Tag Archives: Smashing Pumpkins

February 25, 2013 · 10:30 am

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

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

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 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!)

Another 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
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. (Thanks to Bob Carl for the photos!)

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 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! (To see all event pics, please click here!)

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 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 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
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! 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 "a 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 (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
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. (Photos by Mystic Images Photography).

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 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!

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 www.warinternational.org and for more information about the show please contact Amanda St. Augustine at aaugustine2@gmail.com.

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, please click here!

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.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?”

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 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
to 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.

I 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.)

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! 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!

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!

HISTORYMAKERS HONOR BERRY GORDY, JR.

…PLUS ACES UP! FOR URBAN PREP, CHICAGO "SITA RAM" FEATURES CHICAGO CHILDREN’S CHOIR, KUTZA WINS A POLLACK, NEWSAPALOOZA, KANDY KANE BALL, ART INSTITUTE’S BIG! WEEKEND, JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER DINNER, DARLING PAWS FUR BALL VIDEO ON WATCH312.COM, "SHOP IN CHICAGO" SUPPORTS LOCAL BUSINESS, WORLD AIDS DAY CELEBRATION, MUSIC BOX’S “SCROOGE & MARLEY” PREMIERE AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Art Institute was THE place to be on November 17th when The HistoryMakers welcomed and honored Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, Jr. during “An Evening with Berry Gordy.” The program consisted of a one-on-one interview with
Gordy conducted by award-winning journalist Gwen Ifill and taped live before 450 guests for airing on PBS-TV. Ifill’s interview thrilled the audience with a peek into Gordy’s celebrated life as an entrepreneur, songwriter, record producer, movie director and producer who has left an
indelible influence on music and films both nationally and internationally. Some of Motown’s most recognizable performers and producers were in attendance including R&B songwriter, producer and singer Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson fame. Simpson and her late husband, Nick Ashford, were
an important part of the Motown family, having penned such hits as “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “You’re All I Need to Get By” and “Reach Out and Touch Somebody’s Hand.” Simpson was joined by a new generation of Motown’s recording artists that
included Janelle Monae and KEM, who delivered a special tribute during the taping. Gordy’s son Stefan Gordy, known to the music world as Redfoo (one-half of the hip-hop duo LMFAO), was in attendance, too. Several early members of the Motown family, including
Jimmy Ruffin, Claudette Robinson of The Miracles, Freda and Sherrie Payne and former president of Stax and Motown Records Al Bell, were also on hand for this historic event. Honorary co-chairs for the evening included Christie Hefner, Clarence Avant, Walter & Shirley Massey and Richard
Parsons. The title sponsor was Comcast NBC Universal; Julieanna Richardson (founder and executive director of The HistoryMakers) served as executive producer; Suzanne de Passe (former president of Motown Productions and director of the upcoming Broadway
production of “Motown: The Musical” along with Charles Randolph-Wright), served as co-producers. “American Idol” music director, Ray Chew was the show’s music producer. Music industry powerhouses Universal Music Group, Sony Music, David Geffen, Clarence
Avant and Jerry Moss were major underwriters for the evening. Other major sponsors included Universal Music Group (which owns Motown), Sony Music (which owns the Motown publishing rights), Discover, Abbott Laboratories, Chicago Tribune and The Ritz Carlton Chicago.
Gordy founded Motown Records in 1959 and grew the company into the most successful African-American-owned enterprise in the United States. He is also credited with having created a new sound that changed popular music, the Motown Sound. While
working on an assembly line at Ford Motor Company, Gordy began writing and selling songs that were recorded by several local artists. After borrowing $800 from his father, he formed Motown Records, which was headquartered in a house on Detroit’s West Grand Boulevard. In 1960, Motown
released the song “Shop Around” written by Gordy’s longtime friend Smokey Robinson and recorded by The Miracles with Robinson on lead vocals. The song sold more than a million copies and helped to launch the most influential era in the history of popular music. Motown quickly
turned out successive hits by signing and grooming recording artists such as Diana Ross and The Supremes, The Temptations, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Marvin Gaye, Tammi Terrell and Mary Wells.
Previous honorees have included Harry Belafonte, Dionne Warwick, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, B.B. King, Colin Powell, Della Reese, Russell Simmons, Diahann Carroll, Denyce Graves, Nikki Giovanni, Andrew Young and Earl Graves. Founded in 1999, The
HistoryMakers is a national, non-profit institution that develops, preserves, and provides online access to an internationally recognized archival collection of thousands of African-American videotaped oral histories that document, promote, and celebrate the
successes of individuals, events, movements and organizations that are of historic value and importance to its community and American society. For further information on The HistoryMakers, please visit the website at www.thehistorymakers.com.

