Tag Archives: Peter Fasseas

May 13, 2013 · 8:57 am

STEPPENWOLF’S MILLION DOLLAR FUNDRAISER IS LOADED WITH TALENT!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

And last but not least, the Juvenile Protective Association will hold its signature “Mission Possible” benefit on May 17th at 6:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Proceeds from JPA’s largest event of the year will support programs serving Chicago's families who are struggling with child abuse and neglect. The auction highlights will include a chance to win a photo shoot with renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski, a baseball autographed by some of the greatest Hall of Famers including Babe Ruth, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Hank Aaron and Lou Gehrig, and a walk-on role/set visit through ABC’s Golden Globe- and Emmy-winning TV show, “Modern Family.” For tickets ($350) and more info, please click here! (I've never seen such incredible auction offerings! OMGoodness!)

I hope I’ll see you at some of these wonderful events around town! Chicago is such a supportive city and it thrills me to see the amounts being raised for so many deserving charities! Great fun and great causes! Have a beautiful week and I’ll see you again soon!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

PAWS-ITIVELY THE BEST FUR BALL YET…AND BILLY CORGAN HELPED!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO CELEBRATES 122ND GALA, LUXURY GARAGE SALE’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO DEFENDER’S NEWSMAKERS GALA, L’ECOLE DE CHOIX IS LISTENING, WORLD OF CHOCOLATE’S TASTY FUNDRAISER, HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, WALTER WRITES A BOOK, CHICAGO TOY & GAME SHOW, THE CAROLING PARTY CELEBRATES 26 AND SO MUCH MORE!

A record 725 guests escorting 150 pet companions gathered at The Drake Hotel on Friday, November 9th for a special evening of elegance and compassion at PAWS Chicago’s 11th Annual Fur Ball. As Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala, the event raised more than $1,000,000 which will go directly to saving the lives of Chicago’s homeless animals, making it the most successful Fur Ball to date. Lucky pups in attendance indulged in a doggie buffet served in crystal goblets and received pampered treatments in the Dog Spa, complete with an animal masseuse and paw-dicures. Meanwhile, their human counterparts enjoyed an elegant dinner buffet, silent and live auctions, raffle, dancing, people and pet illustrations by Rosemary Fanti and insight into their pet’s thoughts through animal communicator, Alicia Halloran. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, Chopper Trading and The Drake Hotel, the event was co-chaired by Joanna Mallers, Rita Moore and Lauren and Sandy Walfish. Honorary chairs Bonnie and Jim Spurlock were celebrated for their long-term dedication and generosity to helping save the lives of homeless pets. The David Duffield Family received the PAWS Chicago Visionary Award for their exemplary work on a national scale with Maddie’s Fund, which is dedicated to building no-kill communities. (Maddie’s Fund has donated more than $300 million to date in their efforts to make this a no-kill nation.) The highlight of the evening was the exciting live auction, featuring one-of-a-kind items. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan helped auction off a private acoustic performance and sit-down tea with him at his new Highland Park tea house, Madame Zuzu’s. After a bidding war between three guests, Billy generously offered the same chance to each bidder, all together raising $90,000 for homeless pets. This chance of
a lifetime went to Kristy Kitzmiller, Mayari Pritzker and Nancy Timmers. “Like many of you in this room, I’m a pet lover. Two of my kitties came from PAWS, they were left in a box in 2003,” said Corgan. “The mother only had one eye and was missing a leg and I adopted two of her kittens. So every day of my life, I feel blessed to have these kittens and it’s because of an organization like this that they exist.” Earning the opportunity to have their pet featured on the cover of the 2013 PAWS Chicago Desktop Calendar was John & Rita Canning, with a winning bid of $22,000. A portrait sitting with renowned celebrity photographer Victor Skrebneski (donated by Skrebneski himself) was won by Nancy Timmers for $18,000. And a luxurious trip to Beijing brought in $13,000, purchased by Melinda McMullen and donated by American Airlines, Grand Hyatt Beijing, Park Hyatt Beijing and Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Additional auction items included four VIP tickets to “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” a five night stay in a gorgeous Dominican Republic villa and tickets to the 2013 Grammy Awards and the official after-party. Presenting sponsor Raj Fernando of Chopper Trading raised his hand during the “Bid to Save Lives” and committed to a $63,000 matching gift for spay/neuter surgeries for pets of low-income families, which was fulfilled by three generous donors. “The success of this year’s Fur Ball directly translates into PAWS Chicago being able to increase the number of animals we save,” said PAWS Chicago founder and chair Paula Fasseas. “With no government funding, we are reliant on support from our animal-loving community and events like the Fur Ball are essential to continuing our life-saving work.” To learn more about this wonderful organization, please visit www.PawsChicago.org. (Photos courtesy of Sparenga, Malia Rae and Richard Chen Photography, Alexis Fasseas and moi…to see MORE event pics, please click here!) Stay tuned for my Watch312.com video coverage coming SOON!

