Tag Archives: ZZAZZ Productions

July 9, 2019 · 10:25 am

PEACH CARR AND FELLOW PROJECT RUNWAY STARS UNITE FOR JOURNEYCARE

Plus: The grand opening of the world's largest rooftop; Botanic Garden's Summer Dinner Dance; Auditorium Theatre Devil's Ball; Friends of Conservation's Polo-palooza; Pride Weekend parties; Red Bull's Renaissance One celebration; Bixbee Imagination Station's VIP opening party; The Great Pink Run; Susan G. Komen's "All Bets on Pink"; Too many memorial tributes; Goodman's "Music Man", a delightful trip back to River City; Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is WINNING; Shedd Aquarium's BLU will be a Zero Waste event; Saving Tiny Hearts Gala with Peanut; Tasting Stars for A Silver Lining; Ryan is a little bit country; Fun videos and SO much MORE!

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Project Runway All Stars Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, Peach Carr, Christopher Palu, Korto Momolu and Joshua Christensen.

The love in the room was palpable for fashion designer and hometown hero Peach Carr, three of her fellow Project Runway All Stars, and the nonprofit they came together to support, JourneyCare, the country's largest non-profit

Johnathan Kayne design.

organization providing hospice, home health, palliative and pediatric hospice care. The event at Theater on the Lake on Saturday, June 29 attracted an overflow crowd for an exciting fashion show presented by the All Stars of Project Runway designers Joshua Christensen, Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, Korto Momolu, Christopher Palu and, of course, Peach! Joe Matty, president JourneyCare Foundation, opened the show by encouraging all of the clinical team members in the audience to stand and be recognized. He said, "Right now, we have around 1500 clinicians and care members taking

Co-chairs Pamela Cramer and Elizabeth Foley.

care of our more than 5000 patients. We're working in Rush Hospital, Northwestern Hospital, the University of Chicago….for all of the major medical systems,

Christopher Palu and his model.

JourneyCare is there. We're a family and we take care of each other. Our promise is to meet the patients where they are, build trust and share a journey. JourneyCare has never turned anyone away due to inability to pay. We offer programs that include integrative therapies (pet, massage, art and music), Jewish Care Services and our "We Honor Veterans" program. Despite the benefits of these special programs, they are not reimbursable through Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance." Allison Rosati, of NBC-5, served as emcee. She spoke about her mom who passed away from ovarian cancer and lauded the hospice care

Linda Yu, Peach Carr and Jill Devaney.

she received calling it a "godsend" and the hospice nurses "angels on earth." Event co-chairs Pamela Cramer (a JourneyCare Foundation trustee) and Elizabeth Foley (JourneyCare board member) were introduced onstage.

Designer Korto Momolu and her model.

(Peach was also a co-chair). The fashion show, expertly produced by ZZAZZ Productions, began with a thrilling video of Chicago created by Eric Hines. Designer Johnathan Kayne opened the show with a dramatic shocking pink evening gown delicately embellished with a crystal neckline followed by flowing gowns in bold colors. Korto Momolu's African-inspired collection followed with short and long designs created out of

JoeMatty Charlene Berger blum and Peach Carr

Joe Matty, JourneyCare Foundation president, Charlene Berge-Blum and Peach Carr.

luxury fabrics and mixed prints. Joshua Christensen's designs were presented in shades of black and bright red, with a chic biker look. Christopher Palu's sexy designs featured sparkly cocktails dresses with thigh-high black

David Heiner and Whitney Reynolds.

boots, gowns slit-up-to-there and plunging necklines. The show closed with a standing ovation as Peach showed her first collection following a horrible accident that left her wondering if she would ever be able to design again. Well, this show proved she could and in spades! The audience roared as every single new design made its appearance on the runway. From colorful cocktail dresses with the Chicago skyline outlined in jet black

An emotional Peach is escorted down the runway by daughter Molly Carr.

beadwork to a chic black and white number with a big bow at the edge to a skirt with the British flag emblazoned all over it, the collection was pure Peach–whimsical, wearable, washable and on trend. When designing, Peach always asks herself, "Would Edie Sedgewick wear this?"…And the resounding answer is EVERYONE wants to wear this! For the finale, Peach sent her longtime "bestie" Camerone

Lisa Cox VP of Marketing in blue Tallest one is Jaelah Steele the younger is Kennedy Ali

Kennedy Ali, Jaelah Steele, Lisa Cox, VP of Marketing, and friend.

Parker McCulluch down the runway wearing a form fitting sparkly, charcoal evening gown. Peach called her an "MS warrior" having been diagnosed 21 years ago with the disease. Peach describes the emotional evening, "It was such an electric night. I brought my closest friends who I knew would bring killer fashion, camaraderie and positive energy to support JourneyCare. We all love,

Peggy Martay and Patti Stratton.

support and respect each other and they said yes to my appearance request on the spot. I'm recovering from an injury and this collection has been an emotional journey, bringing me new insight on my identity as a designer. The two standing ovations brought me to tears. I love

Carrying my Peach Carr clutch w/ show producer Tracey Tarantino DiBuono.

Chicago." As Peach dabbed at tears, she was escorted down the runway by her darling daughter Molly Carr, with Camerone following behind as the crowd stood and cheered. A live auction conducted by Keith Jones

Camerone Parker McCulluch wearing Peach Carr design.

brought in over $52,000 with the event raising approximately $200,000 for the nonprofit. For 40 years, JourneyCare teams have served patients and families living with advanced illnesses so that each may live with dignity and comfort. It was a night I won't soon forget and a privilege to be in the room to witness the love and support for Peach, her fellow Project Runway designers who came out on her behalf, and this most deserving nonprofit.

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Offshore at Navy Pier

Offshore, the much buzzed about and highly anticipated new deck sitting atop the third floor of Navy Pier, began their special evening with a

Kathleen Jenkins, Terisa Griffin, Juliana Stratton, Lt. Governor Of The State Of Illinois.

recognition by The Guinness Book of World’s Records being named the “World’s Largest Rooftop Deck” boasting over 52,300 square feet! The grand opening night event on June 20 continued with a special ribbon cutting to officially open Offshore, followed by a performance by the “Queen of Soul,” Terisa Griffin. Over 1,000 attendees adorned the spectacular new space during opening night, including Mayor Lori Lightfoot; Juliana Stratton (Lt. Governor of the State of Illinois); The Honorable Paul Van Halteren, the Honor Consul General of Belgium; The Honorable Gissella Castillo Veremis, The Consul General of the Dominican Republic; The Honorable Jose David Murillo, Consul General of Costa Rica; Lamont Robinson, State

Twista and DJ Gehaad.

Representative of the 5^th District; Bill Lowry, County Board Commissioner of the 3^rd District; Kim Du Buclet , Commissioner of the Metro Water Reclamation District; Dean Ingram, The Metropolitan Board of the

Christine Tressel (ABC 7 Chicago) Sylvia Perez (FOX 32 Chicago).

Chicago Urban League; along with special appearances by actor Colin Egglesfield and rapper and Chicago native, Twista. Offshore, a stunningly chic 52,300 sq. ft. all-seasons/all-weather venue offers Chicagoans a full-service luminous bar and world-class kitchen, terraces, seven cozy fire pits, an entertainment and gaming area and multiple large social gathering spaces. Offshore is expected to be one of the city’s and the country’s hottest destinations; a sexy and sophisticated space adjacent to Navy Pier’s Festival Hall, offering panoramic, unmatched views of Lake Michigan and the city’s magnificent skyline! Woot! Woot!

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Benagh Newsome, Britney Magner and Peyton Merrill.

The Chicago Botanic Garden hosted its signature fundraiser, the Summer Dinner Dance that attracted more than 375 guests and raised nearly $700,000. The Board of Directors of the Chicago Horticultural Society presented the event on the summer solstice with the theme of pollinators woven throughout the evening as a nod to Bees & Beyond, the Garden-wide program that inspires a genuine appreciation for the vital role pollinators play in our lives and in a healthy, diverse planet. The cocktail party began in the Crescent and

Design by Revel Decor.

Heritage Gardens with appetizers and specialty cocktails such as “The birds and the bees” and “Everything’s coming up rosé.” Guests enjoyed colorful bands of flowers that are attractive to pollinators in the

Tony and Terri Lorenz and Peter and Stephanie Keehn.

Crescent Garden and a large coneflower feature in the center of the Heritage Garden. Dinner was catered by Food for Thought in a tent on the enchanting Esplanade. Produce grown by Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture education and jobs-training

Laura and Melvin Williams

initiative, was incorporated into the meal. The inside of the tent was designed by Revel Décor with tablescapes featuring summer flowers that are attractive to pollinators. Guests danced the night away to the music of Maggie Speaks. Proceeds from this event will continue to connect

Lisa LoVallo, Eun Jung and Shawna Ellis.

people to science, conservation, and nature. The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the treasures of the Forest Preserves of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 27 distinct gardens and four natural areas. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year and admission is free. (The Summer Dinner Dance was generously supported by Northern Trust and Boeing with additional support provided by Beam Suntory and Forbidden Root.) (Photos by ROBERT CARL)

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Dana Oliff, Hayley Lesnik and Stephanie Fosco.

The Auditorium Theatre Auxiliary Board, a dedicated group of young professionals devoted to raising awareness and generating support for the Auditorium Theatre,

Rachel Freund (Auditorium Theatre Interim CEO) and Ann Nash (Auditorium Theatre Board Chairman).

hosted its annual Devil’s Ball fundraiser right on the theatre’s historic stage on June 14. The event raised more than $45,000, with all proceeds benefiting the continued restoration and preservation of the National Historic Landmark theatre. In keeping with the 1893 World’s Fair theme of the event, guests enjoyed internationally-themed cuisine, provided by Food for Thought and Russian Tea Time;

Grace Van Beest, Mary Ann Meussling and Madeline Meussling.

sipped specialty cocktails with spirits provided by CH Distillery; and danced under the golden glow of the Auditorium Theatre’s arches in this unique event hosted on stage. Mini-tours of the 130-year-old theatre gave guests an intimate look at the Auditorium’s world renowned architecture and design, which played a large role in securing the World’s Fair for

Kamil Fajardo and J.J. Scheinwynn.

Chicago when it was unveiled in 1889. Magician Benjamin Barnes roamed the stage, performing close-up tricks for entranced attendees, and a duo of belly dancers from Safire Belly Dancers surprised the crowd with a mesmerizing performance. A silent auction was open

Terrell and Amber Pierce.

throughout the evening, featuring items including signed Cubs and White Sox baseballs, a trip to Memphis with tickets to Elvis Presley’s Graceland and a stay at the famed Peabody Hotel (duck alert!), a bed-and-breakfast stay and VIP wine tasting at Traverse City’s

Madeline Meussling and Judie Moore Green.

Chateau Chantal and brewery and distillery tours. The Devil’s Ball, hosted annually by the Auxiliary Board for the past eight years, has become one of the city’s signature summer events. Click here for more information about the Auxiliary Board and its support of the Auditorium Theatre. (Presenting sponsor was the Anthony R. and Mary Ann Pasquinelli Foundation; Gold Sponsors were Dia and Ed Weil Jr.; Silver Sponsors were Mr. and Mrs. John McKinnon; Ann and Tom Nash; and Bronze Sponsors were Friends of Marijo Gordon and Steven B. Pearlman & Associates.)

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LtoR FOC Founder Jorie Butler Kent Myra Reilly Lyza Schlenker FOC President Reute Butler

FOC Founder Jorie Butler Kent, Myra Reilly, Lyza Schlenker and FOC President Reute Butler.

Friends of Conservation (FOC) returned to its roots on Sunday, June 23^rd, following a longstanding tradition of raising funds with a benefit luncheon and afternoon of polo for conservation at Oak Brook Polo Club. It was the setting for FOC’s first fund raising event, held in 1983 before an international championship polo match. More than 35 years later, FOC continues to partner with the Club to host supporters for an

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Sheree Valukas and Lezley Hodes.

exciting international match. This year, the USA (Oak Brook) and Mexico vied for the prestigious Butler Challenge Cup, with the Oak Brook team

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Charlene McMann-Seaman and Scott Seaman, Denise Tomasello, Al Menotti and Vonita Reescer.

winning 8 to 6. FOC President Reute Butler, who chaired the event with Vonita Reescer and Bobbi Panter,was joined by her mother and FOC founder Jorie Butler Kent. Fascinating international travel and enthusiastic bidding highlighted the live auction, and a silent auction and raffle helped the annual event raise more than $150,000. Attendees included Melissa and Brian Babcock, Myra and John Reilly, Wendy Wood-Prince, Cookie Cohen, Kristina McGrath, Rhonda Sanderson, Dale

LtoR FOC President Reute Butler and David Rothschild

FOC president Reute Butler with David Rothschild.

Stackler and Terri Strauss, Kip Helverson and Trey Gonzalez, Sherrill and John Bodine, Sheree Valukas and

Co-chairs Vonita Reescer and Bobbi Panter.

Lezley and Scott Hodes. Founded in 1982, FOC partners with the fabled Maasai people in Kenya’s magnificent Masai Mara, host to the Great Migration, one of the truly epic remaining wonders of the natural world. Through the years, FOC has become the most trusted and respected stakeholder in the Mara, working to empower young Maasai girls and boys to steward

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Reute Butler and her mom Jorie Butler Kent hold the coveted Butler Challenge Cup.

as equals the wildlife that is their natural heritage. In 2018, FOC launched YES WE CAN, the first-ever Maasai girls empowerment program, at a secondary school near their Mara base. Before it began, mid-year 22 of the 305 girls in the school had returned from their year-end break pregnant. This year, after participating in YES WE CAN for half a year, no girls returned from their year-end break pregnant. In addition, 85% of the girls eligible for female circumcision chose to bi-pass the practice, and it is the girls themselves who are educating their families and communities and inspiring girls from other schools to bypass this horrific practice.

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With host Tom Kehoe, Chuck, Michael Caputo and friend.

Pride Weekend and the entire month of June is a reason to celebrate love-is-love so we were so excited to attend taste-maker extraordinaire, Tom Keho's Pride Tea Dance at his exquisite home in

Gabriel Jimenez, Julie Barrish and David Murga.

Old Town on June 30. The Pride banners were flying out front when we arrived and we could already hear the merrymaking inside. I don't know of any host who is more gracious than Tom. He opens his home and his heart for all of his friends and family and it is a pure joy to be a part of it. Lavish buffets, hors d'oeuvres and cocktails served by just the cutest

Trevor Heffernan and Tom Carto.

guys, a DJ in the backyard and dancing, dancing, DANCING were the hallmarks of the "Tea Dance." Rumor has it that even Governor Pritzker and his MK showed up, albeit a little early. When we walked in, friend David Murga and Gabriel Jiminez, a hunky 6’2” ballet dancer from Mexico who will be training

The host with the most, Tom Kehoe!

with The Joffrey this summer, greeted us at the door dressed in matching rompers, holding a Ken doll dressed exactly like them. And awayyyyy we went! Tom's home is spectacular, tucked away on a quiet street (although not so quiet on this night), and belongs in a high end home and garden magazine. When he moved in last year,

Cute party guests!

he had full grown trees plopped down all over the property so as not to waste a moment enjoying a fully functional garden. Tom's dreams and his heart are as big as all outdoors–from Kehoe Designs to the Geraghty to his latest ventures, Black Oak Technical Productions and FloralExhibits–he does everything with grand style, like his Pride celebrations. Thanks so much Tom for giving us the opportunity to make even more special memories with people we love.

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Pride parties were happening all over Chicago including the underground South Side pride festival that took place on June 27 at the Promontory in Hyde Park. Red Bull Music hosted Red Bull Presents: Renaissance One – an amazing pride event that featured exciting DJ sets and performances BbyMutha, TT the Artist, Kidd Kenn, Blu Bone, DJ Hijo Pródigo, Professor-Wrecks and DJ Rae Chardonnay. Renaissance One's mission was to elevate these progressive artists while paying tribute to Chicago’s LGBTQ+ pioneers before the city’s 2019 Pride celebrations on June 30th. In 1970, following the Stonewall riots, a gay liberation organization formed at the University of Chicago and sponsored a dance at the South Side’s Coliseum Annex which would become the first-ever public lesbian and gay dance event (aside from Halloween drag balls that were already happening). Following the dance, these energized organizers led a campaign to make the Normandy on Rush Street Chicago’s first gay bar to secure a license and permit same-sex dancing. Flash forward to 2019 and, thanks to these early activists, Chicago’s

Kidd Kenn (Photo by Zoe Rain)

LGBTQ+ scene is more vibrant than ever- bustling with a new generation of artists, activists and voices carrying on the

TT the Artist (Photo by Zoe Rain).

legacy of those South Side pioneers. Red Bull Presents is a collection of shows that celebrates diverse music scenes in cities across the globe. In the U.S., the series is focused on supporting local creative communities and unearthing inspiring stories across New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Chicago, Oakland, San Francisco, Miami, Nashville, Denver, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Portland, and Austin. (Photos by ALLY ALMORE)

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Luis Garcia (Bixbee founder) with Tom Kehoe.

If you haven't been to the Bixbee Imagination Station at 915 W. North Avenue, be sure to put it on your to-do list! This fun-filled pop-up, created by Kehoe Designs and Black Oak Technical Productions, is a fun-tastical

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Ramsey Prince, Stacy Kolios and David Murga.

party with a purpose providing backpacks and school supplies for underprivileged kids all the while providing fun for US! The opening night VIP party took place on June 19 with catering provided by Boka

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Handsome mer-man, Gabriel Jimenez.

Catering Group. Lucky guests got a chance to experience the interactive fun for the first time, enjoying magical unicorns, trekking through bamboo forests, lighting up whimsical trees, riding on imaginary oceans, being enveloped by gentle octopuses, playing musical drums and flying into space! There is something for everyone, but it's only there for a limited time! Party-goers seen on the scene were David Murga, Oswaldo Garmo, Gabriel Jiminez, Ramsey Prince, 900 Shops' Stacy Kolios and Alicia Skruba, Samantha Thomas, Mal Marcus, Matthew Lahey, Tara Hoffman, Hannah May, Ashely Arnold-Sedgwick, The Mix's Lisa Allen, Kirsten Abrahamson, Maggie Glasser, CHE's Tom Carto and Trevor Heffernan, Adam McCarthy and many others. (For tickets, more info, click here!)

