Tag Archives: Sixteen Candles

COSTUME COUNCIL RAISES FUNDS AND AWARENESS WITH PLAYFUL BARBIE EVENT

Plus: Dance for Life's "United as One"; One Tail at a Time, WINNING!; Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru; Remembering Studio 54; Dining Out for Life; Chicago's Farmers' Markets; CMFA Superstar Spotlight Series; Holiday Heroes' "MASK-erade"; Drive-in NW Film Festival; Navy Pier update; AIBI's Rev UP! honors Sherrill; Chicago Shakespeare Theater; Friends of Prentice's "Still Together, at Home"; Mark, (always) a Distinct Man of Honor; Luminarts' "Next Begins Now"; Chicago Children's Choir's "Reverberation"; Illinois Holocaust Museum SOIREE update; This & That; Fun videos and soooo much MORE!

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Costume Council's "Dressing Barbie" virtual fundraiser.

If you're a fan of the iconic Barbie Doll and you didn't Zoom into the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum's "Dressing Barbie" event, then you really

Maggie Morgan co-chair

Maggie M. Morgan–co-chair

missed a great time! Fans, friends and supporters tuned in on Saturday, August 15 to see/ hear from Carol Spencer, one of the top Barbie Doll clothing designers whose book "Dressing Barbie" has created a sensation among fans who are young and young-at-heart. Before the event, Barbie Boxes, packed with loads of unique Barbie-related items, were sold for

Carol Spencer --speaker

Carol Spencer–keynote speaker, author, designer.

$100 each so viewers could truly get into the spirit of the occasion. Co-chairs Maggie M. Morgan and Dustin Erikstrup and other Costume Council members really did their

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Dustin Erikstrup–co-chair and event host.

homework on this incredible virtual event. They did everything right–remarkable and passionate speaker, great buzz surrounding the event, awesome collateral material, dedicated fans who made it fun and very, very interesting information artfully delivered. Kudos to committee members

Michelle Bibergal--president costume council

Michelle Bibergal–Costume Council president.

Heather Farley Ingram, Anne Forman, Blythe Lee, Elise Maltby, David Mordini, Dusty Stemer and Michelle Bibergal, the President of the Costume Council. Bibergal welcomed viewers saying, "By joining us today, you are helping the Museum preserve,

Three generations of Barbie fans  all family members--Denise  Sophia and Camilla Person  with Darlene Lovisa  Dina Dennis and Gina Bollenbach.

Three generations of Barbie fans, all family members–Denise Sophia and Camilla Person with Darlene Lovisa Dina Dennis and Gina Bollenbach.

collect and showcase our amazing 50,000 piece costume collection featuring garments from the past 250 years." Co-chair Dustin Erikstrup served as event host moving the presentation along and conducting a live Q & A with Carol at the end of the hour-long segment. In spite

Azusa Barbie-super fan

Azusa Barbie–Super Fan!

of an early sound glitch, the event moved along smoothly. Keynote speaker Carol Spencer built an extraordinary career as the designer of Barbie's fantastic fashions that impacted style while it thrilled children and adults for decades. The first Barbie Doll was launched on March 9, 1959 with businesswoman

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Watch Party host, Pam Capitanini, holds her Warhol Barbie print, a gift from her guests.

Ruth Handler being credited with the creation of the doll using a German doll called Bild

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Pam's Watch Party guests:  Simona Garcia, Rose Kallas, Christina Montgomery, Sasha Sino, Violetta Gutowska and Peggy Martay.

Lilli as her inspiration. During the presentation, Carol first spoke about her early years as a fashion designer that began in 1955 with her first job in a lingerie shop. Her 35 year career saw many changes with the doll. In 1980, Mattel created the first Black doll followed by Hispanic dolls. Now there are dolls that represent countries and ethnicities from all over the world. Currently, there are four sizes of dolls available: original, tall, petite and curvy. Most recently, former Chicagoans Matt Jacobi and his husband Nick Caprio convinced Mattel to acknowledge the gay market too after they had trouble creating a doll package to reflect their status for Matt's nieces. Their eventual collaboration birthed the

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The Council's LOADED Barbie Box, $100 and so worth it!
Nick Caprio and Matt Jacobi

Nick Caprio and husband Matt Jacobi convinced Mattel to recognize the gay Barbie market.

"Same-Sex Barbie Wedding Fashion Packets"! Matt said, "This will give children the tools to imagine any kind of wedding they want. All couples can now be represented with their choice of wedding fashions along with the brand's diverse doll line. For children around the world, they now have the opportunity to put together, narrate and play out a wedding day that is reflective of their own life

Nick Caprio and Matt Jacobi at Barbie headquarters Jan. 2019.

Nick and Matt at Barbie headquarters in El Segundo, Calif. for a collab.

experience. We have great trust in Barbie. For now, we invite you to enjoy playtime with your little ones while reminding you that love is love!"  Amen to that. During the event, viewers hosted several

Matt Jacobi and Nick Caprio

Matt and Nick's custom "Barbie" gift for his nieces.

exciting, themed Watch Parties. Gina Bollenbach brought together 3 generations of Barbie lovers, all dressed in pink and holding their favorite dolls. The party included Denise, Sophia and Camilla Person and Darlene Lovisa and Dina Dennis. The most elaborate Watch Party Award goes to Pam Capitanini, who along with friends Simona Garcia,

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Totally Hair Barbie–the best selling Barbie of all time.

Rose Kallas, Christina Montgomery, Sasha Sino, Violetta Gutowska and Peggy Martay, enjoyed Barbie creativity that was unrivaled. Pam, along with daughter Lucia, had decorated her gorgeous Gold Coast home from top to bottom with Barbie inspiration: Barbie flower-filled vases, Barbie cookies in

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Ruth Handler is credited with creating the first Barbie Doll in 1959.

cellophane on tiny Barbie hangers, custom Barbie purses, Barbie coasters, food and placemats…well, you get the picture. Pam was gifted with a Warhol Barbie print signed by all her guests too. Awwww….The virtual event was sponsored by Richard and Diane Weinberg, Pamella Capitanini, Peggy Martay,

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A signed Classique Benefit Ball Barbie was the unique raffle prize donated by Pam Capitanini from her late mother's collection.

