Candid Candace

MCA’S "REMIXED/REIMAGINED" BENEFIT IS VISUAL FEAST

The Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago celebrated its 15th anniversary of its performance program, the MCA Stage, at the "Remixed/Reimagined" 2011 Performance Benefit this week. Co-chairs Sara Albrecht and Jay Franke slammed it out of the ballpark with this highly imaginative, mixed media event benefitting MCA programming. The evening commenced on the front plaza with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, courtesy of some of Chicago’s most notable food trucks: The Southern Mac& Cheese Truck, 5411 Empanadas and the Hummingbird Kitchen. As guests enjoyed their bits and sips amidst stage road cases for seating, impromptu performers treated them to surprise entertainment. Red Moon Theater delivered a mini-opera while the JASC Tsukasa Taiko group drummed their little hearts out from the museum steps. To conclude the cocktail hour, punk circus marching band Mucca Pazza filtered through the crowd ushering everyone into the theater. Perceptions shifted as the audience became the actors and vice versa when the sit-down dinner was prepared onstage and the entertainment, which was the phenomenal Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, performed from the seats. Décor giants Heffernan Morgan and Event Creative created a magical dining experience in shades of hot pink and purple while Wolfgang Puck created (and donated) culinary magic with his unique menu that included tapas, fried green tomatoes, Japanese barbecued shrimp, biscuits with pork belly, buttermilk fried chicken and roasted beef tenderloin. MCA Pritzker Director Madeleine Grynsztejn gave welcoming remarks and co-chair Jay Franke had this to say about the evening: “This evening was a real celebration honoring not only the MCA Stage but its director Peter Taub, who is one of our Chicago treasures. His disciplined and keen approach to programming is what keeps the Stage series so relevant and vital. As a member of the MCA Performance Committee, it was an honor to serve as a co-chair for "Remixed/Reimagined." Seriously, where else in Chicago can you paint the floors hot pink and serve dinner on an orange table? I adore this institution and their continued quest to indulge in the unexpected. Plus, putting together this event was much like an artistic process, complete with the same passion and love that goes into making great art.” Following the exuberant performance by the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus, guests were ushered into the freight elevator where chilled tequila and limoncello shots awaited. Members from DanceWorks Chicago greeted guests on the main floor where dessert, more drinks and dancing ensued. DJ Electric Method was placed high above the front doors – an unexpected location for a change and it was terrific. Everything was placed the opposite of where you would imagine it to be. Get it?? "Remixed/Reimagined??!!" Insanely clever! Co-chair Sara Albrecht had this to say about the event: “The evening was the first time we have had a celebration focused on the performance department of the MCA, which is one of only three museum institutions that have a dedicated performance program and stage. Over the past 15 years we have had performers range from Philip Glass, Laurie Anderson, Bill T. Jones, Lucinda Childs and so many others. We incorporated art and performance into the evening in order to try to create a cohesive performance and art vision instead of treating the two as separate organizations under the same roof. We were sold out without the help of any corporate sponsors and raised over $300,000 for the evening with almost 300 attendees. I think our main goal was to break down some of the barriers and make the MCA a diverse welcoming place where you never know what could happen.” It was a night filled with surprises but I shouldn’t have been surprised knowing the creativity of Sara, Jay and the MCA! Congrats to all on a very, very memorable evening! To view all images from this exciting evening, please click here!

The N’DIGO Foundation hosted its 16th annual Gala with a special Tribute to Men on Father’s Day featuring legendary singer/songwriter/producer and all around cute guy, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds who performed at the Symphony Center along with his brother, Kevon. I had never seen Babyface perform but I am telling you now, I will be first in line for tickets when he returns. He gave one of the most energetic performances I’ve seen in a long time. And when he performed with his brother, the ladies were dancin’ in the aisles! The honorees for this evening included Dr. Robert Michael Franklin (Morehouse College prez), Reverend Charles Jenkins (pastor of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church who was introduced by legendary Pastor Clay Evans), Les Coney (Mesirow Financial exec), ABC’s Charles Thomas (who emcee Art Norman introduced as the first African American political reporter at ABC News), Runako Jahi (Artistic Director of ETA Theater who mentored Jennifer Hudson in her acting career) and Dr. Conrad Worrill (Northeastern University Professor). N’DIGO Magazine publisher Hermene Hartman along with her Foundation have awarded over 200 scholarships since its inception and this evening’s 2011 Scholarship Recipients included Andrea Caldwell, Daniel Covington, Jacqueline Gibson, Joseph Laseter, Agustin Castrejon, Mercedes Suall, Reginald Torian III, Desiree Tellis and Adetunji Wilson. Congrats to all on a wonderfully, inspiring evening! Find out more about this organization on the N’DIGO Foundation website. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville Collins, please click here.)

Fabulous, 40 and for a good cause! This describes the first event that was held at the hotly anticipated Melman venue, Studio Paris, this week. Kathleen Henson, founder and CEO of River North PR agency Henson Consulting, celebrated her 40th birthday in grand style with 200 high-profile friends and colleagues at this indoor-outdoor lounge located directly above Paris Club, which is expected to open to the public this week. A highlight of the evening, was a performance by her favorite ‘80s band, 16 Candles. Handsome hubby Mike started the evening off with a loving tribute to his wife, who is the mother of five children all under the age of 11!! All of the ladies in the crowd required hankies it was so sweet. Also seen on the scene were "Windy City Live" hosts Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini, Roe Conn and Richard Roeper, Kathy Hart, Tim Smithe, Kelli Zink, Lindsay Avner, Marcus Riley, Shea Vaughn, Jen Schefft Waterman, Marion Brooks, Jesus Salguiero, Paris Club owners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman as well as Lettuce Entertain You founder Richard Melman and wife Martha among many others. In lieu of gifts, Kathleen asked friends to support her campaign to buy two clean water wells in Africa. To date, she has raised more than $8,000 toward the cause. If you would like to donate, please click here. Now THAT'S a reason to celebrate! Happy birthday dear Kathleen!!! (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina, please click here.)

More than 600 guests joined DIFFA/Chicago (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS/Chicago) recently during the “Believe Rock N Gala,” marking the 23rd year that designers, architects and design industry leaders gathered to help fund and advance the fight against AIDS. The all night fete featured epic food, fearless music and rock stars galore highlighted with a special performance by Evan Dando and The Lemonheads and DJ Jesse De La Pena during the Gala’s first-ever Rock On! after-party. Stephanie Castagnier, known from the hit NBC series “The Apprentice,” poignantly described her life as an orphan of AIDS and how she overcame its stigma to become a successful entrepreneur. Co-chairs for the event included Rick Gilman, Lynn Fordon, Richard Cassis and Georgeanna Farr. DIFFA/Chicago Chairman Jennifer McGregor said, “Tonight we celebrate and honor those who are taking us to a future without AIDS. The supporters, the researchers, the fundraisers, the grant writers and grantees—you are our rock stars! It isn’t IF we find a cure, it is WHEN we find a cure…and we are close.” Honorees included Dr. Niki Alami and Dr. Michael Angarone. Jennifer Cusack was also awarded the “Unsung Hero” award for her continuous support of the organization. Congrats to DIFFA/Chicago for making a difference in our communities for over 27 years! (Photos by Randy Michael Korwin.)

Brenda Sexton has done it again! Her Chicago Link Productions premiered an incredible documentary called “Phunny Business” about the history of Chicago’s first ever black comedy club, “All Jokes Aside.” Located in Chicago’s South Loop, this club flourished during the ‘90s giving early exposure and early paychecks to legendary comedians like Jamie Foxx, Mo’Nique, Dave Chappelle, Bernie Mac, Chris Rock, D.L. Hughley, Cedric The Entertainer, Craig Robinson, JB Smoove and many more. The audience laughed non-stop but there was also a very poignant element to the story as well. The film’s writer/director, John Davies, was in the audience as well as founder of “All Jokes Aside” and a producer on this film, Raymond Lambert. Producer Reid Brody was in the audience as well. I hope local theaters are listening because this film needs a venue! Please put it on your wish list with your favorite theater owners! The after-party at Hotel 71 also rocked – awesome food, beautiful views and darling GM Steve Shern. To view ALL event pics, click here!

Thundermania has returned to Chicago! If you haven’t seen “Thunder From Down Under,” a sexy all-Australian-male revue, then grab your friends and head over to the LaSalle Power Company for some X-citing fun! These guys have been named by AOL and the Las Vegas Review-Journal as the “Best Male Revue” and I believe it! The show has non-stop energy, dynamic dance routines, gymnastics, sexy costumes, awesome Aussie humor, state-of-the-art lighting and audience participation! Yes, I said the ladies can join in the onstage fun! The room was packed with screaming fans as the Awesome Aussies put on a sizzling performance. The 75-minute show will be in town through October 29th on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a fun lovin’ show but definitely for adults only: Not X-rated but X-citing for sure! 

Whew, there’s a lot of stuff goin’ on, huh? I hope you’re finally enjoying this beautiful weather and I hope to see you around town at one of these fun parties soon! In the meantime, that’s the lowdown on this week’s highlights!

Love,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Congrats to Chicago Street Style’s Amy Creyer on her one-year anniversary! Here she is shown with cute friends, artist Jun Iseyama, Prada’s JoMarie Bellendir, Amy and artist Megan Weinerman. :) Happy anniversary Amy!

GLAMORAMA LAUNCH PARTY FEATURES BLAH BLAH BLAH!

If Glamorama’s Launch Party is any indication of what’s to come for the main event on Friday, August 12th, then we are going to have to wear helmets! I don’t know where to begin to describe this party at the super cool venue, Room 1520 at 1520 W. Fulton, on Thursday night. We had all the ingredients and then some to make this party rock starting with the incredibly fantastic band, Blah Blah Blah, who graced our event with, not only a high octane musical performance, but also with the debut of their first music video which featured the song from their upcoming EP “Why Am I the Only One Laughing?” Watch for a surprise cameo! (The EP is set for release in August and, currently, the band is giving away a free download on their website, BlahBlahBlahMusic.com.) The crowd of 300 fashion and music loving friends rocked out to the hot sounds of Blah Blah Blah as well as the tunes of DJ E- SIX Crossfader King. They “jumped for joy” in the Action Photo Booth (to see all pics, visit ActionBooth.com), had their portraits done by talented artist Rosemary Fanti, enjoyed the hors d’oeuvres and candy counters courtesy of Blue Plate Catering, Hershey and Anna’s Custom Sweets & Treats and were awed by an amazing performance by Hip Hop ConnXion Dancers. There was something for everyone! Local designers Elda de la Rosa and Horacio Nieto brought gorgeous models who sashayed through the crowd in their latest creations to the delight of the guests. As you know Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama is one of the most anticipated fashion shows and parties of the year and I was proud to be its host along with a fantastic Host Committee that included Carol Beitler, Lynne Bredfeldt, Cindy Burns, DC Crenshaw, Fabrice Calmels, Christopher Clinton Conway, Samantha Amato, Erica Bethe Levin, Jessica Zweig, Corri McFadden, Kristina McGrath, Quenten Schumacher, Marcus Riley, Ken Norgan, Helen, Maryanne and Corinne Melchior, Cece Gonzalez, Melinda Joseph, Kerry and Sally Shorr, Lynn McMahan, Rich Varnes, Leslie Hindman, Linda Johnson Rice, Katie McLenaghan, John Walcher, Julee White, Jim Smith, Andrea and Laura Schwartz, Ann Danner, Rhonda Sanderson, Richard Gamble, Tom Gorman, Greg Hyder and Amanda Puck. Event Creative transformed the space to create magic that corresponded to the Ronald McDonald House mission. Scattered throughout the space were oversized Ronald McDonald Houses imprinted with the words HOPE, LOVE and CARE. The point of the evening was driven home when 12-year- old Alisha Van Fosson took to the stage. She tearfully described what the House has meant to her and her family during the course of her 32 surgeries. No 12-year-old should have to bear these kinds of troubles but it was heartening to know that the ray of hope and love for her and her family was a Ronald McDonald House. For the third year, Glamorama has chosen Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana as its charity beneficiary and I couldn’t be happier! Cee-Lo Green and Far East Movement will be performing at Glamorama and I know they will be terrific but my heart belongs to BLAH BLAH BLAH! Hope to see you all at the Chicago Theatre on Friday, August 12th! Special thanks to CS Magazine, Lisa Newman of Creative One Consulting and presenting sponsor Aon Hewitt and Tyronne Stoudemire. We couldn’t have done it without YOU! For Glam tickets and more info, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.com (To view ALL event pics by Mila Samokhina with additional pics by Steve Starr, please click here.)