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Happy to see all of the support for breast cancer awareness happening around town. Mark your calendars for these two big "pink" events coming up! First up, lace up your shoes for the inaugural The Great Pink Run coming to Chicago’s Diversey Harbor on Saturday, Oct. 5. This family-friendly event offers a 5k run, jog or walk and a 10k challenge that will bring together

Aisling Hurley (president, Research A Cure); Martha Kavanagh (Glanbia head of corporate communications) and Alicia Cook (two-time breast cancer survivor).

walkers and runners, men, women and children, of all ages and levels in support of collaborative breast cancer programs between leading U.S. and Irish centers of excellence. Supported

Sonia O’Sullivan, Irish silver medal Olympian and 5000-meter World Champion, announces the inaugural Great Pink Run Chicago.

by Glanbia, a global nutrition group which has deep roots in the greater Chicago area, the event's proceeds will benefit Research A Cure, a nonprofit established to support international breast cancer research. This year, funds raised will support Chicago’s Ludwig Center for Metastasis Research at the University of Chicago, directed by Professor Geoffrey Greene, Ph.D. Irish Olympian and sporting legend, Sonia O’Sullivan, will lead the CARA-certified event. Participants are encouraged to dress in their most outrageous pink outfits and all will receive a fab pink T shirt, a finishers’ medal, some goodies but, most of all, will enjoy the “pinktastic” festival of fun. (Registration is available HERE!) There are over 11,000 cases of breast cancer diagnosed annually in

Aisling Hurley, Naoise Coogan, Martha Kavanagh, Glenn Thomas, Shona O’Neill, Sonia O’Sullivan.

Illinois. “We are very excited to bring the Great Pink Run to Chicago this year to support the amazing work U.S. and Irish scientists and researchers are doing

Martha Kavanagh, Glanbia head of corp. communications.

to help find a cure and provide less invasive treatment options for women – and men – diagnosed with breast cancer,” said Aisling Hurley, President of Research A Cure, an Illinois-based nonprofit dedicated to raising funding to support collaborative breast cancer research between the leading scientific minds in the U.S. and Ireland. Since 2011, funding from the Great Pink Run in Ireland has made a massive difference in changing the landscape of breast cancer treatment.

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And then, on Saturday, October 26, Susan G. Komen Chicago will hold its annual gala, this year themed "All Bets on Pink," at the Palmer House Hilton. This celebration of life will support Komen's commitment to combating breast cancer through advocacy, policy, funding breast health services and global research. The gala will recognize individuals in the field who are working to fight breast cancer and honor survivors and inspirational Chicagoans who have shown commitment and leadership in this fight. At the gala, guests will enjoy the glamour of Old Chicago while trying their hand at casino games and entertainment from the MoeFitz Project. For tickets, more info, click here!

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Tracey Tarantino DiBuono with her late mom, Angie Tarantino.

A life well lived was the loving takeaway at the funeral of Tracey Tarantino DiBuono's dear mom, Angela "Angie" Tarantino on June 24. She passed away at age 92 and ran Tracey's ZZAZZ Productions office for over 25 years as well as being a force in the community. The service at The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii was a testimony to her popularity. It was filled to the brim with friends, family and loved ones. In lieu of flowers, donations in Angie's memory can be made to the Service Club of Chicago.

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The late Lynda Silverman with her loving husband Howard.

More sad news with the passing of Lynda Silverman after her longtime battle with cancer. She was a dedicated member of the Service Club of Chicago and, during her 30 years with the nonprofit, she served in almost every officer's position. In recent years, she was the loving caretaker for her husband Howard who struggled with his own health challenges. She is survived by Howard and her daughter Mimi. She was a pillar in the Service Club and for all the other nonprofits she came in contact with. RIP dear Lynda.

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The late Jada Russell, gone too soon.

And at the age of 45, PR whiz and friend, Jada Russell passed away from breast cancer. She represented high powered clients like Dwayne Wade, Common, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Rhymefest, U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and even adoring husband, Chef Julius Russell (A Tale of Two Chefs). She used her talent to not only promote celebrity talent but also helped push for economic development in under-served communities. In addition to her husband, Jada is survived by her sister Sybil Goodlett Smith and father Bill Goodlett. (Read complete obit here)

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The late Phil Geier with his Julie.

We've lost a giant in the world of business and philanthropy with the passing of Phil Geier, loving husband of Julie Geier and brother-in-law to Chicago's own, Gayle Anthony, on June 19. I was so sorry to hear this sad news as Chuck and I got a chance to get to know him during our time together in Palm Beach. He and Julie were inseparable with him passing in her loving arms. They were a striking couple, handsome and beautiful with an encyclopedic knowledge of the world around them. Phil was the former chairman/CEO of The Interpublic Group of Companies and an avid art collector who served briefly on President George W. Bush's National Economic Council, in addition to a number of other affiliations and achievements. (Read his complete obit here). In Phil's memory, donations can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

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Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas received a Lifetime Achievement Award from Operation Push.

Our Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas just keeps hitting 'em out of the ballpark! Lately, she partnered with Reverend Jesse Jackson and Operation Push to help Chicago seniors save their homes. Maria discovered that more than 7,600 suburban Cook County property owners are in line for property tax refunds! She is the hardest working public servant I know and we're so lucky to have her! Recently, Maria was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from Operation Push. Congrats Maria! So deserving!

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The Shedd Aquarium Auxiliary Board will host its 13th annual fundraiser, BLU, a party with a porpoise (cute, huh?) for wildlife enthusiasts who want to make a difference for the aquatic animals everywhere, on Saturday, July 27. Out of the BLU will be a Zero Waste

Shedd BLU, party with a porpoise, under the stars!

event that aims to keep litter out of our waterways and help protect the planet. The night will feature special animal encounters, top Chicago restaurants and dancing on the beautiful outdoor terrace. Waddle down the blue carpet with Magellanic penguins, sip cocktails alongside sea lions and get up close to some of your favorite animals at the Shedd. Take photos with 10-foot octopus tentacles, walk heel to heel with drag queens, and marvel at “trashion” models wearing clothes made from plastic bottles and bags! For tickets and more info for BLU, co-chaired by Caroline Conese, Ronak Danak, and Dana Waud Floberg, click here!

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Charles Tillman returns as emcee, shown here with wife Jackie.

On Saturday, September 14, Saving tiny Hearts Society is going Back to the Future with its 14^th annual Saving tiny Hearts Gala. Held at the Fairmont Hotel, over 500 guests will attend the classic movie-themed event including dinner, entertainment and an Enchantment Under the Sea Dance! Francie and Brian Paul founded the "Saving tiny Hearts Society" in 2006 after their son Joshua was born and diagnosed with severe complex congenital heart disease. The couple immediately went to work after Joshua’s diagnosis to make a difference. They created a charity focused on supporting research to prolong, improve, and save the lives of children born with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD’s) like Joshua’s. Charles Tillman, former Chicago Bears cornerback, will return as event emcee. Tillman’s daughter Tiana, like Joshua Paul, has CHD, which makes Tillman a passionate supporter of Saving tiny Hearts Society and its overall mission.

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Greg Hines and Dr. Sandy Goldberg, A Silver Lining co-founders.

The 17^th annual Tasting Stars event, in support of A Silver Lining Foundation, was held on June 22 at DIRTT Environmental Solutions Showroom with over 120 supporters in attendance. Sponsored by the Washington Square Health Foundation, the French themed evening included multiple

Laurie Respass, Beth Bentley, Ann Carstensen and Tom Bentley.

tasting stations, raffles and silent and live auctions. Emcee Marley Kayden (of WGN) led a spirited live auction and an emotional fund-a- need with the event raising over $75,000. A Silver Lining Foundation’s co-founder, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, shared the story of the nonprofit which, from humble beginnings at their kitchen table, has grown to include 5 programs – the heart of which is Buy A Mom A

Marcus Riley and Jude Fitzgerald.

Mammogram® which funds all breast health testing for uninsured and under-insured women and men at 15 partner hospitals in the greater Chicagoland, Elgin and Rockford areas. After thanking her husband and ASLF co- founder Greg Hines, Dr. Sandy said. “No one is turned away. Due to the belief in our mission and, thanks to those who attended Tasting Stars, hundreds of lives will be eased and saved. There is no better silver lining.”

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Kudos to Windy City Live's Ryan Chiaverini! If you think he's just a hunky daytime talk show co-host, think again! His new song, "This is Country," is a real toe-tapper! And it doesn't hurt to have "Eye of the Tiger's" Jim Peterik on your team either! Check it out below and congrats, with love, Ryan!

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We attended the July 8 official opening night of Meredith Willson's "Music Man" at the Goodman Theatre and, even though I had visions of Robert Preston's iconic version in my head, this production (directed by Tony-Award winning director Mary Zimmerman) was a wonderfully nostalgic and delightful trip back to River City. The show has spectacular (and complicated) choreography, hum-able musical favorites and a superior cast. The opening night dinner honored Zimmerman's 25th anniversary as an Artistic Associate with the Goodman. The production headed for Broadway from here with Hugh Jackman playing the lead. See it before it leaves on August 18!

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We're finally enjoying the summer we've been waiting for (and deserve!) here in Chicago and I hope everyone is having a chance to enjoy it. The July 4th celebrations made me so proud to live in the U.S.A. and the long weekend offered us a chance to enjoy good friends and fine weather along the lakefront. I love all the neighborhood celebrations too with friend Raleigh Chin noting that she could see fireworks popping up all around the city from her apartment. Why can't we just legalize them already and save everyone long trips to Indiana!? Just sayin'…..

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And something to leave you with a smile……

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Tagged as A Silver Lining Foundation, Angie Tarantino, Auditorium Theatre, BByMutha, BLU, Blu Bone, Camerone Parker McCulluch, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Charles Tillman, Chicago Botanic Garden, Christopher Palu, David Murga, Devils' Ball, DJ Hijo Prodigo, DJ Rae Chardonnay, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Elizabeth Foley, Friends of Conservation, Gabriel Jiminez, Gayle Anthony, Goodman Theatre, Jada Russell, Joe Matty, Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, Jorie Butler Kent, Joshua Christensen, JourneyCare, JourneyCare Foundation, Julie Geier, Kidd Kenn, Korto Momolu, Lori Lightfoot, Lynda Silverman, Maria Pappas, Molly Carr, Music Man, Navy Pier, Offshore, Operation Push, Pamela Cramer, Peach Carr, Phil Geier, Pride, Professor Wrecks, Project Runway, Red Bull, Renaissance One, Reute Butler, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Ryan Chiaverini, Saving Tiny Hearts Society, Shedd Aquarium, Summer Dinner Dance, Susan G. Komen Chicago, The Great Pink Run, This is Country, Tom Kehoe, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, TT the Artist, Twista, Windy City Live, ZZAZZ Productions

April 4, 2013 · 11:59 am

COMMON’S ‘UN-COMMON’ STAR-FILLED FUNDRAISER

…PLUS ELDA’S ODE TO SPRING; BLUE MASQUE BALL; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO CELEBRATES 50; JENNY MCCARTHY’S “RESCUE OUR ANGELS”; ART INSTITUTE’S “NIGHT HEIST”; COOL, CHRIS AND FLORIDA PARTY IN MIAMI; JOE’S BAR WINS BIG; ULTA BEAUTY’S CARRIE AND MOLLY PARTY WITH NAOMI, KAROLINA AND NIGEL; PALM BEACH POLO ANYONE?; WONKA BALL; PUPPY MILLS BE GONE!; TEA AND FASHION WITH SARAH WOOD; MY TOP EVENT PICKS ON WGN-TV; A NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

It was no wonder the Common Ground Gala was a sell-out at the Four Seasons on March 23rd! Who wouldn’t want to rub shoulders – or even be in the same room – with the legendary Earvin “Magic” Johnson and rapper-turned-actor-turned-author Common (aka Lonnie Rashid Lynn)? I was so excited to be covering this major event for my
Watch312.com show “Candid Candace Chicago” but was a bit surprised that there wasn’t more press in attendance for the VIP red carpet portion of the event. Mind you, I’m not complaining and in reality, this was reserved for the night’s honorees so I know they wanted to keep this
portion of the evening manageable. I was also surprised to see Magic Johnson not only arrive on time for the red carpet interviews but to arrive FIVE MINUTES EARLY! No wonder this guy is such a success: Besides being a Hall of Fame
basketball player and able to play every single position on the court, his business acumen is legendary. Presented by Coca-Cola, this third annual event honored Magic, Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas, Quintin and Diane Primo and Tim Rand and Everett Rand and raised over $350,000. This colorful and inspiring group of honorees was selected based on their
service, impactful lives and unprecedented career success. Though honoree Gabby Douglas was unable to attend, she sent a video expressing how thrilled she was and concluded playfully with energetic footage of her family and friends doing the Harlem Shake. Emceed by ABC 7’s Cheryl Burton and actor Lamman Rucker, the event was exciting from
beginning to end but perhaps the most breathtaking moment came when Magic raised more than $100,000 with a live auction package he donated in the first few minutes of the event. Cheryl Burton started off the bidding at $20K for seven floor seats to a Laker’s game, seven signed throwback jerseys and a private dinner with Magic. It sold three times for $90K with Magic adding
another $10K for an even $100K donation! WOW, right? Honorees Quintin and Diane Primo and Tim Rand and Everett Rand graciously accepted their awards and pledged their support to the Common Ground Foundation’s Summer Youth Camp. They praised
Common, highlighting his authenticity and commitment, noting how truly “uncommon” he is. Six teens from the Common Ground Foundation’s “Dreamers and Believers Mentoring Program” spoke movingly about how important and life changing the summer camp and year-round mentoring has been for each of them.
All proceeds from the black tie event benefited Common’s non-profit organization, the Common Ground Foundation (CGF). Additional attendees included Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Jim Reynolds (Loop Capital), co-chairs Les Coney (Mesirow Financial) and Juanita Jordan (Vanoy Jordan Enterprises), red capet host Michelle Releford (NBC 5), Andre Johnson (Magic Johnson Enterprises), Melody Spann-Cooper (WVON), Andrea Zopp (CEO, Chicago Urban League), Nina and Bob Mariano, Jeanne
Sparrow (co-host WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning”), Marc Brooks, Terri
Mariano, Tamara Brown and Derek Dudley among many others. Guests also enjoyed a silent auction reception (with a highlight being an ALL-access trip to the Grammys), live performance by Chicago Soul Centric (featuring Aziza Lisa), dinner and dancing. The evening was followed by an after-party at the Hard Rock Hotel.

In order to pay homage to honorees that have achieved success all while impacting communities in a significant way, the Common Ground Foundation began hosting the gala in an effort to highlight the accomplishments of key influencers and help fund the organization. Last year’s
event honored legendary and famous activist and actor Harry Belafonte as well as executive vice president of the Boeing Corporation James A. Bell, Chicago Bear and youth advocate Israel Idonije and CEO and founder of MillionDollar$cholar Derrius Quarles. “I started the Common Ground Foundation because I wanted to help, most of all to help people help
themselves. I always believed if we started with the youth, then we would be planting the seeds for our future to blossom,” says Common. Love this guy! To learn more about this incredible organization, please click here! To see ALL of the fun from this wonderful night, please watch my video below! Magic and Common give some great advice to Chicago’s youth and Magic tells us just what he thinks about Chicago so let me take YOU to the party!

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Beloved designer Elda de la Rosa presented her 2013 Spring collection, titled “La Vie en Rose,” on March 19th in the Avenues Ballroom of the beautiful Peninsula Hotel. Elda had been working hard for months getting her beautiful designs
ready for the runway and her hard work paid off as the SRO crowd oohed and aahed for every model who sashayed down the salon-style runway. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracy Tarantino, the event’s host committee included Jean Antoniou, Toni Canada, Diana Palomar, Dusty Stemer, Tracy, Tasia June Travlos, Moira Tuffy and
Marsha Brenner. Elda’s honorary committee included many politicos including Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senator Heather Steans, State Rep Kelly Cassidy, Aldermen Patrick O’Connor and Harry Osterman and Committeewoman Carol Ronen. ABC 7’s Sylvia Perez, a longtime friend of Elda’s, served as emcee wearing a stunning blue Elda gown. I was thrilled to be a model along with Greg Hyder, Jean Antoniou, Diana Palomar, Patricia Gillman,
Moira Tuffy, Nancy Meyerson, Kathy
Burke and Minister Blaine Moulton. The evening began with a silent auction and reception in the Grant Park Room. At 8 p.m., the show began in the ballroom with Sylvia welcoming the crowd. She introduced Chanel style consultant Randolph Tovar who talked about his fashion inspirations and how style influences us. Then, the lights dimmed and the classic French song by Edith Piaf, “La Vie en Rose,” began to play. Sylvia repeated a line from the song, “When he takes me in his arms and speaks softly to me, I see life in rosy hues, he tells me
words of love, words of every day and, in them, I become something.” She went on to say, “A woman who wears Elda de la Rosa does indeed ‘become
something,’ something very special, gorgeous, beautiful and radiant.” And then the show began! Every woman was a star as she glided down the runway in her Elda creation. The finale was the gorgeous wedding gown worn by Jordan Stemer at her recent nuptials. All of the proceeds from the event benefited the programs and work of the Edgewater Development Corp., an organization dedicated to working with Chicago’s small business entrepreneurs. Congrats again Elda on a beautiful collection! (Photos by Caitlin Saville Collins and David Stephens…view more here!)

