Tag Archives: Sally Schwartz

THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER BUT THE PARTIES DON’T STOP

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Service Club "Day on the Terrace" co-chairs Jean Antoniou (SC pres), Tracey DiBuono (show producer) and Sharyl Mackey.

The Service Club of Chicago, one of our city’s oldest charitable organizations, hosted its annual “Day on the Terrace” fashion show and luncheon at the Peninsula Chicago on August 7. This year's theme featured a

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Tina Gravel makes her runway debut wearing Lauren Lein.

butterfly, symbolizing 133 years of change. The event, that welcomed over 300 guests along with returning veteran co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sharyl Mackey, offered a ‘first look’ at fall fashion. Participating stores this year included: alice + Olivia, Anne Fontaine, Contessa

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Ryan Baker and Micah Materre.

Bottega, Elda de la Rosa Couture, Lauren Lein Ltd., MaxMara, Mira Couture, Peter Millar, St. John Boutique, SYLWIA, and York Furriers. A dazzling finale presentation featured models wearing designs from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, escorted by dashing members of the

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Kathy Piccone, Nikki Friar and designer Sylwia.

U.S Marines Corps. The crowd stood and applauded in a patriotic salute when they mounted the stage as the “Marines Hymn” played them on. The runway show was produced by ZZAZZ Productions with Tracey Tarantino DiBuono. DJ Akib supplied the background music for both the fashion show and after-party. Media personalities included Micah Materre, D.C. Crenshaw (with wife Alayna), Ryan Baker (with wife Jessa), Lou Canellis, Leah Chavie, Michael

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Adiat Baker and Iya Bakare (the "B Sisters")

Kutza, Laura Schwartz, and Whitney Reynolds. Ashlea Hearn, Chicago Star Associate Editor, made her debut on

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Tina Weller at after-party.

the runway as well, wearing St. John. Luncheon guests left with loaded goodie bags that included makeup and colognes donated by return supporter Claudio Riaz, a gift certificate for services from the Paul Rehder Salon, Divine Biscotti (donated by Debi Catenacci), and so much more! The after-party included light bites, cocktails, and music

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Myra Reilly with family and friends.

by DJ Akib on the Shanghai Terrace. Event sponsors included Diamond Sponsors: 2X2 Health Private Nursing, Sherry Abrahams, Paula Borg and Kristine Kinder, Lauren Brynjelsen and Darby Hills, Cheryl Coleman and Susan Gohl, Marilyn

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Dawn Hasbrouck (Fox-32 anchor) with Marine escort in DOT finale.

Hayden, Sharyl Mackey and Patty Marx, and Sherrill Bodine. Gold Sponsors: Melissa Babcock, Kathy Cook and Leslie Logsdon; Mary Lasky and Kate Prange; and Lodge Management Group (Lyn McKeaney). Silver

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Jennifer Clarke and Andrea Antoniou.

Sponsors: Jean and Andy Antoniou; Tracey DiBuono; Gene & Georgetti, Weller Dental and Nina Mariano. The Service Club of Chicago’s mission is to assist, improve and expand on nonprofit organizations in the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients are in social service, cultural, educational, and civic fields. (Check the website for more Service Club events and info here. Photos by John Reilly Photography and moi)

 

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After-party fun on the Shanghai Terrace.

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Maria Pinto and friends at opening of her new boutique.

Maria Pinto, the esteemed Chicago-based fashion designer who has dressed luminaries like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and countless other women of note over nearly three decades, has announced the move of her West Loop boutique to a new, larger (3,000-sq-ft) retail

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Maria Pinto at 710 N. Wabash.

space in Chicago’s Gold Coast at 710 N. Wabash Ave. The move also ushers a meaningful name change of her label, M2057 by Maria Pinto, to the simple and iconic Maria Pinto. Her work first skyrocketed with her luxury collection in the early 1990’s, which was found in esteemed boutiques like Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Ultimo and Saks. Even Mick Jagger became a fan, wearing one of her scarves during a performance at Soldier Field. In the

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D.C. Crenshaw and friend.
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Michel Desjardins, Emmanuel Nony and friend.

early 2000’s, she stepped further into the international limelight, as First Lady Obama and Oprah sought and confidently wore her custom pieces. She has since earned countless accolades and honors over the course of her career. In 2013, and with a desire to create accessible, effortless fashion that empowers women to feel chic and

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Justine Fedak (R) and friends.

confident, Maria launched M2057 by Maria Pinto and began selling timeless, ready-to-wear collections at her West Loop Chicago boutique, as well as online, where they remain available today. Her new boutique features carefully chosen fixtures and furnishings: An ethereal

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David Zivan (center), D.C. Crenshaw and friend.

Mooon rug by Moooi Carpets; sleek Hahns Boodt Mannequins; an otherworldly Melt Chandelier by Tom Dixon; a modern Alwa One Table in Smokey Grey and Black by Sebastian Herkner; easy

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Sanjay Sharma and Maria Pinto.

Custom Color Wendelbo Lobby Chairs; architecturally significant chairs by Toogood Spade and more. Immersive, larger-than-life photography of the designer’s current and archival collections adorns the walls, along with art pieces created by Ms. Pinto herself—whose passion for art led her to study both fine art and fashion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC). (Photos by Barry Brecheisen)

With more than 100 unique performances each summer between June and September, Ravinia Festival exerts an irresistible

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Heather Headley performs at Ravinia Festival Gala.

allure for lovers of live music. For its latest Ravinia Festival Gala, that joy was elevated ten-fold by Tony and Grammy Award-winning artist Heather Headley. Accompanied by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Chief Conductor Marin Alsop, her performance was

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Rick and Gala Co-Chair Andrea Bechtel; Troy and Ravinia Festival Women's Board Chair Michele Ihlanfeldt; Gala Co-Chair Kelly and Jim Epstein.

nothing short of breathtaking. Headley is best known for originating the role of Nala in the smash hit Broadway musical, Lion King, and the title role of Aida for which she received the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Her Grammy win came for her 2010 gospel album, Audience of One. She is

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BMO Commercial Bank Vice Chair Eric Smith and Ravinia Festival President and CEO Jeff Haydon.

also an Olivier Award Nominee for her role in The Bodyguard on London’s West End. The afternoon's festivities commenced on the North Lawn with a cocktail reception (sponsored by BMO) set amidst Ravinia Festival’s renowned sculpture garden. As guests

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Ellie Forman (L) and friend.

mingled among masterpieces by Fernando Botero and Richard Hunt, the delightful melodies of the Ravinia Jazz Scholars & Mentors ensemble created a wonderful ambiance. Inside the Pavilion, over 600 guests and other music lovers alike gathered to enjoy the concert,

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Elise and Ravinia Festival Board of Trustees Chairman Christopher J. Klein.

sponsored by The Dancing Skies Foundation. On the lawn, adorned with picnic tables and champagne, even more attendees relished the perfect weather and the performance.

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Ramsey Prince (of Maison du Prince), event designer with friend.

Adding to the magic were the talented musicians from the Ravinia Lawndale Music School and the Voices of Trinity Mass Choir, who accompanied her performance. Headley's program was full of her favorite Broadway and other hit songs by Elton John, Stephen Schwartz, Harold Arlen, Tim Minchin, Kurt Weill, and others. She surprised the audience with the introduction of tenor Rodrick Dixon, who joined her

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Pre-performance cocktail reception on the lawn.

for a spirited and inspiring finale. Within a beautifully adorned tent on the Ravinia grounds, the crowd enjoyed a dinner sponsored by Allstate and created

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Garden-inspired decor by Maison du Prince.

by Jewell Events Catering. Décor by Maison Du Prince featured an elegant garden party theme. The "ceiling" twinkled with thousands of enchanting white lights while each table featured unique décor, with some guests dining under quaint iron cupolas placed above elaborate floral displays, while others enjoyed the evening's splendor surrounded by crystal candelabra and flickering candlelight. The "dinner in a garden" theme was completed with an array of mismatched crystal glasses and colorful, floral-patterned tablecloths. Hosted by the Women’s Board and co-chaired by Andrea Bechtel and Kelly Epstein, this 57th gala concert raised over $800,000 and is the only performance fundraiser benefiting Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play educational programs which engage more than 75,000 students and community members in interactive, free musical opportunities throughout Cook and Lake Counties. (Photos by Patrick Gipson, complete Ravinia Festival summer schedule here. 

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Ravinia Festival Gala decor by Maison du Prince.

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Fashion Social Hour at Kashmir.

The Curio Experience in partnership with Bonhomme Hospitality hosted its second Fashion Social Hour at Kashmir, on the edge of the West Loop, where guests

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Chic and sexy at Kashmir!

were treated to cocktails, a live performance, and a great venue for mixing and mingling. The mission of the group is to bring together the Chicago fashion community for networking and possible collaborations. At these monthly meetups, fashion designers, stylists, photographers, models, retailers, content creators and other creatives that need to work

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Ian Gerard (co-founder of The Curio, 2nd from L), Meiling Jin, Rey Rodriguez, and friend.

together to be successful, are able to connect with one another in stylish locations around Chicago. The crowd of 250 included a bevy of beautiful models and content creators including Meiling Jin, Alisha Hoath, Edwin Medina, Jessica Milagros and Amy Kashmir curio-038Anderson, designers including Jamie Hayes of Production Mode, Tania Mackey of NICZKA, AV Grannan, Jen Mason of Urban Sewing Society, and Viviana Langhoff, America Next Top Winner Jaslene Gonzalez, FGI Chicago heads Bhavana Jain and Hila Geller, Marquan Jones and leadership team of Chicago Fashion Coalition, Anna Kashmir curio-025Hovet Dias of Chicago Fashion Incubator, Christine Griffith of Blk + Brwn Market, Ambar Campos of AIBI, Arabel Alva Rosales of Runway LatinX, Model Agency leads Jesse Abudayyeh (Select) and David Sanchez (10 MGMT), and Dani Alonso and his team from Bonhomme Hospitality. And of course lots of stylists, fashion photographers, retailers, and other industry members. I think this is such a great idea! Congrats to all, including Ian Gerard (The Curio co-founder) for this wonderful concept!

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Domanique Woods and Peanut

Domanique Woods and Peanut.

PAWS Chicago hosted its 20th annual Beach Party at Offshore at Navy Pier recently. Over 400 animal-loving humans with 100 four-legged companions converged on this gorgeous venue, reported to be the world’s largest

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Melissa and Michael Canning.

rooftop bar, to raise funds for this beloved nonprofit. Co-chaired by Vasoula Rehkson and Anna Simon, the event netted over $400,000. It was a gorgeous night that offered spectacular views of the skyline and Lake Michigan. Outstanding silent auction

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Alison Fogarty, Sean Fogarty, Teresa Bernue, Bill Jacobs.

prizes included tickets for four to see soccer legend Lionel Messi in his first game at Soldier Field; a package of rare bourbons curated by Binny’s Beverage Depot; and tickets to performances by John Legend and Carrie Underwood. Returning emcees,

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Co-emcee Jake Hamilton with his rescue dog Daenerys.

Lisa Dent (of WGN radio) and Jake Hamilton (of Fox-32) helped PAWS co-founder Paula Fasseas present an adoptable dogs showcase. Two of the cuties found their forever homes that night. Paula shared, “We’re all here

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Kristina and Emilia Augustyniak.

because we love animals. Most of these dogs come from Animal Care and Control. For years we kept getting better and better with our spay/neuter program and the euthanasia rate has just plummeted over the years. However, over this year and last year, the rate is starting to go up, which is very sad and alarming. This is happening because, since COVID, there has

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Renata and Bob Block with their rescue dog.

been just so much disarray in people’s lives. Many people are having to give up their pets and our Animal Care and Control is inundated every day. We are working very hard to grow our foster programs and to ramp up our adoption programs. We really need to continue doing more and more spay/neuter. Most clinics closed, it’s hard to get vet

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Howard Tullman and Chuck Jordan.

appointments, a lot of the small rescues have closed too. It’s very, very sad. So, we’re focusing our energy on Animal Care and Control. We’re doing less transport from Oklahoma and all those wonderful places

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that have relied on us, but we must focus on Chicago. It’s  number one. The economy and inflation have really had an impact on the lives of these sweet, voiceless animals.” During the event, guests enjoyed illustrations by artist Kristine Steiner, a dinner buffet and dancing. Canine counterparts enjoyed their own dinner buffets from Merrick Pet Care and a doggie spa. Brook Jay won an exciting package to a private benefit with actor Will Ferrell and his celebrity friends. Congrats to PAWS, that to date, has facilitated over 90,000 adoptions!!!

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The backbone of PAWS Chicago, its volunteers.

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Signed photoThanks to the Navy Seal Foundation for the opportunity to interview Captain Chris Cassidy, a Navy Seal and NASA astronaut. He’s the first Seal/Astronaut after Captain Will Shepherd, who was part of the first

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Captain Chris Cassidy.

crew on the International Space Station. Cassidy was honored with two Bronze Stars and went into space three times, also serving on the Space Station. During a lighthearted moment, he became the first astronaut to take a selfie in space. The photo went viral in 2017. Today, he is a spokesperson and advocate for many nonprofits, including the Navy Seal Foundation. Below is an excerpt from our Q&A: What's was one of your most awe-inspiring moments in space? I think opening the hatch on my first spacewalk and seeing Earth below, you know,

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Captain Cassidy was a big hit with everyone at the event.

just outside, holding on with one hand, seeing Earth go by at five miles a second. And, yeah, that was what probably took my breath away; What was your scariest moment? “We had a spacewalk where my buddy and I were out IMG_5939there, and his spacesuit malfunctioned and there was water leaking inside his helmet and we had to hurry up and get back in. That was probably the scariest moment.”; With your unique perspective of the cosmos, do you think there's life on other planets? “I think that the universe is so giant, somewhere out there, there's life. We just don't know. I don't believe it's in our solar system, but in my opinion, it’s naive to think that it couldn't exist anywhere in the universe.”; What do you think about the civilians in space program and what advice would you give to those

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Beautiful setting, beautiful day to hear from Captain Cassidy.

planning to go? “So, it's more complicated than just

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Captain Cassidy's viral space selfie.

buying a ticket and sitting in row 15, seat C. You know there's risk to it, but I think it's the success of the commercial companies right now that are driving that risk down somewhat. But there's always a possibility that some piece of equipment won't work the way it's supposed to on that given day and so, understanding those risks, understanding what you're getting into, and why we

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A patriotic welcome on the North Shore.

train so intently, it’s not for the good day when everything goes by the plan, but it's for when things start breaking that you can save yourself, save the equipment, keep the thing alive, and your crew mates alive. So just have an appreciation for that and take the training seriously, because it's more than just an enjoyable ride. There's a lot to it.”; How did your training as a Navy SEAL help you as an astronaut? “The military does an amazing job, SEAL teams specifically, of preparing IMG_5934somebody to, in simple terms, walk, chew gum, talk on the radio, and make decisions all at the same time. You're dealing with a dynamic environment. Stuff in front of you is changing. You've got to talk on the radio, communicate that to somebody else, so that you have coordinated effort in that mission. All of that translates exactly to being an effective astronaut. So, I definitely

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We hope to see you at the Navy Seal Foundation's "Evening of Tribute" on Sept. 13.

had some advantage with that training under my belt when I got there, but the NASA training is really good, and everybody gets up to that speed eventually.” The afternoon soiree included a Q&A with about 25 guests at the home of Muneer Satter and Kristen Hertel Satter. Invitees enjoyed mingling with Cassidy, taking photos, and a lavish lunch buffet before Cassidy answered further questions and shared his history in a delightful pavilion on the grounds that was situated in front of an infinity pool with a spectacular lake view in the background.  (Mark your calendars for Wednesday, September 13, when the Navy Seal Foundation hosts its 12th signature fundraiser, “Midwest Evening of Tribute,” at Navy Pier’s AON Grand Ballroom. All details here.) ______________________________________________________________________

E. Frank Family Vineyards representative Julie Larsen

Frank Family Vineyards representative Julie Larsen.

The 26th Annual Union League Boys & Girls Clubs hosted its annual Wine Dinner fundraiser at the Union League Club of Chicago. The event, co-chaired by Stacy Fleming and David Torres, featured vintage wine tastings and pairings hosted by Calistoga, California

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Wine Dinner Co-Chairs David Torres and Stacy Fleming.

winery Frank Family Vineyards and a multi-course meal. Julie Larsen from Frank Family Vineyards, was the keynote speaker. For 104 years, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs have been serving youth in neighborhoods with the highest hardship

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David Torres, Julie Larsen, Stacy Fleming, Mary Ann Mahon Huels, Alexandra Nicholson, Thomas E. Payne.

index in Chicago; providing quality programming centered on academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Today, Union League Boys & Girls Clubs serve over 15,000 youth

K. ULBGC President & CEO Mary Ann Mahon Huels

ULBGC President & CEO Mary Ann Mahon Huels

  members at 21 well-equipped and professionally staffed inner-city Clubs, that bring effective after-school programming to youth in communities including Humboldt Park, Pilsen, West Town, Bucktown, South Lawndale and Englewood as well as to youth in the Juvenile Detention Center and at an overnight camp in Kenosha County Wisconsin. Note: The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs is a distinct non-profit separate from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, although both are charters of the national Boys & Girls Clubs organization. For more information, please click here.

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2023 Artist in All_Lois Gates and Anne Mills with Elite Presenting Sponsors The Grateful Family of Tricia McGee

Mis' Lois Gates and Anne Mills with Elite Presenting Sponsors The Grateful Family of Tricia McGee.

Misericordia Heart of Mercy hosted its 26th Artist in All event at the Art Institute’s Modern Wing July 19. Over 1000 supporters came out in force to bid on 240+ pieces of artwork created by talented Misericordia resident artists

David and Susan Axelrod with daughter Lauren.

David and Susan Axelrod with daughter Lauren.

with the assistance of dedicated staff and volunteers. Even the invite’s artwork graphics were created by residents in the Art Program where participants use paint and other media to experience the joy that self-expression brings. It was a great night for this amazing nonprofit that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Congrats to Sister Rosemary, Lois Gates and their amazing team. Love this organization so much. (For more info, click here!)

The Artist in All 2023 Committee

Misericordia's "The Artist in All" 2023 Committee

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"The Who's Tommy," the most successful production in Goodman Theatre history!

Goodman Theatre’s Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director/CEO Roche Schulfer announced that the Goodman’s must-see musical The Who’s Tommy smashed box office records, officially becoming the highest-grossing production in the 98-year history of TOMMY_1Chicago’s largest not-for-profit theater company. Tony Award-winning original creators Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff joined the company on stage for a bow as the “amazing journey” concluded following a matinee in Chicago on Sunday, Aug 6. The unanimously acclaimed, twice-extended production “went clean” in the 856-seat Albert Theatre selling a record number of single tickets and selling out 36 performances. Audiences attending hailed from all 50 United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as 21 other countries as far away as New Zealand, with many patrons attending multiple performances.

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The Who's Tommy's original creators Pete Townshend and Des McAnuff, join the company on closing night to celebrate the Goodman Theatre's most successful production in history. (Photo by Liz Lauren)

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Chance the Rapper at the WNDR Museum. (Photo by Meiling Jin)

Celebrated global hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper hosted the launch of The Chance Store, a special retail pop-up at WNDR Museum Chicago (1130 W. Monroe), in celebration of his sold-out Acid Rap Ten

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Mr. & Mrs.- Jobba Maxey and Val Warner.

Year Anniversary Show at the United Center with a VIP Party on Aug. 16, at the Museum. The place was packed outside and inside with Chance fans who, with the proper wristband, could make their way upstairs to a VIP party. There, a specialty drink was being served along with Harold's (fried) Chicken wings, fries

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Ryan Chiaverini and friend Zack.

and ice cream. The room was split into two sides….one was the VVIP party where Chance hung out. He played Bucket Ball with friends, enjoyed a great DJ and mingled. Eventually, he made his way to the VIP section where he smiled for selfies and danced the night away with fans. Guests could also shop in the brand new The Chance Store (that only ran through 8/20) and featured a

limited supply of exclusive merchandise, apparel and

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Amy Maniscalho, Chance and Meiling Jin.

accessories including the 10th anniversary edition of the Acid Rap album on vinyl and CD, a collaboration can with Lyrical Lemonade and Chance’s iconic “3” hats in Acid Rap colorways. Besides his hometown of Chicago, Chance brought his Anniversary Show to New York’s

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Nick Harkin and Jerry Nunn.

Barclays Center.  On Sept. 21, it will go to the Los Angeles’ Kia Forum. Limited tickets remain at chanceraps.com. To give fans a glimpse into the upcoming tour, Chance dropped the “Acid Rap Tour Rehearsal: That’s Love” video. Soundtracked to Acid Rap single “That’s Love,” the video features nostalgic footage of Chance performing back in the day interwoven with Acid Rap 10 Year Anniversary tour rehearsal scenes. Watch the video here.

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Chance and friends at WNDR Museum (photo by Meiling Jin).

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Co-chairs Sophie Goodwillie and Maribeth McElveen  Founders' Board President Maureen Seaman  Dinner on the Bluff Co-chairs Alex Murphy and Annie Barlow

Co-chairs Sophie Goodwillie and Maribeth McElveen, Founders' Board President Maureen Seaman, Dinner on the Bluff Co-chairs Alex Murphy and Annie Barlow.

The Founders' Board of Lurie Children’s hosted its 63rd Annual Dinner on the Bluff and Pro-Am Golf Championship, presented by Wintrust, on June 25 and June 26,

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Devin and Jacinta Staples.

chaired by Sophie Goodwillie and Maribeth McElveen. Over 500 guests gathered at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff to enjoy cocktails, such as “The Birdie” provided by Blue Ash Farm, and dinner overlooking Lake Michigan. The evening highlighted Mental Health Access FORE Every Child and featured patient speaker Leo sharing his personal story about the

Maureen Seaman  Founders' Board President

Maureen Seaman, Founders' Board President.

positive impact of access to mental health care, alongside his doctor, Dr. John Parkhurst. The evening was chaired Annie Barlow and Alex Murphy and included a dynamic group of supporters. The following day, the Pro Am Golf Championship brought together 275 golfers and pros for a day of competitive play and crowned the 63rd Annual Pro Am’s newest winners of the June Seaman Trophy: Kevin Stineman, Dan Barlow, Dan Waters and Steve Moffat – joined by pro Gideon Traub. Together the events raised over $1.8M in support of the Founders’ Board $5.5M commitment to Lurie Children’s Hospital and the Patrick M. Magoon Institute for Healthy Communities. (Robin Subar Photography)

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Conor Gee, being installed as the youngest District Governor for Rotary International.

So much love and congrats to friend Conor Gee! He just became the youngest District Governor for Rotary International in the Chicagoland area! His installation was held aboard a boat cruise at Navy Pier. He also threw out the first pitch at the White Sox game recently! He has a long history of doing good in the community and this is yet another step in the right direction. Congrats dear Conor!

And, on another wonderful note of success, the beloved

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Congrats Tanner Branson!

Tanner Branson has just been elevated to Head of Sale of the Luxury Handbag & Couture Department at Hindman. In his new role, he will oversee the department’s four-yearly auctions, liaise with clients nationwide in evaluating their couture, and assist with appraisals, He will support

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Leah Chavie, skincare expert and a "Dynamic Woman."

Hindman Chicago’s headquarters and regional offices around the country. Congrats dear Tanner!

Leah Chavie, fabulous aesthetician and owner of Leah Chavie Skincare, has been included in this year’s CS Magazine’sDynamic Women” feature. Her skills and winning personality have made her a much loved figure in Chicago. Her new Barbie Facials are something you shouldn’t miss either! (leahchavie.com)

As many of you know, Chuck and I lost our two rescue Chihuahuas a few years ago. Mickey and Rooney were the lights of our lives, and we miss them still. After our loss, I

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Penny "The Pencil Neck" Jordan.

was sure we would get another pupper in time. I just didn’t realize it would take so long or the intricacies that would be involved. After being pup-less for so long, I guess we became a little bit spoiled. No more worrying if we were out too long or if the water bowls weren’t

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Penny has found her forever home.

filled or if the pee pads needed changing. No walks in the park (which now takes courage in the Gold Coast) nor concerns about shots and nail trims either. BUT, this also meant no bundles of energy racing around the house making you smile. No lap cuddles or fetches or loving eyes staring back at you 24 hours of the day. In other words, we were lonely. All the cons did not compare to the multitude of pros so we began a search. Luckily, Susanna Wickham (PAWS Chicago CEO) came to the rescue, introducing us to little Amaya, now “Penny the Pencil Neck.” (To read the full story, click here).

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Greek Fest 2023There are so many events I'm looking forward to and I hope you didn't miss my latest coverage of "Dance for Life" in my new Crain's Chicago Business column! (Read/subscribe here!) Here are some other events to put Diana Ross--Sept. 9 on your calendar: Gold Coast Greek Fest (Sept. 15-17); Adler Planetarium's "Celestial Ball" (Sept. 9); Navy Seal Foundation "Midwest Evening of Tribute" on Sept. 13; Ingalls Foundation Diana Ross concert/dinner on Sept. 9; Navy Pier ExPIERience Gala on Sept. 14; Costume Council Men's Fashion Awards, Sept. 14; Music of the Baroque season opener/concerts begins Sept. 17; Gold Coast Fashion Show, Sept. 21/22; Chicago Gourmet begins Sept. 21; National Multiple Sclerosis Society "Dinner of Champions" Sept. 21; FLAIR Chicago Lighthouse is on Sept. 22; Symphony Ball on Sept. 23; Lyric Opera Gala with Audra McDonald on Oct. 6; Eversight 25th anniversary Gala on Oct. 13; Love Purse "Bootleggers" Gala on Oct. 5; Service Club of Chicago gala, "An Evening of A Million Dreams" on Nov. 3; Chicago Police Foundation, "True Blue Event," on Nov. 4; and The Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation's "The Wings to Cure" gala on Nov. 11.  ______________________________________________________________________

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Terrace 16- spectacular views from Trump Hotel Chicago.

With Labor Day on the horizon, have you planned your activities? If not, consider summer’s farewell on the spectacular rooftop patio at Terrace 16 on Sunday, Sept.

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Terrace 16 patio- perfect for Labor Day and any day.

3 (from noon- 7pm) with grilling, cocktails and fireworks! This ultimate grilling experience will feature an interactive chef's experience, outdoor grill station, extensive craft cocktail program, and more! Enjoy the Navy Pier fireworks display from their iconic patio. Indulge in the Grilling Experience at just $50 per person, featuring a delectable array of dishes including a BBQ Brisket Sandwich, Cheddar Cheeseburger, Footlong Hotdog, Garden Pasta Salad, Balsamic Marinated Portobello Mushroom, and Grilled Asparagus. With the expertise of Executive Sous Chef Derek Feldmeier, your downtown Chicago dining experience at Trump Hotel Chicago will be as unforgettable as the views!  Book here!

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The darling Dionne Miller.

Metropolitan Family Services DuPage celebrated its 22nd annual DuPage Gala to highlight the organization’s holistic approach to serving families and individuals. The event took place in Woodridge at Bobak’s Signature Events, with sports anchor Dionne Miller Mfs-dupage-gala-2023_-023_52881163127_o serving as emcee. The evening included impact speeches from families who have benefited from MFS’s Supporting Housing Initiative for Families in Transition program and also recognized its Roger K. Johnson Leadership Awardees — Mary Ann and Paul Travers, Mike Skarr and Paul Pyrcik  – for their commitment to Metropolitan and Family Shelter Service of Metropolitan DuPage. The gala was co-chaired by Metropolitan DuPage Board Members Dan McGowan and Emily Shupe. MFS is a nonprofit that provides support and family services to strengthen communities.

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Chef Art Smith (2)

Chef Art Smith- Chef/Humanitarian

I hope you enjoy this latest episode of “Candid Candace – The Podcast!” I interview award-winning Chef Art Smith. His cooking skills and down-to-earth personality have connected him with Lady Gaga, the Dalai Lama and five Artpresidents, to name a few. And, as impressive as his kitchen skills are, his life as a humanitarian is equally inspiring. He shares what’s next on his to-do list, what makes his fried chicken so damn special, and some valuable advice Johnny Carson’s pianist told him. My producer/co-host John St. Augustine and I also chat about a VERY big book launch, Chance the Rapper’s private party, some of my favorite events and so much more! So, grab a piece of Hummingbird Cake, find an easy chair, and enjoy the show! (LISTEN HERE) AND, I hope you will join us on Wednesday, Aug. 30 for Art's "Rainbow at Reunion" party! Details here!

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I hope you're enjoying my "Ask Candid Candace" advice column in Chicago Star! I love fielding all your interesting questions and I hope you like my answers. (See latest edition here) I try to add a little humor along with some common sense and I hope it's working! Special thanks to Randolph Street Market for sponsoring this column too! Don't miss Sally's next big markets coming Sept. 23/24 and the Holiday Market Nov. 18/19. (All RSM details here)

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Julie Hightower (Daisie Foundation) and Kathleen Sarpy.

