Tag Archives: Rick Canada

February 25, 2013 · 10:30 am

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

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

1 - Joffrey dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria JaianiThe Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board hosted its third annual Pointe of Departure at the elegant space of Block 37 on February 7th. It attracted more than 200 guests and helped raise $25,000 to support the Ballet’s
2programs and performances. The theme of this year’s event was taken from the title of The Joffrey’s Winter Program, “American Legends,” which features pieces by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino and Stanton Welch. (Arts critic Sid Smith
3 - Artistic Director Ashley Wheater (L) and friendssaid in a recent article that the company is moving into “legendary territory” and I couldn’t agree more!) The
4 - Joffrey Board member Helen Melchior with Executive Dir. Christopher Clinton Conwayevent featured more than 63 pieces of art inspired by the movement of dance and available for sale. Participating artists were encouraged to explore creative interpretations of “American Legends” ranging
5 - The RL team, Chef Ryan Pitts (2nd from L) and GM Rich Varnes (R)from classic examples of American art and dance to famous Americans. The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Special Events, Herbert Migdoll, selected three finalists for Best in Show and they
6 - Elena Samokhina with her mom, Mila, and her Best in Show Awardincluded beloved photographer Mila Samokhina (“Rehearsal”), John Rush (“Cloven Kingdom”) and fabulous Joffrey dancer, Temur Suluashvili (“Untitled”). The artwork covered the walls of Block 37’s 3rd floor space,
7 - Nicholas Blanc and dancer Derrick Agnolettioverlooking State Street and the Joffrey Tower, appropriately. The night began with a cocktail reception provided by Skinnygirl (helllooo Tom Strehle!), Peroni and St. Germain. Jewell Events
8Catering served a selection of canapés and RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts created mini lobster rolls at an action table on site. The happy art and ballet-loving attendees left with delicious More Cupcakes after dancing the night away to DJ Chicago. The event was expertly co-chaired by Alan Swanke and David Kimball. For more info on Joffrey programming, upcoming events and the Auxiliary Board, please click here! (See all photos by Mila Samokhina here!)


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


1 - Val Warner and Jeff Cartwright in Smile BoothThe penthouse at Hotel 71 was packed with friends and family who turned out to wish Windy City Live's Val Warner, and her longtime love, handsome Jeff
Jeff surrounded by friendsCartwright, a life filled with happiness at their recent engagement party. A Perfect Event's Debi Lilly had created, well, a perfect event: A charming cupcake bar, ice cream, popcorn and donut stands as well as
Val and Ryan having some fun while Jeff looks on! Cute!a delightful Smile Booth all helped to make the evening enchanting and DJ Vince Adams had guests line dancing well into the night while the specialty cocktails flowed. Before coming to
Hotel 71 GM Steve Shern and A Perfect Event’s Debi LillyChicago in 2005, Valerie spent five years as primary evening anchor and reporter for WEYI-TV in Flint, Mich. While there, she was very active in the community mentoring young people and speaking at schools. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Valerie's family roots are here in Chicago (South Holland) – her children, Zoe and Max, are her primary focus as well as her darling grandmother, mom and sister. I met Val when she was still working at WGN-TV and even then her energy and
President-GM of ABC-7 John Idler and his cute wifecharm were off the charts. And, as WCL's executive producer Marlaine Selip once told me, "She is lightning in a bottle" …and her legion of fans couldn't agree
WCL’s Jessie Kalin and friendmore. When I asked Jeff what he loved most about his Val, he said, "Even with all of her many successes, she still remains the same person." On this night, clad in a sexy low-backed black cocktail dress surrounded by admirers, Val looked every inch the star that she is. I feel very lucky to know them both. Here's to a lifetime of happiness, Val and Jeff! (To see all event pics, please click here!)


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

1 - Gala co-chairs Jesus Salgueiro and Chef Art Smith with the MayorGovernor Pat Quinn declared "a historic week in Illinois" and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage
2 - Governor Pat Quinn (center) with gala supportersFairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic
3 - Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov and Freedom Award recipientgovernor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year
4 - Zachary Barnett, Kinley Preston and Charlie Rice-Minosowe're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody
5 - Rob LoPrete with partner David Germaine, Sean Lewis, friend and Tom Skillingworks together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate (we did), to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for
6 - Equality Ill. Board member Christina Kahrl, Governor Quinn and Cook County Board Prez Toni PreckwinkleLGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The
7 - Congressman Mike Quigley, Brandon Neece, Gabriel Madeira and Grant Gonchnauerfreedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of
8 - Art and Jesus with rugby star Ben Cohen (L) and Equality Ill. Founder Art JohnsonIllinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event,
9 - Debra Shore, Kelly Cassidy and Kelly Quinnincluding U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President
10 - Jesus Salgueiro and Chef Art with Real Housewives of NJ cast members Rich Lane and Jamie LauritaToni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and
11 - Hillary Wirtz (L) and friendDanny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (Photos by Mystic Images Photography).


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


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


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


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

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


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


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

 


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


Fashion-wars-mini-me-cropped-1_bigIt’s all about the kids for the “Mini Me Fashion Show” coming March 10th. Presented by Fashion Wars (Kesha Wilson), this is a total kid’s production from top to bottom with child models and even stylists! This fun competition teaches hands on training in the world of fashion with designers who include Andre Swanson, Derricka Cole, Rachel Spencer, Lande Sanusi, Anne Marie and Kia Hall. In addition to the runway show, the event will feature many on-site vendors, including children’s boutiques, activity stations and interactive games with a silent auction benefitting RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network). For tickets ($40 includes adult and child) please click here! The event will be held at Lacuna Fitness, located at 645 N. Clark.   


Write-what-you-love1Thanks for reading Candid Candace and if you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know! I write for YOU! 

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


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

Pointe of Departure:  The Joffrey Ballet’s “Artful” Affair
…Plus Shelley MacArthur hosts Joffrey Valentine’s Day party; Val and Jeff’s “heartfelt” night; Chef Art and Jesus want “Justice for All”; Founders Fired Up (a free event); spring fashion shows; a new show for Watch312; Giordano celebrates 50; a photo surprise for Katie; Sam’s 28th; Common Threads celebrates TEN; World Festival returns to Soldier Field and so much more! 
 
The Joffrey Ballet’s Auxiliary Board hosted its third annual Pointe of Departure at the elegant space of Block 37 on February 7th. It attracted more than 200 guests and helped raise $25,000 to support the Ballet’s programs and performances. The theme of this year’s event was taken from the title of The Joffrey’s Winter Program, “American Legends,” which features pieces by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, Gerald Arpino and Stanton Welch. (Arts critic Sid Smith said in a recent article that the company is moving into “legendary territory” and I couldn’t agree more!) The event featured more than 63 pieces of art inspired by the movement of dance and available for sale. Participating artists were encouraged to explore creative interpretations of “American Legends” ranging from classic examples of American art and dance to famous Americans. The Joffrey Ballet’s Director of Special Events, Herbert Migdoll, selected three finalists for Best in Show and they included beloved photographer, Mila Samokhina (“Rehearsal”), John Rush (“Cloven Kingdom”) and fabulous Joffrey dancer, Temur Suluashvili (“Untitled”). The artwork covered the walls of Block 37’s 3rd floor space, overlooking State Street and the Joffrey Tower, appropriately. The night began with a cocktail reception provided by Skinnygirl (helllooo Tom Strehle!), Peroni and St. Germain. Jewell Events Catering served a selection of canapés and RL’s Chef Ryan Pitts created mini lobster rolls at an action table on site. The happy art and ballet-loving attendees left with delicious More Cupcakes after dancing the night away to DJ Chicago. The event was expertly co-chaired by Alam Swanke and David Kimball. (For more info on Joffrey programming, upcoming events and the Auxiliary Board, please click here! http://www.joffrey.org)

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

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

Chicago-based nonprofit Common Threads is proud to announce its 10th anniversary!!! To celebrate, the organization is holding the 7th Annual World Festival at Soldier Field’s United Club on Monday, March 4th from 6-9 p.m. Founded in 2003 by beloved, celebrated chef and restaurateur Art Smith and his partner, artist Jesus Salgueiro, with founding chief executive officer Linda Novick O’Keefe, Common Threads ha
s been teaching school-based nutrition and health education programs to underserved communities in Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, Palo Alto and Washington, D.C. for 10 years. This year’s World Festival Chicago will feature dishes and participation by such top chefs as: Girl & the Goat’s Stephanie Izard, Mercadito’s Patricio Sandoval, Boka’s Carl Shelton, Socca’s Roger Herring, Paris Club’s Alex Ageneu, Tavernita’s Greg Bastien, Belly Q, Urban Belly and Belly Shack’s Bill Kim, Table 52’s  Rey Villalobos, Prasino’s Riley Huddleston, among many others. Be sure to come HUNGRY! “World Festival is an example of the power of the chef community,” said O’Keefe. “It shows us that growth is unlimited when you work together and these chefs have rallied from around the world in support of Common Threads and our greater mission – to educate children on the importance of nutrition and physical wellbeing, all while fostering an appreciation of cultural diversity through cooking.” The event kicks off with an exclusive VIP trolley ride hosted by Food & Wine editor in chief and Bravo’s Top Chef judge Gail Simmons. For $1,000, a limited number of generous and epicurean guests will board a Chicago trolley with Simmons and a few surprise chefs that will land at Kendall College, where students from Common Threads’ Small Threads classes will prepare a chef-led meal before heading to Soldier Field for the main event. General admission tickets are $250 and World Festival VIP tickets are $500. The evening will feature a live fund-a-need auction, with all proceeds going directly to Common Threads programs. Common Threads is also conducting a silent online auction thru March 12th. Click here to participate! (www.charitybuzz.com/CommonThreads) I’m proud to be co-chairing this event with Hillshire Farm’s Jon Harris and Beam’s Mindy MacKenzie. Hope to see YOU there!
 
Governor Pat Quinn declared "”an historic week in Illinois” and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic governor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year we're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody works together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate, to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for LGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The freedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of Illinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and Danny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (www.eqil.org)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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November 9, 2012 · 10:36 am

DOMINIC DIFRISCO: BELOVED HUMAN RIGHTS CHAMPION GETS HIS “WAY”

…PLUS MCGRATH’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO LOOP ALLIANCE GALA, COLUMBIAN BALL CELEBRATES OLD AND NEW, TCW MAG’S HALLOWEEN BASH, CHEF ART “TARTS IT UP” FOR ERIC, STEVE STARR’S “FACE OF THE NEWS,” WCIU’S “YOU & ME IN THE MORNING” IS MOVIN’ ON UP, A PERFECT HOLIDAY E-MAG PLUS NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Alderwoman Michelle Smith, Dominic and his grandson Pasquale GianniIt was a great day in Chicago on Saturday, November 3rd when beloved Dominic DiFrisco, a champion of Italian-Americans and a cultural torch bearer, was honored Blog 2 - Nina Mariano, Dominic DiFrisco and Bob Marianowith his own street! More than 60 fans, friends and family congregated at the corner of Astor and Schiller to join Dominic, his wife Carol, daughter and son-in-law Nina and Bob Blog 3 - Jamie Gaballa, Chuck, Whitey Pearson, Tess Malone and John ZajakMariano, and Alderwoman Michelle Smith as she unveiled “Honorary Dominic DiFrisco Way.” The Alderman read Dominic's extensive bio and cited how he's been a bridge builder in Chicago for not only the Blog 4 - Marion and Tony Durpetti with Dominic and his wife CarolItalian-American community but for all ethnic and religious communities. Dominic is president emeritus of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian-Americans – an organization founded on the principle Blog 5 - Alderwoman Michelle Smith presents Dominic’s honorsthat Italian-Americans and Americans from all backgrounds should be able to preserve their heritage – while also pursuing the American Dream without prejudice. Dominic spoke Blog 5 - Antonio Romanucci, Dominic and Lou Ragoeloquently about his goal for Chicago to be a beautiful mosaic and not a melting pot. Monsignor Kenneth Velo and Father George Clements were on hand and spoke of Dominic's many social Blog 6 - A happy man!and civic efforts while his grandson Pasquale Gianni brought the crowd to tears with his tribute. The party moved on to Gene & Georgetti’s for a two-hour love fest and Italian feast! Friends on the scene included Marion and Tony Durpetti, Terry “Whitey” Blog 7 - Dominic, Alba LoVerde and Carol DiFriscoPearson, Jamie and Tess Gabala, Mark O’Malley and so many others. It was a fitting day for a man who makes a difference. Love and congrats, Dominic…keep up the GREAT work! (Photos by Mila Samokhina.)
 
Blog 1 - Paul Iacono, Heather Ingram, Nina Mar iano, Toni Canada, Korinna Isselhardt, Kristina McGrathMcGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago’s by-invite-only grand opening on October 24th brought out hundreds of fans and friends to this magnificent dealership, seven years in the making. You could see this 50,000-square-foot Blog 2 - Larry Wert and Mike McGrathspace for miles before you actually arrived thanks to the ginormous rotating Hollywood lights out front! Inside, it was so beautiful that even if it wasn’t a dealership, it could easily double as an event space or grand art gallery; in fact, the first event held there was for the Joffrey Ballet’s “Couture & Cocktails,” which McGrath Blog 3 - Dan Uslan, Rick Canada and Roger FrandsenAcura co-owner Kristina McGrath also co-chaired. During the festivities, speed painter Elliott From of Artbeat Live created an impressionist painting of the dealership that was presented to the family. Co-owner Mike McGrath’s sons, Kevin and Mike Jr., were on hand with their families as well as glam wife Kristina and her equally gorgeous twin sister, Korinna Isselhardt. Hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Blog 4 - Kerry Bowler, Margaret O’Connor, Jennifer Sutton and friendDan Uslan and produced by Platinum Events, the grand opening was planned as a way to thank their loyal customers that have been doing business with the family’s six other dealerships over the course Blog 5 - Marco Foster, Zack and Grace Napolitano, Paul Iaconoof the past 62 years. Key executives from Honda were in attendance as well as McGrath Executive VP of Sales John Mendel and GM of Westmont McGrath Acura Ken Girard. Glen Missner (Missner Group) built the dealership, the first of its kind in the country using the newest designs from Acura and state-of-the-art Blog 6 - NAME, Kerry Bowler, NAME and Justin Jacobsontechnology. Michigan Avenue Magazine president and publisher Dan Uslan paid tribute to the McGraths in a moving speech which highlighted their importance in the community. He said, “Trust takes many forms. Few people can say they unilaterally trust someone. The same person you trust Blog 7 - Paul Iacono and DC Crenshawin business is not necessarily the same one you'd trust with your money, spouse or reputation. But the McGraths are those rare people that you can feel good about trusting in every way. They've created a personal brand for themselves and business that's enviable. Their reward has been loyalty amongst their friends, business partners and customers. Others want Korinna and Kristina with the Landon Twinsto do right by them simply because the McGraths are so genuine.” Located at 1301 N. Elston and situated on the river, the dealership has hundreds of new Acuras, pre-owned and certified vehicles, many of which were artfully displayed on this special night. Guests seen at this gala celebration included Justin Jacobson, Paul Iacono, Margaret O’Connor, Nina Mariano, Kerry Bowler, Jennifer Sutton, Heather Farley Ingram, Toni and Rick Canada, DC Crenshaw, Larry Wert, Marco Foster, Tonya and Adam Stevenson, Grace and Zack Napolitano, Toni and Ed Mallof and Lynn and John McMahan among many others. Congrats to the McGraths and their dedicated employees! When I do the math, I always choose McGrath!

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=Q0OTBwNjrbiNiXrqzgp7h83xOjqMisyq&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Blog 1 - Rich Gamble, Judie Moore Green, Bill Noonan and Bill BurfeindThe Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation welcomed more than 425 guests, including prominent business and civic leaders, for its Eighth Annual Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Friday, October 12th. Blog 2 - Sharon Trudell, Jenna Stricker and Julia SimmonsGuests at the elegant black tie event enjoyed a cocktail reception with live music by Oncore Productions, followed by a lavish dinner catered by Radisson Blu. Special remarks were given by Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA) chairman Martin Blog 3 - Martin and Devi SternStern, who welcomed guests and thanked them for continued support of the Foundation’s programs, which include the award-winning Pop-Up Art Loop storefront gallery initiative and annual Art Loop public art commission. The fun continued into the evening as Blog 4 - Michelle and Oren Schumaker with Andrea and Yale Dieckmanguests filled the dance floor and enjoyed live music by Hey Jimmy! The gala co-chairs were Turner Construction Company business development manager Bill Burfeind, Chicago magazine publisher and GM Rich Gamble, Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University chief development officer Judie Moore Green and Blog 5 - Chris Fryson and Stephen FlachMerchandise Mart Properties VP and GM Bill Noonan. Additional distinguished guests at the event included 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Chicago Department of Blog 6 - Sandor Williams, Rawlin Brown, Angel Perez and Allan ArmstrongTransportation commissioner Gabe Klein, Broadway in Chicago president and CLA vice-chairman Lou Raizin, Choose Chicago VP for cultural tourism and neighborhoods Melissa Cherry, Pressure Washing Systems president and Blog 7 - Nicki Pecori, Alderman Robert Fioretti and Connie Riverafounder Bill Mologousis, and CLA interim executive director Laura Jones. Lead sponsors for the Eighth Annual Gala were Presenting Sponsor Pressure Blog 8 - Amy Tausk, Janel Gould and Vivian NitzbergWashing Systems and Silver Table Patrons BMO Harris Bank, Columbia College Chicago, Gensler, theWit Hotel and Turner Construction Company. The event raised more than $175,000 in support of the Foundation and its Blog 9 - Melissa Cherry and Joy Bivinsambitious efforts to develop and promote artistic, cultural and public events wit
hin the Loop. (And speaking of the Chicago Loop Alliance, huge thanks to Philip Barash (CLA Director of Marketing and Development) for choosing me to record the holiday greetings for its “Lightscape” installations on State Street! Listen for a familiar voice on that great street beginning November 24th ! 🙂 Ho! Ho! Ho! (To view more images, please click here!)
 
 

Blog 1 - Jeffrey and Lisa AroninOn Saturday, October 20th, the Museum of Science and Industry held its 32nd annual Columbian Ball. From the fascination of the famed White City of 1893 to groundbreaking, high-tech exhibits, this year’s ball Blog 2 - Christina and Ron Gidqitzcelebrated the spirit of innovation that has always been within the museum’s walls and part of its rich history. Nearly 900 guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner and dancing co-chaired by Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin and Christina and Ron Gidwitz. Mayor Rahm Emanuel was also an honorary co-chair of the ball. As guests arrived, they were greeted by the co-chairs and – a special addition this year – by the Anybot QB2, a remote-controlled robot. The décor took guests Blog 3 - Kail and Kwame Raoul, Illinois Senatorback to the Columbian Exposition with lights strung between the museum’s balcony levels and historic images of the museum from the fair projected on Blog 4 - Ellen and James O'Connorthe massive marble walls, giving the rotunda a spectacular glow. An acrobatic artist spun and twirled from a sheet of silk hanging from the ceiling. The museum’s Science Storms exhibit was open throughout the evening for guests to enjoy. In the museum’s Rosenwald Court, novelties from the fair (including two large paintings and a six-foot-tall vase) from the museum’s collection were displayed. A virtual tour took guests Blog 5 - Renee and Lester Crownethrough the fair’s grounds and various buildings. On the adjacent side, technology ruled with current and future innovations featured. Guests interacted with robots (like the Anybot QB2 and NAO) and since Blog 6 - Deb DeHaas and Dave Underwoodspray paint was invented during the fair, guests paid homage to the invention by expressing their creativity on a “digital graffiti” wall. The party then adjourned to a heated tent on the museum’s front lawn (courtesy of Party Time Productions) with event décor by Heffernan Morgan Blog 7 - Vera and Frank ClarkRonsley. Tables were adorned with camellias and white roses with historic images of the Museum projected on white, fabric sculptures. A live auction raised $242K, which included eight exciting packages including a deep sea diving expedition in Hawaii with world-renowned marine engineer, Graham Hawkes. The ball raised more than $2.2 million to support the museum’s vision. The evening ended with entertainment provided by the Steve Biossat Orchestra. For more info about the Museum and upcoming events, please visit www.msichicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl and JB Spector…click here for more pics!)
 

