Tag Archives: Steve Weiss

April 25, 2013 · 10:49 am

JENNIFER HUDSON HELPS QATAR AIRWAYS INTRODUCE THEMSELVES TO CHICAGO!

…PLUS AN ELEGANT NYC BLUE BOOK BALL; DUSABLE’S “NIGHT OF 100 STARS”; JANE SEYMOUR OPENS HER HEART; TENNIS LEGEND JIMMY CONNORS SHARES ALL; CUBS' “BRICK & IVY” BALL; JOAKIM NOAH GIVES BACK AND EVENTS FOR MAY YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS!


1 - Jennifer Hudson performs!The first direct route from Chicago to Doha, the capital city of the state of Qatar, opened for business on April 10th. On April 11th, Qatar Airways celebrated with a blow-out party for 580 guests at the Field Museum
2 - Dr. Joaquin Brieva, Jennifer Sutton, Paul Iacono, Helen Melchior, Jason and Katie McLenaghanfeaturing Grammy and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson as the evening's entertainment. The event began with a cocktail reception and red carpet photos with beautiful Qatar Airways flight attendants. As guests
3 - Geoffrey and Monica Dixon (2nd from L), Lonnie Rodriguez and friendsentered the ballroom for a sit-down dinner, a dramatic lighting display was shown on the wall above the stage where Hudson would later perform. A video presentation showcased the beautiful city of Doha and
4 - Tracy Schmidt with a lucky trip winner!this world class airline. Skytrax, the bible in aviation, has named Qatar Airways the “World's Best Airline” two years running now. (Doha will also be hosting the World Cup in 2022.) The delicious dinner, catered by Food for Thought, began with a poached lobster salad followed by beef tenderloin with
5 - CEO of Qatar Airways Akbar Al Baker, Deputy Mayor of Chicago Steve Koch, Qatar’s Ambassador to U.S. His Excellency Mohamad Bin Abdulla Al-Rumaihi-thyme jus. Dessert was a Nobu specialty – macana, which is mango jelly with white chocolate mousse, raspberries, pistachio sponge and lime sorbet. I’m told the wine pairings were an oenophile's dream! The program continued with Miss Illinois Megan Ervin introducing the CEO of
6 - James “Big Cat” Williams, Maureen and Marc SchulmanQatar Airways, Akbar Al Baker. He told the rapt audience that this new collaboration between Qatar and Chicago is expected to generate $250 million dollars and bring thousands of jobs to the community. Chicago Deputy Mayor Steve Koch spoke next and welcomed Qatar Airways to the Windy City. Qatar flight attendants were
7 - Jerry Azuma and friendsscattered throughout the audience collecting business cards which were then used to choose the lucky winners of free trips for two to Doha. Five trips were offered but sadly, no one at our table won. :(  When Hudson appeared onstage,
8 - The Landan Twins, RJ Melman and James Feeley and friendsthe crowd went wild. She looked fantastic in a short, flared black leather mini. Near the end of her performance, guests were invited to dance with her onstage and boy, was that ever a thrill! Tables for this historical gala were offered
9 - Jason McKie and friendto members of its VIP social committee. I was thrilled to be included along with these Chicago notables: Israel Idonije, Alexi Giannoulias, Lindsay Avner, Greg Hyder, Monika Dixon, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Jon and Andrew Landan, Neal Zucker, Linda Johnson Rice, Julie Latsko, Les Coney, Keene
11 - Skip Grisham and Megan McKinneyAddington, Larry Wert, Shawn Baldwin, Justin Jacobson, Sheila King, Kristine Green, Tracy Schmidt, Wendy Krimins, Marco Larsen, J.P. Anderson, Katherine Tarbox, Abigail Tarbox and Laurie Davis. “As the world's best airline, our goal tonight was to showcase the full extent of our five-star service and invite the people of this great city to
10 - Dancing onstage with Jennifer!fly with us to Doha and our many exciting destinations around the world,” said Al Baker. Qatar Airways is currently offering three non-stop flights a week between Doha and Chicago with plans to upgrade to daily service in June. For more info and flight schedules, please visit www.qatarairways.com. Oh, what a night! (To see ALL event pics, please click here!)


1 - Blue Box venue in Rockefeller CenterRecently, NYC was glittering with 1920’s pizzazz! The Jazz Age returned for one spectacular evening, summoned by Tiffany & Co. to ignite the Blue Book Ball. The champagne-fueled celebration was held in honor of the 2013 Blue Book Collection of Tiffany’s
2 - Carey Mulligan, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin (Pic by Andrew Walker-Getty Images)most breathtaking jewels, inspired by the Roaring Twenties that transformed fashion and culture. The preeminent jeweler, then and now, designed the jewels that epitomized glamour and lit up posh Manhattan supper clubs. The sheer exuberance of this magical moment in American life pervaded Rockefeller Center, scene of the Ball that took place within a 31-foot-high Tiffany Blue Box covering the center’s famous 15,000-square-foot ice rink. In his remarks, Tiffany & Co.’s chairman and
3 - Gwyneth Paltrow wearing Tiffany diamondsCEO Michael J. Kowalski said, “The
4 - Megan Hilty performs onstageJazz Age was a time of great energy and creativity. All eyes looked to New York for the latest in music and style. As the city’s first great jeweler, Tiffany provided the diamonds for this nonstop party and, I am happy to say, we still do. So it is with pleasure and gratitude that we celebrate this memorable chapter in American life, in the city where it all began — and with our diamonds that are still the world’s most beautiful.” The 400 guests included
5 - Sarah Jessica Parkercelebrities Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker, Carina Lau, Alice Eve, Poppy Delevingne, Peter and Harry Brant, Doutzen Kroes and Hilary Rhoda,
6 - Academy Award winning costume designer Catherine Martin and director-writer-producer Baz Luhrmanalong with Carey Mulligan, Baz Luhrmann and Catherine Martin (star, director/producer/co-writer and costume/production designer of “The Great Gatsby,” respectively). Guests disembarked at Fifth Avenue and proceeded along the promenade, which was bathed in Tiffany Blue, toward a beribboned entrance to an elegant supper club tailor-made for Jazz Age revelry. The seamless Art Deco setting, designed in a palette of chic gray tones, was lined with luxurious velvet drapes and laid
7 - Model Poppy Delevingnewith carpeting in a striking starburst pattern. At the floor’s center, a towering tribute to the bubbly rose toward the ceiling on mirrored risers, with 240 glasses and 142 magnums of Moët & Chandon Imperial champagne. Surrounding it were elegant lounges
8 - Actress Jessica Bieland banquettes arranged for dining in the style of a supper-club buffet, served amid lavish arrangements of white flowers. And trays of iPads for posting images on social media circulated like the cigarette trays of a previous era. (Was this a great idea or what?) Showcased in custom-designed vitrines were jewels from the 2013 Blue Book Collection that reflect Tiffany’s legacy of Art Deco design. Among them were diamond necklaces and drop earrings, platinum and diamond bracelets set in patterns
9 - Model Doutzen Kroesof a jazz composition or with great diamond fans unfolding on black enamel; a suite of voluptuous diamond flowers; and the rarest fancy color
10 - Kate Hudsondiamonds — pink, orange, blue and green. Gemstones Tiffany introduced to the world included green tsavorite, pink morganite, lilac-pink kunzite and blue-violet tanzanite, Montana sapphires and luxuriant turquoise. The bronze-gilded statue of the Greek Titan Prometheus, a fixture of Rockefeller Center, served as backdrop to the stage and a full-scale, ‘20s-style revue. Backed by an orchestra, dancers in fringed and spangled “flapper” costumes reprised classic songs (“Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend”), complete with raucous renditions of the Lindy and
11Charleston, and current pop hits (Rihanna’s “Diamonds”), followed by Broadway singer Megan Hilty with more standards from the American
12 - Actress Michelle Williams draped in Tiffany jewelsSongbook. The singer led the finale, accompanied by aerialists that descended from above, trailing feathered headdresses and dancing in mid-air. On cue, a blizzard of silvery fine confetti brought down the curtain on a simply fabulous evening. It was a milestone in the history of New York and its legendary jeweler: the night Tiffany brought the Jazz Age brilliantly to life at the glamorous and euphoric Blue Book Ball. Three words, OH MY GOODNESS! Congrats to Tiffany & Co. on their continuing dedication to excellence in ALL things, including glamorous, over-the-top events like THIS one!


1 - Tony Smith, Barbara Bates, Diane Primo, Richard Gamble and Karen JordanThe DuSable Museum of African American History hosted “A Night of 100 Stars” recently at the South Shore Country Club. This lavish evening included exquisite food, stellar entertainment and an award
2 - Carol Adams, Honoree Cymbrehona Warren and DuSable Museum Board chair Clarence Bournepresentation with a sell-out crowd of more than 800 in attendance. Paparazzi’s flashbulbs illuminated the sky as guests walked the red carpet to indulge in “out-of-the-world” cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a lavish buffet and world-class
3 - Dr. Carol Adams pres-ceo of dusable museum and Sandy Reynolds, gala Chairentertainment and towitness the presentation of the “2013 A Night Of 100 Stars Awards.” This year, five incredible Chicago women were honored during this annual black-tie celebration
4 - Night of 100 Stars event chairman Nicole-Johnson Scales and Sandy Reynoldsof excellence, women who have made outstanding contributions to society, the city and to the world through their careers and civic engagement. The honorees were Mara Brock Akil (award-winning
5 - Carol Adams and honoree Barbara Batestelevision producer/writer), Barbara Bates (fashion designer/philanthropist), Michelle L. Collins (president, Cambium L.L.C.), Diane I. Primo (CEO, IntraLink Global) and Cymbrehona Warren (senior, Young Women’s Leadership Charter School). Serving as 2013 Gala chairmen were Nicole Johnson-Scales
6 - Night of 100 Stars honorees Michelle Collins, Cymrehona Warren, Barabara Bates and Diane Primoand Sandy Reynolds. ABC 7’s Karen Jordan and Charles Thomas hosted the awards presentation. Committee Members included Lynne Bamford, Keiana Barrett, Sharon Bourne, Cheryl Bowman-McPherson, Deborah O. Brown, Florestee Buss E.D., Toiya Butler-White, Randall
7 - Mayor and Congressman Danny DavisCaldwell, Yolanda Collins, Valerie Corr Hanserd, Linda Crane Boyd, Dolores Cross Ph.D., Yolanda Daniel, Nicole Durham, Stanley Gilkey, Frances Guichard, Diana Hennington, Valerie Hill, LaWanda Holmes-
8 - Carol Adams, Honoree Michelle Collins, DuSable Museum Board member Leon WalkerWilliams, Delores Irvin, Lisa M. James, Zara Johnson, Grace LaJoy-Little, Sonya Lewis, Shirley Massey, Sandra McCollum, Adrienne McGee, Reverend James T. and Jamell Meeks, Lisa Newman, Pastor Smokie and Carla Norful, Joyce Owens, Darlene Pierre-Louis, Yvette
9 - Guests at A Night of 100 Stars-Sandra Rand in white-grey ballgownPowe, Sandra Rand, Cheryl Rayner, Toi Salter, Dona Scott, Gladys Smith, Valerie Stoudemire, Gail Swain, Dolores Thibodeaux, Wendy Walker Williams, Cheryl Whitaker, M.D., Cheryl Williams, Carole Wood, and Mary Ann Young.
10 - Guests enjoy a musical performanceCaterers included Beyond Events Catering, Bon Manger Catering, C’Est Si Bon, Fanfares Catering, Inc., Ja’Grill Catering, Josephine’s Southern Culture Cooking, Just Turkey of Homewood, Lenore’s Kitchen, Melon Express, Sinha Catering and The Parrot Cage. I always like to give credit where credit is due and the food was fabulous at this event! The DuSable Museum of African American History is one of
11 - Mayor and honoree Barbara Batesthe oldest institutions of its kind in the country. Their mission is to collect, preserve and display artifacts and objects that promote understanding and
12 - Clarence Bourne, Carol Adams, Mayorinspire appreciation of the achievements, contributions and experiences of African Americans. For more information on the Museum and its programs, please call (773) 947-0600 or visit www.dusablemuseum.org. Congrats on another great event! (Photos by Jerome Simmons.)


