Plus: Norma zooms into the Chicago Costume Council funder; Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Humanitarian Awards; Girls in the Game's (virtual) Field of Dreams Gala; Chicago Star lights up the Windy City; Steak 48 teams up with Common Threads; The Landan Twins want to help; Richardson Adventure Farm's first ever TULIP FESTIVAL!; Dining in the Dark, a new pop-up culinary experience; Cindy McCain keynotes Rush Woman's Board Luncheon; Back to the movies (what's open NOW?); Jurassic Quest is BAAACCKKK!; The Pendry Chicago set to open mid-May; PAWS Chicago's High Rollers Bingo; The Service Club is "Desperately Seeking Fashion"; ULBGC Ring Lardner Awards; "The Happy Magic Chair" makes its debut; Bear Tie Ball "Untied"; Ingalls' Fashion Reveal; Event updates; Randolph Street Market premieres in Three Oaks!; Memories of Hef on his 95th heavenly birthday; Fun videos and SOOO much more!
$49 per vehicle (8 people or less) and available at www.jurassicquest.com. An audio tour comes standard with every purchase (choose from two; special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired) as well as a safari-style digital souvenir photo of your vehicle and family transported back in time via a Jurassic setting. Special souvenir packages and other add-ons can be purchased at check out. (The attraction follows all Covid-19 protocols. Police, military, medical personnel and first responders receive 10% off ticket prices with valid ID.) (We went last year and loved it although the car lines were very long!)
PAWS Chicago will host High Rollers Bingo on Wednesday, April 28, 6 pm. Join them for 3
PAWS Chicago's virtual bingo fundraiser.
rounds of virtual bingo emceed by board member Fred from The Fred Show on 103.5 KISS FM. $20 for one card or $50 for three cards.
And a brand new event for PAWS Chicago, Fore PAWS: A Golf Outing Benefiting PAWS Chicago will take place on Monday, June 14 at Westmoreland Country Club. For info, click here!
Eversight's Gift of Sight Masquerade returns Wed., Sept. 8 to the Peninsula.
Eversight Illinois'Gift of Sight Masquerade, themed Fantasea, will be held at the Peninsula Chicago on Wednesday, September 8, honoring community leaders Justine Fedak and Dr. Parag Majmudar. I'm proud to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo for this friend-raiser to help restore sight and prevent blindness. (Click here for info!)
The Service Club of Chicago will host its uber-popular hat luncheon, this year themed "Desperately Seeking Fashion." The event will be held at the Woman's Athletic Club (WAC) on Friday, May 21. To accommodate safety and distancing requirements, there will be 4 separate rooms of 50 people each, with guests sporting their finest millinery for what has become THE Hat Luncheon in Chicago! Co-chaired by Michelle Baker, Cathy Bell Bartholomay and Annette Findling, the hybrid event will be produced by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions). The guest speaker will be Sandy Schreier, the famed fashion curator and historian. For tickets/more info, click here. The SC's next event, Day on the Terrace, will return on Monday, Aug. 2, co-chaired by Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Tracey, whose ZZAZZ Productions will again produce the show. More details coming soon for DOT. (Chicago Star Media will be the proud media sponsor!)
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs will host the Ring Lardner Awards, honoring excellence in sports journalism via zoom on Thursday, April 29, 7 pm. All funds raised will go to ULBG, which has served the after-school development needs
Dan Roan, sports anchor at Nexstar, WGN-9, has been named broadcast recipient of the 2020 Ring Lardner Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism.
of Chicago's youth for over 100 years. Since 2002, the program has honored writers and Chicago sports broadcasters who encapsulate the same "wit and warmth" of Lardner's writing. The Ring Lardner Awards represent journalists in three categories: Broadcast, Print, and Posthumous. This year’s honors include Chicago sports journalists Toni Ginnetti (former Chicago Sun-Times reporter, to be presented by current Sun-Times senior columnist Rick Telander); Dan Roan (current WGN TV sports anchor, presented by former WGN TV sportscaster Rich King); and Cooper Rollow (former Chicago Tribune sports editor, to be presented by former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Mike Conklin).
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
The Ingalls Development Foundation will host "Promise of Hope Fashion Reveal," a virtual fashion show produced by ZZAZZ Productions. The event will take place on Sunday, April 18, 5-7 pm CST, to support its cancer research program. Register for FREE here!
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!)
"Games Galore” for The Chicago Lighthouse's Associate Board! Join them virtually on Wednesday, April 14 for virtual canasta. Purchase raffle tickets to win some great prizes, including a gold and diamond necklace by Dana Rebecca Designs and so much more! (Tickets and all info here.
Friday, April 9 was Hugh Marston Hefner's 95th (heavenly) birthday. The memories I have of Playboy and Hef will last me several lifetimes and beyond. I've been dabbling on a book but who knows what will happen with it. All I know is that I miss him so and am so appreciative of the life he's given me. I wrote a sort of love letter to him here in Chicago Star Media. I hope you like it.
Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
And special thanks to Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, for having me on his "The Real Chat Daddy Show" in honor of Women's History Month. It was a fun, free-wheeling interview with Art and his co-host K. Renee Mason. See segment below, my part comes in at 1:05, but it's all good!
______________________________________________________________________ I couldn't be more excited about the return of my favorite market, Randolph Street Market! Watch for Sally Schwartz' first market foray into Three Oaks, Michigan, on Memorial Day Weekend, May 30 and 31 (Saturday and Sunday). Other dates on the books are June 19,20; July 3,4; August 7, 8; September 4, 5; and October 2,3. I can't wait to attend and love the idea of a little road trip out of the city! Who's with me!? 🙂
Congrats, with love, to author Justine Fedak and her creative partner Chris Walker (Urbanime). Their new
Illustrator Chris Walker, founder of Urbanime.
book, "The Happy Magic Chair" is out now and is a must-have for kids of all ages. It's a story written for children that know they are "magic" and to remind adults OF their magic. The character, Little Pea, beautifully realized by Chris, sometimes feels sad but she doesn't know why. Thanks to the Happy Magic Chair, she realizes that she has everything she needs already inside. (Buy it through publisher Balboa Presshere and on Amazon).
Enjoying Jennifer Sutton Brieva's special birthday at Le Colonial recently.
As you can see, things are heating up around town, especially with the return of many of our beloved nonprofit events! I know many are still virtual or hybrid but at least they're returning and are STILL HERE! This is very good news! And the
La Scarola with Armando, Chuck and Michael Kutza.
same is true for our restaurants, slowly filling with smiling, happy faces. We've visited La Scarola, Gibson's, Le Colonial, RL, Ping Pong, Pizano's, Shaw's Oyster Bar and others, and have been so happy to see them safely filled with new and old customers. A special shout-out again to the Landan Twins for trying to advance restaurants' efforts through their new lending program (see details above).
I hope you are successful with your vaccinations and that you're happy and healthy. Just remember, this too shall pass…..
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)
Plus: Woody's Winter Warm-Up; Saying good-bye to a wonderful brother-in-law; Black Creativity Gala celebrates 50!; SocialWorks' Black History Month Film Festival; Wish Ball with funnyman Steve Martin; Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons, a match made in culinary heaven; Frances & Friends at Gibson's Italia; Service Club Aux Board hosts brand new event; Chicago Lighthouse raises the stakes for vision; Dr. Sandy's "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show; Hope Through Caring Gala; Randolph Street Market returns with first ever bridal pop-up; After School Matter's Sneaker Ball; CYSO Gala inspired by Paris; Cystic Fibrosis Foundations' Grand Chefs Experience; PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
RPM Partners – Chris Meers, Bill Rancic Jerrod Melman, Molly Melman, R.J Melman, Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Clancy.
More than 800 guests celebrated the opening of RPM Seafood, the sixth restaurant from the RPM team of partners, on Saturday, January 18.
Taylor Kinney and R.J. Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Principals included R.J., Jerrod and MollyMelman (of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises) and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic. Attendees were treated to a sneak preview of the two-level space designed by
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman.
award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group before the restaurant officially opened to the public on January 23. With panoramic views of the Chicago River, RPM Seafood is the final phase of the multi-level waterfront project that also
Dedicated Caviar Bar.
includes RPM Events, a private events venue, and Pizzeria Portofino, the Italian Riviera-inspired casual restaurant. Partygoers sipped cocktails (including Giuilana Rancic’s namesake prosecco) and enjoyed freshly-shucked RPM Prestige
Patrick John Flueger, Eriq La Salle, Jesse Lee Soffer and Marina Squerciati.
oysters from Washington’s Hama Hama Farm paired with housemade mignonettes made with Casamigos mezcal and tequila; RPM private label caviar featuring Golden Kaluga with all the accoutrements served from a dedicated caviar bar; Alaskan King crab, prawns and more from the raw bar; RPM’s signature 100-day dry-
Bill and Giuliana Rancic
aged olive beef; plus over-the-top desserts including 14K Chocolate Cake and a chocolate mermaid tail – all from stations scattered throughout the
RPM Seafood exterior.
venue. In addition to Bill and Giuliana Rancic, celebrities in attendance included Empire star Taraji P.Henson, Chicago P.D. producer (and former E.R. regular) Eriq La Salle, Taylor Kinney (who might just be the nicest, most accessible celeb in town), Jesse Lee Soffer,
RPM Seafood interior.
