Tag Archives: Susan Ahern

CHESHIRE CAT SMILES ALL AROUND FOR OFFICE MAX’S GREEN TIE BALL!

…PLUS 30/30/30 FOR TCW MAG, BRIAN ATWOOD’S A-LIST PARTY, HENSON’S HIGH HONOR, HORSING AROUND AT THE EVERGREEN INVITATIONAL, PRIMO CLASSICO, HARRIS THEATER’S ONE NIGHT COUP, GOLD COAST FASHION AWARDS RETURNS, LATINO FASHION WEEK, CHEF ERIC LANLARD WANTS TO “TART IT UP!,” A MAGICAL WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
Blog 1 - Guests with Red Moon Theater actorsThe Office Max Green Tie Ball just keeps getting bigger and better! I didn’t think they could top last year’s theme – “The Wizard of Oz” – but with the fantastic addition of Red Moon Theater Company, “Alice in Wonderland” came Blog 2 - Joanna and Grant DePorterto life this year for more than 3,000 guests. From the moment you entered the steel factory grounds of A. Finkl & Sons, you knew magic was afoot when you walked the GREEN carpet! Dramatic visuals thrilled your senses everywhere you looked beginning with striking artwork from this classic book streaming down the sides of the Blog 3 - Emcee Val Warner with the Landon Twinstent as you entered the grounds. The Mad Hatter’s tent made me gasp as I saw oversized lamps and fabulous scenes projected on every wall. And the FOOD! There were more than 70 food stations and I don’t mean little tastings: This was REAL food prepared by Blog 4 - Interviewing Pete Wentz and girlfriend Meagan Camperchefs who wanted to be noticed. Rub BBQ Company served a BBQ martini consisting of coleslaw, cornbread, baker beans and smoked pork shoulder all in one cup! Zapatista’s carnitas on rice flower tortillas with jalapenos was mouthwatering and Flo & Santos served ravarogi (meat pierogies) with vodka Blog 5 - Sarah Cooley (2nd from R), Richard Roeper and friendscream sauce. Thank goodness I didn’t get to ALL 70 restaurants, although I did see great stuff from Frog & Snail, GT Fish & Oyster, III Forks, Rosebud, 25 Degrees, Province, Frontier and Public House. I was especially touched by Blog 6 - Jerry Roeper and David Lissnerthe offerings from the sweet kids from Bethlehem Lutheran Church who were on hand from the After School Matters’ Culinary Arts Program. Proud ASM Culinary Director/Chef Gloria Hafer said, “These students are special to us and I know they will succeed because of the Blog 7 - After School Matters students with their creationsconcern of the people here who have taken an interest in the program. I’m working diligently through ASM to promote self-esteem, excellence, and appreciation of the culinary arts.” Students in the program prepared, displayed and served more Blog 8 - Shari and Paul Duffythan 2,000 “Alice in Wonderland”-themed cookies and cakes. I watch a lot of master chef shows and these kids could teach them a thing or two from what I saw on this night. Shannon Roche, Gisel Bahena, Abigail Garcia, Lily Harris and Omar Cardenas proudly displayed their works of art and told me how Blog 9important the program was to them. Gisel plans on working in the culinary arts and Omar was happy to have a place to go that would keep him “off the streets.” Abigail commented on the fun she had and how much she loved learning how to Blog 10 - Zac Stemer and Jordan Stemercook. This was sheer genius by the event organizers to add these kids so they could highlight this worthy organization! Of the 50 world-renowned chefs invited to this event, After School Matters was the only teen initiative asked to participate. The event was emceed for the second year by Blog 11 - Elena Samokhina and magical friendWindy City Live” hosts Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini. When I interviewed them for Watch312.com, they were so excited about expanding to the weekend, with a Sunday edition coming soon. Ryan jokingly said, “You will be sick of us soon like my parents.” They are too cute for words, as we Blog 12 - Susan and John Collettiall know! Corri McFadden, glam e-Drop Off founder and star of VH1’s “House of Consignment,” and Donald Storino, principal and co-founder of the government affairs firm Fidelity Consulting Group, served as co-chairs. This Blog 13 - DJ Rock Cityevent benefitted Chicago Gateway Green, which was founded by Donald DePorter in 1986. His son, Grant DePorter, President of Harry Caray’s Restaurant Group and Chairman of Gateway Green, carries on his father’s tradition in grand style. “As Gateway Green’s Blog 14signature fundraising event, the Green Tie Ball not only raises our mission but also serves as the catalyst for our ongoing beautification programs, including the Expressway Partnership, for which proceeds from this year’s gala will be directed.” The night also Blog 15included top notch dance music from deejays Justin Jacobson (founder and impresario of Platinum Events), Rock City and former Fall Out Boy bassist and half of the Black Cards duo, Pete Wentz. He showed up on the green carpet around 9:45 p.m. with gorgeous arm candy, Meagan Camper. My friend and celebrity stylist Eric Himel styled them both to perfection saying, “For
Co-chair Corri McFadden and friendPete, I wanted to do something different other than rocker attire.” Wentz was decked out in a fabulous forest green suit from Oak Street’s SuitSupply with a Blog 17 - Agnes Miles and Catie Keoghbow tie. When I asked him how he liked his outfit, he said, “I feel a little Farrakhan-ish but that’s okay, I'm a fan.” He was dancing and tweeting pics of the crowd as he deejayed. So cute! Meagan was in a sleek black dress from Top Shop with green Alexis Bittar earrings. Such a stylish pair! I loved Eric’s Blog 18outfit, too, that featured a green skull necklace on a leather cord from Beatnik's, a great store in Lakeview. Entertainment included live performances from Chicago cover bands Dr. Bombay Blog 19 - Brenda Arelano and Lisa Apratiand South of 80. Co-host Ryan Chiaverini thrilled the crowd when he got onstage to sing his now signature song, “Sweet Home Alabama.” The Rivers Casino tent featured craps, blackjack and roulette. There was also a Red Moon bubble-blowing, mobile DJ, Blog 20 - Charitable gambling courtesy of Rivers Casinoan Office Max photo booth filled with “Alice in Wonderland” props and “Hawk Man,” who hovered over the crowd on a 20-foot crane flapping his massive, feathered wings (also from Red Moon). Partygoers happily fell right down the Blog 21 - “Hawk Man” from Red Moon Theater Companyrabbit hole at this party! Executive producer for this magical night was “The Food Dude,” David Lissner, who is also a board member of Chicago Gateway Green. This magical night raised $450K to benefit Chicago Gateway Green. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr…to see other photos in my Chicago Tribune column by Beth Rooney, please click here and to see all of the magic, WATCH my Watch312.com video right HERE!)