1Eighty-five Chicago-area girls ages 5 to 17 hit the catwalk on a mission to help other children for the third annual Girls’ Spring Fashion Show & Tea. The Comer Development Board, Frankie’s On The Park children’s boutique and
2Rock Candy Salon & Spa teamed up to host this event with more than 250 parents, friends and supporters in attendance in the Women’s Athletic Club of Chicago’s elegant ballroom. The afternoon raised more than
3 - Pretty as a picture!$30,000 to support critical patient care programs and treatments at the University of Chicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. Celebrity stylist Eric Himel, who studied design under style guru Tim Gunn of “Project Runway”
4 - Shirley and Pat Ryan and familyfame, served as the show’s emcee. The fundraiser offers girls an exciting opportunity to help save and improve the lives of children suffering from serious illnesses. Now in its third year, this event continues to increase in popularity drawing a slate of young
6 - Eric Himel and friendsmodels and guests from across the Chicagoland area. The show featured the latest in kids’ fashions from Frankie’s On The Park, a top Lincoln Park destination for trendy tweens and teens, who also donated 25% of its
8 - Future supermodelsproceeds from each outfit to Comer Children's Hospital. Rock Candy Salon & Spa was on hand to help each young model get runway ready. Other sponsors included Gene & Georgetti’s, Heffernan Morgan Ronsley
7Design, Nancy Krause Floral Design & Garden Antiques, Lisa Schenkman Interiors, O'Neil Family Foundation, Fishman's Fabrics and Vineyard Bath Company. Congrats to all of the young models and generous donors who contributed to this wonderful charity event. (To view ALL event pics, please click here!)


1 - James Keach, Maria D'Angelo, Lee Woodruff, Hannah Storm, Jane Seymour, Marie Tillman2Adversity and obstacles confront us all yet how an individual responds to life’s challenges was the sole focus of a special gala evening hosted by actress, artist and philanthropist Jane Seymour and award-winning director and producer James Keach. For the third year, the Open Hearts Foundation recognized some incredible people and organizations that are devoted to inspiring and supporting others. Jane Seymour was stunning in a
Ace Young, Diana DeGarmoturquoise Pamella Roland gown (one of my fav designers!) and took the stage to kick off the event. Highlights included Marie Tillman’s speech. (She is the widow of fallen soldier and NFL star Pat Tillman; she was joined by her new husband, Joe Shenton.) She tearfully addressed the 300 attendees, while noting how Pat Tillman would have been so proud and that it’s remarkable how his life still has so much meaning. ESPN’s Hannah Storm, with 14-year-old daughter Ellery in tow,
Alex Bandspoke about her devotion to removing the stigma of disfiguring vascular birthmarks and empowering those affected by finding their inner beauty. She spoke candidly about her recent accident, which left her wondering if her career in front of the camera was over due to severe facial burns from the fire and the loss of her hair. An emotional video from former NFL great and ALS advocate patient Steve Gleason and his wife Michelle, set the mood for an
Jane Seymour and Chelsea Kane at Open Hearts Foundation galaincredible evening. Eighties movie star Jonathan Silverman and wife, soap star Jennifer Finnigan, accepted the award on their close friends’ behalf. Gleason, who suffers from ALS, spoke via computer technology using only his eyes, leaving not a dry eye in the crowd. Bob and Lee Woodruff learned all too well that life can change in just an instant when Bob suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq in 2006. Due to recent developments in South Korea, Bob was unable to attend at the last minute but made quite the appearance via a heartfelt taped message while on
Lee Woodruff, Jane Seymourlocation. Former lead vocalist for The Calling, Alex Band, not only wowed the crowd with his hit “Wherever You Will Go” but candidly broke the heartbreaking news that he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just six months ago, a surprise to all guests. Congrats to Jane and James for shining a light where it’s most needed. Keep up the wonderful work!


1I’m getting so excited about tennis great Jimmy Connors’ upcoming autobiography, “The Outsider.” His wife Patti told me he’s looking forward to a book tour that sadly, for now, doesn’t include a stop in Chicago but I will keep working on them! Here’s Jimmy’s description of the book, “A lot has been written about me, my family, my on-court behavior and my off-court life. Some of it is true, well, you decide. This book is going to change
3 - With Patti and Jimmy in L.A. before Mansion partythat. People may think they know Jimmy Connors. Maybe they do, but now it's time to set the record straight.” I just can’t wait, love him and love his darling family! The book will be available May 14th. To pre-order, please click here! 


1 - Grant recipients Hannah Perez, Isaac Diaz, Aaron Ibarra and Devin HallMore than 840 guests helped raise $1.2 million in a night filled with glamour, baseball and community at the recent Bricks and Ivy Ball to benefit Chicago Cubs Charities. Cubs owners, managers, players, front office associates and fans gathered together at Navy
2 - Kerry and Sarah WoodPier’s Grand Ballroom to enjoy cocktails, dinner, silent/live auctions and live music by DJ Kasper K and his ‘70s dancers. Now in its third year, the Bricks and Ivy Ball has become one of the key fundraisers for CCC and supports numerous organizations and programs targeting youth sports access
3 - Cubs president Theo Epsteinand improvements in health, fitness and education for those at risk. As the program began, chairman Tom Ricketts addressed the Cubs’ commitment to supporting Chicago’s children through community outreach and charitable programming. “Our goal is to make life better for the youth and families of Chicago by doing our part to improve health, fitness and educational opportunities for those at risk,” said Ricketts.
5 - Cub Jeff Samardzija and friends“Whether it’s a hospital visit, holiday toy drive, serving lunch at a USO or Thanksgiving dinner to homeless teens, our team is there donating their time and resources.” During the evening,
Cubs owner Tom RickettsCCC introduced a video featuring some all-star youth who have benefitted from grants, including Cubs Care grants, a McCormick Foundation Fund. Hannah Perez from Cubs Care RBI Fast Pitch Girls Softball, Isaac Diaz from Urban Initiatives, Aaron Ibarra from Midtown Educational Foundation and Devin Hall from Breakthrough Urban
6 - Legendary Cub Ernie Banks (2nd from L) and friendsMinistries all talked about how the Chicago Cubs are making a difference in their communities and their lives. The video also featured Cubs players Darwin Barney, David DeJesus, Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija who interviewed the youth for the video. Congratulations on all you do Chicago Cubs Charities! For more info, please click here!


Lynne_jordan_banner_3Mark your calendars for April 29th! Beloved diva Lynne Jordan returns to City Winery with her sexy bunch of The Shivers for a night of joyous entertainment and song. Tickets are only $15 to see this award-winning chanteuse sing with her incredible orchestra! For tickets and more information about this event, please call 312.733.9463 or click here!

 


1 - Joakim Noah_Cécilia Rodhe_Ryan O'Donnell_Shin ThompsonChicago Bulls center Joakim Noah joined more than sixty friends, family and supporters recently at soon-to be opened West Loop eatery Kabocha (located at 952 W. Lake) to raise
2 - Amanda Puck_David Manilow_Jacqui Wedewerawareness for his namesake charitable organization, Noah’s Arc Foundation. Guests sipped specialty cocktails and snacked on an array of tasty bites from Kabocha’s Chef Shin Thompson while mingling with the basketball star and his
3 - Dana Henderson_Ernest Wilkinsmother/expressive art therapist/sculptor and foundation co-founder Cecilia Rohde. During a short presentation in which smiling faces of children at NAF-organized camps and
4 - Nancy Crown_Anna O'Donnellprograms beamed from the screen, Noah reflected on the work his charity had done over its first two years. “When I think about those kids, they give me strength,” he said. Rodhe also said a few words, thanking partygoers and extolling the necessity of arts education and artistic expression for those children most in need. Noah’s Arc Foundation
5 - Stuart Buck_Karen Buck with with Chef Shin Thompsonwas founded in 2010 by Noah and Rodhe to help engage children in positive self-expression through arts and sports. Guests in attendance got a sneak peek
6 - Julie Carden_Anna O'Donnell_Beth O'Donnellat Kabocha, Chicago’s first Japanese brasserie. Hors d’oeuvres were modeled on dishes one can expect to find on the menu when Kabocha opens soon and included tuna and hamachi
8 - Andrew Weil_Mike Olson_Dominic Volinitartare, Kabocha squash and corn soup and rabbit dumplings with Thai basil. Some notable names came out in support, including artist and author Beth O’Donnell (mother of Kabocha co-owner Ryan O’Donnell), Nancy Crown, Caroline Crown and “Check, Please!” creator and executive producer David Manilow.


CalendarMay2013byjudybonzerStay tuned for these upcoming May events: WTTW Gala featuring Emmy Lou Harris on May 1st; Steppenwolf Gala on May 4th; "The Dinner Party" with host Elysabeth Alfano on May 6th (I can’t wait to be on with Lin Brehmer, Sean Pharr and Nick Bowling); Alzheimer’s Gala on May 11th; Taste for the Arts at the Harris Theatre on May 14th; Shakespeare Theater Gala on May 17th; Goodman Theatre Gala on May 18th; Campfire Ball on May 18th; DePaul University Theatre School Gala on May 22nd; Merit School of Music Gala on May 23rd; my birthday on May 26th (!); and the Hubbard Street Dance Spotlight Ball on May 30th! Whew! We’re going to be very, very busy!

Hope spring is around the corner and I hope you have enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace!

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


Steve and me with the Herrick family - Liz, Max, Jared and TylerP.S. I can’t wait to share an exciting documentary with you all soon! I’ve been working with Emmy Award-winning director and founder of Zacuto, Steve Weiss, to produce an inspiring story of an incredible family, the Herrick Family. You might know them as an Ambassador Family for Ronald McDonald House Charities but there’s so much more to learn! We can’t wait to share this heart-warming story with you, it will make you change the way you live in a very good way! Vanishing Point Films creator/editor Josh Orr will be collaborating on this dynamic and awe-inspiring piece. Stay tuned! #INSPIRING

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November 16, 2012 · 12:08 pm

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!
 
Blog 1 - Paula giving the PAWS Chicago Visionary Award to The David Duffield Family's Dr. Laurie PeekA 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 Blog 2 - James & Bonnie Spurlock with Howard & Judy Tullmango 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, Blog 2 - Jessica Bloom & Tim Canningdancing, people and pet illustrations by Rosemary Fanti and insight into their pet’s thoughts through animal communicator, Alicia Halloran. Blog 3 - Billy Corgan with live auction winners Kristy Kitzmiller, Nancy Timmers & Mayari Pritzker with Bonnie SpurlockPresented 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 Blog 4 - Sponsor Chopper Trading's Raj Fernando with Melissa KrischnerAward for their exemplary work on a national scale with Maddie’s Fund, which Blog 5 - Mark Bell & Tara Clackis 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 Blog 5 - Ross & Suzie Glickman with Andrea Schwartz & Steve Strykerhouse, Madame Zuzu’s. After a bidding war between Blog 6 - Amy, George, Olive Oil, Addison Burinthree 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 Blog 7 - FOX's Anna Davlantes & husband David Gamperllife, I feel blessed to have these kittens and it’s because of an organization like this that they exist.” Blog 8 - Michael & Melissa Canning, Judith Blazer & Ann WallaceEarning 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 Blog 9 - Philip, Greg & Janice Beck (right) with Maria Bracho and dogs Henry, Betsy & GusMelinda McMullen and donated by American Airlines, Grand Hyatt Blog 10Beijing, 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 Blog 11 - I’m ready for a new home!donors. “The success of this year’s Fur Ball directly translates into PAWS Chicago being able to increase the Blog 12 - Kitchen Crashers host Alison Victoria with Luke Harding & Ditkanumber 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!

