Tag Archives: Young at Heart Pet Rescue

December 3, 2018 · 10:17 am

CHICAGO LIGHTS: AN ART EXHIBIT THAT’S ALL HEART

ILLUMINATE 900 SPARKLES ON THE MAG MILE; GATEWAY FOR CANCER RESEARCH'S CURES GALA; LSCRF'S FALL BENEFIT LUNCHEON; YOUNG AT HEART'S SILVER PAWS GALA; FRIENDS OF LA RABIDA CELEBRATION; WINGS HOSTS CONDOLEEZZA RICE AT ANNUAL LUNCHEON; PARTYSLATE CELEBRATES 3; A WALK FOR THE BEAR; BEST HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS; 3ARTS AWARDS CELEBRATION; SHERYL AND JOE MAKE IT OFFICIAL; CHRISTMAS DECORATING; A JORDAN THANKSGIVING; HEARTWARMING VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was a dream come true for acclaimed British photographer Abigail Zoe Martin when her passion project, Chicago Lights, presented in collaboration with White Color Productions and Agency H5, opened at the Zhou B Art Center on Friday, November 16. Since Abigail moved here from London three years ago, with Leonardo (her handsome financial executive husband) and two beautiful teenage children, she has been quietly photographing people of interest. It began as a way to get to know the city and its people better but it grew into something much, much bigger. On her blog (chicagostoriesblog.com), before she put the exhibition together, she said she wanted to "create a space where portraits and quotes from people of all colors, economic levels, religions and ethnicities stand side by side, expressing their common humanity in a dignified way, a show about joy and the things we love." Following the night of the audio/visual exhibition of 81 notable and some not so notable Chicagoans, she expressed herself this way. "I am just coming up for air after that sparkly and magical evening. The sheer scale and diversity of the event was so very exciting. The friendliness was amazing. All sorts of people were chatting to each other and it was so comfortable. It was exhilarating and felt so loving. I'm so thrilled that the idea of kindness and community permeated the room and that everyone felt it. That for me is a perfect world." I was fortunate to have been photographed by Abigail back in August….I was hoping to either shoot in Washington Park or in the gardens in front of our building but the weather didn't cooperate so we shot it in the lobby of my building. Rooney was just as happy being inside since he didn't want his little top hat to get wet. Abigail is a master at deep diving into people's characters. After she left, I felt like I'd been through a great therapy session. She knows bull-sh_t when she sees it which is why it wa
s such an honor to have my photo included with so many wonderful personalities like celebrity chef Jamie Laurita, Israel Idonije, Nan Giordano and her wonderful Giordano Dance Chicago dancers, Bela Gandhi, Tarrah Cooper, CM Punk, Chef Curtis Duffy, Chef Bruno Abate, Kathleen Kenahan Henson (whose H5 Agency helped produce the event), Trisha Rooney, Tim Kazurinsky, the Zhou B brothers (ShanZuo ZhouShi and DaHuang ZhouShi), Lieutenant Governor-elect Juliana Stratton, Duchess Darling Shear (cabaret star who performed two dramatic numbers), Kiara Lanier (whose songs made everyone weep with joy), Father Michael Pfleger, Secretary of State Jesse White, Dr. Lauren Streicher and her husband Jason Brett, Essence Walker, Dr. Theri Raby, JoJo Baby, the Mayor and so many more. There were names you recognized and those you didn't–they included tattoo artists, college students, small business owners, bartenders, a professional wrestler, a professor, a beekeeper, a firefighter, a doorman and more. The show is described as a raw unfiltered conversation with Chicagoans that illuminates the incredible kindness Martin found. Each photograph and conversation represents the :ecelectic and diverse cross-section of people: Martin met, all with :a wonderful inner light and a common thread of integrity, compassion and empathy." One of my favorites, Liz Dozier, former educator and star of the CNN series "Chicagoland," posed for her photograph on the front porch of a favorite student who died due to senseless gang/gun violence. The neighborhood was so dangerous, she had to have spotters on the street on the lookout. The night was filled with laughter, new connections, lots of Iphone photos, wine from Cream Wine Company, cocktails from CH Distillery, light bites from LM Catering and pizza from Connie's (thanks to Nina Mariano). Thank you Abigail for including me in this incredible exhibition. Every photo comes with an inspiring sound-bite from Abigail's int
erview with each subject, to hear any or all of the comments, click here and to read Rick Kogan's wonderful Tribune column about the installation and Abigail's amazing process, click here! On Abigail's Insta-feed, she summed the show up this way, "The main ingredients of this show are kindness and integrity. Let's spread as much of that as we can around the world and create some ripples." For sure, she achieved her goal and created not just ripples, but an entire ocean of kindness. (A coffee table book is in the works and photographs are available for sale at info@abigailzoemartin.com) (Come to the closing night party for the book at Zhou B Art Center on Jan. 8 and view the photos for the last time!)

The 900 Shops were the first to spread holiday cheer on North Michigan Avenue when they hosted the 3rd annual Illuminate 900 on November 15. The mall's already beautiful atrium was transformed into a winter wonderland complete with a storybook tree-lighting, real-life toy soldiers, holiday performances, caroling kiddies, festive food and drink and other seasonal surprises. The event was an arts-forward, community wide kick off to the holiday season and FREE to the public (suggested donations, that amounted to over $10,000, benefited Make-A-Wish Illinois). Throughout the evening, holiday performances enchanted guests with the highlight being Santa's (Chris Spears–the BEST Santa EVER!) arrival to light the 54-ft. tall tree, which was heralded by the Chicago Children's Choir singing "Here Comes Santa Claus." Once in front of the tree, standing with a darling Make-A-Wish child, 8-year-old Olivia, and the evening's host committee, Santa led the countdown to light the tree. As the tree lighted up and the streamer cannons exploded, beloved vocalist Ava Fain and her equally talented sister Joya Fain sang classic holiday favorites like "Man With the Bag" and "All I Want for Christmas is You." Other highlights of the evening included the New Music School Choir caroling at the main entrance; Winged Harmony (a professionally trained singer) dressed as an angel serenading guests; dancers (ZZAZZettes) from ZZAZZ Productions dressed ala the Rockettes in red velvet and white fur-trimmed costumes dancing their little hearts out; handsome male models from 10 Model Management dressed as toy soldiers greeting guests; The (darling) Real Elf (Tommy Holl) exuberantly interacting with attendees; Mrs. Claus; lush winter wonderland decor by Kehoe Designs; cooking decorating at Sur La Table; hors d'oeuvres from the brand new Aster Hall; Ruth Page Center for The Arts dancers and so much MORE! Alicia Skruba, 900 Shops marketing and business development manager, said, "Illuminate 900 has always been our Holiday Love Letter to Chicago. We couldn't be more pleased to be able to create a moment in time where Chicagoans from throughout the city come together to be reminded of the magic and wonder of the holidays. And no better partner than Make-A-Wish Illinois, as they share their own kind of healing magic throughout the year." A series of 900 Shops events will further benefit MAWI during the holiday season with a goal of $40,000. Host Committee members included Ana Belaval (emcee), Mario Tricoci, Tom Kehoe, Julie Barrish, Nancy Resnick, David Sanchez, Pierre Lockett, D.C. Crenshaw, Ceta Walters, Jivesh Toor, Tracey Tarantino, Mark Olley, David Murga, Samantha Thomas, Josephine Lee, Ava Fain and moi among others. Over 1,600 people turned out for the event that took place on all six levels of The 900 Shops! Ho! Ho! Ho! This was the VERY best way to kick off the holidays!

