Candid Candace

“Who Is Chicago” Party Lights Up Cuvee!

The premier “Who Is Chicago” contest was held at Cuvee this week. I had never been to this club before and it reminded me of my disco days at Faces on Rush Street…lots of slinky lounges and low lighting. In other words, I felt right at home!! This event was hosted by CS Magazine and the dynamic duo of CeCe & Melinda (that is Cece Gonzales and Melinda Joseph) who together have created Raymi Productions (raymi means “event” in Cece’s native language, Peruvian). Between the two of them, they bring a wealth of knowledge to their event planning. Cece has over 10 years of sales, marketing and business development experience while Melinda graduated as valedictorian of Columbia College Chicago with a degree in marketing communications. For this event, they polled various high profile business and social professionals around town and came up with 10 honorees. These honorees cover the philanthropic map in Chicago and include Paula Fasseas (PAWS founder), Juell Kadet (owner and executive vice president of Rogers & Hollands Jewelers, a board member of Ingalls Memorial Hospital Foundation and Fashion Group International, and founder of the Kadet Cancer Research Foundation), Anida “Cookie” Cohen (founding member of Brookfield Zoo Women’s Board, board member of the Chicago Academy for the Arts, Service Club of Chicago and the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind), Rhett Lindsay (associate director of special events and communication for the Test Positive Aware Network), Justin Jacobson (CEO of Platinum Events and board member for the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation), Reverend Stan Sloan (CEO of the Chicago House and Social Service Agency and Sweet Miss Giving’s NFP), William Goldstein (chairman of Lodestar Investment Counsel LLC and the Night Ministry and trustee of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra), Molly Riley (executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Greater Illinois), Celena Roldan (executive director at Erie Neighborhood House) and moi! There was wonderful food courtesy of Japonais and decadent cupcakes from Swirlz. Everyone gave very heartfelt speeches and it was wonderful to see so many people committed to so many good causes for our great city! Congrats to all of the honorees! (To see ALL of the event photos and video, please click here.) Additional pics by Caitlin Saville.
 
Designer Elda de la Rosa’s Fall/Winter 2010 fashion show was SRO at the historical “pink palace” – Edgewater Beach Apartments – this week. Elda is one of my favorite Chicago designers and I wear many of her dazzling creations (two of my cocktail dresses were shown in style features this month for both TCW and Shore Magazine). The collection embraced Parisian fashion classics for today’s modern woman. It featured rich wool fabrics, natural fur embellishments, interesting jacket shapes and luxury silks combined with classic satins and taffetas. Elda also unveiled her new ready-to-wear line, “El,” for professional women on the go which also includes the couture touch with exceptional fabrics and detailing priced from $125 to $200. In other words, there was something for EVERYONE! Elda had this to say, “I’m delighted to share my vision for the fall and holiday season, with the emphasis on classic Parisian style and elegance, my inspiration for the collection. I’m also including a lot of jackets and accessories. In addition to my full length gowns, many of the mid-calf creations feature skirts and dresses that become quite elegant for evening without the jacket.” Paoola Sefir also introduced her unique jewelry collection to rave reviews and Tracey Tarantino of ZZazz Productions produced the show to perfection. Long may you reign, Elda! (To see ALL of the event pics, please click here. Additional pics by Steve Starr and Mark Rashid.)
 
The Joffrey Ballet’s Couture & Cocktails reception featured the incredibly handsome Nigel Barker, “America’s Next Top Model” judge and world famous photographer, signing copies of his new book for a very appreciative crowd at Neiman Marcus! The book is called “Nigel Barker’s Beauty Equation” and, from the reviews I’ve read, will be a smash hit! There are loads of great pics of past ANTM models including crowd favorite, Shandi. One of the reviewers had this to say: “This is not a fashion and stylist book, but an overall beauty book.” Nigel writes with a “friendly voice” and includes anecdotes and a look at his life experiences that are “funny, sometimes touching and always interesting.” There is also a chapter on photography and lighting and how to always look great in photos. This chapter alone is reason enough to buy the book! This 38-year-old former model is one of the most gracious celebs I’ve met. He took pics with almost everyone in the room and always with a smile on his face. He lives in NY with his wife, Cover Girl model Cristen, and their two children. It’s wonderful to see someone so nice be so successful and I guess his looks don’t hurt him either!!! Good luck Nigel…we’ll be watching! Couture & Cocktails was the following night at the W City Center and was a blow-out! Wait till you see the pics next week! (To purchase Nigel’s book, please click here.)
 