The Service Club of Chicago celebrated its 122nd gala on November 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel. The sounds of violins filled the air as more than 400 guests ascended the stairway for the opening reception outside the Grand Ballroom. As always, the extensive silent auction offerings kept the black tie clad attendees busy bidding while they sipped cocktails and mingled with friends before the doors were swung open to reveal spectacular décor by Tom Kehoe Designs, the organization’s much loved design expert. Co-chaired by Kimberly Gleeson and Elizabeth Brodsky, the night was themed “With Gratitude” and featured a parade of past gala chairs who were led into the ballroom on the arms of tuxedo clad dancers in top hats. Twenty-five former gala chairs were in attendance beginning with Marguerite Hark, who chaired her gala in 1983. SC President Vonita Reescer welcomed guests and said, “Our board and our event/committee chairs have worked so hard all year long. From God Save My Shoes and the Hat Luncheon to the Day on the Terrace, our educational events and Day at the Races, it has been a year of much accomplishment of which we can all be proud. Tonight’s ball pays tribute to all of the ball chairs throughout our history who have made a difference and whose contributions enable The Service Club to continue its important work. All of these ladies, starting with the Palmers and the Armours, all the way to Brodsky and Gleeson, have made their mark and have made us strong.” Elizabeth and Kimberly thanked Jamie Breslin and her staff at the Four Seasons and “Mr. Music”, Stanley Paul, who entertained with his formidable orchestra. (Peter Oprisko performed for the after-party.) The live auction, conducted during dinner by David Goodman, including a trip to San Francisco, courtesy of American Airlines and the Terlato Family Vineyards. PAWS Chicago upped the excitement level when three pets were offered for adoption, one kitten and two Lab/retriever mixes. Chef Charlie Trotter and wife Rochelle (wearing an elegant gown by Atelier Azza) were the lucky winners of one of the puppies as well as Richard Doermer (who bought the pup for his daughter). The night was magical in every way and you could hear the happy sounds of laughter and applause filling the room as paddles were raised to bid in support of the SC. This organization is one of the oldest in Chicago having been founded in 1890. Originally created to serve the needs of the city’s most vulnerable, particularly immigrant women and children, the club hosted bazaars and participated in sewing circles to raise the revenues they needed to support their charitable work. Their good work continues and, last year, they awarded more than $252K to agencies working in a wide variety of fields, including the arts, disability services, early childhood care, education, health and healthcare, HIV/AIDS services and youth development. This night raised more than $400K for The Service Club of Chicago. (To see how you can get involved, please click here…and view more pics here!)

Nearly 200 fashion-forward Chicagoans headed to the hottest new upscale consignment shop in town – Luxury Garage Sale – located right in my Old Town ‘hood at 1658 N. Wells. The 3,300-square-foot boutique presents a refined and impeccably curated collection of discounted couture clothing, accessories, designer handbags and shoes. The fashionable and business savvy duo behind the booming business, founders, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal, have created a space where designer-loving fans can peruse and purchase the company’s highly coveted inventory that will change daily, as well as drop-off couture they’re ready to surrender from their own closets. At the event, guests toasted the gorgeous new store with Moet champagne and Coco Mori desserts, whose custom cake pops were adorned with LGS, Chanel and Louis Vuitton logos. A supporter of the event, Moet’s own Peggy Lanigan, presented Segal and Buchberg with a magnum bottle of Moet custom designed with Luxury Garage Sale. (Awwwwww!) Radiant Buchberg (pregnant with twins due in early 2013 and wearing a breathtaking vintage necklace) and Segal (looking chic in Prada and Miu Miu) greeted friends and consigners and thanked everyone for their support to help open the new store. The fabulous fete also brought out some well-known Chicago faces including Ashley Hooks (Miss Illinois USA 2012), Graham Kostic (GlossedandFound.com), Chicago Bears head coach’s wife MaryAnne Smith (with daughter-in-law Kristin Smith), Amy Tara Koch, Steve and Lucy Weiss (Zacuto Manufacturing) and Lesley Prizant Goodman among many others. Luxury Garage Sale provides a unique service and format for buying and selling new, gently-used and vintage clothing, shoes, accessories and collectibles. Their new boutique will feature a daily carefully curated collection of their favorite ‘finds’ such as Chanel handbags and vintage Balenciaga, as well as overstock from some of the top boutiques nationwide. Store hours will be Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more info, visit luxurygaragesale.com. I’ll see YOU there, I hope!

