Tag Archives: Skinnygirl

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

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

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


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


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


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

 

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


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


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


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


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


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


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


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

 


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


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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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

 
Governor Pat Quinn declared "”an historic week in Illinois” and on Valentine’s Day, it became just that when the Illinois Senate passed the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act on a vote of 34-21. (If the bill becomes law, Illinois will become the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to marry and Gov. Quinn will become the sixth consecutive Catholic governor to sign marriage equality legislation). At the recent Equality Illinois Justice for All Gala, co-chaired by Chef Art Smith and his partner/husband Jesus Salgueiro, Quinn issued a call to arms for supporters of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. “This year we're going to pass and make a law called marriage equality in Illinois,” Gov. Quinn said. “When people band together and work together using the power of democracy, we can make sure we pass a landmark law. And I hope everybody works together in these next few weeks so we get the votes in the Senate, to get the votes in the House, and make history in Illinois.” On the night of February 9th in the Chicago Hilton, the biggest black-tie gala for LGBT equality in the Midwest was a combination celebration of the coming vote and a call to action. “To all those who said ‘it’s not gonna happen,’ it is happening,” Equality Illinois CEO Bernard Cherkasov told the crowd. “The freedom to marry is unstoppable; in the Land of Lincoln, it is inevitable!” The bill has been endorsed by more than 300 members of the clergy and top Illinois business leaders and according to polls, the freedom to marry has the support of a majority of Americans and a majority of Illinoisans. In addition to Quinn, gala attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is part of the national group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Scores of other federal, state and local officials attended the event, including U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, U.S. Rep. Brad Schneider, Lt. Gov Sheila Simon, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Illinois Comptroller Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and the bill’s legislative sponsors, state Senator Heather Steans and State Rep. Greg Harris. Among the 1,200+ attending guests, the organization hosted local business leaders who included Hillary and Danny Wirtz, Col. James Pritzker, Laura Ricketts, and other Chicago notables. At the gala, Senator Steans was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her indefatigable work on behalf of equality. Equality Illinois also recognized United Airlines with the Business Leadership Award for the company’s long history of commitment to the LGBT community. (www.eqil.org)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Fashion, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Web/Tech, Weblogs

CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FEST HOSTS HOLLYWOOD LEGENDS!

…PLUS PUBLIC CHICAGO CHANNELS STUDIO 54, FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION’S WILD GALA, CHEEKY CHICAGO’S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY, SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO’S “GRATITUDE” GALA, THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CELEBRATES 30, MITCH CANOFF FINDS “SOLACE,” BARBARA BATES’ PINK FASHION SHOW, ROE CONN’S NEWSAPALOOZA, HALSTED VODKA SUPPORTS GLBT COMMUNITY, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 