The PAWS Fur Ball was such a success with a sell-out crowd of more than 750 people and rocker Billy Corgan in attendance! Check out the fun and my interview with the generous Smashing Pumpkins frontman on my "Candid Candace Chicago" show on Watch312.com!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=wwaWo4NzqxP4n8_NS894JFBbSbRuCMyE&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

Quite simply, one of the best “amateur” shows I’ve ever seen…although you couldn’t really call Newsapalooza 3 “amateur” when you have Grammy winner Richard Marx as your musical director! Founded by Roe Conn (beloved WLS radio co-host
of “Roe and Roeper”) and Marx in 2008, this annual event attracted more than 500 guests to Park West on November 10th for a musical extravaganza that left everyone speechless in its variety and quality of entertainment by local
media stars. It was billed as “five networks together for one night” – all to benefit Clearbrook, the state’s largest provider of services for the people with developmental disabilities. Roe served as the emcee and Ryan Chiavarini of “Windy City Live” opened the show singing John Mellencamp’s
“Hurts So Good” and playing a mean guitar. He is an amazing talent and, if “WCL” fails (yeah, right!), he could definitely make a living on the stage! Steve Dahl was up next and sang and played guitar to “Taking
Care of Business.” A slightly nervous Val Warner came on next (in the cutest glittery hot pants you’ve ever seen) and sang “I’m Coming Out” with Ryan jumping on stage to give her some moral support near the end. She was adorable and that girl could sing AND dance! Channel 7’s Ron
Magers and Kathy Brock introduced Rob Johnson via video from their newsroom and he sang a believable rendition of “Brown Eyed Girl.” WGN’s Dina Bair sang “Mama Said” by The Shirelles and brought whistles from the crowd when a hunky dancer joined her for her finale with an
“American Idol”-style dance number. I was told by a guest who had been there for all three years that last year’s event featured more of artist Richard Marx, so when he came onstage this year to sing the song he had
written for and with country star Keith Urban, “Long Hot Summer,” for the first time in public, the crowd went WILD! This guy is so darn talented…he truly can do it ALL! Beautiful Anna Davlantes and Cheryl Scott sang and danced back-up for Richard Roeper’s Elvis impersonation. (He sang “A
Little Less Conversation” in a leather jacket and sunglasses.) After his performance, Roe said, “What the hell was that?” (It was so cute since, before this, he introduced him as
“the best radio partner he’s ever had.”) Natalie Martinez, Alicia Roman, Megan Glaros and Daniella Guzman brought the house down in skimpy, sexy outfits dancing and singing to Beyonce’s “Who Won the World.” WTTW’s
Phil Ponce introduced one of the highlights of the night: his two sons, Dan and Anthony. Their parody of Billy Joel’s “Piano Man” had the crowd laughing and cheering uncontrollably. They switched lyrics to “sing us a song, you’re the
anchorman…” “We’re all in the mood for a felony…” etc. They received a standing ovation for their double pianos and clever reworking of this Joel classic. Roe thanked sponsors Mike McGrath (McGrath Acura of Downtown Chicago), Terlato Wines, Coca-Cola, MillerCoors and Tito’s Handmade Vodka. WGN’s
Steve Sanders was up next (I would’ve hated to follow the Ponce boys) and he sang and played the guitar to the
Beatles hit, “A Hard Day’s Night.” I admired the courage of each and every performer, many who were clearly stepping out of their comfort zone for this great cause. ABC's Paula Faris, who left Chicago for NY but returned to support this cause, bravely sang Joan
Jett's “I Hate Myself for Loving You” that should only be left to Faith Hill who sings a reworked version to open Sunday Night Football. All of the entertainers came together for the finale to sing the Steve Miller Band’s hit, “Keep on Rockin’ Me Baby.” A private VIP after-party for 125 guests
was held at the Four Seasons and featured award winning Chef Kevin Hickey’s fabulous tastings as well as the opportunity to meet the media stars and Richard Marx, who so graciously donated their time and talents to benefit Clearbrook and posed tirelessly for photos with fans. The last
image I have from the party was of Ryan Chiaverini who was at the bottom of a pile of cute friends for a photo op. A great time was had by ALL! Guests seen on the scene included Robert Murphy and Cheryl Larson, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Korinna Isselhardt, Mike McGrath Jr. and Crystelle Tipton, Brenda Arelano, Louis Santini, Liz Abraham, Mark Serry, Beth Heller, Taneesha Maus, Jordyn Daniels, Marlaine Selip and
Cindy Patrasso, Rebecca and Charlie Besser and Larry Wert. Don’t miss Richard Marx’s return performance to Park West on Sunday, December 16th! For tickets, visit www.etix.com, for more info on Clearbrook, please visit, www.clearbrook.org and to see all the great pics in my Tribune column, click here! (Additional pics by Mila Samokhina.)