Elaine Cohen Rubin, Marci Holzer, Maggie M. Morgan and Noren Ungaretti. During the Q&A, Carol told the rapt viewers that her

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Diversity and curves for the current crop of Barbie Dolls.

favorite designs for Barbie were: The Golden Jubilee Barbie (that bears her name on the back); Totally Hair Barbie (the best selling doll of all time) and the Color Magic Barbie Series from the 60s which allowed kids to change the doll's hair color using a special solution. Today, 58 million Barbie Dolls are sold each year in over 150 countries. (For more about the Costume Council, please click here! Barbie fans, click here!)

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Rehearsal for "Get It Together," a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson (Photo by Brictson).

Chicago Dancers United (CDU) announced that its recent virtual Dance for Life 2020: United as One event exceeded its financial goal, raising more than $170,000 in contributions from nearly 700 donors! The event, sponsored by Optum, took place August 10-15 and showcased Dance for Life performances from the past 29 years via video recordings on its website, chicagodancersunited.org, including works by the annual Partner Dance Companies—Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and The Joffrey Ballet—as well as past and present companies, including Hanna Brictson and Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater, Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Trinity Irish Dance Company and Visceral Dance Chicago. Additional videos revisited previous Dance for Life finales by Randy Duncan

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Filming the world premiere for the virtual event. (Photo by Nadia Oussenko)

and Harrison McEldowney/Jeremy Plummer. Videos were available free on the website beginning August 10, with extended viewing opportunities continuing through August 23. As of publication date, there had been nearly 4,000 views of the archival videos. The culminating virtual event on Saturday, August 15 the original date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life scheduled at the Auditorium Theatre, featured the World Premiere of Get It Together choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19, performed by 23 dancers from throughout the Chicago area. Serving as hosts for the evening were Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues, co-hosts

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Cortney Hall, co-host of NBC Chicago's "Chicago Today," and  event co-host.

of NBC Chicago’s  program Chicago Today. The final event also featured a Dance for Life highlights reel, remarks from board members and sponsors, details about resources available from The Dancers’ Fund, information about the 30th anniversary of Dance for Life in 2021, and more. Dance

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Matt Rodrigues, co-host of NBC Chicago's "Chicago Today," and event co-host.

for Life brings Chicago's dance community together thanks to dancers who generously donate their time, energy, and artistry to support The Dancers’ Fund, which provides financial assistance to dance professionals diagnosed with a critical health need. The Fund has been expanded to help support dance community members who need financial assistance with routine medical expenses. Dance for Life also supports two partner agencies: AIDS Foundation Chicago, which mobilizes diverse communities across Illinois living with HIV, and the American Cancer Society, which is leading the fight for a world without cancer. (More info here)

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DIwgh12WsAEcom5Congrats to One Tail at a Time, a no-kill dog/cat shelter

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OTAT executive director/founder Heather Owen.

located in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. The nonprofit just received the Collective Impact Award from Best Friends Animal Society, another nonprofit that recognizes outstanding local organizations working to save pets in need across the country. Stacy Rogers, Best Friends Midwest regional director, said of OTAT, "I recently told the executive director here [Heather Owen] that if I were an

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OTAT volunteer with adoptable puppies.

animal rescue group, I'd want to be just like them [OTAT] when I grew up! One Tail at a Time has built a community organization that is constantly growing and evolving to meet the needs of the pets and people where they live. They've helped shelter partners and families with pets, and have had a huge lifesaving impact in Chicago." Congrats and thanks to Heather, her fabulous team and her amazing nonprofit!" Congrats OTAT!

 

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Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru in Wheaton.

Everyone is looking for things to do these days, now that most of our normal means of entertainment have been closed or severely limited. We decided to take a drive to Wheaton, the DuPage County Fairgrounds to be exact, for a Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru! Since I was little, I've always had

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80 ft. T-Rex (Photo by Charlene Seaman)

dreams of being a paleontologist so I jumped at this opportunity. Granted, it's truly more of a kids' experience but we still had fun and I saw more than a few other couples in cars (with no kids) too so we weren't the only ones. The car line to get in is VERY daunting, I must admit, but by then we were fully committed having already bought our tickets online (as you must). The adventure is strictly a drive-thru and

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Kids at heart.

everyone is directed to stay in their vehicles. We were lucky to have a convertible which brought the dinos a little closer. They roar (although not nearly loud enough) and move a little….the cars snake throughout the grounds where over 80 different kinds of dinosaurs

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Carnival food!

are represented. A guided tour, which you can download prior to your arrival, explains in detail interesting tidbits about each species. There's also a cute puzzle pamphlet that each car receives which is great for the kids to play later. There are different ticket prices, with one package including a sort of swag bag (also for

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Baby dinos too! LOL!

the kiddies). A highlight and something that we didn't expect, was the carnival food (from Arlington's Best Concessions) that was available. Granted, you order and it's delivered to your car, but some of the offerings included funnel cakes, hotdogs, cotton candy, lemonade, sno-cones, hand-dipped caramel apples, nachos with cheese/peppers, popcorn and more. And don't forget to take advantage of the free photo opp (that you can download later) at the end. The experience is on now through Sept. 7. (For tickets and more info, click here) (Btw, nighttime seems to be better for viewing, thanks for this tip Charlene Seaman!)

 

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Liza Minnelli at Studio 54.

I ran across this great article about celebs partying in the '70s, many at Studio 54, and it brought back so many fun memories. I was lucky enough to go there when I lived in NYC while I was modeling with Wilhelmina. It was, as everyone has heard, THE place to be and, in hindsight, it was the most exciting nightclub I've ever

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Grace Jones at Studio 54.

been to in my life. I remember seeing Liza Minnelli, Halston and so many other celebs. I met Grace Jones there and she took a liking to me, inviting me and a fellow model back to her beautiful apartment after Studio. I'll always remember her all white piano and her fabulous outrageousness. She invited me to one of her performances in NYC after this encounter too but I didn't

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Calvin Klein and Brook Shields at Studio 54.

go (duh!?)…Studio became the place to be for one reason, its uber-strict door policy. It was always a scene but I do think because not everyone could get in, everyone wanted to go. I was very lucky as I never had to wait in line. Being friends with the doormen are always rule number one in places like this and I'm no fool. In the Decades TV segment below, I talk about the glory days of this iconic hotspot with Lorna Luft, Nikki Haskell, Ian Schrager, Anthony-Haden Guest and others. Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell opened this joy factory on April 26, 1977. (Ian's description of the opening in the video is priceless).  

