Candid Candace

THE CHICAGO HUMANITIES FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 24 YEARS

...PLUS JOFFREY’S COUTURE & COCKTAILS; COSTUME COUNCIL’S DECADES LUNCHEON; JACK AND THE GREEN COAT GALA; A NEW ONLINE ART RESOURCE; PAUL STUART'S RAT PACK; PATRICK SHARP SUITS UP FOR ZEGNA; JANE MONZURES’ LIVE.LOVE.LIFE; JUBALEE!; URBAN LEAGUE’S FELLOWSHIP DINNER; SUSAN G. KOMEN PAINTS IT PINK; DIFFA’S DINING BY DESIGN AND SO MUCH MORE!
 
The Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF) held its annual Gala Benefit on October 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with more than 350 of Chicago’s civic, corporate and cultural leaders in attendance. In keeping with the theme “ANIMAL: What Makes Us Human”, the ballroom was transformed into an animal- embellished sanctuary. Tables featured animal print runners and floral arrangements adorned with peacock and pheasant feathers, all created by Flower Firm. Attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner provided by the Four Seasons, which included a dessert sampling with edible chocolate tigers and giraffes in homage to the theme. After dinner, the Chicago Humanities Festival recognized Robert R. McCormick Foundation for its strong commitment to the humanities and its long-standing partnership with CHF. Current CHF Board Chair Bill Fraumann presented the honor to President and Chief Executive Officer David D. Hiller. “We were delighted to be part of that very special evening,” said David D. Hiller. “We have had a long and fruitful partnership, supporting educational efforts and celebrating those things that, in the words of this year’s festival, make us human and humane.” Following the first award presentation, CHF saluted three key academic partners: Northwestern University, the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois, who were honored as vital partners in CHF’s mission to bring renowned pioneers and thinkers in literature, history, science, politics, art, and music to the festival. Audience members enjoyed a video that featured interviews from key leaders at each of the universities, as well as CHF Executive Director Phillip Bahar and Artistic Director Matti Bunzl, and highlighted the respective campuses. President Morton Schapiro (Northwestern University), President Robert J. Zimmer (University of Chicago) and President Robert A. Easter (University of Illinois) received the award from Bill Fraumann on behalf of their respective universities. “To have the three university presidents together at one time with David Hiller from the McCormick Foundation marked an extraordinary moment in the Chicago Humanities Festival’s 24 year history,” said CHF Artistic Director Matti Bunzl. “We were honored to have the opportunity to give our collective thanks to these longstanding partners.” Attendees were then treated to a video about Stages, Sights and Sounds, which documented the annual international theater festival for students, families, and theatergoers of any age. The video featured interviews with artists, cultural leaders and students who attended performances this past May. Following the video, three teachers from Schubert Elementary spoke about their personal experience with the Stages, Sights and Sounds program and the positive impact it has had on their students. “It has been said that education is not about filling a pail, it’s about lighting the fire,” said Juana Miranda, a third grade bilingual teacher from Schubert. “Thank you for providing my students with the opportunity to experience the arts, and for striking the match. Closing out the night, CHF Gala Benefit co-chair Allegra Biery introduced the singers from the Ryan Opera Center, who performed several musical theater and operatic songs under the direction of Andreas Mitisek, General Director of Chicago Opera Theater. The Gala Benefit was co-chaired by Allegra Biery (senior vice president of Northern Trust) and R. Scott Falk (partner at Kirkland & Ellis). The evening raised more than $640,000 to advance CHF’s mission to create opportunities for people of all ages to support, enjoy and explore the humanities. Specifically, more than $120,000 was raised during the paddle raise, lead by CHF board member Cheryl Harris and auctioneer extraordinaire Greg Dellinger, which will support CHF’s First Time for a Lifetime (TM) education and outreach initiatives, which enhance student attendance, teacher development and education resources. The Chicago Humanities Festival began in 1989 as a dream shared by a determined group of Chicago’s cultural leaders eager to extend the riches of the humanities to everyone. Since that first year, some of the world’s most exciting thinkers, artists and performers have come to Chicago each fall for a festival that celebrates ideas in the context of civic life. (For more info, click here.)