The Chicago Defender’s Newsmakers Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency on November 3rd. This prestigious award ceremony highlights people doing great things in the community. Honorees in different industries who have influenced lives near and far are Steve Harvey (Multi-Media), Val Warner (journalist and television host, “Windy City Live”), Larry Huggins (acting Chairman, METRA), Jean-Claude Brizard (former CEO, Chicago Public Schools), Karen Lewis (president, Chicago Teachers Union), Karen Freeman-Wilson (Mayor of Gary, Indiana) and Tio Hardiman (director of CeaseFire Illinois). For 107 years, the Chicago Defender has been a powerful force in unifying African American and African communities across the globe. They have initiated and supported some of the biggest movements in the United States including the Great Northern Migration in the early 1900’s to the Civil Rights Movement in the '50s and '60s to the 2012 election. Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church (aka the Rooftop Pastor) received the Newsmaker of the Year Award for his commitment to camping out on the roof of the downtrodden motel which he intends to replace with a community center for 90 days. Retired (sadly!) Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her journalistic contributions. Renowned jazz vocalist Maggie Brown performed. Congrats to ALL of these deserving honorees!

“Does anyone care, is anyone even listening?” asks 12-year-old Daniel Toussaint, a student at The School of Choice (L'Ecole de Choix), a first-of-its kind trilingual school in Mirebalais, Haiti, that provides a high-quality elementary education with a focus on leadership development for 183 children ages 4 to 12. Listening intently is one Chicago woman and a growing group of supporters who are committed to providing Daniel and his classmates with a unique gift in rural Haiti: choice. “Without choice, whether it’s about what we eat or what career we enter, we are deprived of our dignity,” says Laura Pincus Hartman (Vincent de Paul professor of business ethics at DePaul University) who is co-founder and board chair of the school. “For the hundreds of thousands who live in extreme poverty in Haiti’s Central Plateau, hope is a rare commodity, and choices are even scarcer.” Haitian Olympian triple jumper Samyr Laine will join Laura on one of her frequent visits to Choix in Haiti this fall to continue his commitment “to inspire his people and showcase my country's dignity.” To mark the success of its first academic anniversary and raise funds to meet annual operating costs, Laine joined Hartman at the “Virtual Visit To Choix” benefit on October 20th at The Francis W. Parker School that attracted more than 300 guests. Emceed by renowned Chicago comedian, commentator and actor Aaron Freeman, guests experienced Choix first-hand through videos, student profiles, interactive arts and crafts projects. Honorary chairs for the benefit included Lesly Condé (Consul Géneral, Consulate General of Haiti), Fr. Dennis Holtschneider (President, DePaul University), Andrew Mason (CEO, Groupon), Katrina Markoff (CEO, Vosges Chocolates), Senator Kwame Raoul (13th Dist., IL), Hon. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, IL), Chris Kennedy (Chair, Board of Trustees, Univ. of Illinois, Past President, Merchandise Mart), David Brown (Chairman, Much Shelist, P.C.), Suzanne Muchin (Founder, ROI Ventures) and Laura Pincus Hartman (Board Chair, L’Ecole de Choix, Vincent de Paul professor, DePaul University). “We want to instill in this next generation a pride and esteem for their culture, both current and historical,” says Hartman. “As the first and only Black republic to have overcome slavery, and remain a free people to this day, Haiti offers its children – as well as the rest of us – an extraordinary model of liberty.”
The Fifth Annual Global Health Initiative Benefit Dinner was held at The Peninsula on October 3rd. The evening was hosted by beloved Bill Kurtis and featured the president of Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates, Dr. Robert Havey, as well as Northwestern Feinberg medical student Joe Brown, who is currently on a GHI-funded rotation in Peru. More than 200 guests came out to support the GHI mission with the event raising more than $480K for global health education, providing access to healthcare in low resource areas worldwide and encouraging compassionate primary care medicine. For more info, visit clsma.com/ghi.