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Dining out for lifeDining Out for Life Chicago! will take place Thursday, Sept. 24!  People can dine in, order takeout or delivery from your favorite restaurants to support TPAN's mission to serve people affected by HIV. I'm honored to serve as a co-chair with WGN-TV's Sean Lewis and restaurateur Amy Lawless. Dozens of participating restaurants across Chicagoland will support TPAN. Just a few include The Dearborn, Farmhouse Evanston, Hamburger Mary's Chicago, Lark, Mr. Brown's Lounge, Yoshi's Cafe Chicago and Uncommon Ground Edgewater. (More details here!) Thanks to ALL who participate!

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Illinois Holocaust inviteThe Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's

Best Katie and me.

With The Voice Finalist Katie Kadan, who will be performing.

virtual SOIREE event, as you know, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm. Their amazing raffle is now LIVE! Buy a ticket to win a Peleton indoor bike, a bottle of rare Old Rip Van Winkle Whiskey, a $1000 gift card to Chicago Cut Steakhouse or an iPad Air! Click here for all the raffle details and click here to join us for the live event featuring The Voice finalist Katie Kadan! (See her message below!)

 

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Sherrill bodine

AIBI's Rev Up! will honor Sherrill Bodine on Oct. 29.


Get ready to celebrate! The Apparel Industry Foundation will honor the one and only Sherrill Bodine at its annual Rev Up! Fashion Show benefit at Bentley Gold Coast on Thursday, October 29! All proceeds from the evening help support the work of AIBI which provides scholarships, educational programming, vocational training to young people starting careers in the sewn products industry, and most recently keeping unemployed theater stitchers working to produce PPE. (For tickets and more info, click here). (Rosemary Fanti illustration) Hope to see you ALL there!

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Facetunebest_16-08-2020-17-52-23It's always a thrill to try out new neighborhoods and see what they have to offer. Over the weekend, we visited the Farmer's IMG_3420Market in Wicker Park. The entrance was at 1425 N. Damen. With Covid precautions in full swing, visiting these markets is a little different now. First off, the line was two blocks long to get in due to social distancing restrictions. And, once inside, no food could be consumed on the premises which was pretty hard to do with a tamale stand, homemade donuts and ice cream and other such vendors. But we still enjoyed the beautiful offerings from Stamper Cheese, Lyons Fruit IMG_3421Farm & Green House, Iron Creek Farm and so many others. We loved Tomato Bliss, whose owner is dedicated to preserving the heirloom tomato trade. There were all IMG_3428 sorts of tempting treats made from these tasty tomatoes and we bought several. This market is open every Sunday from 8 am to 2 pm. We can't wait to tour more! According to Wiki, Chicago has 178 neighborhoods! We're gonna be very busy!  

 

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Thumbnail_CMFA 2020 IG SQR PSTThe Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will host the 5th annual Chicago Men's Fashion Awards virtually this year, during the week of September 14-20. The CMFA Superstar Spotlight Series campaign will honor ten past, best-dressed winners who have the talent of combining fashion and philanthropy. The ten past winners answered an intensive questionnaire and their profiles will be released during this week accompanied by photos shot by Sandro Miller. The virtual event will raise awareness for the Costume Council and the Chicago History Museum and allow participants to win several fabulous prizes through a raffle. Follow along here and please support if you can.

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MASK-erade Guest Flyer v2-page-001I LOVE HOLIDAY HEROES! This amazing nonprofit provides joy and a much needed diversion for hospitalized kids by hosting themed parties, providing activity boxes and costumed characters and so much more. As we all know, fundraising these days is proving challenging but this organization, led by the much loved Felicia Winiecki (executive director), has planned a virtual CARNIVAL! The Midway Mask-erade will be held on Thursday, October 17 at 7 pm CST. Emceed by WGN's morning weatherman Paul Konrad, the event will feature performances by Sixteen Candles and Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, the magic of Ben Seidman (live from Las Vegas), amazing feats by the Actors Gymnasium and so much more. One of my favorites,  auctioneer Greg "The G-Man" Dellinger will also be presenting some fabulous packages and you can even "mix your own carnival cocktail" with Gibson's very own bartender Mark Wagner. (For all the details, click here!)

 

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PrenticeFriends of Prentice will host "Still Together, At Home," a virtual fundraiser that will take place on Saturday, October 24. The live event will celebrate the org's 35th anniversary and honor our healthcare heroes while raising funds for women's health research. To donate, click here and to register and for more info, click here.

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There are a few good things to come out of this pandemic Film festand the return of drive-ins is definitely one of them! The first annual NW Illinois Film Festival will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26 from 8 to midnight. This drive-in is located at 91 Palmyra Road in Sterling, Illinois (an hour and 48 minute drive from Chicago). The festival will celebrate Indie filmmakers and their work, which will include "Riding the Rails to Hero Street", "Follower", "Dearly Departed" and others. The event is free but registration is required. (email: condev@whiteside.org or visit filmnwillinois.com)

MyEyeDr package for back to schoolIf you have kids, this is a great, first time offer from MYEYEDR. Online or in the classroom, MyEyeDr.'s "True Blue (back to school) Deal" includes an exam, select frames, plus lenses with blue light protection, all for $149! Schedule your child's eye exam today here at your neighborhood MED. (They are my go-to favorite for all of my own eyecare needs).

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Navy Pier

I was so sad to hear of the temporary closing of Navy Pier starting Tuesday, Sept. 8. I understand the need to limit the financial burden and impact of the ongoing pandemic on the organization but still… The closure will put a halt to all Pier-wide operations, including that of Navy Pier’s more than 70 small local businesses,

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Chicago Shakespeare Theater on the Pier.

which have also experienced significantly low attendance throughout the pandemic. Public access to the Pier’s outdoor spaces, including Polk Bros Park and North and South Docks, will also be limited or prohibited during the closure. One new business may open, however. The new 222-room Sable Hotel is nearing completion and

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Shakespeare Theater on the Pier.

