Tag Archives: TCW

March 14, 2013 · 9:03 am

COMMON THREADS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AT WORLD FEST!

…PLUS A PRITZKER BEV HILLS PARTY WITH BABS, WARREN, ANNETTE AND AL; GIULIANA’S CRYSTAL LIGHT LUNCHEON; PAWS’ ANIMAL MAGNETISM; MICHELLE’S NIGHT OUT; UNCORKED AT THE ART INSTITUTE; SHEDD’S STINGRAY AFFAIR; TCW’S HOT SINGLES PARTY; HERE COME THE BRIDES; “HOP AROUND THE SHOPS” FOR DOGGIES; ELDA’S BIG SHOW AT THE PEN; NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

Common Threads celebrated its seventh annual World Festival and the 10th anniversary of this beloved non-profit organization, an after school cooking program that hopes to get one million American kids moving away from fast food and toward healthy meals with their families by 2017. It’s a lofty goal but with the
dedication and passion shown by founders Chef Art Smith, artist Jesus Salgueiro and executive director Linda Novick O’Keefe, it is sure to happen sooner rather than later. World Festival is Common Threads’ largest fundraiser and growing bigger and better every year. This year, more than 65 top chefs gathered at
Soldier Field on March 4th to offer specialty dishes to more than 500 supporters. “Top Chef” judge/emcee Gail Simmons kicked off the event at Kendall College with a VIP experience. Thirty-five lucky guests enjoyed a trolley ride to Kendall where eight Small Threads from a Common Threads class were waiting
to show off their cooking skills. They prepared a mouthwatering nut- and dairy-free pesto with roasted fruit and ricotta parfaits with famed Chef Bill Telepan, who flew in from NY just for the occasion. As guests arrived at Soldier Field, you could feel the excitement of the crowd and smell the
delicious scents from the 65 chefs cooking their hearts out for CT. It truly showed the spirit of our chef community as they rallied together to help support the much needed programs of this organization. Participating chefs included Bill Kim (Urban Belly and
Belly Shack); Rey Villalobos (Table Fifty-Two); Jess De Guzman (Sunda); Takashi Yagihashi (Slurping Turtle); David Blonsky (Siena Tavern); Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno Due); Ming Tsai (Blue Ginger); Rick Tramonto (Restaurant R’evolution);
Floyd Cardoz (North End Grill); Alex Rosado (Post 154); David LeFevre (Manhattan Beach Post); Beverly Kim and so many more. I was proud to co-host this fabulous event with Hillshire’s Jon Harris and Beam Global’s Mindy Mackenzie. “This is a one-of-a-kind event where
our community of chefs, donors, sponsors, board members and many more are able to come together to support our students,” said Chef Art Smith. “That is the positive attitude and enthusiasm we saw all across Chicago World Festival on Monday that
made this event so inspiring and meaningful for everyone who participated.” It was announced earlier in the day that CT is committed to getting one million children cooking healthy meals by 2017. To kick-start this five year campaign and anniversary year, CT has been gathering diverse
groups of supporters through a series of mini-summits in Chicago, LA, Miami, NYC and Washington, D.C. to focus on ways they can work together to address these nutritional issues affecting America’s children. Walmart announced that it would provide a $720,000 grant to expand CT’s programming to 20 more schools in both
Chicago and Miami. WE LOVE WALMART!!! Prominent guests at World Festival included food photographer Stephen
Hamilton, celebrity chef and designer Jaime Laurita, Sausages by AmyLu’s Amy Kurzawski, FTS International Express, Inc.’s John Chiu, Michelin star chef Homaro Cantu, Rockit
Ranch Productions’ Billy Dec and 24/7’s Catie Keogh. Hot DJ Sye Young returned again this year with his sizzling mixes. As if this wasn’t enough, an after-party followed at the James Hotel! To learn more
about Common Threads and how you can become involved, please visit www.commonthreads.org. (Photos by Mila Samokhina…to see ALL event pics, please click here and check out my new Watch312.com video below!)

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The UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES) presented its second annual “An Evening of Environmental Excellence” recognizing Al Gore and Lyn Lear at the Beverly Hills
home of Jeanne and Anthony N. Pritzker. More than 350 guests attended this star-studded event including Barbra Streisand, Warren Beatty, Annette Bening, Courteney Cox, Sumner Redstone, Jeff Goldblum, Zach Braff,
Larry King, JJ Abrams and Alan and Cindy Horn. IoES is an organization dedicated to generating knowledge and solving regional and global environmental problems and this event recognized the extraordinary
environmental feats of Al Gore (former VP and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate) and Lyn Lear (co-founder of the Environmental Media Association). Lawrence Bender, Sydney Holland, Alexandria Jackson, Anthony N. Pritzker and Tina Quinn chaired the event which featured special performances by Grammy Award-winning artist Jason Mraz and actress and comedian Sarah Silverman. Actress Amy Smart and TV personality
Carter Oosterhouse served as masters
of ceremonies. Auctioneer Grant Snyder hosted a unique live auction which featured a one-week stay in a private villa at the beachfront Amanpuri resort in Thailand; an autographed Fender Sting guitar with a meet and greet Sting concert package; an autographed Bruce Springsteen guitar; and a Verengo Solar custom-installed solar power system. The event raised more than $1 million to benefit IoES, whose mission is to generate knowledge and solve regional and global environmental problems. The IoES educates the next generation of professional and scientific leadership committed to the health of the planet and drives interdisciplinary environment and sustainability initiatives on campus. For more info, please click here! Wow, what a star-filled night in Bev Hills! Congrats to ALL for your environmental efforts – the planet loves you! (Photos by Vince Bucci…view more here!)

Giuliana Rancic “squeezed” in a fun brunch to toast the end of the award season in LA. Some of Hollywood’s top stylists and fashion insiders joined the “E! News” host and “Fashion Police” commentator for an elegant brunch on
February 26th at the swanky SLS Hotel in Hollywood to toast the top colors from this year’s award season. Hosted by Crystal Light Liquid and Rancic, guests sipped and sampled this brand new product that debuted during award season – a pocket-sized bottle that can be taken on the go to
squeeze into still and sparkling water to add flavor and vibrancy. Attendees were treated to a fashionable morning of mixing, mingling and celebrating the end of another star-studded and successful award season. Giuliana talked about the
Oscar episode of “Fashion Police” where she selected Anne Hathaway as her pick for worst dress and Jennifer Lawrence who rocked it as her top pick on the red carpet. Before sitting down at the breathtaking table adorned with vibrantly colored Crystal Light Liquid-colored flowers, Giuliana asked guests
to raise a glass in honor of all the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to execute flawless red carpet looks. Giuliana gave a special toast to her eight-month pregnant celebrity stylist, Monica Rose, who also styles the Kardashian sisters. “Project Runway” alum and renowned fashion personality Nick Verreos also attended with his husband, David (the duo was spotted chatting with Giuliana about Verreos’ new fashion line, which is debuting later this spring) and celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik (with wife Liz) shared behind-the-scenes scoop from the Oscars (his celebrity clients include Beyonce, Zooey Deschanel and Anne Hathaway). Love Giuliana and I guess I have to try Crystal Light Liquid now, too! LOL!

On a related note, First Lady Michelle Obama and a girlfriend dined at Giuliana and Bill Rancic and the Melman family’s hotspot, RPM Italian. The duo enjoyed the light and modern Italian fare of
acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis (the P in RPM). As part of a three-state, two-day tour, Mrs. Obama was in the Windy City as she celebrated the third anniversary of her anti-obesity program Let’s Move! Entering the front door of the packed River North restaurant looking chic in all black, a surprised room of diners
erupted in applause while she waved to her fellow Chicagoans before entering a private dining room. After spending an hour and half in the restaurant, she stopped to thank Chef Psaltis and the Melmans for a wonderful meal. Diners applauded as she left, as well! The next morning, Mrs. Obama attended a special event to mark the occasion at McCormick Place alongside Chicago
Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Nike president Mark Parker, and Olympians Serena Williams and Gabby Douglas. Only in Chicago, baby! Love all of the excitement in our town! 🙂

More than 300 guests escorted by more than 80 pet companions gathered at Galleria Marchetti on February 22nd for an evening of dinner and dancing at PAWS Chicago’s Seventh Annual Animal Magnetism. The event,
which celebrates people and their pets, raised more than $90,000 – money which will go directly to saving the lives of Chicago’s homeless animals. Lucky pups in attendance indulged in a doggie buffet and “pupcakes” from Swirlz
while their human counterparts enjoyed a lovely dinner buffet, fabulous silent and live auctions, raffle, dancing and insight into their pet’s thoughts through animal communicator, Alicia
Halloran. Hosted by PAWS Chicago’s Professional Board and emceed by 103.5 KISS-FM Morning Show’s Angi Taylor and former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah, this magnetic event was co-chaired by Ashley and Noah Pettit and Courtney
and Eric Weiler. In addition, Congressman Mike Quigley was honored for his extraordinary leadership in animal welfare through advocacy and legislative reform to address pet overpopulation through spay/neuter programs, limit
high-volume breeding and impose harsher penalties for those who knowingly participate in animal fighting. The highlight of the evening was the live auction which raised thousands of dollars and featured items including luxury tickets to a Chicago Bulls game in the BMO Harris Club suite with a jersey and basketball signed by Joakim Noah, a culinary party for 10 with Chef Austin Yancy, a day on the set of the HGTV’s “Kitchen
Crashers” with host Alison Victoria and a VIP trip for two to Las Vegas. PAWS Chicago is committed to saving the lives of more than 6,000 homeless cats and dogs this year and will spay/neuter more than 18,000 pets, the majority of which are free for families in underserved communities. I LOVE THIS ORGANIZATION AND CONGRATS ON ANOTHER GREAT EVENT! (For more info, please visit www.PawsChicago.org.)

The Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute hosted its fourth annual “Uncorked: A Case for Wine,” a wine- and food-tasting event benefitting the Art Institute of Chicago recently. More than 250 guests arrived at The Casino Club in Chicago to participate in wine tasting as well as a live and silent auction. Auxiliary Board member of the Art Institute and executive vice president of Auctions by ATG Diana Peterson hosted both the live and silent auctions. This
year, the auctions brought in $84,275, an increase of $18,000 over last year’s total. All proceeds from the night’s events benefited the fabulous Art Institute of Chicago. Congrats to this dynamic Auxiliary Board on their fabulous fundraising efforts! To learn more, please click here!

Embrace your inner secret agent at Shedd Aquarium’s annual black tie gala. This year’s event, “Be Like Bond: The Stingray Affair,” will unveil a night of mystery and glamour set against a backdrop of breathtaking skyline views and vibrant hues of diverse aquatic life on June 8th from 6 p.m. to midnight at 1200 S. Lake Shore. Philanthropic revelers are
invited to sip cocktails (shaken, not stirred), dine among the fishes and dance the night away on Shedd’s lakeside terrace. An action-packed lineup of entertainment features an aquatic show, live auction and music. Would-be Bonds and Moneypennys are
encouraged to explore the mysterious world of Jellies and dive their hands into the wonder of Shedd’s newest special exhibit, Stingray Touch. This interactive, outdoor exhibit allows guests to see and FEEL the texture and movement of these gentle gliding animals! The 2013 gala committee chairman Laura Ferris Anderson and a committee of 75+ volunteers hope you can attend! (For tickets and more info, please visit www.sheddaquarium.org/gala2013/.)

One of the hottest parties of the year is back, as Today’s Chicago Woman (TCW) is pleased to announce this year’s Chicago’s Top Singles Party titled Spring Fever on March 22 at River East Art Center from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. This event is always sure to deliver an evening of mixing and mingling in a venue packed with Chicago’s most intriguing men and women. B96 Radio’s Showbiz Shelly is the evening’s emcee and will be presenting this year’s 50 single women and men. This year’s bash will provide party-goers with delicious bites from Chicago’s top restaurants including Wow Bao and Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse. Last year, more than 500 Chicagoans attended this top single’s party to benefit the TCW Foundation, which supports under-funded organizations designed to provide essential programs and services for women and girls. Tickets ($80) are available at www.tcwmag.com. Hope to see YOU there!

Chicago Bride magazine returns to Chicago’s Navy Pier as it presents the first of two shows at Bridal Expo & Yacht Party Fashion Show on April 14th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Brides will be offered a hands-on experience in preparation for their big day while taking pleasure in the beautiful backdrop of Navy Pier’s Lakeview Terrace. Top local wedding experts, from photographers to caterers, will be on hand to assist brides with planning details including professional advice, product samples, discounts and special offers. Lucky brides-to-be will have the chance to win fabulous
prizes from the day’s raffle, generously donated by exhibitors and donors. There will be a runway bridal fashion show aboard the Anita Dee II yacht, docked right at Navy Pier and, conveniently, directly across from the Lakeview Terrace venue. Brides and their guests will enjoy a fashion show and party featuring complimentary drinks and hors d’oeuvres from Catered by Design while they take in the latest bridal fashions from Frankfort, Ill.-based Fiancée Couture during the fashion show. Admission is FREE for all attendees and pre-registration is preferred by visiting the Chicago Bride website or calling Cathy at 773-866-9901 x12 for more information. Here come the brides!

And while we’re on the subject of brides, don’t miss a fabulous new collection debuting at Dimitra’s Bridal Salon (located at 1011 N. Rush) beginning March 21st. Constantina Maroulis-Sweeney will be presenting an exquisite collection from Ersa Atelier to American brides-to-be for the first time. This European designer has had fashionistas, style bloggers and brides in the know drooling over her designs and now you can see them for yourself. Plus, mention “Candid Candace” and you’ll get a 10-percent discount! Cupid’s arrows are flying!

Shopping FUN for two legs AND four on March 23rd! The businesses along Southport Avenue (3200 to 3900 N. Southport Ave.) are teaming up with local rescue organizations to help homeless dogs find loving homes and raise awareness about adopting a shelter animal. Shoppers, families and dog lovers alike are invited to “Hop Around the Shops,” a FREE neighborhood event offering shopping discounts and freebies hidden in eggs and the opportunity to meet many adoptable dogs from both Chicago Canine Rescue and Project Rescue Chicago on Southport between Roscoe and Byron from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Hope to see you there!

Don’t miss the elegant spring 2013 collection from beloved designer Elda de la Rosa on March 19th at The Peninsula Hotel Chicago beginning at 6 p.m. A portion of the proceeds from “La Vie en Rose: Couture for a Cause” will benefit Edgewater Development Corp., a community-based nonprofit that supports small businesses. Chanel’s style consultant Randolph Tovar will be the guest speaker and ABC 7’s Sylvia Perez will emcee. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions, the event’s host committee includes Jean Antoniou, Toni Canada, Diana Palomar, Dusty Stemer, Tracey Tarantino, Tasia June Travlos, Moira Tuffy and Marsha Brenner. I’m honored to be modeling for my favorite designer! For tickets ($100) and more info, please call 773.506.4016 or click here!

Over the weekend, Hennessy V.S presented an ‘80s-themed birthday bash for popular NYC promoter and socialite Legendary Damon at Good Units in the Hudson Hotel. A special performance of “Like a Prayer” was performed by recording artist Melanie Fiona (accompanied by a gospel choir) as Damon made his grand
entrance. Singer Luke James also gave a special performance and later on in the evening, Bridget Kelly serenaded Damon with “Happy Birthday.” Music was provided by DJ Kiss, MOS, DJ Goldfinger and Jimmy Da Gent to the trendy, fashionable and hip downtown artsy New York crowd. I just love these Hennessey parties!

The Service Club of Chicago presents its annual Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon on May 30th at the Ritz-Carlton, located at 160 E. Pearson. This year, co-chairs Sherry Lea Holson, Pat Maxwell and Dr. Stacie McClane are thrilled to feature the iconic photographer Victor Skrebneski, who will present an exclusive viewing of his collection, “SKREBNESKI PHOTOGRAPHS HATS OFF!!” which will be followed by a Q & A. This event sells out every year so get your tix now! The afternoon will also showcase the Loreta Corsetti Couture Millinery Collection. Other highlights will include a special Loreta Corsetti Hat silent auction prize, prizes for Hatter’s Contest winners and raffle prizes. (Champagne will be available for purchase during lunch.) The Service Club of Chicago is one of the oldest charitable organizations in Chicago. Founded in1890, it provides grant funding for tangible items to nonprofit organizations benefitting women, the arts, children and education. For tickets and more information please call or email Sherry Lea Holson at 847-347-1708 or snrholsoniii@aol.com.

The Taste of Streeterville is coming to the InterContinental Chicago, on May 7th from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. This fun-filled event will include all you can eat and drink from more than a dozen restaurants plus beer and wine! Tickets are $125; however, if you use the code “CandidCandace” (wink, wink), you will receive 50 percent off! Hope to see you at this exciting Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions event! For tix and more info, please click here!

Popular Chicago Now blogger, cookbook author, Trailblazer Award winner and chef Anupy Singla will be appearing at Whole Foods at 1550 N. Kingsbury to teach Indian cooking classes on March 14th (11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Let Anupy walk you through the very basics of Indian cooking: You’ll first learn spicing and then three of the most basic dishes for a successful Indian meal. Sign up online or call 312.587.0648. Just love this one woman dynamo!

Stay tuned for the fourth episode from Vanishing Point Productions – “The Snow Man” – coming March 18th! A seemingly innocuous pandhandler hides a sinister secret…how is he spending his change? YIKES! “The Vanishing Point” is a series of three- to 10-minute genre films tied together by themes of horror, sci-fi or the supernatural. Check out these amazing, Twilight Zone-inspired films by Josh Orr and Eric Gulbrandsen here!

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition and I hope to see you here next week! In the meantime, is this the cutest doggie costume you’ve ever seen? 🙂

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Huge congrats to beautiful model Nicole Townsend on her new position as social media and brand manager for Mega Growth Hair
Care! In collaboration with Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, Nicole will be at the Black Women’s Expo on April 6th at McCormick Place along with “Real Housewives of Atlanta” supermodel Cynthia Bailey! Congrats and good luck Nicole…and I LOVE your new look!

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Tagged as Al Gore, Alan Horn, Alex Rosado, Alexandria Jackson, Alicia Halloran, Alison Victoria, Amanpuri, Amy Kurzawski, Amy Smart, An Evening of Environmental Excellence, Angi Taylor, Animal Magnetism, Anita Dee II, Anne Hathaway, Annette Bening, Anthony N. Pritzker, Anupy Singla, Art Institute of Chicago, Ashley Pettit, Auctions by ATG, Auxiliary Board of the Art Institute, Barbra Streisand, Be Like Bond: The Stingray Affair, Beverly Kim, Beyonce, Bill Kim, Bill Rancic, Billy Dec, Black Sophisticate’s Hairstyle Guide, Black Women’s Expo, Bridget Kelly, Broject Rescue Chicago, Bruce Springsteen, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Carter Oosterhouse, Casino Club, Catered by Design, Catie Keough, Cece & Melinda with Raymi Productions, Chef Art Smith, Chef Austin Yancy, Chef Bill Telepan, Chef Doug Psaltis, Chicago Bride, Chicago Canine Rescue, Chicago Now, Chicago’s Top Singles Party, Cindy Horn, Common Threads, Congressman Mike Quigley, Constantina Maroulis-Sweeney, Courteney Cox, Courtney Weiler, Crystal Light Liquid, Cynthia Bailey, David Blonsky, David LeFevre, Diana Palomar, Diana Peterson, Dimitra’s Bridal Salon, DJ Goldfinger, DJ Kiss, DJ Sye Young, Dr. Stacie McClane, Dusty Stemer, Edgewater Development Corp., elda de la rosa, Eric Weiler, Ersa Atelier, Fender Sting, Fiancée Couture, Floyd Cardoz, Gabby Douglas, Gail Simmons, Giuliana Rancic, Grant Styder, Hennessy V.S, Homaro Cantu, Hop Around the Shops, InterContinental Chicago, IoES, Jaime Laurita, Jason Mraz, Jean Antoniou, Jeanne Pritzker, Jeff Goldblum, Jellies, Jennifer Lawrence, Jerry Azumah, Jess De Guzman, Jesus Salgueiro, Jimmy Da Gent, JJ Abrams, Joakim Noah, John Chiu, Jon Harris, Kardashians, Kitchen Crashers, La Vie en Rose: Couture for a Cause, Larry King, Laura Ferris Anderson, Lawrence Bender, Legendary Damon, Let’s Move!, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Luke James, Lyn Lear, Mad Hatter Spring Luncheon, Mark Parker, Marsha Brenner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Mega Growth Hair Care, Melanie Fiona, Melman, Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, Michelle Obama, Mila Samokhina, Mindy Mackenzie, Ming Tsai, Moira Tuffy, MOS, Navy Pier, Nick Verreos, Nicole Townsend, Nike, Noah Pettit, Pat Maxwell, PAWS Chicago, Peninsula Hotel Chicago, Randolph Tovar, Real Housewives of Atlanta, Rey Villalobos, Rick Tramonto, RPM Italian, Sarah Silverman, Serena Williams, Service Club of Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Sherry Lea Holson, Showbiz Shelly, SKREBNESKI PHOTOGRAPHS HATS OFF, SLS Hotel, Spring Fever, Stephen Hamilton, Sting, Stingray Touch, Sumner Redstone, Swirlz, Sydney Holland, Sylvia Perez, Takashi Yagihashi, Tasia June Travlos, Taste of Streeterville, TCW, TCW Foundation, Tina Quinn, Today’s Chicago Woman, Tom Bachik, Toni Canada, Tony Priolo, Tracey Tarantino, UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability, Uncorked: A Case for Wine, Verengo Solar, Victor Skrebneski, Vince Bucci, Walmart, Warren Beatty, World Festival, Wow Bao, Zach Braff, Zooey Deschanel, ZZAZZ Productions

July 16, 2012 · 11:09 am

ARETHA FRANKLIN WOWS N’DIGO GALA CROWD

…PLUS WINDY CITY LIVE’S EXCLUSIVE CELEBRATION, ELI’S BAKES BIG CAKES, CUPID'S ARROWS FIND HEDY AND LAURIE, WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, MARCO'S BENEFIT FOR ONE HOPE UNITED, UPCOMING EVENTS, PEOPLE IN THE NEWS, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

I knew she was called the “Queen of Soul” and I certainly loved her music but it wasn’t until I attended the 17th annual N’Digo Gala that I realized WHY she IS the Queen! This event was something special. First of all, I adore N’Digo Magazine publisher/founder Hermene Hartman. She is a one woman dynamo who loves her community and is the pure definition of giving back with her N’Digo Foundation, which she founded in 1995. This foundation awards merit-based college scholarships to students from Chicago and the suburbs and, to date, has awarded 286. Hermene’s friends and fans are legion and her Gala always includes top notch entertainment plus fun-loving, well-dressed attendees. In years past, performers including Babyface, Ray Charles (with a full orchestra), Jerry Butler and Nancy Wilson, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, George Benson, Ledisi and Seal have all appeared at this event. More than 1,500 guests turned out to celebrate the 50th anniversary of soul music as well as to support the foundation at this black-tie gala themed “Legends de Soul.” The dynamic and inspiring program began with hosts Hermene and NBC’s Art Norman welcoming the crowd. Hermene introduced a video showcasing past scholarship recipients and what they’re doing now, saying, “These are the youths who’ve done it their way and are now living their dreams.” It was a wonderful confirmation of the good that this organization does. The 2012 winners were introduced onstage as Pastor Charles Jenkins and the choir of Fellowship Chicago Baptist Church performed their hit song, “Awesome.” Music legends The Impressions took the stage as the concert began at 7 p.m. wowing the audiences with their infectious energy as well as their classic songs that included “Gypsy Woman” and “Super Fly,” which was an homage to the late great Curtis Mayfield. Comedian Jonathan Slocumb – a favorite of Ms. Franklin for his clean-cut style – had the crowd in stitches especially during his impersonation of Reverend Jesse Jackson who happened to be coming down the aisle at the same time. Arie Crown Theater was filled to capacity when the Queen took the stage and announced, “Hello Chicago, here I am!” Before her performance, Michelle Boone, the Mayor’s Cultural Commissioner, proclaimed June 30th to be Aretha Franklin Day in Chicago – it’s good to be Queen! She performed tirelessly for at least two straight hours, never leaving the stage. (The only concession was removing her shoes.) She looked great in a white gown embroidered with large pink/red flowers and her voice rocked the rafters as she sang hits such as “Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher” and “Skylark.” She introduced “Skylark” after telling of being turned away from “The Ed Sullivan Show” at age 17 when they told her they had overbooked. She said, “This is the song I was going to sing.” She played the piano during a moving tribute to Whitney Houston as photos were shown overhead. “She was gracious, she was real and my Christian sister,” said Franklin of Houston. As the show continued, photos were also shown of Aretha with greats such as Stevie Wonder, Clive Davis, Don Cornelius, Smokey Robinson and Ray Charles among many others. I couldn’t believe the energy this 70-year-old woman had! It was an incredible history making moment as she finished her performance with “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” to standing ovations…oh what a night! Ms. Franklin has won 18 Grammys and is the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I couldn’t believe she would allow anyone into her dressing room after this tiring performance (let alone me!) but she did and I will never forget it. My cameraman and photog were the only media allowed in her dressing room and I will be forever grateful to Hermene for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity…check out my Watch312.com video below! But the party didn’t stop there, as guests moved onto the terrace for more refreshments, small bites and dancing – I even learned how to do the Wobble!! BTW, watch for N’Digo Magazine in your local Walgreen’s coming soon for just $1.00! Guests seen on the scene included Tom Ricketts, Albert Grace, Jr., Wayne Watson, Les Coney, Cassandra Gaddo, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil, designer Quinton de’ Alexander, Art Norman, Rick O’Dell, Dionne Williams, Milton Carroll, Jocelyn Stoller, Reverend Helen Carry, Ernesto Borges, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Henderson, Reverend Jesse Jackson, KC McNeil and James Bell. (For more information about this wonderful N’Digo Foundation, click here!)

It’s one of my favorite shows and I’m so glad they're doing SO well! “Windy City Live” hosted its one-year anniversary on June 11th at Epic on Hubbard. I was expecting this by-invite-only party to be jam packed but it was the PERFECT number of people – not too many and not too few. Executive Producer Marlaine Selip explained, “We invited all of the people who’ve made this night possible, our family, our producers, our advertisers and our friends.” It was a joyous affair and the whole place was reserved for this party including their lovely rooftop bar area where everyone seemed to congregate on this perfect summer evening. A giant cake, courtesy of Eli’s Cheesecake, was the first thing guests saw as they entered the venue. Along with Marlaine, “WCL” hosts Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini welcomed the crowd and thanked their many contributors. New General Manager John Idler was in the crowd and laughed as Ryan joked about having his 10-year contract drawn up and ready for him to sign. It was a loving group of supporters who were all there to cheer this great show on. Seen in the crowd were “WCL” Supervising Producer Cindy Patrasso, producer Emerald-Jane Hunter (with hubby Ronny), Dawn Watkins, “WCL” regulars Mark DeCarlo, Nina Chantelle, Hank Mendheim, Billy Dec and Roe Conn (with Barb), “Chicagolicious” stars AJ Johnson and Niki Robinson, winner of “The Bachelorette” Season 5 Ed Swiderski, Kathleen Henson, Debi Lilly, RJ and Jerrod Melman, Cub great Ernie Banks, Amy Tara Koch, Grant DePorter, Chef Kevin Hickey, Terri Hickey, Maureen Schulman, Steve Shern, Jess Altieri, Paul Bryant, Veronica Zepeda, Chuck, Lindsey Avner, Kevin Aeh, Erica Strama, DC Crenshaw, Margaret O’Connor, Jim Karas, Shea Vaughn, Dan Uslan, Lisa Ripson, Brook Jay, Graham Kostic, Nicole Pearl, Stephanie Krol, Nick Harkin, Carly Leviton and Rachel Gillman among many others! HUGE congrats and happy anniversary, “WCL” – Can’t wait to see the mountains you'll climb! (To see ALL the party pics by Mila Samokhina and Steve Starr, please click here!)

Maureen and Marc Schulman have been very busy this week! Besides the "WCL" party, they also appeared at the opening of Taste of Chicago! Kelsey Grammer (Chicago Mayor Tom Kane on Starz original hit series “Boss”) performed some "mayoral" duties when he opened Taste by cutting a 1,000-pound Eli's Cheesecake in celebration of Chicago's 175th birthday and the 32nd birthday of Taste of Chicago AND Eli's Cheesecake. Restaurateur Eli Schulman debuted the cheesecake at the first Taste of Chicago in 1980. Grammer, along with the leads from “Rock of Ages,” led the crowd in "Happy Birthday." The cake was then served free to the public. Awwwwww… (Great pics by Jennifer Girard.)

Love was in the air for a popular and much-loved couple who “have been living in sin for the last 43 years," according to Hedy. Hedy Ratner, founder and co-president of the Women’s Business Development Center, and Mort Kaplan, of Morton H. Kaplan and Associates, finally tied the knot after fooling friends and family with a few false starts (some would call them pranks) for the last few years. Last year’s party celebrated Hedy’s birthday with a fake wedding but this time, the nuptials were for real. Sun-Times columnist Neil Steinberg wrote a delightful column on this remarkable and loving couple and in his interview, he asked them what had changed. “A couple of things,” said Mort. “I had a stroke in January and something happened in that period that I did not like. She wanted to get a prescription filled, and one doctor said, ‘Who are you? You’re the girlfriend.’ And I said, ‘She’s not the girlfriend!’ She was the quarterback of my recovery.” They were married on July 1st at Orchestra Hall. And they will CONTINUE TO live happily ever after! 🙂

Speaking of love, beautiful chanteuse Laurie Marchese is ENGAGED to longtime love, Bill Russ. Laurie lives in LA now but is originally from Oak Lawn and Bill, who also lives in LA, is from Aurora. Their love story could be a Hollywood movie: They met 30 years ago on the set of “Risky Business,” where Bill was an assistant to the producer and a stand-in for Tom Cruise, and Laurie was an extra in a crowd scene at the Highland Park Movie Theater. They had a whirlwind teenage romance and then parted ways as their careers moved in different directions. Fast forward to 2012 after fatefully reuniting, Bill arranged a surprise marriage proposal at the same theater where they met all those years ago and, of course, Laurie said YESSSSSSSSS!!!! Cupid’s arrows have hit their marks AGAIN!! Congrats Laurie and Bill!

The 28th annual World’s Largest Block Party for Old St. Pat’s was another blowout event with almost 18,000 people attending this two-day event in the parking lot across from the Church. This party is known for creating marriage matches and has connected dozens of attendees throughout the years. I was so thrilled to be a guest bartender along with Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Anthony Ponce, Stefan Holt, Marcus Riley, Borris Powell, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Jason Knowles, Aly Bockler and Andrea Metcalf. Proceeds support the church and the Center for Social Concerns on the Old St. Pat’s campus, which houses the following outreach programs: Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and the Global Alliance for Africa. Ben Folds Five and Lifehouse headlined the event. Watch312.com was THERE to cover all the fun – check it out below!!

Hope you can join me for the second annual White Party in support of One Hope United. Founded by handsome man-about-town Marco Foster, this night will also be a celebration of his birthday! Marco decided what better way to celebrate than to give back with 100 percent of all proceeds going to this wonderful charity whose mission is to protect children and strengthen families in Chicago. Hosted by Akira Chicago’s owner Jon Cotay, WGN’s “Living Healthy Chicago” host Jane Monzures, PR pioneer Chris Foltz and moi, this party with a purpose will be held on July 27th at Underground, located at 56 W. Illinois, from 9 to 11 p.m. Hope to see you there! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

Congrats to David Rothstein and his dynamic and talented music company on their 12-year anniversary! This versatile 11-piece orchestra has won numerous awards, performed for celebrities and Fortune 500 companies, and is regularly flown cross country for special events. And besides being such a talent, he has a big philanthropic heart, too! His “Share the Love” program is nothing short of genius. After weddings, instead of throwing away floral arrangements or begging guests to take them home, David delivers them to the nearest nursing home or women’s and children’s shelters. He has also made numerous charitable contributions of his musical talent. And on top of it all, this cute guy is single, too! (Ladies are you listening?) Anyway, I’m thrilled for his success and can’t wait to watch his star climb even higher! (For more info, please click here and for a sample of his work, see video below.)

After almost 17 years in the luxury and exotic automotive industry, handsome Sven Asmus has decided to pursue his passion. On July 11th, Hilton/Asmus Contemporary Art Gallery opened its doors at 716 N. Wells St. in Chicago’s River North Art District. His gallery will specialize in modern and contemporary paintings, limited edition graphics, glass art, sculpture and photography. A separate division, Art Travel Adventures, will arrange art-related trips throughout the world to places like Spain, Turkey and the Himalayas. For more info, please visit www.hilton-asmus.com. Congrats and good luck, Sven!

Congratulations are in order for Chicago’s own Sherren Leigh! The Arnstein & Lehr law firm is honoring the TCW magazine founder and publisher with its sixth annual Woman of Vision Award on behalf of her Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation, which is highlighting 30 charities for its 30th anniversary. One of these charities, the Chicago Battered Women’s Network is also supported by some of the firm’s attorneys who will be presenting a check earmarked for CBWN. For more info on the TCW Foundation, please click here and for info on CBWN, please click here.

Now for some up and coming Windy City events! This year’s Chicago Dancing Festival will begin on August 20th thru August 25th. Venues for this free-to-the-public festival will include Grant Park, MCA, Millennium Park, Harris Theater and the Auditorium Theater of Roosevelt University. Works will be presented by world class choreographers and performed by top dance companies from across the country. (For more info, please click here!)

Chefs & the City will be returning for its eighth year to the Ritz-Carlton on July 27th. Guests will enjoy savory fare presented by 26 of Chicago’s top chefs to benefit Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care which helps people impacted by HIV/AIDS. The VIP Reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and the Main Tasting at 7:30 p.m. DJ Megan Taylor will be mastering the mixes while Honorary Chairs Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes, Jason Dohmann and Chef Chair Ryan Pitts mix and mingle. There will be a live auction as well as a grand raffle. (For tickets, beginning at $250, visit www.vitalbridges.org.)

“Live.Love.Life: Where Grit Meets Glam,” hosted by WGN’s Jane Monzures, will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center on August 18th from 8 p.m. until midnight. This benefit for Northwestern Memorial Foundation will feature entertainment, fashion and sports all mixed into one philanthropic package! For more info, visit www.live-love-life.org.

Skyline Soiree will be held at the River East Art Center on July 27th from 7 to 11 p.m. Hosted by the Associate Board of Ambassadors of the American Cancer Society, this party will include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, silent auction and live music by Final Say: A Maggie Speaks Band. For tickets, $95 in advance and $105 at the door, please visit www.skylinesoiree.org.

I am so happy Chuck and I got a chance to take a weekend getaway trip to Michigan – we were thrilled to spend time with good friends in fabulous spots! The lake was like glass and I even tried kayaking for the first time with friends Paul Iacono, Ken Norgan and Pepe Conforme. We also had a delicious dinner at fabulous caterer George Jewell’s Burscott Park estate and met uber-talented interior designer, Jim Dennen. (Friends if you need a designer, OMG call this guy – his home is completely and utterly gorgeous!) Thanks to all for a great time away from my computer, sort of! 🙂 (To view more pics, please click here!)

Well, I hope you’re having loads of summer fun and staying cool! Thanks for joining me again for another edition of my blogazine! If you’re so inclined, please follow me on Twitter and join my Facebook page, Candid Candace. Have a wonderful week!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Loved the pics Diane Edelman sent from her trip to Sapphire, North Carolina. “Every view was picture perfect. It’s incredible what God has created,” said Diane who had travelled there with her beloved Chadwick Randolph Cat IV. :)(To see all of these great pics, click here!)

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Tagged as AJ Johnson, Akira, Albert Grace, Aly Bockler, Amanda Puck, Amy Tara Koch, Andrea Metcalf, Anthony Ponce, Aretha Franklin, Arnstein & Lehr, Art Norman, Associate Board of Ambasadors of the American Cancer Society, Babyface, Ben Folds Five, Bill Russ, Billy Dec, Borris Powell, Brook Jay, Candace Jordan, Carly Leviton, Cassandra Gaddo, Chadwick Randolph Cat IV, Chefs & the City, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Chicago Battered Women’s Network, Chicago Dancing Festival, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicagolicious, Chris Foltz, Cindy Patrasso, Curtis Mayfield, Dan Uslan, David Rothstein, David Rothstein Orchestra, Dawn Watkins, DC Crenshaw, Dean Richards, Debi Lilly, designer Quinton de’ Alexander, Diane Edelman, Dionne Williams, Don Cornelius, Dori Wilson, Ed Swiderski, Eli's Cheesecake, Emarald-Jane Hunter, Epic, Eric Himel, Erica Strama, Ernesto Borges, Ernie Banks, Fellowship Chicago Baptist Church, Final Say, George Benson, George Jewell, Gladys Knight, Graham Kostic, Hank Mendhein, Hedy Ratner, Hermene Hartman, Highland Park Movie Theater, Hilton/Asmus Contemporary Art Gallery, James Bell, Jane Monzures, Jason Dohmann, Jason Knowles, Jennifer Girard, Jerrod Melman, Jerry Butler, Jim Dennen. Candid Candace, Jim Karas, Jocelyn Stoller, John Idler, Jon Cotay, Jonathan Slocumb, Jr., Kathleen Henson, KC McNeil, Kelsey Grammer, Ken Norgan, Kevin Aeh, Laurie Marchese, Ledisi, Les Coney, Lifehouse, Lindsey Avner, Lisa Ripson, Live.Love.Life: Where Grit Meets Glam, Maggie Speaks, Marc Shulman, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Margaret O’Connor, Mark DeCarlo, Marlaine Selip, Maureen Shulman, Megan Taylor, Michelle Boone, Mila Samokhina, Milton Carroll, Mort Kaplan, Morton H. Kaplan and Associates, Nancy Wilson, Natalie Cole, Natalie Martinez, N’Digo Foundation, N’Digo Gala, N’Digo Magazine, Neil Steinberg, Nick Harkin, Nicole Pearl, Niki Robinson, Nina Chantelle, Northwestern Memorial Foundation, One Hope United, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Paul Iacono, Pepe Conforme, Queen of Soul, Rachel Gillman, Ravi Baichwal, Ray Charles, Reverend Helen Carry, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rich Varnes, Rick O’Dell, Risky Business, RJ Melman, Rock of Ages, Roe Conn, Ryan Chiaverini, Ryan Pitts, Sapphire North Carolina, Seal, Share the Love, Shea Vaughn, Sherren Leigh, Skyline Soiree, Smokey Robinson, Stefan Holt, Stephanie Krol, Steve Starr, Stevie Wonder Clive Davis, Sven Asmus, Taste of Chicago, TCW, The Bachelorette, The Impressions, Today’s Chicago Woman Foundation, Tom Cruise, Tom Ricketts, Underground, Val Warner, Victor Henderson, Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care, Watch312.com, Wayne Watson, White Party, Whitney Houston, Windy City Live, Woman of Vision Award, Women’s Business Development Center, World’s Largest Block Party for Old St. Pat’s

June 4, 2012 · 12:59 pm

CAMPFIRE BALL SPURS MEMORIES OF CHILDHOOD FOR SUPPORTERS AND HOPE FOR KIDS WITH CANCER

…PLUS CAA’S HARRIS THEATRE BLOW-OUT, VIPS GALORE AT BUTTERFLY BALL, RASHIED DAVIS – A CHAMPION FOR KIDS TOO, EMBEYA COMES TO WEST LOOP, A VICTORIAN BALL, CHICAGO’S PERSONAL BRANDS, CHICAGO MISCONCEPTIONS, CHEFS & THE CITY’S KICK-OFF TO PRIDE AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Memorial Day weekend came and went before I even knew it. Maybe it had something to do with the fact that it was also my birthday, but I do know I wish it would’ve lasted longer. I want to thank everyone who sent birthday wishes. I feel so lucky to have such wonderful friends – you know who you are!

And now, what’s been happening around town? Well, first off, I want to give a shout-out to one of the coolest charity events around, The Campfire Ball. I had never heard of this until I received the press release (and believe me, if I don’t respond to some of your emails, it’s because my inbox is filled with these but I’m not complaining!) and what attracted me to this fundraiser was its description. How many adults wouldn’t like to relive a part of their childhood, especially the part where you’re camping, eating s’mores over a fire and drinking spiked bug juice!? I was intrigued and did a little further research and after I found out what this event benefitted, I was completely and totally hooked. The Campfire Ball supports Children’s Oncology Services and through its One Step Programs, helps send kids with cancer to camp. Their philosophy is “a diagnosis of cancer should not prevent a child from experiencing the simple joys of childhood.” Hundreds celebrated this night at Venue One with décor reminiscent of northern Wisconsin. Even the signs pointing to the “lake” and the “cabins” were scribbled on wood. And the food! Oh my! Cork Catering served gourmet versions of grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs. Sprinkles served mini s’more cupcakes and Theory offered smoked pork sandwiches. The honey, bacon and jalapeno popcorn from Bridgehouse Tavern was out of this world! Co-chair Jordan (Jordi) Izsak had this to say: “Every year I am more and more impressed with the showing of support Campfire Ball garners. Our guests and donors deserve a round of applause for making such a huge impact on the One Step At A Time programs. I was beside myself Saturday night to see a packed house and know that every person there was helping us reach our goal of raising $100,000 and sending 100 kids to camp!” The summer camp hosts nearly 300 children but the beautiful thing about Children’s Oncology Services is that they help offset the financial burden of the cost of camp for families that need it. Lynn Rubin, a counselor and cancer survivor describes her experience this way, “I�
�ve been involved with One Step Camp for six years. I’m a camp counselor, a program leader and a cancer survivor. One Step Camp holds a very special place in my heart. It’s a magical place where kids with cancer can just be kids. They can be themselves without judgment and just enjoy life without thinking about being sick. I volunteer at camp to help these kids have the best summer of their lives, but actually, they have helped me so much more. They have taught me about life, strength and happiness. I will always be a volunteer at One Step Camp. I’m a lifer. Peace. Love. Camp.” During the evening DJ Matt Roan kept the dance floor filled and the wildly popular Digital Photobooth by MVS Studio projected cute guests’ photos on the walls throughout the night. Local media celebrities guest bartended and included NBC 5’s Lauren Jiggetts, former Chicago Bear and sports personality Jerry Azumah, FOX’s Kori Chambers, Time Out Chicago’s Marissa Conrad, Jason Goff from The SCORE/CBS radio and Ed Swiderski, winner from “The Bachelorette” Season 5. Nine-year-old Maggie Conlon, whose cancer has been in remission for nearly eight years, said, “I loved camp so much that my counselors called my parents to ask if I could stay an extra week.” She is already counting down to her next visit. The after party continued at RPM Italian (RJ and Jerrod Melman and Giuliana and Bill Rancic’s new restaurant). And the parting gift for guests? Why, a box of Campfire matches, of course! Congrats to co-chairs Rachel Drescher, Jordi Izsak and Michelle Weiler on a job well done – the event raised more than $114,000! (Photos by Mitchell Canoff and Steve Starr. To learn more about this wonderful charity, please visit www.onestepcamp.org.)

The 30th anniversary celebration for the Chicago Academy of the Arts featured top chefs and student performances at the Harris Theater on May 10th and attracted more than 530 guests. The night began with a video montage of students, past and present, speaking about the CAA and what it meant to them. Emcee Bill Kurtis introduced Head of School Pamela Jordan, who had this to say: “At CAA, we want our students ready for collaborative opportunities that the 21st century will offer. Our plans include an upgraded recording studio, a refurbished science lab, incorporating SKYPE into classrooms and building a state-of-the-art creative lab. We now have a global program, a student composed full length opera performed by professional artists, a student directed and produced 90 minute film and the CAA Repertory Dance Company.” Student/alumni performances included musical theater soloist Eleri Ward, soprano Jessica Oliver, and classical pianist Su Jin Kang. The performances opened and closed with the CAA Repertory Dance Company. Rock band Semi Precious Weapons, featuring front man Justin Tranter, performed a high-energy number that had the crowd on its feet. This group opened for Lady Gaga during her 2009-2011 Monster Ball Tour but Tranter said, “I’ve told more stories about the CAA than Lady Gaga!” Following the performances, guests moved to the Millennium Park Rooftop Terrace where Chef Rick Bayless (an event host with wife Deann, Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis) had assembled a culinary team who had all been featured on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” It included chefs Sarah Grueneberg, Tony Mantuano, Stephanie Izard, Chris Jones, Richie Farina, Dale Levitski, Amanda Rockman, Heather Terhune and Takashi Yagihashi. Bayless quipped, “You will not see a group of this caliber together in one place, for one night, anywhere else in Chicago!” Stephen Flach and Chris Fryson were the event co-chairs and Barbara Levy Kipper was the civic chair. The event raised more than $460,000 for the organization. Founded by Essie Kupcinet in 1981, The CAA was designated a National School of Distinction and remains the only independent arts high school in Illinois. This year marks the CAA’s 30th anniversary. (Photos by Bob Carl and Jennifer Girard.)

More than 70 Chicago-area girls ages 6 to 16 strutted their stuff down the catwalk on a mission to help other children suffering from serious illnesses at a benefit for the Comer Children’s Hospital. Development Board members and “Frankie’s on the Park,” a Lincoln Park children’s boutique, teamed up to host the second annual Girls Spring Fashion Show & Tea at the Women’s Athletic Club. "Windy City Live" stylist Eric Himel emceed the show with proceeds from the event supporting medical research and advances in patient care at Comer Children’s Hospital. Awwwww…future super models in training! (For more pics, please click here.)

Chicago’s civic and corporate leaders filled the tent for the 14th annual Butterfly Ball benefitting the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Themed “Tour de Nature,” this event celebrated the museum’s popular new exhibition “Bikes! The Green Revolution” and embodied its commitment to be the urban gateway to nature and science. This year’s co-chairs were Rita and John Canning (who also recently co-chaired the Big Shoulders Fund benefit) along with Susan Whiting. Vendors for the ball were chosen for their creative and vibrant commitment to being environmentally responsible with the flowers dotting the event being repurposed in the Woodward Wickham Butterfly Garden. The stunning décor by Event Creative included butterfly images projected throughout the tent and painted bicycles hanging from every light pole. ABC 7’s Linda Yu served as the charming emcee, even wearing a butterfly pin to prove her commitment. Senior Curator of Urban Ecology Steve Sullivan hosted a Q & A and showcased specimens from the museum’s collection that included a prairie chicken. Sullivan said, “There is an interesting and sad history here with the prairie chicken being very prevalent 100 years ago and now down to a few dozen in Illinois.” Calihan Catering prepared a seasonal menu for the black tie crowd with guests meandering throughout the museum following dinner. The Judy Istock Butterfly Haven was my favorite. The fabulous Lynne Jordan & the Shivers kept the dance floor filled. Besides co-chairs Rita and John Canning and Susan Whiting, other notables seen at the gala included Toni Preckwinkle, Deborah Lahey, Gery Chico, Vi and Vince Daley, Sharon Walton and John Burns, Jacky and Michael Ferro (who is remaking the Sun-Times), Diana and Steve Ferrara, Francee and Vern Broders, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Libby Prakel, Steve Connell, Marc Miller, Chris Horsman and Anne Pramaggiore (with her darling son). On this night, $1.6 million was raised and more than 272,000 people visited the museum over the course of last year. (To view more pics from this event, please click here!)

Rashied Davis, former wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, had some fabulous moves on the field but he’s proving he’s got what it takes in the world of philanthropy, too! Rashied Davis Charities is hosting its annual charity cocktail event to support and promote literacy among children. “Cocktails for Brighter Tomorrows” will take place June 5th, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Rockit Bar & Grill (22 W. Hubbard St.) with WLS ABC 7 sports reporter/anchor Rafer Weigel emceeing. Several of Davis’ former teammates will be on hand to lend support including Lance Briggs, Brian Urlacher (maybe he’ll bring Jenny!), Earl Bennet and Jerry Azumah. The proceeds raised at this event will benefit the Saturday Place Program, a supplemental educational program for third and fourth grade CPS students who are underperforming. Tickets start at $75. (To purchase tix and for more info, please click here and or more info about Rashied Davis Charities, please click here.)

On Wednesday, June 13th, Rape Victims Advocates (RVA) will honor those individuals who have given hope to sexual assault survivors at the 8th Visionary Awards themed Legacy of Hope. This high-energy gala at Salvage One, located at 1840 W. Hubbard, will pay posthumous tribute to RVA’s founder, Dr. Natalie Stephens. Tom and Mary Seeberg will be honored with the Dr. Natalie Stephens Visionary Award along with RVA volunteers, past and present. (Seeberg’s daughter Elizabeth, aka “Lizzy,” tragically committed suicide after a sexual assault and the Seebergs have been adamant in their pursuit of truth, justice and accountability on behalf of their daughter.) The RVA has been doing important work in the city for 38 years with 100 volunteer advocates on call 24/7 for 14 Chicagoland hospitals. Val Warner of "Windy City Live" will emcee. A high-end silent and live auction, illustrations by Rosemary Fanti and a raffle will round out the evening. (Tickets are $95. For more info, please visit www.rapevictimsadvocates.org.)

Congratulations are in order for the handsome former VP of Operations for the Elysian, Attila Gyulai (pronounced like the month July): He and Executive Chef Thai Dang (formerly the chef at the Elysian’s Ria) are teaming up to open a new restaurant this summer in the West Loop, at 564 W. Randolph, called Embeya. The cuisine will be “progressive Asian.” We wish them luck and I can’t wait to become a regular!

And now for something completely different! Channel your inner Lady Elizabeth and Master James at the Victorian Ball on June 15th at the stunning Stan Mansion. Founder Laura Elvis has outdone herself to create an elegant event with proceeds benefitting Chicago Lost and Found and their efforts to raise funds to support artists and art organizations. The red carpet will be hosted by Jen Knoedl (Jen Chicago) and NBC’s Marcus Riley. Guests will enjoy a spectacle of exhibits by local Scott Thompson, a pop-up boutique by Chicago Lost & Found and fashion designers galore! There will be classical presentations including violins and harps, character mimes, dancing waltzes and opera singing by reigning Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit. Unleash the sassy Victorian with DJ Lego and enjoy cocktails and delectable dishes. This event is produced by handsome Benjamin Cottrell with soon-to-be-seen photos courtesy of Kirsten Miccoli. Generous contributors to the Ball include Shari Duffy, Cera Stan, Ramsey J. Prince and April Padilla with custom looks provided by Anna G. Costumes. Tickets are only $50 for this night of delicious decadence for a great cause – get more info here and here!)

A special thanks to TCW magazine for including me in their cover story “70 Chicago Personal Brands.” I never thought I would see my name on the same list as Michael Jordan! (Click here to see the 69 other Chicago Personal Brands but, better yet, check out this cool Chicago-centric magazine and see the whole issue for yourself here!!

The amazing event production duo of Cece & Melinda has done it again: They had so many hits on their recent idea that you would have to be living on the moon not to have seen it! Titled “Chicago Misconceptions,” this article asks 30 Chicagoans to reveal a misconception about themselves. The list includes fellow Watch312 host Amanda Puck, Marcus Riley, Billy Dec, Corri McFadden, WGN’s Nancy Loo, Catie Keogh, Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Sarah Vargo, Kelly Zink, Hope Bertram, Ryan Beshel, Margaret O’Connor, Kerry and Sally Shorr, Marco Foster and Rachel Schwanz among others! Check it ALL out here! Thanks so much for including me, Cece & Melinda! Their next big event is the annual “50 & Beautiful Fashion Show” at the Drake Hotel on Wednesday, July 18th from 6 to 10 p.m For more info, please click here!

Don’t miss this year’s Chefs & the City’s culinary series event “Kick-Off to Pride” on Sunday, June 10th, at Anteprima Restaurant, located at 5316 N. Clark St. Hosted by Khoa Ho, William Hail, John Piecha, Peter Alving, David Sanchez, Alan Harder and Stewart Smith, this brunch will include a delectable buffet, champagne, martinis and Bloody Marys! What more could you ask for!? Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling Michelle at 773.271.9161. (All proceeds benefit Vital Bridges’ services for people living with HIV/AIDS.)

In the “I can’t believe it” file, runaway bride Crystal Harris – aka the girl who dumped Hef at the altar – is moving back in with him at the Mansion. He tweeted on May 31st, “Getting back together with Crystal Harris shouldn't be a big surprise, since I have a history of remaining close to former girlfriends.” And recently, on June 2nd, he tweeted, “It's Mary O'Conner that brought Crystal Harris back. Crystal was miserable & said so. Mary told Crystal to write & tell me, which she did.” So there you have it. No comment.

Congratulations to handsome restaurateur Manolis Alpogianis on his newest venture at Navy Pier! City Porch, a chic yet comfortable dining spot, is just what the place needs! Enough of the burger joints – finally something sleek with an extensive and delectable menu to match! Plus, I loved the Adirondack chairs out front for viewing the fireworks. This place is sure to be a hit on the dining scene and will even feature guest celeb chefs each month to add their specialties to the menu! Congrats, Manolis!

And last but not least, one of my “Candid Candace Chicago” segments on Watch312.com has been submitted for Emmy consideration. In this case, it’s an honor just to be submitted! To see the segment, please click here.

Love to you and yours and I hope your Memorial Day weekend holiday gave you a shot of adrenaline for the summer ahead!

Love always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Hope to see you at Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party on Friday, June 8th! American English, a Beatles cover band, will provide top-notch entertainment along with lots of surprises at this hot, new venue Greenhouse Loft, located at 2545 W. Diversey, from 7 to 11 p.m. Check out the Glam Host Committee and come out and join us!!!

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Tagged as 50 & Beautiful Fashion Show, 70 Chicago Personal Brands, Alan Harder, Amanda Puck, Amanda Rockman, American English, Anna G. Costumes, Anne Pramaggiore, Anteprima Restaurant, April Padilla, Attila Gyulai, Barbara Levy Kipper, Benjamin Cottrell, Bikes! The Green Revolution, Bill Kurtis, Bill Rancic, Billy Dec, Bob Carl, Bravo, Brian Urlacher, Bridgehouse Tavern, Butterfly Ball, CAA Repertory Dance Company, Calihan Catering, Campfire Ball, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Catie Keogh, Cece & Melinda, Cera Stan, Chef Thai Dang, Chefs & the City, Cheryl Pearson McNeil, Chicago Academy of the Arts, Chicago Bears, Chicago Lost and Found, Chicago Misconceptions, Chicago Sun-Times, Children’s Oncology Services, Chris Fryerson, Chris Horsman, Chris Jones, City Porch, Cocktails for Brighter Tomorrows, Cocomori, Comer Children’s Hospital, Cork Catering, Corri McFadden, Crystal Harris, Dale Levitski, David Sanchez, Deann Bayless, Deborah Lahey, Diana Ferrara, Digital Photobooth by MVS Studio, DJ Lego, Donna LaPietra, Dr. Natalie Stephens, Drake Hotel, Earl Bennet, Ed Swiderski, Eleri Ward, Elizabeth Seeberg, Elysian Hotel, Embeya, Emmy awards, Eric Himel, Essie Kupcinet, Event Creative, Francee Borders, Frankie’s On The Park, Gery Chico, Girls Spring Fashion Show and Tea, Giuliana Rancic, Glamorama, Greenhouse Loft, Heather Terhune, Hope Bertram, Hugh Hefner, Jacky Ferro, Jason Goff, Jen Chicago, Jen Knoedl, Jennifer Girard, Jerrod Melman, Jessica Oliver, John Burns, John Canning, John Piecha, Jordan Izsak, Judy Istock Butterfly Haven, Justin Tranter, Kelly Zink, Kerry Shorr, Khoa Ho, Kick-Off to Pride, Kirsten Miccoli, Kori Chambers, Lady Elizabeth, Lady Gaga, Lance Briggs, Laura Elvis, Lauren Jiggets. Jerry Azumah, Legacy of Hope, Libby Prakel, Linda Yu, Lynn Jordan & the Shivers, Lynn Rubin, Macy's, Maggie Conlon, Manolis Alpogianis, Marc Miller, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Margaret O’Connor, Marianberry, Marissa Conrad, Mary Seeberg, Master James, Matt Roan, Memorial Day, Michael Ferro, Michael Jordan, Michelle Weiler, Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit, Mitchell Canoff, Monster Ball, Nancy Loo, Navy Pier, One Step Programs, Pamela Jordan, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Peter Alving, Rachel Drescher, Rachel Schwanz, Rafer Weigel, Ramsey J. Prince, Rape Victims Advocates, Rashied Davis, Rashied Davis Charities, Raymi Productions, Ria, Richie Farina, Rick Bayless, Rita Canning, RJ Melman, Rockit Bar & Grill, Rosemary Fanti, RPM Italian, Ryan Beshel, Sally Shorr, Salvage One, Sarah Grueneberg, Sarah Vargo, Saturday Place Program, Scott Thompson, Semi Precious Weapons, Shari Duffy, Sharon Walton, Sprinkles, Stan Mansion, Stephanie Izard, Stephen Frach, Steve Connell, Steve Ferrara, Steve Starr, Steve Sullivan, Stewart Smith, Su Jin Kang, Susan Whiting, Takashi Yagihashi, TCW, Theory, Tom Seeberg, Toni Preckwinkle, Tony Mantuano, Top Chef, Tour de Nature, Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, Val Warner, Vern Broders, Vi Daley, Victorian Ball, Vince Daley, Visionary Awards, Vital Bridges, Watch312.com, William Hail, Windy City Live, Women’s Athletic Club, Woodward Wickham Butterfly Garden

March 23, 2012 · 2:23 pm

DESIGNER BORRIS POWELL WOWS THE CHICAGO FASHION CROWD!

…PLUS BEAR NECESSITIES GALA, CHICAGO FASHION FOUNDATION’S “STREET STYLE,” TCW MAG’S SINGLES SOIREE, UPCOMING EVENTS, PALMER HOUSE COUP, THREE NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND MORE!

The Without a Shadow of a Doubt Fashion Show presented by local designer Borris Powell set a very high standard for Chicago fashion shows recently at the River East Art Center. Opening with chic fashions from Lincoln Park's newest boutique, STRUT, owner Niala Conte sent models down the runway in wearable and accessible outfits that made you want to rush to her store at 2549 N. Clark St. And indeed, guests could shop in her pop-up store after the show with a 20-percent discount thrown in for good measure. Being the ultimate showman, you never know what to expect from Mr. Borris Powell but when the red Ferrari powerfully hummed into the middle of the event driven by two gorgeous models, both wearing red, the crowd just lost it! It sat there front and center throughout Borris' faultless fashion show. For the first time, Borris presented his menswear line to wild applause. Special guest Rashied Davis of the Chicago Bears was wearing the very first men's suit that Borris had created as he told the crowd about his wonderful foundation that he and his wife Dianna founded, The Rashied Davis Charities, which teaches students how to overcome obstacles. And then the show! I was thrilled and honored to co-host with NBC's Marcus Riley, who made quite a fashion statement himself: He was wearing all local designers and his girlfriend, Nicole Townsend, was beaming with pride. Factor models glided down the runway in fashions that made me swoon. Borris' latest handbag, which was premiered on this night, can be used by both sexes and is the perfect shade of chocolate that will match every outfit for fall. His use of pops of color with more classic looks was the perfect mix for now. I loved the full length leather gown and his extra-wide belts, which were shown with lots of the ensembles. This new wide shape was modern and new and I want one in every color! The makeup (by Brenda Arelano, among others) was simple and clean with a bright red mouth. Hair by Nevena Zee from the Custom Hair Lounge & Spa also echoed the makeup with classic shapes and men's looks inspired by Italian Vogue – slicked back and sleek. The menswear collection had something for every type of
male from the buttoned-up businessman to the guy channeling his inner Marc Jacobs. Quenten Schumacher already has his eye on the copper colored statement suit…so heads-up here, Borris! And when the man himself came out for his final bows with that winning smile that we all love, the crowd was sitting in the palm of his hand. As he danced along behind the Ferrari as it hummed out of the ballroom, we knew we had all just witnessed fashion magic! Long may you reign, Borris!!! (To see ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins and Mitchell Canoff, please click here and check out my Watch312.com coverage below!)

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Bear hugs were in abundance at the Bear Necessities 19th annual Bear Tie Ball’s Rhythms for a Reason event on Saturday, March 10th. Every year, this event gets bigger and bigger and this year, it had to be moved to the grand UIC Forum to accommodate the 750 guests in attendance. Co-chaired by Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto, this party was filled with love for Bear Necessities and its inspiration, Barrett “Bear” Krupa. Bear lost his battle with cancer in 1993 but his spirit lives on through this amazing organization that bears his name. This year’s Bear Hug Ambassador, Lawson Frank, spoke to a rapt audience of his journey with cancer. In 2009, he was diagnosed with a rare form which was highly aggressive and malignant in his left eye. Lawson finished his last cancer treatment in 2011 and is in remission. Bear Necessities came through with a celebratory Bear Hug, sending Lawson and his family to the Chicago Blackhawks’ Hockey Fights Cancer Night. Lawson did the ceremonial puck drop that evening and even got to shoot on net! Today, he is an honor roll student and soccer player who hopes to one day become a surgeon. This special night was hosted by WLS radio host Roe Conn and Valerie Warner of “Windy City Live.” They each donated a special live auction package for the event…with Valerie teasing Roe that her package sold for more money! They were very cute onstage together and made a perfect hosting team. Founder Kathleen Casey gave a moving speech and said, “If Bear were here today, I would smile at the man he became and thank him for the inspiration.” She noted that the organization is the largest pediatric cancer foundation of its kind in the Midwest and also shared that less than 4 percent of federal money has gone towards childhood cancer. The William J. Casey Hope Award, which was created in honor of Kathleen’s dad and Bear’s devoted grandpa, was awarded to the Urso family and the Chicago Blackhawks. Legendary goalie Tony Esposito accepted the award on their behalf saying, “They’re a giving organization led by GIVING people.” Val Warner remarked that she could see Tony’s huge Stanley Cup ring from the stage. (He is a charming man who was dressed impeccably right down to his cufflinks, which were created in the shape of his goalie mask.) Father Paul White, who gave the invocation, remarked, “Tony has made more saves than I ever will.” His humor was priceless and made me want to travel to Harvard, Illinois to hear his inspiring sermons! The sit-down gala dinner included grilled shrimp, goat cheese salad, green beans, roasted garlic potatoes. Dessert and dancing to the Al Sofia Orchestra followed. A private after-party was held at Potter’s Lounge at the Palmer House. The event raised more than $700K for Bear Necessities. For more info about this amazing organization, please visit www.bearnecessities.org. (Event photos by Mila Samokhina…view more here!)

The Chicago Fashion Foundation’s 5th annual Future of Chicago Fashion scholarship award benefit was themed “Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities” and was held at the Chicago Cultural Center on March 7th. Ten student designers competed for scholarships in the amount of $5,000, $1,000 and $500. This chic affair included a cocktail reception in Preston Bradley Hall, an extensive silent auction and more than 350 chicly-clad guests. Judging began backstage before the show with Macy's Andrea Schwartz, Project Runway's Peach Carr (who presented her delightful spring collection), Akira's Jon Cotay, 24/7 Chicago's Catie Keogh and moi doing our best to decide who the top scholarship winners should be. The students were instructed to find their inspiration from the street style of Chicago's neighborhoods that included Ukrainian Village, Rogers Park, Chinatown, Beverly, Maxwell Street, Hyde Park and Logan Square. VH1 reality star Corri McFadden was the emcee for the event and Elena Bobysheva, a student at Columbia College, walked away with the first place prize of a $5,000 scholarship. Her winning ensemble featured a black stretch crepe jacket with an open back and a blue-violet pegged skirt, which were inspired by the architecture and cathedrals of Ukrainian Village. Second place winner Michele Castellano from the School of the Art Institute won a $1,000 scholarship with a romantic look inspired by the Columbian Exposition and the rich history of Hyde Park. The design featured a laser-cut top and a skirt lined with photographs of the dome from the Fine Arts Building of the Exposition which required 200 hours to create. Raven Norman from the Illinois Institute of Art won third place and a $500 scholarship with a green silk dress and tinted orange jacket inspired by the Beverly neighborhood. To Raven, the outfit evoked the sophistication, class and old world style of the community. Other participating student/designers included Elizabeth Leukuma, Kara Fenoglietto, Elaine Hoang, Tosha Sherman, Kendel Kennedy, Stacie Randall and Crystale Crubaugh. To see video coverage of this fabulous event on Watch312.com's "Candid Candace Chicago," please see below. Congrats to one and all – Chicago's fashion future is in very good hands indeed! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

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Today’s Chicago Woman magazine presented its annual top singles party recently at Enclave. This fun-filled event, emceed by WGN’s “Healthy Living” host Jane Monzures, honored 40 of the city’s leading bachelors and bachelorettes. Top Chicago restaurants served a sampling of singles-themed food and included Wow Bao’s Asian cuisine, N9NE Steakhouse’s contemporary fare and Frontier’s farm-to-table American concepts. Late night snacks and desserts were provided by Foiled Cupcakes, Garrett’s Popcorn and Eduardo’s Enoteca. DJ Corey Sanford kept the crowd dancing all to benefit the TCW Foundation, which supports under-funded organizations designed to provide essential programs and services for women and girls. Congrats to Sherren Leigh, Cassandra Gaddo and Rebecca Michuda on another great party! To see all of the fun, check out this video from Watch312.com’s “Candid Candace Chicago!”

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And now for some event updates!

Hats at the Races Spring 2012: Hosted by Loreta Corsetti and guest milliner Laura Whitlock, this event at Loreta Corsetti’s Millinery Atelier (200 E. Delaware Place – Lower Level) will feature an array of the latest hats designed especially for racing events, seasonal luncheons and everyday chic! Saturday and Sunday, March 24 & 25th from noon to 5 p.m. (Please RSVP via loreta@loretacorsetti.com or by calling 312.640.6004.)

Luna Negra’s “CARMEN maquia”: Artistic Director Gustavo Ramirez Sansano’s Picasso-inspired contemporary take on Bizet’s beloved “Carmen.” This world premiere on March 24th begins at 8 p.m. at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph). Tickets are $25-$65; for more information, visit www.lunanegra.org or call 312.334.777.

Art for All Gala: Mayor Rahm Emanuel is honorary chair of this year’s Art for All Gala on Friday, March 30th beginning at 7 p.m. at Venue One (1044 W. Randolph). Tickets begin at $250 and include an art-filled evening of cocktails and dinner plus live entertainment and incredible auction prizes! For tickets and more info, please visit www.urbangateways.org or call 312.445.2749.

Cocktails 4 Causes at the Drake Hotel: This April 4th event will benefit the Chicago Red Dress Party from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the Palm Court. Attendees will experience a Neiman Marcus fashion showcase, complimentary hors d'oeuvres and entertainment by the Lisa Rene Band – all for only $5 admission! For reservations (they're required), please click here.

Steppenwolf’s Red or White Ball: Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council hosts Chicago’s philanthropic young professionals at the 2012 Red or White Ball on Friday, April 13th at Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood) beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets begin at $135; for more info, please visit www.steppenwolf.org.

The Service Club of Chicago’s Mad Hatter Luncheon: Chair Sherry Lea Holson will host a luncheon and cocktail reception to view the milliner Raymond Hudd Collection at The Chicago Club (81 E. Van Buren) on Thursday, May 10th. For tickets and more info, please email tina@wellerdental.com.

Now please allow me a moment of pride for my stepson’s recent play, “Tom Jones,” adapted by David Hammond and directed by Maggie Speer. Charley Jordan will be appearing as Squire Western in this play based on Henry Fielding’s 18th century novel. Gala premiere night will be on Friday, March 23rd with the play beginning at 8 p.m. followed by food, open bar and celebration. Running from March 20th to April 29th, "Tom Jones" will be performed at the Josephinum Academy, located at 1500 N. Bell St. in Wicker Park. For tickets and more info, please click here.

And last but not least, big congratulations to the Palmer House Hilton on their amazing coup hosting President Obama’s recent press luncheon. The event included a panel discussion about working in the White House with Mayor Emanuel, Bill Daley and David Axelrod. Darling Director of Catering David Brandt said “It was very interesting and fun to listen to them speak and joke with one another.”

Well, that’s the lowdown on this week’s highlights! I hope you’re enjoying our beautiful weather and I hope to see you next week!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Anyone who knows Nicole Jacob Delahanty, the fantastic makeup artist and brow expert at the Paul Rehder Salon at 939 N. Rush St., will be thrilled to see this pic of her new baby, Dempsey Sullivan Delahanty! Welcome to the world, Dempsey!!! Love you, Nicole!

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Tagged as 24/7 Chicago, Akira, Al Sofia Orchestra, Andrea Schwartz, Art for All Gala, Barrett “Bear” Krupa, Bear Necesities, Bear Tie Ball, Bill Daley, Bizet, Borris Powell, Brenda Arelano, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candid Candace Chicago, Carmen, Carmen Maquia, Cassandra Gaddo, Catie Keogh, Charley Jordan Squire Western, Chicago Bears, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Club, Chicago Cultural center, Chicago Fashion Foundation, Columbia College, Corri McFadden, Crystale Crubaugh, Custom Hair Lounge & Spa, David Axelrod, David Brandt, David Hammond, Dempsey Sullivan Delahanty, Dianna Davis, DJ Corey Sanford, Eduardo’s Enoteca, Elaine Hoang, Elena Bobysheva, Elizabeth Leukuma, Enclave, Factor models, Father Paul White, Foiled Cupcakes, Frontier, Future of Chicago Fashion, Garret’s Popcorn, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, Hats at the Races Spring 2012, Healthy Living, Henry Fielding, Hockey Fights Cancer Night, Illinois Institute of Art, Italian Vogue, Jane Monzures, Jon Cotay, Josephinum Academy, Kara Fenoglietto, Kathleen Casey, Kendel Kennedy, Laura Whitlock, Lawson Frank, Loreta Corsetti, Luna Negra, Macy's, Mad Hatter Luncheon, Maggie Speer, Marc Jacobs, Marcus Riley, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Michele Castellano, Mila Samokhina, Mitchell Canoff, N9NE Steakhouse, NBC, Nevena Zee, Niala Conte, Nicole Jacob Delahanty, Nicole Townsend, Nina Mariano, Palmer House Hotel, Paul Rehder Salon, Peach Carr, Picasso, Potter’s Lounge, President Barack Obama, Preston Bradley Hall, Project Runway, Quenten Schumacher, Rashied Davis, Raven Norman, Raymond Hatts Collection, Rebecca Michuda, Red or White Ball, Rhythms for a Reason, River East Art Center, Roe Conn, School of the Art Institute, Service Club of Chicago, Sherren Leigh, Sherry Lea Holson, Stacie Randall, Steppenwolf Theatre, Steppenwolf’s Auxiliary Council, Street Style: Chicago Fashion through Chicago Communities, STRUT, TCW, TCW Foundation, The Rashied Davis Charities, Today’s Chicago Woman, Tom Jones, Tony Esposito, Tosha Sherman, Tracy Scurto, UIC Forum, Urso family, Valerie Warner, Watch312.com, WGN, William J. Casey Hope Award, Windy City Live, Without a Shadow of a Doubt, Wow Bao

March 11, 2012 · 5:23 pm

TICKLED PINK TO SUPPORT Y-ME!

…PLUS WINDY CITY WEST’S CELEB-FILLED PARTY, CENTER ON HALSTED’S NIGHT OF GLAMOUR, MY FAVORITE ROYAL (AFTER K-MIDD), STEVE STARR IN HOLLYWOOD, UPCOMING EVENTS, A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND MORE!

The River East Art Center was the perfect venue for this much loved event that grows by leaps and bounds year after year! This party with a purpose benefitted the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization and brought out more than 900 supporters for the seventh annual Tickled Pink charity bash on February 24th. Hosted by the newly formed Y-Me Auxiliary Board, this event brought together the young and young-at-heart for a roof raising party that broke attendance records and raised more than $50,000. Guests sipped on delicious cocktails including the famous Tickled Pink-tini and dined on hors d’oeuvres from Paramount Events, Purple Pig, Heaven on Seven, Terzo Piano, IPO, Bon Appetit, Phoebe’s Desserts, Rivers Casino and Homerun Inn Pizza along with sushi from Macku. Partygoers had the opportunity to schmooze with Chicago celebs and local media who served as guest bartenders and helped fundraise at the event by selling pink boas, beads and raffle tickets. The dance floor was the place to be, if you could find a spot! The Hat Guys encouraged guests to sing and dance along to their inspired New Orleans sounds while Fig Media’s DJ Sarumi kept the crowd dancing into the wee hours with his hot club mixes. Local celebrity friends included: Dina Bair, Randi Belisomo, Erin McElroy, Frank Holland, Jae Miller (WGN-TV); Susan Carlson, Dana Kozlov, Mike Puccinelli, Susanna Song and Derrick Young (WBBM-TV); Stefan Holt, Lauren Jiggetts (TCW Mag’s latest covergirl!), Natalie Martinez, Alex Perez, Anthony Ponce, Alicia Roman and Cheryl Scott (NBC 5); Jessica Zweig, Joran Thompson and Emily Liftman (Cheeky Chicago); Marissa Conrad, Kevin Aeh, Lauren Capobianco, Mark Bieganski and Matt De La Peña (Time Out Chicago); Kori Chambers, Anna Davlantes, Tammie Souza and Mike Tobin (WFLD-TV, Fox News); Cindy Chiang and Ernie Halvorsen (Amazing Race winners); Gina Ferraro (US99.5, WGN); Trent Erikson (WBBM Radio Personality); Andrea Metcalf, Anthony Rinehart and Nicole Jorvix (NBC’s "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is"), Jason Goff (670 The Score/CBS Radio); James Rhine and Orlando Saez (3 Guys in A Booth), John Garcia (ABC 7) and Savannah B. Van Cartier (Baton Club). Event founder Jodi Fyfe started Tickled Pink as a fun way to raise awareness and support for Y-Me in memory of her cousin, Carrie Kenney. In 2004, Kenney lost her seven-year battle with breast cancer at the age of 35. One year later, Fyfe gathered a group of close friends and colleagues to start Tickled Pink in honor of her beloved cousin, whose fun-loving spirit was shining through on this night. “We are thrilled to have the most successful event so far,” enthused Fyfe. Michigan Avenue Magazine’s Susanna Negovan hosted this event, which was also where she met her husband, Tom, years ago! It was definitely the place to see and be seen for the younger set in search of new friends! Every year, the party and its organizers come together to ensure that no one has to face breast cancer alone. To date Tickled Pink has raised more than $800K for Y-Me, which is the only place in the world where someone touched by breast cancer can call 24/7 to speak to a breast cancer survivor and be understood in 150 different languages! For more info, please visit www.Y-Me.org or talk to a peer counselor at 1-800-221-2141. I can’t wait to see what next year brings for this party with a purpose! Look at all the fun below on Watch312.com’s “Candid Candace Chicago” (Photos by Maggie Rife and Eric Rademacher…view more party pics here!)

http://imgsrv.intertechmedia.com/image/flash_players/new_07062010/singleshot_video_16x9.swf?xmlURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_xml.php%3FstationId%3D3301%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12042802&styleXML=http://watch312.com/pages/wtc_PlayWindowPlayer_1766.xml&episodeXML=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fplayer_episode_xml.php%3FvideoEpisodeId%3D37874%26collectionId%3D1766%26stnPageId%3D12042802&emailFormURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Femail.php&embed=yes&autoPlay=no&mute=no&playerUrl=http%3A%2F%2Fwatch312.com%2Fpages%2F12042802.php%3FcollectionId%3D1766

M Street Kitchen and Stella Rossa Pizza Bar in Santa Monica were the places to be for the 25th anniversary of Windy City West! This popular culinary event attracted more than 500 talented Chicagoans from film, television and music for a celebration of food, fun and friendship. This party began as a way to bring a taste of Chicago and camaraderie to many of our town's brightest actors and actresses living in LA who were homesick for Chicago. Produced by Brenda Sexton and sponsored by The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Harry Caray's, Cinespace Chicago and IPA, this event attracted loads of Chicago-loving celebs and notable VIPs! Seen on the scene were Jim Belushi, Chris O'Donnell, Jeff Garlin, Marilu Henner, James Denton, Billy Zane, Kevin Farley, Dennis Farina, Joe Mantegna, Chuck Hittinger, Ali Corbin, Sonal Shah, Joel Murray, Richard Kind, Patt Finn, Adrian Zmed, Neil Flynn, Amy Landecker, Playboy Playmates Kimberly Phillips, Ashley Hobbs, Hiromi Oshima, Deanna Brooks and Sarah Erdelyan, Virginia Madsen, Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks, former Chicago Bear Willie Gault, 2010 Olympic figure skater champion Evan Lysacek, Chaz Ebert, Bill Zwecker, Andrew Alexander, producer Michael Mann and emcee Tom Dreesen. In honor of the party's anniversary, many of the original Windy City West founders honored one very special Chicagoan – Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts. He was presented with the 2012 Windy City West "Man of the Year" Award in recognition of his many contributions to Chicago sports and commerce. And the tradition continued from the culinary front with celebs like Billy Zane serving up Windy City favorites such as Lou Malnati's pizza, Vienna Beef hot dogs, Portillo's Italian beef, Harry Caray's Chicken Vesuvio, Garrett's popcorn, Eli's cheesecake and signature fare from HUB 51 and Paris Club in Chicago. (To view ALL event photos by Mitchell Canoff, Vivien Killilea and Tiffany Rose, please click here!)

I hated to miss the Center on Halsted’s annual Oscar party this year but I know it was another runaway success! A sell-out crowd of more than 400 guests brought glitz and glamour to the Park West for this year’s show which was broadcast on three giant movie screens. The night also included a full buffet courtesy of The Entertaining Company, cocktails and champagne. Adding to the festive atmosphere, attendees were interviewed on the red carpet by Precious Jewel, which was aired live via closed-circuit TV courtesy of Mini of Chicago. The Nielsen Company served as presenting sponsor for the second year in a row. All told, Center on Halsted raised a record $70K for their programs and services through ticket sales, a silent auction, a raffle and corporate sponsorships. “Our tremendous success shows the support the people, companies and institutions of Chicago have for our Center,” said CEO Modesto Tico Valle. “The money raised will go directly back to building and strengthening the LGBT community through the diverse programs offered daily at Center on Halsted.” (Photos by Anthony Meade…to view more pics, please click here!)

I thought her grandmother, Princess Grace of Monaco, was one of the most beautiful women in the world and I think her mother, Princess Caroline, has the same lovely features but no one has the looks of global IT girl, Princess Charlotte Casiraghi. Charlotte is the new face of Gucci and, boy, what a smart move this was! Gucci’s latest campaign, shot by Peter Lindbergh, shows Charlotte in one of her favorite spots: with her horse in its stable against a backdrop of hay. She is a natural beauty that this Italian fashion house was wise to snare. Besides the commercial presence, she will also star in their Forever Now campaign series conceived by creative director Frida Giannini in collaboration with Charlotte herself. Over the next two years, the young royal will be photographed by four of the world’s top photographers in photos celebrating the brand’s icons. The video is breathtaking like the lady herself…

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/1817812374

Photographer Steve Starr’s trip to the Oscar’s proved to be a veritable treasure trove of photo ops! He seemed to be everywhere at once! I loved the shot of him near the massive Oscar sign. As one Facebook friend observed, “Steve could’ve been the inspiration for the golden statue.” To see some of his pics from the “Night of 100 Stars” at the Beverly Hilton, please click here! Keep up the great work, Steve!

There are so many great parties coming up! Check out my favorites and I hope to see you at one or more of them!

Wednesday, March 14th: DON’T FORGET! The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum will host Hal Rubenstein, fashion director of InStyle magazine. The luncheon will be moderated by Susanna Negovan, hosted by Toni Canada, Nena Ivon and Dusty Stemer. Tickets $75; RSVP to Wendy Schiller at 312.799.2113.

Tuesday, March 27th: McDonald’s All American 35th Anniversary Player Awards Banquet will be held at United Club of Soldier Field beginning at 6 p.m. The evening will include a cocktail reception, silent auction, player ring ceremony, dinner, player and coaches awards plus the presentation of “The 35 Greatest All Americans.” Tickets begin at $250. For more info, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org.

Friday, March 23rd: Fleurotica benefitting the Garfield Park Conservatory will take place at Venue One, located at 1044 W. Randolph beginning at 6:30 p.m. (For more info, please visit www.Fleurotica.org.)

Sunday, March 18th: Borris Powell’s Fall / Winter 2012 Collection can be viewed at the River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois, beginning with a VIP party at 5:30 p.m. I am thrilled to be co-hosting with NBC’s Marcus Riley! (For tickets and more info, please click here!) I will also be covering this event for “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com so please arrive camera ready!

Thanks so much for checking in this week! As I plan segments around town for “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com, I am interested in knowing what YOU would like to see! Please email me and let me know your thoughts! After all, this show is for YOU! 🙂

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Never underestimate the power of a good herding dog!

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Tagged as 2012 Windy City West Man of the Year Award, 2102 Oscars, 3 Guys in A Booth, 670 The Score/CBS Radio, ABC-7, Adrian Zmed, Alex Perez, Ali Corbin, Alicia Roman, Amazing Race, Amy Landecker, Andrea Metcalf, Andrew Alexander, Anna Davlantes, Anthony Meade, Anthony Ponce, Anthony Rinehart, Ashley Hobbs, Baton Club, Bill Zwecker, Billy Zane, Bon Appetit, Borris Powell, Brenda Sexton, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace Chicago, Carrie Kenney, Center on Halsted, Chaz Ebert, Cheeky Chicago, Cheryl Scott (NBC 5) Jessica Zweig, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chris O'Donnell, Chuck Hittinger, Cindy Chiang, Cinespace Chicago, Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, Dana Kozlov, Deanna Brooks, Dennis Farina, Dina Bair, DJ Sarumi, Dusty Stemer, Emily Liftman, Eric Rademacher, Erin McElroy, Ernie Banks, Ernie Halvorsen, Evan Lysacek, Fig Media, Fleurotica, Forever Now, Fox News, Frank Holland, Frida Giannini, Garfield Park Conservatory, Garrett’s Eli’s, Gina Ferraro, Gucci, Hal Rubenstein, Harry Carays, Heaven on Seven, Hiromi Oshima, Homerun Inn Pizza, Hub 51, InStyle, IPA, IPO, Jae Miller, James Denton, James Rhine, Jason Goff, Jeff Garlin, Jim Belushi, Jodi Fyfe, Joe Mantegna, Joel Murray, John Garcia, Joran Thompson, Kevin Aeh, Kevin Farley, Kimberly Phillips, Kori Chambers, Lauren Capobianco, Lauren Jiggetts, Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, Lou Malnati’s, M Street Kitchen, Macku, Maggie Rige, Marcus Riley, Marilu Henner, Marissa Conrad, Mark Bieganski, Matt De La Peña, McDonald’s All American 35th Anniversary Player Awards Banquet, Michael Mann, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mike Puccinelli, Mike Tobin, Mini of Chicago, Mitchell Canoff, Modesto Tico Valle, Natalie Martinez, NBC’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Neil Flynn, Nena Ivon, Nicole Jorvix, Night of 100 Stars, Orlando Saez, Paramount Events, Paris Club, Patt Finn, Peter Lindbergh, Phoebe’s Desserts, Playboy Playmates, Portillo’s, Precious Jewel, Princess Caroline, Princess Charlotte Casiraghi, Princess Grace of Monaco, Purple Pig, Randi Belisomo, Richard Kind, River East Art Center, Rivers Casino, Sarah Erdelyan, Savannah B. Van Cartier, Sonal Shah, Stefan Holt, Stella Rosa Pizza Bar, Steve Starr, Susan Carlson, Susanna Negovan, Susanna Song and Derrick Young, Tammie Souza, TCW, Terzo Piano, The 35 Greatest All Americans, The Entertaining Company, The Hat Guys, The Nielsen Company, The Waldorf Astoria Chicago, Tickled Pink, Tiffany Rose, Time Out Chicago, Tom Dreesen, Tom Negovan, Tom Ricketts, Toni Canada, Trent Erikson, US99.5, Vienna Beef, Virginia Madsen, Vivien Killilea, Watch312.com, WBBM Radio Personality, WBBM-TV, WFLD-TV, WGN, WGN-TV, Willie Gault, Windy City West, Winter Olympics, Y-Me Auxiliary Board, Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization

February 18, 2012 · 11:12 am

THE MCA’S artEDGE GALA IS THE TALK OF THE TOWN!

…PLUS BLACK CREATIVITY GALA, AUSTRALIA BALL, BUNKY DOES IT AGAIN, POOR HEF, TCW SINGLES ALERT, A FILM PREMIER FOR SHOE LOVERS AND MORE!

You always expect something creative when you receive an invite from the Museum of Contemporary Art – after all, this is what they’re all about! – but no one could’ve anticipated the excitement that their latest fundraiser, artEdge, produced. Co-chaired by Liza and Marc Brooks, Penny Pritzker, Anne and Don Edwards and Bryan Traubert, this event brought out 600 fashionably funky art-loving supporters. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and his lovely wife, Amy Rule, were honorary chairs and took this job very, very seriously. As the co-chairs spoke onstage during the cocktail hour, they playfully spoke to one another in the background. The Mayor, dressed chicly in black jeans, a black sport coat and a white shirt, seemed clearly at ease in NON-black-tie attire and even thanked the co-chairs for this dress code. (A standout was Jay Franke, who wore a brightly dyed wig of dreadlocks and red sunglasses with pink socks.) Guests entered the event through the tented Sculpture Garden after parking their cars with the complimentary valets. (And there was an army of them waiting which was very smart considering the ticket price was $1,000 per person!) The décor by Heffernan Morgan made you feel like you were inside a giant ice palace with everything (and I mean everything!) covered in plastic. This included chandeliers, tables, floors, walls and table fixtures, all of which had been recycled, and would be again once the benefit ended. During this glamorous cocktail reception, guests were treated to a special presentation from renowned artist Nick Cave and his Soundsuits. If you haven’t had the good fortune to witness one of these Soundsuits up close and personal, you are really missing something very, very cool. The larger than life, colorful living sculptures are all made of found materials and have their own individual sounds as they move through a crowd. The “Su
its” draped themselves over balconies, on benches and danced with the guests much to the delight of all. (One of Cave’s Soundsuits recently sold at a gallery for over $50K.) Following this exciting performance art, guests were guided into the museum for a seated dinner, courtesy of Wolfgang Puck himself, who made a rare appearance. Dinner guests were seated at long communal tables with a frame of light above each that reminded me of a star’s dressing room. The delicious menu consisted of heirloom beets, roasted chicken, wild mushroom spoon bread pudding, caramelized yams, chestnuts and braised collard greens with cheesy corn bread and sweet potato biscuits. After this DELICIOUS dinner, Nick Cave’s Soundsuits once again threaded through the dinner crowd to lead them onto the next experience which was an energetic performance by George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Clinton, considered the architect of this type of music, had the crowd dancing to a blend of funk, rock and soul. A special ticket ($150) was available for this concert only which I thought was a nice idea. It was a packed crowd for George Clinton and his energetic and talented Parliament Funkadelic orchestra and performers; no one wanted to leave but we had to go since I had another big night after this one. But guess who was STILL swaying to the music when we left? Rahm! I loved this! He had said earlier if this had been a black tie event, he would’ve stopped by and then he and wife would’ve probably gone to a movie. I just loved this and am about through with black tie attire myself! I loved seeing this already fashionable crowd so creatively dressed. What do you think about black tie? (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here!)

The G’Day USA Australia Day Ball brought out 350 Australians, Americans and other nationalities to celebrate this Australian national holiday at the Mid America Club on January 26th. This year was the fifth for this black tie ball in Chicago. Upon arrival, guests had the opportunity to have their photo taken between the Australian and American flags before moving into the reception
. Dinner – a five-course menu inspired by Australian Celebrity Chef Pete Evans and executed by the Mid America Club’s Executive Chef Michael Pivoney – followed in the ballroom overlooking Chicago’s fabulous skyline. The Honorable Roger Price, Consul General of Australia in Chicago, took to the stage and welcomed dignitaries and guests before introducing the Honorable Kim Beazley, Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, who toasted the bond between our two countries. David Quinn delivered greetings and congrats on behalf of the State of Illinois and his dad, Governor Pat Quinn. Tabatha Coffey, host of Bravo’s hit reality show “Tabatha Takes Over,” was the evening’s emcee and entertained the crowd with her delightful humor before introducing Joe Robinson, “Australia’s Got Talent” winner. The night’s raffle included two business class tickets on Qantas. Over $5K was raised through the raffle and proceeds benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago. Guests danced into the wee hours to the Ken Arlen Orchestra. Other notable guests included Lorenzo Strano, Joan and David Maliband, Damien Hawcroft, Tom Allison, Paul Douglas and Christina Rafidia (Miss Arab USA from South Barrington), Aimee and Bill Osborne, Jacqui O’Neill, Pam and David Kay, Margaret O’Connor and Dr. Michael O’Meara, Catherine and Jim Richards, Glenn Hines and Danielle Landfald, Shane and Rene Young, Jude Fitzgerald and Kyle Robinson and Dana and Justin Biggs among many others. (Photos by Steve Starr.)

The 29th Annual Black Creativity Gala was held at the Museum of Science + Industry on January 28th and welcomed nearly 800 guests. The gala, planned in collaboration with a committee of prominent Chicago African-American leaders chaired this year by Gale Foster Farley, raised more than $475,000 to support the Black Creativity program which pays tribute to the culture, heritage and science contributions of African Americans. Keeping in tune with the evening’s Harlem Renaissance theme – a period of heightened African-American energy and culture during the ‘20s and ‘30s – guests feasted on a lavish strolling buffet with seven stations decorated in black, silver and red by Kehoe Designs. NBC5’s Marion Brooks emceed the evening’s program and introduced the musical entertainment, Maurice Mahon, and the New Face of Soul – the evening’s featured entertainer, Grammy-nominated artist, Freddie Jackson. His songs “You Are My Lady” and “Rock Me Tonight” were hits among this gala crowd. Guests experienced the 2012 Black Creativity exhibit, “Powerful: African Americans in Energy,” which explores America’s energy future and different energy sources with an interactive miniature golf experience. Guests “putted” their way through a diverse landscape of “energy lands” representing oil, natural gas, wind, solar, hydropower and more. Gala collaborators included Shari Runner (Sr. VP at the Chicago Urban League), Anita Green (President of Anita Green Relocation Management) and Gregory T. Hinton (chief diversity officer for the Democratic National Committee). The gala also included a juried art exhibition featuring more than 100 original works of art from African American artists. (To view more pics from this amazing evening, please click here!)

It is a very coveted invite. Some women wait years just to be included…and yes, the ladies ALWAYS wear red. This, of course, is Bunky Cushing's yearly (usually, unless he's redoing his kitchen or something) soiree/get-together/lovefest of some of our town's most fashionable and philanthropic women. It's a celebration for Valentine's Day that brought out 85 ladies this year for Bunky's 15th anniversary of the Tea. And even though this particular event was just for fun, Cushing is a well-known and longtime fundraiser for so many important charities around town. He founded the Handbags & Halos annual luncheon in 2002 (which to date has raised more than $1 million) and benefits the Howard Brown Health Center and also supports the Chicago History Museum as well as The Friends of Versailles. His Author's Breakfast in May ("Early Birds & Bookworms") benefits the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. This year will be his fourth annual breakfast to support their work with low-income senior citizens, helping them to find affordable housing and healthcare. I will let these beautiful photos by Caitlin Saville Collins speak for themselves here!

Leave it to Laurie Davis! She always thinks BIG and creatively, not only for her fahhhhbulous store, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, but also in the planning for an exciting film premiere of “God Save My Shoes,” that she’s bringing to Chicago on April 17th at the AMC Theatre, along with Maria Smithburg and media sponsor/friend Susanna Negovan. The film is an interesting documentary into the life of legendary shoe designers including Christian Louboutin. So, save the date for this special screening with producer Thierry Dahler and the director of this film along with its stellar guest list. Tickets will be $75 for the premier and after-party. The red carpet will be waiting!

Poor Hef: His oldest son, Marston, has been charged with alleged battery against his on-again, off-again girlfriend, 2011 Playmate of the Year Claire Sinclair. The last time I met his two sons, I was completely impressed with their demeanors and gentlemanly qualities. They seemed humble and thoughtful and their manners were impeccable. So when I learned through KTLA that Marston is free on bail after allegedly attacking his Playmate girlfriend at their Pasadena home, I was very saddened, especially since my longtime involvement with Playboy has been a very happy one. Prosecutors filed misdemeanor domestic violence charges Monday against Marston (21), Hef's oldest of two sons from his previous marriage to 1989 Playmate of the Year Kimberley Conrad. Sinclair opened up to E! News this week, beginning with her account of Sunday night's altercation: "We had just freshly moved into the apartment, and I know Marston was a little stressed about it, and Marston has been unstable throughout the whole course of our relationship…and we got into an argument about something really silly and it kind of escalated and it became violent. Initially, he kicked me and I went backwards, I fell. Then he punched me and grabbed me up, and I scratched him to defend myself. It was very shocking." Sinclair also reported to E! News that neither Marston nor Hef have reached out to her after this altercation. She went on to say, "Nobody, no support. Nobody's empathetic or concerned. It's more like, cover it up and protect the image. You know what I'm saying? All I want is for Marston to give a public apology. And I want him to get psychiatric help. I want him to admit that he did hit me more than once." I can't personally confirm that Hef hasn't tried to contact Claire and as shocking as this is, I hope people don't blame the father for the sins of the son. I do agree that Marston obviously needs counseling and hope he can also receive some anger management support as well. When I met Claire at a past Glamourcon, she couldn't have been more charming to everyone she met at the event. I wish them both well and hope they can move on to healthier relationships. Sometimes, the choices we make in our youth aren’t always the smartest ones…

TCW will be hosting its annual Top Singles Party on March 9th at Enclave, located at 220 W. Chicago Ave. There will be a sponsored bar, appetizers, music, dancing, raffle and a silent auction. Jane Monzures from the LOOP will emcee this year and I will be covering it for my show, “Candid Candace Chicago” on Watch312.com. All funds raised will go towards the TCW Woman Foundation. (Please click here for ticket info!

And if you’re planning any Italian cruises anytime soon, don’t forget to pack these shoes!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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Tagged as Aimee Osborne, Amy Rule, Anita Green, Anita Green Relocation Management, Anne Edwards, Annual Tea, artEdge, Australia’s Ambassador to the USA, Australia’s Got Talent, Author’s Breakfast, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago, Bill Osborne, Black Creativity Gala, Bryan Traubert, Bunky Cushing, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace Chicago, Catherine Richards, Chef Michael Pivoney, Chef Pete Evans, Chicago History Museum, Chicago Urban League, Christian Louboutin, Christina Rafidia, Claire Sinclair, Consul General of Australia in Chicago, Damien Hawcroft, Dana Biggs, Danielle Landfald, David Kay, David Maliband, David Quinn, Democratic National Committee, Don Edwards, Dr. Michael O’Meara, E! News, Early Birds & Bookworms, Freddie Jackson, Gale Foster Farley, G’Day USA Australia Day Ball, George Clinton, Glamourcon, Glenn Hines, God Save My Shoes, Grammy Awards, Gregory T. Hinton, Handbags & Halos, Harlem Renaissance, Heffernan Morgan, Howard Brown Health Center, Hugh Hefner, Jacqui O’Neill, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Jane Monzures, Jay Franke, Jim Richards, Joan Maliband, Joe Robinson, Jude Fitzgerald, Justin Biggs, Kehoe Designs, Ken Arlen Orchestra, Kim Beazley, Kimberley Conrad, KTLA, Kyle Robinson, Laurie Davis, Liza Brooks, Lorenzo Strano, LuLu’s at the Belle Kay, Marc Brooks, Margaret O’Connor, Maria Smithburg, Marion Brooks, Marston Hefner, Maurice Mahon, Mid America Club, Mila Samokhina, Miss Arab USA, Museum of Contemporary Art, Museum of Science + Industry, Nick Cave and his Soundsuits, Pam Kay, Parliament Funkadelic, Pat Quinn, Paul Douglas, Penny Pritzker, Playboy, Playmate of the Year, Powerful: African Americans in Energy, Qantas, Rahm Emanuel, Rene Young, Roger Price, Shane Young, Shari Runner, Steve Starr, Susanna Negovan, Tabatha Coffey, Tabatha Takes Over, TCW, TCW Woman Foundation, The Friends of Versailles, Thierry Dahler, Tom Allison, Top Singles Party, Watch312.com, Wolfgang Puck

February 3, 2012 · 12:46 pm

WATCH312.COM: CHICAGO’S FIRST ONLINE NETWORK LAUNCHES BIG!

…PLUS THE JOFFREY AUXILIARY BOARD'S “POINTE OF DEPARTURE,” AWARD-WINNING CHICAGO HOTSPOTS, A COOL NEW RESTAURANT, A RESCUE ORGANIZATION WITH A NEW FOCUS, SAKS’ CHARITABLE BENT AND MORE!

Despite the fact that there were several high profile parties on the same night, the James Hotel was packed with friends who came out to celebrate the launch of Chicago’s online network, Watch312.com! The event was streamed live as well as filmed for my show, "Candid Candace Chicago" (see video at end of segment) and the Red Carpet was continually packed with the crème de la crème of the city. And while I interviewed guests, other hosts worked the room talking up their shows. DC Crenshaw, host of “Chicago Unplugged,” interviewed fellow host and Prime House Executive Chef David Gresh for an upcoming segment for his show while Amanda Puck, host of “Dish It,” was fielding questions for her foodie-oriented show such as where do you go for a romantic Valentine’s dinner or what are the best brunch spots in town? Chef Rick Gresh’s show, “Chefs in the Kitchen,” will take you into the great kitchens of Chicago to meet some of our town’s greatest chefs. “4 X 4” host David Martin IV shows you four fun facts about your favorite places and events around Chicago. Master bakers Veronica and Mark Kwasigroch prepared the sweets for the evening and their show, “Dream Cakes,” teaches us the finer points of baking plus tips of the trade. Their cakes are now offered in over 15 Whole Foods stores as well as on their website, www.DreamCakesChicago.com. Watch312.com even covers the hot technology market in the Windy City with the talented hosts of "OverExposure TV." During the party, Tatiana Garrett (host of “Chicago Tails”) introduced some adorable dogs and cats that are available for adoption from the Anti-Cruelty Society. Her show will be a pet lover’s delight and will not only showcase darling pets waiting for their forever homes, but also the many ways Fido and Fluffy can make your lives healthier and happier. After cocktails, Red Carpet interviews and fabulous hors d’ouevres by Chef Gresh, the lights dimmed and the Watch312.com promo video aired. (See it here!) Then I had the privilege of introducing the brains behind the network, President Robert Mills. Bob began his career as a rock n’ roll DJ in Boston and quickly flew through the ranks into station management, eventually spanning major markets across the U.S. from LA to Chicago, NY and Boston. His track record for elevating ailing radio stations to number one market positions is legendary. Recognizing the need for well-trained broadcasters at all levels, he acquired the Ohio and Illinois Centers for Broadcasting as well as founding the Internet Streaming Corporation. He is a charming newlywed and a brilliant businessman with a quick wit. He also serves on the Board and Executive Committee of the Chicago Loop Alliance and actively supports too many arts, civic and charitable organizations to mention. Watch 312.com’s Executive Producer Bill Natale is an Emmy award-winning producer/director and executive member of the Director’s Guild among many other media affiliations. Congrats to Director of Communications, Lindsay Hoey, who has worked tirelessly to bring Watch312.com to fruition, along with production director John Basile and his entire staff. Their hard work has paid off: The website is gorgeous and the programming is all on the right track. If you missed this exciting event, check it out here (on Watch312.com, of course!) and I hope you will keep your iPads, iPhones and eyeballs tuned into Watch312.com, which is available online 24/7! (Advertising and sponsorship opportunities are available, too…just shoot me an email!) To see ALL of the party pics by Mila Samokhina and Helena Rafayen, please click here!

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Another hot event on this same night was presented by the Junior Auxiliary Board of the Joffrey Ballet, “Pointe of Departure.” A signature of this event is finding hot new venues and this year was no exception. Venue Six10 at the Spertus Institute offered a great atmosphere for this evening where stage and canvas collided. More than 430 guests attended this event that included artwork from contemporary to classic, all donated to benefit The Joffrey Ballet, with one piece selling for $2,500! Co-chairs Diane Crary and Andrew Caravella planned a night to remember that raised over $33,000. DJ Sadie Woods kept the crowd fueled for fun along with delicious food catered by Wolfgang Puck. Stay tuned for next year’s event – every year is bigger than the last for this creative Joffrey Junior Board! (Fab fotos by Caitlin Saville Collins.)

And is our town a winning city or what?! Huge congrats to RL Restaurant! They were recently honored by BusinessWeek as having one of the "Most Powerful Tables in America." There were only four mentioned (the others were Michael’s in NY, Terrace at Sunset Tower in LA and Prime One Twelve in Miami) and RL also nabbed Forbes honors for being one of the "Top 10 Tables in the Country for a Power Lunch." (Others included the Polo Lounge in LA and The Palm in Washington, D.C.) Table 68, here I come!

And speaking of wins, another huge congrats goes out to the Peninsula Chicago and Catering Director Greg Hyder! The Special Events Gala and the 11th Annual Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence both took place this past weekend and the Peninsula Chicago was honored to be nominated for various awards at each event. Greg took home the award for Best Event Produced by a Hotel in 2011 for their 10 Year Anniversary Party which, if you weren’t there, WAS BEYOND BELIEF! (Check it out here!) The Pen’s wine director Michael Muser also won Best Sommelier at the Jean Banchet Awards at the Fairmont Hotel Friday night. WOWZA!

There is also a huge restaurateur collaboration in the works for a country/western bar/restaurant concept coming to 435 N. Clark St. in the summer of 2012. RJ and Jerrod Melman have teamed up with Joe’s Bar owners Ed Warm and Tom DiSanto for what is sure to be a new hotspot. Expect to hear the best in country music (possibly live) while grabbing a beer and enjoying southern-inspired dishes and authentic barbecue! OMG, I will be waiting at the door! Congrats to these powerhouses and thanks for bringing even more excitement to our beloved Windy City!

Saks Fifth Avenue is hosting a BIG month for charity in February! Titled “Support Your Choice of Charities @Saks,” this event will run from Feb. 1st thru the 29th and offer customers the opportunity to donate 5% of their Saks card purchases to the Service Club of Chicago, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Pathways Foundation, A Better Chicago and Children's Memorial Hospital.

Yappy days are here again! You know what a nut I am about animals: I am proud to be on the PAWS Development Board and I support any other animal oriented events so it is with great pleasure that I tell you about my latest find: YOUNG AT HEART PET RESCUE! Devoted board member Arlene Burkhardt contacted me recently about their upcoming event in June but what I learned about this rescue group is that they are the only rescue in Chicagoland that is exclusively dedicated to rescuing and rehoming SENIOR DOGS AND CATS (aka animals over the age of 5). Now we all know it’s not as hard to find forever homes for puppies and kittens but what about those dogs with a little grey around the muzzle but whose hearts were young and whose love knew no bounds or cats who lounged around pretending to be hard of hearing until the whir of the can opener proved otherwise? THESE are the pets Young at Heart concentrates on and I am thrilled! Even when their medical needs prove too daunting for their adoption program, they are never turned away…instead, they find their happily ever after in one of YAH’s Sanctuary Homes. (Please visit www.yahpetrescue.com to find out more and mark your calendars now for their Wags to Wishes Auction Dinner & Benefit on June 16th at The Meadows Club.)

And now for an update on the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House! The Grand Opening will be on Tuesday, June 26th celebrated with a fabulous ceremony at the House and a FUN party so stay tuned for details. But, in the meantime, they need LOTS of volunteers to help them move in and set up the House during the first few weeks of June. Unpack, set up the kitchen and linen closets, bedrooms and library – just like moving into a new home, only this one will be 14 STORIES HIGH! Anyone interested, please call Anne at their Lincoln Park House at 773.348.5322. RMHC needs YOU! 🙂

I was so thrilled to be back on "Windy City Live" this week – the Chat Desk with Ryan and Val is the coolest place to be! My segment was cut short due to the untimely and sad death of Don Cornelius but I hope this just means they'll have me back! Thanks for a great time and a huge congrats to executive producer Marlaine Selip on this incredible show!

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Well, this is some of the lowdown on Chicago’s many highlights! I hope you’re enjoying our unseasonable season and please check in next week when I will be bringing you Lyric Opera and exclusive Gene & Georgetti’s 70th Anniversary Party coverage plus a whole lot more!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to Facebook winner Hope Bertram on her event suggestions! I hope you had a great time at the Launch Party!!

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Tagged as 24/7, 4 X 4, Adrienne Samuels, Amanda Puck, Andrew Caravella, Anti-Cruelty Society, Arlene Burkhardt, Ashley Lobo, Best Hotel Event Produced by a Hotel Banquet Department, Bill Natale, BusinessWeek, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candid Candace Chicago, Carmen Rivera, Catie Keogh, Chef David Gresh, Chefs in the Kitchen, Chicago Loop Alliance, Chicago magazine, Chicago Tails, Chicago Unplugged, David Martin IV, DC Crenshaw, Deborah Arneson, Diane Crary, Director’s Guild, Dish It, DJ Sadie Woods, Dream Cakes, DreamCakesChicago.com, Ebony Magazine, Ed Warm, Emmy awards, Forbes, Gene & Georgetti, Greg Hyder, HappyAlmostFriday.com, Helena Rafayen, Hope Bertram, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Ina Dorsey, Internet Streaming Corporation, James Hotel, JBar, Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence, Jerrod Melman, Joe’s Bar, Joffrey Ballet, Junior Auxiliary Board, Kohn Basile, LA, Lindsay Hoey, Lyric Opera, Mark Kwasigroch, Maven, Media Mavens, Miami, Michael Muser, Michael’s, Mila Samokhina, Most Powerful Tables in America, NYC, Ohio Center for Broadcasting, OverExposure TV, PAWS, Peninsula Chicago, Pointe of Departure, Polo Lounge, Prime House, Prime One Twelve, Rebecca Michuda, RJ Melman, RL restaurant, Robert Mills, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sarah Vargo, Service Club of Chicago, Support Your Choice of Charities @Saks, Table 68, Tatiana Garrett, TCW, Terrace at Sunset Tower, Terri Lee Ryan, The Meadows Club, The Palm, Tom DiSanto, Top 10 Tables in the Country for a Power Lunch, Venue Six10, Veronica Kwasigroch, Washington D.C., Watch312.com, Weekends with Whitney, Whitney Reynolds, Whole Foods, Wolfgang Puck, Young at Heart Pet Rescue

December 29, 2011 · 3:28 pm

HAPPY HOLIDAYS IN CHICAGO: GOODBYE 2011 – HELLO 2012!

…PLUS A PERFECT ANGEL, TOP HOLIDAY PARTIES, MY FAVORITE CHINESE FOOD IN THE CITY, PAWS’ “12 STRAYS OF CHRISTMAS,” JOFFREY HONORS, FUN WITH FRIENDS, PLUS GREAT RESTAURANTS AND MORE!

The holidays are almost over and I hope they were happy and healthy! Now it’s countdown to New Year’s and a time to reflect on all we’re grateful for. Besides the obvious, the continued good health of my loved ones, I’m so very grateful for your continued support of this blog and will endeavor to make it even better in the coming year, so please stay tuned!

There were so many great holiday parties around town that I don’t know where to start so let’s begin with one of the most elaborate and beautiful ones at the home of Michaela and Dick Parrillo. Their home, built on more than seven lots in Lincoln Park, is one of the most dramatic ones in the city – you feel like you’re in France at a grand chateau when you pull up to their driveway! The elegant, ornate four-story home was designed by architect Thomas Beeby, who also designed the Harold Washington Library Center, the Harris Theater in Millennium Park and the Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building at the Art Institute. At more than 20,000 square feet, it was furnished by Michaela, a Francophile, in the French classical manner with fine imported antiques. It was a privilege to be invited to this exclusive party with more than 60 friends. Every room was decorated differently with holiday décor that Michaela does herself. She began in November decorating the many Christmas trees with ornaments she’s been collecting since she was 20 years old. One tree was prettier than the next and rivaled the glamorous décor in the various rooms. The entryway had the most beautiful marble pattern I’d ever seen with a dramatic black wrought iron winding staircase. Guests first gathered in the wood paneled bar to mix and mingle before moving onto dinner in a magnificent dining room and library. Round tables were adorned with gilded holiday centerpieces and white orchids and, as the Dom Perignon was served, guests gave toasts. First to speak was Bruce MacArthur who thanked the hosts followed by Charlie Besser and then Dick himself who laughingly welcomed his guests saying, “It is nice to see so many of Michaela’s friends!” (Dick is CEO of United Auto Insurance Group and the recipient of the 2008 Ellis Island Medal of Honor.) The delicious dinner featured beef bourguignon and a beautiful dessert with a spun sugar Christmas tree on the plate! This party was something straight out of Town & Country – too bad for them and lucky for me that I get to cover it! Love and thanks to the Parrillos for including us and for being the host & hostess with the MOSTEST! Seen on the scene were Donna and Jon Kleinman, Susan and Bruce MacArthur, Gale and Jay Gottlieb, Rebecca and Charlie Besser, Hedwig and Bob Golant, Toni and Rick Canada, Lynn and John McMahan, Peter Schivarelli, Gretchen and Jay Jordan, Bill Parrillo, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Lyn McKeaney, Robin Berger and Mark Tebbe, Peggy and Steve Lombardo, Debbie Marchese, Mary Jo Gordon, Gale Leahy, Lee Lechowicz and Mike Tadin, Caryn and Lowell Kraff and Dede Lubeznik among many others. What a great way to celebrate the season in style! (Click HERE to view all pics!)

Supermodel Lily Aldridge was destined for fame from the start. Born in LA in 1985 to famed British fashion photographer Alan Aldridge and Playboy Playmate Laura Lyons (my darling girlfriend), she hails from a fashion oriented family. Her dream was always to be a model and this dream came true at age eight when she was discovered at her school carnival. Her siblings include half-sister Saffron Aldridge (a multi-year face of Ralph Lauren in the ‘90s), half-brother Miles Aldridge (married to ‘90s supermodel Kristen McMenamy) and sister Ruby Aldridge (one of the faces of Marc by Marc Jacobs who is already well on her way to fame as a budding supermodel herself). Mom Laura had quite a career herself with the Playboy empire beginning with her Chicago Bunny of the Year honors in 1975. Her gatefold followed with her Playboy Playmate of the Month pictorial in February 1976 and as a Bunny/Playmate, she was known for leading the march for Bunny Rights in Chicago, which was highly publicized at the time. Like mother, like daughter, Lily’s career is growing by leaps and bounds…but instead of Bunny tails, she’s wearing Angel wings! She has been seen in spreads for Italian Vogue, Italian Elle, Glamour, L’Uomo Vogue, Teen Vogue and Cosmopolitan, among many other publications. At age 18, she appeared on the cover of Spanish Vogue. In 2009, she modeled in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show for the first time and after several campaigns for the company, she earned her wings and became a Victoria’s Secret Angel in 2010. This year, of the 38 Angels appearing in the show taped in early November at NYC’s Lexington Avenue Armory, Lily was featured as one of the highlights along with Miranda Kerr (wife of actor Orlando Bloom and who wore the $2.5 million “Fantasy Bra”), Skokie’s Erin Heatherton, Chanel Iman, Candice Swanepol and Adriana Lima. Her fairytale life is continuing with her marriage on May 12, 2011, to Kings of Leon frontman Caleb Followill at the luxurious San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California. In addition to modeling, Lily is also setting her sights on acting…I can’t wait to see her gorgeous face on the silver screen! (For more pics, please click HERE!)

It is always a challenge deciding where to go in Chicago for special occasions since almost EVERY restaurant in town is a good choice. For our annual Girls Night Out Holiday Dinner, we wanted to do something completely different, something with a Chinatown connection. This is where celebrity chef, restaurateur and dedicated community server Tony Hu entered the picture. Illinois Restaurant Association President Sheila O’Grady came up with this idea after writing a fascinating article in TCW about Tony. His Tony Gourmet Group includes Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer Ave.), Lao Shanghai (2136 S. China Place), Lao Beijing (2138 S. Archer), Lao You Ju (2202 S. Wentworth) and Lao Hunan (2230 S. Wentworth). Sheila made reservations at Lao You Ju and, of course (knowing Sheila!) brought champagne but it was Tony himself who wowed the group with his extensive knowledge of food and wine and did I say charm? His charm alone would attract a large clientele even if his food wasn’t fantastic, but it is! I highly recommend this group of restaurants. Each one offers a different flavor of China and Taiwan and it shows a part of our city’s dining scene that many people don’t often get a chance to experience. Ask for Tony…and be prepared to chat! 🙂

Another top dining experience can always be found at the Peninsula, but it was a very special occasion that warranted a cozy round table in a nook in the back corner of this elegant room decorated (literally!) to the ceiling with magnificent holiday decor. It was dubbed the Special Friends Luncheon and I couldn’t have been more honored to be included with H
azel Barr, Amy Wimer, Mary Ann Rose, Zarada Gowenlock, Jean Antoniou, Mary Pat Burns and Sheryl Dyer. GM Maria Zec and Catering Director Greg Hyder hosted and Chef Kai Lermen prepared a delectable menu that included striped bass, butternut squash risotto with parmesan and the most delightful holiday dessert selections you’ve ever seen. Big plans are coming for the Pen…can’t say what, but Chicago will be thrilled! 🙂 (To view all pics, please click HERE!)

Donnie Madia’s Blackbird on Randolph still packs them in and it was a great treat to spend a night there with friends Gayle Anthony, her sister Julie Weindling and Paul Iacono. Another great evening was spent at Jim Lasky’s The Southern on North Avenue (their fried chicken is to DIE for!) with friends Hedwig and Bob Golant, host Rhonda Sanderson, John Amato, Sheryl Dyer and Alan Sax. “I wonder what Piglet is doing," thought Winnie-the-Pooh, "I wish I were there to be doing it, too." (To view more pics, please click HERE!)

I am so proud of The Joffrey Ballet’s Nutcracker! Have you heard the news? Goldstar, an online ticket seller, selected our Nutcracker as the country’s best-loved Nutcracker based on member reviews and ratings. The Joffrey’s Nut beat out more than 50 productions from around the country to earn this title! Additionally, they will receive a cash prize for their educational programs. I am also thrilled to report that for the first time, the Joffrey’s “Couture & Cocktails” party has made Biz Bash's “Chicago’s Top 100 Events” list. Kudos to The Joffrey Ballet who is racking up more wins than Meryl Streep!

I know that holiday gift giving is over but that doesn’t mean a New Year’s gift is out of the question! My suggestion: Beth Aldrich’s fabulous and informative book, “Real Moms Love to Eat.” Aldrich says, “Diets make everyone feel tired, empty, stressed and unfulfilled. In my book, I explain how to eat the foods we love with some tweaks – learning how to control indulgences, understanding why we crave what we do and how to still enjoy our dysfunctional food friends (salt, fat and sugar) all with just a little makeover.” Congrats Beth on a wonderful book that includes not only tasty recipes but an interesting life story along the way!

Every year, the Illinois Education Foundation, which supports 250 scholars at colleges around the state, has an evening for these scholars called Suited for Success planned this year at the Standard Club on January 21st. And even though this is a closed event for the young students, IEF needs your help in finding donations of new or gently used, current high-quality business/interview suits for men and women by January 14th. Davis Imperial Cleaners has graciously donated the dry-cleaning for all donations and the tailoring has been donated by Brooks Brothers. Allen Edmonds and Lori’s are also donating a new pair of shoes to each student! (Let’s make sure we patronize these charitable companies!) IEF empowers low-income, highly motivated community college students to succeed in school, in work and in life. Please help…this is a wonderful way to clean your closets for a wonderful cause! Donors can email suzannejfaber@gmail.com for pick-up and drop-off logistics. (Pics by J. Geil)

Chuck and I were so proud to be a part of PAWS’ “12 Strays of Christmas” adoption event which began on December 13th. Chicago personalities including Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, WGN’s Steve Sanders, Brotha Fred (host of Kiss FM’s morning show), US 99’s Lisa Dent, Sun-Times’ Elizabeth Hamel, WBBM news-radio’s Julie Mann (with niece Lauren), Radio Disney’s DJ Angela and Tribune reporter Bill Hageman and wife Dona joined together in an effort to find homes for dogs and cats at this time of the year. Leading Chicago area shelters with nearly 2,763 animals transferred from Chicago’s Animal Care & Control (ACC), PAWS Chicago has helped reach an all-time euthanasia low of 10,599 cats and dogs in 2010. The magnitude of this progress is best seen when compared to the 26,394 animals euthanized there in 1997. With special holiday hours through the end of December, the PAWS website and the Adoption Center will feature a special group of animals available for adoption each day. As pets at the Adoption Center find new homes, PAWS Chicago will be able to take in more homeless dogs and cats, saving more lives. PAWS Chicago will be taking in extra animals from Chicago Animal Care & Control throughout the week to find as many homes as possible before the year is over. Please help the helpless at www.PAWSChicago.org. (For more pics, please click HERE!)

Thanks for being here and here’s a toast to 2012! I am wishing you all the best, biggest, brightest and happiest year ahead! May the best of this year be the worst of next!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Here’s what the Connors family “cooked” up for their Christmas Eve Dinner! I love these PEEPS! 🙂 If you would like to follow tennis great Jimmy Connors on Twitter, he’s got some cool insights into the world of sports – among other news! (For more pics, please click HERE!)

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Tagged as Adriana Lima, Alan Aldridge, Alan Sax, Allen Edmonds, Amy Wimer, Animal Care & Control, Art Institute of Chicago, Beth Aldrich, Bill Hageman, Bill Parrillo, Biz Bash, Blackbird, Bob Golant, Brooks Brothers, Brotha Fred, Bruce MacArthur, Caleb Followill, Candice Swanepol, Caryn Kraff, Chanel Iman, Charlie Besser, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Chinatown, Christmas, Chuck Jordan, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart, Cosmopolitan, Couture & Cocktails, Daniel F. and Ada L. Rice Building, Davis Imperial Cleaners, Debbie Marchese, Dede Lubeznik, Dick Parrillo, DJ Angela, Dona Hageman, Donna Kleinman, Elizabeth Hamel, Ellis Island Medal of Honor, Fantasy Bram Erin Heatherton, Gale Gottlieb, Gale Leahy, Gayle Anthony, Glamour, Goldstar, Greg Hyder, Gretchen Jordan, Harold Washington Library Center, Harris Theater, Hazel Barr, Hedwig Golant, Holidays, Illinois Education Foundation, Illinois Restaurant Association, Italian Elle, Italian Vogue, J. Geil. Donnie Madia, Jay Gottlieb, Jay Jordan, Jean Antoniou, Jim Lasky, Jimmy Connors, John Amato, John McMahan, Jon Kleinman, Julie Mann, Julie Weindling, Kai Lermen, Kings of Leon, KISS FM, Kristen McMenamy, Kristina McGrath, Lao Beijing, Lao Hunan, Lao Shanghai, Lao Sze Chuan, Lao You Ju, Laura Lyons, L’Uomo Vogue, Lee Lechowicz, Lexington Avenue Armory, Lily Aldridge, Lincoln Park, Lisa Dent, Lori’s, Lowell Kraff, Lyn McKeaney, Lynn McMahan, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Maria Zec, Mark Tebbe, Mary Ann Rose, Mary Jo Gordon, Mary Pat Burns, Meryl Streep, Michaela Parrillo, Mike McGrath, Mike Tadin, Miles Aldridge, Millennium Park, Miranda Kerr, New Year’s, Nutcracker, Orlando Bloom, Patti Connors, Paul Iacono, PAWS’ 12 Strays of Christmas, Peggy Lombardo, Peninsula Chicago, Peter Schivarelli, Playboy, Radio Disney, Ralph Lauren, Real Moms Love to Eat, Rebecca Besser, Rhonda Sanderson, Rick Canada, Robin Berger, Ruby Aldridge, Saffron Aldridge, Sheila O’Grady, Sheryl Dyer, Spanish Vogue, Special Friends Luncheon, Standard Club, Steve Lombardo, Steve Sanders, Suited for Success, Susan MacArthur, TCW, Teen Vogue, The Joffrey Ballet, The Southern, Thomas Beeby, Toni Canada, Tony Gourmet Group, Tony Hu, Town & Country, Twitter, United Auto Insurance, US 99, Victoria’s Secret Angel, Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, WBBM, WGN, Zarada Gowenlock

September 20, 2011 · 10:02 pm

MISERICORDIA FAMILY FEST RAISES $1.2 MILLION

Misericordia held its 31st annual Family Fest and 10,000 people attended! I had never been to this joyous event before and I couldn’t believe how BIG it was! The 31-acre campus held wonders of all sorts. There was entertainment everywhere you looked and on multiple stages that included Pirates Over 40 (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band), Lesley Byers & the Jazz Cats (pop and oldies), the Shannon Rovers, Misericoridia Heartzingers & Heartbreakers (choir), Artie Fitzgerald, Croatian Vines, Dr. Mark & the Sutures, Loyola Academy Ramblerettes, Brian Horner (Misericordia drummer), Finbarr Fagan, Big Rock Bluegrass Band and McNulty Irish Dancers. There was also a Ronald McDonald magic show, a Misericordia Puppet Tree with Peter Martin and a Children’s Sing-Along with Sandy Lucas. And this is just a FEW of the acts! No one can refuse Misericordia’s formidable Executive Director, Sister Rosemary Connelly, who has been the ED for 42 years! Her Assistant ED of 40 years, Lois Gates, seemed to be everywhere at once on the fairgrounds making sure everything was running perfectly and that everyone was in their proper places, it was and they were! Father Jack Clair, Assistant ED for 11 years, and Kevin Connelly, CFO for 19 years, all keep this loving place running like a top. I’ve never seen such organization! From the ticket-takers to the trolley drivers, everyone knew exactly what needed to be done and when. And the FOOD!!! OMG! The International Food Tent served Polish, Mexican, Greek and American specialties while the Budweiser Beer Tent held everyone’s attention with the ongoing Bears game (they won!) that was shown on two large screen TVs. They thought of EVERYTHING! There were live and silent auctions, Misericordia Art, Greco Garden plants, clowns, a dunking booth, demonstrations by Rainbow Dogs Pet Therapy, Frisbee Dogs, and the Jesse White Tumblers to name a few. You couldn’t reach the overflowing, bakery goods table (Hearts & Flour Bakery), with all treats made by Misericordia’s kids. The Bakery is on-site and allows for a work opportunity for the residents. Everything from cookies, brownies and Irish soda bread plus an assortment of other breads and caramel corn can be ordered online and shipped anywhere! The Bingo tent was filled as well as the Wheel of Fortune, Pot-O-Gold and Chances-R tables. There were gifts from Heartworks & Gardens, Gift It Again, Gentle Touch, Heartstrings and the Misericordia Boutique. Gently used and new toys, games, crafts, garden supplies and even Christmas gifts were to be had around every corner. And did I mention the kiddie rides, the ring toss and Bozo buckets? There was a moment of silence observed at noon in honor of those that died on 9/11 as well as a ceremony to honor the late Jerry Gleason, a longtime supporter whose dealership has provided cars for the raffle for years. Misericordia is one of the most worthwhile charities around offering exceptional programs for more than 600 children and adults with mild to profound developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. This year, Misericordia will move forward with construction projects in order to welcome some of the 500 individuals on its waiting list. Family Festival 2011 raised over $1.2 million dollars for these good works. If you’re interested in more info, bakery items or to make a donation, please visit www.Misericordia.org. In Latin, Misericordia means “Heart of Mercy” and I can sure see why. See you all next year for this love-filled fest!

With drinks named Mr. Grant, Mr. Martin, Mr. Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, I expected something very special but I was prepared to be disappointed. I'm an unabashed traditionalist so with all of the plans and rumors swirling about the changes and renovations being made to our/my Pump Room, I was more than a little apprehensive when we were invited to a "soft opening" last week. The entryway is not on Goethe anymore, where you used to enter through the lobby to the hotel. Oh yes, you can still enter here but the real (proper) entry is now at the corner of State and Goethe. The simple sign, Pump Room at Public Chicago, is surrounded by high hedges and reminded me of the first time we went to The Delano in South Beach. It has the same cool vibes and the same chic, white, clean looks but still manages to be cozy and inviting. The first thing you see upon entering are those iconic black and white photos…still there, thankfully, but arranged and presented in a fresh, new way. The front desk greets you with a smile and I loved seeing Jay Schuster (formerly of Sepia) installed as the restaurant's director. The orbs on the dining room ceiling are what you notice first. They remind you of the planets in the night sky and as the room grew darker, their soft glow lit the room with just the right amount of light. And I was thrilled to see Booth One along with its original white phone still intact, albeit in a more modern incarnation. According to the friendly bartender, the place is owned by partners Ian Schrager and Chef Jean George Vongerichten. Chef's menu is a "complete sister" to his menu at his award winning NY restaurant, ABC Kitchen. And it WAS delicious! The old Byfield's is again a cozy bar with a fireplace and glowing back bar. I can see this as a terrific place to meet for a pre-dinner cocktail with friends. We didn't get a chance to view the changes to the old Ambassador East hotel, now called Public Chicago, but if the restaurant is any indication of what to expect, then I think we will all be in for a treat! (Official opening is set for October 11th.) Congrats to Ian and Chef Jean George! I can't wait to come back for more!!!!!

We attended a fantastic burlesque show last week! Surprisingly, this was one event Chuck didn’t seem to mind attending with me! It was called “Superstars of Burlesque” and was held at Park West. The room was packed for this show (one night only, two shows) that featured entertainers who all hold titles from the Burlesque Hall of Fame, the industry’s highest honor. Produced by and starring the dynamic Michelle L’amour, the show was eclectic and captivating with a dozen acts. Hysterical funnyman/woman Murray Hill did the hosting duties. Most of the stars, as you would expect, had amazing figures and were exceptionally athletic, too. Duh??!!! Michelle also owns and teaches burlesque instruction at her school, Studio L’amour. View ALL pics from this fun evening here!

Tyra Banks first appeared on the cover of Chicago-based Sophisticate's Black Hair magazine when she was 18 years old. Coming full circle, she visited the offices this week on her book tour for her debut work of fiction, Modelland (first in a series of three). The cover, designed by Howard Tullman's Tribeca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy (also Chicago based), captures one of Tyra's gorgeous eyes! Says SBH Publishing Director Bonnie Spurlock, watch for Tyra in an upcoming issue (cover again??!!!) and check out the video below filmed at SBH's offices. Congrats to Tyra, Bonnie and Howard!! Can't wait to read Modelland!!!

Actor Harry Lennix of Matrix, Ray and The Five Heartbeats (where he co-starred with Robert Townsend) fame dropped by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting’s downtown campus this week. He has hired delighted ICB grad, Tanesha Manuel, to edit the trailer for his latest film entitled “Mr. Sophistication,” which will star Academy Award winning actress Tatum O'Neal. Congrats are in order for Tanesha and ICB!

There are some great events coming up! Please enjoy CANDACE RECOMMENDS and I hope to see you at some of these fun soirees!

On Friday, Sept. 23rd, we have the Joffrey Ballet’s 7th annual Couture & Cocktails at 2222 S. Michigan (the Hudson) beginning at 6 PM. For tickets, please visit www.Joffrey.org. Come and meet the fantastic dancers and congrats in advance to co-chairs Rebecca Besser and Kristina McGrath!

Come celebrate all things gourmet at Chicago Gourmet, presented by Bon Appétit, September 23th through 25th. Saturday is sold out, so get your Friday and Sunday tickets while they last HERE! Chicago Gourmet features gourmet food, wine, spirits, and beer tastings, live cooking demos, educational seminars, and more. The Hamburger Hop, a lively burger showdown, kicks-off the weekend on Friday night (Sept. 23rd) in style on the Harris Rooftop from 6 – 9 PM, and the Grand Cru provides daily elegance with unmatched tastings of some of the world's finest wines. (Both Grand Cru and Hamburger Hop tickets are in addition to the cost of general admission). 🙂

Saturday, September 24th, the Chicago Lighthouse will be the beneficiary of the Flair Runway Show at Saks Fifth Avenue hosted by TCW’s Sherren Leigh and Cassandra Gaddo. Following the show, The 900 Shops will offer two hours of exclusive preview shopping. For more info, please call 312.997.3679.

The Lyric Opera’s Opening Night Gala is set for Saturday, October 1st. The featured performance will be “The Tales of Hoffmann.” For tickets and more info, please visit the Lyric Opera website here.

The Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus will hold its 9th Annual Best Friends Reception & Season Preview on Monday, October 3rd, at the Fairmont, located at 200 N. Columbus Dr., from 6 – 8 PM. Guests are asked to make a $150 donation for attending. For more info, please call 773.296.0541.

Save the date for Thursday, October 13th, for the “Art of Home” Gala Benefit. I am proud to be the Honorary Chair for this event to benefit the Lakeside Community Development’s housing programs which will be held at the Zhou B Art Center, located at 1029 W. 35th St. from 6-9 PM. “Art of Home” celebrates the unique perspectives of more than 50 Chicago area artists regarding the idea of “home.” Artwork will be auctioned at the event via silent and live auctions. The event will also feature live music, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $150 in advance and $175 at the door. For tix and more info, please click here.

Also set for Thursday, October 13th, the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago will present its “Heart of the Matter” Leader Luncheon 2011 at the Swisshotel, located at 323 E. Wacker Dr. beginning at 11:30 AM. Honorees include Gloria Castillo, Patricia Hemingway Hall, Dolores Kunda, Jackie Taylor and Lindsay Avner. For tickets and more info, please call 312.553.2000.

The Art of Fashion, presented by StyleChicago.com comes to Millennium Park on Friday, October 21st beginning with a VIP reception at 6 PM. Featured designers include Borris Powell, Eva Pazola, Lara Miller, Nade Baer, Nora del Busto, RUCH, Shernett Swaby, Squasht by Les, Sylwia Wilczynska and Zamrie. Tickets range from $35-$95. To reserve and for more info, please visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/e/193113.

And now for some sad news. I can’t thank you all enough for allowing me to terrorize (beg) you into voting for my blog for the CBS Best Blogger Contest. I want you all to know that I’m not blaming you for my psychologically, crippling loss. In my “Local Affairs” category, the People’s Choice winner was Second City Cop and Editor’s Choice winner was Gapers Block. To view other winners – not me 🙁 – in all categories, please click here. Congrats to all!

I will see you all next week, same place, same time…I hope!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Shelley and Bill Farley recently hosted a grand fete at their elegant East Lake Shore Drive apartment to celebrate tenor Rod Dixon (of Three Mo Tenors fame) and soprano, Alfreda Burke’s, one-night performance of “Hallelujah Broadway,” at the Auditorium Theatre Saturday night. At the party, Shelley also had the pleasure of performing the closing song from the show with them! 🙂

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Tagged as ABC Kitchen, Alfreda Burke, Art of Fashion, Art of Home, Artie Fitzgerald, Best Friends Reception & Season Preview, Big Rock Bluegrass Band, Bill Farley, Bon Appetit, Bonnie Spurlock, Borris Powell, Brian Horner Finbarr Fagan, Byfield’s, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cassandra Gaddo, CBS Best Blogger Contest, Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, Chicago Gourmet, Chicago Lighthouse, Couture & Cocktails, Croatian Vines, Dolores Kunda, Dr. Mark & the Sutures, Eva Pazola, Family Fest, Father Jack Clair, Flair Runway Show, Frisbee Dogs, Gapers Block, Gloria Castillo, Grand Cru, Hamburger Hop, Harry Lennix, Heart of the Matter Leader Luncheon 2011, Hearts & Flour Bakery, Howard Tullman, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Jackie Taylor, Jay Schuster, Jean George Vongerichten, Jesse White Tumblers, Joffrey Ballet, Kevin Connelly, Lakeside Community Development, Lara Miller, Lesley Byers & the Jazz Cats, Lindsay Avner, Lois Gates, Loyola Academy Ramblerettes, Lyric Opera, Maurry Hill, McNulty Irish Dancers, Michelle L'amour, Misericordia, Misericordia Heartzingers & Heartbreakers, Modelland, Mr. Sophistication, Nade Baer, Nora Del Busto, Patricia Hemingway Hall, Peter Martin, Pirates Over 40, PUBLIC Chicago, Pump Room, Rainbow Dogs Pet Therapy, Robert Townsend, Rod Dixon, Ronald McDonald, RUCH, Sandy Lucas, Second City Cop, Sepia. Ian Schrager, Shannon Rovers, Shelley MacArthur Farley, Shernett Swaby, Sherren Leigh, Sister Rosemary Connelly, Sophisticate’s Black Hair, Squasht by Les, Studio L’amour, StyleChicago.com, Superstars of Burlesque, Sylwia Wilczynska, Tanesha Manuel, Tatum O’Neal, TCW, The Delano, The Tales of Hoffman, Tribecca Flashpoint Media Arts Academy, Tyra Banks, YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Zamrie, Zhou B Art Center

August 3, 2011 · 1:22 pm

SPORTS REIGNED AT DEMPSTER’S NIGHT FOR CHARITY

Chicago is exploding with fun parties, galas, fundraisers and festivals this summer and I hope you’ve been able to attend one or more of them! Recently, I attended the Second Annual Dempster Foundation Casino Night at the Palmer House. For all of you non-sporting types, Ryan Dempster is a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. He, along with his beautiful wife, Jenny, created the Dempster Family Foundation, Strike Out 22q. 22q is also known as DiGeorge Syndrome and is a genetic disorder that affects swallowing, breathing and speech in children. Ryan and Jenny’s little daughter, Riley, was born with this condition. One baby in 1,800 is afflicted with this disease and this night was dedicated to raising awareness and funds. An outpouring of support came from Dempster’s Cubs teammates and fellow athletes who attended including Carlos Zambrano, Carlos Marmol, Starlin Castro, Sean Marshall, Jeff Samardzija, Randy Wells and former Cub Doug Glanville, among many others. The event was held in the Grand Ballroom and the gaming tables, courtesy of Horseshoe, lined every corner, many manned by the players or local celebs. There was a silent and a live auction that offered an incredible autographed Babe Ruth baseball as its top prize that sold for $22K. Other live auction highlights included a guest spot on “Curb Your Enthusiasm” ($10K!), a World Series Package that included tickets for four plus a private charter and hotel, 2012 Ryder Cup Package for two, dinner for four with Ryan at Harry Caray’s, an Aria Resort and Casino Las Vegas Platinum Package and the dream of a lifetime; throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field for a Cubs game which brought $3,750! The silent auction was a sports memorabilia collector’s dream come true with autographed jerseys (including one signed by Ernie Banks), lots of signed baseballs and bats, Blackhawks tickets, theater tickets for Blue Man Group and Second City, restaurant packages, beauty treatments, trips and the chance for a young baseball fan to be a bat boy a Wrigley Field (this included four game tickets, too!). Ryan had this to say about the evening, “When people come together for a common cause, they can do a lot of good.” On this night, filled with love, $300K was raised. To learn more or make a donation, please visit www.dempsterfamilyfoundation.org. (To see ALL event pics, please click here.)

I had never been to a fashion show that featured just handbags and shoes but I was happy to know I didn’t need to be a size 6 to lust after these catwalk offerings! The American Cancer Society’s Women’s Board of Chicago, in conjunction with Saks Fifth Avenue, featured the fall designer collections that showcased two of my favorite things, shoes and handbags! The night began in the Palmer House’s Red Lacquer Room, one of the most beautiful ballrooms in the city, with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres along with a silent auction that included two VIP tickets to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week plus airfare ($2,300), a Fifth Avenue Getaway that included a suite at the Setai plus a $500 Saks gift card ($2,000), polo lessons at Arranmore Farm and a Chicago Weekend at the Palmer House plus dinner atop the 95th. The event opened with a birthday video (the American Cancer Society is the “Official Sponsor of Birthdays”) that included comments from Jack Black, Justin Bieber and Usher, to name a few. Women’s Board Chair, Stacey Barrins, welcomed the crowd of 400 to this unique show and said, “I have been entrusted with carrying on a legacy founded almost 60 years ago. New leadership naturally brings change, but the one thing that remains constant is our responsibility to raise funds in the fight against cancer.” Fashion Chair Bonita Friedland, along with the dynamic 22 member Women’s Board, raised $150K on this night. The next scheduled event is set for November 10th when Martha Stewart will be the guest speaker. For more info, please visit, www.AmericanCancerSociety.org.

TCW Magazine, along with Bob Graham, recently hosted a reception at UBS’ offices at One North Wacker to celebrate the women included in their recent feature, “100 Women Making a Difference.” It was such an honor to be included with so many dynamic Chicago women! The room was packed with honorees and their well- wishers for this cocktail and hors d’oeuvres party. The first thing you noticed upon arrival was the bank of gorgeous elegantly clad male models who were on hand to check you in. What a cute idea from Publisher Sherren Leigh and Managing Editor Cassandra Gaddo! The women immediately had their cameras out, me too, and began snapping away at this group of men who looked like they had all just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren ad. Congrats to ALL of the honorees and thanks for bringing this feature back, Sherren! (This idea was begun 14 years ago and last ran in 2001.) Check out ALL of the event photos by Steve Starr here.

Angela Rose, founder of PAVE: Promoting Awareness, Victim Empowerment, held a 15th anniversary party for her dynamic organization at Rockit Bar & Grill. This fundraiser included appetizers, a private reception and a chance to mix and mingle with supportive friends. The host committee consisted of Andrea Metcalf, April Rose, Cassandra Gaddo, Chloe Ifergan, Dr. Dominic Gaziano, Frances Renk, Glen Murray, Jenner Evans, Jonathan Landan, Lindsay Hays and moi. Save the date for their next Annual PAVE Charity Fashion Show, “Fear No Fashion,” at Bentley Gold Coast set for Friday, Sept.30th. Also, please check out their brand new website, www.ShatteringtheSilence.org. Congrats, Angela! (Photos by Steve Starr…click here to view ALL event pics.)

When Cece & Melinda throw a party, it seems like the whole world shows up! Their latest fete, with proceeds benefitting Bear Necessities, was a hit at Il Mulino. The outdoor patio was teeming with fashionables decked out in their summer’s best. And these ladies don’t stop: Their next big event will be the Third Annual Taste of the Gold Coast set for Tuesday, August 23rd, from 6 – 9 PM at The Sutton Place Hotel. Top neighborhood restaurants will participate with their head chefs offering delectable tastings from their gourmet menus. Look for fabulous food from Carmine’s, Il Mulino, Cape Cod, Saloon Steakhouse, Chicago Q, Devon Seafood Grill, Whiskey Bar, RA Sushi, Gaylord, Pane Caldo and many more. Live entertainment will be performed by two popular Gold Coast bands, Lynne Jordan & the Shivers along with Nan Mason & Terry Higgins. There will also be a silent auction benefitting the North Dearborn Association. For tickets, $80-100, please visit www.ceceandmelinda.com. (Tickets will also be offered at the door for $120). I hope to see you there! To view ALL event pics, please click here.)

The Rooftop at Studio Paris, located at 59 W. Hubbard, couldn’t be hotter after its opening this summer! And on Thursday, August 18th, the Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s will be hosting an exclusive event at this uber chic River North spot. Proceeds from the evening will benefit the development of the Rooftop Retreat of the world’s LARGEST Ronald McDonald House at 211 E. Grand Ave. in Chicago. Debuting in 2012, this space is designed to give families a chance to relax and replenish after a day at the hospital. The first skyline bricolage will also be featured on the rooftop of the new house and you will have the chance to add your name to a tile at the party! The mosaic will be showcased this night along with the artists. So grab your friends and head to the Roof to benefit the Roof for Ronald McDonald House Charities!!! Tickets are $150 and include cocktails and hors d’oeuvres plus the chance to make a difference…

Get ready to rumble for one of our town’s most popular columnists, STELLA FOSTER! On Friday evening, October 14th, the Chicago Journalists Association will honor Stella with its Lifetime Achievement Award! Her “Stella’s Column” in the Sun-Times, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday, is required reading for scenesters. Born in Chicago and raised in Englewood, her journalism career was officially launched when she began writing for Sister 2 Sister, a national entertainment magazine founded by her sister, Jamie Foster Brown, and husband. In 1969, Brown told Stella that legendary newsman Irv Kupcinet was looking for a new secretary. And the rest, as they say, is history! Tickets are $90. I will see you there! (For tickets and more info, please call 312.458.9792.)

And last but not least, huge kudos for one of the most high-powered peeps I know in the PR and marketing world, Kathleen Henson of Henson Consulting and top model, director and producer, Kasia Koniar (Factor)! These two high-powered dynamos were selected along with three other women to be featured in TCW Magazine’s “Professional Women” article slated for September! The other lucky girls include Nancy Loo (WGN), Noemi Garcia (Fifth Third Bank) and stylist Deshaia Moss (The Image Studios). Congrats to ALL of these deserving women and thanks for spotlighting them, TCW!!!

Another action packed month in the Windy City! Speaking of windy cities, please watch for me on “Windy City Live,” on Channel 7 on Monday, August 8th. I will be giving you MORE of the lowdown on upcoming city highlights! Also, please check out my weekly Tribune column, "Chicago Scene," every Sunday, my Chicago Now blog AND my upcoming internet show, “SOCIAL CIRCLES!” Busy BEE!