Gateway for Cancer Research (Gateway), a nonprofit dedicated to transformational cancer research, raised $4.1 million at its annual CURES Gala, “The Greatest Gateway” with over 750 attendees. Inspired by the Oscar-nominated film, The Greatest Showman, the event was held on Saturday, October 20 at the Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E North Water St, Chicago, IL and featured a night of unparalleled entertainment and surprises “under the big top.” The event was presented and sponsored by Richard J Stephenson, founder and chairman of Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) and Gateway for Cancer
Research and Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, CTCA Chairman of Functional Medicine and Director Gateway for Cancer Research Board. Actress and comedian Melissa Peterman, best known for her roles in the television comedy series Reba and Baby Daddy, emceed the night’s festivities beginning with a Broadway style performance by 11 year old, America’s Got Talent’s youngest finalist and Golden Buzzer winner, Angelica Hale and universal recording artist Fernando Varela, who has stunned audiences as a classic modern day tenor. Jonathan Cullen, who has wowed audiences as Elder Price in the first national tour of “The Book of Mormon," performed a show-stopping medley from The Greatest Showman, alongside America’s Got Talent finalist and Canadian Songwriters Award winner for Best Adult Contemporary/Pop Song 2018, Stacey Kay, who sang the Oscar-nominated song “This Is Me.” The London Essentials, a five-piece acoustic party band, continued the thrills, followed by performances from Pia Toscano (American Idol Finalist and star of the new Netflix show “Westside"); electrifying pianist, recording artist and composer William Joseph; international virtuoso violinist Caroline Campbell and R&B musical legend Brian McKnight who took the stage and delivered a memorable performance before Montreal Rhapsody Orchestra drew the night to an end with an energetic, show-stopping grand finale.“The Greatest Gateway” showcased breakthrough clinical cancer trials funded by Gateway, including Dr. Nathan Robison of Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles and his patient, Peighton Bailey. Dr. Robison is conducting a trial on low-grade gliomas and genetic mutations with childhood cancer. Using precision medicine, this multi- institutional trial studies the effects of MEK162, an inhibitor in tumor growth pathways. Peighton and her mom Jennifer shared her inspiring story, including the success of MEK162 in helping to shrink Peighton’s tumor and her dream to someday become a doctor and help other children facing cancer. Guests indulged in a custom culinary experience created by premier chef Markus Ford. (A personal favorite!) (Bob & Dawn Davis Photography)

The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) hosted its 33^rd Anniversary Fall Benefit Luncheon with featured keynote speaker Jill Kargman on October 22 at the Hilton Chicago. Second City Chicago writer, actress, comedian and producer Maggie Smith served as emcee of the Academy Awards-themed event, “The Pink Ribbon Awards.” With more than 1,000 attendees, the event raised more than $975,000 to help advance the treatment of breast cancer in the hopes of one day finding a cure. The luncheon, co-chaired by Wendy Heltzer and Sheri Whitko, began in the Normandie Lounge with the PURSE-SUE THE CURE™ purse auction sponsored by Luxury Garage Sale which featured more than 200 new, collectable and kids’ handbags from preeminent retailers, upscale boutiques and private collections. The event then moved to the Grand Ballroom for the program and The Pink Ribbon Awards. Recipients were: two-time breast cancer survivor, Elizabeth Kirk, who received the “Warrior” award; Nora M. Hansen, MD, Chief of Breast Surgery of Northwestern Memorial Hospital received the “Hero” award and the Best Documentary Short Film award went to Grace. Breast cancer survivors in attendance and the founders of LSCRF were also bestowed with awards. The ceremony was followed by a Q&A with actress and author Jill Kargman, who recently underwent a double mastectomy due to the CHEK2 gene. Event proceeds will support innovative breast cancer research, fellowships and educational programs at Northwestern Medicine and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.

Young at Heart Pet Rescue hosted its signature fundraiser, the Silver Paws gala, themed "Senior Pets are Hidden Treasure." Close to 300 guests raised over $166,000 for homeless senior pets, which equals a lot of lives saved in the coming year! A dozen Young at Heart ambassador dogs loved all of the attention from each and every guest, and they all napped like champs the next day from all of the excitement! During the gala, guests laughed, cried and then laughed some more over the joy of seeing pets adopted and the heartbreak that some are still waiting for forever homes. Junior volunteers Alix Burkhardt and Anishi Patel presented an original play,"Island of Young at Heart, " that featured some of YAH's wonderful adoptable senior dogs. The inaugural Heart of Gold award was presented to Rita and John Canning for their support and incredible advancement of the welfare of older pets. The organization's Fund-a-Need video, produced by Erik Porter, highlighted just a few of the stories of senior pets that YAH has recently helped. Dawn Kemper, founder/executive director, announced that in the coming year, a new adoption center will open in Woodstock, Ill. in the spring. (Photos by Embracing Grace Photography) Just love this "no-kill" nonprofit and all the good they do to support senior dogs and cats. (To learn more click here!

More than 450 guests came together in support of La Rabida Children’s Hospital at the 2018 Friends of La Rabida Awards Celebration, held at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago on November 15. As La Rabida’s largest fundraising event, the gala provides great awareness about La Rabida’s important role in the Chicago children’s medical community in maintaining and improving the quality of life for each of its patients with complex conditions, disabilities and chronic illness, regardless of ability to pay. The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. In the live and silent auctions, guests had the opportunity to bring home vacation packages, VIP tickets to the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Bulls and at-home dining experiences. Ravi Baichwal of ABC 7 Chicago served as the evening’s emcee. Notable guests in attendance included Richard Burridge, Sr., Chairman Emeritus of RMB Capital, who received the Lifetime of Service award and Christine O’Reilly-Riordan, Vice President-Community Relations/Executive Director of Chicago White Sox Charities, who received the Community Support award. The event raised over $725,000 to support the organization. (Photos by Robert Carl)

WINGS Program Inc., the largest anti-domestic violence agency in Illinois, hosted the 66^th U.S. former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice at its Road to Freedom luncheon on November 2 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. WINGS provides shelter and family support to people fleeing domestic violence, but also provides services and education to break the cycle of abuse. The luncheon featured a Q&A session with Secretary Rice and moderator Greg Brown, CEO of Motorola Solutions, to discuss her book Democracy: The Long Road to Freedom. Mayor Emanuel also attended to speak about his support of WINGS and the importance of their acceptance of children in their shelters unlike others in Illinois. The luncheon raised over $1 million through individual and corporate sponsorships and day of donations. “Even though 1 in 3 women are victims of domestic violence, 1 in 3 people think even a discussion of this is taboo,” said Rebecca Darr, WINGS CEO. “We are very excited about contributions made through this great event, but we have this conversation all year long. It costs 1.2 million dollars each year just to keep one of our shelters running. Our team never stops fundraising and looking for in-kind donations.” To help WINGS break the cycle of domestic violence, visit www.wingsprogram.com to make a donation, or visit www.wingsprogram.com/in-kind-gift-donations/ for a list of critical needs for in-kind donations.