 

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Blog 1 - Brian Atwood with Heidi Klum and Rachel ZoeHandsome shoe god Brian Atwood celebrated his new campaign and first flagship store at 655 Madison Avenue in New York with a star-filled celebration at the Four Seasons Restaurant on Wednesday, September 5th. More than 700 guests mixed Blog 2 - Proud mom Dusty congratulates Brianwith A-list celebs as DJ Mick Boogie played hot mixes but nothing could be hotter than the sky high heels so coveted around the globe by this charming designer who is adored by all. Since its 2001 debut, the Brian Atwood Collection has instilled shoe lust in a legion of fans for its infusion of glamour, exquisite Blog 3 - Kim Kardashian with Brian Atwoodcraftsmanship, hyperluxe design and attention to detail. His award-winning styles have earned him the CDA Swarovski Perry Ellis Award for Best Accessory Design and the 2010 Footwear News Designer of the Year Award. His first global campaign this past summer, a print campaign and Blog 4 - Handsome life partners Dr. Jake Deutsch and Briancompanion fashion film tell the story of the modern woman's desire for fantasy and control. The new fall print and video campaign were shot together in London by Mert & Marcus with creative direction by Giovanni Bianco and feature supermodel Candice Swanepoel. The fashion film, The Sex is in the Heel video series, is a voyeuristic flashback by a mysterious seductress reliving the Blog 5 - Toni Canada, Dusty Stemer, cute friend and Jordan Stemerprevious night's fantasy and will be a part of the film section on the newly redesigned website. I imagine this is exactly how women feel after a night of wearing a pair of Brian Atwoods! In honor of the evening, DeLeon Tequila presented four signature cocktails: Maniac, The Sex Blog 7 - Heidi Klum having fun with Brian!is in the Heel, Midnight Purple and The Atwood. Ahhhhhh, so cute! Guests seen at the celebration included Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, Kim Kardashian, Rachel Roy, Ryan Lochte, Paris Hilton, Nicky Hilton, Nate Berkus, Hannah Bronfman, Estelle, Gabrielle Union, Katie Lee, Candice Swanepoel, Giovanni Bianco, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, proud parents Yolanda (Dusty) and Dr. Alex Stemer, Blog 6 - Zak Stemer, Ryan Lochte, Stephanie WeissAbby and Dr. Jim Lipton, Toni and Rick Canada, Nina Mariano, beautiful sister Jordan Stemer and Jackson Miranda, darling brother Zack Stemer, longtime friend milliner Loreta Corsetti, Peter Kousothanos, Nina Aversa, Stephanie Weiss, Andi Laidlaw, Cameron Laidlaw, Jerimiah and Brian's handsome husband, Dr. Jake Deutsch. It was a joy-filled affair filled with beautiful people. Long may you reign, Shoe God Brian Atwood – can't wait for your first store opening at 655 Madison Avenue coming October 4th!!!

Blog 1I love TCW Magazine and I’m so thrilled to be celebrating their 30th
anniversary with them on October 30th with a party benefitting 30 charities in town that assist women and children in Blog 2need! Leave it to Sherren Leigh to come up with this clever idea for her party which will also include a silent auction called Pumpkins on Parade. Faux “funkin” pumpkins will be decorated by local “celebrities” to be auctioned off.  I must say she corralled me for this funkin decorating and I tried but had to relinquish my duties to my dear friend (and crafty Blog 3 - Tissy Eggleston, my “Funkin” carving savior!genius), Tissy Eggleston. So, even though I will have a pumpkin entered, just know it was a collaborative effort! LOL! There will also be an open bar, food stations, a live band with guests encouraged to wear costumes. Tickets are $150 and I know this will be ONE event you shouldn’t miss! Happy birthday, TCW!

