Plus: PAWS Chicago, down on the farm; Justin, Hailey & Chance hit the town; Adler's Celestial Ball; Chicago Lighthouse's virtual FLAIR fashion show; "Hope in Bloom" for Debi Lilly; Kathy's (FAB) Che Sguardo; Lookingglass Theatre Company's "Chicago Stories"; Porchlight Palooza; European flair for Maple & Ash; Eli's ARK Chicago (a VERY sweet treat!); Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic; Azeeza designs for BEYONCE!; BEST virtual event calendar right HERE!; The Voice's Katie Kadan to star at Holocaust Museum's SOIREE; DINOS in DUPAGE; Welcome Baby Luca; The Joffrey Ballet is "pulling back the curtain"; This & That; Cute videos and SOOO much more!
DOT co-chairs Tracey DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Jamie Thorsen.
There is a very good reason why The Service Club of Chicago has been around since 1890! Their survival instincts have been intact through the 1918 Spanish Flu, the Crash of '29 and two World Wars! This year, in the time of Covid,
SC president Sherrill Bodine (wearing Lauren Lein) and Andrea "Nou Nou" Antoniou, SC Auxiliary Board President, at Marchesa Watch Party.
they proved their mettle once again with a brilliant pivot from their always sold-out "Day on the Terrace" fashion show, held virtually this year on Monday, August 3. The event was co-chaired by SC members Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou, Tracey DiBuono and Jamie Thorsen,
Gibson's Watch Party hostess Sherry Lea Holson (L) and friends.
with DiBuono's ZZAZZ Productions producing the show. The taped, fashion show portion of the event took place socially distanced and masked at The Geraghty (thank you Tom Kehoe, BlackOak Productions and Kehoe Designs) on July 20 with just 28 models. Typically, this popular event is held at the Peninsula with over 75 models on the runway! This year's first look at fall fashion showcased designer looks from alice+olivia, Carlisle,
Tina Weller at her glam-filled Watch Party at her home in Hinsdale.
Contessa Bottega, Cram Fashion (menswear), Elda de la Rosa Couture, Max Mara at Bloomingdale's, Maximilian Furs at Bloomingdale's, Mira Couture, Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue, St. John Boutique, SYLWIA and Tom James. The live event portion featured
Michelle Baker, Jamie Thorsen, Melissa Babcock wearing Max Mara at Bloomingdale's.
"satellite remotes" from some local watch parties around town. SC president Sherrill Bodine hosted an event at Marchesa with Auxiliary Board president Andrea Antoniou, DOT Hat Luncheon co-chair Michelle Baker and friends. Tina Weller and her bevy of beautiful girlfriends (that included Maple &
Rose Kallas hosts Watch Party with cute friends in the Gold Coast.
Ash's Mary Lasky) gathered at her gorgeous home in Hinsdale (and also celebrated Tina's 50th birthday)! Sherry Lea Holson gathered a group of cute friends at Gibson's to watch, all dressed in safety-first PPE
Paula Borg, Felicia Winiecki and Sheree Valukas.
plastic face shields. Friends there included Kathy O'Malley Piccone, Paula Borg, Frances Renk and others. SC vice-president Myra Reilly hosted an elegant soiree at her Lake Forest home with last year's DOT honoree Marguerite Hark, Cheryl Coleman, Susan Regenstein, Susan Gohl, John Reilly (who has
Kathy O'Malley Piccone wears Elda de la Rosa. (Photo by John Reilly)
been such a big supporter of ALL SC events) and others. Heather Spyra also hosted a watch party with her good friend Peggy Klingenberg. In other parts of
Neiman Marcus' Wendy Krimins with SC vice-president Myra Reilly.
the city, Rose Kallas hosted a party that included Pam Capitanini, Peggy Martay, Susan Colletti, Dusty Stemer and others. Greg Hyder and Jim Smith hosted a darling DOT brunch at their new home in Irving Park with the men who modeled in the CRAM fashion segment including store owner Marc Engel and his partner Stephane Gonzalez, Craig Hogan and Rudy Zavala. Besides the exciting fashion, a highlight of the event was the surprise shout-outs from
CRAM models–Owner, Marc Engel, Scott Bobek, Greg Hyder, Shaun Rajah, Craig Hogan and Tom Kehoe. (Photo by John Reilly)
celebrities and local media stars. Lending their support in congratulatory videos were Jerry Springer ("Judge Jerry");
Alayna Crenshaw wearing Elda de la Rosa. (Photo by John Reilly)
Leslie Zemeckis (actress, author, award-winning documentarian and 1/2 of THE Hollywood Power Couple with husband/director Robert Zemeckis); Ryan Chiaverini (Windy City Live); Maria Pappas (Cook County Treasurer); Chef Art Smith and husband/artist Jesus Salgueiro;NBC Chicago co-hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues; FabriceCalmels (former lead dancer The Joffrey Ballet); Israel Idonije (philanthropist and former Chicago Bear); LeeAnn Trotter (NBC-5 Entertainment Reporter); Sylvia Perez (Fox-32 news anchor); Melissa Forman (93.8 LITE FM's "Melissa Forman in the Morning"); Lisa Fielding (Newsradio 780 anchor/reporter); Zoraida Sambolin (WMAQ-TV news anchor); Molly Callinan (lead singer for Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band and all-girl cover band Catfight) and Chilli Pepper (world famous female impersonator, Baton Show Lounge star). Other congratulatory videos came from Maria Zec (GM Peninsula Chicago) and Lakesha and Jim Rose. Callinan ended the show belting out "Walking in Memphis" with DJ Akib playing dance
Mary Lasky and Sharyl Mackey.
music. The event raised over $70,000 for SC's Philanthropic Grant Program and already has
Bobbi Panter (wearing SYLWIA) and Annette Findling (wearing Elda de la Rosa).
other events lined up (no surprise here!), including its popular Hat Luncheon, this year themed "A White House Floral Affair" and, of course, going virtual on Thursday, Sept. 3; Auxiliary Board Bingo on Sept. 13; the "Phantom Gala" which will run from October 12-25 and the Holiday Luncheon scheduled for Friday, December 4. (All event details here). Congrats to all of these hard-working members and those who support them!
Even though the attendees were socially distanced and masked on the 35 acre farm, that didn't mean they weren't close in heart for animal welfare. PAWS Chicago hosted a "Summer Farm Party" on Saturday, August 1 for longtime supporters and donors. We were so happy to have a reason for a road trip so Chuck, Rooney and I happily drove to
Angie DeMars with our Rooney Rules.
LaPorte for some fun and philanthropy on the Fasseas Farm. The setting was breathtaking and so relaxing. Even lil' Rooney came alive with the fresh country air and the scents from the "doggie buffet"! One of the barns on the property had been transformed into a state-of-the-art "retreat space" for Level 3 dogs with "issues." There, they are gently rehabilitated so
PAWS founder Paula Fasseas with Suzanne LeMignot.
they can find their forever homes. The digs are so inviting. I can't imagine how happy those dogs must be living there. Upon arrival, smiling PAWS volunteers directed us to the fun. Everything was very spread out due to the Covid concerns but still easily accessible. I loved seeing the animals brought from "A Zoo to You." Chickens, goats, cows and sheep co-mingled peacefully while a little Shetland pony peeked
Susanna Homan, Chris Wickham and "kids."
around the corner, all saddled up and ready for kiddie rides. Live country music from Rendition filled the air along with one of PAWS' favorite DJs, Dan Holloway (Icon Entertainment). A delicious menu featured freshly made guacamole, salsa and chips; jumbo shrimp cocktail; grilled portabella burgers with carmelized
Nique Christensen, Bruce Haas, Phillip Emight and Angie DeMars.
onions on brioche buns from Hewn Bakery in Evanston; grilled 1/3 lb. beef burgers from LaPryor Farms in Ottawa, Illinois; grilled Butcher & Larder all-beef, grass-fed Wagyu hot dog; locally made peach and blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream, triple chocolate brownies and freshly sliced watermelon. A French green bean salad and Italian potato salad were served as sides. And even though there was a
Dirk Peterson and Michele Mistovich.
beautiful pool, sadly I didn't see anyone swimming. During a short program, longtime PAWS friend, country radio personality Lisa Dent, who owns several PAWS rescue dogs, served as emcee. Alexis and Paula Fasseas
Socially distanced remarks from emcee Lisa Dent, Paula Fasseas and auctioneer David Goodman.
(founders PAWS Chicago) spoke about ongoing rescue efforts and updates. Paula said, "Your continual support of PAWS Chicago, especially during this pandemic, is greatly appreciated. Funds raised through our Virtual Beach Party and this farm event are crucial to PAWS Chicago's ability to continue to care for and save homeless dogs and cats. Thank you for helping ensure that the Medical Center can continue to treat illnesses, that the Lincoln Park Adoption Center can continue to find loving homes for our animals, and
Alexis Fasseas introduces some cute PAWS dogs.
that our Community Outreach program can continue to serve needy pets and their people." A live auction was conducted by David Goodman that included a one-week stay at Meadow House, a luxurious 3-bed, 3-bath home on 30 acres; a one-week stay for 10 at a private 7500-sq-ft home in
Walter Jacobson and Kim Gleeson.
the Dominican Republic and a 6-night stay for 12 in a luxury mountain retreat in Breckenridge, Colorado. Farm party guests included Phillip Emigh, Bruce Haas, Angie DeMars, Susanna Homan and Chris Wickham, Kim Gleeson, Walter Jacobson, Suzanne LeMignot, Claudia Tangman, Tom Hayes, Amy Halsted, Michele Mistovich, Dirk Peterson, Nique Christensen and many others. One of the sweetest touches was the take-home gift, farm fresh veggies in a bag!!! Oh, what a fine day! (And mark your calendars now for PAWS Chicago's 5K Walk/Run set for October 31! Details here!)
Chance the Rapper, Justin and Hailey Bieber at Beatrix.
Even with the crime and Covid, Chicago is still a celebrity magnet! Spotted around town were Justin and Hailey Bieber lunching and dining with our own
Justin's photo of his beautiful wife Hailey at RPM Seafood.
Chance the Rapper. The trio visited Beatrix on Wednesday, July 29 sitting outside on the patio around 12:30 pm. Hailey sipped on an Iced Matcha with Honey & Oat Milk (thought you needed to know this). They chatted and enjoyed the weather at the neighborhood restaurant and coffeehouse for about an hour and a half. After coffee at Beatrix, they went for dinner that same night at RPM Seafood, sitting outside on a private terrace overlooking the Chicago River. After they finished dinner, which included the restaurant's signature Seafood Tower, they enjoyed dessert, Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Cake. On their way out, they stopped to take photos with a few fans outside the restaurant. On Bieber's Insta page he said of the evening and of his wife, "the love of his life," "This is my view during date night. Wtf. I'm so blessed."
The Adler Planetarium will host a (virtual) Celestial Ball on Saturday, Sept. 12 with a pre-party beginning at 6 pm and the main event at 6:30 pm CST. Free on Adler's YouTube, $25 for access to Pre-Party via Zoom (main event will be streamed from Zoom to YouTube) This entirely online event will give you an exclusive first look at how the Adler experience is being reimagined for a digital age, with virtual exhibitions and innovative programming. Join them and find out what’s on the horizon for the next 90 years. Click here for all the info!
Mark your calendars NOW for The Chicago Lighthouse's Virtual Flair Fashion Show (produced by ZZAZZ Productions), Friday, Oct. 16 from 11 am -12:30 CST! Co-chaired by Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine, the event will give you a front row seat at new collections from top luxury brands and designers all while supporting life changing programs for children who are blind, visually impaired or disabled. As always, this year's event features an inclusive runway of
Hard-working, adorable event co-chairs Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine.
diverse models including Chicago's prominent women and business leaders, as well as employees of The Chicago Lighthouse, many with disabilities. Watch parties will be offered this year so you can enjoy the event with friends. There will also be an inspiring performance by
Gaelynn Lea will perform.
Gaelynn Lea Music, 2016 winner of NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest and internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter and violinist who advocates for disability rights and accessibility in the arts. To help build the excitement leading up to the event, don’t miss out on Master Classes with FLAIR, which are included with VIP – All Access tickets ($175) or can be purchased individually. These classes will offer great inspiration and “how-to’s” to look and feel your best again. The silent auction is one that you won't want to miss, including everything from salon and fitness experiences to elegant jewelry. Buy your tickets now here! (100% of ticket price supports the Lighthouse's Children's Programs)
Debi Lilly, and friend, holding her "Hope in Bloom" bouquet.
Nobody does it like Debi Lilly, owner/founder of one of the TOP event planning companies, A Perfect Event. We all know she has the ultimate knack for beautifying and planning events but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her floral arranging (and choosing) talents. Check out her new, gorgeous "Hope in Bloom" bouquet. With each purchase, meals will be donated to first responders in senior centers and hospitals from local restaurants coast to coast, as well as a donation to American Heart Association's rapid research antiviral accelerator to fight Covid-19! With 50 stems of farm fresh peach, orange and white blooms, this bursting bouquet features roses, spray roses, dianthus, snapdragons, dusty miller, hypericum berries and lush greens! Flowers and philanthropy, a winning match! Thanks so much Debi! (Item #VF1B8), $80, order here!
Happy 15th birthday to the love/light of our lives, Rooney
Rooney Rules Springfield!
Rules! He may be a little hard of hearing and a little wobbly on his feet, but his heart is still as big as all outdoors. Thank you PAWS Chicago for letting us adopt/snatch this little bundle of love from that fateful PAWS Development Board meeting….I knew once he got around to me that I would never let him go. Check out all the PAWS' dogs and cats available for adoption here!
Simply the best makeup place around, Che Sguardo (208 W.
Che Sguardo,208 W. Huron.
Huron). I've been a fan of this spot, that also offers skincare, lessons and more, for over 30 years and have been friends with the owner, Kathy Schmalen-Abbene, a former top model, for a long time too. She scours the globe for the latest and greatest in makeup and skincare and, believe me, you will find things here you've never seen before. Love her, love her store! Check her out!
Join Lookingglass Theatre Company for its Aug. 20 Chicago Stories initiative that will revisit a largely unknown piece of history that unfolded on July 24, 1915, in the heart of the City, the Eastland Disaster. On the evening of Thursday, August 20 at 7pm CT, you’re invited to a free online public watch party/fundraiser of the Company's acclaimed production of EASTLAND: AN ORIGINAL MUSICAL in support of the Theatre. After the show, join creative team members Andrew White and Andre Pluess for a post-show conversation. The event will be streamed on Lookingglass Theatre’s YouTube and Facebook pages. More information here!
Celebrate Porchlight Music Theatre's 25th Anniversary at PorchlightPalooza — Featuring Broadway legend and ICON Award recipient Joel Grey! An entertainment-packed, FREE three-episode online streaming event featuring all new performances and surprise appearances by your favorite musical theatre artists (including Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, Raul Esparza, Josh Gad, Mandy Patinkin, Tonya Pinkins and Chita Rivera) dreamy raffle prizes and more! August 21–23, nightly at 7pm CDT. The three day virtual festival will culminate with an interview between legendary broadcaster Bill Kurtis and honoree Joel Grey!
Wow, a little bit of Europe in Chicago for Maple & Ash, 16 W. Maple! Their beautiful new patio recently opened AND with a new menu item, SUSHI! Kudos Mary and Jim Lasky and team! For res, call (312) 944-8888.
Thanks to NBC Chicago co-hosts Matt Rodriguez and Cortney
Sweet treat at Eli's Ark Chicago, 1843 W. North Ave.
Hall for introducing us to just the cutest ice cream place, Eli's Ark Chicago, at 1843 W. North Ave.! The talented and creative staff serve up the most adorable sweets for the young and young-at-heart! Well worth a visit!
Beyonce wearing AZEEZA!
Congrats to Azeeza Khan, one of Chicago's much loved designers who is truly making her mark in the design world. Her fashions can be found at the best high end stores AND she has now dressed Barbra Streisand AND Beyonce! Her colorful gowns can be seen in Bee's latest visual album, "Black Is King." Kudos Azeeza!
I'm very sad to be missing all of our deserving nonprofits' in-person fundraisers. At this point, I don't have a feel when they might return but I will continue to cover as many of their virtual events as I can HERE so please stay tuned. AND please send me any event info that you might be aware of too. For now, this is what I have on my calendar. 1) Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum "Dressing Barbie" on Saturday, August 15, 11 am; 2) Service Club of Chicago's "White House Floral Affair" (hat luncheon), Thursday, Sept, 3 11 am-1 pm; 3) Chicago Lighthouse's "Seeing What's Possible" gala, Sat., Sept. 12, 7-8 pm; 4) Boys & Girls Clubs LAWN BALL, Friday, Sept. 25, 8 pm; 5) JourneyCareAll Stars of Project Runway, Saturday, Sept. 26; 6) St. JudeFour Stars Restaurant Extravaganza, Tuesday, Sept. 29; 7) 1st Gen Scholarship Gala (benefiting Chicago State University), Friday, October 2, 7 pm; 8) WINGS Purple Tie Ball, Saturday, Oct. 3, 9) A Silver Lining Foundation Gala, Saturday, Oct. 3; 10) Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Fall Benefit, Thursday, October 22; 11) Big Shoulders Fund, "Reach for the Stars," Friday, October 23; 12) (STILL PLANNED LIVE) Victory Gardens' Theatre'sChicago Stories Gala (Four Seasons, Sat., Oct. 24); 13) (STILL PLANNED LIVE) Boys & Girls Clubs'Women's Board Ball, Sat., Nov. 7, Four Seasons Chicago.
Please mark your calendar's for this year's Illinois Holocaust Museum'sSOIRÉE, presented by its Women's Leadership Committee, on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm
With The Voice's Katie Kadan, who will bring the house down with her SOIREE performance! Don't miss it!
CST. I'm excited and honored to be hosting this virtual event that will include performances by The Voice finalist Katie Kadan, AMAZING surprise celebrity shout-outs, survivor stories and so much more. In preparation for this night, I took a tour of the Museum last week and was so moved by what I saw in that 65,000-square-foot space at 9603 Woods Drive in Skokie. The 3D interactive hologram of Survivors'
Great rehearsals for event at FROST Chicago.
stories was profoundly moving and created by the Museum, which is the first in the world to employ this technology in a permanent exhibition space. To create this interactive experience, 13 Survivors from around the world agreed to go through a rigorous interviewing process. Each of the participating Survivors spent several days in a Los Angeles studio, answering over 2,000 questions about their Holocaust experiences before the unblinking gaze of 50-plus cameras. The experience is interactive and you can ask all the Survivors questions about their lives. Take a look at FritzieFritzshall's story below and I hope you get a chance to visit the Museum soon AND join me for the virtual event on Sept. 2 (Event details here!)
Kevin O’Hara, Daniel Shakeshaft, Rorak Siko and Jeffrey Oostema played in the Big Shoulders Fund Golf Classic.
Big congrats to the Big Shoulders Fund, an independent charitable organization that supports inner-city schools across the Chicagoland area, on its latest major fundraising effort, the 20th annual Golf Classic! This event, held at the Olympia Fields Country Club on August 3, raised nearly $600,000 and brought together more than 115 civic and corporate leaders. The funds raised supported the Friends of Big Shoulders
Giancarlo Turano II – Golf Classic co-chair.
Scholarship Fund, which provides critical tuition assistance to a portion of the nearly 20,000 students and families seeking access to a quality, values-based education at one of the 72 Big Shoulders Fund schools in Chicago. “The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly impacted many of our students and families and the communities in which they live,” said Josh Hale, President/CEO of Big Shoulders Fund. “We’re overjoyed at the continued support we receive from a committed philanthropic community that believes in the mission of Big Shoulders Fund and sees bright futures for the students we serve. Now, more than ever, our students need our support to ensure they continue to have access to a high-quality academic experience and a supportive school community.”
Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru coming to DuPage County Fairgrounds.
DINOS IN DUPAGE! The Dinosaur Adventure Drive-Thru is coming to the DuPage County Fair Grounds, Aug 21 to Aug 30. Featuring over 80 life-size Dinosaurs, a 40-foot T-Rex, massive Triceratops, 30-foot tall Brontosaurus and many more. Enjoy all the prehistoric fun from the comfort and safety of your vehicle! I have our tix for Friday but they're going fast! Get yours here!
In lieu of a fall Luncheon, The Joffrey Ballet is thrilled to present a new virtual fundraising event, "Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker." In November 2020, we’ll get a glimpse at The Nutcracker like never before with behind the scenes footage, interviews with Company Artists and members of the Artistic team, and delightful surprises to celebrate this beloved tradition. Guests can add to the magic in their own home by purchasing party packages with food, beverage, and merchandise. The program will be appealing to all ages, so that guests from age 2 to 92 can share an afternoon together to get into the holiday spirit! The event will be co-chaired by WB members Melinda Jakovich-Lagrange, Jessica Jecmen and Marcie Wright. The potential event date will be either November 7 or 8, and I'll share an update just as soon as this information is confirmed. (Check here for more info!)
With the world spinning at such a pace and Chicago being turned upside down, I always think of this quote by the English theologian and historian Thomas Fuller. "It is always darkest just before the dawn." I pray this is true because we are going through some of the darkest days I've ever experienced here in our beautiful city. Looters seem to be on every corner and the disrespect towards our police is at an all-time high. I am not a political person but I do have common sense and I think I know what's right and what's morally wrong. There is no excuse for all this crime. NONE. PERIOD. I hope these hard times will serve a positive purpose as a wake up call to our communities, government officials and citizens. Protesting for what you believe in is one thing but trashing a city is an entirely different matter and should NOT be allowed in any way, shape or form.
And while Rome is burning and Nero is fiddling, there IS some
Proud parents-Giancarlo Fonda and Samantha Amato.
good news! Love and huge congrats to friend Rhonda Sanderson, a first time glam-ma now that her daughter Samantha Amato and Giancarlo Fonda have welcomed a new baby boy into the world, Luca Herbert Fonda. He has arrived just when he's needed the most, brightening the lives of all who love him! Love and congrats to ALL!
Plus: Memories of Jerry Taft, Regis Philbin and Rep. John Lewis; Princess Beatrice's intimate Royal wedding; Planning Service Club of Chicago's first virtual "Day on the Terrace"; Caylei's Cancer Wellness Mag; Deerpath Inn is WINNING; Larry Wert shares ALL in Chicago mag; Statues, here today, gone tomorrow; The BEST Covid response; Common Threads is on the Chopping Block; 1st Gen Scholarship Gala with John Robak; Artadia photography award finalists are BIG DEALS; April and Miguel's happy news; See Chicago Dance has reason to celebrate; Richard Driehaus' Summer Party; Drive 'N Drag with RuPaul; Dance for Life 2020; LSCRF's Fall Benefit; This & That; Inspiring videos and SO much MORE!
PAWS Chicago presented its first virtual fundraiser on Thursday, July 23. The 18th annual Beach Party had viewers/supporters tuning in from across the country to help save the lives of homeless pets. I loved the fact that PAWS' amazing team put this event together with such finesse and enthusiasm and so quickly too! The bulk of the socially distanced event was filmed at Gravity Well Studio, 1701 W. Hubbard. This full-service, state-of-the-art studio DONATED all of their
Fox 32's Jake Hamilton
services to support PAWS! I was thrilled to be invited to appear as a co-host for the opening segment, a Red Carpet event, with Phillip Emigh (co-owner Tails in the City). The adorable catwalk/dogwalk included
Fox 32's Brittney Payton (photo by Mark Olley).
appearances from Indra, who Phillip held in his arms during the filming. She is a 5 year-old Shih Tzu who was picked up by an Animal Control Officer after her owner passed away. She was severely matted and required a full shave down. My little Rooney was also featured but, at age 14, he prefers the comfort of his own home to a studio. He is a PAWS rescue too. Other rescues featured in the opening segment included Wolfgang (owned by David and Vasoula Rekhson; Shayna Madela, owned by board member
Tails in the City's Phillip Emigh. (Photo by Mark Olley)
Elly Greenphan; cats Danny and Toby owned by Level 3
The HOFF, David Hasselhoff.
PAWS volunteer extraordinaire Joan Marie Dauber; Jodee and Chewie, pups owned by Darae McNair; Lucy, a pup owned by Nancy Sterling who found her at Beach Party 2007; and Gus Homan, the darling rescue owned by Chicago magazine's Susanna Homan, the mag was the print media sponsor for the event. A special tribute was given to Abigail, an adorable Chihuahua owned by Michele Mistovich, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge earlier this month. Fox 32's Jake Hamilton and Brittney Payton emceed the event. Jake was in the studio brimming with
Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel and their son.
energy and Brittney had pre-recorded her segment. Jake thanked sponsor Merrick Pet Care, which has been PAWS Chicago's exclusive feeding partner since 2013, providing nutritious pet food to every homeless animal from the moment they arrive at PAWS to their adoptive home. Merrick donated an additional $10,000 since PAWs reached/surpassed its fundraising goal. Brittney's segment featured an adoptable cat parade with Fred ("Fred and Angi" on 103.5 KISS FM) and Lisa Dent, an award-winning
PAWS Chicago founder Paula Fasseas in mid-sentence. (Sorry Paula!)
country music on-air personality, providing commentary. Next up, was Barrio's general manager/mixologist Pepe Fernandez, who demonstrated how to create a tasty PAW-garita. An adoptable dog parade followed presented by Brittney.
Country star Brett Eldridge.
There were so many moving parts which is exactly what you need for a successful virtual fundraiser. Celebrity guests included surprise appearances by THE HOFF, David Hasselhoff; Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel and their son (along with their rescue cats) and Real Housewives' Tinsley Mortimer.WGN-TV's Pat Tomasulo introduced an adorable beach bod competition (each winner received a Merrick Pet Care pack and more) that was won by Chompers (a tiny, adorable Yorkie); surf dog Charlie and Tilly Cat. During the live taping, PAWS founder Paula Fasseas shared some exciting info. She said, "During this
Leigh Primack, Wendy Elstien, Phillip Emigh and Angie DeMars at a viewing party.
Chompers, a teacup yorkie, won the Beach Bod bikini competition.
Covid-19 crisis, PAWS Chicago never closed its doors to pets in need. In fact, we expanded our services to support the community. We launched a virtual adoption process, offered virtual dog training classes, adapted community outreach programs by establishing a mobile Pet Food Pantry, and provided Telehealth appointments for pet owners in Englewood, West Englewood and Back of the Yards (who would otherwise have no access to veterinary services); created a Crisis Care Foster Initiative; and continued to operate the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic. Country music star Brett Eldridge performed his beautiful hit song "Gabrielle (from the Heartland") to close the show. The event raised $73,225 for PAWS Chicago (with NO overhead!). If you're interested in more info or to donate, please click here! And watch PAWS' Virtual Beach Party below:
______________________________________________________________________ I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Taft, the much loved and long time ABC-7 weatherman who retired in 2018. Besides being a great reporter, his sense of humor is what I'll remember most. He used to host the most wonderful Christmas parties at his home, DJing from a perch in his living room. He was loved by one and all and so well respected by his many peers. Take a look at the wonderful video tribute below to see him in action. RIP dear Jerry.
Regis Philbin with his longtime friend and former producer, Rob Morhaim, at a Notre Dame game.
Another much loved legend in the world of television, Regis Philbin, passed away at the age of 88. He held the Guinness Book of World Records for having the "Most Hours on Camera"! He set the record on his August 20, 2004 Live show (replacing Hugh Downs), which gave him a total of 15,188 hours on television (at that time). I was honored to be invited to be in WCIU's "You & Me"
Reeg, with "You & Me" co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow during their "Regis Special."
audience in September of 2015 for a "Regis Special" produced by his longtime friend and his former ABC Live executive producer, Rob Morhaim, who was senior executive producer at Weigel Broadcasting at the time. It was a complete love fest with every single person on set acting like giggling kids over Reeg's larger-than-life presence. He couldn't have been kinder or more in-the-moment. That's one of the things, I think, that made him so special.
Regis poses with the entire WCIU "You & Me" crew during his special taping.
He was ALWAYS in the moment and bubbling over with enthusiasm and he was never acting. He obviously loved what he did and lived for it. Rob and Regis were great, long-time friends who met in 2003 when Rob became the ED of his show. They immediately hit it off and their working relationship quickly grew into a deeply personal one. Rob said one of his favorite moments with Regis was this particular special WCIU show with co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman. Rob said, "When he agreed to come, I said to him, now pick a weekend when Notre Dame is playing football at home and we’ll spend the
Pals Regis Philbin and our own Rob Morhaim.
weekend there. He jumped at the idea and I set it all up. You have no idea what it’s like to accompany Regis during a football weekend at Notre Dame. We were treated like royalty, met with the team in the locker room, watched from the field and had lunch with the President of the University. We even went to his old dorm room and knocked on the door. The kid who was living there at the time almost passed out because he was told it was
RIP dear Regis…you brought so much joy to so many.
Regis’s room and Lo and behold there he was. I always knew I was with a TV legend but I will always remember him as my great friend." Beautiful memories Rob, thanks for sharing this and for bringing him to CHICAGO!!! What Rob didn't mention, that I remember well, is that a tricked up car was hired to drive Reeg around town…when he got in it the car bounced up and down like a rap star's! Lol!
RIP Rep. John Lewis, may you continue to make "good trouble."
It was so moving watching the "Lion" John Lewis crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the last time. Lewis, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia and a civil rights champion, will be the first African American to lie in state at the US Capitol rotunda. In
Rep. Lewis' final trip over the Edmund Pettus Bridge which may be renamed in his honor.
1965, at the height of the civil rights movement, activists organized a march for voting rights from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. Lewis suffered a skull fracture following a beating by police. He said, "I regret that I have but one cracked skull to give for my people." He was arrested over 40 times and felt good about getting into "good trouble" as he called it. The caisson holding Lewis' body crossed the bridge atop rose petals and amid gospel singing surrounded by his family. Rest in power Mr. Lewis.
Newlyweds Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi.
I will admit it, I'm a sucker for Royal Weddings and I just loved the beauty and simplicity of Princess Beatrice's, 31, who tied the knot with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Windsor on Friday, July 17. The low-key royal wedding was kept secret from the public until afterwards. According to Express, the nuptials were attended by just 20 guests including Queen Elizabeth
Socially distancing with the Queen and Prince Phillip.
II, 94, and Prince Philip, 99. (Her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, were not in attendance). Typically, the Queen has bestowed new royal titles on newlyweds like her grandsons and their wives, but there was no need in the case of our Bea. Through her royal husband, she will be known as "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo
Queen Mary in her Fringe Tiara that Princess Beatrice wore in her wedding.
Mapelli Mozzi." Bea also inherited other titles from her husband's side of the family, becoming an Italian 'Contessa' or 'Nobile Donna' (noblewoman). Edoardo's father Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, 68, descends from Italian aristocracy. He told Mail Online prior to the wedding: "Edoardo is the only male descendent taking the family into the next generation. “He is a count – his wife will be a countess automatically and any of their children
Cover stars, of course!
will be counts or nobile donna." The Queen did give Beatrice a very special wedding honor in that she loaned her one of her own gorgeous Norman Hartnell gowns to get married in. The gown was previously worn by the Queen in the 1960s. Bea also wore her great grandmother's vintage tiara, the Queen Mary Diamond Fringe, that was also worn by Queen Elizabeth at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.
Close-up of the spectacular Queen Mary Fringe Tiara, which can also be worn as a necklace.
Beatrice and Edoardo were due to marry at St James’s Chapel on May 29 but their original wedding plans had to be changed due to Covid. While Bea’s secret big day may have stunned royal fans she was always expected to have a low-key royal wedding. Speaking about the special day, a friend of the couple told the Sun: "A
Edoardo and Beatrice, happy at last!
massive wedding was out of the question because of coronavirus. "They were obviously very keen for the Queen to come so the wedding had to happen before she goes up to Balmoral, so this was a great opportunity. "So many guests were
Princess Beatrice, beautiful in her grandmother's dress and her great grandmother's tiara. Love her respect for tradition.
disappointed not to make the big day but understood the reason for it. "They needed to make the wedding COVID-secure and safe for the Queen so what better way than the All Saints Chapel with a reception on-site at the Royal Lodge." The ceremony took place at 11 AM, and was followed by a low-key reception. According to The Sun, the celebration was held outside the property, complying with social distancing rules, and it featured a marquee named 'The Duke of York' which was filled with sofas, a jukebox, draft beer and a dartboard. They also offered guests specialty cocktails and custom catering. The bride and groom had clearly thought of everything and even hired a bouncy castle which was no doubt enjoyed by Edoardo's four-year-old son Wolfie.