The Joffrey Ballet’s 8th Annual Couture & Cocktails was held recently at Park West with nearly 300 enthusiastic supporters. Co-chaired by Sonya Jackson and Kathleen Henson, this glamorous fall fashion event featured a coalition of couture and dance with a dramatic runway show that presented designer selections from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Produced by ZZAZZ Productions’ Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, the 40-minute show featured more than 40 looks with mini-performances interspersed by Joffrey Academy of Dance students. For the first time in the event’s history, the breathtaking fashions were presented through sophisticated dance interpretations of the 2013 season including the hit La Bayadere (now at the Auditorium Theatre thru 10/27), Episode 31, Romeo and Juliet, Russian Masters and The Nutcracker. The dancers sparkled on the runway wearing dramatic costumes from these productions and Joffrey dancer Fabrice Calmels surprised and wowed the crowd with his own runway walk wearing a Tom Ford tuxedo for the finale. Prior to the show, new executive director Greg Cameron and artistic director Ashley Wheater joined Jackson and Henson onstage to share heartfelt remarks about the mission of the Joffrey and its work throughout the country. And, with a nod to televised fashion events and awards shows, glam co-hosts Sonya and Kathleen were spotted throughout the evening in three wardrobe changes modeling various designers from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue. Neiman’s Wendy Krimins and Tina Koegel were in attendance and very thrilled with the night’s action! Former C & C featured designer Pamella Roland added couture power flying in several evening gowns for the event. A digital live auction that included couture and cocktail themed packages rounded out the evening before guests took to the dance floor with the Joffrey dancers. The event raised nearly $200K to advance the mission and support Joffrey programming in Chicago and beyond. For more info on the Joffrey and performance schedules, visit www.Joffrey.org. (To view ALL pics, please click here!)

The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted a group of 35 members and their guests at the Four Seasons Chicago on October 11th for a luncheon and presentation by vintage guru Cameron Silver and author of the recently released fashion history book “Decades: A Century of Fashion”. After their meal, guests enjoyed an exclusive preview of the Decades Trunk Show at space519. Decades is the vintage and haute consignment retailer in Los Angeles, acclaimed for its collection of designer clothing and accessories dating from the 1920’s to today. Known for their discerning eye, co-owners Silver and Christos Garkinos and their teams oversee the acquisition of an edited selection of authentic vintage treasures and future collectibles. Their clientele in Los Angeles includes celebrities such as Julianne Moore, Selma Blair and Charlize Theron (among many others) who not only shop their collections but also sell to the store. Proceeds from the event benefitted the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum. (Photos by Robert Kusel.)

The world’s greatest golf champion Jack Nicklaus will headline the Western Golf Association’s third annual Green Coat Gala to benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation on November 6th at The Peninsula Chicago, located at 108 E. Superior St. The winner of 18 major championships, two Western Open titles and the Western Amateur Championship, Nicklaus will take the stage after dinner and chat with longtime friend, two-time U.S. Open champion and ESPN lead golf analyst Andy North. This black-tie event is expected to raise more than $600,000 to help fund college scholarships for deserving golf caddies. Volunteer event chairs are Sharyl and Mike Mackey. The evening also will feature current University of Illinois Evans Scholar Mark Abtahi, who will share his personal experience of how the Evans Scholarship offers a life-changing opportunity for young golf caddies. The Evans Scholars Program is one of golf’s favorite charities and is country’s largest privately sponsored scholarship program providing full tuition and housing. For more information, visit www.wgaesf.org.

“Art is a reflection of personality and therefore it should be the center of attention in any room,” said designer and art curator Irena Feldman, who recently launched a unique online service that is designed to make art more accessible. DecArte is an online art database that allows people the option to rent artwork before buying. With years of experience in the interior design world, Irina felt like this was a natural progression for her business. “The rental option allows people to start their art journey without risk, all the while from the comfort of their own home,” said Feldman. She even offers an art personality quiz to help you find the piece that's right for you from a worldwide selection of artists. Fear no art and click here for more info!

 
More than 150 guests recently celebrated the Rat Pack in conjunction with luxury men’s clothier Paul Stuart and Esquire magazine. The event commemorated a special in-store exhibit from Reel Art Press, honoring the legendary clique that defined life in the fast lane throughout the late fifties and early sixties. The Gold Coast location showcased an exhibit of original, limited-edition, signed images created by a select group of photogs including Sid Avery and Bob Willoughby who captured the Rat Pack in their heyday. In conjunction with the event, Paul Stuart is also offering the collectable photographic book titled “The Rat Pack” (referred to by the L.A. Times as ‘the Rolls Royce of Sinatra memorabilia’). This deluxe master edition is a limited, numbered edition of 2,250 published by Reel Art Press retails for $950. Guests enjoyed signature Rat Pack-era drinks such as Manhattans, martinis and Prosecco, as well as a selection of hors d’oeuvres that included New York strip medallions topped with artichoke and black truffle mouse, lobster thermidor, and (of course!) mini cherry pies. The sounds of Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin filled the boutique, thanks to Myles Hayes and his trio. Notable attendees included Stanley Wozniak, Jessica Moazami, Paul Arnow of Black Label, Herb Stokes of The Affluence Group, Alayna Crenshaw of Pomellato, Stephanie Degen, Hugh Mallaney of Illinois Mechanical Sales, stylist Naima Naito, and Joseph Baldassare & Tony Nourmand of Reel Art Press.