Huge congrats to Julie Roth Novack and her incredible PartySlate that just celebrated its 3-year anniversary on November 9! Chicago’s top event professionals and tastemakers gathered at Venue West to celebrate PartySlate and the birthday of Julie, PartySlate co-founder/CEO. Paulette Wolf Events and Erin McDonald Design created a luxe emerald green and copper palette, filling the room with incredible balloon installations, towering florals, and elegant food stations from some of the city’s top restaurants. Kent Drake Photography captured every celebratory moment, including the always-packed dance floor, thanks to Taylor Pace Orchestra and Flow Entertainment. Since its founding in Chicago three years ago, PartySlate (a digital platform designed for leading event professionals to share their work with the world) has launched in Los Angeles, Dallas, New York City, and San Francisco, with Palm Beach scheduled for later this month. You go GURLLLLL!!!!

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation hosted its 5^th annual A Walk for the Bear Costume Walk on Sunday, October 21 in Lincoln Park. A Walk for the Bear brings together family, friends and supporters of Bear Necessities to honor the children who are currently fighting and those who have lost their battle to cancer. With nearly 500 participants in attendance, the event successfully raised more than $58,000 for pediatric cancer research. This spooktacular, family-friendly event was hosted by 103.5 KISS-FM’s Rufio. The warm-up was led by professional boxer and WBC Continental Americas 2017 Champion, Mike Jimenez, and featured tricks and sweet treats along the 3-mile trail. Following the walk, attendees enjoyed a box lunch provided by Mariano’s and participated in a variety of Halloween activities, including a costume contest and pumpkin decorating. The Kids Tent featured face painting, a bounce house, balloon animals and ghoulish games and crafts.

This sounds almost too good to be true! Elf'd Up, a holiday pop-up bar now open in Wrigleyville ( 3485 N. Clark, aka Stretch Bar & Grill). This new high-energy, holiday pop-up bar will run through the end of January. Decorated as a full-blown tribute to the movie "Elf", the venue will offer guests themed cocktails and seasonal menu items, ornament decorating nights, a complimentary Santa Cookie Service daily at 10 p.m., a "Get Elf'd Up" happy hour that will benefit Compassion, DJs playing holiday mashups and more. Elf'd Up will be decorated from floor to ceiling with over 200 elves of all shapes and sizes, a 10-foot Christmas tree, an upside down Christmas tree, wreath chandeliers, strands of colored lights, a snow machine, specific tributes to the movie that will include figurines, wall quotes, snowflakes, Schylling Jester Jack in the Boxes, condiment carriers filled with maple syrup and candy canes, and other holiday decor. OH MY!! See YOU there! (www.elfdup.com) And you won't want to miss Santa Baby (3505 N. Clark, aka Deuces and the Diamond Club), right next door (my favorite holiday pop-up!!), since the lights can probably be seen from outer space! (Peek inside here!) Catch them both for a full dose of holiday cheer (through Jan. 6)!

3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grant-making organization, was honored to award 20 Chicago artists with unrestricted grants at the 11^th annual 3Arts Awards Celebration, that took place on November 5 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The celebration recognized 3Arts Award recipients along with recipients from Make a Wave—an unprecedented artist-to-artist giving initiative. The evening honored ten artists with $25,000 cash grants and ten additional artists with $1,000 grants as part of the peer-to-peer giving program, Make A Wave. 3Arts has distributed more than $3 million in total funding to more than 600 Chicago artists over the past eleven years and awarded $260,000 on this night. “Championing Chicago artists is a privilege like no other. We are thrilled to present our awardees with opportunities that they profoundly deserve,” said Esther Grisham Grimm, executive director of 3Arts. “Last year’s launch of Make a Wave made it abundantly clear that there is nothing quite as exciting as witnessing artists offering support to other artists by paying it forward and encouraging them to dream big.” This year’s 3Arts Awards celebration featured performances by past awardees including wheelchair dancer Kris Lenzo and operatic baritone Will Liverman. The event was led by co-chairs Erryn Cobb (3Arts Board of Directors and CEO of Fetch Integrated Marketing Communications), Remberto Del Real (3Arts Board of Directors and Managing Director of Personal and Business Banking Marketing for BMO Harris Bank), and Jess Godwin (singer/songwriter and 2016 3Arts Award recipient). The 2018 Make a Wave recipients are: Nura Aly (violinist, educator, and dancer); Silvia Inés Gonzalez (interdisciplinary artist and educator); Krystal Grover-Webb (visual artist and educator); Jo de Presser, aka Marlon Billups (DJ); Joelle Lamarre (soprano, teacher, and playwright); Jenna M. Lyle (experimental musician and performer); Krystel V. McNeil (actor); Gonzalo Escobar Mora (visual artist and experimental filmmaker); Carolyn O’Brien (composer); and Ana Santos (actor). The recipients of the 2018 3Arts Awards are: T. Ayo Alston, 3Arts/Southwest Airlines Awardee; Anna Martine Whitehead, 3Arts/O’Neill & Williams Family Awardee; Brittany “BrittanE” Edwards; Ben LaMar Gay, 3Arts/Stan Lipkin & Evelyn Appell Lipkin Awardee; Leida “Lady Sol” Garcia, 3Arts/RH, Restoration Hardware Awardee; Elgin Bokari T. Smith, 3Arts/Denise & Gary Gardner Awardee; Sandra Delgado, 3Arts; Community Awardee; Christine Pascual, 3Arts/Lakeside Bank Awardee; Dianna Frid, 3Arts/Chandler Family Awardee and Hương Ngô, 3Arts/Reva & David Logan Foundation Awardee. (Robin Subar Photography)

Such happy news! Longtime lovebirds Sheryl Dyer and Joe Schmidt made it official on Thanksgiving Day when he popped the question in front of family and friends at a Sea Island, Georgia get-together! Sheryl is the managing director of Van Cleef & Arpels and Joe is the president (and crack golfer) at Saint Patrick High School! Long may they love!! Woot! Woot!

Christmas is in full swing at our house. Actually, we started decorating before Thanksgiving but don't judge me 'bro. It's our favorite time of the year so I'm always anxious to dust off the decor and fill the house with holiday cheer! Nothing makes me happier than to see every nook and cranny filled with something that makes me smile. I'm especially proud of our antique Christmas collection, but then, this stays up all year-round! Ho! Ho! Ho!

I hope you all had the happiest of Thanksgivings! We had a bittersweet one with my sister and brother-in-law (Nancy and Dr. Os Steinwald). Bittersweet because it was our last one together in Chicago as they're moving to Florida soon. We're losing so many friends to the enticing warmer clime of the Sunshine State. Just this week, beloved Jan Melk has decamped to her new home on Fisher Island and Leslie Hindman (Happy Birthday!) has made Palm Beach her permanent residence as well. I hope they all know they haven't escaped us….we can drive ya' know!

Love, as always,

Candace

CandaceJordan@rcn.com

P.S. Animals thankful for being rescued and websites where you can help, if so inclined. Awwwwww!

