Tag Archives: Sweet Home Chicago

December 5, 2025 · 6:31 pm

LET’S GO TO CHICAGO FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

I may be biased, but I think Chicago is absolutely magical during the holidays. From the gazillion pop-up bars that are decorated to the nines, to dining at the newly renamed Marshall Fields Walnut Room, there is something for every taste. And since my taste for all things Christmas runs to the excessive end of the spectrum, I know I am exactly where I need to be. Hope you’re feeling the same!

**Christkindlmarket in all its glory at Daley Plaza.**

The Christkindlmarket in Chicago hosted its annual “’Twas the Night Before Christkindlmarket” preview event Nov. 20 at Daley Plaza, giving ticket holders an exclusive first look at the holiday market. From 5:00 to 8:30 PM, guests strolled through the wooden vendor huts in a quieter, more relaxed setting, sampling seasonal treats, browsing handcrafted ornaments and enjoying the festive atmosphere before the market opened to the public the next day.

**New this year, was a performance of “The Nutcracker” performed by Ballet 5:8 dancers.**

The event featured the market’s traditional opening ceremony, during which the Christkind delivered her Prologue, officially launching the season. Musicians, including Alpine brass bands, moved through the plaza, adding a warm, cultural soundtrack to the evening.

A highlight of the night was a performance by Ballet 5:8: their adaptation Beyond the Nutcracker was presented inside a life‑sized snow globe, with dancers in mid‑century costumes performing amid softly falling “snow,” blending a theatrical edge with holiday tradition.

Guests also gathered in a heated Alpine-style tent, where they could take a break, warm up enjoy food and drink and the smooth sounds of popular singer Blake Alexander. The ticket package included a 2025 Annual Mug, an entrée, dessert, and drink coupons, all part of creating a full, immersive evening. Photo opportunities were woven into the event- attendees could get their pictures taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus and, with the incredible visuals, there was a photo opp around every corner.

While general admission to the Christkindlmarket remains free, the preview night provides a more curated and personal experience: early access to vendors, special entertainment and a more intentional way to welcome in the holiday season.

The City has recently put limitations on attendance for this original market at Daley Plaza- it’s now below the number during the Covid restrictions!? Yes, I agree it can be crowded at times, but I think this only adds to the charm. I would rather be rubbing shoulders with happy, like-minded holiday goers than waiting in hour-long lines to get in. Anway, I’m with you Christkindlmarket- whatever works best for YOU, works for me. Good luck!

**Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel Corgan, Hsing Chen and Doug Psaltis, (Evan Cobb Photography)**

PAWS Chicago celebrated a record-breaking evening at its sold-out 24th annual Fur Ball at The Drake Hotel Nov. 14. The event, presented by Nan and Wayne Kocourek, drew 650 guests, many with canine companions dressed in elegant gowns and tuxes.

**Rob Colbert, Paula Fasseas, Bunny Ehlert, Stacy Ehlert and Mickey Evans. (Evan Cobb Photography)**

The evening, co-chaired by Lindsay and Carter Hawkins and Laura Sachs and Jordan Fisher, with Pam and Ed Carey serving as honorary co-chairs, raised $2.1 million to support PAWS Chicago’s lifesaving mission, funding medical care, recovery and second chances for the city’s most vulnerable pets.

Nan and Wayne Kocourek, Fur Ball presenting sponsors. (Photo by Allison Wunder)

FOX 32 Chicago’s Sylvia Perez, Jake Hamilton and Natalie Bomke emceed the event alongside Fred of 103.5 KISS FM, guiding attendees through a memorable program across two ballrooms. Highlights included an impact video unveiling PAWS Chicago’s newly acquired Rescue Ranch in Hawthorn Woods, a 20-acre suburban adoption and enrichment center that will expand the organization’s capacity to care for large dogs, offer behavior training, walking trails, suites for dozens of animals and a surgical clinic providing free and low-cost spay/neuter services.

**Jake Hamilton and Sylvia Perez of Fox – 32. (PAWS Chicago photo)**

Throughout the evening, volunteers showcased adoptable pets, including Juniper, an 8-year-old senior rescued from the streets, and Smartie, a 3-month-old Terrier mix, rescued by PAWS from Chicago Animal Care & Control, the city’s impoundment facility. Smartie, and several others, found homes that night.

**Asia Jones and Michael Orr. (Claire Demos Photography)**

The live auction was a centerpiece of excitement, featuring exclusive experiences such as an intimate dinner for eight hosted by Giuliana and Bill Rancic, a Chicago Cubs and Barstool Sports fan package for ten, a multi-course culinary event with Chef Doug Psaltis and Pastry Chef Hsing Chen alongside artistic contributions from Billy Corgan and Chloé Mendel Corgan, and a seven-night voyage aboard the world’s largest private residential mega-yacht, The World. Guests enjoyed photo booths, custom pet portraits, dancing and special treats for their canine companions, including a gourmet dinner and Kismet treat buffet.

**Fur Ball co-chairs Jordan Fisher and Laura Sachs with Lindsay and Carter Hawkins, (Photo by Allison Wunder)**

PAWS Chicago continues to make a major impact in the community, with plans to find homes for nearly 5,000 pets this year, provide 21,000 free and low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, deliver 50,000 vaccinations to pets in need and serve 26,000 homeless and at-risk animals at the Kocourek Medical Center.

**Amy and George Burin with dogs Margot and Georgina. (Danielle Heinson Photography)**

**Bill and Giuliana Rancic with their PAWS dog, Leonardo. (Evan Cobb Photography)**

**Jason Lee, Senior Advisor to Mayor Brandon Johnson, with his dog Hank**, Paula Fasseas, PAWS Chicago Founder & Chair, and Drew Fasseas. (Evan Cobb Photography)

**Phillip Emigh, Stephenie Bryan and Bruce Haas. (Evan Cobb Photography)**

**A celebratory moment at Uniting Voices’ Red Jacket Optional Gala. (Photo Elliot Mandel)**

Uniting Voices Chicago filled The Geraghty with music and celebration at its Red Jacket Optional gala Oct. 18, where nearly 500 guests helped raise more than $1.8 million to support the organization’s sliding-scale music education programs.

**Red Jacket Optional Co-Chairs: Brian Egwele, Michael Nemeroff and Jeff Steele**.

Serving nearly 4,000 young people across the city, including students in more than 85 Chicago Public Schools, the nonprofit provides accessible youth empowerment and arts programming to children from every neighborhood. More than 70 percent of its 150 ensembles come from low- to moderate-income households, with all participants receiving some financial subsidy.

**James Beard Foundation Award-winning restaurateur Kevin Boehm on stage at Red Jacket Optional gala.**

This year’s gala honored CIBC US, a partner for over two decades whose longstanding support has strengthened the organization’s reach, particularly in South and West Side communities.

**Uniting Voices Board Chair Ellen-Blair Chube with Board Member Suzanne Muchin and Larry Fitzgerald**

President Josephine Lee praised the community’s generosity, noting that opportunities for human connection are shrinking for today’s youth and emphasizing the essential role music plays in developing future global leaders across fields- from the arts to science, business and government.

**Voice of Chicago Singers Council president Stella performs at Red Jacket Optional. (Photo Terence Rushin)**

The evening featured high-energy performances by Uniting Voices ensembles, including Broadway favorites, international selections and the debut of the original piece My Joy. Medleys such as Good Vibrations and A Tutta Vita brought the crowd to its feet and Voice of Chicago delivered a powerful rendition of Ke Nale Modisa set against scenic visuals of South Africa. Guests also enjoyed cuisine by Boka Catering Group, an open bar, a premium live auction and a lively after-party.

**Elle Pai and John Hong at the Red Jacket Optional gala**.

Lee, an Emmy-winning and Grammy-nominated conductor who has led Uniting Voices for 26 years, shared her vision for expanding the organization’s creative partnerships and civic impact. Under her leadership, students have performed at venues such as Lyric Opera, Ravinia Festival, The Kennedy Center and Lollapalooza, and toured internationally, including a recent collaboration at Egypt’s Cairo Opera House.

Uniting Voices also highlighted the leaders who helped shape the evening’s success, including Red Jacket Optional Co-Chairs Brian and Amber Egwele, Ted Koenig and Caroline Grossinger andMichael and Meeghan Nemeroff, along with Design Chair Tom Kehoe and the host committee.

**Voice of Chicago Singers perform an Italian medley from the VOC Italy 2025 tour for RJO attendees. (Photo Terence Rushin**)

Their support helps ensure Uniting Voices can continue delivering transformative musical, cultural and leadership experiences, contributing to the organization’s remarkable record of a 100 percent high school graduation and college acceptance rate among its seniors.

**Uniting Voices Board Member Christina Hatherly and guests**.

**Rahm Emmanuel, Anne Edwards, Don Edwards, Amy Rule, Tom Shanley and Maureen Shanley**.

The Founders’ Board of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago hosted its annual Winter Wishes Holiday Cocktail Celebration, presented by Packaging Corporation of America and Sterling Bay, Nov. 20.

**Sue Postaer, Anne Edwards, Kate Lane Ferraro**.

Over 425 guests gathered at The Casino, a private club in Chicago’s Gold Coast, for a festive evening of cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in support of the Edwards Family Division of Genetics and Rare Diseases and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Lurie Children’s.

Donors who attended Winter Wishes made gifts to Lurie Children’s through the evening’s Wish List, which helped to fund the personnel, training and equipment needed to create a future where every family has an answer and an option for treatment, no matter how rare and complex their child’s diagnosis may seem.

**Bess Cooney, Cindy Yingling, Jeff Yingling and Clare Colnon**.

The event welcomed speakers Dr. Carlos Prada, Head of the Edwards Family Division of Genetics and Rare Diseases and Dr. Shannon Haymond, Chief of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Lurie Children’s patient parent Beth Robinson. Each spoke to the importance of providing early and accurate diagnoses, offering targeted treatments, and serving more children with rare genetic disorders.

**Dan Fahner, Randy Burt, Lindsay Walter Carlton and Kimberly Burt**.

WINTER WISHES was co-chaired by Nicole Scheer Barry and Anne Edwards, who were joined by Founders’ Board President Margie Stineman and many of the Founders’ Board members and friends. In addition to presenting sponsors Packaging Corporation of America and Sterling Bay, other supporters included The Christopher Family Foundation, May River Capital, Kirkland & Ellis, Anne & Don Edwards, Mr. & Mrs. John R. Walter, and others.

**Dr. Carlos Prada, Dr. Shannon Haymond, Beth Robinson, Benny Robinson, Jerry Robinson, Nicole Scheer Barry, Anne Edwards and Margie Stineman**.

This year’s Winter Wishes set a new event fundraising record, raising $638,602 towards the Founders’ Board’s three-year $3 million commitment to the Edwards Family Division of Genetics and Rare Diseases and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Lurie Children’s.

**A view of decorations on display in Marshall Field’s Walnut Room honoring the original store.**

This year at Macy’s on State Street, the holiday tradition took on both elegance and heritage. Inside the Walnut Room on the 7th floor, the 45‑foot Great Tree stands newly decorated in colors of green, blue and gold to reflect the legacy of Marshall Field & Company. The dining room has been officially renamed “The  Marshall  Field’s  Walnut  Room” and features a commemorative plaque at its entrance.

The windows along State Street carry the theme “The Most Wonderful Stories Start Here,” blending familiar holiday motifs, such as the green Marshall Field’s clock and Frango chocolates, with the store’s historic identity. The Great Tree will be viewable now through Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026.

I definitely think re-imagining more of Macy’s as the original Marshall Field’s could only help its bottom line. Already I’m hearing that reservations for the Walnut Room are harder to get than they have ever been- and I would guess it’s because people are lovin’ a little taste of the original. Amen to this!

**With Chicago’s own, Chance the Rapper.**

Chicago is stepping into the national spotlight this New Year’s Eve with a live midnight countdown that will air in the Central Time zone for the first time ever on the iconic broadcast Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with our very own Chance the Rapper as host! The broadcast is set to air live on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. Central Time on ABC. You will also be able to hear the rapper as the voice of the CTA trains beginning Dec. 3. What a busy guy!

“Welcome to Candid Candace – The Podcast” with your hosts John St. Augustine and moi, where we serve up the hottest happenings in Chicago with a side of sass! In this latest pod, the city is pure holiday magic: the Harry Potter Shop in Chicago has transformed into a festive wonderland, Navy Pier is introducing Local Soul makers, Santa is trading his sleigh for a speedboat, and Santa’s Secret Chicago experience is checking IDs for its adults-only show! From sold-out galas and “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” hitting our time zone, to the Randolph Street Holiday Market coming Dec. 13/14, Lightscape at the Botanic Garden, and The Joffrey Ballet’s “Nutcracker” dazzling audiences, we’ve got all your seasonal must-dos. Now, grab your cocoa, pull up a comfy chair, and listen here!

**Greg Landis Jr., Chicago Police Foundation Executive Director Mary Ann Rose**, **CPF Board member/event chair** **Pam Capitanini and Greg Landis, event sponsor. (Photo: It’s a Fridge Thing)**

The 10th annual True Blue Gala, held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, was a record-breaker with over 400 guests dedicated to celebrating and supporting the men and women of the Chicago Police Department.

**Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas with CPF Board Chair Rick Simon (R) and friend. (A Fridge Thing photo)**

Hosted by the Chicago Police Foundation, the seven-year-old nonprofit led by prominent business and community leaders, raised more than $750,000 to fund supplemental resources in technology, advanced training, community outreach and essential safety equipment, including life-saving LEMART kits used in the field.

Chaired by board member Pamella Capitanini and hosted by Executive Director Mary Ann Rose, the Nov. 14 event set an unmistakably powerful tone from the moment guests arrived. A mounted equestrian unit greeted attendees at the entrance, joined by SWAT officers in full gear stationed beside their armored rescue vehicle.

Inside the ballroom, supporters explored a silent auction featuring experiences with Superintendent Larry Snelling, behind-the-scenes tours with CPD’s canine and mounted units and a Marine unit experience. A Caitlin Clark jersey packaged with Wintrust Stadium Dollars emerged as a standout item in the live auction.

**Peggy Martay, Jolanta Rouge and Al Menotti.**

Guests also had the chance to engage directly with CPD specialty units, including a canine handler and his impeccably trained partner, members of the bomb squad and the SWAT team.

The guest list reflected strong civic support, with attendance by Superintendent Snelling, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, Alderman Stephanie Coleman, Alderman Tim Conway, Alderman Ray Lopez, Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza, Police Union President John Catanzara, Bob and Nikki Fioretti, former CPD Superintendent Fred Waller and 50 CPD officers invited by the Foundation.

**CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling surrounded by friends.**

The Landis Family Foundation underwrote the event for the second consecutive year, underscoring its commitment to the Foundation’s mission. Superintendent Snelling addressed the crowd, emphasizing the importance of CPF’s support in equipping the department with tools that directly improve officer and community safety.

**The Landis Family returned as presenting sponsor for True Blue 2025.**

The evening also included a special announcement: a $100,000 grant from Norfolk Southern Railroad to help fund the purchase of a drone to aid in crime prevention, an investment expected to enhance CPD’s technological capabilities.

**CPD Chaplain Kimberly Davis. (Photo by Greg Inc.**

The night was a resounding success, with over $750,000 raised, reinforcing the community’s dedication to Chicago’s officers and the essential work the Chicago Police Foundation continues to champion.

History in the making! Chicago Chef Art Smith has prepared the first American-style Thanksgiving dinner at the Vatican’s Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence used by popes for more than 400 years. The feast blended Italian and American flavors. Smith and his partner, Phil Stefani, were recently chosen by Pope Leo to open the first restaurant on the estate slated to debut in 2026. (Art Smith photo, read more here)

**Congrats to Chef Art Smith for cooking the first Thanksgiving dinner at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo’s Summer Palace, shown here with partner Phil Stefani.**

**Illuminate 900 2025, as exciting as ever!**

Chicago’s holiday season officially sparkled to life on Thurs., Nov. 20, when 900 North Michigan Shops hosted its annual “Illuminate 900” celebration, a glittering winter wonderland party capped by the lighting of one of the city’s tallest Christmas trees. From 6 to 8 p.m., the glamorous shopping destination turned six stories of luxury retail into a festive fantasy filled with live entertainment, ZZAZZ Productions performers, seasonal food and drink and hands-on holiday fun for all ages.

Celebrity couple Giuliana andBill Rancic returned as hosts, guiding guests through an evening designed as a “holiday love letter” to Chicago. The celebration built toward its most heartwarming moment, when Santa joined a Make-A-Wish child onstage to officially flip the switch and light the 54-foot-tall tree, the first major tree to sparkle on Michigan Avenue this season. The event also served as Make-A-Wish Illinois’ top Chicago holiday fundraiser, with over $30,000 in proceeds helping grant life-changing wishes to children facing critical health challenges.

**The Real Elf Tommy poses with this year’s Make-A-Wish family during VIP reception.**

**Nina Mariano, The Real Elf Tommy and Sean Lewis.**

**With** **Illuminate 900 hosts Bill and Giuliana Rancic and Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas.**

**Kids posing with Santa and Mrs. Claus at WINGS’ “Sweet Home Chicago” event.**

Here’s some not-to-be-missed events for your calendar! WINGS’ “Sweet Home Chicago” will return to the Four Seasons Dec. 14, 10-1 pm. This wonderful nonprofit provides care and support for survivors of domestic violence. This event, in my opinion, is one of the best in Chicago for family fun. There is something for everyone- with gingerbread house decorating, balloon artists, K-9 Comfort Dogs, kid-friendly music from Ralph’s World and family portraits offered by Curtis Newborn Photography. (Tickets/more info here!)

**Kids enjoying the companionship of K-9 Comfort Dogs from Lutheran Charities.**

**Darvin and friends manning the phones for its 5th Lurie Children’s Radiothon.**

Darvin Furniture & Mattress is once again stepping up for families in need, partnering with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital and iHeartMedia Chicago for the 5th annual Lurie Children’s Radiothon on December 11. Last year, the all-day holiday broadcast, heard across six Chicago radio stations, raised more than $1 million and continues to be a major source of support for the hospital’s young patients and their families.

**Darvin’s Barb Harrington and friend at Lurie Children’s** **Radiothon last year.**

Running live from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Thursday, Dec. 11, the Radiothon brings listeners first-hand stories of courage, medical breakthroughs and the resilience of the children cared for at Lurie. Every dollar raised helps fuel research, provide essential family support programs and deliver lifesaving care to kids across the region.

**Tune in for Lurie Children’s Radiothon.**

This year, Darvin Furniture & Mattress and Flexsteel will transform a space inside the hospital into the Lurie Holiday Family Room, a warm, cozy environment where families receiving treatment can relax, meet on-air personalities and take special holiday photos as part of their Radiothon experience. Several families will also be interviewed live by iHeartMedia DJs throughout the day.

iHeartMedia Chicago’s popular on-air talent will broadcast from the hospital to inspire listeners to call in or donate online. Darvin is sending 10 associates and partners to help staff the phone banks and take donations. And during the Radiothon’s Power Hour—from 3 to 4 p.m.—Darvin will match all donations, doubling the impact of every gift made during that time. Listeners can tune in to any of the six participating iHeartMedia Chicago stations to be part of the event: 93.9 Holiday LITE FM, 103.5 KISS FM, 107.5 WGCI, V103, Inspiration 1390, and Rock 95.5.

**Music of the Baroque’s “Holiday Brass & Choral**” **concert being performed at St. Michael’s Church in Old Town.**

Each December, Music of the Baroque brings a beloved tradition to Chicago-area audiences: their Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts. This year, the 2025‑2026 season, the program takes on new energy under the baton of guest conductor Nicholas Kraemer.Here are the 2025 dates and venues for the not-to-be-missed Holiday Brass & Choral Concerts:

Date & Time	Venue
Thursday, December 18, 2025 – 7:30 PM	Grace Lutheran Church, River Forest (baroque.org)
Friday, December 19, 2025 – 7:30 PM	St. Michael in Old Town, Chicago (baroque.org)
Saturday, December 20, 2025 – 2:00 PM	Faith, Hope, & Charity Church, Winnetka (baroque.org)
Sunday, December 21, 2025 – 2:00 PM	Alice Millar Chapel, Evanston (baroque.org)
Friday, December 26, 2025 – On Demand (digital concert pass)	Online/On‑demand streaming option (baroque.org)

**Rich Gamble enjoying the Wintrust Mag Mile Lights Fest parade.**

As you can see, Chicago is loaded with fun. Frankly, not only during the holidays but all throughout the year. The joy on Rich Gamble’s face (as seen in this photo) represents all the excitement I hope we’re all feeling at this time of the year. I compiled a list of some of my favorite items in my “Wrapped in Kindness– Gifts that Give Back” article in Chicago Star for the holidays and I hope you will take a look here when you start planning your gift giving. Additionally, for anyone experiencing food insecurity, I’ve put together a list of where to find food pantries, so please check it out here and share with anyone in need.

That’s it for now- I hope you’ve enjoyed this latest edition celebrating the holidays and all things Chicago!

Love, as always,

Candace – Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Penny the Pencil Neck wishes you all the joys of the holidays! Merry Christmas!

CHICAGO’S LITERARY AWARDS, HOLIDAY HOT SPOTS, COOL DECORATING TIPS, VIRTUAL TRIUMPHS AND MORE!

Plus: Fun, fashion and FUR-lanthropy for Infant Welfare Society; Cooking with Sarah and Kerry for Pitch In; WINGS' virtual "Sweet Home Chicago" party; Jack Frost's Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm; Frosty's Holiday Pop-Up Hotel (the first and only); Albany Park unites with lights; CircuitMOM's Holiday Pop-Up; The Drake Hotel's homage to Princess Diana; Top designers share tips/tricks for holiday decorating; Jim Peterik and the Ides of March (FREE) Christmas show; Kehoe Designs makes Christmas Merry & Bright for the needy; Shaun and Joseph's towering holiday gift giving idea; Skyline's Thomas O'Gorman; National Jingle Bell Day from Chicago Star Media (JOIN US!); Porchlight Music Theatre's "Burning Bluebeard"; Playboy remembers its Playmates at Christmas; Ruth Page Center's virtual Nutcracker; Chicago Light's "Gala of Hope at Home"; GREAT toy drive list; Nadia Lee Cohen's "WOMEN"; Special thanks to Sylvia, Anna, Robert, Thomas, Steve, Fred and Hannah; This & That; Fun videos and SOOO much more!

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Isabel Wilkerson, Carl Sandburg Literary Award recipient.

The Chicago Public Library Foundation has hosted an elaborate Carl Sandburg Literary Awards Dinner for the past 20 years, the last being in 2019 with an extravagant affair at the UIC Forum where over 1000 guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner at tables loaded with books from featured authors and even the authors themselves joining guests at their tables. This year, it was a little different with a virtual event but it was certainly no less exciting. Longtime host Bill Kurtis opened the hour-long event seated in an easy chair in a cozy virtual library. He presented speakers Bob Wislow (CPLF chair), Linda Johnson Rice (CPL chair), Brenda Langstraat (CPLF president), Dave Casper (CPLF vice chair, U.S. CEO BMO Financial Group) and moderator Scott Simon (host NPR Saturday Weekend Edition). Kurtis spoke about past literary giants who had been honored at this prestigious event like Kurt Vonnegut, Margaret Atwood, Salman Rushdie and Toni Morrison. He introduced this year's three honorees: Nate Marshall (21st Century Honoree), Donna La Pietra

Donna La Pietra, the first CPLF Civic Award winner.

(Inaugural Civic Award) and Isabel Wilkerson (Carl Sandburg Literary Award). Mayor Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman served as honorary chairs. Langstraat spoke about the successful pivots the Library has been forced to make due to the pandemic like shifting to virtual programming, creating over 100K grab-and-go activity kits and virtual story sessions like "Live from the Library", the most successful social media campaign in the Library's history! It featured celebrities with ties to Chicago reading to kids including former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle, Oprah, John C. Reilly, Bonnie Hunt, Gabrielle Union, Common,

Nate Marshall, CPLF 21st Century honoree.

Chelsea Clinton, the Mayor, Jane Lynch, Michelle Williams and many others. This uber-successful campaign garnered 22 million video views and 800 million impressions with viewers tuning in from over 37 countries! Wislow then introduced the 21st Century honoree, Nate Marshall, a rapper, poet, playwright, educator, community-engaged artist and more. Marshall was raised in West Pullman and is the grandson of a Chicago Public librarian. Nate said he was "forged in the farthest reaches of this city" and that his family has had a presence here for a century. He urged viewers to support the library where he was

Former president Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle appeared in video for "Live from the Library."

"nurtured" and ended his acceptance speech with his poem titled "Imagine" dedicated to all those who influenced him. Video congrats came from Natalie Y. Moore (a fellow 21st Century honoree, 2017), Helen

Event host Bill Kurtis and his Donna La Pietra, Civic Award honoree.

Zell, Dr. Eve L. Ewing (2019 21st Century honoree) and Mary Ellen Messmer (CPL Acting Commissioner). Linda Johnson Rice introduced Donna La Pietra as the inaugural Civic Award honoree calling her "a force." Bob Wislow said, "Donna embodies the spirit of this award." Everyone who knows and loves Donna knows what a perfect

choice she is for this honor. She has been on the CPLF board for over 20 years, invited by

Gabrielle Union appeared in the presentation from "Live from the Library."

the board's founder and Donna's

Rap artist Pinqy Ring-After School Matters.

mentor, Cindy Pritzker. Donna, a longtime producer and Emmy Award winner, was also instrumental in the creation of Millennium Park, is active on the boards of many civic organizations, including the Library Foundation, Steppenwolf, Shedd Aquarium and Chicago Botanic Garden to name just a few. She is an avid gardener and land conservationist. There's really not enough space or time to mention all of the ways she has enhanced Chicago and inspired the people who live here, including me, with her unique

Brenda Langstraat, CPLF president.

Chef Rick Bayless.

brand of magic. Donna said, "How lucky am I to have found my way to so many of Chicago's nonprofit organizations, who at their hearts, have a desire to serve and at their soul is volunteerism." Congratulatory videos came in from Greg Cameron (CEO Joffrey Ballet), Rick Bayless, Michelle Boone (Navy Pier), Peter Sagal ("Wait, Wait, Don't Tell Me"), Jaume Plensa (artist), Justice Anne Burke, Rhona Frazin (past CPLF pres/CEO), Pinqy Ring (rap artist

Greg Cameron, CEO Joffrey Ballet.

with After School Matters) and artist Nick Cave.

Linda Johnson Rice, CPLF chair.

Donna dedicated her award to her mentor Cindy Pritzker who she said, "has been her role model for service, for fostering fearlessness, for her visionary thinking, for rewarding the risk-takers and for a wide diverse embrace of people and ideas." Pritzker said of Donna, "When I think of the doers in our wonderful city, the first name that pops up is Donna La Pietra. Nobody can come close. She is Miss Chicago." Isabel Wilkerson,

Dr. Eve L. Ewing, 2019 21st Century Award recipient.

the Carl Sandburg Literary Award winner, was featured

Dave Casper, U.S. CEO BMO>

in a Q & A with NPR radio's Scott Simon. Wilkerson is the winner of the Pulitzer Prize and the National Humanities Medal and is the author of the New York Times bestsellers "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" and "The Warmth of Other Suns." She spoke about her deeply-researched works that provide insights into America's history and the divides that linger today. She grew up in Washington, D.C. where her father was a Tuskegee Airman. Congrats on this wonderful first virtual Awards event and to all the winners! So inspiring. There is a branch of the Chicago Public Library in all of Chicago's 77 neighborhoods.

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Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing York Furrier.

Fun, fashion and FUR-lanthropy were the themes for the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society when they hosted "Home for the Holidays" on December 6. Presented by longtime emcee Alison Rosati (NBC-5), the virtual "Mistletoe Medley" event included fabulous fashions curated by Tracey Tarantino of ZZAZZ Productions (in a collaboration with Chapter member Marge Tresley)

Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) at Kehoe Design's Holiday Shoppe.

and a festive home segment from Kehoe Design's Holiday Shoppe at the Peninsula. Alison called the event, "the unofficial start of the festive time of year of giving." Fashion highlights included looks from redE Mas Boutique, York Furrier and Peach Carr Designs,

Lou Smeja, Oak Brook Chapter President.

all presented by my favorite model Elizabeth McNally Mairs. Alison opened the show welcoming viewers and acknowledging Angel Donors Nives Rizza and Susan Heil. Chapter president Lou Smeja thanked supporters and shared that this event raised over $160,000 for the Infant Welfare Society (and the Angel Harvey Family Health Center) and that the Chapter has donated nearly 9,000 hours of volunteer service in 2020. Tracey reported in from redE Mas Boutique in Hinsdale (36 E.

Allison Rosati, longtime event emcee (NBC-5).

First St.) where she showed blazer looks that are perfect for Zoom meetings and then it was onto York Furs. York Furrier (located at 107 N. York St. in Elmhurst) is celebrating 89 years in business and has

Designer Peach Carr, the one and onlyl.

supported nonprofits in the community since its inception. Owners Kathy and John Rezny greet guests like they're family members and the selection of furs, outerwear and unique accessories is one of the best in the city. For this presentation, glam luxe were the watch words as Elizabeth swished about in a beautiful variety of furs and handbags. Tracey then interviewed Project

Tracey Tarantino at redE Mas Boutique.

Runway star, designer Peach Carr, a Chicago native, from her private atelier above her home built in 1870. The space was once a hay loft and has now been transformed into Peach's "happy place" with light

Elegant Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing an outfit from redE Mas Boutique.

wood and lots of windows. Peach recounted her journey to appear on Project Runway where she was hand-selected by style arbiter Tim Gunn. Peach's daughter Molly was the driving force behind this exciting opportunity urging her mother to submit an application. Peach eventually appeared in

Peach Carr pointing out 3 of her archived designs.

episodes for both Project Runway and Project Runway All-Stars. In a riveting Q & A with Tracey, Peach shared that her collections have always been "about women, for women and made in Chicago." She said she wants women to feel good about themselves

Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing Peach Carr's popular "paper doll" dress.

and that all of her pieces are very

stretchy, very easy to wear and forgiving, especially with all of us "eating our way through the pandemic." She said Edie Sedgwick, one of Andy Warhol's Factory superstars, has always been her muse and that she even met Edie's aunt Kyra Sedgwick, at an event where Kyra said to

Tracey Tarantino at Kehoe Design's Holiday Shoppe at the Peninsula.

her, "You're the one who designs for my dead aunt, right?" Peach discussed three of her iconic designs that she keeps in the loft. The first, a black cocktail dress, was part of her first collection following Project Runway. A glamorous, pale peach coat dress was her audition piece and a third look, a red dress designed as an

Elizabeth McNally Mairs wearing a Peach Carr design.

homage to Chicago, was the first piece she designed following her bad accident. The event concluded with a beautiful segment filmed at Kehoe Designs' Holiday Shoppe, where Tracey spotlighted all the festive offerings there including centerpieces, ornaments, Hanukkah items, trees and more. Congrats to all of these hardworking women who are supporting the Angel Harvey Family Health Center with such devotion. The Center provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art care for children, adolescents and adults. (More info here!)

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Cooking with Sarah and Kerry Wood for the Wood Family Foundation's Pitch In program.

The Wood Family Foundation hosted a "tasty" virtual fundraiser that involved cooking a holiday dinner with Boka Chef Lee Wolen and Foundation founders Kerry and Sarah Wood. It was a very intimate hour with the Woods Zooming in from their elegant all white kitchen and Chef Wolen from another location to prepare parmesan crusted chicken with butternut squash and

Laura Muriello, Wood Family Foundation executive director.

polenta. Sarah and Kerry work as well together in the kitchen as they do in real life raising a family of three, Justin, Katie and Charlie. Laura Muriello, executive director of the Wood Family Foundation, introduced the event along with Abby

Boka Chef Lee Wolen.

Kritzler, executive director of the Boka Restaurant Group. Lots of supporters shared their dishes during the video presentation including Erin and Shawn Doty, whose smoke detector went off during their efforts. Lol! Young Cooper Smith and his brother asked Kerry "what was the fastest pitch you ever threw", the answer was

Happy culinary participants.

102 mph! Tom and Cece Ricketts were also cooking along with Chef Wolen and the Woods as well as some mentors in the Foundation's Pitch In program. In its early years, the Foundation

Young supporters.

sponsored one-time initiatives like coat drives, holiday gift programs as well as funding projects like the playroom at Lurie Children's Hospital. As time wore on, the Woods realized the greater needs in the community and, in 2014, developed an after-school mentoring program

Sarah and Kerry's tasty finished dish.

that currently serves four communities and is growing. Sarah and Kerry concluded the evening showing their beautiful finished dishes and thanking supporters. She said, "It's a rough year for nonprofits and our organization is still working hard every day for our students, giving them everything they need from essentials to school supplies to support with their learning as well as meeting virtually every week. We couldn't do this without events like this." Here's to a lot more success Kerry and Sarah! Thanks for your dedication to Chicago's kids! (Learn more about this much needed nonprofit here!)

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Ralph Covert, of Ralph's World, performs at WING's "Sweet Home Chicago" event.

WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) took its popular "Sweet Home Chicago" fundraiser virtual on December 13. In the past, these Sunday brunch fundraisers were held at the Four Seasons with a room full of laughing, dancing kids intent on creating the very best gingerbread houses. This year, supporters could order gingerbread house kits to be delivered to

Rita and John Canning.

their homes as they viewed this 17th delightful (virtual) event. One component that has remained the same though was the joyous, kid-friendly music delivered

Rebecca Darr, executive director WINGS Program.

by Ralph Covert of Ralph's World, a children's musical group that has been a part of this event for the past 11 years. Ralph opened the event Sesame Street-style with a pair of adorable puppets. The event even had a little Mister Rogers' "won't you be my neighbor" feel to it too as Ralph interacted with the puppets and Rebecca Darr, WINGS Program CEO. Darr thanked viewers and

Adorable event participants!

encouraged them to "embrace this fun time and forget about everything happening in the world." She thanked longtime, dedicated event founders/supporters Rita and John Canning. Early on

The late Rich Martin, his wife Donna and their amazing comfort dogs.

Rita realized there were no domestic violence shelters near her home so she decided to build one with the first safe house being built in Chicago's northwest suburbs. Since then, the Cannings have helped raise millions to support those affected by domestic violence. Rita and John appeared on-camera from their home and announced that the event raised over $700,000, making it the largest fundraiser of the year. Lots of cute kiddies appeared onscreen dancing in their jammies to Ralph's "Alphabet Song." Sadly, it was announced that Rich Martin (and his wife Donna),

Dancing to Ralph's World!

whose comfort dogs were a key part of these annual events, had passed away recently due to Covid. In the past, his Golden Retrievers could be seen lounging around the Four Seasons ballroom as kids petted and relaxed around them. The event closed with these encouraging words from Rebecca. "Please know that your support is helping people transcend their life of violence to a life of happiness. No pandemic is going to stop us." (WINGS info here). Currently, WINGS provides 33 safe housing options in and around Chicagoland.

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You can still find a LOT of holiday cheer at Jack Frost's Winter Walk & Christmas Tree Farm. This pop-up experience is located at 1455 N. Elston in Goose Island. It's decorated with over 1 million lights and dozens of Insta-worthy photo opps. You can pick out a perfect tree, visit with Santa, get lost in a Christmas

Candid Candace TV team Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Troy Mairs and Elizabeth McNally Mairs.

Tree Trail/Maze and enjoy donuts and hot chocolate as you stroll along to the sounds of the season. (Covid guidelines in place, closes January 10 and you must have a res/ticket before arrival. Details here). I hope you enjoy my latest video from Candid Candace TV (below) with special thanks to the production Dream Team, Troy Mairs, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono and Elizabeth McNally Mairs, for making it happen! Not a subscriber, please sign up here!)

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Frosty's Pop-Up Christmas Hotel.

And, if you have out of town visitors who love the holidays, steer them to Chicago's first and only pop-up Christmas hotel, Frosty's, at 221 N. Columbus Ave. Yes, it IS the Radisson Blu but, for this brief moment in time it has been transformed into a magical place sprinkled with loads of holiday cheer! Even the rooms are decorated with trees! Dogs and cats are welcome and only registered guests will be allowed access to the hotel. (Details here).

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Albany Park decor.

A little bit of holiday magic is also happening in the 4100 block of N. Francisco Ave. in Albany Park where neighbors

Chuck enjoying N. Francisco Ave. in Albany Park.

have erected endless, lighted "tunnels of love." What began last year between neighbors George Heitz and Ignacio Martinez, has caught on with others along the blocks who wanted to help bring an appreciation for the community. The results are dramatic! (Video here!)

For 20 years, CircuitMOM Productions has been producing world class experiential events led by Matthew Harvat and Edwin Martinez. This year, they have jumped into the holiday

CircuitMOM's Holiday Pop-Up at 409 N. Wolcott.

spirit with all four feet with "CircuitMOM's Holiday Pop-Up" at 409 N. Wolcott. The excitement began on December 9 after they transformed their venue into a winter wonderland. The pop-up offers 8 unique holiday environments where you

With CircuitMOM's Edwin Martinez and Matthew Harvat.

can capture special memories with family, friends and pets, all in a Covid safe environment. Details here: Kids (Under 10) – $6 per (Payment done on site. Cash Credit Card, Zelle, Venmo, PayPal); Adult – $12 per adult (4 people minimum); Professional Pictures – $45 ( Pictures in 3 sets, will receive digital copies, payment done on site. Cash Credit Card, Zelle, Cash-App, PayPal); Prints – $20 (Payment done on site. Cash Credit Card, Zelle, Cash-App, PayPal). (For tickets or more info, click here!) _______________________________________________________________________

I was able to cross something off my bucket list recently with a visit to the iconic and historic Drake Hotel's magnificent Princess Diana Suite, formerly the hotel's Presidential Suite. It was renamed after Princess Diana's

Part of the luxurious Princess Diana Suite.

historic, and only, visit to Chicago in June, 1996. Watch for a Chicago Star Media all-access video coming soon of my interview with Damien McArdle, the Drake's GM, who shares fun-filled details about the Princess' visit and a fabulous package they're offering in the suite now! Trivia question, do you know why the hotel's hallways are so wide? To be able to accommodate two women in period ball gowns walking side by side. (Now, take a suite peek here!)

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Greg Hyder, the King of Christmas.

I know most of us have already decorated for the holidays, but I quizzed some of my favorite event designers on their favorite tips and tricks. Debi Lilly, A Perfect Event, loves filling her trees with fresh flowers,

TiffaneyChildsPhotography-ChicagoWeddingPhotographer-DebiLilyHolidayStyledShoot-DLLoft--319

Debi Lilly's beautiful, flower-filled Christmas tree (photo by Tiffaney Childs)

peonies and hydrangeas and mixing them in with faux flowers. She also suggests styling a winter wonderland champagne bar topped with flowers in silver vases or mercury glass. She loves gifts wrapped in velvet bows with cheeky tags and adding luxe to wrapping paper with suede tassels, Swiss silk double face ribbon and tiny pom poms hot glued onto craft paper. Vintage bottle brush trees are another favorite item to

Michelle Durpetti's elegant holiday table.

decorate with as are fresh pine boughs. Michelle Durpetti, another fabulous wedding planner, event designer and co-owner of Gene & Georgetti's restaurant, says don't limit yourself to traditional holiday colors. Consider jewel tones and don't be afraid of

Greg Hyder and Jim Smith's ornament-filled chandelier.

adding texture to your holiday table. Think velvet table linens with gorgeous glassware, Shantung napkins with wooden chargers. She loves using her mom's (Marion

Ramsey Prince decorates a gorgeous holiday table. (Maison du Prince, 566 Chestnut, Winnetka)

Durpetti) collection of salt and pepper shakers, flatware and china that she picked up in her travels. She said, "This way, the table provides direct access to memory lane as a conversation starter." Event planner Derrick Taylor says "don't get caught up in commercial fads. Christmas is really about feeling. Collect ornaments that tell your story." Greg Hyder helps plan plenty of seasonal decor at

Debi Lilly with a locally sourced tree.

the Peninsula Hotel but for his own home, with partner Jim Smith, he likes to go a little more over the top. He's as much a fan of Christmas as I am (if this is even possible?!) and he decorates every nook and cranny. In their new, multi-

Debi Lilly's pastel bottle brush trees add a charming touch.

level home, he has plenty to work with but is conscious of his carbon footprint. He repurposes decor to suit the holiday. For instance, when Halloween is over, the bright orange pumpkins are transformed into silver and gold works of art that adorn their front steps. Greg loves using ornaments in unexpected places too like hanging from chandeliers or worked into vignettes for the mantle. He's a great collector of vintage items and decorates with traditional as well as modern

Meet Sookie Hyder-Smith. Finally, a home for the holidays (rescued from PAWS by Greg and Jim).

elements. I love all of these friends' styles and know their homes are filled with so much holiday cheer! For Chuck and me, we LOVE to decorate and, most years, leave our Christmas tree and decorations up way past their due date. I can't stand to part with it. Actually, I keep a curio cabinet up year-round filled with vintage Christmas items along with a 4-foot-tall Santa that I bought with my Mom at Marshall Field's. A giant, lighted wreath adorns our antique liquor cabinet (that I bought in high school for $45 on layaway). These are things I just can't part with, they provide way too many happy memories. Fortunately, Chuck feels the same (I think).

Kehoe Designs helping those less fortunate during the holidays.

Kudos to Tom Kehoe! His Kehoe Designs is working with local nonprofits to gift fully decorated Christmas trees to those in need of a little extra holiday cheer. Working with the American Heart Association, HIRE 360 and NAMI Chicago, the partners have identified recipients who have had particularly challenging experiences this year. The first tree went to Angelo Panzica, who came down with Covid after being hired by HIRE 360. Thanks for all you do in our communities Tom!

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Joseph Szmczak and Shaun Rajah.

A great gift idea brought to you by Shaun Rajah and Joseph Szmczak,, Holiday Happy Hour Towers! Stylishly curated bundles of sweets, savories and holiday scents for Christmas and NYE that come in beautiful, signature holiday packaging! (Details here!)

I want to give a shout-out to my fellow columnist Thomas

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The uber-talented Thomas O'Gorman of Skyline newspaper.

O'Gorman, the delightful, around-town writer for the Skyline newspaper. In my wildest dreams, I could never write as good as he does. His work is sheer poetry and his knowledge of the arts, history, Chicago and even gourmet cooking runs very, very deep. I love all of his columns and never miss them but, his most recent one, "Who would ever want to be king," truly captured the spirit of the holidays and Chicago in its present state. It is a must-read! Keep up the great work Thomas! YOU are a Chicago treasure! (Scroll down his Facebook page to his column here!)

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National Jingle Bell Day presented by Chicago Star Media, Saturday, December 19, 6 pm CST!

I'm so excited and hope you can join me on Saturday, December 19 at 6 pm CST. Chicago Star Media has come up with a really BIG idea to bring the city and, hopefully, the country together for National Jingle Bell Day! The concept for NJBD was born after the resurgence of Covid-19 in Illinois caused another wave of shutdowns this fall that has extended into the holidays. Elaine Hyde, publisher/editor of Chicago Star Media, created the event after being inspired by the community sing-a-longs that took place in Chicago earlier in the year. So, on Dec.19, at 6 pm CST, wherever you are, indoors, outdoors, in your car or in your workplace, videotape yourself singing Jingle Bells and post to social media with the hashtag #jinglebellday2020! OR, come join us around the Great Tree near the Wrigley building on Saturday, Dec. 19 at 6 pm! Bring your bells, we will be live-streaming! (For more info, visit Chicago Star Media here and let's SING!)

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Porchlight Music Theatre announces its latest virtual offering, the holiday return of The Ruffians’ Burning Bluebeard! Burning Bluebeard, now in its ninth year, was created and performed by the critically acclaimed theatre troupe The Ruffians. A magical story, told with music, clowning, tumbling, acrobatics and dance, Burning Bluebeard is a physical-performance phenomena inspired by the true story of Chicago’s former Iroquois Theatre and the unforgettable events that resulted in tragedy for 600 theatergoers at Christmastime in 1903. "A vaudevillian musical delight with a story that excavates the poetic and poignant remains of a piece of Chicago’s rich history and will leave you with an unforgettable experience." (Details here, through January 3!)

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Chicago’s oldest Nutcracker tradition is transformed into a one-of-a-kind, immersive, virtual experience featuring (pre-recorded) dance at the historic Ruth Page Center for the Arts located in Chicago’s Gold Coast. Streaming now, join the Stahlbaum’s at their holiday gathering. Experience Clara’s dreams of sugar plums, rogue bon bons, impish peppermints and a pine forest dusted with snow. Peek into Drosselmeyer's Workshop and the Kingdom of Sweets to see the Sugar Plum Fairy dance with her friends. Visions: A Nutcracker Experience gives everyone a chance to see The Ruth Page Center for the Arts as never before and an opportunity to celebrate the season in a whole new way. (Through Dec. 20, details here!)

Chicago Lights will host its "Gala of Hope, at Home", on Friday, March 5 at 7 pm. This virtual event will benefit the life-changing and youth development and social service programs of Chicago Lights and the community support efforts of the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being. Details here!

And, it's not too late to donate to the holiday toy drives going on across Chicagoland! Here's a great list comprised by Block Club Chicago!

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Nadia Lee Cohen holds copy of her first book, WOMEN, a sell out in its first run!

I'm so excited about Nadia Lee Cohen's first book, WOMEN. British-born, Los Angeles-based photographer

Nadia Lee Cohen's "WOMEN."

Nadia's WOMEN, her IDEA-published photo book debut, is the result of six years of work and features 100 "extra unordinary portraits." And I am one of them. Pinch me. It opens with Mick Jagger's daughter, Georgia May. The first run, a limited edition of 1000, is already sold out! They are taking orders now for the second edition here.

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My favorite rock legend, Jim Peterik, will be offering his 25th

Rock legend Jim Peterik, the Ides of March.

annual "Sharing Christmas with the Ides of March" on Saturday, Dec. 19, 8 pm, CST. This live-streamed event (from his studio!) will be available for FREE (Jim's Christmas gift to his fans) on youtube and facebook! (Details here)!

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Hannah Stanley and Fred Weintraub–WGCO radio.

The year is coming to a close and this seems to be about the

Anna Davlantes–WGN radio host. (John Reilly photo).

end of virtual fundraisers until next year. I've been traveling around town gathering up as much holiday cheer as I possibly can to share with you and it's been a gold mine out there. People are celebrating and decorating in ways I've never seen before. An event designer friend of

Sylvia Perez–Fox 32 Chicago.

mine told me stores like Michael's, Target, Home Goods, Home Depot and others, were sold out of Christmas decor almost before they were stocked! I'm thrilled to be able to find so many media outlets

Robert Feder's column.

covering places to go and things to do for the holidays too. It was a thrill to present my Holiday Hot List (read it here on Chicago Star Media) and more fun news from around town with the one and only Sylvia Perez (Fox 32 Chicago), Anna Davlantes (WGN–Radio) and Fred Weintraub and Hannah Stanley (WGCO radio's "The Hannah & Fred Show," listen here!) I loved chatting about what I know and love best, CHICAGO, and I'm so lucky to have such wonderfully supportive media friends! And a special thanks to Robert Feder and Skyline's Thomas O'Gorman for including me in their must-read columns too! (Watch my fun interview with Sylvia below!) Love and thanks to ALL!

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Playboy never forgets its Playmates. For years and years, Hefner always sent Christmas gifts to every one of his Playmates. Gifts included everything from branded clothing (PB backpacks) to jewelry to customized cosmetics (think "Playmate Pink" blush)! I'm so happy to see his tradition continue! Thanks dear Playboy for

Steve Ewert photo.

never forgetting those who brought you to the party!

Special thanks to photographer Steve Ewert who included me in his "Portraits of Successful Women" campaign. It's an honor to appear alongside alongside Brandis Friedman, Dominique Jordan, Lily Liu, Laura Chavez, Kate Sullivan and others. Thanks so much for including me Steve! (Read my story here, if you want, lol)

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The spirit of the season has not been dampened for me even with Covid and all the problems we're facing right now. If anything, I'm feeling even more hopeful. I was chatting with a very knowledgeable friend who's in retail recently and he really opened my eyes with his interesting take on things. He said, "Can you imagine what it's going to be like when this is all over and people are safe and free to travel again? We will be swamped here in Chicago with people from the Midwest and across the country finally anxious to get out and about! The stores, hotels and restaurants will be packed. It will be like after Prohibition!" I had never thought of things this way but I think he is absolutely right! I know I will be jumping out of my sneakers (no more heels in the near future) to do all of the things I haven't been able to enjoy for all these many months. I will feel like Secretariat breaking free of the starting gate! So, I do see light at the end of our long, dark tunnel. And I just can't wait to celebrate (with you)!

Have a Happy, Healthy, Safe Holiday Season and a Very Merry Christmas! Here's to a big, bright 2021 for us all!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I didn't know they could read?!

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Tagged as A Perfect Event, Abby Kritzler, Alison Rosati, Angel Harvey Family Health Center, Anna Davlantes, around town, arts and culture, Bill Kurtis, Block Club Chicago, BMO, Bob Wislow, Boka Restaurant, Bonnie Hunt, Brenda Langstraat, cats, celebrities theatre, Chef Lee Wolen, Chelsea Clinton, Chicago, Chicago Lights, Chicago Public Library, Chicago Public Library Foundation, Chicago Star Media, Christmas, Cindy Pritzker, CircuitMom Productions, current events, Damien McArdle, dance, dance in chicago, Dave Casper, Debi Lilly, decorating tips, dining, dogs, Donna La Pietra, Dr. Eve L. Ewing, Drake Hotel, Edwin Martinez, Elaine Hyde, Elizabeth McNally Mairs, events, family friendly, Film, First Lady Amy Eshleman, Fox-32 Chicago, Fred Weintraub, Gabrielle Union, Gene and Georgetti's, Greg Cameron, Hannah Stanley, Helen Zell, holiday decor, Holiday Shoppe, holidays in chicago, home decor, Hugh Hefner, Isabel Wilkerson, Jack Frost's Winter Village, Jack Frost's Winter Walk, Jaume Plensa, Jay Kopp, John Canning, Joseph Szmczak, Justice Anne Burke, Kehoe Designs, Kerry Wood, kid friendly, Linda Johnson Rice, Lou Smeja, Lurie Children's Hospital, Marge Tresley, Marion Durpetti, Mary Ellen Messmer, Matthew Harvat, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, Michelle Durpetti, Mistletoe Medley, Nadia Lee Cohen, Nate Marshall, Nick Cave, Nives Rizza, nonprofits, Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, Oprah, Peach Carr Designs, photos, Playboy, Porchlight Music Theatre, Ralph Covert, Ralph's World, Ramsey Prince, rebecca darr, redE Mas Boutique, restaurants, Rhona Frazin, Rich Martin, Rick Bayless, Rita Canning, Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Sarah Wood, Scott Simon, Shaun Rajah, Skyline newspaper, Susan Heil, Sweet Home Chicago, Sylvia Perez, The Hannah and Fred Show, theater, things to do, Thomas O'Gorman, Tom Kehoe, Toy drives, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Troy Mair's, videos, WGN Radio, Wings, WOMEN, Wood Family Foundation, York Furrier, ZZAZZ Productions

December 23, 2012 · 10:36 am

THE GRINCH DIDN’T STEAL XMAS AT THIS KANDY KANE BALL!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB’S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, WINGS HOSTS “SWEET HOME CHICAGO,” HUFFPO LOVES ELYSABETH, METROPOLITAN FAMILY SERVICES’ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, STELLA SPEAKS, PET RESCUE NEWS, BBQ AND COUNTRY MUSIC AT BUB CITY, BACK IN PLAYBOY, ROE CONN WEARS CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK ON “WINDY CITY LIVE,” KERRY WOOD’S WINTER WARM-UP, IS CRYSTAL A MRS.?, KRISTINA, KORINNA, MICHAELA AND LYNN HOST HOT HOLIDAY PARTIES, GIBSONS GIVES BACK AND SO MUCH MORE!

The annual Kandy Kane Ball is always a sell-out and this year (its 10th) was the best one yet! More than 1,000 partygoers descended on Joe’s Bar on Weed Street on December 8th for an event described as the
city’s largest private toy drive. One of the event founders and organizers, Mark Bell, said, “The ticket for admission [$50] is purposefully set low in order for guests to focus their contribution on the mission of our event – TOYS! We’re all fortunate and blessed in many ways and it’s always important to give
back to less fortunate individuals, particularly during the holiday season.” The semi-trailer truck was filled to the brim with toys by the end of the evening,
making this year’s event the most successful ever! And I can sure see why: The fabulous theme by Derrick Taylor & Company was inspired by Dr. Seuss’ beloved classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” The winter wonderland included holly “Who” wreaths, abstract “Who”
Christmas trees, Grinch fingers made from cedar and 800 yards of lime green and candy apple red silk bunting that framed the stage where the Chicago Children’s Choir opened
the evening singing holiday carols. Surprise guest, celebrity illusionist Aurora Sexton, then wowed the crowd as she posed for photos dressed as the Grinch. The band Sorry for Partying and hot DJ Sye Young (one of my favs) kept the crowd on their feet into the early hours while classic holiday films played on 20 plasma screen TVs throughout the
rooms. Father Jeremiah Boland of Holy Family Church was on hand to help distribute thousands of toys and bikes to multiple charities that included Catholic Charities of Chicago, Pediatric Unit of U of I Medical Center, Rush
Medical Center, Kellen Shelter, West Side Employment Outreach and St. Anthony’s Hospital Community Outreach as well as to families who suffered during Hurricane Sandy. Congrats to some of the Kandy Kane Ball elves
who included Brian Thompson, Chris Draska, David Sacher, Christian Habitz, Mark Bell and so many others who bring this party with a purpose to life in such grand style! Mark your calendars now for next year’s event – it’s one of my favorite holiday parties and you will love it, too! (To see more pics from this fun event, please click here!)

Every year, the Service Club of Chicago hosts a delightful Holiday Luncheon at the University Club. This year’s theme – “12 Days of Christmas” – brought out almost 200 attendees to this
glorious venue at 76 E. Monroe. The room was beautifully decorated with a 20-foot Christmas tree that glowed beneath the dramatic stained glass window. An elf and an angel welcomed guests to the organization’s largest holiday luncheon yet with a champagne reception.
Numerous vendors participated making holiday shopping easy and fun, all for a good cause: There was vintage jewelry and clothing from Lulu’s at the Belle Kay, fabulous furs from Hinsdale Furriers, a
variety of gifts from Mary Mary and toys for our four-legged friends from Tails in the City. Other vendors included Aleksandra, Beijing Boutique, Elsa Johnson, Lisa Cotton Collection, Reginald, Inc., Toria Rose
and Joelle Nadine. All of the shops donated 15 percent back to the Service Club of their sales that day. Members were also requested to bring gifts to benefit Mount St. Joseph, home to 121 special ladies with developmental and physical disabilities. The
luncheon feast, chaired by SC member Sheree Valukas, included roasted butternut squash and cider soup and Amish chicken with lemon caper sauce. For dessert, a delicious chocolate crumble cake with chocolate sauce and raspberries was served. The festive tables were decorated with poinsettias
and holiday greenery. The melodic sounds of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus filled the room with guests joining in singing the “12 Days of Christmas.” The Service Club is one of the city’s oldest charitable organizations; founded in
1890, they have continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities. Its policy of giving is to assist, improve and initiate new
programs via its grant program and 100 percent of all funds raised goes directly to charity. For more info, please visit www.ServiceClubofChicago.org. (Check out more pics here!)

Led by honorary co-chairs Cece and Tom Ricketts and event co-chairs Anna Bilton and Meghan Norton, volunteers for WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) raised a record
$610,000 at the not-for-profit organization’s ninth annual Sweet Home Chicago fundraiser on December 9th, at the Four Seasons Hotel. Since it started in 2004, Sweet
Home Chicago has become one of the city’s most successful brunch fundraisers and this year’s benefit brings the total bottom line to more than $4 million to help support WINGS Safe House. More than 480 people (approximately half children) enjoyed a delicious brunch,
decorated gingerbread houses, visited with Santa and Mrs. Claus, stopped for family portraits by photographer Curtis Newborn, enjoyed balloon artists dressed as clowns and danced to a concert by Ralph’s World. Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago
area. Ninety-eight percent of its operating budget is funded by corporations, foundations and individuals, as well as WINGS three northwest suburban resale shops. Guests in attendance included WINGS Board Chair Rita Canning with husband John, Monsignor Kenneth Velo, Ellen and Jim O’Connor and their grandchildren Reagan Cole and Caroline Cole, and the Wendy and Steve Backer family. For more info, please visit www.wingsprogram.com. (Photos by Waldemar Reichert.)

Congrats are in order for my beautiful friend/whirling dervish/columnist/filmmaker/human dynamo Elysabeth Alfano! Not only does she have TWO hit shows – “Fear No Art,” a great show that demystifies the art world with all of the
movers and shakers (and the cutest host) AND “The Dinner Party,” where Elysabeth mixes it up with our town’s most notables/celebs during a fabulous dinner prepared by top notch chefs WITH entertainment – but she was also chosen this year as one of HuffPo
Chicago’s 25 top bloggers! I’m tired just reading this but there really is nothing this talented woman can’t do and I’m so happy to see her doing it ALL in such grand style! Both of her shows are must-sees; don’t miss a segment – see
them all! Her most recent column for the Huffington Post includes holiday gift and stocking stuffer ideas from 15 of “Chicago’s Most Creatives”…not sure how I fit in this category but I’m honored to be included!

Generous sponsors and guests helped Metropolitan Family Services raise a whopping $1,187,000 at its 31st Annual Holiday Celebration, held December 1st at the Hilton Chicago.
The Gerst Family was honored as Metropolitan’s Family of the Year for its many contributions to the organization. All event expenses were generously underwritten by an anonymous donor. (Nice!) That means all event proceeds will support the Metropolitan’s programs and
services, which provide hope and opportunity to more than 53,000 Chicago-area
families and individuals each year. More than 700 guests came out to enjoy the Holiday Celebration, which was emceed by Chicago Tribune Co. publisher and CEO Tony Hunter. The event featured various entertainment and activities including vocalists Liane Williams and Markiyla Moore, Sammie Torres and His Latin Ensemble and the Calumet Center Community Schools Choir. There were also live and silent auctions, a wine raffle featuring select vintages and a Holiday Giving Tree raffle. (Tree raffle proceeds benefitted Metropolitan’s
Upward Bound program, which prepares first-generation college students to successfully enter college; click here to see a short video that shows how Metropolitan helps youth in the Upward Bound program to realize their dreams.) Visit www.metrofamily.org for more and view pictures here.

The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event will be on February 10th from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson. The fun-filled event will feature a family brunch buffet, Valentine’s activities
for children and a special concert by award-winning children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events, who will also be providing fantastic DJ entertainment for dancing, dancing, dancing! Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet
Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, make-overs from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. The Be My
Valentine Family Event is co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers and all proceeds benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Expect this event to be a sell-out so get your tickets now: Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance and $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or by calling 312-926-7133. Hope to see you there!

For all of you who miss the “voice of reason” Stella Foster, here are some of her thoughts on all of the violence that’s occurring in our country now. Thanks for allowing me to share this with my readers, Stella: “Given all these ‘Bloody Weekends’ that this city is now noted for, the best you can do out here in your everyday lives is try to not become a
statistic. Blacks killing blacks will not stop because self-hatred is a real issue in the black community. The overwhelming cases of shootings in Chicago has created a runaway train most likely filled with violence -prone children from unwed teens, who never should have had babies in the first place. Babies cannot raise babies and when this society became so tolerant and seem to embrace and celebrate unwed girls and boys having babies all willy nilly, babies become susceptible to gangs taking over their lives early in life and the result is what u c
running wild in our streets with no heart! The decline of morality in this country along with the daily images of sex and violence will continue to cause sadness . So try not to become a stat by staying ever alert and pay attention to who you are around when you have to venture into the dangerous streets of Chicago and the burbs! If there were no bullets, guns would not be in demand!” WE MISS YOU STELLA!

Great news and congrats to Chicagoland’s senior pet adoption option Young at Heart Pet Rescue on its recent purchase of eight acres of beautiful land in unincorporated Woodstock. This property will eventually become a serene oasis for senior dogs and cats (seven years and older) in need of rescue and will include an adoption center, sanctuary and grounds designed specifically with
these pets in mind. I love this charity that has placed more than 520 senior pets into loving homes this year. Executive Director Dawn Kemper shared this delightful holiday story written by Scott Craven called “Toby and the Christmas Ring.” Read the story here (with a box of tissue nearby) and find out more about this wonderful charity!

And speaking of pet rescues, don’t miss Freezin’ for a Reason, a benefit for Project Rescue Chicago on January 5th at Foster Avenue Beach (located at 5200 N. Lake Shore in Andersonville) beginning with a 10:15 a.m. check-in and photos. Every year, Chicagoans are
reminded of just how lucky they are to have a warm place to call home every night but many homeless dogs and puppies don’t have this luxury. It is in honor of these animals that Project Rescue Chicago (PRC) is throwing its first fundraiser of 2013. Join fellow animal lovers and take the plunge for charity! A PRC founder Bridgid Nolan said, “We like to have a good time out on the lake and at the bar afterwards but I’m most excited about helping the
dogs in need. This fundraiser will provide resources for many shelter animals.” To register (there is a $25 fee) and for more info, please click here or call Project Rescue Chicago at 312-623-0939. I’ll be cheering you on from the shore…brrrrrrrr. 🙂

Thanks so much to “Windy City Live” for having me back on! It was a delightful surprise to find out when I arrived at the studios that not only would I be doing my event segment but that I had also been included in Host Chat! Never mind the terror I felt for not having read the newspapers that morning, I was still pumped albeit a bit quiet during the segment! LOL! I especially loved seeing Ryan applying my CAMP Cosmetics’ Candid Candace lipstick to his
fellow co-host, Roe Conn! Real men do wear Candid Candace! Remember, hockey great Jeremy Roenick also wore it on WCIU’s “You and Me This Morning” not long ago?! Maybe I need to come up with a new unisex color…perhaps Candid Candace Manly Mango? If you missed the segment, see below – it was really cute! (Thanks to Amie Hana for the great photos used during the segment, too!)

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Huge congrats to the Melman siblings for yet another restaurant coup! RJ, Jerrod and Molly, in conjunction with partners Chef Doug Psaltis and mixologist Paul McGee, have created their own destination for country music lovers to enjoy a cocktail, grab a bite and have some fun! With Joe’s Bar on Weed Street partners Ed Warm and Tom DeSanto in the mix, guests can expect to see some of country music’s top emerging talent perform on the venue’s
16-foot stage positioned at the center of the 4,500-square-foot space. BBQ-focused Bub City is located at 435 N. Clark and serves signature items that include slow-smoked bone-in short ribs, baby back ribs, Carolina-style pulled pork and a shellfish bar. Large groups can enjoy the “Whole Pork Picnic” featuring slow-smoked pork shoulder served with four sides – I can’t wait to try it! BBQ, beer, bourbon and the best of country music comes to River North! Yee haw!

Woot! Woot! Thanks to Playboy for including me in its January 2013 issue! It seems that my interview with legendary actor Al Pacino drew some interest from Hef! Thanks to Mila Samokhina for the fab photo and to the Chicago International Film Festival for making a dream come true! And speaking of
Playboy, under the draw-your-own-conclusions category, I came across Hef’s fiance’s (Crystal Harris) Twitter page and it seems there has been a name change to Crystal Hefner! If true, I wish them both a world of happiness!!

Don’t miss the Wood Family Foundation’s second annual Woody’s Winter Warm-Up at Harry Caray’s at Navy Pier on January 18th. Retired Cubs great Kerry Wood and glam wife
Sarah have invited past and present Cubs along with other sports stars and celebs to this wonderful event benefitting their foundation that supports children in need in the Chicagoland area. There will be a dinner buffet, amazing silent auction laden with sports memorabilia (last year, Ernie Banks’ signed bat and
jersey was snagged by Beam VP Tom Strehle), open bar, raffle, photo ops and so much more! For tickets ($150) and more info, please click here!

Don’t forget to join me on NYE for Chicago Empire, an event named as one of the “top NYE parties in Chicago” by the Huffington Post! I will be doing the countdown with NBC’s Marcus Riley at Untitled, located at 111 W.
Kinzie. Six floors of fun will include the Gold Coast All Stars, Mr. Robotic, VH1 reality star “JRL” Justin Ross Lee and so much more! Tickets begin at $125 for this sure-to-be-fabulous production from Platinum Events’ Justin Jacobson!

The Gibsons Restaurant Group not only serves up delicious food but, it also has a very strong charitable bent, too! For the past five years, John Colletti and Kathy O’Malley Piccone, along with dozens of darling helpers, host “Gibsons New Year: New Friends, Full Bellies, Warm Feet” in partnership with Chicago Catholic
Charities. You can help by donating gifts of warmth such as hats, socks, gloves and scarves to Gibsons Restaurant, located at 1028 N. Rush St. They will be serving more than 400 less fortunate individuals at the restaurant on New Year’s Day. Kind hearts and good food for charity – LOVE these peeps! 🙂

You couldn’t imagine a more elegant holiday party than the one recently hosted by glamorous and charitable twins Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt at the McGrath home in the
Gold Coast. More than 100 equally glam friends turned out in force to celebrate the holidays in grand style at this gorgeous condo in the former Playboy building. As soon as the elevator doors opened onto their floor, you knew you were in for a most delightful, festive evening filled with friends. Serving elves offered up specialty cocktails, a bountiful dinner buffet and
photographer Christoper Free was on hand snapping
shots of friends wearing various types of holiday headgear and there was magnificent décor everywhere you looked. I loved their clever idea of asking friends to bring a beauty-related gift under $50. These gifts then served
as the guests’ goody bags as they left the party – just brilliant! I was still there (ahem) when Kristina’s handsome
and loving husband Mike came home after his own night out with friends. As he embraced her, I heard him ask, “Are you happy?” I’m sure this was Santa disguised as Mike McGrath! Ho! Ho! Ho! (View more fun and festive pics here!)

It was a winter wonderland theme for guests at the holiday luncheon recently co-hosted by beautiful ladies Michaela Parrillo and Lynn McMahan. The room at the Casino had a cozy fire roaring, elegantly appointed tables all done in sparkling shades of winter white, liveried waiters offering tea service and tiny sandwiches of smoked salmon, brie and apple, cucumber, tomato and egg salad, profiteroles filled with chicken salad and gluten free rice paper chicken salad wrap. Decadent desserts included white and dark chocolate dipped strawberries, petit
fours, tea cookies and miniature lemon meringue tarts. Michaela and Lynn had planned some surprises including asking guests to sing-a-long to the “12 Days of Christmas.” It was a lovely afternoon with the most beautiful décor I’ve seen: Even the tablecloths looked like they were dipped in fairy dust and were imported by Lynn from a faraway place, of course! If you know these two ladies, you know that every detail was attended to! Guests left with gifts topped with crystal snowflakes that held the perfect Chanel lip gloss inside. Love these girls and loved being part of their special day!

That’s it for this week and I hope you’re not too frenzied as we near Christmas and the end of the year. I'm also glad the Mayans were wrong… 🙂

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com