Covid gets personal. Friends, if you suspect you might have Covid, THIS is THE textbook study in how you should respond responsibly and transparently. A close friend of mine contracted the virus and this is the message they shared with friends. "Friends, I'm announcing this as a PSA to all. After exhibiting COVID symptoms on Sat, and getting tested Sun am, I got the official result today I'm positive. I'm quarantined for 2 weeks. This after masking, scrubbing, washing freaking groceries, etc, the damn thing still managed to find me. Was I perfect in my precautions? No, not 100% , particularly in these warmer months-and neither have you been. But I've been pretty darn close. Not unlike STDs (where you are with not just with the other person, but also everyone they've been with) with Covid dangers you are socializing, not only with a fixed number of people at your table, but also with all of the fixed number of people they've socialized with over the past week. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I announce this only as a reminder to ALL that we are FAR from out of the woods on this thing. It's not political . And for those who think you're safer because you cross the border to Indiana, you're fooling yourself. God willing , I will be fine. Today was the first day of no symptoms, yet of course I will remain quarantined. Finally and most importantly, please continue to take the full precautions, if not for yourself, but then for the elderly and the immune-compromised around you. And should you exhibit any Covid symptoms, or have been around others who have, you have a moral obligation to act as quickly as possible and notify all appropriate people. Anything short is reckless and selfish."
Kathy Piccone wearing Elda de la Rosa (Photo by John Reilly)
The Service Club of Chicago is busy as a bee planning its upcoming Monday, August 3, "Day on the Terrace" virtual fundraiser! A socially distanced taping was held at the Geraghty on July 20 where Tom Kehoe and his
Show producer and event co-chair Tracey DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) safely supervising the taping.
team had created a colorful dream set. Co-chairs Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou, Jamie Thorsen and show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions) had to limit their models this year to around 28 but that didn't stop the fabulous fashions from flowing down the runway from the city's top retailers and designers, including Elda de la Rosa, Sylwia Designs,
Co-chairs Tracey Tarantino, Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen. (Photo by John Reilly)
Maximilian Furs at Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus (Michigan Avenue), Mira Couture, Max Mara and so many more! And I just received the Day on the Terrace's "Look Book," expertly planned by Myra Reilly (with backup support from Kevin Sullivan) and produced by Scott Bobek. IT IS GORGEOUS! If you sign up for the event, you will receive one as part of the package. It's well worth the ticket price, believe me! I loved this message from the co-chairs too, "Fashion may change with each new season, but generosity, kindness and assistance to those in need, never go out of style." There are loving tribute pages dedicated to those we've lost–John Bodine, Dorothy Whealan and Hazel Barr. Sign up here now to register and to receive your own Look Book! (Cover art by Elda de la Rosa)
If you're not following Deer Path Inn (@deerpathinn) on Instagram, you are missing one of the best accounts out there! The creativity is off the charts and shows a
Deer Path Inn GM Matt Barba in one of the hotel's adorable Instagram posts.
very talented, humble staff working in an exquisite environment (described this way on its Insta account, "From roaring fireplaces to hallways lined with wellies, the mannerly traditions of English innkeeping come brilliantly to life at Deer Path Inn.") They have lots of
Deer Path Inn ranking #1 two years running for Best Resort Hotel in the Midwest by Travel & Leisure.
reasons to celebrate too. They were named #1 on Travel & Leisure's list of best resort hotels in the Midwest; the #2 resort in the U.S. and ranked #18 on the list of top hotels in the WORLD! Matt Barba, the hotel's genius GM, said, "In a year that has been incredibly tough
Deer Path Inn dessert.
on the tourism industry, our team has continued to go above and beyond, dedicating themselves to providing our guests with a comfortable and safe place to come, no matter the occasion. The win is for them." They were also featured in Forbes, "This Midwest Hotel's Hilarious Instagram Feed Is What We All Need Right Now." The Peninsula Chicago was ranked #1 among the top hotels in Chicago. Congrats to both of these local treasures!
In partnership with Chicago State University, the Chicago State Foundation will host a live broadcast of the inaugural 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Transformation presented by Greeley and Hansen on the evening of Friday, October 2, at 7 pm. Laser-focused on education and socio-economic equity, Chicago State University has created an intentional campus community that
Gala chair, John C. Robak, CEO Greeley & Hansen.
delivers a carefully curated suite of wraparound supports designed to propel the success of first-generation and non-traditional students from diverse populations. In addition to celebrating the young student scholars who will be the beneficiaries of 1stGEN Scholarships, special highlights of the gala will include the presentation of the first-ever Cougar Servant Leadership Awards to former Illinois Senate President, and long-time CSU champion, Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago Public Schools CEO and CSU Alumna, Dr. Janice Jackson, and longtime education and Arts advocate, and Bronzeville Children's Museum founder, Peggy Montes. Gala chair will be the ever popular John C. Robak, CEO Greeley and Hansen. (To register and for more details, click here!) Honorary chairs will be Andrea and Bill Zopp and Angelique David and Jerry Richmond.
A friend of mine suggested I get the Citizens app on my iphone so I would be aware of what's happening near me. Well, I almost wish I hadn't…there's been break-ins, a report of clown-masked passengers in a car flashing a gun, a report of a nude man armed with gun at the Greyhound bus terminal and so on and so on. I worried all day
One of the two Columbus statues that were taken down.
yesterday after hearing about a toddler locked in a car on Oak Street. And don't even get me started about the protesters and eventual takedown of Chicago's two Christopher Columbus statues. Mayor Lightfoot said this was done in an effort to "protect public safety." Crews were seen taking down the statues in Grant Park and the city's Little Italy neighborhood and, by 6 AM, only the pedestal remained in Grant Park, where the statue stood since 1933 after being dedicated during Chicago's second World Fair. "The city of Chicago—at Mayor
Dominic DiFrisco (front R), friend to all people.
Lightfoot’s direction—has temporarily removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park until further notice," the Mayor's office said in a statement. "This action was taken after consultation with various stakeholders. It comes in response to
Pasquale Dominic Gianni at Italian Heritage Celebration in Arrigo Park.
demonstrations that became unsafe for both protesters and police, as well as efforts by individuals to independently pull the Grant Park statue down in an extremely dangerous manner." Personally, I don't agree with the removal of past history but would think/hope that everyone could reach a compromise. In one news report, a high ranking Black educator suggested keeping the statues and using them as "teachable moments" with plaques or stand-alone podiums with info covering the entire history of said statue, both good and bad. I also think we need to add MORE statues to
Blurry photo of Maurice Perkins, founder Inner City Youth & Adult Foundation, speaking at Italian Heritage Celebration.
represent today's heroes, especially in communities that are under-represented. I love history, and even though it's most certainly not all good, I think, as George Santayana so eloquently said, "To forget the past is to be condemned to repeat it. " I wonder what my friend, the late Dominic DiFrisco would think of the removal of the Columbus statues. He was the greatest champion, not only of Italian Americans, but of all peoples. His grandson, Pasquale Gianni (Nina Mariano's son), presided over an Italian Heritage Celebration on Sunday, July 26, in Arrigo Park. (See video here) He said, "Between the Italian American community and the African American community, there's more that unites us than divides us in the final analysis." He introduced Maurice Perkins, president of the Inner City Youth & Adult Foundation who said, "When this whole matter first began, I thought of my friend Mr. Dominic DiFrisco and that he must be spinning in his grave…I believe, at this point, that part of the Black Lives Matter movement has been co-opted by anarchists." He ended with, "We had 15 people shot at a funeral and we don't need anymore enemies."…. There must be a happy medium somewhere….right?
Larry Wert, recently profiled in Chicago magazine.
Congrats to Larry Wert, Chicago's gift to the radio and TV
Larry Wert illustration by Kathryn Rathke.
industry. Larry was recently profiled by Chicago magazine in its popular "Backroom" article by John Thomas (with illustration by Kathryn Rathke). In the in-depth Q&A, Larry talks about firing Howard Stern, running the Loop, battling anxiety and so much more. Read it here!
The Chopping Block is hosting a virtual cooking classin collaboration with Common Threads and Top Box Foods on Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 pm. Learn how to make Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Panzanella with The Chopping Block's owner Chef Shelley Young. Tickets are $30, and half of the proceeds will benefit Common Threads' work in cooking and nutrition education for children and families. Chicago residents can get all of their groceries for the class delivered from Top Box Foods for $45. Grocery boxes contain enough food for the virtual class, plus at least one or two more meals! Order by Monday, Aug. 3 for delivery on Saturday, Aug. 8. Just love you CT!
Joffrey dancers April Daley and Miguel Blanco expecting their first child in November.
Love and congrats to much loved Joffrey Ballet star, April Daley! She is expecting her first child, a boy, in November with husband Miguel Blanco, also a popular Joffrey dancer.
And on another dance-related note, See Chicago Dance has a new executive director, Julia Mayer. Julia joins SCD
Congrats to See Chicago Dance's new executive director Julia Mayer.
after previously serving as Manager of Development for 3Arts, a local nonprofit that advocates for Chicago's women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities who work in the performing, teaching and visual arts. Thanks for the heads-up Brian Smith, board president of See Chicago Dance, a nonprofit that shares in and spreads the power of dance in Chicago. (Visit website here for more info!)
Driehaus Summer Party 2019
Nothing, not even a limitless bank account, can protect you from being affected by Covid. Case in point, the yearly much-coveted invitation to hedge fund manager/philanthropist Richard Driehaus' annual party at his "estate on the lake" in Lake Geneva.
With the always adorable Smothers Brothers at the Driehaus Summer Party 2019.
There are parties and then there are DRIEHAUS parties of which there is a world of difference. As a matter of fact, Richard just may well be the Hugh Hefner of our age sans Bunnies! His party last year attracted 1,100 and was his largest one yet. It celebrated his 77th birthday with entertainer Diana Ross, no less! This year, it was a bit different. Only 18 people were invited although he still kept his spectacular fireworks display which I'm sure his fellow residents were grateful for. We hope to see you back in full force next year Richard! Thanks for all you do for so many!
Thank you Cancer Wellness magazine for including me in your cover story feature "The Loudest Voices" (in Chicago media). I shot with well known photographer
Caylei Vogalzang–founder Cancer Wellness magazine.
Katrina Wittkamp in my lobby and hope the pics are what they need. Very honored to be included with media stars Zoraida Sambolin, Roz Varon, LeeAnn Trotter, Tracy Butler and Whitney Reynolds. This quarterly lifestyle magazine serves those affected by cancer as well as offering up-to-the-minute nonprofit coverage, dining updates, fashion, health and wellness and so much more. Congrats and thanks to founder and editor-in-chief Caylei Vogelzang and her team for creating this much needed resource. (Check it out here!)
Artadia Award finalist Yvette Maria Dostatni beside her work "Medieval Times."
So thrilled to see my friend/photographer Yvette Dostatni, receiving the recognition she deserves for doing what she loves! She is one of only 5 finalists for the 2020 Artadia Awards, a national non-profit organization that awards artists with unrestricted grants followed by a lifetime of program opportunities. As arts communities continue to be deeply
Artadia Award finalist Yvette Mayorga.
impacted by COVID-19, with many artists losing exhibition opportunities, access to their studios and having their livelihoods jeopardized, Artadia's mission to support artists is more critical than ever before. (YEAH!) Besides Yvette, the finalists are Azadeh Gholizadeh, Caroline Kent, Yvette Mayorga and Eliza Myrie. Yvette said of the honor, "To be an artist is to be a voice. To be nominated and recognized by such a highly esteemed panel of judges as one of 5 critical and risk-taking contemporary artists–all women– during such a crucial turning point in history and viewed as a voice that needs to be witnessed is an award within itself." The panel of judges included Jennifer Carty, Associate Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, The
Artadia Award finalist Azadeh Gholizadeh.
Smart Museum at University of Chicago; Daonne Huff , Director, Public Programs & Community Engagement, The Studio Museum in Harlem and Laura Mott, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art and Design, Cranbrook Art Museum. Artadia is unique in that it allows any artist to apply, engages nationally recognized artists and curators to review work and culminates in direct grants. Since 1999, Artadia has awarded over $5 million to more than 340 artists in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. This is Artadia’s eleventh Award cycle in Chicago. The application was open to all visual artists living in Cook County, IL for over two years, working in any media, and at any stage of their career. The 2020 Chicago Artadia Awards are generously supported by the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, Liberty Mutual insurance, the Artadia Board of Directors, Artadia Council Members and individual donors across the country. Congrats to ALL!
Details are still being finalized, but look for Midway Broadcasting news/talk WVON 1690-AM to supplement its lineup with news reports from BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 national audio news service recently launched by iHeartMedia. “It’s a perfect complement to our Black talk format,” said
Melody-Spann Cooper with her late dad Pervis Spann, the "all-night blues man."
Melody Spann Cooper, chair and CEO of Midway Broadcasting. “WVON is hyper-local, but what impacts Black America impacts us here in Chicago, where we represent one-third of the city’s population. Enhanced news is needed and iHeart’s timing is perfect.” Since June 30, the network has also been carried in Chicago on the HD-2 subchannel of WVAZ 102.7-FM, the iHeartMedia RB station. Congrats WVON, Melody and team!
Voss Events’ Drive 'N Drag with RuPaul's Drag Race Stars is coming to Chicago August 7-9 at Soldier Field. The series will star RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorites Yvie Oddly, Naomi Smalls, Jaida Essence Hall, Aquaria, Gigi Goode and many more. Attendees will get the live theatrical experience from the safety of their cars (inside or on top) with concert-style stage and lighting, Jumbotron screens and sound pumped outside and through every car via FM transmitters. Multiple shows will run all weekend long from 12 pm to 11 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and early shows will include Voss Events’ famous Drag Brunch with a special brunch menu. Drive ’N Drag ticket are $60 per car for two people. 100 VIP spots, closest to the stage are available for $120 per spot. Additional passengers are $20 each.
Dance for Life will shift from a live event to a digital event from August 10-15. See works archived from Dance for Life performances during the past 29 years featuring Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago and many others. The digital event will culminate with a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to Covid-19 with dancers from throughout the Chicago area. For all the details, click here!
Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation will host a (FREE) virtual Fall Benefit on Thursday, October 22. The event will include inspiring survivor stories, updates on the latest LSCRF funded research and more. Help them fund life-changing breakthroughs in breast cancer research by reserving your virtual spot here!
And, if after all of this reading, you have tired or irritated eyes, check out the "blue light" protection glasses ($40, shop and ship, and up to 4+ strength) at MyEyeDr., my go-to spot for eyecare needs. I especially love my doctor, Dr. Scott Amoruso although they're all good (and so nice) there too. To make an appt. or place an order, click here!
That's all folks. Thanks for reading and, if not a subscriber, please sign up here. My list is never shared, only treasured. And, if you have any events you would like me to share, please send them my way! The more good news, the better! Stay safe, sane and sensible.
Plus: Tasting Stars with A Silver Lining; Misericordia's 60th Family Association Benefit raises BIG bucks; Dressing Barbie; Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens; Doorstep Divas bring the party to YOU!; A look back and forward at Service Club's Day on the Terrace fashion show; RefuSHE's Fashion Challenge 2020; Chicago House helps "Raise Your Voices"; Carpool Concerts' exciting outdoor schedule; IG LIVE with Tracey!; Virtual Chefs Night; American Heart Association's Heart Ball; Lana's Largesse; NOBU Hotel Chicago opens in West Loop; The very latest in Mask-Wear by Elda; Dance for Life 2020; Life, Laughter, Happiness with Playmate Barbara Moore; THIS & THAT; Fun videos and so much MORE!
"These are the times that try men's souls." Amen to that Thomas Paine. This crisis and moment in time will be life-changing for many. In a recent (Monmouth University) poll, 61% of people say they will be making permanent changes moving forward. I don't know what
Designer Virgil Abloh.
this new normal will look like and it's unnerving for a control freak like me. I don't know how comfortable people will be in larger crowds so where will that leave nonprofits and their critical fundraisers? Virgil Abloh, Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton men's artistic director, spoke about the pandemic and our changing world from a fashion point of view. "I'm inspired that fashion can mean something different out of the end of this. It doesn't feel like it did a year ago. Today it seems useless, in a way: a
Michelle Alegria (Fox 32) relaxes with yoga.
new handbag, a pair of shoes. Getting groceries seems more important than buying a new garment that I already have 30 of in a closet," he said. I tend to
Dairyland in Dupo, Illinois.
agree. Buying more stuff won't be the answer for me either. Lots of my friends are focusing more on wellness with meditation (hello Michelle Alegria!) and yoga. The quarantine cooking group seems to be going strong with some fabulous dishes and recipes being shared there (Paul Iacono, Greg Hyder, Beth Heller, Mark Olley and Thomas O'Gorman being standouts). With the future of the newspaper industry in question, I'm focusing more on survival. Who knows what's going to happen
Small towns look pretty appealing now. (Waterloo, Illinois)
A train runs through it. (Dupo, Illinois)
there? I'm so blessed to have this blog where I can still shine a spotlight on all the good things happening around town. Other friends are planning their exit strategies although I'm not sure where someone can hide from all of this. I think hunkering down with the survival mentality of a pioneer might be the way to go. I'm over hoarding food and supplies but sort of wish I had an underground bunker ready and waiting. I find myself needing to connect more with my good friends. Part of this is missing my normal socializing but another part is
Flat Creek Baptist Church in E. Carondelet, Illinois.
just needing to be around the ones I love. All of this uncertainty and chaos makes me yearn for the normalcy of the old days back in my small
How 'bout cocktails and a pizza with this view? (Sunset Overlook in Columbia, Illinois)
hometown of Dupo, Illinois. At the time, I felt so stifled and bored–I couldn't wait to get out and explore the world. Now, I wish I could go back home and relive it all again–helping Mary and Jim Johnson in their huge garden (that they shared with their small community); ordering snow cones from Dairyland and dancing to the songs on the jukebox; dancing
Ordering a milk shake and "death burger" at Dairyland during a No Class Reunion.
at Teen Town with my high school girlfriends in skintight jeans; enjoying the seedy drive-in in Cahokia; getting excited about shopping with my Mom at J.C. Penney's in South County; the smell of Toni York's mom's beauty shop where my Mom and all her friends went; weekends at my Dad's house in E. St. Louis where my stepmother Blanche tried to teach me to cook; buying peaches, tomatoes and corn at Eckert's farm stand in Columbia; going to church at Flat Creek Baptist Church and experiencing such joy; buying snuff for Mama Mary Johnson at the little confectionery on the corner in East Carondelet; driving to the levy to see how high the flood waters were from the Mississippi River; the fabulous donuts at the Phillip's 66 station in
Mary Johnson (and Spotty) in her and her husband Jim's beautiful garden in E. Carondelet.
town; dinner at Greenfield's in Columbia with the family; high school picnics with Mary's fried chicken in the Chain O' Lakes park; Dad and Jim both trying to teach me how to live in the world; Mom trying to get me to not worry so much…..All of these memories that are the foundation of our lives are what's important to me now. That's what I'm going to try to focus on….Hope you have something similar to help you put everything in perspective.
Sister Rosemary Connelly, the heart of the "Heart of Mercy".
Congrats to Misericordia Heart of Mercy on its first virtual fundraiser held on Saturday, June 20 that raised a whopping $1,405,000! This year marked the 60th Misericordia Family Association Benefit which still turned out to be very clever, heartwarming and fulfilling in terms of dollars raised, albeit virtually. The event had been planned and coordinated by Jim Capraro with support from the benefit committee and staff in less than 90 days! The 90 minute event, with lots of cool moving parts, opened with longtime supporter Lou Manfredini (WGN-TV home repair expert) welcoming guests. The "virtual cocktail session" from 6-7 pm, featured pianists Charlie Carpenter and Holly Jennings (co-chair) and
Misericordia's Lois Gates with auctioneer Greg "G-Man" Dellinger.
guitarist Jim Splithoff, who performed as silent auction items scrolled across the screen. The program portion of the event opened cleverly with the Star Wars theme followed by a video flyover of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in a salute to Misericordia's essential workers. Father Jack Clair offered a blessing before
Co-chair Holly Jennings with her son, a resident at Misericordia.
a musical salute to Sister Rosemary Connelly (Misericordia's fabulous and much loved executive director for over 50 years) was performed in the Highland Cathedral with the Shannon Rovers and organist Charlie Carpenter. (All appropriately socially distanced). Supporters appearing
Caroline Kennedy congratulated the nonprofit via video.
in the video included Caroline Kennedy, Mike Ditka, JoeMaddon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, co-chairs Holly Jennings and Beth Merlo (with their families), Laurie and Bill McCarthy (MFA chairs), New York Giants Saquon Barkley and Grant Haley and more. Lois Gates (assistant executive director in charge of development) and Mary Pat O'Brien (director and CFO) joined auctioneer Greg
NY Giants' Saquon Barkley and Grant Haley.
"G-Man" Dellinger during the fundraising portion of the event. Sister Rosemary said, "Tonight is a celebration of our loving devotion to all our children and adults who call Misericordia home. We have the best family organization in the country. The reason Misericordia is the beautiful home it is today is because we are a community of dreamers. We believe that, not only do our residents have a right to life, but to one worth living. And, although our residents can't create a good life for themselves, once it is theirs, they
Residents from Misericordia's Walsh Slattery Home help with a raffle.
become the gift-givers. Our residents are being cared for tenderly and lovingly and every day our staff creatively challenges them to remain engaged in personal growth, each to the best of their abilities." To date, Misericordia cares for over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a staff of 1,000+ across a 31-acre campus, with a new drive-by Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery being planned now.
A Silver Lining founder Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Greg Hines.
I'm a big fan of Dr. Sandy Goldberg and her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation that provides breast health support for those in need. So, when I heard that the 18th annual Tasting Stars event, which supports ASLF, was going to be virtual, I was at my computer and ready on Saturday, June 13 at 7pm. Paul Lisnek (of WGN-TV) emceed this virtual champagne event that would normally have been held at the DIRTT Environmental Solutions space (325 N. Wells) with magnificent views of the Loop and river. I'm always curious to see how the various nonprofits are able to pivot to virtual for the first time and this one, despite a few technical difficulties, went off without a hitch and was very informative and entertaining. Viewers tuned into YouTube Live for the hour long event
Virtual event host Paul Lisnek.
that opened with jazz pianist Anthony Pocetti (who performed beautiful standards intermittently throughout the presentation). Viewers were able to purchase "French Food Boxes" from the Entertaining Company (a longtime supporter) before the event in keeping
Adiat Baker and Iya Bakare, longtime supporters.
with the event's French theme. Lisnek introduced a video explaining ASLF's impact, how it came to be and the important work it's doing in the community. The video opened with one of the most dynamic singers I know, Opal Staples (of the famed Staples gospel family). Her singing always brings me to tears and this time was no exception. Her rendition of "Rise Up" is mind blowing (see video here). WGN-TV's
Sir Charles Stanfield.
Micah Materre was also a contributor and spoke about the people the organization serves. Dr. Sandy spoke passionately about her nonprofit that was born in 2002 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recalled having access to "everything that she needed during that journey." And when she realized others weren't as fortunate, she and her husband, Greg Hines, co-founded the org at their kitchen table with one donation. The programs have grown over the last 17 years to include five programs 1) The Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (which
Save the Date! A Sterling Event on Oct. 3
provides research and outreach), 2) Buy A Mom A Mammogram (ASLF now funds all breast health testing, screenings through biopsies for under-insured, un-insured and undocumented women and men). 3) The Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center (renamed at UI Health in honor of Sandy's late mother) 4) Keep aBreast (a program designed specifically for young people) and 5) Survive to Thrive (a support program for those already diagnosed). Dr. Sandy said, "The women and men we deal with at A Silver Lining Foundation feel like they don't matter. They feel like nobody cares and that they're alone in the world. This is NOT the premise on which this foundation is based. We turn NO ONE away! We need you to RISE UP and help us make sure no one goes unrecognized. We feel everyone deserves a chance to survive." Tasting Stars co-founder (with wife Ann) Brent Carstensen spoke about the nonprofit's champagne partnership with master sommelier, Sir Charles Stanfield. Traditionally, at past events, Sir Charles would "saber" a cork off a bottle of champagne to start the event so, this year, a video was shown of him doing it virtually so the tradition could remain intact. Tasting Stars has raised and distributed
Dr. Sandy Goldberg.
over $600,000 to the cause since its founding 18 years ago. The event closed with Dr. Sandy awarding the annual Evelyn Goldberg Memorial Award to the "Tasting Stars
Ben Carstensen, co-founder Tasting Stars.
Family." In 2019, ASLF stats showed: 15 partner hospitals; 1,487 women served; 227 zip codes served; 1,965 tests funded with 18 diagnoses discovered. ASLF's signature fundraiser, A Sterling Event, will be held on Saturday, October 3. The virtual event closed with a champagne toast and the announcement that the event has raised over $60,000! (And, as Dr. Sandy added, "with no charging for tickets and no silent and live auctions!")
RefuSHE Fashion Challenge winning designer Concetta Cipriano (lower left) with her design worn by model Eleanor Simon.
RefuSHE hosted its first virtual Fashion Challenge on June 19, in celebration of World Refugee Day, with seven talented, emerging designers: Amy Fenderson, Concetta Cipriano, Fraley Le, Lagi Nadeau, Kate VanAsten, Taylor Graves and Xochil Herrera Scheer. The concept this year consisted of a virtual fashion show inspired by Project Runway with designers showing their looks using fabrics and materials sourced from RefuSHE's Artisan Collective, a program that fosters leadership and business skills through the production of hand-dyed fabrics and scarves that are created by girls and women in the organization. The nonprofit was co-founded by Anne Sweeney and Talyn Good in East Africa to protect and support separated and orphaned girls and young women who often fell through the gaps of protection,
Colorful and stunning design by Fraley Le.
becoming invisible and vulnerable. They are the first and only organization dedicated to refugee girls in Kenya. The virtual event included remarks from Tamasha Rimba, Associate Director of Case management and Safe House in Kenya. She spoke about the wide range of services the org provides to every girl who comes into the organization with the priority being the provision of basic needs–access to food, clothing, water, shelter and medication. She said, "Most of our girls are survivors of war and sexual-based gender based violence and also young mothers." Tamasha shared the story of a young 15-year-old
Chantale Zuzi shared her moving story of survival.
girl who had been raped and was "heavily pregnant and
Design by Amy Fenderson.
malnourished." She flourished under RefuSHE nurturing and programming. Geoffrey Thige, executive director, took viewers on a virtual journey to Kenya where they saw the campus through the eyes of the women there. He said, "There are more than 18 million displaced people in Sub Saharan West Africa and over half are under the age of 18." Before the runway show, final (powerful)
Design by Xochil Herrera Scheer.
comments were delivered by RefuSHE alumna Chantale Zuzi who told a harrowing story of how she survived as an albino woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her mother was encouraged to abort her but she refused. Chantale said albino children were used for sacrificial purposes there and not figured viable in this society. She's now living and thriving in the U.S. while getting an education that she hopes to use to help her people. Judges for the runway show included Cheryle Jackson (CEO of Grit + Grace), Kahindo Mateene (founder/designer of KAHINDO), Monica Singh
Beautiful headpiece by Fraley Le.
(designer and UN Women Youth Ambassador) and Travis Paul Martin (executive director of PR at Skoog). The Fashion Challenge event celebrated the power of philanthropy and fashion's ability to tell a story through art and the stories were colorful, joyful, hopeful and amazing. Each designer was paired with a RefuSHE participant who served as their muses. Viewers voted for their favorite designers donating $20 per vote with designer Concetta Cipriano taking away the win for this year's Challenge with glam model Eleanor Simon. The event raised $124,037 with 100% of proceeds going towards RefuSHE's transformational model of care for young refugee women, girls, and their children in East Africa and around the world. To learn more abut this remarkable nonprofit, click here and see all of the beautiful designs in photo below.
(To see the fashion show, check out the video below, the show starts at 23:06)
The late Bunky Cushing and Hazel Barr at DOT in 2010.
With all of my nonprofit fundraisers temporarily suspended, I decided to take a look back at some of the more popular events. One of my favorites is the Service Club of Chicago's "Day on the Terrace" fashion show. It's typically hosted the first Monday in
Kristina McGrath, Heather Farley and Nina Mariano at DOT 2010.
August at the Peninsula. It's such an exciting show because so many of our local men and women (and members) participate–it's sort of like a social family reunion. This year, the event will be virtual on the same date, Monday, August 3 (11 am to 12:30 pm). Join the watch party and enjoy a fabulous production created by co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen in collaboration with BlackOak Technical Productions! The ticket price, $100, will include a Look Book that will be mailed out prior to the show (buy a page and advertise your
Sheryl Schmidt, Susanna Homan, Sherill Bodine and Mary Lasky at DOT 2010.
business, salute your friends, etc.) (Fab illustration by Elda De la Rosa) (DOT info here! ) It won't be like being in the same room with friends but it's great that they're soldiering on, as the SC has done for the last 130 years! The SC is unique because of the fact that 100% of the funds raised goes directly to charity. This year, its Philanthropic Grant Program awarded over $440,000 to 38 nonprofits. The organization
Anne Wallace and Jean Antoniou at DOT 2010.
does not give the grantees a check. Instead, they assist, improve and enlarge upon agency programs. The Albany Park Community Center requested (and received) a used van. The Apparel Industry Foundation received laptops and lockers and The Council for Jewish Elderly received security cameras. The grants are awarded across a variety of deserving nonprofits and helps recipients expand facilities, improve equipment and initiate new programs which
DOT goes virtual in 2020 (Illustration by Elda de la Rosa).
will better serve a large number of people in need. I served on the Philanthropic Committee one year and it was life changing. To see the needs that are so great and to know that you've helped somehow in a small or large way is rewarding beyond comprehension. I applaud all the members of this remarkable organization and can't wait till we can all be together again, celebrating another successful event. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these photos from past events. Also, mark your calendars for another SC event, "A Very Patriotic Zoom Cocktail Party" on Thursday, July 2 in collaboration with Steak 48! Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 312.220.9600.
The Pullman Estate is set to open as The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardenson Saturday, July 11, through Sunday, August 9. The 23-room, 11,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century east Lake Forest estate has been transformed by over 30 interior and landscape designers. Many of the items at the Showhouse & Gardens will be for sale too! A price list
Pullman Estate in Lake Forest.
of items for sale from furnishings to accessories will be made available in each designer space with 15% of the sale benefiting Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Following State safety guidelines, a restricted number of tickets will be sold per day,
William Allan Pinkerton Pullman (holding shovel).
divided by morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for $40 must be purchased in advance here. The home benefits the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, which is celebrating more than 108 years of providing healthcare to Chicago's medically under-served. The colonial-style home was originally designed by Frost & Granger in 1906 and
Showhouse honorary chair Paloma Contreras.
completely renovated by architect Stanley Anderson in the late 1920s for investment banker William Allan Pinkerton Pullman (1901-1988), the grand-nephew of George M. Pullman, the developer and manufacturer of Pullman cars. An avid gardener and co-founder of the Chicago Botanic Garden, William A.P. Pullman worked with New York landscape architect Annette Hoyt in 1937 to create world class gardens on the property. Some of the original plantings still exist – from a Ginkgo tree of epic proportion to rare Chinese maples and Japanese lilacs, as well as the original boxwood hedges – the same ones that inspired others to plant "Pullman boxwood" in formal gardens. Hope to see you there!
Doorstep Divas Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa.
Talk about a cool pivot! Congrats to the newly created Doorstep Divas Chicago and its stars Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa, for turning lemons into lemonade! With their amazing voices and effervescent personalities these two renowned singers (Molly is a
Molly singing with Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.
lead singer in Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band playing at military bases for the troops as well as fronting the Chicago-based all girl cover band Catfight and Caitlin is a band leader and vocalist at Ken Arlen Music Productions) have figured out a way to survive the lack
Darling Doorstep Divas Caitlin Simone Buffa and Molly Callinan.
of gigs due to the pandemic by forming their very own, social-distancing entertainment venture. The ladies will perform their hearts out at your home for any occasion. Their repertoire is two pages of single-spaced songs that include ballads (Norah Jones "Come Away With Me," etc.); Elvis; Beatles; Prince; disco (Donna Summer's "Bad Girls," etc.); Motown/R&B (Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody", etc.); Contemporary Rock, Swing/Standards and SO MUCH MORE! These ladies do it ALL! So, if you want to spice up a night on your lawn, check out their website here and book 'em! And see them in action here!