Blog 1 - Grant DePorter and Hannah MichalCan you imagine how much fun a costume party would be if you saw Grant DePorter dressed as Harry Caray, Sherren Leigh as a witch, Corri McFadden as a skeleton, Bob Graham as the Joker, Cindy Burns as Cleopatra, Shari Duffy as a Hooters girl and Blog 2 - Ralph Hughes, Laura Schwartz, Sherren Leigh and Charlie KamPaul Iacono as a mime?! Well, this was exactly the scene for TCW Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Party at the Cultural Center on October 30th. The “Pumpkins on Parade” silent auction was a huge hit with highly creative Blog 3 - Jason Erkes, Amanda Puck, Spiro Tsaparas, Corri McFaddenofferings from some of our town’s VIP’s including Barbara Bates, author Brad Thor, Grant DePorter, artist Rosemary Fanti, Cassandra Gaddo, Greg Hyder, Mellody Hobson, Sherren, RJ Blog 4 - Ashley Hooks and Kyle WilliamsMelman, Corri McFadden, Andrea Metcalf, Roe Conn and Richard Roeper, Chef Devon Quinn, Hedy Ratner, Laura Sage, Tim Smithe, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Mario Tricoci, Rich Varnes, Maria Wynne and moi. (My funkins were courtesy of my uber creative Blog 5 - Andrea Schwartz, Erica Strama, Laura Schwartz and Kathleen Hensongirlfriend, Tissy Eggleston!) Catered by Paramount Events, the evening also included delicious mini white cheddar cheese/fig jam sandwiches, lobster salad on cornbread and seared tuna on a wonton crisps. Blog 6 - Rebecca Michuda, Alexandra Kamischke, Carrie WilliamsComfort food stations included hot dogs, BLT’s and meatloaf sandwiches and the “skull” cake donated by TipsyCake was a crowd favorite. More than 200 guests attended this spooky fundraiser that raised a little over $45,000 for the Today's Chicago Woman Foundation Blog 7 - King Neptune, WGN’s Erin McElroy, Cindy Burns, Spiro Megremis501(c)(3) charity and its 2012 30 For 30 Campaign. TCWF will give grants to 30 area charities that assist women and children in need. (The 30 charities will be featured in the 2012 December issue.) Spooktacular guests included Cece Gonzalez and Melinda Joseph, Kathleen Henson, Carrie and Harry Hightman, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Maria Zec, Erica Strama, Ryan Beshel, Jason Erkes, Holly Hughes, Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, WGN’s Erin McElroy, Bill Shipley and Frank Holland among many others. (Check out more fun pics here!)
 
Blog 1 - Steve Weiss and Lucy WojtasAnd speaking of Halloween, there is nothing like a party in Old Town and, particularly, there is nothing quite like a party at Lucy Wojtas and Steve Weiss’ house! Their home is the talk of the town and it’s decorated inside and outside for Halloween, much Blog 2 - Charley Jordan, Shannon Waterfield, Todd Humes, Alan Naragon, Chuck, John Waterfieldto the delight of their constant parade of trick-or-treaters! For the party, hostess Lucy was dressed as Elvis…complete with a Blog 4 - Dexter, aka Charley Jordanwhite cape, oversized sunglasses, a huge “diamond” ring and, of course, a microphone that never left her hand. She stayed in character for the entire evening and made the night so special for everyone, especially her adoring husband. Her sister, Christina Blog 3 - Cute sisters, Christina and Lucy WojtasWojtas, came dressed as a little devil, my stepson, Charley Jordan, made a mean looking Dexter (complete with bloody face, garden boots and a BIG knife) and John Waterfield was unrecognizable as a six-foot Sasquatch. Seen on this boo-tiful night were author Shirley Baugher and husband Norman, Carolyn Armenetta-Davis, Lucy and Dan Baldwin, Shannon Waterfield, Michael Warnick, Todd Humes, Alan Naragon, Karen Pfendler, David Pfendler and Stefani Turken, Mary O’Neill, Karen Stephenson, Chloe Mae Loop and so many more! Thanks so much to the Weisses for keeping our ‘hood so festive! (Click here to view more pics!)
 
Blog 1 - Kenneth Cole (center) and friendsMore than 600 guests gathered for an inspirational afternoon at Chicago House’s 4th Annual Speaker Series Luncheon at the Chicago Hilton Hotel on November 2nd. In a 30-minute keynote address to the crowd, Kenneth Cole Blog 2 - Rachel Schwanz (2nd from L), Samantha Saifer Berngard (R) and friendsrecounted his unique entry into the fashion world, selling shoes out of a trailer in mid-town Manhattan. His advocacy and trailblazing efforts in the global fight against AIDS are what attracted Chicago House to Blog 3 - Greg Hyder, Tom Kehoe and David Brandthim. VIP guests included ABC’s Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu, Project Runway Season 2 contestant Steven Rosengard, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez, Macy’s Media Relations VP Andrea Schwartz, Glossed & Found’s Graham Kostic, Blog 4 - Andrea Schwartz, Laura Schwartz, Lauren Rapisandlocal designers Borris Powell and Horacio Nieto and American Airlines’ Mary Francis Fagan, among many others. Special Events Manager for Chicago House Jeremy Hilborn said, “The 2012 Speaker Series was our most successful yet. Kenneth Cole was the Blog 5perfect addition to the growing list of unique speakers who have lent their voice to further validate Chicago House’s important work. We are proud to have raised such significant funds for our programs, but even more proud to shed light on important issues at an event which hopefully serves as a Blog 6 - J.P. Anderson and Jennifer Suttoncatalyst for discussion and change.”(Chicago House provides permanent, community-based housing, supportive services, and prevention outreach to individuals and families struggling with HIV and AIDS). Guests left with swag bags from Room & Board, featuring sweet treats from Sweet Miss Giving’s, Little Miss Muffin, and Cheshire Cat Confectionary. For more information, visit www.chicagohouse.org. (Photos by Steve Starr…see more here!)
 
INVITATION LARGE NOVEMBER 6 2012You CANNOT MISS beloved photog Steve Starr’s upcoming “Face of the News” celebration on 12/12/12 at the John B. Murphy Auditorium, located at 50 E. Erie! Celebrity photog, author and collector, Steve is celebrating his 45th anniversary of Steve Starr Studios with an elaborate photo exhibition/party of broadcasters, publishers, columnists, writers, journalists, entertainment news reporters and producers. This grand night celebrating the media (and Steve!) will showcase more than 400 framed images and will begin with a VIP “News Hour” reception followed by the opening at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by lovable entertainment reporter Bill Zwecker, the Steve-6night will include tasty bites from local restaurants as well as a few surprises! (A portion of the proceeds will support CPJ – the Committee to Protect Journalists.) For tickets and more info, please visit click here!
 
Blog 1 - Chef Art Smith, Paul, Jesus Salgueiro and Chef Eric LanlardHUGE congrats to beloved author/pastry Chef Eric Lanlard on the publication of his latest book, “Tart It Up”!  Chef Art Smith and partner Jesus Salgueiro feted him recently at a delightful brunch at their house that featured scrambled eggs with white truffles they dug on their Blog 2 - Chef Eric Lanlard (center) with friends and books!recent trip to Tuscany. Other delicious offerings included Benton Ham of Tennessee with biscuits, Art’s homemade cinnamon rolls, Eleven City Diner’s red velvet cake and assorted tarts from Eric’s book. A Perfect Event’s Debi Lilly made it all look, well, perfect! Congrats Eric and we hope to see you back in town soon! (Purchase Eric’s delightful book here and to see ALL the party pics, click here!)
 
With WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne SparrowThank you so much to WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” for having me on a segment recently! I love this show and darling co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow – I don’t have a clue as to how they get up so early, look so good and remain so perky every single day! Thanks also to senior producer Rob Morhaim for including me! (Ratings for this popular show have been steadily climbing and on the day I was there, the show beat out CBS2 News, Fox32 and Mancow on Power! Woot woot! Power to the U!) If you want to see my segment, watch here and make sure to tune in to Channel 26 from 6 to 8 a.m. every weekday!
 
A Perfect E Magazine's Holiday IssueDon’t forget to check out the BEAUTIFUL holiday issue of A Perfect Event’s E-Magazine! Debi Lilly has done it again in her glorious second issue! Love the mag, love the contributors and love, Love, LOVE the images! A visual feast throughout! Congrats to Debi and all involved! (And make sure to turn to page 246 for my little article on Christmas!)
 
Well, that’s the news for this week and I hope you’ve enjoyed it! Please subscribe to Candid Candace – both here, on Facebook and Twitter (if you want!) – and I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful weekend!!!
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com


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November 2, 2012 · 8:47 am

SUSAN G. KOMEN CHICAGO GALA HONORS PINK TIE GUYS!

…PLUS NEXT FASHION CHICAGO’S FAB LOCAL DESIGNERS STRUT FOR PAWS, LUX MGT’S MAISON DE LACOUR SHOW, POTUS AND LITTLE FRIEND, RMHC’S FUN FUNDRAISERS, PAUL STUART’S PHINEAS COLE PARTY, NATE AND THE BIEBS ATTRACT CROWDS, MARTINIS & MISTLETOE, LUXURY GARAGE SALE’S GRAND OPENING, CONGRATS ARE IN ORDER, A WONDERFUL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

Blog 1 - Pink Tie Guys 2013The Tribune Media Group reaffirmed its fight to help end breast cancer by hosting the second annual Pink Tie Gala (themed “Mission Possible”) at Riverfront Theater on Friday, October 19th, benefitting Susan G. Komen Blog 2 - PTG Jonny Imerman, Laurie Dimakos, JoeAnna LaCourse, Melissa Quintas, Paula PozucekChicago. The event saluted the 2013 class of Komen Chicago Pink Tie Guys and I had the honor of co-hosting with WGN’s Dina Bair. The night’s selection included eleven male influencers who are making a difference in
Blog 3 - Victor LaGroon (L) and friendsthis battle against breast cancer. These men were nominated by the community and selected by the Komen Chicagoland Board of Directors and represent a wide range of male leaders who live in the Chicagoland area and have a Blog 4personal connection to breast cancer, a dedication to philanthropy and who help bring awareness to the cause. This illustrious group of men included everybody’s favorite host Ryan Chiaverini from “Windy City Live”, Chicago Blog 5 - Pink Tie Guy Ryan Chiaverini and Michael ZeinerPublic Health Dept. Commissioner Dr. Bechara Choucair, 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti, Imerman Angels founder Jonny Imerman (Jonny is a young adult cancer survivor who, after being diagnosed at age 26, founded the organization to Blog 6carefully match a cancer fighter with someone who has already triumphed over the disease), Victor LaGroon (Manager of the Community Engagement, Cancer Disparities Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago Blog 7 - Alex Sabbag and friendsCancer Center), Jim Logothetis (senior client service partner for Ernst & Young), Reverend Percy W. McCray (Director of Pastoral Care at Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Midwestern Regional Medical Center), Blog 8 - Carmen Rivera (2nd from L) and cute friendsWade Miquelon (EVP, CFO and President of International for Walgreen’s) and Dr. Steven Rosen (director Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University); VP/GM of the Chicago Blackhawks Stan Bowman and former mayor Blog 9 - Alex Sabbag, Dina Bair and Brotha FredRichard Daley (honorary chairman) who couldn’t attend this night. Brotha Fred emceed the evening and thanked sponsors Lexus, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Wintrust Community Bank and Walgreen’s. (Walgreen’s Wade Miquelon Blog 10 - PTG Wade Miquelon strikes a Heisman pose!announced a $25K donation that night for Susan G. Komen.) Dina Bair shared her inspiring story as a two-time cancer survivor and mother of four and then introduced a touching video of Bridget Spence, who has stage four breast cancer. Other speakers included Komen Chicago’s Executive Director Michael Ziener and the Chicago Blog 11 - 2012 Pink Tie GuysTribune’s John O’Neil. “We are honored to have these outstanding leaders in the Chicagoland community working with us to fulfill our mission of a world without breast cancer. While traditionally a woman’s disease, the reality is, men Blog 12 - Patty Nalepa, Korrina Isselhardt and Kristina McGrathcan get breast cancer, too,” said Zeiner. With more than 300 attendees, this event also included fabulous portraits by Rosemary Fanti, a silent auction, a Heads or Tails game, an ActionBooth, a nail booth courtesy of Walgreen’s, tasty bites from Paris Club (delicious pumpkin soup Blog 13 - Jill and Bill Sullivanwith lobster and chestnuts!), Mitchell’s Soda Shop and decadent chocolates from Truffle, Truffle. Susan G. Komen Chicago has been in existence for more than 15 years and, to date, the organization has invested more than $12 million funding Blog 14 - Mitchell’s Soda Shop goodieslocal non-profits that provide lifesaving services to uninsured and underinsured women in the Chicagoland area. Proceeds ($50K) from the Pink Tie Gala will go back into the community to support low income women for breast cancer screening, education, treatment and support. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes. To learn more or to donate, please visit www.KomenChicago.org. (Fab fotos by Caitlin Saville Collins…see more here!)
 
Blog 1 - Cory Tran designGermania Place was filled to bursting on October 16th with more than 400 of our town's most stylish for the NEXT Fashion Chicago show that featured some of our top designers and boutiques. The show kicked off at 8:30 p.m., after NBC's Marcus Riley and I welcomed the crowd. The lights Blog 2 - Aleah Connect with show producer Rose Mandel and Associate Producer Marco Fosterdimmed, the music pumped up and a Grace Kelly (esque) model wearing a Mark Roscoe-designed magenta cocktail dress hit the runway in dark glasses and an upswept 'do. The show featured everything from couture to casual, elegant to edgy and everything in-between including a clever segment spotlighting custom hand-painted stiletto boots from Just Human by Yemonja Smalls worn by models dressed in black Blog 3 - Ann Hickey, Israel Idonije and Margaret O’Connorunitards. Midway through the show, a moving video presentation showcased the work Blog 3 - Rachel Schwanz, William Holdeman, Paula Fasseas, Alexis Fasseas and Paul Iaconoof PAWS Chicago and the animals available for adoption; this was followed by a special runway walk featuring adoptable dogs and rescued pups wearing their signature yellow kerchiefs as well as ties and coats provided by Barker & Meowsky and Tanner & Dash. PAWS volunteers as well as Blog 4 - Akira’s Jon Cotay takes a bowboard members stole the show with their four-legged friends: Participating designers and boutiques included Mark Blog 5 - Azeeza Khan and Corri McFaddenRoscoe Designs, Gary Gonzalez, Just Human (designer Yemonja Smalls), Akira (owner Jon Cotay), Sahar Dada, Cleon’s Clothing Co., Studio Alade (designer Funkside Eniola), Meekis,  Contessa Bottega (owner Contessa Helena), Cory Tran, Fraley Le and Mira Couture. This Blog 6 - Megan Ervin, Ashley Hooks and Meiling Jinevent was produced by Rose Mandel (Mandel Productions) with Associate Producer Marco Foster with PR support and so much more from Margaret O'Connor (Marcon Communications). A dynamic host committee featured some of our town's most notables such as Rosemary Fanti, Blog 7 - Co-host Marcus Riley and Billy DecCorri McFadden, Toni Canada, DC Crenshaw, Ava Anthony, Emma Arnold, Deborah Brown, Cindy Burns, Julie Lampert, Rita George, Lynn McMahan, Katie McLenaghan, Paul Iacono, Micah Materre, Jennifer Sutton, Alicia Roman, Kelli Zink, Billy Dec, Jessica Zweig, Blog 8 - Catie Keogh, Katie McLenaghan and friendErica Bethe Levin, Jon Cotay, Tyrone Farley, Deborah Goodman, Attila Gyulai, Zingha Hester, Catie Keogh, Michi Marshall, Kristina McGrath, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Crystal Peters, Arabel Alva Rosales Blog 9 - Deborah O. Brown and cute friendand Sherren Leigh. Special thanks Nevena Zee and Tania Gilbert (artistic directors Custom Hair Lounge & Spa), Brenda Arelano (makeup team artistic director), Joseph and Shawna House (fashion show stylists), Siamonto Etian (Sounds AVL), Laura Bee (soundtrack engineer and event DJ), Robert Sivek (set design), Alison Libby (fashion show video), Paul Latza (videographer) and so many others! A portion of the proceeds benefited PAWS Chicago. For more info on adoptions and the work of PAWS, please visit pawschicago.org. See ALL the of the fun on my Watch312.com video below! (Fabulous photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, Amie Hana and Jon Recano…view more event pics here!)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=FoNmhrNjrBXGC3MXvyuk-ucx-udh4LRi&version=2

Blog 1Luxury Management (LUX MGT) celebrated Chicago’s eighth annual Fashion Focus week by staging a dramatic runway presentation of Maison De LaCour’s latest collections to benefit the American Cancer Society Blog 2on October 16th. Staged inside Chicago’s breathtaking historical gem, The Murphy Auditorium, LUX MGT’s “The Immaculate One” fashion event also made a dream come true for one young girl battling cancer. Nine-year-old cancer survivor Alyssa’s Blog 3 - Corri McFadden and the star of the show, Alyssawish to walk in a real fashion show became a reality Tuesday night when she stole the show – and hearts – with her courageous debut on the runway in a Madison and Friends boutique dress. Edrop-off’s Corri McFadden, Dose Market’s founder April Francis and KISS FM host Angi Taylor introduced Alyssa and emceed the showcasing of Maison De LaCour’s new ready-to-wear Blog 4line (MDLC), as well as LaCour’s Spring 2013 collection. Models, choreographed by Yana German, strutted down the runway in a kaleidoscope of shimmering sheaths, bold prints, eye-catching hair sculptures by Salon VANITE’ Paul Mitchell Focus Salon and makeup by LaCOUR BEAUTE’. The Blog 5intermission featured a professional modern ballet performance set to the music of “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Sugar Hills Bakery provided all guests with delectable desserts and Russian Standard Vodka sponsored the pre-show VIP cocktail reception. Ricardo Sebastian founded LUX MGT as part of a college project to raise Blog 6 - Dramatic model presentationmoney for non-profits through event planning in 2008. Since then, LUX MGT has raised well over $600K for both not-for-profit and for-profit companies. Sebastian was nominated as one of “The Top 75 Up-and-Comers” by the Chicago Innovation Awards. Refinery 29 and Windy City Times listed him as one of this year’s “30 Under 30.” Congrats to all on this fabulous night of fashion for such a wonderful cause!

Blog 1 - Congressman Joe Walsh and host Jerry LaskyThe nation is abuzz with talk of politics and, recently, Chicago’s own Jerry Lasky hosted a lavish buffet upstairs at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse at a Blog 2 - Jeremy Katz, Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Jerry Laskyprivate viewing party for the vice presidential debate. The high powered get-together, that included Republican Congressman Joe Walsh and wife Helene, Blog 3 - Dr. John McMahan, Rick Canada and Jerry Laskyfeatured a viewing of the 90-minute debate by 30 politically-active friends who included Bruce Wirtz MacArthur, Patrick Donelly, Blog 4 - Ron Allen, Congressman Joe Walsh, Jay GottliebDr. John McMahan, Rick Canada, Ron Allen, Jay Gottlieb, Jonathan Bross, Lawrence Ryan, Bill Smithburg, comedian Tom Dreesen, Michael Ferro, John Lynch, Steve Stratton, David Smith, Bill Waldrop and Dan Uslan among others. May the best man win!