TorreyDeVitto, Patrick John Flueger and Marina Squerciati. VIPs such as Lettuce Entertain You founder
Congrats Bill!
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, NBC’s Chicago Today hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues and former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte also attended. After the party wrapped at RPM Seafood, guests were invited to continue the festivities at Dance Studio, the new dance club in partnership between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and veteran Los Angeles- based nightlife operators, brothers Fred Grimmel (aka DJ Fred Matters) and Brian Grimmel. Seen at the after-party were Taraji, Squerciati, DeVitto, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, ABC’s Cheryl Scott , FOX’s Lou Canellis, former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and comedian DeRay Davis. Highly recommended! This place has it all–great food and ambiance and cute operators! Congrats!
Sarah and Kerry Wood, founders of Wood Family Foundation and event hosts.
Woody's Winter Warm-Up never disappoints. This great fundraiser for the Wood Family Foundation always brings the
With Chicago Fire's Jesse Spencer and Taylor Kinney who both volunteered behind the bar.
fun during the darkest of Chicago's winter and this latest party on January 17 was no exception. Consider this, Taylor Kinney bar-tending along with his fellow Chicago Fire co-star Jesse Spencer, Jim Peterik (dressed like a shiny disco ball) belting out "Eye of the Tiger" while Windy City Live co-host Ryan Chiaverini plays back-up; the Plain White T's lead singer Tom Higgenson singing "Hey There Delilah" with enthusiastic fans singing along and more sports stars and media personalities than you could shake a stick at. And THAT, my friend, was the crazy-exciting scene at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch! Nearly 300 fans turned out to mix and mingle
Tanja Babich, Lin Brehmer and Lisa Fielding.
Rocker Jim Peterik and Windy City Live host Ryan Chiaverini.
with sports stars and media personalities, all to benefit Sarah and Kerry Wood'sWood Family Foundation and its Pitch-In Program. This mentoring program supports students in grades 4- 8 in Chicago's North Lawndale and Humboldt Park neighborhoods and helps them develop academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets necessary to
Actress Bonnie Hunt with Kerry and Sarah Wood.
transition to high school successfully. The event also celebrated the 2020 Major League Baseball season and
Harry Caray's owner Grand DePorter with Jon and Andrew Landan, Wayne Messmer and his wife.
always falls on opening night of the Cubs Convention. Players who joined in to help "Pitch In" for the kids included Albert Almora Jr., Adbert Alzolay, Daniel Descalso, David Bote, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner and Rowan Wick. Cubs alums Carlos Zambrano, Bob Howry, Mike Fontenot, Dave Otto, Ted Lilly, Geovany Soto and Jon Lieber,
Cubs player Albert Almora Jr.
among others, were also in attendance. Throughout the night
Israel "Izzy" Idonije volunteers behind the bar.
media and sports stars popped behind the bar to compete for tips (with all proceeds going to the charity). Spotted handing out libations and mingling with the crowd were actress Bonnie Hunt, Lin Brehmer, Lisa Fielding, Wayne Messmer, Sarah Spain, Tanja Babich, DJ White Shadow (Paul Blair), Israel Idonije, Reed Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Glendon Rusch, Kelly Crull, Ryan Chiaverini and so many others. It was a lovefest for the fans and celebs. Former Cubs pitcher and co-founder of the Foundation, Kerry Wood said, "We're excited to host our 2020 Warm-Up and raise critical funds to support our work in Chicago middle schools. Thanks to the convention weekend, we're able to celebrate with fans from near and far, all in support of our favorite baseball team and the important work our students are doing across the city." (Photos by Knotted Photography)
David and Pat Mosena, Dr. Cheryl and Dr. Eric Whitaker.
January 25. The Gala was attended by more than 600 guests who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Black Creativity program.“It’s an honor to be able to continue the tradition of hosting this annual celebration of creativity and achievement,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “Participation and support of the Black Creativity Gala
Chef Erik Williams of Virtue Restaurant.
encourages innovators to continue to follow their curiosity, and
Erin and Demetrius Ivory.
supports the expression of exciting, new perspectives through the arts and sciences.” The gala was co-chaired by Dr. Eric Whitaker, founder and CEO of Zing Health Inc., Dr. Cheryl R. Whitaker, chairwoman/CEO of NextLevel Health Partners, Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd, and Cheryl Harris, senior VP of Sourcing and Procurement Solutions, The Allstate Insurance Company. The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while guests previewed more than 200 original works
Coodie Simmons, Ken L. Polk , Chelsea Harvey and Chike Ozah.
Denitra and John Griffin, Avis LaVelle and Tammye Coleman.
of art from African-American student and professional artists. After cocktails, guests sampled food stations from Sodexo inside the Museum’s Rotunda. WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory emceed the evening’s presentation. Live musical
Gala host committee co-chairs Dr. Kimbra Bell Balark and Sam Balark.
entertainment was featured throughout the night from Chicago Children’s Choir, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Yanna Cello, Rockstar Ev, and Manasseh Croft. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio was also open, providing
Artist Dorthy Straughter and John Straughter stand in front of Dorthy's work.
guests with a chance to get hands-on and create their own glowing badge. In addition to the Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests were able to explore other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including the Black Creativity: 50 Years exhibit, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story. (Photos by JB Spector, John Wheeler and Jackie Guataquira)
I hope you can forgive the lateness of my blog this week. The Steinwald and Jordan families lost a great husband,
Chuck and his buddy Os.
father, friend, grandpa in Dr. Osmar "Os" Steinwald, my wonderful, accomplished brother-in-law. He passed away on January 17. The Celebration of Life was held at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island on January 25. As we are all well aware, these sad times seem to be the only time families are brought together so, on a happier note, it was a pure delight to see everyone gathered in one place. It was all blue skies and sunshine as guests filed into the charming chapel. He had so many friends, seating had to be placed outside on the lawn. It was a happy coincidence that the church
The family at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island.
abutted a gorgeous golf course, which was
Dr. Osmar and Nancy Steinwald.
one of Os' many passions, having scored not one but TWO holes-in-one during his lifetime! He was a member of both the Knollwood Club and Old Elm in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he lived for many years as a much respected plastic surgeon. At Lake Forest Hospital, he was Chief of the Medical Staff and elected President of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons in the late 1980s. During his later years and into retirement, he volunteered his surgical skills to benefit patients in underdeveloped countries. For 12 years,
Os was definitely a guy after my own heart. He loved Christmas too.
Os and Nancy, Thanksgiving in Lake Forest.
he worked through Interplast in countries like Peru, Ecuador, India and Vietnam performing cleft lip and palate surgeries for those less fortunate. More recently, he participated with Volunteers in Medicine in Florida, providing services to uninsured patients in his Florida community. During the celebration, Os' children (Susan Mena, Dr. Paul Steinwald and George Steinwald) delivered powerful, loving eulogies about Os and his love
With Os and Nancy at our house in Old Town for Christmas.
of family, church and community. He and his wife (my beautiful sis-in-law NancyJordan Steinwald) would frequently travel back and forth from their home in Lake Forest to Hobe
Osmar on the green.
Sound where they eventually settled (and Os became a member of the Loblolly Club in 1988). Following the church services, a reception was held at the country club where a nurse who volunteered with Os spoke about his many life-saving surgeries she had witnessed. A friend told the tale of how he even saved her dog's life after a vet had given up on him. As you can see, there was much to celebrate. His love of life and sense of humor are two of the things I will always remember. Also, he was a nut for Christmas, just like me. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP dear Osmar. I know you're making the angels smile…..
SocialWorks’ 3rd annual Black History Month Film Festival kicked off February 1 at Showplace Icon Theater. All month long, from Saturday, February 1 – Sunday, March 1, SocialWorks will be screening their favorite Black movies like Hollywood Shuffle with Robert Townsend, Set It Off with Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, Akeelahand the Bee, and Oscar Award-Winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. SocialWorks, founded by Grammy-award-winning musician and
Chance the Rapper chats with a filmmaker (Photo by Jordy Macy)
humanitarian Chance the Rapper, aims to empower the youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. This year, the month kicked off with a celebration screening on Saturday, February 1. Each ticket to the first film of the festival, Hollywood
Black History Month Film Festival schedule.