I’m so proud of Urban Prep Academies and its founder Tim King. As you may or may not know, this non-profit organization operates the country’s first
network of charter public schools for boys. Its three schools – located in the Englewood, Bronzeville and Near West Side communities – have been recognized internationally for achieving a 100-percent college acceptance rate for all of its graduates! “The fact that Urban Prep students
are African-American males and mostly from low-income families makes getting our students to and through college even more important,” said King. This year, King hosts “Aces-Up!,”an annual charity poker tournament that raises funds for the Academies. The fun will take place on November 30th at the City Winery
Chicago (located at 1200 W. Randolph) starting at 5 p.m. Local media stars will be mixing, mingling and participating in the Texas Hold ‘Em tournament with an open bar and buffet! In addition to
King, the event will be hosted by former Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Sun-Times columnist/TV/radio personality Richard Roeper and College Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bear Chris Zorich. So, come join in the fun for this wonderful cause! I hope to see you there! (For tickets and more info, please click here!) (Photos by Kardas Photography.)

Chicago has a new clubhouse/restaurant and it’s called the Tortoise Club! In anticipation of its November 13th opening, the restaurant hosted a series of pre-opening parties to celebrate this new hotspot
in the city's River North neighborhood. Hosts Ned and Debby Jannotta, friends of owners Keene and Megan Addington, hosted an intimate sit-down dinner for about 60 of their closest friends. Guests were welcomed into the warm,
glowing interior with oak and mahogany paneled walls, tartan plaid covered furniture, a lounge and bar area with velvet banquettes and club chairs and the most talked about room of the night, the Parlor, or as many call it, the Red Room. With its lipstick red
lacquered walls, a cozy fireplace and original books from the Newberry Library it was one of the most popular rooms of the evening. Chef Gray McNally prepared a three-course dinner that included Berkshire pork chops, Lobster Thermidor, wild pheasant pie and TC coffee cake.
Some of the notable guests included Renee Crown, Andy McKenna, Michael and Jacky Ferro, Phillip and Judy Block, Chris and Anne Reyes, Susan B. Noyes, John and Holly Madigan and Gordon and Carole Segal. If you want to join the "club", visit 350 N. State St. for lunch and dinner! (Photos by Jannotta Photography.)