Chicago House & Social Services replaced its scheduled virtual Pride Variety Show with an event titled Raise Your Voice in honor of Black Lives Matter. The one hour virtual experience was designed to affirm Black lives through the power of storytelling, spoken word and song. The event was
Chicago House trustee Kelly Saulsberry.
co-hosted in collaboration with Chicago House, AffinityCommunity Services, Brave Space Alliance and the Youth Empowerment Performance Project. Hosted by Chicago House trustee Kelly Saulsberry, the event featured appearances by Barbara McBee, Jakari Earl, Zola Makeda, the Honorable Angelina Nordstrom, Osiris Khepera, Cruel Valentine and Shane Calvin. Lucy Stoole, award-winning drag queen and advocate for gender non-conforming people, served as the
Artist Zola Makeda.
event's emcee. Lucy said, "Black voices need to be heard, black people need to be seen and our talents need to be celebrated
Emcee Lucy Stoole.
across the world, here on the eve of Juneteenth." Poet Zola Makeda delivered a powerful poem titled "Good Hope", about the disappointment, hope and hardships she's faced growing up as transgender and Black. To learn more about Chicago House & Social Services, click here. Founded in 1985, Chicago House is a social service organization that supports individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ+ community with housing, health, and employment support.
Special thanks to photographer Tim Klein for including me in his recent project, the "pandemic portfolio." He plans on photographing Chicago "notables during this unprecedented time in history." I've been lucky to have worked with him in the past for a campaign for Burberry. I can't wait to share his photos! Check out his website here!
Lake County Fairgrounds and Carpool Concerts have teamed up to make your summer extra special! Imagine a grandstand stage, stellar acoustics, big name local cover bands and cars of every make and model and you'll have a very cool live music concert you'll never forget, the summer drive-in Carpool Concert Tour 2020 (in Grayslake, Illinois). Fans can enjoy live music while staying safe and socially distant in their cars. The line-up includes Sixteen Candles Band, Boys Band Review, Trippin' Billies, Infinity, American English, Southern Accents and more! The 75 minute shows are at 4 pm and 7 pm daily from Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28! Check out all the details here!
Boy, the kid in me is so excited for this virtual fundraiser hosted by the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum! "Dressing Barbie" will feature a Zoom presentation by Carol Spencer, the fashion designer who "dressed Barbie" at Mattel from 1963 until 1998! This virtual event will also include a super fun "Barbie Box" that will feature a signed and personalized "Dressing Barbie" book; the exclusive Zoom link; a Barbie collector card; a mini Barbie Dream House–all the accoutrements you will need to have a fun Barbie-themed Zoom presentation on the history of Barbie's fashion (includes adult and kid friendly contents)!–FOR $100! The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 11 am (CST)! To RSVP, please click here!
Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino DiBuono for including me in her/our first INSTA LIVE! I think we nailed it! She hosted on her @ZZAZZProductions page and I guested. We had a blast talking about anything and everything–how nonprofits are faring, makeup and fashion tips, my Playboy years and so much more! We've had many requests for a do-over so watch out world, we might be BAAACCKKK!!! Lol! (Follow Tracey on Insta at @ZZAZZProductions and me (please) @CandidCandace!) And watch our segment here!
Nobu Hospitality, the globally established lifestyle brand founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Tepe, announces the preview and opening of Nobu Hotel Chicago in the West Loop (155 N. Peoria) on July 1st. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft., Nobu Hotel Chicago will feature 115 rooms, two private dining rooms, 3,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space – including The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago and first class amenities. Guests can expect the company’s signature aesthetic – Japanese influence with an ultra-modern design to create a zen oasis in the heart of the city. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality commented, "We are so pleased to be introducing our first Nobu Hotel in the Midwest US. Chicago is a world-class mecca of dining and entertainment and we are very proud to provide a new and exciting destination for the local community and visitors." Now accepting reservations here: Nobu Hotel Chicago. (The phase two opening will occur at a later date which will mark the opening of Nobu restaurant and bar with patio dining.)
On Monday, June 29, join the Center for Enriched Living for its "Virtual Chefs' Night" from 7 to 8 pm! The Center is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities. An exciting raffle (1/$100 or 3/$275) is featuring a 2020 Lexus UX25OH and only 1,299 tickets will be sold! The event is FREE to view but a suggested donation of $90 is encouraged. For all the details, click here!
The American Heart Association will host a virtual Heart Ball on Thursday, June 25 from 7-8 pm. The event will be emceed by Windy City Live's Val Warner and chaired by Linda Imonti. The 2020 Heart of Gold Award recipient will be Pat Magoon, retiring CEO of Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The auction (that goes online June 23) and donation portion of the evening will be expertly handled by Greg "G-Man" Dellinger. To register, click here!
Kudos to Lana Bramlette, fashionable founder of Lana Jewelry, who turned her Columbia education and passion for fine jewelry into a powerhouse brand. Eighteen years ago, she brought gold back into the spotlight by creating
Jewelry designer/philanthropist Lana Bramlette wearing her own designs.
her signature gold hoops worn by A-listers including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna and Rihanna. Fast forward to today, Lana gives back to the institution that helped shape her career. In the early 2000s, she founded the Chicago Fashion Foundation with her husband Rob. The two then enlisted other Chicago-based powerhouse women and men in the fashion industry to be a part of this amazing organization. Through Bramlette’s efforts with the CFF, Columbia recently received a gift of more than $540,000 to propel future generations of designers and entrepreneurs in fashion! This gift will provide Columbia Fashion Studies students with scholarship funds and access to learning opportunities that otherwise would have been out of reach. Thank you Lana for your big, chic heart!
Dance for Life 2019 finale choreographed by Randy Duncan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg).
Dance for Life 2020 is going virtual! Join them online from Aug. 10-14 and see works archived from past Dance for Life performances during the past 29 years! Pieces from the annual partner dance companies will be presented by Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Hanna Brictson and Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater, Joseph Holmes School of Dance, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Chicago, and a collaborative
Hubbard Street Dance, Dance for Life 2019. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg).
work by Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater and Trinity Irish Dance Company. Then, on August 15, celebrate with a world premiere! This culminating event, commemorating the originally-planned date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life at the Auditorium Theatre, will feature a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19 with dancers from throughout the Chicago area. This year's virtual event will benefit The Dancers' Fund, AIDS Foundation Chicago and Chicago Dancers United. (Details here!)
Special thanks to my Playmate sister Barbara Moore (Miss December 1992) who interviewed me for her wonderful
Barbara Moore starring in "Bay Watch."
podcast, Life, Laughter & Happiness." We went wayyyy back with our many memories of Hef, Playboy, the legendary parties and life at the Playboy Mansion. Barbara starred in "Baywatch" and has been an avid ballroom dancer like another beautiful PM friend of mine, Patti McGuire Connors. To listen, click here! (Thanks to her co-host/producer Jonathan Alexander for bringing me on!)
With Leslie Hindman wearing masks created by Elda de la Rosa.
Special thanks to all of our local designers who have made the pivot to mask-making! One of my favorite designs was created by Chicago's own Elda de la Rosa! Monogramming is the very latest in mask wear and one of these beauties can be yours for only $25! Contact Elda here!
That's it for this week. As always, stay safe, sane and civil. Call your friends, bake decadent desserts and read that book that's been in your drawer forever and I'll see you again soon!
As helicopters filled the sky and sirens broke the evening's silence, I felt the world crack a little. I feel like the things I love to write about seem so small and inconsequential lately. My heart aches over all of the pain and suffering that's been associated with the horrific murder of George Floyd. I hope he finds more peace and justice in heaven than he did here. I don't know the details, but the only thing any sane person needed to see was that video. I feel so sorry for all who knew and loved him. I understand the outrage. I feel badly for the peaceful protesters' whose message seems to have been lost amid all the violence. How did we come to this and how can we move forward and heal? My prayers go out for everyone. We need to find a way to come together….somehow, some way. Hopefully, my blog can bring a little joy and be a bright spot in your day. I hope you appreciate all the nonprofits and arts organizations who still need us, friends we need to champion, successes we need to celebrate and all the good things in life. You will most certainly find that here…..
The 2020 Digital Discovery Ball, the American Cancer Society's first-ever, large-scale virtual gala in Chicago, was a pivot for the organization though creativity and determination paid off. Hosted by NBC's Chicago Today co-hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues, the event raised over $1.85 million to support the Society's mission priorities of supporting the Hope Lodge COVID-19 fund and cancer research. In Illinois, over 70,000 new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in 2020, so the need for answers is urgent. "We were guided by our theme 'Be Bold and Rise Up', and that's exactly what we did with our
Darling event hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues (NBC Chicago Today)
fundraising success," said Michael Ziener, executive director. In the organization's original projections, the ball was expected to take a 40-50% loss. Strong commitments from the
Adam Cayton-Holland provided comic relief.
corporate community and individual gifts reversed the trend, contributing to nearly $38 million raised since the event started 14 years ago. ACS secured funds through pre-solicited sponsorships, night-of online auction and live donations, including an IL Area Board Match. This event funds breakthrough research, advocacy and a 24/7 helpline (800-227-2345), which has contributed to a
The popular band Maggie Speaks performed.
29% decrease in cancer death rates between 1991-2017. Powerhouse tech giants Salesforce and G2 supported the society by mobilizing their companies as this year's Discovery Ball sponsors. "COVID(-19) does not stop cancer. Therefore the mission of the American Cancer Society must
Mayor Lori Lightfoot provided words of encouragement.
continue," said Tyler Prince, EVP of Salesforce, who was joined by his co-chair of the event, Godard Abel, CEO of G2. Tuxedos and gowns were traded in for virtual cocktails and a digital celebration, and many learned about the Society's mission of saving lives, celebrating lives and leading the fight for a world without cancer. Appearances included Mayor Lori Lightfoot and ACS CEO Gary Reedy.
Alexandra Billings expertly hosted this event virtually. Don't miss her closing remarks below.
It hasn't been easy watching virtual events that I would normally attend in person but I certainly admire all the great efforts. Case in point, the fabulous 50th anniversary of PRIDE hosted by The Lavender Effect, a nonprofit that celebrates LGBTQ+ heritage and culture. The event was hosted live on ZOOM by the dynamic and legendary transgender activist/actress/teacher/singer, Alexandra Billings. She is best known for her recurring role on Amazon’s award-winning show “Transparent." A virtual launch of Pride Month, the program brought together LGBTQ+ activists, political leaders and celebrities from coast to coast that included Lily Tomlin, Judith Light; Sean Hayes; Audra McDonald; Betty Buckley; Sandra Bernhard; Amy Landecker; Sally Kirkland; Lindsay Pearce; Bruce Vilanch; Michael Musto; Jason Stuart; Chad Michaels; Drew Droege; Miss Barbie-Q; Kay Sedia; Diane Anderson-Minshall; Mel England; Charles Busch; The Fruitcake Follies;
Lily Tomlin added humor and perspective.
Windy City Gay Men's Chorus, Ron Galperin & Family (LA City Controller); Lindsey Horvath (Mayor, City of West Hollywood); Evan Wolfson (Founder/ED Freedom to Marry); Chicago's own HONEY WEST and so many others. In truth, I missed the beginning but I think I caught some of the best parts. Lindsay Pearce, who took over the role of Elphaba in the Broadway musical "Wicked" in February, sang "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," moving host Alexandra (and me) to tears. Actor Chad Michaels message was succinct, "Be strong, find your voice." Charles Busch,
Singer/actress Lindsay Pearce brought viewers to tears.
playwright/activist shared, "We've survived so much, just in my own lifetime…We see things differently as a queer person and have seen things other people haven't. And, if you survive, it makes you stronger." Lily Tomlin appeared in a gaily decorated area of her home that she described as her "gay area." She said, "Cruelty and injustice are always our business…I've been around for 50 years and I realize gay people have not changed in terms of spirit and their sense of humor. I'm so grateful that I've been around to be influenced by the spirit of this community." Of all of the celebs and participants though, I was most moved by the host's parting comments.
Activist/playwright Charles Busch.
Billings said, "I'm 58 and was born in Englewood, California. I come from a middle class family, mixed race but we passed as white. I grew up believing I had privilege, just enough to get me by. Then, as people started to tell me that what I was and what I looked like was, not only different, but wrong, I began to believe it. I internalized it as the truth. So, I believed that what I wanted, what I desired, was wrong. And it wasn't until I turned to art, as most LGBTQ people do, that I realized I
It takes a village…
had a voice. We're living in a time right now of great chaos and pain, but it's not new even though it feels new. Every birth is painful and every birth requires revolution because that is how change is born. If we don't see each other, we can't honor each other. Find your voice and activate it in the way YOU understand it. There's no right way, Everyone is making it up. Nobody has a plan or the answer so we must work together. We are each other's revolutions. If you see someone beating someone with a stick, you walk over and take the stick away. We have to see each other to honor each other. So, let's take time to celebrate, not only who we are, but where we come from and where we're headed as human beings." (And, don't forget to mark your calendars for Chicago's own Pride Variety Show , see invite below, presented by Chicago House and Social Service Agency and co-hosted by Dixie Lynne Cartwright and Lucy Stoole. Enjoy performances by some of the city's top drag stars included Aunty Chan, Kelly Lauren and Joan Jullian. You'll also learn how to make a few specialty cocktails with local mixologists like David Sikora of Crystal Head Vodka. (To rsvp for this FREE event, click here!
Chuck, Rooney and I took a last-minute-planned trip to Lake Geneva on Saturday, May 23. We didn't do it to be rebellious, we just went because it's a road trip we take often and Lord knows, we were bored and ready to see something different. Even along the way, a
Lake Geneva, so peaceful.
familiar road, I saw things I never noticed before. I guess being on lockdown, with an all-over dimming of your senses, traveling in the open air with the sun on your face makes for a joyful reawakening. We stayed at a cheap hotel with clean rooms and a friendly staff. We were so
Great dinner at Anthony's Steakhouse.
looking forward to dinner at one of our favorite spots, Mars Resort, on Lake Como but, when I Googled the restaurant I THOUGHT it said it was closed. (It wasn't). BUT, a silver lining was that we tried a new spot that we also loved, Anthony's Steakhouse & Seafood, that's been around since 1978. This classic supper club was filled with respectful diners, socially distancing but sans masks. I
A rare treat, Dog n' Suds in Richmond, Wisconsin.
know this was a no-no, but we did wear our masks whenever it was appropriate so felt relatively safe. I guess I was more worried about our mental health at this point as we were both about ready to crack. The brilliant sunshine on the lake and the ability to even walk into a store definitely improved our mindsets. Rooney's too. And, just as a bonus, a magnificent thunderstorm was followed by not one, but two huge rainbows. The light was like nothing I'd ever seen before. It made me think of how the great painters must've felt while working in the South of France. I felt like it was a gift from God. In hindsight, after seeing all of the videos of people crowding into the resort town, I was glad we had arrived early and left early. Looking forward to taking more baby steps to places unknown.
La Scarola and Armando Vasquez in the New York Times.
Huge congrats to La Scarola restaurant (721 W. Grand) and its owners Joey Mondelli and Armando Vasquez! The restaurant was included in this recent New York Times article "12 Restaurants America Loves. With Recipes!" Their Chicken Vesuvio was the spotlighted dish. Other restaurants included Brennan's (New Orleans), Felix (Venice, Calif.), Hwa Huan (NYC), Canlis (Seattle), Country Club Bakery (Fairmont, W. VA.), Phoenicia (Birmingham, Mich.), Bakesale Betty (Oakland, Calif.), Millie Peartree at Stingrays (NYC), Piper Inn (Denver, Co.), Tequeria del Sol (Atlanta) and Eventide (Portland, Maine). Congrats to all!
CARMEN DELL'OREFICE. The top model in the world just celebrated her 89th birthday on June 3 (a Gemini!). She's been modeling for more than 60 years and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the "longest career on the catwalk." When she
Carmen and friend Bunky Cushing partying on Stanley Paul's rooftop terrace.
was just 15, Cecil Beaton introduced her to Salvador Dali who painted her. That portrait is owned by Queen Elizabeth. She's worked with every major photographer in the world including filmmakers Martin Scorcese and Woody Allen. Her
The oldest (and best) supermodel in the world.
remarkable career has been the subject of a documentary, Carmen: A Life in Fashion. Produced by the University of the Arts in London, which awarded her an honorary doctorate, the movie was accompanied by an exhibition which showcased Carmen’s many magazine covers as well as other highlights taken from her personal archives. Most recently, she can be seen in HBO’s documentary About Face, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and aired in 2012. I bow down to her greatness and her inspiring endurance. Thanks for introducing us dear Peter Martino!
Michael Caputo celebrated his Gemini birthday on May 30.
Other Gemini friends celebrating their birthdays in style include Jim Smith, Maria Pappas, Michael Caputo, Mamie Walton (who just
Birthday boy Jim Smith with partner Greg Hyder.
turned 92!), Leslie Zentner, Sheryl Dyer, Diane Hollingsworth and I'm sure a gazillion more. If you're a Gemini, you're outgoing, intelligent, impulsive, adaptable, social, talkative, indecisive and, if you're they're partner, you'll never be bored. Happy Birthday to ALL!
And on a personal birthday note, my birthday this year, despite the climate, was one of the best ever thanks to a group of friends who came together to surprise me. It was unbelievably moving and I couldn't stop the (happy) tears as they sang "happy birthday" beneath my balcony. It was so heart-warming to know that caring friends were willing to give of their time to do something like this (and in the rain at that!). Beautiful friends included planners Tissy Eggleston (who sang from afar) and Paul Iacono, along with Judy and Howard Tullman, Kathy Piccone, Mark Olley, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock, Julia Jacobs, Jennifer and Joaquin Brieva, Nikki Friar, Lori Allen and Rhonda Sanderson (with Mork). I will never forget it and will be forever grateful. Love and thanks to ALL!
Great news for the Service Club of Chicago which has been providing for those less fortunate since 1890. This year, even Covid couldn't take away their enthusiasm as they approved grant requests through their Philanthropic Grant Program for 38 local nonprofits amounting to $441,903.43! Chairs Paula Borg, Kimberly Gleeson, Marcia Northrup LaBarge and Cheri Lawrence (along with their committee), "met with" the applicants through ZOOM meetings. SC president Sherrill Bodine said, "The Service Club has survived the 1918 Spanish Flu
The Spring Luncheon will now be held virtually on September 3.
pandemic, the 1929 Crash, two World Wars and much more, Then, as now, we carry on with our mission." Mark your calendars for the organization's Day on the Terrace. This popular event is normally a sell-out at the Peninsula but, this year, like so many others, it will be a virtual event on Monday, August 3 from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Planning is in progress by the DOT committee and chairs Tracey Tarantino, Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen. The Sept. 3 Spring Luncheon (aka Hat Luncheon) will also be held virtually Thursday, Sept. 3 (co-
Service Club members at a recent Spring Luncheon (Tina Weller, Sherry Lea Holson, Mary Lasky (R) and friend of SC Ruthann Dufkis.
chairs Cathy Bartholomay, Annette Findling and Michelle Baker). The SC Gala, tentatively scheduled (virtually) for Friday, November 6, is being planned by chairs Tina Weller, Mary Lasky, Mary Claire Moll and Kristine Kinder. And, if we can't host a real gala by the time the Christmas Luncheon rolls around on Wednesday, December 2, just shoot me. (This luncheon is chaired by Pat Maxwell, Sherry Lea Holson, Karen Peters and Kathy Piccone.) (Check the SC website here for all the details)
Hear ye! Hear ye! The one and only Leah Chavie, is opening up a SECOND location of her popular skincare boutique in picturesque Anna Maria Island (near Sarasota and Longboat Key) in a spectacular historic home, footsteps off the beach! OMG! She will open in early July at 115 3rd St., Bradenton Beach South, and offer her signature skin care services and products as well as boutique and specialty items. The space will also be perfect for bridal parties, yoga, meditation, retreats and seminars. Huge congrats Leah! You will be as popular there as you are here! (Check out her website here!)
Kudos to Maria Pappas who was recently spotlighted in Chicago Magazine's popular Backroom article written by Mike Thomas. Maria talks about managing an $18 billion operation (and I can't balance my checkbook) and how she grew up in Wheeling, West Virginia. It's a fascinating read into a life very well lived.
Everybody's favorite comedian and the "Man who Made Sinatra Laugh", Tom Dreesen, hosted a virtual event earlier this month. He reminisced about the times he and Sinatra spent together including some memorable times
Tom Dreesen during his virtual event.
drinking Jack Daniels with Gregory Peck and Kirk Douglas. He said Sinatra was nocturnal and always tipped $100 (but never showed off, he would slip the money quietly to the recipients). When asked if Sinatra
Tom Dreesen with Sinatra.
had a sense of humor, Dreesen said, "He was able to laugh at himself." Frank adored Sammy Davis Jr. and once traveled to Harlem to see his show. He asked Sammy to come see him in return but, when Davis arrived at the venue, he wasn't allowed in. Frank tore his contract up over it. He was very, very loyal to his friends. At Sinatra's funeral, Dreesen, Roger Moore and Gregory Peck eulogized him. Watch for Tom's book, "Still Standing" coming soon!
I was on a wonderful ZOOM meeting with PAWS Chicago Development Board members recently. They are busy trying to plan events to make up for the ones lost due to Covid. And even though times have been tough, they proudly reported 544 virtual adoptions with 1,655 total adoptions to date! AND, they've received over 9,000 adoption inquiries! In other PAWS news, the org has started a new temporary foster program (up to 60 days) for pet owners who are temporarily unable to care for their pets, including those recovering from the virus as well as front -line healthcare and other essential workers. Pets will be returned when the owners can get
Carolyn, 1 year-old, is looking for her forever home.
back on their feet. During this time, PAWS Chicago vans have delivered over 6,300 pounds of pet food to 1,000 pets since March. The PAWS Beach Party will now be a virtual event taking place on Thursday, July 23 at 7 pm. The event will feature pet-themed beach party fun (think a doggie bikini contest!), Second City comedians and more! The organization's 5K Walk/Run will take place on Saturday, October 31 (this is a date change). (Click here for all the details)
A smaller animal rescue in Plainfield, Illinois, can also use some help, Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue. Their motto is "Big or small, we save them all!" They lost their 3 biggest fundraisers due to the virus that added up to about $50,000 in funding. My friend Richard Urban says, "Our events have all been canceled but the rescue animals haven't canceled their need for us." On average, Wags saves about 450 to 500 animals a year. A fundraising page has been created here.
The Purple Tie Ball, benefiting WINGS Program (a nonprofit that supports families facing domestic violence), will take place on Saturday, October 3. Further details are still being ironed out by co-chairs Melissa Canning and Debby Jackson. Check the website here for upcoming details.
Playboy Magazine may have gone away physically, but two of my covers will live on in these brand new coffee
They work too!
mugs! LOL!! A friend sent me a link for these mugs from my Feb. 1980 and Feb. 1979 covers. To say I was surprised is an understatement. Don't look for them on Amazon though, I bought them all. (Just kidding, here's the links, https://amzn.to/2MwCGsA and https://amzn.to/3gRkisa ).
The date for the International Playboy Bunny Reunion Party has been changed to August 13-16 in Chicago. Lots of fun outings planned for this gathering that is limited to former Bunnies and employees of Playboy. For more info, email ThePlayboyBunnyReunion@gmail.com. Hope to see you there!
And the beat goes on! Don't miss Ravinia Festival's (virtual) Living Room Lawn Party with the one and only Kristin Chenoweth on Saturday, June 27 at 8 pm! The event will benefit Ravinia's Reach+Teach+Play programs which reach over 85,000 annually. (Click here for more details and, to donate, please click here)
My favorite spot for eye care needs, MyEyeDr., is now OPEN for appointments. They aren't accepting walk-ins yet as they're following social distancing protocols for the safety of patients and associates. For an appointment, please call 866.693.9336 or visit myeyedr.com
I guess in every pandemic, there is a silver lining. And, for me, it was hearing that drive-in movie theaters might be making a comeback! I remember with fondness the one near my home in Dupo, Illinois. It was in the neighboring town of Cahokia. Mind you, it wasn't all sunbeams and unicorns, it was really a sort of rough and tumble kind of place, but I still enjoyed the experience the few times we visited. I think in hindsight, I've romanticized it a bit more than warranted but I still have fond memories. So, it was with great glee that I read the news (in this Sun-Times article by Darel Jevens) that a group called the Bucket Listers are planning a venue close to
McHenry Drive-In Theater is packing them in!
downtown (location, as of yet, is undisclosed). The group produces social media event guides in Chicago and eight other North American cities, and says it has set up an outdoor movie venue that will fit 300 cars a night and show films six nights a week this summer! And while no films have been announced, Bucket Listers is accepting email votes on future titles at drivein@bucketlisters.com and promises “classic, nostalgic, American films that will transport you back in time,” citing “Back to the Future,” “The Sandlot,” “E.T.,” “Grease” and “When Harry Met Sally” as examples. Ticket prices will begin at $40 per car. Details on tickets will be sent to people who RSVP at DriveInSummer.com. Bucket Listers say more than 60,000 people already are on the wait list for the drive-in plans in its various cities. While conventional indoor movie houses have been closed since mid-March due to Covid, outdoor drive-in theaters have been given the go-ahead to operate with some adjustments in their protocols. Among those re-opening in our area in recent weeks have been the McHenry Outdoor Theater in McHenry and the Route 34 Drive-in in Earlville. Yippee! Grab the popcorn!
For the past 10 years, funds from the "Tasting Stars" event has benefited A Silver Lining Foundation's "Buy A Mom A Mammogram" program. This year, with Covid cancelling so many live events, the fundraiser will go virtual on Saturday, June 13. The live-streamed event, hosted by Paul Lisnek (of WGN-TV), will be on YouTube LIVE at 7 pm. Many women with breast screenings scheduled, have been forced to cancel because, with job loss or a furlough, comes a loss of insurance. Women are turning to ASLF in larger numbers for help as no one in need of breast health help is ever turned down and all services are free. Tickets are not required, but those who REGISTER IN ADVANCE will be entered into a drawing for a door prize – a package of premium Moet Hennessy bubbly and liquor! For more information, visit http://www.tastingstars.org/ or email champagne@tastingstars.org.
Nan Giordano Day will be celebrated virtually via a Zoom dance class on Tuesday, June 9th at 2pm. Be a part of the celebration along with famed choreographer Ray Leeper and the fabulous Giordano Dance Chicago dancers. Nan Giordano Day was initiated by former Mayor Rahm Emanuel in recognition of her “fierce, innovative, and tenacious” contributions to GDC and the dance world!" To register, a $15 fee, please click here!
I hope you can check out Instagram LIVE on Wednesday, June 10, when Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) and I try it out for the first time. We'll be discussing everything under the sun–style, fashion, nonprofits and, of course, answering your questions! It will be fun and light-hearted! Hope to "see" you there! Tracey is hosting (@traceytdibuono) and I'll be guesting! (Pray for us)
At Tufano's with Michael Kutza and Chuck (Joey DiBuono in center).
It's been so encouraging to see people out on the streets again enjoying dinners, albeit socially distanced ones. As soon as the stay-at-home order was lifted, we enjoyed a great dinner at Tufano's Vernon Park Tap
Tufano's charming patio with our darling server Michelle.
(1073 W. Vernon Park Place, 312.733.3393). It was like seeing the sun after a long, hard winter. Owner Joey DiBuono greeted everyone graciously wearing chic orange gloves and, of course, the requisite face mask. But, even with the mask, you couldn't miss the twinkle in his eyes as he saw every table on his beautiful patio fill up. Here's to a lot more summertime fun for all of us.
Does anyone remember Mr. Rogers? In 1969, when African-American citizens in the US were not permitted to swim in community pools alongside whites, Fred Rogers brought a Black police officer to his TV show and invited him to cool his feet with him in a small, wading pool. Mr. Rogers then helped Officer Clemmons dry his feet. Mr. Rogers never openly preached on his show, despite being an ordained Presbyterian minister yet he preached volumes in this simple act of love. In a world where you can be anything, be a Mr. Rogers. Wish there were more like him….
Steppenwolf Theatre Company hosted its first virtual gala which replaced its popular, signature fundraiser that's usually held every year around
Ensemble member/event host Audrey Francis shows off her "Chicago Acts Together" t-shirt that is bringing in funds for the theatre community.
this time. In spite of the lack of closeness and the thrill of seeing all of Steppenwolf's celebrity ensemble members in person, the event was really, really special! People could join the virtual party for free this year which I'm
Chicago's First Family welcomed viewers.
sure attracted new supporters. AND it raised over $640,000! The "Pants Optional" event was hosted by ensemble member Audrey Francis from the Frost Chicago Broadcast Studio, where event planner extraordinaire Jeffrey Foster had worked his magic. It went off without a hitch. Mayor Lori
Steppenwolf executive director David Schmitz and artistic director Anna D. Shapiro.
Lightfoot and her family, First Lady Amy Eshleman (a longtime Steppenwolf trustee) and First Daughter Vivian, welcomed viewers. Amy said, "Investing in
Ensemble member and Steppenwolf co-founder Gary Sinise.
Steppenwolf education is now more important than ever…You're not only investing in the ensemble of art-makers and appreciators, but I believe 100% that you're investing in the future of Chicago." Then it was turned back over to host Audrey who quipped, "If it was this
Ensemble member Laurie Metcalf.
time last year, I'd be sausaged into a cocktail dress wearing heels wishing that I was wearing pajamas on my couch. So, we have made some of my dreams come true tonight." Audrey talked about the theatre company sitting on native lands and acknowledged the
Steppenwolf "Pants Optional" host Audrey Francis on the set of the Frost Chicago Broadcast Studio designed by Jeff Foster.
tribes that were members of the Council of Three Fires. She wore a "Chicago Acts Together" t-shirt, that Steppenwolf created to support the theatre community and those who had lost work. To date, the shirt has brought in over $30,000 for this initiative. Ensemble members including John Malkovich, Laurie Metcalf, Gary Sinise and others were joined by celebrity guests Claire Danes, Armie Hammer, Shonda Rhimes and Chris Rock in teen interviews, inspiring viewers from the comfort of their homes. Broadway’s Phillipa Soo
Chris Rock speaks with a teen from the Young Adult Council of Steppenwolf.
and Steven Pasquale made a surprise appearance in support of Steppenwolf and serenaded the audience. Grammy Award-winning DJ Tracy Young kept the party going by spinning music live from Miami for Steppenwolf’s expanding global community of artists, fans
Ensemble member John Malkovich gives some acting advice.
and donors to connect, engage and take a collective breath. When the first online bid came in at $10,000, it was quickly matched by longtime trustee Sarah Beardsley. Next, artistic director Anna D. Shapiro and executive director David Schmitz, addressed the audience. "Because of the Covid crisis, we had to close 3 shows that were running. We had standing room only on all of these shows and had to cancel over 200 upcoming performances…We like to be in the same room together celebrating storytelling with
Virtual gala co-chairs Sandra Marquez and ensemble members Audrey Francis, Joan Allen and Gary Cole.
people. We're figuring it out though and plan on bringing you virtual programming. Nothing
Ensemble member Caroline Neff.
replaces live theater. We will find this feeling again together however we can, " Shapiro said. (To date, the company has 20 virtual programs running for 3000+ attendees/viewers from across the country.) Members of the Young Adult Council of Steppenwolf asked ensemble members questions and for advice. Company co-founder Gary Sinise was asked, "What were you like when you were my age?" He
Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Steppenwolf ensemble member Tracy Letts.
replied, "I discovered theater when I was 16 at Glen Ellyn Junior High. We moved to Highland Park and I was struggling academically. Music and playing in bands saved me. I stumbled into theater when a drama teacher approached me and my band-mates hanging out in the hallway and suggested we audition for a play." He continued, "Steppenwolf was started by teenagers and it always warms my heart when I think about young people walking into this [Steppenwolf] building and realizing this was all started by the passions and excitement of kids just like them." Writer/producer Shonda Rhymes was asked how she manages self-doubt while still maintaining a sense of
Ensemble member Kathryn Erbe.
dignity in her work. She said, "Growth doesn't always have
Shonda Rhimes
to be completely filled with joy. There's always a little bit of growing pains. Embrace the doubt and fear and then rise from it, it always makes you better." Other ensemble members shared their thoughts on the one piece of advice they would give their younger selves. Comments included 1) Observe and pick up stories as you go, 2) Come in with your own work and don't wait to be told what to do, 3) Own being an
Award-winning actors Phillipa Soo and Steven Pasquale (husband/wife) closed the event with a song.
artist and embrace it, 4) Balance work and play, 5) Mind your money! Start saving now!, 6) Memorize your damn lines! Of all this advice, I think Armie Hammer's was my favorite. "If I could tell myself one thing in high school, it would be it doesn't matter what anyone in H.S. f-cking thinks of you because they, also, have no idea what they're doing in life, no one does. You're a high school kid, you're an
The team behind the hit play "I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter."
idiot and the fact that you value someone else's opinion above your own is asinine. But I did, we all do it. My advice, f_ck 'em, f_ck 'em all. They're idiots." LOL! Chris Rock spoke about how he got started in comedy (by accident) and John Malkovich shared what
Claire Danes
it was like bringing character Lennie Small to life in the play "Of Mice & Men." "I think the reason that the book is still being taught is because most kids, and people, feel like an outsider…It's a book about people who can't read the signs and I think that's most people." On why live theater is important for young students, Malkovich
Armie Hammer (with a new, interesting haircut).
shared, "Theater is a great venue for the study of ourselves and others and high school is a great age to start it." Ensemble member Ian Barford, following a few comments, dropped his pants and showed his bum to the camera, taking the "Pants Optional" theme
Ensemble member/Steppenwolf co-founder Jeff Perry.
literally. LOL! The event was co-chaired by trustees Susan Berghoff and Ann Phillips. "Together, we will keep the virtual lights on." This year’s free online event opened the virtual doors to a much larger audience, including viewers from across the United States, Canada, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, India and New Zealand via Steppenwolf’s YouTube
Ensemble member Gary Cole.
stream. The video, which can still be viewed on Steppenwolf’s YouTube Channel, boasts over 5,500 views. Donations continue to mount via text and online. To contribute and watch the virtual event, click here! Proceeds from this event
Grammy Award-winning DJ Tracy Young.
support, in part, the remount of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, this season’s Steppenwolf for Young Adults’ hit world premiere based on the award-winning novel by Erika L. Sánchez, adapted by celebrated Chicago playwright Isaac Gómez and directed by ensemble member
Co-chairs/trustees Susan Berghoff and Ann Phillips.