Shuffle, comes with access to complimentary SocialWorks Black History Month customizable merchandise plus free popcorn, soft drinks, and cocktails provided by Crown Royal (ages 21+). The final day concludes on Sunday, March 1 highlighting some of the best young indie Chicago and Midwest filmmakers. Included this year are films like Sugar Hill, Brothers from the Suburbs, The CTA project, and Present Tense. Post-screening, guests will enjoy a panel of the young filmmakers on their inspiration, advice, and what’s next, with a special guest moderator. Click here to purchase tickets and, for more info, click here. Ticket prices range from $10.50 – $14.50 for each showing.
Make-A-Wish Illinois will feature entertainer Steve Martin at its annual Wish Ball on Saturday, May 16 at Navy Pier. One of the most well-known talents in entertainment, Martin has earned an Academy Award, five Grammy awards, an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honors. For children with critical illnesses, the
Steve Martin will headline Make-A-Wish Ball 2020!
journey to hope and strength begins with a life-changing wish experience. In addition to entertainment by Steve Martin, nearly 1,000 guests will share in moments conveying the spark of hope that ignites the way for wish families and hear first-hand how wishes change lives. Tickets are $675 per person or $6,750 per table of ten. Premium tables can be reserved for $13,500. Tickets are available online here or by calling 312.602.WISH (9474).
Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons set to partner in new restaurant venture at 110 N. Wacker Drive.
Award-winning Chef Jose Andres is set to partner with the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group!The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) and Riverside Investmentand Development announced that Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, together with Chicago’s own Gibsons Restaurant Group, has signed a 17,200-square-foot lease at 110 North Wacker Drive, the new trophy-class office tower in downtown Chicago. The group will be opening a veritable dining destination with multiple concepts, including a fine dining restaurant and an elevated cocktail
Award winning Chef Jose Andres.
bar experience, as well as providing catering for the building’s 10,000-square-foot event space. This joint venture represents an unprecedented pairing of Gibsons Restaurant Group’s Lombardo family with the two-Michelin star Chef Andrés, combining the culinary ingenuity of his ThinkFoodGroup with the local operational expertise of the Gibsons team. “We are thrilled to partner with José Andrés, his ThinkFoodGroup, and the Gibsons Restaurant Group as we continue to set a new standard for development
Steve Lombardo with his family, daughter Christa Vrabel, wife Peggy O'Ryan Lombado and their daughter Liz Lombardo Stark.
and see overwhelming market and tenant demand at 110 North Wacker Drive,” said Paul Layne, CEO of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “The Gibsons team has been setting the standard for steakhouses in Chicago for decades and José Andrés is an award-winning chef as well as an incredible humanitarian—together the team will bring an array of exceptional new culinary experiences to one of the best cities for food in the country.” “The opportunity to partner with Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup in our home city in a sensational new building on the river is exciting, and we think it's a natural, complementary partnership that will result in fantastic new dining experiences for Chicagoans," said Steve Lombardo of Gibsons Restaurant Group. I just can't wait! Congrats to all!
Andrea Antoniou, SC Aux Brd Pres, and Sherrill Bodine, SC Pres.
Congrats to the Service Club of Chicago's Auxiliary Board which hosted its first "New Year, New Me Tea" at the Drake Hotel on Sunday, January 12. Filled to the brim with
Rudy Savala, Jean Antoniou and panel moderator Craig Hogan.
supporters, the corner room (formerly the Oak Terrace), was awash in sunlight and excitement for this first annual event thrown by the next generation of Service Club members. I was proud to participate in a panel discussion led by Craig Hogan with Andrea Stryker, Felicia Davis and Rochelle Trotter. All of these women (and
Proud to serve as a panelist with Felicia Davis, Andrea Stryker and Rochelle Trotter.
Craig) had such
Sharyl Mackey and Mary Pat Burns, who introduced the event.
incredibly inspiring stories to share. The event was designed to empower young women and allow them to learn from successful Chicago-based businesswomen. Members and guests mingled over mimosas, shopped a fabulous silent auction and started off the year with a lot of camaraderie. Congrats to Andrea Antoniou, Aux Board President, and SC president Sherrill Bodine on a wonderful afternoon!
Join the Chicago Lighthouse on Thursday, February 27 at Gibson's Steakhouse for "Raising the Stakes for Vision: 4th annual Poker & Casino Night," an evening filled with poker, the chance to win $20,000 in prizes, including Chicago hotel packages, Blackhawks tickets and memorabilia, gift cards to top restaurants including Gibson's, and a three-night stay at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas–in addition to a $10,000 seat at the WSOP seat in Las Vegas! For tickets, more info, click here!
Frances Renk celebrates with a few of her closest friends at Gibson's Italia. (Photo by Lori Allen Photo Design).
On Saturday, January 11, one of our town's most popular gals-about-town, Frances Renk, hosted a
Hostess with the mostest Frances Renk with Kathy Piccone and Paul Iacono.
party for 53 of her nearest and dearest at Gibson's Italia. Even though it was snowing sideways, there were no no-shows. Everyone wanted to celebrate with Frances and see familiar faces at this elegant winter/holiday luncheon. Champagne was flowing, loving toasts were presented and everyone went home with delicious goodies. There was lots of food, lots of giggles and lots of bubbles. Thanks for including yours truly dear Frances! (The fab black and white group photo is by Lori Allen Photo Design)
I hope you can join us on Wednesday, March 4 for Dr. Sandy Goldberg's annual "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show/luncheon at the Peninsula to benefit her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will feature elegant designs by Mark Roscoe, Tamra Ellingson, Sylwia Designs, Mira Couture, Ricorso, Ann Everett Designs and Elda de la Rosa. The returning emcee is Micah Materre, a longtime supporter of the charity. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, the event will raise critical funds to provide equal access to cost-free breast health testing. (For tix/more info, click here!)
The Les Turner/ ALS Foundation will host its annual "Hope Through Caring Gala" on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. Emceed by Dina Bair, the event will support the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine which advances research and care in pursuit of life-enhancing treatments. For tickets and more info, click here!
SAVE-THE-DATE for After School Matters'Sneaker Ballset for Saturday, May 2! Enjoy bites from some of Chicago's top restaurants, live entertainment, raffles, prizes and more! The nonprofit provides after-school and summer programs for high school teens. Click here for all the details!
The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras will celebrate its annual gala on Feb. 8 at the Four Seasons. The event's theme is inspired by the enduring Gershwin classic, “An American in Paris,” and the music of this legendary city of lights. As the organization's largest fundraising event of the year, the gala supports world-class music education for young people from across the Chicago region. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, live auction, and performances from members of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Kaiso Steel Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and Preparatory Strings. (Info and tickets here!)
The Grand Chefs Experience, hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, comes to the Field Museum on Saturday, February 8. This one-of-a-kind experience begins on the Upper Level of this historic museum and features over 35 Chefs Tasting stations. Each station includes a signature hors d'oeuvre and the chance to grab a quick word with the mastermind behind it. Once the Chefs Tasting concludes, guests move down to the Main Hall to dine with the world’s largest dinosaur… Maximo! While enjoying dinner, partygoers will hear from an honored CF Fighter, have a chance to win some fantastic live auction items and support continued scientific advancements during Bid for a Cure. The celebration continues with live music, dancing, custom curated cocktails, desserts and late-night bites during Nightcap, the Grand Chefs Experience’s swanky after party. Throughout the evening, food will be abundant, libations will be flowing and your support will bring them one step closer to a CURE. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board, Animal Magnetism will take place on Friday, March 13 at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. This event welcomes 600+ of Chicago’s urban professionals, animal lovers, and canine companions! Guests will enjoy a night of food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, a spectacular silent auction, and much more! Pups at the party can enjoy their own dog buffet or receive personal pampering in the designated Dog Spa! This pet-friendly celebration is critical in raising funds that provide the operational support PAWS Chicago needs to continue saving thousands of homeless pets around the world each year. Several homeless, adoptable pets rescued by PAWS Chicago will be debuted at the event and guests interested in adopting them will have the first opportunity to give them a forever home! (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Randolph Street Market, my favorite, returns, February 7-9 with "My Heart's Desire," a sweet Valentine's Day theme. This market will feature a first ever Bridal Pop-Up! Locate wedding dress designers, cake decorators, caterers, florists, photographers and more! Plus, shop an amazingly curated selection of antiques, vintage, global and handmade goods to wear, decorate, party and share with loved ones: past, present and future. Grab some love punch at the Single Collectors Mingle on Saturday afternoon at the Market Bar and meet some potential flea marketing friends at the least and a best friend for life at best. It’s gonna be a total loveFEST! (For tickets, more info, click here)
Chuck, Rooney and I finally got a chance to take a little vacay
Swifty's at The Colony.
to sunny Florida, Palm Beach and SoBe. It's amazing how quickly you relax when you can see palm trees. Can't wait to share the details and, hopefully, bring a little sunshine your way through the telling. One thing I don't want to forget to tell you about though is the new Swifty's pop-up restaurant at the Colony Hotel! It's a must-visit! Its handsome owner/founder Robert Caravaggi is still at the helm, dashing as ever, overseeing a room filled with the creme de la creme of PB (and us). Lol! More exciting details to come in the next edition!