Dressed in Ermenegildo Zegna Couture, Stanley Cup Champion and Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Sharp hosted a private event to celebrate the store’s new design on the Mag Mile with nearly 200 friends and fans. Clad in Zegna were DJ Michaelangelo L’Acqua, Saam Hagshenas and Jonathan Marks of the local band Hey Champ. DJ Michaelangelo provided the lively beats throughout the store and the Hey Champ duo performed a live set for the well-dressed crowd. Created by Zegna’s in-house architects, the Chicago store design is based on the creative concept developed by architect Peter Martino for the Zegna global store in Milan. With the addition of a second level, the store now covers over 4,300 square feet of space. Seen on the scene were Hawks players Brandon Bollig and Michael Kostka, Jerry Azumah, Eric Ferguson, Jon Harris, Stefan Holt, Chef Bill Kim, Saira Cooper, "Check Please!"Catherine De Orio and Alicia Roman. (Photos by Daniel Boczarski and Barry Breicheisen courtesy of Zegna).

Join WGN “Living Healthy Chicago” host Jane Monzures for Live, Love, Life on November 2nd at the Museum of Broadcast Communications to benefit the Northwestern Memorial Hospital Department of Neurology and the Feinberg School of Medicine for research of rare degenerative brain diseases. Jane recently lost her beloved mom, Barbara, to this disease and she hopes you'll join her for this event to celebrate her life and support a great cause! Click here for tickets ($125) or to make a donation.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel will receive this year’s JUBA! award from the Chicago Human Rhythm Project (CHRP), the world’s first year-round presenter of American tap dance and contemporary percussive arts, on October 28th on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion Stage in Millennium Park. CHRP’s annual gala, JUBALEE! supports performance, education and community programs that reach more than 20,000 people every year. This special evening will be hosted by broadcast legend and civic leader Bill Kurtis. Past JUBA! Award honorees included Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Bill Irwin, former Mayor Rich Daley, Maggie Daley, Ted and Susan Oppenheimer, Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra. The evening will include performances by CHRP’s resident ensemble BAM!, the Greg Spero Trio, youth from the Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School and other special guests. For tickets to JUBALEE ($150, $250 and $500), contact Catherine Painter at [email protected] or 312-542-2477 ext. 203, or visit chicagotap.org.

Philanthropists Ann Lurie (president of Lurie Holdings and of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Foundation) and Dolores Kohl (president and CEO of the Dolores Kohl Children’s Museum) will be honored at UNICEF’s 3rd annual Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon on October 25th at the Ritz-Carlton. Co-chaired by Susan Schmitt and Susan Sholl, the luncheon will also showcase The Eliminate Project, UNICEF’s global campaign to rid the world of maternal and neonatal tetanus, a deadly disease that steals the lives of nearly 60K newborns and a significant number of women each year in 26 countries. For tickets ($65) and more info, click here.  

Susan G. Komen recognized Chicago’s fight against breast cancer on October 16th by honoring Dr. Funmi Olopade at a reception with some of Chicago’s top business leaders. The evening kicked off with a lighting of the LaSalle Street Bridge in the color pink to mark October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Olopade is an international leader in cancer genetics, seeking personalized treatments for the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. Much of her work is focused on women in Chicago, where discrepancies in breast cancer mortality rates between African American women and white women are among the highest in the country. “African American women in Chicago are more than twice as likely to die of breast cancer compared to white women,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and chair of global strategy for Komen. “This is stunning. And it is a clear sign that we have work to do in ensuring that every woman has access to education, screening and treatment.” To date, Susan G. Komen has invested more than $17 million dollars into research in Illinois through 74 different grants. And since 1997, the Chicagoland affiliate has granted more than $13.5 million dollars toward community-based efforts here in Chicago. The evening’s event was graciously underwritten by Howard Bernick and raised $215,000 that will go directly towards breast cancer research and Chicago community initiatives. Guests in attendance to mark the second annual bridge lighting included co-chairs Janet and Craig Duchossois, Lisa and Jeff Aronin and Catherine Perez; guests Ann and John Barney, Eve and Rich Biller, Nancy Brinker, Dennis Carlin, Nora Daley and Sean Conroy, Bonnie Gordon, Andrea Herenton, Leslie Hindman, Jeff Jacobs, Carol and Larry Levy, Wade Miquelon, Harriette and Ted Perlman, Michael Perlow, John and Colette Rau, Stephen Schwartz, Robin Loewenberg and Mark Tebbe and Beth and Bruce White. (For info about this much-needed organization, please click here.) 

