Tag Archives: World AIDS Day

November 16, 2012 · 12:08 pm

PAWS-ITIVELY THE BEST FUR BALL YET…AND BILLY CORGAN HELPED!

…PLUS SERVICE CLUB OF CHICAGO CELEBRATES 122ND GALA, LUXURY GARAGE SALE’S GRAND OPENING, CHICAGO DEFENDER’S NEWSMAKERS GALA, L’ECOLE DE CHOIX IS LISTENING, WORLD OF CHOCOLATE’S TASTY FUNDRAISER, HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS, WALTER WRITES A BOOK, CHICAGO TOY & GAME SHOW, THE CAROLING PARTY CELEBRATES 26 AND SO MUCH MORE!

A record 725 guests escorting 150 pet companions gathered at The Drake Hotel on Friday, November 9th for a special evening of elegance and compassion at PAWS Chicago’s 11th Annual Fur Ball. As Chicago’s premier pet-friendly black tie gala, the event raised more than $1,000,000 which will go directly to saving the lives of Chicago’s homeless animals, making it the most successful Fur Ball to date. Lucky pups in attendance indulged in a doggie buffet served in crystal goblets and received pampered treatments in the Dog Spa, complete with an animal masseuse and paw-dicures. Meanwhile, their human counterparts enjoyed an elegant dinner buffet, silent and live auctions, raffle, dancing, people and pet illustrations by Rosemary Fanti and insight into their pet’s thoughts through animal communicator, Alicia Halloran. Presented by A. Marek Fine Jewelry, Chopper Trading and The Drake Hotel, the event was co-chaired by Joanna Mallers, Rita Moore and Lauren and Sandy Walfish. Honorary chairs Bonnie and Jim Spurlock were celebrated for their long-term dedication and generosity to helping save the lives of homeless pets. The David Duffield Family received the PAWS Chicago Visionary Award for their exemplary work on a national scale with Maddie’s Fund, which is dedicated to building no-kill communities. (Maddie’s Fund has donated more than $300 million to date in their efforts to make this a no-kill nation.) The highlight of the evening was the exciting live auction, featuring one-of-a-kind items. Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan helped auction off a private acoustic performance and sit-down tea with him at his new Highland Park tea house, Madame Zuzu’s. After a bidding war between three guests, Billy generously offered the same chance to each bidder, all together raising $90,000 for homeless pets. This chance of
a lifetime went to Kristy Kitzmiller, Mayari Pritzker and Nancy Timmers. “Like many of you in this room, I’m a pet lover. Two of my kitties came from PAWS, they were left in a box in 2003,” said Corgan. “The mother only had one eye and was missing a leg and I adopted two of her kittens. So every day of my life, I feel blessed to have these kittens and it’s because of an organization like this that they exist.” Earning the opportunity to have their pet featured on the cover of the 2013 PAWS Chicago Desktop Calendar was John & Rita Canning, with a winning bid of $22,000. A portrait sitting with renowned celebrity photographer Victor Skrebneski (donated by Skrebneski himself) was won by Nancy Timmers for $18,000. And a luxurious trip to Beijing brought in $13,000, purchased by Melinda McMullen and donated by American Airlines, Grand Hyatt Beijing, Park Hyatt Beijing and Grand Hyatt Shanghai. Additional auction items included four VIP tickets to “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” a five night stay in a gorgeous Dominican Republic villa and tickets to the 2013 Grammy Awards and the official after-party. Presenting sponsor Raj Fernando of Chopper Trading raised his hand during the “Bid to Save Lives” and committed to a $63,000 matching gift for spay/neuter surgeries for pets of low-income families, which was fulfilled by three generous donors. “The success of this year’s Fur Ball directly translates into PAWS Chicago being able to increase the number of animals we save,” said PAWS Chicago founder and chair Paula Fasseas. “With no government funding, we are reliant on support from our animal-loving community and events like the Fur Ball are essential to continuing our life-saving work.” To learn more about this wonderful organization, please visit www.PawsChicago.org. (Photos courtesy of Sparenga, Malia Rae and Richard Chen Photography, Alexis Fasseas and moi…to see MORE event pics, please click here!) Stay tuned for my Watch312.com video coverage coming SOON!