That's all for now! Thanks for your patience this month and I'll be back on track with postings now!
P.S. On Jupiter Island, Fla., (and, I'm sure, wherever these darling creatures are found) street lights are turned off for sea turtles. Females instinctively seek out dark places to lay eggs and bright lights can deter them from coming ashore. Also, hatchlings are attracted by moonlight reflecting off the ocean and know to head out to sea, but they can become confused by island lighting and head inland instead. So, now you know. 🙂
ILLUMINATE 900 SPARKLES ON THE MAG MILE; GATEWAY FOR CANCER RESEARCH'S CURES GALA; LSCRF'S FALL BENEFIT LUNCHEON; YOUNG AT HEART'S SILVER PAWS GALA; FRIENDS OF LA RABIDA CELEBRATION; WINGS HOSTS CONDOLEEZZA RICE AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON; PARTYSLATE CELEBRATES 3; A WALK FOR THE BEAR; BEST HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS; 3ARTS AWARDS CELEBRATION; SHERYL AND JOE MAKE IT OFFICIAL; CHRISTMAS DECORATING; A JORDAN THANKSGIVING; HEARTWARMING VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
It was a dream come true for acclaimed British photographer Abigail Zoe Martin when her passion project, Chicago Lights, presented in collaboration with White Color Productions and Agency H5, opened at the Zhou B Art Center on Friday, November 16. Since Abigail moved here from London three years ago, with Leonardo (her handsome financial executive husband) and two beautiful teenage children, she has been quietly photographing people of interest. It began as a way to get to know the city and its people better but it grew into something much, much bigger. On her blog (chicagostoriesblog.com), before she put the exhibition together, she said she wanted to "create a space where portraits and quotes from people of all colors, economic levels, religions and ethnicities stand side by side, expressing their common humanity in a dignified way, a show about joy and the things we love." Following the night of the audio/visual exhibition of 81 notable and some not so notable Chicagoans, she expressed herself this way. "I am just coming up for air after that sparkly and magical evening. The sheer scale and diversity of the event was so very exciting. The friendliness was amazing. All sorts of people were chatting to each other and it was so comfortable. It was exhilarating and felt so loving. I'm so thrilled that the idea of kindness and community permeated the room and that everyone felt it. That for me is a perfect world." I was fortunate to have been photographed by Abigail back in August….I was hoping to either shoot in Washington Park or in the gardens in front of our building but the weather didn't cooperate so we shot it in the lobby of my building. Rooney was just as happy being inside since he didn't want his little top hat to get wet. Abigail is a master at deep diving into people's characters. After she left, I felt like I'd been through a great therapy session. She knows bull-sh_t when she sees it which is why it wa
s such an honor to have my photo included with so many wonderful personalities like celebrity chef Jamie Laurita, Israel Idonije, Nan Giordano and her wonderful Giordano Dance Chicago dancers, Bela Gandhi, Tarrah Cooper, CM Punk, Chef Curtis Duffy, ChefBruno Abate, Kathleen Kenahan Henson (whose H5 Agency helped produce the event), Trisha Rooney, Tim Kazurinsky, the Zhou B brothers (ShanZuo ZhouShi and DaHuang ZhouShi), Lieutenant Governor-elect Juliana Stratton,Duchess Darling Shear (cabaret star who performed two dramatic numbers), Kiara Lanier (whose songs made everyone weep with joy), Father Michael Pfleger, Secretary of State Jesse White, Dr. Lauren Streicher and her husband Jason Brett, Essence Walker, Dr. Theri Raby, JoJo Baby, the Mayor and so many more. There were names you recognized and those you didn't–they included tattoo artists, college students, small business owners, bartenders, a professional wrestler, a professor, a beekeeper, a firefighter, a doorman and more. The show is described as a raw unfiltered conversation with Chicagoans that illuminates the incredible kindness Martin found. Each photograph and conversation represents the :ecelectic and diverse cross-section of people: Martin met, all with :a wonderful inner light and a common thread of integrity, compassion and empathy." One of my favorites, Liz Dozier, former educator and star of the CNN series "Chicagoland," posed for her photograph on the front porch of a favorite student who died due to senseless gang/gun violence. The neighborhood was so dangerous, she had to have spotters on the street on the lookout. The night was filled with laughter, new connections, lots of Iphone photos, wine from Cream Wine Company, cocktails from CH Distillery, light bites from LM Catering and pizza from Connie's (thanks to Nina Mariano). Thank you Abigail for including me in this incredible exhibition. Every photo comes with an inspiring sound-bite from Abigail's int
erview with each subject, to hear any or all of the comments, click here and to read Rick Kogan's wonderful Tribune column about the installation and Abigail's amazing process, click here! On Abigail's Insta-feed, she summed the show up this way, "The main ingredients of this show are kindness and integrity. Let's spread as much of that as we can around the world and create some ripples." For sure, she achieved her goal and created not just ripples, but an entire ocean of kindness. (A coffee table book is in the works and photographs are available for sale at info@abigailzoemartin.com) (Come to the closing night party for the book at Zhou B Art Center on Jan. 8 and view the photos for the last time!)
The 900 Shops were the first to spread holiday cheer on North Michigan Avenue when they hosted the 3rd annual Illuminate 900 on November 15. The mall's already beautiful atrium was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a storybook tree-lighting, real-life toy soldiers, holiday performances, caroling kiddies, festive food and drink and other seasonal surprises. The event was an arts-forward, community wide kick off to the holiday season and FREE to the public (suggested donations, that amounted to over $10,000, benefited Make-A-Wish Illinois). Throughout the evening, holiday performances enchanted guests with the highlight being Santa's (Chris Spears–the BEST Santa EVER!) arrival to light the 54-ft. tall tree, which was heralded by the Chicago Children's Choir singing "Here Comes Santa Claus." Once in front of the tree, standing with a darling Make-A-Wish child, 8-year-old Olivia, and the evening's host committee, Santa led the countdown to light the tree. As the tree lighted up and the streamer cannons exploded, beloved vocalist Ava Fain and her equally talented sister Joya Fain sang classic holiday favorites like "Man With the Bag" and "All I Want for Christmas is You." Other highlights of the evening included the New Music School Choir caroling at the main entrance; Winged Harmony (a professionally trained singer) dressed as an angel serenading guests; dancers (ZZAZZettes) from ZZAZZ Productions dressed ala the Rockettes in red velvet and white fur-trimmed costumes dancing their little hearts out; handsome male models from 10 Model Management dressed as toy soldiers greeting guests; The (darling) Real Elf (Tommy Holl) exuberantly interacting with attendees; Mrs. Claus; lush winter wonderland decor by Kehoe Designs; cooking decorating at Sur La Table; hors d'oeuvres from the brand new Aster Hall; Ruth Page Center for The Arts dancers and so much MORE! Alicia Skruba, 900 Shops marketing and business development manager, said, "Illuminate 900 has always been our Holiday Love Letter to Chicago. We couldn't be more pleased to be able to create a moment in time where Chicagoans from throughout the city come together to be reminded of the magic and wonder of the holidays. And no better partner than Make-A-Wish Illinois, as they share their own kind of healing magic throughout the year." A series of 900 Shops events will further benefit MAWI during the holiday season with a goal of $40,000. Host Committee members included Ana Belaval (emcee), Mario Tricoci, Tom Kehoe, Julie Barrish, Nancy Resnick, David Sanchez, Pierre Lockett, D.C. Crenshaw, Ceta Walters, Jivesh Toor, Tracey Tarantino, Mark Olley, David Murga, Samantha Thomas, Josephine Lee, Ava Fain and moi among others. Over 1,600 people turned out for the event that took place on all six levels of The 900 Shops! Ho! Ho! Ho! This was the VERY best way to kick off the holidays!