Pretty Powerful 5.0, an event co-founded by Kathleen Sarpy (founder and CEO of Agency H5, a boutique integrated marketing and PR firm) and moi, attracted nearly 100 powerful ladies who are responsible for lifting up our communities through their philanthropic work. IMG_5193Collectively, the women at the Tribune Tower Residences party have raised millions of dollars for Chicago’s nonprofit community. The Residences were the perfect venue for our 5th annual event. Following a toast from Kathleen, invitees enjoyed mingling on the magnificent Crown Terrace, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres and taking guided tours of the spectacular residences and

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Tribune Tower Residences- Spectacular!

amenities (thanks to the Tribune Tower Residences sales team- Jeanne Martini, Karen Randich Stone, Natalie LaFontaine and Shannon Gibson-Giampa.) Desirée Rogers gifted the attendees with fabulous lipsticks from her successful Fashion Fair cosmetic line sold at Sephora. It was a wonderful night of networking and conversation in a beautiful setting. This event is a thank-you to the fabulous and kind-hearted women who passionately work to promote the work of so many important and impact-driven nonprofits and philanthropic events each year – there certainly are so many worthy causes to highlight that are crucial to supporting the people of Chicago and beyond. A toast to all and thanks to those who participated and, until next year, please continue your wonderful work and we will see you at Pretty Powerful 6.0!

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I hope this edition is better late than never! There's so much I want to share with you and I never want to miss anything of importance so sometimes it takes a while to collect all the fun news. I hope I've covered things here that make you smile. As always, please send any events/news my way! Until then, keep the energy positive and your calendars ready. Cheers to unforgettable moments ahead and thanks for sticking with me! 🙂

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If this doesn't make you smile, nothing will……

 

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Filed under Best Chicago blog, Books, celebrities, Chicago, Chicago events, Chicago events listings, Chicago fundraisers, chicago media, Chicago nonprofits, Chicago parties, Chicago restaurant scene, Chicago social scene, Chicago society scene, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, people in the news, Travel, What to do in Chicago, Where to go in Chicago

SPRING IN CHICAGO: WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE?

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Susanna Wickham, Alexis and Paula Fasseas and Suzanne LeMignot.

It was a night of tail-wagging fun for the nearly 700 guests at PAWS Chicago's 17th annual Animal Magnetism party at Morgan Manufacturing. Partygoers, many with pups in tow, arrived at this popular venue in the West Loop to raise

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Sylvia Perez and daughter Magali Blasdell.

funds for PAWS Chicago, the Midwest's largest no-kill shelter. Held on April 28, the event was hosted by PAWS Chicago's Professional Board and presented by Becker’s Healthcare. Co-chairs were Sarah Atkinson, Brittany Keegan and Paige Krueger. Many guests arrived with their dogs dressed in full party mode wearing frilly dresses, sunglasses,

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Susanna Wickham, PAWS Chicago CEO, with adoptable dog.

tuxes and more to enjoy an evening that included a VIP dinner sponsored by Avli (Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros), dancing, a silent auction and raffle, and an award presentation. A lavish buffet was served by some of the city’s top chefs, including Cristiano Bassani (Gene & Georgetti), and so many others. Partygoers could have some fun posing on the

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Avli (VIP dinner sponsor) Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros.

“glambot pup-parazzi” pedestal (hosted by PetCon and The Dog Agency) and get an illustration of their pets from well-known artists onsite. Canine guests relaxed in doggie daycare and the “pampered pooch” station and enjoyed custom buffets. Jake Hamilton (of Fox-32) and Fred (Kiss-FM) served as the evening’s emcees. CEO Susanna Wickham welcomed guests and announced the presentation of the adoptable dogs showcase and

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Chuck Jordan, Chris Wickham and Gus!

the Animal Welfare Leadership Awards, a special recognition for members of the community who have gone above and beyond for animals in need. Susanna, along with co-founders Paula and Alexis Fasseas, presented the awards as the emcees shared the recipients’ remarkable stories. Suzanne LeMignot (CBS-2

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Phil Brooks (aka CM Punk) was an honoree.

weekend morning anchor) was the first award recipient. She has been involved with PAWS Chicago since the very beginning, going door-to-door with Paula helping start the first humane education program in the Chicago Public School system. She would take her pit bull mix, Pixie, to school assemblies to show kids that dogs are not violent, as they might have previously learned from experiencing dog fights in their neighborhood. She now sits on PAWS Chicago’s Board of Directors

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Emcees Jake Hamilton and Fred (KISS-FM).

and continues to help homeless dogs and cats each week through the PAWS Pet of the Week segment, which started in the 1990s, and still airs on CBS 2 to this day. The next award recipient, Phil Brooks, aka CM Punk (professional wrestler, actor, and author), adopted his first PAWS dog in 2015 with his

Co-chairs Paige Krueger and Sarah Atkinson

Co-chairs Paige Krueger and Sarah Atkinson.

wife AJ Mendez. Larry was a misfit dog with a scruffy look, tough underbite and a personality that required a special adopter willing to work through his challenges. In 2017, Phil brought national attention to the cause by choosing PAWS Chicago as his charity when he was a contestant on MTV’s “The Challenge: Champs vs. Pros, “ and in 2021, he partnered

Co-chair Brittany Keegan

Co-chair Brittany Keegan.

with PAWS to tell his story about the transformation possible once a misunderstood dog finds the right home. He and Larry became the face of the “Underdog to Wonderdog” campaign to bring much-needed awareness to forgotten dogs and inspire people to consider adopting an overlooked pet. Dr. Aaron Jackson, a

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Honorees Dr. Aaron Johnson, Dr. Paula Zdziarski-West, Phil Brooks (CM Punk), Suzanne Le Mignot, and Eileen Johnson.

veterinarian surgeon who focuses on orthopedic cases, was the next honoree. He was the very first Medical Director of MedVet and has performed more than 15,000 surgeries over the course of his career. He volunteers his time to perform these types of surgeries at the PAWS Medical Center, providing care for some of the most difficult cases that come through their doors.  Dr. Jackson has also established an orthopedic program at PAWS, while mentoring future generations of surgeons to continue this important work. He  advanced

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Judy and Howard Tullman, longtime supporters/board members.

surgical care to animals that would never have had the

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PAWS dog anyone?

opportunity to recover. The next award recipient was Dr. Paula Zdziarski-West, also a veterinary surgeon who has helped so many PAWS pets get their second chance at life. She finds surgery to be a rewarding specialty because she can literally fix problems, returning function to animals who would otherwise be disabled, or save an animal with a life-threatening illness or injury. Since starting her volunteer work in 2022, providing orthopedic surgeries to PAWS Chicago, Dr. West has performed and saved PAWS more than $60,000. Last, but not least, the final award recipient was

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Cute partygoers.

Eileen Johnson, a PAWS volunteer since 2015.  To date, she has put in nearly 3,800 hours. As a volunteer, Eileen has washed

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Gene & Georgetti executive chef Cristiano Bassani.

thousands of dishes, done hundreds of loads of laundry, and of course, given love and enrichment to the dogs and cats. Over the last three years, she has driven over 36,000 miles traveling with the PAWS Chicago intake team, driving multiple trips to disaster areas to clear shelters, allowing lost animals an opportunity to be found by their owners, and saving thousands of those lives who were already up from adoption. Following the program, guests enjoyed dancing, dessert tasting stations, a glow bar and a photo booth. Since PAWS Chicago’s founding in 1998, over 76,000 pets have found forever homes. (pawschicago.org)

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Glam partygoers Stephanie Andre, Melissa Canning (PAWS Board Development Board Chair), Helan Kalantzis, Lori Paris and Shanna Nikolic.

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Game show fun with Chicago White Sox players at the Beyond the Diamond fundraiser.

The Chicago White Sox hosted its signature fundraiser, Beyond the Diamond, presented by Peoples Gas and Wintrust, in Navy Pier’s Aon Grand Ballroom on April 19. Fans and friends of the organization came together for a gala evening of entertainment benefiting Chicago White Sox Charities (CWSC). White Sox players, coaches,

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White Sox Charities ED Christine O'Reilly.

broadcasters and alumni attended the evening celebration to raise funds for youth baseball initiatives supported by CWSC. The evening began with an hour-long First Pitch Reception, presented by Modelo, followed by remarks from White Sox manager Pedro Grifol and White Sox Charities executive director Christine O’Reilly. Attendees enjoyed guest

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ACE athlete Sir Jamison Jones.

appearances from fan-favorite White Sox stars and a Family Feud-style game show with players from the 2023 roster hosted by play-by-play broadcaster Jason Benetti. The game included the “Cease Family” – Dylan Cease, Andrew Vaughn, Andrew Benintendi, Gavin Sheets and Romy Gonzalez. And the “Giolito Family” – Lucas Giolito, Seby Zavala, Jimmy Lambert, Eloy

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Young athletes in White Sox ACE initiatives.

Jimenez and Jake Burger. Additional highlights included a Q&A with athletes from the CWSC-supported White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program and Team Teflon, a Black-owned travel youth softball program, and a conversation with White Sox ACE athlete Raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, catcher Sir Jamison Jones has been a member of the 041923_DG_BTD 0282White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE) program since 2017. The St. Rita High School junior is committed to Illinois State and has attended top MLB events, including the Breakthrough and Dream Series, Hank Aaron Invitational, 041923_DG_BTD 0298MLB States Play and Area Code Team, where he was selected to compete by the White Sox scouting department. Jones had breakout performances at both the “A Dream Fulfilled” game at the MLB at Field of Dreams game in Dyersville, as well as the RBI Junior World Series, where he helped the organization win its fifth championship in Vero Beach, Fla. The gala concluded with attendees enjoying an Extra Inning Celebration, presented by NBC Sports Chicago. (whitesoxcharities.org)

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Nick Pullia  Candace Jordan  Greg Cameron (The Joffrey Ballet president- CEO- and Chuck Jordan. (Photo by Sean@PurplePhoto.com)

With Nick Pullia, Greg Cameron (The Joffrey Ballet president- CEO) and Chuck Jordan. (Photo by Sean@PurplePhoto.com)

Stormy skies and traffic jams didn’t keep The Joffrey Ballet’s supporters away from opening night of “The Little Mermaid.” In fact, it was a full house, filled with anticipation before the 2.5 hour performance of

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Victoria Jaiani  as The Little Mermaid, Anais Bueno, Dylan Gutierrez and Stefan Goncalvez. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)

this hauntingly beautiful ballet that combined breathtaking dance with the heart-breaking story by Hans Christian Anderson. John Neumeier, longtime director and choreographer of the Hamburg Ballet, brought this story

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Ken Norgan with choreographer John Neumeier.

to life through exuberant contemporary choreography, stark but effective scenery and unique costuming. And, although “The Little Mermaid” is probably better known from Disney’s 1989 animated version, do not expect any similarities. Neumeier’s production is more in keeping with the original dark fairytale from 1837. The ballet is

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Young ballerina/fans before the performance.

the story of a mermaid who longs for love and desires to be human but, just as in life, we don't always get what we want. The Mermaid's story is one of pain and loss superbly performed by Victoria Jaiani, dancing the role of a lifetime. Her moves,

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Artistic Director Ashley Wheater with Nichelle and William Mayberry.

mostly done while trailing voluminous material behind her as fins, was riveting to watch. She is as much a great actor as she is a superb dancer. This difficult performance calls on skills we’ve not seen before and that seem appropriately, almost inhuman. She completely inhabits the role of the Little Mermaid and

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The Joffrey Ballet's Brian Smith with Pam Crutchfield and Dawn Stanislaw.

loses herself in the character before our very eyes. She’s onstage for nearly the entire ballet, demonstrating yet again, her extraordinary endurance and other-worldly capabilities. The musical

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Victoria Jaiani, in the role of a lifetime. (Photo by Cheryl Mann)

score, composed by Lera Auerbach and performed live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, brought the production and the audience to another level, perfectly matching the intensity of what we see onstage. The addition of the theremin, an electronic instrument invented in 1928, depicts the Mermaid’s voice and her ethereal, mystical side. People may recognize the eerie sound of this

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The Joffrey Ballet president/CEO Greg Cameron with Jean de St. Aubin.

instrument from sci-fi films of the 1950s. It is controlled without physical contact- the musician (thereminist) waves their hands near two antennas to create sounds associated with ominous situations, of which there were many throughout the performance. The SSWC3095entire cast was outstanding. Yoshihisa Arai, retiring at the end of the 2022-23 season, played the menacing Sea Witch and Dylan Guiterrez expertly performed the role of the Prince, also requiring as much acting skills as dance and succeeding wildly at both. A heart-warming tender moment occurred when the dancers were taking their many curtain calls. Jaiani’s 9-year-old son and husband, former Joffrey dancer Temur Suluashvili, both presented their shining star with flowers. The production was entrancing, unsettling and danced with skills beyond imagining. During intermission, VIP guests enjoyed mixing and mingling in the Graham Room. If you missed this production this time around, make sure to see it when it returns!

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The Joffrey Ballet and Company.

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IMG_0363And in more The Joffrey  News ! Join this amazing dance company for a weekend of surrealism and dance, celebrating President and CEO Greg Cameron on the occasion of his 10th anniversary with the organization. Unleash your imagination and unlock your subconscious at the Ultrawide-xlrg-joint-page-imageJoffrey’s fantastical bash, "Sir Real." Expect to be mesmerized into an all-consuming surreal dreamland for the senses. With bizarre surprises and dazzling curiosities around every corner, dare to dress in your most avant-garde fashions and join the party, taking place in the Old Post Office on Friday, June 23. This event will 6a00e554550884883301a3fb60ce90970b-800wisupport Joffrey for All initiatives.The Friday night gala will be followed by a free performance in Millennium Park on Sunday, June 25. The free public performances will take place in the heart of downtown Chicago in Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Created as a gift to all Chicagoans, and the first event of its kind, The Joffrey Ballet’s Joffrey for All Celebration will feature dance workshops on the lawn and performances by Joffrey Company Artists, the Joffrey Academy of Dance, and students from the Joffrey Community Engagement programs.

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Service Club Day on the Terrace co-chairs Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey and Jean Antoniou.

Now that the Service Club of Chicago has its successful Spring (Hat) Luncheon under its belt (watch for complete coverage in next post), I want to share their next exciting event coming up Monday, August 7, at the Peninsula. Co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and SC DOT 2023 Sharyl Mackey, the event will feature a spectacular fashion show and luncheon. Top retailers and designers from around town will showcase their most eye-catching looks, that will be available for purchase, on the catwalk. This event always sells out so be sure to get your tickets when they become available here! (Returning exclusive hair stylist is the Charles Ifergan Salon– thank you Philippe!)

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Houndstooth ball host Elliott Bambrough with Heather Owen, One Tail at a Time executive director.

The 15th annual Houndstooth Ball attracted more than 500 animal-loving supporters, many with their pups, to Morgan Manufacturing on March 18. Benefiting One Tail at a Time (OTAT), a no-kill animal rescue organization, the event celebrated 15 years of supporting ongoing and new

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Partygoers and pup.

initiatives such as its ISO House, a quarantine location in Logan Square that creates a safe, transitional space for sick or injured dogs from Chicago shelters. During the lively evening, that celebrated a decade of lifesaving, partygoers enjoyed a whiskey tasting presented by Green Briar and made JLPA134462memories in a variety of animal-related photo ops. Professional doodlers created hand-drawn portraits of pets and an onsite SPAW helped them relax. The silent and live auctions featured over 100 items, including a unique OTAT “patchwork” quilt. The program was emceed by Elliott Bambrough (of Chicago’s Best), who was joined by Heather Owen, OTAT executive director. Bambrough spoke about being inspired by the  JLPE134895 dedication of the organization's volunteers and how well it functioned as a family. Owen thanked the crowd and sponsors JLPA134479and shared the nonprofit's ongoing success story. An all-vegan buffet was served and, on every table, were photos with short stories of OTAT's adoption successes. The event raised over $300,000 which will fund the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of dogs, kittens, and bunnies in need. The funds will also help support adopters and grow community outreach, including humane education and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. Rescued animals are housed in both foster homes and at OTAT's Bucktown adoption center location. (Photos by Jeremy Lawson, onetail.org)

 

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Pooped-out pup at Houndstooth Ball (those lil' shoes tho').

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2024 Guy Adkins Award recipient Roberta Duchak speaks at the event.

Porchlight Music Theatre’s annual signature fundraising event, Chicago Sings, returned with Chicago Sings Broadway Pop II, at the House of Blues Chicago recently. The production was directed by Porchlight’s Artistic

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The company performs at Chicago Sing Broadway Pop II at the House of Blues.

Director Michael Weber and Producing Artistic Associate Frankie Leo Bennett with music direction by David Fiorello and choreography by Clayton Cross. The presentation of the 2023 Guy Adkins Award for Excellence in the Advancement of Music Theatre in Chicago went to Roberta Duchak. A Chicago cast of Porchlight favorites and students from Porchlight’s summer camps and classes delighting the audience with songs that have appeared on Broadway. The event raised over $175,000. ______________________________________________________________________

Chicago Lights Executive Director Stacy Jackson (l) and Fourth Presbyterian Church Pastor Shannon Kershner greeted 350 guests.

Chicago Lights Executive Director Stacy Jackson (l) and Fourth Presbyterian Church Pastor Shannon Kershner.

Chicago Lights held its annual Gala of Hope benefit at the Ritz-Carlton recently. The event attracted over 350 guests and is the organization’s biggest fundraiser. The night included an evening of dinner, dancing, live and silent

Gala Co-Chairs Pete Shannon (l) and Bill Patterson

Gala Co-Chairs Pete Shannon (l) and Bill Patterson.

 

auctions, and so much more. Chicago Lights Executive Director Stacy Jackson welcomed guests before Shannon Kershner, pastor of Fourth Presbyterian Church, offered a blessing. The nonprofit was founded by the Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago, launching its tutoring program in 1964. Since its inception, the nonprofit has served more than 60,000 people. _______________________________________________________________________

DJ Casper and ABC7 Samantha Chatman

DJ Casper and ABC-7 Samantha Chatman.

After School Matters celebrated its 3rd annual Sneaker Ball April 29 at the Chicago Sports Museum. More than

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Adorable Sneaker Ball guests.

230 guests enjoyed performances and exhibitions by After School Matters teens, a live performance by DJ Casper—the creator of the famed Cha-Cha slide—as well as live music, food and drink, and more. The event raised over $175,000 for After School Matters fund which pays teens for their participation in their programs.

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Ina by george burns"Chicago Chefs Cook" did it again! This time they came together to celebrate the much loved  Ina Pinkney, "The Breakfast Queen of Chicago," on the occasion of her 80th birthday! The party was held at The Geraghty on April 26. The event featured tasting stations from more than 60 of the city’s most celebrated chefs and benefited the nonprofits Green City Market and Pilot Light. (Photo by George Burns)

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Rick Kogan (3)Big thanks to Rick Kogan for having me back on WGN Radio!  We chatted for a whole hour about everything you can imagine! Please listen to the show, “The candid life of Candid Candace,” (LOL) here. 

Speaking of shows, we are now on “Candid Candace: The Podcast” number TWO! As always, a big, big thanks to my steadfast co-host and producer, the one and only John St. Augustine! I’m so lucky to have this ultimate pro on my team as well as the amazing intro by Jenniffer Weigel, another a media legend. In this latest episode, I take you behind the scenes to all the best parties, share the events you need to put on your calendars and talk with one of my besties, August of 1982 Playboy Playmate, the fabulous Cathy St. George. We chat about our shared experiences, what we loved about Hugh Hefner, celebs we’ve met along the way, what life was really like at the Playboy Mansion and what Frank Sinatra shared with Cathy in confidence! John couldn’t help slipping in a little "Harry Caray" tribute on the side! Holy Cow! (Listen here!)

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2023 Annual Gala - Rob & Lara Kozak  Adeline Kozak

Rob and Lara Kozak with Adeline Kozak.

The Ronald McDonald House Gala, we held at the Geraghty recently with over 650 guests. This year’s event featured the Kozak family whose lives were forever changed when their daughter Adeline, now three-years-old, was diagnosed with hypo-plastic left heart syndrome

RMHC-CNI 2023 Annual Gala - Molly Gilbride  Jane & Scott Billish  Holly & Kraig Buckendahl

Molly Gilbride, Jane and Scott Billish and Holly and Kraig Buckendahl.

at birth. The Gala offered a look into the Kozak family’s journey and how the Ronald McDonald House near Advocate Children’s Hospital allowed Adeline’s parents to stay just moments away from their daughter for over 200 nights while she recovered in the hospital. More than 650 guests were in attendance raising $1.3 million in critical funds to help connect thousands of families with sick children with high-quality medical care and resources. (Photos by Hilary Higgins/Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana)

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Norman and Shirley Baugher.

On April 23, we celebrated the beautiful life of Shirley Baugher, also known as the Mayor of Old Town, at the Old Town Triangle Center. Chuck and I were lucky to know her and her artist husband Norman during the years that we

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The late, great Shirley Baugher.

lived there. She was a force of nature and involved in all good deeds in the neighborhood. She was also a source for advice and inspiration if you were feeling low. She knew

this part of Chicago better than anyone else and was its biggest cheerleader. Her book, “Hidden History of Old Town” was/is a must-have in every home. She was an incredible cook, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, and upon her passing, had amassed over 2000 cookbooks. I loved her for her honesty, among many other reasons. You could always expect the truth from Shirley. She had a heart as big as all outdoors and she never knew a stranger. She was welcoming, funny, kind and wickedly smart. Chuck and I will always treasure our memories of her and Norman. But then, no one ever really dies. She will always live in our hearts.

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Image (10) amdurAmdur Productions gives artists, young and young-at-heart, the opportunity to showcase their original work Lincoln roscoe amdur art fest may 13-14across multiple platforms. This summer, they are inviting creative kids and teens this opportunity at the following festivals: Port Clinton Art Festival (Aug. 26-27); Deerfield Art Festival (June 3-4) and Bayshore Spring Makers Market (May 20-21). For only a $50 entry fee, kids can show and sell their works. Scholarships are also available on a need basis. (They are also looking for interns!) To enter and for more information, call 847-926-4300 or email info@amdurproductions.com 

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Chicago Lighthouse 2023 FLAIR co-chairs Sheree Schimmer, Sherry Lea Fox and Sherrill Bodine.

It’s never too early to mark your calendars for a big event! On Friday, September 22, The Chicago Lighthouse will present FLAIR: An Eye on Fashion, its annual fashion show fundraiser at

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Tracey Tarantino DiBuono–2023 FLAIR honoree.

the Ritz-Carlton. The afternoon event, celebrating a decade on the runway, will honor Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and feature fall looks from Chicago’s top designers and retailers. Returning co-chairs are Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea Holson and Sheree Schimmer. I will return as event host along with Tracey. I hope you can join us to help support the Lighthouse’s many programs for the blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veteran communities. (For info, click here!)

BEST- Flair Fortnightly
The Chicago Lighthouse 2023 FLAIR Planning Committee.

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CPLF Associate Board members.

After a three year-hiatus, the Chicago Public Library Foundation Associate Board brought back Night in the Stacks, a special party for library supporters, in Harold Washington Library Center’s iconic Winter Garden. The

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The B Sisters, Adiat Baker and Iya Bakare.

event, which was held April 14, celebrated the Library’s 150th birthday and raised more than $125,000 for its programs. In celebration of this historic milestone, the Library transformed after dark with neon bright décor, dance floor, live music from DJ Rex Balcita, and an open bar. Nearly 400 attendees saw the Maker Lab’s 21st-century technologies in action, took a spin in a 360-photo booth, and joined the raffle for chances to win amazing prizes.

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CPLF's Night in the Stacks 2023

“What a comeback for Night in the Stacks! We are so grateful to our dedicated Associate Board for creating an event that is unique, memorable and brings our community of Library supporters together,” says Brenda Langstraat Bui, President & CEO of the Chicago Public Library Foundation. Since 2014, Night in the Stacks has raised funds for free library programs such as homework help with Teacher in the Library, one-on-one digital literacy support lessons for adults, creative spaces for teens, preservation of Chicago’s history through archival collections, among many others. The evening’s Platinum Sponsors were BMO, For Good Advisory and In Memory of Barbara Lewis.

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Fleurs de Villes VOYAGE 2023 at The 900 Shops.

Fleurs de Villes, the exhibit featuring custom, floral couture made of thousands of fresh blooms (thanks the floral donations from Kennicott Brothers), returned to 900 North Michigan Shops. This year's theme, "Voyage,” took guests on a fragrant and visually arresting journey to

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The 900 Shops' Alicia Skruba and Taylor Stucker.

some of the world's most iconic travel destinations. Floral exhibit standouts spotlighted the Honduras (from Bloome Floral Design, which won for Best in Show); Marrakech (created by Lucalessa Floral Design); London Guard Mannequin (also a winner, by The Roof Crop); Peru (by Vision in Bloom); Egypt Mannequin (by Dilly Lily) and many others. The preview party, held May 3, featured signature cocktails, light bites and DJ Megan Taylor. Dancers from ZZAZZ Productions entertained guests before the judging results were announced. The Honduras, Best in Show exhibit/mannequin by Bloome, was created in honor of exchange student Christi Carol Garcia Orellana, who studied here for her college degree before heading back to her home in Honduras. In addition to the exhibit, there were daily, floral workshops and a pop-up, fresh flower market.

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Artwork by Thomas O'Gorman.

Skyline columnist extraordinaire Thomas O'Gorman will be hosting an exhibit of his colorful artwork on May 13-15. The exhibit will take place at 1059 N. Winchester (corner house at Winchester and Thomas) from 11 to 3 pm. (See his Instagram page for full collection, @thomasogormanart)

Another packed edition of Candid Candace and I hope you've enjoyed every bit of it. I want to share with you how this whole concept actually

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With my much loved Mom, Elsa Mae Stott.

came about. I'm an only child, as some of you know, and my mom was as much my sister as she was my mother. We were thick as thieves and did everything together–traveled, shopped, talked into the wee hours- no one knew me better than my mom Elsa Stott. When I moved to Chicago, I wanted her to see everything I saw through my eyes so I began writing very detailed letters about any event, party, dinner, etc. that I attended so she would feel like she was there. I think this style, and the reason for it, has served me well. Now, I get to take all of you around town with me –so basically, you're family too. 🙂

Have a happy Spring, until next time,

Love Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. For animal lovers only.

 

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WELCOME BACK CHICAGO: WE’RE READY TO PARTY!

Plus: Haute hats for the Service Club; Sable hotel's GRAND opening at Offshore; Chicago Star/Mariano's Streeterville Week kick-off party; Digestive Health Foundation's "Together on the Terrace"; "Random Acts of Kindness" with Maria and Fresh Farms; Steppenwolf's exciting plans, and a new live show; Good and bad news for Randolph Street Market; Ronald McDonald House Charities Gala; Pride done right; Gone too soon, Holocaust Survivor Fritzie Fritzshall; Adalina, chic, sexy and delish; Safety tips and tricks from a cop who knows; Chicago Children's Choir's "Red Jacket Optional"; Auditorium Theatre's devilish "Devil's Ball; Hef and the History Channel; The Chicago Lighthouse FLAIR event will honor ? (see who below!); Black Tie and Sneaker Ball;  Apparel Industry Foundation's REV UP! is BACK!; Ravinia Festival Gala debuts a real winner; Navy Seal Foundation's "Evening of Tribute" with a surprise keynote speaker; Publicity Club of Chicago celebrates the best of the best; Cute videos and SOOOO much more!

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Barry Butler (2)

Barry Butler photo.

It's thrilling to watch Chicago's return, which I'm gauging on the strength of my events calendar. There are an enormous number of events and activities coming back bigger and better than ever and I couldn't be happier! Our streets are full, restaurants are busy, the boat tours have all returned and things are getting really exciting around here. I think after all the "you can't do thats", that people are rejoicing like it's Mardi Gras now just because they CAN! I feel like a great weight has been lifted off our shoulders. It's an honor to share some of these parties, activities and more below. I hope you have wonderful plans for summer….maybe you'll get some ideas here!

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Spring Luncheon co-chairs Cathy Bartholomay, Michelle Baker and Annette Findling.

First up, the irrepressible Service Club of Chicago hasn't missed a beat during the pandemic. In fact, most of their events have raised even more money than before. That's because their members put their money where their hearts are and it's a joy to see. Their latest

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SC members Bethany Florek, SC pres Sherrill Bodine and Lauren Lein Cavanaugh.

big fundraiser was the Spring Luncheon, lovingly referred to as the Hat Luncheon. Co-chairs Cathy Bartholomay, Michelle Baker and Annette Findling, put together an exciting event that was spread across two rooms at the venerable Woman's Athletic Club (WAC).

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Myra Reilly and Cheryl Coleman.