Blog 1 - Al Pacino and Michael KutzaI have never attended a more exciting red carpet event than the one recently hosted by the Chicago International Film Festival. For its 48th annual event, formidable founder Michael Kutza called in the big guns of show biz who included Al Pacino (with stunning girlfriend Lucila Sola),
Blog 2 - The Big Guns—Arkin, Pacino, Rosenberg, WalkenChristopher Walken, Alan Arkin
and Jon Bon Jovi for the world premiere of their new film, “Stand Up Guys”! You knew this was going to be huge as soon as you pulled up in front of the Harris Theater: For this event, there was even a red carpet OUTSIDE beginning at the curb for this exalted
Blog 3 - Waiting on the red carpetgroup of legendary stars. And the crowds…OMGoodness! You had to fight your way through the front door and yet cooler heads prevailed inside where the crack PR team from Carol Fox and Associates and the dynamic Film Fest team had
Blog 4 - Opening night co-host Rich Varnes and wife Cynthia Kingeverything well in hand. I was even told a PR associate had measured the media spacing on his hands and knees with a ruler – now THAT’S organization and planning! I was proud to be there representing my 'Candid Candace Chicago' show for Watch312.com with cameramen Alonzo Stallings and Matt Natale
Blog 5 - Jon Bon Jovi and wife of 23 years, Dorothea Hurleyalong with social media queen Ashley Stevenson, who kept the Twittersphere buzzing with event pics and info. I saw WGN’s Dean Richards, Fox Chicago’s Bill Zwecker, Extra’s Jamie Blyth, Tribune’s Luis Gomez, NBC5’s LeeAnn Trotter and ABC7’s Janet Davies. (It was a thrill and a
Blog 6privilege to share the red carpet with them.) Everyone was double-checking their questions so they would be prepared when the first celeb rounded the corner. Producer and Lakeshore Entertainment founder Tom Rosenberg was in a great mood for his world premiere and said, “There’s
Blog 7 - Kimberly Gleeson and Richard Doermerno better place to open a film than the CIFF and this film belongs here!” He admitted to me that his Lakeshore Entertainment film company’s logo of the little boy diving into a pond was NOT him or a family member but was rather an image he selected to signify “the exuberance of youth.”
Blog 8I interviewed Christopher Walken, who was probably the least talkative of the bunch. When I asked him what his new film, “Seven Psychopaths” was about, he said, “The title.” Oh boy! Jon Bon Jovi was beyond handsome with the most perfect set of teeth I’ve ever seen. When I asked
Blog 9 - A dream come true!him what the two songs were about that he had written for the film, he said, “The characters.” By now, I felt like it was going to be a long night for interviews until superstar Al Pacino rounded the corner. My legs went numb and all of the intelligent questions I had went right out the
Blog 10window and then he was there, standing in front of me, smiling from ear to ear. I felt I could do no wrong – he made everyone in line feel that way, I later learned…what a true star! As a matter of fact, he talked so long to each and every reporter that his in-her-own-right-world-famous publicist Pat Kingsley had to tap him on the arm to remind him to
Blog 11 - Lanae Silvestri (L) and friendskeep moving! I couldn’t believe my good fortune and jokingly offered Steve Starr $4,000 if he could grab a photo while I was speaking to him. (He did…but I didn’t pay up, LOL!) The world is Pacino’s oyster and it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. His girlfriend, Lucila Sola, is gorgeous and
Blog 12 - Alan Arkin, Al Pacino and glam girlfriend Lucila Solahe was heading to NY from here for his already-sold-out stage performance of “Glengarry Glenn Ross.” Good for HIM!!! Screenwriter Noah Haidle couldn’t have been sweeter either and was excited that he will have his play “Smokefall” staged by the Goodman for their 2013-14 season. Alan Arkin was a
Blog 13nice guy, rather low key but pleasant. I had read that in his past, he had performed as a folk singer so I asked him if there was any singing on set. He said, “Gangsters don’t usually sit around singing folk songs.” (Fortunately, he laughed along with his gorgeous wife, Suzanne Newlander
Blog 14 - Jesse Charbonier and his jazz comboArkin
, and it was a nice moment. Whew!) Following the red carpet, more than 1,500 people watched the screening. A brief presentation preceded the 90 minute film and included host Bill Kurtis introducing the event’s lead sponsor, Columbia College’s Allen Turner. CIFF founder and
Blog 15 - Director (and Chicagoan!) Fisher Stevensartistic director Michael Kutza introduced Rosenberg, who then presented the stars to the crowd. The film will most certainly win a basket load of awards when it debuts in January 2013. To see Walken, Arkin and Pacino onscreen together was like watching a firecracker sizzling before it exploded.
Blog 16 - Jaime Viteri and cute friendYou didn’t know what was coming next. Julianna Margulies had a terrific role, too and was a great addition to the film. You will love sexy Vanessa Ferlito’s scenes as well! OMG! There is a shot of her coming up in an elevator with a baseball bat that will, for sure, become iconic. I loved this film and you will, too. After the
Blog 17movie, the buzz in the crowd sounded like a swarm of bees. We all walked to the Cultural Center where the stars were expected to attend but a change of plans took them all to a private dinner at the Pump Room hosted by producer Rosenberg. Believe me, they
Blog 18 - Interviewing screenwriter Noah Haidlehad done enough and deserved their down time with friends. I was thrilled to co-host this major opening night event with dynamic Film Fest Board member and RL’s Rich Varnes, whose Gibson’s Restaurant Group provided all of the delicious food for the post-party that also included the sweet jazz sounds of the Jesse Charbonier combo. I didn’t sleep a wink that night, as you can imagine. It was such a
Blog 20 - Producer Jim Taubermagical evening that I will never, ever forget thanks to the genius of Michael Kutza. Long may you and the CIFF reign! Can’t wait to go to CLOSING NIGHT and see the Robert Zemeckis film,
Blog 21 - Film Fest Founder Michael Kutza and actress Vanessa FerlitoFlight.” Oh, the places the Chicago International Film Festival takes us! Become a member and see all of this great programming for yourself! (Fab Fotos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr. – click here for more  – and to see what happened on the red carpet, check out my Watch312.com video below!)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.swf?embedCode=YxcW85Njqdmo5UY6sF7GvtiwJr44OlQH&version=2