Gateway for Cancer Research (Gateway), a nonprofit dedicated to transformational cancer research, raised $4.1 million at its annual CURES Gala, “The Greatest Gateway” with over 750 attendees. Inspired by the Oscar-nominated film, The Greatest Showman, the event was held on Saturday, October 20 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL and featured a night of unparalleled entertainment and surprises “under the big top.” The event was presented and sponsored by Richard J Stephenson, founder and chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and Gateway for Cancer Research and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, CTCA Chairman of Functional Medicine and Director Gateway for Cancer Research Board. Actress and comedian Melissa Peterman, best known for her roles in the television comedy series Reba and Baby Daddy, emceed the night’s festivities beginning with a Broadway style performance by 11 year old, America’s Got Talent’s youngest finalist and Golden Buzzer winner, Angelica Hale and universal recording artist Fernando Varela, who has stunned audiences as a classic modern day tenor. Jonathan Cullen, who has wowed audiences as Elder Price in the first national tour of “The Book of Mormon," performed a show-stopping medley from The Greatest Showman, alongside America’s Got Talent finalist and Canadian Songwriters Award winner for Best Adult Contemporary/Pop Song 2018, Stacey Kay, who sang the Oscar-nominated song “This Is Me.” The London Essentials, a five-piece acoustic party band, continued the thrills, followed by performances from Pia Toscano (American Idol Finalist and star of the new Netflix show “Westside"); electrifying pianist, recording artist and composer William Joseph; international virtuoso violinist Caroline Campbell and R&B musical legend Brian McKnight who took the stage and delivered a memorable performance before Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra drew the night to an end with an energetic, show-stopping grand finale.“The Greatest Gateway” showcased breakthrough clinical cancer trials funded by Gateway, including Dr. Nathan Robison of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and his patient, Peighton Bailey. Dr. Robison is conducting a trial on low-grade gliomas and genetic mutations with childhood cancer. Using precision medicine, this multi- institutional trial studies the effects of MEK162, an inhibitor in tumor growth pathways. Peighton and her mom Jennifer shared her inspiring story, including the success of MEK162 in helping to shrink Peighton’s tumor and her dream to someday become a doctor and help other children facing cancer. Guests indulged in a custom culinary experience created by premier chef Markus Ford. (A personal favorite!) (Bob & Dawn Davis Photography)
TheLynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF)hosted its 33rd Anniversary Fall Benefit Luncheon with featured keynote speaker Jill Kargman on October 22 at the Hilton Chicago. Second City Chicago writer, actress, comedian and producer Maggie Smith served as emcee of the Academy Awards-themed event, “The Pink Ribbon Awards.” With more than 1,000 attendees, the event raised more than $975,000 to help advance the treatment of breast cancer in the hopes of one day finding a cure. The luncheon, co-chaired by Wendy Heltzer and Sheri Whitko, began in the Normandie Lounge with the PURSE-SUE THE CURE™ purse auction sponsored by Luxury Garage Sale which featured more than 200 new, collectable and kids’ handbags from preeminent retailers, upscale boutiques and private collections. The event then moved to the Grand Ballroom for the program and The Pink Ribbon Awards. Recipients were: two-time breast cancer survivor, Elizabeth Kirk, who received the “Warrior” award; Nora M. Hansen, MD, Chief of Breast Surgery of Northwestern Memorial Hospital received the “Hero” award and the Best Documentary Short Film award went to Grace. Breast cancer survivors in attendance and the founders of LSCRF were also bestowed with awards. The ceremony was followed by a Q&A with actress and author Jill Kargman, who recently underwent a double mastectomy due to the CHEK2 gene. Event proceeds will support innovative breast cancer research, fellowships and educational programs at Northwestern Medicine and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
Young at Heart Pet Rescue hosted its signature fundraiser, the Silver Paws gala, themed "Senior Pets are Hidden Treasure." Close to 300 guests raised over $166,000 for homeless senior pets, which equals a lot of lives saved in the coming year! A dozen Young at Heart ambassador dogs loved all of the attention from each and every guest, and they all napped like champs the next day from all of the excitement! During the gala, guests laughed, cried and then laughed some more over the joy of seeing pets adopted and the heartbreak that some are still waiting for forever homes. Junior volunteers Alix Burkhardt and Anishi Patel presented an original play,"Island of Youngat Heart, " that featured some of YAH's wonderful adoptable senior dogs. The inaugural Heart of Gold award was presented to Rita and John Canning for their support and incredible advancement of the welfare of older pets. The organization's Fund-a-Need video, produced by ErikPorter, highlighted just a few of the stories of senior pets that YAH has recently helped. Dawn Kemper, founder/executive director, announced that in the coming year, a new adoption center will open in Woodstock, Ill. in the spring. (Photos by Embracing Grace Photography) Just love this "no-kill" nonprofit and all the good they do to support senior dogs and cats. (To learn more click here!
More than 450 guests came together in support of La Rabida Children’s Hospital at the 2018 Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration, held at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago on November 15. As La Rabida’s largest fundraising event, the gala provides great awareness about La Rabida’s important role in the Chicago children’s medical community in maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of its patients with complex conditions, disabilities and chronic illness, regardless of ability to pay. The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. In the live and silent auctions, guests had the opportunity to bring home vacation packages, VIP tickets to the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls and at-home dining experiences. Ravi Baichwalof ABC 7 Chicago served as the evening’s emcee. Notable guests in attendance included Richard Burridge, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of RMB Capital, who received the Lifetime of Service award and Christine O’Reilly-Riordan, Vice President-Community Relations/Executive Director of Chicago White Sox Charities, who received the Community Support award. The event raised over $725,000 to support the organization. (Photos by Robert Carl)
WINGS Program Inc., the largest anti-domestic violence agency in Illinois, hosted the 66th U.S. former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at its Road to Freedom luncheon on November 2 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. WINGS provides shelter and family support to people fleeing domestic violence, but also provides services and education to break the cycle of abuse. The luncheon featured a Q&A session with Secretary Rice and moderator Greg Brown, CEO of Motorola Solutions, to discuss her book Democracy: The Long Road to Freedom. Mayor Emanuel also attended to speak about his support of WINGS and the importance of their acceptance of children in their shelters unlike others in Illinois. The luncheon raised over $1 million through individual and corporate sponsorships and day of donations. “Even though 1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence, 1 in 3 people think even a discussion of this is taboo,” said Rebecca Darr, WINGS CEO. “We are very excited about contributions made through this great event, but we have this conversation all year long. It costs 1.2 million dollars each year just to keep one of our shelters running. Our team never stops fundraising and looking for in-kind donations.” To help WINGS break the cycle of domestic violence, visit www.wingsprogram.com to make a donation, or visit www.wingsprogram.com/in-kind-gift-donations/ for a list of critical needs for in-kind donations.
Huge congrats to Julie Roth Novack and her incredible PartySlatethat just celebrated its 3-year anniversary on November 9! Chicago’s top event professionals and tastemakers gathered at Venue West to celebrate PartySlate and the birthday of Julie, PartySlate co-founder/CEO. Paulette Wolf Events and Erin McDonald Design created a luxe emerald green and copper palette, filling the room with incredible balloon installations, towering florals, and elegant food stations from some of the city’s top restaurants. Kent Drake Photography captured every celebratory moment, including the always-packed dance floor, thanks to Taylor Pace Orchestra and Flow Entertainment. Since its founding in Chicago three years ago, PartySlate (a digital platform designed for leading event professionals to share their work with the world) has launched in Los Angeles, Dallas, New York City, and San Francisco, with Palm Beach scheduled for later this month. You go GURLLLLL!!!!
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundationhosted its 5th annual A Walk for the BearCostume Walkon Sunday, October 21 in Lincoln Park. A Walk for the Bear brings together family, friends and supporters of Bear Necessities to honor the children who are currently fighting and those who have lost their battle to cancer. With nearly 500 participants in attendance, the event successfully raised more than $58,000 for pediatric cancer research. This spooktacular, family-friendly event was hosted by 103.5 KISS-FM’s Rufio. The warm-up was led by professional boxer and WBC Continental Americas 2017 Champion, Mike Jimenez, and featured tricks and sweet treats along the 3-mile trail. Following the walk, attendees enjoyed a box lunch provided by Mariano’s and participated in a variety of Halloween activities, including a costume contest and pumpkin decorating. The Kids Tent featured face painting, a bounce house, balloon animals and ghoulish games and crafts.
This sounds almost too good to be true! Elf'd Up, a holiday pop-up bar now open in Wrigleyville ( 3485 N. Clark, aka Stretch Bar & Grill). This new high-energy, holiday pop-up bar will run through the end of January. Decorated as a full-blown tribute to the movie "Elf", the venue will offer guests themed cocktails and seasonal menu items, ornament decorating nights, a complimentary Santa Cookie Service daily at 10 p.m., a "Get Elf'd Up" happy hour that will benefit Compassion, DJs playing holiday mashups and more. Elf'd Up will be decorated from floor to ceiling with over 200 elves of all shapes and sizes, a 10-foot Christmas tree, an upside down Christmas tree, wreath chandeliers, strands of colored lights, a snow machine, specific tributes to the movie that will include figurines, wall quotes, snowflakes, Schylling Jester Jack in the Boxes, condiment carriers filled with maple syrup and candy canes, and other holiday decor. OH MY!! See YOU there! (www.elfdup.com) And you won't want to miss Santa Baby (3505 N. Clark, aka Deuces and the Diamond Club), right next door (my favorite holiday pop-up!!), since the lights can probably be seen from outer space! (Peek inside here!) Catch them both for a full dose of holiday cheer (through Jan. 6)!