Kathleen HensonPR News recently awarded a BIG honor to Chicago’s own Kathleen Henson and her creative Henson Consulting firm with National Small PR Firm of the Year! They also won nationally for best Anniversary Campaign for 373141_60075977775_1321684491_nLettuce Entertain You’s 40th anniversary last summer. Kathleen started her firm 12 years ago in her basement with just a laptop, a phone and a rolodex after her first child, Emily (she now has FIVE!) was only nine months old! I can’t wait to see where this dynamic redhead with a heart of gold flies to next! Congrats to you KH and to Henson Consulting on all of your great work!

 

Blog 1 - Christy Cressey, host MK Pritzker and friendA venerable who’s who of Chicago traveled north to the private 230-acre Evergreen Farm owned by JB and MK Pritzker on Saturday, September 6th, to witness one of the Midwest’s most esteemed equestrian events, the Evergreen Invitational. Hosted by MK and The Women’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Blog 2 - Neal Zucker, Nora Daley and Sean conroypresented by Northern Trust, this fourth biennial equestrian charity exclusive “by-invite-only” event attracted more than 600 guests who came to support the elegant sport and witness nationally and internationally ranked riders compete. More than $1.1 million was raised from this year’s event with proceeds benefitting under-funded women’s health programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. To Blog 3 - Laura Linback on Whittadate, the Evergreen Invitational has raised more than $4 million. The $25K Junior/Amateur Owner Classic kicked Blog 4 - Ricky, Estelle and Agatha Walgreenoff the event with Meagan Nusz winning on horse, Vesuvius. The $75K Grand Prix blue ribbon went to Laura Linback and horse Whittaker MVNZ. In between the two events, hundreds of guests were spotting enjoying the mild weather and admiring some of the exquisite Graff jewels on display or lusting after a number of Ferraris dotting the property Blog 5 - Julie Latsko, Traci and Mario Tricoci and family(which were available for test drives courtesy of Lake Forest Sportscars). A promenade of shops featured merchandise from Lee Allison Company, Escada, Fabbri Furs, Chicago Luxury Beds and Blog 6 - Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer and Julie Selakovichdozens more. A lavish buffet lunch was catered by beloved George Jewell of George Jewell Catering. Guests seen on the scene included Mimi Olson (President of the WB of Northwestern), co-chairs Joan Moore and Christy Blog 7 - Sargent familyCressey, Meredith Wood-Prince, Nora Daley with husband Sean Conroy, Mich Mag’s J.P. Anderson and Dan Uslan, Neal Zucker, Leslie Hindman and Tempel Smith, Traci and Mario Tricoci, Jr. Blog 8and family, Estelle Walgreen, Quintin Primo, Mayari Pritzker, Susan and Joe Ahern, Dr. Kris and Tricia Rooney Alden, Thea Robinson, Dean Harrison, Curt Bailey, host JB Pritzker and Dan UslanJulie Selakovich, Curt Bailey, Christy Cressey, Barbara Bluhm-Kaul, Cassie Gavin, Blair Spencer, Bethany Paris, Linda Yu and Stuart Ellison, Susie and Walter Jaco
bson, Lisa and Jeffrey Aronin, Tom Cole, Denise and Adam Hoeflich and Stephen and Diane Falk. (Photos by Mariah Smith…to view more pics, please click here!)

 
Blog 1 - Hostess Shirley Ryan, Kim White (WB President), Kathleen Carbonara (Ball Co-Chair)Members of the Field Museum Women’s Board are immersing themselves in Indian culture as they prepare for the annual gala on October 13th, “The Maharaja Ball.” The gala, co-chaired by Kathleen Blog 2 - Marty Peterson, Anupy Singla, Kim White and Sandy DeromediCarbonara and Susan Faurot, will celebrate the museum’s opening of “Maharaja: The Splendor of India’s Royal Courts” exhibit coming in November. The exhibit is organized by the Victoria & Blog 3 - Kim White and Renee CrownAlbert Museum in London. The first of two high profile kick-off events was hosted by Patrick and Shirley Ryan at their Winnetka home with more than 50 women in attendance for the annual invitation stuffing party,
Blog 4 - Peggy Snorf, Susan McBride, Betsy Ahearne, Leslie Zentner and Marty Peterson“House in the Garden.” The second event was hosted by bestselling Indian cookbook author and former Chicago TV reporter Anupy Singla, who gave a cooking demo and prepared an Indian lunch for the Women’s Board. She schooled the Blog 5 - Ball co-chairs Kathleen Carbonara and Susan Faurot with Anupy SinglaBoard in the fine points of Indian cuisine and cooked recipes from her newest cookbook, “Vegan Indian Cooking.” A trip along Blog 6 - Stuffing invites at the Ryans'Devon Avenue for sari shopping was included! This gala is sure to be a sellout so please click here for tickets and more info. Congrats to all of the hardworking Women’s Board members!