The Service Club of Chicago celebrated its 122nd gala on November 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel. The sounds of violins filled the air as more than 400 guests ascended the stairway for the opening reception outside the Grand Ballroom. As always, the extensive silent auction offerings kept the black tie clad attendees busy bidding while they sipped cocktails and mingled with friends before the doors were swung open to reveal spectacular décor by Tom Kehoe Designs, the organization’s much loved design expert. Co-chaired by Kimberly Gleeson and Elizabeth Brodsky, the night was themed “With Gratitude” and featured a parade of past gala chairs who were led into the ballroom on the arms of tuxedo clad dancers in top hats. Twenty-five former gala chairs were in attendance beginning with Marguerite Hark, who chaired her gala in 1983. SC President Vonita Reescer welcomed guests and said, “Our board and our event/committee chairs have worked so hard all year long. From God Save My Shoes and the Hat Luncheon to the Day on the Terrace, our educational events and Day at the Races, it has been a year of much accomplishment of which we can all be proud. Tonight’s ball pays tribute to all of the ball chairs throughout our history who have made a difference and whose contributions enable The Service Club to continue its important work. All of these ladies, starting with the Palmers and the Armours, all the way to Brodsky and Gleeson, have made their mark and have made us strong.” Elizabeth and Kimberly thanked Jamie Breslin and her staff at the Four Seasons and “Mr. Music”, Stanley Paul, who entertained with his formidable orchestra. (Peter Oprisko performed for the after-party.) The live auction, conducted during dinner by David Goodman, including a trip to San Francisco, courtesy of American Airlines and the Terlato Family Vineyards. PAWS Chicago upped the excitement level when three pets were offered for adoption, one kitten and two Lab/retriever mixes. Chef Charlie Trotter and wife Rochelle (wearing an elegant gown by Atelier Azza) were the lucky winners of one of the puppies as well as Richard Doermer (who bought the pup for his daughter). The night was magical in every way and you could hear the happy sounds of laughter and applause filling the room as paddles were raised to bid in support of the SC. This organization is one of the oldest in Chicago having been founded in 1890. Originally created to serve the needs of the city’s most vulnerable, particularly immigrant women and children, the club hosted bazaars and participated in sewing circles to raise the revenues they needed to support their charitable work. Their good work continues and, last year, they awarded more than $252K to agencies working in a wide variety of fields, including the arts, disability services, early childhood care, education, health and healthcare, HIV/AIDS services and youth development. This night raised more than $400K for The Service Club of Chicago. (To see how you can get involved, please click here…and view more pics here!)

Nearly 200 fashion-forward Chicagoans headed to the hottest new upscale consignment shop in town – Luxury Garage Sale – located right in my Old Town ‘hood at 1658 N. Wells. The 3,300-square-foot boutique presents a refined and impeccably curated collection of discounted couture clothing, accessories, designer handbags and shoes. The fashionable and business savvy duo behind the booming business, founders, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal, have created a space where designer-loving fans can peruse and purchase the company’s highly coveted inventory that will change daily, as well as drop-off couture they’re ready to surrender from their own closets. At the event, guests toasted the gorgeous new store with Moet champagne and Coco Mori desserts, whose custom cake pops were adorned with LGS, Chanel and Louis Vuitton logos. A supporter of the event, Moet’s own Peggy Lanigan, presented Segal and Buchberg with a magnum bottle of Moet custom designed with Luxury Garage Sale. (Awwwwww!) Radiant Buchberg (pregnant with twins due in early 2013 and wearing a breathtaking vintage necklace) and Segal (looking chic in Prada and Miu Miu) greeted friends and consigners and thanked everyone for their support to help open the new store. The fabulous fete also brought out some well-known Chicago faces including Ashley Hooks (Miss Illinois USA 2012), Graham Kostic (GlossedandFound.com), Chicago Bears head coach’s wife MaryAnne Smith (with daughter-in-law Kristin Smith), Amy Tara Koch, Steve and Lucy Weiss (Zacuto Manufacturing) and Lesley Prizant Goodman among many others. Luxury Garage Sale provides a unique service and format for buying and selling new, gently-used and vintage clothing, shoes, accessories and collectibles. Their new boutique will feature a daily carefully curated collection of their favorite ‘finds’ such as Chanel handbags and vintage Balenciaga, as well as overstock from some of the top boutiques nationwide. Store hours will be Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more info, visit luxurygaragesale.com. I’ll see YOU there, I hope!

