Candid Candace

FUN-FILLED KICK-OFF FOR MACY’S PASSPORT PRESENTS GLAMORAMA

...PLUS FLOWERY FLEUROTICA; “INTO THE WILD” WITH FRIENDS OF PRENTICE; CHICAGO WHITE SOX “STEP UP TO PLATE” FOR RMHC; BIG CAT’S BASH FOR CASH; STARVING ARTIST EXTRAVAGANZA; NORTH SHORE DANCE THERAPY HOSTS WORTHY FUNDRAISER; A PARIS WEDDING; WHO IS THE MEDIA WOMAN OF THE DECADE?; PRIDE PARADE DETAILS; NINA’S BIG BIRTHDAY PARTY; LOFT’S GRAND OPENING; “MAN OF STEEL” PREMIERE AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
The Launch Party for Macy’s Passport presents Glamorama was all I had hoped it would be and more! The illustrious host committee who supported this beloved event spread the word, showed up and played all night! The love in the room for this event was obvious and Ronald McDonald, who was on hand to greet arriving guests on the red carpet, was smiling ear to ear the entire evening! The venue, Gallery 225 (225 W. Hubbard), was a perfect corner location, easily accessible and with tons of parking and, after the sun went down, the floor to ceiling windows glowed with a multitude of colors (created by Five Star Audio/Visual) and showcased the fun and excitement happening inside. Almost 300 guests came dressed in their finest fashions for this warm-up party for Glamorama which comes to the Harris Theatre on August 9th. Red velvet ropes guarded the red carpet upon arrival as guests were checked in. For those who hadn’t previously purchased a ticket, they could buy theirs at the door. And then there was Ronald, dressed in his signature shades of red and yellow, he brought a smile to everyone’s faces and was a huge hit with the digital camera and iPhone crowd. Atop the huge center bar (with Tito’s Vodka, etc.) and high boy tables, there were glorious arrangements of brightly colored flowers which echoed the lighting courtesy of everyone’s favorite event planner Debi Lilly. Every party she touches is elevated due to her unlimited creativity and this night was no exception. The right side of the room looked like a scene straight out of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory with a sea of sweets displayed on multiple tables. There were Eli’s Frango Mint Cheesecake (sold at Macy’s), Carol’s Cookies, MORE Cupcakes, Hershey’s candy and so much more! The champagne glow bar (courtesy of Wirtz Beverage Group) was a huge hit and as guests carried their drinks throughout the venue, the multi- colored glowing flutes added to the decor. Food for Thought catered the event and offered delicious mini-blue cheese and bacon burgers, mini quinoa veggies burgers, cucumber spring rolls, a ginormous cheese display and more! People waited in line for the popular Action Booth and “Project Runway” designer Peach Carr jumped so hard she broke her finger as she came down too close to the friend next to her! But, being the good sport that she is, she tweeted after “It’s not a good party unless somebody does this” and included a pic of her finger in a splint. LOL! Peach showcased some gorgeous designs on this night including her current passion, maxi dresses. Her black and white one-shouldered cocktail dress was a sensation and was inspired by the music from the ‘70s. Eva Pazola also presented her designs on glamorous models featuring dramatic bell-shaped sleeves over simple, modern shapes. Designer Elda de la Rosa is always a hit at this party (and everywhere else) with her cocktail and evening gowns that were elegant with ruffled fabric details. Archer Townsend showed casual chic designs in black and white. DJ Sye Young kept the crowd moving and is one of my favorite DJs, along with DJ Heavy. They are not only awesome at what they do but Sye always gives back to worthy causes - love him! Rosemary Fanti is another favorite who always makes a party more exciting: She was capturing the guests as they walked the red carpet for Action Booth shots. (My favorite illustration of the night was of Dr. Steven Stryker and Macy’s Andrea Schwartz – they looked like they had walked right out of “The Great Gatsby” movie...so glamorous! I was thrilled to be able to cover this exciting night for my Watch312.com show, “Candid Candace Chicago” – it was fun to interview my friends and discover their passion for this event benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana. For the fifth year in a row, Macy’s has chosen this charity as its beneficiary for the most awesome night of fashion in Chicago, Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama. Sheryl Crow is the featured entertainer for this year’s show, themed “Fashion in a New Light,” that will also showcase designs from Jean Paul Gaultier, Diesel, Weekend Max Mara, Maison Jules, Tommy Hilfiger and more! Cirque du Soleil will also perform live in this hour-long presentation that feels more like a Broadway show than a fashion show! Don’t miss it on August 9th! To order tickets and for more info, please click here! Congrats to RMHC’s event planners extraordinaire for this exciting evening: Christina Thomas and Jaime Holway! I was thrilled to chair this event for the fourth year along with our dynamic host committee! Stay tuned for Watch312.com video coming soon!  Congrats to ALL! (To view more pics from this fantastic evening, please click here!)
 
Fleurotica 2013 was a visual feast at the MCA with almost 500 stylish guests in attendance on June 12th. Co-chaired by Deirdre Koldyke, Whitney Lasky and Shauna Montgomery, this “haute” fashion show featured flowery designs by 30 of Chicago’s top floral and landscape artists. It was thrilling to go behind the scenes and see the hard work the designers were pouring into their creations. I saw popular designer Drew Holitik with his design inspired by strong women and titled “This Women’s Work”. It featured bleached magnolia leaves, orchids and garden roses. Another favorite floral design house, H. Bloom, offered a piece inspired by the fragrance family of Fougere (fern in French). Designers Jenny DeMuth and Kyle Hustedt utilized ferns as a base with orchids and roses for their stunning creation. Anna Held designers Laura Daluga and Brian Skiel’s design was titled “Weeping Willow” and was inspired by their love of avante garde fashion and science fiction. My dear friend Jeff Jonen was representing Mariano’s along with designers Rebecca Eckblad and Jose Llera: Inspired by the Gatsby era, their stunning creation included more than 400 calla lilies! The winning design – judged by Costume Council president Nena Ivon, Factor Models’ Bridget Halanski and couturier Sam Kori George – was Scarlet Petal. Designer Sarah Anderson’s ballgown, titled “Mucha in the Fern Room”, was inspired by 19th century illustrator Alphonse Mucha and was an elegant sea of green ferns complete with a flowing 10-foot fern train. Many of the guests wore inspired fashions in keeping with the evening’s floral theme and included Kristina McGrath, Liz Ryan, Michaela Parrillo, Shelley Farley, Barry Montgomery, Olga Ruda, Suzie and Ross Glickman, Morris Gearring, Toni Canada, Rebecca Besser, Rachel and James De Marte, Stacy Saltzman, Lauren Wyka, Julie Latsko, Scott Bobek, Sophie Bross, Joan Colmar, Helen Melchior, Shawna Owen, Shellie Thompson, Jeanouche Wopinski and Amy Rule among many others. The evening also honored the founding members of the Board of Directors for the Garfield Park Conservatory Gwendolyn Rogers, Rev. Eudora Ramey, Jackie McCay and Mary Nelson. A multi-media presentation by local artist duo Luftwerk, with filmmaker Nick Martin opened the show and featured a video showing the Conservatory as seen from a child’s eyes. Martin thanked co-chair Whitney Lasky in the program book for her “inspired concept” for the child’s journey. (Way to go, Whit!) Another highlight of the show was Meredith Montgomery, Shauna’s 13-year old-daughter, who glided down the runway as “Infinite Beauty.” (And she is!) Performance artist/models were languorously draped on brass beds while models dressed in designs courtesy of Neiman Marcus with jewels by Coomi lined the stairwells. Eunita Rushing, president of the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance, spoke movingly about how important the Conservatory is to the communities and that 165,000 people visit this award-winning Chicago treasure yearly. The Conservatory received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service in 2012, the nation’s highest honor conferred for service to the community. The gala grossed approximately $200,000 for the Conservatory which is still rebuilding after 2011 storm and hail damage. For more info and how you can donate, visit www.garfieldconservatory.org. (Fab fotos by Mila Samokhina...click here to view more and see all the fun and flora below on my Watch312.com show, “Candid Candace Chicago”!)

June was such a full month for high-profile fundraisers! The 27th annual Friends of Prentice Gala, “Into the Wild”, was another action-packed night of fun at Navy Pier. Attracting more than 700 guests, proceeds from this event furthered the organization’s mission of improving the quality of health for women and infants in Chicago and throughout the world. Each year, the FOP Gala brings attention to a particular aspect of the organization’s mission and this year, the Prentice Ambulatory Care Clinic (PAC) took center stage. “I am humbled to lead this organization, which for the past 27 years, has raised nearly $17 million in leading edge research and significantly impacted the quality of healthcare provided to women and infants,” said Trina Gordon McCallister, FOP Board president. Event designer nonpareil Derrick Taylor brought this year’s event to a whole new level with the jungle theme. And even though the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier is massive, Derrick managed to make every guest feel like they were enclosed in a vine-filled jungle complete with oversized backdrops at either end. (Whichever angle photos were taken, there would always be an interesting jungle element added!) His table decor had guests oohing and ahhing and caused a bottleneck at the entrance as guests stopped to take it all in. Massive tropical plants and trees (some 20 feet tall!) filled your vision and even included small stuffed monkeys clinging to branches as some of the vines even connected tables. There was a rock cliff complete with a tinsel waterfall that cascaded onto the dance floor. A surprise for the evening were dancing monkeys dressed in custom airbrushed costumes that meandered throughout the crowd and led guests into dinner. A wild, colorful, choreographed dance number opened the night’s festivities. Greg Dellinger, aka G-Man, was the emcee and auctioneer for the evening. I helped him with the live auction portion and it’s always a thrill to see the energy and expertise he brings to any event he’s a part of. I was honored to present the Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger platinum and diamond bracelet with 2.95 total carat weight of round brilliant diamonds. A Tiffany ostrich Genevieve Satchel completed this awesome package that sold for $15K. A Starwood Hotels trip to Peru sold for $9.5 K. Starwood’s Mary Gallo returned again this year to help auction off her incredible donations that also included a wine country trip, a Hawaiian adventure and a New York stay at the world famous St. Regis Hotel in the brand new Bentley Suite (that also included a car during the stay!). At the last minute, a generous supporter also donated his Blackhawks tickets for the following night’s playoff game which added $4K to the auction revenue. A heads or tails game and a paddle raise followed. Popular cover band Maggie Speaks kept the crowd on their feet and the highly anticipated gift giveaway had the crowd filling their oversized bags with gifts, noisemakers, beach toys, masks, funny hats and more. Expertly co-chaired by Erica Goldman, Christopher Newton and Donna Socol, the gala event raised more than $1 million! Congrats to all and especially my friend, the rock star event organizer Alex Sabbag! (To view ALL pics, please click here!)
 
Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf and pitchers Chris Sale, Gavin Floyd and Jess Crain “stepped up to the plate” for a rooftop dedication ceremony at the 15-story Ronald McDonald House at 211 E. Grand on June 11th. The ceremony commemorated the White Sox commitment to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana with a significant financial donation and a small-scale replica of U.S. Cellular Field. The rooftop mini baseball diamond will provide much needed respite for families staying at the House, which opened exactly a year ago. The “White Sox Family Field” served as the kick-off for an ongoing partnership between the Chicago White Sox and RMHC-CNI, which will include events like White Sox Day at RMH, RMH Day at U.S. Cellular Field, White Sox volunteer days at the House and special player visits with the children and families at the House. “The White Sox clearly have a passion for helping children,” said RMHC-CNI CEO Doug Porter. “It’s exciting that the scope of their advocacy is now expanding to providing a ‘home away from home’ for the families of children receiving medical care, so that even more of those going through the most challenging times in their lives can stay together. The team’s phenomenal support will help families receiving care at Lurie Children’s and also create a dynamic feature at our world’s largest House, sure to be a hit with families.” White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf said, “We can only imagine some of the problems that people here are going through. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. I’m proud that our players do so much more than play baseball. They visit hospitals and schools and do so much good in our communities.” Pitcher Gavin Floyd said, “It’s an honor and a blessing to be here. I know the enjoyment I get out of sports so we’re happy to provide the families with some relief from their problems.” Former RMH family guest little Augie Matthies hit the “first pitch” thrown by White Sox pitcher Gavin Floyd. Chris Sale served as catcher while Jess Crain did the commentary. These wonderful players tirelessly signed baseballs, stood for photos and enjoyed lunch with the families and children at the House. Floyd even gave one of the children the jersey off his back...literally! I was so impressed with their dedication. Other special guests included Howard Pizer (senior executive VP of the White Sox), Christine O’Reilly (senior director of community relations of the White Sox), Women’s Board members MaryAnne Smith, Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitler, and McDonald’s owner/operator Ken Norgan (who works tirelessly on behalf of the charity). Congrats to the White Sox for making a difference and lighting up the lives of these children! For more info, please visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org and to see ALL event pics, click here!
 
James “Big Cat” Williams recently hosted his second annual “Celebrity Bash for Cash” at Cinespace Chicago Film Studio to benefit Big Cat Charities. Outside the entrance, 1920’s era cars (on loan from Midwest Picture Cars) flanked the entrance. In the lead car, two life-size mannequins – Clyde behind the wheel and Bonnie riding shotgun – made arriving guests smile, not to mention Cinespace’s Laura Perlman coming out from behind the cars and startling everyone with her tommy gun. LOL! In keeping with the speakeasy theme, Event Creative’s décor featured box lanterns filled with candles, long wooden tables and sexy lounge seating through the space. Joining Big Cat were former and current Bears and other athletes including Richard Dent, Allan Ellis, Roberto Garza, Olin Kreutz, Jeremy Lincoln, Marc May, Ray McElroy, Marques Sullivan and Donnell Woolford, along with Ashley Hooks (Miss Illinois USA 2012) and reality TV contestant Russ Swan from “Survivor: Samoa” and “Survivor: Philippines”. Emcee Summer Jackson from WCIU kicked off the program talking about the three non-profits Big Cat Charities supports: Deborah’s Place, Maryville Crisis Center and PADS (Providing Advocacy, Dignity, Shelter). Big Cat introduced honorary chair Reverend Tom Behrens, founder of The Night Ministry, a nonprofit which has been helping struggling homeless people on Chicago’s nighttime streets since 1976. As the evening drew to a close, guests were treated to a table of goodies including t-shirts, movie clap boards, Gatsby screen wipes and iPad covers and Big Cat logo chocolates. Love this! For more information on Big Cat Charities, please click here! (Photos by Mike Kenyon, Sum Lau and Larisa Pevtsova...view more pics here!)
 
Chicago Artists Coalition, the 39-year-old non-profit dedicated to strengthening Chicago’s vibrant arts community, will host its third annual Starving Artist extravaganza on June 29th from 7 p.m. to midnight. This event will pair celebrated local artists with renowned Chicago chefs who will collaborate on edible and aesthetic presentations. They include Theaster Gates, MK’s Erick Williams, Belly Q and Urban Belly’s Bill Kim, Siena Tavern’s Cody Hudson, Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani and so many more! The evening will also feature hand-crafted Hennessy Black cocktails created by artist Marissa Lee Benedict and Hennessey Black brand architect Benjamin Newby. The event will take place at CAC’s West Loop/Fulton Market gallery space (217 N. Carpenter). Tickets begin at $50 with all proceeds benefitting the Coalition’s mission and programs. For information and a video from last year, click HERE.
 
LOFT came to Michigan Avenue in a big way with a grand opening party attended by 300 guests and hosted by local tastemakers DJ Megan Taylor, Revae Schneider, Catherine De Orio, Samantha Saifer Berngard, Erica Bethe Levin, Jessica Zweig and Liz Schneider. Founded in 1998, this new retail hotspot caters to stylish women looking for fashions at affordable prices. Be sure to check it out at 670 N. Michigan!  
 
I loved seeing the beautiful photos from Kyla and Tim Smithe, Jr.’s wedding in Paris. It was romantic from beginning to end starting with a ceremony in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower and ending on the Ponts des Arts where they placed their love lock. Chuck and I were fortunate to honeymoon in Paris and it truly is one of the most romantic cities in the world. And the best part of honeymooning or getting married there is that you always have the perfect reason to return! Kyla looked exquisite in a vintage 1920’s short bridal dress of ice blue with a lace overlay. Keep on making beautiful memories, Kyla and Tim! Congrats with love!
 
More much deserved kudos for our beloved scribe Stella Foster upon receiving the “Woman of the Decade/Legend of Print Media” award from the Coalition for United Community Action-O.R.T.C. and its president Carl Latimer on June 7th. WLS-TV’s Cheryl Burton welcomed the crowd and WVON’s Cliff Kelly served as emcee. The evening ended with a steppers’ after-party. Love this woman and miss her in the paper but check out her fabulous website...she has a terrific post about the Paula Deen controversy! Keep up the great work, girlfriend!

Congrats are in order for the new executive director of The Joffrey Ballet, Greg Cameron. Most recently the COO of WTTW/WFMT, Greg brings a wealth of experience to the position. I worked with him on the board of Common Threads and have always been impressed with his seemingly endless knowledge as has anyone who knows him. I know he will make a big impact on this organization. Speaking of new beginnings, more congrats are in order for former Joffrey executive director, beloved Christopher Clinton Conway. He has returned to the sunny clime of California as the vice president of LA County’s Aquarium of the Pacific and director of Pacific Visions, which has a $40 million budget and 1.5 million visitors per year. Christopher’s legacy with the Joffrey will be very hard to beat, we all miss him but I wish Greg all the best! Here’s to a new era for all concerned... :)

Thanks to FOX-32 Midday News for having me on last Monday! I loved talking about and presenting gala fashions with hosts Anna Davlantes and Corey McPherrin for the upcoming Lincoln Park Zoo Ball on July 12th, the Shedd Aquarium’s BLU event on July 27th and the Boys and Girls Club’s Lawn Ball on July 26th! The beautiful fashions were courtesy of Neiman Marcus (Michigan Avenue) and Paul Stuart. See segment below! 

 

Don’t miss the 43rd Annual Gay Pride Parade set for June 30th! I’m thrilled to be riding on the PAWS Chicago float for the second year with longtime PAWS supporters Bonnie Spurlock, Judy Tullman, Cheri Lawrence, Kimberly Gleeson and so many more! And speaking of PAWS, congrats are in order: For the third year in a row, they were named Best Charity by the Chicago Reader! Hope to see you at the parade!! (For complete info, please click here!)
 
Happy birthday to my beautiful friend, Nina Mariano: She recently celebrated a blow-out bash at one of her favorite restaurants, Piccolo Sogno. The outdoor garden was perfect on this summer night and the table with its beautiful flowers (by Tom Kehoe) and bundles of balloons had other diners rubber-necking to see what the party was all about. Chef Tony Priolo was on hand to make sure everything was perfect and, of course, it was! Guests included Jan Flanagan, Mary Ann Brumbaugh (who had flown in from L.A. just for the occasion), Dusty Stemer, Laurie Davis, Darby Hills, Gale Gottlieb, Michaela Parrillo (who had artfully wrapped the gift, a chic Hermes bracelet), Robin Tebbe, Toni Canada, Rochelle Trotter, Tracy Scurto and her daughter Tiffany, Rebecca Besser, Liza Sweitzer and Susanna Negovan. Nina’s longtime friend Tracey DiBuono Tarantino offered a loving toast. Another surprise gift included a magnificent portrait by beloved artist, Rosemary Fanti. Here’s to many more happy birthday dinners, Nina! Love you!
 
It was a thrill to cover the recent Gene Siskel Film Center Gala honoring Academy Award winner Gwyneth Paltrow. Stay tuned for video and print coverage coming soon in my Chicago Tribune “Candid Candace” column and also on my Watch312.com video show, “Candid Candace Chicago”! Hear what Gwyneth had to say about Chicago and who her dream co-star would be! And check out her awesome website here!
 
Loved the film “Man of Steel” and I especially loved seeing it in the VIP room at the ICON Theatre! Thanks to event planner/PR person extraordinaire Margaret O’Connor, it was an A-list crowd for the premiere of this film and included Chicago Bears Kyle Moore and Henry Melton, WNBA Chicago Sky superstar Elena Delle Donne, Lori Allen, Chad Soderholm, Jennifer Sutton, Dr. Joaquin Brieva, NBA Indiana Pacers Center, Miles Pumlee, Michi Marshall (wife of Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall), Debi Lilly (A Perfect Event), Chaz Walters (one of Coldwell Banker Real Estate’s top brokers), Sean Cannon (owner Event Creative) and Greg Gulik (one of the pioneers of Internet spam wear) among many others! (Watch for Margaret’s next big event coming soon with details coming soon in this column!!) The day after the screening, Elena Delle Donne (who was the second round draft pick for the Chicago Sky) and Sylvia Fowles (two-time Olympic gold medalist) presented met Mayor Emanuel with a team-signed Chicago Sky jersey. Cool, huh? :)
 
That’s the 411 on 312 this week! I hope you’ve enjoyed it and I hope you will sign up for my blog alert here, which is completely spam-free and you can opt out at any time...BUT I hope you won’t! Enjoy the summer and, until next time, live every minute like it’s your last.
 
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]

 

P.S. Congrats to Leah Chavie Skincare on her three-year anniversary and the grand opening of her VIP Salon! ALL of her friends turned out to congratulate her! She is much loved...

SERVICE CLUB’S MAD HATTER LUNCHEON RAISES THE BAR

...PLUS “TEA FOR TOTS”; HUBBARD STREET DANCE’S SPOTLIGHT BALL; BIG CAT’S “BASH FOR CASH”; LIL’ KIM ROCKS OUT; CHICAGO HAS "A TASTE FOR THE ARTS"; FACTIO EQUALS FABULOUS!; BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS’ BIG SUMMER SOIREE; HONORING OUR HEROES THRU ART; MY FAV MARKET RETURNS AND A TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND.
 