Over 200 ladies donned their finest millinery attire to attend. SC president Sherrill Bodine said, "We have all walked through a dark storm together and now here we are with our heads held high, and wearing beautiful hats, ready to take on the world again. And what a new beginning!" The guest speaker, Sandy Schreier, is the famed fashion curator and historian whose designer collections have been exhibited around the world. Sandy discussed her collection, design career, TV appearances,  SC2021_1246books and famous friendships to a rapt audience. (A VIP reception was hosted the night before at Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue). Auctioneer Andy Baker and I conducted an open call for donations and a live auction that featured a

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Peg Lombardo, Tracey DiBuono and Vonita Reescer.

package donated by Brunello Cucinelli that included a trip to Casa Cucinelli in New York, hotel and airfare, lunch and dinner, a tour and fashion presentation. At the end of the day, the event raised over $190,000 which will support the organization's Philanthropic Fund. The SC is an all-volunteer woman's organization that was founded in 1890. All proceeds raised are distributed to Chicago's worthiest nonprofits. This year that amount was over $500K! (To learn more about the SC, click here!)

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With Mariano's Amanda Puck (love the background subject!) (Cool photo prop by Kehoe Designs).

A pat on the back to Chicago Star, who hosted its first big event at Mariano's Lakeshore East (May 21) on their beautiful rooftop patio. Special thanks to Amanda Puck,

Jim Smith  Chille Pepper  and names coming.

Jim Smith, Chilli Pepper, Jay Frankovich and Jeremy Plummer.

Mariano's Director of Strategic Brand Development, who helped coordinate this fun effort that celebrated the kick-off of Streeterville Week, a Chicago Star initiative supporting local business. The night couldn't have been more perfect for this outdoor party–a gentle breeze, warm temps–and those jaw-droppingly beautiful views of Lake Shore East Park. The

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Supporters Judy and Howard Tullman (board member), with Bonnie (board member) and Jim Spurlock.

party was for Chicago Star's supporters, friends, sponsors, board members and advertisers and, at 60+ guests, we were at capacity since the city hadn't fully opened yet. The

Giovanna Krozel and Almira Yllana with Doorstep Divas  Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone.

Giovanna Krozel and Almira Yllana (Sugar & Spice) with Doorstep Divas (Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone).

fun-filled night featured entertainment provided by The Doorstep Divas (Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone) and DJ World; delicious desserts from Eli's Cheesecake; cool photo props from Kehoe Designs; the awe-inspiring Magic by Keelan Wendorf; custom florals from Luxe Bloom and even a cool Marilyn Monroe impersonator courtesy of ZZAZZ Productions,

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The Landan Twins (Jonathan and Andrew) with Billy Rairigh, Paul Iacono, Amanda Puck and friend.

who added a lot of pizzazz to this party. Delicious bites

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Michael Kutza, Maggie Baczkowski and Curt Rose.

from Mariano's included mini fried chicken sandwiches, Oki sushi, Oki veggie rolls, individual shrimp cocktails, smoked salmon on toast and crackers, mini cheeseboards, Murray's Lemon Cheese Bites, plus wine and beer. Friends, this WAS a PARTEE UNTIL….We had decided earlier to try to shoot a cover shot for the paper and include everyone in attendance. Kristan

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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas with Chuck.

Lieb was our photog and she had clambered onto a ladder for an overview shot. The guests were grabbing copies of the paper to

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Fabulous Eli's Cheesecakes and floral design by Luxe Bloom.

hold and moving into position near the railing with the park as our backdrop. Everything looked so perfect except for one annoying cast-iron garbage receptacle. Soooooo, as always, I wanted to get the perfect photo so I tried moving it (VERY BAD IDEA)…as I grabbed it, a very heavy piece pulled away and slammed directly onto my foot. Well, it swelled up as big as a football but I still gamely limped into the photo (LOL!)…Afterwards, I sat down and watched it get bigger. So many wonderful people brought ice, including Chicago Star

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Elaine Hyde, Chicago Star founder, with the Landan Twins.

founder Elaine Hyde's sweet husband Joey. I was so

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With Chicago Star Team: Nuria Mathog, Elaine Hyde, Angela Gagnon and Jay Kopp.

disgusted with myself. We had been planning this party for weeks and weeks and now to have this happen. Anyway, I thought I could stay and just sit in a chair but I wasn't sure if I'd broken anything so a trip to the emergency room was in order. Thank goodness I went to Thorek, at the suggestion of a friend, because they took care of me like no one before. (Special shout-out here to staff and especially Dr. Rachel Goldstein, who was a saint!) Anyway, thanks to all our friends who came and know that I was so very sorry to have to leave half-way through! Streeterville Week was

Doorstep Diva Molly Callinan and DJ World.

Doorstep Diva Molly Callinan and DJ World.

created by Chicago Star in November 2020 as an initiative designed to lift community spirits, boost morale and encourage residents and visitors to shop locally during the pandemic. More

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WBBM's Lisa Fielding, she's a fan.

than two dozen local businesses took part in the inaugural event, with some participants, such as Pinstripes, seeing over 40% increases in revenue. Guests in attendance included Manolis Alpogianis, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Howard and Judy Tullman, Jim Sharp, Sarah Tuohy, Curt Rose, Maggie Baczkowski, Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Chilli Pepper and friends Jeremy Plummer and Jay Frankovich, Cee and Vince Reyes, Michael Caputo, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Peter

Jim Smith  Marilyn  Michael Caputo and Tom Kehoe.

Jim Smith, Marilyn, Michael Caputo and Tom Kehoe.
Cee Reyes  Greg Hyder  Vince Reyes and Jay Kopp.

Cee Reyes, Greg Hyder, Vince Reyes and CSM's Jay Kopp.

Kambreros, Andrew and Jon Landan, Giovanna Krozel and Almira Yllana, Tom Kehoe, Shelley Rosen, Tina Koegel, Paul Iacono, Tracey Tarantino, Michael Kutza, Richard Ward, Marc Schulman, Will Nifong, Sherren Leigh, Mario Hollemans, Dr. Valerie Mayuga, Geno Suarez, Lisa Fielding, Joyce Winnecke and George Houlihan, Kathleen Jenkins, Lindsay Forman, Tom Claxton and so many more! Can't wait to plan another fun event, this time at FULL CAPACITY! (Love you so much Amanda Puck!) (Video below by Kairos & Co. Film) (First published in Chicago Star)

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Rachel Holl, Phoebe Sacks and Jodi Block

The Digestive Health Foundation at Northwestern Medicine hosted its first live event in over a year at the MCA on June 5. With in-person attendance of 220 and additional supporters participating virtually via livestream, the DHF’s

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Tom Swimmermaker, Nancy Payne, Karen Mandel, Zack Karmin

Together on the Terrace: An Evening of Art, Appetizers and Spirits, Al Fresco raised a whopping $1.3 million, bringing the total sum raised by DHF since its inception in 2015 to nearly $15 million!  Held outdoors in the museum’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden, the event featured mixology demonstrations, wine tasting, light bites, live music by the TVK Orchestra, museum tours, silent and live auctions and raffle prizes. Auction highlights included Ryder Cup tickets, a trip to New York City with VIP tickets to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and dinner prepared by

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Michael Baum (Digestive Health Foundation Board Member and Ambassador Board Champion)
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Jake Dockser and Olivia Kleinman

Michelin-starred chef Soo Ahn, who helms the kitchen at the fabulous Italian restaurant Adalina in the Gold Coast. FOX 32 Chicago’s Sylvia Perez kicked off the event as well as the livestream. Event proceeds will benefit digestive disease research as well as supporting the DHF Ambassador Board’s commitment to promoting greater equity in access to medical care and education through two projects that include the new Digestive Health Foundation MCAT Prep Program created in partnership with the I Am Abel Foundation to provide funding, resources and mentoring to help under-

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Dr. Leila Kia, MD

represented students prepare for medical school, and the Elizabeth Blackwell Fund for

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Eric Corwin and Julie Kaviar (DHF Ambassador Board and MCA Overall Event Lead)

independent female GI researchers in honor of the first U.S. woman to earn a medical degree. Since inception six years ago, DHF has funded 67 crucial annual grants as well as ongoing research studies including the DHF BioRepository, a blood and tissue bank used for digestive disease research that is one of the few databases of its kind in the world. (For more info on DHF, click here)

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Opening party host Israel Idonije and da' Mayor.

Sable at Navy Pier hosted a grand opening party June 9. The by-invite-only affair was held on Offshore's magnificent rooftop and included notables such as American Idol's Grace

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Offshore, supposedly the world's largest rooftop bar.

Kinstler and the Mayor, who delivered a powerful, inspiring speech about the city's return. The program was hosted by the much loved Israel Idonije. Another fan favorite, David Rothstein Music, performed throughout the night  against a backdrop of heart-stopping skyline views. Greeters dressed in nautical attire directed guests to the party from the check-in in Sable's lobby. Enroute, partygoers could partake of popcorn and champagne carts. Magnificent, over-sized floral

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American Idol's Grace Kinstler.

arrangements and candles were scattered throughout the space. Owners of the Sable had flown in from Switzerland and Sable's dapper GM, Laurent Boisdron, was on hand to present the hotel's very first

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Sable GM Laurent Boisdron presents bouquet to the hotel's first guest.

guest with a beautiful bouquet. The Mayor introduced Izzy as the "personification of what a good public servant is all about." She continued, "We have the lowest unemployment rate of any city in the

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Darling, nautically attired greeters.

country, our buying power is second to none and our economy is already roaring back." The Sable is the only hotel in Chicago where every room has a breathtaking lake view. The hotel also features Lirica restaurant (with Latin and Iberian-inspired cuisine) and a beautiful outdoor patio. It's a perfect spot for a staycation or out-of-town visitors–friendly staff, beautiful, sleekly designed rooms and, of course, those views. (Details here)

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Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood star in the Tracy Letts play "Bug" at Steppenwolf Theatre. (Michael Brosilow Photo)

Steppenwolf Theater Company will come roaring back on November 11 when its first live show will be the remount of BUG by Tracy Letts, starring ensemble members Carrie Coon and Namir Smallwood. Previews will begin November 11 in Steppenwolf's Downstairs Theater where you will see a whole new lobby plus a new wine bar on the second floor in the existing theater building! Steppenwolf will welcome back theater-goers to a brand new, 50,000-sq.-ft. building and education center at 1650 N. Halsted. As the world came to a pause in 2020, the walls of the state-of-the-art arts facility continued to rise, symbolizing hope for

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Rendering of the new Shakespeare Theatre Company.

the entire Chicago arts community. Designed by world-renowned architect Gordon Gill of Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) with theater design and acoustics

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Rendering of Steppenwolf's wine bar/lobby area.

by Charcoalblue, the transformed Steppenwolf Theatre Company campus will change the way Chicagoans and visitors experience the company’s cutting-edge theater. In Fall 2021, Steppenwolf builds on the global reach and acclaim of its virtual stage (currently streaming in all 50 states and more than 20 countries) with a lineup of new virtual works by ensemble members Tina Landau, Tracy Letts and Tarell Alvin McCraney. (See full schedules and more details here).

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IMG_8396The Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) celebrated the 62nd anniversary of the Golden Trumpet Awards, the most prestigious awards program in the Midwest, honoring distinguished individual achievement in public relations, marketing and communications. The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, June 17 and was PCC’s second virtual Golden Trumpet Awards ceremony. I was honored to present Cramer-

Today the 2021 Publicity Club of Chicago Trumpet Awards took place and I was thrilled to be one of the hosts along with @CandidCandace & Payal Patal.

Presenters and hosts for the 2021 Golden Trumpet Awards

Krasselt with the event's top honors, the 'Best of Show' award, for their 'Navigating Coronavirus with the Brand Name Corona’ campaign as well as deliver a tribute to the

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Delivering my tribute to the late Dori Wilson.

late, great Dori Wilson who passed away earlier this year in February. Over 200 guests joined an online platform that included virtual meeting rooms and a livestream presentation emceed by WGN-9’s Ben Bradley and Lourdes Duarte, Comcast’s Maria Castro, PCC Board Members Jim O’Reilly and Payal Patel and me. In partnership with the PCC, the production was put together by Video Parachute. Other winners included: Jasculca Terman Strategic

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Navy Pier's Strategic Communications Leader Payal Patel was a host.

Communications, who won the 'Edwin J. Shaughnessy Quality of Life Award' for the ‘Lakeview Pantry COVID-19 Response’ campaign; L.C. Williams & Associates won the 'Buell Patterson Technology Award'

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Maria Castro, Comcast Regional Affairs Manager, presented awards.

for the 'AASM – Student Sleep Health Week' and MWW, who won the 'Elynore Dolkart Meserow Creativity Award’ for the ‘Bridging Remote Learning During COVID-19’ campaign. PCC Board Member and Metropolitan Family Services’ Bridget Hatch (love her) received PCC’s Volunteer of the Year Award. Established in 1941, the Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) is a network of inspired Chicago- area public relations professionals and counselors who work at every type of organization and, together, compose the nation's largest independent public relations membership organization.

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Adalina, newly opened at 912 N. State.

Adalina hosted "Friends & Family" dining this week in advance of its opening at its Gold Coast location, 912 N. State. The restaurant was buzzing with activity as servers flew around the elegant space with dishes created by its talented 7131163D-E1E2-4532-8656-84A83CF5BD6BMichelin-starred Chef Soo Ahn. Against a backdrop of midnight blue walls, plush velvet banquettes, large scale artwork and a dramatic chandelier, diners enjoyed dishes that included handmade pastas such as rigatoni with Maine lobster, Red King crab and IMG_8115Calabrian chile and scallions; ravioli with summer truffles, corn, ricotta, pearl onions and aged balsamic and carved tableside porterhouses and Dover sole; salmon vesuvio; veal chop parmigiana, roasted chicken, a Wagyu strip steak and so much more. Starters included charred octopus, gnocco fritto, BD241615-FAE3-47D5-8B65-01DD00B6DDD3 truffled caesar (prepared tableside) and a delicious fried green tomato caprese, among others. Opening Monday, June 21, hours will be 3pm to 1 pm, IMG_8119Monday through Sunday, with lunch and brunch service coming soon. Partners Phil Siudak, Miles Muslin, Matt Deichl and Jonathan Gillespie, along with general manager Tee Efendija, must be very excited about their bright future here. Among the familiar faces seen on the scene were Peter and Cynthia Au, Kasia and Greg Kay, Jay and Albrey Kopp, Michael Kutza, Ryan Chiaverini and Pasquale Gianni, among others. Welcome to the 'hood Adalina! (First published in Chicago Star)

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With Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Dino Svigo (Fresh Farms) passing out boxes of candy to Chicago's dads.

I've been so excited to partner with Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas dispensing "Random Acts of Kindness" around the city. It was the Treasurer's

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Shelley Rosen (Luxe Bloom)–Mother's Day

idea to do this to help lift people's spirits following the pandemic and also to help beautify the city. Our first event was held in collaboration with Shelley Rosen (founder of Luxe Bloom). Shelley's company put together a partnership with JC Decaux North America to install, a two-sided fresh floral display on the NW corner of Michigan and Chicago for Mother's Day and throughout the month. On

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With Jay Kopp, Maria Pappas, Dino Svigos and friend on Father's Day.

May 9, we gave away more than 500 Ecuadorian roses to honor the mothers and women of Chicago, promote the beautification of the Mag Mile and support local business. We

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Paul Iacono, Chuck and Bonnie Spurlock on Mother's Day.

even handed out Luxe Bloom roses to bus drivers and one under-appreciated mom who broke down in tears. It's amazing (and heart-warming) to see how a small, random act of kindness can make such a difference. So proud to be a small part of this big community effort! Love and thanks to all who came out to support us like Paul Iacono, Maria Mancuso, Suzie Glickman, Joey Majumdar, Jonathan Tam, Humberto Jimenez (Consul General

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With Real Men Charities founder Yvette Moyo and Maria Pappas at Real Men Cook event, 2425 E. 75th St.

of Ecuador), Kenichi Okada (Consul General of Japan), Yvette Moyo (Chairman/CEO Real Men Charities), Marco Polo Valladolid (President Mexican Civic Society of Illinoi), Sam Ma (Honorary Chair of the

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Marta Farion.

American-Asian Association), Marta Farion (President Kyiv-Mohyla Foundation of America), Kina Bagovska, (Director Magura Bulgarian Cultural Center), Nanta Buranakanchana (Asian American Coalition of Chicago) and Vandana Jhingan (Midwest Bureau Chief TV Asia) and Marta Farion. We repeated these "Random Acts of Gifting" on Father's Day at another corner on Michigan Avenue giving out boxes of truffle candies, courtesy of Fresh Farms (Dino Svigos and his sons Niko, Dean and Alex. Following this event, Maria and I went to the 32nd Real Men Cook celebration benefiting Real Men Charities (founded by Yvette Moyo) and handed out more candy! (ALL of the good photos are by Barb Levant)

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RSM debut market in Three Oaks with Sally Schwartz (R), D. Graham Kostic (2nd from R) and family.

First, the good news–Randolph Street Market's first day back after the pandemic was a slam dunk. Held for the first time in Three Oaks, Michigan, on Memorial Day Weekend (29/30), RSM founder Sally Schwartz and 40 dealers from across the country welcomed guests

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Chuck congratulating Sally on her first market in Three Oaks.

back after a long, hard year. Shuttle buses were flying back and forth and police, with lights flashing, helped direct traffic. It was so good to see this award-winning and much loved market return. Sally welcomed guests who traveled from near and far to peruse the large selection of goods, socialize and

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Randolph Street Market's first day in Three Oaks.

enjoy snacks from the Pigs by Pigs food truck stationed on the grounds. A portion of the ticket sales ($5 for adults with children under 12 free) supported Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles-Buchanan. Now the bad news, Due to continuing adverse weather conditions, the Randolph Street Market in Three Oaks has canceled the rest of its summer

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RSM is always an Aladdin's Cave of finds.

schedule. Here's a message from founder Sally Schwartz: "For the first time in Randolph Street Market’s 18-year history, we have to close the balance of our summer festival due to severe weather

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I wish I would've bought these.

and venue conditions. Refunds will be promptly sent out this week. Most of you know our super huge antique market festival venue in Chicago’s West Loop is currently under construction, which prompted us to create a mini “taste” of Randolph with the original concept of bringing a select group of 40+ IMG_8400dealers on a road trip this summer. We landed in Three Oaks, Michigan, an artsy, cultural community with boutique-style retail that complemented our Antique and Vintage vibe. The show would be a fun day-trip for our Chicago IMG_8399customers and offer our clientele with homes up there a fun way to reconnect with us…With heavy rain happening now and predicted through next week, and our indoor venue space having size and A/C limitations, our inability to accommodate more dealers, sponsors, and entertainment make expansion and operations impossible. Unfortunately, these issues can’t be resolved for the balance of our summer program which now has forced us to shut down." We anxiously await your return dear RSM!

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The late Fritzie Fritzshall in front of her hologram in Illinois Holocaust Museum's Survivor Stories exhibit.

The late Fritzie Fritzshall in front of her hologram in the Illinois Holocaust Museum's Survivor Stories exhibit.

The world has lost a hero. As a Survivor of the Holocaust and the President of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, Fritzie Fritzshall devoted her life to combating hatred and prejudice, inspiring people to become Upstanders instead of bystanders, and speaking out to make our world a better place.  Everywhere she spoke, she changed people's lives and the way they see the world. I know because I am a witness. She passed away recently at age 91, and during her lifetime, she influenced all who met her or heard her words. During the Holocaust,

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Fritzie revisits a concentration camp where she and her family were held.

Nazis occupied Fritzie's hometown of Klucharky, Czechoslovakia, and deported her, her mother and two brothers to Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp when Fritzie was just a young teenager. Her ArchChicago_Maday_Lo_Res__K9A3979mother, two younger brothers and other family members were murdered. “There is no way to describe what it was like to be in the rail car hungry, cold, without food, without water, watching pregnant women begging for water, watching different people dying in front of you from lack of food, air, and water,” Fritzie said. “My own grandfather died in this car going to Auschwitz. In 1946, After surviving these atrocities, Fritzie came to Skokie, Illinois, and reunited with her father, who worked for Vienna Beef and had come to America before the Holocaust to provide his family with money from abroad. Fritzie, in a 2019 interview, said, “I want the world to remember and to know to never, ever, ever, ever forget about the Holocaust. We say ‘never again,’ but we don't often mean ‘never again.’ ‘Never again’ must be ‘never again.’ It must stop.”

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Chase Garrett  (R) a retired 32-year vet of the Chicago PD with friend.

Chase Garret, a retired 32-year vet with the Chicago Police Dept. and friend.

With all the crime in the city now, I felt it would be helpful to share some tips from retired policemen, Chase Garrett. Actually, his tips are part of a larger feature article I wrote for Chicago Star's July issue called "What the Pros Know". (Read all pro tips here) In it, there are tips from famed interior

Interior designer  author and TV star Nate Berkus.

Interior designer Nate Berkus offers tips on designing for a small space in the next issue of Chicago Star.

designer Nate Berkus (how to decorate a small space); Chef Art Smith (how to cook the perfect fried chicken); Robert Garvey (Robert's Pizza, tips for creating the perfect pizza at home); Jason Kollar (my IT guy–KCS Computer Technology— who knows EVERYTHING about computers, gives us tips for what we should

Chef Art Smith shares his secrets for the best fried chicken.

Chef Art Smith shares his secrets for the best fried chicken.

buy); Colin Collette (Mangels Florist), gives advice on creating the perfect floral arrangement; Debi Lilly (A Perfect Event) tells us how to plan a summer party; Sugar & Spice (aka Gio Krozel and Almira Yllana) are experts on all things Disney and they share secret tips and tricks for planning that perfect trip to Disney World; Jerry Torpy, our handyman and founder of Appliance Rescue Service, shares advice for keeping cool this summer; David Lampert (Lester Lampert Jewelers); Rob Morhaim (president Morhaim Media Consulting), offers expert advice on delivering slam-dunk business presentations; and Monika Dixon (Monika Dixon PR) offers great suggestions on social media and branding).

Here's Chase's tips for keeping safe in the city. I wanted to share them in their entirety because I feel they are so important. In the paper's article, they are edited but I'm happy to be able to share his complete, very thoughtful suggestions here, for keeping safe in these Untilltled difficult times. My Citizen's app is going off constantly now with reports of crime in every part of the city. Sort of feels like a war zone right now. Anyway, I hope these will be helpful for you. (And remember, to see the complete list of tips from the pros, click here!) (Published first in Chicago Star)

1)  DON'T BE AN EASY TARGET–Criminals usually target easy prey. They look for those that are not paying attention to their surroundings. They know you aren't paying attention when they see you on your phone. They know you are distracted by a conversation, or listening to music, Unootitledespecially with your earplugs in. They usually attack you from behind, take your possessions and disappear, before you even realize what happened. This is to their advantage, because if you never see them coming, even if the police caught them, you wouldn't be able to identify them. This is why being alert is so important! If you stay alert and aware of your surroundings, you can notice when people are watching you. You can notice the same car, possibly with tinted windows, circling the block as you walk down the street. Use your phone to call a friend, or loved one and tell them where you are and what's happening. Give them the license plate number of the car, or take a picture of it. Discreetly take a photo of someone you feel is suspicious and send it to a friend. If you can't take any pictures, remember as much about that person(s), as you can, in case you have to notify "911".

2) KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE A VICTIM OF A CRIME–If you get attacked, threatened, 911or robbed, you want to immediately contact "911". "911" is for emergencies and "311" is for making non emergency reports. When you call "911", you will speak with a Call Taker. That person will ask you several questions. The more of those questions that you can answer, the better. They will ask you for your name, location and what happened. They will ask when it happened, how many offenders were there, if any vehicles were involved and a description of the vehicle. They will ask you to describe your assailant. Their race, approximate age, height and weight. They will ask about the color of their eyes and hair and to describe any clothing. All of this information is then relayed to a Dispatcher, who 311-logonotifies the patrol cars in the area. Several cars will immediately begin looking for the offender(s) and other vehicles will come to you. If you were able to give out a relatively good description of the assailant(s), the police may locate someone near the address of occurrence and bring them back to the scene, for a "Show Up". If you identify the person(s), they will be arrested and taken to the district. If you do not identify them, they are released and the search continues.The police will search for witnesses and video surveillance to assist in locating any offenders. Remembering as much information as possible, is vital to the arrest and prosecution of any and all offenders. If your wallet or identification is taken, or stolen, immediately contact one of the major credit reporting agencies. Trans Union, Equifax, or Experian. Give them your police report number and ask for a 7 year Fraud Alert on your credit. This means that no one can open credit in your name, without contacting the phone number that you give them. All that is needed is a police report, stating that your personal information was taken.

3) WHAT TO DO, IF YOU GET PHYSICALLY ATTACKED–If someone physically attacks you, Depositphotos_126898556-stock-illustration-bike-robbers-trying-to-snatchyou have no choice but to defend yourself. I suggest always keeping a weapon, such as pepper spray, in your hand while walking in isolated areas. Pepper spray is legal and its easy to hold in your hand, discreetly. It does you no good, if it's in the bottom of your purse and someone takes your purse. If you have no weapons and you're being physically assaulted, try to scratch your assailant in the face. This makes them easily identifiable, when the police begin their search. Bloody scratch marks in one's face, is usually a good clue that they were involved in something nefarious! If you scratch them on the arms, or body, you can get their DNA under your nails.  Everything goes of course, if you're fighting for your life. Bite them, gouge them in the eyes, use your weapon, do whatever you can to get away and scream. Screaming will alert others, that you're being attacked and hopefully they will help you, or call the police. Don't scream fire, because you will only confuse people. Scream for help and scream to have someone call for the police!

CarjackingCHASE'S TIPS FOR AVOIDING A CAR JACKING: 1) Keep your doors locked at all times, when you're in or out of vehicle; 2) Remove the keys from the ignition, when pumping gas; 3) Don't leave your purse, or other valuables in plain view when exiting the vehicle; 4) Leave plenty of space in front of you when pulling up to stop signs, or red lights, in case you have to make an evasive action.; 5) If you pull up to an intersection and someone starts approaching your vehicle and you feel threatened, run the red light, after making sure no traffic is coming. It's better to risk getting a traffic ticket, than to stay in an unsafe position.; 6) Know that most car jackings occur when you're parking and exiting the vehicle. This can be in a gas station, garage, or on the street. Be extra alert at these times.; 7) If you're surrounded, or someone approaches with a weapon and demands your car, do not resist. Give them your car and immediately contact 911, as soon as possible. Your car is insured and can always be replaced. Your life can't. (First published in Chicago Star).

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IMG_8353Chicago Pride Month is always filled with fun-filled celebrations to honor the LGBTQ community. One of my IMG_8326 favorites is hosted by Tom Kehoe is his Old Town neighborhood. You never know who will show up, last year Governor Pritzker and his First Lady MK, were guests. This year, his magical home showed off the design skills that he and his companies are known for. Spray painted, Pride-colored, over-sized palm fronds filled every container throughout the space. Colorful, oversized Pride banners out front directed party-goers to the main event. In the beautifully landscaped backyard, Pride banners were used as sun shields and were draped from the roof to the back fence. A DJ standing behind a Pride-colored table kept the beats alive as servers presented tasty treats on, you guessed it, Pride colored dishes and cups. It was such a colorful day spent with colorful friends. Love you Tom.

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Red Jacket Optional _Oct. 16The Chicago Children's Choir's "Red Jacket Optional" event returns on Saturday, October 16. It hasn't been determined whether or not it will be in-person, virtual or a hybrid. Live music and exceptional dining are always hallmarks of this evening which celebrates 65 years of bringing youth and communities together for a stronger future. (Check here for details)

The Auditorium Theatre Auxiliary Board will host its Aud-devilsball-2021-eblastheader-800x400annual Devil’s Ball on Friday, August 27. It's the first public event at the theatre since its temporary closure in March of 2020.  All proceeds will benefit the restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark Auditorium Theatre. This year's event, themed Roaring Back, will be held on the theatre's stage and feature Gatsby-themed cocktails, fabulous nosh, live jazzy tunes, a photo booth, silent auction, wine raffle, behind-the-scenes tours, a surprise pop-up performance and dancing beneath the architectural brilliance of the theatre!  (Tickets/details here)

Ronald McDonald House Charities will host its annual gala Saturday, August 7. Presented Ronald McDonaldby HAVI and Wintrust, the nonprofit's premier fundraising event will feature gourmet cuisine, live entertainment, live and silent auctions and a one-of-a-kind experience, all to support programs that enable families with sick or injured children (worldwide) stay together and near leading hospitals and healthcare services. (More details will be announced here soon)

SC Day on the Terrace Fashion Show Fundraiser  Monday  Aug. 2  Geraghty.The Service Club of Chicago will present its annual "Day on the Terrace' fashion show/fundraiser, this year themed "Here Comes the Sun," Monday, Aug. 2, 11am at The Geraghty. The event will be chaired by SC vets Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sharyl Mackey. The show, produced by ZZAZZ productions, will offer a first look at fall fashion from some of the city's top retailers and local designers. Funds raised will support its Philanthropic Grant Program, which recently donated over $500K worth of grants to deserving nonprofits. (Details/tickets here!) (Chicago Star is the proud media sponsor!)