Pier officials said it could go ahead and open while the rest of the pier is closed, according to Robert Habeeb, CEO of Maverick Hotels and Restaurants. He expects a November 1 opening. And, despite the Pier's planned closure through the winter months, Chicago Shakespeare Theater executive director Criss Henderson said in a statement the theater, which has been closed since March, “has exciting plans in place to welcome audiences back to the theater for the return of live, in-person performances as soon as it is safe to do so in early 2021.” Click here for the Theater's exciting 35th season virtual programming!

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Mark Roscoe, Distinct Man of Honor!

Congrats, with love, to one of Chicago's most revered and beloved fashion designers, Mark Roscoe. He was

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Designer Mark Roscoe with his wise and beautiful late mom, Enzula Roscoe.

chosen as a Distinct Man of Honor 2020 by NVP 1 World Entertainment. Mark was honored for his "achievements, growth and virtuous culture that met our four pillars of the foundation: caring, loving, involvement in humanitarian activities and for influencing people positively throughout your career." It's not a surprise considering the advice Mark's late mom, Enzula Roscoe, gave him. "You can be anything or anybody that you set your mind to, but it's more important for you to be caring, compassionate and honorable. It's not what you do but how you do it."  I see you've heeded your mom's advice very well Mark! Kudos, well deserved!

 

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LuminartsLuminarts Cultural Foundation will host a virtual fundraiser, "Next begins Now," on Saturday, October 10. The event will feature performances and studio visits with the Foundation's Fellows and ways to support Luminart's mission of providing the resources needed for exemplary young artists to launch a professional career in the arts. The event will be co-chaired by Matt Olaveson and Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek. For tickets and more info, click here!

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Chicago children's choirChicago Children's Choir will host a virtual celebration, "Reverberation: A Celebration of Enduring Voices," on Saturday, September 26 at 8 pm. This unique hybrid event will pair a FREE virtual concert program by the Chicago Children’s Choir, with exciting pre- and post-event festivities. The one-hour program will feature CCC performing a lively selection of inspirational works ranging

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Josephine Lee, Chicago Children's Choir president/artistic director, w/ choir members.

from U2’s "One to Just a Dream," written by 11-year-old Choir member Jamion Cotten with Choir alum W. Mitchell Owens, to special guest appearances. Pre-Show gatherings will feature engagement with CCC singers virtually or via curbside performances, while an After-Party featuring popular DJ Matt Roan will keep the party going! Creative hospitality packages, provided by BOKA Catering and Kehoe Designs, invite guests to replicate the ‘gala experience’ at home with options ranging from an in-home Chef-crafted dinner for ten to DIY meal and cocktail kits. Guests may register here!

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BalloonsAnd, in closing, I have no idea if this is a true story or not, but I sure hope it is: A wise teacher once brought balloons to school, told her pupils to blow them up and write their name on one. After the children tossed their balloons into the hall, the teacher moved through the

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Please send info to Candace@CandidCandace.com

hall mixing them all up. The kids were given five minutes to find the balloon with their name on it, but though they searched frantically, no one found their own balloon. Then the teacher told them to take the balloon closest to them and give it to the person whose name was on it. In less than two minutes, everyone was holding their own balloon. The teacher said to the children, “These balloons are like happiness. We won't find it when we're only searching for our own. But if we care about someone else's happiness…it will ultimately help us find our own.”

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

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


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GALAS GOING VIRTUAL: HOW SHAKESPEARE THEATRE COMPANY CELEBRATED THE BARD’S BIRTHDAY IN STYLE ONLINE

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Sign seen on Covid car ride. We believe.

Welcome back for my second blog under covid. Like everyone else in the world, I feel like this thing has me by the throat. I understand the frustration of people trying to gain back some freedom. In the beginning, believe it or not, I thought this was sort of fun–at least I had an excuse to stay home with Chuck and Rooney. I even got in some very creative cooking, thanks to Chef Art Smith and his great Insta videos. The stay-at-home order was like having permission to take a staycation. Little did I, or anyone else,

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We miss shooting the breeze with Joey.

realize how long this would last and the horrible loss of life, sickness and personal sacrifice (on behalf of the front line workers

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Gibson's with Kathy Piccone–such a sweet memory that I hope will return soon.

and others) it would cost. I understand the safety precautions we all need to take but I'm definitely ready to get back to work, get out of the house and have a reason to get dressed and earn a paycheck again. Zoom meetings are not for me. I'm a Gemini, I need social interaction like I need air to breathe. I know this will end but then what? What will the new normal look like? We all see how the world changed following 9/11. I

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Pizano's, festive at Christmastime and always.

can't imagine flying with plastic panels between seats, nor can I imagine what dining in restaurants will look like. How in

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Armando Vasquez, La Scarola. We're waiting to do this again!

the world will Armando Vasquez, from La Scarola, share tequila shooters with us? How will I handle not getting a hug from Kathy Piccone at Gibson's and how sad would it be not to be able to sit at Tufano's with Joey DiBuono or at the bar at Pizano's with Brian shooting the breeze. Times will change but I pray memories like these will return for us all, and soon.

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Fundraising-organizations-nonprofit-charityOur fabulous gala-going days have been cut short too, for now. Thank you Rona. However, that doesn't mean nonprofits aren't getting creative with their fundraising, ergo virtual galas! Now, we all know this isn't nearly as gratifying as rubbing shoulders with friends, comparing new outfits or toasting a successful night, but it is a vital effort for the organizations to stay afloat and keep revenue streams open. I've come to realize that if supporters have their heart set on your nonprofit, they will find a way to help and this gives them a perfect opportunity during this crisis. Case in point, I recently "attended/watched" Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's online event, "Toast to Shakespeare's Birthday." It's lucky for them that they have such a deep arsenal of performing and creative talent, which helped move along the 1/2 hour free celebration. It was joyous and thoughtfully produced with nearly 2000 households tuning in and several thousand more on-demand. The organization was really ahead of the game though as they've been producing "tons" of online content as part of their ongoing Shakes@Home initiative. The recent birthday celebration for the bard was the first virtual event of this kind that they have produced. The event was part of its Brave New World campaign which brought in more than $10,000 in new and first time gifts toward the $900,000 raised to date. Read details below:

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Shakespeare Theater Company's virtual gala was a great success!