The Greek America Foundation presented its second annual Blue Masque Ball, a fundraising event to benefit charities in debt-stricken Greece, at the Blackstone Hotel on March 16th. This year’s honorary chairs
were Emmy Award-winning journalist Tom Negovan and his wife, Splash editor at the Chicago Sun-Times, Susanna Negovan. The couple brought years of support to local charities of the Greek America Foundation and Susanna was excited to support and honor her Greek heritage. The entire ballroom was transformed into a casino gaming floor with blackjack, craps and roulette tables dotting the room. All proceeds
from the ball, which brought together the best of traditional Greek Mardi Gras celebrations in Casino Royale style, benefited Project Hope for Greece. This is a new initiative launched by the Greek America Foundation to support a
wide range of accredited charity-driven institutions in Greece that are struggling to solve the problems of its people amidst the country’s worst economic crisis since World War II. Proceeds will be shared with various charities and organizations that have a proven track record of offering support to the country. Ellison Sunglasses CEO Aristotle Loumis served as the Young Professionals Chair. Celebrity guests included Constantine Maroulis of “American Idol” fame and
now performing in the musical “Jekyll & Hyde”; Christos Garkinos of
Decades and BravoTV’s new reality show “Dukes of Melrose” who was joined by Amanda Puck; Evangeline Goutelas of CITE Restaurant and Skyline Equities and Paula Fasseas of PAWS Chicago. DJ John Grammatis kept the lounge jumpin’ with nonstop music and
dancing. Founded in 1997, the Greek America Foundation’s mission is to “promote, preserve and perpetuate Greek culture, history and heritage in North America.” For more info on this wonderful non-profit, please visit greekamerica.org. Congrats Susanna and Tom!

Giordano Dance Chicago celebrated its BIG 50th anniversary at the Harris Theater with a Gala Benefit (presented by the Boeing Company) on March 23rd. Pam Crutchfield served as honorary chair for this
special event, with choreographer to the stars Liz Imperio serving as artistic chair. The benefit drew 275 people and raised $100,000 for GDC and their programs. VIP gala ticket holders began their evening with an intimate pre-show
backstage Signature Experience, including an in-the-wings champagne toast while viewing the final last-minute on-stage dancer preparations, followed by a backstage buffet dinner and conversation with artistic
director Nan Giordano, Crutchfield and Imperio. As a special treat, they also had the chance to be part of “Circle,” GDC’s inspirational pre-performance ritual, moments before the dancers took the stage. The performance featured the
premiere of Imperio’s “La Belleza de Cuba” plus works from the GDC critically-acclaimed repertoire. Each work was preceded by video introductions, created by HMS Media from recent and archival GDC video and photos, providing historical content and
illuminating the company’s extraordinary achievements. At 9:30 p.m., following the performance, gala attendees were escorted to the Pritzker Pavilion stage where they took in the dazzling view of Chicago’s Millennium Park nighttime skyline
while mingling with GDC dancers and alum, enjoying an exquisite buffet catered by Cork Catering and Special Events and listening to live music by the George McRae Trio. “We knew this golden anniversary celebration was going to be special but on so many levels the results far
exceeded our expectations,” says GDC artistic director Nan Giordano. “A lion’s share of the credit goes to our incredible benefit chairs and committee, who, along with our hardworking staff, selflessly poured their heart and soul into
this event. We are extremely grateful to everyone who joined us for this evening, the memory of which is something I will remember and cherish forever. It was an incredible tribute to my late father, Gus Giordano, and all who have supported us
throughout our 50 years.” GDC is one of the longest running professional dance companies in Chicago and one of the very few dance companies in the U.S. to have achieved this half-century milestone. This achievement was recognized on the cover of the March 2013 edition of Dance Magazine.

Televions star, model, actress and hometown girl Jenny McCarthy hosts the 6th Annual Rescue Our Angels event to support her nonprofit Generation Rescue, raise awareness of autism and generate funds to support families dealing with an autism diagnosis. McCarthy – whose son Evan has recovered from autism – is president of Generation
Rescue and an advocate for children with autism and their families. The exclusive party will feature red carpet arrivals for VIP guests, remarks by McCarthy honoring Chicago couple Michele and Pete Doyle (founders of the event) and an “experience zone” – a hands-on way for guests to better understand the sensitivities that children on the autism spectrum experience. In addition to McCarthy, more than 400 VIP guests are expected to be in attendance, including Jacqueline and Chris Laurita (“Real Housewives of New Jersey”), Doug
Clerget (“The Bachelorette”), Alexis Wineman (2013 People’s Choice Winner, Miss America), Colette Davis (open wheel driver), Heath Frisby (X Games snowmobile medalist) and Madi Wolf (singer). Tickets to the event are $100 per person and include hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, entertainment and access to a live auction of incredible prizes. A limited number of VIP booths are available for purchase, too. For tickets, visit rescueourangels.com or click here.

The Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago’s annual fundraising event, “Night Heist”, returns for its third year to the Modern Wing’s Griffin Court on April 26th from 8 to 11 p.m. Guests will enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Art Institute’s major exhibition Picasso and Chicago – a celebration of the work of Picasso, his connections to the city and his enduring influence. Event includes live music, entertainment, themed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction. General admission tickets are $95 (price to increase after 4/19) and the VIP Night Heist Experience (includes a one-hour reception beginning at 7 p.m.) is $150. For tickets and more info, please click here!

Recently, Chris Brown, FloRida and Hennessy V.S put on a show at Dream nightclub in Miami, all to celebrate the birthday of super producer Cool, from Cool & Dre. Chris Brown hit the stage and performed a slew of his hits including, “Look At Me Now” and “No Bullsh*t.” The singer put on a complete show, showcasing his
signature dance moves and even showing off his rock hard abs. Rapper FloRida also hit the stage to celebrate Cool’s birthday and even helped lead the crowd in a “Happy Birthday” chant for the producer. Cool, huh? 🙂 (Photos by Humberto Cruz…view more pics here!)

Chicago Vintage Market pioneer Sally Schwartz is thrilled to announce Randolph Street Market’s Modern Vintage Chicago spring installation will return to the West Loop’s Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington) on April 20th and 21st. Recognized as one of the top three vintage shows in the country, this bi-annual event comes just in time to add vintage flair to spring and summer wardrobes that will turn heads! Offering the
best selection of jewelry, clothing and accessories vendors from across the Midwest, as well as Atlanta, NYC, Texas, Minneapolis and Philadelphia for men and women, this event is not to be missed! Among its 90+ vendors, new to the Market this year is the talented, Danielle Colby of “American Pickers” fame. Danielle will bring her vintage wares from her Wicker Park boutique, 4 Miles 2 Memphis, as well as perform with her burlesque troupe, Burlesque Le’Moustache. For more info, visit modernvintagechicago.com, call 312-666-1200 or email info@modernvintagechicago.com.

The SPRING AWAKENING Fashion Show didn’t herald the advent of spring but it did provide a beautiful night inside the warm greenhouse at City Escape Garden Center & Design Studio in the West Loop recently.
Hosted by Benjamin Cottrell and Shari Duffy, this event offered VIP guests the opportunity to stroll the gardens during the champagne reception, shop City Escapes’ unique gifts and listen to the sound of Miss Heart Illinois 2013,
Marisa Buchheit. The show opened with a performance by the Candid Concert Opera Company as models strutted the runway in designs by Stix & Roses, LH Couture, Tres Haute Chic, Just Class Jewelry and StyleUp Girl
Shoes. World renowned cellist Ian Makin serenaded the models down the garden inspired runway. A portion of the proceeds benefitted Chicago Gateway Green. TCW Magazine was the media sponsor. (Photos by Jun Nagano.)

Congratulations are in order for Joe’s Bar on Weed St. (940 W. Weed St) owner Ed Warm: His Chicago venue – known for hosting some of the biggest names in country music – has just been named Nightclub of the Year by the Academy of Country Music!!!
Warm, whose keen ear for emerging talent has earned him immense respect within the Nashville music scene, is also taking home honors as Promoter of the Year. (This is the third time Joe’s has been named Nightclub of the Year but the first win for Warm as Promoter of the Year.) Huge congrats on these much deserved wins! (The 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 7th).

Talk about a dream job! ULTA Beauty Director of Public Relations Carrie Lannon and ULTA Beauty Director of Trend Development Molly Sloat partied with supermodel Naomi Campbell
and Nigel Barker in New York during the filming of their hit show, “The Face.” (The finale episode was March 26th.) I sure hope to see this cool model driven show return soon! The show, hosted by Nigel Barker, followed three supermodel coaches (Coco Rocha, Karolina Kurkova and Naomi) as they
competed with each other to find “the face” of ULTA Beauty. Carrie and Molly worked with Nigel, Naomi, Coco and Karolina and appeared on the final episode as they chose the winner of the show: Twenty-one-year-old Devyn Abdullah from Team Kurkova became the first Face of
Ulta Beauty! She will appear in its ads, go to Fashion Week and make personal appearances in ULTA Beauty stores. Congrats to Devyn, Carrie and Molly! If you need an assistant, you know who to call!

And now for some exciting news from Palm Beach! The USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship is a four-week, 26-goal tournament that will finalize its 10th Anniversary Season at the International Polo Club. The
action began on March 31st and will continue on April 7th, 14th and 21st, showcasing the world’s most elite, high-goal players and the finest polo ponies. As one can imagine, the celebrity line-up is impressive and will include heartthrob Antonio Sabato, Jr., Emmy Award winner Liz Calloway, actress Ann Hampton Callaway, American Idol’s Brooke Eden and a perfect “10”
Bo Derek. Country music star Lee Greenwood will
perform “God Bless the USA” before the final match on April 21st. This high-goal polo action takes place every Sunday through April 21st, with tickets starting at $10 for general admission and up to $120 for box seating. Tickets for the lavish Sunday brunch at The
Pavilion and its reception start at $65 going upward to $330 for the Veuve Clicquot brunch package for two. Tickets can be purchased online at InternationalPoloClub.com or by calling 561.204.5687. Anybody up for a few good chukkers? 🙂

The Puppy Mill Project is proud to be honoring the “Mothers in the Mills” at their annual fundraiser on May 11th at John Barleycorn River North (149 W. Kinzie) from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The evening will raise awareness about the cruel and inhumane conditions that dogs endure in puppy mills. Chicago fan-favorite band, Out of Control, will perform, a buffet dinner will be served, and guests will enjoy a silent auction and live raffle. This benefit is held annually on Mother’s Day weekend to honor and bring attention to all female (mother) dogs held captive in the mills who are forced to breed until they are no longer profitable to the breeder. The mission of TPMP is to educate the public about puppy mills, while advocating for legislative reform and facilitating the rescue of mill dogs. “The proceeds from the Mothers in The Mills benefit will
educate and expose the truth about this cruel and inhumane industry that people are unknowingly supporting when purchasing pets through pet shops, the internet and newspaper ads,” says founder Cari Meyers. “We will never stop fighting for the freedom of the mill dogs.” I wish them the best of luck. Tickets are $100 per person ($125 at the door) and can be purchased here.

About Face Theatre celebrates its 17th year with a three-ring party of entertainment at the Wonka Ball 2013: Circus Maximus
on April 26th beginning at 8 p.m. (For those interested, a Ringmaster’s VIP cocktail party begins at 7 p.m.) AFT’s premier fundraiser, hosted by About Face board members Benjamin Sprunger and Billy Lullo, combines the surprising delights of the Big Top with
the inspired grandeur of this year’s venue, Architectural Artifacts (4325 N. Ravenswood). For tickets ($135) and more info, please visit aboutfacetheatre.com or call 773.784.8565.

Don’t miss “Hats Off to Girls We Love,” a tea and fashion presentation hosted by the dynamic Sarah Wood benefitting the Wood Family Foundation on April 27th at 2 p.m. at Neiman Marcus Northbrook. Author Cynthia Bardes will be a special guest. Tickets are $60 for adults and $30 for kids up to age 12. For more info, please click here or call 312-924-9234. (And I can’t WAIT to tell you what Sarah and Kerry are planning for August! OMG! They are both heroes at giving back! 🙂

Thanks so much to WGN-TV for having me on to discuss my FIVE top event picks for April! I won’t tell but hope you’ll watch it here! Thanks to my sweet friend Marissa Rudman for this clip – just love her!

Don’t miss the latest edition of A Perfect Event’s E-Mag – Debi Lilly has done it again assembling the best of the best to contribute to her beyond beautiful magazine! I’m so proud to have an
article (“Things Our Mothers Taught Us”) included! This Mother’s Day feature offers words of wisdom from the mothers of comedian Tom Dreesen,
philanthropist and football star Israel Idonije, television star/author/designer Nate Berkus, super chef Art Smith, shoe god Brian Atwood and media darling Val Warner. I’m not one bit surprised why these special people became who they are – it’s advice everyone can use! Congrats to contributors Amanda Puck, Eric Himel, Matt Savage, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Elaina Vazquez and Corey Amaro, among others. ALL great reads here (my article appears on pages 26 & 27)! And a special thanks
to friend/artist Rosemary Fanti for this wonderful image of my mom Elsa Stott and me in South Beach where some of our best memories happened! She was my best friend. 🙂 (Check out more pics here!)

And, last but not least, I was so thrilled to be interviewed on Vocalo/NPR radio by Shantell Jamison for her (ahem) “Wise Woman of the Week” segment…I know, I know. Hear it here, if you want!

Hope you all have spring in your hearts even if it isn’t here in reality and I hope you enjoy this week’s Candid Candace!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats to the Peninsula Chicago and Greg Hyder on the fabulous party held in honor of Conde Nast Traveler’s special April feature, “The Grand Tour of Asia.” As always, it was a perfect event! (Want to see more pics? Just click here!)

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Tagged as 4 Miles 2 Memphis, 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, A Perfect Event’s E-Mag, ABC-7, About Face Theatre, Academy of Country Music, Alderman Harry Osterman, Alderman Patrick O’Connor, Alexis Wineman, Amanda Puck, American Idol, American Pickers, Andre Johnson, Andrea Zopp, Ann Hampton Calloway, Antonio Sabato Jr., Aristotle Loumis, Aziza Lisa, Benjamin Cottrell, Benjamin Springer, Billy Lullo, Blue Masque Ball, Bo Derek, Bob Mariano, Boeing Corporation, Brian Atwood, Brooke Eden, Caitlin Saville Collins, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Candid Concert Opera Company, Cari Meyers, Carrie Lannon, Chef Art Smith, Cheryl Burton, Chicago Bears, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicago Soul Centric, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Urban League, Chris Brown, Chris Laurita, Christos Garkinos, City Escape Garden Center & Design Studio, Coca-Cola, Coco Rocha, Colette Davis, Committeewoman Carol Ronen, Common, Common Ground Foundation’s Summer Youth Camp, Common Ground Gala, Conde Nast Traveler, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Constantine Maroulis, Cool, Cool & Dre, Corey Amaro, Cork Catering and Special Events, Cynthia Bardes, Dance Magazine, Danielle Colby, David Stephens, Debi Lilly, Decades, Derek Dudley, Derrius Quarles, Devyn Abdullah, Diana Palomar, Diane Primo, DJ John Grammatis, Doug Clerget, Dreamers and Believers Mentoring Program, Dukes of Melrose, Dusty Stemer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Ed Warm, Edgewater Development Corp., Edith Piaf, Elaina Vasquez, elda de la rosa, Ellison Sunglasses, Elsa Stott, Eric Himel, Evangeline Goutelas, Everett Rand, FloRida, Gabby Douglas, Generation Rescue, George McRae Trio, Giordano Dance Chicago, Grammy Awards, Greek American Foundation, Greg Hyder, Gus Giordano, Hard Rock Hotel, Harry Belafonte, Hats Off to Girls We Love, Heather Frisby, Hennessy V.S, Humberto Cruz, Ian Makin, International Polo Club, Israel Idonije, Jacqueline Laurita, James A. Bell, Jean Antoniou, Jeanne Sparrow, Jekyll & Hyde, Jenny McCarthy, Jim Reynolds, Joe’s Bar on Weed St., Jordan Stemer, Juanita Jordan, Jun Nagano, Just Class Jewelry, Karolina Kurkova, Kathy Burke, La Belleza de Cuba, La Vie en Rose, Lamman Rucker, Lauren Holly, Le’Moustache, Lee Greenwood, Les Coney, LH Couture, Liz Calloway, Liz Imperio, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Loop Capital, Madi Wolf, Magic Johnson Enterprises, Marc Brooks, Marisa Buchheit, Marissa Rudman, Marsha Brenner, Matt Savage, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Melody Spann Cooper, Mesirow Financial, Michele Doyle, Michelle Releford, MillionDollar$cholar, Minister Blaine Moulton, Miss America, Miss Heart Illinois 2013, Modern Vintage Chicago, Moira Tuffy, Molly Sloat, Nan Giordano, Nancy Meyerson, Naomi Campbell, NBC 5, Neiman Marcus Northbrook, Nigel Barker, Night Heist, Nina Mariano, NPR, Out of Control, Pam Crutchfield, Patricia Gillman, Paula Fasseas, Peninsula Hotel, People’s Choice Awards, Pete Doyle, Picasso and Chicago, Puppy Mill Project, Quintin Primo, Randolph Street Market, Randolph Tovar, Real Housewives of New Jersey, Rescue Our Angels, Rosemary Fanti, Ryan Beshel, Sally Schwartz, Sarah Wood, Senator Heather Steans, Shantell Jamison, Shari Duffy, Splash, Spring Awakening Fashion Show, State Rep Kelly Cassidy, Stix & Roses, StyleUp Girl Shoes, Susanna Negovan, Sylvia Perez, Tamara Brown, Tasia June Travlos, TCW Magazine, Terri Mariano, The Bachelorette, The Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago, The Grand Tour of Asia, Things Our Mothers Taught Us, Tim Rand, Tom Dreesen, Tom Negovan, Toni Canada, Tracy Tarantino, Tracy Travlos, Tres Haute Chic, Ulta, USPA Maserati 109th U.S. Open Polo Championship, Val Warner, Vanoy Jordan Enterprises, Veuve Clicquot, Vocalo, Watch312.com, WCIU, WGN-TV, Wise Woman of the Week, Wonka Ball 2013: Circus Maximus, Wood Family Foundation, WVON, X Games, You & Me This Morning, ZZAZZ Productions

March 14, 2013 · 9:03 am

COMMON THREADS CELEBRATES 10 YEARS AT WORLD FEST!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

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

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

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!)