PrimoPrimo Classico d’Italia, a benefit for the Primo Center, will take place at Diane and Quintin Primo’s home in Lake Forest on Sunday, September 30th between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. There will be new and vintage Ferraris along with beautiful models and great Italian food prepared and donated by leading Chicago restaurants such as Pelago, Prosecco, Tocco, Florentine, Volare and Fred’s. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit homeless women and children who rely on the services of the Primo Center. For tickets and more info, please click here!

Sweet Honey in the RockWhat do you get when you combine a Grammy Award-winning female a cappella group with a youth orchestra ensemble led by President Obama’s first nominee to the National Council of the Arts? I would call it one magnificent night Sphinx Virtuosiin Chicago at the Harris Theater! On Thursday, October 4th only, they will debut a performance by Sphinx Virtuosi with Sweet Honey in the Rock and the Chicago Children’s Choir with a premiere of its new work, Affirmations for a New World. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets are only $10 to $35! For tickets and more information, please visit www.harristheaterofchicago.org.

Gold coast fashion show imageThe 57th Gold Coast Fashion Award show, the signature fundraising event of The Children’s Service Board, an affiliated organization of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, will be at the Hilton Chicago, located at 720 S. Michigan, on Friday afternoon, September 28th beginning at 11 a.m. with a cocktail reception. Emerging designers will compete for the coveted Gold Coast Fashion Award with audience members casting their votes. Last year’s winner, Fabiola Arias, will open the show with her fall Fabiola+Arias+Fabiola+Arias+Backstage+Fall+vvtEcXzRq9Glcollection and designers Lyn Devon, Tess Giberson, Wes Gordon, Stacy Lomnan, Misha Nonoo, Rolando Santana, Verlaine and Rubin Singer will be competing for the 2012 award.  Retail partners this year include Chalk, Mark Shale, McElroy Furs, Neiman Marcus, Perchance, Frances Heffernan and Saks Fifth Avenue. David Yurman will once again host the Grand Staircase entrance during the cocktail hour with displays of fabulous jewelry. Tickets begin at $200 and can be purchased by visiting www.gcfas.com.
 
Latino Fashion Week Save the DateNow in its sixth year, Latino Fashion Week will premier its 2012 tour with the theme “Images of Fashion.” Co-founded by Arabel Rosales and Cesar Rolon, Jr., the tour will include Dallas, Chicago and Miami, and will honor photographers and videographers involved in the exhibition. Highlighted in the Chicago exhibit is globally renowned fashion photographer, Daniel Garriga. This five-day event will include runway shows, celebrity appearances, VIP receptions, a one-day Fashion Lounge and Expo, and much more! The Kick-Off event, “Lights, Camera, Fashion: A Red Carpet Media Party,” will be at Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. on Tuesday, October 9th beginning at 5:30 p.m. (For tickets and more info, please call 773.865.7313 or 773.251.3329.
 
Tart-it-up-eric-lanard-e1343125285112And now someone you should know! London-based Chef Eric Lanlard is coming to the Windy City on Tuesday, October 30th, to celebrate the launch of his latest book, “Tart it Up!”(Don’t you just love this title!?) Eric is a master patissier and two-time winner of the prestigious Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Jesus Salguiero, Chef Eric Lanlard and Naushab AhmedAwards. Having trained in France, Eric moved to London where he ran the patisserie business for Albert and Michel Roux. For the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, he was commissioned to create a recipe (The Elizabeth Sponge) for the celebration! Eric has also appeared in a number of TV series, including top Brit hit, “Glamour Puds,” that have helped him build a global fan base. He’s charming and witty with four books under his belt (so far): “Master Cakes,” “Cox,” ElizabethCake260Cookies & Cakes,” “Cake Boy” and his latest, “Tart it Up!” Hosted by Jean Zivkovic and Don Newcomb, a champagne reception (with delicious gourmet tastings) is planned at the Ritz Carlton Club (located at 160 E. Pearson) on October 30th. So please come meet my “sweet” friend and "Tart It Up!" (For reservations – $99 – please call 312.777.1090.)
 
StarvingArtistInvitationFinal_emailThe Chicago Artists' Coalition presents its Starving Artist benefit on Saturday, October 6th at 217 N. Carpenter St. beginning at 7 p.m. Artists and chefs will be paired to inspire a dish that’s served at the event and a piece of artwork that results will be auctioned off. There will be a charcuterie battle and food installations. Participants will include food preservationist Tara Lane, artists Laura Letinsky, Jeanne Dunning, Erik Peterson, Jenny Kendler and chefs Jared Van Camp, Erling Wu-Bower and Beverly Kim. For tickets (beginning at $150), please visit www.2012starvingartist.com
 