The Chicago Defender’s Newsmakers Gala was held at the Hyatt Regency on November 3rd. This prestigious award ceremony highlights people doing great things in the community. Honorees in different industries who have influenced lives near and far are Steve Harvey (Multi-Media), Val Warner (journalist and television host, “Windy City Live”), Larry Huggins (acting Chairman, METRA), Jean-Claude Brizard (former CEO, Chicago Public Schools), Karen Lewis (president, Chicago Teachers Union), Karen Freeman-Wilson (Mayor of Gary, Indiana) and Tio Hardiman (director of CeaseFire Illinois). For 107 years, the Chicago Defender has been a powerful force in unifying African American and African communities across the globe. They have initiated and supported some of the biggest movements in the United States including the Great Northern Migration in the early 1900’s to the Civil Rights Movement in the '50s and '60s to the 2012 election. Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church (aka the Rooftop Pastor) received the Newsmaker of the Year Award for his commitment to camping out on the roof of the downtrodden motel which he intends to replace with a community center for 90 days. Retired (sadly!) Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster received the Lifetime Achievement Award for her journalistic contributions. Renowned jazz vocalist Maggie Brown performed. Congrats to ALL of these deserving honorees!

“Does anyone care, is anyone even listening?” asks 12-year-old Daniel Toussaint, a student at The School of Choice (L'Ecole de Choix), a first-of-its kind trilingual school in Mirebalais, Haiti, that provides a high-quality elementary education with a focus on leadership development for 183 children ages 4 to 12. Listening intently is one Chicago woman and a growing group of supporters who are committed to providing Daniel and his classmates with a unique gift in rural Haiti: choice. “Without choice, whether it’s about what we eat or what career we enter, we are deprived of our dignity,” says Laura Pincus Hartman (Vincent de Paul professor of business ethics at DePaul University) who is co-founder and board chair of the school. “For the hundreds of thousands who live in extreme poverty in Haiti’s Central Plateau, hope is a rare commodity, and choices are even scarcer.” Haitian Olympian triple jumper Samyr Laine will join Laura on one of her frequent visits to Choix in Haiti this fall to continue his commitment “to inspire his people and showcase my country's dignity.” To mark the success of its first academic anniversary and raise funds to meet annual operating costs, Laine joined Hartman at the “Virtual Visit To Choix” benefit on October 20th at The Francis W. Parker School that attracted more than 300 guests. Emceed by renowned Chicago comedian, commentator and actor Aaron Freeman, guests experienced Choix first-hand through videos, student profiles, interactive arts and crafts projects. Honorary chairs for the benefit included Lesly Condé (Consul Géneral, Consulate General of Haiti), Fr. Dennis Holtschneider (President, DePaul University), Andrew Mason (CEO, Groupon), Katrina Markoff (CEO, Vosges Chocolates), Senator Kwame Raoul (13th Dist., IL), Hon. Lionel Jean-Baptiste (Judge, Circuit Court of Cook County, IL), Chris Kennedy (Chair, Board of Trustees, Univ. of Illinois, Past President, Merchandise Mart), David Brown (Chairman, Much Shelist, P.C.), Suzanne Muchin (Founder, ROI Ventures) and Laura Pincus Hartman (Board Chair, L’Ecole de Choix, Vincent de Paul professor, DePaul University). “We want to instill in this next generation a pride and esteem for their culture, both current and historical,” says Hartman. “As the first and only Black republic to have overcome slavery, and remain a free people to this day, Haiti offers its children – as well as the rest of us – an extraordinary model of liberty.”
The Fifth Annual Global Health Initiative Benefit Dinner was held at The Peninsula on October 3rd. The evening was hosted by beloved Bill Kurtis and featured the president of Chicago Lake Shore Medical Associates, Dr. Robert Havey, as well as Northwestern Feinberg medical student Joe Brown, who is currently on a GHI-funded rotation in Peru. More than 200 guests came out to support the GHI mission with the event raising more than $480K for global health education, providing access to healthcare in low resource areas worldwide and encouraging compassionate primary care medicine. For more info, visit clsma.com/ghi.