Don’t miss the 52nd annual Golden Fellowship dinner, “The Power of Opportunity: Moving Chicago Forward”, presented by the Chicago Urban League on November 9th at the Hilton Chicago. The event, co-chaired by E. Scott Santi and Gregory Wasson, will be hosted by beloved comedian Damon Williams and feature the O’Jays! Honorees for 2014 are Reverend Jesse Jackson and Louis Gossett, Jr. For tickets, ($600) and more info, click here. 

The Society of Architectural Historians will present awards for excellence at its upcoming gala on November 9th at The Casino (195 E. Delaware Place). The theme of the gala, “A Century of Progress: 1913-2013” recognizes the changes in the urban landscape over the past 100 years and will honor Adrian Smith & Gordon Gill Architecture, Judith Paine McBrien (The Archimedia Workshop), Blair Kamin (Chicago Tribune’s Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic) along with Zoe Ryan, Alison Fisher and Karen Kice of the Department of Architecture and Design at the Art Institute of Chicago. For tickets ($150) and more info, click here.
 
The International Beethoven Project (IBP) welcomed over 250 guests including Honorary Chairman Richard H. Driehaus and Inese Driehaus, for its Masquerade of LOVE, the opening night ball for Beethoven Festival: LOVE 2013. Held at the Merit School of Music on September 7th, the event benefitted IBP, a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to the promotion of revolutionary culture, inspired by the music and life of Ludwig van Beethoven. IBP Founder, President and Artistic Director George Lepauw announced at the Masquerade that the organization met The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation’s previously announced $100,000 challenge grant, resulting in a total of more than $200,000 for the organization and its ambitious Beethoven Festival programming. This is the largest matching grant the Driehaus Foundation has ever made to a performing arts organization. The 2013 Benefit Chairs were Erika R. Knierim and Christine Rosso. Additional distinguished guests included Merit School of Music President Duffie Adelson; architect Lucien Lagrange; Alliance Française de Chicago Board President Hervé de la Vauvre; Abe and Angela Thompson; Chicago Intercollegiate Council CEO and Chairman Conrad Miczko; Jim and Joan Shapiro; and gallerists Sven Asmus and Arica Hilton. The IBP’s mission is accomplished through the presentation of an annual Beethoven Festival, concerts, mixed media exhibits, lectures, the production of recordings and films, the commissioning of new music and art, publications and educational outreach in schools and universities, as well as in nontraditional venues. The unconventional and multidisciplinary Beethoven Festival was inspired by concert pianist and Founding Artistic Director George Lepauw’s cultural explorations of Paris, London, Beijing and New York. (For more info, click here.) (Photos by Charles Osgood and Paul Crisanti.)

Delectable dishes, daring designs and magnificent tablescapes! DIFFA/Chicago’s 2013 DINING BY DESIGN titled “Beauty and the Feast” is set to take “wow” to the next level from November 7th through 9th. Guests will enjoy masterpieces in richly designed tablescapes by top designers and delicious tastings by renowned local chefs from Henri, Embeya, Piccolo Sogno and more at the Merchandise Mart, 8th Floor. During this time, DIFFA/Chicago will offer the public two distinct ways in which to enjoy this popular event beginning with a public viewing, EYE CANDY on November 8th (tickets are $10), followed by POP UP, Table Hop & Taste on November 8th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Tickets start at $40.) For tickets and more info, call 312.644.6412.

Hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition of Candid Candace! And if you missed my Sunday Chicago Tribune column, click here for fab photos from the Art Institute of Chicago’s Auxiliary Board Masquerade Ball co-chaired by Toni Canada, Roxy Goebel, Jade Newburn, Matt Pettinelli and Steve Somogyi! Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ Corbin Horn was a stand-out with his face paint inspired by surrealist artist Rene Magritte!

I also hope you have a very happy Halloween! We can’t WAIT to spend time back in Old Town with friends Lucy, Steve and Isabel Weiss at their “spooktacular” home on Menomonee on All Hallows’ Eve! BOO!

Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Here’s another great event for Halloween hosted by The Cure It Foundation’s Junior Board on October 26th! Monster Masque will be held at the St. Germaine School (located at 9734 S. Kolin Ave. in Oak Lawn) and will feature great costumes, music, haunted house, raffle and fab food. The party is fun for the whole family and will support kids touched by childhood cancer.

PRIMO CLASSICO BR’ITALIA’S FAST CARS AND KIND STARS

...PLUS AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS GALA; THE LANGHAM CHICAGO’S GRAND OPENING; DANCING WITH THE GIORDANO STARS; HALLOWEEN PARTY PICKS; A BIG NIGHT FOR ANIMAL CARE & CONTROL; WCIU SHOWS CAMP LOVE; CIARA PARTY AT LUMEN; ELDA’S NEW SPOT; AKIRA’S SUPERSONIC BOOM; NINA AND BOB’S 12TH; NEW WATCH312 VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!