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January 7, 2013 · 9:47 am

A LOVE-FILLED CELEBRATION HONORS STEVE STARR AT HIS 45TH ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION

…PLUS MR. PLAYBOY MARRIES RUNAWAY BRIDE, CHICAGOLICIOUS STAR PARTIES IN STYLE, HIP HOP STARS ON NYE, UNTITLED BASH, CHICAGO AUTO SHOW’S FIRST LOOK, NPHM’S KEITH MAGEE HONORED, THE JOFFREY BALLET’S NUTCRACKER, TELEMUNDO IS LOOKING FOR ONE GOOD VOZ, THE WHITE HOUSE SCENE WITH HYDER, BRANDT, KEHOE, SCHWARTZ AND VARNES AND KING, STRIKE A POSE WITH THE CUBS’ DAVID DEJESUS, THE BEARS’ BRANDON MARSHALL SIGNS FOR CHARITY, NEW WATCH312.COM VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!

A month to the day…it just wasn’t fair that we lost beloved photographer Steve Starr so close to the event he had been anticipating and planning for over a year. His Face of the News exhibition was to be the
biggest event of his life and the 45th anniversary of his Steve Starr Studios. I’d never seen him more excited: Everywhere he went, he had the familiar brown flyers in his pocket (no one escaped without one) and he stayed up even later than usual, planning and calling his friends to
get their approval on this or that aspect of his party. It was a joy to see him so happy – not that he wasn’t always this way – I never saw him without a huge smile on his face or his iconic camera around his neck, which he
told me he felt naked without. He had created a huge black leather binder with SSS in big silver letters on the front that he used to collect all of his thoughts and ideas and when he left us all too soon, it was this leather binder and the fact that he had
been working with Margaret O’Connor for most of the year that helped his friends decide that the show must go on…and that, indeed, it COULD go on just as he had wanted. With only a month to put this big event together, it was a
daunting task but with a very motivated committee, it all came together on 12/12/12 in the most beautiful way at the Murphy Auditorium. A sell-out crowd of more than 300 guests oohed and aahed over the elegant black and gold décor by Judy Ippolito Floral & Event Décor (Steve’s
favorite color combo, of course!) as well as his extensive collection of more than 200 images of media stars from all over the world that he’d met throughout the years. The walls couldn’t accommodate ALL of his beautiful photos but I hope, as Steve had hoped, that his collection will be placed in a museum or somewhere special in Chicago sometime soon, perhaps the Harold Washington
Library. I was thrilled to serve as a host
for the evening with Bill Zwecker, who was the emcee. As guests arrived, they were met by the Clark Kent Greeters who looked suspiciously like Starr himself with the black framed glasses and reporter Amy Jacobson who was
dressed as Brenda Starr. (Steve had jokingly told Amy that he felt that Brenda Starr was his first cousin.) He had a wonderful sense of humor and was always telling tales about himself that would make
you howl with laughter. When asked how old he was, he would always say 120. I wish this could’ve been the case. Fashion designer Mark Roscoe played a big role in the evening, too, creating a
Newspaper Couture Collection modeled by “The Four Women of the World” – Lily’s Talent Agency models Candice Hill, Aya Jackson, Cynovia Potts and Laura Silva. I couldn’t believe his designs were made entirely out of paper! Beloved milliner
Loreta Corsetti created dramatic head pieces to match (also of paper) and LeAnita Ragland-Brooks designed exquisite jewelry using Neiman Marcus boxes to match the Roscoe designs! These looks rivaled the hottest designer gowns and were drop-dead gorgeous!
Crooner Steve Biossat performed along with Spider Saloff (who Steve adored) and The Headliners. A cello/piano duo by iAN&ANi and a sensuous tango number by Liz Sung and Jorge Niedas completed the evening as
Steve had wished. Illustrator Rosemary Fanti was on hand to capture the guests’ special memories on this night and legendary pianist/orchestra leader Stanley Paul presented selections from “The Great American Songbook” that
featured music from the ‘30s and ‘40s, Steve’s favorite era. Stanley had also produced a wonderful video featuring Steve’s beloved museum-quality collection of Art Deco frames holding images of classic film stars. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of
the last photo taken of Steve by renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski. His black-and-white montage of Steve in various poses captured his essence perfectly and brought gasps of appreciation from the crowd upon the unveiling. As guests departed, loaded goody bags assembled by superstar committee members Paul Iacono and Jennifer
Sutton were handed out. These were some of the best gift bags I’ve seen in a long, long time…with a lot of the expenses coming out of their own pockets: Paul even found the most perfect black and gold bag with a star on the side to hold gifts, which included a DVD of Steve at a recent book signing, his signature star votive candle holder, a bottle stopper in the shape of a globe,
sweets, a tin of mints with a tuxedoed man on the front (that Paul had to fill by hand!), an elegant program book and so much more! Margaret O’Connor and Leonard Mogul served as co-chairs with a committee that also included Chris and Frances Renk, Rich Varnes, Amy
Wimer, JP Anderson, Dan Uslan, Nina and Bob Mariano, Michael Kutza, Lynn McMahan and Rich Gamble among others. Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino (whose ZZAZZ Productions produced the show), Brenda Arelano,
Rose Mandel, Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Leah Chavie, Anna Fong, Leslie Hindman, Shari Duffy, Joey Majumdar, Carter Cortez, Stephen Wright, Carmen C. Rivera, Amie Hana, Jennifer Bridgeforth,
Catherine Carey (The Murphy), Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Benjamin Cottrell, Frost Lighting and so many others. It was truly a labor of love made even more special by Steve’s family
who were in attendance. They included his loving sisters Adrienne Ingebritsen and Bobbi Weiss, who delivered moving speeches about their dear brother, as well as Michael Weiss, Samantha Pitello, Lori Zaitz, Faith
Godfrey and Lenny Weiss. An after-party continued at the Drake Hotel, as there were still so many memories to share. Steve will never be forgotten and will always be missed. RIP Steve…you’re making the angels smile now. (Photos by Jon Recana and Amie Hana…for more pics from this event, please click here and to view a video from this event, please see the media below!)

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?embedCode=9jcjgxODouzzK6E7ZyF_zVOJHRUBw-26&height=360&video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=9jcjgxODouzzK6E7ZyF_zVOJHRUBw-26

New Year’s Eve was a very big night for King of the Bunny Hutch’s Hugh M. Hefner (86) and his (former) “Runaway Bride” Crystal Harris (26). Before Hef’s annual NYE party at the Playboy Mansion, a few guests and family joined together in the grand reception foyer for an intimate wedding ceremony. The bride was resplendent in pink (a signature color in the world of Playboy Playmates) and even their King Charles Spaniel, Charlie, was
decked out in a mini tuxedo. A harpist played “As Time Goes By” from “Casablanca” (Hef’s favorite film) as well as “Because You Loved Me” and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” Hef’s brother Keith (a recently married man himself) served as his best man. The day of the ceremony, Crystal tweeted to her more than 500K followers, “Today is the day I become Mrs. Hugh Hefner. Feeling very happy, lucky and blessed.” Following the ceremony, Hef tweeted, “Love that girl!” and then the newlyweds joined the revelers in the ginormous tent in the backyard for a dual wedding
reception/NYE party. Guests included Gene Simmons, Jon Lovitz and Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney among others. On December 19th, Crystal’s best friend and business partner Ashley Matthau threw her a bridal shower in their new lingerie boutique in Studio City, Femme Fatale. The party
combined Crystals’s two favorite things: Disney and Christmas. “We really love Disney. We are huge fans. We go to Disneyland together a lot. My favorite movie is ‘The Little Mermaid’ so she [Ashley] got me an Ariel-themed cake,” Crystal told Us Weekly. I wish Crystal and Hef the very best and hope they have a long love-filled life!

Another exciting New Year’s Eve event, Chicago Empire, took place at the hot River North venue Untitled! Produced by Justin Jacobson’s Platinum Events, this party attracted more than 500 fashionables to this 17,000-square-foot
space and was the scene of exciting entertainment including The Gold Coast All-Stars! This 11-piece band, founded by Danny Chaimson, had the crowd whipped into a frenzy. As a solo artist, Chaimson performed across the country headlining the hottest clubs and opening for legendary acts like Etta James
and The Neville Brothers, as well as current favorites like O.A.R., Eric Hutchinson and Jem. Dapper VH1 reality star Justin Ross Lee was also on hand to add to the excitement. Justin, an internet personality/sensation, is based in Manhattan and has been featured in The New York Observer and The New York Post among many other publications due to his many
escapades around the globe. His jet-setting style and party adventures always land him in the press including a recent first-class encounter with Ashley Olsen in Star Magazine as well as a face-to-face with Brad Pitt which was also recounted in the press. He’s a charming character with a darling girlfriend, Regina Brauer, and I hope to
see them again soon! (Check out his Pretentious Pocket site! Very cool stuff!) It was fun co-hosting the evening with this social scenester and NBC’s Marcus Riley and I was thrilled to be there covering the action for my Watch312.com show, too. (Stay tuned!) Untitled boasts six rooms, all with different vibes, and was packed with party people who enjoyed the hot
mixes of DJs Flaco, Wags and Iman Amy Danielle while hip-hop artist Marcas "Mr. Robotic" Harris brought screams of delight from the crowd. The invite suggested Prohibition-era wear and many of the guests were decked out in this attire inspired
by the venue. The night included multiple open bars, appetizers and the prerequisite noisemakers and hats. I was thrilled that my handsome cousin Alexander Groce and his beautiful girlfriend Jenny Davison could attend, too! I saw so many familiar faces and it was a joy to ring in the New Year with friends like Marco Foster, Andrea Dres, Leonard Mogul, Danielle Davis, Misty Callahan, Shelley Howard, Liz Abraham, Nicole Townsend (wearing an exquisite Borris Powell gown) and so many more! (Click here for more fun pics!)

One of my favorite reality shows is Chicago's very own Chicagolicious! The lovable bunch of characters at AJ's Salon in the West Loop has had me laughing, crying and raising my
eyebrows ever since its premiere on the Style Network on 6/11/12. And any party hosted by the show's star has GOT to be a blast and, indeed it was when celebrity hairstylist AJ Johnson co-hosted NYE with legendary music man
George Daniels at Eclipse, a multi-million dollar luxurious restaurant and lounge at 2554 W.
Diversey. The party featured the hot sounds of Timbuck2 and the lovely DJ Nikki as well as a lavish buffet, champagne toast, balloon drop, party favors and some of Chicago's sexiest, stylish and most sophisticated movers and shakers! Check out the pics here of AJ and his fun-loving friends! So happy this show has been picked up again! More HAIR-raising adventures to come! (Photos by Donna Binbek Photography…see more pics here!)

And for fans of hip hop, here’s some NYE news from Atlanta: Young Jeezy celebrated 2013 in style at the Hennessy V.S. New Year’s Eve Takeover Party at Compound, a dance club in the city’s Homepark neighborhood. Jeezy, arriving in a white Rolls
Royce and wearing a blue embroidered jacket, partied alongside club promoter Alex Gidewon and some of the sexiest ladies in town. Simultaneously in Miami, hip hop recording artist Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. (better known as T.I.) rang in the
New Year at LIV, a nightclub on Collins Avenue in SoBe. The “King of the South” performed a medley of his hits for the crowd that included his latest from his top selling album, “Trouble
Man: Heavy is the Head.” Other guests included T.I.’s wife Tiny, actor Evan Ross, Houston rapper Slim Thug and Jonathan Cheban. (Photos by Prince Williams and Thaddaeus McAdams.) And, if you care, Sean “Diddy” Combs celebrated NYE in St. Barth's with his Ciroc Vodka at Sea bash on a yacht.

The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity Gala announces its move to Friday, February 8th and a new and improved start time of 7 p.m. at McCormick Place! This
black-tie gala has generated more than $34 million for charities since its inception in 1992. This year, these 18 Chicago area charities will benefit from the more than $2 million expected to be raised: 100 Club of Chicago, Boys and Girls
Clubs of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Clearbrook, The Cradle Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Franciscan
Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, JDRF, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (formerly Children's Memorial Hospital), March of Dimes, Misericordia, Respiratory Health Association, Special Olympics Illinois, Spina Bifida Association of
Illinois and the Jesse White Tumbling Team. More than 9,000 guests are expected to attend this world-class event that provides an elegant, inaugural look at the annual Chicago Auto Show and will boast more than 1,000 new vehicles,
dozens on display for the first time anywhere. Those in attendance will also have a chance to win two new vehicles: a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe (courtesy of Hyundai Motor America and Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai dealers) and a 2013 Buick Encore (courtesy of Buick and Chicagoland Buick-GMC
dealers). Guests will enjoy a coordinated feast themed around some of the world's greatest cities and live entertainment by American English and the cast of the smash Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet.” Tickets are $250 and tuxedo attire is mandatory. For more information, including the complete list of charities and how to purchase tickets, visit www.FirstLookForCharity.org. To check out the First Look at last year's Auto Show on Watch312.com, please see below.

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?video_pcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy&height=360&embedCode=xvbmZqNTqi3BnNny-0QsM9NBO32EVlyG&width=640&deepLinkEmbedCode=xvbmZqNTqi3BnNny-0QsM9NBO32EVlyG

A huge congrats to National Public Housing Museum’s executive director Keith Magee on being named by Chicago Reader as one of 25 extraordinary Chicagoans! He has been tireless in his efforts to
create a National Public Housing Museum in the last remaining building of the Jane Addams Homes. In the article (by Sam Worley), Magee explains, “This museum has been around in concept for 15 years. Deverra Beverly still lives
in the Robert Brooks Homes, and serves on the board of commissioners on the Chicago Housing Authority. She and public housing resident Beatrice Jones were talking about Chicago's Plan for Transformation, and that they were tearing down traditional
public housing. She said, ‘What are we gonna do? How are our grandchildren and great-grandchildren going to know that we existed as a community?’ I went and I saw the building and I closed my eyes. I could hear the children in the playgrounds and I thought about all of the stories and all of the lives. That building – the Jane Addams Homes opened in '38 – was predominantly occupied by
people of European descent, and by 2002 it was predominantly occupied by people of African descent. I thought about what it looked like from Jewish to
Polish to Italian to African-American, every race and ethnic group having some kind of footprint in this space. And I got it.” He sure did GET IT and we’re so glad he did! This will be great, not only for Chicago but for the world. If you would like to learn more and how you can help, please visit www.nphm.org. Congrats Keith on all of your good work!

I never tire of The Joffrey Ballet’s "The Nutcracker" performance! Nothing puts you in a holiday mood like watching these graceful dancers glide across the stage in exquisite costumes with magical, breathtaking
stage sets. This year's 25th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner, hosted by The Women’s Board, was held on December 15th at the Palmer House Hilton in the State and Grand ballrooms. More than 650 guests attended
the biggest family dinner thus far for an enchanting evening that featured entertainment for children and adults alike, a traditional family-style meal, and of course, a thrilling performance
of Robert Joffrey’s “The Nutcracker.” (Guests had the option of attending the matinee or evening performance.) Children enjoyed decorating toe shoes, cookies and nutcrackers as well as LEGO
designs. Artists were on hand to personalize Nutcracker t-shirts and The Great Frankini, Frank Glab, delighted the children with his juggling and magic tricks. Executive Director Christopher Clinton Conway and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater, along with co-chairs Laura Kofoid and
Carol Stone, welcomed the crowd. Tiny bells had been placed at each table setting and guests were asked to join in singing "Jingle Bells" to start the festivities. The next Joffrey event will be Pointe of Departure on February 7th. DON’T MISS IT! (For details, please visit www.joffrey.org.)

Are you between the ages of 7 and 14 and ready for your close-up? NBC Universal’s Telemundo Media kicks off a nationwide casting call for its much-anticipated global hit singing competition “La Voz Kids” (The Voice Kids) and the Chicago auditions will be on January 26th and 27th! To register, visit www.lavozkids.com or call 1-855-VOZ-KIDS OR send an email to castings@lavozkids.com! The show is
slated to air in the spring on the Telemundo network! The winner will receive a recording contract with Universal Music AND a scholarship!! (If only I were 10 with a good voice! Sigh…) Good luck to all participants!

On December 31st, more than 650 Chicago social notables came together to celebrate New Year’s Eve for the second annual Entrepreneur’s Eve at the Alder Planetarium. A stylish and philanthropic group showed up to raise a glass, have a dance and try their
luck to benefit the H Foundation, a charitable foundation committed to raising funds to cure cancer in partnership with the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Cor Strategies welcomed guests to the Adler for an evening under the stars. VIP guests experienced a swanky seated lounge with
Hennessy Black cocktails carefully created by Chicago’s very own Benjamin Newby. After a bit of liquid courage, guests grabbed friends to dance in one of the Alder’s full-size theaters, staged as a private club for VIP attendees. General admission also delivered an exceptional NYE experience
with full open bar, champagne and a dance floor under the glass ceiling of the Adler – which offered out-of-this-world skyline views of Chicago and the perfect spot to watch the NYE fireworks over Lake Michigan. All in attendance had access to the museum’s exhibits, the cigar lounge and casino, to name a few.
Throughout the night, a group of top DJs kept the crowd moving, including DJ DOLO, DJ Will Galvan, DJ Matt Roan (Crossfader King), DJ Yours Truly and #EE12’s headliner, DJ Zeke Thomas. When all was said and done, Entrepreneur’s Eve raised almost $70K for H Foundation…what a great way to start of 2013! For more info, please click here. (Photos by Mateo)

Join some of our town’s most beloved peeps as the Palmer House’s David Brandt, the Peninsula’s Greg Hyder and Kehoe Designs’ Tom Kehoe present the Master’s Program & Brunch at VenueSIX10, located at 610
S. Michigan) on January 17th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s program and discussion will take you behind the scenes of the most demanding and intricate event of 2013: the 57th Presidential Inauguration. Join these darling event chairs – some of Chicago’s top event planning ring leaders – as they welcome former White House director of events, Laura
Schwartz of White House Strategies, as they shed light on what really goes on during a presidential family dinner? Just how friendly is the Secret Service? What are presidents typically like with event staffers? How can you bring the inauguration’s seamlessness and level of service to your events? For tickets ($225) and more info, please click here!