The Service Club of Chicago always throws great parties that are very well attended but they reached a new level of excitement with the recent Mad Hatter Luncheon on May 30th at the Ritz-Carlton where the Lunching Ladies shifted it up a gear. Congrats to co-chairs Sherry Lea Holson, Pat Maxwell and Dr. Stacie McClane for planning this wonderful day filled with stunning visuals and great fun for more than 460 guests. Renowned photographer Victor Skrebneski created a special film for the luncheon entitled “Skrebneski Photographs Hats Off,” which included a retrospective from his formidable archives and a Q & A. The day began with a reception and a viewing of the hat collection from famed and beloved local designer Loreta Corsetti of Loreta Corsetti Couture Millinery Collection. There was also a contest for best hats in the categories of Most Timeless, Most Whimsical, Most Elegant/Couture and Top Hat (for the gents). Winning in the Most Whimsical contest were gorgeous identical twins Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt. Mamie Walton won for Most Timeless...although I’m not sure if it was just the hat since this gorgeous Gemini is one of the most timeless, beautiful women I know! Darling Frances Renk won for Most Couture and, again, I don’t think this was just about the hat: Frances is one of the best dressed women in town! And, no surprise here, Greg Hyder took home the gold for the Top Hat category...he’s on everyone’s best-dressed list so great choice! The room at the Ritz was almost as beautiful as its inhabitants with decor by Lord & Mar Ltd. of Lake Forest. Patterned fabric encased crystal vases with spring arrangements of fuchsia roses and colorful hydrangeas. Models chosen by SC member and ZZAZZ Productions founder Tracey DiBuono Tarantino mingled throughout the crowd wearing fabulous hats courtesy of local designers. The guests dined on chilled avocado and cucumber soup with lime and chicken Milanese with roasted asparagus. Chocolate hazelnut cake with Rice Crispies and vanilla ice cream finished off the decadent meal along with bottles of Veuve Clicquot! Each guest received a memento of the day, a beautifully wrapped Murano glass compact. To add to the whimsy of the afternoon, Shaun Rajah (beloved special events manager of The Drake Hotel's Palm Court), came dressed as the Mad Hatter, complete with bushy eyebrows and a wild suit – he certainly added a certain je ne sais quoi to the event photos by John Reilly Studio and Caitlin Saville Collins! There was also a raffle and silent auction with hat prizes donated by Nicole Betti (Gold Coast Couture), Loreta Corseti, Sarah Haley (Sarah Haley Design & Millinery), Laura Whitlock (Laura Whitlock Millinery) and the Trunk Club (men’s hatter contest prize). Co-chair Sherry Lea Holson described the afternoon this way: “Wide brims, grosgrain ribbons caught up with flowers, fancy fedoras, jaunty pillboxes, flouncing lampshades, chic cloches, and more – think of it more as a milliner’s paradise. Having Victor Skrebneski join us added a wonderful flare of high fashion photography to ‘top’ it all off. With fundraising being the single greatest component, this was a true delight from start to finish.” Author and longtime Service Club member, Sherrill Bodine had this to say about the event: “As an author, I must pay attention to details in my books to ensure they will be successful. The attention to details that Sherry, Pat and Stacie along with their committee gave to the Mad Hatter Luncheon made it a New York Times Bestseller! From the newly ritzier Ritz ballroom, the most gorgeous floral arrangements I’ve ever seen at a luncheon, the yummy food and champagne, the beautiful mirrors individually wrapped for each of the record-breaking number of attendees, the display of Loreta Corsetti’s beautiful hats, to an icon of fashion photography preparing a video JUST FOR US and then to have Victor answer all of our many questions made the party a work of art!” This was the third year of the Mad Hatter’s concept for the Hat Luncheon and it’s gotten bigger and bigger every year! For 2011 and 2012, event highlights included a couture hat display by Bes Ben and Raymond Hudd. Both years were sell-outs, which is why the co-chairs decided to move it to a larger venue this year. Next year, who knows where this fashionable fete will be held...Soldier Field!? Congrats to all involved and I can’t wait to see where you take us next year! The Service Club of Chicago is the oldest women’s charitable foundation in Chicago founded in 1890 to grant funding for tangible items to nonprofits with a focus on women, children, the arts and education. This year’s SC Gala co-chairs Nina Mariano, Heather Farley and Darby Hills want you to mark your calendars now for the annual Service Club Gala on November 1st, themed Studio 123! (For more info, visit www.serviceclubofchicago.org.)


From chic ladies in chapeax to the darling Tea for Tots at the Peninsula, this month has been filled with delightful parties for wonderful causes. Dr. Stacie McClane founded Faces for Love (FFL) in 2012 and has never looked back: This non-profit organization’s mission is helping women and children in distressed situations and on educating families and children in our communities and through creating improved awareness and involvement, they foster a lifetime of giving and an ongoing cycle of charity. For each season of giving, they select worthwhile causes that align with their mission. This year’s event – Tea for Tots – gave Faces for Love the opportunity to support both The Primo Center for Women and Children (PCWC) and the Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CWAC). Proceeds from the event helped purchase necessities and supplies for the children living in these shelters. More than 80 guests attended the first annual Tea for Tots event at the Peninsula that included delightful party favors for the kids, a delicious lunch for the adults and new or gently used toys for the kids in need. “The first annual Tea for Tots exceeded my expectations. We experienced an overwhelming expression of generosity and good will. The guests involved reached out to help empower women and children who are victims of homelessness and abuse,” shared Faces for Love Foundation founder Dr. Stacie McClane. “The money raised at this event will support our mission which is to assist women and children in distressed situations and help them build better futures for themselves. I was especially thrilled to see the children enjoying the tea and crafts while learning about the importance of giving back to the community.” A highlight of the event included remarks by both Anne Borg, director of development for Connections for Abused Women and their Children, and Shelley Cooper, chief development officer for the Primo Center. Festivities began at 11:30 a.m., as guests were greeted with silver trays of champagne and wine as well as a fun specialty drink for the children. Immediately, the children gravitated to the activity table and snuggled with the oversized Peninsula teddy bears. Tea service began with an assortment of delicious gourmet finger sandwiches and desserts for the adults. Selections included smoked salmon, dill cream cheese, pumpernickel and cucumber as well as grilled chicken, butternut squash, apples, herb aioli, sundried tomato bread tea sandwiches. Dessert included French hazelnut cake, chocolate chestnut pot de crème and passion fruit tarts. Children enjoyed the Peninsula’s version of PB & J, mini burgers and fries and yummy treats topped with gummy bears. Dr. McClane welcomed everyone, discussed the mission of the recently founded Faces for Love Foundation and thanked all of those who took time to support this worthy cause. The directors of both beneficiaries shared the needs of their organizations and the work they are doing in the Chicagoland area. Guests received a thank you bag containing a preview of Dr. McClane’s new skin care line - FACELIFT SKINCARE Oxygen Moisturizing Cream. (Henceforth, her skin care line will donate a percentage of the profits to Faces for Love Foundation.) Huge congrats to Stacie on this wonderful event that supported so many wonderful charities. For more information contact Stacie McClane, M.D. at [email protected], for info on The Primo Center for Women and Children, visit www.primocenter.org and for info about Connections for Abused Women and their Children (CWAC) – formerly Chicago Abused Women Coalition – visit www.cawc.org.
 