I knew this wasn’t going to be easy but I had no idea how difficult moving could be. Sadly, now I know and I feel like it’s taken years off our lives. We downsized to a beautiful condo – albeit one smaller than our former home – so I expected to be surrounded by packing boxes for a while but I didn't realize that I wasn’t going to be able to find anything even with perfectly labeled boxes. It took me three days to find my underwear (I know, too much info, but it’s true) and I still can’t find Chuck’s files nor can I locate our CDs. A little Cole Porter with wine right now would certainly do us a lot of good! Thank goodness for my stepson, Charley Jordan, or else we would still be breaking down boxes for recycling! Paul Gonzalez, who is a dear friend, was our designer for our house on Menomonee and he is lending his magic here at our new place...and it’s actually beginning to look like a smaller (more manageable) version of our old house. Most of my treasured antiques and artwork look even better here than they did before. Paul and I find ourselves continually saying, “Where was that? I don’t remember seeing this before”, etc.  Chuck said it’s like Christmas all over again for me opening boxes with new/old treasures and, in a way, he’s right. We’re still overwhelmed but the pros far out way the cons as we enjoy this elegant building with friendly neighbors, a beautiful patio (which the dogs LOVE), a heated garage, doormen and so much more. The park across the street is an added bonus and it makes me feel like I’m living on the edge of Central Park. It’s a perfect location on a charming street and we’re anxious to make new friends in this wonderful part of Chicago. And even though I’m venting right now, once I find that underwear box, I’ll be golden.

The sky was Windex blue and the temperature was perfect for the annual Primo Classico, this year themed Br’Italia, to celebrate all things British and Italian at Lake Forest Sports Cars on September 22nd. More than 300 people turned out for this beloved event chaired by noted philanthropists Diane and Quinton Primo. The event benefitted the Primo Center which was founded in 1985 by Quinton’s father and he and Diane are continuing the tradition in style raising funds for this program dedicated to providing interim and supportive housing for homeless women and children and to ending the cycle of poverty. The celebration actually began the night before at the Primo’s elegant home in Lake Forest. They hosted an intimate evening to thank the sponsors and supporters of the event. Diane greeted guests as they arrived and master mixologist Benjamin Newby was stationed by the door entrancing guests with his “smoke under glass” Manhattan presentations before dinner and the evening's entertainment began. Grammy Award-winning entertainer Arturo Sandoval played the piano and sang to a rapt audience in the drawing room before a delicious dinner was served. Fabulous Chef Charles Webb created a menu that was inspired by his recent travels to Italy, Spain and Sicily the week before. It included short ribs with truffle potatoes, Maine lobster with organic tomatoes and basil, homemade gnocchi and Australian rack of lamb with blueberry balsamic reduction among other delicacies. Dessert highlights included orange scented trifles with strawberry and blueberry mousse, flourless chocolate bites with pistachio cream and fresh berries. Diane and Quintin graciously thanked everyone for coming and talked about the center and how it benefits so many. For the main event on Sunday, guests could pose by a mini Trevi Fountain or be snapped on the paparazzi- packed red carpet. Lake Forest Sports Cars owner Rick Mancuso donated his gorgeous showroom for the event and Carla Giordano of the Lamborghini Club of Chicago did a great job assembling vintage and one-of-a-kind cars for attendees to ooh and ahhh over. (A $2 million Maserati garnered LOTS of attention!) Each food station was tastier than the last and included offerings from Bella Via Ristorante, Pelago, Prosecco, The Florentine, Tesori, Tocco, Travelle, Volare Ristorante and Blue Plate Catering to name a few. Maurice Hennessy – an eighth-generation member of the famed Cognac house – was on hand as a sponsor and also donated a one-of-a-kind trip to his family’s estate in France. Actress/director Phylicia Rashad snapped this package up along with another making her the perfect choice as the evening’s honoree. G-Man Greg Dellinger served as auctioneer for the afternoon and I think he’s the best in the business. Not only does he raise big money for the charity but he’s also entertainment in and of himself flying around the room encouraging bidders to go higher. He really puts his heart and soul into his work and it always brings big rewards dollar-wise. Auction highlights included an exotic trip to Muscat, Oman courtesy of Qatar Airways that included two business-class tickets and a five-night stay in a suite at the Ritz-Carlton Al Bustan Palace. Susan Gohl, who is always so charitable, donated her elegant 107-foot yacht, the Susanna Bella, for a cocktail cruise with eight friends in Naples, Florida. Dana Hokin, another charitable friend, donated a stay at her family’s fabulous Bitter End Yacht Club in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands, for five nights in a charming beachfront cottage. A New York trip included tickets to “Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark” courtesy of glam woman-about-world Sugar Rautbord. Other live auction items included dinners for 10 prepared by chefs Vogel and Jean Tippenhauer.  An Aston Martin generously offered at cost by Lake Forest Sports Cars brought in big money for the Primo Center as well. A fashion show produced by Trevian Kutti included selections by Vivienne Westwood, Monique Lhuillier, Moschino, Blumarine and Trussardi. Ballerinas from the Chicago Ballet School danced to the show’s hot soundtrack that was created by London DJ Sweet T. International model Daje Barbour opened and closed the show. The event was a great success due in large part to its outstanding host committee that included Oswald Boateng, Melissa and Brian Babcock, Mary Jo Basler, Les Coney, Joan Colmar, Alderman Bob Fioretti and Nicki Pecori, Kathleen Gaynor-Dickey, Susan Gohl, Hedwig and Robert Golant, Maurice Hennessey, Paul Iacono, Kathleen Klaeser, Kristina and Mike McGrath, Sugar Rautbord, Frances Renk, Rochelle and Charlie Trotter, Dan Uslan, Mamie Walton, Andrew Hart, Kathy Reilly and so many more! More than $400,000 was raised to benefit the Primo Center for Women and Children which is an interim and supportive housing program that provides a safe, healthy and positive environment for homeless women and their children. To see ALL of the fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina, click here and let me take YOU to the party below on Watch312.com!