3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grant-making organization, was honored to award 20 Chicago artists with unrestricted grants at the 11th annual 3Arts Awards Celebration, that took place on November 5 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The celebration recognized 3Arts Award recipients along with recipients from Make a Wave—an unprecedented artist-to-artist giving initiative. The evening honored ten artists with $25,000 cash grants and ten additional artists with $1,000 grants as part of the peer-to-peer giving program, Make A Wave. 3Arts has distributed more than $3 million in total funding to more than 600 Chicago artists over the past eleven years and awarded $260,000 on this night. “Championing Chicago artists is a privilege like no other. We are thrilled to present our awardees with opportunities that they profoundly deserve,” said Esther Grisham Grimm, executive director of 3Arts. “Last year’s launch of Make a Wave made it abundantly clear that there is nothing quite as exciting as witnessing artists offering support to other artists by paying it forward and encouraging them to dream big.” This year’s 3Arts Awards celebration featured performances by past awardees including wheelchair dancer Kris Lenzo and operatic baritone Will Liverman. The event was led by co-chairs Erryn Cobb (3Arts Board of Directors and CEO of Fetch Integrated Marketing Communications), Remberto Del Real (3Arts Board of Directors and Managing Director of Personal and Business Banking Marketing for BMO Harris Bank), and Jess Godwin (singer/songwriter and 2016 3Arts Award recipient). The 2018 Make a Wave recipients are: Nura Aly (violinist, educator, and dancer); Silvia Inés Gonzalez (interdisciplinary artist and educator); Krystal Grover-Webb (visual artist and educator); Jo de Presser, aka Marlon Billups (DJ); Joelle Lamarre (soprano, teacher, and playwright); Jenna M. Lyle (experimental musician and performer); Krystel V. McNeil (actor); Gonzalo Escobar Mora (visual artist and experimental filmmaker); Carolyn O’Brien (composer); and Ana Santos (actor). The recipients of the 2018 3Arts Awards are: T. Ayo Alston, 3Arts/Southwest Airlines Awardee; Anna Martine Whitehead, 3Arts/O’Neill & Williams Family Awardee; Brittany “BrittanE” Edwards; Ben LaMar Gay, 3Arts/Stan Lipkin & Evelyn Appell Lipkin Awardee; Leida “Lady Sol” Garcia, 3Arts/RH, Restoration Hardware Awardee; Elgin Bokari T. Smith,3Arts/Denise & Gary Gardner Awardee; Sandra Delgado, 3Arts; Community Awardee; Christine Pascual, 3Arts/Lakeside Bank Awardee; Dianna Frid, 3Arts/Chandler Family Awardee and Hương Ngô, 3Arts/Reva & David Logan Foundation Awardee. (Robin SubarPhotography)
Such happy news! Longtime lovebirds Sheryl Dyer and Joe Schmidt made it official on Thanksgiving Day when he popped the question in front of family and friends at a Sea Island, Georgia get-together! Sheryl is the managing director of Van Cleef & Arpels and Joe is the president (and crack golfer) at Saint Patrick High School! Long may they love!! Woot! Woot!
Christmas is in full swing at our house. Actually, we started decorating before Thanksgiving but don't judge me 'bro. It's our favorite time of the year so I'm always anxious to dust off the decor and fill the house with holiday cheer! Nothing makes me happier than to see every nook and cranny filled with something that makes me smile. I'm especially proud of our antique Christmas collection, but then, this stays up all year-round! Ho! Ho! Ho!
I hope you all had the happiest of Thanksgivings! We had a bittersweet one with my sister and brother-in-law (Nancy andDr. Os Steinwald). Bittersweet because it was our last one together in Chicago as they're moving to Florida soon. We're losing so many friends to the enticing warmer clime of the Sunshine State. Just this week, beloved Jan Melk has decamped to her new home on Fisher Island and Leslie Hindman (Happy Birthday!) has made Palm Beach her permanent residence as well. I hope they all know they haven't escaped us….we can drive ya' know!
…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!
…PLUS SUPERMODEL & MICH MAG’S A SHORE THING, 50 & BEAUTIFUL, TALKCHIC, LOVE IS IN THE AIR, GAMING FOR GREEN, MISS FOSTER'S 'STELLABRATION,' UPCOMING EVENTS AND SO MUCH MORE!
Man-about-town Marco Foster was a man with a mission in his desire to create a successful fundraiser for One Hope United, an organization which is near and dear to his heart. On July 27th, his many friends and supporters came out in force to help Marco give back. Held at Underground, this annual event was also a celebration of Marco’s birthday with 100 percent of the proceeds going to this organization whose mission is to protect children and strengthen families in Chicago. Marco’s story is a remarkable one: After being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2009 and having a successful surgery on Thanksgiving Day (appropriately) that same year, he has been a role model for giving back to numerous charity events throughout Chicago, especially to causes that have made a major impact on his life. Besides being an advocate for One Hope United, he also supports the American Brain Tumor Association, where he spreads the message of his experience and the importance of giving to charity. “It shouldn’t take a drastic event in one’s life to create change,” said Marco. “We all have the ability to be an instrument of change and I’m honored to have such support from the event’s co-hosts, the Underground, and the leadership from One Hope United to help pull this all off.” Co-hosts for the night included NBC multimedia journalist and five-time Emmy winner Marcus Riley, Akira Chicago owner Jon Cotay, WGN’s "Living Healthy Chicago" host Jane Monzures, PR industry pioneer and motivational speaker Chris Foltz and moi. Marco also founded the elite fashion networking group Chicago Models, as well as creating a popular social media following that is now used as a resource by hundreds in the fashion and modeling industry. Born and raised on the south side of Chicago, he has a passion for fashion and is, indeed, quite the bon vivant with an eye for style. By day, Foster is an IT guru managing the HelpDesk at Sargent & Lundy in the nuclear and fossil power plant industry. He’s a man of many talents but the ones he’s most proud of are of the charitable nature. One Hope United was founded as Chicago Baptist Orphanage in 1895 and Hudelson Baptist Children’s Home in 1903. In 1987, the two created a historic partnership evolving over the years to include foster care, clinical services and early childhood development. “I know what it’s like to get passed around from home to home and it
s not fun,” said Foster. And he should know since he was in foster care until the age of seven. It was a love-filled affair for a great cause hosted by a great guy! Congrats Marco and Happy Birthday – you are an inspiration! (Photos by Steve Starr and Mila Samokhina…check out more pics from this fun eventhere!)
Michigan Avenue Magazine and the Chicago Yacht Club presented "A Shore Thing" at Navy Pier on July 21st. The official viewing party for the Race to Mackinac provided guests with a front row seat for the Parade of Boats at this inaugural party hosted at the tip of Navy Pier by president/publisher Dan Uslan and editor-in-chief J.P. Anderson. With an assist from supermodel/reality star Joanna Krupa, this party celebrated the 104th race. Since 1898, sailors have embarked on the 333-mile race to Mackinac Island. This Chicago Yacht Club Race, presented by Veuve Clicquot, is the oldest and most prestigious freshwater sailing race attracting some of the world's best sailors. "The Mac" hosts 350 boats with approximately 3,500 sailors competing in this world-class sporting event. To view all the pics from this event, please click here!
More than 300 people converged on the legendary Drake Hotel for the fifth annual 50 & Beautiful Fashion Show, hosted by Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions and Shaun Rajah of the Drake Hotel. “This event is about showing that beauty has no age, no race, no height or size restrictions and embracing and celebrating this fact,” said Melinda Joseph. “I am proud to be friends with these ladies. They are beautiful inside and out,” added Cece Gonzales. Fifty stylish women walked the catwalk in designs fromAl Menotti, Regina Rice, Sujata Gazder, Fraley Le, Mark Roscoe and Andrea Gems. Models included Kathy O’Malley Piccone, Margaret O’Connor, Shea Vaughn, Denise Tomasello, Mable Buckner Payton, Rosemary Fanti, Kim Gleeson, Deborah Goodman, Ellen Wesley, Dorothy Whealan and Karen Williams. A reception followed in the Palm Court where guests enjoyed live entertainment by the Mike Walters Trio. (Hot DJ Madrid did the show music.) A portion of the proceeds benefitted A Silver Lining Foundation. Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the mission of A Silver Lining is to ensure dignified, respectful and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all, by creating meaningful partnerships with community, advocacy and healthcare organizations. For more info on this organization, please visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org. (Photos by Steve Starr and Nick Pinto.)