Don’t miss WORLD OF CHOCOLATE's one-of-a-kind annual party in commemoration of World’s AIDS Day. It will take place for the 11th year on Thursday, November 29th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan! If you love chocolate, then you will LOVE this event benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Dozens of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers will be offering up their most creative and tasty selections for a night that will also include a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with lavish prizes, music and so much more! Tickets start at $125. For info, please visit www.aidschicago.org/chocolate.

The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season. The League of Chicago Theatres has created a list of offerings with an updated list of holiday shows that will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com. Click HERE for a selection of holiday-themed work playing in Chicago, thus far, this season! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Twenty-five thousand visitors will head to Navy Pier this weekend (November 17th and 18th) for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair to shop and play with thousands of toys and games on display from over 250 exhibitors! The 10th anniversary of the fair – the largest public toy and game show in the country – will feature the holiday season’s newest offerings. Founder/CEO Mary Couzin says, “It will be like a giant interactive and bottomless toy box!” Count me IN!!!! For more info, visit www.ChiTag.com!

The Caroling Party will celebrate its 26th anniversary with a special performance in the Signature Room of the John Hancock with all 60 of their fabulous performers on Monday, December 3rd. Anyone dining in the 95th will get to see the show for FREE so make your reservations now for their 45-minute performance which will follow a visit to the Rehabilitation Institute where they will bring the sounds of the season to its patients. Congrats to Paul Iams and this wonderful group who brings joy to so many!

Congrats to beloved TV anchor/author Walter Jacobson on the launch of his recent book, "Walter's Perspective: A Memoir of Fifty Years in Chicago TV News." A group of friends celebrated his book launch at Gibson’s: Bill Kurtis, Bob Sirott, Jay Levine, Mary Ann Childers, Joe Ahern, Terry Savage, Victor Skrebneski, Billy Marovitz, Mancow, Roe Conn, Ryan Baker, Steve Baskerville, Marty Wilke, Joanie Bayhack, Rob Feder, Father Michael Pfleger, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Dominic DiFrisco, Sherren Leigh, Richard Babcock and Vonita Reescer all turned out to celebrate! Congrats Walter! To buy his wonderful book, please click here! (Photos by Steve Starr.)

As many of you know, our town has lost one of its most colorful and beloved characters. Celebrity photographer Steve Starr passed away suddenly on November 12th, a month to the day before an event that he had been planning for over a year, “The Face of the News”. The event has now turned into a celebration and tribute to this beloved man’s life. I never heard him say an unkind word, he always had a smile on his face and encouraged everyone around him to have one on theirs. No one cared more than he did if you looked good in your photo. He stayed up through the wee hours sending out individual pics from the evening to those people whose photos he’d taken. He taught us how to pose, he taught us how to live. He was a shining example of how to make the most out of life, live every moment, enjoy every party and cherish your friends. God is smiling bigger and leaning forward, just a little bit. We will miss you, Steve – our town will never be the same without you. Please join me in a celebration of Steve on 12/12/12. Besides ticket sales, donations are gladly accepted.

That’s the news for this week; I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it! Chicago is such an inspiring town..

Love you all,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

CHICAGO’S FASHION’S NIGHT OUT – FILLED WITH STARS & STYLE!

…PLUS MS. FOSTER’S "STELLABRATION," OLD TOWN "CRUSHES" IT (WITH A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO!), AN EVENING ON ASTOR, THE JOFFREY BALLET’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS, FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL, THE 48TH CHICAGO FILM FEST’S BIG STARS, PAWS’ LUCK AND SO MUCH MORE!