Don’t miss WORLD OF CHOCOLATE's one-of-a-kind annual party in commemoration of World’s AIDS Day. It will take place for the 11th year on Thursday, November 29th from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Hilton Chicago at 720 S. Michigan! If you love chocolate, then you will LOVE this event benefitting the AIDS Foundation of Chicago. Dozens of Chicago’s finest chocolatiers, restaurants and caterers will be offering up their most creative and tasty selections for a night that will also include a light buffet, specialty cocktails, a raffle with lavish prizes, music and so much more! Tickets start at $125. For info, please visit www.aidschicago.org/chocolate.

The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays and musicals, as well as dance and concert offerings this Holiday season. The League of Chicago Theatres has created a list of offerings with an updated list of holiday shows that will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com. Click HERE for a selection of holiday-themed work playing in Chicago, thus far, this season! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Twenty-five thousand visitors will head to Navy Pier this weekend (November 17th and 18th) for the Chicago Toy & Game Fair to shop and play with thousands of toys and games on display from over 250 exhibitors! The 10th anniversary of the fair – the largest public toy and game show in the country – will feature the holiday season’s newest offerings. Founder/CEO Mary Couzin says, “It will be like a giant interactive and bottomless toy box!” Count me IN!!!! For more info, visit www.ChiTag.com!

The Caroling Party will celebrate its 26th anniversary with a special performance in the Signature Room of the John Hancock with all 60 of their fabulous performers on Monday, December 3rd. Anyone dining in the 95th will get to see the show for FREE so make your reservations now for their 45-minute performance which will follow a visit to the Rehabilitation Institute where they will bring the sounds of the season to its patients. Congrats to Paul Iams and this wonderful group who brings joy to so many!

Congrats to beloved TV anchor/author Walter Jacobson on the launch of his recent book, "Walter's Perspective: A Memoir of Fifty Years in Chicago TV News." A group of friends celebrated his book launch at Gibson’s: Bill Kurtis, Bob Sirott, Jay Levine, Mary Ann Childers, Joe Ahern, Terry Savage, Victor Skrebneski, Billy Marovitz, Mancow, Roe Conn, Ryan Baker, Steve Baskerville, Marty Wilke, Joanie Bayhack, Rob Feder, Father Michael Pfleger, Paula and Peter Fasseas, Dominic DiFrisco, Sherren Leigh, Richard Babcock and Vonita Reescer all turned out to celebrate! Congrats Walter! To buy his wonderful book, please click here! (Photos by Steve Starr.)

As many of you know, our town has lost one of its most colorful and beloved characters. Celebrity photographer Steve Starr passed away suddenly on November 12th, a month to the day before an event that he had been planning for over a year, “The Face of the News”. The event has now turned into a celebration and tribute to this beloved man’s life. I never heard him say an unkind word, he always had a smile on his face and encouraged everyone around him to have one on theirs. No one cared more than he did if you looked good in your photo. He stayed up through the wee hours sending out individual pics from the evening to those people whose photos he’d taken. He taught us how to pose, he taught us how to live. He was a shining example of how to make the most out of life, live every moment, enjoy every party and cherish your friends. God is smiling bigger and leaning forward, just a little bit. We will miss you, Steve – our town will never be the same without you. Please join me in a celebration of Steve on 12/12/12. Besides ticket sales, donations are gladly accepted.

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

Love you all,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

MICHIGAN AVENUE MAGAZINE SCORES ROSIE COUP!

…PLUS WORLD OF CHOCOLATE, A CLEVER WEDDING IDEA, VITAL BRIDGES’ HOLIDAY LUNCHEON, MACY’S MAKES-A-WISH, WATCH312.COM VIDEOS, BEAUTY AND GIFT IDEAS AND MORE!