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Tagged as 3Arts, 900 Shops, Abigail Zoe Martin, Agency H5, Alicia Skruba, Ana Belaval, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Candid Candace, Chicago Children's Choir, Chicago Lights, Condoleezza Rice, David Murga, Dawn Kemper, Elf'd Up, Father Michael Pfleger, Gateway for Cancer Research, Giordano Dance Chicago, Illuminate 900, Israel Idonije, Jamie Laurita, Jill Kargman, Joe Schmidt, John Canning, Julie Roth Novack, Kathleen Henson, Kehoe Designs, La Rabida Children's Hospital, Leslie Hindman, Liz Dozier, Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation, Make-a-Wish Illinois, Mario Tricoci, Nan Giordano, Nancy Steinwald, Os Steinwald, PartySlate, rebecca darr, Rita Canning, Santa Baby Bar, Sheryl Dyer, Silver Paws Gala, Tim Kazurinsky, WINGS Program, Young at Heart Pet Rescue

January 18, 2013 · 9:07 am

A MEMORY-MAKING YEAR: THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND PARTIES OF 2012

…PLUS A NOT-2-B MISSED FAMILY VALENTINE’S DAY PARTY, CHARITY POKER TOURNEY, PLAYBOY LEGEND OPENS PHOTO STUDIO, RANDOLPH STREET MARKET MAGIC, DRIVING FASHION FORWARD, WATCH312 HAS A NEW SISTER, AH CHOO FOR KATHLEEN & JOFFREY BALLET, MAKING MUSIC AT THE VISUAL SOUND AWARDS, ELYSABETH/RESTAURANTS/CHEFS ON HUFFPO, WRISTWISHES MAKE FASHION FUN FOR CHARITY, WHO’S THE NEW HONOREE FOR THE STANLEY PAUL FOUNDATION/AIBI?, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!!!

January is a time for reflection and appreciating the memories of your past while anticipating those of the future. This year has included so many highlights that I don’t know where to begin but let me first say, I so appreciate your support during these past four years of Candid Candace! My first blog, written on August 25, 2008, was a labor of love and remains so to this day. It’s a privilege and a thrill for me to cover so many great events and
happenings that go on in this wonderful city as well as so many dynamic Chicagoans who do so much good for so many. Please stay tuned for some exciting changes that I hope you will like on Candid Candace and NOW, take a look at some of my favorite photos from 2012 and the people, places and events that inspired me this year here!

Mark your calendars for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation’s 6th Annual Be My Valentine Family Event on February 10th. Cupid will fill our hearts once again at this fun-filled event at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago Hotel, located at 160 E. Pearson St., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The afternoon will include a brunch buffet, kiddie’s Valentine activities, DJs and dancing, a performance by actors from the Zebra and Lion from the Emmy Award-winning television show Green Screen Adventures, and a special concert by award-winning
children’s musician Justin Roberts & the Not Ready for Naptime Players. Lighting up the room “pink” will be Justin Jacobson and Platinum Events. Other activities will include sweet treat decorating and tips from Sweet Mandy B’s, ELTIF Designs bead bar for all jewelry making enthusiasts, makeovers from Sweet and Sassy, an Abt Electronics video arcade room, and family fun entertainment from Harris Kal Productions. Guests will
also have a chance to win fabulous prizes from the silent auction and raffle. This event will be co-chaired by Julie Lampert and Jennifer Meyers, with proceeds benefitting the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Tickets are $85 for adults and $65 for children in advance or $100 for adults and $80 for children at the door. Tickets are available by ordering online at www.lynnsage.org or calling 312-926-7133.

Time to “ante up” and put on your best poker face for the 8th Annual Children’s Oncology Services, Inc. Charity Poker Championship on February 7th at the River East Art Center, located at 435 E. Illinois. Dan Bernstein from WSCR “The Score” (AM 670) will return as emcee for this No Limit Texas Hold ‘Em tournament. Players of all skill levels will compete for more than $15K in prizes including the coveted grand prize to compete at the 2013 World Series of Poker’s Main Event in Las Vegas (a $10K value) and other prizes! So please, bring your best card skills to
help offer camp experiences and educational programs for children with cancer. Not a card shark? Then just come for the party that includes an open bar and a buffet provided by Marcello’s Father & Son Restaurant. (They also happen to have the BEST broasted chicken in the world!) For more info, please visit www.onestepcamp.org or call 312.924.4220.

Chicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s second annual Wonderful Winter Markets return in February and March, bringing vintage aficionados some of the best winter shopping events in Chicago. The February show (February 2nd and 3rd) will focus on "Passions & Vanities," highlighting gems, couture, art, antiques and
other endearing vices with chili, cold beer & a Super Bowl big screen TV lounge! Something for everyone! Katya & the Nude Sketch Salon returns so come and get immortalized in your own charcoal drawing. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for you and the love of your life! As always, there will be free downtown furniture deliveries and a re-upholstery station along with the addition of several Chicago-based foodie vendors and relaxation specialists to treat guests to the finer things in life! There will be 90+ vendors at each market selling art, antiques, fashion, knick-knacks, furniture and more. Show times are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on February 2nd and
3rd and March 23rd and 24th at Plumber’s Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington St. Discounted tickets ($8) are available in advance and general admission ($10), students with ID ($3 or $5) are available at the gate. Children 12 and under free. For tickets and more info, visit randolphstreetmarket.com. This is my favorite market in town…see YOU there! (Loved seeing Randolph Street Market featured on PBS’ “Market Warriors” recently, too!)

Autohaus on Edens has partnered with the Columbia College Fashion Department to host Launch 2013: Driving Fashion Forward on March 10th. This spring fashion preview event will feature some of the North Shore’s finest boutiques along with a student design competition. The show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions, will spotlight 2013 spring fashions and trends from Shelle Jewelers, Frances Heffernan and Jolie Femme among many others. The lucky winner of the student design competition will receive a $5K scholarship (courtesy of Autohaus on Edens) to put toward a semester in school OR to launch their own collection! An exciting raffle will also offer a lucky guest the opportunity to win a getaway to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week complete with travel, lodging and VIP fashion show tickets!!! For event tickets ($75 or VIP with reserved runway seating for $100) and more info, please click here!

I’m so excited to share some exciting news from Robert Mills, founder of Chicago’s online network (and the home of my show “Candid Candace Chicago”), Watch312.com: Bob has expanded his reach to Chicago’s hot sister city – MIAMI – so please help me welcome Watch305.com! With eight shows, Watch 305.com is your source for everything Miami! On their shows, you'll learn survival skills from Miami
natives, search for the best burger in town, get caught up in shameless hidden camera pranks, gain in-depth looks into the lives of athletes, acquire sex tips from professional sex therapists and witness a city ruled by artists, comedians, fashionistas and night crawlers. Because a lot of their content will be
created on a live video kiosk located in Mary Brickell Village, anyone can become part of the interactive experience by answering trivia questions and winning prizes. Producer Andres Rovira says, “Miami is an animal of a city and it is our job to tell its stories. From the creative depths of the Art District, to the fist-pounding nightlife of South Beach, there's a show about almost everything, for almost anyone. So pick a show, and become part of the fun, here in The Magic City.” Now you’ll get a sneak peek into the BEST of TWO cities! Take a look and become a fan, too!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=80MXRxNjocb_sDFvDd0EiG7mLT1QD6B8&height=360&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=80MXRxNjocb_sDFvDd0EiG7mLT1QD6B8