Sandra Marquez. The extended and sold out run was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis, which inspired Steppenwolf to raise money to bring back to life this essential Chicago story for thousands of high schoolers clamoring to see it, including youth detained and incarcerated at three juvenile justice facilities that the show planned to tour to. The Steppenwolf Education program reaches over 20,000 teens and adults annually.
Living in a lockdown-weary world hasn't been easy for anyone. As I sit here feeling sorry for myself and scrolling through Instagram at all hours of the day and night, I thought it might be fun to find out how others around town (and across the country) might be coping with this stay-at-home order. So, I asked some of my friends with bold-face names a few questions. 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. and 4) What are you missing the most right now? Their answers were thoughtful, funny, moving and inspiring and told me that we are certainly not in this alone. It made me feel better to hear their thoughts and see some really adorable photos. I hope you feel the same. Thanks to all who participated. I had a zillion more people I wanted to talk to but didn't want to try your attention spans. So, in no particular order, here's what some of the city's newsmakers and difference-makers had to say:
From everybody's favorite tech genius, HOWARD TULLMAN: 1) What has saved you during lockdown? The 4000 meals prepared for me by my wonderful wife [Judy]; our dogs and having a yard to escape into and get some
Howard getting some much needed rest with a good friend.
fresh air. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Losing all the weight I gained from the 4000 wonderful meals and wearing a pair of pants that requires a belt. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without? The amazing fruit at the Cermak Fresh Market on Diversey and my Kindle and the 200 books I read. 4) What are you missing the most right now? My daughters and granddaughers. Zoom just doesn't cut it. (Amen to that Howard!) _______________________________________________________________________
Ravinia's Nick Pullia.
From Ravinia Festival's Director of Communications NICK PULLIA: "My pets have been my greatest comfort. I have three big dogs and three big birds and I am nowhere close to being the Alpha of the pack. At first it was hard to work from home because the pets assumed that, if I was home, that must mean that it was time for me to play with them. That ended the
Nick Pullia and his 30 year-old Moluccan cockatoo Elliott.
third week. Now they look at me like I'm a vagrant with no friends and no prospects. And it's especially hard to write from home because my beautiful 30-year-old cockatoo, Elliott, calls me by name, "Hi, Nick," so frequently that I'm the one about to fly over this cuckoo's nest! 2) What are you most
Nick's handsome pack.
looking forward to when this is over? You know the song, "People," the corner stone of Mount Streisand? It's about me. I'm that person who needs people. I love to go shopping on Black Friday. I love to go to opening night of a blockbuster movie. And, of course, I love the throngs
Close-up of Nick's beautiful dog, Chicago!
of concertgoers. I miss the crowds. Nothing gives off better energy and pure joy than a group of people doing what they love. 3) Name one item you couldn't live without? For the past two weeks of this quarantine, my refrigerator/freezer has been kaput. After a couple of failed service attempts, a new one is on the way. But it has been very difficult having no refrigerator at a time
Nick's fabulous sense of humor gets him through any crisis!
when you're supposed to stay in the house. I know that's a good thing in a way or else I'd be having a menage a trois with Ben and Jerry right now. 4) What are you missing the most? I am missing "light at the end of the tunnel," which for me would have been the opening of the Ravinia 2020 season. The hope of a full and fun concert season with performers from King Crimson to John Legend, and of course, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, was keeping me bouyant. But we had to cancel for the safety of our artists, audiences, staff and neighbors. It was the right decision, but it's going to be a quiet summer. As you know, I'm not a fan of quiet.
Man-about-town, philanthropist and Chicago Dowel Company president PAUL IACONO: 1) What has been the most comforting? Cooking. Nothing comforts like
Paul's Beef Bourguignon is a specialty. He's rediscovered his cooking skills during this difficult time!
comfort food, especially when you cook it for yourself (including baking my own birthday cake); Cleaning and organizing closets. It's something I would never have had the time nor inclination to do. I'm a (former) pack rat. Who knew? 2) What are you most looking forward to? Having a flattened Covid curve and belly curve and, of course, being out on our gorgeous Lake Michigan with dear friends. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. My Dutch oven, cheese and Johnnie Walker Black, not necessarily in that order. 4) What are you missing the most right now? A haircut, a hug and my cleaning lady.
Auction house maven, world traveler and woman of the world LESLIE HINDMAN: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting? Nature. I've been in Florida and am so lucky to have been able to walk a lot and spend time
Leslie Hindman with her elegant mom on her 89th birthday.
outdoors by the ocean, surrounded by beauty. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is over? Spending time with friends! Everyone feels the same. I miss my friends!!! 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. Good television and good books! (I couldn't agree more Leslie, we've been binging Netflix' Penny Dreadful, Babylon Berlin and Hollywood and are now watching The Tudors for the 2nd time!) 4) What are you missing the most right now? Human contact, hugging the people I love.
Actress, writer, director and all-around cutie Leslie Zemeckis.
Even though actress/author/ film producer LESLIE ZEMECKIS doesn't live in Chicago full time, she and filmmaker/husband Robert Zemeckis, still count since they have a home here. So, Leslie, what has saved you? Having a routine, yet remaining flexible. I divide my
Leslie, amid her vintage showgirl collection holding one of her books, "Feuding Fan Dancers."
day with exercise, writing, reading, some outdoor time and a little too much baking! I'm plotting my future work and included silly things like sketching or collaging. Yet sometimes I don't feel like it so, instead, I'll throw the routine away and listen to what my soul needs. Maybe cleaning a drawer (I know, but I like organizing) or dancing with my daughter making a stupid Tik Tok video. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is over? Travel, especially to Italy where my heart is. I miss the world and I miss my friends. Real in person connection. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without. Tequila. Or possibly vodka. (You're a girl after my own heart Leslie!)
Owner of Chicago boutique Ikram, one of fashion's most powerful retailers and designer king-maker, IKRAM GOLDMAN: 1) What has saved you Ikram during lockdown?
The Goldmans enjoying nature.
Getting to spend time with my husband and twin boys. Cooking. Reading. Watching old movies. 2) What are you looking forward to when this is over? Getting my hair colored! The outline of my grey looks like the Alps! 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without. My mask. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Being with friends whether at the store or out for dinner.
Melissa Forman checking household chores off her list.
Former co-host of WCIU's "YOU & ME'" and now superstar radio personality on 93.9 LITE FM, MELISSA FORMAN: 1) Melissa, what has been the most
Melissa's husband of 17 years, Scott, helps with the housework.
comforting? My pets, 2 dogs and a cat. I never thought I would need a snuggle so much. Plus, getting to see exactly what they do 24 hours a day has been a treat (they're really pretty lazy). 2) What are you most looking forward to? My hair stylist! I mean, that is, if she even recognizes me. I may also want to hug my dentist. 3) What couldn't you have lived without? My grey, fuzzy bathrobe. My mom wants to burn it after seeing me in 1000 FaceTime videos wearing it. 4) What are you missing the most right now? I'm missing nothing. Keeping friends, family and fellow Chicagoans safe by staying home is something that helps me stay motivated. We will get through this together. Although, a good Saturday night dinner out wouldn't be bad!
Chef Art Smith has lost 70 lbs thanks to the regimen created by his trainer/friend/chef Lucas Cancelier.
World renowned and much loved CHEF ART SMITH: 1) What has saved you during lockdown Chef Art? Being in lockdown with my best friend Lucas Cancelier, a pro rugby player (@iamdapower) from Argentina. He has mentored me and helped me regain my health with a
Chef Art and his blueberries. Cooking has helped him through this.
70 pound weight loss. He inspired and reinvented me with my virtual hit cooking show "Chef Art Smith's Healthy Comfort" on Instagram Live, Wed., 3 pm Central time. 2) What are you looking forward to after this is all over? My kids going back to school and me going back to my favorite job as a restaurant owner. 3) Name one item you couldn't live without during this time. My Oster French Door Oven and baking my heart out! 4) What are you missing the most? My restaurant teams across America and, of course, my customers.
The cutest Corporate Hippie I know, Justine Fedak.
Corporate Hippie, motivational speaker, co-founder and principal at Instant Impact and 2021 Eversight Woman of Vision JUSTINE FEDAK: 1) What has been most comforting to you during lockdown? Meditation, I've
Justine Fedak
always practiced but now it's a faithful 5:30 am ritual on my terrace with the sun coming up. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over (besides spending time with me)? Going for dinner and cocktails with friends and hearing the hustle and bustle of a restaurant again. 3) Name one thing you couldn't have lived without during this time. My virtual Pilates and Strength Training. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Hugging my best friends.
Jim Smith and Greg Hyder, looking cute in their bandana masks.
Peninsula Hotel's Director Style & Community Relations GREG HYDER and his partner JIM SMITH, Senior Project Manager for the American Hospital Association: 1) What has been the most comforting
Greg and Jim find solace in recreating family recipes.
during lockdown for you Greg? My MoMaw's recipes (his grandmother Lorena Smith) 2) What are you most looking forward to when this ends? Seeing my family in person instead of virtually. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without. Clorox wipes 4) What are you missing the most right now? Liver and onions at RL! And for you Jim? 1) Being with Greg 2) Going to Sidetrack 3) My elliptical machine 4) Our social life.
Author, philanthropist and current Service Club of Chicago president SHERRILL BODINE: 1) What has saved you during this tough time? I made a promise to help restaurants by ordering carry-out daily while we all shelter in place. It has taken on a life of its own! Now I dream about where to order from next and the tablescapes I can plan to go with the cuisine. I knew I could
Sherrill's having fun pairing her nightly carry-out cuisine with her table decor.
write books but I didn't realize I could be visually creative! 2) What are you looking forward to when this is all over? Traveling! My wanderlust is threatening a jail break? 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without? My computer! I have daily Zoom meetings with other writers and my critique group, plus meetings with chairs of Service Club plotting inventive ways to keep moving forward with our mission. I also always look forward to Friday Night Zoom Cocktail Party with three other couples, our "Night Out"! 4) What are you missing most right now? Spending time with family and friends and giving REAL hugs!
CS Mag's Man of style, philanthropist and MyEyeDr's Brand & Creative Strategist MICHAEL CAPUTO: 1) What has saved you? Watching every episode of
Michael's nightly salute to our first responders and frontline workers.
Downton Abbey, while today's world is changing rapidly, I'm enjoying the structured etiquette of Downton. 2) What are you most looking forward to? Choices and options 3) Name one item you couldn't live without during this time? I'm working from home so high-speed internet is the only game in town! 4) What are you missing the most right now? The freedom to go where I want and, of course, seeing all my friends in real-time!
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono shows off her longtime dance and work-out skills!
Special event producer, founder of ZZAZZ Productions, fashion influencer, philanthropist TRACEY TARANTINO DIBUONO: 1) Two practices have given me daily comfort. My faith has been my rock. I have used my time at home to dig deeper into my spiritual side. I am drawn to reading or listening to good meditations and affirmations along with all the
Tracey Tarantino DiBuono at Tom Kehoe's Green Market Garden pop-up.
prayers I know. The staple that teaches me to give up my fear and have faith and worry less is my yoga practice (ongoing now for 20 years). 2) What are you most looking forward to? I am looking forward to attending the things I am most committed to. First, family gatherings, and I'm going to be very grateful to be able to attend church again. Also, board meetings for philanthropic causes. And, of course, some simple haircuts would be grand too! 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without. Nail polish. My mother always said she needed to have her nails polished because they were brittle. Mine are the same. I also couldn't live without my dog. (Her nails need attention too!) 4) What are you missing right now? I miss the wisdom I get from being with others I enjoy. To be in the spirit of lively conversation is always so uplifting.
Award-winning radio show host Lisa Fielding working from home!
Reporter, writer, photographer, WBBM780 Radio star LISA FIELDING: 1) What has saved you during this lockdown Lisa? A comforting thing to me is that people now realize who the essential workers are. Not only first responders and health care workers, but grocery store clerks, public transit employees, postal carriers,
After this is all over, Lisa can't wait to get back to traveling.
fast food workers and yes, journalists, who are on the front lines as well. And, like many pet parents, my fur kids have been constant, comforting companions. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? This has been one of the most difficult mental struggles of this situation, not having anything to look forward to. I'm a big planner so, by now and under normal circumstances, I'd likely have my whole summer
We'd ALL rather be at Wrigley!
planned. I'm also looking forward to family gatherings, hugs from my nieces and nephews, my co-workers back in a bustling newsroom, warm nights at Wrigley Field, a show at the Nederlander Theater, strolls along the RiverWalk and, most of all, being able to plan that trip to somewhere I've never been. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. Two things! Books and Netflix. I talk about the pandemic all day so when I'm off the clock, I need something to escape. I've had the rare time to read and binge. 4) What are you missing the most right now? I love the bustling city. The empty, quiet downtown has been very unsettling. I can't wait until the true "energy" of Chicago returns. It's what I love best about living and working here.
Tom Kehoe surviving lockdown with his partner Abel Leon.
Entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder Kehoe Designs, The Geraghty, BlackOak Technical Productions, Floral Exhibits and the newly created Events-To-Go,TOM KEHOE: 1) Tom,
Tom Kehoe knows how to pivot!
what has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? First and foremost being with my guy, Abel [Leon] has been a godsend. Our daily workouts, keeping our routines and pivoting the business in new ways. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? A kick ass dance party (Amen to this!) 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. My Peloton bike 4) What are you missing the most right now? Spending money.
Former White House Social Secretary for former President Obama's office, former CEO Johnson Publishing Company and current CEO of Black Opal, a recently launched cosmetics company, DESIREE
Desiree's Black Opal Cosmetics!
ROGERS: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? Daily check in conversations with family and friends. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Getting back into the office with my team and working on BK/OPL. We have so many new products to launch! 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. Orders from BOKA. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Freedom.
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, aka the Dragon Lady.
Cook County Treasurer (since 1998), champion of the people, attorney, lover of yoga, great cook, MARIA PAPPAS: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? Visiting business owners who needed help applying for loans ….nothing like human contact. 2) What are you most looking
Maria Pappas unwinds with exercise.
forward to when this is all over? Large dinner parties followed by sing-a-longs. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. My Chinese doctor gave me an herbal tea and told me if I drink it every day, I will be fine. I drink it every day and I continually test negative….maybe it's psychological! 4) What are you missing the most right now? All my office events and the people I used to hug and kiss.
Sherry Lea (Fox) Holson wearing a mask by desiger SYLWIA.
Philanthropist, founder of Chicago's Mask Program for essential workers, Service Club of Chicago Board of Managers SHERRY LEA (FOX) HOLSON: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? My Faith, friends and getting involved in a charity project. I like knowing that I am giving back in some small way. Helping our local businesses and also the designers to pay their bills and feed their families
Sherry wearing a mask and T-shirt by designer Peach Carr.
feels good! Additional plus, the public is also being protected with the Face Mask Order mandated. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Looking someone directly in their eyes while having a conversation! Laughing, loving! Seeing my family and friends, Church, Charitable Events, Favorite Restaurants, Outdoor Dining, etc., etc. And… wink wink, ordering a cocktail at a “real bar”! 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. Masks ! LOL!!! TV, Netflix, books, phone and iPad. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Human contact and touch. Through the “Hello”, hugs and kisses to direct conversations. Freedom to just do whatever …
Toni Canada celebrating her BFF Dusty Stemer's birthday.
Chief Human Resources Officer, American Medical Association, fashion influencer, longtime member of the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum, TONI CANADA: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? We have been sheltering in place in Michigan which has
Beautiful vignette with lilacs from Toni's Michigan garden.
been a treat but I have been working nonstop since we went to WFH 9 weeks ago…… I'm completely exhausted but the days have flown by. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Having someone ask me "can I start you off with drinks and an appetizer" 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. My solid wi-fi connection and my husband. 4) What are you missing the most right now? My friends…and eating out!
Founder of The Chicago International Film Festival, soon-to-be-author, film consultant, MICHAEL KUTZA: 1) What has saved you during lockdown?1) Netflix. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Going back to the movies at the Archlight. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time? Real movie theaters and vodka 4) What are you missing the most right now? Hanging out with friends like you and Chuck. Isolation doesn't bother me as I have always been isolated in movie theaters all my life, alone at Festivals. It's important to respect this Pandemic and take it seriously though.
Artist, writer, historian, chef, bon vivant, THOMAS O'GORMAN: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? The most sustaining element has been painting. I have a very rigorous painting schedule each day, which means that I have paintings at all stages of progress and completion…But I know that I have to balance
Painting is Thomas' passion. Here is a work in progress of 18th century Dublin Houses.
the day with writing and some reading and study. Painting is the glue of my living. Being able to pick up a brush when I want is a great luxury. Discipline is very critical for a painter. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Quite literally just getting out of the house. My quarantine is not cosmetic. My cardio condition means I won’t get any second chances. I have to be very careful. I have not budged since March 13. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. My laptop is indispensable….It's the first thing I check each morning and the last thing I see at night….I have 5,000 friends on
Thomas, a master chef: Classic French Toast with blueberry compote syrup.
Facebook and my European friends are just getting started when I’m going to bed. I don’t have a television and I rely on my lap top for connecting me to the world. It's also critical to my literary world. In addition to my column [SKYLINE], which has its own deadlines, I’m working on two books, a history of Chicago and a cookery book. Cooking has always been a mainstay of my life. With painting and writing, cooking completes me. Rounds me out. 4) What
Tom O'Gorman and his trusty Iphone!
are you missing the most right now? I really miss the sociability of my life. Holding court at RL is very natural. The staff are all my buddies. I love the freedom I have with the menu. My soul gets fed there, too. Peter Axelsen, Jesus, Christopher, Molly, Anna and others have been a part of my life for ages. I miss them terribly, and the friends who gather there. I miss my friend Rose O’Neill, Myra Reilly, Diane O’Connell and Mark O’Malley. I miss bumping into my pals, Steve Lombardo and Johnny Coletti. The food I miss the most is West Coast oysters and crispy duck. I know that eventually we will all be together again. I’ve always been impatient. But I’ve gotten better.
Do-gooder, philanthropist, father of Grayson, Chicago Financial Services Co-op Lending Manager MARK OLLEY: 1) What has saved and comforted you during this trying time? That I am not alone, I have my husband to talk and laugh with, my family and friends to ZOOM with. Learning new skills, cutting hair, and
Mark Olley with his handsome son Grayson.
cooking… wait I need to add these skill sets to my resume! But our pup GRAYSON is a delight 24/7 he's our home's "healer and chief". And of course, we are all truly in this together. 2) What are you most looking forward to? Our FREEDOM- to come and go as we please, hold those we love close. I am a HUGGER this social distancing thing is simply is not in my DNA…3) Name one item you found you couldn't live without? My daily morning Starbuck's visit. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Big picture- Travel, close to home- Personal grooming (it truly takes a village!)
Editor-in-Chief/ Publisher Chicago Magazine, mother of Gus, lover of children and animals, print genius, SUSANNA HOMAN: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? My dachshund-mix,
I'll have what she's having! You go Susanna! Wowza!
[PAWS] rescue, Gus! I have never had the chance to spend this much time with him, and our bond keeps growing stronger. In the moments where the anxiety of this time is almost too much to bear, holding him makes it all better. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? I miss my parents, so most certainly visiting them, but also just a nice dinner at one of
Susanna and her darling goddaughter.
my favorite restaurants, like Piccolo Sogno, would feel like New Year's Eve right now. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. I invested in a new iPhone a couple of weeks before the lockdown began, not realizing what a lifeline it would become. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Spending time with my godchildren, CJ (who is 10) and Gia (who just turned 2). I typically babysit a couple of times a month, so I'm definitely missing the cuteness and the hugs.
Megan McKinney– author, historian, publisher Classic Chicago magazine.
Author, historian, publisher Classic Chicago magazine MEGAN MCKINNEY: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? I’m very fortunate because my life has changed very little. For almost five years I have worked all day in my office at home. My Classic Chicago business partner, Judy Carmack Bross, does the same. We meet by telephone several mornings a week and constantly by email. It was a pleasant routine and the lack of change has been very comforting. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? I’m looking forward most to long walks through the Gold Coast and along the lakefront in beautiful warm weather. And restaurants. I so miss sinking into a banquette at RL or Tortoise Supper Club for an afternoon of talk and lunch with longtime friends. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. My computer. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Second Tuesday lunches at RL.
Director of Special Events at Brian Atwood Designs, charity champion, fashionista, YOLANDA "DUSTY" STEMER: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? Having a brilliant Infectious Disease Expert sleeping next to me each night. Alex [Stemer] has been on calls and conferences with Rush, UNC and heads the Symphony system Covid response team for patients and staff. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? We are
Dusty's quarantine dinner table game is STRONG!
lucky to be in Indiana and be able to walk to the beach and the Dunes, but we are looking forward to enjoying dinner out with friends. And dare to dream of maybe being on an airplane going to a favorite vaca spot. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. Tequila and our BFF Jerry Mickelson!! 4) What are you missing the most right now? It's amazing how you miss human contact, whether it's family, friends or just seeing people in a grocery store. Zoom just doesn't replace the real thing!! I want to be normal again.
Kathy O'Malley Piccone and her friend Nikki Friar, social distancing in the park.
Managing Partner at Gibsons Restaurant Group, do-gooder, girl's girl, people lover, Hostess with the Mostest, KATHY O'MALLEY PICCONE: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? Most of all, my Faith and the Love and caring of my family and dear friends. Watching the goodness of people giving back. "Surprise" gifts, flowers and dinners being delivered. Never expected…So grateful. It warms my heart to order from local restaurants. 2) What are you most looking forward to
Kathy participating in a virtual Zoom Cocktail Party with the Service Club of Chicago.
when this is all over. My morning pilates and "Calm," taking deep breathes for the anxiety of the unknown. Music… Reading ..and some movies.. Above all Staying Positive. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? Simple Joys, a walk around the block will have a new meaning…never taking things
Kathy celebrating her BFF, Cheri James, birthday recently.
for granted. Gathering of friends. The awakening of things to come, for many to return to basics and kindness we were all born to share. Also looking forward to working with people again. I am such a nurturing, giving and caring person in need of social interaction, especially being in the hospitality business most of my life. I miss my Gibsons family and customers. 3) Name one item you couldn't live without during this time. The Internet …new ways to communicate. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Hugging my family and Friends, prosperity and just being free to come and go without second guessing. And let's not forget my hair salon, manicures and pedicures…LOL!
Myra and John Reilly think #togetherisbetter during lockdown, and always!
John Reilly Photography Partner, philanthropist, Service Clubof Chicago superstar, elegant MYRA REILLY and her photog superstar husband JOHN REILLY, Principal John Reilly Photography: 1) What has saved you, been the most comforting, during lockdown? That we are doing this together–cooking together and being able to work in our garden together and, most importantly, being able to have church services online. 2) What are you most looking forward to when this is all over? John can’t wait to get back to the studio and photographing, me, I miss seeing my family and giving them a big hug. 3) Name one item you couldn't have lived without during this time. They both said "each other"! And, together, we thank God for this time of reflection. 4) What are you missing the most right now? Being with friends and family and socializing with our “peeps”!
Oprah delivers powerful commencement speech for the Class of 2020.
I watched Oprah's greatly anticipated commencement speech for the Class of 2020 on May 15. She sure knows how to fire up a room. During the 90 minute live-streamed ceremony (I watched it on Facebook but know it appeared on other channels too), co-hosted by Mindy Kaling and B.J. Novak, a variety of stars gave advice to the graduating seniors including Jennifer Garner, Awkwafina, Amy Schumer, Matthew
John Mayer participated.
McConaughey, Gloria Estefan, Selena Gomez, Ashley Graham, Gordon Ramsey, Marlee Matlin, Steve Harvey, Usher, Sebastian Maniscalco, Tim Tebow, Andy Cohen, Rob Lowe, musician Marshmallow, Dice Nice, Hugh Jackman, supermodel Winnie Harlow, Simone Biles, John Mayer and dozens of others. Even Cookie Monster made an appearance! The ceremony acknowledged high schools and colleges in the U.S. by name, state by state, that included photos and videos of the class of 2020 and messages from students, deans and principals from across the country. Miley Cyrus "sang" " her hit song "The Climb" although it looked more like lip-synching to me (but at least she was there).
Gloria Estefan
Jennifer Garner introduced a spectacular group of high school students called the "Intonations" that sang a capella in perfect harmony. One of the many students spotlighted was Ashley Lawrence, a senior studying education for the deaf and hard of hearing at Eastern
Usher
Kentucky University. She created face masks for the hearing impaired that has a clear plastic window in the middle for lip reading. Genius! Brava Ashley! You're already a difference-maker! Here are some comments/advice the celebs had for the class of 2020: John Mayer–"I don't have to wait on the world to change anymore because I know, more than ever, that the
The Miz, professional wrestler and actor.
generation you're in has this handled." Matthew McConaughey–"Don't worry if you're not quite sure what you want to do in life. I'm 50 and have many days where I'm still not quite sure what I want to be. But I work on it, stay the process and try to enjoy it as much as I can." Simone Biles (world's most decorated gymnast)–"As an athlete, there's nothing quite like the
Steve Harvey represented for high schools in Ohio.
bus ride home after a win. You're happy because you've nailed it. This is your bus ride home. Your victory lap. I know you're missing your medal ceremony but that ceremony doesn't change a thing. You've already won." Steve Harvey-" It's the dreams I had in high school
Alright, alright Matthew McConaughey.
that made me what I am today. I'm a major, major star. I ain't messing around man. If it happened to me, why can't it happen to you? You have to lock in on that dream and never give up." Tim Tebow (all American quarterback)–"Life is not about tomorrow, it's not about the next day. It's about this day. And every day when you show up, know that you can show up with purpose and passion, every single day." Marshmallow-"Really look at yourself and ask what do I love doing, what makes me happy?" Rob Lowe–"Right now, you all have the ability to be the greatest generation the world has ever seen." Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco–"Whatever you do, do it 150%!" And now, to watch Oprah's powerful and inspiring commencement address, click HERE! (Congrats to the Class of 2020! May you light up the world with your good work!) The Facebook Watch group for this event numbered nearly 60,000 viewers.
Former President Obama welcomed guests to this virtual gala.
Bright Futures' Youth Guidance presented a spectacular virtual gala recently, raising over $1.1 million!! The event, co-chaired by Kimberly and Jim Mills, featured a donation segment led by auctioneer extraordinaire Greg "G-Man" Dellinger" with guest
Basketball star Jimmy Butler encouraged viewers to donate.
appearances interspersed throughout that included an opener/welcome from former President Barack Obama. Young people shared the impact the organization had in their lives through its various
Michelle Morrison, CEO Youth-Guidance.org, thanked viewers for their huge support!
initiatives and basketball star Jimmy Butler shared some inspiration for the kids. At the top donor level of $25,000, donations came in from Doug Walker, Mark Gerstein, Kimberly and Jim Mills, John and Diana Raitt, Maria Green and Greg Lewis and others. Auctioneer Dellinger became very emotional as the numbers climbed calling the supporters "change-makers for the kids." The event concluded with a heartfelt thank you from Youth Guidance CEO Michelle Morrison. The event will support the nonprofit's mission of supporting elementary and high school students through its many mentoring and counseling programs. The organization directly serves about 13,000 youth while touching the lives of hundreds more parents, schools and local communities.
For all of the fans of Bob Mariano (and who isn't?), I have great news! In a breaking story by Crain's Chicago, Bob is returning to the grocery industry with a $10 million investment to create a new chain aimed at combining shopping, restaurant dining and home delivery! The article by Dalton Barker, states: "The
Bob Mariano is BACCKKKK!!!
new venture, Dom’s Market & Kitchen, is planned for a March 2021 debut at a yet-to-be announced Lincoln Park location. The small-format store will feature specialty foods and take-home and dine-in meals prepared in an open kitchen. Groceries and meal-kits will also be available for delivery, according to a statement from the new company. It plans to add Chicago locations, focusing on urban neighborhoods, once its Lincoln Park spot is up and running. Mariano is partnering with fellow industry veterans Jay Owen and Don Fitzgerald to jumpstart the venture." Huge congrats Nina and Bob! We need YOU!!!
Photographer Jeff Cohen, making memories for charity.
For all those living on the North Shore, here's a great offer from a photographer/friend of mine Jeff Cohen Photography! He says, "After two+ months of creative inactivity, TV binge watching along with eating and drinking to excess, I’ve decided to get my butt off the couch and support those on the front lines fighting Covid-19 or who have been adversely affected by the virus. For a minimum donation of $50 to a First Responder’s charity or a local food bank, I'll come to your home or
Jeff Cohen Photography.
apartment and photograph your family in the safety and comfort of your porch or backyard. We'll gather for a 15 minute session of picture taking while keeping a safe distance. Within a few days I’ll send a high resolution gallery of images you can post on social media or make into prints. You'll have a bit of fun with your family, receive a record of this strange time and most important you'll help support a worthy cause. And for me I'll know my time, energy and creativity are helping those who are fighting the good fight every day. That's enough for me." What a great idea Jeff! Contact him here for more details and to book a day and time. Jeff@JeffCohenPhotography.com This offer expires 6/30/ North Shore Area Only. (And one more thing, Jeff knows his stuff, he was a senior art director for Playboy Magazine!)
The Peninsula brings the beats to pay tribute to the city and frontline workers.
During this time of isolation, music can be an especially uplifting and powerful way to bring the community together, while still observing social distancing. I love the sounds and songs coming from the balconies around the city every night at 8 pm. And now, The Peninsula Chicago is joining in the fun by offering live, upbeat music to celebrate the city and pay tribute to frontline responders. Listen for the trio on the Z Bar's rooftop terrace every Thursday at 8 pm. They play for 15 to 20 minutes! Area residents and responders can listen and sing along from their homes, or via a LIVE streaming broadcast on Facebook @peninsulachicago and Instagram @thepeninsulachi
If you're so inclined and have the means, please consider donating to the Chicago Independent Media Alliance – CIMA's month-long fundraising initiative, Save Chicago Media, to help support local Chicago news outlets. On this website, http://www.savechicagomedia.org, through June 5, you can donate one amount to be shared equally by the 43 outlets, or you can select individual outlets to give funds to. All money, up to $40,000, will be matched by generous local foundations. We need local, authentic media outlets to survive to tell the stories from and for their communities. Click here to choose an outlet and to donate. Any amount will make a difference.
PAWS Chicago Beach Party 2019 with Murray Peretz, Howard Tullman and Angie DeMars!
PAWS Chicago's annual Beach Party is going virtual! Mark your calendars now for Thursday, July 23, 7 pm! Expect a doggie swimsuit contest, Second City comedians, local celebs, a silent auction and so much more! Check their website here for deets coming soon!
Thanks again Gabby Road with Hannah, Fred & Justin for having me back! Loved chatting with you about Playboy; the nonprofit community; how events will look moving forward; working (or not) during a pandemic and so much more! If you missed it, please listen here!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! Join Dr. Sandy Goldberg and her A Silver Lining Foundation for their 16th annual Gala on Saturday, October 3 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place! Now, more than ever, this org needs your help in providing men and women with cost-free breast health testing. So many have lost their jobs and insurance so this year's event will be critical to support these life-saving needs. For tickets, more info, call 312.345.1322 or click here!