Michigan Avenue Magazine scored another coup for the publication by featuring Rosie O’Donnell on the December cover along with a feature article cleverly entitled “Rosie the Riveting.” They held a by-invite-only party in the Seven Stars Lounge at Horseshoe Casino. This high roller’s heaven is an elegant room filled with crystal chandeliers, a humidor, extensive bar and friendly servers. Dubbed “In the Red, Holiday Celebration,” this event attracted A-listers who were transported via private motor coach to this gambler’s oasis in Hammond, Indiana. The media info that was provided informed us that a VIP area would be provided for Rosie and her crew and that once she entered this area, no one was to speak with her or film her. Well, I was prepared for the worst. You sensed the minute Rosie entered the room since everyone’s iPhones were waving in the air and the lights from the photogs cameras were flashing nonstop. She stopped repeatedly on her way to the Red Carpet to talk to guests and take pictures. When she got to the Carpet, the cameras’ lights were blinding. And not only did she NOT go to her designated area, but she worked the Red Carpet longer than any celeb I’ve ever seen. She never left…she talked to each and every person who wanted to speak to her and she even allowed a cameraman to check the label on her sweater after someone complimented her on it. In a word, she was a delight! I love her refreshing candor and in her comments about Chicago, she has stated that she loves Table 52 (Chef Art’s fried chicken is a hit!), Paris Club (where she celebrated her show’s launch), Naha (which she said is the “best meal she’s ever had”) and Gibson’s (where she said to “ask for Mo, he’s the best waiter
I’ve ever had.”) The night also included a charity component with guests encouraged to bring a toy to donate to LYDIA Home Association. Mich Mag’s Publisher Dan Uslan and Editor-in-Chief Susanna Negovan welcomed guests and thanked everyone for coming. The Illinois Center for Broadcasting streamed the evening live and I was honored to be the host. Congrats Mich Mag and welcome to Chicago, Rosie!!! (Photos by Mila Samokhina, Cindy Barrymore and Steve Starr…click HERE to see more!) Watch the Michigan Avenue Mag/Rosie party below on Watch312.com! 🙂

watch312 on livestream.com. Broadcast LiveFree

I always love the World of Chocolate event. It is such a celebration of life and love and it benefits the Aids Foundation of Chicago. Everyone from vendors to restaurants to hotels compete for bragging rights in multiple categories. This year, 28 of our city’s finest participated in this annual fundraiser that attracted more than 1,500 guests. Judges included ABC 7’s Kathy Brock, Fox Chicago’s Jan Jeffcoat, Chicago Pride’s Bill Pritchard, Mrs. Illinois International Nicole Khayat, RL’s Rich Varnes, beloved entertainer Miss Lucy Foozie, designer Richard Dayhoff, WGCI’s Loni Swain, entertainer Cyon Flare, NoMI pastry chef Meg Galus and Lookingglass Theatre’s Anthony Fleming, among others. They had a tough decision choosing between entries that included Das Food’s salted caramel, Wow Bao’s steamed bao filled with dark chocolate and coconut, Kendall College’s chocolate- and cranberry-infused macaroons and chocolate Christmas trees, Taberna Restaurant’s chocolate filled dates with bacon, the Peninsula’ stropical chocolate paradise complete with safari girls, Illinois Nut and Candy’s “Wizard of Oz”-themed booth and the Palmer House Hilton’s chocolate-flavored wine that Chef Stephen Henry was generously pouring. I thought they should ALL win but, sadly, this wasn’t to be. After all of the votes were tallied, the winners were Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts for overall tastiest treat (Hot Chocolate Award), Talbott Teas for the most creative use of chocolate (Loco Cocoa Award), Terry’s Toffee (who debuted this year’s delicious limited edition “Holly Berry Toffee”) for best overall presentation (Sweet Booth Award) and the Peninsula for most visually enticing dish (Chocoholic’s Dream Award). The People’s Choice Award went to Just Like U Like It Catering. Their mini chocolate grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato and basil soup shooters was a crowd pleaser along with their chocolate mashed potatoes. This year’s honorary chair Mayor Rahm Emanuel came for a short while and greeted guests. Event chairs Glen Pietrandoni, Ben Stringfellow and Jim Perry also included a Memorial Wall where guests could honor lost loved ones. Held at the Hilton Chicago, this one-of-a-kind event commemorated World AIDS Day and raised more than $300,000 to support AFC and the fight against HIV/AIDS. President/CEO of the AFC David Ernesto Munar had this to say: “We’re so grateful for the supporters and vendors who commemorated World AIDS Day by helping us raise these much-needed funds. As guests walked into the ballroom, they were greeted by a gigantic display of the word ‘HOPE,’ which captures exactly how we feel. And as Charles Dickens once said, ‘There is nothing better than a friend, unless it is a friend with chocolate!” (View extra pics by Steve Starr HERE and to watch my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!)