 

Blog 1 - Chicagolicious’ AJ Johnson and glam friendPUBLIC Chicago
celebrated its one-year anniversary in grand style with a Studio 54 theme on Tuesday, October 9th. The foot-long invite arrived filled with silver stars and glitter that spilled out all over your
Blog 2 - Monika Dixon (L), Les Coney and Geoff Dixon (R) and friendsdesk and floor when you opened it. For me, it evoked two emotions: First, it made you excited to attend and relive those glory days and second, it made you wonder who in the heck was going to clean up the mess! LOL! PUBLIC Chicago is the first hotel to open under Ian Schrager’s new brand and he was on hand that night to greet
Blog 3 - Nina Mariano with Saira and Christopher Cooperattendees. The party was planned as an homage to the renowned NYC club where, I am proud to say, I frequented when I lived in
Blog 4 - Yangyang Cheng (center), Amy Creyer and friendNY in the ‘70s. And because of this fact, I was expecting grand things a la the real hotspot. The most memorable part of the original NY design was a giant moon that descended from the ceiling with an enormous coke spoon. This and the flamboyantly dressed partygoers were elements I will never forget. I was hoping to see some outrageous costumes, drag
Blog 5 - Samantha Saifer Berngard, Graham Kostic and friendqueens, maybe even some animal elements reminiscent of the time Bianca Jagger arrived on a white horse for a party there. I was prepared and excited, even donning my old silver
Blog 6 - Bowtie Memoir’s Ryan Beshel and friendspandex pants but, alas, it wasn’t that kind of party. Grace Jones, where are you when we need you?! Yes, there was a beautiful dance floor complete with flashing strobe lights and waiters with sparklers but I guess I’m a bit jaded. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a fabulous party with lots of lots of gorgeous Chicago peeps and there WERE Studio 54 personalities there including DJ Johnny “Jellybean” Benitez and the doorman, Mark Benecke. Sirius XM
Blog 7 - Terrence Chappell and cute friendsRadio
broadcasted live interviews as well as the event’s music on its Studio 54 channel throughout the night. The VIP room in the Library projected home movies all evening with
Blog 8 - Ari Bendersky and friendgreat footage from the early days with amazing images. This was also the first time that Schrager has ever hosted a Studio 54 event, despite numerous requests over the years. I loved the fact that he brought his first party here to Chicago and it was a wonderful treat. The hotel and the restaurant are both so chic and I think he and his team did a fantastic job reworking a legendary landmark for the 21st century! Here’s to you, Ian – even though those wild days of 54 are gone, the party still rocks! (Check out more pics here!)

 