Fashion’s Night Out began in 2009 when Vogue editor Anna Wintour created the event to help retailers during the height of the recession. It has spread to 18 countries with 4,500 events across the U.S. alone and is now a two-week-long affair culminating on
September 6th. Chicago’s FNO did not disappoint: “Fashion Police” star Kelly Osbourne kicked off the Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival (presented by MasterCard) on August 24th and it only accelerated from
there with almost every store along the Mag Mile having some sort of exciting fashion event. Macy’s on State Street offered reality stars as its draw with Aviva Drescher of “The Real Housewives of New York” and Nzimiro Oputa of “Fashion Star” and Neiman Marcus offered up a runway presentation hosted by “House of
Consignment” star Corri McFadden. Saks Fifth Avenue’s party was hosted by Amanda Puck, Kimberly Burt, Kristina McGrath, Lauren Buxbaum, Lisa Frame, Lisa Sweitzer, Sam Saifer Berngard, Sherri Hoke and Susanna Negovan. Water Tower Place hosted an “In Fashion Lounge,” which featured a series of special workshops including a Gilt City Chicago Night, a culinary demo, a fall trunk show with
Michael Hill and an Akira footwear trunk show. Sarca – one of my favorite boutiques – hosted a daytime event that included styling tips from Rad and Refined and makeup applications by fashionable blogger Shannon O’Brien. Barneys New York donated 10 percent of sales to the Human Rights Campaign from 5 to 8 p.m. The streets were packed with
fashion savvy guests who had raided their closets for their favorite pieces to wear to this round robin of events. The 900 Shops had a line a mile long of people anxious to get into the VIP Party to see gorgeous actress Ali Larter, who arrived with her hunky actor husband, Hayes MacArthur. (His
new film, “Bachelorette” opened 9/7.) This is one busy, BUSY Hollywood couple with Ali’s book, “Kitchen Revelry” coming out soon. It’s not your
average cookbook: It embraces culinary mistakes! (Sounds like something for me…) She also just finished a movie called “Lovesick” with Matt LeBlanc, a romantic comedy about the delusions that come with falling in love. This busy couple was accompanied by Hayes’ parents, Bruce MacArthur and
his glam mother/chanteuse Shelley MacArthur Farley, whose husband, Bill, joined the group later. The 900 Shops teamed up with Michigan Avenue Magazine and McGrath Lexus and Acura for its second annual FNO themed “Fame, Fashion & Flavor.” Nearly 3,500 attendees came out
to party at this chic, multi-level venue that also featured makeup applications, manicures, massages and hair styling provided by Mario Tricoci Hair Salon & Spa and Bloomingdale’s. While pampering and beautifying, the partygoers rocked out to DJ Megan Taylor before they jumped in front of the GlossedandFound.com (recent Rising Star Award winners) photo
booth for fun pics. There was a Gastronomy by Groupon restaurant tasting featuring Stella Artois brews and bites from some of Chicago’s top restaurants including Shaw’s Crab House, Frankie’s Scaloppine, Tavernita, Mercadito, Market and Sprinkles. A fall fashion show styled by Eric Himel was a hit with the crowd. I was proud to be a host of this event
along with Common (Honorary Host), J.P. Anderson, Les Coney, Max Crowley, Jena Gambaccini, Stacy Herpe, Eric Himel, Israel Idonije, Sonya Jackson, Anna Kimball, Graham Kostic, Whitney Lasky, Kristina McGrath, Noelle Provencial, Mary Astor Smithe, Angi Taylor, Sharon Trudell, Dan Uslan, Valerie Warner and Kelli Zink. Congrats to Sarah Burrows (900 Shops Marketing Manager), Ryan Beshel (900 Shops PR Guru) and their teams on an outstanding night of fashion!

My other favorite FNO event occurred at the Shops at North Bridge. This event had a unique take for FNO that featured a stylist’s fall fashion challenge. Local bloggers, fashionistas and stylists – who included Amy Olson, Maggie Morgan, Amy Creyer, Jessi
Sheehan, Emma Arnold, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Suzanne Kopulos and Amanda Wolfson with Dee Brodlo – created looks that were displayed on large pedestals that began at the entryway and ended at the VIP Stylist’s Studio Lounge in front of Nordstrom. I was happy to be a judge along with Carrie Lannon, Katie Schroeder, Elaine Doremus, Jessie Kalin and Lisa Ackerman for this fun-filled competition co-hosted by CS Magazine. The night
also included a private VIP reception featuring Russian Standard Vodka cocktails, small bites from Corky’s Catering and delicious sweets courtesy of Vosges
Haut Chocolat. Event producer Amy Olson (who was paired with Nordstrom) won for Judges’ Choice; Suzanne Kopulos (Garmental.com) was paired with White House and won Shoppers’ Choice, fashionista Maggie Morgan (paired with XXI Forever) won
the Drive in Style award for Most Creative and Cheeky Chicago’s Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin (paired with United Colors of Benetton) won for Most Wearable. I loved ALL of the
designs and marveled at the talent of these stylistas. Congrats to Erica Strama, Allison Cooke and their teams for this delightful and exciting FNO! And NOW you know ALL of the Windy City’s Fashion’s Night Out news…though I hope you were there to enjoy it, too!!! (To see ALL of the fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, Steve Starr and Daniel Boczarski, please click here!!