And don’t miss all of MY New Year’s Eve party fun on Watch312.com below!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=NpZW45ODr7scXYhNe-gk_TG2EO99JWru&height=326&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=490&deepLinkEmbedCode=NpZW45ODr7scXYhNe-gk_TG2EO99JWru

More than 400 guests gathered for the inaugural Visual Sound Awards to recognize marketing and advertising campaigns, TV shows and films that have utilized music in the most successful and creative ways to drive value for Music Dealers’ global brand and entertainment partners, while
showcasing the profound impact these projects have had on the emerging artists whose music is featured in the campaigns. The evening kicked off with an awards ceremony, during which The Visual Sound Awards winners were announced, and continued into the night with an after party featuring live performances by Music Dealers artists Metis, Greg Corner of Kill Hannah, Ghosthouse and Dot Dot Dot that brought down the house. Music Dealers clients change
emerging musicians lives every day. Behind all of these Visual Sound Awards
nominees and winners – be it a web or TV advertisement, or even an experiential activation – are real artists, whose life’s passion is creating music. And because Music Dealers clients chose to enhance their campaigns with music produced by these artists, they have been able to fund national tours, record new albums and build their professional teams – propelling their careers to the next level, all with the money generated from these placements. In his Visual Sound Award acceptance speech, Music Dealers artist and the new sound of Coke Zero's "Make It Possible" global ad campaign, Metis, said "The song we created with Music Dealers for the Coke Zero
campaign was truly a catalyst that catapulted my music career. It led to multiple record deal offers and so many other opportunities, and it all started with Music Dealers
believing in us from an early stage and Coke giving us the global platform." Check out all of the Visual Sound Awards winning campaigns here! And congrats to ALL! (To see ALL event pics, pleases click here!)

Please join new Joffrey Ballet Women’s Board member and uber-PR specialist Kathleen Henson (Henson Consulting) on January 31st when she hosts a very fashionable fete at “her favorite place to shop on Oak Street” – Jimmy Choo. Enjoy a “first look”
at Choo’s Spring/Summer 2013 collection with a portion of the proceeds from the evening’s event going to the Women’s Board of the Joffrey Ballet. You can also head over there before 1/31 and still support the Joffrey through a pre-sale…just be sure to mention the Joffrey! There’s truly no better incentive to buy a new pair of shoes (or two or three!) to go with your spring gala gowns. (The Joffrey Spring Gala is April 19th.) You can RSVP directly to the store at Chicago@JimmyChoo.com.

Have you ever wanted to have your photo taken by a PLAYBOY LEGEND? Well, now’s your chance: Former Executive Editor & Publisher of Playboy Special Editions Jeff Cohen has just opened Jeff Cohen Creative, a photography, design and consulting studio in the newly-revitalized Ravinia
District of Highland Park. Located on the main thoroughfare at 485 Roger Williams Ave., Jeff is down the street from Billy Corgan's Madame ZuZu's Tea House, Merlo's fabulous Italian eatery and next door to Abigail's American Bistro. With a string of black and white portrait photos hung on a clothesline in the studio window, he’s already
attracting a lot of attention and for Valentine’s Day, he is launching a couples portrait promotion. Jeff says, “So many households have family photos with everyone together but very few have just mom and dad sans kids. So here's a chance for Mr. and Mrs. or Mr. and Mr. or Mrs. and Mrs., etc. to do something special for each other.” Jeff will work together with each twosome in the studio and deliver a fun, candid and personal black and white portrait.
(Gift certificates are available.) And for his senior customers, he has a special deal if they combine their ages (i.e., for every year that total is over 120, he’ll reduce the portrait price by $1 so a 65-year-old woman with her 70-year-old partner knocks the price down by $15). For more information and/or to schedule a session, please contact jeffcohencreative@gmail.com or call 847.347-2509. You’ll be glad you did! I can vouch for Jeff since we have done many photo sessions together for Playboy that, sadly, I can’t share here! 😉

What a great article in the Huffington Post by author/director/producer extraordinaire, Elysabeth Alfano! Loved the idea “Chicago is Known for its Fantastic Food: 19 Creatives Name Their Favorite Restaurants.” Get great restaurant and chef recommendations from Chicagoans who include SNL’s Nora Dunn, actress Susan Messing, musician Dennis de Young, NPR’s Peter Sagal,
classical musician George Lepauw, Goodman Theatre’s Robert Falls, artist Ellen Sandor, MCA’s Naomi Beckwith and Marilyn and Larry Fields, XRT’s Lin Brehmer, rocker Jon Langford, Chicago Children’s Choir’s Josephine Lee, author Scott Turow, Expo Chicago’s Tony Karman and MOI among others! Thanks so much for including me and keep up the great work, Elysabeth!!!

Mark your calendars NOW for the 7th Chicago World Festival benefitting the 10th anniversary of Common Threads! Join founders Chef Art Smith and Jesus Salgueiro along with celebrity chefs from around the world on March
4th at Soldier Field! I’m thrilled to be co-chairing this beloved event with dynamos Jon Harris (Hillshire) and Mindy Mackenzie (Beam Global)! Tickets start at $250; for more info, please click here!

I’ve always loved wearing multiple bracelets as a style statement and am so honored that Wrist Wishes created a Candid Candace bracelet that will support some of my favorite organizations that include PAWS Chicago, Ronald McDonald House at Lurie Children’s, the Service Club of Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet and Young at Heart Pet Rescue. These charming
bracelets were created by Nicole LaCross and were inspired by her mom who had been diagnosed with cancer and was intended to bring “shining little glimmers of hope into the lives of all who wrap them around their wrists.” Wrist Wishes retail for $10 each with $2 from every purchase going directly to the charity that is represented by your bracelet. (There are many Chicago charities to choose from.) Please check them out here and be stylish AND supportive!

And last but not least, I’m so thrilled to be the 2013 Honoree for the Stanley Paul Foundation/Apparel Industry Board’s (AIBI) fundraiser at the Casino on April 24th! It will be a fun night with friends and I hope you can join me…I AM SO EXCITED! For tickets ($200), please email aibi@aibi.com or call
312.836.1041. The evening will benefit The Stanley Paul – Raelene Mittelman Fashion Design Scholarship Fund which was established in 1990 by Stanley Paul in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman. She was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future of fashion by aiding in the education of its students. I am SO honored and hope you can come!

Welcome to 2013! I hope this year turns out to be your best one yet and I hope your plans include reading Candid Candace!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. This is one of my favorite looks from the Golden Globes! Jessica Alba was FLAWLESS from head to toe – loved the Oscar gown, the $5.8 mil worth of
Harry Winston jewels and the super-cool feathered Roger Vivier clutch! And wait…was she wearing CAMP Cosmetics' CANDID CANDACE LIPSTICK? (Also, did you notice that coral is poised to be THE hottest color for spring!? Stay ahead of the trend and buy it here now!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

A FANTASY ISLAND FOR FRIENDS OF PRENTICE GALA

…PLUS BUNKY’S RL BREAKFAST, GIULIANA AND BILL CELEBRATE AT RPM, KEITH MAGEE’S RSA HONOR, SERVICE CLUB’S MAD HATTER LUNCHEON, MAMIE HONORED AT TIFFANY EYE-BANK KICK-OFF, LISA MADIGAN HOSTS AUTHOR RECEPTION, OLD ST. PAT’S WORLD’S LARGEST BLOCK PARTY, SUMMER LOVIN’ SINGLES PARTY AT MCA, LANGHAM NABS JOE AGUILERA AND SO MUCH MORE!