Watch live streaming video fromwatch312 atlivestream.com

I get so many emails and information from people with ideas they want to promote and, every once in a while, it’s a really unique concept like the one I recently heard about. “Pap the Question” is the brainchild of ex-paparazzo James Ambler, who is secretly conspiring with nervous grooms-to-be and photographing the magic moment when couples get engaged. Ambler says he got the idea for “Pap the Question” shortly after he himself got down on one knee. “Following my own proposal, friends asked if we had any pictures from this special day. We didn’t, but that definitely planted the seed.” Having witnessed so many different proposals, Ambler has many tips on the subject, including a very common (and easily prevented) mistake most guys make when popping the question: fumbling for the ring. He says have it in an easily accessible place “so you look as smooth as Cary Grant for the reveal.” And for the ladies, one thing future fiancées should NEVER do when their prince proposes is to focus all of their attention on the ring! Ambler says he’s seen this happen so often and it’s not pretty. “While Romeo is longing to stare passionately into her eyes, she’s only concerned with the hardware. Cold!” Originally from Oxford, England, James has been a professional photographer for 10 years. One of his amusing celeb stories included Angelina Jolie, who once took pity on him after James was racing after her on his bike and crashed. She rolled down her window, told him to put his bike in the trunk and gave him a lift in her limo. I think James is onto something with this unique idea for creating even more exciting wedding memories! And instead of celebs, James will now be chasing down young lovers in the Windy City! (www.PaptheQuestion.com)

Vital Bridges’ annual “Celebrate the Spirit” holiday brunch was held recently at the Four Seasons. More than 400 guests attended this fundraiser which netted $158,000 to support nutrition and housing services for low income people living with HIV/AIDS. Guests enjoyed a delectable meal, an exciting live and silent auction and a $10K cash raffle. My longtime friend Paul Iacono, who is an ardent supporter of this organization, reports, “Incredibly, since its founding in 1988, Vital Bridges has provided more than 10 million meals, 600,000 nights of shelter and 250,000 hours of counseling to over 10,000 clients. This year former board chair Ron Anunziato was honored for his longtime dedication and commitment to this all too important cause. Additionally, brunch attendee Emily Angel was the lucky recipient of the $10K cash prize in the annual raffle. Emily is the niece of Bill Holt, one of Vital Bridges’ original founders, who succumbed to AIDS in the mid 1990’s. In the true spirit of the organization and its mission, Emily generously donated her entire cash prize back to Vital Bridges.” Live auction packages included a Lake Michigan yacht cruise with food and beverages provided by Sepia Restaurant, a trip for eight to Puerto Vallarta, and a trip for two to Hawaii. “The annual brunch is an afternoon of delicious food, delightful entertainment and the company of good friends,” said Vital Bridges’ chief healthcare strategist Deborah Hinde. And thanks so much Paul for this info!!! (Thanks to Cindy Barrymore, for these fab fotos!)

As the holidays fast approach, some of us are thinking about what to buy for that sports nut in our families. And if you’re a Cubs fan, then there could be no greater gift (besides the Cubs winning the World Series) than Jimmy Greenfield’s "100 Things Cubs Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die." Written by this Chicago Now guru, the 300-page book is packed with crucial info such as important dates, player nicknames, memorable moments and outstanding achievements by individual players. There is also a to-do list of Cubs activities which include taking in Wrigley Field, traveling to Arizona for spring training and sipping beers at the best Cubs bars around the country. The publication date is March 1, 2012…but I think you should order now while they're still available! Congrats Jimmy!