Sports stars helping others is the theme for these next two events starting with Chicago Cubs newcomer David DeJesus! He and wife Kim are keeping busy in the off-season by preparing for their upcoming fundraiser
on January 17th at the River East Arts Center to kick off Cubs Convention weekend. Strike a Pose will feature Cubs players past and present and their wives walking the runway in a variety of fashions from the 900 N. Michigan Shops. Besides DeJesus, participants will include Kerry and Sarah Wood, Darwin and Lindsey Barney, Shawn Camp, Tony Campana, Starlin Castro, Steve Clevenger, Anthony Rizzo and so many more! The David DeJesus Foundation will be donating all proceeds from the event to ALS research in honor of a close friend. For tickets ($250) and more info, please call 773.404.CUBS.

And on January 14th, Chicago Bear Brandon Marshall will be signing autographs and memorabilia at Ziegler Auto Group, located at 1230 E. Golf Road in Schaumburg. A portion of the proceeds will support Project Borderline, Brandon’s foundation that fights the stigma, spreads the word, educates and advocates for borderline personality disorder. (For more info, please visit www.projectborderline.com.)

So proud of Tribeca Flashpoint Academy student, Evan Brightfield! He created this “Rahmfather” gift for Mayor Emanuel who actually LIKED IT! As you can imagine, it’s not easy to please the “Rahmfather” but Evan and his dad figured out a way to do it! Very cute and very clever, Evan…and congrats!

A Silver Lining Foundation (founded by Dr. Sandy Goldberg in 2006) celebrated the holiday season with the Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party on December 13th. Guests gathered at Frontier
Chicago Restaurant and partied for a purpose. CS Magazine and TCW Magazine co-sponsored the event. Special guests included former Chicago Bear and Super Bowl champion Otis Wilson and former Houston
Texan Robert Mackey. The Naughty or Nice event is the first of a series of Auxiliary Board events to support ASLF's Buy a Mom a Mammogram program, which successfully raised awareness among attendees of the need for uninsured women to have access to cost-free mammographies. The enthusiasm and
commitment in the room was electric! The goal of future events is to raise funding to provide potentially lifesaving testing for at least 20 women at one of the foundation's 10 partner hospitals. (To learn more and find out how you can help, please click here!)

A special thanks to photographer Mila Samokhina for including me in a recent
article in Reklama, one of Chicago’s most
popular newspapers! I’m also thrilled to be a contributor to A
Perfect Event e-Mag, the most
gorgeous digital magazine I’ve ever seen, presented by the uber talented Debi Lilly! Click here to read the
latest issue
and make sure to check out pages 230 through 233! 🙂

I hope your New Year is off to a great start and here’s hoping we can spend more time together in 2013!! Love and thanks for your support this year and every year!

Love always,
Candace 🙂
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And under the “Thrill of a Lifetime” category, huge congrats and thanks to Rich Varnes, Cynthia King and their darling daughter Eleanor King for letting me see the White House at Christmas through their eyes! What an amazing story with such beautiful photos! To read about their fabulous holiday adventure, please
click here!

P.P.S. Please help me congratulate dear Alexis Mattera on her upcoming marriage to
her longtime love, Scott Silberberg! Alexis has been a part of this blog from its very inception and I couldn’t
do this without her! Thanks and congrats for all you do and for your happy impending
plans! Love you so, Lex…release the doves!

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Tagged as 100 Club of Chicago, 25th Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner, 57th Presidential Inauguration, A Perfect Event e-Mag, A Silver Lining Foundation, Adler Planetarium, Adrienne Ingebritsen, AJ’s Salon, Alex Gidewon, Alexander Groce, Alexis Mattera, American English, Amie Hana, Amy Jacobson, Amy Wimer, Andrea Dres, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Anna Fong, Anthony Rizzo, Ashley Matthau, Ashley Olsen, Ashley Wheater, Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party, Aya Jackson, Beatrice Jones, Benjamin Cottrell, Benjamin Newby, Bill Zwecker, Bob Mariano, Bobbi Weiss, Borris Powell, Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, Brad Pitt, Brandon Marshall, Brenda Arelano, Brenda Starr, Buick, Buy Mom a Mammogram, Candace Jordan, Candice Hill, Candid Candace, Carmen C. Rivera, Carol Stone, Carter Cortez, Catherine Carey, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Chicago Auto Show First Look for Charity Gala, Chicago Bears, Chicago Cubs, Chicago Empire, Chicago Reader, Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Hyundai, Chicagoland Buick-GMC, Chicagolicious, Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chris Renk, Christopher Clinton Conway, Ciroc Vodka at Sea, Clark Kent Greeters, Clearbrook, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., Compound, Crossfader King, Crystal Harris, CS Magazine, Cynovia Potts, Cynthia King, Cystic Fibrosis Goundation, Dan Uslan, Danielle Davis, Danny Chaimson, Darwin Barney, David Brandt, David DeJesus, David DeJesus Foundation, Debi Lilly, Deverra Beverly, DJ DOLO, DJ Flaco, DJ Matt Roan, DJ Nikki, DJ Wags, DJ Will Galvan, DJ Zeke Thomas, Donna Binbek, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Drake Hotel. Jon Recana, Eclipse, Eleanor King, Entrepreneur’s Eve, Eric Hutchinson, Etta James, Evan Brightfield, Evan Ross, Face of the News, Faith Godfrey, Femme Fatale, Frances Renk, Franciscan Community Benefit Services, Franciscan St. James Health, Frank Glab, Frontier Chicago Restaurant, Frost Lighting, Gene Simmons, George Daniels, Gold Coast All Stars, Greg Hyder, H. Foundation, Harold Washington Library, Hennessy Black, Hennessy V.S. New Year’s Eve Takeover Party, Houston Texans, Hugh Hefner, Hyundai Motor America, iAN&ANi, Iman Amy Danielle, JDRF, Jem, Jennifer Bridgeforth, Jennifer Sutton, Jenny Davison, Jesse White Tumbling Team, Joe Don Rooney, Joey Majumdar, Jon Lovitz, Jonathan Cheban, Jorge Niedas, JP Anderson, Judy Ippolito Floral & Event Décor, Julia Jacobs-Sanford, Justin Jacobson, Justin Ross Lee, Keith Hefner, Keith Magee, Kerry Wood, Kim DeJesus, La Voz Kids, Laura Kofoid, Laura Schwartz, Laura Silva, Leah Chavie, LeAnita Ragland-Brooks, Lenny Weiss, Leonard Mogul, Leslie Hindman, Lilu’s Talent Agency, Lindsey Barney, LIV, Liz Abraham, Liz Sung, Loreta Corsetti, Lori Zaitz, Lynn McMahan, Marcas “Mr. Robotic” Harris, March of Dimes, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Margaret O’Connor, Mark Roscoe, Mateo, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, McCormick Place, Michael Kutza, Michael Weiss, Mila Samokhina, Million Dollar Quartet, Misericordia, Misty Callahan, National Public Housing Museum, NBC Universal, Neiman Marcus, New York Observer, New York Post, Newspaper Couture Collection, Nicole Townsend, Nina Mariano, O.A.R., Otis Wilson, Palmer House Hilton, Paul Iacono, Platinum Events, Playboy, Pointe of Departure, Pretentious Pocket, Prince Williams, Project Borderline, Rascal Flatts, Ray Graham Association for People with Disabilities, Regina Lee, Reklama, Respiratory Health Association, Rich Gamble, Rich Varnes, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Robert Mackey, Rose Mandel, Rosemary Fanti, Sam Worley, Samantha Pitello, Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Sarah Wood, Scott Silberberg, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Shari Duffy, Shawn Camp, Shelley Howard, Slum Thug, Special Olympics Illinois, Spider Saloff, Spina Bifida Association of Illinois, Stanley Paul, Star Magazine, Starlin Castro, Stephen Wright, Steve Biossat, Steve Clevenger, Steve Starr, Steve Starr Studios, T.I., TCW Magazine, Telemundo Media, Thaddaeus McAdams, The Cradle Foundation, The Great American Songbook, The Great Frankini, The Headliners, The Joffrey Ballet, The Neville Brothers, The Nutcracker, The Women;s Board, Timbuck2, Tiny, Tom Kehoe, Tony Campana, Tracey Tarantino, Tribeca Flashpoint Academy, Trouble Man: Heavy is the Head, Untitled, Us Weekly, VenueSIX10, Victor Skrebneski, Watch312.com, White House Strategies, Young Jeezy, Ziegler Auto Group, ZZAZZ Productions

December 13, 2012 · 11:15 am

JENNIFER HUDSON & JAMAR ROGERS ROCK THE HOUSE OF BLUES!

…PLUS JHUD/ROGERS WATCH312.COM VIDEO, MEN’S JOURNAL’S “MEN OF THE YEAR,” LOCAL DESIGNERS AND ZZAZZ playCHIC, ART BASEL AND AN ARTIST YOU SHOULD KNOW, A SILVER LINING AND MARCO FOSTER, “NAUGHTY OR NICE,” CHEF ARUN AND AMIE HANA HOST A PARTY, COACH LOVIE AND MARYANNE’S NEW ADDITION, JONNY, JOE, LILY AND ELYSABETH HONORED, WCIU’S “YOU & ME IN THE MORNING,” A WHITE HOUSE CHRISTMAS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Michigan Avenue Magazine celebrated its December holiday issue in grand style with Oscar- and Grammy-winning star Jennifer Hudson along with “The Voice” finalist Jamar Rogers at the House of Blues on Tuesday,
December 4th. The event, entitled “A Hudson Holiday,” featured a performance by Hudson that blew the doors off the place. I can’t imagine the planning that had to go into an event of this size with two stars of this caliber but I do know the emails were flying as I tried to ensure that my
Watch312.com cameras could be there to film this momentous occasion. President/publisher Dan Uslan couldn’t have been more helpful and it was exciting to see him collaborate with editor-in-chief JP Anderson. As I
waited on the red carpet with a ton of other newsies, it was cute to see them joking with each other and mock-rehearsing their speeches for later that night. They are very supportive of one another and it’s good to know this beloved magazine is in such good hands. Another highlight on the red carpet were four Joffrey Ballet dancers: Dressed in beautiful tutus,
they added to the excitement of the evening. One of my cameramen, Alonzo Stallings, was trying to hold his own on the carpet crammed between two other camera people. It did get a little tense since it
seemed there was more media than there was carpet space but everyone cooperated in the end. Channel 7’s Janet Davies had wisely positioned herself at the start of the carpet to ensure she had first dibs on
Jennifer and, sure enough, she was able to spend the most time with her before she was ushered along. JKLS PR’s Jill Katz did a terrific job of keeping everyone happy and, at the same time, ensuring that Jennifer felt comfortable with all of the interviews. Jennifer’s supportive sister, Julia,
walked the red carpet with her and you could feel the love and closeness that these two sisters share. Many times, I saw Jennifer defer to her big sister for questions so she could be included in the interviews. And now let’s talk about
that Weight Watchers program, shall we? Since 2010, Jennifer has kept off the 80 pounds she lost following her pregnancy. She credits WW and her trainer Harley Pasternak for her hot new bod and she
has NEVER looked better! Wearing a 3.1 Phillip Lim skin tight, sequined short dress with goddess-like flowing hair, she brought gasps from the crowd when she came onstage! But before her appearance, charmer Jamar Rogers had already whipped the crowd into a
frenzy singing his hit single “High” that had just dropped on iTunes that day. His inspirational delivery and positive aura filled the room with love and you can bet this Team Cee Lo protégé will be going far! For this invite-only party, Michigan Avenue Magazine requested all guests bring a new unwrapped book or toy that was given to
Chicago children in need through the Julian D. King Gift Foundation. It was a great idea and SUVs were standing by
to collect them as guests entered. With the Joffrey dancers elegantly posed behind them, Dan and JP welcomed the crowd and offered a toast before Jennifer performed. At the end of this blockbuster evening, the magazine presented a check for $10,000 to Jennifer and Julia. It was an
unforgettable memory with an entertainer who told me “I don’t do it for the awards, I do it because I love it.” We were thrilled to
be invited into sponsor Thomas Dent’s (Essentia) VIP Lounge where Moet Hennessy specialty cocktails were flowing. Other sponsors for the evening included 3X Ranch, Hillshire Brands, Motorola Mobility Foundation, United Airlines, Bob Loquercio Autogroup and TR Napa Valley among others. To read more about this exciting night and for more pics, please click here!

http://player.ooyala.com/player.js?width=640&height=360&embedCode=hlNTNsNzrfJbNuWriQsvMZiHCfadvqmJ&videoPcode=h4bTAxOr07tTMKfe-w1HbzyTnrCy

On Thursday night, December 6th, leading men’s lifestyle magazine, Men’s Journal honored the Chicago Men of the Year at their new 4,575-square-foot Gear Lab
Pop-Up Shop, located at 520 N. Michigan Ave., that opened just in time for holiday shoppers seeking gift ideas for the men in their lives. Honorees and attendees included some of
Chicago’s biggest names – Brandon Marshall (Chicago Bears), Scottie Pippen (retired Chicago Bulls superstar), Jeff Garlin (actor/comedian who recently debuted his new show at Steppenwolf
Theater), Grant Achatz (three-star Michelin chef/owner of Alinea), Doug Psaltis (RPM Italian), Luke Donald (PGA golfer), Kerry Wood (former Chicago Cub), Gordon Beckham (Chicago
White Sox), Mark Silverman (Big Ten Network president), RJ Melman (Lettuce Entertain You partner), Matt Smith (IMG agent), Stefan Holt (NBC), Jerry Azumah (former
Chicago Bear and entrepreneur), Jerrod Melman (Lettuce Entertain You partner), AJ Johnson (“Chicagolicious” star), Paul McGee (nationally-acclaimed mixologist), Jon Harris (Sara Lee Corporation), Les Coney (Mesirow Financial), Rob Johnson (CBS),
Bill Zwecker (FOX/Chicago Sun-Times) and Mark Giangreco (ABC). Each was chosen because they not only embody what makes Chicago a great city, but also what the magazine is all about: “an adventurous spirit, confident sense of style, active lifestyle and desire to live the interesting life.” There supporting the men in their lives were adoring wives Larsa Pippen, Sarah
Wood, Diane Donald and Chef Hsing Chen (wife of chef Doug Psaltis), Kathleen Smith, Stacy Johnson, Allie Harris and Morgan Holt, as well as proud moms Martha
Melman and MaryAnne Smith. A venerable who’s who of Windy City tastemakers also stepped out for the private affair including Erica Strama (Shops at Northbridge),
Larry Wert (NBC5), Ryan Baker (CBS2), Catie Keogh (“24/7 Chicago”), Luis Gomez (Chicago Tribune), Marcus Riley (NBCChicago.com), Shelly Menaker (B96), Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink), Dan Uslan (Michigan Avenue Magazine),
Amy Carr (Time Out Chicago), Tarrah Cooper (Mayor’s office) and Laura Schwartz (White House Strategies), among more than 200 others. During the event, Men’s Journal publisher Christopher McLoughlin toasted the honorees and even bantered with Jeff Garlin, who took over the mic and had some fun joking with the
crowd, stating he was actually THE leading man of the year in Chicago, which got huge laughs from Pippen, Marshall and other honorees standing behind him. While sipping on Patron cocktails and enjoying signature passed hors d’oeuvres from RPM Italian,
guests were able to check out the “gear of the year” at the interactive pop-up shop – the only one of its kind in the nation. The Men’s Journal pop-up shop is open through December 23rd, Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. (For more pics, please click here!)

Local designers helped launch Chicago Toy & Game Group Week on November 14th when the runway became a ‘fun-way’ as top models wore one-of-a-kind concept pieces created by some
of Chicago’s most innovative and respected fashion designers. Elda de la Rosa, Nade Baer, Gibeon Tolbert and Miriam Cecilia were each given a toy or game brand as inspiration to create a fashion forward look from head to toe. These designers gladly accepted the challenge given to them by ZZAZZ
Productions, the first playCHIC fashion show producer. Led by the always stylish Tracey Tarantino and her team, the designers stepped up their creativity game to accomplish something that has never been done before. The concept of merging the fashion and gaming world was an
exciting one that ZZAZZ was proud to be a part of. This inaugural event hopes to continue in the future thanks to the positive reactions from the designers, toy/game brands, and the audience. Girls play dress up. Women playCHIC. PlayCHIC fashion concepts were created based on these brands: Settlers of Catan®, one of the fastest-selling board games in the U.S.
with a die-hard cult following of fans including Mark Zuckerberg (founder of Facebook) and Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn); Moshi Monsters®, virtual pet monsters that have already been adopted online by over 65 million kids worldwide!; Word Winder® The Game of Winding Words is a new brand of board games, mobile apps, puzzle books and more
created by the world's most syndicated puzzle creator; Annie®, the beloved musical based on the Tribune comic strip, Little Orphan Annie is back on Broadway with an all-new, star-studded production premiering at the famous Palace Theatre in Times Square on November 8th; Brenda Starr, Reporter™, one of the most popular comic strip
characters-turned-dolls of all time, and a woman noted for being a pioneering fashionista; and Pony Royale®, the award-winning fashion doll line featuring 12 beautiful princess ponies, that delivers open- ended creative play with interchangeable manes, tails and mix-and-match fashions. Tarantino said,“This is the best of the toy inventors and design fields merging and Chicago was the perfect place to stage it! Bravo, Chicago designers!!! They wowed the toy & game industry in great style!” Only in Chicago, baby! Congrats to Tracey, ZZAZZ and all of our talented local designers!!!