Stella Foster always signed off on her column with "Yeah, I said it" and at her BIG retirement party August 28th, she did indeed say it to NBC president and general manager Larry Wert when he asked her point blank if she was really
retiring. Her hesitation and half-hearted "Yeah" gave everyone in the room some hope for the future with this much beloved columnist. More than 700 fans, friends and supporters turned out
at the Cultural Center to see/hear Stella Foster tell it like it is for the last time…or was it? I personally don't see our dynamic Stella sitting in a rocking chair from now into perpetuity but as we all know, she does need some rest after
43 years of deadlines! I know she's already being courted by a variety of media types to bring her honesty and inclusiveness to their outlets so I think it's only a matter of time before she returns in some way, shape or form back
to the public arena. But on this night, it was all about paying homage to someone who has given us all so much. NBC's Art Norman served as emcee for a program that included tributes from Governor Pat Quinn, Warner Saunders, Melody Spann
Cooper, Dominic DiFrisco, Dori Wilson, Tom Dreesen, Larry Wert, Jamie Foster Brown, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Harry Ellis, Rob Johnson, Merri Dee, State Representative Mary Flowers, Richard Dent,
Shell Reyes, John Rogers, Allen Rafalson, moi 🙂 and many more. Governor Quinn called her "a woman for all seasons" and said, "They [the people] need your energy, your enthusiasm and your zest for life. We've been blessed by Stella covering the news
with her human touch." Warner Saunders recounted a comment from her boss, Kup, who said, "I couldn't do my job without her." (And she had only been working for him six weeks at the time!) Saunders went on to
say, "She was not hateful, not nasty and whenever she shot an arrow of criticism, she always dipped it in honey first. You're truly a Chicago treasure." NBC President Larry Wert said, "No one's been more fair or genuine than Stella." Melody Spann Cooper posed this question: "Have
you ever seen anybody with a gossip column who still keeps the best secrets in the world?" Melody then sang the theme from "The Golden Girls" with Theresa Griffen. The lyrics began with "Thank you for being a friend"…awwwww! The
program continued with comments from Channel 2 News' Rob Johnson who said, "Thanks to Stella for making this a better town to live in." Reverend Jesse Jackson offered a prayer reflecting, "We can't take this moment for granted. Thank you Lord for the gift you've given us in Stella Foster and thanks for the gifts you gave to her." Harry Ellis said, "There will never be another you!" Dominic DiFrisco, a well-known leader in the Italian
American community who awarded Stella with the Dante Award, had this to say: "Stella, the name
means ‘star’ in Italian. She's a star in our lives and she's a champion of truth. We are infinitely privileged to walk beside you." President of the Chicago Journalists Association Allen Rafelson, who recently awarded Stella with a Lifetime Achievement Award, said Stella's appearance for the gala broke attendance records. Stella's sister,
Jamie Foster Brown, said, "She's retiring from the Sun-Times but she can't retire from who she is. Stella IS Chicago!" The
Stellabration committee was chaired by Stella's longtime friend Ken Bedford and co-chaired by PR maven extraordinaire Dionne Williams. Members included John Bellamy, Michelle Boone, Gloria Brown, Les Coney, Carolyn
Curry, Alex Dana, Dominic DiFrisco, Mary Frances Fagan, Craig Gilmore, Hermene Hartman, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Kim Nash, Lisa Newman, Art Norman, Bill Pry, Tim & Everett Rand, Shell Reyes, Donna Lear Robinson, John Rogers, Lorri Stacker, Robert Storman, Commissioner Debra Sims,
Abe Thompson, Dori Wilson and moi. The night also included rousing numbers by The Together Band & Rich Aldana, DJ Sam Chatman and vocalist Antone. It was a night packed with love for this Chicago treasure and I'm hoping – like all of the other "Stellaholics" out there – that we haven't seen the last of her. Yeah, I said it! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…click here to view more!)