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, together with event co-chairs Meg Siegler Callahan, Elizabeth Yntema Ferguson, Sara Albrecht and Jane Strauss, hosted the 35th Anniversary Spotlight Ball on May 30th at the Harris Theater and the Fairmont Chicago. The Mayor attended and received Hubbard Street’s Spotlight Award for being an ardent supporter since his election both of Hubbard Street and of the city’s thriving, diverse dance community at large; Hubbard Street presented a second Spotlight Award to JPMorgan Chase & Co. in recognition of its ongoing philanthropy and commitment to Hubbard Street’s educational programs. The Spotlight Ball kicked off at 6:00 p.m. at Hubbard Street’s home venue – the Harris Theater for Music and Dance – with both Spotlight Awards presentations, and a special performance featuring both the main company and Hubbard Street 2, a world-class ensemble of early-career artists. The program featured excerpts from choreography by Swedish artist Mats Ek (scenes from Casi-Casa); Bay Area dancemaker and Joyce Award–winner Alonzo King (“Compass” from AZIMUTH); and Hubbard Street resident choreographer Alejandro Cerrudo (selections from Lickety-Split and One Thousand Pieces). Erik Osterkil, just 13 years old and a member of Hubbard Street’s Youth Dance Ensemble, presented the Spotlight Award to JPMorgan Chase & Co. “I’ve had the chance to see how Hubbard Street’s work extends beyond the stage,” through his participation in the company’s Youth Dance programs, Osterkil explained, “reaching kids like me and students in public schools who don’t have the opportunity to take classes at the [Lou Conte Dance] Studio.” Upon accepting the award on behalf of the firm, chairman of the Midwest for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and a member of its executive committee Glenn Tilton praised Osterkil for his poise as a public speaker. “It’s an intimidating thing for many, but not for Erik.” The Mayor noted, tongue-in-cheek, how training in ballet from a young age provided him with “fast footwork” necessary in public life and politics. Emanuel continued on a more serious note, praising Chicago as “the most American of American cities,” expressing thanks for being “part of the Hubbard Street family,” and calling the company “the greatest ambassador for the city of Chicago.” In closing, Emanuel stressed the importance of the arts and culture in public education, saying that exposure to the humanities alongside academic subjects can “teach you something about yourself.” More than 700 guests and VIPs attended including chairman of the Johnson Publishing Company Linda Johnson Rice; entrepreneur and philanthropist Neal Zucker; Citadel LLC founder and CEO Kenneth C. Griffin; Chairman of the Harris Theater’s Board of Directors Abby McCormick O’Neil; and Chicago contemporary art gallerist Monique Meloche. The event was a major success for the organization, raising more than $1.1 million for Hubbard Street’s educational, community and artistic programming. (Photos by Robert F. Carl and Todd Rosenberg.)
 

Homelessness has a face. It could be the person sitting next to you at work, at school, at church or in line at the store. It’s a face that former Chicago Bear James “Big Cat” Williams wants to spotlight on Saturday June 8th when he hosts the second annual “Celebrity Bash for Cash” at Cinespace Chicago Film Studio (located at 2621 W. 15th Place) to raise funds to help eradicate homelessness and hunger among women, single parents and families. Beloved Big Cat, who spent his 12-year career in the NFL playing for the Chicago Bears, believes, “People work hard throughout their lives but sometimes find themselves in dire situations and often not of their own making. We all have experienced unforeseen circumstances. Although I have not personally experienced homelessness and hunger this issue is very important to me.” The honorary chair is Reverend Tom Behrens, founder of The Night Ministry, an organization that has been helping desperate people who struggle on Chicago’s nighttime streets since 1976. ABC 7’s Jim Rose will serve as emcee. VIP reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and VIP area is open throughout the event. Main event starts at 7:00 p.m. VIP tickets are $300 and general admission tickets are $100. For tickets and more information, please visit www.bigcatcharities.org. 

Before hitting the stage at HOT 97 Summer Jam 2013 concert in NJ, Lil’ Kim was spotted at the Hennessy V.S event at Mansion Elson in Atlanta. Kim was there to help celebrate the release of her protégée Tiffany Foxx’s new mixtape, “Goal Diggers.” Lil’ Kim was in great spirits, rocking a black catsuit with sexy cut-outs down the side of her legs. The rap legend chatted and took photos with fans the entire night and even took the mic and performed five tracks from her critically-acclaimed first album, “Hard Core.” (Photos by Prince Williams, ATL Pics.net.)

Chicago Academy for the Arts – a Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts National School of Distinction and one of only four independent arts high schools in the United States – celebrated the beginning of their fourth decade in educating emerging artists with A Taste for the Arts Gala on May 14th at the Harris Theater and Millennium Park Terrace. The event, which provides support for the ongoing success of the school, raised more than $350,000 in support of The Academy’s groundbreaking programs, international partnerships and scholarships, ensuring The Academy’s place as a leader and model for excellence in arts education. A Taste for the Arts Gala showcased both artistic and culinary talent. The evening began with a student performance open to the public at the Harris Theater, showcasing the diverse talents of The Academy’s students. The movie-themed performance included a trailer for a student produced feature film and popcorn vendors walking down the aisles. This unique performance also debuted a re-branding and marketing campaign for the school, which underscores how an arts education prepares students to pursue their future careers, whether those careers are in the arts, science, academia or corporate worlds. After the performance, the 400 gala guests proceeded to the Millennium Park Terrace to enjoy cocktails, silent and live auctions and tastings prepared by Chicago’s hottest chefs, led by Chef Rick Bayless. Guests sampled the culinary creations of the evening’s featured chefs, all of whom have participated in WTTW’s popular dining show “Check, Please!” They included Chef Jaysen Euler of Davanti Enoteca, Chef Chao of Union Sushi, Chef Dan Jamrock of Embeya, Chef Doug Dunlay of Smoke Daddy BBQ, Chef Tony Priolo of Piccolo Sogno, Chef Jon Dubois of Green Zebra and Chef Alberto Gonzales of 90 Miles Cuban Café. For dessert, guests sampled a raspberry pavlova with lemon curd created by Chef Rose Duong of Kingsbury Street Café and chocolate and hazelnut cakes by Chef Mindy Gohr of Bittersweet Pastry Shop. A live auction featured a dinner for two at the home of Rick and Deann Bayless, four courtside Chicago Bulls tickets, dinner for two at the home of hosts Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, dinner for 10 at the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Heurtley House in Oak Park, a Chicago Blackhawks jersey signed by the whole team, and two getaways including a four-day wine extravaganza in Sonoma and a three-night trip to New Orleans complete with VIP admission to the Preservation Hall of Jazz and six-course dinner at Commander’s Palace Restaurant. The live auction raised $90,000, part of which will be used to purchase new lighting and sound equipment for The Academy’s Black Box Theatre. A Taste for the Arts Gala was hosted by Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, with civic committee chair and performance sponsor Barbara Levy Kipper and arts committee chair Craig Hall, a ‘97 graduate of The Academy who is now a New York City Ballet soloist. Mayor Rahm Emanuel served as honorary chair. This year’s gala chairs were Stephen Flach and Chris Fryson, Dianne and John Kleber, Jennifer Peeples, and Lisa and Joe Torres. Wirtz Beverage of Illinois, Diageo, William Grant & Sons and Tenzing Wine and Spirits served as the premier sponsors of A Taste for the Arts Gala.