With a theme like “Fantasy Island,” it was no surprise that this fun-filled and visual feast attracted more than 800 supporters to the 26th annual Friends of Prentice benefit at Navy Pier recently. Co-chairs Erica Goldman, Chris Newton and Stan Pillman outdid themselves in the planning and event décor specialist extraordinaire Derrick Taylor created a fantasy world that included something special around every corner. Beginning with the cocktail reception and silent auction, the Digging for Diamonds raffle was a magnet for guests who dug in a giant sandbox for all sorts of “bling” with tiny golden shovels. The raffle giveaway was a trip for two to Mexico. Additionally, guests could contribute to the Giving Tree, a faux palm tree with leaves that could be pulled off to make donations to fund services at the Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, which provides pre- and post-natal care to low-income women. The silent auction had hundreds of items where you could find anything your heart desired including tickets to Lollapalooza (which has been sold out for weeks!), tickets to the Ryder Cup (another sold out event), tickets to the Kids’ Choice Awards in L.A., John Oates and Lyle Lovett concert tix, restaurant packages (including dinners at Nellcote, Paris Club, A Tavola and more), a Joffrey Ballet package and getaways to Michigan, London, New Hampshire and Ireland. As guests headed into the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, event planner Derrick Taylor (whose company, Taylor & Company, is owned by co-chair Erica Goldman) had planned some delicious surprises. First of all, partygoers were lei-ed with orchids before entering into a tropical, elegant beach- themed paradise through a tunnel ending with a faux “waterfall” complete with sounds of the ocean. Tables were adorned with five-foot-tall palm fronds, candles and crystal candelabras much to the delight of guests. I was privileged to participate in the live auction portion of the evening with Mary Gallo (Prentice board member and account director for global retail leisure and luxury sales with Starwood Hotels) and star auctioneer, Greg Dellinger, aka G-Man. (If you have any events that require the services of an auctioneer, do yourself a favor: he’s your guy!) The live auction included a never-before-offered package at the St. Regis NY with a stay in the Tiffany Suite. There was also an amazing Napa Valley wine lover’s package, an Italian dinner package at Piccolo Sogno and a trip to Mexico at the luxurious St. Regis Resort Punta Mita. I was also honored to present a moving video tribute that featured Alex and Mike Jacobson: They had lost twin boys who were born prematurely but the loving care and support they received at Prentice moved them to join the Board in appreciation. (In October, Alex gave birth to a healthy baby boy.) As the pirates moved into the dancing crowd with gift bags, the great band Maggie Speaks kept the music pumping. What a great night for charity in Chicago! This event raised $1 million to fund groundbreaking research, clinical care programs and advanced educational opportunities at Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital. To view ALL pics from this amazing evening, please click here!

Last week, Walter E. Smithe and Comcast hosted a finale viewing party for Giuliana and Bill Rancic at RPM Italian restaurant with partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman and acclaimed Chef Doug Psaltis. Giuliana and Bill warmly greeted guests taking photos with everyone on the Style Network’s flowery red carpet. Excited fans of their show won tickets and a trip to Chicago for the exclusive party through a sweepstakes on the Style Network. Tim Smithe gifted the Rancics with a custom Walter E. Smithe rocking chair for their new baby, who will be arriving at the end of the summer. After Tim (a father of six!) offered a few words of advice, Giuliana sat down in the chair and Bill jumped on her lap. Giuliana was overheard saying she hadn’t watched much of the finale episode yet which featured the sold-out FabFest event she hosted with breast cancer advocate and Chicagoan, Lindsay Avner of Bright Pink. (The event raised $240,000 for the cause, largely due to Giuliana’s support.) Lindsay and Giuliana were spied excitedly talking about her upcoming baby shower in L.A. The reality duo hinted to another season of “Giuliana and Bill” on Style and joked they were negotiating the baby’s contract. Spotted at the party were Tim Smithe, Mary Astor Smithe, Kathleen Henson, Shane Talbott, Lindsay Avner, Ryan Chiaverini, Allison Rosati, Rob Stafford, Dori Wilson, Tarrah Cooper, Richard Roeper, Erica Strama, Kelly Zink, Brielle Buchberg and Lindsay Segal (co-owners of Luxury Garage Sale), Eric Ferguson (from 101.9 The Mix) and Luis Gomez among many others. (Photos by Jeff Schear and Anjali Pint…view more here!)

The annual Mad Hatter Luncheon benefitting the Service Club of Chicago filled the elegant Chicago Club on Van Buren with 260 ladies sporting all varieties of chapeaux! Chaired for the second year by SC member Sherry Lea Holson, this event also featured private hat collections by renowned designer Raymond Hudd which were on loan from collectors Mary Robak, Iris Sholder and Eia Radosavljevic. While the ladies sipped cocktails and browsed the collection, a panel of judges that included Bill Zwecker, Robin Robinson and Elizabeth Hamel selected winners in various categories. The Most Original hat award went to Tammy Beeler; the Most Fashionable was worn by Sarena Weil; Best Spring Ensemble was won by Rosa Guidarelli; the Best Fascinator was awarded to Jessica Priego and the Mad Hatter’s Choice was awarded to Hazel Barr. The winners won beautiful hats donated by beloved milliner Loreta Corsetti, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Carlucci Millinery; Jenny Pfanenstiel of Former Millinery and, last but least, Nicole Betti of Gold Coast Couture. SC Prez Vonita Reescer welcomed the guests and introduced speaker Jenny Pfanenstiel who delighted the ladies with a lecture on “The Hat Life of Raymond Hudd.” During the presentation, models from Zzazz Productions (Tracy Tarantino) walked throughout the venue wearing the hats on display. Each guest received a note holder and pen set and the floral
basket centerpieces were donated and created by Arturo from Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest. (Photos by John Reilly Studios…view more here!)