Blog 1 - Kip Helverson (L), Reute Butler (in red), Paul Iacono (R) and friendsThe Friends of Conservation Ball really upped the ante at this year’s beautiful gala, held in the magnificent Winter Garden of the Harold Washington Library on
Blog 2 - Kenny Williams and Zoraida SambolinFriday, October 12th. Reute Butler (FOC President and Ball Chairman), resplendent in a red gown, was smiling from ear to ear for the entire evening where more than 300 black-tie clad guests were on hand to
Blog 3 - (Front from L) Kathleen Casey, Vonita Reescer, Katie McLenaghan, (top R) Elizabeth Brodsky and friendsupport this worthwhile charity that is changing lives the world over. Chicago Dowel Company’s handsome Paul Iacono was entranced when he attended his first event for
Blog 4 - Reute Butler, Jim Fowler and Jorie Butler Kentthe FOC last year. And, believe me, this is one guy you want to impress. His list of formidable friends and his philanthropic bent helped fill the room to bursting and Reute was so
Blog 5 - Jim and Gayle Anthonythrilled to have him onboard as a co-chair. Established in 1982, the FOC helps prevent wildlife and habitat degradation in the Masai Mara, one of the most ecologically important
Blog 6 - Jennifer Sutton with clouded leopard, Cloudiaregions of the world. Their longtime royal patron, HRH The Prince of Wales, sent a moving letter that was included in the Tribute Book (another Iacono touch) for the event: “It gives me
Blog 7 - Elizabeth Brodsky, Reute and friends with Burmese pythonenormous pleasure to offer my congratulations to the FOC on this the 30th anniversary of your founding. Since your early interventions to help save black rhinos from extinction in the Masai Mara, threats
Blog 8 - Paul’s niece, sister and bro-in-lawto our precious wildlife have increased inexorably, everywhere, too often outstripping the pace of conservation action. Yet time and again you have demonstrated that it is possible for dedicated
Blog 9 - Manuela Hung and Reutepeople with clear vision to make a difference, stemming the loss of wildlife and critical habitat and through landmark projects, reversing the declines of some acutely endangered species. As your
Blog 10Patron now for more years than I care to remember, I can only pay tribute to the role played by the FOC in one of the greatest causes imaginable – preventing the destruction of the natural
Blog 11 - Happy live auction winners!world.” Amen to that, Prince Charles! The evening began with a VIP meet-and-greet with former “Wild Kingdom” host, the fabulous and much-loved Jim Fowler, who is another long-time supporter and
Blog 12 - Lucien LaGrange and Melinda JakovichFOC director. In addition to his lovely wife, Jim brought along some of his furry, feathered and scaly friends: There were adorable leopard cubs, an 8-foot-long python that Reute has known since it was tiny,
Blog 13several joeys and more. CNN’s glamorous Zoraida Sambolin returned to emcee this lovefest that began with Reute and her mother, Jorie Butler Kent (FOC Founder and International Chairman), onstage describing what this organization means to
Blog 14 - Sean Eshagy and Mamie Waltonthem. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Reute hugged her elegant mother and said, “You are an inspiration” following a moving video presentation produced by Manuela Hung. Everyone who attended was happy to help in some way: Caterer George Jewell donated a private dinner during the live auction
Blog 15 - Rob LoPrete and David Germaineportion, Paul Iacono bought a great trip (courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent, who had donated a lot of exclusive, eye-popping travel packages) and auctioneer David Goodman – one of the best in the business – kept the paddles in the air as he helped raise money for this wonderful cause. A Heads or Tails Game had glam guest Mamie Walton in the running almost to the very end for an iPad. It was a perfectly produced event
Blog 16 - Hazel and Warren Barrfrom beginning to end and we were so thrilled to be there. One of my favorite parts of this event is watching the delighted smiles on the faces of guests as they took advantage of the opportunity to handle these wild, adorable creatures, all
Blog 17 - Connie Dickey, Cindy Burns and friendcaptured on film by fabulous fotog/friend Mila Samokhina. FOC 2012 Co-Chairmen (besides Paul) included Kip Helverson, Rachael Phillippe, Holly Rothschild, Joan Wegner and Wendy Wood-Prince; Michael Butler, John and Jutta Maue-Kay, Geoffrey J.W. Kent and Kay and Fred Krehbiel were
Blog 18 - With Wine Channel TV’s Jess Altierihonorary co-chairmen and Tara and Charles Wegner were also committee co-chairmen and benefactors. As we all
Blog 19 - Azeeza Khan and friendknow, it takes a village to put on an event this size so special thanks to Langham Hotels (especially you, Rebecca Werner!), Anantara Resorts, Kent Wine Cellar & Trust, Leela Palace Hotels, Patagonia Sur, Sanctuary’s Gorilla Forest Camp, Sea Cloud Cruises, Suenos, The Balmoral Hotel, The Royal Scotsman and W Santiago among countless others who donated time, services or auction items. Your contributions helped so many! If you would like to learn more about the amazing work of the FOC or would like to donate, please visit www.friendsofconservation.org. (Fab fotos, of course, by Mila Samokhina. View more here!)