I want to give a big thank you shout-out to my friends from Factio Magazine – founders Melissa Maynard and Henrique Kerch and writer Alex Mariscal – for including me and my Stanley Paul Foundation honor in their FABULOUS magazine! I am so very grateful, Factio! (See the article here! Photos by Mila Samokhina and Bob Carl.)

The Woman’s Board of Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s 64th Annual Summer Ball raised $1.1 million to support club programs at its gala on May 31st at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel with more than 500 guests in attendance. The Radisson’s Atlantic Ballroom was decorated in cool shades of gray and white with crystal embellishments for this exclusive event. “The Woman’s Board’s Annual Summer Ball is one of our most important events of the year,” said Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago President and CEO James G. Keane. “In addition to supporting our clubs with more than $1 million in contributions each year, the Summer Ball allows us to shine a light on Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s caring and committed Woman’s Board members who make a difference every single day in the lives of Club members throughout Chicago.” Added Woman’s Board President Mrs. Bruce (Beth) White, “The 2013 Summer Ball delighted our donors and attendees and raised much needed funds to serve youth in some of Chicago’s most challenged neighborhoods.” A silent auction featured luxury items such as a Prada handbag, Roberto Coin bracelet, unique travel opportunities and exclusive sports experiences. They included a ride on the Blackhawks’ Zamboni, a chance to be a Chicago White Sox bat boy/girl, owners’ suite tickets to a Chicago Cubs game and travel packages to Italy, Deer Valley Resort in Utah, Napa Valley and Pebble Beach. Following a gourmet dinner, guests danced to the sounds of Orchestra 33. As a leading provider of after-school services in Chicago for the past 110 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago (BGCC) offers a safe haven for youth to learn and grow during the most vulnerable part of the day. BGCC’s 19 clubs are located in some of the most disadvantaged neighborhoods in the nation including Englewood, Ford Heights, Garfield Park, Logan Square, Lawndale and Austin. These neighborhoods face high crime rates, prevalent drug use, pervasive gang activity, high childhood obesity rates, low academic performance, and a true lack of economic opportunity and development. (For more info, click here.)

My favorite market returns on June 29th and 30th! Chicago’s Randolph Street Market will be back in action and, in conjunction with the Pride Fest celebration throughout the city, this June market is set to be the most colorful with round-the-clock entertainment, a beer garden with vintage carnival games and concessions, rainbow themed bites and drinks, face painting and so much more! Hope to see you there!

Come September 11th, the Windy City will be honoring Chicago’s heroes when a citywide public art installation will feature 101 oversized replicas of our city’s iconic standard fire hydrants (symbolically representing each Chicago firehouse) designed, painted, decorated and/or dressed by noted artists, architects, fashion and interior designers! These colorful sculptures will be placed throughout the city in tribute to the work and heroism of our beloved Chicago Firefighters! At the conclusion of the exhibition, the hydrants will be gathered for a final exhibit before being auctioned, with net proceeds benefitting charities that support the families of fire victims and other fire safety programs. (If you’re interested in sponsoring a hydrant at $1,500 or for more info, contact Agency 360’s Kate Armstrong at 303.710.5471 or [email protected].
 
For more of our town’s top event news, see the following list of my favorites and their websites:

- Fleurotica: June 12th, MCA, 7 p.m.
- GLAMORAMA Launch Party: June 13th, Gallery 225, 7 p.m.
- Gene Siskel Renaissance Awards: June 15th, Ritz-Carlton, 6 p.m.
- English Speaking Union’s Ascot Ball: June 22nd, 195 E. Delaware, 7 p.m.
- Old St. Pat’s World’s Largest Block Party: June 28th and 29th, 700 W. Adams St.
- Starving Artist: June 29th, 217 N. Carpenter, 7 p.m.
- Zoo Ball: July 12th, Lincoln Park Zoo, 6:30 p.m.
- PAWS Beach Party: July 18th, North Avenue Boat House, 6 p.m.
- Chicago Pride Fest: June 22nd and 23rd, 3700 N. Halsted
- Taste of Chicago: July 10th – 14th, Grant Park
- Lollapalooza: August 2nd – 4th, Grant Park
- Service Club Day on Terrace: August 5th, Peninsula, 11:30 a.m.
- GLAMORAMA: August 9th, Harris Theater, 8 p.m.
- Dance for Life: August 17th, Hilton Chicago
- Neiman Marcus Cosmetics Department Grand Opening Bash: August 22nd, 737 N. Michigan

Words can’t describe how much friends and family of beloved Chris Long will miss her presence in this world. She was a dear friend and a brilliant shining light. If you knew her and would like to honor her, please send donations to Loyola University, Office of Development Dept., c/o Loyola University Chicago-Gift Processing: Dept. 4336, Carol Stream, Ill. 60012-4336 and/or to the Tree House Humane Society (in honor of her much loved cat, Elliott) at 1212 W. Carmen Ave., Chicago, IL 60640. My deepest condolences to her family: Maureen (Mo), Thomas, Neil and Anne Long and her father James Long. She was much loved by all who knew her. (This is a pic from her uber-successful Joffrey Gala that she co-chaired with Bill Daley.)
 
Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace and I hope you’ll return next week for the 411 on 312 and beyond! Be good to each other... :)
 
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Big thanks to Playboy for including me this month for my Telly Award honor! Woot! Woot!

P.P.S. Don’t miss the summer edition of Debi Lilly’s “A Perfect-Event E-Magazine” with beautiful images, recipes and articles. I’m honored to be a contributor and hope you enjoy my article, “Favorite July 4th Memories in St. Tropez”!

MEMORIAL DAY MEMORIES

...PLUS ZOO-OLOGIE; SAMANTHA “POPS UP”; JOHN’S “FILTHY WORLD”; GEORGE KICKS OFF BEETHOVEN FEST 2013; THE CRYSTAL BALL; COCKTAILS FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE; KERRY AND SARAH HONOR GABY; STEVE HARVEY HOSTS “RUN HOME CHICAGO”; PSY JEWELRY?; “INTO THE WILD” FOR PRENTICE; MY FAVORITE GARDEN TOUR AND SO MUCH MORE!