 

 

The Langham Chicago opened in grand style recently along the Chicago river elegantly occupying the Mies van der Rohe landmark building at 330 N. Wabash. Langham Hospitality Group Executive Chairman Dr. K.S. Lo and Managing Director of The Langham Robert Schofield invited a select group to the afternoon luncheon and ribbon cutting ceremony that included former Mayor Richard Daley, Dirk Lohan (designing grandson of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe who designed the Lohan Lobby in the hotel) and Lang Lang, world famous pianist who is also The Langham ambassador. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on the plaza overlooking the river and included remarks by Alderman Brendan Reilly, Daley and Lohan. Dr. Lo thanked the crowd for attending and for welcoming The Langham to Chicago. Mayor Daley mentioned Chicago as a global city and how important it is to have this latest jewel in Chicago’s crown. (His father was at the groundbreaking in 1973 for this landmark building.) This hotel is the Langham Hospitality Group’s fourth U.S. property and offers 316 rooms (starting at 516 square feet, making them some of the largest in the city); a world class Chuan Spa; Tiffin afternoon tea in the Pavilion Lounge; an elegant Langham Club Lounge with legendary butler service directed by Carlos Carrera; a Mediterranean inspired restaurant, Travelle, under the director of Chef Tim Graham; a 22,000-square-foot health club; a 67-foot pool; 15,000 square feet of event space and so much more. The artwork rivals any museum’s collection with many pieces selected by Dr. Lo’s glamorous daughter Katherine Lo Bo Lun. An evening event featured Lang Lang at the piano much to the delight of all in attendance. Notables seen on the scene included Katie Benson (CEO and executive director of Langham Hospitality Investments), Joe Aguilera (Langham hotel manager), Rebecca Werner (PR Director The Langham Chicago), Paul Iacono, Helen Melchior, Joan Colmar, Darleen Hill, Veranda Dickens, Bunky Cushing and Kathy Adams to name a few. Since 1865, The Langham has built a legacy based on luxurious comfort and service innovation and it continues this tradition, much to our delight, right here in Chicago! Watch the party on “Candid Candace Chicago” below!  (For more info, click here.)

More than 200 of Chicago’s most fabulous and philanthropic headed to the swanky Gold Coast club The Back Room for the Women’s Auxiliary of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s third annual cocktail party on September 26th. Co-chaired by MaryAnne Smith, Lesley Prizant Goodman and Carol Beitler, the event raised funds to support the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House located in Streeterville. As guests dined on signature food and cocktails from the club, they were also treated to a jazz performance from the Bobby Lewis Quartet. The fabulous fete also brought out some well known Chicago faces such as PGA Tour golfer Luke Donald and wife Diane (RMH Women’s Auxiliary member), former Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith, NBC Chicago’s Daniella Guzman (RMH Women’s Auxiliary member), Stefan Holt and Kye Martin, Heather Farley, Helen Melchior, Sheryl Dyer and Bill Chunowitz, among many others. Always located in close proximity to area hospitals, Ronald McDonald Houses provide a “home away from home” for the families of sick children who are receiving life-giving care at nearby facilities. The Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s provides care and comfort for 86 families each and every night. For more information, visit www.rhmccni.org.