Keith McGee and grandnephew Ivory Reason Carson mms_pictureAnd speaking of politics, what a thrill it must’ve been for Ivory Reason Carson, the nephew of National Public Housing Museum’s Executive Director Keith Magee, when he met the POTUS! The President rubbed Ivory’s little head and told him, “One day, you will be president, too!” Awww…talk about inspiration! Loved this story! Congrats to little Ivory on his BIG intro! We love Uncle Keith!

Blog 2 - Justin Bieber, Scott McLellan and OprahWhat a thrill and what a coup for RL Restaurant and manager Rich Varnes! On Wednesday, October 24th, Oprah Winfrey taped a segment for her show at her “favorite spot” with Justin Bieber! The crowds were off the hook outside the restaurant where beloved waiter Scott McLellan had the honor of waiting on them all inside! The segment will air on November 25th on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” on OWN.

Blog 1 - Heather Farley, Carol Beitler, Gwen and Biff Ruttenberg and Lesley Prizant GoodmanRonald McDonald House Charities’ “Eat Global, Give Local” event attracted more than 150 people to Carnivale Restaurant recently for a night of charity, socializing and Blog 2 - Billy Marovitz, John Dakajos, Ken Norgan and Jim DeMariawonderful food from some of our top local chefs. The restaurant is gorgeous, as you know, and designer / restaurateur Jerry Kleiner was on hand greeting guests Blog 3 - Jamie Haberkorn (2nd from L), Melinda Jakovich and friends at J. Parkerand sampling dishes from Frontier’s Chef Brian Jupiter (who served delicious milk braised pork shoulder with pistachio cornbread doused in pumpkin bacon gravy!), Davanti’s Chef Creon Mallett (who served roasted squash faro with goat Blog 4 - Dr. Lauren Streicher and hubby Jason Brett load up on raffle tix!cheese and apple cider reduction), Carnivale’s Chef David Dworshak, Café des Architectes’ Chef Gregg Biggers, Quay’s Chef Dan Marquis and SmallBar’s Chef Justin White among others. Jim DeMaria, Senior Director of Development & Marketing Blog 5 - With Carol Beitler and Whitney Reis Laskyfor Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, spoke about the importance of the house and encouraged guests to volunteer. Another recent RMHCCNI event was hosted at the Hotel Lincoln’s J. Parker Hotel by dynamic Women’s Blog 7 - Sam Madonia and beautiful friendAuxiliary Board members MaryAnne Smith (WB President and Coach Lovie’s adorable wife), Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitler. The night included some well-known faces like Blog 6 - Jerry Kleiner (R) with girlfriend Marisa Molinaro’s cute parentsHeather Farley Ingram, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, John McKinnon, Helen Melchior, Ken Norgan, Sheryl Dyer, Bill Chunowitz and many others. If you haven’t had a chance to visit the House, please check out this video and see what all of this fundraising is for! (Check out more pics here!)

Blog 1 - Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma and Marc BrooksThe Paul Stuart townhouse at 107 E. Oak St. was full of friends and fans on October 18th to congratulate its handsome hosts and Brand Ambassadors, Christopher Blog 1 - Christopher Clinton Conway, Marc Brooks, Jason Berngard and Paul KellyClinton Conway (Executive Director of the Joffrey Ballet), Marc Brooks (Park 52 owner) and Jason Berngard (Gilt City curator). The occasion was to celebrate Paul Stuart’s collaboration with Esquire Black Book to introduce the Phineas Cole Fall/Winter Blog 2 - Beth Silverman, Christopher Clinton Conway, Doug Smith2012 Collection, Paul Stuart’s new line of contemporary men’s clothing. On hand for the evening was Phineas Cole designer Ralph Auriemma, Blog 3 - Jason Berngard and Paul Stuart Regional Manager Paul Kellywho debuted the new collection and mingled with more than 100 stylish attendees. Guests mingled, shopped and enjoyed beer from local Chicago brewery Blog 4 - Andreas Mitisek, Geraldine and Michael Schlutz, Helen Melchior and Ken NorgenGoose Island, spirits by Maker’s Mark, and water from Smartwater. Notable Chicago attendees included CBS’s Ryan Baker, Blue Chicago Media Group’s Ryan Blog 5 - Ryan and Jessa BakerJeffries, D.C. Crenshaw, Eric McKissack, Maggie Morgan, Tom Shure, Helen Melchoir, Ken Norgan and Arnie Becker. Jazz guitarist Kyle Asche played throughout the evening featuring a mix of jazz, rock Blog 6 - Brenda Swauger, DC and Alayna Crenshawand pop music. The evening concluded with guests receiving gift bags with complimentary collar stays from Paul Stuart and a special holiday treat from Maker’s Mark. Awwwwww, so sweet! Congrats to these handsome brand ambassadors and welcome Phineas Cole!!! To see more of the collection, please click here and to view more pics, please click here!) 

Blog 1 - Irresistible ZemrahIt was a thrill to emcee cool jazz artist Zemrah’s “Here’s to Life” concert on Sweetest Day (how appropriate!) at Prairie State College Auditorium Theater on October 20th.  Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood, beginning in the church choir to opening for her favorite artist, Blog 2 - With N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman and Reginald TorianNancy Wilson. The night also celebrated the launch of her debut CD, “Irresistible Zemrah” and, from the audience response, she certainly is irresistible! Produced by longtime musical director Syd Brown, the show also included unforgettable performances by the Impression’s Reginald Torian, who was decked out head-to-toe in black leather. (Meow!) He debuted a new song that he will be singing with the group on the Impression’s farewell tour Blog 3 - Zemrah sings “At Last” with Marcus Gentryand dedicated it to his lady love, N’Digo’s Hermene Hartman. It was such a touching moment and, since I was sitting next to her, one she did not expect! He even gave her a rose…it was a very special moment on a night filled with great moments and I was so excited to be there! Guest artist and one of the most charismatic men I’ve met, Marcus Gentry, also performed. He sang Blog 4 - With Wilda Belk, Alonzo Stallings and Zemrahsolo and then, for the finale, appeared in the entranceway in a bright yellow jacket singing “At Last” with Zemrah…the crowd went wild and when they slow-danced onstage together, it was magic. She had a great crowd of admirers who never wanted to leave after the show and stayed late to have their pics taken with her and to buy her CD. Zemrah will be performing two shows at Close-Up 2 Contemporary Jazz Club (located at 416 S. Clark St.) every Thursday beginning November 8th. Don’t miss this dynamic entertainer who is as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside!

TheHauteSpotInSpot-293x300And now for some much deserved congrats! First up, I just love The HAUTE Spot and, apparently, I’m not the only one! Congrats on winning TimeOut Chicago’s 2012 Best Consignment Shop honor!!! Visit their fabulous River West showroom and see why!

Blog 1 - With the one and only Nate Berkus!Huge congrats to beloved designer Nate Berkus on his recent book signing at Jayson Home & Garden! His gorgeous book, “The Things Blog 2 - With Francine Turk (3rd from L) and Courtney CaseyThat Matter,” is not your typical how-to, should-do book on home design but rather a fresh take on what makes you the happiest in your home, and THOSE are the “things that matter.” This book would make a fantastic holiday gift for ALL of your friends! Click here to buy and congrats Nate! Everyone loves YOU! 

2012_Gazebo_InvitationThe Junior League of Chicago will be hosting its annual fundraiser on Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Randolph. This Gazebo Holiday Market always has a broad selection of gifts and is a perfect place to start your holiday shopping. Come to the “Martinis & Mistletoe” preview party on Friday night and have an exclusive first look while enjoying cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, music, raffle prizes and more! (For tickets and more info, please click here!  

Luxury_Opening_Invite-page-001I can’t wait for Luxury Garage Sale’s Grand Opening on Wednesday, November 7th at 1658 N. Wells St., in Old Town (my ‘hood!). Darling owners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal are hosting an evening of mixing, mingling, shopping and champagne while viewing “the city’s most refined collection of consignment couture and accessories.” For more info, please call 312.291.9126 or visit www.luxurygaragesale.com. I’ll see YOU there!

Chairs for CharityJoin Chicago Home + Garden Magazine's third annual Chairs for Charity event on Wednesday, November 7th from 6 to Diffa8:30 p.m. at the Cosentino Center located at 1060 W. Division St. as they auction off vintage chairs given new life by Chicago's top designers. Get exclusive access to 15 one-of-a-kind chairs from Francine Turk, Soucie Horner, Erik Kolacz, Lance Lawson, Michele Fitzpatrick and more. While bidding on your favorite chairs, enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres by Texas de Brazil and complimentary beer by Peroni and wine provided by City Winery. Tickets are $35. Auction CHG_Logo_grayproceeds and a portion of ticket sales will benefit The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Chef Andy of Sushi-O-SushiIf you love sushi in a cozy, fun-filled environment, then check out Sushi-O-Sushi at 346 W. Armitage: Chef Andy makes everyone feel like they’re family!! I just love this spot and you will, too! 

Thanks so much for checking in and I hope you’re enjoyed this week’s edition! Please follow me on Facebook (Candid Candace) and Twitter (@CandidCandace) and see what’s HAUTE in the Windy City!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

P.S. It’s great to see Hef is still having fun and that his Halloween parties still rock…and author Margie Wilson-Mars tells all right here! (Who knew Holly was pregnant and see who the surprise guest was!)

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October 11, 2012 · 8:23 am

THE JOFFREY BALLET’S FASHIONABLE FUNDRAISER: COUTURE & COCKTAILS!

…PLUS RENAISSANCE SOCIETY GALA, RANDE GERBER’S RUM PARTY, FACING HISTORY & OURSELVES EXHIBITION, ABE THOMPSON’S “LEGENDARY” HONOR, PAUL STUART’S COOL BRAND AMBASSADORS, A CUBAN DANCE OPPORTUNITY, LUXURY GARAGE SALE, WATCH312.COM RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE DOC, PAWS CHICAGO’S BIG HOWL-O-WEEN, MY FAV PUMPKIN PATCH AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Co-chairs Sonya Jackson and Kristina McGrathThe Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails, now in its seventh year, is one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year. This year, glamour queens Kristina McGrath and Sonya Jackson co-chaired the event that attracted more than 500 trendsetters. This party has always been Blog 2 - Toni Canada, Rebecca Besser and Dusty Stemerknown for its exciting venues and, this year, the new McGrath Acura dealership was the place to be! With more than 50,000 sq. feet of dramatic space, guests were filled with excitement and anticipation as they walked the red carpet leading into the party. Ivan Carlson’s Blog 3 - Floyd Elwell and Joffrey Exec. Dir. Christopher Clinton Conwaydécor set the tone with flashing pink strobe lights while chic bars filled with Skinnygirl cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres from Stefani Catering were major crowd pleasers. A vintage couture auction presented by LUXURY GARAGE SALE had partygoers oohing, ahhing Blog 4 - Korinna Isselhardt, Patty Nalepa, Lynette Perkins, Kathy Sullivan and Jill Vorobievand bidding. At 7:30 p.m., white curtains parted to reveal another gorgeous space filled with a huge runway and row upon row of Lucite chairs. Bartenders served the seated VIP guests who included “Chicagolicious” star AJ Johnson, Jan Flanagan, Lynn Blog 5 - Dancers just wanna have fun!and John McMahan, Jacqueline and Leon Kinloch, Michaela Parrillo, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Toni and Rick Canada, Daniel DeVos and designer/wife Pamella Roland DeVos, Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro and Mike McGrath Blog 6 - Whitney Lasky, co-chair Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan and Lynn McMahanamong others. To open the fashion show, co-chairs Kristina and Sonya roared into the space in a $380,000 cherry red Lexus LFA. After inviting Leon Kinloch and orchestra leader turned auctioneer David Rothstein to the stage, the quartet Blog 7 - Pam Phillips Weston, Anne Kaplan, Ashley Wheater (Joffrey Artistic Director) and Yolanda Tylerbegan the live auction portion of the night. Packages included exotic trips on United Airlines with hotel stays at the Langham Hotel Group among other exciting offerings. After the live auction, more donations were raised with a “runway Blog 8 - Beam VP-friend Tom Strehle with his familystrut,” where guests could take a turn on the runway for varying amounts – there were some pretty fancy moves up there and it was a very clever idea for additional fundraising. And then, the main event: Pamella Roland’s Spring 2013 collection presented Blog 9 - Chef Art Smith and life partner Jesus Salgueiroby Neiman Marcus! I will tell you that I wanted almost every single thing I saw on that runway. From simple daytime dresses to elegant, entrance-making gowns, Pamella’s creations had the crowd cheering and clapping in appreciation. When I interviewed her for Blog 10 - Sue Gray Goller, Sonya Jackson, Pamella Roland and Melissa Babcock (WB Prez)Watch312.com, she told me her inspiration was the minimalistic paintings by Ellsworth Kelly…and indeed, her black-and-white theme made a dramatic yet elegant statement. The peplum dresses were gorgeous enough on their Blog 11 - Featured designer Pamella Roland with her TCW Mag coverown as the models glided down the runway but when they turned and the crowd saw that the entire backs were sheer, it made everyone moan. At the end of the show, when Pamella made her triumphant runway walk, a standing ovation rattled the walls. Guests were then shuttled to another magnificent room for the post-show reception while this space was transformed into a dance floor. The Blog 12 - Co-chair Sonya Jackson, Leon and Jacqueline KinlochMcGrath Acura space, with its soaring ceilings and exquisite artwork, could be a museum if it wasn’t an uber successful dealership. White leather furniture was arranged for special VIP seating that included darling pillows emblazoned with McGrath Acura and champagne waiting patiently in elegant containers. Beginning at 9 p.m., the dance party was kicked off by the world-famous Joffrey dancers led by Mauro Villanueva and David Gombert, April Daley and Miguel Blog 13 - Newly engaged Charlie Brumbaugh and Mary Ann MurphyBlanco, Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili, Derrick Agnoletti, Fabrice Calmels, Erica Lynette Edwards, Dylan Guiterrez and Tian Blog 14 - Cheryl Jackson (Sonya’s sis), Eva Chess, Traci Jetzer, Tarrah Cooper (Rahm’s Press Secretary), Jessica Kimbrough and friend.Shuai among others. Food trucks were stationed in the entrance space and included delicious mac and cheese from Southern Mac & Cheese, Chef Leah’s perfect pancakes from Babycakes, Two Italians' delicious meatballs and pizza, Mexican fare from La Adelita and vegan, dairy-free offerings from Blog 15 - Kathleen Henson and Daniella GuzmanSte Martaen. No one wanted this exciting night to end at this glorious new venue on the river but sadly, we will all have to wait till next year to find out what new adventure C & Blog 16 - Darling couple-Joffrey dancers Miguel Blanco and April DaleyC takes us on! Congrats to Sonya and Kristina and the Joffrey on this fun-filled night that rai
sed more than $275K for Joffrey programming and outreach. This event has grown exponentially in size since its inception in 2007 with past featured designers including Blog 17 - Husband-wife Joffrey dancers Temur Suluashvili and Victoria JaianiDavid Meister, Carmen Marc Valvo, Maria Pinto, Temperley London and Escada. A special thanks to this year’s sponsors United Airlines, McGrath Imports, Pamella Roland, Neiman Marcus, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Laura Mercier, Beam Global Blog 18 - Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels (center), Gale Gottlieb (L) and friendsSpirits & Wine (love Tom Strehle!), Skinnygirl, Constellation Brands, Inc., Exelon, The Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation and the beautiful sweet tables from Sugar Chic Designs! (To see ALL party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

 

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Blog 1 - Susanne Ghez, Judy Ledgerwood, Greg CameronThe Renaissance Society welcomed more than 340 guests, including prominent business leaders, curators and artists for its 2012 Benefit Gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on Saturday, September 8th. Blog 2 - Julie Marie Lemon, Michelle Boone, Naomi BeckwithThe event grossed more than $677,000 in support of The Renaissance Society’s 2012-2013 exhibition season and celebrated director Susanne Ghez’s 40th year at this internationally-renowned non-collecting Blog 3 - Gael Neeson, Tony Karmanmuseum of contemporary art. Guests enjoyed an evening that began with a cocktail reception and silent art auction featuring pieces by past Renaissance Society artists, alongside a special preview of a limited edition Blog 4 - Michelle Holland, Glenn Holland, Nada Grayphoto portfolio curated by guest of honor Susanne Ghez in celebration of her tenure as director of The Renaissance Society. During a lavish dinner by Radisson Blu Catering paired with wines from Todd Hess/H2Vino, guests were treated to the visually stunning Blog 5 - Rebecca Ford Terry, Susanne Ghez, Don Terrydécor and table arrangements of Paul Buenvenida and Gary Heiferman. A special tribute to Ghez included remarks from Renaissance Society Board of Directors President Greg Cameron, who warmly congratulated her on 40 Blog 6 - Jennifer Conklin, Evan Boris, Stephanie Smithyears of inspiring leadership and generosity of spirit in supporting artists, noting the profound impact Ghez has had in creating one of the world’s most important contemporary art exhibition venues. The evening concluded with a live auction of cutting-edge art Blog 7 - Carrie Secrist, Kavi Guptaby Matt Saunders, Kara Walker and Kerry James Marshall and a luxury trip to a private villa in the Mexican Riviera. The 2012 Benefit Gala Chair was Deirdre McBreen, Executive Vice President of Corporate Secretary and Principal at Blog 8 - Howard Stone, Lisa Dorin, Dirk Denison, Judy LedgerwoodPeter J. McBreen & Associates. Distinguished guests at the event included Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago Director Madeleine Grynsztejn and curators Naomi Beckwith and Michael Darling, Art Blog 9 - Matt Witkovsky, Susanne Ghez, Janine Mileaf, Liz GlassmanInstitute of Chicago director Douglas Druick and curators Peter Zegers, James Rondeau, Matt Witkovsky and Lisa Dorin, Columbia College Museum of Contemporary Photography director Natasha Egan, darling City of Chicago Cultural Affairs commissioner Michelle Blog 10 - Hamza Walker, Susanne GhezBoone, Northwestern University Block Museum director Lisa Corrin, Chicago Humanities Festival artistic director Matti Bunzl, Santa Monica Museum of Art director Elsa Longhauser, Terra Foundation director Blog 11 - Greg Cameron, Deirdre McBreenElizabeth Glassman, Richard Wright of Wright Auction, Tang Museum curator Ian Berry, Arts Club director Janine Mileaf, Jane Addams Hull House Museum director Lisa Lee, and EXPO CHICAGO president/director Tony Karman. (Photos by Erin Drewitz.)