 

Blog 1 - Cheeky’s Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe LevinCheeky
turns FOUR!!! I remember when the dynamic duo of Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin started their creative website CheekyChicago.com and now they have these Vogue-worthy jutting cheekbones, fashion savvy and business
Blog 2 - Kelli Zink, Nicole Tempesta, Katrina Michaelacumen that would impress the most formidable dot-com billionaires, which I’m sure they’ll be soon!!! We were so thrilled to attend this BIG event at the Four Seasons. You knew where the party was located from the moment you stepped inside the lobby as the sounds of more than 450 excited partygoers
Blog 3 - Sarah Osterman and Cassandra Gaddoechoed throughout the building. Everyone was so thrilled to be there to celebrate/support/love
Blog 4 - Amy Phillips, Jill Loquidice, Michelle Pretekin, Gina Vericellathese two women, their staffers and this awesome website geared to ALL things you need to know about the Windy City. Platinum Events (love Justin Jacobson) transformed the gorgeous Grand Ballroom into “four seasons” (Get it? Insanely clever!) Guests experienced the transitioning of seasons, Cheeky Style (which is a lot like Gangnam Style – hot, hot, HOT!). From viewing the latest
Blog 5fall trends from Edith Hart to welcoming winter with Klutch Club (think health in a box), to reviving winter skin a la Elure Beauty’s medical
Blog 7 - Nick Harkin and friend LOVES DAVIDsTEAS!spa while sipping Skinnygirl cocktails (my very fav, thanks to Tom Strehle), the night offered guests so many ops to step into their favorite seasons for this Cheeky fourth-anniversary party! Four Seasons’ Executive Chef Kevin Hickey provided a veritable feast of food and live music from Stitely Entertainment kept the dance floors packed. If you’re not hooked up with this cool website yet, you’re missing out on SO MUCH!!! Check it out, sign up and strap yourself in for a very wild ride in the Windy City! Congrats Jessica and Erica! Love you, love your website…and I hope YOU love these pics!

 

Blog 1 - Suzie Glickman and Mitch CanoffMitchell Canoff
– one of Chicago’s most colorful photographers – has been covering social and political events for decades and traveling the world to capture people and places
Blog 2 - Rich Melman, Jimmy Rittenberg and Jerrod Melmanthrough the lens of his camera. On one of his recent journeys, he spent hours of solitude photographing the landscapes of Death Valley in the Mojave Desert in eastern California and Great
Blog 3 - Marianne Murciano, Bob Sirott and MitchDunes National Park in Colorado. What resulted was a collection of work entitled “Solace” and the debut exhibition of his work and Mitch’s 70th birthday party were celebrated by longtime friends and clients
Blog 4 - Mitch, Joy Cunningham and Dr. John Hefferonat a party on October 8th at Paris Club. Friends in attendance included Suzie, Ross and Todd Glickman, Jimmy Rittenberg, Kimberly Gleeson, Richard Doermer, Rich Melman, Jerrod
Blog 5 - Christie Hefner and Joan SteeleMelman, Christie Hefner, Bob Sirott and Marianne Murciano, Jennifer Girard, Cheri Eisenberg, Joan Hackett, Charels Cherney, Tony Fitzpatrick, Sue Chernoff, Sunny Fisher,
Blog 6  - Jack Kellman, Mitch and Billy MarovitzThad Wong, Billy Marovitz, Jack Kellman, Danny Coval, Joan Steele, Mickey Norton and Gary Gordon, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Christine and John Mallul, Deborah Chapman, Skip Weiss and Patrick Reedy; John Strazinsky (grandson of Igor Stravinsky) and Domenica Scorsese (daughter of Martin Scorsese) were also in attendance. Congratulations, Mitch…what beautiful work!