ULBGC champion Tiana Jackson!
Congrats Tiana Jackson! Hard work and determination pays off, just ask Union League Boys & Girls Clubs member Tiana, who has been selected to represent Illinois in the upcoming Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s Youth of the Year Midwest Regional Competition. She makes history as ULBGC's first state winner since the competition started 73 years ago!
I've been blogging on my own since 2008 but, this month, marks my 11th anniversary as a blogger/writer for ChicagoNow! The Chicago Now blogging platform is part of the Chicago Tribune. It's the home of over 300 top Chicago bloggers. If you'd like to check it out, please click here! (Thanks for bringing me on Bill Adee!) The site is masterfully helmed by Matt Schwerha!
Big thanks to Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas! Her office is waiving interest on late property tax payments for two months which will give taxpayers financial relief and more time to manage their finances. This is one politician who truly cares.
Lauren Lein with grateful frontline responders at Citadel Waterford. (Photo by Thomas P. Cavanaugh)
Kudos to designer Lauren Lein! She made and donated dozens of masks to the good folks at Citadel Waterford, a retirement home on Sheridan Road. Her good friend Julia Jacobs help facilitate this mission of mercy and now, as you can see, everyone is happier and safer! Good job Lauren!
How cool is this for Memorial Day Weekend!? Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse is offering GRILL MEAL KITS! Love this idea! Check out the menu and have a great holiday weekend! Long may you grill!
It seems my blogs get longer and longer. I don't know how there can be so much news when we can't go anywhere, but I'm happy to share! In spite of it all, there are lots of happy moments, events and successes happening all around us so I hope you've enjoyed this latest edition and I hope you tell your friends!
As for us, we're off for a little road trip to Lake Geneva for Memorial Day Weekend. I've packed all of our masks and plastic gloves and have firmly decided that this virus won't keep us down for long. We're celebrating where, when and how we can, safely and respectfully. Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend too!
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. This darling, bird-brained video is sure to take your mind off Covid!
Welcome back for my second blog under covid. Like everyone else in the world, I feel like this thing has me by the throat. I understand the frustration of people trying to gain back some freedom. In the beginning, believe it or not, I thought this was sort of fun–at least I had an excuse to stay home with Chuck and Rooney. I even got in some very creative cooking, thanks to Chef Art Smith and his great Insta videos. The stay-at-home order was like having permission to take a staycation. Little did I, or anyone else,
We miss shooting the breeze with Joey.
realize how long this would last and the horrible loss of life, sickness and personal sacrifice (on behalf of the front line workers
Gibson's with Kathy Piccone–such a sweet memory that I hope will return soon.
and others) it would cost. I understand the safety precautions we all need to take but I'm definitely ready to get back to work, get out of the house and have a reason to get dressed and earn a paycheck again. Zoom meetings are not for me. I'm a Gemini, I need social interaction like I need air to breathe. I know this will end but then what? What will the new normal look like? We all see how the world changed following 9/11. I
Pizano's, festive at Christmastime and always.
can't imagine flying with plastic panels between seats, nor can I imagine what dining in restaurants will look like. How in
Armando Vasquez, La Scarola. We're waiting to do this again!
the world will Armando Vasquez, from La Scarola, share tequila shooters with us? How will I handle not getting a hug from Kathy Piccone at Gibson's and how sad would it be not to be able to sit at Tufano's with Joey DiBuono or at the bar at Pizano's with Brian shooting the breeze. Times will change but I pray memories like these will return for us all, and soon.
Our fabulous gala-going days have been cut short too, for now. Thank you Rona. However, that doesn't mean nonprofits aren't getting creative with their fundraising, ergo virtual galas! Now, we all know this isn't nearly as gratifying as rubbing shoulders with friends, comparing new outfits or toasting a successful night, but it is a vital effort for the organizations to stay afloat and keep revenue streams open. I've come to realize that if supporters have their heart set on your nonprofit, they will find a way to help and this gives them a perfect opportunity during this crisis. Case in point, I recently "attended/watched" Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's online event, "Toast to Shakespeare's Birthday." It's lucky for them that they have such a deep arsenal of performing and creative talent, which helped move along the 1/2 hour free celebration. It was joyous and thoughtfully produced with nearly 2000 households tuning in and several thousand more on-demand. The organization was really ahead of the game though as they've been producing "tons" of online content as part of their ongoing Shakes@Home initiative. The recent birthday celebration for the bard was the first virtual event of this kind that they have produced. The event was part of its Brave New World campaign which brought in more than $10,000 in new and first time gifts toward the $900,000 raised to date. Read details below:
Shakespeare Theater Company's virtual gala was a great success!
Chicago Shakespeare Theater presented a one-night-only streaming event Toast to Shakespeare’s Birthday! on April 23. On the occasion of the Bard’s 456th birthday, a line-up of special guests—including the Queens of SIX on Broadway, Chicago Theater legend Larry Yando, hip-hop sensations the Q Brothers Collective, actor/author John Tufts, as well as T.R. Knight, Heather Headley, Peter Sagal, Chef Rick
A 456th BD celebration!
Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton and Rebecca Night, James Vincent Meredith, E. Faye Butler, and more–all offered toasts to the Bard during the 1/2 hour virtual event that opened with a welcome from artistic director Barbara Gaines and creative producer Rick Boynton. The fun-filled event featured a special musical performance from the
The virtual event was hosted by Rick Boynton and Barbara Gaines.
SIX Queens—Adrianna Hicks, Andrea Macasaet, Abby Mueller, Brittney Mack, Samantha Pauly, and Anna Uzele—who headlined the North American Premiere production of the hit show at Chicago Shakespeare in Spring 2019 and now await their return to the Broadway stage. Legendary Chicago theater actor Larry Yando joined online to discuss Shakespeare after appearing onstage in some of the Bard’s most storied roles. The evening also featured Chicago hip hop sensations, the Q Brothers Collective – GQ, JQ, Jax and Pos, who have created award-winning “ad-rap-tations” of Shakespeare including Othello: The Remix. Actor
Beautiful stars from the "Queens of Six"
and author John Tufts, along with his son, shared a birthday-themed recipe from his newly released book, Fat Rascals: Dining at Shakespeare’s Table. Making special appearances throughout the event were T.R. Knight (Grey’s Anatomy, Chicago Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Heather Headley (Broadway’s The Color Purple, Aida, The Lion King), NPR’s Peter Sagal (Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me), Chef Rick Bayless, Harry Hadden-Paton (Downton Abbey, Broadway’s My Fair Lady) and Rebecca Night (Chicago Shakespeare’s The King’s Speech), James Vincent Meredith (The Book of Mormon National Tour), award-winning vocalist E. Faye Butler, as well as Heidi Kettenring, Laura Rook and Nate Burger, Jennifer Latimore, and Sean
The theater company's design department is hard at work helping create masks during the crisis.
and Linda Fortunato. The event highlighted Chicago Shakespeare’s current initiatives to serve audiences, artists and the community and covered Chicago
John Tufts, and his son, cooked on the show and "shamelessly" touted his new cookbook.
Shakespeare’s new free educational initiative, Stream and Study, which provides educators with a digital stream of the Theater’s 2017 abridged production of Romeo and Juliet, adapted and directed by Marti Lyons and a wide array of teaching materials and activities, tailored for the now-virtual classroom. Hundreds of teachers have already signed up to implement the program in their digital curriculum. The
The project workers have completed more than 18,000 patient face masks for UI Health hospitals and other healthcare facilities across the state, all while providing a source of income to more than 100 theater-makers across the city, many of whom are out of work due to the COVID-19-releated theater closures. The virtual event closed with cast members and other theater VIPs thanking the viewers and the front line workers. Gaines ended with, "Stay safe, be well and let's all take care of each other."
Congrats to Giordano Dance Chicago for its first ever virtual Zoom jazz dance experience that was held on Gus Giordano Day April 25 with renowned choreographer Ray Leeper. The
GDC's Nan Giordano and Cesar Salinas welcomed viewers from Nan's living room.
energetic and inspiring online event opened with a welcome from artistic director Nan Giordano and artistic programs manager, Cesar Salinas, from Nan's beautiful living room. Nan introduced Leeper who appeared from his Los Angeles home. This was followed by 20-minute combo sessions conducted by Giordano and Leeper with appearances by the
Choreographer Ray Leeper led us all in dance from his home in LA.
dancers at various intervals. Everyone was encouraged to follow along for this intermediate level online dance celebration. Over 300 viewers tuned in from 12 countries and 31 states, raising $3000 for America's original jazz dance company, now in its 57th year. At the conclusion, a full screen
The entire GDC company participated and joined together at the conclusion to thank supporters.
of all of the dancers appeared with Nan, Cesar, Ray and Michael McStraw, executive director. GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in America. The event will be held again on June 9 led by Leeper, this time on NAN GIORDANO DAY! Congrats to all and I'll "see" you on June 9! (To follow along, click here!)
Pants Optional, a virtual gala for Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Saturday, May 9.
And you won't want to miss THIS virtual gala! Steppenwolf Theatre Company will replace its 2020 Gala with a special (FREE) online event, Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée. The event will celebrate the power of theatre and raise critical funds to keep the company alive during a time of necessary social-distancing. Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee this festive virtual gathering on Saturday, May 9, at 6:30 pm CST, with special appearances by Steppenwolf ensemble members Joan Allen, Gary Cole, John Malkovich, Sandra Marquez and Laurie Metcalf, along with celebrity guests who will be announced on
STC ensemble member John Malkovich will participate in the virtual event.
Steppenwolf’s social media channels and website. Steppenwolf ensemble members and esteemed celebrity guests will make special appearances in this
Ensemble member Tracy Young.
virtual soirée, uniting with Steppenwolf supporters, audiences and fans viewing the event from the comfort of their homes. Throughout the evening, guests will be able to give online, by phone or by text to help raise funds to bring back to the stage I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, this season’s Steppenwolf for Young Adults hit world premiere based on the award-winning novel by
Ensemble member Audrey Francis will emcee.
Erika L. Sánchez, adapted by celebrated Chicago playwright Isaac Gómez. The extended and sold out run was cut short by the COVID-19 crisis and remounting the production in the Spring of 2021 would bring back to life this essential Chicago story for those who were unable to see it and others who want to see it again. Wrapping up Steppenwolf’s spectacular online bash, attendees can participate in a virtual dance party with the talented DJ Tracy Young, who won a 2020 Grammy for her remix of Madonna’s I Rise. “Although our traditional gala is always a wonderful night that we look forward to, I know that this year’s event will be truly special. Being able to come together online with a greater swath of Steppenwolf artists, audiences and supporters for a collective
Beloved ensemble member Joan Allen will also participate.
moment of joy during these difficult times is just what we need to support live theatre and each other,” shares artistic director Anna D. Shapiro.
Ensemble member Gary Cole.
Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée co-chairs include ensemble member Joan Allen; trustee Susan Berghoef; ensemble members Gary Cole and Sandra Marquez; and trustee Anne Phillips and Don Phillips. “Every year we look forward to a fun celebration with artists, ensemble, trustees and guests in support of the incredible work that Steppenwolf
Ensemble member Sandra Marquez.
Education does season after season. We’re thrilled that this year’s virtual platform allows us to expand our reach by making it free and open to all. What better way to uplift the power of live theatre than raising funds to bring back a production that was so meaningful to our teen and public audiences. We are looking forward to reuniting with our Steppenwolf community online with this event and at our theatre again in the future,” shared executive director David Schmitz. Pants Optional: A Steppenwolf Soirée lead sponsors are Anne and Don Phillips with additional support from Innovators Allstate, The Bluhm Family Charitable Foundation, Exelon, Grosvenor Capital Management, Liz and Eric Lefkofsky, The Orlebeke Foundation and The Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, among others. For more details on how to stream this exciting event, click here!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana hosted its first virtual UNGala on May 2. Hosted by Fred (of KISS 103.5 FM) and Holly Buckendahl, the nonprofit's CEO, the 40 minute event featured a performance by Sixteen Candles (that was introduced by lead singer Adam LeBlanc). The group sang "Chains of Love." Nick Lynch, 3-time
Fred, of KISS 103.5 FM) hosted the show.
American Idol contestant sang "Best Days" by Graham Colton. In between performances, RMHC ambassador families shared their stories of staying at the Houses when their children were sick. The Donnelly family's daughter Olivia, was born with a rare heart condition
Baby Olivia before her first heart transplant.
that required hospitalization that eventually led to heart transplant surgery, not once, but twice. Every year, the family leads a Walk for Hope and Olivia is doing great now! Throughout the event, Holly shared info about the 5 Houses spread across Chicagoland (along with three Family Rooms). She said, "We
Sixteen Candles' Adam LeBlanc.
exist so families can get better together." The Houses served around 18,000 kids last year. It costs about $85 per night to house a family but they are asked to donate only $10, if they can. If they can't, no family is ever turned away. There was a Q&A with Ronald McDonald introduced by franchise
American Idol's Nick Lynch performed.
owner/operator Derrick Lott. Ronald led the viewers in a dance and told some cute jokes. Mardelle Gundlach, program director, gave supporters a tour of the House near Comer Children's Hospital. Fred spoke about his own family's experiences staying in various
Olivia in dancing mode–she's doing great now!
Houses when he had meningitis as a kid. In conclusion, the band Spoken Four sang Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours." Pete Bensen, RMHCCNI board chair, thanked everyone for viewing and donating. "While the world around us is on pause, childhood illness doesn't take a break." The event
Spoken Four performed.
raised over $760,000 towards a $1 million goal with donations pouring in online from the Benson Family ($10K); McGonigal Family ($5K); True Group ($10K); Koerner Family ($2500); Hammock Family ($2500); Caitlin Griffin ($1K); Capgemini Family ($10K); Red Shoes Society ($5K) and the Chicago Bulls and White Sox ($5K) and so many more. Donations for the UnGala are continuing through the end of the month (and anytime, of course). To donate or bid on silent auction items, click here!
Chicago House has reset its event to September 13.
the return of previously cancelled galas! Please mark your calendars for the following big events that will be live and in person (for now anyway). Make sure you check each nonprofit's website though as the event draws closer in case there have been changes.
Chicago House & Social Service's 34th annual Brunch & Fashion Show has been rescheduled for September 13. I will be front and center for this hotly anticipated, fun-filled, joyous event to benefit this nonprofit that, since 1985, has provided support for those living with and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. For tickets, more info, please click here!
Josh Hale, pres/CEO Big Shoulders Fund, and friends.
The Big Shoulders Fund will host its annual "Reach for the Stars" gala on Friday, September 23 at the Hilton Chicago. Here's what Josh Hale, president/CEO, had to say about BSF which provides support to Catholic Schools in the neediest areas of inner-city Chicago. "We are actively working to keep our mission strong and vibrant. Our 95 schools are providing e-learning to some 26,000 children in under-resourced communities. Also, we are listening to the needs of these schools and children and are providing them with what they need – chromebooks, social-emotional supports, food, and caring – love! While all of these are critical, ensuring these children, their families and communities have access to food has been the most critical and uplifting! With the support of generous supporters, we have initiated an innovative partnerships with small community-based restaurants to deliver food/meals to our students, families, and others in the community facing food instability. Currently, we have 20 sites set up – our schools – located in some of Chicago’s lowest income communities. We have partnered with just over 30 local, family owned
Happy kids enjoying meals from Big Shoulders Fund initiatives.
restaurants in these communities to provide meals. We pay the restaurants to prepare the meals which are either distributed at our schools or picked-up from the restaurant. They are fresh, hot and restaurant quality. We see this as a win-win in that we help local community-based organizations – restaurants and our schools – to remain open, vibrant and fulfilling a great need in their community. This program has grown significantly and, thus far, we have served nearly 20,000 meals and counting." Keep up the great work Josh and BSF! (For gala tickets, more info about this amazing nonprofit, and/or to support, click here!)
After School Matters, a nonprofit that provides Chicago high school teens with after-school and summer opportunities, had to cancel its Sneaker Ball this year that was scheduled for May 2. It will be reset for Spring 2021.
Bright Futures virtual gala is set for Thursday, May 14.
Bright Futures has changed its event to a virtual gala set for Thursday, May 14. The event will support its Youth Guidance initiative that mentors and counsels 13,000 youth.
The National Museum of Mexican Art had to cancel its May 8th fundraiser that would've presented the Arthur R. Velasquez Award to Adela Cepeda for her significant contributions and support. She will now be honored at next year's gala. In the meantime, the Museum asks if you can donate, please do so here. The Museum is the only one dedicated to Mexican art and accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show had to cancel its always anticipated event this year but they are offering new content every week online through its Get Growing channel on YouTube. Please check it out and donate if you can here.
Victory Gardens Theater will honor actor Andre De Shields at its October24 Chicago Stories Gala.
Victory Gardens Theater's "Chicago Stories" gala will be held on Saturday, October 24 at the Four Seasons. The event will honor the very talented actor/legend Andre De Shields with guest playwright and MSNBC legal analyst Jill Wine-Banks. For tickets and more info, click here!
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is offering a variety of digital content online on its CSO From Home channel. Check it out and support, if you can.
The Harris Theatre for Music & Dance, in association with the Lyric Opera, will livestream Beyond the Aria on May 11. Artistic director Craig Terry will be joined by three Lyric artists for an evening of uplifting music. Click here for more info and to watch.
The Second City, the famed comedy institution, has adapted its improvisation-based shows to create real- time, interactive and socially "together" virtual experiences available to audiences world-wide. The events are streamed for free but donations will be accepted to The Second City Alumni Fund, a resource for performers and other members of The Second City community experiencing critical health and financial challenges. Register for shows here.
The National Hellenic Museum in Chicago offers a free digital museum archive that features a rich repository of 20,000+ Greek American artifacts, photos, historic newspapers, books and more than 450 recorded oral histories to explore. This is the largest collection of its kind in the world and it's right here at your fingertips!
WTTW-WFMT's annual gala scheduled for May 6 was cancelled. It would've celebrated women on the 100th anniversary of us getting the right to vote. The theme was Trailblazers: Women Who Change the World. No info is available yet as for a new date. I'll be waiting to hear Julia!
The Adler Planetarium Women's Board had to cancel its WISS (Women in Space Science) Luncheon and is now focusing on the Celestial Ball set for September 12 at the Planetarium. Mark your calendars and check out more info here! See video of last year's spectacular Ball below!
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago has made the decision to reschedule the 71st Annual Woman's Board Ball to Saturday, November 14 at the Four Seasons Chicago. They will hold the ball as originally planned by honoring two Woman's Board Visionaries, Karen Gray-Krehbiel and the late Kim White. For more info, click here.
St. Jude'sFour Stars Restaurant Extravaganza has a tentative hold on Tuesday, September 29 to hold its event, this year at a new venue The Field Museum! And the always exciting St. Jude Fashion Show, this year chaired by dear friend Ann Danner Dwyer, will be held on Saturday, May 8, 2021! Mark your calendars for both and follow along here for details.
Nothing deters The Service Club of Chicago! The annual Spring Luncheon (the hat luncheon) will now be held on Thursday, September 3, at the Drake Hotel. Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will feature the same speaker as originally planned, Laura Dowling, who
The SC Spring Luncheon has been moved to Thursday, September 3.
served as the Chief Floral Designer at The White House. SC president Sherrill Bodine said, "These are uncharted waters but SC does have plans to continue our mission. We have survived the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, the '29 Crash, two World Wars and much more because we keep doing our job!" The nonprofit also is conducting virtual philanthropic grant sessions so help in the community will still be ongoing to those organizations who need it the most. The Day on the
SC's virtual cocktail party will be held on Thursday, May 7.
Terrace Fashion Show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions and co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey, Tracey DiBuono and Jamie Thorsen is still scheduled for Monday, August 3 at the Peninsula. (For more info, click here!) Also, mark your calendars for Thursday, May 7 when the SC presents its first Zoom Cocktail Party! Hosted by Nikki Friar at Marchesa Chicago, the event helps the SC support nonprofits throughout Chicagoland. There will be much camaraderie, cocktail recipes, mixology tips and, I'm sure, a lot of laughs! Click the link for more info and to purchase your ticket ($25) here! Boy, these ladies are BUSY!
Another great women's organization is hard at work making a difference in Hinsdale. The Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club (HJWC) is comprised of generous, dedicated, diligent women always asking, "How can we help?", and in unprecedented times like these, that question is coming up even more frequently. Recently, Hinsdale Hospital reached out for HJWC’s help in relation to its COVID-19 needs. The hospital shared a wish list of various medical items they desperately needed and HJWC came through to support them. Thanks to efforts from its philanthropy co-chairs Tina Weller, Dee Bauer, Ruta Brigden, Colleen Whitehead and Liz Weir, along with its executive board, HJWC was able to donate a grant of $19,210 to help purchase three handheld Echo Cardiology Machines and a Portable Patient Monitor. Kudos to all involved in this remarkable effort!
The Chicago Lighthouse will now host its "Seeing What's Possible" gala, chaired by Anida "Cookie" Cohen, on Wednesday, September 23. The event, with a Roaring '20s theme, will be held at the Four Seasons with dinner, a program and dancing to the Becca Kaufman Orchestra. It will honor David and Nancy Huber and the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences Systems. For more info, click here!
JourneyCare's "Allstars of Project Runway" event will be held on Saturday, September 26
JourneyCare's Allstars of Project Runway event is set for Saturday, Sept. 26.
at the Arlington International Racecourse. The event will raise funds and shine a spotlight on care for children and adults living with serious illness. FYI, the runway show is spectacular. Last year it was led by Chicago's own Peach Carr! For more info, click here!
The Holiday Heroes Foundation, a nonprofit led by executive director Felicia Winiecki, provides joy and entertainment to children who are seriously ill by hosting themed hospital parties. Their annual event has been pushed to September but a date hasn't yet been decided. To check details when they become available, please click here!
The thrill of a lifetime, riding in the Pride Parade on the Baton Show Lounge float.
Sadly, the much loved Pride Parade has been postponed from its June 28th date. Tim Frye, coordinator of the 2020 parade, said he hopes the event can be held in late summer or early fall and that, if it can't be rescheduled then, it will be back in 2021. Boystown's annual Pride Fest, which was planned for June 20/21, was also postponed. It has been rescheduled for Sept. 5 and 6. Yeah!!!! (Watch for updates here).
Besides the ones mentioned above, all of these following arts, dance and theater companies will provide a virtual stage for programming. They include the Joffrey Ballet, Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, The House Theatre of Chicago, Chicago Children's Theatre, The Neo-Futurist Theater, Lookingglass Theatre, Sideshow Theatre, Black Button Eyes Productions, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Lucky Plush Productions, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater and Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
Congrats to TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network)! The organization's Dining Out For Life campaign, that raised funds for community-based organizations serving people living with or impacted by HIV, had to be re-imagined this year due to the Covid crisis. Bryant Dunbar (TPAN director of development), Michael Murphy (board chair), Charlie Jungwirth(manager of events and community engagement) and other team members. decided the nonprofit would still show its support for the restaurant community that has supported it for so long. TPAN encouraged supporters to take part in a Solidarity Dinner on April 30 as a way of giving back. Chuck and I ordered a
Wilde Bar & Restaurant Solidarity Dinner carry out.
delicious dinner from WildeBar & Restaurant. As an added bonus, inside the carry-out bag, were two laminated cards. One had a quote from Victor Hugo, "Even the darkest night will end, and the sun will rise." And on another
Thoughtful inserts in carry out bag from Wilde Bar & Restaurant.
card, there was the most beautiful poem by Donna Ashworth which read, in part, "History will remember when the people sang on their balconies, in isolation but so very much together in courage and song…History will remember when the virus left and the houses opened and the people came out and hugged and kissed and started again. Kinder than before." Just beautiful!
Cancer and Careers helps cancer patients and survivors who are navigating the job market, returning to work and/or looking for work. This nonprofit has a relationship with QVC and The Home Shopping Network and are offering an incredible sale for a contribution. The annual event, called "Beauty with Benefits," will take place on May 28 and run for 4 hours. With each purchase, regardless of how much is spent, the customer will receive a free gift valued at $230. All the brands who participate will donate the products to be sold with 80% of each purchase supporting CAC. Click here for all the details! (Thanks for the heads-up Christie Hefner!)
Win virtual happy hours with Tom Ricketts, Rahm and ESPN’s Sarah Spain; a very rare 1973 Old Fitzgerald's 1849 8-Year bourbon; experiences at Utopian Tailgate, The Second City, Roots, Steadfast and more when you purchase a raffle ticket to benefit The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group's charity initiatives. The Food Drive Raffle will help feed those in need and, to date, has produced over 25,000 meals. Raffle tickets start at $20 (which will provide two meals for those in need), and the raffle ends at 11pm CST on Tuesday, May 12. Winners of each prize will be chosen via an online random winner selector, and winners will be notified on May 13. To see all of the items available and to purchase raffle tickets, click here!
Designer Phil Cooper's new event planning idea, High-minded Events.
Designer Phil Cooper is on a real "high" with his new event planning idea. He has created High-minded Events, "Illinois' premiere cannabis concierge"! This new concept will take events to a whole new level! "From infused dining to creative explorations, High-minded Events will offer elevated experiences that harness the cannabis plant's ability to foster togetherness and fortify relationships," Phil shared. "Whether guests are connoisseurs or curious, we provide a tailored, smoke-free way to enhance the occasion." Good luck Phil! (For details, click here!)
The Chicago Sun-Times shared a very important article about face masks. Basically, it's everything you need to know about wearing them, caring for them and what types are the best for safety. The article, by Stephanie Zimmermann, states that there are three kinds of masks–N95 masks, medical or surgical masks and cloth masks. N95s block 95% of particles and medical/surgical masks filter out about 60-80% of particles. Any of these types of masks work better than a bandana. Read article here for all the details. #StaySafe #StayMasked
Leave it to the Rolling Stones, they never miss an opportunity to stay relevant. They have released a very cool song perfectly describing the weird times we're all living through. "Living in a Ghost Town," the song and accompanying video, was written and created by Jagger and Keith Richards in London and L.A. (in isolation). Mick said, ‘‘So the Stones were in the studio recording some new material before the lockdown and there was one song we thought would resonate through the times that we’re living in right now. We’ve worked on it in isolation. And here it is – It’s called ‘Living in a Ghost Town’ – I hope you like it” Keith said, “So, let's cut a long story short. We cut this track well over a year ago in L.A. for part of a new album, an ongoing thing, and then shit hit the fan. Mick and I decided this one really needed to go to work right now and so here you have it, "Living in a Ghost Town." Stay safe!” Watch it below…..so cool!
Happy 31st anniversary to Gibson's Bar & Restaurant! Chuck and I got married the same year this wonderful hotspot opened,
Frank with Tom Dreesen.
1989, and we always celebrate our anniversaries "together"! We even had our rehearsal dinner at the brand new Gibsons! Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 9 when everybody's favorite comedian, Tom Dreesen, will livestream a Zoom event, in collab with the restaurant! “The Man Who Made Sinatra Laugh” will share never-before-told stories from his friendship with the legendary Frank Sinatra! For Zoom tickets, $25, click here!
On Saturday, when the temps reached 70 and the sun came out, Chuck, Rooney and I made a break for it. We took our old Sebring convertible north on Lake Shore Drive and we didn't stop until we reached a beach. We were careful to stay outside the police barricade but we could still feel the breeze on our faces and hear the gentle lapping of the waves on the shore. It felt like we had taken a long trip but it was only 20 minutes away. It's true that this virus has forced us to stop and smell the roses. I guess out of everything bad, comes something good. For us, that trip rejuvenated us beyond belief. We had sand in our shoes and grateful hearts. I hope you get a chance to do the same.
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And now, a bed time story of how it started and why hindsight’s 2020.
Victor and Cindy on cover of Chicago Tribune's Style.
He had an unerring eye. Victor Skrebneski saw the world in black and white with subtle shades in between and no one has ever photographed it like he did. I remember a comment he once made about how much he loved Paris, a city he referred to as his "muse." He said it was because "nothing there offends my eye." I never forgot
Supermodel Carmen Dell' Orefice's favorite (iconic) photo, by Victor.
this…He made the commonplace seem grand and the grand even grander. He was a genius and one that we, as Chicagoans, were always thrilled and proud to call our own. We almost lost him to NYC but, thanks to his longtime friend and supermodel Carmen Dell'Orifice,
Inside looking out from Victor's spotless studio on LaSalle.(9/15/13)
he stayed in the Windy City. He had spoken to her in the '50s about moving and she asked the most logical question, "Why would you want to leave Chicago when you're positioned as the greatest fashion and portrait photographer outside of NYC? The opportunities for you being in Chicago would be endless!" She was right and
Sherren Leigh and Victor.
he stayed, although I'm pretty sure he would've made history wherever he chose to live. My first encounter with Victor came in
TCW Mag 31st anniversary cover shot by Victor in 2013.
2013, when I had the honor of appearing on the 31st anniversary cover of Today's Chicago Woman Magazine, thanks to its dynamic founder Sherren Leigh. I was thrilled with the idea of appearing on the cover but when I heard it would be shot by the legendary Skrebneski, I damn near lost my mind. He didn't remember our first "almost" meeting though
Dennis Minkel and Victor from my favorite book by the photog, "Ageing".
back in my modeling days. I was sent by my agent for a "go-see" to his famed studio at 1350 N. LaSalle. Then as now, having Victor shoot a photo of you was considered the holy grail of the industry. To be shot by him said you had arrived and in a very big way. Well, I was flatly rejected because
Andrea Schwartz' beautiful Victor portrait, won at a PAWS Fur Ball live auction.
I was only 5' 7" and he insisted his models be 5'8" or over. He wouldn't even look at me …..I remember Jovanna Papadakis, who was his right hand woman at the time, even apologized to me as she thought I had some potential. Sun-Times writer Larry Findley said in Jovanna's obit that she was "the stern
Kerry Harper Melchi, a favorite model of Victor's.
gatekeeper who protected the inner sanctum of Victor Skrebneski's famous photography studio." Her friend Camilla Hawk said, "The models shuddered in
Another favorite model of Victor's, Deborah Larsen.
their boots when they walked in. Her reputation spread far and wide that she was a fearsome taskmaster. No model got past her to show their book to Victor. She would take the book, and if she thought it was appropriate, she would show it to him." Well, Jovanna did show it to him but still he wouldn't see me. This was one of the great regrets of my life, but happily, Sherren Leigh and TCW made my dream come true in later years. As I pulled into his
Sexy Dori Wilson, who was a friend and model for Victor.
driveway for the TCW shoot on Sept. 15, 2013, I purposely slowed down and put the top down on my car hoping someone would see me pulling in. When I opened the
Dori by Victor.
big, imposing wooden door, there was Dennis Minkel, Victor's assistant and studio manager, with a big grin on his face….I relaxed. And then there was Victor, also with a big smile, and I knew I was among friends. Suddenly, my worries about squeezing into a too tight Herve Leger dress were behind me and I could only focus on the studio and the legends who had been shot there and the decor. All in shades of white and beige, with his famous portraits dotting the walls, it was truly an honor and a privilege to be invited inside. Sherren was there
Kerry Harper Melchi by Victor.
as well as four beautiful models who would be shooting the fashion feature. Representatives from A. Marek Fine Jewelry were on hand, too, including an imposing security guard
Dr. Steve Stryker by Victor, a sweet anniversary gift.
who followed me everywhere once I'd been layered with their exquisite diamond necklaces. The photography space was all white with a step-down that I'm sure has brought many a client and model to their knees as their eyes scanned the room and not the floor as they entered. The lighting was deceptively simple …..clearly, here was a man who didn't require a bank of white lights to make someone look good. No, this lighting was for a genius who knew exactly what he wanted before he shot
Fast friends, Maria Pappas, Victor and Leslie Hindman.
it and knew what it would look like before he even snapped his Hasselblad's shutter. This was not a photographer who took
A 50+ year friendship/collab–Michael Kutza and Victor at the unveiling of his last poster for the Festival.
all day long to get "the" shot either. Victor took very few shots and stopped when he knew he had what he wanted. I was in awe. Even after the cover shot, when he cleared the studio for a private portrait (which was much to my surprise as I had no idea he planned on doing this!), there was no time wasted. As Frank
Sugar Rautbord shot by Victor.