I am sad to say I had never been to the Friends of Prentice Gala but I am happy to say they didn’t need me anyway since this event is a yearly sellout. For their 25th annual gala themed “Reflections,” the phrase that kept popping up with everyone I talked with was “this party is wild!” And you had to see it to believe it! First of all, it was the largest silent auction I had ever seen with over 750 items. There were trip giveaways, kid stuff, food and wine packages, beauty and fashion offerings, interior décor items and nights on the town that included Lollapalooza, Steppenwolf, The Joffrey Ballet, Lyle Lovett and Victory Gardens Theatre among a zillion others. Everywhere you looked guests were carrying big tote bags for the toy giveaways that were to come. Navy Pier is a gorgeous venue for big events and the décor by Taylor & Co. on this night was simply elegant. Long, willowy branches on the tables were dramatic yet still allowed guests to see each other. Their “Heads or Tails” game is a highly anticipated part of the evening and involved anyone who had purchased a day-glo necklace. I’m not giving this idea away. You need to go next year and see it for yourself! Event co-chairs, Carol Bernick (Friends of Prentice founder), Erica Goldman, Joanne DeSanctis Kirk, Christopher Newton and Stanley Pillman, attracted over 700 guests to this event that raised $450,000 for the charity. For info on this wonderful organization, please visit www.friendsofprentice.org. (To view ALL gala pics, please click here.)

What a great evening at the Peninsula for the annual Illinois Eye-Bank Gala! Only this year, the hosts mixed things up a bit and decided the sit-down dinner would be replaced with a more casual “Summer Sight Soiree” to honor this year’s Woman of Vision, Jean Antoniou, and the Gift of Sight Honoree, Dr. Randy Epstein. Since the temps were rather cool, the outdoor terrace was nixed but the ever resilient Greg Hyder, the Pen’s Director of Catering, simply moved the Tom Kehoe décor inside to the ballroom and all was right with the world. Actually, it looked even better indoors instead of outdoors, who knew? Anyway, the room was filled with friends of Jean’s and Randy’s who were thrilled that they had been chosen for this honor. Event Chair Dr. David Donnersberger said, “This may be the first annual Summer Sight Soiree, but it is our 13th annual spring event benefitting the Illinois Eye-Bank. The woman behind all these years of success is Beverly Blettner. In honor of her efforts, the Beverly Blettner Gift of Knowledge endowment fund was created in 2003. From the start, Beverly understood the need for the Eye-Bank to educate people about eye, organ and tissue donation, and the importance of sharing one’s decision to be a donor with family members.” There was a VIP reception, cocktails and heavy hors d’oeuvres, a BIG buffet, a raffle, silent auction and music by Deep Blue Field. Greg Hyder lovingly introduced his long-time friend Jean and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Congrats to these two philanthropic Chicagoans on their much deserved honors! For more info on this organization, please visit www.IllinoisEyeBank.org. (To view ALL event pics by Caitlin Saville and Steve Starr, please click here.)

The DuPage Children’s Museum “Champions for Children” Benefit Ball raised more than $335,000 for their annual gala at Hotel Arista this year. This black-tie sit-down dinner’s live auction included a trip on the Orient Express from Venice to Paris, a Sea Dream Yacht Club luxury Caribben cruise and a golf package at Four Seasons Resort in Scottsdale. Brenda and Tom Harter Sr. were Honorary Chairs and ABC 7’s Judy Hsu was the emcee for the evening. The DuPage Children’s Museum helps develop learning skills for children through their interactive exhibits and programs. The lead sponsor for this year’s event was Macy’s. Additional sponsors included the Harter Family, Ronald L. McDaniel Foundation and Bulley & Andrews, among others. Congrats on another year of making learning fun for kids! To learn more about this organization, please visit www.dupagechildrensmuseum.org.

And now for something completely different! Australia’s “Thunder from Down Under” comes to town on Friday, June 24th, to the LaSalle Power Company. This one is for the LADIES! This steamy, internationally acclaimed Las Vegas-based male revue has been drawing raves. Voted “Best Male Revue” by readers of the Las Vegas Review- Journal, this sexy group of guys have appeared on “Ellen,” “Regis & Kelly,” “The Today Show” and the “The View” to name a few. They will be in town until October 29th and will be appearing Fridays at 7 and 10 PM, and Saturdays at 7, 9 and 11 PM.  I will meet you in the ticket line! (Tickets are $39.95 per person with a VIP package available at $59.95. (For tix and more info, please visit www.ThunderinChicago.com.)

Don’t forget Common Threads’ Crosstown Culinary Classic on Friday, June 24th at Seasons Restaurant in the Four Seasons. This multi-course dinner is described as a “Culinary Field of Dreams” between Seasons' Chef Kevin Hickey (an avid White Sox fan) and avec’s Chef Koren Grieveson. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased by calling 312.329.2501.

The following night, Saturday June 25th, Dr. Sandy Goldberg will be hosting the Ninth Annual Tasting Stars party benefitting her A Silver Lining Foundation’s free mammography program, “Buy Mom a Mammogram.” The party will be held at DIRTT, located at 325 N. Wells St., overlooking the Chicago River. Guests will enjoy champagne, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and delicious treats from Terry’s Toffee and cheese pairings courtesy of Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. This wonderful organization funds cost free mammograms for uninsured and underinsured women at six Chicagoland partner hospitals. For more info and tickets ($150), please visit www.TastingStars.org.)

The 62nd Annual Old Town Art Fair is one of the oldest juried art fairs in the country and this year attracted 260 talented artists from every medium. There were beautiful paintings, sculpture, jewelry, woodwork, photography, ceramics, metalworks and even some darling whimsical pieces that were hard to describe except for the fact that they just made you smile. The gardens that were on view this year were especially lush after all of the rain. The Children's Corner offered face painting, Mad Science projects and dancing with Thodos Dance Chicago while the adults were treated to wonderful food stands that included funnel cakes, corn dogs, blue crabcakes, key lime pie, BBQ, sirloin pita pockets, brats, Polish sausage, hot dogs, tacos, tamales, guacamole, sweet potato fries, cheese fries, organic donuts and grilled corn on the cob. My waistline is expanding just writing these words but it was a fine weekend of fun and I can't wait until my little street is magically transformed again next year with the Hobbit-like little booths of the artists. My highlights of the Old Town Art Fair this year included Lucy and Steve Weiss' fantastic party in the courtyard of the famous Yellow House, Diane and Tom Leibig's musical get-together with Tom's famous marinated lamb kebobs, Pat and John Hall's surprise party for former Alderman Vi Daley and the much anticipated launch of Shirley Baugher's latest book about this area we love so much entitled “Hidden History of Old Town.” (To buy this charming book, please click here and to see more photos here!)

I was so thrilled to be on ABC 7’s hot, new show “Windy City Live” this week. I love this show because its entire focus is all things-Chicago. I also think Valerie Warner and Ryan Chiaverini are two of the cutest hosts around. One of the producers calls Valerie “lightning in a bottle” and I couldn’t agree more! To see my segment, please click here and for my WCL back-story, please click here. Watch weekdays beginning at 9 AM on Ch. 7. You will love it too! Good luck WCL! It’s great having you in town! (To view more pics, click here.)

Whew, that’s a lot of news for one week! Chicago is always on the move and I can’t wait to bring you the highlights from around town! See you next week, same time, same place!

Love,
Candace
[email protected]

