this production this time around, make sure to see it when it returns!
And in more The Joffrey News ! Join this amazing dance company for a weekend of surrealism and dance, celebrating President and CEO Greg Cameron on the occasion of his 10th anniversary with the organization. Unleash your imagination and unlock your subconscious at the 
support Joffrey for All initiatives.The Friday night gala will be followed by a free performance in Millennium Park on Sunday, June 25. The free public performances will take place in the heart of downtown Chicago in Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Created as a gift to all Chicagoans, and the first event of its kind, The Joffrey Ballet’s Joffrey for All Celebration will feature dance workshops on the lawn and performances by Joffrey Company Artists, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and students from the Joffrey Community Engagement programs. 
Sharyl Mackey, the event will feature a spectacular fashion show and luncheon. Top retailers and designers from around town will showcase their most eye-catching looks, that will be available for purchase, on the catwalk. This event always sells out so be sure to get your tickets when they become available here! (Returning exclusive hair stylist is the Charles Ifergan Salon– thank you Philippe!)
memories in a variety of animal-related photo ops. Professional doodlers created hand-drawn portraits of pets and an onsite SPAW helped them relax. The silent and live auctions featured over 100 items, including a unique OTAT “patchwork” quilt. The program was emceed by Elliott Bambrough (of Chicago’s Best), who was joined by Heather Owen, OTAT executive director. Bambrough spoke about being inspired by the 
dedication of the organization's volunteers and how well it functioned as a family. Owen thanked the crowd and sponsors 
and shared the nonprofit's ongoing success story. An all-vegan buffet was served and, on every table, were photos with short stories of OTAT's adoption successes. The event raised over $300,000 which will fund the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of dogs, kittens, and bunnies in need. The funds will also help support adopters and grow community outreach, including humane education and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. Rescued animals are housed in both foster homes and at OTAT's Bucktown adoption center location. (Photos by Jeremy Lawson, onetail.org)
"Chicago Chefs Cook" did it again! This time they came together to celebrate the much loved Ina Pinkney, "The Breakfast Queen of Chicago," on the occasion of her 80th birthday! The party was held at The Geraghty on April 26. The event featured tasting stations from more than 60 of the city’s most celebrated chefs and benefited the nonprofits Green City Market and Pilot Light. (Photo by George Burns)
Big thanks to Rick Kogan for having me back on WGN Radio! We chatted for a whole hour about everything you can imagine! Please listen to the show, “The candid life of Candid Candace,” (LOL) here. 
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Amdur Productions gives artists, young and young-at-heart, the opportunity to showcase their original work 