Steve Starr is hosting a party and everyone wants to come but, sadly, it will be by invitation only!! The party will be on October 10 (10/10/10) at Rumba, 351 W. Hubbard, to introduce his new book, “Starrlight: Glamorous Latin Movie Stars of Early Hollywood.” This book includes amazing photos and colorful biographical accounts of cinema stars Maria Montez, Rita Hayworth, Lupe Velez, Carmen Miranda and Dolores Del Rio. Steve is also the author of “Picture Perfect—Art Deco Photo Frames 1926-1946” published by Rizzoli International. If anyone remembers his incredible store on Clark Street – Steve Starr Studios – then you know how creative he is! His eye for photography and art is unparalleled and he is one of the most coveted event photographers around town. Steve’s photography, Starrlight, appears in various publications including IMAGE Chicago Magazine, Entertainment Magazine, CS Magazine, Red Carpet Concierge, VIA Times, Hoy, Michigan Avenue, Skyline and, I am proud to say, Candid Candace, as well as many other publications and websites. There will be entertainment by Argentine Tango (Daniel Noce and Ramona Nita) and the hostesses for the party include Dori Wilson, Arabel Rosales, Telemundo’s Tsi-Tsi-Ki Felix and moi. Diana Palomar Scott will emcee. Congrats to the hardest working man in showbiz, Steve Starr! Can’t wait to celebrate with him and share the party photos with YOU! (To purchase Steve’s book, please call 773-252-5171 or e-mail [email protected].)
 
Sports stars are giving back thanks to a unique idea by Scott Norton, prez and founder of Norton Sports Management. Scott is using his influence as an NHL player agent for the last 17 years to encourage his athletes to participate in “Make My Day Mondays.” Scott hopes every Monday, they and their fans will make an effort to help someone in need. The difference in their plan is not to focus on a dollar amount but rather on doing a good deed for someone less fortunate be it buying them a hot meal or donating something they need like a warm winter coat. Scott explains, “People feel they can’t give enough, so they don’t give at all.” Norton utilizes Twitter to broaden the concept through his athletes. Fans can follow  L.A. Kings captain Dustin Brown (@DustinBrown23) and St. Louis Blues tough guy Cam Janssen (@CamJanssen55) each Monday to see their good deeds and add your own. It’s a lot like the “pay it forward” concept and I wish Scott all the best on this goodwill endeavor! For more info, please call Scott at 312-330-0329 or contact him via his Twitter handle, @NortonSports.
 
The “Blissful Wishes Ball” will be on Monday, November 1st, at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel with proceeds benefitting a remarkable organization called Wish Upon a Wedding. This nonprofit is the first wish-granting organization that provides weddings and vow renewals for couples facing terminal illness and serious life-altering circumstances regardless of sexual orientation. By celebrating the courage and spirit of these couples, Wish Upon a Wedding helps them create lasting memories when they need it the most. Their event will begin at 6 p.m. with tickets priced at $100. The evening will include a three-course sit down dinner and open bar with music by the Larry King Orchestra. For tickets and more info, please visit www.wishuponaweddingchicago.eventbrite.com.
 
I am so proud and thrilled to report yet another magazine accolade for noted makeup artist, brow shaper and all-around super cool lady, Nicole Jacob. Allure calls Nicole “the Second City’s first lady of eyebrows” and I couldn’t agree more! She is featured in their “Best of the Best” article and everyone I know who has been to visit her at the Paul Rehder Salon comes away raving, not only about her incredible skills but also about her uplifting and positive outlook on life. Her infectious laughter can be heard as soon as you enter the Paul Rehder Salon where she works and also sells her own makeup line. She is one-of-a-kind and was also featured in W Magazine last year. The hits just keep on comin’ for the First Lady of Makeup! Congrats and love to you, Nicole!
 