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presented a one-night-only streaming event Toast to Shakespeare’s Birthday! on April 23. On the occasion of the Bard’s 456th birthday, a line-up of special guests—including the Queens of SIX on Broadway, Chicago Theater legend Larry Yando, hip-hop sensations the Q Brothers Collective, actor/author John Tufts, as well as T.R. Knight, Heather Headley, Peter Sagal, Chef Rick

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A 456th BD celebration!

Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton and Rebecca Night, James Vincent Meredith, E. Faye Butler, and more–all offered toasts to the Bard during the 1/2 hour virtual event that opened with a welcome from artistic director Barbara Gaines and creative producer Rick Boynton. The fun-filled event featured a special musical performance from the

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The virtual event was hosted by Rick Boynton and Barbara Gaines.

SIX Queens—Adrianna Hicks, Andrea Macasaet, Abby Mueller, Brittney Mack, Samantha Pauly, and Anna Uzele—who headlined the North American Premiere production of the hit show at Chicago Shakespeare in Spring 2019 and now await their return to the Broadway stage. Legendary Chicago theater actor Larry Yando joined online to discuss Shakespeare after appearing onstage in some of the Bard’s most storied roles. The evening also featured Chicago hip hop sensations, the Q Brothers Collective – GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos, who have created award-winning “ad-rap-tations” of Shakespeare including Othello: The Remix. Actor

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Beautiful stars from the "Queens of Six"

and author John Tufts, along with his son, shared a birthday-themed recipe from his newly released book, Fat Rascals: Dining at Shakespeare’s Table. Making special appearances throughout the event were T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Shakespeare’s A IMG_7132Midsummer Night’s Dream), Heather Headley (Broadway’s The Color Purple, Aida, The Lion King), NPR’s Peter Sagal (Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me), Chef Rick Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton (Downton Abbey, Broadway’s My Fair Lady) and Rebecca Night (Chicago Shakespeare’s The King’s Speech), James Vincent Meredith (The Book of Mormon National Tour), award-winning vocalist E. Faye Butler, as well as Heidi Kettenring, Laura Rook and Nate Burger, Jennifer Latimore, and Sean

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The theater company's design department is hard at work helping create masks during the crisis.

and Linda Fortunato. The event highlighted Chicago Shakespeare’s current initiatives to serve audiences, artists and the community and covered Chicago

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John Tufts, and his son, cooked on the show and "shamelessly" touted his new cookbook.

Shakespeare’s new free educational initiative, Stream and Study, which provides educators with a digital stream of the Theater’s 2017 abridged production of Romeo and Juliet, adapted and directed by Marti Lyons and a wide array of teaching materials and activities, tailored for the now-virtual classroom. Hundreds of teachers have already signed up to implement the program in their digital curriculum. The

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Actor Greg Vinkler offered a virtual toast.

Theater’s "Masks for faces and for Noses" project, in partnership with University of Illinois – Chicago, was also spotlighted.

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Actors Rebecca Night and Harry Hadden-Paton.

The project workers have completed more than 18,000 patient face masks for UI Health hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the state, all while providing a source of income to more than 100 theater-makers across the city, many of whom are out of work due to the COVID-19-releated theater closures. The virtual event closed with cast members and other theater VIPs thanking the viewers and the front line workers. Gaines ended with, "Stay safe, be well and let's all take care of each other."

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GDC April 25Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago for its first ever virtual Zoom jazz dance experience that was held on Gus Giordano Day April 25 with renowned choreographer Ray Leeper. The

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GDC's Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas welcomed viewers from Nan's living room.

energetic and inspiring online event opened with a welcome from artistic director Nan Giordano and artistic programs manager, Cesar Salinas, from Nan's beautiful living room. Nan introduced Leeper who appeared from his Los Angeles home. This was followed by 20-minute combo sessions conducted by Giordano and Leeper with appearances by the

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Choreographer Ray Leeper led us all in dance from his home in LA.

dancers at various intervals. Everyone was encouraged to follow along for this intermediate level online dance celebration. Over 300 viewers tuned in from 12 countries and 31 states, raising $3000 for America's original jazz dance company, now in its 57th year. At the conclusion, a full screen

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The entire GDC company participated and joined together at the conclusion to thank supporters.

of all of the dancers appeared with Nan, Cesar, Ray and Michael McStraw, executive director. GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in America. The event will be held again on June 9 led by Leeper, this time on NAN GIORDANO DAY! Congrats to all and I'll "see" you on June 9! (To follow along, click here!)

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Pants Optional, a virtual gala for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Saturday, May 9.

And you won't want to miss THIS virtual gala! Steppenwolf Theatre Company will replace its 2020 Gala with a special (FREE) online event, Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée. The event will celebrate the power of theatre and raise critical funds to keep the company alive during a time of necessary social-distancing. Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee this festive virtual gathering on Saturday, May 9, at 6:30 pm CST, with special appearances by Steppenwolf ensemble members Joan Allen, Gary Cole, John Malkovich, Sandra Marquez and Laurie Metcalf, along with celebrity guests who will be announced on

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STC ensemble member John Malkovich will participate in the virtual event.

Steppenwolf’s social media channels and website. Steppenwolf ensemble members and esteemed celebrity guests will make special appearances in this

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Ensemble member Tracy Young.

virtual soirée, uniting with Steppenwolf supporters, audiences and fans viewing the event from the comfort of their homes. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to give online, by phone or by text to help raise funds to bring back to the stage I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, this season’s Steppenwolf for Young Adults hit world premiere based on the award-winning novel by

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Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee.