I'm so excited the Apparel Industry Foundation will be hosting REV UP! this year on Thursday, October 21 at Joe Perillo's Bentley Gold Coast (834 N. Rush)! The event may 2021 REV UP Save the Date Updated be a combination of in-person and virtual but you can bet it will be as exciting as ever, with the in-person element at the dealership! The show will be produced by ZZAZZ Productions and will feature looks from some of Chicago's top local designers. All emerging designers, fashion students and high school hopefuls are encouraged to sign up here for the organization's Scholarship Competition! (I'm thrilled to return as host and excited that Chicago Star will be the media sponsor). (All details here!)

Flair-logo_HI-RES_thumbnail-e1507144889751-1024x606The Chicago Lighthouse will host its much loved FLAIR fashion show/fundraiser on Friday, October 1 at the Drake Hotel.

Jonathan Grabill and Susan Gohl at Derby.

Chicago Lighthouse FLAIR 2021 honoree Susan Gohl with Johnathan Grabill at this year's Derby.

The event will showcase the best in fall fashion produced by ZZAZZ Productions. AND, drum roll please…..This year's honoree is the much deserving SUSAN GOHL! I'm excited to return as a co-host for this event with the one and only Tracey Tarantino DiBuono. (Check here for all the details coming soon!)

Chicago-1The Navy Seal Foundation's 2021 Midwest Evening of Tribute will be held on Tuesday, September 14. Greg Brown, CEO Motorola Solutions) and Anna Brown will serve as co-chairs for this patriotic salute and support for our warriors. The Navy Seal Foundation provides a comprehensive set of programs specifically designed to reduce the stressors associated with life in Naval Special Warfare to both the special warfare operators and their families. This year's event will also honor David Herro (Chief Investment Officer International Equities at Harris Associates LP.) To discover who the keynote speaker is and for more details, click here).

Wine-Tasting-Flyer-2021-FINAL-N3-768x994Maryville Academy will host its second Wine Tasting and Garden Tour, to benefit Maryville's Jen School, on Saturday, August 7, at the Des Plaines campus on 1150 N. River Road. Each guest will pay $35 to sample wines, enjoy appetizers, tour the Jen School garden and more. Maryville Jen School, founded in 2007, was selected by the National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET) as a NASET School of Excellence for eight years in a row. It is the only school in the country that offers vocational education for young children with special learning needs. It works with young people ages 10 to 21 with academic, emotional, behavioral or intellectual challenges. (Learn more here)

The American Writers Museum (AWM) is hosting its annual OnWord benefit dinner in-person Onword 2021 graphic for the first time since 2019 on August 31, from 6:00 pm to 9pm.The event will be hosted by award winning novelist and short story writer Rebecca Makkai at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. The AWM Cultural and Civic Leadership Award will honor Dr. Malcolm O'Hagan. Since 2019, AWM has hosted the annual OnWord benefit dinner to provide important support, allowing the museum to continue to present educational exhibits and programming that celebrate freedom of thought, diversity, connection and understanding. (All details here)

Safe_image.phpThe Art of Giving Foundation will host its “BLACK TIE & SNEAKER BALL”  at Artifact Events, 4325 N. Ravenswood, on July 9.  The Foundation, founded by Autumn Pippenburg, is dedicated to funding local art programs and artists in need of seed funding to launch or maintain social initiative programs that benefit their communities. Included in the evening’s festivities will be a live auction, a sneaker and accessory fashion show, as well as a “Best Sneaker Design” competition. Chicago fashion designer Borris J Powell will be presenting a “Best Dressed” award for the most stylish guest. General admission tickets are $175 and there are four levels of VIP sponsorships available that include various amounts of VIP tickets, table reservations, champagne and private artist meet n’ greets. (Details here!)

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History_Channel_Logo_black_backgroundRecently, I was contacted by the History Channel for a docu-series on Hugh Hefner, Playboy and other

Best--IMG_8432_Facetune_30-06-2021-17-51-46

With the Lucky 8 TV crew in NJ.

legendary visionaries filmed by Lucky 8 TV. Chuck and I were flown to New Jersey for a taping. You all know how much I love chatting about Hef and all-things Playboy so I just can't wait! I'll share the details when it happens.

That's it for this week! As you can see, a lot of our event's are coming back in full force and I couldn't be happier. It's tough being a "social scribe" when you have nothing to write about! But all that is changing now! Special thanks to Fox 32's Sylvia Perez for welcoming me back to talk about all of our reopening excitement, see video below for more fun events and things to do. And I will see you again soon! Thanks for checking in!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Lil' Snafu's rags to riches story….

 

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IN-PERSON EVENTS ARE BACK: THE JOFFREY BALLET AND NEIMAN MARCUS CELEBRATE “FASHION FOR A PASSION”

Plus: Brookfield Zoo's "Whirl"; Hard Rock Casino's grand opening party; Tina's FAB Fumee Claire candles; A tribute to Bernie; Blooms on the Mag Mile; Deborah's "Journey to Joshua"; What's happening in Chicago NOW?; "Wonders of the Park" auction for Lincoln Park; Banksy art fans on pins and needles; Schulman Felix Mag; AVLI on the Park; Chicago Pride Fest; Pendry Chicago's, Chicago Star releases June issue!; elegant, grand opening; Birthday joy at La Scarola; Northalsted Market Days; Randolph Street Market updates; Imerman Angels' Angels Spirit Week; Maria Pappas, why we need her; Sweet video, and SOOO much more!

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Neiman Marcus Michigan Ave. GM Wendy Krimins, Joffrey pres/CEO Greg Cameron and Joffrey WB member Noren Ungaretti.

Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, Northbrook and Oakbrook joined in partnership to support The Joffrey Ballet for their FIRST in-person event following the Covid outbreak, "Fashion for a Passion." The event combined an in-person luncheon with a video-taped fashion show

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Beautiful decor for this first in-person event!

featuring spring trends. Guests  were welcomed by the GMs at each store, Wendy Krimins (Michigan Ave.), Linda Piepho (Northbrook) and Michelle Distasio-Flinn (Oakbrook). Around 70 guests were in attendance at all three

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Valeria Gerber, Casey Carey, Geeta Nagpal, WB pres. Sandi Hartstein and Farissa Knox.

locations with over 30 more zooming in for viewing. Tina Koegel, Brand Experience manager at the Neiman Marcus Chicago location, said, "I’m proud of our longstanding support [a 12 year partnership] of the Joffrey Ballet and our wonderful relationship with their incredibly

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Noren Ungaretti holding a beautiful gift box courtesy of Neiman Marcus.

successful Women’s Board. The three Chicago Metro stores donated 10% of all eligible sales over the course of 5 days from April 15th through the 19th." I was thrilled to attend this first in-person event for these two Chicago icons and I can tell you, it was so

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With Neiman's Tina Koegel.

refreshing to see people in real time as opposed to yet another zoom call. Everyone was dressed in their finest and the table decor took my breath away. All the colors of spring with bright yellow tablescapes, florals of yellow roses and snapdragons and exquisitely boxed lunches (pink and white striped boxes tied with yellow ribbons). Lunch, catered from Food for Thought, consisted of roasted chicken salad tea sandwiches, a spring greens salad and strawberry panna cotta with berries for dessert. Each guest was also treated to a custom-made gift box that included a darling

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Melissa Babcock and Leslie Logsdon.

toe-shoe shaped cookie, a notebook and product samplings. The virtual fashion

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Even a toe shoe-shaped cookie in the goodie bag!

show was presented by contemporary buyer Lori Caplin from the company's Northpark Mall in Dallas. Four fabulous models showcased 20 looks ranging from casual to daytime and concluded with glamorous evening looks. Some highlights of the show included a stunning Oscar de la Renta red satin dress and a Dries van Noten metallic foil jacket. One of the things I loved most was how so many of the looks were paired with tennis shoes, a

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Even the Joffrey WB members are fans of Chicago Star! Lol! (Wink! Wink!)

nod to our pandemic past, no doubt!  Following the show, Greg Cameron, Joffrey president/CEO, addressed the crowd. He commented on the 12 year-long partnership between The Joffrey Ballet, its Women's Board and Neiman

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Overview of the beautiful space at Neiman Marcus Michigan Ave.

Marcus and talked about the Joffrey's Crisis Stabilization Fund, created to ensure the Company's long term health with support going directly to support the Company artists, students and education programs during the pandemic. The group applauded when they heard that they reached 1161$11 million dollars, towards their goal of $12 million. Greg also expressed excitement over returning to the Lyric stage in October for live performances. In attendance at the Michigan Avenue location were Joffrey Women’s Board President Sandi

Joffrey's Brian Smith  Sandi Hartstein (JWB pres) and .

Joffrey's Brian Smith and Chris Jabin with WB president Sandi Hartstein.

Hartstein, Cameron,  Farissa Knox (WB 2nd Vice President), Melissa Babcock, Dana Treister, Casey Carey, Geeta Nagpal, Nancy Berman, Valerie Gerber, Bonnie Fong, Kelly Rosen LaGrange, Ellie Forman, Karen Zupko, Jennifer Fabian, Johanna Ferguson and Liz Sharp and others. The Michigan Avenue luncheon was hosted by Noren Ungaretti, immediate past WB President. The Oakbrook luncheon was hosted by Marcie Wright. In attendance at the Oakbrook location was Julia Doherty, Director of Principal Gifts at the Joffrey. The Northbrook event was hosted by Camille Rudy, Heather Martin, Joan Malliband and Jenelle Chalmers. (Shared first in Chicago Star's "City Seen" debut column!)

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Maria Pappas on her WVON radio show set.

WHY CHICAGO NEEDS MARIA PAPPAS: Maria Pappas is our Cook County Treasurer, has been since 1998. But oh, she is so much more. She has been a cheerleader for Chicago for as far back as I can remember and is a

Maria  the Mayor and Amy rule with Lori's 92 year old mom.

Maria with Mayor Lightfoot, Lightfoot's mother and wife First Lady Amy Eshleman.

force in every community throughout the city. You can see her at a ceremony commemorating the Polish plane crash in Russia 11 years ago; singing Gregorian chants in her church; honoring and speaking for friends who have passed in the Filipino community; celebrating the first donors at the

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Zooming with Telemundo for property tax issues.

Illinois Holocaust Museum; visiting friends and speaking at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village; celebrating Greek Independence Day; attending events at Univision Mexico; cooking in church halls; doing Serbian TV interviews; being the honored guest and

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Maria being interviewed by the Serbian Times.

speaker at the Polish Museum; touring bakeries; being featured on zoom calls for R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood); zooming with the

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Maria at a Ukranian picnic.

Finance Ministry from Madrid (who asked her to teach them her methods); presenting her Christmas Trees Around the World exhibit at her Cook County Treasurer's offices (every year); zooming with Telemundo about property tax payments; zooming with the State Department about property tax collections for foreign countries; trying

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Maria supporting the cops in Greektown.

her skills at an axe-throwing contest; saluting veterans at a variety of events around town; appearing at Bronzeville IMG_4620dedications; celebrating mass at Holy Trinity Church; appearing on Hispanic Talk Radio; appearing on the cover of the Filipino VIA Times, Korean Television, Chinese News, etc.; taping infomercials at Graham Methodist; writing a children's book, "Me and My Iguana," to help them cope during the pandemic; baking for St. Joseph's Day; celebrating Bulgarian Independence Day; honoring African American history in Englewood; playing a

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Maria in the pulpit!

mean piano during office holidays and so much MORE!….I think you get the picture. Maria is

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Maria saluting our vets.

on top of whatever is happening in the city and, more importantly, she's making appearances that matter in our communities.  Besides being talented at writing, playing the piano and cooking, she clearly loves and cares about people. And they love her right back, connecting with her from every ethnicity. She has friends in high, low and everything-in-between places. We all want to be her best friend. Some of her latest triumphs include hosting her own show on WVON 1690 AM

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Speaking at the Polish National Alliance.

radio, "Black Houses Matter." On the show, she lets viewers know the many ways they can collect property tax refunds that they might not be aware of. (Her Cook County Treasurer's website is in 24 different

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Baking for St. Joseph's Day.

languages!) She expanded this property tax refund idea to a live phone bank telethon that's appeared on ABC-7 several times. To date, this telethon has generated nearly $13 million in refunds to Illinois property owners!  Her "20 Year Tax Bill Study" rattled a lot of cages around town when she discovered and disclosed that the county's tax bills virtually doubled

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Maria participating in an axe throwing contest.

over the past 20 years, an increase that is nearly triple the rise in the cost of living index. Her latest efforts involve a re-beautification of the Magnificent Mile which, as we all know, has suffered greatly following the rioting with many stores still boarded up. Her Instagram and Facebook posts ask

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Maria on Hispanic Talk Radio.

Alderman Brian Hopkins, "What is magnificent about this?" as she shares photos of crumbling sidewalks, trash and other unsightly scenes. She clearly feels our pain.  And I will admit, I'm also speaking as a friend. I've had the privilege of knowing her for many years now and I can tell you, what you see is what you get. There is not a phony bone in her body and her empathy for others knows no bounds. Personally, I think she would make a great mayor. I know she says no, but I think Mayor Maria has a great ring to it. (Follow her on Facebook and Instagram, http://www.cookcountytreasurer.com )

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Whirl raised over $1M for Brookfield Zoo and its programs.

I'm so excited for Brookfield Zoo! This year, the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) celebrated its 40th anniversary of the Whirl, its largest annual fundraiser. The event, co-hosted by the Society’s Board of Trustees and Women’s Board, was held virtually on May 1. Hundreds of guests tuned in during the virtual

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Michael and Melissa Canning, WHIRL co-chairs.

fundraiser, which grossed over $1.1 million for the animals at Brookfield Zoo as well as the Society’s conservation, education, and research programs. The evening featured welcoming

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Dr. Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society

comments from Dr. Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of CZS, who recognized the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Chicago Zoological Society, the nonprofit organization that manages Brookfield Zoo. Additional remarks were given by Michael and Melissa Canning, Whirl co-chairs; Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Forest Preserves of Cook County; John Grube, chairman of the Society’s Board

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Sasha Gerritson, president of the Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society

of Trustees; and Sasha Gerritson, president of the Women’s Board of CZS. Auctioneer Jonathan Kraft announced the fundraiser’s virtual paddle raise and live auction. Additionally, videos

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The band Maggie Speaks performed via Zoom.

featuring many of Brookfield Zoo’s charismatic animals were highlighted throughout the evening and Maggie Speaks, one of Chicago’s most popular bands, entertained the viewing audience with several songs. During the event, attendees were able to bid on dozens of

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John Grube, chairman of the Chicago Zoological Society’s Board of Trustees

amazing silent auction items that included a stunning piece of jewelry courtesy of A. Marek Fine Jewelry; a

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Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Forest Preserves of Cook County

Kate Spade exotic tote; sports memorabilia, including a signed football by Green Bay Packers legendary quarterback Bart Starr; an exquisite elephant brooch; an array of gift basket packages from local venues; and animal-themed opportunities from Brookfield Zoo such as VIP tours and naming one of the zoo’s Bennett’s wallaby joeys and a black-footed cat.

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Lezley Hodes  Sherry Abrahams  Heather Spyra host)  Sherrill Bodine  Bonnie Rickard and Lauren Lein Cavanaugh.

Lezley Hodes Sherry Abrahams Heather Spyra host) Sherrill Bodine Bonnie Rickard and Lauren Lein Cavanaugh.

A day in the country was just what we all needed, especially when it was our first-time trip to Richardson's Adventure Farm.  Arranged by Service Club of Chicago leader Heather Spyra, in Spring Grove, IL. (909 English Prairie Rd.), the event was an opportunity for a few Service Club members to experience this adventure that included a

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Chuck got into the bloomin' spirit too!

delightful box lunch. Heather put her own touch on everything, including a tulip shaped cookie! This was the farm's first time Tulip Festival and the turnout, despite inclement weather, was terrific. The festival ended May 9, but, believe me, this place ALWAYS has something going on!

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The SC gang is all here!

When we visited, there were 300,000 tulips popping up in 30 different varieties, with many guests picking their own bouquets in a specially designated area. The venue is on a private lakefront location with food trucks scattered here and there. There was plentiful free parking, dogs were welcome on leashes and, throughout the year, they also offer live music on

Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sapna Rathi.

Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sapna Rathi.

Saturday and Sunday afternoons, a corn maze, a Christmas event with trees and lights, a Halloween Festival, a great gift shop with fresh donuts, kettle corn, etc. and so much more. I loved seeing so many familiar faces that day like Sherrill Bodine, Liz

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They have a great gift shop there too!

Teasley, Kathy Mondelli, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Sherry Abrahams, Bonnie Rickard, Sapna Rathi, Lezley Hodes, Lauren Lein Cavanaugh and so many others. Since Lake Geneva is only 20 minutes away, Chuck and I decided to make a weekend of it. We stayed, for the first time, at the Geneva Inn. We tried to stay here previously

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Such beauty there! Richardson's has something going on year-round so be sure and check it out!

but they don't accept pets, so I doubt we'll return, but it was a lovely spot situated right on the lake. The dining room has beautiful views of the sunset but, our top choice for dining is always Mars Resort–it has live piano music, a lively bar and a mean Friday night fish fry. We also love Anthony's Steakhouse and I always get a kick out of IMG_5197the grizzled old men doing the seating. They seem like they could care less if anyone was there or not but, even this was charming and I always love a good relish tray. Lake Geneva will never lose its charm for us. (On the way back, we stopped at a wonderful grocery store in Antioch, the Old Mill Creek Country Store–loaded with items we'd never seen before….wish it was closer!)

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Marlon and Tito Jackson accept plaque declaring "The Jackson Family Day" in Gary at the opening of the Hard Rock Casino.

It was a Windex-blue sky for the grand opening of The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana that opened with much fanfare and a guitar smash on Friday, May 14. An untold number of city officials were proudly in attendance as was Gary Mayor Jerome Prince and his IMG_6111wife, former Senator Earline Rogers (known as "the Queen of Gaming" as she's responsible for the legalization of gaming in Indiana), Tito and Marlon Jackson, Deniece Williams (4-time Grammy Award winner, "Let's Hear it for the Boy"), Kym Mazelle (the "First Lady of House Music"), Marshall Thompson (member of the Grammy Award-winning group,

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Kym Mazelle, the "first lady of house music".

the Chi-Lites), Pete Wentz (Fallout Boy), Mark Sayers McGrath (lead singer for rock band Sugar Ray), Crystal Taliefero (singer/songwriter), Donald and Ken Kinsey (Big Daddy Kinsey and the Kinsey Report), members of The Seminole Tribe of Florida (who own the HRI brand), and so

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Rockers Pete Wentz and Mark McGrath.

many others. Mayor Prince welcomed the crowd, including dozens of press outlets, to the event. He proclaimed it "The Jackson Family Day" in the city and presented Marlon and Tito with a plaque. Dozens of pieces of memorabilia are on display from the Jackson family including Joe Jackson’s original guitar, that started it all (a 37-foot replica is the centerpiece of the complex located at the entrance), outfits worn on stage by the Jacksons, Michael’s famous Swarovski crystal

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Lots of Jackson Family memorabilia at the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

glove and Florsheim Imperial shoes from his "Thriller" video, THE red leather jacket from the "Beat It" video, Janet Jackson’s suit from her "Velvet Rope" tour as well as objects from other artists that have connections to the Jacksons – including Elvis, Lady Gaga, Eddie Van Halen, Justin

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Kym Mazelle, Mayor Justin Prince, Deniece Williams, and Regina Smith.

Timberlake, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Pharrel, Shakira and Fergie. Marlon said, "I want to thank the Hard Rock Hotel for being the first to take a step and see Gary's vision and wanting to be a part of it, creating so many jobs. So, Gary, a diamond in the rough–you're ready to get polished baby!" He and Tito also thanked city officials for making

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The Jackson Family Home, soon to be landmarked, at 2300 Jackson St.

the Jackson Family Home, at 2300 Jackson St., a historical landmark. "It was about a city called Gary, a school called Roosevelt, but most of all it was about a little house on a little street filled with noise and

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Earline Rogers, known as the "Queen of Gaming" for her efforts at bringing gaming to Indiana.

music, and most of all, love, " Tito said.  A customary Hard Rock guitar smash followed many speeches and signaled the opening of the Casino as all the dignitaries onstage smashed guitars emblazoned with the HR logo following a countdown. Fireworks went off

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Michael's GLOVE on display at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.

behind the stand as the crowd rose for a standing ovation. A bank of press, stationed in the rear, captured every moment. The Casino is easily accessible from Chicago (just 45 minutes away) and is located on 29th Street just off Interstate 80/94 at the Burr Street exit in Gary. The $300 million, 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex has nearly 1,600

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Members of The Seminole Tribe of Florida, who owns the HRI brand.

gaming tales, 5 restaurants, a theater and a 1,954 seat live performance venue. The new casino is the result of the relocation of the two Majestic Star Riverboat Casinos that are owned by The Seminole Tribe of Florida, into one land-based facility. Since the groundbreaking for the new facility in 2020, Gary officials hope it will provide the economic boost that the struggling Northwest Indiana city needs. (Open 24 hours daily, all details here) (First published in Chicago Star)

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Bernie Wong (3)

Bernarda "Bernie" Wong, a champion for the Chinese American community and so many others.

The Chinese American Community has lost one of its biggest champions in Bernarda "Bernie" Wong who passed away at age 77 on April 27. She was beyond a dynamo and, when I first met her, I just couldn't believe how much love, spirit, laughter, caring and empathy for others she carried in that small frame of hers. Former Mayor Rahm Emanuel joked that "no one ever says no to Bernie" and he was so right. She was always on a mission to improve her community and

Bernie Wong (2)

Bernie Wong in her award-laden office at CASL.

mankind in general and it was an honor to know her and a pure joy to see her in action. I was invited to her Senior Center in Chinatown once to receive a little plaque and Bernie beamed from ear to ear the entire time and was so joyous introducing me to each and every one of the members,

Bernie Wong

With Bernie Wong and her beloved seniors.

acknowledging their families and relating all of their many histories, which she knew by heart. Her office was filled to over-flowing with every kind of award imaginable. She was such a beloved individual and I know, anyone who knew her or of her, will have a deep hole in their hearts with her passing. Please sign the Bernie Wong memorial page here and save-the-date for the next Chinese American Service League (CASL) Gala which will be held in her memory on October 21. Details here.  

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With Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and Luxe Bloom's Shelley Rosen on Mother's Day.

Luxe Blooms' Shelley Rosen wanted to cheer up Chicago so she enlisted two of its biggest cheerleaders, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and me! On a

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Paul Iacono, Chuck Jordan and Bonnie Spurlock.

rainy Sunday, we, along with loyal supporters, gathered around the JC Decaux bustop at the corner of Michigan and Chicago Avenues and handed out over 500 long-stemmed Ecuadorian roses. The bus stop had been bedecked with a spectacular floral wall, courtesy of Luxe Blooms, that will last until the end of May. This Mother's Day event was a celebration of all mothers and women of Chicago and intended to bring the community together as a reminder to take care of our city and neighborhoods. We jumped on buses to hand out roses and stopped people in the street. One woman broke

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Marie Mancuso (R) and her goddaughter Judith Kenny.

down in tears after Bonnie Spurlock handed her a flower. Other do-gooders included Paul Iacono, Paul Kawa,

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Luxe Bloom's Shelley Rosen, R, and friend in front of her JC Decaux floral wall.

Humberto Jimenez (Consul General of Ecuador), Kenichi Okada (Consul General of Japan), Sam Ma (Honorary Chair of the American-Asian Society), Kina Bagovska (Director Magura Bulgarian Cultural Center), Nanta Buranakanchana (Asian American Coalition of Chicago), Vandana Jhingan (Midwest Bureau Chief TV Asia), Suzie Glickman, Kate Murray, Joey Majumdar, Marie Mancuso (and friend) and others. It was a "Random Act of Kindness" that brightened peoples' day. We need more of this, right? (Check out Luxe Blooms' amazing (miracle) roses here and thanks for all you do in our communities Maria and Shelley!  

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Deborah Farmer   author of Journey to Joshua with her adopted son.

Deborah Farmer, author "My Journey With Joshua" w/ her adopted son.

Media veteran, communications agency owner and friend, Deborah Farmer, has written a new book, "My Journey with Joshua", which chronicles her experiences in adoption. She says, "Much of what people know about foster care and

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Deborah Farmer and her son Joshua.

adoption turns out to be very little or they know misinformation." Farmer grew up in Chicago, where she worked in newsrooms for two decades before launching Brown Farmer Media Group, a full-service communications firm with nonprofit, small business, corporate and government clients. She adds, "Choosing to adopt is just as valid a route to having kids as is biological birth. I truly never understood the stigma it can have." Her book answers a lot of probing questions about the process as well as describes her joy with motherhood. (More details, purchase the book here!

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Old town art fairI'm so excited to see so many events and festivals coming back! Following Mayor Lightfoot and the Governor's comments about Chicago opening up by July, I decided to check to see exactly what was returning and when. Here's what I found: Riot Fest will return to the Douglas Park Golf Course, Sept. 17 thru Sun. Sept. 19. And the debut of the ARC Music Festival (electronic, dance and house Windy City Smokeout music, etc.) is set for Sept 4/5 in Union Park, Chicago. The Gold Coast Art Fair returns August 21-22 to Grant Park, Butler Field with 200 juried artists and food. The Windy City Smokeout will kick off Chicago's summer festival season in July. The four-day event is scheduled to take place from July 8 through 11 in the parking lot

Chicago Pride Fest returns June 19-20.

Pride Fest returns June 19/20.

by the United Center, featuring headlining sets from country artists Brett Eldredge, Jon Pardi, Darius Rucker and Dierks Bentley. Windy City Smokeout will also feature world-class Q provided by pit-masters from across the country, including Truth BBQ (Houston, Texas) and Peg Leg Porker (Nashville). Tickets, on sale now, range from $35 for a single-day ticket to $625 for a four-day VIP pass. The Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks is set for July 6-11, bringing more than 100 outdoor screenings of family-friendly films to neighborhood parks this summer. The series will kick off July 6 at Oakdale Park. Details here! And this is just a very few of the events that I've found! Looks like Chicago is coming back bigger and better than EVER! Woot! Woot!

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IMG_6487Situated in the former III Forks restaurant space in Lakeshore East, at the corner of Field Blvd. and Benton Place, Avli is far removed from the ghost of this old, dark restaurant. In fact, it's the polar opposite with everything artfully designed in sparkling shades of cream, beige and

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With partners LouieAlexakis, designer Nike Demacopoulos and Lou Canellis.

white by the talented Nike (pronounced Nicki) Demacopoulos. The two-level, 13,000-square-foot restaurant, owned by Louie Alexakis, Bill Glastris and Lou Canellis (Fox-32 sports anchor), in partnership with the Magellan Development Group, is draw-droppingly beautiful from the moment you walk through the door. A birch-lined cocktail area, and I suspect a soon-to-be holding "pen," is on the right, before you reach the

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The not-yet-complete roof deck will feature gauzy curtains, a long bar and a fire-pit lounge.

hostess station. Then, the room opens up with a direct view of the long, elegant U-shaped bar, a brightly lit wine cellar and wrap-around seating. An outdoor, rooftop deck will offer dazzling views of the city and Lake Shore East Park, a variety of seating options as well as a fireplace lounge. Every single server and worker there were all smiles as well as the principals, including GM Stefanos Lemonis, who table-hopped

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Dazzling city views from Avli's soon-to-be-open roofdeck.

throughout the night. That's the way you win friends although with the high level of food service and a delicious menu by Chef Nikolaos Kapernaros, I think they already have it made. Chef Kapernaros has selected dishes for the menu that include his own family's recipes. This is the 4th restaurant in Avli's dining empire with locations in Lincoln Park, River North and suburban Winnetka. Avli on the Park, 180 N. Field Blvd., is open 7 days a week for dinner from 5-11 pm, with reservations via Tock. The restaurant seats 180 in the main dining room, 120 on the rooftop (when it opens), with party and event spaces for 8-100. The restaurant will soon launch a lunch service and a weekend brunch. The venue will also host live music on occasion (think popular Mykonos singers and more). (For more info/ reservations, click here)  (First published in Chicago Star here)

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Wonders_2020-AUCTIONSMALL-Heron-1.41-02The Lincoln Park Conservancy will host a virtual auction, "Wonders of the Park," June 18-20 to benefit Lincoln Park and specifically, the restoration of North Pond. Last year, due to Covid, the Conservancy transformed its annual in-person gala to a virtual auction which raised more than $85,000. This year's virtual auction will offer one-of-a-kind park experiences; uniquely Lincoln Park and Chicago items; hospitality packages showcasing all our great city has to offer; opportunities to purchase benches, trees, gardening supplies, and so much more. Established in 1984 as a nonprofit partner of the Chicago Park District, the Lincoln Park Conservancy has supported Chicago’s largest and most visited park for over 35 years.Proceeds will support the Conservancy’s stewardship and programming across the Park and will help close the last remaining funding gap for the restoration of North Pond beginning this fall.

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Maureen and Marc Schulman and family celebrate the reopening of the Eli M. Schulman Playground.