We went to Viaggio Restaurant at 1330 W. Madison for the first time last week and it is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago…or anywhere! I felt like I was eating in someone’s home, the welcome was so warm. And the food? Fuggedabout! It was beyond delicious! Executive Chef Victor Perdue, formerly the exec chef at Giannotti’s, creates Southern Italian dishes such as al dente pastas and handmade sausage that will make you feel like you’ve left the country. They were filming a segment of “Check Please!” while we were there celebrating our friend Nadine Epstein’s birthday and we will most certainly be returning! The owner, Sam Villardito, visited every table and seemed to know everyone in the room. And how many restaurant owners do you know who has their cell phone on their card??!!! It was a four-star experience from beginning to end. Happy Birthday, Nadine and Ali!! See more pics from this excellent evening here!
 
Until next week…
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]

 

P.S.  September has been verrry, verrrry good to me! I was thrilled to be featured in three magazines for their fashion features: TCW for their “Trendsetters” feature (wearing Elda de la Rosa), Shore Magazine for their “Style Icons” feature (wearing Elda de la Rosa) and ME: In Focus Magazine for their “Influencers” feature (wearing Lanvin). Thanks to ALL for these wonderful honors!

PARKWAYS GARDEN PARTY RAISES OVER $300,000

I went to a garden party, to reminisce with my old friends…this was the Ricky Nelson song from 1972 that kept playing in my head at this year’s 8th Annual Parkways Foundation Garden Party Luncheon held in the Tiffany & Co. Celebration Garden. Even though the weather didn’t look like it was going to cooperate with clouds and some rain, the crowd of 600 clapped when the sun came out. The venue was delightful with artistically painted trees dotting the landscape leading up to the tent which was just south of Buckingham Fountain. The hats were out in force, as always, some more creative than stylish but all worn with much flair. This year’s proceeds benefitted Moore Park which is located in the west side’s Austin neighborhood. Event co-chairs Marty Higgins, Carol Prins and Laura Barnett Sawchyn made sure every detail was attended to including the charming table centerpieces which were created by Park District teens and kids. This year’s Jens Jensen award was presented to Charter One which has been a lead corporate sponsor and the honoree of the Council Ring Outstanding Volunteer was Laura Barnett Sawchyn who has been a board member since 2004. Back by popular demand was The Tiffany & Co. Blue Box Raffle. Guests purchased a Tiffany Box and three lucky ladies won fabulous gifts donated by Tiffany & Co. including a pair of 18K yellow gold and diamond earrings designed by Jean Schlumberger (valued at $5250), a crystal William Yeoward vase ($390) and a sterling silver “American Garden” cheese set ($255). The lunch was provided by “Limelight…food illuminated” and began with a chilled summer corn soup and the entrée was marinated shredded Amish chicken with organic beets, gorgonzola and julienne veggies in a bed of summer greens. Dessert was coconut panna cotta on a dark chocolate smear. It was a lovely event with lots of great style and some not so great… but all very interesting! Congrats to Parkways for raising over $300,000 for the betterment of Chicago’s parks and to enrich communities through historic preservation, environmental initiatives, capital projects and youth/family programs. For more information on this wonderful organization, please visit www.parkways.org. (To see ALL of the event pics, please click here!)

 
The magnificent Palmer House Hilton recently celebrated its 140th anniversary and landmark status dedication in grand style. Monroe Street was closed off and the gold bunting hanging from the front of the hotel let everyone know this was a very, very special occasion. There was even a marching band from Carl Sandburg High School! Bill Kurtis emceed and introduced the speakers who included Alderman Brendan Reilly, General Manager Dean Lane, owner Joe Sitt and Mayor Daley. Mayor Daley had the crowd chuckling when he recounted the times he and his family had spent at parties in the Empire Room. He said, “I remember many times with father where he sat me down to tell me what I was doing wrong. It was a long list.” Then Palmer House owner Joe Sitt recalled when he first toured the property. “I met an employee who had worked here for 69 years and shined shoes for Woodrow Wilson. He told me to remember I would also be buying a piece of history.” All of the staff were standing so proudly onstage before the ceremony began and I was told they even have a 90-year-old window washer who comes in everyday to work. Now that is some dedication!!! When the landmark status plaque was revealed, confetti rained down on the crowd and the band played “Chicago”…it was such an exciting moment! After the ceremony outside, we were invited inside for a toast and some cake. Pastry Chef Fabrice Bouet had created a replica of the building and from the smile on the Mayor’s face when he sampled the first piece, it was as tasty as it was beautiful! I saw lots of familiar faces in the crowd including Joffrey Executive Director Christopher Conway, Rhonda Brown, John Bourgeois, Mich Mag’s Dan Uslan and Susanna Negovan, Hazel Barr, Greg Hyder and Hope and Joni Mason among many others. Congrats to the wonderful Palmer House peeps including Catering Director David Brandt, GM Dean Lane, Manager Todd Temperly and PR Honcho Ken Price for giving Chicago this wonderful gift! (To see ALL event pics, please click here!)
 