Erika L. Sánchez, adapted by celebrated Chicago playwright Isaac Gómez. The extended and sold out run was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis and remounting the production in the Spring of 2021 would bring back to life this essential Chicago story for those who were unable to see it and others who want to see it again. Wrapping up Steppenwolf’s spectacular online bash, attendees can participate in a virtual dance party with the talented DJ Tracy Young, who won a 2020 Grammy for her remix of Madonna’s I Rise. “Although our traditional gala is always a wonderful night that we look forward to, I know that this year’s event will be truly special. Being able to come together online with a greater swath of Steppenwolf artists, audiences and supporters for a collective

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Beloved ensemble member Joan Allen will also participate.

moment of joy during these difficult times is just what we need to support live theatre and each other,” shares artistic director Anna D. Shapiro.

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Ensemble member Gary Cole.

Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée co-chairs include ensemble member Joan Allen; trustee Susan Berghoef; ensemble members Gary Cole and Sandra Marquez; and trustee Anne Phillips and Don Phillips. “Every year we look forward to a fun celebration with artists, ensemble, trustees and guests in support of the incredible work that Steppenwolf

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Ensemble member Sandra Marquez.

Education does season after season. We’re thrilled that this year’s virtual platform allows us to expand our reach by making it free and open to all. What better way to uplift the power of live theatre than raising funds to bring back a production that was so meaningful to our teen and public audiences. We are looking forward to reuniting with our Steppenwolf community online with this event and at our theatre again in the future,” shared executive director David Schmitz. Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée lead sponsors are Anne and Don Phillips with additional support from Innovators Allstate, The Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Exelon, Grosvenor Capital Management, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, The Orlebeke Foundation and The Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, among others. For more details on how to stream this exciting event, click here!

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Holly Buckendahl, RMHC CEO

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana hosted its first virtual UNGala on May 2. Hosted by Fred (of KISS 103.5 FM) and Holly Buckendahl, the nonprofit's CEO, the 40 minute event featured a performance by Sixteen Candles (that was introduced by lead singer Adam LeBlanc). The group sang "Chains of Love." Nick Lynch, 3-time

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Fred, of KISS 103.5 FM) hosted the show.

American Idol contestant sang "Best Days" by Graham Colton. In between performances, RMHC ambassador families shared their stories of staying at the Houses when their children were sick. The Donnelly family's daughter Olivia, was born with a rare heart condition

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Baby Olivia before her first heart transplant.

that required hospitalization that eventually led to heart transplant surgery, not once, but twice. Every year, the family leads a Walk for Hope and Olivia is doing great now! Throughout the event, Holly shared info about the 5 Houses spread across Chicagoland (along with three Family Rooms). She said, "We

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Sixteen Candles' Adam LeBlanc.

exist so families can get better together." The Houses served around 18,000 kids last year. It costs about $85 per night to house a family but they are asked to donate only $10, if they can. If they can't, no family is ever turned away. There was a Q&A with Ronald McDonald introduced by franchise

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American Idol's Nick Lynch performed.

owner/operator Derrick Lott. Ronald led the viewers in a dance and told some cute jokes. Mardelle Gundlach, program director, gave supporters a tour of the House near Comer Children's Hospital. Fred spoke about his own family's experiences staying in various

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Olivia in dancing mode–she's doing great now!

Houses when he had meningitis as a kid. In conclusion, the band Spoken Four sang Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Pete Bensen, RMHCCNI board chair, thanked everyone for viewing and donating. "While the world around us is on pause, childhood illness doesn't take a break." The event

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Spoken Four performed.

raised over $760,000 towards a $1 million goal with donations pouring in online from the Benson Family ($10K); McGonigal Family ($5K); True Group ($10K); Koerner Family ($2500); Hammock Family ($2500); Caitlin Griffin ($1K); Capgemini Family ($10K); Red Shoes Society ($5K) and the Chicago Bulls and White Sox ($5K) and so many more. Donations for the UnGala are continuing through the end of the month (and anytime, of course). To donate or bid on silent auction items, click here!   

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Untit00ledI'm so happy to be receiving so many updates on

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Chicago House has reset its event to September 13.

the return of previously cancelled galas! Please mark your calendars for the following big events that will be live and in person (for now anyway). Make sure you check each nonprofit's website though as the event draws closer in case there have been changes.

Chicago House & Social Service's 34th annual Brunch & Fashion Show has been rescheduled  for September 13. I will be front and center for this hotly anticipated, fun-filled, joyous event to benefit this nonprofit that, since 1985, has provided support for those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. For tickets, more info, please click here!

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Josh Hale, pres/CEO Big Shoulders Fund, and friends.

The Big Shoulders Fund will host its annual "Reach for the Stars" gala on Friday, September 23 at the Hilton Chicago. Here's what Josh Hale, president/CEO, had to say about BSF which provides support to Catholic Schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. "We are actively working to keep our mission strong and vibrant. Our 95 schools are providing e-learning to some 26,000 children in under-resourced communities. Also, we are listening to the needs of these schools and children and are providing them with what they need – chromebooks, social-emotional supports, food, and caring – love!  While all of these are critical, ensuring these children, their families and communities have access to food has been the most critical and uplifting!  With the support of generous supporters, we have initiated U77ntitledan innovative partnerships with small community-based restaurants to deliver food/meals to our students, families, and others in the community facing food instability. Currently, we have 20 sites set up – our schools – located in some of Chicago’s lowest income communities.  We have partnered with just over 30 local, family owned

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Happy kids enjoying meals from Big Shoulders Fund initiatives.

restaurants in these communities to provide meals.  We pay the restaurants to prepare the meals which are either distributed at our schools or picked-up from the restaurant. They are fresh, hot and restaurant quality. We see this as a win-win in that we help local community-based organizations – restaurants and our schools – to remain open, vibrant and fulfilling a great need in their community. This program has grown significantly and, thus far, we have served nearly 20,000 meals and counting." Keep up the great work Josh and BSF! (For gala tickets, more info about this amazing nonprofit, and/or to support, click here!)

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After School Matters, a nonprofit that provides Chicago high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities, had to cancel its Sneaker Ball this year that was scheduled for May 2. It will be reset for Spring 2021.

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Bright Futures virtual gala is set for Thursday, May 14.

Bright Futures has changed its event to a virtual gala set for Thursday, May 14. The event will support its Youth Guidance initiative that mentors and counsels 13,000 youth.