Blog 1 - Keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin and Tribune’s Joycelyn WinneckeThe University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business recently hosted a day-long seminar series that included a fascinating personal branding segment with keynote speakers Jan Anne Dubin (principal of Jan Anne Dubin Consulting) and Joycelyn Winnecke (Chicago Tribune vice president and Blog 2 - New Sunday Tribune Candid Candace format!associate editor). I was even more thrilled when she included me as a “Personal Branding Pro” along with Christie Hefner, Amy Guth, Cheryle Jackson, Sherren Leigh, Dr. Lauren Streicher, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, Jeanne Gang, Ron Culp and Bridget Brennan. It was an honor to be included and introduced to the standing room only crowd! Congrats to Jan and Joyce on a thrilling talk! And speaking of the Chicago Tribune, I hope you enjoyed the new format for my Sunday Candid Candace column! 🙂
 
Muttstrut2012The 9th Annual Chicago Canine Rescue (CCR) Mutt Strutt is set for Saturday, September 29th. Dog lovers and their four-legged friends are invited for a 1.5-mile walk followed by a block party with food, entertainment and more! NBC 5’s Kye Martin will be the celebrity emcee of the event. (For more info, please visit www.chicagocaninerescue.org.)

Dr. Sandy GoldbergThe 8th Annual Silver Lining Event will be held on Saturday, October 6th, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, located at 2233 S. Martin Luther King Dr., beginning at 6:30 p.m. This black tie event will be held in the Regency Ballroom and will present darling Sonya Jackson with the EVY Award! Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in honor of her late mother, A Silver Lining Foundation provides cancer resource information and outreach as well as Sterling_eventproviding funding for free screening mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women and men at seven partner hospitals. Can’t wait to celebrate your honor Sonya for this great cause! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)
 
Whew, talk about an action packed month! I hope you’ve had a chance to enjoy some of these fun events or I hope I will see you at an upcoming one soon! Also, please follow me on Twitter (@CandidCandace) for breaking news from around this beautiful town!
 
Mable Buckner and husband James BucknerLove, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com
 
P.S. Huge congrats to beautiful Mable Buckner, who has recently been promoted to President and CEO of the Streeterville Chamber of Commerce!!! They are SO lucky to have YOU, Mable! Congrats!

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FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION BALL: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (WERE!)

…PLUS COLUMBIAN BALL, AIRPLANE ENVY AT AVIATOR’S NIGHT FOR SIGHT, A “SWEET” CHEF AND A BUSY CHEF, A BLOCKBUSTER AUTHOR, ELMO’S, BREAKING ART SMITH/LADY GAGA NEWS AND MORE MUST-ATTEND EVENTS FOR YOUR SOCIAL CALENDAR…AND MY LATEST VIDEO FROM WATCH312.COM!