I want to congratulate David Flom and Matt Moore on their new restaurant, Chicago Cut! It opens Monday at 300 N. LaSalle and we went to a tasting on Friday. The food is out of this world with the beef butchered and dry-aged on site which is very rare since most of Chicago serves wet-aged beef. The flavor is unbelievable! The menu is varied so there is something for everyone too. For the tasting, we ordered sea bass tacos, steak sandwiches, tomato and burrata salad, filets and a grouper sandwich. All terrific. And the views! OMG! They have a huge terrace right on the river with dramatic views all around that seats 100 people. The bar is cozy and warm with beautiful mahogany everywhere you look. The wine list can be found and ordered from an iPad that holds information on over 750 different wines! It even describes the region of the world where the grapes are grown! So cool! Chicago Cut will be a restaurant for all seasons since in the summer, you can enjoy the terrace and in the winter, you can watch the snow fall through the wrap around floor-to-ceiling windows. These Rosebud veterans have plenty of experience and it already shows in every detail. The kitchen will stay open until 1:30 a.m. so this will be a great spot for after-event dinners as well. It will be open for breakfast and lunch with a carving station serving over a dozen kinds of meat, too. Congrats and I will see you again soon Chicago Cut!
 
There are so many fun events happening around town and I don’t want you to miss them! First up, the last Randolph Street Market Festival will be held on September 25th and 26th at 1350 W. Randolph. I shouldn’t be telling you this because this is my favorite vintage market with over 200 dealers with the coolest stuff. The jewelry is to die for! There are also an impressive array of home goods, décor, designer wars, classic pieces and vintage fashions. Chicago fashion maven Nena Ivon will be there to share her expertise on mixing modern and vintage for fall and, as always, there will be live music, food and drinks, including wine, beer and cocktails! The market goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $12 which is good for both days or $9 when purchased online at www.randolphstreetmarket.com. There is even free trolley service to and from the market departing from Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan) at the top of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hope to see you there!
 
On Thursday, September 30th, Ann Danner Dwyer will be hosting an event at Jimmy Choo at 63 E. Oak St. which will support research for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This party will introduce Choo 24:7 Boots with 10 percent of the proceeds benefitting St. Jude’s. Hope you can come out for cocktails, conversation and fashion on September 30th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. To RSVP, please e-mail [email protected] or call 312-255-1170.
 
Well, two top hotels in town were without their catering directors when the Peninsula’s Greg Hyder and the Palmer House’s David Brandt took a little vaca together to the Far East recently!!! No one works harder or are more deserving than these two friends…their photos should be turned into a documentary! This was Greg’s third time there so he knew all of the spots to hit like the Hindu Temples, the top restaurants and even elephant riding! Check out their amazing photos here. The Shanghai Peninsula looks like the place to be! Welcome back, David and Greg!!!

And last but not least, kudos to RL Restaurant on their wonderful feature in this month’s Chicago magazine! Writer Amalie Drury did a great job, as always!!! 
 
And now, as the leaves begin to turn, I think back on a wonderful summer and am looking forward to fall! Hope you have all made lots of memories to keep you warm!
 

Love,
Candace

[email protected]

P.S. Don’t forget Elda de la Rosa’s “Ooh-La-La Fall/Winter Fashion Show” is this Wednesday, September 22nd at 5555 N. Sheridan Road from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.! Tracey Tarantino from ZZazz Productions will be producing it and there will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres! Please RSVP to 773-769-3128. (I will be modeling some of the amazing designs she created for me too!) :)