Sinatra played in the background, the shot took just a few lighting adjustments and an arch of my back for Victor to say, "We have it." Victor shot the covers for TCW Mag for
A beautiful friendship–Victor, Carmen Dell' Orefice and Peter Martino.
about 8 years. Sherren said, "Victor took TCW’s layouts and fashion pages to a level I never could. A true artistic genius." Lots of friends have had the good fortune to own a "Victor Portrait" which I believe he charged around $25K for. Through the years, Victor's generosity extended to so many charitable causes. He would donate a sitting and,
Victor captured the energetic late photog Steve Starr perfectly.
invariably, the money raised would be astronomical for this coveted photo shoot. He raised millions for local charities. Philanthropic friends Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, have matching Skrebneski photos. Andrea's was purchased at the PAWS Fur Ball's live auction in
Victor, winner of the Lucie award for 'Outstanding Achievement in Fashion', accompanied by model Carmen Dell'Orefice at 11th Annual Lucie Awards at Zankel Hall, Carnegie Hall on October 27, 2013 in NYC.
2014, shortly after they became engaged, and Steve's was purchased by his loving wife for their 1st anniversary in 2016. What a thrill for those lucky enough to have such a treasure! And even though he shot legends the world over, the images of people I know are the ones I relate to the most. Back in the day, I modeled with one of Victor's favorites, Kerry Harper Melchi. She of the long dark hair and lithe
Along with every other ad campaign, Victor made I. Magnin ads iconic. (Kerry Harper Melchi)
5'8" frame….along with Deborah Larsen, these two shot so many iconic ads with Victor–I. Magnin, Grosvenor Furs, Oscar de la Renta and so many others. They were/are flawless. I asked Kerry how she came to be a model for the genius. She said, "In 1977 I graduated from high school and went to Chicago to see if I could make it as a model. One day I had a job at his studio, for shoes only. During the shoot, he called in a makeup
Victor at Ralph Lauren for the book signing of "Ageing", my favorite book of his.
artist and after that he began booking me for fashion. Although he did book hair and makeup he liked us to be able to do our own as well. It was 'The School of Victor' so to speak. We knew hair, makeup, styling, posing, acting and becoming aware of what clients wanted. He taught us to be a perfectionist at our job. I became a sought after
Chuck by Victor for Red Hot Chicago 2013.
model because of what I learned at his studio. I was very grateful. The shoots were amazing, surrounded by very creative and talented people. Always fun music playing and great lunches brought in. We all just clicked and it was a unique atmosphere." Dori Wilson, Dori Wilson PR and a longtime friend and also a former model of
With Victor, Michael Kutza (and Chuck peeking) at the Landmarks Library Foundation Gala. Both Michael and Victor were both honored as Living Landmarks, of course.
Victor's, had this to say about her experiences with the maestro. "We were all so honored for the opportunity to work for Victor, that we always tried our very best. He didn't say much … one could just tell from his eyes if he was happy or if something needed to be changed. He did makeup better than anyone. I recall Victor told me to show up on a Saturday for a shoot … I did … and thought nothing more about it. Of course, I did not tell my folks that I had done a nude (actually I had on bikini bottoms, but same were retouched out.) One day my Dad came home from work with a page from LOOK Magazine that his boss had given
Dear friend of Victor's, Joey Mondelli (La Scarola)
him. He was not pleased. I said "well, it's not me"… he responded, "well, why is your name there?" …That's how I learned the photo had been picked up by a national magazine…..Yikes! He was THE BEST!" Another longtime friend Michael Kutza, founder of the Chicago International Film Festival, bonded with Victor over the Festival photo shoots, which are now iconic. Michael shared this about his friend, "What can I say about Victor? Victor was a very focused professional. I was friends with SKREBNESKI while a select others were friends with VICTOR! So for 55 years we worked on projects for Film Festival posters to help raise funds for the organization. I would bring him a whole slew of
Shelley MacArthur Farley by Victor.
movie stars and personalities to shoot that we then made into posters, with some being included in the book I was doing for the 40th Anniversary entitled MOVING PICTURES. From Francois Truffaut, Anne Nicole Smith, Oliver Stone, Shirley MacLaine, Sigourney Weaver Faye Dunaway so many fun people. They all loved meeting Skrebneski and being in a
Laura Barnett by Victor.
shoot. His private life was his private life. I have always respected that. There would be months and months where I would never hear from him and then, maybe 6 months later, I'd get a morning call, "When are we going to RL or La Scarola?" As you or may not know, he put RL on the map. It was a failed enterprise of Ralph's [Lauren]! Ralph asked Victor for advice and he said you need Steve Lombardo to reinvent the place and
Bonnie Spurlock by Victor.
manage it. He did and it worked. He loved RL. When I went to him in 1966 and asked him to make the Film Festival SEXY, it took him a few months but he came back with
Myra Reilly by Victor for Red Hot Chicago 2013.
some images that put the Chicago International Film Festival on the map!!! He could be completely impossible and stubborn, but I certainly understood being a fellow Sagittarius, as we are always RIGHT…and do it our way. One year, we Sagittarians got together for a drink at The Casino. The group included Victor, Donna La Pietra, Sugar Rautbord, Leslie Hindman, Beverly Blettner and me. VIC ( as I called him) is about to have a new chapter in his life. He will be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. His iconic photography will live on…" Leslie Hindman,
Carmen Dell' Orefice by Victor for Marshall Fields. Now hanging in the Museum of Contemporary Photography.
Hindman Auctions founder, remembered the unique creativity of Victor. She shared, "When Sandra Hindman and I had Antiques Chicago at Navy Pier in 2001, Victor agreed to be honored and to design a “celebrity booth” at
Playboy cover, Aug. 1959, shot by Victor.
the fair. I couldn’t wait to see what he would bring to the exhibit. He has the best taste of anyone, as you know, and the chicest home in the entire city other than Marilynn Alsdorf’s. He brought his own little paint container and told the painter that the booth needed to be exactly that color – it was off white – but he was SO specific about it that it had to be exactly that off white. Later, I stopped by to see his booth. The ONLY THING in the booth was one beautiful live naked man lying on a very simple table. Stark naked. That was it. Victor explained that that was ART and DESIGN at its best and that there was nothing else necessary whatsoever. So the naked man just sat in various poses in the off white booth – which was just under the stage in the rotunda at Navy Pier – for the duration of the show. Everyone LOVED IT. How
Museum of Contemporary Photography honors Victor with the Silver Camera Award (with Karen Irvine and Natasha Egan).
brilliant. It was fantastic!" (Me: I just wish I had been there to see THIS!) Another dear, dear friend of Victor's, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas had this to share. "Victor was the guy in my life who finished my sentences before I started them. Sometimes we never talked we just made faces, giggles and frowned. He unconditionally loved me and was always up for my cooking. He would even tell me to serve straight out of the pot. He could do no wrong, I could do no wrong. We were two interwoven spirits navigating the world's circus." Carmen Dell' Orefice, who is still modeling at age 88 (and who is my favorite of all time) worked with Skrebneski alot, creating museum quality images. She said, ”My heart will always vibrate whenever I think about Victor and our many photo shoots and times together. I'm grateful for the fact, as long as my memory works, that some of his energy is forever intertwined with mine. Comforting at this moment. He knew he had taken my all time favorite portrait from that era! Raising the biggest cup of turmeric tea right now, in his honor!“ (Below is the video that introduced Victor when he was awarded the prestigious Achievement in Fashion Award from the world-renowned Lucie Foundation in 2013. (Carmen accompanied him)
Carmen's dear friend, Peter Martino (jewelry designer to the stars and also for the rest of us) remembers Victor's inclusiveness. "I'll never forget how kind Victor was to me early in my career, coming to Chicago. He introduced me to so many of his social and fashion
Victor with Mamie Walton and Carmen.
friends. He was a Chicago icon who took an interest in “a friend of a friend” (ie: Carmen) and made a concerted effort to help me succeed. He came to many of the events I supported knowing it would help
La Scarola's Armando Vasquez 2014 Victor portrait.
promote my collections and give me recognition. That kind of kindness is rare and will never be forgotten. Victor and I attended quite a few parties and galas together as guests of Beverly Blettner and these bring back wonderful
Joey Mondelli and Victor, longtime friends. Joey was dear friends with Victor's mother Anna too. This photo hangs in La Scarola.
memories. He and Beverly were close friends who loved to bicker (actually fight! Lol! But always made up) In NYC, we saw each other through Carmen or at fashion events. He was always a very genuine, true and supportive friend. At times a bit testy- but what genius isn’t!? He will always be a beloved mentor and friend to me," Martino said.
Shortly before Victor passed away, he was interviewed by
Victor with Sylvia Perez.
Fox 32 Chicago's Sylvia Perez in one of the best interviews I've ever seen him do. I also believe this might have been the last request he granted. He and Sylvia hit if off so well, they had made plans to get together for dinner. In a move that showed just how brilliant an artist Victor was, he asked Sylvia to shoot the interview in black and white. Her editor popped the color in at the end. The results are spectacular as you will see below. Kudos and thank you dear Sylvia for capturing this beloved man so beautifully.
I could share so many more stories, since every encounter with Victor was so memorable, but I'll just leave you with these for now. And I'll close with these words from his friend Michael Kutza, "He will be rediscovered or discovered for the first time. His iconic photography will live on…a new beginning." Amen to that.
Another tragic loss to our community was Ernest Collins, a world renowned photographer, who was also a Chicago native. Ernest passed away on April 12 at age 67 in his home and studio on the Near West
A beauty by Ernest.
Side. He started his career as a makeup artist and hairstylist who styled The Emotions, the Pointer Sisters and so many more. In this wonderful obit in the Sun-Times by Maureen O'Donnell, it states "Ernest elevated black beauty in elite modeling circles in Chicago, Milan and Paris. As his reputation grew, his clients included model Tyra Banks, basketball legend Michael Jordan, singer Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations, actors Sheryl Lee Ralph and Gabrielle Union, model-actress Roshumba Williams and Oprah Winfrey." I was so lucky to have been photographed by him. As a matter of fact, his headshot of me is my all-time favorite. It's surprising that these two legendary photogs, he and Victor, would pass away so close to each other. They each had such a striking style of shooting glamour and, in many ways, were very similar. Each worked with a bare minimum of shots and had lighting that was deceptively simple and yet genius all at the same time. Ernest was a big bear of a guy…gruff on the outside with a marshmallow heart. I didn't know him as well as I'd wanted to. His last big shoot was for A Silver Lining Foundation's "Glitz & Glamour" gala on
A photo montage by Ernest for A Silver Lining Glitz & Glamour fashion show.
March 4. Produced and conceived by his longtime friend, fashion designer Mark Roscoe, the shoot consisted of all of the event's celebrity models being shot by Ernest in his studio. Afterwards, he photo-shopped them all together in a brilliant backdrop/collage for the show that
My favorite photo–by Ernest.
went from floor to ceiling and wall to wall. I was so happy he was in the audience to see the thunderous applause and appreciation for his work. I adored him in every way. We had plans for another shoot and more laughs, but sadly, that wasn't meant to be. His longtime friend and hairstylist Leigh Jones said, "He basically brought a lot of black models to the forefront. He saw in these young black women what some other white photographers didn't see." Ernest did campaigns for L'Oreal, Fashion Fair and Iman Cosmetics, Soft Sheen hair products, Alberto-Culver, and many more. A future memorial is planned. RIP dear Ernest.
Fashion designer Lauren Lein and a few of her masks.
Since we all have so much time on our hands, I love seeing all the creative ways people are surviving this crisis. Many of our beloved local designers and everyday people have
Fashion designer Shernett Swaby and her mask.
taken on the life-saving task of making masks. A pivot for sure and one that is greatly appreciated. I believe Peach Carr was the first to jump in to help followed by designers Elda de la Rosa, Lauren Lein, Shernett Swaby, Thierry Couture and even PR maven Betsy Shepherd, who is creating reversible Cubs masks on her brand new Etsy page. And I love and appreciate all the people out there who have shared on Instagram their support of said designers like Sherry Lea Fox, Mary Lasky, Bobbi Panter, Sherrill Bodine, Thomas O'Gorman and so many others. Thanks to all!
Other Chicago companies making a difference include BBJ Linens, which provides linen rentals for all occasions, has temporarily shifted its focus to making gowns and masks and shields for hospitals across the country. Lanie Hartman, BBJ Linens regional account exec, said, "I’m so, so proud of the help that we have given during this crazy time. Our talented sewers are so busy trying to get all of these PPE’s finished as quickly as possible. We’ve turned our talented staff and Atelier Custom Department into a Covid 19 fighting machine!"
And kudos also go out to Justin Jacobson, founder of Platinum Events, a premiere event planning company. He and his company have pivoted towards sanitation services through his newly formed Platinum Sanitation Services. They offer antibacterial and antiviral deep cleaning, steaming and more for warehouses, offices, homes and educational facilities. #HatTip
More love from Common Threads— To address food insecurity issues Chicago residents are facing in the wake of COVID-19, Common Threads, Top Box
Chef Bill Kim, as always, pitching in to help.
Foods and local restaurateurs are teaming up to deliver family meals and grocery boxes for up to 500 residents per week. Distribution began the week of April 6 and will continue through at least early June thanks to support from Mariano’s, Nielsen-Massey Foundation and donations from Common Threads supporters. Common Threads identified participating chefs, including Chef Bill Kim of Urbanbelly, Chef Kevin Hickey of The Duck Inn, Chef Josh Katt of KitchFix, Chef Paul Hitalenko of Huegah Catering Company and Chef Tiffany Williams of Exquisite Catering to produce the family meal boxes. (To learn more and how you can support, click here!)
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are touched by it, has put a hold on individualized Bear Hug
American Idol stars Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo.
experiences due to COVID-19 social distancing. Children and families affected by pediatric cancer in 18 Midwest-area hospitals and at home received a giant virtual Bear Hug recently, through the efforts of celebrities, Chicago personalities and supporters. “We are thrilled to
SNL alum Nora Dunn
be blessed by the participation of these individuals who have come together to provide much needed hope at this time,” said Kathleen A. Casey, founder and CEO of BNPCF. Celebrities, Chicago personalities and supporters bidding well-wishes to Bear Necessities families in the Bear Hug video include power couple of American Idol fame Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young, who were set to headline the March premiere of the Chicago musical HIT HER WITH THE
Chicago Bear Patrick Scales.
SKATES; “Saturday Night Live” alum and film star Nora Dunn; Chicago Bears long snapper Patrick Scales; ABC7’s Roz Varon; CBS2’s Ryan Baker; FOX32’s Sylvia Perez; Brookfield Zoo and The Langham Chicago and yours truly. Bear Necessities has supported thousands of children and families through the unique Bear Hugs program over the years, providing customized experiences from events such as tickets to a concert or a Joffrey Ballet to family-friendly moments like brand-new backyard swing sets and fishing trips to Wisconsin. More than 384 Bear Hugs were provided in 2019 alone. For more information on how to support Bear Necessities and Bear Hugs programs for families in need, visit https://www.bearnecessities.org/donate/.
If you're not following Chef Art Smith on Insta (@thechefartsmith), you are truly missing out! A week
Art's executive producer and health coach, Chef Lucas Cancelier.
ago, he started doing 30 minute virtual cooking demos called "Healthy & Comfort Cooking with Chef Art Smith", executive produced by Lucas Cancelier (who is also a chef and kick-ass health coach (Insta @iamdapower). He helped Chef Art lose 50 lbs. in 6 weeks on a healthy eating, fitness plan!). Art's broadcasts are on his Insta story for 24 hours and then they go to IGTV. He said, "In these challenging times people need some happy! A little food and love makes people's day. Pray about better days to come and don't allow the news to become the narrative of your day." Amen to this Chef! In the first week, he showed viewers how to make his famous Hummingbird Cake and, in his most recent video, he showed us (with wit, charm and talent) how to fix un-fried chicken and his world famous fried chicken. Next week, Wednesday, April 22 (4-4:430 pm, EST) he plans on sharing his recipes for biscuits and sweet tea, among others! You have to tune in. He films from his home kitchen in Jasper, Florida, and you feel like you're spending time with a much loved relative. Thank you Art for bringin' the foodie love!
Mary Ann Rose and Bob Hope (Image appeared in Life Magazine)
Our very own Mary Ann Rose's life story should be made into a movie! We all know and love her as a premier event planner through her Tamar Productions but I bet you didn't know she was a star performer for many of Bob Hope's shows entertaining the troops and others! She said, "I toured with Bob Hope during the Viet Nam War and then worked for him for several years as an opening act throughout the US. In addition to the opening of the Notre Dame Center, you’d get a kick to know that I was working with him on one of his birthdays at the Playboy Club in Lake Geneva as well as when he appeared in Chicago for the National Houseware’s Show opening event at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. I was dating Heinz [Kern] at the time but had never told him I had another career other than as a meeting planner. I'd invited him to come see me and he brought some fellow co-workers from the Hyatt and they almost fell off their chairs. He had no clue that I could actually sing! In addition to my opening act, we did a comedy duet together to “
Mary Ann Rose and her Heinz Kern.
It’s Wonderful. “ I don’t think I’ll ever get over the look on Heinz’s face. That picture you have was also featured in Life Magazine’s tribute to Bob. When my daughter was old enough to go to school at Francis Parker, I decided that since I was never going to be a household name, it was time to look for other employment. A friend told me “you can’t stay too long at the party.” Thus the founding of Tamar Productions, Inc. which looking back, is the best thing I ever did, other than marrying Heinz." Mary Ann, I think you ARE a household name! Thanks for sharing this fun story! Once a star, always a star!
Chicago History Museum's In This Together initiative.
The Chicago History Museum announced a community-based initiative, “In This Together” to collect digital records that capture personal experiences during these uncertain times. Gary T. Johnson, Chicago History Museum president said, "In the midst of a global pandemic, it is imperative we turn to our friends, family and community for support and share stories of these uncharted moments in everyday life that will soon be vital pieces of history. We are all affected by this crisis in varying degrees, and personal materials such as diaries, journals, oral histories, images and recordings will help us tell stories of this unprecedented time in history. (Contributions can be made here.) Now more than ever, the Chicago History Museum is committed to sharing Chicago’s stories, and we are honored to launch “In This Together” to shine a light on our shared experiences during this critical time in our history. History is in the making, and we encourage all Chicagoans to share their stories and continue to lean on our community for support as we navigate through the unknown together.” “In This Together” invites those living in Chicago and its surrounding metropolitan area to contribute any digital records that document their experience and tell a story of their community during the COVID-19 pandemic. These could include digital journal entries, audio/video recordings, images or emails. Submissions can be made via smartphones, tablets or computers. Contributors will have the option to remain anonymous. To contribute a physical item, please use our donation inquiry form.
My favorite hair stylist, Charles Ifergan, is throwing it back! Take a look at the salon's new 20th anniversary tee-shirts! 100% of the profits will go toward its employee fund. I've been going to Charles since we were both in diapers. Back in the 80s, I appeared in ads for the salon shot by another iconic photographer Jack Perno (the image appears on the tee-shirt). We have a long history together and I love this fashionable idea to support the stylists. (Click here for info) Or check your own salon for ways you might be able to support them, too. Perhaps prepay for haircuts so they have money now to support the staff?
So many nonprofit events have been cancelled but several have plans in place for either an actual rescheduled event or to take the fun online virtually. Ronald McDonald House Charities, whose Un-Gala was cancelled on April 2, is now hosting the event online through May 2. Check it out here! The Digestive Health Gala has been
RMHC's Un-Gala is online now through May 2.
reset to Friday, June 5. Luminarts, a nonprofit that provides support to aspiring young artists, had to cancel its signature event that was originally scheduled for April 18th. It will now take place sometime in the fall and will be held at the Union League Club and include performances by Luminarts Fellows and a sit-down dinner. Lookingglass Theatre has developed a whole host of free digital offerings presented by Lookingglass Ensemble Members and Artistic Associates, including a new weekly podcast, a virtual yoga class, and exclusive performances (click here). Designs for Dignity, a nonprofit that supports organizations serving adults and children dealing with homelessness, abuse, mental health issues and more, announced a new fundraising initiative to honor its 20th anniversary. The $20 for 20 Challenge will help fundraise for pro-bono design services for charitable organizations. (For more info, click here) Chicago Zoological Society’s largest annual fund-raising gala, the Whirl benefiting Brookfield Zoo, is going virtual too. This year’s event, Rain Forests of the Virtu-Whirl, which is presented by the Society’s Women’s Board and Board of Trustees, will consist of an online auction. Beginning Thursday, April 23, at 5:00 p.m. and continuing through Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 p.m., the public can bid on a variety of fabulous auction items or even contribute with a monetary donation as in a paddle raise. (Details and register here!)
I love seeing all of the funny memes, gifs and jokes out there. It seems this virus has brought out a sense of humor I didn't realize we had. As they say, laughter is the best medicine, and we sure do need a lot of this now. I don't know how much longer this will last but I do know that we will all get through it together. I'm not a big phone person but I have been calling friends more and more. The sound of their voices is comforting and makes me feel connected. I so miss not being out and covering my nonprofit events but I know they will return in one form or another and, hopefully, I will be there to cheer them on. And, I never miss the 8 pm balcony call to cheer on our frontline healthcare workers….Stay safe out there!
In closing, my friend/designer/art curator Daniel Kinkade, shared these comments on his Facebook page. I couldn't have said it better nor agree more: "Can we STOP complaining and whining about being in lockdown? We are BLESSED BEYOND MEASURE to live where we have access to WIFI, Netflix, Hulu, cable, Facetime, ZOOM, social media, air conditioning, heat, food, food delivery, grocery pickup, grocery delivery, etc. As Americans we don't have to worry about what over 50% of the rest of the world worries about on a DAILY basis such as clean water and food to eat. If you're not in a third world country stuck in a one room hut in a slum in 105 degree heat with 10 other immediate family members and none of the above mentioned pleasures we take for granted every day, then you sound ridiculous moaning and groaning about a few weeks in which we have to self-reflect, meditate, pray, read, organize, learn a new language, grow internally and perhaps cherish our loved ones even more. Let's step back and be thankful that we are ALIVE. This will pass." Thank you Daniel.
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. Funniest bird video ever, watch that lil' claw….
Plus: Celebrating Chicago's "Pretty Powerful Women"; Amita Health Gala "Leaping Forward Together"; Gift Gala 2020: "An Intimate Evening"; Meet the newest Legendary Landmarks!; Michelle and Brittney team up for a great cause; Hadley's Centennial Celebration; Luminarts Cultural Foundation's "The Gala"; Harry Caray's "Worldwide Toast to Harry" goes virtual; Old Town School of Music features Robert Plant at Blue Jean Gala 2020; A cool way to support our hospitality industry; Playboy magazine, another victim of Covid-19; Giordano Dance Chicago's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars"; Stork is on the way for the Hefners; SAIC alumnus Geoffrey Mac is WINNING!; Driehaus Design Initiative's fashion awards show; Retrospect and Randolph Street Market have a new date; Chatting with Anna Davlantes; Daily Mail TV's Playboy video; Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott are all on Team Sylvia; This & That; Inspiring videos and SO MUCH MORE!
I'm pretty sure that most, if not all of the events I'm going to keep posting about might be cancelled, but that won't keep me from spreading awareness about them. So please bear with me, you just might find a new org you hadn't heard of before and then be able to support it when the new event date is set. During this awful time, if you have the means, please consider supporting whichever nonprofits touch your heart. They, along with all of our wonderful arts organizations and cultural institutions, need our help now more than ever. Also, for our restaurant community, please consider carry-out, curb service or delivery, if offered. Hopefully soon, the news cycle will look a little different but, until then, I hope everyone stays safe and follows the guidelines (that seem to change hourly) Fingers crossed and prayers up……
Dr. Sandy Goldberg, the beloved founder of A Silver Lining Foundation, show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions) and Gregory Hines.
A Silver Lining Foundation did it again with another blockbuster "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show and another sellout on March 4 at the Peninsula. Every
Eli Soto, McKenzie Jackson and Mark Roscoe.
year, for the past 6 years, this remarkable event has been a sell out to benefit ASLF which was founded in 2006 by the beloved and respected Dr. Sandy Goldberg(with much love and support from her devoted husband Gregory N. Hines). The Glitz & Glamour
A. Marek Fine Jewelry's Robert Sherman and Barbara Bradford (presenting sponsor)
event, conceived by Dr. Sandy and Mark Roscoe, fashion designer extraordinaire, brought together the brightest local fashion designers with celebrity models and runway stars from ZZAZZ Productions (Tracey
Dramatic mural photographed by Ernest Collins was the wow factor for the show conceived by Mark Roscoe.
Tarantino), who also produced the show (with support from Dana Nolan, production manager). There were so many highlights I don't know where to begin! For the first
Whitney Reynolds, photog Ernest Collins and Kendall Howard.
time, celebrity models were photographed by the legendary lensman Ernest Collins. An invite into his studio is like winning Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket so everyone felt very, very lucky with this cool perk (arranged by Ernest's longtime friend Mark!) In a stroke of pure
The fabulous Opal Staples, who brought the house down with her voice (Photo by Ernest Collins, design by Mark Roscoe)
genius, Mark and Ernest combined everyone's photos (we all posed with our designers)
Micah Materre (WGN-TV) served as emcee.
into one magnificent collage that was used as a ginormous backdrop for the show. It brought gasps from the crowd and models when they saw it for the first time. In a beautifully written thank you note to all the participants, Roscoe wrote, "It takes a village to raise awareness and money for any cause and yesterday's show was no exception. Sandy and I never imagined the impact it would have on bringing a community together to fight a disease that has affected so many of our families." He thanked all of the participating designers—Mira and Julie Mersine from Mira Couture; Sylwia Designs; Elda de la Rosa; Tamra Ellingson; Ann Everette; Ricorso and Contessa--as well as the VIP models, Tracy Butler, Zoraida
Dori Wilson, Jeanne Sparrow, Nika Clark, Brenda Arelano and friends.
Sambolin, Rozalyn Varon, Maria Castro, Laurette
Sharyl Mackey, Greg Hyder and Jean Antoniou.
Micah, LeeAnn Trotter, Whitney Reynolds, Caylei Vogelzang, Micah Materre, Susanna Homan and yours truly (I was so honored to open the show surrounded by gorgeous ZZAZZ models!) As Mark said, it takes a village so, on hand, were A- list hair and makeup experts that included
With Tracy Butler (ABC-7) wearing Mark Roscoe Design.
Brenda Arelano, Marcus Geeter, Zazu Salon & Day Spa and
ZZAZZ Productions models Sydney Cross, Sierra Smith, Christina Wiltijer Eenigenburg & Juni Park wearing Mira Couture.
Jordyn Olawumi. A big note of thanks went out to Mark's design partner Eli Soto and the true stars of the show, Dr. Sandy's longtime supporters and lead sponsors, Barbara Bradford and Robert Sherman from A. Marek Fine Jewelry. Before the show began, guests enjoyed a reception where pianist Ani Gogova played beautiful music. During the show, DJ Akib matched hot mixes to each models' walk creating special moments for every segment. Eli/Roscoe Design Labels created an elegant bridal look worn by Micah Materre's gorgeous daughter
Opal Staples lifts her voice (and crowd) up in song.
McKenzie Jackson, who floated down the runway
Adiat Baker and her sister Iya Bakare.
flanked by Roscoe and Soto. (See video here) The finale had everyone crying happy tears when iconic singing sensation (and actress), of the famed Staple Singers gospel family, Opal Staples (wearing a golden Roscoe Design gown), brought the house down singing "I'm Gonna Love You Through It" (by Martina McBride). All of the celeb and ZZAZZ models stood behind her lifting their arms at the refrain. Opal's voice was filled with emotion and strength as she filled the room
Tracy Butler, Zoraida Sambolin, Dr. Sandy and Caylei Vogelzang.
with love….everyone there felt it. It was one of the most amazing moments in a fashion show that I've ever been a part of. To top it all off, I was thrilled to wear an oh-so-chic design by Mark Roscoe Couture that consisted
LeeAnn Trotter, Maria Castro and Eliana Mockler.
of a silk, black organza blouse shot through with silver threads with black onyx and "diamond" buttons over a tuxedo slack (perfection!). And, of course, the jools by A. Marek Fine Jewelry was like wearing a party in my ears! Thank you for making me feel so special. All the ladies felt the same thanks to the expertise of our fantastic design/fashion
Roz Varon, LeeAnn Trotter, Zoraida Sambolin and Susanna Homan.
community. The event, as you may or may not know, is the signature fundraiser for A Silver Lining Foundation that funds cost-free breast health testing for women and men who are uninsured, under-insured and/or ineligible for
Finale!
other breast health testing programs. Through its "Buy a Mom a Mammogram (BAMAM) program, nearly 18,000 women have received cost-free screening mammograms and diagnostic testing, which includes diagnostic mammograms, breast ultrasounds, MRIs and biopsies. ASLF works with 15 partner hospitals throughout Chicagoland, Rockford, Elgin, Evanston and Des Plaines. (For more info about this deserving nonprofit, and to check out its upcoming events, click here!) (The good photos are by Kevin Detrick).
Photo by Ernest Collins, conceived by Mark Roscoe.
The 2nd Annual Pretty Powerful Women celebration was held at the chic River North hotspot, Steak 48, on
With Steak 48's Oliver Badgio.
February 24. The event gathered together some of our city's most philanthropic women to thank them for their dedication to the numerous non-profits and charities in our city. I had the privilege of co-chairing the event with Kathleen Sarpy. She and her fabulous Agency H5team put together our best event yet with the largest turn-out thus far too! The event was initially created to celebrate all of the amazing women who help make Chicago great and, this year, it grew by leaps
Jean de St. Aubin, Vivian Teng and Jackie O'Connor.
and bounds! Over 100 women from some of Chicago most respected non-profits were in attendance
Beth Silverman and Helen Melchior.
including Diane Hollingsworth (Eversight Vision), Dr. Sandy
Goldberg (A Silver Lining Foundation), Jackie O'Connor and Vivian Teng (Chicago International Film Festival), Kathleen Casey and Courtney Krupa (Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation), Jean de St. Aubin (Gene Siskel Film Center), Helen Melchior (Joffrey Ballet and Auditorium Theatre), Julie Lampert (Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation), Cheryle Jackson, Holly Buckendahl
With Linda Johnson Rice and Dionne Williams.
(Ronald McDonald House Charities), Shelley Patenaude, Arloa Sutter, Sally Lou Loveman, Bennetta Kelly, Beth Silverman, Ellie Forman (Joffrey Ballet), Linda Johnson Rice (philanthropist) and so many more! The women in the room alone helped to fundraise hundreds of millions
Kathleen Sarpy with Liz Sharp and Holly Buckendahl.
of
dollars for a variety of top organizations in 2019 and were toasted for their philanthropic efforts. On hand were Steak 48's Jeff Mastro and Oliver Badgio, who graciously hosted the event for us. The women enjoyed passed apps and
Frances Renk and Cheryle Jackson.
cocktails while connecting
with old friends and networking with new ones. Kathleen offered a lovely takeaway gift to all the attendees, the book "Gather as You Go", an inspirational collection of
With Kathy Rezny, York Furs
stories written by Alberto Culver exec Carol Lavin Bernick
Keith A. Parrott, AMITA Health Pres/CEO, and Kristy Parrott w/ Melanie Furlan, AMITA Health Senior VP & Chief Philanthropy Officer and John Furlan.
Eight hundred twenty-five guests gathered on leap day, Saturday, February 29, for the first system-wide gala for AMITA Health Foundations, raising more than $1.5 million to benefit people in need across all
Dr. Reinhold Llerena, Dr. Kalisha Hill and Stuart Marcus, Executive VP/ Chief Clinical Officer, AMITA Health
communities served by AMITA Health. The Inaugural AMITA Health Gala, “Leaping Forward Together,” celebrated AH's coming together as one unified health system to carry on the faith-based mission that has always guided its legacy Adventist, Alexian Brothers and Presence Health ministries. It also marked the first philanthropic event
Elder Maurice Valentine and Sharon Valentine with Dianne and Bruce Christian.
with AH president/CEO Keith A. Parrott. “The foundations play a critical role in supporting the success of AMITA Health,” said Parrott, in opening remarks. “In 2019, donors contributed nearly $22 million to support the people we serve. Tonight, all contributions will be invested in programs and services from all AMITA Health ministries that would not exist without
Dina Morris, AMITA Health Gala co-chair, Susie Cassidy, David Hoppe and Jim Wienold, AMITA Health Gala co-chair and President of Bear Construction.
philanthropy.” AH Foundation co-chairs Kenneth Bauwens and Michael Benoit joined Parrott in welcoming guests to the black-tie celebration presented by Superior Ambulance Service and hosted at the Chicago Marriott Downtown
Kristy Parrott and Keith A. Parrott, pres/CEO, AMITA Health, with Brother Daniel McCormick, C.F.A., Provincial Superior of the Alexian Brothers.