 
Blog 1 - Cheryl Bollinger with co-chairs Kimberly Gleeson and Elizabeth BrodskyThe 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 Blog 2 - SC President Vonita Reescer and Richard MillerBallroom. 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 Blog 3 - Tina Weller, Myra Reilly and Lynda Silvermanorganization’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 Blog 4 - With Mary Pat Burns, Tracey DiBuono, Sheryl Dyer, Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Sheila O’Gradyin 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 Blog 5 - Sherry Lea Holson and Stacie Mickelsonhave 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 Blog 6 - Dusty Stemer and Genine Schaeferhistory 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 Blog 7 - Simona and Dennis Garciathe 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 Blog 8 - Tracey DiBuono, performer and Sharyl Mackeyoffered 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 Blog 9 - Jean Antoniou and Greg Hyderpaddles were raised to bid in support of the SC. This organization is one of the oldest in Chicago having been founded Blog 12 - Cookie Cohen, Stuart Feinberg and Mamie Waltonin 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, Blog 10 - Bunky and the boyslast 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!)
 
ExteriorNearly 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 Linday and Brie.jpgpresents 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 Brielle Buchberg, Ashley Hooks, Lindsay Segalcompany’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 Interior 2 LGSSegal and Buchberg with a magnum bottle of Moet custom designed with Luxury Garage Sale. (Awwwwww!) Radiant Eva Daiberl, Seth Casteel, Sandra GoldmanBuchberg (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 Katie Jackson-Meara, Jessica Zweigwell-known Chicago faces including Ashley Hooks (Miss Illinois USA 2012), Graham Kostic (GlossedandFound.com), Chicago Bears head coach’s wife MaryAnne Smith (with Vintage Jewelry Collectiondaughter-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 Sierra Widmer-Rodriguez, Brielle Buchberg, Lindsay Segalclothing, shoes, accessories and collectibles. Their new boutique will feature a daily carefully curated collection of their favorite ‘finds’ such as Chanel handbags and Valerie Jisa, Lauren Hammvintage 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!
 
Blog 1 - Michael House (Chicago Defender publisher), Dorothy Tucker (CBS 2 and Emcee) and Everett RandThe 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 Blog 2 - Lou Rago, Antonietta Cerrone, Newsmaker Stella Foster, Frank Cerronehave 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 Blog 3 - Cook County Board Prez, Toni Preckwinkle, Zeuss Preckwinkle and CBS 2’s Dorothy TuckerSchools), Karen Lewis (president, Chicago Teachers Union), Karen Freeman-Wilson (Mayor of Gary, Indiana) and Tio Hardiman (director of CeaseFire Illinois). For 107 Blog 4 - Rev. Willie Taplin Barrow—Rainbow PUSHyears, 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 Blog 6 - Stephanie Neely, Chicago City TreasurerMovement 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 Blog 5 - Newsmaker Val Warner, Windy City Livehe 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!
                                                                                                                           
Blog 1 - Samyr Laine - Laura Pincus Hartman“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 Georgette Jean-Louis and Anne Hastings183 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 Hubert Allen - Suzanne Lebold - Kim KerbisDePaul University) who is co-founder and board chair of the school. “For the hundreds of thousands who Laura Pincus Hartman - Fr. Dennis Holtschneiderlive 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 Gigi Vaffis - Cathy Calhoun - Allison Isaacson Lipsmanpeople 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 Susan Sherman - Laura Pincus Hartman - Donna Meyers - Mark PincusChoix” 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 Aaron Freemanfirst-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 Lesly C onde and Leonard Joseph(President, DePaul University), Andrew Mason (CEO, Groupon), Katrina Markoff (CEO, Vosges Chocolates), Senator Kwame Raoul (13th Dist., IL), Hon. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (Judge, Wendy DuBoe - Leila Janah - Laura Pincus HartmanCircuit Court of Cook County, IL), Chris Kennedy (Chair, Board of Trustees, Univ. of Illinois, Past President, Merchandise Mart), David Brown (Chairman, Much Shelist, Susan and David ShermanP.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.”
Bill Kurtis (Chicago-Mettawa), Robert J. Havey, M.D. (Wilmette, President of The Global Health Initiative at Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates), Donna LaPietra (Chicago-Mettawa)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, Joe Brown, Elaine Coldren, Paul Trinquero, Bridget Whitehead, Quentin Youmans, Krutika Lakhoo, Teresa Gomez, Manuel Bramble (all are Feinberg School of Medicine Students)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.
 
WOC 2011Don’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. Miss Foozie as a judge in 2011Michigan! 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.

Holiday-theater-sign-624x407The 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!
 
LogoTwenty-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!

Front-Susan Mathein, Patti Lupo, (M) Doug Pawlik, Jennifer Prerost, Kecia Waldschmidt, (back) Mark MacLean, Chris Brown, Paul IamsThe 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!

Blog 1 - Walter and Susie JacobsonCongrats 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 Blog 2 - Mancow and Bob Sirottcelebrated 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, Blog 3 - Walter and Bill KurtisRyan 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.)

Blog 1 - Photo by Laercio Luz PhotographyAs 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 Blog 2 - By Tyler Curtis (Darkroom Demons)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 Blog 3 - By Mila Samokhinatheirs. 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 Blog 4 - My dear friend –RIPhow 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.

That’s the news for this week; I hope you’ve enjoyed reading it as much as I’ve enjoyed writing it! Chicago is such an inspiring town..

Love you all,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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November 9, 2012 · 10:36 am

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

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

 

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

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

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

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


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September 4, 2012 · 10:54 am

KING OF COMEDY STEVE HARVEY SETS SIGHTS ON CHICAGO!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB GOES TO THE RACES, A “PERFECT” EMAG, LINDA CLIFFORD’S “ONE NIGHT STAND,” WHERE YOU SHOULD BE FOR FNO, FRANCES HAS A NEW “JEWEL,” ZACUTO FOUNDER TURNS 50, JANE SEYMOUR’S OPEN HEART, TOM TAKES ST. TROPEZ, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO, CHICAGO TRIBUNE WHITE HOUSE DISCUSSION AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Steve and Marjorie Harvey with Larry WertIn a stroke of genius, NBC Universal has nabbed popular entertainer Steve Harvey for his own show, “The Steve Harvey Show,” premiering today, September 4th. The Launch Party at the Hard Rock Café on August 22nd was by-invite-only and featured Blog 2 - Larry surrounded by a bevy of NBC Beautiesa live performance by Jeffrey Osbourne. Everyone was in high spirits and excited to meet this one man media empire. From his comedy throne, he has parlayed his genius into best-selling books (“Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man”), movies (“The Blog 3 - Linda Johnson Rice, Marjorie Harvey and Desiree RogersOriginal Kings of Comedy”), television roles, game show host (“Family Feud”), clothing lines, a dating website, a charitable foundation (The Steve and Marjorie Harvey Foundation), a production company, a social media branding company, online Blog 4 - Margaret O’Connor and Jeffrey Osbournehair and wig stores and now, his very own talk show based right here in Chicago! He will be relocating his family – gorgeous wife Marjorie and two kids (ages 15 and 16) – here shortly. Since his kids are home-schooled, he joked that, “They would be shipping a lot of people here.” He joked to NBC’s President and Blog 5 - Richard Dent, Otis Wilson and “Big Cat” Williams with cute friendsGeneral Manager Larry Wert, “There’s gonna be a charge back!” The Hard Rock was packed with friends and fans and he worked the room with a huge smile on his face and seemed especially glad to see his old friend, Abe Thompson, with whom he’d worked with starting out at WGCI. In his comments, he gave Blog 6 - Deborah O. Brown, Crystal Peters, Larry Wert, and Jacinta FisherAbe a shout-out from the stage and joked that Larry Wert went down on one knee to beg his wife to come to Chicago. “I’m blessed to be here and happy to see a lot of my friends from WGCI like Abe Thompson. There’s this Blog 7 - LaRue Martin, Stella Foster (R) and friendthing called fate. I really should be installing spark plugs! I don’t know how all this business works, I just know what my cut is…I just appreciate it all…I’ve developed over the years. I’ve become a real husband, a real father. I’m really just Blog 8 - DuSable’s Carol Adams (R) and frienda general market guy,” said Harvey. When it was recently suggested that his audience was mostly African American, he replied, “You can’t sell three million books
to just black people. Everybody is already in the tent.” And then he Blog 10 - Art Norman and friend Priscilla Strattenintroduced R & B singer/musician/songwriter, Jeffrey Osbourne. “His voice hasn’t changed one bit since I first heard him,” said Harvey. Osbourne enchanted the crowd, and when he sang his highest charting solo hit, “You Should Be Mine (the Woo Woo Song)”, the crowd went wild. He Blog 9 - Crowd scene at Hard Rock Cafébrought people up on stage to sing with him and then said, “Folks, I need a white person to sing the woo woo!” Saran Dunmore pushed Margaret O’Connor onto the stage while partygoers chanted, “Go Margaret, Go!” It was a joyous celebration for, what will most Blog 11 - Laura Baron and Brenda Arelanocertainly, be a big hit for NBC Universal! In a fantastic feature article this month in Ebony Magazine, Harvey shared his “8 Secrets to Make Millions” – 1) Be the best, 2) Have an unbeatable work ethic, 3) Take care of Blog 12 - Steve has the whole world in his hands!your temple, 4) Bounce back from failure, 5) Build on your brand, 6) Surround yourself with the right people, 7) Be a rule breaker, and 8) Give back. It’s clear to see he has the right recipe for success! Blog 14 - Daniella Guzman with Jaime ViteriGuests seen in the crowd included Deborah O. Brown, Dionne Williams, Hermene Hartman, Saran Dunmore, Margaret O’Connor, Jodi Balfour, Linda Johnson Rice, Desiree Rogers, Angela and Abe Thompson, Richard Dent, Laura Baron (who will appear on his first show), Stefan Holt, “Big Cat” Blog 13 - Steve with longtime friend Abe ThompsonWilliams, Brenda Arelano, Daniella Guzman, LaRue Martin, Carol Adams, Otis Wilson, Alicia Roman, Marion Brooks, Rob Stafford, Art Norman, Jacinta Fisher, Priscilla Stratten, Stella Foster and so many more! Long may you reign Steve and NBC! (“The Steve Harvey Show” will air on NBC 5 weekdays at 2 p.m. beginning September 4th) I’ll be WATCHING! (To see ALL fab party pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)
 
Blog 1 - Dick Duchossois and Sherrill BodineThe 4th annual Service Club Day at the Races was held at Arlington Park Race Track on Sunday, August 18th. More than 130 guests sported their best fedoras, fascinators and hats to attend this event that raised more than $17,000 for the SC’s Blog 2 - Bob and Nina Mariano with Russ and Tracy Scurtogrant program. The event was held in the Governor’s Room and chaired by Diane Freeman. The room looked gorgeous with tables topped with bottles of Prosecco donated by John Cressman of Worldwide Wines. The centerpieces were overflowing with red Blog 3 - Mamie Walton, Stanley Paul and Ball co-chair Elizabeth Brodskyroses surrounding silver horses by Tom Kehoe Design. The day also included an exciting Kentucky Derby raffle with the winner receiving two Clubhouse tickets to the Derby and a $1,500 travel voucher. The Service Club of Chicago has continually Blog 4 - Sheree and Jim Valukasserved the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities since 1890. Every single dollar raised goes directly to charity. (Pretty pics by Steve Starr.) And speaking of the Service Club of Chicago, check out my Watch312.com video from their fabulous Day on the Terrace fashion show and luncheon! Lots of fab fashions worn by fab ladies AND gentlemen – congrats!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?height=360&embedCode=F1eXhxNTrsQud8tvvAUUzVf2YIytdfuh&deepLinkEmbedCode=F1eXhxNTrsQud8tvvAUUzVf2YIytdfuh&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640


Blog 1Leave it to Debi Lilly (brainchild of A Perfect Event) to come up with the idea for a purrrrfect eMag! She designed the first issue while wandering the streets of Paris…nice place for inspiration! This seasonal quarterly e-magazine (that debuted September 1st) is designed to share the latest trends, tips, themes and styles in and around Chicago plus feature the fabulous world of celebrations, Blog 2 - Debi Lilly and her cute kids frolic in Paris!holidays, parties and more! For the style savvy, educated bunch looking for serious visual content, this eMag will provide readers with inspiring solutions to their entertaining needs with constant word of mouth and social media content through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, blogs and more. With insight from industry insiders who include Graham Kostic Blog 3 - My segment! So excited!(Insta.GRAHAM), Amanda Puck (The Foodarazzi and Watch312.com host), Ryan Beshel (Runway Report from 900 N), Ben Newby (Mixologist of the Moment), Melissa Skoog (On Her Plate), Matt Woodburn (Light Up the Night), DJ Megan Taylor (Spinning Now), and moi (Behind the Scenes of Causes We Love)! Even some of Debi’s ultra-chic Parisian friends will be sharing their international views. And with input from Chicago’s celebrations guru Rachel Schwanz, this eMag is bound to explode! So watch your inboxes and check your social media for this cool eMag! 🙂 (Holiday issue coming November 1st!) To see the exquisite debut issue, please click here!
 
Garden of EveMark your calendars for “Garden of Eve,” coming Friday, September 14th to the River East Art Center (located at 435 E. Illinois) beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be co-chaired by Austin Baidas, Amy Crawford, Emily Fry, Meshell NdegeochelloVernita Gray, Pat Ewert, Alma Izquierdo and Liza Martinez. Benefitting the Howard Brown Health Center and its Lesbian Community Care Project (LCCP), the 4th annual signature fundraiser will support women’s health and wellness services and programs for uninsured women. Ted_allen_choppedThe event’s VIP reception will be hosted by Ted Allen, host of Food Network’s “Chopped.” Entertainment will be provided by 10-time Grammy nominee Meshell Ndegeocello whose music includes a variety of influences including funk, soul, hip hop, reggae, R & B, rock and jazz. (For tickets and more info, please click here or call 773.572.5117.)
 
090612 FNO North Bridge FINALThere is so much going on for Fashion’s Night Out on Thursday, September 6th and these are two of my favorites! First up, the Shops at North Bridge (located at 520 N. Michigan Ave.) will feature the ultimate fall fashion challenge beginning at 6 p.m. Judges will decide which local fashionista or blogger will win the prize for best fall looks. Competing stylists include Amy Blog 2 - Celebrity host Ali LarterOlson, Maggie Morgan, Amy Creyer, Jessi Sheehan, Emma Arnold, Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin, Suzanne Kopulos, Amanda Wolfson and Dee Brodlo. Judges include Windy City Live’s Jessie Kalin, ULTA Beauty’s Carrie Lannon, NS Mag’s Elaine Doremus, CS Mag’s Katie Schroeder and Lisa Shames, Fashion Group International’s Lisa Ackerman and moi! The after-party will be at Roof at The WIT from 8 p.m. until 11 p.m. See you there! My other favorite FNO will be “Fame, Fashion and Flavor” at 900 North Michigan Avenue Shops from 6 Blog 3 - With Eric Himel, Sarah Burrows, Victoria Malkin and Graham Kosticp.m. until 9 p.m. The shops will be transformed into a multi-level event space featuring a flash fashion show styled by Eric Himel, a glam beauty bazaar by Bloomingdale’s and Mario Tricoci, a Gastronomony by Groupon tasting with bites Blog 1from top Chicago restaurants, DJs, Glossed & Found photo opps, in-store parties and so much more! There will also be a VIP Lounge hosted by the stunning Ali Larter. Besides the 900 Shops, this cool event is hosted by Michigan Avenue Magazine, McGrath Lexus and Acura of Downtown Chicago!! Can’t wait to parteeeee!!! (To see a more complete list of events, please click here!)
 
OneNight_06_02_smallChicago House is excited to premiere an all new event fundraiser to support the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist families and individuals affected by HIV and AIDS. “ONE NIGHT STAND will be an explosive, multi-sensory dance party wrapped around a live concert,” explained Jeremy Hilborn, Chicago House’s Manager of Special Events. “It’s a full buffet of sights and sounds, built around an experiential concert,” Hilborn continued. For its inaugural year, the new event – inspired by a popular dance recording artist and icon Linda Clifford – will feature her in a custom designed, immersive nightclub environment. From grinding go-go boys to a diva star with a full band to DJ Resized_slacks & shirtlessMathew Harvat offering up the beats, ONE NIGHT STAND will rock a VERY transformed Park West on Saturday, September 15th beginning at 8:00 p.m. Chicago House brought some major players to the table in developing the event in its first year. Keith Elliott (Dance for Life Chicago/Chicago Takes Off) and Tony Savino (Dance for Life Palm Springs) bring more than 20 years of experience in performance based fundraising to create this exciting new addition to the Chicago House event calendar. Tickets to ONE NIGHT STAND start at $35 for balcony seating, and range up to $200. For more information or to purchase tickets, please click here or call 773-248-5200 x303.

Blog 1 - The Birthday Boy!Steve Weiss, co-founder of Zacuto – one of the world’s largest film making accessories, sales and rental companies – celebrated his big 5-0 recently with a weekend long celebration in Old Town. Friends and Blog 2 - Birthday peeps—Steve and Isabel Weissfamily flew in from as far away as Australia to honor Steve and his 9-year-old daughter, Isabel, on the occasion of their double birthdays: Steve’s 50th and Isabel’s 9th. The party began at their
historic house Blog 3 - Lucyna Wojtas (aka Mrs. Weiss) surrounded by admirersin Old Town (known as the “Yellow House”) with a cocktail reception. A trolley squeezed its way down our narrow streets to pick up all of the partygoers. After a stop for more friends at the Sutton Place Hotel, we Blog 4 - Christina Wojtas and friendswinded our way down Lake Shore Drive to our final destination, the “Gypsy Spirit” docked in Burnham Harbor. There was more food than anyone could imagine with more drinks than we should’ve been Blog 5 - Cara and Jens Bogehegn and friendsserved but the night couldn’t have been a more perfect celebration for this accomplished man who started his company with partner/friend Jens Bogehegn in 2000. Their company has garnered so many awards, including Blog 6 - Steve and the boat people!numerous Emmys, Silver Telly Awards and Chicago Film Festival honors as well as recently ranking 8th in the top 100 for Video Production and Filmmakers Who Know Social Media and Viral Marketing. Others Blog 7 - Isabel surprised on her 9th BD!on this prestigious list included YouTube, Vimeo, Weinstein & Co., HBO Documentaries and James Cameron. Yikes – pretty great company, Steve! Anyway, it was a perfect summer evening, the kind you dream about all winter long…and as the boat Blog 8 - Tim Cruzfloated over the smooth-as-glass lake, I counted my blessings looking at our magnificent skyline. The trip through the locks was so exciting but, sadly, made me realize how many people should NOT be driving their own boats. And the fireworks, of course, never disappoint. Steve’s glamorous Blog 9 - Entering the lockswife, Lucyna, along with her equally glam sister Christina, presented a whimsical “cake” with Steve’s face on hundreds of cupcakes…her speech was so loving and touching as well. Darling Isabel was dressed like she’d just Blog 10 - Mini-Steve cupcakes!stepped off the pages of Vogue with her stacked bracelets, scarf worn French-style, a jaunty cap and oversized sunglasses. Her beautiful cake was a surprise (and believe me, there’s not much that escapes/surprises Isabel!) but on this night, she was so excited! It was a fabulous family affair filled with love, frivolity, dancing and great friends. We were thrilled and honored to be included. Happy, happy birthday wishes to a special family in Old Town and someone you should know… 🙂
 
460_345_resizeThe Italian Village and the Ferrari Club team up for the 15th annual “Ferrari
s in the Loop” – an event that kicks off Italian Village’s 85 years of serving Chicago. All of the proceeds for this event go directly to the Inspiration Corporation and Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Sixty high-performance vehicles, including vintage and newer model Ferraris, will be featured at the only Chicago stop the Club will make this year. The Loop will be closed down on Monroe from Dearborn to Clark Street. During the event, the Italian Village will offer an all-you-can-eat and drink Italian feast for a $30 donation (including beer and wine). To learn more, please visit www.italianvillage-chicago.com. 
 
Frances Renk and SiennaA special congrats to new mom Frances Renk on the birth of her first child – darling daughter Sienna, who weighed in at 9 pounds. (I’m not so sure her svelte mom weighs much more than this!) I can already envision Sienna bejeweled in fabulous designs from Sequin. Love you FR and huge congrats to you and your sweet husband!
 
PR maven Kathleen Henson has the coolest friends! When she casually invited me to lunch at Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab Restaurant, I had no idea I would be dining with her Jennifer Boroff, Kathleen Henson, Jane Seymour and Anna Treiber at Joe’slongtime friend, the glam, uber-talented actress Jane Seymour (along with dynamic friends NBC’s Daniella Guzman, Jennifer Baum Boroff, Anna Treiber, Jane’s darling sister Annie and her longtime art representative, Susan Nagy Luks). Jane’s life is full to bursting with art projects/installations, an “Open Heart” jewelry line, a bed linen line, a clothing line and many upcoming film and television roles. Kathleen and Jane have been friends since the mid-90’s when she, Kathleen, helped her host her very first art exhibit in Malibu. Henson Consulting still works closely with Jane and her husband James Keach for their Open Hearts Foundation that recognizes individuals who have overcome adversity to do good and help others. 🙂

Blog 1 - Giuseppe Pochintesta and Tom Strehle at the Byblos, St. TropezTom Strehle, VP of Human Resources at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, is enjoying the wonders of the French Riviera and making me so envious! This is one of my favorite spots in the world and Tom is having a great time staying at boutique hotel Le Mouillage in St. Tropez, taking a helicopter to Nice and Monaco, drinking lots of Domaine Ott, visiting the hot new Coco Beach Club Blog 2 - Local specialty, the tarte Tropezienne, at the Byblos Hoteland enjoying the local specialty, Tropezienne tarts at the Byblos Hotel (one of the best in the world). He is a hard working guy who also gives (a lot) back to local charities…thanks for all you do, Tom, and congrats on your much deserved, jet-setting vaca! (Tom is shown in pic with Byblos Head Concierge Giuseppe Pochintesta…to see more of the St. Tropez experience, click here!)
 
Elana Schulman pitching Eli’s on QVC!Congrats are in order for Elana Schulman who is making waves (and cheesecakes!) for HSN! The famous Eli’s Cheesecake is now available on this popular network! Congrats Schulmans – you’re all so "sweet"!
 
Thanks for checking in this week and I hope your Labor Day weekend was filled with BBQ, friends, love and laughter!
 
Trib eventLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Don’t miss the Chicago Tribune’s “Chicago Forward: Conversations About the Future” discussion about the presidential election with heavy hitters who include Bill Daley (former White House Chief of Staff), U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock (from Peoria), Jim Edgar (former Illinois governor), Christie Hefner (director of the Center for American Progress), Leonard Pitts, Jr. (nationally syndicated columnist) and Jonah Goldberg (nationally syndicated columnist). Bruce Dold will conduct this panel discussion about the Windy City White House 2012! Don’t miss it on September 10th at 6 p.m. at the Field Museum. Tickets are only $15…click here for more info!

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December 7, 2011 · 7:38 pm

THE ART INSTITUTE’S “LET IT SNOW” IS AN INSTANT FAMILY FAVORITE

PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, HEART OF MERCY BALL, CHEF ART SMITH AND LADY GAGA, PHOTOGRAPHER’S TOCCO PARTY, DECEMBER MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE, ZACUTO AND MADONNA, VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY LIVE, ICB DONATES TO TROOPS, CHARLES GIVES BACK AND MORE!

 

Blog 1 -Event Chair Laura Werner and daughter Stephanie

The Art Institute’s “Let it Snow” was a debut holiday party that enchanted young and old and from the looks of joy on the children’s faces is sure to become a seasonal favorite. The Women’s Board of the Art Institute, led Blog 2 - Marilyn Vitale and daughter Miaby president Francie Comer and event chair Laura Werner, were delighted with the turnout of more than 350 guests for this inaugural event. As you entered Griffin Court of the Modern Wing, it felt as if you had crawled inside a giant snow globe. The twinkling snowflakes projected by Frost Lighting all around the room completed this effect as guests looked on in wonder. Balloonists Blog 3 - Décor by Heffnan Morgan Ronsleyand performance artists greeted everyone at the entrance. Children were dressed in their finest holiday wardrobes and delighted at the balloons fashioned into gingerbread men, reindeer, candy canes Blog 4 - True Voices of Christ performsand more. Partygoers sampled delicious and creative hors d’oeuvres by Bon Appetit that included treats such as caviar on toast points, beef tenderloin crostinis and butternut squash soup shooters with maple popcorn. To the delight of the kiddies, macaroni and cheese, PB&J Blog 5 - Future CEOs at Let it Snow!sandwiches, ham and cheese lollipops and pigs in a blanket were served. An extensive and colorful dessert display completed the bountiful buffet with s’mores and mixed berry shortcakes, cheesecake Blog 6lollipops, cookies and cupcakes. As guests sampled the buffet tables, the local gospel choir True Voices of Christ performed on the grand staircase, beginning appropriately with “Let it Snow.” The gingerbread Blog 7 - Sharing holiday happiness!house contest was something to see as competing museum departments vied for the win. Entries included a gingerbread school, fire station, train station, theater and more, all representing scenes of Chicago. Everyone was already on sensory overload when the Midnight Circus Blog 8 - Biz Bash's Jenny Berg and BF Dustin Bertastepped into the spotlight. Founded by Julie and Jeff Jenkins, the performance included jugglers, clowns, musicians, dancers, acrobats, aerialists and magicians as well as the “Chicago Boyz” who wowed the crowd. I can’t wait to attend this fun event next year and I know that it will become a perennial favorite. Seen on the scene were Anne and Will Hokin, Blog 9 - A rapt audience!Naomi Reese, Margot and Mark Bowen, Karen Gray, Max and Jim Farrell, Susan and Michael Canmann, Cathy and Michael Busch, Stephanie and Bill Sick, Jan and Bill Jentes, Melissa and Ward McNally, Elizabeth Blog 10 - Insanely clever food by Bon AppetitO’Connor Cole, Connie and David Coolidge, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Kay Krehbiel, Ellen and Jim O’Connor, Penny Pritzker, Gigi Pritzker Pucker, Shirley Ryan, Brenda
Shapiro and Betsy Rosenfield among many others. To learn more about the Art Institute of Chicago, please click here!)

 

Blog 1 - Elizabeth Bertucci, Elf and Connie SavilleThe Service Club’s annual Holiday Luncheon was a beautiful affair held in one of the most magnificent rooms in all of Chicago, the Cathedral Room at the University Club. Event Chair Blog 2 - Jean Antoniou, Mary Pat Burns, Hazel Barr, Sharyl Mackey, Sheryl Dyer, Tracy Tarantino, ElfSheree Valukas, along with her formidable committee, welcomed 150 women who came dressed in their most festive outfits to celebrate and raise funds for one of Blog 3 - Chicago Gay Men’s Chorusthe oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. A holiday bazaar made Christmas shopping easy this year and vendors included LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Bountiful Homes, Elsa Johnson, Elda Blog 4 - Belvon Walker (R) and friendsde la Rosa, Fabbri Furs, Hinsdale Furriers, Jennifer Kole Designs, Joelle Nadine, Leslie Hodes, Mary Mary, Pam Bernstein, Shrine and Tails in the City. There was new Blog 5 - Quenten Schumacher and Ellen Wesleyas well as vintage jewelry collections, magnificent furs, designer clothing, men’s gifts and even something for Fido to put under the tree at this extensive, something-for-everyone shopping extravaganza. The Chicago Blog 6 - Lisa Kraus and friendGay Men’s Chorus’ beautiful voices filled the elegant room with sounds of the season as jolly little bell-clad elves roamed among the tables much to the ladies’ delight. A delicious, seasonal luncheon included roasted butternut squash soup, parmesan crusted Amish chicken and chocolate raspberry crème tarts. As always, there was a philanthropic component to the day as the SC ladies all brought children’s gifts to benefit Clara’s House Shelter. The luncheon raised more than $8000 to benefit the grant program for the Service Club. (To see ALL fab event photos by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland, Sister Rosemary Connelly (ED), Lois Gates (Asst. ED), and Father Jack ClairThe Women’s Board of Misericordia presented their annual Heart of Mercy Ball this year at the Fairmont Hotel. More than 650 people attended this black tie ball which raised Blog 2 - Honorees Brian and Sue Shannon Familymore than $600K. Honorees this year included the Reverend Monsignor Michael Boland who received the Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion and the Brian and Sue Shannon family Blog 3 - Honorable Justice Anne Burke, Fr. Jack Clair and Michael Sneedwho received the Heart of Mercy Award. The evening also included a silent and live auction (what event nowadays doesn’t?) and the music of the Ken Arlen Orchestra. All of the money Blog 4 - Mary Frances Bragiel and Tom Truccoraised supports Misericordia Home, Heart of Mercy, in Chicago which serves more than 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds on its 31-Blog 5 - Event Chair Michelle Laughlin, WB Prez Carol Whitingacre campus. By serving society’s most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home. (You might recognize Sister Rosemary as the feisty nun who jokingly stood up to Mayor Emanuel recently over beginning to charge charities for water.) For more info on this charity and upcoming events, please click here! (For more event photos by Robert Kusel, please click here.)

Gaga_and_ArtDid everyone see Chicago’s own Chef Art Smith in the fabulous Thanksgiving special hosted by Lady Gaga??!! Well, I know for sure that 5.4 million of you watched: It was the highest-rated show in this time slot! Huge congrats to Chef Art and Lady Gaga! Chef Art also attended a party at Barney’s in NY with his better half, partner Jesus Salguiero, to celebrate the windows that Gaga has designed for the store for the holidays…what a dynamic duo! I can’t wait to see what they “cook up” next!

Blog 1 - Tocco’s Bruno AbateThe Chicago Photographer’s Party was held recently at one of my favorite restaurants, Tocco (located at 1266 N. Milwaukee) in honor of our wonderful local photographers! If it wasn’t for them, how in the world Blog 2 - Laurie Davis and event host Steve Starrwould we keep track of all of the social comings and goings? So, it was a fitting night of celebration that attracted around 200 party loving guests. There was a fantastic fashion display that featured gowns by Anna Fong, Borris Powell, Elda de la Rosa and Karol Blog 3 - Event hostess Sandy Smith-Doghmi and ChakibBarrero. Models Nicole Townsend, Bebe Georgieva, Cassandra and Freida Medina dressed up the room while the wonderful sounds of the Blog 4 - Pascal Pour Elle’s Pascal Ibgui and friendSteve Biossat Trio filled the air. Handsome Tocco owner Bruno Abate was hard at work making sure everyone got a chance to sample his delicious Italian cuisine. (The pizzas are my favorite!) The event was planned by the Red Carpet Concierge of Chicago committee that included Steve Starr, Sandra Smith-Doghmi and Javier Enriquez. The party was so glam and so much fun that no one wanted to leave! (Additional photos by Helena Rafeyan and Steve Starr…to view ALL of the event pics, please click here!

Mich_Mag_Dec__2011Speaking of parties, I must say the latest issue (December) of Michigan Avenue Magazine has to be my very favorite! I wonder why!? I loved the party scene and those fabulous clothes and I am so grateful to Susanna Negovan for including me!! Photographer to the stars Steve Starr looked dapper as well in his two-page Steve_Starr_Mich_Magspread. I thought this was their best fashion feature to date. The jewelry, accessories and wardrobe were all so well planned and the models were just so darn cute/handsome!  This magazine just keeps getting better and better and I couldn’t be happier for them! Congrats Mich Mag and thanks so very much for including me! 🙂

Madonna in Bazaar feature using the Zacuto EVF!When I first met my neighbor down the street, Steve Weiss, I had no idea what he did for a living. And quite frankly, I still don’t know for sure other than the fact that he is an owner of Zacuto, which is one of the largest high-quality, originally-designed President Obama and Zacuto’s Andrew Dryermotion picture camera accessory manufacturing companies around. And Zacuto Films produces its own original web series with six Emmy nods and two wins. As I question him more, I find out that everyone – and I do mean EVERYONE – uses a piece of his equipment…who knew?!

Vivalavida_flyerPlease mark Wednesday, December 14th on your calendar for the VIVA LA VIDA MASQUERADE PARTY when two cites – Chicago and New York – come together for one night to broadcast the latest fashion trends and happenings LIVE! New York hosts will be the editor and publisher of Gotham magazine, Eric_Himel_bg_7Samantha Yanks and Debra Halpert, while I will be a Chicago host along with "Windy City Live" style guru Eric Himel! This evening, sponsored by the Aparecio Foundation, will also launch Hasana’s e-commerce site at The Mid Nightclub located at 306 N. Halsted beginning at 6 p.m. Live entertainment provided by Sadie Woods and Megan Taylor! Guest bloggers Nicki Brashear and Katie Shuppler will be on hand, too, to keep fans updated. Please come to the party and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-the-minute #HVLV updates! Be there! 🙂

ICB_Military_inviteHuge congrats to Illinois Center for Broadcasting for their unique way to give thanks to the military this holiday season! On 12/8 and 12/15, at all of their campuses around the country, they will be offering a free Digital Care Package for families, friends and supporters of military personnel that can be shared with loved ones through email and online social networks, no matter where they are. For more details, please click here!

Blog 1 - Art in Gaga;s Barney's windowIs there a more beautiful city in the country than Chicago during the holidays? Granted, New York has a lot to offer – I love those Bergdorf Goodman windows and the Barney’s windows, Blog 2 - Zoolights!this year decorated by Lady Gaga and who could resist that huge snowflake hanging in the center of Fifth Avenue? – but we have that and more (kinda)! I’ve never seen a prettier display than our own Lincoln Park Zoo’s “ZooLights” display. I can Blog 3 - Christkkindlmarket—Daley Plazajust imagine the animals having holiday parties after all of the humans have gone. And who can resist the Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza? This delightful Blog 4 - a Macy’s window from Christmas pastspot is one of my favorites with its variety of crafts, gifts, entertainment, German food, drinks and more! Macy’s windows are always a must-see attraction and the Joffrey Nutcracker is a beloved holiday tradition. And finally, I don’t believe there is a prettier spot than right here in my own Blog 5 - Old Town fisherman cottagebackyard – the Old Town Triangle. Across the street from us is the most popular house on any Chicago tour, a darling fisherman’s cottage owned by Steppenwolf’s lucky David Blog 6 - Hef’s old home in the Gold CoastHawkanson. I love this city that just keeps getting better and better and better…can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings! Have a happy holiday! (To enjoy more photos from Christmas’ past in Chicago, please click here!)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Toy_DriveP.S. I love my hairdresser Charles Ifergan and not just because he’s super cute, skilled and fun to be around but because he’s also good at giving back! The Charles Ifergan Salon at 106 E. Oak St., along with Furla, is co-hosting a children’s toy drive at the salon and store: Each client who donates will receive 20-percent off any hair care products and 20-percent off merchandise at Furla! LOVE this!

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November 29, 2011 · 6:37 am

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE’S 40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

…PLUS “MAKING A SCENE” FOR CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE, “GREAT FUTURES” FOR UNION LEAGUE, WORLD OF CHOCOLATE, POP TABS FOR CHARITY, WHAT I’M THANKFUL FOR AND MORE!

Blog 1 - Event Chair Katheryn French, Aisha Murff and co-chair Laura StevensonThe Junior League’s 40th annual Gazebo Holiday Market celebrated the organization’s centennial year on Friday, November 18th, and was filled with more than 40 vendors from across the country. The preview party, “Martinis & Mistletoe,” was chaired by Blog 2 - Michelle Kerr, Regina Wooten and President Michelle MillerJulie Rogers and Laura Stevenson and attracted more than 350 young, professional movers and shakers. Santa (aka John Sullivan) greeted guests at the door and, for a small donation, you could have your photo taken with him. The atmosphere was festive and happy and it seemed Blog 3 - Andrea Holcom, Santa (John Sullivan) and Summer Craiglike ALL of the organization’s 1,600 women members participated in some way to make this event the success that it was. Shopping continued on Saturday with almost 1,000 people attending! Friday night’s preview party included cocktails, music, cheese samplings from Blog 4 - Lindsey Hart, Michelle Wallace, Erica Mayfield and Lisa CarpenterCabot Creamery, Jo Malone fragrance consultations, facials by Thrive Integrative Medical Spa, chair massages by Health Source Chiropractic, raffle drawings, Sugar Bliss Cupcakes samplings, tasty Blog 5 - Devora in a frame of her own designhors d’oeuvres and so much more. It also offered a first look at the unique holiday offerings that included gifts from Antique Creations (Art Deco cufflinks, Victorian watches and more items filled with nostalgia), Tiny Creations (children’s clothing), Katherine Anne Confections (delicious Blog 6 - Frames by Devorahandmade chocolate truffles and caramels), K. Amato Jewelry, Barque (canine couture) and Shernette Swaby (designer creations) among many others. There were a couple of standouts at this holiday market that could be a column all on Blog 7 - Laura and Julian Diastheir own – the first being Frames by Devora. I was captivated by this colorful booth manned by a very cheery Sheila Fisher, mother of Devora. At seven months old, Devora was diagnosed with Agenesis of the Corpus Callosum and has since then Blog 8 - Nicole Betti and Catherine Ketterhad numerous additional medical problems requiring 24-hour supervision. Despite her diagnosis, she graduated from New Trier High School in 2007 and now, at age 26, is painting and designing custom photo frames to raise awareness for this disease as well as to enable herself and others like her to live with family and lead fulfilling lives Blog 9 - Matt Gruber and TwoTara’s Kate Janeczkoas productive members of their community. Sheila Fisher said, “Our goal with Frames by Devora is to spread the message that no matter what level someone is that everyone can do something and everyone has worth.” What a delightful idea for a holiday gift! Blog 10 - TwoTara’s reversible baby clothesMy other highlight was an amazing baby collection called TwoTara designed and conceived 15 months ago by Kate Janeczko that included pink-to-blue reversible clothing and accessories for newborn Blog 11babies. With over 40 percent of new parents not learning the sex of their baby until birth, this product is a game changer! No more settling for yellow and green for a baby gift. TwoTara also makes a perfect baby shower gift, Blog 12 - Darcy Wilson and Shernett Swabytake-home outfit and the perfect hand-me-down! Kate’s collection is now in 50 stores in eleven states and I’m pretty sure it will become a household name soon! For this wonderful two-day market, a portion of every purchase was donated to the JLC’s community projects dedicated to the empowerment of at-risk women and children in the Chicagoland area. Mark your calendars now for their next event, “Windy City Nights,” which is set for Saturday, March 24th.

Blog 1 - Event co-chairs Sonny Garg and Julia Harris, Elana Ernst, co-chairs Krista and J.P. GallagherMayor Rahm Emanuel kicked off the annual “Making a Scene” benefit with more than 250 supporters in attendance to benefit the Chicago Children’s Theatre, the city’s only professional Blog 2 - “Hungry Hound” Steve Dolinsky, Victoria Lautman and Barrett Murphytheatre company dedicated to young audiences. The event was held at the Ravenswood Billboard Factory, a hip, urban one-of-a-kind special event venue filled with classic Blog 3 - Gigi Pritzker Pucker and Michael Puckercars, retro neon signs, steel beams and skylights. Steve Dolinsky, ABC 7’s “Hungry Hound” planned a delicious menu for the evening in consultation with J & L Catering. Magician and House Theatre company member Dennis Watkins performed a daring Blog 4 - Board Prez David Saltiel, Barbara Leland, co-chair Julia Harris and Board Chair Todd Lelandstunt made famous by Harry Houdini – a death-defying escape from Houdini’s Water Torture Cell. (Watkins’ stunt spurred buzz for the theatre’s upcoming world premiere of “The Houdini Box,” the new Blog 5 - Carolyn Rosenberg, Christina Body and Stephanie Arnettmusical adventure set to begin on January 27th at Chicago’s Mercury Theater.) With leadership from event co-chairs Krista and J.P. Gallagher, Julia Harris, Sonny Garg and the CCT “Making a Scene” host committee, this Blog 6 - Ines Monte, Suzanne Lampert and Rita Mirmanevent surpassed its fundraising goals raising more than $340K for the theatre company and its Red Kite Project, an ongoing outreach initiative dedicated to making live theater accessible to children on the autism spectrum. Actor Daniel Eichengreen delivered a touching testimonial about this project and the effect it’s had on his own life. Auctioneer Greg Dellinger fielded bids on live auction Blog 7 - Board VP Lynn Lockwood Murphy, CCT co-founder-Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Director David Kersnarpackages that included a Starwood’s Viceroy Anguilla Caribbean Beach Resort trip with first class Magician Dennis WatkinsUnited Airlines airfare (what a perfect time for this prize!) and a Top Gun Simulator package gifted by United Airlines to experience flight from the captain’s seat at their Denver training facility among other exciting offerings. (I’ll take the Caribbean trip please, Blog 9 - Actor Daniel Eichengreenthank you very much!) “Scenemaker” host committee members included Eda Davidman, Gigi Pritzker Pucker and Michael Pucker, Elizabeth and Jeff Purvis, Steve Dolinsky, Ahmer and Samar Ahmad, Kristen and Matt Bonanno, Tom and Dawn Clewatt, Blog 8 - Cara Buffa, Danny Glick, Joe and Pat PerilloRob and Mary Collins, Nancy Cooper, Jerry and Bill Eichengreen, Bridget Gainer, Mara and Andy Gloor, Nada and Michael Gray among others. Chicago Children’s Theatre’s latest hit musical, “Goodnight Moon, the Musical” is on stage now at Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, located at 2433 N. Lincoln, through December 23rd. To view ALL event pics by Ravi Ganapathy, please click here!)

Blog 1 - Kathy Brock and Board Prez Michael ChiorosThe 34th Annual Union League Boys & Girls Clubs Gala, “Great Futures Start Here,” brought out more than 300 supporters and raised upwards of $200K to support the organization’s five clubhouses throughout Blog 2 - Event chair Gail Kiss with husband Michaelthe city. ABC7 anchor Kathy Brock emceed this event chaired by Gail Kiss to raise funds to expand programs and services which will benefit more than 11,000 Chicago children. The evening included a silent and live auction featuring a Blog 3 - Tom Palmen and Amy Minersculpture by respected Chicago artist, Richard Hunt. Guests dined on a seasonally inspired four course meal by Union League Club Executive Chef Michael Garbin and danced the night away to the sounds of the Al Sofia Orchestra. The organization’s impact on Blog 4 - Amy and Stuart O’Brienthe community is substantial with 99 percent of its members graduating from high school. Union League Boys & Girls Club President Michael Chioros had this to say: “Over the past 34 years the gala has raised more than $3 million and benefitted over 250,000 Blog 5 - Jeffrey and Shari Sacks with Matthew and his mom Kathy Brockyouths ages 6-18 in Chicago. Additionally, we are able to offer 697 youths an opportunity to attend our 250 acre summer camp in Salem, Wisconsin where Blog 6 - Steve and Susan Mitchellthey can experience an environment free from drugs, gangs and violence and lead them to a great future.” For more than 90 years, the organization has served thousands of children in five inner city Chicago clubs in the Pilsen, West Town and Humboldt Park communities. (For more info about this wonderful organization, please visit www.ulbgc.org and big thanks to Steve Starr for the fab fotos!)

The Peninsula was last year's winnerThe 10th annual World of Chocolate holiday extravaganza benefitting the Aids Foundation of Chicago will be held at the Aids-ribbon-229x300Hilton Chicago on Thursday, December 1st from 6 – 9 p.m. This year’s event will help commemorate World AIDS Day and help celebrate the beginning of the holiday season in grand style with chocolate creations from more Invitethan 30 of Chicago’s finest restaurants, caterers and chocolatiers. A Memory Wall, a powerful display of photos and words, will honor those who have died from HIV/AIDS and those who bravely live with the disease every day. For tickets and more info, please click here. 

Blog 1 - Our ThanksgivingI hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Food was plentiful at my sister and brother-in-law’s, (Nancy and Os Steinwald) and the family is healthy. Sadly, I know this isn’t the case for everyone. Maybe this is why I’ve always Blog 2 - Michael Sneedloved Oprah’s idea of a gratitude journal. I also love – and never miss – Michael Sneed’s annual Sun-Times Thanksgiving column where she gives thanks for the important things in her life. And it isn’t just the obvious things like the good health of your children or the love of your spouse: She is thankful for the Blog 3 - Our decorsmall things, too, like a cactus wren or the smell of coffee from a favorite restaurant in Mexico. As I reflect on the year that’s almost behind us, I think there is certainly much to be thankful for. Of course I am grateful for my ever-patient husband Chuck. I don’t know how he puts up Blog 4 - Joffrey in Don Quixotewith some of my “ideas” but I am certainly grateful. I love putting up my Christmas décor and love the memories of each and every ornament as I place it on our tree. I love feeding the backyard birds and especially love the Downy woodpecker that Blog 5 - Ronald McDonald Houseseems so tame he practically comes when I call. I love watching the dancers of the Joffrey Ballet do anything. I love knowing that our city will have the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House. I love knowing that Common Blog 6 - Common Threads mini-chefsThreads is growing by leaps and bounds so more kids can gain confidence and knowledge through its programs. I love the horse and carriages that clatter down our street when you least expect it. I love my neighbors…yes, you heard me right. I love any party at Blog 7 - Party at the Weiss houseSteve and Lucy Weiss’. They remind me of what a community should be like with wonderful camaraderie Blog 11 - Chicago Now’s Jimmy Greenfieldand happy, easy laughter. And I love seeing my friends succeed at whatever task they’re attempting. (To see pics, please click here.) I am also so very, very grateful to have this blog, my Tribune column, my Chicago Now gig (and Jimmy Greenfield especially) and my new show on Watch312.com. You never know where life will take you but I am ready for the ride! 🙂

Love and thanks for your readership,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com 

RMHC_logo_no_textP.S. I know that money is short nowadays for everybody and that buying expensive tickets to charity galas is not always an option, but if you still want to help the less fortunate, Ronald McDonald House Charities has a solution! If you have the opportunity, please save your pop tabs! United Scrap Metal, a local recycling company, recycles the metal and pays RMHC the market value, plus a charitable match on a percentage of their profit. There are six locations to turn in your tabs so please click here for more info and happy recycling!

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November 10, 2011 · 12:48 pm

THE SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO GALA REVISITS CLUB EL MOROCCO!

…PLUS HALLOWEEN FUN, EMMY NEWS, THE JOFFREY BALLET'S NUT, MENDING FENCES, A NEW CHICAGO STREET, A "CLASSY" BOOK, UPCOMING FUN EVENTS AND MORE!

Blog 1 - Co-chairs Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer and Laurie DavisOnce upon a time in 1890, 14 young ladies - inspired by Jane Addams of Hull House – met to form a philanthropic organization to improve the lives of the less fortunate. Now, 121 years later, the Service Club of Chicago celebrated this landmark anniversary with its annual Gala, this Blog 2 - The glamour of El Moroccoyear themed “An Evening of Glamour at Club El Morocco.” The ballroom of the Four Seasons was magically transported back to an era of elegance and Old World Hollywood glamour where the rich and famous danced and drank the night away against the backdrop of zebra printed banquettes. This Manhattan supper club, famous from the ‘30s thru the ‘50s, celebrated a lifestyle that everyday Blog 3 - John and SC Prez, Sherrill Bodinepeople could only read about in the newspapers. Where people like Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, Blog 4 - Nina DiFrisco and Bob MarianoMarilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich and Jackie Kennedy Onassis (in both incarnations) mixed and mingled with royalty. Event designer Tom Kehoe was the genius behind this evening’s transformation and, according to some who had visited the original El Morocco, it was true down to the last detail. When I first entered the room, my jaw dropped in amazement; believe you and me, I’ve seen some pretty Blog 5 - Jeff and Tina Wellerincredible event venues but nothing like this. Tom had even created zebra banquettes that replaced chairs around many of the tables. The centerpieces featured three-foot-tall, Blog 6 - Wayne Harth, Tom Kehoe and Franco La Marcathin crystal vases holding simple white calla lilies or wispy palms evocative of that era. Many of the guests were inspired by the invitation to dress accordingly. I saw beautiful vintage gowns with statement jewelry, fur boas, feathered evening bags, flapper-inspired hairstyles, cigarette holders…there were even old-fashioned cigarette girls selling Cuban cigars while wearing flirty, little pillbox hats, shorts and cropped tuxedo jackets. There were prizes inside some of the Blog 7 - Rochelle and Charlie Trottercigars such as rounds of golf or dinners Blog 8 - Hazel and Warren Barrat top restaurants. (Insanely clever, right?) I also saw some guests who thought “El Morocco” meant the country of Morocco but this is another story! LOL! The live auction prizes, presented by Jim Karas, were outstanding too and included a trip to Ireland for the Notre Dame/Navy football game ($4,500), three days and two nights on Susan and Fred Gohl’s yacht in Naples, Florida ($3,500), an African photo safari ($6,500), a seven-day Holland America Cruise Line trip for two (your choice of itinerary, $3,750), after-party tickets to the Golden Globes, NY Fashion Week tickets and a trip to Skibo Castle in Scotland. An adorable Blog 9 - Kurt and Felicia Winiecki, Jim Karas and friendHavanese puppy from PAWS went to a lucky bidder as Blog 10 - Sue and Tom Careywell. Raffle prizes included a custom gown by designer Elda de la Rosa, earrings from Pomellato and a John Reilly photography session among others. SC President Sherrill Bodine welcomed the crowd and spoke about dedicating her year as president to the memory of Blog 11 - Dick Miller and Vonita Reescerher mother, who was mentally disabled since birth. She said, “Mentally, she never progressed older than six years old. She Blog 12 - Shelley MacArthur Farleycould not read or write. I am a writer—she was never able to read any of my books. In the years I’ve worked on the Philanthropic Committee and seen the organizations in Chicago which assist women like my mother, I’ve often thought that if she’d lived in this wonderful city she could have been Blog 13 - Tom and Darby Hillshelped. She might have been able to learn to read. What a gift that would’ve been. That is the kind of gift you are giving to others by being here tonight. Thank you for helping us make Chicago a better place in which to live—for everyone.” Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini Blog 14 - Alan Sax and Sheryl Dyer(struggling with crutches from his recent surgery), spoke about the history of the Service Club and thanked them for their 121 years of service. Event co-chairs Toni Canada, Laurie Davis and Dusty Stemer brought out a sell-out crowd of more than 430 people who danced the night away to the sophisticated dance arrangements by the Ken Arlen Blog 15 - Jim and Mary LaskyOrchestra who played everything from Cole Porter to club music. The orchestra also accompanied special guest performer Shelley MacArthur Farley, who entertained the crowd with her cabaret style. The memorable and delicious dinner menu included potato pumpkin soup, roast beef Blog 16 - Sheree and Jim Valukastenderloin with wild mushroom sauce and asparagus as well as a seasonal trio of desserts. The party continued into the State Room where the Leopard Lounge was in full swing as we said our goodbyes. I could almost hear Truman Capote gossiping in the corner. This year’s Gala raised close to $250K. (Additional photos by Cindy Barrymore, Caitlin Saville Collins and Steve Starr.) Please enjoy my video coverage on Watch312.com and to view ALL event pics, please click here!      

watch312 on livestream.com. Broadcast Live Free

Blog 1 - Cute sisters Lucy and Christina WojtasI don’t know about you, but it was a pretty spooky Halloween in my Old Town neighborhood this year. Emmy award winner Steve Weiss of Zacuto Manufacturing, along with his Blog 2 - Belle of the Ball Isabelbeautiful wife Lucy and sister-in-law Christina Wojtas, hosted a thriller of an evening complete with fog machines, 12-foot-tall ghosts, vampires, bonfires, roasted weenies and marshmallows and witches’ brew along with a cast of local, costumed characters. Steve and Lucy’s ethereal daughter Isabel was dressed as a Victorian vampire (think Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise’s daughter in “Interview with the Vampire”) and Blog 3 - Chuck (aka Harry), David Pfendler and Steve Weissshe played her part to the hilt complete with pet “rats” (fake, thank God!) she carried around in a cage to scare the bejesus out of guests to peals of laughter (hers). It was a great night with friends who feel like family. Thanks for the memories! (To view all pics, please click here!)

Steve_and_Lucy_WeissEmmy congratulations go out to Zacuto’s Steve Weiss, Jens Bogehegn and Scott Lynch on their exciting win this weekend! They received the award for “FilmFellas” and now have multiple Emmys on their office shelves! Kudos all around!

Arnie and Marina Tatar with the MayorAnd speaking of kudos, congrats to Dr. Arnie Tatar! Mayor Rahm Emanuel recently passed a resolution naming a street after this beloved doc! Can’t wait to drive down Honorary Arnold M. Tatar, MD Way! Congrats to Arnie and his darling family on this great honor!

 

Fred GebbiaI met the “The Fence Doctor” Fred Gebbia when he was working on a street near my house…on a fence, of course! You see, Fred is a master iron worker and craftsman who has been featured in a zillion magazines and the Chicago Tribune, among other publications. He built the winning structure on national TV for HGTV’s "Landscape Design Challenge," appeared in “Public Enemies” and the “Garden in a City” show in Millennium Park. He has brought treasured, landmarked Victorian iron fences back to life, many times recreating the missing pieces himself in his studio. He has worked Fred and his winning fenceon many celebrity homes and to show you the kind of guy he is, he didn’t want to share their names unless he got their permission. He’s not interested in expanding his company to multiple crews since he makes sure he’s on every job himself “to make sure it’s done right.” He laughs and says, “That means I’ll never get rich but I don’t think that’s why we’re here on earth.” This guy is the real deal from the inside out and as the Carly Simon song goes, “Nobody does it better…” To learn more, email Fred here.

Blog 1The holiday season is fast approaching and during this time of the year, my thoughts turn to nutcrackers – as in the The Joffrey Ballet’s annual crowd pleaser known affectionately as “America’s #1 Nutcracker” which Blog 2begins on Saturday, December 9th and runs through the 27th at the Auditorium Theatre. On Saturday, December 10th, The Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet presents the Nutcracker Family Dinner which will be held at the Palmer House Hilton in the State and Grand Ballrooms. The enchanting evening will feature entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and of course, a thrilling performance of Robert Joffrey’s The Nutcracker. Guests will have the option of attending Blog 3the matinee or evening performance of The Nutcracker on December 10th. The evening’s co-chairs Sonya Jackson and Cindy Burns, both Women’s Board members, have created an evening of Blog 4 - Co-chair Cindy Burns with son Francisfamily fun. The delightful evening begins at 4:00 PM on the fourth floor of the Palmer House in the State Ballroom with cocktails, punch, lively entertainment and special “Creation Stations” that the entire family can enjoy. At 5:15 PM, guests will be seated in the Grand Ballroom for a traditional family-style meal. It is a tradition you should begin now! 

Blog 1 - Author Derek BlasbergDesiree Rogers, Susu Block and Kara Mann co-hosted a party in PUBLIC Chicago’s Library to celebrate the launch of Derek Blasberg’s latest book, “Very Classy: Even More Blog 2Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady.” Blasberg is a fashion writer, editor and New York Times best-selling author who was born in St. Louis now lives in NY (with his dachshund named Monster) where he is the editor-at-large of Harper’s Bazaar and senior editor of V magazine and VMAN, the fashion titles from arts collective Visionaire. His latest book, an expanded, Blog 3 - Alexa and Linda Johnson Rice with Desiree Rogers and Derekupdated and revamped version of his original best seller - “Very Classy” – is a collection of humorous essays and illustrations that pertain to etiquette. Harper’s Bazaar said, “He is to parties what Rob Blog 4 - Saira and Chris Cooper with friendsPattinson is to vampires but you don’t get bitten, you get smitten.” In its second week, “Very Classy” was certified a New York Times best seller and has since been translated into several languages and published in countries in Asia, South America and Europe. (To order his book, please click here!) 

CAM_InviteThe Chicago Academy of Dance is hosting a “More Dinner Than Dance” soiree at Tantrik Chicago, located at 800 Superior, on Friday, November 18th, from 7 – 10 PM with an after-party from 10 PM – 2 AM. This formal party will benefit the renovation of their first location at 3433 S. Indiana Ave. CAM offers free music education through a variety of programs for children who are undeserved and/or chronically poor in the South and West sides of Chicago. This event will showcase the finest vocalists, instrumentalists and dancers Chicago has to offer. For tickets and more info, please visit www.CAMChicago.org.

Blog 1 - Contest winner Jeff ConwayWell, that’s the lowdown on this week’s fun highlights! Hope you’re having a great week and I hope to “see” you here next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I conducted a little Facebook Halloween Contest and I had lots of creative entries but, hands down, my favorite was "24/7" producer Jeff Conway’s! Both the name and the costume made me giggle – take a look at his “Jack (Daniels) and the Beanstalk” look if you want a laugh, too! He’s a brave man! To see all of the cute entries, please click here!

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October 5, 2011 · 10:45 pm

THE “SPORT OF KINGS” COMES TO NORTH AVENUE BEACH!

Blog 1 - Player David Wolf leads the parade Pounding hooves, clicking mallets, cheering fans, hot club music…all of this happened for the first time on North Avenue Beach this weekend. The Grey Goose Chicago Beach Polo World Blog 1 - Nathalie De Barry, Rebecca Janoff, Polo Life prez Bruce Orosz and Lacey Abbot Cup I, 2011 took place Saturday and Sunday on the sands near the boathouse as eight international teams of men and women took to the field, erghhh…I mean beach! This two day event was one of the best parties I’ve been to in a long, long Blog 2 - Mike Coleman with the Trump Women's Team time! DJ Geronimo played the hot club music between chukkers that reminded me of high season in St. Tropez! The attendees had all dug deep into their closets to find the most fashionably appropriate polo-viewing Blog 3 - Polo on the beach outfits and they ALL looked so very chic. Beach polo was created first in Dubai in 2004 followed by the Miami Beach Polo World Cup in 2005. For the debut event here, team sponsors included Grey Goose, Gascon, Lutfthansa, Titan Blog 4 - Meredith Ahern, Ted and Sarah Beardsley Tetzlaff, Joe and Susan Ahern, Dan Uslan Commercial, Amstel/Comcast and Trump Residences. The winning team was Titan Commericial led by players Ben Rosenfield, Chad Middendorf and Guille and Tavi Usandizaga. The horses and players were so close to us, you could hear Blog 5 - Eva Pawlus, Kristin Kojzarek and Monika Dixon the snorts and see the sweat (on the horses!). It was so exciting and there was so much going on during the matches. The festivities actually began on Thursday at the Noble Horse Theater on Sedgwick with an incredible, hands-on clinic with the pros. Setting the stage for the World Cup weekend, top rated players Nic Blog 6 - Joe Ahern and Reute Butler Roldan and Brazilian Paula Chermont, along with a team of other players directed an eager group of Chicagoans in practices such as riding, shot techniques, rules and strategy. Following the clinic, there was an after-party at Gallery 1028. Friday night, the Crimson Lounge at the Sax Hotel was the scene for the Press Party where guests mixed and mingled with Blog 7 - Sven Asmus with fiancé (R) and daughter the players and on Saturday, the main event began. There was a men’s and women’s fashion show presented by Cityblue Apparel & Denim. It was so cool to see the models on the “runway” in the sand which then extended through the VIP Pavilion. I even saw fashion maven Nena Ivon there surveying the show with her unerring eye. President of The Blog 8 - Beach Polo producer Lou Vasta and Lonnie Rodriguez Polo Life, Bruce Orosz, had this to say: “Our event continues to grow, thanks to incredible and continuing support from our sponsors and many polo enthusiasts, whose population is also increasing. As interest in the ‘Sport of Kings’ expands, we feel we should follow suit.” Orosz has plans on expanding the beach games to spots around the globe. Alex Webbe, Blog 9 - Partying at the polo games! chairman of the International Beach Polo Association added this, “Although over 3,000 years old, the ancient sport of polo made its first appearance in Chicago’s Dexter Park in 1876 when the California Polo Club staged a practice game much to the delight of an enthusiastic assemblage. Three years later, Blog 10 - Fashionistas at polo games! the Chicago Polo Club would be formed. Familiarly played on emerald expanses of the finest Bermuda grasses, beach polo reduces the size of the playing area to a more crowd-friendly size in an effort to drop the action into the laps of the spectators. The sport of beach polo has grown Blog 11 - Jenilca and Sandy Dogmi-Smith over the years, serving as a ‘moveable feast’ of sorts, bringing this exciting equestrian sport to cities and locales that would not otherwise have the opportunity of observing this age-old sport.” This event truly was a ‘moveable feast’ with fabulous food from Fogo de Chao and Union Sushi & BBQ, photo booths, a Gascon wine tent, an Amstel beer tent, pop-up Blog 12 - Rick and Toni Canada with Hedwig and Bob Golant shops and even electric violinists! The beach was filled with happy laughter and, as both days drew to a close, the sand and dance floor was filled with high spirited, dancing polo-nistas…and this was BEFORE the AFTER-PARTIES Blog 13 - Sylvia Lesiak and Agnes Orseno began! Whew! Congrats to all involved for bringing (and promoting) this exciting event in Chicago: Grey Goose, Bruce Orosz (Polo Life President), Lou Vasta (producer/partner Chicago Beach Polo), Don Miguel Gascon, Union Sushi & BBQ Bar, Rock Sake, Amstel Light, Tim Huizenga, Mark Blog 14 - Michael Coleman and Sara Martens Mitten, Alex Webbe, Vincent Anzalone, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Dan Uslan, Lonnie Rodriquez, Bettie Bomb PR, Rebecca Kussman, Rebecca Janoff, The Polo Life, the amazing men and women players and their athletic ponies and so many more! Can’t wait to see what next year brings! My only complaint is that the event should be held two weeks earlier. Saturday was very cool but sure didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits! For more info, please visit www.ThePoloLife.com. (Additional photos courtesy of Helena Rafeyan and Caitlin Collins. To see ALL event pics, please click HERE!)

Blog 1 - Goldie Hawn and co-chair Lara Shipp Shiffman The 26th annual fall benefit for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation kicked off National Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a luncheon at the Ritz-Carlton featuring guest speaker/actress, Goldie Hawn. Blog 2 - Ashley Hemphill-Netzky and Dara Hessell The event was co-chaired by Michelle Friedman, Ashley Hemphill Netzky and Lara Shipp Shiffman. Children from the Music Institute of Chicago performed for 750 happy Blog 3 - Karen MacAdam and Cathy Zack (Pic by Robert Kusel) guests anxious to hear Goldie, whose mother was a breast cancer survivor, speak. The room was a sea of pink with linens provided by BBJ and assorted pink blossom centerpieces courtesy of Heffernan Morgan/Ronsley. Attendees Blog 4 - Goldie Hawn also had the chance to bid on new and collectible handbags from upscale boutiques and private collections for the “Purse-sue the Cure” silent auction. Bryan and Julie Barrish and family, Neil Bluhm, and Cari and Michael Sacks were Daisy Sponsor supporters for this event, which raised $635,000 to support breast cancer research, fellowships and educational programs at Northwestern Memorial Blog 5 - Appreciative guests Hospital and the Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern. LSCRF has begun to “Light the Way to Find a Cure,” turning Chicago’s beautiful skyline pink to raise awareness throughout the month of October. To learn more about this wonderful organization or to make a donation, please visit www.lynnsage.org.

Blog 1 I hope you got a chance to enjoy Chicago’s FIRST “Open Streets” event downtown this weekend. This concept, introduced previously to the city by the Active Transportation Alliance, closed seven blocks of State Street to buses, cars and cabs so pedestrians could enjoy a safe place to stroll, bicycle, walk the dog and meander free from the worries of traffic. Sponsored by the Illinois Center for Blog 2 - Soma Fuller, Chgo. Campus ED Bill Natale and producer John Basile Broadcasting, this popular idea, called a “ciclovia” (Spanish for bike path), originated in Bogota, Columbia. Ciclovias are now popular in many places around the world including New York (where Park Avenue is closed) and San Francisco (where Grant Avenue is closed). The Loop Alliance helped Active Trans organize this year’s event along with help from supportive Aldermen Blog 3 - Sponsor ICB at Open Streets Brendan Reilly and Robert Fioretti as well as Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Ty Tabing. This fun day included an Imagination Playground, a Scavenger Hunt, a dunking booth, the Windy City Rollers, break dance instruction, a skateboard park and live streaming from the Illinois Center for Broadcasting featuring Bionce Foxx and Ernie Scatton. Watch for video from Watch312.com with highlights coming soon! 🙂

Blog 1 - Kendra at her Macy’s book signing Macy's scored another coup having my favorite “Girl Next Door,” Kendra Wilkinson/Baskett, make an in-store appearance at their State Street store for a signing of her latest book, “Being Kendra: Cribs, Cocktails & Blog 2 - Cute Kendra fans Getting My Sexy Back.” This is her second book, following her New York Times bestseller, “Sliding into Home.” In her current book, she “reveals her private side, sharing the ups and downs, the joys and challenges of motherhood, Blog 3 marriage, and life in the spotlight.” I will tell you, the opening paragraph catches your attention immediately. “Hank and I had sex on the staircase today. Right there, flat-out spontaneous sex with our clothes mostly still on. Steps digging into my back, the banister acting as a bedpost. It was quick and skillful.” Kendra is Blog 4 - Tons of Kendra fans! blatantly honest which makes her such a successful author and popular reality star. She told me she asks the E! Channel to “put it all in because it’s life. If there’s dog poo on the floor, I tell them to show it.” She has lived a large part of her life in front of the cameras and her intent is to build security for Baby Hank so “he doesn’t have to live that Blog 5 - Kendra interviewed by Luis Arroyo lifestyle.” (Kendra was a stripper when she was discovered by Hef.) Her appearance at Macy’s was filmed by E! for an upcoming show segment. Tribune nightlife reporter Luis Arroyo and Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide (owned by my friend Bonnie Krueger) also covered this fun event. Kendra’s fans filled the lower level in anticipation of her arrival. I loved talking to her…she’s real, press savvy and driven. Go Kendra! Go Kendra! (Thanks to Macy’s Kamal Bosamia and Andrea Schwartz for this terrific opportunity!) Check out my interview below on Watch312.com and see how interested she is in my own Playboy history! 

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Film Fest Opening Night Invite The coming weeks will bring lots of exciting events and here are a few CANDACE RECOMMENDS. Hope to see you at one or more of these fun fundraisers!

On Thursday, October 6th, the International Film Fest Opening Night Gala will feature “The Last Rites of Joe May” and its star, Dennis Farina. Bill Kurtis will emcee. For tickets and more info, please visit www.ChicagoFilmFestival.com.

MonArrez Fashion Show On Friday, October 7th, designer Hector MonArrez presents his FRONT ROW 2012 Fashion Show at the Union League Club beginning at 6:15 PM with a VIP champagne reception. Tickets (starting at $45) can be purchased by visiting www.monarrezcollection.com.

Art of Home Invite Image On Thursday, October 13th, the Art of Home will celebrate 50 Chicago area artists in a benefit to raise funds for Lakeside Housing programs. I am so proud to be a part of this worthy event which will take place at Zhou Brothers Art Center at 1029 W. 35th St. from 6-9 PM. For tickets ($150), please click herge!

NextFashionChicago_Invite Fashion Focus Chicago begins on Monday, October 17th and runs through the 23rd in Millennium Park. Tickets are $35 for general admission which applies to each of the four shows in the tent this year. All ticket holders will be seated, no SRO crowds this year! There are a host of other fashionable events surrounding Fashion Focus including the FIRST show called NEXT FASHION CHICAGO, which will Marcus 2-4-11 422 fb occur Monday night, October 17th, from 6:30 – 10 PM at the Germania Club, located at 108 W. Germania Place. The show, produced by Rose Mandel/Mandel Productions, is the first full-length group show and will include designers Elda de la Rosa, Sahar Dada, Sujata Gazder, Hector-Javier MonArrez, Mira Couture, Fraley Le, Gary Gonzales and Cleons. Featured stores include Bottega Contessa, Sofia, Furla and Cache. I am proud to be an emcee along with NBC’s popular Marcus Riley! For tickets, beginning at $30, please visit www.NextFashionChicago.com.

Kohl Children's Muesum Invite aeti-2011-web Saturday, October 15th, the Kohl Children’s Museum will celebrate 25 years with “An Evening to Imagine” at 2100 Patriot Blvd. in Glenview. The fun-filled celebration will feature music, dining, dancing and magic with surprises for the entire family! Individual tickets start at $500. For more info, please visit www.kohlchildrensmuseum.org or call 847-832-6600.

Emmy winner and nominee, Catie Keogh And lastly, on a personal note, I want to congratulate two friends on their EMMY nominations: Steve Weiss and Catie Keogh! Catie’s show – “24/7” - has once again been nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Magazine Programming! Her show runs on NBC 5 Emmy nominee, Zacuto’s Steve Weiss and wife Lucy Wojitas at 12:30 AM as well as 35 times a week on the NBC Nonstop Channels. Congrats to one of the hardest working women in showbiz!  And my neighbor/friend, Steve Weiss, and his company, ZACUTO, have been nominated for FOUR Emmys – one for Outstanding Achievement for Documentary Programs, one for Outstanding Achievement for Informational Programming, one for Interview Programming and one for Outstanding Crafts Achievement Off-Air: Editor-Program. I wish them both the BEST of luck!!! 🙂

Well, this is the lowdown on Chicago’s highlights for this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace and that I “see” you again next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Dogs really are man’s best friend, in many, many ways… 🙂

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