Blog 1 - Reute, Charles, Caroline and Tara Wegner and Jim FowlerIt’s not often that a black tie fundraiser includes holding baby snow leopards, watching kudus on the dance floor or seeing young kangaroos bounding from table to table in a crowded ballroom but this was Blog 2 - Doodle and her handler Richard Wieseexactly the scene for the Friends of Conservation’s 21st Ball to benefit the wildlife and culture in East Africa. Reute Butler chaired this event and also serves as president of the organization which was founded in 1982 by her mother, Jorie Butler Kent, and Geoffrey Kent. (On this evening, Jorie was receiving the World Blog 3 - Emcee Zoraida SambolinSaver Award, as founder of A & K Philanthropy, in Singapore and couldn’t attend). The FOC’s mission, with core support from Abercrombie & Kent Philanthropy and other generous donors, is to join with the local people to support traditional and sustainable ways of living in harmony with wildlife and the ecosystem. Also, they promote Blog 4 - Dr. Wharton Shober, a cloud leopard and daughter Reute Butlerresource and energy efficient solutions to alleviate the effects of climate change and advancing civilization. Their programs and Conservation Clubs also teach the children of the Masai Mara tree planting, bird watching, bee keeping Blog 5 - William Holdeman, Paul Iacono, Neal Steiner and Tom Juffernbruchas well as helping to develop community health projects. FOC also takes a very active role in promoting the overall education in 30 Mara schools. This year alone, the FOC also captured 29 poachers! The quote of the Blog 6 - Scott Lenhart and Fairmont Catering Director Wayne Harthnight came from renowned wildlife expert (and former “Wild Kingdom” star) Jim Fowler: “When you look into the eyes of these animals, you feel a connection. And this is important in encouraging the desire for wildlife conservation.” Fowler brought along his friends from the “Wild Kingdom,” Blog 7 - Marianna Kohl, Sarah Shillington, Chuck and Stephanie-Kraml Suttleas I mentioned above, who definitely brought the point home for the 150 guests this evening. Emcee Zoraida Sambolin introduced Reute by saying, “When you look into her eyes, you see love, heart and a desire to see the world in a better place.” The patron of the organization for the last 23 years, HRH, the Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, also sent a message of congratulations: “I am greatly encouraged Blog 8 - Queen of the Kingdom with a fanby the enthusiasm with which you have pursued your work. Your support for projects to preserve wildlife Blog 10 - Jim Fowler with Caroline Wegnerand its habitat has not only benefitted endangered species but also the local communities which depend upon them. We all must redouble our efforts to put economic value on the vital benefits we receive from nature.” He went on to say, “Our work has made a difference but it 10_21a_11_146fbis far from over.” The FOC has been making a difference for 29 years now in the world-renowned Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, where the largest remaining mammal migration on earth occurs when 1.8 million Blog 11 - Susan and Joe Ahern with familywildebeest follow the new grass after the rains from the Serengeti every year. It is also the home of the largest concentration of the legendary Masai. Women from the tribe had made exquisite beaded jewelry, Blog 12 - Snow leopardsbelts and more for the silent auction on this night that was filled with intoxicating live auction packages, too. Auctioneer David Goodman hammered down trips, donated by Abercrombie & Kent, to Peru for two (that sold for $3K), a South African safari (that sold for $5K), two business class tickets to Blog 13 - A rapt audienceLondon (courtesy of event sponsor American Airlines that sold for $6K), an eight- day journey for two to Turkey ($7K) and a trip to Thailand ($10K). Other unique offerings included a chance to create your own brew, courtesy of Greenbush Brewing Co. Blog 14 - Admiring the wine collection packageowner Scott Sullivan and Fitzgerald’s Gastro-Pub, and a ready-made wine collection consisting of 100 bottles with messages attached from the donors about the wine. (A very Blog 15 - Photog Mila Samokhina with the kangaroosclever auction idea, by the way, that gets all of the supporters involved). Rachael Phillippe, Holly Rothschild, Wendy Sherman and Jessica Swift were the co-chairs for the evening and honorary co-chairs included Reute’s uncle (and creator of Blog 16 - Natasha and Sanjay Sharma“Hair,” the musical), Michael Butler, Jutta and John Maue-Kay, Geoffrey Kent, Kay and Fred Krehbiel and actress Stefanie Powers. Special thanks also went to Dr. Wharton Shober (Reute’s father) and Frank O. Butler Blog 17 - Chuck with bandleader Stanley PaulII (her uncle), who both flew in for the event. The evening was not only for a wonderful caus, but it was a chance to celebrate with party animals and furry animals to the sounds of my favorite bandleader, Stanley Paul. Congrats to Blog 18 - A touching FOC presentationReute, the FOC, long-time supporter Joan Wegner and her family, emcee Zoraida Sambolin and the ever charming, Jim Fowler for bringing these good works and the reasons for them to our attention. Jim Fowler closed the evening by introducing his equally Kuducharming wife: “I was a specialist on wildlife and I’d like you to meet my wife Betsy. I tamed her with the rewards system.” (Thanks also to Richard Wiese for his expert help with Blog 20 - Chuck and Stephanie-Kraml Suttlethe wildlife presentations. If it weren’t for him, the little snow leopard would’ve been a bit more than I could handle on my own! What an incredible evening!) Other supporters seen on the scene included Ken Norgan, Paul Iacono, Neal Steiner, Stephanie-Kraml Sutter, Manuela Hung, Marianna Kohl, Sarah Shillington, Blog 21 - Annabelle Teal, Justin Shaffer and ReuteRebecca Halpern, Tom Hackett, Colleen Remsburg, Denise Foy, Suzie Browne, World War II ace fighter Blog 22 - Bidding on the live auctionpilot Burt Avedon, Tom Juffernbruch, William Holdeman, George Jewell, Susan and Joe Ahern and family, Janice Bergamin, Sandya Dandamudi, Teri Maki, Tom McGuire, Barbara and Alain Wood-Prince, Jill and Ben Wigdor, Brien Comerford, Dana and Stanley Day, Wendy Dunaway and Mike McGonagle, Cindy and Blog 24 - Elegant Masai creations for saleDavid Wigdahl, Betsey Burhams Fowler, Ann Epting, Pamela Lassers, Blog 23Jean Fawcett, Sue Mitchell, Sandra Busse, Norma Cooke and Sean Eshagy among many others. To learn more and/or to donate, please visit www.FriendsofConservation.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina and to see the fun for yourselves, enjoy my four- minute video clip on Watch312.com below!)  