Holiday dinners abound now with friends getting together to celebrate their happy times, reflect on the year behind and think about the year ahead. It’s also a great time to share those all-important beauty secrets which is one of the things I did recently with a group of glam friends at the retooled Pump Room. As we encircled a big round table, enjoying champagne and sharing gifts we all spoke of what we were grateful for and what our goals were for 2012. This was all very interesting stuff but everyone’s ears seemed to perk up at the discussion of individual beauty secrets so I will share them with you now. Toni Canada’s favorite product is Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream (tube) which she says “helps heal chapped, cracked dry skin and has anti-inflammatory benefits – great protection against the harsh Chicago winters.” Gayle Anthony’s must-have product is Chantecaille’s Anti-Glycation Primer with SPF50+. “I use it with or without makeup, as it gives great protection!” she said. Kristina McGrath swears by GLO Minerals under eye cream. “It tingles when you put it on and is supposed to WAKE up your eyes!” she raved. (Boy, could I use this!) Lynn McMahan loves the Claudio Riaz makeup palette at Barney’s as well as an iPhone app called Suzanne Somers’ Nap 26 because “listening to this particular group of sound frequencies for 26 minutes is equal to three hours of sound sleep according to the NASA researchers who invented it.” Jan Flanagan swears by heated eyelash curlers and coconut oil used as a hair conditioner and makeup remover. As for me, I love going to Che Sguardo (owned by former model Kathy Schmalen) at 161 W. Illinois because she finds truly unique makeup from around the globe and imports it to Chicago. Models and on-air people love this place! I also love the MAC Mellow Mood shimmer highlighter. It’s great for emphasizing cheekbones and looks terrific in photos. And my choice for the VERY best facial moisturizer (goodbye, La Mer), is my new favorite: L’Oreal’s Golden Balm. The best part is you can find it at Walgreen’s…for cheap! So now ya know! 🙂

Hope you’re taking the time to stop and smell the pinecones! I know I am!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If you have little ones who still believe in Santa (lucky them!), then don’t forget to take their stamped letters to Santa at Macy’s! Address it to “Santa at the North Pole” and drop it into their special Santa letterbox. For each letter received, Macy’s will donate $1 to the Make-a-Wish-Foundation up to $1,000,000!!! To learn more, please click HERE! 🙂

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Tagged as 100 Things Cubs Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die, ABC7, AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Angelina Jolie, Anthony Fleming, Barney’s, Ben Stringfellow, Bill Holt, Bill Pritchard, Candid Candace Chicago, Cary Grant, Chantecaille’s Anti-Glycation Primer with SPF50+, Charles Dickens, Che Sguardo, Chef Art Smith, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Now, Chicago Pride, Cindy Barrymore, Claudio Riaz, Cyon Flare, Dan Uslan, Das Good, David Ernesto Munar, Deborah Hinde, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Cream, Emily Angel, Four Seasons, Fox Chicago, Gayle Anthony, Gibson's, Glen Pietrandoni, GLO Minerals under eye cream, Hilton Chicago, Horseshoe Casino, Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Illinois Nut and Candy, In the Red Holiday Celebration, iPhone, James Ambler, Jan Flanagan, Jan Jeffcoat, Jim Perry, Jimmy Greenfield, Just Like U Like It Catering, Kathy Brock, Kathy Schmalen, Kendall College, Kristina McGrath, La Mer, L’Oreal’s Golden Balm, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Loni Swain, Lookingglass Theatre, LYDIA Home Association, Lynn McMahan, MAC Mellow Mood shimmer highlighter, Macy's, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Meg Galus, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mila Samokhina, Miss Lucy Foozie, Mo, Mrs. Illinois International, Naha, NASA, Nicole Khayat, NoMI, Palmer House Hilton, Pap the Question, Paris Club, Paul Iacono, Peninsula Hotel, Pump Room, Rich Varnes, Richard Dayhoff, RL, Ron Anunziato, Rosie O’Donnell, Santa at the North Pole, Sepia Restaurant, Seven Stars Lounge, Stephen Henry, Steve Starr, Susanna Negovan, Suzanne Somers’ Nap 26, Taberna Restaurant, Table 52, Talbott Teas, Terry’s Toffee, Toni Canada, Vital Bridges, Walgreen’s, Watch312.com, WGCI, World AIDS Day, World of Chocolate, World Series, Wow Bao, Wrigley Field

November 29, 2011 · 6:37 am

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE’S 40TH ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET HIGHLIGHTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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