NOMI AT PARK HYATT’S RE-OPENING PARTY WAS WORTH THE WAIT

I’ve always loved the outdoor terrace at NoMI in the Park Hyatt Chicago and I’ve also had the good fortune to spend many special occasions at their restaurant which, I think, has the most gorgeous views in the city — although it could be a tie with the views from Chicago Cut’s terrace. In any case, their latest four-month 7th floor renovation has changed NoMI from a special occasion spot to an every-occasion spot and they have done it in grand style. Their recent re-opening party attracted more familiar faces than I’ve seen in one place in a long time and they all had nothing but good things to say about the changes. We all agreed we loved NoMI in the past but feel the new look will see us coming in more often. PR Director Lynne Bredfeldt was beaming like a new mom and happily took everyone on tours to show them the gorgeous new looks in NoMI Kitchen, Lounge, Garden and Spa. And although the spaces are still elegant and glamorous, it has a more casual chic look. Gone are the white tablecloths in the dining room which have been replaced with cool, wenge wood and leather tables. And, not to worry if you were looking for the spectacular Dale Chihuly glass installations that used to command the space in front of the dramatic bank of windows. They are safely ensconced in the cozy, dining/meeting space off to the side and, actually, seem much better suited there. They have been replaced with an artistic, modern white sculpture that snakes along the ceiling like “Wintry Branches” and complements the view rather than competes with it. On this night, every bit of space was packed with 500 admiring friends oohing and aahing over the stylish new look and the fantastic new menu. Attendees sampled Executive Chef Ryan LaRoche’s signature high quality, ingredient driven food from some of the finest artisans and farmers throughout the surrounding region. He said his love of cooking came from his grandfather's garden. He has distinct memories of picking snap peas in his grandpa’s garden in Cape Cod. No wonder he says, “I like to do honest food, which is some of the most difficult food to do. You can’t hide behind whimsical plate presentation.” His menu on this night included Foraged Mushroom and Green Bean Salad, Foie Gras Terrine, Beef Tartar, Uni Avocado Toasts, a selection of oysters and Strip Loin with Roasted Tomatoes among other items that were paired with handcrafted cocktails. The tour of the new NoMI Spa features two elegant private suites with services specializing in customized, aromatherapy treatments while NoMI Garden’s new centerpiece is a 30-foot teak bar! As Chef Ryan LaRoche says, “The kitchen has always been the hearth, the heart, the centre of the home…”  I couldn’t agree more! Welcome back, NoMI! We’ve missed you! Check out their blog for updates at www.comethinkin.com. (Additional photos by Bob Carl.) To see ALL party pics, please click here. 
 
The Service Club of Chicago is one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city. Since 1890, it has continually served the welfare, civic, educational and cultural needs of Chicago and surrounding communities through their grant program. Every single dollar they raise goes towards these efforts. So it was no surprise that their latest event, the Spring Luncheon, was a sellout at the Chicago Club with 220 chapeau wearing women. The title of the Spring Luncheon this year was “The Mad Hatter Luncheon” and indeed, there were some madcap selections for headgear but the ladies had a great time admiring each other’s hats as well as the rare collection from Bes-Ben which was on display courtesy of Mary Robak, Bob Feigenheimer and Susanin’s Patrick Kearney. Some of the creations seen on the fashionable heads around town were created by local milliners Loreta Corsetti, Carla Faso and Laura Whitlock. There were also some creative homemade toppers. The “Hatter’s Contest” was judged by Elizabeth Jachomowicz, Mary Robak and Bunky Cushing. Winners included Mamie Walton for “Most Regal Hat,” Cheryl Bollinger for “Most Original” and Rochelle Smith Trotter for “Most Head Turning Hat.” Elizabeth Jachomowicz gave an informative lecture and presentation on the history and fashion of the Bes-Ben collection as well as sharing many stories from this era. In 1919 milliner Benjamin Green-Field (dubbed Chicago’s Mad Hatter) and his sister Bess founded Bes-Ben. It thrived from the '20s through the '70s with many celebs such as Lucille Ball, Marlene Dietrich and Elizabeth Taylor clamoring his designs. Beginning in 1941, his creations took a whimsical turn with one Chicago socialite receiving a little hat covered with clocks to wear to a charity entitled “Time for Giving.” Not long ago, one of his Independence Day hats, which was covered with flags, firecrackers and stars, broke a record for millinery fetching $18,400 at auction. Bes-Ben’s Michigan Avenue boutique closed in 1978. Congrats to the Service Club for this unique and fun luncheon idea. In particular, congrats to Event Chair Sherry Holson on a job well-done! (To view ALL event pics by John Reilly Photography, please click here.)  For more info on The Service Club of Chicago, please visit www.serviceclubofchicago.org.
 