Watch live streaming video from watch312 at livestream.com

Blog 1 - Ball co-chairs Jeff Smisek, Dr. Diana Strassmann, Jackie Tilton, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Glenn TiltonMore than 800 guests celebrated at the 31st annual Columbian Ball at the Museum of Science and Industry which raised nearly $2 million this year. This annual event featured the Museum’s “Fast Forward…Inventing the Blog 2 - Max and Jim Farrell, Karen Gray and Susan MorrisonFuture” exhibit and encouraged guests to celebrate today’s leading inventors and inspire innovators of the future. The evening, chaired by Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Tilton, Dr. Diana Strassmann and Jeff Smisek, also celebrated the Museum’s Center for the Blog 3 - Shirley and Walter MasseyAdvancement of Science Education (CASE), which brings interactive science content into the classroom, out to the community, inside special Museum lab spaces and throughout the Museum itself. During the reception, guests interacted with local Chicago Blog 4 - Auction co-chairs, Alison and Dean Chungteens and teachers who participate in this program, giving guests an opportunity to hear first-hand the positive influence it bears. Guests dined on a delicious meal, catered by George Jewell, which paid homage to featured “Fast Forward” inventors: The meal JBS_ColumbianBall2011_0331started with “The Vertical Garden” (dedicated to inventor Dickson Despommier’s Vertical Farm Project), which included honey crisp apple, cranberry, fennel, arugula and goat cheese in a honey-lemon vinaigrette, followed Blog 6 - Desiree Rogers and Eb Burnoughby the “Out of this World” dinner entrees which were inspired by another featured “Fast Forward” innovator Peter Diamandis, chairman and CEO of the X-Prize Foundation and Zero Gravity Corp. and culminated with the dessert from  molecular gastronomy king Chef Homaro CantuDavid and Susan Axelrodhis ACME Bomb was a truffle-like dessert filled with graham cracker and crème that is a more modern take on the s’more. Emcee Bill Kurtis kicked off the live auction, which raised more than $217K, and included two round trip tickets to Hong Kong and four courtside seats plus a behind-the-scenes tour at the 2012 Eileen_and_Jim_O'Connor_(Chicago)U.S. Open Tennis Championship among many other unique offerings. Live entertainment was provided by “Generation: The Sixties Experience.” The Museum of Science and Industry was once the Palace of Blog 9 - Cheryl and Eric McKissack, Shari Runner, Cynthia ChappellFine Arts at the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Columbian Ball is named after this world-renowned fair. To learn more about Museum events and programming, please visit www.msichicago.org. (Photos by Bob Carl and JB Spector…for more photos, please click here!)

Blog 1 - 2011 Aviators Night for Sight CommitteeThe Illinois Eye-Bank brought the luxe life back for the second year with their popular “Aviator’s Night for Sight” event, which was held inside the hangar at Schaumburg Regional Airport. Guests enjoyed a champagne Blog 2 - Ambassador for Vision Anthony Diaz and dad Jaimereception at Chicago’s Crown Plaza Hotel before departing by motor coach to the airport where numerous jets, luxury sports cars, fashion and food were waiting to greet them. Guest mixed, danced and mingled while drinking Grey Blog 3 - Diane and Emily HollingsworGoose specialty cocktails and perusing the gourmet food stations. Spin master DJ RodX got the party started before IEB Executive Director Diane Hollingsworth and event co-chairs Morgan Stogsdill and Franco La Marca took to the stage. After welcoming the Bridget Waltz and Kimberly Palmisanoattendees, they introduced 10-year-old Anthony Diaz, a cornea recipient who was the evening’s Ambassador for Vision. Morgan and Franco ended by sharing, “Our friends and colleagues united through Ambassadors for Vision to raise awareness for the Illinois Eye-Bank’s important Blog 5 - Mark Bell, Kerry Bowler and Marty Vernonmission of restoring sight to the blind.” Next up, a fashion show produced by Kimberly Palmisano, in association with Akira, featured looks from the Monarrez Collection, Villapando, Anabel Salazar, By Chance, Marissa and Jason Senzon, Blog 6 - Co-chairs Morgan Stogsdill and Franco La MarcaFrench Connection, Hudson Jeans and Scott James among others. The evening raised approximately $25K which will be used to continue the work of the Eye-Bank. For more info, please visit www.illinoiseyebank.org. Check out the video fun here! (Photos by Steve Starr.) 

Blog 1 - Jesus Salguiero, Chef Eric Lanlard and Naushab AhmedA big congrats to “sweet” Chef Eric Lanlard! I attended my first “Disco Dessert Tea Dance” held in his honor recently at the super cool Stephen Hamilton Studio, located at 1520 W. Fulton. Hosted by Jesus Salguiero, Naushab Ahmed and Stephen Blog 2 - Boys just wanna have fun!Hamilton, this ‘70s themed party also featured DJ White Shadow, who helped produce Lady Gaga’s hit, “Born this Way.” And speaking of Lady Gaga, Chef Art wasn’t able to attend, even though he was one of the hosts…but a little birdie told me he is in NY working on a Thanksgiving special with Lady Gaga!!! (So long Andy Williams!) Anyway, the guest of honor, darling Chef Lanlard, told me he’s been baking cakes since he was three years Blog 3old! He is a Master Patissier, a two-time winner Blog 4 - Table 52 Pastry Chefs Geovanna Salas and Celeste Campiseof the prestigious Continental Patissier of the Year at the British Baking Awards AND he has earned himself an international reputation for superlative cakes with an impressive A-list clientele. Along with his cake emporium, Cake Boy in London, Eric also stars in two British TV series Blog 5 - DJ White Shadowwhere he takes the viewer on a journey to his favorite cafes and patisseries of Paris. He is also the author of “Master Cakes” and teaches regular classes at his Southwest London cookery school. WHEW! He is definitely someone you should know. And his recent book, “Cake Boy,” has some of the most scrumptious recipes and photos I’ve seen in a long, long time. Willy Wonka has nothing on Eric! (To purchase “Cake Boy,” please click here and to view more pics, click here!) 