TALENT AND GLAMOUR REIGN AT MISS CONTINENTAL PAGEANT

Every year on Labor Day, the Miss Continental Pageant finals are held at Park West and it sells out minutes after the tickets go on sale. This year was no exception for the Pageant’s 30th anniversary; everyone is in a very festive mood and all of the contestants have their fans passing out info in the hopes it will sway the judges to vote for them. This year, my friends included Wayne Harth, Jeremy Dobbie, Keith Olenik and Jonathan Van Derkuyo and we had a blast. Founder/owner Jim Flint and his team of dedicated staffers ensure that every year is better than the last. These staffers include Ginger Grant, Scott Palmer, emcee Nikki Adams, Harrison McEldowney, Tim Gideon, Dan Neniskis and Cai Holyon. Jim had this to say about past pageants: “Through the years, we have seen some amazing things and some jaw-dropping talent. From Cherine Alexander turning into a tiger before our very eyes, to Andrea Nicole flying into the rafters of Park West! There have been numerous Broadway productions that brought the house down! Some of those you may remember: Dana Douglas’ “42nd Street,” Mimi Marks’ “Will Rogers’ Follies” and Erika Norell’s “Man of La Mancha.” Jim is so right in that the talent section of this event is a crowd favorite! The production numbers are so entertaining and include back up dancers, singers, elaborate staging and gorgeous costuming. As they say, it takes a village for some of these contestants to even be there to perform. Besides the talent portion, there is also an evening gown competition, swimsuit competition and, of course, the final question. In the past, some of the winners have gone on to appear on TV and films. Candis Cayne was featured in ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money” starring along with William Baldwin and Donald Sutherland. Candis also has numerous other TV and movie credits including “Too Wong Foo” with former Miss Continental 1995 Lady Cateria. Before Candis, Michelle Dupree was featured in the movie “Flawless” with Robert DeNiro and Philip Seymour Hoffman. Just recently, one of the newer Miss Continentals, Tulsi, appeared in ABC’s new police drama “Rookie Blues.” Along with the Miss Continental Pageant, Jim Flint and friends also produce Miss Continental Plus, Miss Continental Elite and Mr. Continental. All of these contests have a legion of fans. The opening number for this year’s pageant was a homage to the ‘60s and ‘70s. There were a lot of clever hippie outfits with Maya Douglas scoring a 10 for her authenticity. Chilli Pepper, who was the first Miss Continental in 1980, wowed the crowd in her original Bob Mackie-designed ensemble which included a brightly colored feather cape. Her new short blond hair brought the sellout crowd to its feet in appreciation of her 30th anniversary in the pageant. Other past Miss Continentals include Mimi Marks (1992), Monica Munro (1993), Cezanne (1994), Tommie Ross (1999, who was a judge this year) and Candis Cayne (2001) among others. The judges this year included Jim DeMundo, Skip Mackall, Brian Reams, Howard Meyer, Tommie Ross, Antonio Edwards, Denis Sabol, Shawn Batton, Robert Hamm, Parker Nelson, David Hudspeth, Steven Moore and long-time favorite and my girlfriend, Nadine Epstein. And after all of the votes were tallied, the moment everyone was waiting for-- the winner was announced! A surprised and tearful Mokha Montrese was crowned Miss Continental 2010 to wild applause from the highly entertained crowd. And now the planning begins for next year! Good luck Mokha and I hope this year is a great one for you! (Pics by Mystic Images Photography, Debra Lynne Harris and moi; to see ALL of the event pics, please click here!) The Baton Show Lounge at 436 N. Clark is one of the most entertaining venues in town! I highly recommend it and have been a longtime fan! I have even had the privilege of riding on the Baton Show Lounge float in the Gay Pride Parade for the last two years which has been thrilling! Those “girls” have more fans than Lady Gaga!!! The Baton shows are at 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling (312) 644-5269.