Chefs & the City recently hosted a Kick-Off Party at the brand new Tzar Lounge, located at 215 W. Ontario, for their upcoming main event set for July 15th at the Ritz Carlton. As always, with this fun-loving charity, the crowd came out in droves. The venue was really cool too with a faux fireplace in one of the booths and a long runway type structure running through the middle with dramatic lighting. Honorary chairs for this event are Amanda Puck, Rich Varnes and moi. Chef Chair is RL’s cute Ryan Pitts. There was a sneak peak fashion show by Mark Shale (Maria Pinto is their new Creative Director) but the main event will be at the Ritz-Carlton on Friday, July 15th, so mark your calendars! This 7th annual Chefs & the City will begin at 7 PM with an exclusive VIP After-Party all benefitting Vital Bridges. With over 30 restaurants participating, grand raffle prizes plus a world class fashion show presented by Mark Shale’s Maria Pinto, this party will be bigger and better than ever so get your tickets while you can by calling 773.271.5117 or visiting www.vitalbridges.org.) Get your forks ready for this wonderful cause! :) Click here for more pics.
 
Our star chefs of Chicago are very busy these days doing so many wonderful things for charity. Yet another example was the 17th Annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers that attracted over 675 guests. This heart-warming event raised $450,000 to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital which was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas. Emcee, WMAQ-Channel 5 anchor Allison Rosati, presided over a program that included past St. Jude patient Marget Graham, who spoke eloquently about her early physical battles with childhood cancer and eventual triumph. She is now 35, happily married and expecting twins! St. Jude CEO Rick Shadyac also spoke lovingly about his association with the charity. Chicago Cubs' Tom Ricketts was the honorary chair and honorary chef was Levy Restaurants’ Executive Chef David Burns. Participating restaurants included Coco Pazzo, Mercadito, Melting Pot, Mon Ami Gabi, Wildfire, Prosecco, Dinotto Ristorante, Shula’s Steakhouse and Piccolo Sogno among others. Congrats to co-chairs Joe Bisceglia and Joe Shaker on a job well done! Since 1994, this event has raised nearly $6 million for St.Jude’s. (To see how you can help and for more info, please visit www.stjude.org.) 
 
The Center on Halsted’s annual fundraiser, Human First, starred funny girl Wanda Sykes along with versatile singer/actress, Linda Eder at the Harris Theater. For past galas, there have been sit-down dinners and dancing but this comedy and entertainment format seemed to suit the crowd of 1500 just fine. Gala co-chairs Kip Helverson, Jo Minow and David Blowers along with the Center’s staff and Board presented the 2011 Human First Award to Abby O’Neil, her husband Carroll Joynes and David Helverson. The 2011 Community Spirit Award was shared by the Chicago History Museum and Exelon. The Center’s mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. They have been doing an outstanding job since 1973. Congrats to Center CEO Modesto Tico Valle. If you would like to know more, please visit www.centeronhalsted.org or call 773.661.0788. For more pics, click here.
 
My month-long May birthday was filled with fun! It’s the good times with friends that make the aging process painless and when Helen Melchior offered to plan a little party for me, I jumped at the chance. She even made a memory album on her Mac all by herself which impressed everyone! I was happy to share the evening with Leslie Hindman, Sheila O’Grady, Cindy Burns, Charley and Chuck, Lauren Dobies, Mary Ann Melchior, Chris Long, Nicki and Nicholas Patrick, Samantha Amato, Paul Iacono, Rhonda Sanderson and Tara Klecka. Helen made her signature guacamole and even served fabulous M Burgers, which I’d never had before but sure will again! It was a memory-making evening and one I will never forget. The following day, Chuck and I went on an adventure to Michigan with the dogs, Mickey and Rooney. Little did we know they despise the great outdoors but we found out soon enough. They cried in the car, they cried in the yard, they cried at the dog-friendly Gordon Beach Inn and, finally, they cried at the wonderful dinner party thrown by Kip Helverson and his partner, Neal Steiner. I guess I won’t wait by the mailbox for another invitation but hope springs eternal. Check out more pics here.
 
Enjoy summer in the city, coming soon I hope! And in the meantime, I hope you enjoyed this week’s lowdown on Chicago’s highlights!
 
Love,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. On June 25th, please join me for the 9th Annual Tasting Stars premier champagne fundraising event benefitting A Silver Lining Foundation’s free mammography program. The event will be from 7 - 11 PM at DIRTT, located at 325 N. Wells St. Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining, has planned an evening filled with Entertaining Co. hors d’oeuvres, Terry’s Toffee, The Capital Grille Martini Bar, Pops for Champagne and cheese pairings by Pastoral Artisan Cheese, Bread & Wine. For tickets and more info, please visit www.tastingstars.org.