After a brief name change, the annual end-of-summer festival in Old Town was back on September 2nd as “Crush in Old Town.” On Labor Day weekend, Wells Street was closed from North Avenue to Schiller for music, food, artwork and
custom designs in the Crush marketplace. Entertainment included Like Pioneers, Andrew Belle, Pet Lions and My Gold Mask. The event also included face painting, a magic show, crafting with Little Beans Café, delicious food from Trattoria Roma and a variety of fabulous wines from Galleria Wine & Liquors. Here’s how my Crush adventure unfolded on Watch312.com…with
a special visit to the gorgeous home of Chicago’s most beloved bandleader/pianist, Stanley Paul! (Next year, Stanley will be hosting a Silversea’s tour from Stockholm to Copenhagen aboard the Silver Whisper from July 12th through 19th! His fast-paced, 45-minute show that includes nearly 300 rarely seen photographs will take you back to the days when glamour was GLAMOUR! (For more info, please call Candace Andreozzi at 561-306-6798 or email candace@posthastetravel.com.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=s4Mml0NTpzDXVBUBlLTTAY91Spb5T0lq&height=360&embedCode=s4Mml0NTpzDXVBUBlLTTAY91Spb5T0lq&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Eight years ago, Helen Melchior and I wanted to create an event to attract a younger crowd to The Joffrey Ballet and today, “Couture & Cocktails” has grown into the organization’s second largest fundraiser and we couldn’t be more excited! With dynamic
2012 co-chairs Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson, the tradition continues on Friday, September 28th, at the new McGrath Acura Dealership, located at 1301 N. Elston. Beloved designer Pamella Roland returns to C & C with a full runway fashion
show; there will also be once in a lifetime prizes, fun food (including sweets from Sugar Chic), live and silent auctions by Luxury Garage Sale, dancing with the Joffrey dancers and, for the first time, popular Chicago food trucks (including my favorites Babycakes and Southern Mac & Cheese)! And,
not to give away any surprises, but the opening of the event alone will be worth the cost of admission! So join us and experience the excitement and glamour of “Couture & Cocktails” this year! If you have a business you would like to have represented in the Tribute Book, or for tickets and more info, please click here.

The 30th annual Evening on Astor brought out the competitive streaks in some of our town’s notables as they created extravagant, festive tablescapes for judging consideration. Hosted by the Gold Coast Neighbors Association, this annual block party and
fundraiser brought out more than 800 people for a celebration that included the Michael Lerich Orchestra, pizzas, hot dogs, Italian sausage, face painting, children’s games, a photo booth and a dessert bar. Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy spoke along
with 18th District Police Commander William Dunn. The BIG winner of the night for the 2012 Best Table Award went to Macy’s Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steven Stryker; others seen on the scene included Vern Broders (President of the Gold Coast Neighbors
Assn.), Tiffani Kim, Bradley Griffith, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Suzie and Ross Glickman, Janice Corley and Ray Blaney, Kim Gleeson, Heather Johnstone, Cheri Lawrence, Wendy
Chronister, Kevin Sullivan, Cindy and Jack Fisher, Susie and Walter Jacobson (whose book, “Walter’s Perspective: A Memoir of Fifty Years in Chicago TV News” comes out in October), Margie
Habermann, Christine Mallul, Deborah Chapman, Tim Egan, Lyn McKeaney, Scott Bobek, Sally Jo Morris, Liz Kores, Lauren Rapisand, Patrick Plante, Diva Lynne Jordan and Dorothy Whealan. Funds raised from this event supported GCN in its efforts to protect, improve and beautify the neighborhood. (Check out more photos from this fun event here!)

Mark your calendars now for this year’s Friends of Conservation Ball on Friday, October 12th! Hosted by FOC founder Reute Butler and celebrating the organization’s 30th anniversary, this event will be bigger and better than ever under the beautiful canopy
of the Winter Garden Ballroom of the historic Harold Washington Library! Zoraida Sambolin returns as emcee along with renowned wildlife expert Jim Fowler (of “Wild Kingdom” fame!) With a delicious dinner catered by George Jewell, there will also be a thrilling wildlife exposition of rare and beautiful animals. An auction of unique and exotic vacation adventures will include a London/Scotland package with a stay at
the five-star luxury Langham in London, the Balmoral in Scotland and a trip aboard the historic Royal Scotsman. Other packages offer trips to China, India, South America, Patagonia Sur, Tanzania/Uganda and a weeklong Sea Cloud cruise
aboard the intimate River Cloud II. The night will also feature a silent auction with rare art and gift packages as well as dancing under the stars to the Stu Hirsh Orchestra. Congrats in advance to Reute and unofficial event chair Paul Iacono on a one-of-a-kind fundraiser that will enable the FOC to partner with the local people in the Masai Mara area of Kenya to support traditional
and sustainable ways of living in harmony with wildlife and ecosystems which helps keep our world intact. Founded in 1982, FOC was one of the world’s earliest leaders in the development of community conservation. For tickets and more information, please contact Sue Mitchell at 630-288-2714 or smitchell@friendsofconservation.org.