Congrats to the much loved Schulman Family on the grand reopening of The Eli M. Schulman Playground & Seneca Park on May 18. Top political leaders, ranking members of the Chicago Fire Department, local notables, friends and family came together to honor the memory of

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Alderman Brian Hopkins presided over the proceedings.

the late, great Eli Schulman in a ceremony at the park created in his honor. Located just east of Chicago's historic Water Tower, Seneca Park and the Schulman Playground provide a peaceful oasis and a welcome touch of green amid an increasingly concrete-heavy city. Not since 1990 has the playground been renovated, Now, updates to

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A little superhero in attendance.

the play area include a 16% increase in space and softer surfaces for safety. One area mom, Sharyl Mackey, pointed out that it was nice to see some installations created for older children there too.

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CFD Commissioner Annette Holt.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Alderman Brian Hopkins, whose young daughter presented the countdown. Other speakers included Maureen and Marc Schulman, son of Eli and Chair, Seneca Park & Eli M. Schulman Playground Advisory Council; Michael Kelly, CEO Chicago Park District; Annette Holt, Commissioner, Chicago Fire Department; Grant DePorter, Magnificent

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Grant DePorter.

Mile Association and Harry Carays; Brian Butler, SOAR VP; Jack Guthman, attorney & trustee, MCA, and others. Recognition was given for Jim

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The beautiful Eli M. Schulman Playground is now open!

Letchinger, CEO, JDL & developer, One Chicago. Notables seen in the crowd included Abra Prentice Wilkin and Jim Wilkin, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Mickey Siegel, Sharyl and Mike Mackey, Maria Smithburg, Kate Murray, Rick Kogan and Willa Lang, among others. The event concluded with a poem by Sally Park, read by Andy White of the Lookingglass Theatre. Alderman Hopkins said the playground will see more upgrades in the near future. (First published here in Chicago Star)

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Image of Flag Wall Room at _The Art of Banksy_ exhibition in Toronto. Courtesy of The Art of Banksy.

Image of Flag Wall Room at The Art of Banksy exhibit in Toronto.

Whoa! Check this out! $35 million worth of Banksy art is coming to Chicago's West Loop this summer, opening July 1! The world's largest collection of privately- Banksy exhibitowned Banksy art is coming to the Windy City and will feature prints, canvasses, screen-prints, sculptures and limited-edition pieces dated between 1997 and 2008, including his iconic works "Girl with Balloon (shown in image)," "Flower Thrower" and "Rude Copper.' The event will be held at a yet-to-be-disclosed location in the West Loop (btw, this is getting pretty old already). Tickets on sale here with prices starting at $40 for adults and $30 for children age 16 and younger.

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IMG_6705Northalsted Market Days, one of the Midwest's largest street festival, will return August 6-8, adding a Friday night edition, the first in its 38-year history, according to the Northalsted Business Alliance. First held in August 1982, Market Days has grown to a half-mile long, annual summer ritual on Chicago's north side, featuring all-day lineups of live music and international DJs on 5 stages, 300 vendors, arts, crafts, wares, summer food and drinks, dancing in the street, and more. Market Days, along with Chicago Pride Fest, was canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.

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CSM events video

With CSM publisher Elaine Hyde, Jay Kopp and Jon Cohn.

And, as a part of Chicago Star's many offerings to the community, we will be providing video updates of coming events on a regular basis. Here's our first effort, moderated by Elaine Hyde (publisher/editor) and my colleagues Jay Kopp (CSM Director of Brand Development) and columnist Jon Cohn. Watch here!

We're getting pretty excited about our road trip to Three Oaks, Michigan, to enjoy the new, temporary location for RSM three oaksRandolph Street Market (while it's Chicago venue undergoes renovation), opening Memorial Day Weekend, May 29/30. Entrance fee is $5 per adult with children under 12 free. One dollar of every tickets purchased will support Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles-Buchanan, Michigan. Market dates: June 19/20; July 3/4; August 7/8; Sept. 4/5. Can't wait to see YOU Sally Schwartz! (All details here)

Jonny Imerman and his Imerman Angels will be hosting Angels Spirit Week, now through May 27. Each day will offer a different theme, all to benefit and celebrate this wonderful nonprofit that provides 24/7, 365 comfort and understanding for all cancer fighters, survivors, previvors and caregivers through a personalized, one-on-one connection with someone who has been there. (For all info, click here!)

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Fumee Claire Candles by Tina Weller.

Kudos to Tina Weller, besides being a glam-girl-around-town, she also is one of the most philanthropic people I know. Her most recent project, Fumee Claire Candles (clean smoke), came about following a health scare. Many candles give off a number of known toxins so I think her timing for this couldn't be better. Each product purchased will help contribute to a yearly philanthropy fund awarded to a variety of charities that make a difference to those in need. Tina and her team select agencies that provide services to women and children, the food insecure, the disabled, medically challenged, elderly, the arts, preservation and the homeless as well as education enrichment programs for the underprivileged. Not only are they beautiful and smell good but they're also good for your health and the environment. (For more info, click here!)

Tina Weller

Tina Weller and her Fumee Claire Candle products, healthy for you and the environment.

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Felix Cover Winter-Spring 2020-2021

Thank you Felix Magazine!

Thank you so very much to Felix Magazine, for profiling

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PAWS pups always make photos better 🙂

me in its cover feature! It's especially nice as I was given the opportunity to highlight one of my favorite nonprofits, PAWS Chicago. The feature was shot on location at the adoption center (1997 N. Clybourn), with a passel of adorable pups. It took all the will power I had not to go home with all of them! This luxury lifestyle magazine serves Chicago, NYC and LA covering the latest trends in fashion, fine dining, nightlife, arts and cultures. 100% of the net proceeds benefit The Aparecio Foundation, a nonprofit that raises funds for educational grants and programs for low-income, high potential women in public high schools. (Read article here and, to order/subscribe, click here).(Article by Courtney Simich, photos by Hope Sayre)

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Pendry Chicago opened May 26.

It's like comparing apples and oranges but there are a lot of similarities between the newly opened Greek restaurant Avli in

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Venteaux restaurant inside Pendry Chicago.

Lakeshore East and the recently opened, May 26, Pendry Chicago. Located in the loop (230 N. Michigan), the Pendry is a re-imagination of the iconic 1920s era Carbide and Carbon Building. This hotel was formerly the St. James and the differences between then and now are stark. Where the St. James was dark, the Pendry is all light with sparkling brass touches. In its 364 guest rooms and suites, beautiful parquet floors were discovered under the old carpeting. In the grand ballroom, which seats 500+, an enormous window, that was previously covered over, was revealed with great views of Michigan Avenue. And on and on. As the world opens up following the pandemic, restaurants, hotels and bars seem to be following suit, offering guests a more airy feel after the heaviness of isolation. (Read full story here in Chicago Star!)

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BEST--4070C638-71B6-4D47-8892-077EBB06FFA3Love and thanks to all my friends and supporters who

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With La Scarola's Joey Mondelli.

reached out to me on my birthday on May 26! The messages and photos took me down memory lane and I'm so grateful. Thanks also to special friends Maria Pappas, Jennifer Sutton Brieva, Peter Kamberos, Paul Iacono, Michael Kutza who made my BD so perfect at La Scarola! And especially big, big love to Joey Mondelli. What a gift you all are! 

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CSM June 2021 cover

Chicago Star June 2021, with twins Giovanna Krozel and Almira Yllana (Sugar & Spice) and Landan Twins (Jon and Andrew).

I'm so very exciting to share the newly released June issue of Chicago Star! Read all the fun including my first CSM social column, "City Seen" (if you like what  you see, please let my

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The debut of "City Seen" with The Joffrey Ballet and Neiman Marcus.

publisher know at ainfo@chicagostarmedia.com. I want to make sure our nonprofit and event communities have an outlet here so please let them hear you!). Also, I hope you enjoy my Ask Candid Candace advice column, my feature about where Chicagoan's want to go next now that travel restrictions are being lessened, Cooking with Amanda Puck and so much more!. All the news you need to make you love where you live, work and play! (Read issue here and please join our family here!) (Don't we have the cutest cover stars too, twins Sugar & Spice (Giovanna Krozel and Almira Yllana) and the Landan Twins (Jon and Andrew)?!

 

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Share-Your-EventsI know this is a lot to take in but I don't want to miss sharing with you! If you have an event, a happening, know of some inspiring person, or have info you would like to see here, please send it to candace@candidcandace.com. And don't forget to send any questions for my Chicago Star monthly Candid Candace Advice Column along too! I love hearing from you!

And, if I've forgotten to include anything you sent previously, please forgive me and give me another chance. With Chicago opening up again, events, restaurants, bars, cultural events and more are exploding with business, not enough yet to make up for their losses, but it's so good to see the buzz in the city again.

And, if not a blog subscriber, please do so now here and follow along with all the fun!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And, of course, something to leave you with a smile……

 

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Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Music, Television, Travel

CHICAGO, IS THAT YOU? WE’VE MISSED YOU!

Plus: Norma zooms into the Chicago Costume Council funder; Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Humanitarian Awards; Girls in the Game's (virtual) Field of Dreams Gala; Chicago Star lights up the Windy City; Steak 48 teams up with Common Threads; The Landan Twins want to help; Richardson Adventure Farm's first ever TULIP FESTIVAL!; Dining in the Dark, a new pop-up culinary experience; Cindy McCain keynotes Rush Woman's Board Luncheon; Back to the movies (what's open NOW?); Jurassic Quest is BAAACCKKK!; The Pendry Chicago set to open mid-May; PAWS Chicago's High Rollers Bingo; The Service Club is "Desperately Seeking Fashion"; ULBGC Ring Lardner Awards; "The Happy Magic Chair" makes its debut; Bear Tie Ball "Untied"; Ingalls' Fashion Reveal; Event updates; Randolph Street Market premieres in Three Oaks!; Memories of Hef on his 95th heavenly birthday; Fun videos and SOOO much more!  

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$49 per vehicle (8 people or less) and available at www.jurassicquest.com. An audio tour comes standard with every purchase (choose from two; special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired) as well as a safari-style digital souvenir photo of your vehicle and family transported back in time via a Jurassic setting. Special souvenir packages and other add-ons can be purchased at check out. (The attraction follows all Covid-19 protocols. Police, military, medical personnel and first responders receive 10% off ticket prices with valid ID.) (We went last year and loved it although the car lines were very long!)

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And now for some beloved nonprofit updates:

PAWS Chicago will host High Rollers Bingo on Wednesday, April 28, 6 pm. Join them for 3 

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PAWS Chicago's virtual bingo fundraiser.

rounds of virtual bingo emceed by board member Fred from The Fred Show on 103.5 KISS FM. $20 for one card or $50 for three cards.

And a brand new event for PAWS Chicago, Fore PAWS: A Golf Outing Benefiting PAWS Chicago will take place on Monday, June 14 at Westmoreland Country Club. For info, click here!

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Eversight's Gift of Sight Masquerade returns Wed., Sept. 8 to the Peninsula.

Eversight Illinois' Gift of Sight Masquerade, themed Fantasea, will be held at the Peninsula Chicago on Wednesday, September 8, honoring community leaders Justine Fedak and Dr. Parag Majmudar. I'm proud to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo for this friend-raiser to help restore sight and prevent blindness. (Click here for info!)

The Service Club of Chicago will host its uber-popular hat luncheon, this year themed "Desperately Seeking Fashion." The event will be held at the Woman's Athletic Club (WAC) on Friday, May 21. To accommodate safety and distancing requirements, there will be 4 separate rooms of 50 people each, with guests sporting their finest Service Club Hat Luncheon imagemillinery for what has become THE Hat Luncheon in Chicago! Co-chaired by Michelle Baker, Cathy Bell Bartholomay and Annette Findling, the hybrid event will be produced by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions). The guest speaker will be Sandy Schreier, the famed fashion curator and historian. For tickets/more info, click here. The SC's next event, Day on the Terrace, will return on Monday, Aug. 2, co-chaired by Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Tracey, whose ZZAZZ Productions will again produce the show. More details coming soon for DOT. (Chicago Star Media will be the proud media sponsor!)  

990The Center for Enriched Living will host a virtual Chef's Night on Monday, June 28. Watch website for details coming soon!  

The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs will host the Ring Lardner Awards, honoring excellence in sports journalism via zoom on Thursday, April 29, 7 pm. All funds raised will go to ULBG, which has served the after-school development needs

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Dan Roan, sports anchor at Nexstar, WGN-9, has been named broadcast recipient of the 2020 Ring Lardner Award for Excellence in Sports Journalism.

of Chicago's youth for over 100 years. Since 2002, the program has honored writers and Chicago sports broadcasters who encapsulate the same "wit and warmth" of Lardner's writing. The Ring Lardner Awards represent journalists in three categories: Broadcast, Print, and Posthumous. This year’s honors include Chicago sports journalists Toni Ginnetti (former Chicago Sun-Times reporter, to be presented by current Sun-Times senior columnist Rick Telander); Dan Roan (current WGN TV sports anchor, presented by former WGN TV sportscaster Rich King); and Cooper Rollow (former Chicago Tribune sports editor, to be presented by former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Mike Conklin). 

Bear Necessities untied virtual eventFor the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.

The Ingalls Development Foundation will host "Promise Ingallsof Hope Fashion Reveal," a virtual fashion show produced by ZZAZZ Productions. The event will take place on Sunday, April 18, 5-7 pm CST, to support its cancer research program. Register for FREE here!

2021 Gala Electronic Invite w- CNAChildren's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!)

"Games Galore” for The Chicago Lighthouse's Associate Board! Join them virtually on Wednesday, April 14 for virtual canasta. Purchase raffle tickets to win some great prizes, including a gold and diamond necklace by Dana Rebecca Designs and so much more! (Tickets and all info here.

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Best-Hef and CandaceFriday, April 9 was Hugh Marston Hefner's 95th (heavenly) birthday. The memories I have of Playboy and Hef will last me several lifetimes and beyond. I've been dabbling on a book but who knows what will happen with it. All I know is that I miss him so and am so appreciative of the life he's given me. I wrote a sort of love letter to him here in Chicago Star Media. I hope you like it.  

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Darrious-Hilmon_02Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with…", a short video series that highlights both local and 3a93a051-7bf1-4505-9664-05c1be7b46efnational leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).

 

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With Art "Chat Daddy" Sims at a past event.

And special thanks to Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, for having me on his "The Real Chat Daddy Show" in honor of Women's History Month. It was a fun, free-wheeling interview with Art and his co-host K. Renee Mason. See segment below, my part comes in at 1:05, but it's all good!

 

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IMG_3466I couldn't be more excited about the return of my favorite market, Randolph Street Market! Watch for Sally Schwartz' first market foray into Three Oaks, Michigan, on Memorial Day Weekend, May 30 and 31 (Saturday and Sunday). Other dates on the books are June 19,20; July 3,4; August 7, 8; September 4, 5; and October 2,3. I can't wait to attend and love the idea of a little road trip out of the city! Who's with me!? 🙂

 

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Justine FedakCongrats, with love, to author Justine Fedak and her creative partner Chris Walker (Urbanime). Their new

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Illustrator Chris Walker, founder of Urbanime.

book, "The Happy Magic Chair" is out now and is a must-have for kids of all ages. It's a story written for children that know they are "magic" and to remind adults OF their magic. The character, Little Pea, beautifully realized by Chris, sometimes feels sad but she doesn't know why. Thanks to the Happy Magic Chair, she realizes that she has everything she needs already inside. (Buy it through publisher Balboa Press here and on Amazon).  

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Enjoying Jennifer Sutton Brieva's special birthday at Le Colonial recently.

As you can see, things are heating up around town, especially with the return of many of our beloved nonprofit events! I know many are still virtual or hybrid but at least they're returning and are STILL HERE! This is very good news! And the

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La Scarola with Armando, Chuck and Michael Kutza.

same is true for our restaurants, slowly filling with smiling, happy faces. We've visited La Scarola, Gibson's, Le Colonial, RL, Ping Pong, Pizano's, Shaw's Oyster Bar and others, and have been so happy to see them safely filled with new and old customers. A special shout-out again to the Landan Twins for trying to advance restaurants' efforts through their new lending program (see details above).

I hope you are successful with your vaccinations and that you're happy and healthy. Just remember, this too shall pass…..

Love, as always,

Candace

P.S. I think cats are human…..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Music, Television, Travel

PLAYBOY HOLIDAY PARTY UNVEILS ITS FIRST EQUALITY ISSUE FEATURING FIVE DECADES OF PLAYMATES

Plus: Praying for Australia and how to help; Sheryl and Joe's big day; Goodbye Fabrice; Ashley's honor; NYE with NBC's "Chicago Today"; Push Excel's MLK Jr. Scholarship Breakfast; NYE at La Scarola; Service Club of Chicago's debut event "New Year, New Me, TEA!"; Stockton's grand opening; Remi is a cover star; Tracey passes the gavel; Hope Through Caring Gala; Videos and so much MORE!

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Partygoers at Playboy magazine's Holiday Party on December 11.

Playboy magazine hosted a kick-ass Holiday Party at the Culver Hotel on December 11.  It was a little like old home week for me as I loved seeing the past

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Playboy magazine, Winter 2020, The Equality Issue

Playmates who were in attendance. It was also exciting to get a first-look at the Winter 2020 issue, titled "The Equality Issue: Once a Playmate, Always a Playmate." I was proud to be included along with Renee Tenison (the first African American PMOY, 1990, and November 1989 PM); Victoria

PB Holiday Party with Raquel Pomplun (PMOY 2013)  Ashley Doris (March 2013) and Tiffany Toth (Sept. 2011).

Ashley Doris (March 2013 PM), Tiffany Toth (Sept. 2011 PM) and Raquel Pomplun (PMOY 2013) (@rpomplun photo)

Valentino (September 1963 Playmate who was a Cosby victim and is now the oldest PM to ever appear in the magazine at age 77); Raquel Pomplun (the first Mexican/ American PMOY, 2013, and the April 2012 Playmate) and Brande Roderick (PMOY 2001 and April 2000 PM). News of the issue has been featured in Forbes, People and the Daily Mail as it's a first for the magazine and celebrates diversity, Facetune_31-12-2019-15-02-09empowerment and 5 decades of Playmates. This party was the first without any Hefners and I didn't know quite what to expect as I'm a lifelong fan of the Hefner family and, of course, the man who started it all. At first, it felt a little like a betrayal but then the incredibly welcoming Playboy staff made me, and

Bonnie Large March 1973 and Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963)

Bonnie Large (March 1973 PM) and Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963 PM)

everyone else, feel right at home. In fact, I felt like I was right where I belonged again. It was also great to finally put faces to the names of some of the staff at the magazine. I was thrilled to see that everything seems to I-Tsc8wxx-XLbe in very capable hands with the likes of Cat Auer, Erica Loewy, Kristi Beck and Micaela Leone, to name a few. Playboy CEO Ben Kohn gave a short speech at the party detailing all of the magazine's recent triumphs and plans for the future, which looks very bright indeed! He announced

Cathy St. George Aug. 1982) and friends.

Cathy St. George, left (Aug. 1982 PM) and friends (@cathystgeorge photo).

that "2019 was a hugely exciting year in our storied history with some phenomenal storytelling and grand moments such as building a world class team that is aligned for 2020, and beyond, and meeting our financial

BEST--Facetune_12-12-2019-Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963)  Louann Fernald (June 1979)  Jeana Tomasina Keough (Nov. 1980)  Michelle Drake May 1979)

With Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963) Louann Fernald (June 1979) Jeana Tomasina Keough (Nov. 1980) and Michelle Drake (May 1979).

goals for the third year in a row!…We codified our mission which is not a departure from our 66-year history but rather a recommitment to the DNA that originally made this brand a force to be reckoned with…Our mission is to create a culture where all people can pursue pleasure." He added, "some of the biggest talent on the planet has I-fsfFPvb-XLbeen pursuing us this year to find ways to work together because they believe in what we stand for. This affirmed, for us, that our role serving as a pleasure/lifestyle guide promoting free expression, sex positivity and fun is maybe even more important today than ever before." Kohn went on to speak about Playboy's traction in the market. "Between Playboy-Holiday-Party-2019-100two of Playboy's partners, Pacsun [a California inspired clothing and accessories brand designed for teens and young adults] and Missguided [a global online fashion brand for women], consumers in the U.S. and the U.K. spent almost $50 million buying PB branded products this year. And, Playboy-Holiday-Party-2019-90internationally, we expanded our business by almost $10 million in Asia and also laid the foundation to launch in India. He closed his comments with, "We continue to champion for causes that are important to us through our storytelling,

He likes what he sees!

He likes what he sees!

partnerships, events and charity involvements. These causes include reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, sex workers' rights, free speech, freedom of expression and civil rights, among others. He proposed a toast to "our history, our present,

Kristi Beck and Martin Frederick

Kristi Beck and friend.

our future and each other." This was the second time Chuck and I have been to the Culver Hotel for a Playboy party. The last time was for NYE two year's ago when Cooper Hefner was still in charge. The hotel, established in 1924, is

Victoria Valentino sept 1963

Victoria Valentino joyfully holds up the Equality Issue.

loaded with charm and is, in fact, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "The Wizard of Oz" was filmed a block away and, as the story goes, Judy, the Munchkins and several other cast Playboy-Holiday-Party-2019-90members used to hang out here. On this night, I saw Playmates Jeana (Tomasino) Keough (November 1980 Playmate, Real Housewives of Orange County), Michelle Drake (PM Playboy-Holiday-Party-2019-77 May 1979), Vendela Lindblom (PM Jan. 2019), Bonnie Large (PM March 1973), Cathy St. George (PM August 1982), Raquel Pomplun (PMOY 2013), Ashley Doris (March 2013), Louann Fernald (June 1979 PM), Tiffany Toth (September 2011) and Victoria Valentino (PM Sept. 1963),

Vendela Lindblom  Jan. 2019

Vendela Lindblom (Jan. 2019 PM) and friend.

and so many more. We took lots of photos and chatted about what we were all up to. No matter how long I'm away from Playboy and the Playmates, our interactions always feel like we just left off yesterday. It's a very unique sorority that I'm proud to be a PB Holiday Party invite--cropped for safety-2019part of. It was a night I'll never forget. The excitement over the success of the magazine combined with seeing myself featured 40 years after appearing as a centerfold seemed like a fairytale. Thank you Hef for creating such a loving, loyal and supportive family. I'm so happy to see his vision being carried on in such grand style. I think, and I hope, he likes what he sees. I know I do. (The GOOD party pics are by Kit Karzen)

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Playboy's Winter 2020 "The Equality Issue" cover featuring Renee Tenison (PMOY 1990) and the rest of us in the foreground. Lol!

About the shoot–It was always Hef's (Hugh Hefner's) mantra, 'Once a Playmate, always a Playmate,' and I felt the full force of this after I was asked to fly to L.A.

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Brande Roderick (PMOY 2001) and Raquel Pomplun (PMOY 2013).

for another shoot for Playboy magazine, a full 40 years after appearing as its December 1979 centerfold. The request, obviously, caught me completely off guard since I didn't expect to be modeling for Playboy after all these years. My journey with the organization began way back in 1974 when I first became a Bunny at the St. Louis Playboy

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With Victoria Valentino (Sept. 1963 PM).

Club. My first photo shoot, shortly after, for a "Best Bunnies" pictorial caught the attention of the home

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With Brande Roderick, Renee Tenison, Victoria Valentino and Raquel Pomplun.

office in Chicago and I was quickly invited to transfer to the hub, which I did, moving into the storied Playboy Mansion on State Street on September 22, 1974. Two years ago, Cooper Hefner invited me to reprise my February 1979 cover for another feature for the magazine that included six other "iconic" Playmates–his mother, Kimberly Conrad Hefner

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Outtake (by Nadia Lee Cohen) with Renee Tenision.

(Playmate of the Year 1989, Jan. 1988 Playmate); Reneé Tenison (PMOY 1990, Nov. 1989 PM, who also appears in

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Renee Tenison and Victoria Valentino during photo shoot.

the Equality Issue); Lisa Matthews (PMOY 1991, April 1990 PM); Charlotte Kemp Muhl (December 1982 PM); Cathy St. George (August 1982 PM) and Monique St. Pierre (PMOY 1979, November 1978 PM). This most recent shoot was a complete departure of anything I've ever done for Playboy before. The request to pose came via email on October 9, just after Chuck and I

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A perk of the trip was spending time with my BFF, Tissy Eggleston.

had returned from a trip to Dollywood where I had been happily eating my way through every fried food stand available. This is when the crash "raisin" diet began…..Omgoodness. Talk about

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Centerfold in the issue.

being unprepared! The special edition 12-page cover feature was shot by Nadia Lee Cohen (@nadialeelee), a cool, edgy female photographer who also serves as her own muse on her Instagram

Forbes by MeiMei Fox

This issue has garnered lots of press since it's the first of its kind for the magazine.

account, and written by Jamilah Lemieux (@jamilahlemieux). Cohen is a contributing photog for Vogue too. Her surreal vision for the shoot came as a surprise to me and a few others. It involved a step back in time, the swingin' 60s, when wigs were big (literally and

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A tree growing in the living room of Esther Williams' old house where the shoot took place.

figuratively). Nadia's crack styling team was on top of it all. Looooonnngggg fake nails were glued onto everyone's hands and looooonnngggg eyelashes were applied. Heavy eye makeup was the order of the day as were the

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With the truly amazing styling team!

aforementioned wigs. Downstairs, racks and racks of vintage clothing, underwear, heels, jewelry and more were strewn across every spare surface. Oh, and we were instructed to get spray tans before we came. Nadia mentioned during the shoot that she was aiming for something like a " Valley of the Dolls" vibe. I wasn't

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Shoot schedule for the 12-page pictorial.

overly pleased to hear this but, in the end, her vision just rocked and made history for Playboy. The venue was a house in Burbank that was once owned by Esther

Plaque and pjs gifts from PB for photo shoot

Such a class act! Playboy gifted all of us with a framed cover, satin PB PJs and a Bunny logo necklace along with a box of PB branded chocolates. Amazing!

Williams, the iconic swim star from the '40s/'50s. It's vintage vibe had never been touched as witnessed by the throwback wooden features and overall mustiness. An orange shag carpet had been brought in to add more authenticity to the era. There was a pool in back, of course, and a guest house that served as the staging area for wardrobe, hair and makeup. It was a BIG shoot, lots and lots of crew and even a dog wrangler for two cute pups who seemed to want to be

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Brande and Raquel groovin to the music during the shoot.

anywhere else but where they were. I just loved

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Once a Playmate, Always a Playmate! Thanks for all the memories Playboy!

reconnecting with the Playmates and was happy to meet the new guard at Playboy magazine. They were enthusiastic and very respectful of the past yet with a firm eye on the future. I was so honored to be one of the Playmates chosen for this cover feature representing five decades of Playmates. As photographer Nadia Lee Cohen explained, "I wanted to celebrate the original Playmates who helped shape and pioneer the brand"—Just what Hefner always wanted when he coined the phrase and title of the feature "Once a Playmate, Always a Playmate."

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AustraliaAustralia, praying your ordeal will end soon. Please share photos and donate as you can to Red Cross Australia, WIRES, Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors and whatever other agencies you find who are able to help. Any amount, no matter how small, can help. CommonNews.org reports: IMG_3185Ecologists at the University of Sydney are estimating that nearly half a billion animals have been killed in Australia's unprecedented and catastrophic wildfires, which have sparked a continent-wide crisis and forced tens of thousands of IMG_3188people to flee their homes in desperation. News Corp Australia reported that "there are real concerns entire species of plants and animals have been wiped out by bush fires following revelations almost 500 million animals have IMG_3187died since the crisis began." "Ecologists from the University of Sydney now estimate 480 million mammals, birds, and reptiles have been lost since September," according to News Corp. "That figure is likely to soar following the devastating fires which have ripped through Victoria and IMG_3186the [New South Wales] South Coast over the past couple of days, leaving several people dead or unaccounted for, razing scores of homes and leaving thousands stranded." Koalas in particular have been devastated by the fires, Graham noted, because they "really have no capacity to move fast enough to get away." As Reuters reported Tuesday, "Australia's bushland is home to a range of indigenous fauna, including kangaroos, koalas, wallabies, possums, wombats, and echidnas. Officials fear that 30 percent of just one koala colony on the country's northeast coast, or between 4,500 and 8,400, have been lost in the recent fires." Too sad for words.

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The Joffrey Ballet artistic director Ashley Wheater.

Congrats to The Joffrey Ballet's artistic director, Ashley Wheater! He has just been appointed a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen's 2020 New Year honors were announced recently in the official newspaper of the Crown, The Gazette. (Wild applause emoji here!)

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Fabrice

Goodbye and good luck dear Fabrice Calmels!

On another Joffrey note, we sadly say goodbye to longtime lead dancer Fabrice Calmels, who danced his last dance for the company on December 29 at the Auditorium Theatre in the Nutcracker (by Christopher

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With Fabrice, Mary Lasky, Fabrice and Tina Weller at a Couture & Cocktails event.