I’ve never been to RL Restaurant at such an early hour as I did recently for Bunky Cushing’s fourth annual “Early Birds & Bookworms” breakfast but it was sure worth it! The room was packed with bold-faced names waiting to see and hear guest speaker Cornelia Guest. Daughter of fashion icon C.Z. Guest and Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, Cornelia is a polo champion, handbag designer, baker and heir to the Phipps steel fortune. Her father was a cousin of Winston Churchill. In 1982 she was named “Debutante of the Year” and “Deb of the Decade” in 1986. Her mother was 1937’s “Deb of the Year” and also the guest speaker at Bunky’s first hat luncheon 15 years ago! Besides her remarkable family history, she has made a name for herself in her own right: She is the author of “The Debutante’s Guide to Life” and, on this day, was signing her latest book, “Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures.” From childhood, Cornelia had an aversion to eating animal products due to her love for all creatures great and small. When her mother became ill, her research steered her toward a cruelty-free diet. In her latest book, she reveals secrets she learned from her parents’ privileged lifestyles as well as her favorite, simple recipes. Her tips on entertaining take the stress out of any meal and, as she laughingly stated during her talk she “is far from a master chef.” The book is organized by seasons with contributions from her favorite chefs, doctors, a veterinarian and other health experts. She charmed the crowd with her self-effacing banter and blonde, Palm Beach good looks and was on her way to Bloomingdale’s to promote her cruelty-free (made of PVC) and already-popular new handbag line (under $300) which she launched a year ago. Seen in the crowd were Bill Zwecker, Tom Gorman, Zarada Gowenlock, Hazel Barr, Cornelia’s handsome husband and doggie, Toni Canada, Sherren Leigh, Nina Mariano, Linda Heister, Mamie Walton, Lynda Silverman, Myra Reilly (sporting a short new ‘do she cut herself!), Stanley Paul, Lori Daniels, Dusty Stemer (whose cute son, Zac, is working for the Sun-Times now), Mary Lasky, Lynn McMahan, Sarena Weil (carrying a croc Birken similar to the one sawed in half on Dina Eastwood’s reality show “Mrs. Eastwood & Co.”), Dr. Stacie McClane and more. Long may you reign, Cornelia and Bunky! “Early Birds & Bookworms” benefitted the Jane Addams Senior Caucus and was completely underwritten by the Gibson Group…awwwwww, so nice! Even nicer: The breakfast raised more than $20,000 for the Senior Caucus! (Click here for more fun pics.)

I just can’t wait for the new Langham Hotel to open in Chicago! Slated to open in 2013, it will be a 316-room luxury hotel in one of the city’s most famous downtown riverfront landmarks – a Mies van dere Rohe-designed building at 330 N. Wabash Ave. But the most exciting part of this news is that long time Elysian VP, Joe Aguilera, will be its Director of Sales and Marketing! I adore Joe, as those who know him do, and know he will be a fabulous addition! Currently, 29 member hotels are open or in the pipeline across four continents; to find out where and more info, please visit www.langhamhospitalitygoup.com. I will see YOU soon, Joe, at this sure-to-be elegant spot!

And more kudos are in order for another beloved Chicagoan Keith Magee who is the executive officer of the much-anticipated National Public Housing Museum. On June 7th, he was named as a Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts of the United Kingdom. “RSA Fellows inspire innovative thinking, enable positive change and support each other to create an enlightened space to tackle the challenges of the 21st century.” – this describes Keith to a T, as he wears his desire to make the world a better place on his sleeve. “I'm just attempting to do what I'm required – as my grandfather has said – for as long as I can remember: ‘You have to pay your rent for taking up space on earth.’ And, the resounding message of my father (now deceased), ‘Your wealth will never be determined by what you have in the bank. It will be based on the deposit you made for the next generation.’ So, really, I'm just filling the requirements. :-)” I look forward to seeing and hearing a LOT more about this remarkable man.

It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing the move by Common Threads’ Linda Novick O’Keefe to Austin, Texas. Her husband, Nick, was given an offer he couldn’t refuse from the state of Texas, so of course, the family will follow. However, she will be back every month to monitor her beloved Common Threads, where she will continue to serve as the organization’s executive director. With the world living on computers, we can all do business any
where we like and with Common Threads opening up new facilities across the country, Linda will be smack dab in the middle! Common Threads co-founder Chef Art Smith said, “I think Austin is a very exciting young community where many opportunities exist that could help us grow even more.” I love you LNO and wish you and your beyond-adorable family all the best! See you soon!

“Bridal Wave” Season 2 is looking for brides-to-be for the hottest, live online show produced by Kenmore Studios! Audition for a chance to win a $10,000 Kenmore Dream Kitchen by clicking here! “Bringing the wisdom of the world to brides-to-be everywhere on July 13th!”

The Kick-Off for the upcoming Illinois Eye-Bank Gala (set for Thursday, June 14th) was recently hosted at Tiffany’s by VP Cathy Elward and Group Director Liza Zito along with Peter Latz, the Chairman of the Illinois Eye-Bank Board. Supporters came out to congratulate Mamie Walton, this year’s Woman of Vision, and Dr. Joel Sugar, the Gift of Sight honoree. Always elegantly attired, on this night Mamie was wearing a simple black dress which highlighted her Tiffany Strawberry pin by Jean Schlumberger on her shoulder. Accompanied by long-time friend Stanley Paul, she greeted guests with that charming British accent and winning smile. Liza Zito welcomed the crowd and Diane Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the IEB, thanked Mamie for her support and presented her with a pair of Tiffany cat-eye shaped sunglasses. The June 14th soiree at the Peninsula, “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” will be emceed by Bill Zwecker. Guests will be transported across the pond to the famed London nightclub, Annabel’s – the exclusive member-only club catering to royalty, celebs and an elite clientele. Guests seen at the Kick-Off party included Myra and John Reilly, Hazel and Warren Barr, Tiffani Kim and Brad Ingram, Dr. David Donnesberger and Claire Kenneally, Rich Varnes and Cynthia King, Tom Segesta, Amy Wimer and Ed Wlodarczyk, Ken Norgan, Charles Hocevar, Suzanne LeMignot, Sherrill Bodine, Vonita Reescer, Larisa Kronfeld, Megan McKinney, John Regas, Leslie and Bob Zentner, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern and Helen and Ralph Applegate. For tickets and more info to “A Posh Night at Annabel’s,” click here and to view more images from this event, view this gallery!

Don’t miss Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party coming on June 29th and 30th! Headliner is Ben Folds Five with Life House also performing! The WLBP is a Chicago summer tradition supporting Old St. Pat’s many missions including Horizons for Youth, Career Transitions Center of Chicago and Global Alliance for Africa to name a few. Chicago celebs will be bartending and the food will be awesome! Come out and say hi- to Natalie Martinez, Dean Richards, Ravi Baichwal, Andrea Metcalf, Sherren Leigh, Dori Wilson, Stefan Holt, Anthony Ponce, Rob Stafford, Marcus Riley, Borris Powell, moi aussi, and many others! For more info, please check out my PSA below!!

America’s oldest and liveliest urban antiques market, the Randolph Street Market, will be returning to 1340 W. Randolph on Saturday and Sunday, June 23rd and 24th with more than 250 vendors! There will be plenty of art, fashion, antiques, vintage treasures, decorator finds, food, drinks, music and FUN! Come out and see for yourself! I can’t wait to see what jewelry dealer Ira Scheck brings this time!

On Wednesday, June 13th, Vital Bridges is hosting a kick-off party at Studio Paris for their annual Chefs & the City fundraising event. This year, CATC will be held on July 27th at the Ritz-Carlton featuring delicious bites from the city’s best chefs including Ryan Pitts (RL Restaurant), Ryan Poli (Tavernita), Doug Psaltz (RPM Italian), Moosa Reaume (Pump Room) and more! For tickets and more info, please click here!

The Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Chicago magazine will present the 12th annual Summer Lovin’ event on Friday, June 15th, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, located at 220 E. Chicago Ave., from 7 to10:30 p.m. Auxiliary Board President Laura Beres said, “Our sponsors and the magazine’s featured singles provide Chicago’s young professionals with an unforgettable evening of food, drinks and fun!” NBC 5’s Stefan Holt and Cheryl Scott will be the emcees and Watch312 (Candid Candace Chicago) will be there to cover all the fun! For tickets ($85) and more info, please click here.