I know there are a lot of snowbirds from Chicago who either live in or visit Miami on a regular basis so I thought this Art Basel story about an artist you should know might be of interest!
Miami's cultural leaders gathered at the JW Marriott Hotel Miami on December 3rd for a tribute to the city's arts pioneers who helped transform the community into a global art
destination. “Miami Says ART – The Retrospective” by artist Martin Kreloff attracted more than 100 art lovers to the opening reception, ushering in Art Basel Week. According to
the Miami Herald's visual arts editor Jane Wooldridge, “Art Week Miami has kicked off as perhaps it always should but never has, with a tribute to the city’s arts-loving pioneers. It was something of an Old Home Week scene
Monday morning at the JW Marriott Hotel on Brickell Avenue when a few hundred of Miami’s arts pioneers and current cognoscenti turned up for a reprise of Martin
Kreloff’s 1976 Miami Says Art project. Kreloff first sprang onto the American art scene in Miami in 1976, when he captured Miami’s arts leaders in a pioneering collective portrait series
expressing the passion and emotion of the word “ART” for his first museum solo show “MIAMI SAYS ART.” Many of his paintings found their way into the personal collections of some of the
nation’s most accomplished celebrities including Cary Grant, Joan Crawford, Ann Miller, Esther Williams and Gloria Vanderbilt. His work is held by the New York Museum of Modern Art and
dozens of other prestigious galleries, museums and corporate collections across America. I asked this popular artist what his inspiration is and he said, “My art is inspired by
Warhol, Lichtenstein, Matisse, Disney Studios, Al Hirschfeld and Japanese woodblock prints of the 1800’s; the color of the cities I have lived in…yellows don’t work as well in SF as they do in
Miami or LA but reds glow in SF because of their lavender sky; the people I create portraits for…when I unveil their portrait, and watch them cry, it is a shared moment of bliss. I usually hear ‘you captured my
soul.’ Most of the people I have painted have become my lifelong friends as creating a portrait is such an intimate process for both of us. These are my influences.” City of Miami
Mayor Tomas Regalado presented a proclamation, declaring it “Miami Says Art Week.” Guests included Adolfo Henriques (Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs Council chairman) and
Monty Trainer (executive director and president of the Coconut Grove Arts Festival); Arnold Lehman (director of the Brooklyn Museum); Howard Herring (New World Symphony CEO); John Richard (president/CEO of the Arsht Center); Dr. Carol Damian (director of the Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum at
FIU); and Cathy Leff (Wolfsonian director). Chicagoans visiting this world class art fair included MCA curator Naomi Beckwith, Marilyn and Larry Fields, Eric McKissack, Gary Metzner, Dr. Walter Massey and Watch 305’s Bob “Hatman” Mills. The exhibition also launched
“Miami Says Art-2,” a new cultural time capsule honoring Miami’s New World School of the Arts’ 25th anniversary. “This is a terrific opportunity for our students,” says Dennis Edwards, Foundation Board Chair for the NWSA. “We
are honored to be representing the future in this time-capsule honoring Miami's arts leaders.” (Photos courtesy of Hector Gabino.) Love this town, love its art and love its food! We especially love Sunday brunch at La Piaggia! LOL! (Here’s a shout out to owner Robert Pascal and manager Alex Maufroy – hope to see you soon!)

The A Silver Lining Foundation Auxiliary Board’s 5th Annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Party will be held at Frontier Chicago (located at 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave.) on Thursday, December 13th, from 7 to 10 p.m. The night will include a silent auction (that will include two roundtrip
tickets to anywhere in the U.S. on United Airlines!), door prizes, a live DJ, cocktails and delicious appetizers courtesy of Frontier Chicago. Proceeds will benefit the organization’s “Buy a Mom a Mammogram” program. Tickets are $55 and will be available at the door as well as online here! (For more info about this wonderful organization, please visit www.asilverliningfoundation.org.

Another fabulous “Naughty or Nice” party (this seems to be a popular title!) will be hosted by Marco Foster on Friday, December 21st, from 9 to 11 p.m. at The Underground, located at 56 W. Illinois. Tickets are only $20 (also available at the door) and benefit the American Brain Tumor Association. The invite says “wear white if you’ve been nice and red if you’ve been naughty!” LOL! (For tickets and more info, please click here.)

For the first time in Chicago, all aspects of Thai culture united in celebration of National Father’s Day – an important day in Thai culture – on Wednesday, December 5th, at NV Penthouse Lounge. More than 280 guests attended this event with celebrity host Chef Arun, whose
acclaimed restaurant (Arun’s Thai Restaurant) has been voted the best Thai restaurant in the country. Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit was on hand for hostess duties and renowned photographer Amie Hana (event host with Ladies Night Chicago) took photos of guests in authentic Thai costumes. There
was classical Thai dancing, cooking demos from restaurants that included Dharma Garden,
Jitlada Thai House, TAC Quick and Lovely Thai and live performances by PopRockJazz Band, Jovie Calma and DJ Corey Sanford. Guests included Benjamin Cottrell, Laura Silva, Aya
Jackson, Gloria Santiago, Jovie Calma, Shari Duffy, Mark Roscoe, Shannon Ihrke, Joe Paciorek, Sophie Williams, Michael Jewula, Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Meiling Jin, Sesamir Yearby and Dan Hahn among others. (To view more pics from this fun event, please click here!)

Congrats (and good news!) is in order for the family of Coach Lovie Smith: MaryAnne and Lovie are Glam-Parents, thanks to son Matt and daughter-in-law Kathleen’s new bundle of joy! Jack Smith was born on 11/29 and is already stealing hearts wherever he goes! Congrats to ALL and welcome to the world, Baby Jack!

More congrats for a beloved friend, Joe Aguilera! We all remember him from his time at the Elysian but now he has a big, brand new job as hotel manager of the Langham Chicago, a 316-room luxury hotel slated to open in the summer of 2013 at 330 N. Wabash Ave. We can’t wait to visit and celebrate this wonderful new addition to Chicago’s hot hotel scene! Congrats Joe and see YOU soon!

Happy 30th anniversary to Lily’s Talent Agency! They joined forces with The Foundation of Artist Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) and The Drake Hotel for this big celebration that was held in the Palm Court recently. Guests from Chicago’s advertising community, casting
agencies, models and talent attended this event that raised funds for struggling artists’ scholarships. Sadly, this was the last event covered by our beloved Steve Starr…hope you were able to make it to his celebration on 12/12/12.

Founder of Imerman Angels and cancer survivor Jonny Imerman is receiving another much deserved honor. Produced by James Payton and Icon Productions, “An Evening Honoring Jonny Imerman” will be held on Friday, December 14th, from 7 to
10 p.m. at the Allerton Hotel’s Tip-Top-Tap Ballroom, located at 701 N. Michigan Ave. Jonny’s non-profit organization matches anyone seeking cancer support with a Mentor Angel. Mentor Angels are cancer survivors (or survivors’ caregivers) who are the same age, gender, and who, most importantly, have experienced the same type of cancer as the person they are matched with to offer walking,
talking, living proof and inspiration that cancer can be beaten. The event will feature a special program highlighting Jonny’s service to the cancer community, a guest appearance by football legend Mike Ditka,
hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and live entertainment. Tickets are $50 each ($60 at the door) with all proceeds benefiting Imerman Angels. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)

Don’t forget the fabulous Randolph Street Market’s Holiday Market will be at Plumber’s Hall, located at 1340 W. Washington, on Saturday and Sunday, December 14th and 15th. You’ll find a great mix of vintage, antique and modern gift ideas plus FREE gift wrapping! I’ll see you there! (For ticket and more info, please click here!)

A big shout out and thank you to WCIU’s “You & Me in the Morning” for having me back on their fabulous show on December 7th. Co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman, along with executive producer Rob Morhaim, Aly Bockler and Art “Chat Daddy” Sims couldn’t make guests feel more at home! Watch for a brand new set coming soon! I will be returning to the show on 12/28 so I hope you'll tune in for my top NYE party suggestions! And, if you missed my segment, tune in below!

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Have a great week and I hope to see you here again next week! If you are planning any holiday shopping, please check out some of my ideas on GlossedandFound.com! (Thanks to G&F Creative/Editorial Director Graham Kostic for including me!) Ho Ho Ho!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas gift, check out Sotheby’s auction house in New York! They will be offering the iconic “Casablanca” piano played by Sam in the Paris flashback scene at the La Belle Aurore café on December 14th. While Sam (actor Dooley Wilson) sings “As Time Goes By,” Rick and Ilsa lean on the piano drinking champagne and outside, Paris prepares for the imminent arrival of the German army. Clinking glasses with Ilsa, Rick utters the now famous line: “Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.” The estimate for this lot
(#1) is $800K to $1.2 million…that’s a lotta piano! (For more info, click here!)

P.P.S. Last but not least, it was a very “Bo” Christmas for the Obamas this year! Their Christmas card featured their loveable, lucky dog romping in the snow…awwwwww! 🙂

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Tagged as 3.1 Phillip Lim, 3X Ranch, A Hudson Holiday, A Silver Lining Foundation, Adolfo Henriques, AJ Johnson, Alex Maufroy, Allerton Hotel Tip-Top-Tap Ballroom, Allie Harris, Alonzo Stallings, Aly Bockler, American Brain Tumor Association, Amie Hana, Amy Carr, An Evening with Jonny Imerman, Ann Miller, Annie, Arnold Lehman, Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, Art Basel, Aya Jackson, Bill Zwecker, Bo Obama, Bob “Hatman” Mills, Bob Loquercio Autogroup, Brandon Marshall, Brenda Starr, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Cary Grant, Cathy Leff, Catie Keogh, Cee Lo Green, Chef Arun, Chef Hsing Chen, Chicago Men of the Year, Chicago Toy and Game Group Week, Christopher McLoughlin, Coach Lovie Smith, Dan Hahn, Dan Uslan, Dennis Edwards, Dharma Garden, Diane Donald, DJ Corey Sanford. Benjamin Cottrell, Dooley Wilson, Doug Psaltis, Dr. Carol Damian, Dr. Walter Massey, Drake Hotel, elda de la rosa, Elysian Hotel, Eric McKissack, Erica Strama, Essentia, Esther Williams, Frontier Chicago, Gary Metzner, Gloria Santiago, Gloria Vanderbilt, GlossedandFound.com, Gobeon Tolbert, Gordon Beckham, Graham Kostic, Grant Achatz, Harley Pasternak, Hector Gabino, Hillshire Brands, House of Blues, Howard Herring, Icon Productions, Imerman Angels, Jack Smith, Jamar Rogers, James Payton, Jane Wooldridge, Janet Davies, Jeanne Sparrow, Jeff Garlin, Jennifer Hudson, Jerry Azumah, Jill Katz, Jitlada Thai House, JKLS PR, Joan Crawford, Joe Aguilera, Joe Paciorek, Joffrey Ballet, Jon Harris, Jonny Imerman, Jovie Calma, JP Anderson, Julia Hudson, Julian D. King Gift Foundation, JW Marriott Hotel Miami, Kathleen Smith, Kerry Wood, La Piaggia, Ladies Night Chicago, Langham Chicago, Larry Fields, Larry Wert, Larsa Pippen, Laura Schwartz, Laura Silva, Les Coney, Lily’s Talent Agency, Lindsay Avner, Luis Gomez, Luke Donald, Marco Foster, Marcus Riley, Marilyn Fields, Marisa Buchheit, Mark Giangreco, Mark Roscoe, Mark Silverman, Martha Melman, Martin Krelogg, MaryAnne Smith, Matt Smith, Meiling Jin, Melissa Forman, Men’s Journal, Men’s Journal Gear Lab Pop-Up Shop, Miami Herald, Miami Says ART – The Retrospective, Michael Jewula, Michigan Avenue Magazine, Mike Ditka, Miriam Cecilia, Moet Hennessy, Monty Trainer, Morgan Holt, Moshi Monsters, Motorola Mobility Foundation, Nade Maer, Naomi Beckwith, National Father’s Day, Naughty or Nice Holiday Party, New World School of the Arts, NV Penthouse Lounge, Paul McGee, playCHIC, Pony Royale, PopRockJazz Band, President Obama, Randolph Street Market Holiday Market, Rob Johnson, Rob Morhaim, Robert Pascal, RPM Italian, Ryan Baker, Sandy Smith-Doghmi, Sarah Wood, Scottie Pippen, Sesamir Yearby, Settlers of Catan, Shannon Ihrke, Shari Duffy, Shelly Menaker, Sophie Williams, Sotheby’s Casablanca, Stacy Johnson, Stefan Holt, Steve Starr, TAC Quick and Lovely Thai, Tarrah Cooper, The Foundation of Artist Mentored in Entertainment, The Underground, The Voice, Thomas Dent, Tomas Regalado, TR Napa Valley, Tracey Tarantino, United Airlines, WCIU, Weight Watchers, Word Winder, You & Me in the Morning, ZZAZZ Productions

August 16, 2012 · 10:34 am

PLAYBOY DOMINATES GLAMOURCON 53!

…PLUS FIELD MUSEUM’S SUMMER SOIREE, FESTA ITALIANA, CHICAGO STATE UNIVERSITY AWARD GALA, DIANE LANE STARS AT GOODMAN, ETIQUETTE FOR ALL, RACHEL IS GETTING HITCHED, WINDY CITY LIVE!, A SPECIAL BEAR HUG, BARBARA BATES NEW IDEA FOR FASHION, LOTS OF EVENT NEWS AND SO MUCH MORE!

Glamourcon 53 featured Playboy Playmates (past and present), Playboy Cyber girls and Special Edition models plus pin-ups and it was great seeing some of my fellow Playmates like Janis Schmitt, who was also a Bunny with me at the St. Louis Playboy Club. Patti McGuire, Janis and I were all friends at this wonderful club back in the ‘70s and I’m happy to say we all remain close today. Such is the story for most Playmates I know – their friendships are lasting due to shared experiences and I saw lots of new Playmates making friends-for-life at this weekend affair founded by Bob Schultz. Until I interviewed Bob, I never really knew how Glamourcon, in this format, began. He recounted that for years the event didn’t include Playboy Playmates until Hef walked in one day and “his whole world changed.” Hef walked around the show and commented, “You need Playmates!” and Bob said, “Do you know anyone who could help me with this?” and the rest, as they say, is history. The show now centers around Playmates who are well represented from every era including the early ‘50s, when Playboy first began, to this year’s latest double centerfold Playmates, Beth Williams (8/12) and Shelby Chesnes (7/12), who both busily took photos and signed autographs for the fans. For the first time ever, the opportunity to “Shoot a Centerfold” was presented by two legends of Playboy, Jeff Cohen (former Special Editions Editor) and Gary Cole (former longtime photo director), where they offered amateur photogs the chance to shoot Playmates in lingerie. This event also included a party bus downtown to The Joynt on Saturday night where guests could mix and mingle at this local nightclub with the Playmates. It was a great idea which gave many fans the opportunity to remove a “bucket list wish item” according to Jeff. I love this event, not only because it gives me a chance to see my “sorority sisters” but also because it has the best fans! They are all very knowledgeable and interested in Playboy and its history plus, sometimes, they bring you memorabilia that you never knew existed: Last year, a fan brought a foreign Playboy double cover of mine that I never knew was even published! This year, I received flowers…it’s a fun event for all involved and I can’t wait till the next Glamourcon in Long Beach on November 10th and 11th. (For more info, please visit www.Glamourcon.com or call 425-821-1760. (And a special shout-out to super fans Wil Rivers – who couldn’t make it this year – Larry Armstrong, John O’Neill and our friend from “Support Playboy” – all great Playmate Friends! Seen on the scene were Liz Glazowski (4/80), Amelia Talon (6/12), Jessa Hinton (7/11), Tracy Vaccaro (10/83), Titania Lynn (pin-up), Carlotta Champagne (pin-up), Miss Taylor Wane (adult film star), Seka (vintage adult film star), Vanna Marie (model/actress), Princess Doll (former Guinness Book of World Record holder for largest natural breasts!?!), Patrice Hollis (9/07), Kimberly Spicer (6/99), Ava Fabian (8/86), Cathy St. George (8/82), Deanna Baker (5/72), Heather Knox (1/12), Julie Cialini (1995 Playmate of the Year), Helena Antonaccio (6/69), Kerri Kendall (9/90), Janis Schmitt (2/78), Lorraine Michaels (4/81) and Victoria Valentino (9/63) among many others. (Note: This year's Playmate attendance was down due to the fact that Hef's Midsummer Night's Dream Party at the Mansion in LA was held that Saturday night…glad to know the legend lives on and is still having fun!) To view ALL event pics on Chicago Now, please click here!

The Field Associates of the Field Museum hosted their annual Summer Soiree, co-chaired by Melissa Genova and Katie Sassaman, on the Stanley Field Hall Balcony July 19th. Prospective Field Associates were invited to join active members for this fun evening co-hosted by the Field Museum President’s Leadership Council. More than 100 guests enjoyed not only cocktails and hors d’oeuvres but the opportunity to learn from the museum’s Department of Environment, Culture and Conservation how birds use their bills and adapt to their food sources plus lots of other interesting factoids. Guests also got a chance to tour the museum’s newest permanent exhibit, “Restoring Earth.” This total immersion experience allowed visitors to see conservation efforts from Chicago to South America, to Pacific coral reefs and points in between through the use of huge, breathtaking visuals. (If you haven’t seen this exhibit, it is a must-see!) Partygoers also dressed up in various types of field gear, such as fire suits (used in prairie burns) and hip waders, vests and binoculars (used in wetland surveys) to snap fun pics in the photo booth. Guests seen on the scene included Ryan Tiojanco, Laurie Penalber, Carlin Geremias, Kelsey Phillips, Andrew Critchell, Kelsey Tolmie, Jessie Zhang, Field Museum President/CEO John McCarter, Jeff Korzenik, Jeff Havsy, Jennifer Nolan, Sam Baker, Emily Spector, Sarah Lichtenstein (Field Associates President) and Field Museum Trustee Dave Tolmie. This event’s mission was to engage Chicago’s next generation of civic leaders at The Field Museum. Associates are 21 to 35 years old and share a common desire to learn about, support and advance the Museum’s mission: exploring the Earth and its people. For more info, please click here!