The National Museum of Mexican Art had to cancel its May 8th fundraiser that would've presented the Arthur R. Velasquez Award to Adela Cepeda for her significant contributions and support. She will now be honored at next year's gala. In the meantime, the Museum asks if you can donate, please do so here. The Museum is the only one dedicated to Mexican art and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

The Chicago Flower & Garden Show had to cancel its always anticipated event this year but they are offering new content every week online through its Get Growing channel on YouTube. Please check it out and donate if you can here.

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Victory Gardens Theater will honor actor Andre De Shields at its October24 Chicago Stories Gala.

Victory Gardens Theater's "Chicago Stories" gala will be held on Saturday, October 24 at the Four Seasons. The event will honor the very talented actor/legend Andre De Shields with guest playwright and MSNBC legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks. For tickets and more info, click here!

The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is offering a variety of digital content online on its CSO From Home channel. Check it out and support, if you can.

The Harris Theatre for Music & Dance, in association with the Lyric Opera, will livestream Beyond the Aria on May 11. Artistic director Craig Terry will be joined by three Lyric artists for an evening of uplifting music. Click here for more info and to watch.

The Second City, the famed comedy institution, has adapted its improvisation-based shows to create real- CfUOkHY7_400x400time, interactive and socially "together" virtual experiences available to audiences world-wide. The events are streamed for free but donations will be accepted to The Second City Alumni Fund, a resource for performers and other members of The Second City community experiencing critical health and financial challenges. Register for shows here.

The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago offers a free digital museum archive that features a rich repository of 20,000+ Greek American artifacts, photos, historic newspapers, books and more than 450 recorded oral histories to explore. This is the largest collection of its kind in the world and it's right here at your fingertips!

WTTW-WFMT's annual gala scheduled for May 6 was cancelled. It would've celebrated women on the 100th anniversary of us getting the right to vote. The theme was Trailblazers: Women Who Change the World. No info is available yet as for a new date. I'll be waiting to hear Julia!

The Adler Planetarium Women's Board had to cancel its WISS (Women in Space Science) Luncheon and is now focusing on the Celestial Ball set for September 12 at the Planetarium. Mark your calendars and check out more info here! See video of last year's spectacular Ball below!

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago has made the decision to reschedule the 71st Annual Woman's Board Ball to Saturday, November 14 at the Four Seasons Chicago. They will hold the ball as originally planned by honoring two Woman's Board Visionaries, Karen Gray-Krehbiel and the late Kim White. For more info, click here.

Ryp1s4qZSVSt. Jude's Four Stars Restaurant Extravaganza has a tentative hold on Tuesday, September 29 to hold its event, this year at a new venue The Field Museum! And the always exciting  St. Jude Fashion Show, this year chaired by dear friend Ann Danner Dwyer, will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021! Mark your calendars for both and follow along here for details.

Nothing deters The Service Club of Chicago! The annual Spring Luncheon (the hat luncheon) will now be held on Thursday, September 3, at the Drake Hotel. Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will feature the same speaker as originally planned, Laura Dowling, who

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The SC Spring Luncheon has been moved to Thursday, September 3.

served as the Chief Floral Designer at The White House. SC president Sherrill Bodine said, "These are uncharted waters but SC does have plans to continue our mission. We have survived the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the '29 Crash, two World Wars and much more because we keep doing our job!" The nonprofit also is conducting virtual philanthropic grant sessions so help in the community will still be ongoing to those organizations who need it the most. The Day on the

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SC's virtual cocktail party will be held on Thursday, May 7.

Terrace Fashion Show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions and co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey, Tracey DiBuono and Jamie Thorsen is still scheduled for Monday, August 3 at the Peninsula. (For more info, click here!)  Also, mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7 when the SC presents its first Zoom Cocktail Party! Hosted by Nikki Friar at Marchesa Chicago, the event helps the SC support nonprofits throughout Chicagoland. There will be much camaraderie, cocktail recipes, mixology tips and, I'm sure, a lot of laughs! Click the link for more info and to purchase your ticket ($25) here! Boy, these ladies are BUSY!

89356a_19669d1df02c491aa8c09d9da3cc4c76~mv2Another great women's organization is hard at work making a difference in Hinsdale. The Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club (HJWC) is comprised of generous, dedicated, diligent women always asking, "How can we help?", and in unprecedented times like these, that question is coming up even more frequently. Recently, Hinsdale Hospital reached out for HJWC’s help in relation to its COVID-19 needs. The hospital shared a wish list of various medical items they desperately needed and HJWC came through to support them. Thanks to efforts from its philanthropy co-chairs Tina Weller, Dee Bauer, Ruta Brigden, Colleen Whitehead and Liz Weir, along with its executive board, HJWC was able to donate a grant of $19,210 to help purchase three handheld Echo Cardiology Machines and a Portable Patient Monitor. Kudos to all involved in this remarkable effort!

Https _cdn.evbuc.com_images_89799697_161306808570_1_original.20200128-182244The Chicago Lighthouse will now host its "Seeing What's Possible" gala, chaired by Anida "Cookie" Cohen, on Wednesday, September 23. The event, with a Roaring '20s theme, will be held at the Four Seasons with dinner, a program and dancing to the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. It will honor David and Nancy Huber and the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences Systems. For more info, click here!  

JourneyCare's "Allstars of Project Runway" event will be held on Saturday, September 26

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JourneyCare's Allstars of Project Runway event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26.

at the Arlington International Racecourse. The event will raise funds and shine a spotlight on care for children and adults living with serious illness. FYI, the runway show is spectacular. Last year it was led by Chicago's own Peach Carr! For more info, click here!

The Holiday Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit led by executive director Felicia Winiecki, provides joy and entertainment to children who are seriously ill by hosting themed hospital parties. Their annual event has been pushed to September but a date hasn't yet been decided. To check details when they become available, please click here!  

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The thrill of a lifetime, riding in the Pride Parade on the Baton Show Lounge float.