Wheeldon) as The Great Impresario of the Fair. He danced opposite April Daley, who starred as the Queen of the Fair. The theater was packed with fans and friends who came to say goodbye and in true Fabrice fashion, he did not disappoint. With a salute to the late Gerald

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Fabrice's last kiss (with April Daley) and last dance onstage for The Joffrey Ballet.

Arpino's empty box, he placed his dance shoes side by side onstage and left the world of dance to the sounds of thunderous applause. (See moving video here). He is headed to L.A. where I know we will seeing a LOT more of him! #starmaterialbaby (Coincidentally, this was also the last Nutcracker at the Auditorium before moving to the Lyric.)

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With NBC Chicago Today's co-hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues on NYE.

Thanks so much to NBC's "Chicago Today" for having me on to discuss NYE fashion with co-host Cortney

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Cortney Hall and her glam sis.

Hall! The show came in second in the NYE ratings and was a blast to be a part of! All of the outfits were
festive and creative and worn by adorable people so they were very easy to critique. Thanks to co-host Matt Rodrigues and producer Jamie Gregg for putting together such a cool show (and for including me!) Watch segment here and check Chicago Today show schedule here!

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Armando Vasquez serves up a whole pig on NYE!

Following the NBC segment, Chuck and I enjoyed a NYE dinner at one of our favorite spots, La Scarola, with

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With Chuck, Michael Kutza and Armando Vasquez before things got fuzzy.

Michael Kutza. The place was packed and stacked with beautiful people thanks to co-owner Armando Vasquez who always manages to make every dinner a happening. From beginning to end, it was a great way to welcome in the New Year!

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Newlyweds! Sheryl Dyer and Joe Schmidt!

Love and congrats to newlyweds Sheryl Dyer and Joe Schmidt who tied the knot in front of family and friends on December 28 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help

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Handsome Jack Mackey escorts the flower girls.

Catholic Church in Glenview. Sheryl looked stunning in a backless white gown with a long, elegant train and Joe looked dapper, of course, in his tux. Sheryl's matron of honor was her sister Susan Laudick and Joe's best men were Paul and Bill Schmidt, his brothers. Other bridesmaids included Lauren Laudick and Natalie Laudick and junior bridesmaid Shannon Beyer. Darling flower girls Lanie Beyer and Stella Dyer were escorted by the very proper and

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That dress tho'……

handsome Jack Mackey. Greg Hyder served as a guest soloist and sang "Mary Did You Know" with such depth and feeling that he had the crowd crying happy

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Spectacular transformative decor by Kehoe Designs (Ramsey Prince).

tears. (He belongs on The Voice!) (See him singing here!) Following the beautiful ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception and lavish buffet at St. Patrick High School. You can't imagine the transformation Kehoe Designs (Ramsey Prince) did to make this into a most spectacular venue! The theatre, where all the dancing occurred, was breathtakingly beautiful (see photo). I loved the song the

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Sheryl with Tracey Tarantino and guest soloist/friend Greg Hyder.

couple chose for their first dance, "Love Me Tender." Ramsey Prince (of Kehoe) deserves

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The Queen and her court!

a gold medal for decor design! Partygoers never wanted to leave. It was a night to remember and Sheryl's perfect touch could be seen everywhere from the ceremony to the reception following. Her taste has always been exquisite–no wonder she chose Joe! Love and congrats to the happy lovebirds! Forever may you float on a cloud of pure love and joy as we witnessed that night!

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PUSHExcel_mlksb2019The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Breakfast, hosted by Push Excel, will be held on Monday, January. 20. The nonprofit promotes educational excellence by engaging stakeholders in education to work together to transform the lives of students. For tickets/more info, click here.

 

 

 

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SC Tea Jan. 12I hope you can join The Service Club of Chicago on Sunday, January 12 at the Drake, when the nonprofit hosts its first "New Year, New Me TEA"! The event begins at 11am with a panel discussion following, moderated by Craig Hogan, that will include Rochelle Trotter, Andrea Schwartz, me and more! For tickets, please click here!  

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2020_Invite_FrontThe Les Turner ALS Foundation will host its annual Hope Through Caring Gala, emceed by the wonderful Dina Bair, on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Radisson Blu. The evening will include dinner, dancing,a paddle raise, balloon raffle and more to honor those whose extraordinary commitment to the fight against ALS has helped raise funds for research and clinical care, provide services for people living with ALS and their families and increase public awareness. For tickets/more info, click here

 

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Remi Spurlock

PAWS Chicago 2020 calendar cover star Remi Spurlock.

I'm so in love with PAWS Chicago's 2020 Desktop Calendar, especially since its cover star is Remi Spurlock, the much loved, handsome feline that owns Bonnie and Jim

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Remi's loving mom and dad, Jim and Bonnie Spurlock.

Spurlock. All of the images in the calendar were shot by photographer/writer David Sutton, who has a keen eye for capturing the shared humanity between people and their pets. Sutton was named the “best pet photographer in America” by Forbes and the Chicago Tribune called him “the Doctor Dolittle of photographers.” I think he captured Regal Remi perfectly! For more info and to purchase a copy of this charming calendar supporting PAWS Chicago, click here!

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Retrospect Chicago returns!

Retrospect Chicago returns on April 24 through April 26 at 1341 W. Randolph, the home of Randolph Street Market! This second annual event, hosted by Image Pilots/ RSM, will feature a vintage fashion show produced by Nena Ivon on Friday, April 24 followed by the weekend market. Last year, was such a blast with so many beautifully curated items for sale–jewelry, clothing, one-of-a-kind designer creations and so much more! The designers there are so knowledgeable and bring their A-Game to this market for sure! I can't wait to see what's on offer this year! Hope you can join us! (For more info, click here!)

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Stockton co-owner Joseph Devito, Special Children's Charities / Special Olympics Chicago Executive Director Heather Kundert, Stockton co-owner Josh Carl.

Stockton Restaurant & Lounge, the globally-inspired restaurant and high-end lounge located in Chicago's Gold Coast at  1009 N. Rush St., celebrated its Grand Opening on Thursday, November 14 with more than 700 attendees. The private event benefited Special Children’s Charities / Special Olympics Chicago. Guests were greeted with live DJ mixes and treated to the restaurant's signature seafood towers. Surprise pop-up performances by TomCat Trumpet entertained guests as they indulged in

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Laurel Stradford and John Rodgers.

gourmet desserts. Later in the evening, guests moved into The Lounge at Stockton, which was decorated in scarlet red from floor to stage with plush couches and a bronze-finished bar, where Vibe Music Live heated up the evening as the champagne flowed.  Owned by Josh Carl and Joseph de Vito, Stockton Restaurant & Lounge is open Monday through Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.; Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. (For more info, click here!)

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Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Sherrill Bodine–past and future Service Club presidents.

Last night's Service Club of Chicago meeting saw the passing of the gavel from outgoing president Tracey Tarantino DiBuono to incoming president Sherrill Bodine, who has accepted a one year term in honor of her dear friend and longtime SC member, the late Lynda Silverman. Tracey delivered a heartfelt speech on her time in office that had the spillover crowd in happy tears. She said, "My heart is full with the joy of connecting on so many personal levels as well as professional. I will cherish these moments and look forward to continued friendships made. I deeply appreciate all of the hard work, determination, coordination, co-operation, and time devoted by all of you. I am proud to stand amongst you. Thank you for your support and kindness." Congrats, with love, to Tracey, Sherrill and all of the hard-working members of this amazing nonprofit!  

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Yes  my Christmas decorations are still upI don't know about you, but I'm feeling a little short-changed on the holidays. It seems like as soon as I got our decor up, it was time for it to come down. Oh, I'm still holding out but am noticing all the lights blinking out around town and it's so sad that people are giving up so soon (Michael Caputo, I'm talking to you!) Anyway, it's staying put for a while longer as it brings such a warm, cheery sparkle to our home. It's not over till the Christmas Tree sings and I don't hear anything yet.

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Hope the New Year has started off in grand style for all of you! I sense a year of change, in a 2ca522a1752988636e9bb269c737f578good way, and I can't wait to see what 2020 brings. Here's hoping for good health, finding joy in every moment (big or small) and discovering something new around every corner.

 

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

P.S.  Please help where you can.

Leave a comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Television, Travel

ACTOR CHRISTIAN BALE LEADS ALL-STAR LINE-UP FOR SOS ILLINOIS BENEFIT

Plus: Retrospect Chicago; Losing a champion; CECA Impact Awards; Chicago's cool James Beard parties; Rita Hayworth Gala; Alexian Brothers "Bal de Fleur"; Chicago CAC Luminary Awards; Chicago Jazz Orchestra celebrates 40; Ronald McDonald House Gala; Celebrating Vonita; Bloom 'n Toss; Service Club's Earlybirds & Bookworms; Wedding bells ring for beloved Chicago couple; Simply From the Heart's 1st Women's Luncheon; Mexican Museum's Gala de Arte; Hindman's brand new branding; Gene Siskel Film Center hosts Favreau and Downey; OUT of Office; Coop hops on; Met Gala musings; Darling videos and so much MORE!

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SOS Illinois Luminaries 2019

SOS Children's Villages Illinois celebrated Foster Care Awareness Month by hosting "Dining & Conversation," a star-studded unique dining experience held on the

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Actor Christian Bale, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and SOS Illinois board member

stage at the Pritzker Pavilion to bring awareness and raise funds for the nonprofit's foster care program. The May 1 event, a sellout with nearly 200 guests, began with a meet-and-greet with the "Luminaries" who included

Smita Shah   me  Leslie

With Smita Shah and Leslie Hindman.

advocate/actor Christian Bale, Gillian Flynn (best-selling author/screenwriter), Lou Canellis (Fox sports anchor), David Eigenberg (actor, Chicago Fire), Josh Earnest (CCO United Airlines),

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Celebrity chefs prepared a 15 course menu!

Zach Filkins (Grammy nominated lead guitarist for OneRepublic), Elayne Granger (director, AT & T External Affairs), Leslie Hindman (founder/chair Hindman Auctions), Star Jones (attorney/TV host/ journalist), Adam McKay (Academy

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Tarrah and Jeff Wright, Christian Bale, Rich and Melissa Gamble and friend.

Award-winning director/screenwriter), Jamie Rhee (Commissioner, Chicago Department of Aviation), Dr. Stuart Strahl (president/CEO Chicago Zoological Society), Scott

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Award-winning author Gillian Flynn, SOS Illinois CEO Tim McCormick and Christian Bale.

Turow (author/attorney), Anna Valencia (City Clerk of Chicago), Jenny Wray (professional foster parent, SOS Children's Villages Illinois) and yours truly. The concept for the evening was unique, with

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Lead event chef Tony Priolo (R) and fellow celeb chefs.

each Luminary sharing a course,  about 10 minutes, at each of the 15 tables. The 15 course menu was prepared by celebrity chefs who generously donated

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Celebrity chefs who donated their time and talents.

their time and talents. They included Chefs Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno), Ryan Pitts (RL Restaurant), Dan McGee and Liz Plascencia (Swisshotel Chicago), Louie Alexakis (Avli), John Coletta (Quartino Ristorante),

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With sponsor Alex Pissios and my friend/SOS Illinois board member Mary Pat Burns.

Federico Comacchio (Coco Pazzo), Graham Crowe (mixologist at TWO), Kevin Cuddihee (Porter Kitchen and Deck), George Jewell (Jewell Events Catering), Tom Van Lente (TVL Culinary), Nicole Raftery and Raki Mehra (Morton's The Steakhouse) and Chris Gawronski (The Gage). A program, emceed by

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With inspiring SOS Illinois alumni Tevin Marbeth.

Micah Materre, included introductory remarks from Tim McCormick (CEO), Jim Wolfe (board president) and Michael Landers (with title sponsor Sodexo). Tevin Marbeth, an SOS

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Dining & Conversation was held on the Pritzker Pavilion Stage.

Illinois alumni, spoke passionately about his foster care experience at SOS, where siblings are always kept together. He said he was "surrounded by immense love and support" at the Villages. Marbeth excelled at school, earning a Bachelor's Degree of Fine Arts in Acting from Northern Illinois University. SOS Illinois CEO Tim McCormick shared, "May is an important month because it amplifies the good and uplifting work we do at SOS

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Emcee Micah Materre introduces celebrity chefs.

Illinois every day of the year to strengthen families and transform lives…By Luminaries and Celebrity Chefs adding their voices to the conversation, it further magnifies awareness for a vulnerable

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The ultimate selfie with Batman. Don't be jelly.

group of individuals who often are marginalized by society."  SOS Children’s Villages Illinois, founded over 25 years ago, is a 501(c)3 child welfare agency that provides a stable home in a supportive, community environment designed to help children in need grow into caring, productive, and self-reliant adults. This model differs from traditional foster care in emphasizing the following four components: 1) Children live together with

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The lively art of conversation to benefit a great cause!

their siblings, 2) Children receive care and support from a full-time, professionally trained Foster Parent, 3) Children grow up in a private, single-family home, 4) Children are supported by the Village, designed as a model of community of care. SOS Illinois celebrates a 100% high school

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Fun with new friends.

graduation rate, compared to a national average of 50% for children in foster care. SOS Children's Villages International, the parent organization of SOS Illinois, began in 1945 and today is the largest non-denominational child welfare organization in the world with more than 73,400 children living in over 550 SOS Villages in more than 130 countries. The event was co-chaired by SOS board members Rama Dandamudi, Jonah Siegellak and Jim Wolfe (board president).(A personal thanks and shout-out to my friend, SOS board member Mary Pat Burns for getting me involved with this wonderful organization!)

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Dominic DiFrisco–1933-2019

Dominic DiFrisco. His passing on April 28 at age 85 has left a hole in Chicago's heart that will never be filled. A champion of the underdog, an ambassador for the Italian/American community, a mentor, a friend, husband, father and so much

Carol and Dominc DiFrisco

Carol and Dominic DiFrisco.

more, Dominic was a game changer. Everyone he touched was forever changed for the better. One would often see Dominic stationed in his regular booth (back left) at Gene & Georgetti's restaurant, one of his favorite spots. And, more often than not, he would be offering advice and

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En Famille–Nina Mariano, Dominic, Carol and Pasquale Dominic Gianni.

mentorship to anyone who was lucky enough to sit with him. He gave me very valuable advice on a shady champagne deal so, yes, I've been blessed by his knowledge too. The restaurant even put a sign on his

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Jamie Gaballa, Chuck Jordan, Dominic, Whitey Pearson, Tess Malone and John Zajak (Photo by Mila Samokhina).

booth after his passing, closing it down for a week, in memory of its much loved guest. Dominic's passing has been major news in Chicago and rightfully so. The Cubs stopped regular programming to run the sad news during a game and the Sun-Times put him on the front

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Alderwoman Michelle Smith gives Dominic a street, with his grandson Pasquale Gianni.

page, where he belonged. Channel 7 was even at his funeral, which was standing room only. Dominic was a true Renaissance man. We used to see him at the opera, always impeccably dressed. We were on the Gold Coast too, to witness the dedication of a street, Dominc DiFrisco Way, at Schiller and Astor. He loved sports, music, fine dining and, of course, his beautiful family–daughter Nina and her husband Bob Mariano,

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Daddy/daughter dance.

wife Carol Loverde DiFrisco and, of course, his grandson Pasquale Dominic Gianni. The service itself, at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii Church, was one for the ages with five of the city's most popular and revered priests involved–celebrant Reverend Richard Fragomeni (rector of the

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Booth at Gene & Georgetti's reserved in his memory.

church) and concelebrants Msgr. Ken Velo, Rev. Jack Wall, Rev. John Belmonte, Rev. George Clements and Rev. Michael Caruso. Serving as pallbearers were Bob Allegrini, Joe Gagliardo, Dr. Stephen Gallo, Mark Giangreco, Dr. Joe Hennessy, John LaSage, Jim Loverde, Peter Loverde, Andrew Moore, Lou Belpedio, Lou Rago, Antonio Romanucci and Vito Rubino. Honorary pallbearers included Frank Caruso, Dominic DiFazio, Sue and Don Mazzoni, Art Nasser, Michael Sturch and honorary friends from Gene & Georgetti's. There wasn't a dry eye in the church as Dominic had meant so much, in some way, to all in attendance. The light of his life, his grandson Pasquale, gave the eulogy. You could tell his grandfather, who he called papa, had taught him well as he never faltered once in his

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Dapper Dominic points to his street sign. (Photo by Mila Samokhina).

delivery, receiving applause and even a standing ovation

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Dominic and Carol at one of his favorite restaurants, G & G's, with owners Marion and Tony Durpetti.

afterwards. Besides Dominic's many accomplishments (too many to mention here), Pasquale spoke about his grandfather's love for the Yankees and, in particular his hero, Joe DiMaggio, although he did get him to attend, and eventually love, Cubs' games too. Every notable in town seemed to be in attendance at the church, that even offered valet parking. Refreshments were offered next door and longtime family friend, Joey DiBuono, was even spotted serving. Former Mayor Rich Daley, Terry Newman, Mayor Elect Lori Lightfoot, Alderman Ed Burke, Pat Arbor, Karen and Phil Stefani, Stella Foster, Alderman

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Nina, Bob and Dominic in happier days. (Photo by Mila Samokhina).

Walter Burnett. Alderman Patrick Daley Thompson. Commissioner Michael Cabonargi, Marion and Tony Durpetti, Amanda Puck, Jamie Gabala, Whitey Pearson, Terry Pearson Jr., chefs Tony Priolo, Ciro Longobardo, Giuseppe Tentori, Phil Stefani, Bill Kim and Donnie Madia, John Zajak, Rich Ciotta, Tom Kehoe, Donna Rotunno, Mark O'Malley, Tracey and Joey DiBuono (longtime family friends), Kathy O'Malley

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Dominic with the late Mayor Richard J. Daley.

Piccone, John Colletti, Martha and John Idler, Diana Palomar, Charles Ifergan, Susanna Homan, Pat and Joe Perillo, Tony Abruscato, Mary and Jim Lasky, Elizabeth Bertucci, Alan Kaye, Liza Sweitzer and Cheri

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A photo Dominic had hanging in his Edelman office with his hero, Joe DiMaggio.

James, to name a few, were all in attendance. A celebration of life followed at Dominic's favorite spot, G & Gs, which was closed for the occasion. He was larger than life and, like Cher, he only needed one name. Dominic. Everyone knew who you meant. His life was full and rich and ours was too, just by knowing him. Dominic, thanks for all you did and for the man you were. You taught us all how to live and love life.

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Retrospect Chicago creator Sally Schwartz (R) with childhood friend/show curator Kathy Aronstam.

Restrospect Chicago brought the super stars of vintage to Chicago for a debut fashion experience like none other! Brought to you by Image Pilots (Randolph

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Andrea Reynders wearing her own Castlebajac coat.

Street Market, Sally Schwartz), the 4-day extravaganza began with a screening of the 1957 classic film "Funny Face" at the Music Box Theatre on May 2 starring everyone's favorite fashion idol, Audrey Hepburn. Friday night was a "first look" at the over 50 dealers (expertly curated by Kathy Aronstam) whose variety of couture and luxury offerings (men's and women's clothing, jewelry, handbags, shoes, accessories, textiles and notions from the 1890s to 1990s) were the best I've seen in one place. Every iconic

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Cute models and vintage lovers Mark Olley and Tanner Chapman.

designer/brand you could think of was "in 'da house"! A fashion show, produced by Randolph Market ambassador Nena Ivon and benefiting the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, featured an eclectic collection of fashions/accessories worn by vintage enthusiasts Tanner Chapman, Mark Olley, Andrea Reynders, Tom Mentel, Stuart Dyer, Kristen Finney Cooke, Dustin Ericstrup, Annette Findling, Jason Hopkins, Maggie Morgan, Sherrill Bodine, Jerry Svec, Tanya Primus and yours truly. It was a great market that lasted through the weekend. Some of my best finds were at Vintage Le Monde and Lofty Vintage, but every booth offered something unique and lust-worthy. I can't wait for it to return! Thanks for upping Chicago's vintage game Sally! You just rock!

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An honor to receive the CECA Impact Award alongside Julie Novack and Lanie Hartman.

I was so thrilled to be recognized by the Catering Executives Club of America at its annual Scholarship Ball along with Lanie Hartman (BBJ Linens) and Julie Novack (PartySlate)

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CECA Impact Award winner Lanie Hartman.

with the organization's Impact Award. The event on April 28 at the Peggy Notebaert Museum was a record-breaker with lots of friends, supporters and industry peeps in attendance. The weather broke for a minute and there was actually sunshine so we were able to have cocktails inside and out during the President's Reception at this beautiful

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CECA Board Members

museum that houses one of my favorite spaces, the butterfly room! Wendy Cutka, CECA president, graciously welcomed guests who were surrounded by

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Friends/tablemates Sheila O'Grady, Michael Caputo, Greg Hyder and my Chuck.

sparkling crystal, golden tablecloths and giant bowls of peonies (my fave!). The dinner, catered by Calihan Catering featured caviar tortes, asparagus bisque, beef tenderloin and strawberry short cake. Fig Media's James Gustin and Andre LaCour were the official photogs and donated a lot of their time making the evening perfect. Kehoe Designs,

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Friends/tablemates Frances Renk, Paul Iacono and Mark Olley.

another sponsor, added more sparkle with a campy illustrated stand-up display of the honorees, among other delights. The event raises funds for scholarships for students in the hospitality industry and, on this night, the winners were Elizabeth Doll and Elizabeth Redhead. Special thanks to dear friend Robert Neubert (who broke the news about my award), Joe Monastero (whose introduction brought me to

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Friends/tablemates Beth Florek, John Robak, Mary Pat Burns and Tracey Tarantino.

tears) and my wonderfully supportive friends/tablemates Greg Hyder, Jim Smith, Paul Iacono, Michael Caputo, Frances Renk, Mary Pat Burns, Sheila O'Grady, John Robak, Bethany Florek, Mark Olley and Tracey Tarantino. So lucky you're all in my life! Thanks for (still) taking my emails/calls! (For more info and how you can support CECA, please click here!)

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Hosts Adam Rapoport, Kerry Diamond and Hunter Lewis.

Loved all the excitement in town surrounding the James Beard Awards (with major wins from the Boka Boys, Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm!). One of the events, benefiting the James Beard Foundation, was held at Ralph Lauren’s RL Restaurant where a celebratory cocktail

Zoey Deschanel + Jacob Pechenik

Zoey Deschanel and Jacob Pechenik

gathering attracted stars, restaurateurs and local notables alike. The benefit was hosted by Kerry Diamond of Cherry Bombe, Hunter Lewis of Food & Wine and Adam Rapoport of Bon Appétit. Clare Reichenbach, the newly appointed CEO of the James Beard Foundation, also attended the

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RL Restaurant–the perfect spot to host an elegant soiree!

event, giving a brief speech about the organization’s new mission for 2019 and beyond. Dishes from Ralph Lauren's famed New York restaurant, The Polo Bar, were served alongside favorites from RL Restaurant, including mini lobster rolls, bountiful seafood towers, mini Polo Bar burgers, smoked salmon

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Kwame Onwuachi, Andrew Zimmern, JJ Johnson and Chef Chris Coombs.

atop potato pancakes and pigs in a blanket. Signature cocktails from the two restaurants were served, including the Gold Coast Royale made with Grey Goose vodka and the Ridgway Margarita made with Roca Patron tequila. Notable guests included actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson, actress Zoey Deschanel, entrepreneur Ellen Marie Bennett, chefs Rochelle Trotter, Andrew Zimmern, Danielle Chang (Lucky Rice), JJ Johnson, author/chef Kwame Onwuach, Nicolas Jammet (Sweetgreen) and more.

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Jay Allen (country music star & Care Giver Award Recipient) and Kylie Morgan.

More than 600 guests celebrated the 32nd annual Alzheimer’s Association Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala

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Princess Yasmin (General Chair and Founder) and Blaise LaBriola

(underwritten by Rolex) on May 4 at the Hilton Chicago. The event raised more than $1 million to support the critical work of the Alzheimer's Association’s research, care and support programs. This year’s theme, The Key to Our Future,” was inspired by Paris’ world-famous Pont des Arts (the Love Lock Bridge) and brought together supporters passionate about unlocking a world without Alzheimer’s disease. The gala, which stands as one of the Alzheimer’s Association’s

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Deborah Pearce, Laura Putman, Leah Costantino and Peggy Jacober

marquee fundraising events of the year, was led by co-chairs and avid supporters, the Murphy family: Dan J. Murphy Jr., JoAnn Murphy, Dan Murphy III and Jim Murphy. The Murphy family shares a personal connection to the disease as Dan Jr.’s mother passed away from

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Legacy Award recipients Joan and Paul Rubschlager

Alzheimer’s in 2011. Each year the gala recognizes individuals who have a personal connection to Alzheimer’s and are working diligently to use their platform to raise awareness and provide support for those impacted by the disease. This year’sLegacy Awardhonored Joan and Paul Rubschlager for their longtime efforts

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Amber Rich, Kylie Morgan, Jay Allen, Casandra Robertson, Evan Robertson, Joe Rich

supporting the cause. TheCaregiver Awardwas presented to Jay Allen and his father Joseph Rich, along with his sisters, Amber Rich and Casandra Robertson. Known for his 2018 song, “Blank Stares” inspired by his mother Sherry Rich who passed away from Alzheimer’s, Jay Allen has received worldwide

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Co-chairs Jim, Dan Jr., JoAnn and Dan III Murphy.

recognition for this special song, which has accumulated over 200 million views on social media. (He performed it at the gala).  Dan Murphy Jr., co-chair, said “My family and I were so honored to be

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Jill Baloun, Sarah Creviston, JoAnn Murphy, Inete Bulaw and Tae Haider-Krebs

part of this year’s Chicago Rita Hayworth Gala and immensely grateful for everyone’s dedication to making it such a success. It was such a beautiful evening comprised of passionate Chicagoans striving to work towards a world without Alzheimer’s. We continue to be amazed by Princess Yasmin and her mission to use her mother’s legacy to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s disease with her valiant commitment to this annual gala.” (Photos by Bill Richert)

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Laura Faynor-Ciha and Clay Ciha (pres/CEO, AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hosp).

With the Chicago River as the backdrop, more than 450 guests joined together for the 33rd annual Alexian Brothers Ball Fleur on

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Beth and Dr. Paul Guske, Amy and Dr. Jim Kane and Meg and Dr. Michael Recenstein.

May 4 helping to raise $725,000 to expand access to highly specialized services for community members living with behavioral health disorders. The Ball de Fleur is the Alexian Brothers Foundation’s premier philanthropic event, and the five most recent galas have raised $3.25 million to support behavioral medicine programs and services as part of a multi-year “One Life at a Time” vision for behavioral health. “We are committed to bringing more attention to those who struggle with mental illness and addiction,” said Mark Frey, president and CEO, AMITA Health. The theme for this year’s gala was “A Night at the Rockwell … Instilling Hope One Life at a Time.” Supporters of the Alexian Brothers and AMITA Health family mingled during a lively

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Tom and Kathy Palmer, Rich and Jan Augustine.

cocktail hour at the relatively new industrial venue, Rockwell on the River. The space features floor-to-

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Bob and Pam Seiser with Dina Morris and David Hoppe.

ceiling windows and exposed brick and timber that set off the elegant silver and blue table décor beautifully. Guests enjoyed a four-course gourmet dinner and an opening program that included an impactful video that shared the story of a woman who has been in recovery

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Mark Frey (AMITA Health pres/CEO), Melanie Furlan (Sr. VP & Philanthropy Officer) and Clay Ciha (AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital).

from her longtime (13 year) eating disorder, thanks to the treatment she received at AMITA Health Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital in Hoffman Estates. “This is where hope starts,” she said. Guests were also treated to tasting stations from Metropolitan Brewing and Metropolis Coffee and dance music by the popular TC Squared band. Frey took to the stage and revealed that this year’s gala would be an exciting bridge for change — marking the last time it would be under the name of the Alexian Brothers – with the 2020 Ball to reflect the joint AMITA Health system, which comprises 19 hospitals and serves more than 4.3 million residents in the greater Chicagoland area.

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Honorees Pat and Betsy Canning.

Chicago Children’s Advocacy Center (ChicagoCAC) held its 5th annual Luminary Award Dinner at the Four Seasons Chicago on May 2. This year’s event honored Pat and Betsy Canning (of KPMG) for lighting the path toward hope and healing for Chicago’s children. The event, co-chaired by Justin Hoss and Virginia Seggerman, raised a record $690,000 for ChicagoCAC. DSC_1038_1Funds raised are going toward programs and services that help restore the lives of children and families impacted by child sexual abuse. Pat serves as board chair for both the United Way of Metro Chicago and for Kids First Chicago, where he DSC_1090has helped to impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and families. Betsy has served as the co-chair of KPMG’s Family for Literacy for several years, where she has helped put over 875,000 books in the hands of young readers in Chicago. Keynote speaker Cook County State’s Attorney Kimberly Foxx delivered a passionate speech about her experience as a survivor of child sexual abuse and the importance of supporting the work of ChicagoCAC. More than 450 corporate, civic and political leaders and friends of ChicagoCAC attended. 

