“PINK IS THE NEW BLACK” BENEFIT HONORS BREAST CANCER HEROES

A who’s who of Chicago donned pink at the “Pink is the New Black” event held by the dynamic Sonya Jackson’s organization, Mantra For Good, at the Park Hyatt recently. High-profile guests were in attendance to support the event that highlighted and honored 14 inspiring women who are “Heroes in the Fight Against Breast Cancer.” The Heroes included Bright Pink’s Lindsay Avner, Carrie Birkel, Shannon Fairlamb, Cindy Geoghegan, NBC Chicago’s Dr. Sandy Goldberg, Ann Jackson, Mimi Horowitz, Teresa Lee, Kelly McCluskey, Irma Norris, Caren Helene Rudman, Kristi Stempien, Lisa Weier and author Suzanne Zaccone. At the special cocktail reception, Chicago’s hottest spoken word poets Quraysh Ali Lansana and Kevin Coval commanded the room with a poem that touched on the journey of breast cancer and its impact. There wasn’t a dry eye in the beautifully lit pink ballroom. Sonya Jackson spoke of her own personal connection to the cause (mother Ann is a survivor and many friends and family have been touched by the disease) and encouraged the crowd to join her own “mantra” to create good in the world. Sonya’s organization, Mantra For Good, was founded on the philosophy that “Good People Can Change the World” and unites people to work on projects to improve lives and our world. The group embraces the philosophy that each of us has within us the ability to be a leader, the capacity to show compassion and loving kindness every day and the power to make a difference and create a future different from our past. What a beautiful motto to live by! The “Pink is the New Black” executive committee worked tirelessly to promote this event and the packed room proved their efforts were not in vain. The committee included Katie McLenaghan, Nicole Lee, JR Kerr, Kristen Stone, Lynne Bredfelt, DaVida Rice, Amanda Samuels, actress Regina Taylor, Mick Masuka and Maurice Wills. The event also included a one-of-a-kind photo art installation by Chicago photographer Lori Allen of Lori Allen Photo Designs – that truly captured the essence of the 14 inspiring women that will later be turned into a book with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Y-ME National Breast Cancer organizations and other organizations serving women with breast cancer. Each woman was selected because of their connection to the fight against breast cancer and because in their own special way, each of them used cancer as a journey and a catalyst for creating good. Some of the women celebrated were “previvors” who tested positive for the BRCA1 gene and had the courage to advocate for their own health by taking action that included mastectomy and/or hysterectomy. Others are survivors who are currently in treatment or who have been cancer- free and others were caregivers who work to give comfort to those battling cancer. Guests enjoyed contemporary French hors d'oeuvres with a global flair prepared by Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche at NoMI, the Michelin star restaurant at Park Hyatt Chicago and delectable specialty cocktails provided by Beam Global. A silent auction included premium seats for Chicago sports events and stylish items from Chicago’s hottest stores and boutiques. It was a powerful night filled with emotion and love and I felt privileged to be there and hear these courageous women’s stories. Over 200 guests attended and the event raised over $35,000. Congrats to Sonya Jackson on her continuing fight to do some good in the world.  She is certainly achieving her goals. Governor Quinn told me “today should be Sonya Jackson Day in Chicago” and I told him he should make it official! (Check out ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina and KayeKaye Photography here!) 

I am hooked on Kenmore Live’s “So You Wanna be a Designer” reality show! This show is the FIRST online fashion reality show to be live-streamed on Facebook! Challenges are presented to the designer/contestants, a la “Project Runway,” every Tuesday at 9 AM at the Kenmore Live Studio located at 678 N. Wells St. Completed designs are showcased during the Thursday night episodes at 7 PM until May 12th. Viewers can watch the shows at Facebook.com/Kenmore and also be in the studio audience for the filmed broadcasts. The show began on March 24th with six budding designers. Now, with Episode 5, they are down to four: Tonya Pierce, Jessica Davis, LaTonya Williams and Anna Hovet. I was thrilled to be a judge for this segment, along with designer Thierry Roger and Chelsea McGrath (Sofia Vintage), which challenged the four designers to create a black tie design with a specific charity in mind. LaTonya’s charity was Rebuilding Together and her elegant evening gown had many inspiring touches mindful of the charity such as the ruching in the front which reminded LaTonya of steps to success. Her ruffled wrapped top replicated the encircling of arms to support the people the charity supported. She was very articulate and passionate about describing her gown and I liked her instantly. Designer Anna Hovet created a pantsuit with dimes glued on the lapels and cuffs in honor of her charity the March of Dimes which took her 51 hours to create. Inside the jacket she had even added little baby feet in homage to the infants who suffer. Tonya Pierce’s design for her charity, “Heroes at Home,” was an elegant structured design which even incorporated the stripes of the flag in panels down the sides. It was done in muted shades of red, white and blue and made a striking impression; although judge Thierry Roger thought is was too “costumey,” I could definitely see First Lady Michelle Obama wearing this proudly to a state dinner! Jessica Davis’ gown was made of white ostrich feathers which she said reminded her of angels on Earth like the supporters of her charity, St. Jude’s. We judged each design, commented on them and then held up our total vote count for each designer on camera. Online voters also cast their votes. This series has over 300,000 followers on Facebook so it was quite exciting to participate! In the end, the golden envelope was delivered to the darling hosts of the show, Debbie Jagel (founder of Ootra) and stylist Isaac King. Everyone held their breaths and as the names were read of the designers who would be staying on, they all hugged each other with tears in their eyes. But since this was a show about CHARITY, the creators decided to be charitable themselves and allow EVERYONE to stay! Many hugs ensued…stay tuned for the next show on Thursday, May 5th. The final show, on May 12th, will feature designer Raul Penaranda, whose collection wowed the crowd at NY Fashion Week this year. Can’t wait till Thursday!!! Good luck to all of these talented designers! The winner receives $20,000 cash plus an Elite Kenmore washer/dryer set :) (To see ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here and to view my Episode 5 appearance, please click here!)