The 56th annual Chicago Children’s Choir’s Red Jacket Optional Benefit was recently held at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel. More than 750 guests raised nearly $630K for the Choir’s music education programs in
61 Chicago Public Schools, eight after-school Neighborhood Choirs and the world-renowned Concert Choir (the Voice of Chicago) that serves more than 3,000 children every year. You won’t want to miss this amazing group of voices for "Sita Ram," coming to the
Harris Theater on December 14th and 15th. David Kersnar of Lookingglass Theatre Company, Josephine Lee of Chicago Children’s Choir and Krithika Rajagopalan of Natya Dance Theatre will bring “Sita
Ram” – an original world musical – to the stage for three highly-anticipated shows. Premiered in 2006, “Sita Ram” presents a modern interpretation of the ancient Hindu epic “Ramayana” fusing the past, present and future in a fantastical world of song, dance, fashion, and design that leads its audience on a path of reflection and self-discovery. For tickets and more info, please visit www.sitaramthemusical.com. If you know Monika Dixon, you know it’s her passion…

The Kandy Kane Ball will be Saturday, December 8th, at Joe’s Bar – it is one of my favorite events! With more than 1,000 attendees, it is an annual sell-out. Tickets are $50 and require a toy donation for admittance. Toys are distributed to churches for underprivileged kids. This year, the Chicago Children’s Choir will perform…get your tickets NOW at www.ticketweb.com!

I’m all about supporting and shopping local so here’s a great event that offers just that! The fourth annual "Shop IN Chicago", presented by Cece & Melinda for Raymi Productions, will be held at
the Drake Hotel on Tuesday, December 11th from 6 and 9 p.m. Talented Chicago designers will come together to sell clothing, jewelry, accessories and more, offering great discounts and specials for one evening only! Dior Beauty will offer complimentary make
up applications for all shoppers and, for a special added treat, The Cabaret Project will share holiday cheer by donning Dickensian apparel and singing holiday harmonies from 6 to 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on this chance to help support small business in Chicago! (To RSVP for this FREE event, please click here but please note that an RSVP is mandatory for entry).

The Art Institute of Chicago hosted two back-to-back blockbuster parties recently on November 9th and 10th. The second annual Diwali Celebration on 11/9 attracted more than 350 lavishly dressed guests, many decked out in festive
Indian attire, who came together for a night of lights. Diwali, in Indian tradition, is known as the Festival of Lights and guests were greeted with dazzling jewels and vibrantly colored saris draped upon the
ladies who displayed the glamour of India’s rich history. A peacock was perched near the entrance and Kehoe Designs had festooned Griffin Court with canopies of banana leaves, garlands of plum orchids and hundreds of sparkling lights. Bon Appetit’s new chef Jason
Gorman created a delicious Indian inspired dinner and after, guests danced to upbeat Bollywood music with a bit of “Party Rock Anthem” thrown in. The evening was co-chaired by Anita and Prabhakant Sinha, Anu and Arjun Aggarwal, and Rita and Gautam Dhingra. Ms. Dhingra welcomed guests by quoting a
line from Kipling’s “The Ballad of East and West” which highlighted the unification of Eastern and Western cultures, just like the evening she and her co-hosts had planned. The
following night, more than 450 guests again descended on the Art Institute to celebrate its newest galleries (The Mary and Michael Jaharis Galleries of Greek, Roman and Byzantine Art), made possible by a generous $10 million donation from Mary and Michael Jaharis – the largest gift in the history of the ancient art collection of the Art Institute. A ribbon cutting ceremony and a blessing by His Eminence
Archbishop Demetrios marked the official opening of the new galleries. Guests then had an opportunity to survey the more
than 450 marble, ceramic, gold and silver treasures that were arranged chronologically around McKinlock Court. For dinner, the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court was dramatically transformed by Heffernan Morgan to create a classical Greek-inspired setting.
Attendees included His Excellency Sir Peter Westmacott (British Ambassador to the U.S.), Jonathan Williams (Director of Collections for the British Museum), The Honorable Consul General of Greece Ms. Ionna Efthymiadou, Ian
Wardropper (Director of the Frick Museum in NY), James Cuno (President of the Getty Trust), Sir Paul Ruddock (Chairman of the Board of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London), Marilynn Alsdorf, Mary and Richard Gray,
Susan and Lewis Manilow, Drs. Lynn Hauser and Neil Ross, Louis Holland, Karen and Walter Alexander, Alex Krikhaar and Helen Evans, Mary and Michael Jaharis (Curator of the Met of NY). Congrats to the Art Institute for an amazing weekend of culture and excitement! For more info on events, visit www.artic.edu. (Photos by Bob Carl.)