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CJO supporter, honoree Ray Rusnak (2nd from L) with friends. with

The Chicago Jazz Orchestra (CJO) hosted its 40th Anniversary Gala celebrating four decades as Chicago's longest running professional jazz orchestra at the Palmer House on March 29. The event attracted a capacity crowd of nearly 250 Chicago jazz fans to the Palmer House Hilton’s historic Empire Room for an evening of drinks, hors d'oeuvres, dance and classic big band jazz. Guest artist René Marie, a nationally loved jazz vocalist, was in fine form, backed by CJO founder

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Jeff Lindberg, Denise Tomasello and Don Conover.

and artistic director Jeff Lindberg, and Chicago’s premiere jazz ensemble: Scott Burns, Jerry DiMuzio, Rajiv Halim, Bill Overton, Eric Schneider and John Wojciechowski on saxophone; Victor Garcia, Tage Larsen, Bob Ojeda and Brent Turney on trumpet;

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A. Alyce Claerbaut.

Steve Duncan, Tom Garling, Luke Malewicz and Michael Young on trombone; Jeremy Kahn on piano; Dennis Carroll on bass; Stuart Flack on guitar and George Fludas on drums. The CJO saluted long-time supporter Ray Rusnak for his leadership and support of jazz music and education in Chicago. (The CJO 40th Anniversary Celebration Concert, the culminating event during this, the company’s “Ruby” anniversary season, will be held on Saturday, May 18 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave. in Chicago’s Fine Arts Building. Tickets are $35-$45.) (Photos by Charles Osgood)

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Sarah and Mark McGee.

More than 700 guests came together to support Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana’s (RMHC-CNI) Annual Gala, this year titled One Step Closer. Held at the Geraghty on April 27 and presented by

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Paul and Callie Huebener.

HAVI and Wintrust, the event encouraged guests to "revel in red" with many sporting their favorite red footwear. The gala celebrated the impact RMHC-CNI had in the last year and raised over $1 million to support children and their families through the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs. During a program emceed by Rob Stafford (NBC-5), RMHC-CNI CEO Holly Buckendahl shared remarks about the impact the

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Mike and Kristi Butkus and Kelly and Michael Butkus–RMHC Family.

nonprofit has had on families in the Chicagoland community and thanked guests for their generosity and continued support. “Our gala is an important fundraising event that helps provide the care and resources needed for countless families with sick

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Nicole and Jeff Cantalupo and Lisa and Matt Mitchell.

children around Chicagoland, Northwest Indiana and beyond,” she said. “For a second year in a row, we raised over $1 million. Every dollar will go towards programs and services that enable families to get better together, ensuring that RMHC-CNI continues to be a beacon of hope and support for families with sick children.”  At the conclusion of the program, partygoers celebrated the evening’s success by capturing memories at the photo station, enjoying late-night McDonald’s cheeseburgers (my favorite part) and dancing the night away to the live entertainment. (Photos by Nicee Martin)

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Honoree Vonita Reescer with Stanley Paul and Marsha Brenner.

Congrats to Vonita Reescer, this year's Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Foundation honoree! Founded in honor of his sister’s memory and her love of fashion, Stanley Paul, the legendary orchestra leader, established this design

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Dori Wilson, Whitney Lasky, Tracey Tarantino, Eve Montoya, Reute Butler and emcee Robin Robinson with honoree Vonita Reescer.

scholarship in Raelene's name. The event, held at The Casino on May 1, honored Reescer for her devotion to Chicago and its many nonprofits. Robin Robinson served as emcee for the evening with roaster/toasters Reute Butler, Tracey DiBuono, Whitney Lasky, Eve Rodriguez Montoya and Dori Wilson offering up tantalizing anecdotes of their adventures with Vonita. The program kicked off

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Top R to L-Mark Olley, Scott Seaman, Cookie Cohen, Sherry Abrahams (Front L to R) Vonita, Charlene Seaman and Denise Tomasello.

with a personalized song by Kim Jones. Vonita founded

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The event benefits the Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Foundation that funds fashion scholarships.

VDR & Associates in 2004, a company that specializes in consulting for hospitality marketing, not-for-profit fundraising, special events, and sales/operations for independent hotels and resorts. She served as President of The Service Club of Chicago from 2012 through 2013, a highlight of her many years of philanthropic service to the community. She also serves on the boards of The Chicago Lighthouse, The National Museum of Mexican Art, the

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Eve Montoya, Sherry Lea Holson, Julia Jacobs, Debbie Krolik.

Theater School of DePaul University, Face the Future Foundation and the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation. Vonita has proudly supported The Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit for many years, and in 2019 is "grateful and humbled" by its recognition. The benefit raised funds to support annual scholarships to college students from Greater Chicago and/or Illinois that are currently enrolled in and studying fashion design. More than $300,000 has been awarded since the charity began in 1990.

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_MG_9889Whimsy and wit on the North Shore at the Holiday Inn & Suites Chicago North Shore's (5300 West Touhy)“Seen and Be Scene” _MG_9960party. The May 2 event included everything from a contortionist and sword swallower to Hollywood Glam characters, a champagne skirt dancer and more. The hotel, which features the largest ballroom and event space on the North Shore, recently went through a multi-million dollar renovation. The property-wide transformation includes an overhaul of the hotel’s 15,000-square-feet of flexible banquet and meeting space, in addition to a complete revamp of the 250 guestrooms, lobby, indoor pool and public spaces. Who knew? (Photos by Marisa Klug-Morataya

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UntitledSomeone you should know–Catherine Costello. She created "Bloom 'n Toss", a unique concept that re-purposes healthy flowers and plants by placing them into the hands of the elderly, visually impaired, the sick, the cognitive and physically disabled, those in hospice, veteran's groups and others. So, if you have leftover flowers/plants after your next event, please consider calling Catherine so she can "spread joy and elevate the spirit of people everyday." Tony Abruscato's "Flower & Garden Show" is a big fan! For info, please click here!

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IMG_3588On June 13, The Service Club of Chicago will present its 2nd annual "Earlybirds & Bookworms" breakfast featuring acclaimed author and award-winning fashion designer Jeffrey Banks. The 8:30 a.m. mimosa breakfast at RL Restaurant will give guests the opportunity to purchase an inscribed copy of Mr. Banks' recent book, "Norell: Master of American Fashion" and enjoy a discussion of his life in the industry. Seating is limited. (For tickets/more info, click here!)

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Simply From The Heart, a nonprofit that offers complimentary beauty services to raise U88ntitledself  esteem for hospitalized patients, will host its first annual Women's Luncheon on Thursday, June 6 at Gibson's. To date, they have pampered over 5,000 patients! Won't you consider helping them continue their good work? (For tickets, only $75, click here! #pamperingwithapurpose

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Thomas Galbraith, Leslie Hindman and Wes Cowan.

Kudos to my fave auction house, Hindman Auctions, for its new brand identity! As of last week, the former Leslie Hindman Auctioneers will now be known as Hindman Auctions! Established in 1995 by my beautiful friend Leslie, the company currently operates more salesrooms than any other auction house in the country! 85% of our home decor came from Leslie's auctions and we couldn't be happier! Glad to know it's growing strong! Check out its new website here! Hope to see you there!) #clientcentric #buyorsell #acceptingconsignments (In Chicago at 1338 W. Lake)

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The Gene Siskel Film Center will host "Marvel, Movies, and Gene siskel film centerMore: Honoring Jon Favreau in Conversation with Robert Downey Jr."  on Saturday, June 15 at the Four Seasons. Screenwriter, director, producer and actor Favreau will receive the Renaissance Award following a conversation with Downey. This year's event will be co-chaired by longstanding GSFC supporters and advisory board members Roopa Weber and Anita Liskey. For tickets/more info, click here!

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I hope you can join us on Thursday, May 30, for OUT of Office, a kick-ass party to kick-off LGBTQ Month in Chicago!  I'm thrilled to co-chair this big event with Windy City Live's Val Warner on the Godfrey Rooftop. A little Out of the Office invite--May 30back story about event founder/my friend, Andrew Hayes and his inspiration for the event. "18 years ago, the only place where we could network, personally and professionally, was in gay bars. I challenged that and pushed us to be anywhere and so we ARE! As a result, or because of it, the city has an annual Gay Pride Kick-Off event called "OUT of the Office," he said. This year's event will support 3 worthy LGBTQ organizations/nonprofits: Affinity Chicago that supports the African-American community; Groceryland, that's celebrating 25 years of service to the HIV/AIDS and gravely ill LGBTQ and the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, inspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. (For tickets, $15-$50, and more info, click here!)

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Gaga stole the Met Gala show.

I can't end this blog without mentioning the "CAMPY" Met Gala! I've been watching awards and fashion shows for a long, long time and I've never seen anything this exciting, fresh or more interesting. I know a lot of the designs/attendees have been criticized for this or that

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Kylie and Kendall in Versace.

reason but, for me, each and every moment of this spectacular runway display was captivating. And what a way to start things off with the "fashion performance" by the

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Gigi Hadid in Michael Kors escorted by Kors in top hat.

one and only Gaga! I would've loved to see how she entered the building with that magnificent Brandon Maxwell loooooonnnnggggg cape! And then when she took off each garment only to reveal another design equally fascinating was a true testimony to her and her art. Loved, loved, loved it! And love them or hate them, the Kardashians always bring the glam and the press! The three of them, Kendall, Kylie and Kim were all outstanding (including mom Kris) in their designs–Kendall and Kylie wearing Versace and Kim bringing out                           

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Dramatic pink flamingo centerpiece designed by Raul Avila and team. 

 

designer Manfred Thierry Mugler after a 20 year retirement to design her "wet dress"! Come on! If only the cameras could've followed everyone inside (not even Iphone pics were allowed). But, happily, there

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Kim in Thierry Mugler's "wet dress".

were some stolen moments including a peek at the spectacular pink flamingo centerpiece in the Great Hall, created by event planner Raul Avila and his team. The breathtaking 25-foot-tall piece was made out of 30,000 flowers and surrounded by a border of pink feathers. The official Met after-party was at the Top of the Standard with a Gucci party at Hunter College  and Jeremy Scott (Moschino) hosting an event with Katy Perry (the living chandelier) and Gwen Stefani at the Playboy Club (yeah!) If only I could've been a fly on all of those walls! Keep up your passion for fashion Anna Wintour! Your legacy is sealed in stone!  

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Cooper Hefner is hopping down a new path.

I was sad to hear of Cooper Hefner stepping down from his executive role as Playboy Mag's chief of global partnerships to take an advisory position. Cooper has launched a new venture, the Hefner Media Corporation, complete with a digital content platform called HefPost, that will feature everything from news to adult content. "Stepping away from my executive position at Playboy Enterprises was a difficult decision to come to, though it is the right decision to make," Hefner says. Sending lots of Bunny Love your way Coop! Don't be a stranger. (To read about Playboy's new post-Coop pop-up in LA, read here).

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NMMA Gala - Carlos X Montoya - Sandy Goldsmith -Eve Rodriguez Montoya Gala Chair- Evelia Rodriguez

Carlos Montoya, Sandy Goldsmith, gala chair Eve Rodriguez Montoya and Evelia Rodriguez.

Congrats to Chicago's National Museum of Mexican Art that celebrated its annual benefit at Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel on May 3. Themed Noche de Encanto (Evening of Enchantment), the Gala de Arte, a black-tie event that celebrates art, culture and the resiliency of the Mexican community, attracted nearly 700 guests and raised $550,000 for museum programs.

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Tarrah Cooper and Jeff Wright

Newlyweds Tarrah and Jeff Wright!

More love in the air! HUGE congrats to lovebirds Tarrah Cooper and Jeff Wright, who tied the knot recently in the elegant Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel. Happy, Happy!

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That's it for this week! Hope you've enjoyed all of this fun news as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you! Remember, if not a subscriber, please sign up here and tell ALLLLL of your friends! I so appreciate your support!                      Subscribe button image

 

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace @CandidCandace.com

 

P.S. Try to stop smiling……

 

 

 

 

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COMMON’S ‘UN-COMMON’ STAR-FILLED FUNDRAISER

…PLUS ELDA’S ODE TO SPRING; BLUE MASQUE BALL; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO CELEBRATES 50; JENNY MCCARTHY’S “RESCUE OUR ANGELS”; ART INSTITUTE’S “NIGHT HEIST”; COOL, CHRIS AND FLORIDA PARTY IN MIAMI; JOE’S BAR WINS BIG; ULTA BEAUTY’S CARRIE AND MOLLY PARTY WITH NAOMI, KAROLINA AND NIGEL; PALM BEACH POLO ANYONE?; WONKA BALL; PUPPY MILLS BE GONE!; TEA AND FASHION WITH SARAH WOOD; MY TOP EVENT PICKS ON WGN-TV; A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!  
 

1 - Magic, the Mayor and CommonIt was no wonder the Common Ground Gala was a sell-out at the Four Seasons on March 23rd! Who wouldn’t want to rub shoulders – or even be in the same room – with the legendary Earvin “Magic” Johnson and rapper-turned-actor-turned-author Common (aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn)? I was so excited to be covering this major event for my
2 - Milo Dodson, Magic, Common and Lamman Rucker with CGF Dreamers and Believers Summer Camp KidsWatch312.com
show “Candid Candace Chicago” but was a bit surprised that there wasn’t more press in attendance for the VIP red carpet portion of the event. Mind you, I’m not complaining and in reality, this was reserved for the night’s honorees so I know they wanted to keep this
3 - Red Carpet VIPsportion of the evening manageable. I was also surprised to see Magic Johnson not only arrive on time for the red carpet interviews but to arrive FIVE MINUTES EARLY! No wonder this guy is such a success: Besides being a Hall of Fame
4 - Magic offering his BIG auction packagebasketball player and able to play every single position on the court, his business acumen is legendary. Presented by Coca-Cola, this third annual event honored Magic, Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, Quintin and Diane Primo and Tim Rand and Everett Rand and raised over $350,000. This colorful and inspiring group of honorees was selected based on their
5 - Common’s mother, Dr. Mahalia Ann Hine and Common (after Magic raised $100K in live auction!)service, impactful lives and unprecedented career success. Though honoree Gabby Douglas was unable to attend, she sent a video expressing how thrilled she was and concluded playfully with energetic footage of her family and friends doing the Harlem Shake. Emceed by ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and actor Lamman Rucker, the event was exciting from
6 - Honorees Quintin and Diane Primo with Commonbeginning to end but perhaps the most breathtaking moment came when Magic raised more than $100,000 with a live auction package he donated in the first few minutes of the event. Cheryl Burton started off the bidding at $20K for seven floor seats to a Laker’s game, seven signed throwback jerseys and a private dinner with Magic. It sold three times for $90K with Magic adding
7 - Co-host Lamman Rucker and Commonanother $10K for an even $100K donation! WOW, right? Honorees Quintin and Diane Primo and Tim Rand and Everett Rand graciously accepted their awards and pledged their support to the Common Ground Foundation’s Summer Youth Camp. They praised
8 - Red Carpet Host and NBC reporter, Michele Relerford and CGF Gala event planner, Erika JordanCommon, highlighting his authenticity and commitment, noting how truly “uncommon” he is. Six teens from the Common Ground Foundation’s “Dreamers and Believers Mentoring Program” spoke movingly about how important and life changing the summer camp and year-round mentoring has been for each of them.
9 - The Four Seasons BallroomAll proceeds from the black tie event benefited Common’s non-profit organization, the Common Ground Foundation (CGF). Additional attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Jim Reynolds (Loop Capital), co-chairs Les Coney (Mesirow Financial) and Juanita Jordan (Vanoy Jordan Enterprises), red capet host Michelle Releford (NBC 5), Andre Johnson (Magic Johnson Enterprises), Melody Spann-Cooper (WVON), Andrea Zopp (CEO, Chicago Urban League),  Nina and Bob Mariano, Jeanne
10 - CGF guestsSparrow (co-host WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning”), Marc Brooks, Terri
11 - Common and CGF Exec. Director Tamara BrownMariano, Tamara Brown and Derek Dudley among many others. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction reception (with a highlight being an ALL-access trip to the Grammys), live performance by Chicago Soul Centric (featuring Aziza Lisa), dinner and dancing. The evening was followed by an after-party at the Hard Rock Hotel.


12 - Honorees Everett Rand and Timothy Rand with CommonIn order to pay homage to honorees that have achieved success all while impacting communities in a significant way, the Common Ground Foundation began hosting the gala in an effort to highlight the accomplishments of key influencers and help fund the organization. Last year’s
13 - With darling WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” co-host Jeanne Sparrowevent honored legendary and famous activist and actor Harry Belafonte as well as executive vice president of the Boeing Corporation James A. Bell, Chicago Bear and youth advocate Israel Idonije and CEO and founder of MillionDollar$cholar Derrius Quarles. “I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help, most of all to help people help
14 - Interviewing Magic and Common for Watch312themselves. I always believed if we started with the youth, then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom,” says Common. Love this guy! To learn more about this incredible organization, please click here! To see ALL of the fun from this wonderful night, please watch my video below! Magic and Common give some great advice to Chicago’s youth and Magic tells us just what he thinks about Chicago so let me take YOU to the party!

 


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1 - Designer Elda de la Rosa surrounded by fansBeloved designer Elda de la Rosa presented her 2013 Spring collection, titled “La Vie en Rose,” on March 19th in the Avenues Ballroom of the beautiful Peninsula Hotel. Elda had been working hard for months getting her beautiful designs
2 - Pretty coming AND going!ready for the runway and her hard work paid off as the SRO crowd oohed and aahed for every model who sashayed down the salon-style runway. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracy Tarantino, the event’s host committee included Jean Antoniou, Toni Canada, Diana Palomar, Dusty Stemer, Tracy, Tasia June Travlos, Moira Tuffy and
3 - Host committee members and supportersMarsha Brenner
. Elda’s honorary committee included many politicos including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Heather Steans, State Rep Kelly Cassidy, Aldermen Patrick O’Connor and Harry Osterman and Committeewoman Carol Ronen. ABC 7’s Sylvia Perez, a longtime friend of Elda’s, served as emcee wearing a stunning blue Elda gown. I was thrilled to be a model along with Greg Hyder, Jean Antoniou, Diana Palomar, Patricia Gillman,
4 - As pretty on the inside as it is on the outside!Moira Tuffy, Nancy Meyerson, Kathy
5 -Tracy Tarantino, Frances Renk and Sheryl DyerBurke
and Minister Blaine Moulton. The evening began with a silent auction and reception in the Grant Park Room. At 8 p.m., the show began in the ballroom with Sylvia welcoming the crowd. She introduced Chanel style consultant Randolph Tovar who talked about his fashion inspirations and how style influences us. Then, the lights dimmed and the classic French song by Edith Piaf, “La Vie en Rose,” began to play. Sylvia repeated a line from the song, “When he takes me in his arms and speaks softly to me, I see life in rosy hues, he tells me
6words of love, words of every day and, in them, I become something.” She went on to say, “A woman who wears Elda de la Rosa does indeed ‘become
7 - Elda de la Rosa Spring 2013something,’ something very special, gorgeous, beautiful and radiant.” And then the show began!  Every woman was a star as she glided down the runway in her Elda creation. The finale was the gorgeous wedding gown worn by Jordan Stemer at her recent nuptials. All of the proceeds from the event benefited the programs and work of the Edgewater Development Corp., an organization dedicated to working with Chicago’s small business entrepreneurs. Congrats again Elda on a beautiful collection! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins and David Stephens…view more here!)

 

1 - Honorary Chairs Tom and Susanna NegovanThe Greek America Foundation presented its second annual Blue Masque Ball, a fundraising event to benefit charities in debt-stricken Greece, at the Blackstone Hotel on March 16th. This year’s honorary chairs
2 - Constantine Maroulis and glam friendwere Emmy Award-winning journalist Tom Negovan and his wife, Splash editor at the Chicago Sun-Times, Susanna Negovan. The couple brought years of support to local charities of the Greek America Foundation and Susanna was excited to support and honor her Greek heritage. The entire ballroom was transformed into a casino gaming floor with blackjack, craps and roulette tables dotting the room. All proceeds
3 - Jane Monzures and fab friendfrom the ball, which brought together the best of traditional Greek Mardi Gras celebrations in Casino Royale style, benefited Project Hope for Greece. This is a new initiative launched by the Greek America Foundation to support a
4wide range of accredited charity-driven institutions in Greece that are struggling to solve the problems of its people amidst the country’s worst economic crisis since World War II. Proceeds will be shared with various charities and organizations that have a proven track record of offering support to the country. Ellison Sunglasses CEO Aristotle Loumis served as the Young Professionals Chair.  Celebrity guests included Constantine Maroulis of “American Idol” fame and
5 - Christos Garkinos (2nd from L), Amanda Puck (R) and friendsnow performing in the musical “Jekyll & Hyde”; Christos Garkinos of
8Decades and BravoTV’s new reality show “Dukes of Melrose” who was joined by Amanda Puck;  Evangeline Goutelas of CITE Restaurant and Skyline Equities and Paula Fasseas of PAWS Chicago. DJ John Grammatis kept the lounge jumpin’ with nonstop music and
6 - Beautiful revelersdancing. Founded in 1997, the Greek America Foundation’s mission is to “promote, preserve and perpetuate Greek culture, history and heritage in North America.” For more info on this wonderful non-profit, please visit greekamerica.org. Congrats Susanna and Tom!

 


1 - Giordano Dance Chicago Giordano Dance Chicago celebrated its BIG 50th anniversary at the Harris Theater with a Gala Benefit (presented by the Boeing Company) on March 23rd. Pam Crutchfield served as honorary chair for this
2 - Kip Helverson and Nan Giordanospecial event, with choreographer to the stars Liz Imperio serving as artistic chair. The benefit drew 275 people and raised $100,000 for GDC and their programs. VIP gala ticket holders began their evening with an intimate pre-show
3 - Irwin and Harriet Ross and friendbackstage Signature Experience, including an in-the-wings champagne toast while viewing the final last-minute on-stage dancer preparations, followed by a backstage buffet dinner and conversation with artistic
4 - ason McLenaghan, Paul Iacono, Katie McLenaghan, Cindy Burns, JoeAnna LaCourse, Kip Helverson, Neal Steinerdirector Nan Giordano, Crutchfield and Imperio. As a special treat, they also had the chance to be part of “Circle,” GDC’s inspirational pre-performance ritual, moments before the dancers took the stage. The performance featured the
4 - David Helverson and Alana Helverson-Klimkowskipremiere of Imperio’s “La Belleza de Cuba” plus works from the GDC critically-acclaimed repertoire. Each work was preceded by video introductions, created by HMS Media from recent and archival GDC video and photos, providing historical content and
5 - Sanjay Sharma (L) and friendsilluminating the company’s extraordinary achievements. At 9:30 p.m., following the performance, gala attendees were escorted to the Pritzker Pavilion stage where they took in the dazzling view of Chicago’s Millennium Park nighttime skyline
6 - Giordano Dance’s Martin Ortiz Tapia and friendwhile mingling with GDC dancers and alum, enjoying an exquisite buffet catered by Cork Catering and Special Events and listening to live music by the George McRae Trio. “We knew this golden anniversary celebration was going to be special but on so many levels the results far
6exceeded our expectations,” says GDC artistic director Nan Giordano. “A lion’s share of the credit goes to our incredible benefit chairs and committee, who, along with our hardworking staff, selflessly poured their heart and soul into
7 - Nan Giordano being congratuledthis event. We are extremely grateful to everyone who joined us for this evening, the memory of which is something I will remember and cherish forever. It was an incredible tribute to my late father, Gus Giordano, and all who have supported us
8throughout our 50 years.” GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in Chicago and one of the very few dance companies in the U.S. to have achieved this half-century milestone. This achievement was recognized on the cover of the March 2013 edition of Dance Magazine.

 

1 - The Doyle family with Jenny McCarthy Televions star, model, actress and hometown girl Jenny McCarthy hosts the 6th Annual Rescue Our Angels event to support her nonprofit
Generation Rescue, raise awareness of autism and generate funds to support families dealing with an autism diagnosis. McCarthy – whose son Evan has recovered from autism – is president of Generation
2Rescue and an advocate for children with autism and their families. The exclusive party will feature red carpet arrivals for VIP guests, remarks by McCarthy honoring Chicago couple Michele and Pete Doyle (founders of the event) and an “experience zone” – a hands-on way for guests to better understand the sensitivities that children on the autism spectrum experience. In addition to McCarthy, more than 400 VIP guests are expected to be in attendance, including Jacqueline and Chris Laurita (“Real Housewives of New Jersey”), Doug
3 - Michelle and Pete Doyle and familyClerget
(“The Bachelorette”), Alexis Wineman (2013 People’s Choice Winner, Miss America), Colette Davis (open wheel driver), Heath Frisby (X Games snowmobile medalist) and Madi Wolf (singer). Tickets to the event are $100 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entertainment and access to a live auction of incredible prizes. A limited number of VIP booths are available for purchase, too. For tickets, visit rescueourangels.com or click here.


Art Institute Night Heist logoThe Evening Associates
of the Art Institute of Chicago’s annual fundraising event, “Night Heist”, returns for its third year to the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court on April 26th from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Art Institute’s major exhibition Picasso and Chicago – a celebration of the work of Picasso, his connections to the city and his enduring influence. Event includes live music, entertainment, themed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. General admission tickets are $95 (price to increase after 4/19) and the VIP Night Heist Experience (includes a one-hour reception beginning at 7 p.m.) is $150. For tickets and more info, please click here


1 - Cool with his birthday cakeRecently, Chris Brown, FloRida and Hennessy V.S put on a show at Dream nightclub in Miami, all to celebrate the birthday of super producer Cool, from Cool & Dre. Chris Brown hit the stage and performed a slew of his hits including, “Look At Me Now” and “No Bullsh*t.” The singer put on a complete show, showcasing his
2 - Chris Brown and his abs performingsignature dance moves and even showing off his rock hard abs. Rapper FloRida also hit the stage to celebrate Cool’s birthday and even helped lead the crowd in a “Happy Birthday” chant for the producer. Cool, huh? 🙂 (Photos by Humberto Cruz…view more pics here!)


Randolph St Market April adChicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s Modern Vintage Chicago spring installation will return to the West Loop’s Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington) on April 20th and 21st. Recognized as one of the top three vintage shows in the country, this bi-annual event comes just in time to add vintage flair to spring and summer wardrobes that will turn heads! Offering the
Modern Vintage Chicago-Randolph St. market adbest selection of jewelry, clothing and accessories vendors from across the Midwest, as well as Atlanta, NYC, Texas, Minneapolis and Philadelphia for men and women, this event is not to be missed! Among its 90+ vendors, new to the Market this year is the talented, Danielle Colby of “American Pickers” fame. Danielle will bring her vintage wares from her Wicker Park boutique, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, as well as perform with her burlesque troupe, Burlesque Le’Moustache. For more info, visit modernvintagechicago.com, call 312-666-1200 or email info@modernvintagechicago.com.

 

1 - Cellist Ian Makin and Marisa BuchheitThe SPRING AWAKENING Fashion Show didn’t herald the advent of spring but it did provide a beautiful night inside the warm greenhouse at City Escape Garden Center & Design Studio in the West Loop recently.
2 - Borris Powell and Jeff ConwayHosted by Benjamin Cottrell and Shari Duffy, this event offered VIP guests the opportunity to stroll the gardens during the champagne reception, shop City Escapes’ unique gifts and listen to the sound of Miss Heart Illinois 2013,
5 - Monika Wiela, Benjamin Cottrell and Shari DuffyMarisa Buchheit
. The show opened with a performance by the Candid Concert Opera Company as models strutted the runway in designs by Stix & Roses, LH Couture, Tres Haute Chic, Just Class Jewelry and StyleUp Girl
8 - Models serenaded by Ian MakinShoes
. World renowned cellist Ian Makin serenaded the models down the garden inspired runway. A portion of the proceeds benefitted Chicago Gateway Green. TCW Magazine was the media sponsor. (Photos by Jun Nagano.)

 

LogoCongratulations are in order for Joe’s Bar on Weed St. (940 W. Weed St) owner Ed Warm: His Chicago venue – known for hosting some of the biggest names in country music – has just been named Nightclub of the Year by the Academy of Country Music!!!
Ed WarmWarm, whose keen ear for emerging talent has earned him immense respect within the Nashville music scene, is also taking home honors as Promoter of the Year. (This is the third time Joe’s has been named Nightclub of the Year but the first win for Warm as Promoter of the Year.) Huge congrats on these much deserved wins! (The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 7th).

 

1 - Ulta Beauty’s Carrie Lannon and Molly Sloat with Nigel BarkerTalk about a dream job! ULTA Beauty Director of Public Relations Carrie Lannon and ULTA Beauty Director of Trend Development Molly Sloat partied with supermodel Naomi Campbell
3 - Karolina Kurkovaand Nigel Barker in New York during the filming of their hit show, “The Face.” (The finale episode was March 26th.) I sure hope to see this cool model driven show return soon! The show, hosted by Nigel Barker, followed three supermodel coaches (Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova and Naomi) as they
4 - Carrie Lannon and Molly Sloat at the premiere of “The Face”competed with each other to find “the face” of ULTA Beauty. Carrie and Molly worked with Nigel, Naomi, Coco and Karolina and appeared on the final episode as they chose the winner of the show: Twenty-one-year-old Devyn Abdullah from Team Kurkova became the first Face of
2 - Coco Rocha, Nigel Barker and Naomi CampbellUlta Beauty
! She will appear in its ads, go to Fashion Week and make personal appearances in ULTA Beauty stores. Congrats to Devyn, Carrie and Molly! If you need an assistant, you know who to call! 