I'd never been to Festa Italiana but according to locals, this was the year to go since it was bigger and better than ever! Produced by Vasta & Associates, this year's 6th Annual Taylor Street Festa Italiana had something for everyone, attracted more than 50,000 during its four day run and was bigger by five blocks. The multiple stages showcased talents that included Moreno Fruzzetti, Tony Spavone, Dominic Mantuano, Aaron Caruso and Packy Angelo Ciaravino. The line-up of pop and rock entertainment included "Chicago's Entertainer" Ron Hawking, Hair Bangers Ball, The Legendary Drifters, Mike & Joe, Liquid Soul, Acoustic Generation, Your Villain My Hero, This Must Be The Band, Jaw Potato, Peter Guerin, John Vincent, Ten Foot Tail, Breakfast Club and Hot Sauce Committee. A fabulous fashion show presented by ZZAZZ Productions' Tracey DiBuono featured all local designers and included exquisite collections from Kate Boggiano, Cettina, Mark Roscoe Design, Loreta Corsetti, Couture Millinery, Paul Sisti Creations, Mona Lisa Boutique and Silver Elements, a jewelry line from accessory designer Marla Lenza Zegart and The Lovehammers' Marty Casey. This was a fabulous production, as only ZZAZZ can do, and had the large crowd cheering with every model run. "I was thrilled to see Festa Italiana Chicago salute Italian food, singers, family and fashion done in a professional production with a salute to Chicago's talented Italian Americans in the fashion industry. From Milan to Taylor Street, they walked in great style," said DiBuono. Fun activities included a grape stomping competition, a meatball eating contest (hosted by presenting sponsors Turano Baking Company and Fontanini) and a bocce ball tournament. Giancarlo Turano II presided over the meatball eating contest with a female participant downing the most sandwiches (eight!) in just two minutes! The food stands were out-of-this-world with pizza, pasta, pork chop sandwiches, Italian-style corn on the cob (parmesan cheese and butter!), steamed clams, gelato, meatball sandwiches, Italian beef and sausage sandwiches, Italian ice, grilled calamari and all of the wine and beer you could drink! There were also stands carrying toys for the kids, jewelry, handmade clothing and handbags among many other offerings. A portion of the proceeds benefitted the University Village Association, a non-profit dedicated to improving the economic and residential development of the neighborhood. I was thrilled to be there covering this magical festival for my show, "Candid Candace Chicago," on Chicago's ONLY online network, Watch312.com! (Stay tuned for a fun segment!) Special thanks to Rebecca Kussmann (Bettie Bomb PR) and Stephanie Krol (SKPR) for bringing this lively event to my attention – you can bet I won't miss it NEXT year! (Photos by Robert Milkovich and, for more pics, please click here!)

The Friends of Chicago State University will be hosting their 18th annual Friends of CSU Award Gala on Thursday, September 20,th at the Hyatt Regency Chicago (located at 151 E. Wacker) with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner at 7 p.m. This year’s honorees are Women in the Business of Transforming Lives and the deserving ladies are Valerie Van Meter (Corporate Honoree) and Stella Foster (Community Honoree). FOX Chicago’s Robin Robinson will emcee and Terisa Griffin will perform. For tickets and more info, please visit www.csu.edu/fo
undation/ or call 773.995.3839.

Last year, beloved designer Barbara Bates filled the room for her 25th anniversary in business at her annual Barbara Bates Foundation Fashion Show and this year will be no different with reservations already flying out the door! After being diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Barbara has extended her philanthropic reach to support the cause of breast cancer research and treatment so this year, her show will feature her gorgeous designs on models who are also breast cancer survivors. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lynn Cancer Research Foundation and Mt. Sinai Hospital; additionally, she will continue her support of students by providing prom attire. I hope to see you at Prentice Women’s Hospital at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 28th, from 2 to 6 p.m. For tickets and more info, phone 312.808.8091 or vist www.barbarabatesfoundation.org.

There she was, standing at the sink with chicken juice all over her fingers and in a crappy mood, when he came back from Costco and announced he’d bought a gift for himself – a sub-woofer for their home theater system. She thought, “Just GREAT!” and continued to decimate the chicken…until he said, “I got a gift for you, too.” As Rachel Schwanz turned around, she saw her boyfriend of two years, Chef James David De Marte, go down on one knee offering her a tiny box. As she pulled her hands OUT of the chicken, she asked, “You’re doing this now?!” He did indeed propose and squeezed the ring onto her salmonella-covered finger amid many tears of joy. As Rachel said, “It’s classic that a chef proposed to me in the kitchen, of course!” I adore both of these successful, dedicated and beloved people and wish them a lifetime of happiness! They will have a small wedding in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, on April 20, 2013…Mrs. Rachel De Marte sounds really, really good, don’t you think? Congrats to you two lovebirds!

Save the date, Monday, September 24th, for the Goodman Theatre’s Season Opening Benefit which will feature a performance of “Sweet Bird of Youth” by Tennessee Williams, directed by David Cromer and starring Diane Lane and Finn Wittrock. The night will begin with cocktails and dinner at the Standard Club (located at 320 S. Plymouth Ct.), followed by an 8 p.m. performance at the Goodman Theatre (located at 170 N. Dearborn). Benefit honorees are Sandra P. Guthman (President of Polk Bros. Foundation) and Nikki Will Stein (Executive Director of the Polk Bros. Foundation) and the event will be co-chaired by Vicki Hood and Carol Prins. For tickets, starting at $500, or more info, please call 312.443.3811 (ext. 586) or email KatieFrient@GoodmanTheatre.org.

Everyone needs to know some etiquette skills and, sadly, from what I’m seeing lately, not everyone has been taught these all important life skills. But, happily, Akilah Easter is ready and waiting to teach us! “People always tell us to act like a lady, but what if we were never taught just HOW to act like one?” said Easter. With 15 years of her life immersed in etiquette and charm schools, she is uniquely qualified to help. EtiquetteFemme is a new charm and etiquette school coming to Chicago that will offer 1-Day Adult, Teenage, Mother/Daughter and Father/Son courses which will focus on topics that include beauty, charm, fashion, manners, general etiquette and more. Classes are $75 for a 3.5-hour course. For more info, please call 312.593.0879 or visit www.EtiquetteFemme.com.

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a weekend of activities that will include a Centennial Gala Dinner Dance on Saturday, September 8th at the Intercontinental Chicago, located at 505 N. Michigan Avenue. The weekend will honor Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal, M.D. (Discovery Award), Henrietta Lacks (Posthumous Recipient), Ruth Rothstein (Public Health) and Dr. David Feinberg (Leadership Award). For tickets ($200) and more info, please click here!

What a thrill it was to return to ABC’s "Windy City Live" recently to talk about Glamorama! Val Warner and I chatted in the Living Room about what to expect at the city’s biggest fashion extravaganza which you will also see on Watch312.com…coming soon! Also, please tune into WGN radio at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, August 17th, when I return for a segment with fabulous host John St. Augustine! I’ll be talking about all things Chicago so I hope you’ll listen AND call me at 312.591.7200. 🙂

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Beauty secret alert!! My friend Janet Lupo (Playboy’s Miss November 1975), besides being drop dead gorgeous, has always been known for her unbelievably soft, glowing skin. So much so, that she was recently approached by a company to bottle her secret! So, happily, her Fountain of Youth Body Oil is now available online – I can’t wait to try it and will let you know the outcome! Good luck, Janet!

I know these are called the dog days of summer but I’m not giving up yet! We have too many places to go and too many things to do! Hope you’re enjoying every minute of it!

Love, as always,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Eleven-year old Austin Smith loves to dance! He takes classes at The Joffrey Ballet and, very recently, became a very young philanthropist: He donated proceeds from his entire birthday party (amounting to $500) to sponsor the Bear Hug of a young girl who will now be attending a Nutcracker performance thanks to Austin’s love and generosity! What a very special young man! (The Bear Hugs Program supports current cancer patients (ages 0 –19), as well as their immediate families, who face the many challenges that accompany the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric cancer. To find out how YOU can help too, please visit www.BearNecessities.org.

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Tagged as Aaron Caruso, Acoustic Generation, Akilah Easter, Amelia Talon, Andrew Critchell, Austin Smith, Ava Fabian, Barbara Bates, Barbara Bates Foundation Fashion Show, Bear Necessities, Beat Hugs Program, Beth Williams, Bettie Bomb PR, Bob Schultz, Breakfast Club, Candace Jordan, Candid Candace, Candid Candace Chicago, Carlin Geremias, Carlotta Champagne, Carol Prins, Cathy St. George, Centennial Gala Dinner Dance, Cettina, Chef James David De Marte, Couture Millinery, Dave Tolmie, David Cromer, Deanna Baker, Diane Lane, Dominic Mantuano, Dr. David Feinberg, Emily Spector, EtiquetteFemme, Festa Italiana, Field Associates of the Field Museum, Finn Wittrock, Fontanini, Fountain of Youth Body Oil, Friends of Chicago State University, Friends of CSU Award Gala, Gary Cole, Giancarlo Turano II, Glamorama, Glamourcon 53, Goodman Theater, Hair Bangers Ball, Heather Knox, Hef, Helena Antonaccio, Henrietta Lacks, Hot Sauce Committee, Hugh Hefner, Janet Lupo, Janis Schmitt, Jaw Potato, Jeff Cohen, Jeff Havsy, Jeff Korzenik, Jennifer Nolan, Jessa Hinton, Jessie Zhang, Joffrey Ballet, John McCarter, John O’Neill, John St. Augustine, John Vincent, Julie Cialini, Kate Boggiano, Katie Sassaman, Kelsey Phillips, Kelsey Tolmie, Kerri Kendall, Kimberly Spicer, Larry Armstrong, Laurie Penalber, Liquid Soul, Liz Glazowski, Loreta Corsetti, Lorraine Michaels, Lynn Cancer Research Foundation, Mark Roscoe Design, Marla Lenza Zegart, Marty Casey, Melissa Genova, Midsummer Night’s Dream Party, Mike & Joe, Miss Taylor Wane, Mona Lisa Boutique, Moreno Fruzzetti, Mt. Sinai Hospital, My Hero, Packy Angelo Ciaravino, Patrice Hollis, Patti McGuire, Paul Sisti Creations, Peter Guerin, Playboy, Playboy Plamates, Princess Doll, Rachel Schwanz, Rear Admiral Susan Blumenthal M.D., Rebecca Kussmann, Restoring Earth, Robin Robinson, Ron Hawking, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Ruth Rothstein, Ryan Tiojanco, Sam Baker, Sandra P. Guthman, Sarah Lichtenstein, Season Opening Benefit, Seka, Shelby Chesnes, Shoot a Centerfold, Silver Elements, SKPR, Stella Foster, Stephanie Kroll, Summer Soiree, Support Playboy, Sweet Bird of Youth, Taylor Street Festa Italiana, Ten Foot Tail, Tennessee Williams, Terisa Griffin, The Joynt, The Legendary Drifters, The Lovehammers, This Must Be The Band, Titania Lynn, Tony Spavone, Tracey DiBuono, Tracy Vaccaro, Turano Baking Company, University Village Association, Val Warner, Valerie Van Meter, Vanna Marie, Vasta & Associates, Vicki Hood, Victoria Valentino, Watch312.com, WGN, Wil Rivers, Windy City Live, Women in the Business of Transforming Lives, Your Villain, ZZAZZ Productions

June 13, 2012 · 9:39 am

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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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 9, 2012 · 3:30 pm

GENE & GEORGETTI’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY BASH!

…PLUS FANTASY NIGHT AT THE LYRIC, COMMON THREAD’S NEW PARTY, DUSTY, TONI AND NENA HOST HAL, JERRY ROPER’S AWARD, THODOS CELEBRATES 20TH, CS MAGAZINE’S COOL PAGE, A NEW WATCH312 VIDEO AND MORE!

There are not many restaurants around town that can boast about a 70th anniversary party but this was happily the case with steakhouse icon, Gene & Georgetti’s. On Sunday evening January 29th, this venerable restaurant celebrated in grand fashion at Park West with a by-invite-only party for more than 300 friends, family, staff and regulars. The evening, produced expertly by Michelle Durpetti (Michelle Durpetti Events), started off with an hour-long film by Loudbyte Cinematography that included regulars, Chicago notables and family on camera discussing the restaurant’s history and never-before-heard stories. Opening the film was longtime regular Terry “Whitey” Pearson and Charles Herrick. Other “stars” included Phil Stefani (who catered the event), Bobby Hatoff (Allen Bros. supplies the meat to the restaurant), Rich Melman, Dominic DiFrisco, Phil Hanahan, Peter Wright, David Lissner, Lee Flaherty and Vince Conroy among many others. Marion and Tony Durpetti are second generation owners (Marion’s dad, Gene Michelotti, founded the restaurant with a partner) and throughout the film, family and friends recounted tales of this beloved spot. DiFrisco spoke about the time Yankees Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio planned a dinner at the restaurant…but first, he had an aide find out whether or not there were photos of Marilyn Monroe on the wall and, if there were, that they were removed before he came. (Her loss was too raw for him to bear.) There was also a story about Lucille Ball: She had asked if she could have her "Mame" premiere party at the restaurant on Saturday night (which would mean closing the restaurant) and Gene said no. She settled for Sunday and the next thing you know, she marched herself in and wanted to meet the man who said “no.” The premiere party WAS planned at the restaurant and a 5’ X 4’ photo of her – autographed in her own red lipstick – hangs on the wall to this day. Michelle had so many exciting plans for the night including partnering with Tracey Tarantino (ZZazz Productions) to have “legends of the stage and screen” make appearances at the party. I saw Elton, Elvis, Madonna, Tina Turner (aka Darcy DiBuono), Lady Gaga, Prince and Dolly circulating throughout the crowd. Michelle also surprised her parents onstage with a custom- created cake by Tipsy Cake lit with sparklers for their 43rd wedding anniversary. Sugar Chic Designs hosted a delectable “movie concession stand” filled with themed sweets (like miniature chocolate Academy Awards) and Garrett’s Popcorn. After the film, Sway Chicago performed a big band-style set followed by a dazzling, live theatrical number by ZZazz Productions. To the dancing crowd’s delight, a confetti cannon blast signaled the last hour of the evening as DJ Brent Rolland of Fig Media kicked off the evening’s grand finale. There were beautiful floral arrangements by Exquisite Designs as well as a red carpet for photo ops. It was such a memorable evening for everyone who loves this restaurant and this wonderful Durpetti family who have done so much to keep Chicago on the map but also to see the love and power of a caring family and their loyal staffers. Long may they reign! (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to see a clip from the film by Loudbyte, please click here.) Also, check out my coverage of this amazing evening for Watch312.com below!

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It is always an elegant evening at the Lyric Opera but for their 28th Fantasy of the Opera Gala, it was “A Night Under the Czars” for this Russian-themed evening that attracted more than 500 guests. Event Creative designed a night of wonder with ice sculptures of Faberge eggs, frosted glass table chandeliers, golden branches dripping with crystal strands and white peacocks overlooking the Grand Foyer from the Mezzanine. Guests enjoyed Moscow Mule cocktails, champagne and other refreshments while they bid electronically on the extensive silent auction items expertly coordinated by auction chairman Julie Anne Benson. Before a seated dinner by Limelight Catering, top Chicago restaurants provided gourmet tastings. (Participating restaurants included Carnivale, Coco Pazzo, Devon Seafood Grill, Il Mulino, N9NE, Prosecco, Province, Vera and more.) I was thrilled to be a guest of Board Member and Gold Sponsor Ken Norgan and his group of friends that included Jose “Pepe” Conforme, Leslie Hindman, Helen Melchior, Mary Ann Rose and Heinz Kern, Cynthia and Rich Varnes, George Jewell and Karen Harding. Emceed by General Director Anthony Freud, the Fantasy Cabaret performance featured 14 stars of the Lyric’s current and previous seasons. Philip Kraus did a hysterical rendition of Noel Coward’s “Don’t Put Your Daughter on the Stage, Mrs. Worthington” and David Cangelosi, who sang Billy Joel’s “Piano Man,” had the crowd joining in on the chorus. We dined like czars and czarinas in boxes 28 and 30 with glowing “Faberge” eggs as centerpieces after the Fantasy Cabaret performance. Chair of the event, Nancy Temple, along with her co-chair Courtney Rosen, welcomed the crowd and Linda Pedian (of American Airlines, the Lyric’s official airline) was the raffle sponsor. (Allison Alexander was Raffle Chairman.) For the first time, Lyric Young Professionals joined in the festivities and enjoyed an exclusive Russian-themed dinner in The Sarah and Peer Pedersen Room by Jewell Events Catering. This LYP event was chaired by Aleksandra Efimova, who had this to say: “As a LYP gala chair and being born in St. Petersburg, Russia, it was a true honor to share the beauty and richness of Russian culture with the gala guests. This event was another important step to strengthen understanding, communication and interest between the U.S. and Russia—something I strongly and passionately believe in.” Other evening sponsors included Guild Board President David Ormesher (whose company, Closerlook, was the presenting sponsor), Donna Van Eekeren, Richard and Susan Kiphart, Elaine and Allan Muchin, Maura Ann McBreen, Bob Finke and Alan Schriesheim among others. Also seen in the crowd were Meg Caswell (a recent HGTV "Design Star" winner) as well as Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka. The evening ended on a sweet note with Blommer Chocolate, e.leaven Food Company, Katherine Anne Confections, Sprinkles Cupcakes and Terry’s Toffee providing dessert treats. All of the Lyric singers stayed around for the after-party taking pix of each other while dancing to Ken Arlen’s Indigo. The Fantasy evening raised more than $470,000 for Lyric programming.