 
Blog 1 - Rande Gerber with Caliche Rum’s bevy of beautiesOn the heels of successful launches in LA, NY, Miami and Dallas, creator Rande Gerber (husband of gorgeous supermodel Cindy Crawford) was joined by family and friends in Chicago recently to celebrate the launch of Caliche Rum, a rum six generations in the making Blog 2and exclusively from the Serrallés Family Distillery, the birthplace of premium Puerto Rican rum. Since launching in March 2012, Caliche Rum has been very well received among consumers and trade alike being honored with some of the highest rated reviews in the industry. Congrats Rande and bring Cindy back home! 🙂

Blog 1 - Mayor Emanuel, honorary chair of Facing History and OurselvesThe Chicago office of international educational nonprofit Facing History and Ourselves welcomed Mayor Rahm Emanuel along with more than 200 partners, donors and supporters of its acclaimed multimedia exhibition Choosing to Participate for a private Blog 2 - Lashana Jackson, Celeste Wright Harris and Denise Banksparty on Monday, September 24th in the Winter Garden of the Chicago Public Library’s Harold Washington Library Center. Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and guided tours of the exhibition (which is on display at the Harold Washington Library Center now through November 11th). In addition to Mayor Emanuel and his wife, Amy Rule, other distinguished guests included event Blog 3 - Greg Case, Upstander honoree Nikki Jarvis and Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman-Pres-CEO)emcee and Emmy Award-winning ABC 7 News co-anchor Cheryl Burton, Chicago Public Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, Blog 4 - Bonnie Oberman, Margot Stern Strom and Judy WiseChoosing to Participate co-chair and Aon president and CEO Greg Case, Walmart Chicagoland Market manager Reginald Reese, Facing History co-founder and Klarman Family executive director Margot Stern Strom, Facing History Chicago co-founder Judy Wise, Loop Capital Markets co-founder and president Albert R. Grace, Jr., Facing History Chicago Advisory Board chairman Jill Blog 5 - CPS CEO Jean-Claude Brizard and the MayorGarling and her husband Tom Wilson (Allstate Chairman, President and CEO), Blog 6 - Co-chair Greg Case (AON pres-CEO), Mayor Emanuel, Albert R. Grace, Jr. (Loop Capital Markets co-founder-president)Facing History Chicago director Bonnie Oberman and her husband Marty Oberman (former 43rd Ward Alderman and private practice lawyer) and Choosing to Participate Upstander honorees Mazher Ahmed, Henry Henderson, Nikki Jarvis and Tony Wasilewski. Facing History’s Choosing to Participate is a powerful multimedia Blog 7 - FH&O Co-founder Judy Wise walk the Mayor thru exhibitexhibition examining the impact and history of bigotry and injustice that features five installations telling stories Blog 8 - ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and Greg Casein the first-person about people and communities that have experienced racism and injustice, and how courage and compassion are necessary to protect democracy. The two local components of the exhibition are Upstanders: Portraits of Courage, Blog 9 - Advisory Board Chairman Jill Garling and the Mayorfeaturing photographs and narratives celebrating 12 individuals and groups making a difference in Chicago and pARTicipation: Young Artists Speak Up, a display of original artwork from Chicagoland students in grades 7 – 12 that illustrates Blog 11 - Henry Henderson and familythe importance of choices we make in our daily lives. For more information, please visit www.choosingtoparticipate.org. Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational and professional development organization whose mission is to engage Blog 10 - Walmart Chicagoland Marketing Manager Reginald Reesestudents of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice and anti-Semitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. For more information, visit facinghistory.org. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

 
Abe at podiumLongtime Chicago-based media exec Abe Thompson accepted the Living Legends Award from the Black United Fund of Illinois (BUFI) during their 12th Annual Living Legends/Passing the Torch© recently at the Parkway Ballroom. The Living Legends event was conceived by BUFI as a way to encourage generational continuity in civil rights, business and the professions while sharing the collective skills, ideas and strategies with a new generation of leaders. Thompson passed the torch to the students of Kennedy-King College. Huge congrats to a beloved Chicago icon!

Christopher Clinton ConwayCongrats to the Joffrey Ballet’s Christopher Clinton Conway and Park 52’s Marc Brooks on being named the Fall 2012 Chicago Brand Ambassadors for Paul Stuart and its Phineas Cole Collection! They couldn’t have picked more perfect candidates for this honor than Christopher and Marc, whose chic style is always inspiring and uniquely their own. Since 1938, Paul Stuart has been a leading arbiter of taste, style and fashion for luxury menswear in the U.S. The store has dressed world leaders, dignitaries, celebrities and titans of business Liza and Marc Brooksfor over 70 years. In the fall of 2007, Paul Stuart launched Phineas Cole, the first new brand in the company’s history. Its slimmer, more contemporary silhouette is perfectly suited for our town’s best dressed guys! Congrats CCC and MB – they are very lucky to have you in their beautiful new brand! Join them on Thursday, October 18th, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate this new line from 6 to 8 p.m. at 107 E. Oak St. RSVP@Skirtpr.com.

Cheryl Tama OblanderDance devotee Cheryl Tama Oblander is helping plan a major ballet festival in Havana, Cuba, scheduled for October 27th through November 4th (leaving from Miami). Cheryl has been named as the representative for the Center for Cuban Studies and is Rakatan3-2194organizing an amazing itinerary that includes eight nights, welcome and farewell dinners, motor coach tours, exclusive museum passes, five festival performances and so much more! The trip is limited to 25 to 30 guests so email interplanner@comcast.net or visit www.festivalballethabana.cult.cu/ for more info!

Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay SegalI was so honored to have been asked by LUXURY GARAGE SALE to sift through their fabulous fashions and pick my top five! It was no easy task with pages upon pages of beautiful couture offerings but it was a very fun challenge that I happily accepted. Check out my choices and see what you Luxury Garage Sale choices 10-12think…and then check out YOURS here! LUXURY GARAGE SALE – an upscale consignment service that specializes in selling new and gently-used contemporary, designer and vintage clothing and accessories – was co-founded by partners Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal. Childhood friends, Brielle and Lindsay always had a love of collecting beginning with stickers and erasers and evolving to shoes and handbags. Over the years, however, their assorted collections soon overwhelmed their available storage space. Utilizing their backgrounds in fashion and sales, Brielle and Lindsay began selling their unwanted items and after realizing that their friends had the Nate Berkus invitesame predicament as well, a light flashed and voila – LUXURY GARAGE SALE was born! Happy Hunting!

Who wouldn’t like to party with Nate Berkus!!??? Join handsome and talented Nate as he celebrates the launch of his new book, “The Thing
s That Matter” on Tuesday, October 23rd from 5 to 8 p.m. at Jayson Home and Garden, located at1885 N Clybourn Ave. EVERYONE is welcome! Also, bubbly and bites are being provided by Francis Coppola Winery and Chicago's Real Kitchen. I can't wait to read your new book and see YOU, Nate – we love you!

Lahore InviteChicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) brings Chicagoans a festive evening of cultural discovery with From Chicago to Lahore: A Cultural Nexus. This party with our Pakistani sister city will celebrate the work of artists from Chicago and Pakistan and will highlight our similarities and the impact of arts upon people of all cultures. Free and open to the public, this event will be at the Chicago Cultural Center (located at 77 E. Randolph) on Wednesday, October 17th, from 6 to 9 p.m. The night will include an exhibition of visual arts, a brief speaking program, film screenings, musical performances, poetry readings and so much more. For more info, please click here!

6a00e55455088488330147e35a5380970b-350wiMany thanks to journalist/producer extraordinaire Elysabeth Alfano for including me in her recent fabulous Huffington Post article about the Art Institute’s Rubloff paperweight collection! This one-woman dynamo is also the creator and producer for “Fear No Art” and “The Dinner Party.” To read her latest article, please click here. What a great piece…nice work, Elysabeth!

Zemrah invite 993What a perfect way to spend Sweetest Day on Saturday, October 20th! Join me as I host “Here’s to Life Concert 2” presented by the very irresistible jazz soloist Zemrah at Prairie State College’s Main Auditorium, located at 202 S. Halsted St. (Chicago Heights), beginning at 7 p.m. (A VIP reception will begin at 5 p.m.) Zemrah has been performing and perfecting her musical style since childhood becoming the lead female vocalist of the duet “Fire & Ice” to being selected as the Crown Royale Female Vocalist of the Year. She continued as a solo artist opening for Nancy Wilson to now having her own inspirational concert. The night’s musical director Syd Brown will be joined by guest artist Marcus Gentry. For show information and tickets beginning at $55, please visit www.zemrahsongstress.com or call 318.936.7241. (Her first CD, “Irresistible Zemrah,” is – quite simply – irresistible!) I hope to see you there!

DavidsTea founder David SegalAt Cheeky Chicago’s 4th Anniversary Party (coverage coming soon!), I had the opportunity to sample DavidsTea, which will be making its debut in Chicago on October 13th at 1645 N. Damen. Now, I’m not a big tea drinker but with flavors like Read My Lips (a black tea with chocolate, vanilla, mint and red candy lips), Pumpkin Chai (black tea with cinnamon, cloves, lemon peel, squash, carrot and caramel bits) and Banana Nut Bread David's Tea(dates, currants, almonds and freeze-dried bananas), I stand up and take notice! I also love the fact that all proceeds for their Haitian-inspired KANPE Tea (a blend of hibiscus, mango, cinnamon, papaya, banana, coconut and stevia) will go toward the KANPE organization dedicated to long-term relief in Haiti. The company opened last year with two locations in NYC and plans locations this month in San Francisco. DavidsTea is also available online at www.davidstea.com. Congrats to owners David Segal and his cousin Herschel Segal and WELCOME to Chicago!

Howl-homepage-bannerDon’t miss this new fall event benefitting PAWS Chicago! PAWS at the Park Hyatt Costume Party “Howl-O-Ween” will be coming to the Grand Salon of the Park Hyatt on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 5 p.m. You and your family are PAWSChicagoinvited to join in this spooky, fun-filled event featuring a costume contest at 3 p.m. for people and pets with celebrity judges, prizes for Best in Show for Dog, Family, Favorite Duo and Most Outrageous. Co-chaired by Nancy Timmers and Walter Brindell, the party will also include delectable desserts by pastry chef Meg Galus, pawtastic bites by executive chef Ryan LaRoche, beer, wine and Tail-tinis for adults from NoMI Lounge! There will also be a live auction, children’s face painting, photographer Greg Szoda and intuitive dog readings by Denise Zak. Tickets are $75 (adult and 13-up), $25 (6-12) and $20 per pet. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Racked logo untitledA special thanks to all of you who voted for me as “Chicago’s Most Social Scenester” in the contest recently hosted by RackedChicago.com! I know I terrorized so many of you to vote but it worked and I won!! 🙂 So thanks for being so patient and so supportive! ALL of the nominees are dynamite social scenesters and included Amanda Puck, Billy Dec, Ryan Beschel, Lisa Frame, Cece & Melinda, Marcus Riley, Emma Arnold, Graham Kostic, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin and Monica Dimperio. I am so honored and promise to live up to this title! 🙂 Thanks so much to Jared Hatch for the nomination!

With Ronald and New House Director Jamie HaberkornFrom humble desires to complete fruition, the story of the building of the World’s Largest Ronald McDonald House is an inspiring one. This love-filled Watch312.com documentary will make you laugh, cry and believe that goodness and hope can overcome all obstacles. The new Ronald McDonald house RMHCCNI’s Doug Porter, Jamie Haberkorn and Ken Norgan (owner-operator)near Lurie Children's opened June 26th and is located at 211 East Grand in Streeterville. Its14 stories offers 86 guest rooms and amenities to comfort families in time of need. If you would like to help support this worthwhile cause please click here. I also hope you enjoy my video that was a labor of love from beginning to end!

 

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Beautiful “funkins” created by Tissy Eggleston for TCW Mag PartyI hope your fall is off to a beautiful start and I hope you get a chance to celebrate with a visit to a pumpkin patch! One of our favorites is County Line Orchard, located at 200 S. County Line Road in Hobart, Indiana. I love their apple cinnamon and pumpkin donuts but they also have a corn maize, petting zoo, live band performances and, of course, a pumpkin patch! Their country store offers fresh jam, homemade pies, kettle corn and lots of other tasty treats. A perfect way to enjoy the change of seasons!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

RhondaP.S. My friend Rhonda Sanderson recently shared a story of her bout with breast cancer in this inspiring video. For every new Facebook fan, story shared or purchase made through Hungry Howie’s Pizza chain, a donation will be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Please click here to see it and share it with your friends to help make a difference. 🙂 Great job, Rhonda!

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September 25, 2012 · 9:38 pm

CHESHIRE CAT SMILES ALL AROUND FOR OFFICE MAX’S GREEN TIE BALL!

…PLUS 30/30/30 FOR TCW MAG, BRIAN ATWOOD’S A-LIST PARTY, HENSON’S HIGH HONOR, HORSING AROUND AT THE EVERGREEN INVITATIONAL, PRIMO CLASSICO, HARRIS THEATER’S ONE NIGHT COUP, GOLD COAST FASHION AWARDS RETURNS, LATINO FASHION WEEK, CHEF ERIC LANLARD WANTS TO “TART IT UP!,” A MAGICAL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Guests with Red Moon Theater actorsThe Office Max Green Tie Ball just keeps getting bigger and better! I didn’t think they could top last year’s theme – “The Wizard of Oz” – but with the fantastic addition of Red Moon Theater Company, “Alice in Wonderland” came Blog 2 - Joanna and Grant DePorterto life this year for more than 3,000 guests. From the moment you entered the steel factory grounds of A. Finkl & Sons, you knew magic was afoot when you walked the GREEN carpet! Dramatic visuals thrilled your senses everywhere you looked beginning with striking artwork from this classic book streaming down the sides of the Blog 3 - Emcee Val Warner with the Landon Twinstent as you entered the grounds. The Mad Hatter’s tent made me gasp as I saw oversized lamps and fabulous scenes projected on every wall. And the FOOD! There were more than 70 food stations and I don’t mean little tastings: This was REAL food prepared by Blog 4 - Interviewing Pete Wentz and girlfriend Meagan Camperchefs who wanted to be noticed. Rub BBQ Company served a BBQ martini consisting of coleslaw, cornbread, baker beans and smoked pork shoulder all in one cup! Zapatista’s carnitas on rice flower tortillas with jalapenos was mouthwatering and Flo & Santos served ravarogi (meat pierogies) with vodka Blog 5 - Sarah Cooley (2nd from R), Richard Roeper and friendscream sauce. Thank goodness I didn’t get to ALL 70 restaurants, although I did see great stuff from Frog & Snail, GT Fish & Oyster, III Forks, Rosebud, 25 Degrees, Province, Frontier and Public House. I was especially touched by Blog 6 - Jerry Roeper and David Lissnerthe offerings from the sweet kids from Bethlehem Lutheran Church who were on hand from the After School Matters’ Culinary Arts Program. Proud ASM Culinary Director/Chef Gloria Hafer said, “These students are special to us and I know they will succeed because of the Blog 7 - After School Matters students with their creationsconcern of the people here who have taken an interest in the program. I’m working diligently through ASM to promote self-esteem, excellence, and appreciation of the culinary arts.” Students in the program prepared, displayed and served more Blog 8 - Shari and Paul Duffythan 2,000 “Alice in Wonderland”-themed cookies and cakes. I watch a lot of master chef shows and these kids could teach them a thing or two from what I saw on this night. Shannon Roche, Gisel Bahena, Abigail Garcia, Lily Harris and Omar Cardenas proudly displayed their works of art and told me how Blog 9important the program was to them. Gisel plans on working in the culinary arts and Omar was happy to have a place to go that would keep him “off the streets.” Abigail commented on the fun she had and how much she loved learning how to Blog 10 - Zac Stemer and Jordan Stemercook. This was sheer genius by the event organizers to add these kids so they could highlight this worthy organization! Of the 50 world-renowned chefs invited to this event, After School Matters was the only teen initiative asked to participate. The event was emceed for the second year by Blog 11 - Elena Samokhina and magical friend“Windy City Live” hosts Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini. When I interviewed them for Watch312.com, they were so excited about expanding to the weekend, with a Sunday edition coming soon. Ryan jokingly said, “You will be sick of us soon like my parents.” They are too cute for words, as we Blog 12 - Susan and John Collettiall know! Corri McFadden, glam e-Drop Off founder and star of VH1’s “House of Consignment,” and Donald Storino, principal and co-founder of the government affairs firm Fidelity Consulting Group, served as co-chairs. This Blog 13 - DJ Rock Cityevent benefitted Chicago Gateway Green, which was founded by Donald DePorter in 1986. His son, Grant DePorter, President of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group and Chairman of Gateway Green, carries on his father’s tradition in grand style. “As Gateway Green’s Blog 14signature fundraising event, the Green Tie Ball not only raises our mission but also serves as the catalyst for our ongoing beautification programs, including the Expressway Partnership, for which proceeds from this year’s gala will be directed.” The night also Blog 15included top notch dance music from deejays Justin Jacobson (founder and impresario of Platinum Events), Rock City and former Fall Out Boy bassist and half of the Black Cards duo, Pete Wentz. He showed up on the green carpet around 9:45 p.m. with gorgeous arm candy, Meagan Camper. My friend and celebrity stylist Eric Himel styled them both to perfection saying, “For
Co-chair Corri McFadden and friendPete, I wanted to do something different other than rocker attire.” Wentz was decked out in a fabulous forest green suit from Oak Street’s SuitSupply with a Blog 17 - Agnes Miles and Catie Keoghbow tie. When I asked him how he liked his outfit, he said, “I feel a little Farrakhan-ish but that’s okay, I'm a fan.” He was dancing and tweeting pics of the crowd as he deejayed. So cute! Meagan was in a sleek black dress from Top Shop with green Alexis Bittar earrings. Such a stylish pair! I loved Eric’s Blog 18outfit, too, that featured a green skull necklace on a leather cord from Beatnik's, a great store in Lakeview. Entertainment included live performances from Chicago cover bands Dr. Bombay Blog 19 - Brenda Arelano and Lisa Apratiand South of 80. Co-host Ryan Chiaverini thrilled the crowd when he got onstage to sing his now signature song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Rivers Casino tent featured craps, blackjack and roulette. There was also a Red Moon bubble-blowing, mobile DJ, Blog 20 - Charitable gambling courtesy of Rivers Casinoan Office Max photo booth filled with “Alice in Wonderland” props and “Hawk Man,” who hovered over the crowd on a 20-foot crane flapping his massive, feathered wings (also from Red Moon). Partygoers happily fell right down the Blog 21 - “Hawk Man” from Red Moon Theater Companyrabbit hole at this party! Executive producer for this magical night was “The Food Dude,” David Lissner, who is also a board member of Chicago Gateway Green. This magical night raised $450K to benefit Chicago Gateway Green. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…to see other photos in my Chicago Tribune column by Beth Rooney, please click here and to see all of the magic, WATCH my Watch312.com video right HERE!)

 

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Blog 1 - Brian Atwood with Heidi Klum and Rachel ZoeHandsome shoe god Brian Atwood celebrated his new campaign and first flagship store at 655 Madison Avenue in New York with a star-filled celebration at the Four Seasons Restaurant on Wednesday, September 5th. More than 700 guests mixed Blog 2 - Proud mom Dusty congratulates Brianwith A-list celebs as DJ Mick Boogie played hot mixes but nothing could be hotter than the sky high heels so coveted around the globe by this charming designer who is adored by all. Since its 2001 debut, the Brian Atwood Collection has instilled shoe lust in a legion of fans for its infusion of glamour, exquisite Blog 3 - Kim Kardashian with Brian Atwoodcraftsmanship, hyperluxe design and attention to detail. His award-winning styles have earned him the CDA Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Best Accessory Design and the 2010 Footwear News Designer of the Year Award. His first global campaign this past summer, a print campaign and Blog 4 - Handsome life partners Dr. Jake Deutsch and Briancompanion fashion film tell the story of the modern woman's desire for fantasy and control. The new fall print and video campaign were shot together in London by Mert & Marcus with creative direction by Giovanni Bianco and feature supermodel Candice Swanepoel. The fashion film, The Sex is in the Heel video series, is a voyeuristic flashback by a mysterious seductress reliving the Blog 5 - Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer, cute friend and Jordan Stemerprevious night's fantasy and will be a part of the film section on the newly redesigned website. I imagine this is exactly how women feel after a night of wearing a pair of Brian Atwoods! In honor of the evening, DeLeon Tequila presented four signature cocktails: Maniac, The Sex Blog 7 - Heidi Klum having fun with Brian!is in the Heel, Midnight Purple and The Atwood. Ahhhhhh, so cute! Guests seen at the celebration included Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Roy, Ryan Lochte, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Nate Berkus, Hannah Bronfman, Estelle, Gabrielle Union, Katie Lee, Candice Swanepoel, Giovanni Bianco, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, proud parents Yolanda (Dusty) and Dr. Alex Stemer, Blog 6 - Zak Stemer, Ryan Lochte, Stephanie WeissAbby and Dr. Jim Lipton, Toni and Rick Canada, Nina Mariano, beautiful sister Jordan Stemer and Jackson Miranda, darling brother Zack Stemer, longtime friend milliner Loreta Corsetti, Peter Kousothanos, Nina Aversa, Stephanie Weiss, Andi Laidlaw, Cameron Laidlaw, Jerimiah and Brian's handsome husband, Dr. Jake Deutsch. It was a joy-filled affair filled with beautiful people. Long may you reign, Shoe God Brian Atwood – can't wait for your first store opening at 655 Madison Avenue coming October 4th!!!