The eyes of the entertainment world will be on Chicago when the 48th Chicago International Film Festival opens with the world premiere of the highly-anticipated “Stand Up Guys” on Thursday, October 11th, at the Harris
Theater. Produced by Chicagoan Tom Rosenberg and directed by Chicagoan Fisher Stevens, the film features an all-star cast that includes Al Pacino, Christopher Walken, Alan Arkin and Julianna Margulies, all of whom will be in town to celebrate the opening night of the Festival on the 11th. (Lionsgate will release the film for an
Oscar qualifying run in December in L.A. and N.Y. and nationwide on January 11th.) “This is without a doubt the most exciting opening night for the Chicago International Film Festival in many years,” said Michael Kutza, Founder and Artistic Director of the CIFF. I’ll say!!!! (I’m also honored to say I’ll be co-hosting this event with
the dynamic Rich Varnes.) The night begins at 6 p.m. with red carpet arrivals, a 7 p.m. welcome and guest presentation, a 7:30 p.m. film presentation and a 9:30 p.m. reception at the Chicago Cultural Center. For tickets (beginning at just $35) and more info, please click here or call 312-332-FILM.

The ZOE Foundation will host its second annual In-Rhythm Benefit on Friday, September 21st, at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, located at 163 E. Walton. The black tie evening will feature emcee Val Warner and Dr. David Montgomery. Entertainment will be provided by Lynne Jordan & The Shivers with a presentation of the 2012 Gift of Life Award to
Mr. David Rubin, a philanthropic supporter of the foundation as well as a patient who has mastered atrial fibrillation. This event creates awareness and is dedicated to finding a cure for atrial fibrillation (AF) and elimination of strokes and heart failure. For more info, please visit www.ZFFORAF.org.

The Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (CCAC), a non-profit organization working with abused children, will hold its fifth annual “Guys Night Out for the Kids” event at Carmichael’s Steak House (located at 1052 W. Monroe) on Thursday, September 20th. Chicago Bear Charles Tillman is the honorary chair who will be joined by other athletes, sports personalities, golf pros and community and business leaders. The event will include an indoor BBQ, games, music, premium cigar
makers and liquor vendors in a tailgating atmosphere. Other athletes expected to attend include former Bear “Big Cat” Williams, Richard Dent, “LA” Mike Richardson, Jim Thornton, Ron Kittle, Dan Pasqua and Dan Hampton. All proceeds from “Guys Night Out” benefit the CCAC and the victims of sexual abuse in the Chicago area. For tickets, beginning at $100, and more info, please visit www.chicagocac.org.

Do you need a little luck? Well, look no further than PAWS Chicago, located at 1997 N. Clybourn, where Lucky, a two year-old miniature Schnauzer, is
ready and waiting for YOU! He came to PAWS after he was dropped off at the city pound weighing only 16 pounds. He’s an energetic little guy who loves people and playtime. Please help this precious pooch live up to his name by
giving him a great forever home! (Visit PAWS’ website or call 773.935.PAWS for more details.) And while we’re on the subject, PAWS Chicago is competing with 196 charities nationwide for grants ranging from $10K to $250K from the Chase Community Giving Program. If you’re so inclined, please help by voting for them through September 19th at www.pawschicago.org/chase! Good luck…and adopt Lucky! 🙂

Hope you’re all enjoying the “dog” days of summer (pun intended) & I hope to see you at some of these cool events around town soon!

Love always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. As you all know I’m a sucker for our furry friends so here is another great event that I hope you’ll be able to make! BIG NIGHT CELEBRITY CHEFS BENEFIT will take place under the fabulous Tiffany Dome of Preston Bradley Hall in the Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington, on Wednesday, September 19th beginning at 6:30 p.m. This event is hosted by the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control and will feature celebrity Chef Jackie Shen, who, along with about a dozen of her well-known chef friends, will each prepare delicious dishes for this wonderful cause! A fabulous live auction will include exquisite jewelry from Sidney Garber. So come join us, enjoy the music, relax and have a Mutt-ini as we help our four legged friends find forever homes. (Tickets are $100 in advance and $125 at the door…visit www.fcacc.org for more info.)