One of my favorite picks of the holidays is always the Joffrey Ballet’s performance of "The Nutcracker." It is a pure delight for every member of the family as is the Nutcracker Family Dinner which will be held on
Saturday, December 15th, at the Palmer House in the State and Grand ballrooms. The enchanting evening will feature entertainment, a traditional family-style meal and, of course, a thrilling performance of Robert Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” (Guests
will have the option of attending the matinee or evening performance.) Co-chaired by Women’s Board members Laura Kofoid and Carol Stone, the evening will begin at 4 p.m. with cocktails, punch, music and special “Creation Stations.” (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Founded in 2003, the Pritzker Military Library houses more than 65,000 books, manuscripts, artworks, artifacts, films, documents and audio recordings dedicated to the
experiences of America’s Citizen Soldiers. Recently, it hosted its ninth annual Liberty Gala at the Hilton Chicago, bringing together patrons of the Library with very special guests who
included men and women from every branch of the Armed Services, Medal of Honor recipient Hal Fritz, Pritzker Military Library Founder Award winners Albert B. Ratner and the Congressional Medal of
Honor Foundation (the award was accepted by foundation president/CEO Major General Thomas Wilkerson), as well as the 2012 recipient of the Pritzker Military Library Literature Award for Lifetime
Achievement in Military Writing, Sir Max Hastings. Hastings is the author of 23 books, has reported on 11 conflicts (including Vietnam and the 1982 South Atlantic War) and was the editor-in-chief of The Daily Telegraph AND The Evening Standard. Congrats to all of these worthy honorees! (For more information on this amazing organization, please visit www.pritzkermilitarylibrary.org.)

I’m a HUGE fan of the Music Box Theatre at 3733 N. Southport Ave. It reminds me of the Golden Age of Film with its beautiful interior spaces and cozy theatre seating. I can’t imagine a better holiday experience than seeing the
premiere of “Scrooge & Marley” at this legendary spot on Thursday, November 29th! Gala opening night will feature most of the stars of the film and include Bruce Vilanch, SNL star Tim Kazurinsky, Rusty Schwimmer, Megan Cavanagh, Ronnie Kroell, David Moretti, Richard Ganoung and JoJo Baby. The red carpet begins at 6:30 p.m., with the film screening at 7 p.m., followed by a Q & A with cast and crew. Recounted from a gay sensibility, this production will feature a wide range of music from award-winning singers and bands, with a special end credit song performed by Jason Gould. (For tickets and more info, click here!)

Congrats to Chicago International Film Festival founder Michael Kutza on his latest accolade! The American Cinematheque honored him with its Sydney Pollack Award at the Beverly Hilton on November 15th. Accepting the award, Kutza recalled meeting Pollack in 1986 shortly after he had directed “Out of Africa.” They became good friends with Pollack becoming a mentor and encouraging Kutza to support independent film. This is only the third time this award has been given. Past recipients were the directors of the Sundance and Telluride Film Festivals! Thanks for all you do Michael! We are all lucky to know you!

As we all know, the holidays are upon us! I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving…I know I did: We shared a lovely meal at my sister and brother-in-law’s, Nancy and Dr. Os Steinwald, with a fun group of 16. It’s so exciting to see how much the little ones have grown from one holiday to the next. It made me realize how quickly time is flying by but it also put me in the holiday spirit and made me want to get my Christmas décor up
ASAP! Here is a post I wrote for Chicago Now explaining why I love this holiday so much (plus pics) I hope you enjoy reading it as much I enjoyed putting it all up, remembering cherished memories with each and every ornament. See you next week!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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