Giordano Dance Chicago (GDC) hosted its 8th Annual Dancing with the Giordano Stars competition benefit at Park West on September 26th. Patterned after the hit ABC series “Dancing with the Stars,” the popular competition dance benefit was hosted by NBC’s Wayne Johnson and drew a crowd of more than 300 enthusiastic fans and raised more than $120,000, setting a record-high total for this event which benefits GDC and its outreach programs. The evening began at 6 p.m. with cocktails and light fare, followed by the competition. The five male competitors and their GDC dance partners were Executive Director of the Auditorium Theatre Brett Batterson (with Katie Rafferty); VP Sales Bridge-X Technologies, Inc. Kip Helverson (with Maeghan McHale); President, KMKCK Corp. Ken Moll (with Rachael Berube); Kendall College Director of Strategic Initiatives Joe Monastero (with Ashley Downs); and Ford model David Sanchez (with Laurel Bashore). The five female contestants and their GDC dance partners were ViLiving general counsel Tara Cope (with Devin Buchanan); co-founder and co-proprietor of Barrington Hills’ The Gentleman Farmer CSA and market farm Jessica Green (with Zachary Heller); freelance artist Sheila Newman (with Martin Ortiz Tapia); Embeya restaurant Director of Sales Komal Patel, (with Joshua Blake Carter), and Chicago civic and philanthropic leader Sara Crown Star (with Sean Rozanski). Ken Moll was voted Best Male Contestant and – in a very close race – Jessica Green won for Best Female Contestant. (An honorable mention went to Sara Crown Star.) For more info on programs and GDC events, call 312-334-7777 or click here.

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control (FCACC) held its ninth annual fundraiser – Big Night – recently with a record turnout! More than 400 tickets were sold and more than $92,000 was raised during this popular celebrity chefs event that secured funding for another year to provide support and comfort for the animals at ACC. Proceeds will also support its foster program that saved the lives of nearly 400 animals last year. Fifteen Chicago chefs including Jill Baron of MANA Food Bar, Ryan Pitts of RL and Toni Motamen of Raw Bar & Grill served tastings of their favorite dishes to attendees who sipped on cocktails from the Muttini Bar serving Cosmopoodletons and non-alcoholic Kitty Cocktails. Famed Chicago Chef Jackie Shen started Big Night in partnership with FCACC in 2005 to benefit the organization by raising money and awareness for animals from Chicago’s city shelter. Jackie now provides oversight from afar, living in Michigan and operating her restaurant The Stray Dog, in New Buffalo. She helps to recruit chefs year after year. Notable Chicagoans came out to support the cause including emcees Channel 7 Sportscaster Jim Rose with his wife, lifestyle design expert Lakesha Rose, as well as businessman and Chicago Wolves owner Don Levin, generous longtime supporter of Friends. A variety of exclusive items were purchased during the live and silent auctions including VIP passes to “Conan” donated by iO Theatre owner Charna Halpern, a behind the scenes tour at the Shedd Aquarium, Blackhawks and Bulls courtside seats and more. Live entertainment was provided by violinist extraordinaire Katarina Visnevska and animal communicator Carolee Biddle. (For more info on FCACC, click here.)

Celebrate the season of giving at the Metropolitan Family Services 32nd Annual Holiday Celebration on December 7th beginning at  6 p.m., at the Chicago Hilton, 720 S. Michigan. Enjoy live entertainment from Sammie Torres and Friends, cocktails, dinner and dessert along with fabulous live and silent auctions. There will be a special raffle for a wine collection featuring select vintages. One hundred percent of proceeds benefit the programs and services of Metropolitan Family Services, which has empowered families to learn, earn, heal and thrive since 1857. Tickets are $350. For more information, visit www.metrofamily.org or call 312-986-4172.

Huge kudos to WCIU’s “You & Me This Morning” for the great segment on my favorite makeup artist Michael Perich and his fabulous CAMP Cosmetics line! Co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman hosted a great segment on fall cosmetic trends from CAMP and it was terrific and informative. If you missed it, check it out below! Congrats to Michael! (To view CAMP’s fabulous makeup line, click here!)

And speaking of “You & Me This Morning”, I was thrilled to return to the show recently to discuss my top five event picks for fall! If you missed the segment, see below and put these hot parties on your calendar now!

Recently, R&B singer Ciara hosted the Hennessy V.S. party at Chicago hot spot, Lumen. The singer rocked darker locks with an all-black ensemble, including a chic cropped black sweater (a la Miley) and black leather pants. She thanked the crowd for coming out and for supporting her new album, Ciara. Later in the evening, the singer was spotted chatting up Tone Kapone from the Power 92 Hot Boyz radio show. (Pics by Onasis.)