Blog 1I love TCW Magazine and I’m so thrilled to be celebrating their 30th
anniversary with them on October 30th with a party benefitting 30 charities in town that assist women and children in Blog 2need! Leave it to Sherren Leigh to come up with this clever idea for her party which will also include a silent auction called Pumpkins on Parade. Faux “funkin” pumpkins will be decorated by local “celebrities” to be auctioned off.  I must say she corralled me for this funkin decorating and I tried but had to relinquish my duties to my dear friend (and crafty Blog 3 - Tissy Eggleston, my “Funkin” carving savior!genius), Tissy Eggleston. So, even though I will have a pumpkin entered, just know it was a collaborative effort! LOL! There will also be an open bar, food stations, a live band with guests encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets are $150 and I know this will be ONE event you shouldn’t miss! Happy birthday, TCW!

Kathleen HensonPR News recently awarded a BIG honor to Chicago’s own Kathleen Henson and her creative Henson Consulting firm with National Small PR Firm of the Year! They also won nationally for best Anniversary Campaign for 373141_60075977775_1321684491_nLettuce Entertain You’s 40th anniversary last summer. Kathleen started her firm 12 years ago in her basement with just a laptop, a phone and a rolodex after her first child, Emily (she now has FIVE!) was only nine months old! I can’t wait to see where this dynamic redhead with a heart of gold flies to next! Congrats to you KH and to Henson Consulting on all of your great work!

 

Blog 1 - Christy Cressey, host MK Pritzker and friendA venerable who’s who of Chicago traveled north to the private 230-acre Evergreen Farm owned by JB and MK Pritzker on Saturday, September 6th, to witness one of the Midwest’s most esteemed equestrian events, the Evergreen Invitational. Hosted by MK and The Women’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Blog 2 - Neal Zucker, Nora Daley and Sean conroypresented by Northern Trust, this fourth biennial equestrian charity exclusive “by-invite-only” event attracted more than 600 guests who came to support the elegant sport and witness nationally and internationally ranked riders compete. More than $1.1 million was raised from this year’s event with proceeds benefitting under-funded women’s health programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. To Blog 3 - Laura Linback on Whittadate, the Evergreen Invitational has raised more than $4 million. The $25K Junior/Amateur Owner Classic kicked Blog 4 - Ricky, Estelle and Agatha Walgreenoff the event with Meagan Nusz winning on horse, Vesuvius. The $75K Grand Prix blue ribbon went to Laura Linback and horse Whittaker MVNZ. In between the two events, hundreds of guests were spotting enjoying the mild weather and admiring some of the exquisite Graff jewels on display or lusting after a number of Ferraris dotting the property Blog 5 - Julie Latsko, Traci and Mario Tricoci and family(which were available for test drives courtesy of Lake Forest Sportscars). A promenade of shops featured merchandise from Lee Allison Company, Escada, Fabbri Furs, Chicago Luxury Beds and Blog 6 - Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer and Julie Selakovichdozens more. A lavish buffet lunch was catered by beloved George Jewell of George Jewell Catering. Guests seen on the scene included Mimi Olson (President of the WB of Northwestern), co-chairs Joan Moore and Christy Blog 7 - Sargent familyCressey, Meredith Wood-Prince, Nora Daley with husband Sean Conroy, Mich Mag’s J.P. Anderson and Dan Uslan, Neal Zucker, Leslie Hindman and Tempel Smith, Traci and Mario Tricoci, Jr. Blog 8and family, Estelle Walgreen, Quintin Primo, Mayari Pritzker, Susan and Joe Ahern, Dr. Kris and Tricia Rooney Alden, Thea Robinson, Dean Harrison, Curt Bailey, host JB Pritzker and Dan UslanJulie Selakovich, Curt Bailey, Christy Cressey, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer, Bethany Paris, Linda Yu and Stuart Ellison, Susie and Walter Jaco
bson, Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin, Tom Cole, Denise and Adam Hoeflich and Stephen and Diane Falk. (Photos by Mariah Smith…to view more pics, please click here!)
 
Blog 1 - Hostess Shirley Ryan, Kim White (WB President), Kathleen Carbonara (Ball Co-Chair)Members of the Field Museum Women’s Board are immersing themselves in Indian culture as they prepare for the annual gala on October 13th, “The Maharaja Ball.” The gala, co-chaired by Kathleen Blog 2 - Marty Peterson, Anupy Singla, Kim White and Sandy DeromediCarbonara and Susan Faurot, will celebrate the museum’s opening of “Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts” exhibit coming in November. The exhibit is organized by the Victoria & Blog 3 - Kim White and Renee CrownAlbert Museum in London. The first of two high profile kick-off events was hosted by Patrick and Shirley Ryan at their Winnetka home with more than 50 women in attendance for the annual invitation stuffing party,
Blog 4 - Peggy Snorf, Susan McBride, Betsy Ahearne, Leslie Zentner and Marty Peterson“House in the Garden.” The second event was hosted by bestselling Indian cookbook author and former Chicago TV reporter Anupy Singla, who gave a cooking demo and prepared an Indian lunch for the Women’s Board. She schooled the Blog 5 - Ball co-chairs Kathleen Carbonara and Susan Faurot with Anupy SinglaBoard in the fine points of Indian cuisine and cooked recipes from her newest cookbook, “Vegan Indian Cooking.” A trip along Blog 6 - Stuffing invites at the Ryans'Devon Avenue for sari shopping was included! This gala is sure to be a sellout so please click here for tickets and more info. Congrats to all of the hardworking Women’s Board members!

PrimoPrimo Classico d’Italia, a benefit for the Primo Center, will take place at Diane and Quintin Primo’s home in Lake Forest on Sunday, September 30th between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be new and vintage Ferraris along with beautiful models and great Italian food prepared and donated by leading Chicago restaurants such as Pelago, Prosecco, Tocco, Florentine, Volare and Fred’s. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit homeless women and children who rely on the services of the Primo Center. For tickets and more info, please click here!

Sweet Honey in the RockWhat do you get when you combine a Grammy Award-winning female a cappella group with a youth orchestra ensemble led by President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council of the Arts? I would call it one magnificent night Sphinx Virtuosiin Chicago at the Harris Theater! On Thursday, October 4th only, they will debut a performance by Sphinx Virtuosi with Sweet Honey in the Rock and the Chicago Children’s Choir with a premiere of its new work, Affirmations for a New World. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are only $10 to $35! For tickets and more information, please visit www.harristheaterofchicago.org.

Gold coast fashion show imageThe 57th Gold Coast Fashion Award show, the signature fundraising event of The Children’s Service Board, an affiliated organization of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, will be at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan, on Friday afternoon, September 28th beginning at 11 a.m. with a cocktail reception. Emerging designers will compete for the coveted Gold Coast Fashion Award with audience members casting their votes. Last year’s winner, Fabiola Arias, will open the show with her fall Fabiola+Arias+Fabiola+Arias+Backstage+Fall+vvtEcXzRq9Glcollection and designers Lyn Devon, Tess Giberson, Wes Gordon, Stacy Lomnan, Misha Nonoo, Rolando Santana, Verlaine and Rubin Singer will be competing for the 2012 award.  Retail partners this year include Chalk, Mark Shale, McElroy Furs, Neiman Marcus, Perchance, Frances Heffernan and Saks Fifth Avenue. David Yurman will once again host the Grand Staircase entrance during the cocktail hour with displays of fabulous jewelry. Tickets begin at $200 and can be purchased by visiting www.gcfas.com.
 
Latino Fashion Week Save the DateNow in its sixth year, Latino Fashion Week will premier its 2012 tour with the theme “Images of Fashion.” Co-founded by Arabel Rosales and Cesar Rolon, Jr., the tour will include Dallas, Chicago and Miami, and will honor photographers and videographers involved in the exhibition. Highlighted in the Chicago exhibit is globally renowned fashion photographer, Daniel Garriga. This five-day event will include runway shows, celebrity appearances, VIP receptions, a one-day Fashion Lounge and Expo, and much more! The Kick-Off event, “Lights, Camera, Fashion: A Red Carpet Media Party,” will be at Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. on Tuesday, October 9th beginning at 5:30 p.m. (For tickets and more info, please call 773.865.7313 or 773.251.3329.
 
Tart-it-up-eric-lanard-e1343125285112And now someone you should know! London-based Chef Eric Lanlard is coming to the Windy City on Tuesday, October 30th, to celebrate the launch of his latest book, “Tart it Up!”(Don’t you just love this title!?) Eric is a master patissier and two-time winner of the prestigious Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Jesus Salguiero, Chef Eric Lanlard and Naushab AhmedAwards. Having trained in France, Eric moved to London where he ran the patisserie business for Albert and Michel Roux. For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, he was commissioned to create a recipe (The Elizabeth Sponge) for the celebration! Eric has also appeared in a number of TV series, including top Brit hit, “Glamour Puds,” that have helped him build a global fan base. He’s charming and witty with four books under his belt (so far): “Master Cakes,” “Cox,” ElizabethCake260“Cookies & Cakes,” “Cake Boy” and his latest, “Tart it Up!” Hosted by Jean Zivkovic and Don Newcomb, a champagne reception (with delicious gourmet tastings) is planned at the Ritz Carlton Club (located at 160 E. Pearson) on October 30th. So please come meet my “sweet” friend and "Tart It Up!" (For reservations – $99 – please call 312.777.1090.)
 
StarvingArtistInvitationFinal_emailThe Chicago Artists' Coalition presents its Starving Artist benefit on Saturday, October 6th at 217 N. Carpenter St. beginning at 7 p.m. Artists and chefs will be paired to inspire a dish that’s served at the event and a piece of artwork that results will be auctioned off. There will be a charcuterie battle and food installations. Participants will include food preservationist Tara Lane, artists Laura Letinsky, Jeanne Dunning, Erik Peterson, Jenny Kendler and chefs Jared Van Camp, Erling Wu-Bower and Beverly Kim. For tickets (beginning at $150), please visit www.2012starvingartist.com. 
 
Blog 1 - Keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin and Tribune’s Joycelyn WinneckeThe University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business recently hosted a day-long seminar series that included a fascinating personal branding segment with keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin (principal of Jan Anne Dubin Consulting) and Joycelyn Winnecke (Chicago Tribune vice president and Blog 2 - New Sunday Tribune Candid Candace format!associate editor). I was even more thrilled when she included me as a “Personal Branding Pro” along with Christie Hefner, Amy Guth, Cheryle Jackson, Sherren Leigh, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Jeanne Gang, Ron Culp and Bridget Brennan. It was an honor to be included and introduced to the standing room only crowd! Congrats to Jan and Joyce on a thrilling talk! And speaking of the Chicago Tribune, I hope you enjoyed the new format for my Sunday Candid Candace column! 🙂
 
Muttstrut2012The 9th Annual Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) Mutt Strutt is set for Saturday, September 29th. Dog lovers and their four-legged friends are invited for a 1.5-mile walk followed by a block party with food, entertainment and more! NBC 5’s Kye Martin will be the celebrity emcee of the event. (For more info, please visit www.chicagocaninerescue.org.)

Dr. Sandy GoldbergThe 8th Annual Silver Lining Event will be held on Saturday, October 6th, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, located at 2233 S. Martin Luther King Dr., beginning at 6:30 p.m. This black tie event will be held in the Regency Ballroom and will present darling Sonya Jackson with the EVY Award! Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in honor of her late mother, A Silver Lining Foundation provides cancer resource information and outreach as well as Sterling_eventproviding funding for free screening mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women and men at seven partner hospitals. Can’t wait to celebrate your honor Sonya for this great cause! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)
 
Whew, talk about an action packed month! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of these fun events or I hope I will see you at an upcoming one soon! Also, please follow me on Twitter (@CandidCandace) for breaking news from around this beautiful town!
 
Mable Buckner and husband James BucknerLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Huge congrats to beautiful Mable Buckner, who has recently been promoted to President and CEO of the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce!!! They are SO lucky to have YOU, Mable! Congrats!

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August 23, 2012 · 11:24 am

GLAMORAMA’S FASHION EXTRAVAGANZA BENEFITS RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE!

…PLUS HOTEL LINCOLN’S GRAND OPENING, LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S GARDEN PARTY, WATCH312.COM’S GLAMORAMA VIDEO COVERAGE, CHICAGO AIR & WATER SHOW PARTIES, “OUT IN THE PARK” AT SIX FLAGS, TUESDAY WANTS YOU AT PAWS CHICAGO, MOVE OVER REVLON – CAMP IS COMING AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Meg & Liz, Robin Thicke, Janae and LaTressa McVey and friendIt was a cornucopia of exciting visuals, fabulous fashions, glamazon models, great people watching and the best after-party around: Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama wowed the crowds again this year at Blog 2 - Laura Schwartz, Nick Noonan, Amy Heidemann, Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steve Strykerthe Harris Theater on August 10th. This new venue provided a different feel to the show with a smaller stage, which (thankfully!) didn’t affect the quality or excitement level in the least and the Rooftop at Blog 3Millennium Park proved to be one of the BEST after-party venues thus far! The show (expertly produced by Myron Johnson), and themed “The British Invasion: The Music Then. The Fashion Now,” Blog 4opened with Macy’s I Heart Radio contest winners, Meg & Liz. These two 19-year-old fraternal twins from Nashville became YouTube sensations when their cover songs and original pop anthems racked up 160 million views. Their Blog 5 - YouTube sensations Meg & Lizlatest hit, “Are You Happy Now?” an anti-bullying song, features Meg’s soulful acoustic guitar alongside her sister Liz’s soaring vocals. The chart topping duo Karmin also performed – they too shot to fame through their collection of YouTube cover songs, only theirs featured the rapid fire rapping of Amy Heidemann alongside her musician/singer/fiancé, Nick Blog 6 - Marco Foster, Nicole Townsend, Paul IaconoNoonan. They ignited the web when they posted a cover of Chris Brown’s “Look at Me Now” on YouTube; the clip went viral, Ellen Degeneres called and the rest is history! (They even had the honor of introducing this year’s Ronald McDonald Host Family, Janae McVey, and her mom, LaTressa.) Headliner Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of 12 and by Blog 7 - Macy’s Jeffrey Gennette, Janae LaVey, Macy’s Martine Reardon, LaTressa McVey, Doug Porter21, had written and produced songs on over 20 gold and platinum albums for Michael Jackson, Marc Blog 8 - Gretchen Klotz, Fabrice Calmels, Elena Samokhina and Corinne MelchiorAnthony, Pink, Christina Aguilera and others. Macy’s fall fashions featured collections from Tommy Hilfiger, Jean Paul Gaultier, Material Girl, Sean John, Bar III, Rachel Roy and Donna Karan; always a crowd pleaser, the Diesel underwear segment did NOT disappoint this year with hunky male models sporting Beefeater hats, police helmets and billy clubs, House of Lords wigs and, of course, underwe
ar! The segment opened with Blog 9 - Macy’s Robin Hall with British Invasion Dancers (Bailey Munoz, Will, Charlize and cute friend)the guys lined up atop a London bus, tearing off their shirts and marching down stairs towards the appreciative audience. The Blog 10 - Liz Kores, Kamal Bosamia, Lauren Rapisandyoung British Invasion dancers included some favorites from last year like Bailey Munoz (aka BailRok), who Cee-Lo Green famously lifted over his head in last year’s finale. The after-party on the Rooftop of Millennium Park was over-the-top spectacular with British touches everywhere you looked. The “Windsor Terrace’s” champagne lounge featured Blog 11 - Diesel underwear, yeah!the “Queen’s jewels” in a Lucite case while the “Piccadilly Circus” section offered Lancome makeup touchups and a photo booth with props. Delicious food was everywhere you looked Blog 12 - Headliner Robin Thickewith specialty drinks offered at all 18 Patron bars! Attendees included Andrea Schwartz with Dr. Steven Stryker, Martine Reardon, Robin Reibel, Jeff Ganette, Doug Porter, Christina Thomas, Paul Heubener, Kamal Bosamia, Fabrice Calmels, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Sheila Musolino, David Sanchez, Rachel Schwanz, Corinne Melchior, Blog 13 - Robin Reibel and Andrea SchwartzGretchen Klotz, Billy Dec, Ken Norgan, Jose Conforme, Marcus Riley, Nicole Townsend, Marco Foster, Laura Schwartz, Justin Jacobson, Dori Wilson, Sherren Leigh, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Toni Canada, Gale Gottlieb, Carol Gibson, Blog 14 - With Deborah Brown, Tarrah Cooper and friendCamille Britton, Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser, Joan Colmar, Kathleen Henson, Michelle Durpetti, Stephanie Kroll, Heather Ingram, Kathy O’Malley, Katie Cahnmann, Quenten Schumacher, Katie McLenaghan, John Blog 16 - Lynn McMahan, Rebecca Besser and Gale GottliebBourgeois, Donna Pecci, Marcellas Reynolds, Samantha Lurie, Stephanie Teymourian, Sara Jahn, Ami York, Joanne Lee Paul, Tee Lam Dubois, Marketa Kazdova and Sadhna and Narmda Kumar. All of the dancers, models and performers travel to all four cities – Blog 15Minneapolis, Chicago, L.A. and San Francisco. For the fourth year, Glamorama benefitted Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. To date, this event has raised more than $750K for this charity to support the Blog 17building of the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House which officially opened on June 26th! During the past 13 years, this event has raised more Blog 17 - Confetti-filled finalethan $2 million for Chicagoland charities. See below for an incredible Watch312.com video documenting this historic event! (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr.)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=9tdTJwNTqrT3sRVib6ovXa5x86KyMdQ5&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Blog 1 - Boka Groups’ Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm with Mary Todd and Abe LincolnChicago's newest boutique hotel, Hotel Lincoln, hosted its official Grand Opening Party at 1816 N. Clark on Thursday, August 16th. Hundreds of locals and hotel guests partied on three floors including the J. Blog 2 - Chicago Tribune’s Luis Gomez (2nd from L) and Emerald-Jane Hunter (R) with friendsParker Rooftop, which has one of the best views in the city. Looking out over Lincoln Park, the zoo and lagoons with the lake beyond is a sight not to be missed! Even Mary Todd Blog 3 - RMHC’s Alli Turner, her cute hubby and Lesley Prizant-Goodmanand Abe Lincoln were on hand to greet guests as they entered. Neon wristbands allowed party-goers all-access into this charming hotel located at the crossroads of Lincoln, Clark and Wells. Conveniently located near the Lincoln Park Zoo, Green City Blog 4 - Perennial Virant’s Jason Dohmann and Boka Group VP Ian GoldbergMarket, Second City and Steppenwolf Theatre Company, this 12-story hotel has 184 rooms that begin reasonably at $179 a night. Dining specials can even be ordered up from restaurant hotspot, Perennial Virant, whose beloved food and beverage director Jason Dohmann was on hand on this special night greeting guests with a smile and a hug. Congrats to BOKA Group restaurant owners Kevin Blog 5 - Deborah Chapman (L) and friendsBoehm and Rob Katz and Joie de Vivre Hotel Group for this terrific addition to the neighborhood. Guests seen on the scene included Marlaine Selip, Cindy Patrasso, Emerald-Jane Hunter and Ji Suk Yi from “Windy City Blog 6 - Christopher Dovalina and Jennifer SuttonLive,” Andrea Schwartz, Scott Bobek, Julianne Glatz, the Landon twins, Laura Schwartz, Charley Jordan, Jennifer Sutton, Deborah Chapman, Lesley Prizant Goodman, Alli Turner, Luis Gomez, Patrick Parkey and Blog 7 - The Landon Twins and Scott Bobek with friendsMitchell Obstfeld. I'm so happy to see that horrible "Days Inn" sign disappear! For more info on Hotel Lincoln, please click here!! (P.S. The Hotel Lincoln is pet-friendly AND charitable, with a $1 donation per room being donated to PAWS Chicago – more than $4,800 has been donated to date, thanks to Deborah Chapman!) Check out more fun party pics here!