The 20th anniversary party for Thodos Dance Chicago was a return to the roaring ‘20s at their annual Gala on January 28th at the Cultural Center. Legendary Broadway and film veteran, Tony Award-winning choreographer and frequent Thodos collaborator Ann Reinking mixed and mingled with more than 250 of her Chicago fans and the company’s top supporters as Honorary Chair. The evening raised more than $85K for the non-profit Thodos Dance Chicago, a 20-year-old contemporary dance company. One of the evening’s most exciting revelations was the announcement that “Beneath the White City Lights: The Making of an American Ballet Story” by Emmy Award-winning producer Chris Olsen, a half-hour documentary about the making of TDC’s current signature dance, “The White City: Chicago’s Columbian Exposition of 1893,” co-choreographed by Reinking and Thodos in 2010, would make its broadcast debut on WTTW-TV, Channel 11 on Thursday, February 23 at 10:30 p.m. The evening also included a surprise video tribute to founder Melissa Thodos, “20 Years in 20 Minutes,” as well as the always popular “Dancing with the Thodos Stars,” an inspiring performance by the Thodos/Menomonee Club Youth Ensemble, pre-dinner cabaret music courtesy of Tommy Hensel and Dan Stetzel, dancing to the Swing Assembly orchestra plus a sit-down dinner, silent auction and a wine roulette. If you haven’t seen this company perform, then you are missing out on some incredibly dedicated and talented dancers. (Stay tuned for more exciting Thodos news in my next blogazine!)

Common Threads will be hosting its first Bright Threads event on Sunday, March 11th at the James Hotel. The benefit will be hosted by Gail Simmons, “Top Chef” judge and Food & Wine magazine director, and will include a chance to attend an intimate VIP book signing and cocktail hour with Gail before the start of the main event. This party will be a seated family-style coursed dinner served on communal tables with the CT Small Threads working alongside the participating chefs to prep, cook and serve. VIP tickets are $500 and general admission tickets are $250. To purchase tickets and for more info, please email Eleanor@commonthreads.org or call 312.329.2501.

The Annie B. Brown Foundation will host an inaugural Gospel Concert on Thursday, March 29th, during Colon Cancer Awareness Month to raise awareness of the benefits of colon cancer screenings. Proceeds raised will be donated to the Loretto Hospital Foundation to carry out screenings and educate people on the risks of this disease. The program, which will be emceed by Dr. Sandy Goldberg at Biagio’s at 4242 N. Central, will include a silent auction, dinner and performances by church choirs as well as Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Darius Brooks. For tickets and more info, please visit www.abbfoundation.org or call 630.765.2886.

Hal Rubenstein, fashion director
of InStyle magazine, will have a busy two days when he is in town on March 13th and 14th. Dusty Stemer and Toni Canada will host a party at Blake, located at 212 W. Chicago Ave., on Tuesday, March 13th, from 4 – 7 p.m., to celebrate Rubenstein’s new book, “100 Unforgettable Dresses.” (RSVP to 312.202.0047.) The following day, Toni, Dusty and Nena Ivon will host a conversation with Hal for the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum as he discusses his book and the Fall 2012 collections from the runways of NY, Paris and Milan. This event will be moderated by Susanna Negovan at the Casino, located at195 E. Delaware, beginning at 11:30 am. Tickets are $75. Please RSVP to Wendy Schiller at 312.799.2113.

Congrats to civic leader Jerry Roper for being honored by Mayor Rahm Emanuel with the Chicago Gateway Green Urbs in Horto (city in a garden) Award for his commitment to the greening and beautification of Chicago. The event raised more than $1.1 million for a nine-mile Kennedy Expressway Enhancement Project. As President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce and a founding member of Gateway Green, Roper led the formation of Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, an affiliate of the Chamber. The Governor proclaimed the Kennedy/Edens Expressway Junction the Gerald J. Roper Gateway and the Mayor proclaimed January 25th as “Gerald J. Roper Day.” He is also known as an outspoken advocate of public transportation, including aviation, rapid transit and high-speed rail. His aviation advocacy includes service on the National Commission to Ensure Consumer Choice and Information in the Aviation Industry as an appointee of House Speaker Dennis Hastert in 2002. He is also a founding member of Business Leaders for Transportation, which focuses on the various forms of transit and transportation that businesses and their employees use every day. Congrats Jerry and thanks for your dedication to this beautiful city!

Huge congrats to Nina and Bob Mariano (Roundy’s and Mariano’s Fresh Market) who will be ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Friday morning! Too cool for words but I tried!

And finally, a big thank you to CS Magazine for the full page feature about Watch312.com in this month’s issue! And thanks to amazing photographer Anthony Tahlier for his expertise!

Well, that’s it for this week and I hope your team won the Super Bowl! And, did we like Madonna? As far as commercials, my favorites were the Audi vampires and the little dog, “Here, Weego,” for Bud Light…but then you know I’m a sucker for doggie commercials. I especially loved the Facebook shout out at the end for rescue dogs…nice!

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Congrats are also in order for author Beth Aldrich! Her new book, “Real Moms Love to Eat,” received rave reviews recently at Michigan Shore Club in Wilmette. (Pic by Mila Samokhina.)

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Tagged as 100 Unforgettable Dresses, A Night Under the Czars, Alan Schriesheim, Aleksandra Efimova, Allan Muchin, Allen Bros., Allison Alexander, American Airlines, Ann Reinking, Annie B. Brown Foundation, Anthony Freud, Anthony Thalier, Audi, Beneath the White City Lights: The Making of an American Ballet Story, Beth Aldrich, Billy Joel, Blommer Chocolate, Bob Finke, Bob Mariano, Bobby Hatoff, Bright Threads, Bud Light, Carnivale, Casino, Charles Herrick, Chicago Gateway Green, Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center, Chris Olsen, Closerlook, Coco Pazzo, Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Common Threads, Courtney Rosen, CS Magazine, Cynthia Varnes, Dan Stetzel, Darcy DiBuono, Darius Brooks, David Cangelosi, David Lissner, David Ormesher, Design Star, Devon Seafood Grill, DJ Brent Rolland, Dolly Parton, Dominic DiFrisco, Donna Van Eekeren, Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Dusty Stemer, e.leaven Food Company, Elaine Muchin, Elton John, Elvis Presley, Event Creativem Julie Anne Benson, Exquisite Designs, Facebook, Fantasy of the Opera Gala, Fig Media, Food & Wine magazine, Gail Simmons, Gene & Georgetti’s, Gene Michelotti, George Jewell, Gerald J. Roper Day, Gospel Concert, Hal Rubenstein, Heinz Kern, Helen Melchior, HGTV, Il Mulino, InStyle, Jerry Roper, Jewell Events Catering, Joe DiMaggio, Jose “Pepe” Conforme, Judy Baar Topinka, Karen Harding, Katherine Anne Confections, Ken Arlen’s Indigo, Ken Norgan, Lady Gaga, Lee Flaherty, Leslie Hindman, Limelight Catering, Linda Pedian, Loretto Hospital Foundation, Loudbyte Cinematography, Lucille Ball, Lyric Opera, Lyric Young Professionals, Madonna, Mame, Mariano’s Fresh Market, Marilyn Monroe, Marion Durpetti, Mary Ann Rose, Maura Ann McBreen, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Meg Caswell, Melissa Thodos, Michelle Durpetti, Michelle Durpetti Events, Michigan Shore Club, Mila Samokhina, N9NE, Nancy Temple, Nena Ivon, New York Stock Exchange, Nina Mariano, Nowel Coward, Park West, Peter Wright, Phil Hanahan, Phil Stefani, Philip Kraus, Prince, Prosecco, Province, Real Moms Love to Eat, rescue dogs, Rich Melman, Rich Varnes, Richard Kiphart, Roundy’s, Sprinkles Cupcakes, Super Bowl, Susan Kiphart, Susanna Negovan, Swing Assembly, Terry “Whitey” Pearson, Terry’s Toffee, The Sarah and Peer Pendersen Room, The White City: Chicago’s Columbian Exposition, Thodos Dance Chicago, Thodos/Menomonee Club Youth Ensemble, Tina Turner, Tommy Hensel, Toni Canada, Tony Durpetti, Top Chef, Tracey Tarantino, Urbs in Horto Award, Vera, Vince Conroy, Watch312.com, Weego, Wilmette, ZZAZZ Productions

November 21, 2011 · 8:47 pm

“DREAMING A LITTLE DREAM” FOR ST. JUDE

…PLUS PAWS’ RECORD BREAKER, OPEN DOORS GALA, MARTHA STEWART, TOY DRIVES, A TRIP TO THE DESERT, HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS AND MORE!

It is so heartwarming to see charity events breaking records in these tough economic times. All of the events I’ve attended recently have had record attendance and have raised more money than in years past. This year’s, St. Jude “Dream a Little Dream” Fashion Show and Luncheon was no exception. With the biggest crowd in the event’s 17-year history, this much loved event brought out more than 1,500 supporters and raised more than $338K! Presenting sponsors for the next two years, Camping World and Good Sam presented a fashion extravaganza produced by none other than Chicago’s own Tracey Tarantino of ZZazz Productions. (Nancy Long was the fashion coordinator.) They knocked it out of the ballpark with collections from York Furrier, BCBG, Cusp, Neiman Marcus, Escada, Talbots, Luca Luca, Swaby, Nade Baer, Elda de la Rosa, menswear by Lord & Taylor and Furla accessories. Show highlights included glam jewels from sponsor Swarovski and a cool, holiday-inspired collection by designer darling Peach Carr of “Project Runway.” Since this is the 17th year of this event and the underlying theme of the fashion show was “Dream a Little Dream,” Tracey opted for music from The Beatles, opening with “She Was Just 17.” There were even five dancing Marilyn Monroes to add some high energy fun to the show. Entertainment was provided by Larry Adams who performed with his wife, Jessye Wright. Both are accomplished singers with Larry being named by Chicago magazine as Chicago Theatre’s best singer. Emcee for the event was NBC’s Allison Rosati who charmed the crowd from beginning to end. I was so thrilled to be the honorary chair and my highlight was introducing this year’s host family, Annie and Michael Brady and their superhero son, Michael. Michael was diagnosed last year at age three with Stage 4 neuroblastoma. Within hours of this diagnosis, Michael and Annie were pursuing the best course of treatment for their precious little boy. With the support of family and friends, they decided to uproot their small family (Michael also has a little sister, Allie) and relocate to Memphis, the home of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. They made this decision knowing that at St. Jude, Michael would receive the best care in the world available for children with cancer. Annie, told the crowd in a moving speech that her daughter “took her first steps in the halls of St. Jude with the support and cheering of St. Jude staff.” Executive Committee member Cathy Shaker Breit said, “I was informed that tickets sales were sold out four weeks ago or else the attendance might have hit over 2,000. This event, from my 478 years on the Board (LOL!) is by far the largest I’m aware of. The goodwill and grassroots efforts it creates to fuel other local Chicago events is invaluable.” (To view Michael Brady's heartfelt story, please see the following video).

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This event began with a champagne reception as well as makeup and hair touchups by Trish McEvoy and Ultimate Hair and a wine tasting by The Naked Grape. I was also proud to conduct a “Text to Live” that raised an extra $4,400 for the event. The extensive raffle had something for everyone and is always a favorite of attendees. Exciting packages this year for the Dream Raffle included tickets to the finale of “American Idol,” a Disney package with a Waldorf-Astoria stay, Blackhawks, Sox and Cubs tickets, a $1,000 Nordstrom gift card and a Kayman Scooter among hundreds of other prizes. The St. Jude Executive Committee – Cathy Shaker Breit, Ann Danner Dwyer, Toni Hasan and Terry Shaker – worked long and hard to make this “Dream a Little Dream” a reality and they did so in grand style. Congrats on this wonderful event benefitting the premier pediatric cancer research center in the world! To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and John Giesecke, please click here and to view my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below! Do you like the new show name!!??? 🙂

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The PAWS Fur Ball is one of my favorite events! How could it not be when you see terriers in tennis shoes, dachshunds in diamonds and Chihuahuas in cowboy hats?! And like the St. Jude event, this event was also a sellout with more than 650 animal lovers and their 200 pets! The 10th annual Fur Ball’s co-chairs Julie and Kurt Miller and Nancy and Michael Timmers planned an exciting night of fundraising highlights that included amazing one-of-a-kind live auction packages. A trip for two to Argentina brought $11K while a portrait sitting by Victor Skrebneski raised $31K. Other packages included two tickets to an “American Idol” taping in Hollywood, a week-long stay in a Tuscan villa, tickets for two to the 2012 Grammy Awards (that sold for $25K) and the opportunity to have your pet featured on the cover of PAWS’ 2013 desktop calendar that sold for $38K. Five-year board member Judith Blazer also donated $1 million the week before to support PAWS’ many good works. Fifteen PAWS puppies and kittens were on display tugging at everyone’s heartstrings and during the course of the evening six were adopted. One of the adoptees, a kitten with burned paws who had just been released from the hospital on this day, was the first to be adopted by Joann and Michael Sweig. Two of my tablemates, Anne-Marie and Murry Peretz, also became proud parents of a darling doggie on this magical night. This premier pet lover’s event began with a red carpet followed by a cocktail reception surrounded by the extensive silent auction items. There was even a doggie spa complete with masseuses and pawdicures donated by Paradise 4 Paws. Canine guests were also treated to a Pet Buffet located in the French Room where they could dine on chicken and rice with gravy, green beans and carrots served in crystal goblets and dog cookies, donated by McGrath Lexus & Acura. Animal communicator Debbie Weaver was on hand as well as artist Rosemary Fanti who had so many requests for pet pics that she ran out of paper!!! Human parents enjoyed a delicious dinner buffet in the elegant Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel; dancing continued in the French Room. PAWS Chicago has been saving pets’ lives since 1997 and, this year, will exceed 4,200 adoptions. Founder Paula Fasseas was proud to report that this year’s event netted $750K - $150K more than last year’s! To learn more about this worthwhile organization, please click here. To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and moi, please click here and to see my “Candid Candace Chicago” video on Watch312.com, please see below!

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Columbia College’s Open Doors Gala, co-chaired by Richard Kiphart and Sylvia Neil, raised nearly $700K and honored Linda Johnson Rice, chairman of Johnson Publishing Company. The organization’s first Chicago Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have made a significant impact in the Chicago community and have helped “open doors” for future generations. Johnson Publishing has a long-standing relationship with Columbia College, including hiring interns and graduates. Columbia College recently purchased the Johnson Publishing headquarters building for the future site of the college library. This festive evening began with a cocktail reception featuring creative installations throughout the Media Production Center displaying student film work, art, photography, jazz music and fashion design. Columbia President Dr. Warrick Carter and Board Chairman Allen Turner welcomed guests. The sit-down dinner, catered by Food for Thought, followed and included a root vegetable “mosaic wall” and beef tenderloin plus a made-to-order donut bar for dessert. The evening’s entertainment featured performances by the Columbia College Gospel Choir & Rhythm Section among other student-driven performances. Congrats to Linda Johnson Rice for this much deserved honor! For more info about Columbia College and all they have to offer, please click here. (Photos courtesy of Steve Becker and Robert Kusel…to view all event pics, please click here!)

The North Shore Women’s Board and the Chicago Women’s Board of the American Cancer Society along with The Book Stall recently welcomed dining and design guru Martha Stewart to celebrate the release of her new book, “Martha’s Entertaining: A Year of Celebrations.” More than 320 guests, including author luncheon chair of the NSWB Shannon Weasler, author luncheon chair of the CWB Connie Teska, and emcee Kathy Brock (ABC 7) enjoyed lunch at the Hilton Orrington Hotel in Evanston while listening to Stewart discuss her life and work. The event raised more than $15K for the American Cancer Society. Seen on the scene were Lynn McMahan, Michaela Parrillo, Toni Canada, Kristina McGrath, Jan Flanagan, Angie Campolo, Megan Galante, Jan Evans, Stacy Barrins (Chicago Women’s Board president), Andrea Hurteau (North Shore Women’s Board president), Sally Jo Morris, Betty Rendell, Ann Lynch and Sheree Valukas among many others.

And now here are some upcoming events for wonderful causes that Candid Candace Recommends!

On December 10th, don’t miss Kris Kringle’s 9th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Kandy Kane Ball at 940 W. Weed St. beginning at 9 p.m. Spinmasters DJ Sye Young and DJ JEM will get the party started at this Winter Wonderland (aka Joe’s Bar) where a toy donation is required and pre-sale tickets are only $40. Cocktail attire is requested and there will be an open bar, appetizers, a live choir and festive holiday décor. The toys will be distributed to hundreds of children at Holy Name Church on December 17th and anyone is welcome to help. It’s a great opportunity to give back during the holiday season! This event is an annual sellout so get your tickets now! Tickets can be purchased at www.Ticketweb.com or at Joe’s Bar.

Still with children in mind for the holidays, the 5th Annual Brad’s Kids Toy Drive will take place on Thursday, December 15th, from 7 – 9 p.m. at The Joynt, located at 650 N. Dearborn. All you need to bring is a new, wrapped toy to gain entry to this party offering complimentary cocktails, live music and more! Since 2007, Brad’s Kids has delivered more than 25,000 toys to seven local hospitals. Visit www.bradskids.org for more info.

How about a terrific holiday getaway for a good cause? On January 27th, Dance for Life will host a celebratory evening of dance in support of the AIDS Assistance Program and The Dancer’s Fund in Palm Springs at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. Tickets for the event start at $150 and can be purchased by calling 760.325.8481 or clicking here. With Chicago Ambassadors Katherine Chez Malkin and Carol Kaplan rounding up support from other “snowbirds,” you know this event will be a sellout!

I hope you, your families and friends all have a delightful, healthy and Happy Thanksgiving. We have much to be grateful for…

Love,
Candace
Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. And if you’re getting in the gift giving mood for the holidays and just don’t know where to go, may I suggest Leslie Hindman Auctioneers at 1338 W. Lake St.? Her “Fine Jewelry and Timepieces” auction will begin previews on Wednesday, November 30th , beginning at 10 a.m. The preview will run through Saturday, December 3rd, with the auction on Sunday and Monday, December 4th and 5th. I have the catalog and, believe you and me, there are more than 1,100 lots running the gamut and price ranges in luxurious jewelry and watches. :) Sigh…