Blog 1Speaking of book news, society expert/author Megan McKinney has just published a riveting story of the country’s first media dynasty, the Medills of Chicago. “The Magnificent Medills” was featured on the COVER of The New York Times Book Review a week or so ago and, as the jacket Blog 2 - Author Megan McKinneyreads, “Printer’s ink raged in the veins of the Medills, the McCormicks and the Pattersons throughout a century, and their legacy prevailed for another five decades – always in the forefront of events, shaping the intellectual and social pulse of America. At the same time, the dark side of the intellectual stardom driving the dynasty was a Blog 3 - Colonel Robert R. McCormickdestructive compulsion that left clan members crippled by their personal demons of chronic depression, alcoholism, drug abuse and even madness and suicide.” There are also many, many people mentioned that we all know, or have heard of, around town. This book is a must-read! Congrats to Megan on this blockbuster! Chicago is quickly becoming the literary capitol of the world! (To purchase “The Magnificent Medills,” please click here!)

And now for some exciting upcoming events that Candid Candace Recommends 🙂

2011_Gazebo3The Junior League of Chicago will hold its 40th Annual Gazebo Holiday Market on Friday, November 18th, and Saturday, November 19th at the Chicago Cultural Center, located at 78 E. Washington St., in the Sidney R. Yates Gallery on the 4th floor. In addition to a full-day of shopping on Saturday, the “Martinis and Mistletoe” preview cocktail party will be held on Friday, November 18th from 7 – 11 PM. Tickets to the party are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. Ticket sales from the party and a portion of every purchase will be donated to the JLC’s community projects dedicated to the empowerment of at-risk women and children in the Chicagoland area. (For more info and to purchase event and raffle tickets, please call 312.664.4462 ext. 101 or visit www.jlchicago.org. (Entrance to the Gazebo Holiday Market is free and open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 19th from 10 AM to 4 PM).

Blog 1Will you be meeting friends at Elmo’s on Friday evening, November 4th, for the annual Service Club of Chicago’s black tie gala at the Four Seasons, located at 120 E. Delaware Place? The theme is “A Glamorous Evening at The Club El Morocco” and will be a celebration of this organization’s 121st gala. Founded in 1890, the SC is one of the oldest philanthropic Blog 2 - Co-chairs Dusty Stemer, Toni Canada and Laurie Davisorganizations in the city. Co-chairs Toni Canada, Laurie Davis and Dusty Stemer have planned a night of surprises you won’t soon forget. Emcees for the evening will be Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini of “Windy City Live,” Honorary Chair is Rahm Emanuel and there will be a special performance by Shelley MacArthur Farley. The title of the Gala was inspired by the legendary supper club of the Blog 3 - Emcees Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini‘30s and ‘40s, El Morocco, where the Vanderbilts dined alongside Cary Grant and Marlene Dietrich, where Jackie went as Mrs. Kennedy and Mrs. Onassis, and where infamous playboy Porfirio Rubirosa dallied with Delores del Rio, Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth and Eva Peron. It was also the place where Humphrey Bogart was banned for life! As you can see, we’re in for some good ole Hollywood glamour! So grab your mink boa, a cigarette holder (well, maybe not) and your martini glass because I think we’re in for one wild ride! (For tickets, beginning at $400, and more info, please contact Laurie Davis at 773.404.5858).

Chill-2011_headerInternational wine and culinary event LUXEHOME Chill will be held in LUXEHOME’s showroom in the Merchandise Mart on Thursday, November 10th, Chef Francis Brennanfrom 6 – 8:30 PM. The VIP party will be held from 5 – 6 PM in their Paris Ceramics suite, #146. Hosted by L20 Restaurant and Wine Spectator Magazine, this event will feature premier seafood tastings served by 2008_LuxeHome_SpecialEvents_LrezExecutive Chef Francis Brennan. The main event will feature 40 top chefs and 150 premium wines! Tickets to the VIP Wine Tasting and Reception plus the main event are $175. For the Wine & Culinary Event only, tickets are $85. The VIP event will benefit the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, the Lynn Sage Foundation and the Respiratory Health Association. (For tix and more info, please click here.) You will see LOTS of familiar faces here, I’m sure, thanks to much loved host, Gayle Anthony!

Still haven’t made it to the pumpkin patch…sigh. Have a great week and thanks for checking in!! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

Art_and_GagaP.S. Thanks to a happenstance meeting on a reality cooking show, Lady Gaga and Chef Art Smith are doing some BIGGGGG, EXCITING things together! Chef Art and Lady Gaga met on "Oprah." She admired Art from "Top Chef Masters" and expressed disappointment that he didn’t win. He replied, “I did win, you remembered me. It’s not about winning, it’s about being remembered.” Their friendship and love for each other led to her introducing her parents, Cynthia and Joe Germanotta, to Art. Papa Gaga, a graduate of Hotel and Restaurant School at Michigan State has always dreamed of owning his own restaurant. Well, voila! Watch for a small restaurant, Joanne’s, coming to NYC’s Upper West side, in the 60’s between Columbus and Central Park with a menu inspired by family recipes with Art’s special southern touches. It will be designed by Mama Gaga and will I’m sure become an instant star-spotting, celeb hangout! AND, watch for Chef Art in a starring role in an ABC Thanksgiving Special with the Lady herself!

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