Blog 1 - Verdant lagoon vistaLincoln Park Zoo’s second annual Wine & Wildflowers Garden Party was a casually elegant affair in the zoo’s gardens with almost 350 people enjoying this August 1st event that included a wine tasting, mingling and Blog 2 - Brian Houck, Troy Baresel, Judy Keller, Kevin Bellleisurely strolls through the pristine grounds of this urban oasis. Strains of bluegrass music from the Bubbly Creek Bluegrass Band, which could be heard over the Hope B. McCormick swan pond, delighted Blog 3 - Houck discusses the future of the gardensattendees who feasted on Southern favorites including an upscale selection of brisket and pork barbecue bites from Tigerlily Events, deviled eggs topped with smoky bacon and chicken salad tartlettes. Wine Blog 4 - Guests dressed for upscale barbecue themestations included selections from sponsors Apothic Wines, Martin Codax, William Hill Estate Winery and Wirtz Beverage Illinois. Tours throughout the night highlighted striking garden displays of purple fall anemone, tardiva Blog 5 - Lovely ladieshydrangeas and dinner plate hibiscus. Senior VP of Facilities Troy Baresel and Director of Horticulture Brian Houck gave guests an exclusive sneak peek at what lies ahead for the Gardens at Lincoln Park Zoo. Their aim is to create a garden for all seasons that preserves the historic character of the Zoo’s grounds. Founded in 1868, our zoo is one of the country’s only free, privately-managed zoos. (Click here to view more pics!)

Blog 1 - Host Mike Wilkie and Terry LeontiosThe Chicago Air & Water Show is one of my favorite events every summer – Chuck and I always love seeing the rehearsals the day before when the planes fly right over our deck and terrify the Chihuahuas! And although Blog 2 - (Front) Tess, Jamie Gaballa, Whitey Pearson, (top) Charles Herrick and Chuckmuch is written about the show itself, I love the viewing parties thrown across the city to celebrate! I know the newly opened Hotel Lincoln hosted an event as did friends Michael Wilkie and Kristina and Mike McGrath. Wilkie's penthouse home – Blog 3 - Mr. and Mrs. Paul Episcope and friendhigh atop 1500 N. Lake Shore – is, in my opinion, the best perch from which to view these amazing feats of daring since the planes are right at eye level from the 24th floor. His beautiful home was formerly owned Blog 4 - Hosts Mike and Kristina McGrath with Richard (Dickie) Parrilloby an heir of Morton Salt so you can imagine the grandeur. Kristina and Mike McGrath's home holds a special sense of place for me since they live at the Palmolive Building, formerly Playboy headquarters. Their Blog 5 - The “1500 Penthouse Pals”h
ome on the 22nd floor was formerly the editorial department where I spent a lot of my time in earlier years so I felt right at home in their luxurious space with two grand outdoor patios…one with a putting green! Partygoers included Blog 6 - Hostess Kristina McGrath (R), twin sis Korinna Isselhardt (L) & Gayle AnthonySonya Jackson, Korinna Isselhardt (Kristina's darling twin sis), Hazel and Warren Barr, Lynn and John McMahan, Michaela and Dick Parrillo, Susanna Negovan, Sherrill and John Bodine, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Uslan, Gayle and Jim Anthony, Sherren Leigh, Sugar Rautbord, Rebecca Besser, Toni and Rick Canada and Julee White. A gorgeous lakefront, world-class aerial displays and great friends to see it all with – Chicago is MY kind of town! (To see all party pics, please click here!)

TPAN bannerI’ve been fortunate to have attended quite a few unique events in my time but this is one clever idea for a party! An all new private LGBT event benefitting TPAN will feature rides, live music and a party-like atmosphere: “Out in the Park” will be at Out in the Park inviteSix Flags Great America on Saturday, September 8th from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m. The park will be closed to the general public for this event, where more than 3,000 guests are expected to attend. Attendees will enjoy DJs Matthew Harvat and Phil DaBeatz, who will be spinning simultaneously as a team. A limited number of bus tickets will be available departing from Uptown on Montrose Avenue, one block west of Broadway. Buses will depart at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., all returning at 1 a.m. Blog 1 - ICB Executive Director Bill Natale and Congressman Danny DavisTickets in advance are $35, which includes admission to the park all day long, free parking and admission to this private event. (For tickets, visit sixflags.com using promo code OUT2012 and for bus ticket info, please visit gaysixflagschicago.com or call 773.878.5323.)

Congrats to the students of the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, who donated their time and efforts for Congressman Blog 2 - ICB student Kiera CobbDanny Davis’ recent Back to School Parade & Picnic. Twelve students happily assisted seniors by serving meals, helping them on and off of buses and with games. The kids gave back to the Blog 3 - ICB’s Ashley Stevensoncommunity in the spirit that won ICB the 2012 ACCSC Award (Accrediting Commission Career Schools & Colleges) that OICB Prez Bob Mills will be receiving in San Diego this September. They beat out more than 1,400 schools and 250,000 college kids in garnering this award so congrats to the students and to ICB on this major honor!

Friends for the Cure logoFriends for the Cure is a dynamic group of associates who have been working together since 2003 to help raise money for research to cure diabetes. The founder, Margery Teller (one of Crain’s “100 Most Influential Women”), will bring together more than 700 celebrants on Saturday, September 15th from 7 p.m. until midnight at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave. The night will include strolling musicians, performing artists, DJs and an extensive silent auction that will include a pair of weekend stays at the Langham Hotels in Boston and Pasadena, among many other exciting items. Tickets are $25 each or five for $100. (To purchase tickets, please visit www.diabetes.org/friends.)

Oak-Brook-Polo-Club-season4I’m sad to report that Chicago Beach Polo won’t be returning to North Avenue Beach this year but the good news for polo buffs is that it is alive and well in Oak Brook! Last Sunday was the first of four polo events this year. Remaining dates are August 26th, September 2nd and September 9th and games are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. For more info, please visit www.oakbrookpoloclub.com.

Social Gravity logoSocial Gravity, a network connecting people and businesses that share common causes and goals with the nonprofits they support, will be hosting a networking and fundraising happy hour on Friday, August 24th, at the Redhead Piano Bar, located at 16 W. Ontario St. from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Social Gravity founder Randy Shipley explains, “This event will raise money for  MyPlea.orgMyPlea.org, an innovative new online charitable organization dedicated to helping those in need on an individual case by case basis.” (Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For more info, please contact Sarah Vargo via phone at 224.622.1759 or email at sarah@maven-chicago.com.)

August2012-RSM-lgMy favorite market, Randolph Street Market, returns to 1340 W. Washington on August 25th and 26th! America’s largest and liveliest urban antiques market offers more than eight acres of indoor and outdoor shopping plus some of the best food vendors in Chicago! It also offers free downtown furniture deliveries, a trolley from Water Tower Place and is very pet-friendly! Hours are 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday. Remember, early Saturday shopping will benefit Chicago House! (For more info, please click here.) 

Tues6If you’re in the market for a 10-month-old Pointer pup, read no further and get over to PAWS Chicago NOW! Tuesday is an affectionate girl who loves to fetch and is anxious to bring so much life and energy to her new family! She is good on leash Tues7and walks and would probably make a great running partner, too! She sits on command and will need lots of exercise, structure, love and training. If you think you qualify for this bundle of love, contact Sarah Ahlberg at sahlberg@PawsChicago.org.

Blog 1 - Camp Cosmetics founder Michael PerichIt came out of the blue: I didn’t even know the guy and had never heard of Camp Cosmetics but when owner Michael Perich contacted me about creating my own lipstick, I had dreams Blog 2of Elizabeth Taylor and her Diamonds fragrance! Well, a dream for sure but what fun to have my own special coral color named “Candid Candace” and, best of all, getting to donate a portion of the proceeds to PAWS Chicago! He is a dedicated makeup artist with a salon filled with Blog 3 - Photo by Amie Hanalike-minded professionals who believe in their slogan “Women are beautiful…we make them pretty.” My signature color sells for $19.50 and can be ordered by phoning Camp Cosmetics at Blog 4630.545.0240 or visiting the store at 480A N. Main St. in Glen Ellyn. I am sooooo excited! 🙂 (Photo courtesy of Amie Hana.)

Thanks for being here and I hope to see you next week – same time, same place! I hope you’re enjoying this glorious weather that makes Chicago the most delightful city in the world!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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June 20, 2012 · 8:16 pm

ALL EYES WERE ON MAMIE WALTON AT THE ILLINOIS EYE-BANK GALA!

…PLUS BETTY WHITE RULED THE NIGHT AT MBC, A NAVY PIER HOTSPOT FOR LOCALS!, GLAM LAUNCH PARTY (WATCH 312 VIDEO!), ZOO-OLOGIE BASH IS BACK, OLD TOWN ART FAIR (HIGHLIGHTS ON WATCH312!), SOMEONE YOU SHOULD KNOW AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Honorees Mamie Walton and Dr. Joel SugarIt’s not often that you feel transported to Britain here in the Windy City but this was the theme and the ambiance for the recent Illinois Eye-Bank Gala honoring Mamie Walton as the 2012 Woman of Vision and Dr. Joel Sugar as the Gift of Sight Honoree. (Joel has Blog 2 - Eyebank Executive Director Diane Hollingsworthbeen the Illinois Eye-Bank’s Medical Director for 25 years.) The party, titled “Annabel’s: Indulge in London’s Veddy Best,” brought out more than 200 guests to the Peninsula on a perfect summer night. This hotel has one of the finest patios in town and when the weather is as flawless as it was on this night, no one wanted to move inside for dinner! Mamie Walton’s British roots made the party’s theme so appropriate for this magnetic and ageless woman. Blog 3 - Glam guests and Mamie fans through and through!With décor by Tom Kehoe, the Grand Ballroom perfectly captured the look and feel of the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s, with purple linens, gold napkins and Blog 4 - Beloved Hazel and Warren Barrchairs and even a signature Annabel’s touch, a circular dance floor. This legendary club was founded in 1963 and named after the late Sir James Goldsmith’s wife, Annabel. It was the first of its kind – a members-only nightclub that catered to an exclusive clientele that included royals such as Blog 5 - Miss Arab USA, Christina Rafida, and Secretary of State Jesse WhitePrincess Anne and the Prince of Wales, President Richard Nixon, Aristotle Onassis and Frank Sinatra. Entertainers who have performed there include Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Diana Ross and, most recently, Lady Gaga. On this night, we had our own top-notch entertainment with Mamie herself serenading us in song (“Time Blog 7 - The always darling Tom Segesta and wife RobinAfter Time”) in perfect pitch. As she glided around the dance floor in a glamorous vintage black Chanel cocktail dress, you felt like you were truly a lucky member of an exclusive club, the Mamie Walton Fan Club! Her dress, by the way, was worn 20 years ago to Annabel’s when she and her late Blog 8 - Ken Norgan, John Regas, Bill Zwecker, Warren Barr and Tom Gormanhusband, Julius, were in London. After dining out with friends, the Morales, they hit Annabel’s. He was the Ambassador for Great Britain to Panama at the time. Blog 9 - Tina and Jeff Weller and cute friendsThe Mark Olen Trio performed and Franklin Lamphere sang three songs from the 50’s and 60’s. Master of Ceremonies was the incomparable Bill Zwecker who is a long-time Blog 10 - The Squire, Bunky Cushing!friend of Mamie’s. Eye-Bank Executive Director Diane Hollingsworth announced the Beverly Blettner Gift of Knowledge education fund and acknowledged Amy Wimer. “Beverly looked for one person to carry that torch and it was Amy who Blog 11 - Gayle Anthony, Toni Canada, Heather Farley and Lynn McMahanchaired the event for the first three years.” Dr. Randy Epstein introduced Dr. Sugar and awarded him his honor. Bill introduced last year’s Woman of Vision Blog 12 - Linda and Mark Heisterhonoree Jean Antoniou who proudly presented Mamie with her Woman of Vision Award to wild applause. Guests for the evening included Hazel and Warren Barr, Greg Hyder and Jim Smith, Vonita Reescer, Myra and John Reilly, Tiffani Kim and Brad Griffith, Sherren Blog 13 - Margaret O’Connor and Sherrill BodineLeigh, Tina and Jeff Weller, Ken Norgan, Maria Zec, Mary Ann Rose, Heinz Kern, Lynne Bredfeldt, Ray Drymalski, Dr. David Donnersberger, Margaret O’Connor and Dr. Michael O’Meara, Eileen and Howard Weinberg, David Brandt, Sheryl Dyer, Sean Eshaghy, Toni and Rick Canada, Heather Farley Blog 14 - The one and only Stanley Paul!and Bruce Ingram, Tom Gorman, Linda and Mark Heister, Gregg Zgonena, Cynthia King and Rich Varnes, John Regas, Her Serene Highness Princess Anna Christina Radziwill (whose maternal aunt was Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis), Stanley Paul, Karen and Peter Martino, Megan McKinney, Lynn and John McMahan, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Segesta, Bunky Cushing and Sherrill and John Bodine among many others. More than $80,000 was raised to help restore the sight to over 1,000 people each year throughout Illinois. Congrats to Mamie and Joel on their much deserved honors and to learn more about this worthy organization, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org. (To view more pics, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Chef Heather Terhune and Manolis AlpogianisIt was one of those perfect nights in Chicago that we wait all winter for. Everyone was dressed in their best with smiles from ear to ear. If you live here, you know what I'm talkin' about. And it Blog 2 - The cute Alpogianis boys, Executive Chef George, Dad and Manoliswas on this night that a new, chic soon-to-be hotspot opened on Navy Pier called City Porch. I was proud to co-host the party with owner Manolis Alpogianis of America's Dog fame. He and his family have a long history of restaurant successes and this new spot will be yet another notch on their belts. For opening night, Chef Heather Terhune (Sable) featured some of her Blog 3 - Fabrice Calmels, Charley Jordan, Eddie Howlett, Lauren Dobies and Chuckspecialties. Every month, there will be a celeb
rity Blog 4 - Jim and Bonnie Spurlockchef with Tony Mantuano (Spiaggia) in July and in August, Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven and The Purple Pig) will be featuring his special menu. The menu under Executive Chef George Alpogianis (Manolis' cute brother) and Chef de Cuisine Anthony Riley has a variety of delicious Blog 5 - Alexi Giannoulias and his cute momselections in place under "Big, Small and Sweet Plates." For small plates, mouth-watering dishes like Moroccan buffalo wings, Wagyu beef sliders, Havarti mac & cheese, chicken souvlaki and hand-packed crab cakes are on the menu. Salad plates include a killer Blog 6 - Manolis, friend, Desiree Rogers and Neal Zuckerlobster avocado salad, heirloom tomato salad and chicken chopped salad. Big Plates offers some of the best margherita pizza I've tasted in a long, long time and the sandwich offerings are too extensive to mention! There is also a section for the little ones (whose menus I always covet) as well as fabulous Blog 7 - ICB’s Bill Natale and Myki Romanosweets including Eli's Cheesecake, skillet cookies and chocolate peanut butter Napoleons! Designed by Gretchen Dockendorff (with input Blog 8 - Corri McFadden (2nd from L) with friendsfrom Manolis) this new restaurant offers a chic dining experience looking over Lake Michigan and the skyline. It's charming yet upscale all at the same time. Chef Art Smith had this to say: “What I love about City Porch is the fact that it brings the best of Chicago to a very popular destination place, Navy Pier. Yes, Blog 9 - Amanda St. Augustine and cute friendthere are funnel cakes, corn dogs, etc. but now, there are beautiful artisanal foods prepared by Chicago's very best. Our city has amazing chefs and thanks Blog 10 - Dionne Williams and Lauren Rapisandto Manolis Alpogianis and his family they will introduce this to thousands upon thousands of tourists at Navy Pier, too.” On opening night, bold-faced locals came out to play and party! Hopefully, I will see you on the City Porch soon – the Adirondack chairs arranged for fireworks viewing are genius! Watch for Watch312.com's "Candid Candace Chicago" video coming soon!!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Christina Thomas and Kathleen HensonOn Friday evening, June 8th, hundreds of Chicago’s most fashionable and philanthropic joined together at the Greenhouse Loft (located at 2545 W. Diversey) for Macy’s Glamorama Blog 2 - Part of the Glam 2012 Host Committeekickoff event, the Glam Launch Party! I was so proud to chair this event for the third year benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI). The evening was a nod to the 60’s, coinciding with the 2012 Glamorama theme “British Invasion: The Music Then, The Fashion Now!” and featured the music of Blog 4 - Jeff Conway, Quenten Schumacher, Chuck and Paul IaconoAmerican English (who Blog 3 - Niala Conte, Borris Powell and chic friendwere just voted the top Beatles cover band in the country!) They kept the crowd dancing with rousing renditions of all of the Beatles classics along with a great DJ, Lee Michaels. At this exclusive event, guests mixed and mingled while sipping on cocktails courtesy of SkinnyGirl Cocktails (thanks for the Blog 5 - Paul and Rosanne Huebenerintroduction Tom Strehle!), Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Voga Wines, and enjoying passed appetizers from Food for Thought catering. Sweet treats were courtesy of our new sponsor, Amy DiTomasso of Sugar Blog 6 - The one and only Rosemary FantiChic Designs. Models, dispersed throughout the expansive space, showcased collections from local designers Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and M2f Brand Denims. The view of Chicago from the beautiful landscaped rooftop garden was a highlight and as guests enjoyed Blog 7 - Nicole Townsend (in red), Marco Foster and friendscocktails and hors d’oeuvres al fresco, other supporters were busy having their photos taken by on-site photog, Steve Ewert. Other highlights included a performance from the high-energy hip hop dance Blog 8 - Cute party gueststroop, Hip Hop Connixon, fashion illustrations by beloved Rosemary Fanti and the ever popular (and my favorite!) Action Booth that had lines all night long! Familiar faces spotted at Blog 9 - Fabrice Calmels and Larisa Elizondothe party included RMHC-CNI Chairman of the Board Paul Huebener and chic wife Rosanne, Macy’s Kamal Bosamia, Shops at Northbridge Marketing Manager Erica Strama, Glam Host Committee members Blog 10 - Kamal Bosamia (center) and friendsPaul Iacono, Katie McLenaghan, Lynn McMahan, Quenten Schumacher, Michaela Parrillo, Macy’s Andrea Schwartz, Dr. Steven Stryker, Katie Cahnmann, Justin Jacobson, Kerry Shorr, Sally Shorr, Fabrice Calmels, publicist Kathleen Henson, Heather Farley, Stephanie Krol, Julianne Glatz, Joan Colmar, Helen Melchior, Corinne Melchior, Vonita Reescer, Erica Ford’s David Sanchez (R) and model friendsStrama, Eric Himel, Tom Gorman, Dionne Williams, Cece Gonzalez, Melinda Joseph and Michelle Durpetti  among many others! To purchase tickets to the MAIN EVENT, GLAMORAMA, featuring Robin Thicke and Karmin at the Harris Theater, please click here . And to see the fun on Watch312.com’s "Candid Candace Chicago," looky here! (Oh, and check out this gallery for more pics from Steve Starr and moi!)