What a whirlwind week it’s been! I hope you all had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend. We had big plans for a BBQ that quickly turned into something much more low key after I had an emergency appendectomy earlier in the week. (A word of warning: Symptoms aren’t always what you find on Google but fortunately, we went to the ER anyway.) On a lighter, more nostalgic note, I wrote an ode to my hometown of Dupo, Illinois, on Chicago Now as a tribute to the holiday. Here’s an excerpt, I hope you enjoy it and I hope it reminds you of your own youthful memories: I love living in Chicago but I get very nostalgic around the holidays for my hometown of Dupo, Illinois. It’s the summer celebrations, like Memorial Day, that really make me wistful for days gone by in this small railroad town of 3,000 people set near the banks of the Mississippi River in Southern Illinois. And although I appreciate the great parades in Chicago and its multiple street festivals, nothing can compare with the homespun touches that only a small town can offer. The parades in Dupo are a little bit different than anywhere else I’ve ever been. For what they lack in size, they make up for with heart. The fire trucks (both of them) are polished for weeks leading up to the celebration and by the time they’re spritzed and spruced, you can see your reflection. Kathy Donigan recalled the service. “The VFW service is what I remember. As Girl Scouts, we marched in a parade from the VFW to the memorial in the triangle by our church for a ceremony. I recall it being very solemn and an honor to be the flag bearers. We got to wear white gloves.” The American Legion Hall and the VFW are the top two hangouts in town and, during this festive time, little plastic American flags dot the tables and bars brightening up the dark wood. Veterans pin their medals on their shirts and walk a little taller. The pool tables in town are crowded with new faces, many who have returned home just for the holiday. Besides the parade, THE highlight of Memorial Day for me has always been the Dupo Park picnic. The whole town shows up for this must-attend affair where you get to see all of your old friends and classmates. You can smell the fish frying from inside the little stands as families stake their claims on strategically placed picnic tables. The beer stands have the longest lines and, being close to Anheuser-Busch in St. Louis, everyone is loyal to their hometown brands. Since you can reach out and touch the cornfields, the corn-on-the-cob is always a best seller, too. There are small carnival rides, live entertainment and sometimes even mouse races! (And before you ask, “Straight track, 6 lanes, you bet on a mouse and, if he wins, you win money depending on the odds.”) And don’t even get me started about the rooster crowing contests. I still miss my friends there, the wonderful pace of the town and the beautiful scenery. The village, founded in 1750, was originally a French colonial settlement named Prairie du Pont. I remember scouring the bluffs for arrow heads that were left in abundance by the Cahokia Indians. Town history states that at one time, between 3,000 and 7,000 Indian dwellings were on the ridge where Dupo Park is located. So, on this Memorial Day weekend, not only will I be giving thanks for the veterans but I will also be giving thanks for growing up in a small town, where life’s little pleasures become lasting memories. :)

More than 1,000 guests got wild at “Zoo-ologie: Sumus Animalia,” the Auxiliary Board of Lincoln Park Zoo’s signature annual fundraiser. The sold-out event raised nearly $200,000 to help keep the zoo free and open to everyone 365 days a year. This year’s theme featured an ancient Roman feel, thanks to decor by Flower Firm. The big cats were on the prowl and roared their approval as guests checked in near the Kovlar Lion House. Lucky raffle winners took home prizes that included three-day passes to sold-out Lollapalooza, two round-trip tickets to Europe (courtesy of United Airlines) and a Ridley Phaeton Tri-bike. Nibbles included Frontier’s smoked wild boar sausage and stone ground cheese grits, Green Zebra’s chilled poached shitake mushrooms with grilled asparagus and so much more. Dancing lasted into the wee hours to the band Hey Jimmy and DJ Rock City. Many guests capped off the evening with a spin on the carousel and notable attendees included LP Zoo president Kevin Bell, Zoo-ologie co-chairs Chris Cook, Lindsay Humphreys and Jennifer Statler and LP Zoo Auxiliary Board president Annessa Staab. (Mark your calendars for their next big event – the Zoo Ball – on July 12th.) 

To announce her arrival in Chicago, designer Samantha Sleeper hosted a preview party for her pop-up shop on May 20th at 46 E. Oak. With the help of 100 exclusively invited guests, Sleeper celebrated her first ever brick and mortar location. Upping the significance of the pop-up, which features Sleeper’s namesake chic women’s collection, is the fact that it brought her home again: As a Chicago-area native, Sleeper chose to return from her current home in New York City (also where her atelier is located) to showcase her first Resort line as well as her Fall/Winter 2013 and Couture collections. Designs featured classic pieces in incredible fabrications, including rich textures and an array of eye-catching colors and patterns. Over lemon-infused drinks provided by Willa Vodka, Chicago’s fashion lovers celebrated the return of a true talent and delighted in making the legendary Oak Street that much more stylish. We hope Samantha plans a return very, very soon! For those of you not familiar with Samantha, she is an award-winning, New York-based designer and her work has been featured in publications such as Surface, InStyle, Lucky, Refinery29 and on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily’s “Globe Runners” issue. She is a favorite among celebrities including Katy Perry, Tina Fey, Giuliana Rancic, Ciara and Cyndi Lauper. “Sleeper’s work consists of precision cut, elevated basics combined with ethereal, diaphanous couture pieces. Her collections feature future classics infused with luxurious detailing and quirky finishes.” Sleeper has partnered with various brands including Swarovski, Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor, Solstiss, Monster Cable, MAC Cosmetics, QuestLove, The Pierre New York and the W Hotel in Chicago. This talented designer holds a BFA from Parsons The New School for Design, where she currently works as an instructor. Catch her while you can! 
 
“The Pope of Trash” John Waters left the audience at the Harris Theater in hysterics after performing his one-man show, “This Filthy World,” which included stories of his childhood and sharp-witted commentary on current events and celebrities such as Justin Bieber and Chaz Bono. Waters also took questions from inquisitive audience members. Immediately following the performance and Q&A session, the director/writer/actor and originator of the “Hairspray” dynasty joined more than 100 guests on The Elizabeth Morse Genius Stage for an after-party reception benefiting the Harris Theater’s artistic and community engagement programs. The gracious Waters greeted excited fans, posed for pics and signed autographs. Guests included Judith Neisser (who provided leadership support of the John Waters performance and after-party), Abby McCormick O’Neil, James Alexander, Phil Lumpkin, Judith and Jules Kirshner, Lewis Manilow and Michael Tiknis. Waters and guests enjoyed a tasty buffet by Calihan Catering, cocktails specially created for the evening by Angel’s Envy (the exclusive spirits sponsor of the benefit party) and lovely flowers courtesy of Bukiety. Whimsical drinks were named after Waters’ movies “A Dirty Shame,” “Female Trouble” and “Pink Flamingos.” (Photos by Kyle Flubacker.)

 
Led by president and artistic director George Lepauw, the International Beethoven Project (IBP) welcomed cultural, civic and corporate leaders to Open Secret Studios at 401 N. Racine recently for a kick-off celebration for Beethoven Festival 2013. At the event, the theme and headliners for the organization’s third annual Beethoven Festival were revealed and The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation announced it’s making a $100,000 challenge grant in support of the festival’s ambitious programming – the largest matching grant the Driehaus Foundation has ever made to a performing arts organization. During the May 6th celebration, an initial $40,000 was raised towards this fundraising goal. “The International Beethoven Project has demonstrated its ability to positively impact Chicago’s strong arts and cultural tradition,” said Driehaus, philanthropist and founder of Driehaus Capital Management, LLC. “In recognition of the IBP’s accomplishments, we hope The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s challenge grant inspires other philanthropists, corporations, foundations and residents to join us in our support of this unique addition to Chicago’s rich artistic landscape.” The event committee for the kick-off party included co-chairs Aacia Hussain and Chris Buckler, host Evelyn Daitchman of Open Secret Studios, Christine Rosso, Thomas Oswald, Meriem Bahri, Erika Knierim and Jeremy Rothschild. In addition to Richard H. Driehaus and his wife, Inese Driehaus, distinguished guests at the event included 27th Ward Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., Arts Alliance Illinois Executive Director Ra Joy, HAJ Designs Founder and Chief Creative Officer Elhadji “Haj” Gueye, gallerists Sven Asmus and Arica Hilton, Paula and Timothy Friedman and blues artist Corky Siegel and Holly Siegel. Guests enjoyed an evening that began with a reception and cocktails, followed by remarks from George Lepauw and Richard Driehaus and a series of performances including violinists Eugene Kaler and Violetta Todorova, flutist Gaby Vargas and dancers from Ballet Chicago. The evening concluded with a dessert reception, jazz and late-night DJ set. More than 100 events spanning classical and new music, visual art, fashion, literature and education will be presented during Beethoven Festival: LOVE 2013 – a festival inspired by the creativity and genius of Ludwig van Beethoven from September 7th through 15th. Highlights of LOVE 2013 will include the return of composer-conductor Matthias Pintscher for a weeklong residency; a new music commission series curated by Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche with the festival’s new music committee, performances by the acclaimed International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE), a performance piece by Israeli artist-in-residence Rachel Monosov and a student performance showcasing the IBP’s first summer camp. LOVE 2013 will be headquartered at Merit School of Music’s Joy Faith Knapp Music Center at 38 S. Peoria with substantial programming taking place throughout the surrounding West Loop neighborhood. Weeklong festival passes and individual tickets will go on sale in July and a full schedule of artists and programming for LOVE 2013 will be announced later this summer. For more information, visit www.internationalbeethovenproject.com.