In the fight against breast cancer, it’s a team effort. That’s why Chicago Bears cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman has joined with the National Breast Cancer Foundation and P &G Brands to host the “Best Defense Day of Action” on October 22nd at Halas Hall. He’s leading the charge in the program to ask men to work with the women in their lives on an early breast cancer detection program and will tell his personal story at a media event at noon. (His grandmother is a breast cancer survivor.) So join Peanut at 1920 Football Dr. in Lake Forest beginning at 11:45 a.m. and be inspired. :-) 

Looking for something spooky to do for Halloween? Well, look no further than “Boo: A Halloween Ball” on October 31st at the Chicago History Museum from 7 to 11 p.m. There will be terrifying tales told by Steppenwolf’s Jessica Thebus and music that will wake the dead by DJ Nix with devilishly delicious craft cocktails. Come dressed to impress in your most spooktacular costumes for an event so good, it’s to die for!!! LOL! (For tickets and more info, click here.)

And another great Halloween event will be at Chicago’s favorite wine-driven destination, The Boarding House, on November 2nd. An All Hallow’s Eve affair will benefit Imerman Angels, whose mission is to provide personalized connections that enable 1-on-1 support among cancer fighters, survivors and caregivers. From 6:30 to 10 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy a bar package featuring a selection of spooky cocktails and bewitching wines and beers on the haunted first floor and subterranean cellar of 720 N. Wells. The evening’s festivities will also include complimentary appetizers, decked-out décor and a costume contest judged by Imerman Angels’ very own founder, Jonny Imerman. Tickets to the event are $85 per person and will be available through www.TicketLeap.com or by calling (312) 280-0720.

Join Children’s Oncology Services as they celebrate their 35th Anniversary Gala on November 7th at the Chicago Cultural Center. The evening will feature Michael Lerich & Orchestra as well as a packed silent auction. The evening will benefit the COS’ One-Step Programs that offers camp experiences for children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer. For tickets and more info, visit www.onestepcamp.org)

Beloved Chicago designer Elda de la Rosa is relocating and having a BIG Farewell Event at her Edgewater location on October 17th. Join Elda at 5555 N. Sheridan Road from noon to 8 p.m. for this big sale consisting of all bridal gowns, special occasion pieces, accessories and one-of-a-kind fabrics at deep discounts! Elda will launch her 2014 collection on November 1st at the new “Made in Chicago” AIBI store in the Gold Coast located at 17 E. Pearson! Good luck Elda and I’ll see you soon!

Don’t miss Akira’s 11th annual fall fashion show and signature event of the season, Supersonic Boom, on October 20th at Grossinger City Autoplex beginning at 4 p.m. You’ll experience sensory overload with small bites from top restaurants around town, a breakdance performance from Brickheadz, mini massages from ellehomme Holistic Med Spa and a fabulous Akira pop-up shop! The show will feature Kristin Cavallari and 30 of Chicago’s top models! Proceeds from the evening will benefit YWCA Metropolitan Chicago. For tickets, beginning at $30, click here.

Congrats to Nina and Bob Mariano on the recent grand opening of their 12th store, this one located in the South Loop at 1615 S. Clark St. (Mayor Emanuel was present for the ribbon cutting ceremony.) He knows what buyers want and gives it to them in grand style at great prices! And aren’t they just the cutest couple around, too?! Mariano’s has created approximately 4,200 jobs in Chicagoland to date and this new location will add another 425 positions. A hot party held that night brought out the FOMs (Friends of Mariano’s) in force! Congrats, Nina and Bob!  Love you!

More congrats are in order for Katie Cahnmann and her fabulous event site, NowYouKnowEvents.com, as they celebrate their third anniversary! Her loyal crowd of friends and followers enjoyed a fun filled night out at River North’s Blackfinn Ameripub! 

Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte doesn’t need any more battery power but he has joined forces with Duracell as they donate their new Quantum batteries to the City of Chicago’s Fire Department. This is part of Duracell’s commitment to donate 1 million batteries to the first responders across the country that need them for life-saving devices. #NICEWORK (Photo by Barry Brecheisin.)

ABC 7 Chicago President and General Manager John Idler and “Windy City Live” host Val Warner supported an event for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), an organization that advocates for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. Val emceed the fundraiser that also honored Rocky Wirtz, chairman of the Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks, for his community service. The event took place on October 8th at Lloyd’s in Chicago. Congrats John, Val and Rocky on your good work!

Congrats to the happy couple, Macy’s Andrea Schwartz and Dr. Steve Stryker, on their recent engagement! Here’s to a lifetime of happy memories together!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s edition! I hope to get back on track now after our big move and thank you for your patience. I’ve missed you terribly so stay tuned for the 411 on 312 right here on CandidCandace.com! You can also find me on Twitter, Facebook, Chicago Now, videos at Watch312.com and every Sunday in the Chicago Tribune!

Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Here’s what’s happening in our new ‘hood next weekend: On October 20th, you won’t want to miss this furry 10th annual Halloween Party & Parade hosted by Tails in the City with an adorable costume contest from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. – hope to see you there!