Wags to Wishes’ inaugural dinner and auction benefit will be held on Saturday, June 16th, at the Meadows Club, located at 2950 W. Golf Road in Rolling Meadows, Ill. from 6 to10 p.m. This event will benefit Young at Heart Pet Rescue, an organization dedicated to the rescue and rehoming of senior dogs and cats. As the only rescue dedicated exclusively to older animals, they have provided “happily ever afters” for close to 500 senior dogs and cats that would’ve otherwise been euthanized in traditional shelters. For tickets ($65) and more info, please click here!

Congrats to Chicago author Jodee Blanco, on her latest and very timely book, “Please Stop Laughing at Me.” This book tells her compelling personal story about being bullied as a child. Attorney General Lisa Madigan interviewed Jodee and outlined initiatives taken to counter cyber bullying at Studio Paris at The Paris Club with more than 200 guests in attendance. To order Jodee’s book, please click here.

Congrats to my long-time friends from across the pond, Anita and Ken Brown, on their 33rd wedding anniversary! We’ve traveled a lot together and these two lovebirds never age. They have only grown more in love with each other over the years! We love and miss you guys – congrats on your anniversary!

Well, this is it for now! Hope your summer is off to a roaring start! Stay tuned for Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party news and more Watch312 videos coming soon! Mark your calendars for the main event on August 10th at the Harris Theatre with Robin Thicke and Karmin benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana! (For more info and tix, please click here.)

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I was so thrilled to see the premiere of the Style Network’s newest reality show, “Chicagolicious,” in its glorious debut Monday night! I was even more thrilled to find out that my blog and I played such a big role! The show revolved around darling salon owner AJ Johnson and his cute team trying to find a way to be included on this website! I’ve gotten so many Twitter requests that I can’t believe it and the hits on my blog the following morning were amazing! The power of television – WOWZA! Here’s what AJ had to say about my blog on the show: “Candace Jordan’s blog is the most important society blog in the country. We have to be mentioned on it if we want to be nationally recognized. If we can get on Candid Candace, we will have lines wrapped around the block for the salon!” Oh, AJ and “Chicagolicious,” how do I love thee? Let me count the ways! Thanks SO much for including me and Candid Candace in such big way! Love you, love your show, love that adorable cast! Good luck!

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Filed under Books, Chicago, Culture, Current Affairs, Fashion, Film, Food and Drink, Games, Music, Television, Travel, Web/Tech, Weblogs

Tagged as 101.9 The Mix, A Posh Night at Annabel’s, A Tavola, AJ Johnson, Alex Jacobson, Allison Rosati, Amy Wimer, Andrea Metcalf, Anita Brown, Anjali Pint, Annabel’s, Anthony Ponce, Art Smith, Arturo, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Ben Folds Five, Bill Rancic, Bill Zwecker, Bob Zentner, Borris Powell, Brad Ingram, Bridal Wave Season 2, Brielle Buchberg, Bright Pink, Bunky Cushing, C.Z. Guest, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Career Transitions Center of Chicago, Carlucci Millinery, Cathy Elward, Charles Hocevar, Chefs and the City, Cheryl Scott, Chicago Club, Chicago magazine, Chicagolicious, Chris Newton, Claire Kenneally, Comcast, Common Threads, Cornelia Guest, Cornelia Guest’s Simple Pleasures, Cynthia King, Dean Richards, Derrick Taylor, Diane Hollingsworth, Digging for Diamonds, Dina Eastwood, Dori Wilson, Doug Psaltis, Dr. David Donnesberger, Dr. Joel Sugar, Dr. Stacie McClane, Dusty Stemer, Early Birds & Bookworms, Ed Wlodarczyk, Eia Radosavljevic, Elizabeth Hamel, Eric Ferguson, Erica Goldman, Erica Strama, Fantasy Island, Fellow to the Royal Society of the Arts, Former Millinery, Friends of Prentice, Gibson Group, Giuliana & Bill, Giuliana Rancic, Giving Tree, Global Alliance for Africa, Gold Coast Couture, Greg Dellinger, Hazel Barr, Heinz Kern, Helen Applegate, Horizons for Youth, Illinois Eye-Bank Gala, Ira Scheck, Iris Sholder, Jane Addams Senior Caucus, Jean Schlumberger, Jeff Schear, Jenny Pfanenstiel, Jerrod Melman, Jessica Priego, Jodee Blanco, Joe Aguilera, Joffrey Ballet, John Oates, John Regas, John Reilly, John Reilly Studios, Karmin, Kathleen Henson, Keith Magee, Kelli Zink, Ken Brown, Ken Norgan, Kenmore Dream Kitchen, Kenmore Studios, Kids’ Choice Awards, Langham Hotel, Larisa Kronfeld, Laura Beres, Laura Whitlock Millinery, Leslie Zentner, Life House, Linda Heister, Linda Novick O'Keefe, Lindsay Avner, Lindsay Segal, Liza Zito, Lollapalooza, Lord & Mary Florist of Lake Forest, Loreta Corsetti, Lori Daniels, Luis Gomez, Luxury Garage Sale, Lyle Lovett, Lynda Silverman, Lynn McMahan, Macy’s Glamorama Launch Party, Mad Hatter Luncheon, Maggie Speaks, Mamie Walton, Marcus Riley, Mary Ann Rose, Mary Astor Smithe, Mary Gallo, Mary Lasky, Mary Robak, Meadows Club, Megan McKinney, Mike Jacobson, Mitchell Canoff, Molly Melman, Moosa Reaume, Mrs. Eastwood & Co., Museum of Contemporary Art, Myra Reilly, Napa Valley, Natalie Martinez, National Public Housing Museum, Nellcote, Nick O’Keefe, Nicole Betti, Nina Mariano, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Old St. Pat’s, Paris Club, Peninsula, Peter Latz, Phipps Steel, Piccolo Sogno, Please Stop Laughing at Me, Prentice Ambulatory Care Center, Prentice Women’s Hospital, Pump Room, Ralph Applegate, Randolph Street Market, Ravi Baichwal, Raymond Hudd, Rich Varnes, Richard Roeper, RJ Melman, RL restaurant, Rob Stafford, Robin Robinson, Robin Thicke, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, Rosa Guidarelli, RPM Italian, Ryan Chiaverini, Ryan Pitts, Ryan Poli, Ryder Cup, Sarena Weil, Service Club of Chicago, Shane Talbot, Sherren Leigh, Sherrill Bodine, Sherry Lea Holson, St. Regis NY, St. Regis Resort Punta Mita, Stan Pillman, Stanley Paul, Starwood Hotels, Stefan Holt, Studio Paris, Style Network, Summer Lovin’, Suzanne LeMignot, Tammy Beeler, Tarrah Cooper, Tavernita, The Debutante’s Guide to Life, Tiffani Kim, Tiffany & Co., Tiffany Suite, Tim Smithe, Tom Gorman, Tom Segesta, Toni Canada, Tracey Tarantino, Vital Bridges, Vonita Reescer, Walter E. Smithe, Warren Barr, Watch312.com. Wags to Wishes, Winston Churchill, Winston Frederick Churchill Guest, World’s Largest Block Party, Young at Heart Pet Rescue, Zarada Gowenlock, ZZAZZ Productions

February 3, 2012 · 12:46 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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