Blog 1 - Jennifer Graziano, Creator of Mob Wives franchise, Pia Rizza, and Deanna Morales, manager-ceo of Wite Gold management and prThe “Mob Wives Chicago” premier party for cast member Pia Rizza took place June 10th at JBar in The James hotel. Jennifer Graziano, creator of the “Mob Wives” franchise, was Blog 3 - Deanna Morales and Crystal Petersalso there with more than 100 guests. According to the press release, “Pia Rizza is the daughter of Vincent Rizza, a dirty Chicago cop who worked for the Mob. He testified against the Mob and then went into the Witness Protection Program. Pia has struggled all her life to hide from the shame of having a ‘rat’ for a father. It’s been especially difficult to avoid the judgments and Blog 2 - Deanna Morales, Meredith Spiros, Laura Kranz, Pia Rizza, Bella Rizza, Veronica Rubio and Julio Delgadofinger pointing in a town like Chicago. With the success of the original ‘Mob Wives NYC,’ it would only be a natural progression to feature women that were associated with the ‘alleged’ Chicago Outfit.” I haven’t seen it yet but will be on the lookout! Sadly, Lord knows, everywhere you go in the world, the first gesture is of a machine gun when you tell people you’re from Chicago.

Blog 1 - Auxiliary Board President Deborah Barr_ Co-Chairs Melissa Kearney, Frank Favia and Jodi McNallyThe Lincoln Park Zoo’s Zoo-ologie Gala was their biggest one yet, with 1,000 guests raising more than $150,000! Hosted by the Auxiliary Board and co-chaired by Frank Favia, Melissa Kearney and Jodi Blog 2 - John Eisel, Stephanie Eisel (Auxiliary Board member), Linda Barham, Peter BrownMcNally, the sold-out event included gourmet food, signature drinks and exclusive after-hours access to Lincoln Park Zoo which is one of the nation’s last remaining free admission zoos in the world. Thanks to décor by Flower Firm, a luxury tent was reminiscent of a South Beach celebration with young, hip Blog 3 - Sarah Grueneberg, Executive Chef of Café Spiaggia and runner up on Bravo's Top Chef TexasChicagoans dancing to the beat of DJ Rock City and enjoying cutting edge cocktails. Nibbles were offered from some of Chicago’s best restaurants including GT Fish & Oyster and Mercadito. Luxury raffle winners took Blog 4 - Hollis Hanover (Auxiliary Board member) and Mark Hanoverhome incredible prizes: a Bulgari handbag, two round trip tickets to Europe courtesy of United Airlines and a custom Lilly Pulitzer bicycle. Seen on the scene were Ryan Chiaverini, emcee Billy Dec, Café Spiaggia Executive Chef Sarah Grueneberg, LPZ President and CEO Kevin Bell, Rockit Ranch’s Arturo Gomez and Akira’s Jon Cotay among many others. (Photos by Jaclyn Simpson Photography.)
 
No%20bullI met Karen Wojcikowski at Gene & Georgetti’s and I think she is someone you should know. She is the founder and president of The Bully Police Squad, an organization she created after receiving numerous cases of reported bullying, many of which have involved death. Karen, a Chicago police officer with 15 years of service, is a life Kid bullycoach and public speaker, speaking to schools, parents, teachers and children on the effects of bullying and educates them in the process. She hopes to establish a national hotline for bullying victims and parents and is in the process of writing her first book, “Stop the Bull.” To learn more about the Bully Police Squad and how you can help, please click here or call their 24-hour toll-free number at 800-914-1873 and don’t worry, they never let any call go unanswered. Great job Karen and congrats! (Karen is in the process of completing her Master’s at Penn State University.) Hello, Chicago Tribune! I have a Remarkable Woman candidate for YOU!
 
Blog 1 - Shannon Waterfield (above L), Lucy Wojtas (below L), Christina Wojtas, Isabel Weiss, Sharon O'BrienThe 63rd Annual Old Town Art Fair was one of the best ones yet! We live in the heart of Old Town and every year, I can’t wait to hear the little hammers hard Blog 2 - Chuck with Tom Leibig and Bob Millsat work outside my door with artists building their booths for one of the largest juried art fairs in the country! With 300 artists Blog 3 - Plaque outside our house for Old Town Garden Walkparticipating this year and more than 50 private gardens open to the public, many for the first time, this was a weekend to remember. There was great festival food from Adobo Grill, Stanley’s Kitchen & Tap, Phil Stefani’s, Caroll’s Corn Crib and more. Music by Brad Cole Music and Check With Lucy made the weekend simply perfect! It was pretty awesome people watching, too! Check out this Watch312.com video and see what I mean! 

Blog 1 - Tom Dreesen, Roe Conn, Larry Wert and Joe AhernThe Museum of Broadcast Communications celebrated its 25th anniversary on June 12th. More than 400 guests came out to see legends of television including Betty Blog 2 - Keith Magee and Betty WhiteWhite, Hugh Downs and John Mahoney at the MBC’s new location at 360 N. State, which also served as its unofficial grand opening. (The official ribbon cutting occurred the following morning.) With 62,000 square feet, this building houses the National Blog 3 - WGN’s Marty WilkeRadio Hall of Fame, sets and costumes from “Bozo’s Circus,” puppets such as Charlie McCarthys, vintage radios and TVs, one of the cameras used in the Kennedy-Nixon debate, a Blog 4 - Brenda Arelano with John Mahoneyformer “Meet the Press” set and a studio dedicated to Paul and Angel Harvey among many other objects of interest. Collections span more than 25,000 TV programs, 5,000 radio shows and 12,000 commercials totalling Blog 5 - Ill. State Treasurer Dan Rutherford and NBC 5’s Carol Marinalmost 100,000 hours of viewing. The evening began with a welcome from founder, president and CEO Bruce Dumont followed by comments from Richard Price (event co-chair and Blog 6 - MBC’s Bruce Dumont and Pat Brickhousechairman and CEO of Mesirow), Pam Cullerton (event co-chair/civic leader) and Cheryl Pearson-McNeil (SVP of Public Affairs and Government Relations for Nielsen). Hugh Downs spoke next and recounted his first TV appearance: “It was 67 years ago and my first spot was in Blog 7 - Ruth and Hugh DownsSeptember of 1945. I was asked to do a newscast. The lights began to heat up and by the end of it, sweat was all over my seersucker suit, which I thought was a good thing because it kept me from catching fire.” (He also went on to say that, “The really innovative stuff came out of Blog 8Chicago.”) John Mahoney introduced Betty White as “one of the most talented people in the world.” She quipped, “Boy, have I got YOU fooled!” and went Blog 9 - E. Patrick Johnson, Stephen Lewis, Alonzo Brown, Roderick Hawkinson to say, “I’ve lusted after him for so long and he finally did my show. And it STILL didn’t happen.” (I whispered to Betty that she was the only woman I knew who could cuss like a trooper and still be elegant! Blog 10 - Chuck with Cheryl Pearson-McNeilHer smile was from ear to ear…LOVE that lady!) Lucky guests included Keith Magee (my sweet host), Carol Marin, Dan Rutherford, Tom Dreesen, Larry Wert, Marty Wilke, Joe Ahern, Dean Richards, Terry Hemmert, Rich Koz, Theresa Gutierrez, Lyn McKeaney, Rob Johnson, Brenda Blog 11 - Gail Leahy, Lyn McKeaney and friendArelano, Steve Starr, Kathy Brock, Barb and Roe Conn, Thea Flom, Mancow, Pat Brickhouse, Roderick Hawkins, Melissa Kennedy, Alan Krashesky, Paul Harvey Jr., Toby Eveland, Caroline Cracraft, Stephen Lewis and Alonzo Brown among others. For more info, please visit www.museum.tv. (Pics by Steve Starr and moi…view more here!)
 
That’s all for this week! Hope you enjoyed the Style Network’s second "Chicagolicious" show Monday night – I know I sure did!!! May your flowers not wilt and may the force of summer be with you!!
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

P1040498P.S. Click here for a story that will make you go "awwwwwwww!"

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May 3, 2012 · 10:11 am

STARS SHINE IN CHICAGO FOR THE HUGO TELEVISION AWARDS

…PLUS VAN CLEEF & ARPELS’ GRANDE SOIREE, CHICAGO RED DRESS PARTY, LADYBUG BASH, A THEATER COMPANY YOU SHOULD KNOW, WTTW DEBUT'S HOT NEW SHOW, NOMI’S HOT LIST HONOR, WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Grammer and Mahoney, reunited!Beyond the International Film Festival and now in its 48th year, the Hugo Television Awards is an international television competition that culminated in a grand gala at the Radisson Blu Aqua recently honoring the best television commercials and Blog 2 - Kayte and Kelsey Grammer and Rotimi Akinoshoproductions from nine countries around the world. Co-hosted by Cinema/Chicago and the IFF, the highlight of the night was the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to actor Kelsey Grammer. Best known for his award-winning role as Blog 3 - Emcees Val Warner and Ryan ChiaveriniDr. Frasier Crane, among countless other roles, the evening’s tribute to actor/producer/director Grammer included video highlights and the award presentation by his longtime "Frasier" co-star, John Mahoney. Earlier in the year, Grammer received the Blog 4 - Hugo founder Michael KutzaGolden Globe for Best Actor in the Chicago-based drama series “Boss” as Mayor Tom Kane. As Dr. Frasier Crane, he played the celebrated character in three television series ("Wings," "Cheers," and "Frasier") for more than 20 years. He’s won four Blog 5 - Top prize winners, OPTIMUSEmmy nominations, eight Golden Globe nominations and 16 SAG nominations and he is the first actor in TV history to receive multiple Emmy nods for performing the same role on three series! (Not surprising, since he received his training at the prestigious Juilliard School Blog 6 - Rich Varnes, Cynthia King and Dennis Minkelof the Performing Arts.) Michael Kutza, founder and artistic director of Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago IFF, said, “For decades Kelsey Grammer has entertained us — across genres and media he has proven himself to be a remarkable talent. From the Blog 7 - Alex Kopecky, Vivian Teng, Rebecca Fons and Michael Kutzastage to the screen, from behind the camera to our television, Grammer has provided audiences with some of our most beloved, iconic characters. We are thrilled to honor him for his television work at the Hugos.” Judging from the banks of media at the Blog 8event, everyone agreed! We could barely squeeze our Watch312.com cameras onto the red carpet but we managed to get some great interviews with Mahoney, Grammer and Grammer’s “Boss” co-star Rotimi Akinosho. Kelsey was accompanied by his beautiful wife, Kayte (whose name he had tattooed on his abdomen that day to much fanfare), and who is Blog 9expecting twins. She couldn’t have been more gracious and when he was asked what his inspiration was replied, “She is.” They never stopped holding hands and he kissed her at every opportunity. It was so sweet. Following the red carpet, guests were ushered into the ballroom after enjoying a cocktail reception. Blog 10 - John Mahoney, Bob Mills and Merritt PavichevichDarling co-hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini (of “Windy City Live”) welcomed the crowd of 400 and introduced event founder, Michael Kutza, who said, “It was funny thinking back to 1965 when Mr. Leo Burnett himself helped me Blog 12 - Boss star Rotimi Akinosho and Michael Kutzastart the TV Festival and to see so many awards going to some fantastic Leo Burnett spots tonight!” Leo Burnett had the most wins of the evening (24), winning Silver Hugos for “Active Duty” (a heartwarming Hallmark commercial) and “Mayhem” Blog 12(a series of Allstate commercials featuring actor Dean Winters). Other top winners included a Gold Hugo for the documentary series, “Have You Heard from Johannesburg” (about anti-apartheid in South Africa) directed by Connie Field. Director Magdalena Lazarkiewicz (“The Deep Blog 13End”) traveled all the way from Poland to receive her Gold Hugo in the Dramatic Series category. David Hyde Pierce also made a surprise video appearance telling Grammer, “I’m so frustrated that you’re there tonight being honored and I can’t stop them!” (He went on to say that he did hope Blog 14 - Tribune and Watch312.com media teamsGrammer ran for office.) Production company powerhouse Optimus won the Commitment to Excellence Award while the Audience Choice award went to Burrell Communications for “A Frosty Affair,” a McDonald’s Nc1commercial about meeting someone special over a McFrappe. The after-party continued in the Felini Bar with everyone from Hugo winners to John Mahoney Nc2taking turns in the photo booth. Event producer Alex Kopecky did a great job putting the whole show together and Carol Fox and Associates’ Carly Leviton and Nick Harkin did an outstanding job as well. I can’t wait to see the surprises Michael Kutza brings to Chicago next! (Great pics by Mila Samokhina and be sure to check out our Watch312.com video of this cool event below!)

http://imgsrv.intertechmedia.com/image/flash_players/new_07062010/singleshot_video_16x9.swf?xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_xml.php%3FstationId%3D3301%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12044321&styleXML=http://watch312.com/pages/wtc_PlayWindowPlayer_1766.xml&episodeXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_episode_xml.php%3FvideoEpisodeId%3D39712%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12044321&emailFormURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Femail.php&embed=yes&autoPlay=no&mute=no&playerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fpages%2F12044321.php%3FcollectionId%3D1766

Blog 1 - President-CEO Nicolas BosLegendary jewelers, Van Cleef & Arpels, recently hosted “une grande soiree” for 100 lucky Chicagoans to celebrate the opening of their beautiful new boutique in the Drake Hotel. Van Cleef & Arpels’ handsome president/CEO of the Americas and worldwide creative director Nicolas Bos and chic store Blog 2 - Nicolas Luchsinger, MaryAnne Smith, Lesli Falk, Pat Magoon, Sheryl Dyer, Brent Nestordirector Sheryl Dyer were on hand to meet guests and wax poetic about this iconic brand that has been a favorite of celebrities and royalty for decades. Nicolas Luchsinger (VP of retail operations for the Americas), Brent Nestor (senior VP of sales) and Kristina Buckley (VP of communications) also flew in for this grand occasion. For over a century, the Place Vendome location has been at the forefront with a signature style and a mastery of the craft of fine jewelry inspired by the longstanding Blog 3 - Van Cleef’s Kristina Buckley surrounded by models Blog 4 - A table fit for royalty!themes of the House, nature, couture and the arts. I was so proud that Watch312 was the exclusive media outlet for this event. As high-profile guests mixed and mingled in the exquisite jewel box boutique, it was the jewelry that was the star of the night. The pieces are never as they seem, with earrings that can be worn as brooches, necklaces that can be reassembled into bracelets or the famous zip necklace that is an engineering marvel, all of the jewelry is created with extreme attention to detail and of the Blog 5 - ABC 7’s Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu admiring a Van Cleef & Arpels piecehighest quality gems and stones. I was thrilled to wear an exquisite necklace and earring set Blog 6 - Leslie Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitlerfrom Oiseaux de Paradis Volutes collection for the night and felt like Cinderella until the very end when I turned back into a pumpkin. It is true that high jewelry is empowering…I even felt taller. 🙂 The event was co-hosted by the lovely MaryAnne Smith, a champion of the soon-to-be-opened Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s Hospital on June 26th, and Lesli Falk, chair of Children Blog 7 - The Palm Court is transformed by Tom KehoeMemorial’s Medical Research Institute Council. After cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in the boutique, guests were led to the Palm Court which had been transformed by Tom Kehoe into a Parisian salon complete with languid models draped over ivory chairs in chic gowns created Blog 8 - Molly Melman, Suzy and Al Friedman, Sherren Leigh and Dr. Julius Fewby French designer Gaspard Yurkievich. In earlier times, women’s fashions were designed to match their jewelry as was the case on this night. Factor models floated around the room showcasing millions of dollars’ worth of exquisite gems to appreciative guests Blog 9 - Heather Farley and Toni Canadaas they sipped champagne in this flower-filled room to the sounds of a string quartet. It was truly surreal. And as if this weren’t enough, we were then ushered into the Gold Coast Room for the main event. Sharp intakes of breath emanated from every guest upon seeing this already magnificent room transformed as if for Queen Blog 10 - Sonya Jackson, Nicolas Bos and Melissa BabcockElizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee dinner! I’ve never seen anything like it. A long, single table was brimming with flowers, candles, crystal and silver while the sparkling chandeliers above had been dimmed and spotlighted with pale colored lights. The room literally glowed…I heard several Blog 12 - Mike and Kathleen Hensonpeople mumbling that “had they known this event would be like this, they would’ve dressed better!” And the menu seemed to be something that would be served at Buckingham Palace, too, beginning with quenelles of Lake Erie Pike, diver scallops, morel mushrooms and Beluga caviar. Main Blog 11 - Rick and Toni Canadacourse: Kobe Filet and foie gras, local farmed asparagus, haricot verts, roasted shallot pommes Dauphines with Bordeaux reduction. Dessert included a trio of miniature desserts, charlotte russe, hand churned salted caramel ice cream and passion fruit crème brulee. (And the sweetest part, pun intended, the plates all carried this message: “To Chicago, Love Paris.”) Wines served featured Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre (Loire France 2010), Chapoutier Blog 13 - The table setting made guests speechless!Estate “La Petite Ruche” (Crozes Hermitage 2007) and, of course, Taittinger Brut La Francaise (Champagne NV).  Guests enjoying the evening and admiring the collections included William Wolf, Martha Melman, Leslie Prizant Goodman, Laura Schwartz, Greg Hyder, Linda Yu, Sylvia Blog 15 - Gerrard Messague, Bridgitte Young, Tom WoodPerez, Suzy and Al Friedman, Melissa and Brian Babcock, Carol Beitler, Heather Farley, Paul Rehder, Greg Hyder, Toni and Rick Canada, Susanna Negovan, Mary and Tim Smithe, Heather Farley, Sherren Leigh and Sonya Jackson among others. The new 1,600-square-foot boutique is designed to resemble a luxurious Parisian apartment in muted shades of white and grey. You have to see it to believe it! Long may you reign Van Cleef & Arpels! (Great pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…click here for more!)

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Blog 1 - Ginger Zee, Kyler Powell and Christian CarabiasChicago’s second annual Red Dress Party was held in the Loop recently at the beautiful Joffrey Towers, located at 10 E. Randolph. More than 300 people donned their favorite red fashions to benefit the Aids Foundation of Chicago and the Equality Project. This party began in the 1990's when two gentlemen who were dating discovered they had both Blog 2contracted HIV/AIDS. They swore to one another they would each wear red dresses to their partner's funeral. From this promise the concept of the Red Dress Party began. Currently, there are Red Dress parties all over the U.S. from Seattle to Chicago. The highlight of the evening was a performance by Blog 3 - Dr. Michael O’Meara, Miss Foozie and Margaret O’ConnorBeverly McClellan, who was a contestant in the Final 4 on the first season of the popular NBC show, “The Voice.” “The Voice” introduced Beverly to the world as a singer of stunning power and range comparable to Etta James, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge to name a few Blog 4 - Happy supporterstalents whose legacies she evokes. The party also included a dramatic aerial act and a decadent VIP Red Carpet reception hosted by the beloved Miss Lucy Foozie. Ginger Zee (“Good Morning America” meteorologist) and actor/singer Christian Blog 5 - Christian Carabias, Elena Samokhina and Beverly McClellanCarabias were the hosts for the evening. Event chair and board president Kyler Ashton Powell sang a memorable duet with McClellan to Cee Lo Green’s “F*ck You” song. Dedicated host committee members included Adiat Baker, Katie Cahnmann, Kyle Hillman, Terrence Blog 6Chappell, Marco Foster, Julianne Glatz, Cece Gonzales, Melinda Joseph, Haley Lertola, Jerry Nunn, Ramsey Jay Prince, Arabel Alva Rosales, Mark Roscoe and Hilary Schwartz. (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here and to donate and learn more about this great cause, please visit www.reddressparty.org.)

Blog 1Don’t miss this year’s second annual Ladybug Bash, “Stars & Cars: Hollywood Through the Ages” on Thursday, May 17th at Grossinger City Autoplex, located at 1530 N. Dayton from 7 to 11 Blog 2 - Atiap.m. This event benefits Atia’s Project Ladybug Fund, which was named after a small, brave princess named Atia, a patient undergoing cancer treatment at Comer Children’s Hospital at the University of Chicago. Out of concern for the various non-medical necessities of Comer’s Blog 4 - Dina Manzopatients and their families, Project Ladybug Fund was established to help meet some of those needs, in the hopes of improving the lives of patients and their families. The event will include a red carpet reception hosted by Project Ladybug founder Dina Manzo with special guests Ana Belaval (WGN’s “Around Town” reporter), Meg Caswell (host of HGTV’s “Meg’s Great Rooms”), Blog 3Ted Brunson (producer and host of WGN’s “Chicago’s Best,” Alpana Singh (host of WTTW’s “Check Please”), Amber Podell (Ms. Illinois 2012) and Nancy To (Miss Illinois 2012). For tickets and more info, please click here!
 
Blog 1 - Alex Fisher, Marcus Davis, Charley Jordan, Richard EnglingCongrats to the Polarity Ensemble Theatre group on a wonderful production of "Tom Jones" at Wicker Park’s Josephinum Academy. Adapted by David Hammond and directed by Maggie Speer, the six-week run garnered wonderful Blog 2 - Jon Beal, Ryan Swikle, Evan Voboril, Gary Henderson, Kevin Bishoppress from the Chicago Tribune as well as Time Out Chicago! Polarity Ensemble Theatre was founded in 2004 by Richard Engling, Ann Keen and Irv Gorman with the mission of presenting work consisting of the classic and the brand Blog 3 - Charley’s fan club and Old Town neighborsnew. It is dedicated to working with Chicago area writers and theatre artists. In addition to producing live theatre, Polarity is also a publisher, having produced its first volume of plays in 2006. Its production of "Hamlet" at the Athenaeum Theater prompted the Chicago Reader to name Polarity the 2008 Best Emerging Theatre Company. Congrats to Charley Jordan and the entire, amazing cast! To follow upcoming PET events, please click here!
 
20120416152801ENPRNPRN-CONDE-NAST-TRAVELER-MAY-2012-a-90-1334590081MR-1-220x300More congratulations are in order for the NoMI Spa at the Park Hyatt! Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List – the ultimate insider’s guide to the hottest new hotels, spas and restaurants of the year – has included NoMI Spa in the May issue! To celebrate this recognition, a complimentary glass of champagne will be offered to guests booking spa appointments during the month of May! Just mention #HotList2012 upon booking your appointment! Congrats, congrats, congrats!

Common threads fundraiser invite imageThere are more parties, fundraisers and events coming up this week than I’ve ever seen! Mark your calendars for the following, if you have the energy! 

Thursday May 3rd: Common Threads' “Come Paint It Black Tie” Fundraiser will be held at Nellcote, located at 833 W. Randolph. Tickets are $1,000; visit www.commonthreads.org for more info.
 
JAB InviteSunday, May 6th: Joffrey 10th Anniversary Celebration Gala will be held at Palmer House Hilton beginning with a 6:30 p.m. performance at the Auditorium Theatre and followed by the Gala Dinner, Arpino Angel Award presentation and Dreesen does sinatracommemorative video salute. For the first time, the Women’s Board will partner with the Junior Auxiliary Board for a Grand Finale Party following in the Empire Room to celebrate the end of the season for all of the dancers. Tickets are $600 for Gala and $110 for the Grand Finale Party; visit www.joffrey.org/gala and www.joffrey.org/grandefinale for more info.
 
Sunday, May 6th: See Tom Dreesen’s “Sinatra” at the Laugh Factory, located at 3175 N. Broadway, for an evening of standup and storytelling of Sinatra. Tickets are $45; call 773.327.3175.
 
Hubbard-Street-DanceMonday, May 7th: Hubbard St. Dance Chicago’s Spotlight Ball, will take place at the Chicago Hilton. Tickets are $600 by calling 312.553.2000.
 
St. Jude invite imageTuesday, May 8th: St. Jude Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza (its 50th anniversary!) will take place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers. Tickets are $350 and includes top chef tastings. Call 773-784-6704 for more info.
 
Jeremy-Irons-current-portrait-624x936Wednesday, May 9th: WTTW/WFMT “The British Are Coming” with emcee Jeremy Irons begins with a 60-minute onstage celebration at the Harris Theater (Chicago Children’s Choir, Joffrey Ballet, Under the Streetlamp, etc.) followed by dinner on the Rooftop Terrace. Tickets are $500; call 773.509.5434 for more info.
 
Hat_luncheon_1331751449Thursday, May 10th: The Service Club of Chicago’s Mad Hatter Luncheon will take place at the Chicago Club. Tickets are $100; learn more at www.serviceclubofchicago.org.
 
Bill and DonnaThursday, May 10th: Taste for the Arts’ 30th Anniversary Gala will be hosted by Bill Kurtis, Donna LaPietra, Rick and Deann Bayless at the Harris Theater beginning at 6:30 p.m. Chicago Academy for the Arts students will perform on the Rooftop Terrace featuring “Top Chef” chefs (think Stephanie Izard and Rick Bayless) serving up their specialties. Tickets are $350.
 
FTRI000ZSaturday, May 12th: Alzheimer’s Association 25th Anniversary Rita Hayworth Gala starts 6:30 p.m. at Hilton Chicago. Tickets to the “Lights Camera, Glamour” homage to the films of Rita Hayworth are $500 and can be purchased at www.alz.org/galas/chicago or by calling 312.335.5768.
 
BMUG-Logo-e1333138753152Saturday, May 12th: RMHC Big Mac Under Glass will be held at the Aragon Ballroom and will star KC & the Sunshine Band. Tickets are $375 at www.ronaldhousechicago.org.
 
Campfire Ball logoSaturday, May 19th: Campfire Ball will take place at Venue One (located at 1044 W. Randolph) from 7 to 11 p.m. benefitting Children’s Oncology Services will serve all of your favorite camp treats including s’mores, grilled cheese and hot dogs, with DJ and campfire sing-a-longs. Tickets are $85 advanced and $100 at the door; call 312.235.6836 for more info.

I hope to see you at one of more of these wonderful events around town! In the meantime, I hope to see you again next week!
 
Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
Colleen Kelly and Catie KeoghP.S. Congrats to my talented and gorgeous friend Colleen Kelly on her new WTTW show, “Family Travel with Colleen Kelly.” The premiere is Friday, May 4th at 8:30 p.m. and is the only show WTTW has chosen for a national launch in 2013! And, if you don’t know, Colleen is Catie Keogh’s sister (“24/7”) – must’ve been something in the water! Congrats to TWO talented and beautiful women in the world of media!!

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December 29, 2011 · 3:28 pm

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN CHICAGO: GOODBYE 2011 – HELLO 2012!

…PLUS A PERFECT ANGEL, TOP HOLIDAY PARTIES, MY FAVORITE CHINESE FOOD IN THE CITY, PAWS’ “12 STRAYS OF CHRISTMAS,” JOFFREY HONORS, FUN WITH FRIENDS, PLUS GREAT RESTAURANTS AND MORE!
 
New-year-glitter-1The holidays are almost over and I hope they were happy and healthy! Now it’s countdown to New Year’s and a time to reflect on all we’re grateful for. Besides the obvious, the continued good health of my loved ones, I’m so very grateful for your continued support of this blog and will endeavor to make it even better in the coming year, so please stay tuned!
 
Blog 1 - Dick and Michaela ParrilloThere were so many great holiday parties around town that I don’t know where to start so let’s begin with one of the most elaborate and beautiful ones at the home of Michaela and Dick Parrillo. Their home, built on more than seven lots in Lincoln Park, is one Blog 2 - Kristina McGrath, Lynn McMahan, Dede Lubeznik, Debbie Marchese and Gail Leahyof the most dramatic ones in the city – you feel like you’re in France at a grand chateau when you pull up to their driveway! The elegant, ornate four-story home was designed by architect Thomas Beeby, who also designed the Harold Washington Library Center, the Harris Theater in Millennium Park and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building at the Art Institute. At more than 20,000 square feet, it Blog 3 - Beautiful table settingwas furnished by Michaela, a Francophile, in the French classical manner with fine imported antiques. It was a privilege to be invited to Blog 4 - Lynn McMahan, Hedwig Golant, Charlie Besser and Lee Lechowiczthis exclusive party with more than 60 friends. Every room was decorated differently with holiday décor that Michaela does herself. She began in November decorating the many Christmas trees with ornaments she’s been collecting since she was 20 Blog 5 - Chez Parrilloyears old. One tree was prettier than the next and rivaled the glamorous décor in the various rooms. The entryway had the most beautiful marble pattern I’d Blog 6 - Peter Schivarelli and glam friendever seen with a dramatic black wrought iron winding staircase. Guests first gathered in the wood paneled bar to mix and mingle before moving onto dinner in a magnificent dining room and library. Round tables were adorned with gilded holiday centerpieces and white Blog 7 -Jay Gottlieb, NAMESorchids and, as the Dom Perignon was served, guests gave toasts. First to speak was Bruce MacArthur who thanked the hosts followed by Charlie Besser and then Dick himself who laughingly welcomed his guests saying, Blog 8“It is nice to see so many of Michaela’s friends!” (Dick is CEO of United Auto Insurance Group and the recipient of the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.) The delicious dinner featured beef bourguignon and a beautiful dessert with a spun sugar Blog 9 - Rick Canada, Chuck and John McMahanChristmas tree on the plate! This party was something straight out of Town & Country – too bad for them and lucky for me that I get to cover it! Love and thanks to the Parrillos for including us and for being the host & hostess with the MOSTEST! Seen on the scene were Donna and Jon Kleinman, Susan and Bruce MacArthur, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Hedwig and Bob Golant, Toni Blog 10 - Hedwig Golant and Lee Lechowiczand Rick Canada, Lynn and John McMahan, Peter Schivarelli, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Bill Parrillo, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lyn McKeaney, Blog 11 - Gregory Pape, Dede Lubeznik and Caryn KraffRobin Berger and Mark Tebbe, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Debbie Marchese, Mary Jo Gordon, Gale Leahy, Lee Lechowicz and Mike Tadin, Caryn and Lowell Kraff and Dede Lubeznik among many others. What a great way to celebrate the season in style! (Click HERE to view all pics!) 

Blog 1 - Supermodel Lily AldridgeSupermodel Lily Aldridge was destined for fame from the start. Born in LA in 1985 to famed British fashion photographer Alan Aldridge and Playboy Playmate Laura Lyons (my darling girlfriend), she hails from a fashion oriented family. Her dream was Blog 2 - Ruby and Lily Aldridge with mom Laura Lyonsalways to be a model and this dream came true at age eight when she was discovered at her school carnival. Her siblings include half-sister Saffron Aldridge (a multi-year face of Ralph Lauren in the ‘90s), half-brother Miles Aldridge (married to ‘90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy) and sister Ruby Aldridge (one of the faces of Blog 3 - Pic by Russell JamesMarc by Marc Jacobs who is already well on her way to fame as a budding supermodel herself). Mom Laura had quite a career herself with the Playboy Blog 4 - Caleb and Lily's weddingempire beginning with her Chicago Bunny of the Year honors in 1975. Her gatefold followed with her Playboy Playmate of the Month pictorial in February 1976 and as a Bunny/Playmate, she was known for leading the march for Bunny Rights in Chicago, which was highly publicized at the time. Like mother, like daughter, Lily’s career is growing by leaps and bounds…but instead of Bunny tails, she’s wearing Angel wings! She has been seen in spreads for Italian Vogue, Italian Elle, Glamour, L’Uomo Vogue, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan, among many other publications. At age 18, she Blog 5 - Laura Lyons as Chicago’s 1975 Bunny of the Yearappeared on the cover of Spanish Vogue. In 2009, she modeled in the Blog 8 - Lily in VS campaign by Russell JamesVictoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time and after several campaigns for the company, she earned her wings and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010. This year, of the 38 Angels appearing in the show taped in early November at NYC’s Lexington Avenue Armory, Lily was featured as one of the highlights along with Miranda Kerr (wife of actor Orlando Bloom and who wore the $2.5 million “Fantasy Bra”), Skokie’s Erin Heatherton, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepol and Adriana Lima. Blog 9 - Lily working the Red CarpetHer fairytale life is continuing with her marriage on May 12, 2011, to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill at the luxurious San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. In addition to modeling, Lily is also setting her sights on acting…I can’t wait to see her gorgeous face on the silver screen! (For more pics, please click HERE!)
 
Blog 1 - Tony Hu charms the ladiesIt is always a challenge deciding where to go in Chicago for special occasions since almost EVERY restaurant in town is a good choice. For our annual Girls Night Out Holiday Dinner, we wanted to do something completely Blog 2 - Sheila O’Grady and Tony Hudifferent, something with a Chinatown connection. This is where celebrity chef, restaurateur and dedicated community server Tony Hu entered the picture. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sheila O’Grady came up with this idea after writing a Blog 3 - Glam décor at Lao You Jufascinating article in TCW about Tony. His Tony Gourmet Group includes Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer Ave.), Lao Shanghai (2136 S. China Place), Lao Beijing (2138 S. Archer), Lao You Ju (2202 S. Wentworth) and Lao Hunan Blog 4 - Tony Hu of Tony Gourmet Group(2230 S. Wentworth). Sheila made reservations at Lao You Ju and, of course (knowing Sheila!) brought champagne but it was Tony himself who wowed the group with his extensive knowledge of food and wine and did I say charm? His charm alone Blog 5would attract a large clientele even if his food wasn’t fantastic, but it is! I highly recommend this group of restaurants. Each one offers a different flavor of China and Taiwan and it shows a part of our city’s dining scene that many people don’t often get a chance to experience. Ask for Tony…and be prepared to chat! 🙂
 
Blog 1 - Pen GM Maria Zec, Jean Antoniou and Mary Ann RoseAnother top dining experience can always be found at the Peninsula, but it was a very special occasion that warranted a cozy round table in a nook in the back corner of this Blog 2 - Zarada Gowenlock and Greg Hyderelegant room decorated (literally!) to the ceiling with magnificent holiday decor. It was dubbed the Special Friends Luncheon and I couldn’t have been more honored to be included with H
azel Barr, Amy Blog 3 - Mary Pat Burns and Amy WimerWimer, Mary Ann Rose, Zarada Gowenlock, Jean Antoniou, Mary Pat Burns and Sheryl Dyer. GM Maria Zec and Catering Director Greg Hyder hosted and Chef Kai Lermen prepared a delectable menu that included Blog 4 - With Hazel Barr and Mary Pat Burnsstriped bass, butternut squash risotto with parmesan and the most delightful holiday dessert selections you’ve ever seen. Big plans are coming for the Pen…can’t say what, but Chicago will be thrilled! 🙂 (To view all pics, please click HERE!)

Blog 1 - Gayle Anthony, Julie Weindling and Donnie MadiaDonnie Madia’s Blackbird on Randolph still packs them in and it was a great treat to spend a night there with friends Gayle Anthony, her sister Julie Weindling and Paul Iacono. Another great evening was spent at Blog 2 - Rhonda Sanderson, Hedwig and Bob Golant at The SouthernJim Lasky’s The Southern on North Avenue (their fried chicken is to DIE for!) with friends Hedwig and Bob Golant, host Rhonda Sanderson, John Amato, Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax. “I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Winnie-the-Pooh, "I wish I were there to be doing it, too." (To view more pics, please click HERE!)

1011-Nut1I am so proud of The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker! Have you heard the news? Goldstar, an online ticket seller, selected our Nutcracker as the country’s best-loved Nutcracker based on member reviews and ratings. The Joffrey’s Nut beat out more than 50 productions from around the country to earn this title! Additionally, they will receive a cash prize for their C & C invite, 9-15-2008educational programs. I am also thrilled to report that for the first time, the Joffrey’s “Couture & Cocktails” party has made Biz Bash's “Chicago’s Top 100 Events” list. Kudos to The Joffrey Ballet who is racking up more wins than Meryl Streep!

Bookcvr300dpiI know that holiday gift giving is over but that doesn’t mean a New Year’s gift is out of the question! My suggestion: Beth Aldrich’s fabulous and informative book, “Real Moms Love to Eat.” Aldrich says, “Diets make everyone feel tired, empty, Beth relaxing in the kitchenstressed and unfulfilled. In my book, I explain how to eat the foods we love with some tweaks – learning how to control indulgences, understanding why we crave what we do and how to still enjoy our dysfunctional food friends (salt, fat and sugar) all with just a little makeover.” Congrats Beth on a wonderful book that includes not only tasty recipes but an interesting life story along the way!

Blog 1Every year, the Illinois Education Foundation, which supports 250 scholars at colleges around the state, has an evening for these scholars called Suited for Success planned this year at Blog 2 - Bruce Wilson getting measuredthe Standard Club on January 21st. And even though this is a closed event for the young students, IEF needs your help in finding donations of new or gently used, current high-quality business/interview suits for men and women by January 14th. Davis Blog 3 - Leaders of tomorrow dressed for success!Imperial Cleaners has graciously donated the dry-cleaning for all donations and the tailoring has been donated by Brooks Brothers. Allen Edmonds and Lori’s are also donating Blog 4 - 2011 emcee Chris Gardner and Lewis Magersa new pair of shoes to each student! (Let’s make sure we patronize these charitable companies!) IEF empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work and in life. Please help…this is a wonderful way to clean your closets for a wonderful cause! Donors can email suzannejfaber@gmail.com for pick-up and drop-off logistics. (Pics by J. Geil)

Blog 1 - US 99’s Julie DentChuck and I were so proud to be a part of PAWS’ “12 Strays of Christmas” adoption event which began on December 13th. Chicago personalities including Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, WGN’s Steve Sanders, Brotha Blog 2 - Disney radio’s DJ AngelaFred (host of Kiss FM’s morning show), US 99’s Lisa Dent, Sun-Times’ Elizabeth Hamel, WBBM news-radio’s Julie Mann (with niece Lauren), Radio Disney’s DJ Angela and Tribune reporter Bill Hageman and wife Dona joined together in an effort to find homes for dogs and cats at this time of the year. Leading Chicago area shelters with nearly 2,763 animals transferred from Chicago’s Animal Care & Control (ACC), PAWS Chicago has helped reach an all-time euthanasia low of 10,599 cats and dogs in 2010. The magnitude of Blog 3 - Cook County Sheriff Tom Dartthis progress is best seen when compared to the 26,394 animals euthanized there in 1997. With special holiday hours through the Blog 4 - WBBM radio’s Julie Mann and niece Laurenend of December, the PAWS website and the Adoption Center will feature a special group of animals available for adoption each day. As pets at the Adoption Center find new homes, PAWS Chicago will be able to take in more homeless dogs and cats, saving more lives. PAWS Chicago will be taking in extra animals from Chicago Animal Care & Control throughout the week to find as many homes as possible before the year is over. Please help the helpless at www.PAWSChicago.org. (For more pics, please click HERE!) 

Happy Everything!Thanks for being here and here’s a toast to 2012! I am wishing you all the best, biggest, brightest and happiest year ahead! May the best of this year be the worst of next!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

Blog 1 - Patti and Jimmy ConnorsP.S. Here’s what the Connors family “cooked” up for their Christmas Eve Dinner! I love these PEEPS! 🙂 If you would like to follow tennis great Jimmy Connors on Twitter, he’s got Blog 2 - He cooks!!!some cool insights into the world of sports – among other news! (For more pics, please click HERE!)

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