TalkChic is up and running so it’s time to break out the champagne flutes for founders Nena Ivon, Jane Stewart and Linda Heister! This speaker’s bureau is a consortium of experts who offer an array of programs on lifestyle topics. A division of Stewart Talent, speakers include Bill Zwecker (entertainment insider), Hutton Wilkinson (Beverly Hills interior designer and master jeweler), Stanley Paul (maestro and master story teller), Bunky Cushing (party planner extraordinaire), Sherrill Bodine (best-selling romance novelist), Ina Pinkney (culinary master), Debra Mancoff (art and garden expert), Michael Anderson (world of ballet expert), Ron Falzone (award winning screenwriter), Jan Parr (publishing expert), Nena (fashion history) and moi (jack of all trades and master of none). For more info, please contact Nena at nena@talkchic.com or Linda at Linda@talkchic.com or call 312.572.6111.
Love is definitely in the air this summer with beautiful weddings happening all around us. Starting with the popular and much loved Heather Farley and her new husband Bruce Ingram, theirs was the stuff dreams are made of! More than 200 guests convened in Lake Geneva at Bonnie Deutsch’s historic, private home which was once owned by Art Institute founding father, Martin Ryerson. The ceremony was presided over by long-time friend Judge Mary Pat Burns, followed by a reception held on the grounds in a massive tent. Heather’s father wrote a “speech” for the happy couple that he sang to the crowd amid many tears of happiness. At dusk, the largest boat on Lake Geneva – The Lady of the Lake – docked to gather guests for dessert and dancing. A DJ played hot mixes and special guest Katarina played the electric violin. Heather and Bruce enjoyed their first dance – to “Hooked on a Feeling” – and danced the night away with guests who included Mamie Walton, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sherrill and John Bodine, Toni and Rick Canada, Nina and Bob Mariano and Lynn and John McMahan. When the boat docked at 11 p.m., a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream cart capped off a perfect summer wedding on the lake. Congrats Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Ingram! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)
Another magical wedding was held in Lake Forest this past weekend uniting lovely Laura Nosko and Dr. Paul Steinwald. The First Presbyterian Church was filled to the rafters with guests excited to witness the union of these much loved and much IN love people. (Paul is the son of Dr. Os Steinwald, our brother-in-law). This church is so beautiful and it was only eclipsed by the bride and her lovely bridesmaids. The reception was held on the elegant grounds of Lake Forest Academy with the sit-down dinner for 250 held in the marble halls of the historic Armour House. There were many lovely speeches but a standout was Paul’s younger brother and best man, George, who admiringly called his brother “the DJ of life.” Guests in attendance included Meredith and Todd Burkitt, Ashley and Tom Margulis, Maureen and John Dugan, Susan and Antonio Mena, Nancy Steinwald, Amy Steinwald, Ann and Jim McNulty, Mary Louise Loeb, Lee Widhelm, Bruce and Ronnie Steinwald, Karen and John Nosko (parents of the bride), Mildred and John Nosko (grandparents of the bride), Christy Lukes, Beth Fioritto, Abbie Ferguson, Rachel Patel, Thomas Kelly, Chester Nakamura, Steven Vath, Miki Ferenczy, James Rooney, Richard Milone, Margie and Tom Ward and us. Congrats, Dr. and Mrs. Paul Steinwald! (Click here for more pics!)
Chicago Gateway Green, along with its sponsoring presenter and longtime Expressway Program Partner Horseshoe Casino, hosted their seventh annual Gaming for Green, a popular poker tournament and casino night held on July 12th at Galleria Marchetti. Hosted by Roe Conn and Richard Roeper of “Roe and Roeper” on WLS 890AM, the event raised $35,000 for Chicago Gateway Green’s Tree Partnership Program. This program is a large-scale volunteer tree planting initiative that transforms vacant land across Chicago’s neighborhoods into tree-filled green spaces thereby improving Chicago’s neighborhoods. “Our Tree Partnership is a crucial part of the ongoing effort to green and beautify Chicago,” said Grant DePorter, chairman Gateway Green. Chaid Freid of Northbrook was the evening’s first-place winner and earned a Main Event Championship Seat at the World Series of Poker Circuit event in Las Vegas, a $10K value. Seen on the scene were former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich, NBC 5’s Natalie Martinez and NBC Executive Producer Matt Piacente, Sarah Cooley, Heather Korpella, John Fritchey and Joanna DePorter among others. For more info on Chicago Gateway Green, including details on the annual Green Tie Ball gala on Sept. 15th, please visit www.gatewaygreen.org or call 312.540.9930.
City Winery Chicago is hosting a preview party to benefit arts education non-profit Urban Gateways on Saturday, August 11th from 7 to 10 p.m. This fundraiser will be the public’s first chance to experience the new 33,000-square-foot wine, food and music venue in Chicago’s West Loop. (It officially opens on August 15th with five nights of performances by comedian Lewis Black.) Guests will be treated to complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres and live jazz and blues performances by Reginald Robinson and the 5th Element, and Eric Noden & Joe Falisko with special guest Katherine Davis. One hundred percent of proceeds will go to Urban Gateways. Michael Dorf, City Winery’s founder, first opened a City Winery location in NYC in 2008. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online or at the door. For more info, please click here!
Compassion, Fashion & Cocktails, a charity event celebrating pioneers in fashion, food and film will be held at Frontier, located at 1072 N. Milwaukee, on Thursday August 23rd, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Co-chaired by Lema Khorshid, Sarah Noonan, Fei Wang and Sam Yanover, the evening will honor the arts while raising money for the non-profits The Musical Art Institute, Bin Donated (as seen on ABC’s "Secret Millionaire") and St. Vincent de Paul Center & Marillac Social Center. Frontier will be transformed into a cutting-edge runway scene with fashions by designer Eva Franco and jazz performances from students of The Musical Arts Institute. A special menu will be presented by Chef Brian Jupiter. A cocktail reception from 6:30 to 8:30 will be hosted by Bombay Sapphire. Tickets are $40, $55 at the door. (All proceeds will go to the charities.) For info, please click here.
Bridal Wave, presented by Kenmore Craftsman, will premiere Saturday, August 4th. Join them live or online as some of the country’s most respected wedding experts share their secrets. If it has anything to do with getting married, they’ll be talking about it on Bridal Wave! Be a part of the audience at 233 W. Huron on Saturdays starting August 4th through September 29th at 10 a.m.!
Saw Denzel Washington's beautiful wife, Pauletta, at dinner at Bijan recently with makeup/style gurus Reggie Wells (Oprah’s longtime makeup artist) and George Fuller. Plans are in the works for a reality show about making everyday people on the street look fabulous with a makeover – I think the working title will be “Finding Fabulous.” These two guys could make Godzilla look great so I can't wait to see what they've cooked up!! Congrats and good luck!!!
On a sad note, I CANNOT believe I won’t be able to read Stella Foster’s column in the Sun-Times anymore!?!?!?! This wonderful reporter gave a voice to the voiceless, love to her friends and always, Always, ALWAYS told it like it is! On Saturday, Operation PUSH has proclaimed “Stella Foster Day” in Chicago at their headquarters at 930 E. 50th starting at 10 a.m. Her fans are legion and I can’t imagine the mail her paper must be receiving. And believe me, this is the first of many events that will be planned in her honor. I can’t wait to participate. “I am overwhelmed by the love and support from my readers and the dignitaries in this town,” said Miss Stella. You ain’t seen nothin’ yet! We love you, Stella!
Thanks to all of you for reading my little blogazine! I hope you enjoy it! Please send me any comments at Candace@CandidCandace.com – I want to keep you informed and entertained so please send me your suggestions! Thanks and hope you’re having a wonderful summer!
P.S. What a thrill for Dr. Steven Stryker who, along with Dan Dalton, were Distinguished Visitors aboard the U.S.S. Stennis, a Navy aircraft carrier that’s being deployed to the Persian Gulf next month. So cool!!!
…PLUS “MAKING A SCENE” FOR CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE, “GREAT FUTURES” FOR UNION LEAGUE, WORLD OF CHOCOLATE, POP TABS FOR CHARITY, WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR AND MORE!