Magnificent Mile. The evening featured a three-course gourmet menu, silent, live and reverse auctions that collectively raised more than $400,000, and dancing until midnight with the popular band Dr. Bombay. AH executive VP/COO Thor Thordarson introduced a video featuring stories representing each of AH’s legacy organizations of people whose lives have been saved or changed through the exceptional care they received, including neonatal care, cancer care and supportive housing. In addition to the auctions, well-known abstract expressionist performance artist Elliott From (ArtBeat Live) created Chicago themed canvas paintings on stage.
Ensemble Member Jay Worthington, Jesse Frageman, Olivia Toriumi, Joseph Boozell and Ensemble Member Hannah Toriumi.
The Gift Theatre’s18th annual benefit, "GIFT GALA 2020: An Intimate Evening," took place on February 15 at Chicago’s contemporary-chic Greenhouse Loft with 140 guests. The event raised $70,000 for
Tricia Park and Dustin Lowman
programming and new play development at the Jefferson Park institution on Chicago’s northwest side. The elegant evening kicked off with a cocktail reception featuring hors d’oeuvres, a signature cocktail by The Gift Alchemist Shane Hassler and music by Style Matters DJRyan Norsworthy. During the main event, guests enjoyed dinner, a musical performance by
Courtney Williams, Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton and Danni James.
Darci Nalepa and Jessie Fisher, plus silent and live auctions featuring dozens of items including a 15-day European cruise. The festive evening concluded with dessert and dancing. Congrats to gala committee members, Michael Patrick Thornton, John Gawlik,
Marketing Director Claire Demos and Shane Hassler
Claire Demos, Becky Wright, Laura Gale and Ashley Sliva, on a job well done! Since 2001 and over 70 productions, The Gift Theatre has pioneered the frontiers of the American theatre via one of the most intimate professional Equity theatres in the country, leading to national acclaim and a cultural revolution on Chicago’s northwest side. (Photos by Claire Demos) Check it all out here!
Legendary Landmarks Daniel Walsh and Timuel Black Jr., Landmarks Illinois President & CEO Bonnie McDonald, Legendary Landmarks Joseph P. Gromacki and Matthew Walsh.
Landmarks Illinois hosted its 15th annual Legendary Landmarks Celebration March 5 at the Hilton Chicago with nearly 700 supporters in attendance. The event, chaired by Cherryl Thomas and Erika Block, honored 2020 Legendary Landmarks Timuel D. Black Jr., Joseph P. Gromacki and Matthew & Daniel Walsh of The Walsh Group. Guests at the annual event helped raise $840,000 for
Legendary Landmarks Leslie Hindman and Michael Kutza with Kim Coventry.
Landmarks Illinois – $135,000 of which came directly from the evening’s paddle raise! Funds raised will provide critical funding for Landmarks Illinois’ advocacy programs across the state which save historic and special places in our communities. Since 2006, Landmarks Illinois has honored more than 40 individuals, families and corporations at its annual fundraiser including Leslie Hindman, Michael Kutza, Victor Skrebneski, Fred Eychaner, Jennifer Pritzker, Rocky Wirtz, Theaster Gates, Father Jack Wall, Ernie Banks and many more. (For more info, click here!) (Photos by Pivot Photography)
Two of my favorite media stars, Michelle Alegria and Brittney Payton (of Fox 32 Chicago) are trying to raise funds and awareness for a cause close to their hearts.
Brittney Payton–Fox 32 Chicago.
They were set to host an event on March 25 at the BOSS Store at the Shops at North Bridge but, as we all know, all social gatherings have been halted. The event was intended to raise funds to build a youth center for children coping with grief after losing a loved one. Sadly, both ladies have experience with this type of grief. Brittney, as you know, lost her father Walter Payton when she was very young and Michelle's 3 children recently lost their dad. Michelle said, "There are not enough services dealing with grief other than the therapist that the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute has on board. We want to change that, " she said. (The center will be a part of the Institute). Please watch for a new date and I hope you can all join us then!
I had never heard of this very worthwhile nonprofit until a friend brought it to my attention and it's been
Didrill Neal, a happy benefiicary of Hadley's programs.
around for 100 years! Congrats to Winnetka-based Hadley, that bills itself as the "world's oldest and largest educator of braille and provider of distance education for people who are blind or visually impaired." Last year, Hadley reached more than 172,000 learners from all 50 states and in 65 countries! To celebrate this anniversary milestone, the Hadley Women's Board and the Board of Trustees are hosting "Centennial Celebration" on Friday, October 2 (this date was recently changed from April 4) at The Dalcy, 302 N. Green Street in the Fulton Market District. For tickets/more info, click here!
Giordano's "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" 2019.
Giordano Dance Chicago will host its popular "Dancing with the Giordano Stars" event on Thursday, October 1. Come join the 15th anniversary party at Park West and cheer on your favorite "stars" who are paired with Giordano dancers for a night you'll never forget. This high energy dance competition is inspired by the hot ABC series "Dancing with the Stars" with funds supporting GDC programming and outreach. For tickets/more info, please click here! _______________________________________________________________________
THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED BUT MAKE NOTE OF THE DETAILS SO YOU WON'T MISS IT WHEN IT'S RESCHEDULED! The Service Club of Chicago will host its annual Spring Luncheon, this year themed "A White House Floral Affair." Co-chaired by Cathy Bartholomay, Annette
Special guest Laura Dowling.
Findling and Michelle Baker, the event will take place (fingers crossed) on Friday, May 15 at the Drake Hotel. The very special guest will be Laura Dowling, who served as the Chief Floral Designer at the White House from 2009-2015, handling thousands of events with her special brand of floral diplomacy. Don't forget your HAT!!! For tickets/more info, click here!
Matt Olaveson, event co-chair along with Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek.
Gala" will still be held on Saturday, April 18 (if it's safe) at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 W. Jackson Blvd). Co-chaired by Matt Olaveson, Adam Vitale and Kylie Krizek, the event will support young artists through programs that offer financial awards, artistic opportunities and mentoring that bridge the gap between education and career. Guests will enjoy performances by soprano Nicole Cabell, pianists Tian Tang and Chen-Shen Fan and Pascal Pahl, among many others! Please check the website for updates and let's keep our fingers crossed. Even if it's postponed, perhaps you'll make note of this wonderful nonprofit?! (For info, click here!)
Harry Caray's 22nd annual Worldwide Toast to Harry Caray will now be virtual instead of the blow-out that was initially planned at Navy Pier on Thursday, March 19. You can now join in by listening live on WGN 720 AM from 3- 7 pm. #toastoharry
The Old Town School of Music will, hopefully, host its annual Blue Jean Gala on Friday, May 15. The event will include a unique roaming feast with teaching artists from the School entertaining guests as they make their way along Lincoln Avenue. An intimate concert performance will follow from musical guest Saving Grace, featuring Robert Plant and Suzi Dian. The evening will conclude with an after-party featuring dessert, late-night bites and, of course, music! Proceeds will support Old Town School's mission of providing arts access to all including community outreach, financial aid and education programs. For tickets/more info, click here! (Please check the website for possible cancellation and new date info).
The Driehaus Design Initiative will (hopefully) host its Driehaus Awards for Fashion Excellence fashion show on Friday, April 24 at Chicago Vintage Motor Carriage, (700 S. Desplaines St.). The nonprofit was established to promote and encourage design education and to foster public appreciation and understanding of all aspects of fashion design and history. DDI contributes proceeds from this event to support fashion and design endeavors in Chicago. Local designers will face off for the coveted prize and check! For tickets/more info, click here!
Scarlett and Cooper Hefner are expecting their first child.
In a very sweet social media post, Scarlett Byrne, the darling wife of Cooper Hefner (son of 'da man),
Scarlett and her "baby bump." Aww….
announced that they are expecting their first child. Cooper, as you may or may not know, has joined the United States Air Force and is "proud to be an Airman." His dad, Hugh Hefner, was in the Army so the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in terms of military service. I wish Coop and Scarley and the soon-to-be Baby Hef, a lifetime of love, health and happiness. So sorry Grandpa isn't here….
The press just keeps on coming from the epic pictorial I was proud to be a part of for Playboy, its recent Equality issue! Daily Mail TV interviewed me for this segmentand Fox News interviewed me for this article. Below is a video created by an entity I don't have a clue about, Top Trending. A friend passed it along to me and, apart from a few mistakes (I wasn't PMOY), I think it's pretty good! Lol! Watch here!
CONGRATS GEOFFREY! School of the Art Institute of Chicago alumnus Geoffrey Mac was named the winner of "Project Runway" Season 18 in the recent episode, two decades after graduating! Mac beat out three other finalists with a 10-look collection inspired by his father’s military service that featured over-sized puffy coats and futuristic evening wear. His prize includes $250,000 from Bluprint; $50,000 from Pilot; a feature in Elle magazine; and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America. Mac told the Tribune (read story here) that he is trying to figure out what’s next, but he is leaning toward creating a unisex collection that can be worn in any season and is slated to launch a fragrance called “G” around April 1 (“The coronavirus can’t stop that,” he said).
The tee-shirts will support the hospitality industry workers.
Here's a cool, inexpensive way to help our friends in the hospitality industry! 100% of the sales from these cool Chicago Hospitality United t-shirts go to the people who don't have a voice or the means to survive without work in the hospitality industry. The government shutdown of bars and restaurants has put thousands out of work for the foreseeable future. Chef Tony Priolo said, "Just as we rely on them to keep Chicago one of the most vibrant dining cities in the world, they rely on us to support them through good times and bad. 100% of the net proceeds from these tees go directly towards financial relief for hourly employees affected by the necessary precautions Governor Pritzker and Mayor Lightfoot have implemented." (Please purchase a black or white T-shirt here for only $25! www.stockmfgco.com. (And please share this info if you're so inclined!)
With Sally Schwartz, Randolph Street Market and Retrospect Market founder.
finely curated vintage fashion show with 50 top vintage sellers of wearables, jewelry, handbags and accessories AND, on the lower level, home goods, furnishings, gardening items and general vintage and maker goods! A portion of the weekend's ticket sales will benefit the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (10 am to 5 pm both days) Also, the March 28 Time Out Market Pop-Up has been pushed back to June 20. (For tickets, more info, click here! Hope to see you EVERYWHERE!)
And a special thanks to Anna Davlantes who had me on her awesome WGN Radio show recently! (Listen herefor my segment that begins at 26:17)! Anna's show is informative and fun and not-to-be-missed from 1-3 pm Monday through Friday! (Click here for more info!) Love her! Beauty, brains, empathy and so much more….:-)
Congrats to Chicago screenwriter and native Sylvia L. Jones! For two decades, Sylvia spent her days and nights covering local Chicago news as a television journalist. Now, this graduate of Providence St. Mel School finds herself making news thanks to her work as a writer in the entertainment industry. In April, she will add Lifetime Television to her long list of credits as she wrote the script for the highly anticipated biopic "The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel" executive produced by QUEEN LATIFAH, MISSY ELLIOTT and MARY J. BLIGE! Sylvia says, "I grew up listening to the Clark Sisters so to get the opportunity to write the story of their lives was truly remarkable." (See official trailer below!)
Thanks to the Chicago Tribune for running my article titled "A letter of support to my friends in the nonprofit community." Read it hereand here: I feel your pain. I've watched with dismay as one after another of the events I planned on covering in my Chicago Tribune "Candid Candace" column was cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak. At first I was angry that they would succumb to this panic but, as more and more organizations, governments, countries and even Broadway cancel events, close their borders, restrict air travel, limit gatherings and close down the Great White Way, I have to admit the obvious….that my way of thinking, to soldier on, could be tempting fate. I applaud businesses who have the courage to keep their doors open in the face of all of this though. Many have sent sensible messages letting their clients know they are taking extra sanitary precautions and checking their workers more closely and encouraging both to stay home if feeling sick in accordance with recent guidelines. In my opinion, this is a common sense response. I believe it's a time for preparation, not panic. Here's a thought. Many of these nonprofits and arts organizations have had to cancel their biggest fundraisers for the year. If you've already purchased a ticket to one of these events, and CAN afford it, please let the donation ride. Right now, they need it more than you know…
I woke up to such sad news today. My beloved Playboy magazine may well have published its last print issue due to complications from Covid-19. When I shot my cover pictorial in the last Equality issue on October 22, everyone at the mag seemed so upbeat and positive about
Final print edition–The Speech Issue
the future of Playboy and then, in the blink of an eye–everything changed (for everyone). Here's an excerpt from an open letter on March 18 from the magazine's editor-in-chief, Ben Kohn "Last week, as the disruption of the coronavirus pandemic to content production and the
My friend, Louann Fernald, will now be the last Playmate revisited in the mag. She was June 1979 Playmate.
supply chain became clearer and clearer, we were forced to accelerate a conversation we’ve been having internally: the question of how to transform our U.S. print product to better suit what consumers want today, and how to utilize our industry-leading content production capabilities to engage in a cultural conversation each and every day, rather than just every three months.
2nd to the last of the PB print editions, The Equality Issue.
With all of this in mind, we have decided that our Spring 2020 Issue, which arrives on U.S. newsstands and as a digital download this week, will be our final printed publication for the year in the U.S. We will move to a digital-first publishing schedule for all of our content."
Playboy has been my family for the last 40 years and I have no plans to let them go now. Even if it's only on a digital platform, my Bunny ears will still be attuned to its always timely, diverse and informative articles and photos. Keep it up Playboy and I'll catch you on the digital ride soon! Your Biggest Fan–"Candid" Candace Jordan
Stats from Johns Hopkins University as of March 16.
These are crazy, surreal times right now, along with you, and I'm not quite sure how to process it yet. I've always worked from home so this wasn't anything new but who knew that I've been tele-commuting all along?! The funny thing is, once you're forced to do something, you start to rebel. I'm so grateful we went out to
Source: CDC, the Economist and NY Times.
dinner recently (please don't judge, local businesses need help too and this was before the ALL OUT CLOSING of bars and restaurants! Gallucci Pizzeria Napoletana was great, btw, at 1551 N. Wells. Please try it when it reopens!) Some people still think some of this might be rather excessive but, I for one, know it's better to be safe than sorry. I just wish I'd stocked up on necessities sooner. Chuck always said I was a hoarder but definitely not in the areas of food or drink, sadly. Luckily, as much as I love my social life, I've also always been a bit of a homebody. I want this thing to end and I hope there's not more loss of life. I feel like I'm in a bad horror movie, like "Outbreak," that's now coming true! I love the way the Italians are handling isolation, singing on their balconies to let their neighbors know they're in it together. Here's praying it doesn't come to that here though….I have a horrible voice.
Plus: Chicago Auto Show's "First Look for Charity" and top crowd pleasers; Eisenopoly; "An American in Paris" for the CYSO; Dionne's Emerge! Fashion Show; DINO-mite at Jurassic Quest; The Joffrey Ballet takes "Center Stage" at the Old Post Office; Chef Art Smith celebrates 60 and the 15th anniversary of Common Threads at Chefs Takeover (JOIN US!); Chicago Artists Coalition is a "Work in Progress"; Rhonda is WINNING!; A Silver Lining Foundation's "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show is a sellout (can't wait to share all the surprises here!); Unibrowed model taking fashion world by storm; "Rain Forests of the Whirl" for Brookfield Zoo; Chicago Flower & Garden Show; Porchlight Music Theatre hosts ICONS 25th anniversary gala; This & That; Darling videos and SOOOO much more!
Chicago winters than South Florida. Fortunately, through the kindness of friends, we were able to enjoy a lengthy trip to Palm Beach and Miami Beach/Fisher Island that has
With Leslie Hindman, Chuck and new friends Alan Brainerd and Ken Gerrity at opening of Casa Gusto in Palm Beach.
restored us in ways we didn't think were possible. First off, anytime you can see palm trees, it's a calming, just-breathe experience. I relate palm trees to those "sunlight" lamps that some people use to fight off winter depression. Anyway, driving down Royal Palm Way
Mona Lisa, the famous Pig of Worth Avenue.
into Palm Beach feels like Dorothy must've felt when she discovered the Land of Oz. It's the land of milk and honey and more money than someone like me can even wrap her tiny, little head around. In 2019, PB real estate sales hit $1.2 billion, in large part, due to Chicago hedge-funder Ken Griffin's interest in buying an estate on Billionaire's Row (20 acres to be exact, on Blossom's Way). (This was beside the $238 million penthouse at 220 Central Park South in NYC, among other acquisitions). There's much to love about this small island situated on the Atlantic Ocean and
The Colony for dinner with Ken Norgan.
one of the most intriguing, for me anyway, are the charming vias dotting Worth Avenue. "Vias" are described as "walkways to quaint courtyards" with "quaint" being the keyword here. Each of the eight vias holds a treasure trove of charming shops and
Palm Beach Yacht Club with Joyce and Bill Litzler.
restaurants and was a genius stroke by its developer Addison Mizner, who created much of the avenue in the old world Mediterranean style. We had dinner one night at one of our favorite restaurants, Pizza al Fresco which is located at 14 Via Vizcaya, right next to the designer's original home which sits there in all of its 5-story glory. Its current
The Breakers with Michael Caputo.
residents, Nick (and Dee) Adams, are descendants of our 2nd president, John Adams. More than their home
Cafe des Artistes in Jupiter with Todd Burkitt, Nancy Steinwald (my sis-in-law) and Chuck.
though, they are known and recognized by their pet pig, Mona Lisa, an 8 year-old, 65-pound rare Royal Dandie, which is walked daily up and down Worth Avenue. They are a delightful couple with a house full of dogs too, besides the personable pig. The town was a little quiet this year but that wasn't a deterrent for us. We found plenty to do in the 80 degree temps filled with ocean breezes, pineapple showers and the coming and going of President Trump. Like him or not, it was still thrilling to see all of the arrangements that needed to be made, including motorcycle motorcades zooming around town, hovering helicopters, police cars
Fisher Island
and boats everywhere you looked. During our time there, the Kips Bay Decorator Show House was also in full bloom in West Palm Beach's South End neighborhood. Top decorators had transformed this 8,751 square-foot home into a magazine-worthy showplace. On opening night, more than 1,000 guests celebrated, with Mayor
With Chuck and Jan Melk on Fisher Island, Garwood Lounge.
Keith James cutting the ceremonial ribbon. The event benefited Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club and Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. Bunny Williams served as honorary show house chair with Steele Marcoux and Ellie Cullman serving as design chairs. Every room took your breath away and there was color, color
Flagler Museum (Whitehall)
everywhere! It was so refreshing to see a house that wasn't all beige but rather had oodles of personality and charm. Also spending time in Palm Beach was one of my favorite style icons, Iris Apfel (the 98 year-old dynamo). She was seemingly everywhere–at Bernardaud presenting her
Afternoon tea at the Flagler Museum, heaven!
new jewelry collection, at the Armory Art Center lecturing and on and on. Sadly, I never caught up with this whirlwind but it made me smile to think we were so close. Another highlight was discovering that our favorite NYC restaurant, Swifty's, had resurfaced as a pop-up at the Colony Hotel, 155 Hammon Avenue! A very special surprise was having two dear friends,
Kip's Bay Decorator Show House (West Palm Beach)
Justine Fedak and Michael Caputo, fly in to have dinner and a visit. We experienced Swifty's together and agreed we need to revisit this hotspot (Chuck and I did return for Valentine's Day, where the experience was equally
With Robert Caravaggi, founder of Swifty's Palm Beach and its former spot on NYC's upper east side.
delightful). Since Swifty's is a pop-up, it's only scheduled to stay open through April (here's hoping it returns next season too!). This restaurant has always been known for its intimate dining experience, from when it reigned on the Upper East side, to its new location in the Colony, and has been a magnet
With Justine Fedak, Michael Caputo and Chuck at the Colony before dinner at Swifty's.
for the social set. The night before, Candice Bergen had been a guest. The original owner, Robert Caravaggi, was there greeting guests just like the old days. I was thrilled to see that my favorite dish was still on the menu, corn fritters with Alaskan salmon roe and creme fraiche. The meatloaf dish (from designer Bill Blass' own recipe) is still on the menu too. We tried
Lots of color, pattern and personality in this year's Kips Bay Decorator Show House in West Palm Beach.
a lot of fabulous restaurants from old standbys like Buccan, Renato's, Club Colette (with dear friend/member Leslie Hindman), Bradley's (in West Palm), Cucina, Bricktop's, Taboo and others. We were delighted to have dear friend Ken Norgan pop up for dinner from his beautiful home in Miami. We dined poolside at the Colony restaurant, CPD, after he arrived on the relatively new Bright Line
Views on Fisher Island.
train, giving it rave reviews! He said they even served wine aboard! We also enjoyed some newer restaurants like Sassafras, a Southern-style restaurant in West Palm Beach that opened in November. Its executive chef John Thomas turns to local ingredients to rev up Southern classics. "Supper plates" include shrimp and Geechie Mill grits with
Mr. Chow Miami Beach
bacon, butter sauce and scallions, fried chicken, baby back ribs and more. Small plates include buttermilk biscuits, Ana's cornbread, chicken liver paté, squash blossoms with blue crab and more. You get the picture,
My godson, William Hindman.
down home Southern cooking with a modern twist. The setting was delightful too at 105 S. Narcissus Avenue. Try it if you're there! Another culinary jewel is Almond in the former Nick & Johnny's space at 207 Royal Poinciana Way in Palm Beach. The spot had only been opened for three days when we tried it and, even though the menu is limited, the dishes were delicious. Co-owner Eric Lemonidas was on hand to make sure everything was running smoothly. It was. Our longtime friend and
Poolside at the Colony.
Chuck lounging on Fisher Island.
our PB host, Leslie Hindman, invited us to the opening of a big, new (awesome) antique store, Casa Gusto, at 6316 Georgia Avenue in West Palm Beach –a stones throw from Antiques Row. Co-owners Cris Briger and Charles Peed welcomed an overflow crowd who oohed and ahhed over the many one-of-a-kind curios. I bought a very cool pair of beaded coral pieces that were modern takes on one of my favorite antiques that we bought in Venice years ago. (Check out their website here). We also
A peek into a secret garden at Authentic Provence, a delightful store at 3735 S. Dixie Hwy.
attended the 4th Vernissage preview of the Palm Beach Show over President's Day weekend. The show touted "150 domestic and international exhibitors" with "stunning collections of art,
A beautiful bedroom designed by Chicago designer Alessandra Branca at the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in WPB.
antiques and jewelry" but I only saw aisle after aisle of jewelry (very short on art and antiques for sure), which was a disappointment. Don't get me wrong, the jewelry was breath-taking but not what I was hoping to see. Oh well, it was an experience and, afterwards, we dined at Bice (313 Worth Ave.) which saved the night. (Opening night of the show benefited the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH). Another fun spot, recommended to me by Rhonda Sanderson, was the Festival Marketplace in Pompano. It includes an antique flea market as well as loads of fun boutique stalls offering low cost finds. I could've spent a week there! We packed a lot of
Art in the air at the Palm Beach Antique & Design Center, 6910 S. Dixie Hwy.
Spring "in bloom" at the Royal Poinciana Plaza.
excursions into our stay and got to visit the Flagler Museum, aka the gilded-age mansion Whitehall, home of Henry Flagler, founder of Standard Oil and a key figure in the development of the Atlantic coast of Florida. He had decorated every
Cafe L'Europe, 331 S. County Rd, PB, remains the most romantic restaurant on the island.
square inch of the 100,000-square-foot space and, even though he hated to travel, the collections were put together to make it seem like he had. We also toured the famed historic Cottages of Lake Worth.
Addison Mizner's 5 story house at 337-339 Worth Avenue across from the Everglades Club.
(that I discovered from a book by the same name by authors Dean Sherwin, Janice Snearer and Taylor Jones) Many of the cottages are gaily painted, 1,000-sq-feet or less, 25' wide and were created from a kit purchased from the Sears & Roebuck catalog! Lol! Granted, not every house is quaint and charming but a map, usefully provided
A peek inside the Mizner house. Note the pig bed, back right, for Mona Lisa.
with a book purchase, leads you through the top 16 homes that are tour-worthy. Our next stop took us to beautiful Fisher Island, a small barrier island off the coast of Miami Beach that was once home to the Vanderbilts. Only accessible by ferry, the 0.343 square-mile island is an oasis of beautifully landscaped grounds, roaming peacocks, big boats and exquisite homes. Notable residents have included Oprah
Chuck waves goodbye from Henry Flagler's Railcar 91 on the grounds of the Flagler Museum.
Winfrey, Boris Becker, Andre Agassi and our host Jan Melk. During our time there, we drove into Miami Beach for dinner at Mr. Chow (2201 Collins) which was delicious but, in my opinion, needed a dress code. The spot was so elegant but seeing guests in baseball caps and shorts took something away from the experience. Sadly, our visit ended on a note of tragedy, when a car carrying two residents on one of the ferries went into the water on Tuesday, February 18. They perished. The next day when we left, we were directed to the very same spot those poor souls had been on. You can bet we had every brake on in the car with the windows down. I would've been wearing a full scuba suit too if I'd had one. Treasure every moment, you never know when your time will come, and create as many memories as you can. We're trying.
The 112th edition of the Chicago Auto Show officially wrapped on Monday, Feb. 17, concluding a successful 10-day run of the nation’s largest auto show. Opening night, First Look for Charity, raised more than $2.8 million for 18 vital Chicago organizations! And, despite challenges with traffic and parking as a result of NBA all-star activities, attendance was strong and proof of Chicago’s reputation as a robust consumer show. Chicago Auto Show chairman Tony Guido said, “According to Foresight Research, more than 60
Beautiful Judy Hsu, ABC-7, hosts the CAS program.
percent of Chicago Auto Show attendees are 12-month vehicle intenders, so we know that people come to shop. With four indoor test tracks and three outdoor ride-and-drive experiences, there were ample opportunities for attendees to experience, first hand,
Over $2.8 million was raised for 18 local charites!
the features of today’s brand-new cars, trucks and SUVs.” The longest-running auto show in North America once again featured more than 1 million square-feet of top-tier exhibits by global automakers, more than 20 brand-new vehicle introductions that made their worldwide or national debut, a host of interactive exhibits and test drive opportunities. Notable new vehicles that attracted a lot of oohs and ahhs included the Cadillac CT5-V, Chevrolet C8 Corvette, Chevrolet
The show featured so many fun interactive exhibits, sort of like a mini Disney!
Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, Ford Mustang Mach-E, GMC Yukon and Yukon XL, Land Rover Defender, Lexus LC,
Friend/show-goer Geoff Burton relaxed with a friend in the Pooch Cafe.
Mazda CX-30, Porsche Taycan and Toyota RAV4 Prime. In addition, concept cars were prominently on display and included the Acura Type S, Dodge Challenger Drag PAK, GMC Sierra All Mountain, Kia HabaNiro, Toyota Supra GR Hyperspeed Edition and Toyota LQ. Attendees had the opportunity to go for a ride at one of Chicago’s four indoor test tracks. Camp Jeep, which celebrated its 16th anniversary at the show, featured its popular indoor track where
Ford's concept car featured a Chicago Bears motif.
guests could ride inside the Cherokee, Compass, Gladiator, Grand Cherokee, Renegade and Wrangler and take on the 18-foot hill at a 35-degree angle. Toyota brought back its popular track that featured vehicles ranging from the Camry to the RAV4. Ram Truck Territory also returned with an indoor test track that featured an interactive ride experience with a 28,000-square-foot in-truck adventure to demonstrate the power and capabilities of the Ram Truck lineup. Volkswagen featured an all-new test track to show off its Atlas Cross Sport in a desert
'Vette in my favorite color! Vroom! Vroom!
terrain. Nearly 1,000 cars, trucks and SUVs were on display, and consumers cast their votes for their favorite in five different categories in the 15th annual Best of Show balloting. The vehicles that rose to the top included: Best All-New Production: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette; Best Concept Vehicle: Acura Type S; Best Green Vehicle: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E; Best Exhibit: Jeep; Vehicle I'd most like to have in my driveway: 2020 Chevrolet Corvette. Planning is already underway for the 2021 show. (For all details, click here!)
I don't know if you've been following along on my Playboy journey but it has been a helluva ride! I recently shot a 12-page
With Hosea Sanders, ABC-7!
cover pictorial for the magazine's winter equality issue with four other Playmates (photos on Insta here) and the press has been unbelievable: Forbes, Inside Edition, twice in the Daily Mail , The JAM TV show, Huffington Post, and more (did Fox this week!). I so appreciated the incredible segments produced by friends Hosea Sanders (see WLS-TV 7 segment
With Sylvia Perez, Fox 32 Chicago!
here) and Sylvia Perez (see Fox 32 Chicago segment here)….these really blew me away. I think in this era of the #METOO movement, women are feeling empowered like never before. I've received so many congratulatory messages, MOST from WOMEN! I'm happy to be sort of a poster "child" for my generation. It's proof positive that life doesn't end at 30, even in the world of Playboy, my family for going on 40 years now! Here's to aging like fine wine….it's the best revenge. 🙂
The Associate Board of the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation hosted its 11th annual EISENOPOLY at Revel Fulton Market on January 31. The event raised over $215,000 for gastrointestinal cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie
Abby Rice, Zoe Spector, Sabrina Kelch and Hanna Oimoen.
Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. The funding supports the GI Cancer Tissue Bank and the $1.5 million dollar commitment to the Harold E. Eisenberg GI Cancer OncoSET program, an initiative to deliver personalized, effective cancer treatments to patients who
Alex Sabbag (center) with Ashley and Alex.
currently have very limited options. To date, the organization has invested more than $3 million in critical gastrointestinal cancer research and patient
It's always a packed house for this fun event!
care programs. The event drew a crowd of over 550 who faced off in speed rounds of the monopoly-themed board game. Live music by Gold Coast All Stars, dancing and food served by some of Chicago’s most notable chefs made the night one to remember. Participating
Hanna Oimoen, Katie Wales, Peter and Amy Eisenberg with their two daughters Emma and Julia Eisenberg.
restaurants included Cafe Robey, Capital Grille, Gene & Georgetti, Orso’s, Perilla, Pollo Campero, Taco Lulu, Wow Bao and more. A pop-up station of Koval Distillery complemented the bar and a decadent
Roi and Lesley Kiferbaum with Jennifer Scher and Michael Jacobson.
dessert station featured cupcakes from Sweet Mandy B’s as well as Eli’s Cheesecake bites. After game-play, guests enjoyed late night eats courtesy of Bar Siena pizza. To complement the lively Eisenopoly game-play, guests were invited to try their luck in the Cash Cube. The top three players that left with the most money were given the opportunity to select from the top three grand prizes, which included a $4,000 diamond ring, signed jersey by former Chicago Bear Dick Butkus and the brand new Apple AirPods Pro earbuds. What’s more, one lucky guest walked away with a diamond cocktail ring valued at $5,000 courtesy of Mon Ami Jewelry at the “Bubbles and Bling” station.
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras’ (CYSO) gala, “An American in Paris,” was held at the Four Seasons on Saturday, February 8. The event raised more than $480,000 to support world-class music education for
Note of Excellence honoree and DCASE Commissioner, Mark Kelly.
young musicians throughout the Chicago region and included dinner, a live auction and a grand performance by CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra, a 130-member ensemble made up of some of the most
Co-chairs Brittany Viola and Kelly Howe.
talented and dedicated young musicians from across the Midwest. This year, CYSO presented Mark Kelly, Commissioner of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and
Jerome and Daisy Fifer with CYSO student Brandon Cheng.
longtime supporter of youth education and the arts, with the “Note of Excellence” award. Lourdes Duarte, WGN anchor and longtime CYSO supporter,
Jazz Orchestra Isabella Isherwood on vocals.
emceed the evening. As the CYSO's signature fundraiser, the gala helps Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras continue educating and inspiring more than 8,500 of Chicago’s next generation of leaders. Last year’s gala “Chicago Soul” was another success, raising more than $415,000 for CYSO’s
Emcee and WGN Anchor Lourdes Duarte.
music training, education, and community engagement programs. Festivities for the evening included a reception with performances by members of
CYSO Steel Orchestra.