Sadly, the much loved Pride Parade has been postponed from its June 28th date. Tim Frye, coordinator of the 2020 parade, said he hopes the event can be held in late summer or early fall and that, if it can't be rescheduled then, it will be back in 2021. Boystown's annual Pride Fest, which was planned for June 20/21, was also postponed. It has been rescheduled for Sept. 5 and 6. Yeah!!!! (Watch for updates here).

Besides the ones mentioned above, all of these following arts, dance and theater companies will provide a virtual stage for programming. They include the Joffrey Ballet, Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theatre, The Neo-Futurist Theater, Lookingglass Theatre, Sideshow Theatre, Black Button Eyes Productions, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 

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95352751_10222070677541046_6829140224187039744_nCongrats to TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network)! The organization's Dining Out For Life campaign, that raised funds for community-based organizations serving U99ntitledpeople living with or impacted by HIV, had to be re-imagined this year due to the Covid crisis. Bryant Dunbar (TPAN director of development), Michael Murphy (board chair), Charlie Jungwirth Untit99led(manager of events and community engagement) and other team members. decided the nonprofit would still show its support for the restaurant community that has supported it for so long. TPAN encouraged supporters to take part in a Solidarity Dinner on April 30 as a way of giving back. Chuck and I ordered a

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Wilde Bar & Restaurant Solidarity Dinner carry out.

delicious dinner from Wilde Bar & Restaurant. As an added bonus, inside the carry-out bag, were two laminated cards. One had a quote from Victor Hugo, "Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." And on another

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Thoughtful inserts in carry out bag from Wilde Bar & Restaurant.

card, there was the most beautiful poem by Donna Ashworth which read, in part, "History will remember when the people sang on their balconies, in isolation but so very much together in courage and song…History will remember when the virus left and the houses opened and the people came out and hugged and kissed and started again. Kinder than before." Just beautiful!

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Cancer and CareersCancer and Careers helps cancer patients and survivors who are navigating the job market, Beauty with Benefitsreturning to work and/or looking for work. This nonprofit has a relationship with QVC and The Home Shopping Network and are offering an incredible sale for a contribution. The annual event, called "Beauty with Benefits," will take place on May 28 and run for 4 hours. With each purchase, regardless of how much is spent, the customer will receive a free gift valued at $230. All the brands who participate will donate the products to be sold with 80% of each purchase supporting CAC. Click here for all the details! (Thanks for the heads-up Christie Hefner!)

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Fifty-50 raffleWin virtual happy hours with Tom Ricketts, Rahm and ESPN’s Sarah Spain; a very rare 1973 Old Fitzgerald's 1849 8-Year bourbon; experiences at Utopian Tailgate, The Second City, Roots, Steadfast and more when you purchase a raffle ticket to benefit The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group's charity initiatives. The Food Drive Raffle will help feed those in need and, to date, has produced over 25,000 meals. Raffle tickets start at $20 (which will provide two meals for those in need), and the raffle ends at 11pm CST on Tuesday, May 12. Winners of each prize will be chosen via an online random winner selector, and winners will be notified on May 13. To see all of the items available and to purchase raffle tickets, click here!

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Phil Cooper

Designer Phil Cooper's new event planning idea, High-minded Events.

Designer Phil Cooper is on a real "high" with his new event planning idea. He has created High-minded Events, "Illinois' premiere cannabis concierge"! This new concept will take events to a whole new level! "From infused dining to creative explorations, High-minded Events will offer elevated experiences that harness the cannabis plant's ability to foster togetherness and fortify relationships," Phil shared. "Whether guests are connoisseurs or curious, we provide a tailored, smoke-free way to enhance the occasion." Good luck Phil! (For details, click here!)

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Steve and Marjorie Harvey fashionably masked.

The Chicago Sun-Times shared a very important article about face masks. Basically, it's everything you need to know about wearing them, caring for them and what types are the best for safety. The article, by Stephanie Zimmermann, states that there are three kinds of masks–N95 masks, medical or surgical masks and cloth masks. N95s block 95% of particles and medical/surgical masks filter out about 60-80% of particles. Any of these types of masks work better than a bandana. Read article here for all the details. #StaySafe #StayMasked

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Leave it to the Rolling Stones, they never miss an opportunity to stay relevant. They have released a very cool song perfectly describing the weird times we're all living through. "Living in a Ghost Town," the song and accompanying video, was written and created by Jagger and Keith Richards in London and L.A. (in isolation).  Mick said, ‘‘So the Stones were in the studio recording some new material before the lockdown and there was one song we thought would resonate through the times that we’re living in right now. We’ve worked on it in isolation. And here it is – It’s called ‘Living in a Ghost Town’ – I hope you like it” Keith said, “So, let's cut a long story short. We cut this track well over a year ago in L.A. for part of a new album, an ongoing thing, and then shit hit the fan. Mick and I decided this one really needed to go to work right now and so here you have it, "Living in a Ghost Town." Stay safe!” Watch it below…..so cool!

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Happy 31st anniversary GIBSONS!

Happy 31st anniversary to Gibson's Bar & Restaurant! Chuck and I got married the same year this wonderful hotspot opened,

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Frank with Tom Dreesen.

1989, and we always celebrate our anniversaries "together"! We even had our rehearsal dinner at the brand new Gibsons! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9 when everybody's favorite comedian, Tom Dreesen, will livestream a Zoom event, in collab with the restaurant! “The Man Who Made Sinatra Laugh” will share never-before-told stories from his friendship with the legendary Frank Sinatra! For Zoom tickets, $25, click here!

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Facetune_02-05-2020-16-21-37On Saturday, when the temps reached 70 and the sun came out, Chuck, Rooney and I made a break for it. We took our old Sebring convertible north on Lake Shore Drive and we didn't stop until we reached a beach. We were careful to stay outside the I am sooo blogging about thispolice barricade but we could still feel the breeze on our faces and hear the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. It felt like we had taken a long trip but it was only 20 minutes away. It's true that this virus has forced us to stop and smell the roses. I guess out of everything bad, comes something good. For us, that trip rejuvenated us beyond belief. We had sand in our shoes and grateful hearts. I hope you get a chance to do the same.

Love, as always,

Candace

P.S. And now, a bed time story of how it started and why hindsight’s 2020.

 

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