...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”!
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