AntonioSabatoJrAnd now for some exciting news from Palm Beach! The USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship is a four-week, 26-goal tournament that will finalize its 10th Anniversary Season at the International Polo Club. The
LizAnnHamptonCallowayaction began on March 31st and will continue on April 7th, 14th and 21st, showcasing the world’s most elite, high-goal players and the finest polo ponies. As one can imagine, the celebrity line-up is impressive and will include heartthrob Antonio Sabato, Jr., Emmy Award winner Liz Calloway, actress Ann Hampton Callaway, American Idol’s Brooke Eden and a perfect “10”
BrookeEdenBo Derek. 
Country music star Lee Greenwood will
LeeGreenwood1perform “God Bless the USA” before the final match on April 21st. This high-goal polo action takes place every Sunday through April 21st, with tickets starting at $10 for general admission and up to $120 for box seating. Tickets for the lavish Sunday brunch at The
BoDerekPavilion and its reception start at $65 going upward to $330 for the Veuve Clicquot brunch package for two. Tickets can be purchased online at InternationalPoloClub.com or by calling 561.204.5687. Anybody up for a few good chukkers? 🙂

 

Poster with 4 sponsors_800x615The Puppy Mill Project is proud to be honoring the “Mothers in the Mills” at their annual fundraiser on May 11th at John Barleycorn River North (149 W. Kinzie) from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The evening will raise awareness about the cruel and inhumane conditions that dogs endure in puppy mills. Chicago fan-favorite band, Out of Control, will perform, a buffet dinner will be served, and guests will enjoy a silent auction and live raffle. This benefit is held annually on Mother’s Day weekend to honor and bring attention to all female (mother) dogs held captive in the mills who are forced to breed until they are no longer profitable to the breeder. The mission of TPMP is to educate the public about puppy mills, while advocating for legislative reform and facilitating the rescue of mill dogs. “The proceeds from the Mothers in The Mills benefit will
Out of Control Bandeducate and expose the truth about this cruel and inhumane industry that people are unknowingly supporting when purchasing pets through pet shops, the internet and newspaper ads,” says founder Cari Meyers. “We will never stop fighting for the freedom of the mill dogs.” I wish them the best of luck. Tickets are $100 per person ($125 at the door) and can be purchased here

 

WonkaBall-2About Face Theatre
celebrates its 17th year with a three-ring party of entertainment at the Wonka Ball 2013: Circus Maximus
Circusmaximus_WEB2-214x300on April 26th beginning at 8 p.m. (For those interested, a Ringmaster’s VIP cocktail party begins at 7 p.m.) AFT’s premier fundraiser, hosted by About Face board members Benjamin Sprunger and Billy Lullo, combines the surprising delights of the Big Top with
WonkaBall-4the inspired grandeur of this year’s venue, Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood). For tickets ($135) and more info, please visit aboutfacetheatre.com or call 773.784.8565.

 

Hats Off to the Girls We Love inviteDon’t miss “Hats Off to Girls We Love,” a tea and fashion presentation hosted by the dynamic Sarah Wood benefitting the Wood Family Foundation on April 27th at 2 p.m. at Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Author Cynthia Bardes will be a special guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for kids up to age 12. For more info, please click here or call 312-924-9234. (And I can’t WAIT to tell you what Sarah and Kerry are planning for August! OMG! They are both heroes at giving back! 🙂


WGN segment 3-13Thanks so much to WGN-TV for having me on to discuss my FIVE top event picks for April! I won’t tell but hope you’ll watch it here! Thanks to my sweet friend Marissa Rudman for this clip – just love her!


1Don’t miss the latest edition of A Perfect Event’s E-Mag – Debi Lilly has done it again assembling the best of the best to contribute to her beyond beautiful magazine! I’m so proud to have an
2 - Nate and Nancy Golden before going to boarding schoolarticle (“Things Our Mothers Taught Us”) included! This Mother’s Day feature offers words of wisdom from the mothers of comedian Tom Dreesen,
3 - Tom Dreesen and his mom Glenore (Algoe) Dreesenphilanthropist and football star Israel Idonije, television star/author/designer Nate Berkus, super chef Art Smith, shoe god Brian Atwood and media darling Val Warner. I’m not one bit surprised why these special people became who they are – it’s advice everyone can use! Congrats to contributors Amanda Puck, Eric Himel, Matt Savage, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Elaina Vazquez and Corey Amaro, among others. ALL great reads here (my article appears on pages 26 & 27)!  And a special thanks
6 - My mom Elsa Mae Stott and me in a Rosemary Fanti drawingto friend/artist Rosemary Fanti for this wonderful image of my mom Elsa Stott and me in South Beach where some of our best memories happened! She was my best friend. 🙂 (Check out more pics here!)


With Shantell Jamison at VocaloAnd, last but not least, I was so thrilled to be interviewed on Vocalo/NPR radio by Shantell Jamison for her (ahem) “Wise Woman of the Week” segment…I know, I know. Hear it here, if you want!

Hope you all have spring in your hearts even if it isn’t here in reality and I hope you enjoy this week’s Candid Candace!
 
Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

 

 


Amy Tara Koch, Molly Each, Jared Hatch, Greg Hyder, Kevin Aeh, JC Steinbrunner, Amalie DruryP.S. Congrats to the Peninsula Chicago and Greg Hyder on the fabulous party held in honor of Conde Nast Traveler’s special April feature, “The Grand Tour of Asia.” As always, it was a perfect event! (Want to see more pics? Just click here!)

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A MEMORY-MAKING YEAR: THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND PARTIES OF 2012

…PLUS A NOT-2-B MISSED FAMILY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY, CHARITY POKER TOURNEY, PLAYBOY LEGEND OPENS PHOTO STUDIO, RANDOLPH STREET MARKET MAGIC, DRIVING FASHION FORWARD, WATCH312 HAS A NEW SISTER, AH CHOO FOR KATHLEEN & JOFFREY BALLET, MAKING MUSIC AT THE VISUAL SOUND AWARDS, ELYSABETH/RESTAURANTS/CHEFS ON HUFFPO, WRISTWISHES MAKE FASHION FUN FOR CHARITY, WHO’S THE NEW HONOREE FOR THE STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION/AIBI?, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!!!


Candace Jordan in January Playboy with Al PacinoJanuary is a time for reflection and appreciating the memories of your past while anticipating those of the future. This year has included so many highlights that I don’t know where to begin but let me first say, I so appreciate your support during these past four years of Candid Candace! My first blog, written on August 25, 2008, was a labor of love and remains so to this day. It’s a privilege and a thrill for me to cover so many great events and
Co-chairing the Joffrey Ballet’s largest fundraiser with Helen Melchiorhappenings that go on in this wonderful city as well as so many dynamic Chicagoans who do so much good for so many. Please stay tuned for some exciting changes that I hope you will like on Candid Candace and NOW, take a look at some of my favorite photos from 2012 and the people, places and events that inspired me this year here!


Lynn Sage Party logoMark your calendars for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event on February 10th. Cupid will fill our hearts once again at this fun-filled event at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon will include a brunch buffet, kiddie’s Valentine activities, DJs and dancing, a performance by actors from the Zebra and Lion from the Emmy Award-winning television show Green Screen Adventures, and a special concert by award-winning
Co-chairs Jennifer Meyers and Julie Lampertchildren’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting up the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events. Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, makeovers from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room, and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. Guests will
Green Screem Adventuresalso have a chance to win fabulous prizes from the silent auction and raffle. This event will be co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers, with proceeds benefitting the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance or $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or calling 312-926-7133. 

 

COS Poker Tournament logoTime to “ante up” and put on your best poker face for the 8th Annual Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. Charity Poker Championship on February 7th at the River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois. Dan Bernstein from WSCR “The Score” (AM 670) will return as emcee for this No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. Players of all skill levels will compete for more than $15K in prizes including the coveted grand prize to compete at the 2013 World Series of Poker’s Main Event in Las Vegas (a $10K value) and other prizes! So please, bring your best card skills to
Dan Bernstein, the Scorehelp offer camp experiences and educational programs for children with cancer. Not a card shark? Then just come for the party that includes an open bar and a buffet provided by Marcello’s Father & Son Restaurant. (They also happen to have the BEST broasted chicken in the world!) For more info, please visit www.onestepcamp.org or call 312.924.4220.

 

Randolph Street MarketChicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s second annual Wonderful Winter Markets return in February and March, bringing vintage aficionados some of the best winter shopping events in Chicago. The February show (February 2nd and 3rd) will focus on "Passions & Vanities," highlighting gems, couture, art, antiques and
Sally Schwartzother endearing vices with chili, cold beer & a Super Bowl big screen TV lounge! Something for everyone! Katya & the Nude Sketch Salon returns so come and get immortalized in your own charcoal drawing. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you and the love of your life! As always, there will be free downtown furniture deliveries and a re-upholstery station along with the addition of several Chicago-based foodie vendors and relaxation specialists to treat guests to the finer things in life! There will be 90+ vendors at each market selling art, antiques, fashion, knick-knacks, furniture and more. Show times are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 2nd and
PBS' Market Warriors3rd and March 23rd and 24th at Plumber’s Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington St. Discounted tickets ($8) are available in advance and general admission ($10), students with ID ($3 or $5) are available at the gate. Children 12 and under free. For tickets and more info, visit randolphstreetmarket.com. This is my favorite market in town…see YOU there! (Loved seeing Randolph Street Market featured on PBS’ “Market Warriors” recently, too!)

 

2013 LAUNCH logoAutohaus on Edens
has partnered with the Columbia College Fashion Department to host Launch 2013: Driving Fashion Forward on March 10th. This spring fashion preview event will feature some of the North Shore’s finest boutiques along with a student design competition. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will spotlight 2013 spring fashions and trends from Shelle Jewelers, Frances Heffernan and Jolie Femme among many others. The lucky winner of the student design competition will receive a $5K scholarship (courtesy of Autohaus on Edens) to put toward a semester in school OR to launch their own collection! An exciting raffle will also offer a lucky guest the opportunity to win a getaway to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week complete with travel, lodging and VIP fashion show tickets!!! For event tickets ($75 or VIP with reserved runway seating for $100) and more info, please click here

 

1I’m so excited to share some exciting news from Robert Mills, founder of Chicago’s online network (and the home of my show “Candid Candace Chicago”), Watch312.com: Bob has expanded his reach to Chicago’s hot sister city – MIAMI – so please help me welcome Watch305.com! With eight shows, Watch 305.com is your source for everything Miami! On their shows, you'll learn survival skills from Miami
2 - With Watch312 and 305 founder Bob Millsnatives, search for the best burger in town, get caught up in shameless hidden camera pranks, gain in-depth looks into the lives of athletes, acquire sex tips from professional sex therapists and witness a city ruled by artists, comedians, fashionistas and night crawlers. Because a lot of their content will be
3 - Watch305 Producer Andres Roviracreated on a live video kiosk located in Mary Brickell Village, anyone can become part of the interactive experience by answering trivia questions and winning prizes. Producer Andres Rovira says, “Miami is an animal of a city and it is our job to tell its stories. From the creative depths of the Art District, to the fist-pounding nightlife of South Beach, there's a show about almost everything, for almost anyone. So pick a show, and become part of the fun, here in The Magic City.” Now you’ll get a sneak peek into the BEST of TWO cities! Take a look and become a fan, too! 

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=80MXRxNjocb_sDFvDd0EiG7mLT1QD6B8&height=360&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=80MXRxNjocb_sDFvDd0EiG7mLT1QD6B8

And don’t miss all of MY New Year’s Eve party fun on Watch312.com below! 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=NpZW45ODr7scXYhNe-gk_TG2EO99JWru&height=326&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=NpZW45ODr7scXYhNe-gk_TG2EO99JWru


1 - Winning artists Metis and AynzliMore than 400 guests gathered for the inaugural Visual Sound Awards to recognize marketing and advertising campaigns, TV shows and films that have utilized music in the most successful and creative ways to drive value for Music Dealers’ global brand and entertainment partners, while
2 - Winning artists Zyme and Salme Dahlstromshowcasing the profound impact these projects have had on the emerging artists whose music is featured in the campaigns. The evening kicked off with an awards ceremony, during which The Visual Sound Awards winners were announced, and continued into the night with an after party featuring live performances by Music Dealers artists Metis, Greg Corner of Kill Hannah, Ghosthouse and Dot Dot Dot that brought down the house. Music Dealers clients change
3 - Mili Marcetic and Tara Flocco-event co-producersemerging musicians lives every day. Behind all of these Visual Sound Awards
6 - Coca-Cola winner Zoe Stainsbynominees and winners – be it a web or TV advertisement, or even an experiential activation – are real artists, whose life’s passion is creating music. And because Music Dealers clients chose to enhance their campaigns with music produced by these artists, they have been able to fund national tours, record new albums and build their professional teams – propelling their careers to the next level, all with the money generated from these placements. In his Visual Sound Award acceptance speech, Music Dealers artist and the new sound of Coke Zero's "Make It Possible" global ad campaign, Metis, said "The song we created with Music Dealers for the Coke Zero
4 - Brandon Smith and Ben Pritzkercampaign was truly a catalyst that catapulted my music career. It led to multiple record deal offers and so many other opportunities, and it all started with Music Dealers
5 - Ghosthousebelieving in us from an early stage and Coke giving us the global platform." Check out all of the Visual Sound Awards winning campaigns here! And congrats to ALL! (To see ALL event pics, pleases click here!)

 

Jimmy Choo Invite_1.31.2013Please join new Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board member and uber-PR specialist Kathleen Henson (Henson Consulting) on January 31st when she hosts a very fashionable fete at “her favorite place to shop on Oak Street” – Jimmy Choo. Enjoy a “first look”
Kathleen Hensonat Choo’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection with a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s event going to the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet. You can also head over there before 1/31 and still support the Joffrey through a pre-sale…just be sure to mention the Joffrey! There’s truly no better incentive to buy a new pair of shoes (or two or three!) to go with your spring gala gowns. (The Joffrey Spring Gala is April 19th.) You can RSVP directly to the store at Chicago@JimmyChoo.com

 

1 - Jeff CohenHave you ever wanted to have your photo taken by a PLAYBOY LEGEND? Well, now’s your chance: Former Executive Editor & Publisher of Playboy Special Editions Jeff Cohen has just opened Jeff Cohen Creative, a photography, design and consulting studio in the newly-revitalized Ravinia
2 - Cohen couple photoDistrict of Highland Park. Located on the main thoroughfare at 485 Roger Williams Ave., Jeff is down the street from Billy Corgan's Madame ZuZu's Tea House, Merlo's fabulous Italian eatery and next door to Abigail's American Bistro. With a string of black and white portrait photos hung on a clothesline in the studio window, he’s already
3 - With Jeff at a Playboy lingerie partyattracting a lot of attention and for Valentine’s Day, he is launching a couples portrait promotion. Jeff says, “So many households have family photos with everyone together but very few have just mom and dad sans kids. So here's a chance for Mr. and Mrs. or Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs., etc. to do something special for each other.” Jeff will work together with each twosome in the studio and deliver a fun, candid and personal black and white portrait.
With Jeff at Playboy party in the 70’s(Gift certificates are available.) And for his senior customers, he has a special deal if they combine their ages (i.e., for every year that total is over 120, he’ll reduce the portrait price by $1 so a 65-year-old woman with her 70-year-old partner knocks the price down by $15). For more information and/or to schedule a session, please contact jeffcohencreative@gmail.com or call 847.347-2509. You’ll be glad you did! I can vouch for Jeff since we have done many photo sessions together for Playboy that, sadly, I can’t share here! 😉

 

Elysabeth AlfanoWhat a great article in the Huffington Post by author/director/producer extraordinaire, Elysabeth Alfano! Loved the idea “Chicago is Known for its Fantastic Food: 19 Creatives Name Their Favorite Restaurants.” Get great restaurant and chef recommendations from Chicagoans who include SNL’s Nora Dunn, actress Susan Messing, musician Dennis de Young, NPR’s Peter Sagal,
HuffPostMediaGroupLogoclassical musician George Lepauw, Goodman Theatre’s Robert Falls, artist Ellen Sandor, MCA’s Naomi Beckwith and Marilyn and Larry Fields, XRT’s Lin Brehmer, rocker Jon Langford, Chicago Children’s Choir’s Josephine Lee, author Scott Turow, Expo Chicago’s Tony Karman and MOI among others! Thanks so much for including me and keep up the great work, Elysabeth!!!

 

World Festival 2013 Save the DateMark your calendars NOW for the 7th Chicago World Festival benefitting the 10th anniversary of Common Threads! Join founders Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro along with celebrity chefs from around the world on March
Small Threads by Caitlin Saville4th at Soldier Field! I’m thrilled to be co-chairing this beloved event with dynamos Jon Harris (Hillshire) and Mindy Mackenzie (Beam Global)! Tickets start at $250; for more info, please click here


Wrist WishesI’ve always loved wearing multiple bracelets as a style statement and am so honored that Wrist Wishes created a Candid Candace bracelet that will support some of my favorite organizations that include PAWS Chicago, Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s, the Service Club of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet and Young at Heart Pet Rescue. These charming
Nicole Lynee LaCross--founder Wrist Wishesbracelets were created by Nicole LaCross and were inspired by her mom who had been diagnosed with cancer and was intended to bring “shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their wrists.” Wrist Wishes retail for $10 each with $2 from every purchase going directly to the charity that is represented by your bracelet. (There are many Chicago charities to choose from.) Please check them out here and be stylish AND supportive!

 

1And last but not least, I’m so thrilled to be the 2013 Honoree for the Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board’s (AIBI) fundraiser at the Casino on April 24th! It will be a fun night with friends and I hope you can join me…I AM SO EXCITED! For tickets ($200), please email aibi@aibi.com or call
2 - Event founder Stanley Paul with Hazel Barr, 2012 Honoree312.836.1041. The evening 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. She 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. I am SO honored and hope you can come!

Welcome to 2013! I hope this year turns out to be your best one yet and I hope your plans include reading Candid Candace!
 

Jessica AlbaLove,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. This is one of my favorite looks from the Golden Globes! Jessica Alba was FLAWLESS from head to toe – loved the Oscar gown, the $5.8 mil worth of
CAMP Cosmetics Candid Candace Lipstick PromoHarry Winston
jewels and the super-cool feathered Roger Vivier clutch! And wait…was she wearing CAMP Cosmetics' CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK? (Also, did you notice that coral is poised to be THE hottest color for spring!? Stay ahead of the trend and buy it here now!)

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KERRY WOOD HITS HOME RUN WITH “WOODY’S WINTER WARM-UP”

…PLUS A CLOSE ENCOUNTER WITH GEORGE CLOONEY (SADLY, NOT MINE), JESSICA RADLOFF'S CRITICS' CHOICE HIGHLIGHTS, MORRIS' ONE-MAN SHOW, A VALENTINE'S SHOW UNLIKE ANY OTHER, RANDOLPH MARKET INFO AND MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Yolanda Linneman, Kerry Wood and fan Ronnie Woo WooThe queue of white stretch limos out in front of Harry Caray’s was the first thing you noticed besides the plethora of news trucks. I think every station in town Blog 2 - Limos at the ready!was at Navy Pier to cover Cubs’ pitcher Kerry Wood and his beautiful wife Sarah’s first “Woody’s Winter Warm-Up” fundraiser. The place was packed with sports stars, TV personalities, fans and Blog 3 - Valerie Warner styling behind the barfriends, all there to support popular Cubs pitcher Kerry and his Wood Family Foundation, the beneficiary of the night. “Woody” had recruited guest bartenders who suited up in t-shirts and bar aprons and competed for tips Blog 4 - Cubs catcher Michael Brenlywhile serving drinks and food to guests. Volunteers included Val Warner (“Windy City Live”), Lou Cannelis (Fox Chicago), Peter McMurrary (The Loop FM), Cubs players Ryan Dempster, Tony Campana, Travis Wood, Chris Voldstad, Ian Stewart, Matt Garza, Randy Wells, Marlon Byrd, former Cub Rick Sutcliffe, Jon Lieber, Gary Blog 5 - Dutchie Caray surrounded by fansMatthews, Michael Brenly and new manager Dale Sveum. Even Bears players Otis Wilson, Richard Dent and Israel Catie Keogh enlists a new 24-7 reporter for Tom RickettsIdonije did some mixing behind the bar. Other notables in attendance included Cubs owners Todd and Tom Ricketts, President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, Cubs players Jeff Blog 7 - Ernie Banks’ signed jerseySamardzija, Darwin Barney, James Russell, Josh Vitters and David DeJesus, Delores “Dutchie” Caray, Joanna and Grant DePorter, Barb and Roe Conn, event organizer Blog 8 - '85 Bear Otis Wilson and cute friendDaphne Ortiz, Erica Stimac, Catie Keogh and Jeff Conway ("24/7") along with super-fan Ronnie Woo Woo, who was accompanied by his gorgeous daughter, Yolanda Linneman. The evening also included a delicious dinner buffet of Italian beef sandwiches, mini lamb burgers, mac and cheese, rigatoni, Chicago style hotdogs and other tasty treats. The silent auction was a sports lover’s dream come true and many of the offerings had “Do Not Touch” signs Blog 9 - Crowd scene at Harry Caray’snext to them like Ernie Banks’ signed jersey and bat. There were dozens of autographed baseballs, jerseys and other sports related memorabilia as well Blog 10 - Wood’s signed jersey at auctionas a pig roast for 100 courtesy of Carvetti’s in Lake Geneva! The entertainment was world class, too and opened with an acoustic set by singer/songwriter William Beckett. Hosts for the night were Ryan Chiaverini ("Windy City Live") and Cubs pitcher Ryan Dempster, who brought the house down with his spot-on Blog 11 - With Theo Epsteinimpersonation of Harry Caray. (He told me he was VERY nervous but no one would've guessed this!) Ryan Chiaverini also sang and played guitar to “Sweet Home Chicago” and even Theo Epstein got in on the action playing “Rockin’ in Blog 12 - A delicious dinner buffet!the Free World” on guitar alongside the Grammy-nominated Plain White T’s. Cubs pitcher Randy Wells sat in for a song (Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin’”) that he dedicated to Ron Santo. Blog 13 - Ryan Dempster and Ryan Chiaverini(They closed the show with their number one single, “Hey There Delilah.”) DJ White Shadow (aka Paul Blair) kept the crowd fueled for fun with his hot mixes (he produced Lady Gaga’s Blog 14 - Thomas Strehle wins the top live auction prize“Born this Way” album). An incredible live auction package went to Jim Beam VP Thomas Strehle for $7K and included first pitch privileges, tour of the press box, photo op, four box seats and a half hour batting session with Woody! It was doubled for the under-bidder to bring this package to $14K for the charity! More than $80,000 was raised for the Wood Family Foundation that is dedicated to supporting children’s charities in and around Chicago. To view ALL pics from this fun evening, please click here.
 
Blog 1 - Jessica Radloff giving me a shout-out!The film critics’ award ceremonies are just a recent memory now and, hopefully, all of your favorites won! But for Glamour.com’s West Coast entertainment contributor Jessica Radloff, the Critics' Choice Movie Blog 2 - The HeartthrobAwards will forever be etched in her memory! Of course, there were a gazillion stars there since this is the largest film critics organization in the U.S. and Canada so Jessica happily conducted tons of interviews for the Glamour network including Melissa McCarthy (who was battling laryngitis), Judy Greer (who was hilarious according to Jessica), Ellie Kemper, Wendi McClendon-Covey (who said she would sign up for Blog 3 - OMG! The kiss!“Bridesmaids 2” even if the script sucked), Bridesmaids’ director Paul Feig (“one of the nicest people you'll ever meet in Hollywood”) and Blog 4 - Another heartthrob, Brad!Elle MacPherson (who she interviewed at the NBC/Universal Golden Globes After Party), among others. But of all the stars, the one person at the top of her Wish List of “Five Celebs She’s Dying to Blog 5 - Interviewing Elle MacPherson at after-partyInterview” was George Clooney – “the epitome of a movie star” (and who doesn’t agree??!!!) – so when she saw him approach on the red carpet, she knew this might be her chance. Blog 6 - The cast of Modern FamilyShe said, “George, could I ask you one question for ‘Glamour’?” But in the end, her only thought was to ask for a hug! And he graciously complied giving her “the most wonderful hug and kiss a girl could ever get from her Hollywood crush!” What Blog 7 - Asking George a question backstagea moment for this lucky and deserving lady! (To read Blog 8 - Octavia SpencerJessica’s WHOLE story and see ALL of her fab pics , please click HERE!) But let me back up and give you a little history about this incredible woman with this great job and you’ll understand why Clooney hugged and kissed her: I met Jessica years ago when she did a Blog 9 - Jessica Radloff with her intern Rachelstory about me for AOL.com. She was very gracious and is, of course, a fantastic writer, entertainment and sports host. Jessica hails from St. Louis and graduated from the University of Arizona in only two and a half years majoring in media arts and double Blog 10 - Madonnaminoring in journalism and theatre arts. She got her start in the entertainment industry by interning with NBC Sports in St. Louis, the “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The Young & the Restless” and Carsey-Werner. Jessica also studied with the Groundlings (a competitive, improvisational troupe based in L.A.) and is a member of the Blog 11 - Interviewing Melissa McCarthyAcademy of Television Arts and Sciences (aka the Emmy organization). She is a regular contributor to Glamour and Glamour.com as well as CS Magazine, Blog 12 - Michelle WilliamsL.A.’s WHERE magazine and HuffPo. For a couple years, Jessica also starred on the Oxygen sitcom, "Campus Ladies" (executive produced by Cheryl Hines) and one of her very first scenes was featured on “Ellen.” As you can see, this girl is well on her way to superstardom. Pretty soon George Clooney will be begging HER for a hug! Congrats Jessica…I’m a FAN! 

OscarBrown2012-624x873There are lots of great shows on the horizon beginning on February 10th at the DuSable Museum with Morris Gearring’s one-man show, “Something ‘Bout Oscar.” This show features Morris’s personal insights and stories about the late Oscar Brown, Jr. (1926 – 2005), a writer, poet, and commentator on life and civil rights plus a collection of Oscar’s most famous songs with musical backup by the respected Calvin “Koco” Brunson and his band. Gearring will be joined onstage by the renowned poet, Nikki Giovanni, and Maggie Brown, daughter of the legendary singer who will perform “Lyric” and duet on “The Last Hurrah.” Don’t miss this outstanding production! There will be two shows on Friday, February 10th at 10:30 PM and 8 PM. For more info, please visit www.somethinboutoscar.com or www.dusablemuseum.org. See you soon, Morris!

Blog 1Here is a one-of-a-kind Valentine’s show for lovers! For the 10th year in a row, the Queen of Burlesque Michelle L’Amour is bringing her BIG SEXY SHOW to the historic Music Box Blog 3 - Parker & SevilleTheatre at 3733 N. Southport on Saturday, February 11th for two shows – one at 8:30 PM and one at 11:30 PM. This show is an eclectic mix of burlesque and vaudeville and will feature The Chicago Starlets (voted the World’s Best Burlesque Group) and Toronto’s comedy duo Parker and Seville. You may know Michelle from her appearances on “America’s Got Talent” and on the WGN Blog 2 - The Chicago StarletsMorning News. Her new burlesque-infused fitness DVD, “Tease & Tone,” shows you why she has earned the ranking by 21st Century Burlesque as one of the “Top 5 Burlesque Stars in the World!” For more info, please contact Ajay Gosain at ajay@thepropelr.com or Leslie Smith at lsmith@tkhlaw.com.


 
Randolph Steet Market infoMark your calendars now for my favorite market in town – the Randolph Street Market – coming to Plumbers Hall at 1340 W. Washington on February 4th and 5th. Lovingly nicknamed the “Barneys of Vintage,” this market includes vintage treasures of every kind plus music, food and drinks. Designer Nate Berkus said, “I love this market…the quality is incredible!” There is free parking in big onsite lot plus free furniture delivery downtown. Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. For more info, please visit www.randolphstreetmarket.com. (Sally Schwartz, I will see you soon!)
 
Watch 312 logoI love this city and all it has to offer! Next week, watch for coverage of Watch312.com’s Launch Party plus more exciting news from the Windy City! And, as always, thanks for checking in! (Please “Like” Watch312.com’s Facebook page, too!)
 
Teresa Potasiak and Ines ArocenaLove,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Teresa Potasiak and Ines photoP.S. Loved these pics from friends Ines Arocena and photographer Teresa Potasiak, who have just returned from a trip to Uruguay. Now this is the way to get through Chicago’s winters!

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