CYSO’s Jazz Orchestra, Kaiso Steel Orchestra and Preparatory Strings. During dinner, music director Allen Tinkham led CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Gershwin’s classic “An American in Paris.” Guests participated in a spirited live auction featuring a week-long vacation home in the south of France and a stay at the Rosewood in the Bahamas, among other packages. The event was co-chaired by Kelly and Dennis Howe
A standing ovation following the thrilling performance!
and Brittany Viola and Justin Bernbrock. Kelly Howe, a parent to two young CYSO musicians, said, “This year’s gala was our biggest success yet. As a CYSO parent, I’m so proud of what we accomplished. It was
an honor to chair an event for a program that brings such positivity to the youth of Chicago." Since 1946, CYSO has provided high-caliber music education
Fabulous CYSO conductor Allen Tinkham.
through orchestral programs and performance opportunities. Their nine on-site ensembles include full, string, jazz, and steelpan orchestras and chamber music, serving over 650 on-site students. The nonprofit organization also reaches thousands of young Chicagoans through community engagement programs that offer unique music opportunities and experiences to Chicago youth and families. (Photos by Kyle Flubacker)
Fern Mallis, the Godmother of Fashion, receives the Innovator Award from event creator Dionne Williams at the NYC Emerge! Fashion Show.
I'm just so proud of my friend Dionne Williams, D. Williams Public Relations Group, on hosting/creating her 9th Emerge! Fashion Show on February 11, during
Colorful look by designer Nyonuvi.
New York Fashion Week. The leading emerging designer runway show, established to provide a platform for designers, came back in full force with a collaboration with London-based organization Wearable Art Collective, which curated a collective of dynamic designers from Africa who debuted their designs in the United States for the first time. EMERGE!A Fashion Runway Show is a catalyst for providing a platform and a strong backdrop for emerging designers. The Wearable Art Collective’s mission is to promote,
Elegant design by Van Vorsh.
strengthen and empower African designers and artisans. It strives to serve as good global citizens and provide a
Yetroselane Couture!
foundation to African designers, empowering them, giving exposure and resources.“I am truly delighted that the Wearable Art Collective designers were highlighted during the Emerge! Fashion show,” says Lola Owolabi, curator for Wearable Art Collective. “The designers worked very hard on their collections and we are asking for major support of them.” Each season, EMERGE! presents the coveted Fashion Innovator Award. Past honorees have included Audrey Smaltz, president of the Ground Crew (presented to her by Harriette Cole); Constance C.R. White, Editor-in-Chief of Essence Magazine (presented to
Designer Catou brought the drama.
her by Tracy Reese); Andre Leon Talley, contributing editor of Vogue (presented to him by Diane Von Furstenberg); fashion icon Mikki Taylor (presented to her by style expert Philip Bloch) and legendary model Patricia Cleveland
My favorite model? Cameron Williams. 🙂
(presented to her by legendary fashion designer, Stephen Burrows). This season the Fashion Innovator award honoree was Fern Mallis, hailed as the award-winning creator of New York Fashion Week. The Award was presented to her by designer Bibu Mohapatra. The designers showcased during Emerge! Fashion show this year included VanVorsh (bespoke women’s wear); Jesu Segun (hand-crafted luxury shoes); Clarence Clottey (menswear); Muggs Jewellery (Men & Women jewelry); Senyo Foli (Men’s Wear); Yetroselane Couture (Women’s Wear); Nyonuvi (women’s wear); Wearable Art Collective (women’s accessories) – special guest designer: Catou Designs (men & women’s wear).
If you're a geek about dinosaurs like me, then you won't want to miss Jurassic Quest, the largest, most realistic exhibition of these prehistoric creatures in North America. The exhibit comes to Navy Pier March 6-8 and will feature 100, true to life-sized dinosaur replicas from the very small, to the gigantic, to those found under the
Megalodon!
sea. Jurassic Quest worked in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail. Guests will have the chance to learn all things paleontology at the excavation station, where they can dig up fossils and by visiting the dinosaur museum to see real dinosaur fossils dating back over 60 million years, including bones that originated in North America. There will be countless activities throughout the event that suit all ages, including a host of dinosaur themed rides, baby dinosaur shows, walking dinosaur shows, dinosaur themed bounce houses, science stations and a dino cinema! There will also be face painting, crafts and coloring stations and much more. Whether you are big or small, young or old, guests of Jurassic Quest have a dino-mite time! For tickets/more info, click here!
The Joffrey Ballet will host its annual Spring Gala on Friday, April 17 at the Old Post Office. A pre-gala performance will take place at the Auditorium Theatre before the festivities (dinner, dancing and more) begin. Co-chaired by April Daley and Miguel Blanco, Greg Jenkins, DL and Jazelle Morriss, Eric Schieber and
Nick Cave and Bob Faust are the honorees for the Chicago Artists Coalition's "Work in Progress" event on April 2.
Tony Priore and Dr. Lauren Streicher and Jason Brett, the event is themed "Center Stage" and the attire is "festive and fabulous"! For tickets, more info, click here!
The Chicago Artists Coalition will celebrate 45 years at its annual benefit, "Work in Progress," on Thursday, April 2 at the Knoll Showroom at 811 W. Fulton Market. The 2020 honorees will be Nick Cave and Bob Faust with special recognition given to Jeff Shapack. The event will be co-chaired by Maggie and Michael Meiners and Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson. For tickets/more info, click here!
Excited to wear this Mark Roscoe design in the Glitz & Glamour fashion show to benefit A Silver Lining Foundation (Photo by Ernest Collins).
I'm so excited about the upcoming Glitz & Glamour fashion show benefiting A Silver Lining Foundation which will be held at the Peninsula on March 4. Sadly, for those without tickets, the event is a sellout, but watch for blog coverage following….it will be an EPIC event to help provide free breast health testing and support for those in need. (To learn more about this worthy nonprofit, please click here!) (I'm thrilled to be wearing a design by the much loved and very talented Mark Roscoe!)
The Women's Board and the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society will host "Rain Forests of the Whirl," to support the Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 25. The black tie event will be presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry and held at the Sheraton Grand Chicago (the first time the gala is held off zoo grounds). For tickets, more info, click here!
Arlen and Elaine Cohen Rubin will be honored at Porchlight Theatre's ICONS Gala on March 23.
Porchlight Music Theatre will honor Arlen D. Rubin and Elaine Cohen Rubin with Luminary Awards at its 25th anniversary ICONS Gala on Monday, March 23 at the Ritz-Carlton. They will join legendary entertainer/actor Joel Grey, who will also be receiving an ICON Award that evening. The event will be co-chaired by Rick and Deann Bayless and Bill Kurtis and Donna La Pietra! For tickets/ more info, click here!
Common Threads will be returning to Chicago to celebrate its 15th anniversary of helping under-resourced children and families learn about cooking and
Participating chefs, to date.
nutrition with an exciting Chefs Takeover! Join us on Monday, March 16 at Zhou B Art Center (1029 W. 35th Street) when dozens of top chef from across the country will be on hand sharing their most delicious dishes! Participating chefs will include Stephanie Izard, Tony Priolo, Giuseppe
STELLAR Host Committee–THANK YOU!
Tentori, Robert Garvey, Govind Armstrong, Malika Ameen, Jimmy Bannos Jr. & Sr., Kevin Hickey, Gale Gand, Paul Kahan, Jaime Laurita, Diana Moles, Jose Sosa and so many more! There will be a pop-up performance by The Happiness Club Kids and what party would be complete without a custom, congratulatory Eli's Cheesecake?!? Thanks to our stellar host committee (see list on left) for helping make this an event attendees won't soon forget! Don't miss this joyful night that will also celebrate Chef Art Smith's 60th birthday! Click here for tickets and all the deets!
"The Queen of Franchise PR"! Congrats to my friend Rhonda Sanderson on her recent cover feature in the Franchise Journal. Link to story, on page 28, here. (Sketch by Rosemary Fanti) #WINNING
The Chicago Flower And Garden Show returns with a "Focus on Flowers" beginning Wednesday, March 18 through Sunday, March 22 at Navy Pier's Festival Hall. Experience an early spring through 20+ gardens and enjoy seminars, a butterfly experience, workshops, tablescapes and more. And, for the first time at the show, the American Quilter's Society will showcase 75 beautiful quilts! Ahhhh, I can smell the flowers! (For tickets/more info, click here!
Hot on the fashion scene, a new model is challenging the norms of beauty. Sophia Hadjipanteli, 22, was born and raised in Cyprus and is responsible for leading the charge in the "unibrow movement." She says she lets her jet black unibrow grow freely out of a sense of pride for her culture. Now ya know…..Yes? No? Maybe?
I think I can see an end in sight for our Chicago winter….there seems to be more sunnier days and the birds around our apartment are becoming more active–all positive signs. HOWEVER, until the weather truly warms up (for longer than a day or two), THE CHRISTMAS TREE STAYS!
Plus: Woody's Winter Warm-Up; Saying good-bye to a wonderful brother-in-law; Black Creativity Gala celebrates 50!; SocialWorks' Black History Month Film Festival; Wish Ball with funnyman Steve Martin; Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons, a match made in culinary heaven; Frances & Friends at Gibson's Italia; Service Club Aux Board hosts brand new event; Chicago Lighthouse raises the stakes for vision; Dr. Sandy's "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show; Hope Through Caring Gala; Randolph Street Market returns with first ever bridal pop-up; After School Matter's Sneaker Ball; CYSO Gala inspired by Paris; Cystic Fibrosis Foundations' Grand Chefs Experience; PAWS Chicago's Animal Magnetism; This & That; Darling videos and SO much MORE!
RPM Partners – Chris Meers, Bill Rancic Jerrod Melman, Molly Melman, R.J Melman, Giuliana Rancic and Kelly Clancy.
More than 800 guests celebrated the opening of RPM Seafood, the sixth restaurant from the RPM team of partners, on Saturday, January 18.
Taylor Kinney and R.J. Melman, President of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises.
Principals included R.J., Jerrod and MollyMelman (of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises) and celebrity couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic. Attendees were treated to a sneak preview of the two-level space designed by
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman.
award-winning architecture and design firm Rockwell Group before the restaurant officially opened to the public on January 23. With panoramic views of the Chicago River, RPM Seafood is the final phase of the multi-level waterfront project that also
Dedicated Caviar Bar.
includes RPM Events, a private events venue, and Pizzeria Portofino, the Italian Riviera-inspired casual restaurant. Partygoers sipped cocktails (including Giuilana Rancic’s namesake prosecco) and enjoyed freshly-shucked RPM Prestige
Patrick John Flueger, Eriq La Salle, Jesse Lee Soffer and Marina Squerciati.
oysters from Washington’s Hama Hama Farm paired with housemade mignonettes made with Casamigos mezcal and tequila; RPM private label caviar featuring Golden Kaluga with all the accoutrements served from a dedicated caviar bar; Alaskan King crab, prawns and more from the raw bar; RPM’s signature 100-day dry-
Bill and Giuliana Rancic
aged olive beef; plus over-the-top desserts including 14K Chocolate Cake and a chocolate mermaid tail – all from stations scattered throughout the
RPM Seafood exterior.
venue. In addition to Bill and Giuliana Rancic, celebrities in attendance included Empire star Taraji P.Henson, Chicago P.D. producer (and former E.R. regular) Eriq La Salle, Taylor Kinney (who might just be the nicest, most accessible celeb in town), Jesse Lee Soffer,
RPM Seafood interior.
TorreyDeVitto, Patrick John Flueger and Marina Squerciati. VIPs such as Lettuce Entertain You founder
Congrats Bill!
Rich Melman, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and First Lady Amy Eshleman, NBC’s Chicago Today hosts Cortney Hall and Matt Rodrigues and former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte also attended. After the party wrapped at RPM Seafood, guests were invited to continue the festivities at Dance Studio, the new dance club in partnership between Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and veteran Los Angeles- based nightlife operators, brothers Fred Grimmel (aka DJ Fred Matters) and Brian Grimmel. Seen at the after-party were Taraji, Squerciati, DeVitto, Chicago Bears linebacker Roquan Smith, ABC’s Cheryl Scott , FOX’s Lou Canellis, former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and comedian DeRay Davis. Highly recommended! This place has it all–great food and ambiance and cute operators! Congrats!
Sarah and Kerry Wood, founders of Wood Family Foundation and event hosts.
Woody's Winter Warm-Up never disappoints. This great fundraiser for the Wood Family Foundation always brings the
With Chicago Fire's Jesse Spencer and Taylor Kinney who both volunteered behind the bar.
fun during the darkest of Chicago's winter and this latest party on January 17 was no exception. Consider this, Taylor Kinney bar-tending along with his fellow Chicago Fire co-star Jesse Spencer, Jim Peterik (dressed like a shiny disco ball) belting out "Eye of the Tiger" while Windy City Live co-host Ryan Chiaverini plays back-up; the Plain White T's lead singer Tom Higgenson singing "Hey There Delilah" with enthusiastic fans singing along and more sports stars and media personalities than you could shake a stick at. And THAT, my friend, was the crazy-exciting scene at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch! Nearly 300 fans turned out to mix and mingle
Tanja Babich, Lin Brehmer and Lisa Fielding.
Rocker Jim Peterik and Windy City Live host Ryan Chiaverini.
with sports stars and media personalities, all to benefit Sarah and Kerry Wood'sWood Family Foundation and its Pitch-In Program. This mentoring program supports students in grades 4- 8 in Chicago's North Lawndale and Humboldt Park neighborhoods and helps them develop academic and social-emotional skills and mindsets necessary to
Actress Bonnie Hunt with Kerry and Sarah Wood.
transition to high school successfully. The event also celebrated the 2020 Major League Baseball season and
Harry Caray's owner Grand DePorter with Jon and Andrew Landan, Wayne Messmer and his wife.
always falls on opening night of the Cubs Convention. Players who joined in to help "Pitch In" for the kids included Albert Almora Jr., Adbert Alzolay, Daniel Descalso, David Bote, Ian Happ, Nico Hoerner and Rowan Wick. Cubs alums Carlos Zambrano, Bob Howry, Mike Fontenot, Dave Otto, Ted Lilly, Geovany Soto and Jon Lieber,
Cubs player Albert Almora Jr.
among others, were also in attendance. Throughout the night
Israel "Izzy" Idonije volunteers behind the bar.
media and sports stars popped behind the bar to compete for tips (with all proceeds going to the charity). Spotted handing out libations and mingling with the crowd were actress Bonnie Hunt, Lin Brehmer, Lisa Fielding, Wayne Messmer, Sarah Spain, Tanja Babich, DJ White Shadow (Paul Blair), Israel Idonije, Reed Johnson, Pierre Thomas, Glendon Rusch, Kelly Crull, Ryan Chiaverini and so many others. It was a lovefest for the fans and celebs. Former Cubs pitcher and co-founder of the Foundation, Kerry Wood said, "We're excited to host our 2020 Warm-Up and raise critical funds to support our work in Chicago middle schools. Thanks to the convention weekend, we're able to celebrate with fans from near and far, all in support of our favorite baseball team and the important work our students are doing across the city." (Photos by Knotted Photography)
David and Pat Mosena, Dr. Cheryl and Dr. Eric Whitaker.
January 25. The Gala was attended by more than 600 guests who celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition and the Black Creativity program.“It’s an honor to be able to continue the tradition of hosting this annual celebration of creativity and achievement,” said David Mosena, president and CEO of the Museum. “Participation and support of the Black Creativity Gala
Chef Erik Williams of Virtue Restaurant.
encourages innovators to continue to follow their curiosity, and
Erin and Demetrius Ivory.
supports the expression of exciting, new perspectives through the arts and sciences.” The gala was co-chaired by Dr. Eric Whitaker, founder and CEO of Zing Health Inc., Dr. Cheryl R. Whitaker, chairwoman/CEO of NextLevel Health Partners, Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd, and Cheryl Harris, senior VP of Sourcing and Procurement Solutions, The Allstate Insurance Company. The evening began with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while guests previewed more than 200 original works
Coodie Simmons, Ken L. Polk , Chelsea Harvey and Chike Ozah.
Denitra and John Griffin, Avis LaVelle and Tammye Coleman.
of art from African-American student and professional artists. After cocktails, guests sampled food stations from Sodexo inside the Museum’s Rotunda. WGN meteorologist Demetrius Ivory emceed the evening’s presentation. Live musical
Gala host committee co-chairs Dr. Kimbra Bell Balark and Sam Balark.
entertainment was featured throughout the night from Chicago Children’s Choir, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Yanna Cello, Rockstar Ev, and Manasseh Croft. The Black Creativity Innovation Studio was also open, providing
Artist Dorthy Straughter and John Straughter stand in front of Dorthy's work.
guests with a chance to get hands-on and create their own glowing badge. In addition to the Art Exhibition and the Innovation Studio, guests were able to explore other Museum exhibits throughout the evening, including the Black Creativity: 50 Years exhibit, Numbers in Nature: A Mirror Maze, Science Storms and The Great Train Story. (Photos by JB Spector, John Wheeler and Jackie Guataquira)
I hope you can forgive the lateness of my blog this week. The Steinwald and Jordan families lost a great husband,
Chuck and his buddy Os.
father, friend, grandpa in Dr. Osmar "Os" Steinwald, my wonderful, accomplished brother-in-law. He passed away on January 17. The Celebration of Life was held at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island on January 25. As we are all well aware, these sad times seem to be the only time families are brought together so, on a happier note, it was a pure delight to see everyone gathered in one place. It was all blue skies and sunshine as guests filed into the charming chapel. He had so many friends, seating had to be placed outside on the lawn. It was a happy coincidence that the church
The family at Christ Memorial Chapel on Jupiter Island.
abutted a gorgeous golf course, which was
Dr. Osmar and Nancy Steinwald.
one of Os' many passions, having scored not one but TWO holes-in-one during his lifetime! He was a member of both the Knollwood Club and Old Elm in Lake Forest, Illinois, where he lived for many years as a much respected plastic surgeon. At Lake Forest Hospital, he was Chief of the Medical Staff and elected President of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons in the late 1980s. During his later years and into retirement, he volunteered his surgical skills to benefit patients in underdeveloped countries. For 12 years,
Os was definitely a guy after my own heart. He loved Christmas too.
Os and Nancy, Thanksgiving in Lake Forest.
he worked through Interplast in countries like Peru, Ecuador, India and Vietnam performing cleft lip and palate surgeries for those less fortunate. More recently, he participated with Volunteers in Medicine in Florida, providing services to uninsured patients in his Florida community. During the celebration, Os' children (Susan Mena, Dr. Paul Steinwald and George Steinwald) delivered powerful, loving eulogies about Os and his love
With Os and Nancy at our house in Old Town for Christmas.
of family, church and community. He and his wife (my beautiful sis-in-law NancyJordan Steinwald) would frequently travel back and forth from their home in Lake Forest to Hobe
Osmar on the green.
Sound where they eventually settled (and Os became a member of the Loblolly Club in 1988). Following the church services, a reception was held at the country club where a nurse who volunteered with Os spoke about his many life-saving surgeries she had witnessed. A friend told the tale of how he even saved her dog's life after a vet had given up on him. As you can see, there was much to celebrate. His love of life and sense of humor are two of the things I will always remember. Also, he was a nut for Christmas, just like me. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. RIP dear Osmar. I know you're making the angels smile…..
SocialWorks’ 3rd annual Black History Month Film Festival kicked off February 1 at Showplace Icon Theater. All month long, from Saturday, February 1 – Sunday, March 1, SocialWorks will be screening their favorite Black movies like Hollywood Shuffle with Robert Townsend, Set It Off with Jada Pinkett and Queen Latifah, Akeelahand the Bee, and Oscar Award-Winning Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. SocialWorks, founded by Grammy-award-winning musician and
Chance the Rapper chats with a filmmaker (Photo by Jordy Macy)
humanitarian Chance the Rapper, aims to empower the youth through the arts, education, and civic engagement. This year, the month kicked off with a celebration screening on Saturday, February 1. Each ticket to the first film of the festival, Hollywood
Black History Month Film Festival schedule.
Shuffle, comes with access to complimentary SocialWorks Black History Month customizable merchandise plus free popcorn, soft drinks, and cocktails provided by Crown Royal (ages 21+). The final day concludes on Sunday, March 1 highlighting some of the best young indie Chicago and Midwest filmmakers. Included this year are films like Sugar Hill, Brothers from the Suburbs, The CTA project, and Present Tense. Post-screening, guests will enjoy a panel of the young filmmakers on their inspiration, advice, and what’s next, with a special guest moderator. Click here to purchase tickets and, for more info, click here. Ticket prices range from $10.50 – $14.50 for each showing.
Make-A-Wish Illinois will feature entertainer Steve Martin at its annual Wish Ball on Saturday, May 16 at Navy Pier. One of the most well-known talents in entertainment, Martin has earned an Academy Award, five Grammy awards, an Emmy, the Mark Twain Award and the Kennedy Center Honors. For children with critical illnesses, the
Steve Martin will headline Make-A-Wish Ball 2020!
journey to hope and strength begins with a life-changing wish experience. In addition to entertainment by Steve Martin, nearly 1,000 guests will share in moments conveying the spark of hope that ignites the way for wish families and hear first-hand how wishes change lives. Tickets are $675 per person or $6,750 per table of ten. Premium tables can be reserved for $13,500. Tickets are available online here or by calling 312.602.WISH (9474).
Chef Jose Andres and Gibsons set to partner in new restaurant venture at 110 N. Wacker Drive.
Award-winning Chef Jose Andres is set to partner with the iconic Gibsons Restaurant Group!The Howard Hughes Corporation (NYSE: HHC) and Riverside Investmentand Development announced that Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup, together with Chicago’s own Gibsons Restaurant Group, has signed a 17,200-square-foot lease at 110 North Wacker Drive, the new trophy-class office tower in downtown Chicago. The group will be opening a veritable dining destination with multiple concepts, including a fine dining restaurant and an elevated cocktail
Award winning Chef Jose Andres.
bar experience, as well as providing catering for the building’s 10,000-square-foot event space. This joint venture represents an unprecedented pairing of Gibsons Restaurant Group’s Lombardo family with the two-Michelin star Chef Andrés, combining the culinary ingenuity of his ThinkFoodGroup with the local operational expertise of the Gibsons team. “We are thrilled to partner with José Andrés, his ThinkFoodGroup, and the Gibsons Restaurant Group as we continue to set a new standard for development
Steve Lombardo with his family, daughter Christa Vrabel, wife Peggy O'Ryan Lombado and their daughter Liz Lombardo Stark.
and see overwhelming market and tenant demand at 110 North Wacker Drive,” said Paul Layne, CEO of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “The Gibsons team has been setting the standard for steakhouses in Chicago for decades and José Andrés is an award-winning chef as well as an incredible humanitarian—together the team will bring an array of exceptional new culinary experiences to one of the best cities for food in the country.” “The opportunity to partner with Chef José Andrés and ThinkFoodGroup in our home city in a sensational new building on the river is exciting, and we think it's a natural, complementary partnership that will result in fantastic new dining experiences for Chicagoans," said Steve Lombardo of Gibsons Restaurant Group. I just can't wait! Congrats to all!
Andrea Antoniou, SC Aux Brd Pres, and Sherrill Bodine, SC Pres.
Congrats to the Service Club of Chicago's Auxiliary Board which hosted its first "New Year, New Me Tea" at the Drake Hotel on Sunday, January 12. Filled to the brim with
Rudy Savala, Jean Antoniou and panel moderator Craig Hogan.
supporters, the corner room (formerly the Oak Terrace), was awash in sunlight and excitement for this first annual event thrown by the next generation of Service Club members. I was proud to participate in a panel discussion led by Craig Hogan with Andrea Stryker, Felicia Davis and Rochelle Trotter. All of these women (and
Proud to serve as a panelist with Felicia Davis, Andrea Stryker and Rochelle Trotter.
Craig) had such
Sharyl Mackey and Mary Pat Burns, who introduced the event.
incredibly inspiring stories to share. The event was designed to empower young women and allow them to learn from successful Chicago-based businesswomen. Members and guests mingled over mimosas, shopped a fabulous silent auction and started off the year with a lot of camaraderie. Congrats to Andrea Antoniou, Aux Board President, and SC president Sherrill Bodine on a wonderful afternoon!
Join the Chicago Lighthouse on Thursday, February 27 at Gibson's Steakhouse for "Raising the Stakes for Vision: 4th annual Poker & Casino Night," an evening filled with poker, the chance to win $20,000 in prizes, including Chicago hotel packages, Blackhawks tickets and memorabilia, gift cards to top restaurants including Gibson's, and a three-night stay at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas–in addition to a $10,000 seat at the WSOP seat in Las Vegas! For tickets, more info, click here!
Frances Renk celebrates with a few of her closest friends at Gibson's Italia. (Photo by Lori Allen Photo Design).
On Saturday, January 11, one of our town's most popular gals-about-town, Frances Renk, hosted a
Hostess with the mostest Frances Renk with Kathy Piccone and Paul Iacono.
party for 53 of her nearest and dearest at Gibson's Italia. Even though it was snowing sideways, there were no no-shows. Everyone wanted to celebrate with Frances and see familiar faces at this elegant winter/holiday luncheon. Champagne was flowing, loving toasts were presented and everyone went home with delicious goodies. There was lots of food, lots of giggles and lots of bubbles. Thanks for including yours truly dear Frances! (The fab black and white group photo is by Lori Allen Photo Design)
I hope you can join us on Wednesday, March 4 for Dr. Sandy Goldberg's annual "Glitz & Glamour" fashion show/luncheon at the Peninsula to benefit her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will feature elegant designs by Mark Roscoe, Tamra Ellingson, Sylwia Designs, Mira Couture, Ricorso, Ann Everett Designs and Elda de la Rosa. The returning emcee is Micah Materre, a longtime supporter of the charity. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, the event will raise critical funds to provide equal access to cost-free breast health testing. (For tix/more info, click here!)
The Les Turner/ ALS Foundation will host its annual "Hope Through Caring Gala" on Saturday, Feb. 22 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. Emceed by Dina Bair, the event will support the Les Turner ALS Center at Northwestern Medicine which advances research and care in pursuit of life-enhancing treatments. For tickets and more info, click here!
SAVE-THE-DATE for After School Matters'Sneaker Ballset for Saturday, May 2! Enjoy bites from some of Chicago's top restaurants, live entertainment, raffles, prizes and more! The nonprofit provides after-school and summer programs for high school teens. Click here for all the details!
The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras will celebrate its annual gala on Feb. 8 at the Four Seasons. The event's theme is inspired by the enduring Gershwin classic, “An American in Paris,” and the music of this legendary city of lights. As the organization's largest fundraising event of the year, the gala supports world-class music education for young people from across the Chicago region. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, live auction, and performances from members of Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras, Kaiso Steel Orchestra, Jazz Orchestra, and Preparatory Strings. (Info and tickets here!)
The Grand Chefs Experience, hosted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, comes to the Field Museum on Saturday, February 8. This one-of-a-kind experience begins on the Upper Level of this historic museum and features over 35 Chefs Tasting stations. Each station includes a signature hors d'oeuvre and the chance to grab a quick word with the mastermind behind it. Once the Chefs Tasting concludes, guests move down to the Main Hall to dine with the world’s largest dinosaur… Maximo! While enjoying dinner, partygoers will hear from an honored CF Fighter, have a chance to win some fantastic live auction items and support continued scientific advancements during Bid for a Cure. The celebration continues with live music, dancing, custom curated cocktails, desserts and late-night bites during Nightcap, the Grand Chefs Experience’s swanky after party. Throughout the evening, food will be abundant, libations will be flowing and your support will bring them one step closer to a CURE. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board, Animal Magnetism will take place on Friday, March 13 at Morgan Manufacturing in the West Loop. This event welcomes 600+ of Chicago’s urban professionals, animal lovers, and canine companions! Guests will enjoy a night of food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, a spectacular silent auction, and much more! Pups at the party can enjoy their own dog buffet or receive personal pampering in the designated Dog Spa! This pet-friendly celebration is critical in raising funds that provide the operational support PAWS Chicago needs to continue saving thousands of homeless pets around the world each year. Several homeless, adoptable pets rescued by PAWS Chicago will be debuted at the event and guests interested in adopting them will have the first opportunity to give them a forever home! (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Randolph Street Market, my favorite, returns, February 7-9 with "My Heart's Desire," a sweet Valentine's Day theme. This market will feature a first ever Bridal Pop-Up! Locate wedding dress designers, cake decorators, caterers, florists, photographers and more! Plus, shop an amazingly curated selection of antiques, vintage, global and handmade goods to wear, decorate, party and share with loved ones: past, present and future. Grab some love punch at the Single Collectors Mingle on Saturday afternoon at the Market Bar and meet some potential flea marketing friends at the least and a best friend for life at best. It’s gonna be a total loveFEST! (For tickets, more info, click here)
Chuck, Rooney and I finally got a chance to take a little vacay
Swifty's at The Colony.
to sunny Florida, Palm Beach and SoBe. It's amazing how quickly you relax when you can see palm trees. Can't wait to share the details and, hopefully, bring a little sunshine your way through the telling. One thing I don't want to forget to tell you about though is the new Swifty's pop-up restaurant at the Colony Hotel! It's a must-visit! Its handsome owner/founder Robert Caravaggi is still at the helm, dashing as ever, overseeing a room filled with the creme de la creme of PB (and us). Lol! More exciting details to come in the next edition!
That's all for now! Thanks for your patience this month and I'll be back on track with postings now!
P.S. On Jupiter Island, Fla., (and, I'm sure, wherever these darling creatures are found) street lights are turned off for sea turtles. Females instinctively seek out dark places to lay eggs and bright lights can deter them from coming ashore. Also, hatchlings are attracted by moonlight reflecting off the ocean and know to head out to sea, but they can become confused by island lighting and head inland instead. So, now you know. 🙂
Even though the attendees were socially distanced and masked on the 35 acre farm, that didn't mean they weren't close in heart for animal welfare. PAWS Chicago hosted a "Summer Farm Party" on Saturday, August 1 for longtime supporters and donors. We were so happy to have a reason for a road trip so Chuck, Rooney and I happily drove to
The Adler Planetarium will host a (virtual) Celestial Ball on Saturday, Sept. 12 with a pre-party beginning at 6 pm and the main event at 6:30 pm CST. Free on Adler's YouTube, $25 for access to Pre-Party via Zoom (main event will be streamed from Zoom to YouTube) This entirely online event will give you an exclusive first look at how the Adler experience is being reimagined for a digital age, with virtual exhibitions and innovative programming. Join them and find out what’s on the horizon for the next 90 years. Click here for all the info!
Mark your calendars NOW for The Chicago Lighthouse's Virtual Flair Fashion Show (produced by ZZAZZ Productions), Friday, Oct. 16 from 11 am -12:30 CST! Co-chaired by Sheree Valukas and Sherrill Bodine, the event will give you a front row seat at new collections from top luxury brands and designers all while supporting life changing programs for children who are blind, visually impaired or disabled. As always, this year's event features an inclusive runway of
Celebrate Porchlight Music Theatre's 25th Anniversary at Porchlight Palooza — Featuring Broadway legend and ICON Award recipient Joel Grey! An entertainment-packed, FREE three-episode online streaming event featuring all new performances and surprise appearances by your favorite musical theatre artists (including Bernadette Peters, Kristin Chenoweth, Raul Esparza, Josh Gad, Mandy Patinkin, Tonya Pinkins and Chita Rivera) dreamy raffle prizes and more! August 21–23, nightly at 7pm CDT. The three day virtual festival will culminate with an interview between legendary broadcaster Bill Kurtis and honoree Joel Grey!
they might return but I will continue to cover as many of their virtual events as I can HERE so please stay tuned. AND 
please send me any event info that you might be aware of too. For now, this is what I have on my calendar. 1) Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum "Dressing Barbie" on Saturday, August 15, 11 am; 2) Service Club of Chicago's "White House Floral Affair" (hat luncheon), Thursday, Sept, 3 11 am-1 pm; 3) Chicago Lighthouse's "Seeing What's Possible" gala, Sat., Sept. 12, 7-8 pm; 4) Boys & Girls Clubs LAWN BALL, Friday, Sept. 25, 8 pm; 5) JourneyCare All Stars of Project Runway, Saturday, Sept. 26; 6) St. Jude Four Stars Restaurant Extravaganza, Tuesday, Sept. 29; 7) 1st Gen Scholarship Gala (benefiting Chicago State University), Friday, October 2, 7 pm; 8) WINGS Purple Tie Ball, Saturday, Oct. 3, 9) A Silver Lining Foundation Gala, Saturday, Oct. 3; 10) Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation Fall Benefit, Thursday, October 22; 11) Big Shoulders Fund, "Reach for the Stars," Friday, October 23; 12) (STILL PLANNED LIVE) Victory Gardens' Theatre's Chicago Stories Gala (Four Seasons, Sat., Oct. 24); 13) (STILL PLANNED LIVE) Boys & Girls Clubs' Women's Board Ball, Sat., Nov. 7, Four Seasons Chicago.
Please mark your calendar's for this year's Illinois Holocaust Museum's SOIRÉE, presented by its Women's Leadership Committee, on Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 7 pm