Mark your calendar’s now for Sunday, May 15th, when the Joffrey Auxiliary Board hosts “A Starry Night!” This is the Company’s official Closing Night Party following the final performance of a stellar 2010-11 season which will be held in the Burnham Ballroom of the new JW Marriott, located at 151 W. Adams St., from 5 – 8 PM. This event, which celebrates our dancers and artistic staff, will feature a selection of cocktails and creative cuisine, plus dancing to the beats of L.A. DJ ASHOK. The Joffrey Auxiliary Board is a dynamic group of Chicago’s young professionals age 40 and below, who support the Joffrey Ballet through membership, volunteerism and their love of dance. “A Starry Night” event chairs are Laura Silva and Annie Wallis. The Ballet’s 2010-11 STARS season concludes this spring with RISING STARS, a mixed repertory program featuring World Premieres by Edwaard Liang (Woven Dreams) and Yuri Possokhov (Bells) plus a company premiere by Julia Adam (Night). Rising Stars will be presented in 10 performances at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, located at 50 E. Congress Pkwy., May 4th through the 15th. Tickets for “A Starry Night” are $50, Superstar Tickets, which include a ticket for a Joffrey artist too, are priced at $100. To purchase tickets and/or for more info on The Joffrey Auxiliary Board, please email [email protected] or call 312.386.8921. Remember, everything is beautiful at the ballet!

Here’s more news from the world of dance! Dance for Life’s 20th Anniversary Executive Producer Celebration will take place on Wednesday, May 11th, at the Chicago Hilton & Towers, located at 720 S. Michigan Ave., from 6 – 8:30 PM. This event will feature the world premiere of “Dance for Life Documentary” which is a poignant new film produced by Emmy Award-winning HMS Media which will air this summer on WTTW. It chronicles the 30-year impact of HIV/AIDS on Chicago’s dance community and Dance for Life’s 20-years commitment of support. Tickets, which begin at $500, can be purchased by calling 312.922.5812 or email [email protected].

“Big Mac Under Glass” returns to the Grand Ballroom of Navy Pier on Saturday, May 14th from 6 – midnight. This event, which benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana, will include a sit-down dinner, live and silent auction packages and dancing to the sounds of Chef Dan & the Appetizers as well as a special guest appearance by Kate Wild. Congrats in advance to event co-chairs Paul Huebener and Sheila Musolino! Tickets, which start at $375, can be purchased by visiting www.RonaldHouseChicago.org or by calling Lauren Knazur at 630.623.2111.

The 17th Annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza will be held at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel, located at 301 E. North Water St., on Tuesday, May 17th. Since 1994, the Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza has raised nearly $6 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This prestigious event sets the stage for Chicago’s finest restaurants to showcase their featured cuisine for the area’s most prominent civic and corporate leaders. Participating restaurants include Piccolo Sogno, Prosecco, Texas de Brazil, Coco Pazzo, Mon Ami Gabi and Wildfire to name a few. This event, whose honorary chair is Tom Ricketts (Executive Director of the Chicago Cubs) will be emceed by NBC 5’s Allison Rosati. Honorary chef is David Burns (Executive Chef, Levy Restaurants – Wrigley Field) and event co-chairs are Joe Bisceglia and Joe Shaker. Tickets, which begin at $350, can be purchased by calling 773.784.6704 or by visiting www.StJude.org/FourStarsChicago.

And finally, I am so excited to report The Happiness Club attended the White House’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt! Long time supporters, Maureen and Marc Schulman, also attended and brought me back this “happy” news! Congrats to this deserving organization for this wonderful honor! The Happiness Club is committed to the development and optimistic transformation of kids through performing arts education. 

This has been a whirlwind week with more to come! Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s Candid Candace and I look forward to bringing you more of the lowdown on Chicago’s highlights next time!

Love,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Now enjoy this story of a little dog’s perseverance and the people who love him…

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