Don’t miss “Cocktails for a Brighter Future,” a fundraiser benefitting Saturday Place (part of Rashied Davis Charities) on June 11th at Rockit Bar & Grill, located at 225 W. Hubbard. Special guests will include Rashied Davis, Earl Bennett, Lance Briggs, Johnny Knox, Jason McKie, Robbie Gould, Alex Brown and Anthony Adams, among others. Saturday Place is a charity that runs a program focusing on third and fourth grade inner-city children who are underperforming in math and English. Every Saturday during the school year, they transport approximately 30 students to Loyola University where they are tutored by specially trained teachers in these fields. The students are enrolled for two years and the first class graduated last year. The results have been dramatic, with test scores showing improvements of up to 85 percent! The charity pays for the transport/teachers and all of the supplies. I hope you can help them by attending their fundraiser. Good stuff for a great cause! (For tickets and more info, click here!)
 
It may be off-season for the Chicago Bears but providing services for Chicago’s homeless is a 365 day a year challenge that will be the focus at the second annual Run Home Chicago Run/Walk taking place at Soldier Field on June 9th. Chaired by award-winning talk show host Steve Harvey, registration is now open for 5k Run/Walk and Kids’ Dash at www.runhomechicago.com. “My wife and I are proud to chair Run Home Chicago,” said Steve. “Bring the kids and let’s get involved to help end homelessness in Chicago. I look forward to seeing everyone at Soldier Field.” Mayor Rahm Emanuel – known as the fittest mayor in America – and First Lady Amy Rule will serve as Honorary Chairs of the annual race. “I am committed to ending homelessness in Chicago. As part of the Plan 2.0 to end homelessness in Chicago we will create nearly 2,000 new units of permanent supportive housing and increase housing, job placement and education opportunities for homeless youth,” said Emanuel. “We look forward to Run Home Chicago, an exciting annual event.” Start time for the 5K timed-run/walk is 8:00 a.m. (with check-in at 7:00 a.m.) and a kids’ dash at 9:30 a.m. Hosted by Chicago’s Primo Center for Women & Children, Run Home Chicago benefits several local non-profit organizations that provide homeless Chicagoans with shelter, sustenance and supportive services. Run Home Chicago aims to break the cycle of homelessness – an enormous mission because the numbers are rising: According to the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, Chicagoans without a roof over their heads increased 5.5 percent to 93,799 individuals last year. To register and learn more, visit www.runhomechicago.com or call 312/446-3144.

If you love jewelry and love Korean rapper Psy and his crazy “Gangnam Style” song and dance routine, then you’re gonna swoon over this! Psy’s signature move is a man riding a horse and one celebrity got so caught up in the craze that he commissioned Brilliance jewelry company to create a custom pendant as a unique tribute to the formerly unknown Korean rap artist who rose from humble beginnings to worldwide fame. Hung from a large yellow gold chain, this opulent piece is designed in 18K white and yellow gold and comprised of 6.25 ctw round and oval cut pave diamonds and a 3/4 ctw oval diamond as the belt buckle. The total diamond count for this pendant is 636. Two perfectly matched black diamonds provide the finishing touches on his sunglasses. AND for only $59,975, it can be yours! OMGoodness...
 
The Wood Family Foundation (WFF) and the University of Illinois at Chicago announced the first recipient of the Kerry and Sarah Wood Family Foundation Scholarship: graduating senior Gabriella (Gaby) Santoyo! Santoyo was presented to WFF board members, supporters and friends at the recent Sky is the Limit Scholarship Breakfast at the Willis Tower. WGN’s Micah Materre emceed the event and highlighted the mission of WFF before introducing founders Kerry and Sarah Wood and representatives from UIC. Dr. Bette Bottoms (dean of the UIC Honors College) gave details of the scholarship while Santoyo’s calculus teacher, Daniel Kim, commented on why she was most deserving. The program ended with a performance by the Chicago Children’s Choir. CONGRATS GABY and thanks to Kerry and Sarah for all the good they do in Chicago and beyond! (To find out more about WFF, please click here!)
 
My first outing since my surgery will be tonight,  June 1st, for the Friends of Prentice’s 27th annual gala, themed “Into the Wild.” This volunteer fundraising board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s Prentice Women’s Hospital will host its largest fundraiser in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. Stealing the live auction spotlight will be a two-night stay at the New York St. Regis in its brand new Bentley Suite, including the chance to experience the hotel’s Bentley Mulsanne during the visit. Additional experiences will include a trip to Peru and a family-friendly trip to Hawaii, courtesy of Starwood Hotels and Resorts. One particular showstopper will be a 36-stone Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger diamond bracelet that I will help auction off with G-Man Greg Dellinger. (I also get to wear it until the lucky bidder claims her/his prize...IF they can pry it off my wrist!) I ran into Derrick Taylor – one of my fav event designers – recently and he described what’s he’s created for this event tonight and it was too exciting for words! I can’t wait to share the pics with you in my Chicago Tribune column on June 9th so stay tuned! To date, Friends of Prentice has raised nearly $17 million to support research, education and patient care programs at Prentice Women’s Hospital. (For tickets and more info, please click here!)  
 
This has always been one of my favorite events! The annual Heartland Alliance Home & Garden Tour will be on June 8th beginning at 9 a.m. This splendid tour of professionally designed private homes and gardens in southwest Michigan’s Harbor Country always inspires me as we get a peek inside homes that showcase the handiwork of some of the top interior designers, architects and horticultural enthusiasts from around the country. After the tour, there will be a lunch on the lawn at Chikaming Country Club in Lakeside. (Tickets for lunch are an additional $40 and all proceeds from this delightful day in the country benefits the Heartland Alliance.) For tickets and more info, please click here!)
 
I sure hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! It’s been a real roller coaster week for me and I’m glad the ride is slowing down! I’m so happy to be back doing what I love best: bringing you all of the exciting news our city has to offer! I’m also thrilled to be returning to WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” on June 10th so stay tuned for ALL of the hottest upcoming events! 
 
I would like to close by thanking all of my friends for their uplifting get well and birthday wishes! I can’t believe how lucky I am and can’t thank you enough for thinking of me and for making my birthday the best one EVER!
 
Thanks again, with love, as always,
Candace
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