TCW hosted a fun party at Saks this week called “Style & Savvy: Celebrating the Women Who Do it All.” It was a wonderful turnout and everybody got a chance to see a great fall fashion preview. I loved the designs with the deep shades and textures and am more than ready for a change of seasons. My closet is looking too tired for words! Lots of fun peeps showed up to mix and mingle and sample Effen Vodka’s signature cocktails. The event co-hosts included Corri McFadden, Lynne Bredfeldt, Jennifer Connor, Brooke Skinner, Christine Garcia, Rochelle Trotter, Samantha Lurie, Monika Lotter, Kali Evans-Raoul, Erin Carpenter, Kimberly Egonmwan, Kim Lichtenstein and moi. Mark your calendars now for TCW’s next event with my favorite hairdresser, Charles Ifergan, along with Grace PR when they host the first annual Inspired Awards on Wednesday, October 14th at the Dana Hotel, located at 660 N. State St.). This event will recognize inspiring women who have demonstrated leadership in their respective fields and include Melissa Gamble (Columbia College Fashion Studies), Karyn Calabrese (Karyn’s), Lindsay Avner (Bright Pink Founder), Jenn Gibbons (ROW Founder), Chloe Ifergan (Marketing Director for Charles Ifergan), Sherren Leigh (TCW Prez), Sarah Levy (Sarah’s Candies), Andrea Metcalf (NBC fitness guru), Maggie Morgan (stylist), Sephanie Neely (City of Chicago Treasurer), Angela Rose (PAVE founder), Marion Simon (lifelong philanthropist), Veronica Sullivan (Pure Vibes Fitness/Goddess Warrior Studios), Marisa Swystun (designer), Kelli Zink (Celeb TV host), Ashley Zisook (Sofia Vintage owner), Jessica Zweig (Cheeky Chicago founder) and moi for Candid Candace!!! The event will begin at 6 p.m. and tickets are only $20! The proceeds will benefit the TCW Foundation, which works to raise money for organizations that help women and children. Please visit www.FanFueled.com for tickets and more info. See more pics here!
 
I couldn’t be prouder and happier to celebrate the venerable Palmer House Hilton’s 140th anniversary and historical landmark dedication on Wednesday, September 15th! Everyone will be there to honor the country’s oldest continually operating hotel which was built in 1871 by Potter Palmer as a wedding gift to his wife Bertha. Speaking at the ceremony will be Governor Pat Quinn and Mayor Richard Daley along with notables Alderman Brendan Reilly, MC Bill Kurtis, Potter Palmer IV, GM Dean Lane and Thor Equities’ Joseph Sitt. During this historic occasion, the property will unveil its recently appointed Chicago landmark plaque in front of the main entrance at 17 E. Monroe beginning at 11:30 a.m. After the dedication, there will be a champagne toast and an architecturally-correct cake with edible 24 carat gold created by Pastry Chef Fabrice Bouet presented in the Grand Lobby. Nobody does it better...congrats dear PALMER HOUSE!!! 
 
A Silver Lining Foundation is holding their 6th Annual Sterling Gala on Saturday, October 2nd, at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. The organization was founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg to honor her late mother and its mission is to ensure dignified, respectful and equal access to quality cancer education and services for all regardless of your socioeconomic status. This black tie evening will begin with a 6:30 p.m. cocktail reception and 7:30 p.m. dinner and entertainment by The Legendary Drifters! Tickets begin at $300 and can be purchased by calling 312-345-1322 or by visiting www.asilverliningfoundation.org. This is a wonderful cause that helps so many people. I hope you can join me!
 
Stanley Paul will present “Red Hot & Rich,” a cabaret evening about the music and life of Cole Porter, on Wednesday, October 6th, at the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark) beginning at 6 p.m. with cocktails and dinner. If you haven’t heard Stanley perform before you are really in for a treat. His stories alone are priceless and for this event he will take us back to the glamorous lifestyle of Cole and Linda Porter in Paris and Venice during the 1920’s and to Broadway and Hollywood in the 1930’s and 1940’s. He will also feature over 30 legendary Cole Porter songs played the way they were originally introduced. I’m sure Cole would approve! I can’t wait! Tickets are $95 and can be purchased by calling Wendy Schiller at 312-799-2113.
 
Lastly, I want to give a fond farewell to my friend Martin Gapshis. He left us all too soon and his legion of friends will be lost without him. He was a dedicated philanthropist who loved the arts. I was e-mailing back and forth with Martin, Helen Melchior and Ken Norgan regarding upcoming dinner plans and his last email “thanked me for taking this on” and gave me dates he was available. Hold your friends close and never waste a minute telling them how much they are loved and appreciated. Life is so unpredictable. Heaven has just become a much nicer place with Martin in it. Another friend who has left us all too soon is Kelly Mulqueeny. She fought a long battle with cancer and most of her friends were sure she had it beat when the bad news came. She was surrounded by loved ones to the end. You will be missed, dear Kelly…thank goodness your sweet spirit will shine on.
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]
 
P.S. A big thank you to WGN Chicago Now radio’s Alex Quigley and Amy Guth for having me on their show Saturday morning! If you’d like to listen to it, please click here!!! Also, if you would like to be added to my Blog Alert List, please send me your e-mail and you will be notified each week when a new entry is posted. :)