The Junior League’s 40th annual Gazebo Holiday Market celebrated the organization’s centennial year on Friday, November 18th, and was filled with more than 40 vendors from across the country. The preview party, “Martinis & Mistletoe,” was chaired by Julie Rogers and Laura Stevenson and attracted more than 350 young, professional movers and shakers. Santa (aka John Sullivan) greeted guests at the door and, for a small donation, you could have your photo taken with him. The atmosphere was festive and happy and it seemed like ALL of the organization’s 1,600 women members participated in some way to make this event the success that it was. Shopping continued on Saturday with almost 1,000 people attending! Friday night’s preview party included cocktails, music, cheese samplings from Cabot Creamery, Jo Malone fragrance consultations, facials by Thrive Integrative Medical Spa, chair massages by Health Source Chiropractic, raffle drawings, Sugar Bliss Cupcakes samplings, tasty hors d’oeuvres and so much more. It also offered a first look at the unique holiday offerings that included gifts from Antique Creations (Art Deco cufflinks, Victorian watches and more items filled with nostalgia), Tiny Creations (children’s clothing), Katherine Anne Confections (delicious handmade chocolate truffles and caramels), K. Amato Jewelry, Barque (canine couture) and Shernette Swaby (designer creations) among many others. There were a couple of standouts at this holiday market that could be a column all on their own – the first being Frames by Devora. I was captivated by this colorful booth manned by a very cheery Sheila Fisher, mother of Devora. At seven months old, Devora was diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and has since then had numerous additional medical problems requiring 24-hour supervision. Despite her diagnosis, she graduated from New Trier High School in 2007 and now, at age 26, is painting and designing custom photo frames to raise awareness for this disease as well as to enable herself and others like her to live with family and lead fulfilling lives as productive members of their community. Sheila Fisher said, “Our goal with Frames by Devora is to spread the message that no matter what level someone is that everyone can do something and everyone has worth.” What a delightful idea for a holiday gift! My other highlight was an amazing baby collection called TwoTara designed and conceived 15 months ago by Kate Janeczko that included pink-to-blue reversible clothing and accessories for newborn babies. With over 40 percent of new parents not learning the sex of their baby until birth, this product is a game changer! No more settling for yellow and green for a baby gift. TwoTara also makes a perfect baby shower gift, take-home outfit and the perfect hand-me-down! Kate’s collection is now in 50 stores in eleven states and I’m pretty sure it will become a household name soon! For this wonderful two-day market, a portion of every purchase was donated to the JLC’s community projects dedicated to the empowerment of at-risk women and children in the Chicagoland area. Mark your calendars now for their next event, “Windy City Nights,” which is set for Saturday, March 24th.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel kicked off the annual “Making a Scene” benefit with more than 250 supporters in attendance to benefit the Chicago Children’s Theatre, the city’s only professional theatre company dedicated to young audiences. The event was held at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory, a hip, urban one-of-a-kind special event venue filled with classic cars, retro neon signs, steel beams and skylights. Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7’s “Hungry Hound” planned a delicious menu for the evening in consultation with J & L Catering. Magician and House Theatre company member Dennis Watkins performed a daring stunt made famous by Harry Houdini – a death-defying escape from Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. (Watkins’ stunt spurred buzz for the theatre’s upcoming world premiere of “The Houdini Box,” the new musical adventure set to begin on January 27th at Chicago’s Mercury Theater.) With leadership from event co-chairs Krista and J.P. Gallagher, Julia Harris, Sonny Garg and the CCT “Making a Scene” host committee, this event surpassed its fundraising goals raising more than $340K for the theatre company and its Red Kite Project, an ongoing outreach initiative dedicated to making live theater accessible to children on the autism spectrum. Actor Daniel Eichengreen delivered a touching testimonial about this project and the effect it’s had on his own life. Auctioneer Greg Dellinger fielded bids on live auction packages that included a Starwood’s Viceroy Anguilla Caribbean Beach Resort trip with first class United Airlines airfare (what a perfect time for this prize!) and a Top Gun Simulator package gifted by United Airlines to experience flight from the captain’s seat at their Denver training facility among other exciting offerings. (I’ll take the Caribbean trip please, thank you very much!) “Scenemaker” host committee members included Eda Davidman, Gigi Pritzker Pucker and Michael Pucker, Elizabeth and Jeff Purvis, Steve Dolinsky, Ahmer and Samar Ahmad, Kristen and Matt Bonanno, Tom and Dawn Clewatt, Rob and Mary Collins, Nancy Cooper, Jerry and Bill Eichengreen, Bridget Gainer, Mara and Andy Gloor, Nada and Michael Gray among others. Chicago Children’s Theatre’s latest hit musical, “Goodnight Moon, the Musical” is on stage now at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln, through December 23rd. To view ALL event pics by Ravi Ganapathy, please click here!)
The 34th Annual Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Gala, “Great Futures Start Here,” brought out more than 300 supporters and raised upwards of $200K to support the organization’s five clubhouses throughout the city. ABC7 anchor Kathy Brock emceed this event chaired by Gail Kiss to raise funds to expand programs and services which will benefit more than 11,000 Chicago children. The evening included a silent and live auction featuring a sculpture by respected Chicago artist, Richard Hunt. Guests dined on a seasonally inspired four course meal by Union League Club Executive Chef Michael Garbin and danced the night away to the sounds of the Al Sofia Orchestra. The organization’s impact on the community is substantial with 99 percent of its members graduating from high school. Union League Boys & Girls Club President Michael Chioros had this to say: “Over the past 34 years the gala has raised more than $3 million and benefitted over 250,000 youths ages 6-18 in Chicago. Additionally, we are able to offer 697 youths an opportunity to attend our 250 acre summer camp in Salem, Wisconsin where they can experience an environment free from drugs, gangs and violence and lead them to a great future.” For more than 90 years, the organization has served thousands of children in five inner city Chicago clubs in the Pilsen, West Town and Humboldt Park communities. (For more info about this wonderful organization, please visit www.ulbgc.org and big thanks to Steve Starr for the fab fotos!)
The 10th annual World of Chocolate holiday extravaganza benefitting the Aids Foundation of Chicago will be held at the Hilton Chicago on Thursday, December 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. This year’s event will help commemorate World AIDS Day and help celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in grand style with chocolate creations from more than 30 of Chicago’s finest restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers. A Memory Wall, a powerful display of photos and words, will honor those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who bravely live with the disease every day. For tickets and more info, please click here.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Food was plentiful at my sister and brother-in-law’s, (Nancy and Os Steinwald) and the family is healthy. Sadly, I know this isn’t the case for everyone. Maybe this is why I’ve always loved Oprah’s idea of a gratitude journal. I also love – and never miss – Michael Sneed’s annual Sun-Times Thanksgiving column where she gives thanks for the important things in her life. And it isn’t just the obvious things like the good health of your children or the love of your spouse: She is thankful for the small things, too, like a cactus wren or the smell of coffee from a favorite restaurant in Mexico. As I reflect on the year that’s almost behind us, I think there is certainly much to be thankful for. Of course I am grateful for my ever-patient husband Chuck. I don’t know how he puts up with some of my “ideas” but I am certainly grateful. I love putting up my Christmas décor and love the memories of each and every ornament as I place it on our tree. I love feeding the backyard birds and especially love the Downy woodpecker that seems so tame he practically comes when I call. I love watching the dancers of the Joffrey Ballet do anything. I love knowing that our city will have the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House. I love knowing that Common Threads is growing by leaps and bounds so more kids can gain confidence and knowledge through its programs. I love the horse and carriages that clatter down our street when you least expect it. I love my neighbors…yes, you heard me right. I love any party at Steve and Lucy Weiss’. They remind me of what a community should be like with wonderful camaraderie and happy, easy laughter. And I love seeing my friends succeed at whatever task they’re attempting. (To see pics, please click here.) I am also so very, very grateful to have this blog, my Tribune column, my Chicago Now gig (and Jimmy Greenfield especially) and my new show on Watch312.com. You never know where life will take you but I am ready for the ride! 🙂
P.S. I know that money is short nowadays for everybody and that buying expensive tickets to charity galas is not always an option, but if you still want to help the less fortunate, Ronald McDonald House Charities has a solution! If you have the opportunity, please save your pop tabs! United Scrap Metal, a local recycling company, recycles the metal and pays RMHC the market value, plus a charitable match on a percentage of their profit. There are six locations to turn in your tabs so please click here for more info and happy recycling!
The Center for Enriched Living will host a virtual Chef's Night on Monday, June 28. Watch website for details coming soon! 
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!) 
Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and 
national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
![3Arts Awardees: [Back row] Hương Ngô, Brittany “BrittanE” Edwards, Dianna Frid, Leida “Lady Sol” Garcia. [Front row] Christine Pascual, Anna Martine Whitehead, Elgin Bokari T. Smith, T. Ayo Alston and Sandra Delgado.](https://i0.wp.com/candidcandace.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/mt_imported_image_1757714069.jpg?ssl=1 "3Arts Awardees: [Back row] Hương Ngô, Brittany “BrittanE” Edwards, Dianna Frid, Leida “Lady Sol” Garcia. [Front row] Christine Pascual, Anna Martine Whitehead, Elgin Bokari T. Smith, T. Ayo Alston and Sandra Delgado.")