 

Blog 1 - Barb and Roe ConnA not-to-be-missed event, NEWSAPALOOZA, will be held at Park West on Saturday, November 10th beginning at 7:30 p.m. Hosted by much-loved radio and TV host Roe Conn and his beautiful wife Barbara, this event will benefit Clearbrook, the state’s largest provider of services to people with developmental disabilities. Roe’s long-time friend, Grammy Award winner Richard Marx, will perform and serve as musical director for the third year along with lots of other media personalities
Blog 2 - Richard Marxincluding Rob Johnson, Richard Roeper, Ryan Chiaverini, Val Warner, Steve Sanders, Anna Davlantes, Dan and Anthony Ponce, Steve Dahl, Natalie Martinez, Paula Faris and more. I’ve been told to expect the unexpected as far as talent from our town’s news people and I can’t wait! Tickets are $75; for more info, please visit www.roeconn.com. I hope to see YOU there!

 

Chicago-childrens-museumThe Chicago Children’s Museum Gala 2012 will be held at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom on Saturday, November 3rd, beginning at 6:30 p.m. This year’s gala
Logo_gala2012celebrates 30 years of families and honors the Museum’s commitment to providing playful learning opportunities that bring families and children of all ages, backgrounds and abilities together. The honorary host committee includes the Crown, Goodman and Pritzker Pucker families and Joan Harris. For tickets and more info, please visit chicagochildrensmuseum.org.

 

Barbara Bates showMark your calendars for beloved designer Barbara Bates’ Winning the Fight Against Breast Cancer Fashion Show on Sunday, October 28th from 2 to 6 p.m. at Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital (3rd level). This event will help raise money for the Barbara Bates Foundation’s Institutional Grant on Disparity and Education
Blog 2 - Barbara Bates at Emerge! Fashion Show NYof Breast Cancer which will serve to educate and address the disparities in breast cancer care faced by women in the African American and Latino communities. This event also marks the launch of a partnership between the Barbara Bates Foundation in conjunction with the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation benefiting the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the Sinai Health System. More than 50 breast cancer survivors will model Barbara’s designs for this great cause! To purchase tickets ($250) please click here!

 

Blog 1 - Ball Co-chairs Elizabeth Brodsky and Kimberly GleesonThe Service Club of Chicago is celebrating its 122nd gala, themed “With Gratitude”, on Friday, November 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel. Co-chaired
Blog 2by Elizabeth Brodsky and Kimberly Gleeson, the evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception. This black-tie event will also include live and silent auctions, fabulous raffle drawings and a wine auction. The Stanley Paul Orchestra will keep the crowd on the dance floor and the after-party will feature Peter Oprisco. (Tickets are $400 or $122 for after-party only and can be purchased by clicking here!)

 

Blog 2 - Halsted Vodka debuts at Sidetrack Chicago on 9-29-12DRINK IT!! Founded to champion GLBT community building and human rights, Halsted Vodka is a totally new concept in spirits that has been created with the help and inspiration of the community on Chicago’s North Halsted Street. It was developed with the help of consumers of the street’s popular bars and clubs who were invited to
Blog 1 - Halsted Vodkatake part in blind tastings. Designed to taste good and DO good, this all-American spirit donates 15 percent of its profits to GLBT causes. For more info, please visit www.blinkbeverage.com. I can’t wait to try it!

 

Blog 1 - Bunky Cushing surrounded by admirers at his Valentine’s Day PartyWho saw our town’s “Squire”, Bunky Cushing, in this month 40th anniversary issue of W Magazine!?  It was a great article on the world’s classiest women and the men who love them and squire them! Congrats Bunky!

 
I can’t wait to share all of the news from NEXT Fashion Chicago and Susan G. Komen’s fantastic Pink Tie Gala that honored some of our town’s top guys next week so stay tuned and thanks so much for checking in!
 

426Love, as always,

Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com


P.S. I hope you can join me at TCW Magazines 30th Anniversary Halloween Party, “Costumes & Cocktails”, on Tuesday, October 30th, at the Cultural Center from 6 to 10 p.m. This event will provide 30 grants for 30 area charities with buffet stations, full bar, music, dancing and “Pumpkins on Parade” silent auction! Tickets are $150 and can be purchased here.

Leave a comment

Filed under Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

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

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

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=1ibTA1NjqXSI-vdGXMO0aNSTbE6WebmK&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=ozaHkyNjqnLf5_u_LD3bqW7lEXvPRU0m&height=275&embedCode=ozaHkyNjqnLf5_u_LD3bqW7lEXvPRU0m&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

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

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

1 Comment

Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs