CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL TELEVISION AWARDS HONORS EXCELLENCE

CHICAGO SPORTS MUSEUM'S BIG OPENING PARTY (NEW WATCH312 VIDEO!); STEPPENWOLF'S RED OR WHITE BALL; HUMANITARIAN AWARDS HONOR KISSINGER; NIGHT IN THE STACKS; MANDELA FAMILY IS "TRUE GRIT"; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO CELEBRATES 51ST; JENNY "RESCUES OUR ANGELS"; MALKOVICH AND SANDRO HAVE A SECRET; SETH MEYERS MAKES-A-WISH; A TASTE FOR THE ARTS GALA; CUBS AND WHITE SOX THINK PINK!; AMIE HANA'S FAB FASHION MAG AND SO MUCH MORE!

The Chicago International Film Festival and Cinema/Chicago announced the winners for the 50th Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards before a crowd of more than 300 industry guests on April 10.   The Radisson Blu Aqua's grand ballroom was decorated with the iconic Film Fest logos and two giant screens showed clips from the winning entries throughout the evening.  Founder/artistic director Michael Kutza even lent his own form to create a crime scene victim outline on the floor in a nod to one of the evening's honorees, CSI creator Carol Mendelsohn.  Chicago veteran journalist Mary Ann Childers and CBS News Correspondent Jay Levine hosted the evening honoring those in the television industry and helped present three special awards throughout the night. Carol Mendelsohn,  executive producer of the “CSI” series, received a Commitment to Excellence Award for TV Productions; Commercial production company STORY was honored with a Commitment to Excellence Award for TV Commercials; and darling actor Jesse Spencer, currently starring in “Chicago Fire,” received an Artistic Achievement Award for Acting.  In the competition portion of the awards ceremony, Silver Hugo awards went to Cutters, Leo Burnett, mcgarrybowen and Beast Editorial for commercials, and Associated Producers (Canada), CNN, Contact Films (Australia) and Star Media (Russia) for productions. For the 50th year, WTTW presented a program of commercials competing for the Audience Choice Award, where audiences were encouraged to vote online for their favorite commercial. This year’s voting was a tie, with Audience Choice Awards going to Fiat's “Italian Invasion” from Beast Editorial, and “Mantra” from Cutters.  Other winners for the evening included Leo Burnett who won a Gold Plaque for its TV commercial Photo Booth;  The Lippin Group who won a Gold Plaque for Dramatic Program with Chicago Fire, "Shoved in My Face" as well as for Dramatic Series, Law & Order: SVU;  Spot Productions won a Gold Plaque for Investigative Reporting/News Documentary for its On the Spot: Gaza; CNN won a Silver Hugo for its hit series Chicagoland and MY internet show, Candid Candace Chicago" on Watch312.com won a Gold Plaque for Online Series.   The full list of winners can be found here.   A cocktail reception preceded the awards presentation and guests also had a chance to create photo memories in the Action Booth.  Following the program, members of the Film Fest, its PR team, some of its honorees and supporters continued the celebration in the Radisson Blu Lounge.  (Special thanks to those who made this win possible for Watch312 and me:  Founder Bob Mills; executive producer Bill Natale; cameramen Dave Thennes, Alonzo Stallings, Brian Kaempen and Matt Natale; tech guru Dave Lawlor; editors Josh Orr, Kes Akalaonu, Brian Kaempen, Dimitris Gotsis and Joey Oyola among others.)  The Chicago International Film Festival Television Awards is an annual international television competition that culminates in an Awards Ceremony honoring the best TV commercials and television productions from around the world.  Past honorees have included Kelsey Grammer, Bill Kurtis, Carol Marin, FRONTLINE, Leo Burnett, ESPN Films, and Optimus, among others.

Holy Cow!  Grant DePorter and Harry Caray's Restaurant Group threw a party and EVERYBODY came!  The grand opening of the Chicago Sports Museum and Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch also coincided with Harry's 100th birthday celebration.  This star-studded VIP Grand Opening on April 1^st included iconic sports figures, actors and musicians who all enjoyed the amazing interactive Museum exhibits and tasty bites from the restaurant, the 7th Inning Stretch. Brandon Marshall and Ron Harper, both of whom flew in to town just for the opening, brought their own memorabilia to put on display in the Museum.  Ron placed TWO of his Bulls championship rings in the ring case and Brandon arrived with his 2014 Pro Bowl game used helmet, the football used to score his first touchdown as a Bear and his game worn alligator cleats and jersey!  Attendees could match their wingspan against Scotty Pippin's (88"!) compare their jump to Michael Jordan (48" vertical!), test reaction time against Hawks goalie Tony Esposito and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" in a replica of Harry's broadcast booth.  The championship ring display case also gave partygoers the opportunity to try on the largest ring ever created, Refrigerator Perry's, that's a whopping size 25!  The extensive memorabilia collection is a passion of DePorter who has collected high end items such as Sammy Sosa's corked bat and the Bartman Ball as well as the toilet seat from the Cubs' dugout signed by the team and the stitches Blackhawks' Andrew Shaw required the night they clinched the Stanley Cup.  As you can see, there is something for everyone! For the celebratory toast, Budweiser beers were offered, Harry's drink of choice, and guests wore oversized glasses ala Harry to sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" led by Deporter, Dutchie Caray, Brandon Marshall and Ron Harper.  The beautiful cake was courtesy of Eli's Cheesecake and was topped with an edible sign that read "The 16th annual Worldwide Toast to Harry".  Sports stars and celebs packed the Red Carpet and included current Bears Brandon Marshall and Alex Brown, former Bears Richard Dent (Hall of Fame), Donnell Woolford, James "Big Cat" Williams, Jerry Azumah, Otis Wilson, and Walter Payton’s son (and current WGN FM radio host) Jarrett Payton, former Bulls Ron Harper, Dickey Simpkins and Will Perdue, Blackhawks Bobby Hull (Hall of Fame),CEO John McDonough, Executive Vice President Jay Blunk and National Anthem singer Jim Cornelison, Mr. Cub Ernie Banks (Hall of Fame), Milt Pappas, Dave Otto, Randy Hundley and Ryan Dempster, former White Sox Ron Kittle, Ozzie Guillen, announcer Steve Stone and White Sox and Bulls partner Carol “Mickey” Norton, Sky player Elena Delle Donne and Head Coach Pokey Chatman, pro fast pitch Bandits players Tammy Williams, Amber Patton and Brittany Cervantes, Chicago Fire players Mike Magee and Gonzalo Segares, Hall of Fame NFL football coach Marv Levy, actors James Denton and Billy Zane, Dave Tirio of the Plain White T’s, 2014 Olympic Bobsledding Silver Medalist Aja Evans, Academy Award winning special effects director Michael Lantieri and Harry’s widow Dutchie Caray.  Media personalities in attendance included Tribune Broadcasting President Larry Wert, WTMX Radio hosts Eric Ferguson and Kathy Hart as well as Brian “Whip” Paruch, Windy City Live host Ryan Chiaverini, CBS anchor Roseanne Tellez, NBC weather reporter Cheryl Scott, FOX TV reporters Darelene Hill and Mike Flannery, ABC7 reporter John Garcia, ESPN Radio reporter Sarah Spain, WGN radio hosts Pete McMurray and Steve Dale, radio and TV host Mancow Muller, Bears announcer Jeff Joniak, WGN radio hosts Harry Teinowitz, Jarrett Payton and Spike Manton, WBBM’s Ron Gleason, WFLD's Lou Canellis, AM 560 radio host Amy Jacobson, WLS Radio’s Richard Roeper and Marti Jones.  Other notables in attendance included Chicago Police Department Supt. Garry McCarthy and Cdr. Bill Dunn, Alderman Brendan Reilly and Alderman Bob Fioretti with Nicki Pecori, Cook County Commissioners Bridget Gainer and John A. Fritchey, WCIU's Rob Morhaim, Tim Smithe, Laurie Dimakos, Kate Gaddi, Carol Stein, Mary Ann Young, Mable Buckner, Regina Rice and former State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias among many others.  (Marshall, Payton, Hull, Kittle, Norton, Levy, Denton, Dutchie Caray, and Dent are all Museum/Restaurant partners).  The 8,000 square foot Museum and restaurant (both covering more than 23,000 square feet total) are now open to the public on the 7th level of Water Tower Place!  Play Ball!  (Fabulous photos by Mila Samokhina, to see them ALL, click here!)  (Check out my NEW Watch312 video below of this fun-filled night!)

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And now for some exciting West Coast news!  The Nelson Mandela Family was honored with the “True Grit” Humanitarian Award at the 29^th annual Odyssey Ball on Saturday, April 5, at the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire Hotel, Beverly Hills.  This annual event benefits the John Wayne Cancer Institute (JWCI) at Providence St. John's Health Center and is organized by the JWCI Auxiliary which is currently helmed by President Anita Swift, granddaughter of the late, great John Wayne.  On this night, Dr. Anton J. Bilchik, Professor of Surgery and Chief of Medicine at JWCI, was presented “The Duke” Special Service Award.   The UCLA Gospel Choir opened the evening which also included performances by Broadway actor Davis Gaines who wowed the crowd with his performance of “The Music of the Night” from “The Phantom of the Opera.”  (Gaines has performed the role of the Phantom more than 2,000 times!)  Actor, motivational speaker, author and honored US Army Veteran J.R. Martinez welcomed more than 580 guests and thanked sponsors.  JWCI Auxiliary President Anita Swift spoke poignantly about her grandfather’s final wish to find a cure for cancer and the work of the late Dr. Donald L. Morton, her grandfather’s physician.  The Mandela Family was presented with the “True Grit” Award by Patrick Wayne, Chairman of the Board at JWCI and son of the legendary actor, for continuing the mission of former President of South Africa and Nobel Peace Laureate Nelson Mandela.  “Their spirit, fortitude and strength in ending apartheid and easing human suffering inspire us all and is unsurpassed as is our commitment to eradicate cancer and provide hope to cancer patients around the globe,” said Wayne.  CNN Reporter/Producer Nadia Bilchik, sister of honoree Dr. Bilchik, and Patrick Wayne presented HRH Princess Zaziwe Dlamini-Manaway and HRH Princess Zamaswazi Dlamini, granddaughters of Nelson and Winnie Mandela, necklaces engraved with a quote from their grandfather, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”  (www.jwci.org)

Former U.S. Secretary of State (1973-1977) and Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Henry Kissinger joined Chicago’s foremost civic, business and charitable leaders, community members, local Holocaust survivors, and international dignitaries at the Hyatt Regency Chicago on recently to celebrate the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center’s 2014 Humanitarian Awards Dinner, honoring three extraordinary individuals and paying tribute to local Holocaust survivors. The evening culminated in an interview of Dr. Kissinger by esteemed author Scott Turow.  The Museum presented its 2014 Humanitarian Awards to John A. Canning, Jr., co-founder and chairman of Madison Dearborn Partners, LLC and Tom Ricketts, chairman of Incapital, LLC and the Chicago Cubs for their many accomplishments and commitment to improving our society. Additionally, Richard S. Hirschhaut, founding executive director of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center, received the Distinguished Community Leadership Award in recognition for his years of service to help build the Museum and commitment to transforming the future.  Museum president and Holocaust survivor Fritzie Fritzshall shared, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to honor these extraordinary individuals who embody the ‘Power of One’—the concept that one person has the power to make an impact on our society to combat injustice.  John and Tom have been unwavering in their support of our institution and its commitment to educating current and future generations about the dangers of intolerance and bigotry—for this we are deeply appreciative. And we commend Richard for his vision and leadership, which enabled us to build this remarkable institution and helped to fulfill its vital mission.”  Honorary dinner chairs included Governor Pat Quinn, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former Mayor Richard M. Daley. Dinner co-chairs included Jack S. Levin, Harvey L. Miller, Jim O’Connor, Bill Osborn, J.B. Pritzker and Larry D. Richman. More than $2.3 million was raised at the gala to support the mission and initiatives of the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. (Photos by Ron Gould Studios)

The Chicago Public Library Foundation Junior Board, comprised of 50 young professionals who support the initiatives of the Chicago Public Library, hosted its first ever event, “Night in the Stacks,” Friday, April 4, attracting a sold-out crowd of 350 guests to the Harold Washington Library’s Winter Garden. The inaugural event raised $110,000 to support the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s programs, technology, innovation initiatives and collection.  The festivities began at 7 p.m. as guests walked into the Library’s Winter Garden, which was transformed into a modern lounge with sleek furniture, bars and dance floor that was filled with excited partygoers into the wee hours of the night.  Beloved literary characters including favorites Cat in the Hat, Eloise, Huckleberry Finn, Holly Golightly and Frankenstein, among others, were also in attendance circulating among the crowd. Guests had the opportunity to take photos with each of these cool characters along with various larger-than-life library props at the event’s photo booth.  Authors Rachel Bertsche, Charles Blackstone, Wesley Chu, Sam Park and Marcus Sakey were in attendance along with some of Chicago Public Library’s finest young librarians who mingled with the crowd. Also in attendance was the President and CEO of the Foundation Rhona Frazin and Brian Bannon, Commissioner of the Chicago Public Library.  DJ Konsept provided the music for the evening, creating high powered energy on the flooded dance floor.  Jewell Events Catering provided delicious literary inspired hors d'oeuvres and cocktails including a “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” salmon and sea bass tartar and a Hemingway Sidecar cocktail.  As guests left, they were each given a special code to receive a free Uber cab ride home (for first time customers.)  Reading never looked so good!  Congrats on your inaugural event CPLFJB!! 

Giordano Dance Chicago’s power and elegance were on display recently at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance.  Marking the close of its milestone 51^st Season, the Company hosted its Gala Celebration After- Party on the Pritzker Pavilion Stage with nearly 300 guests, dancers, and collaborators.  The weekend’s performances, the world-premiere of Mist (choreography by Autumn Eckman with live musical accompaniment from the 26 voices of Bella Voce), and the Gala After Party celebrated and honored the life and spirit of Kevin Flynn, Chicago business leader and Giordano supporter, who passed away in 2013.  The weekend raised over $100,000 for Giordano Dance Chicago’s programs and the creation of new work.  (Photos by Philip Thomas)

Congrats to newly engaged Jenny McCarthy, co-host of “The View"!  Jenny will host the 7^th Annual Rescue Our Angels event on Friday, May 9, at VenueOne in the West Loop, to toast her nonprofit Generation Rescue, raise awareness of autism and generate funds to support families dealing with an autism diagnosis. McCarthy is president of Generation Rescue and an advocate for children with autism and their families. The exclusive party will feature remarks by McCarthy, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, entertainment and access to a live auction of incredible experiences. A total of 400 guests are expected, including Jacqueline and Chris Laurita (The Real Housewives of New Jersey) and celebrity chef Jaime Laurita. Event emcees are Ryan Chiaverini, co-host of Windy City LIVE, and Catie Keogh, host and executive producer of 24/7 Secrets of the City.  The annual event was founded by Chicagoland couple Michele and Pete Doyle to support Generation Rescue, and the event supports the non-profit’s Rescue Family Grant Program, which provides autism treatment to families in financial need.  Tickets to the event are $150 per person and can be purchased at Rescueourangels.com.   (I was one of the first to predict this engagement between Jenny and Donnie after interviewing them for my Watch312.com show!  See the "Love" Interview below!) 

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And speaking of autism, Congressman Danny Davis will lead/moderate a panel discussion concerning the most effective methods for providing services for those impacted with this disorder at the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, Chicago campus (530 S. State), on Thursday, April 24, beginning at 7 pm.   State Rep. (R) Dan Brady will also be on the panel along with noted educators, Dr. Robert Bloom and Dr. Stacy Bock.  If unable to attend, check out the LIVESTREAM broadcast here or at www.beonair.com.

Heartland Health Outreach will hosts its annual Chefs and the City event benefitting Vital Bridges Center on Chronic Care on Wednesday, April 23. This Cocktail Reception and Premier Tasting Dinner will feature extraordinary cuisine from the city’s top chefs with exceptional wine and cocktails to benefit this great cause. The event will be at the Union League Club of Chicago (65 West Jackson Boulevard) from 6-9 pm.The Chef Chairs of the event include Michael Garbin, Union League Club of Chicago’s Executive Chef, Dan Goodman, Kurt Guzowski and Thomas Rice of TÊTE Charcuterie and Toni Roberts, the Executive Pastry Chef at theWit.  For tickets and more info, click here. 

A collaboration between two great artists occurred recently at the studio of legendary photographer Sandro Miller.  Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member and Oscar nominee John Malkovich was in Chicago to work with Sandro on a historic project that will "appear in galleries across the world later in 2014."  John and Sandro have a long relationship that spans more than 15 years and includes numerous well-known photographs and films.  Sandro is currently keeping the details of the historic project under wraps, however, I've been told it will open at the Catherine Edelman Gallery in Chicago in November of this year.  Sandro said of this collaboration, "Working with John is like having Michael Jordan on your team.  The work ethic and mastery of his art is impeccably genius.  It's been our mutual drive for perfection that has brought us close and bonded a friendship and working relationship for years to come."  Can't wait!

About Face Theatre invites guests to “come on down” and celebrate its 18^th year with a throwback to daily doubles, free spins and lifelines at WONKA BALL 2014: The Gayme Show! on Friday, May 9, 2014 at 8 pm (VIP Cocktail Reception at 7 pm) at Macy’s on State Street in the  9^th Floor Event Center, 111 N. State St. AFT's annual fundraiser will celebrate TV’s iconic game shows with an evening of classic challenges, live entertainment, music and dancing, sumptuous edibles and an open bar with signature cocktails. Guests will be tempted to “make a deal” with a raffle and silent and live auctions – all with exciting prizes worthy of a Showcase Showdown! The evening will also include the annual presentation of the prestigious 2014 Leppen Leadership Awards and the About Face Youth Theatre MVP Award.  The evening will be co-chaired by Benjamin Sprunger and Betsy Sylvester. Tickets are currently available at www.aboutfacetheatre.com or (773) 784-8565.

The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), one of the nation’s leading art and design schools, will present Fashion 2014, its annual fashion show that will celebrate an astounding 80 years of fashion innovation this year!   The extraordinary runway show will be presented three times throughout the day on Friday, May 2, at Millennium Park’s Chase Promenade North.  Fashion 2014 will culminate with THE WALK 2014—SAIC’s annual benefit gala supporting the production of student work and scholarships. To honor the anniversary, performance artist, fashion influencer, and SAIC educator Nick Cave will receive the Legend of Fashion Award. This year, SAIC also welcomes Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago Curator Naomi Beckwith as emcee.  Previously, SAIC has recognized leaders in the fashion industry, including Anna Sui, Nicole Miller, Maria Pinto, Ikram and Josh Goldman, Cynthia Rowley and Bill Powers, and Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte.  More than 50 models from Factor Runway will wear the students’ original garments as they walk down a custom-constructed, 72-foot ramp runway. The show is produced and directed by Conrad Hamather, SAIC’s Graduate Coordinator of its Master of Design in Fashion, Body and Garment, with talent direction by Annie Novotny, SAIC faculty member, alumna, and head designer of Frei Designs.  For tickets and more info, visit www.saicfashion.org.

East Coast news:  More than 300 Notre Dame benefactors and alumni, world-famous entertainers and international business leaders, guests and honorees enjoyed an evening at the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center’s Art+Soul of Notre Dame Inaugural Gala on April 7, held at Cipriani 42 in New York City. The evening was a celebration of ten years of the arts at Notre Dame and was co-chaired by James Ebersol,  Susan Saint James Ebersol, and Lauran and Justin Tuck.  Guests in attendance included Oakland Raider's Justin Tuck and wife Lauran, ESPN's Hannah Storm, NBC News' Anne Thompson and former Notre Dame grad Phil Donahue. 

The Chicago Academy for the Arts will presents its annual A Taste for the Arts Gala at the Harris Theater and Millennium Park Terrace Tuesday, May 13. This fabulous evening, hosted by Donna LaPietra and Bill Kurtis, will feature a performance by the emerging artists of The Academy alongside the delicious cuisine of some of Chicago’s hottest chefs including lead chef Curtis Duffy (Grace), Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill/Topolobampo/XOCO) and Tony Priolo (Piccolo Sogno/Piccolo Sogno Due).  In addition to the illustrious hosts, A Taste for the Arts Gala is chaired by Dianne and John Kleber and Lisa and Joe Torres. Wirtz Beverage of Illinois will serve as the exclusive Beverage Sponsor and Barbara Levy Kipper will once again serve as The Academy’s Performance Sponsor.  Guests will be treated to a performance at the Harris Theater at 6 p.m. and will proceed to the Millennium Park Terrace at 7:30 p.m. for silent and live auctions, tastings from 10 chefs, signature cocktails from popular Chicago mixologists and mingling and music by The Academy’s Jazz Ensemble throughout the evening. Individual gala tickets start at $350, Performance-only tickets are available for $30 to $75 each. Visit www.atasteforthearts.org  to reserve event tickets or visit www.harristheaterchicago.org  for performance-only tickets.

Comedian Seth Meyers will be the headliner for Make-a-Wish Illinois' annual fundraiser, the Wish Ball, on Saturday, May 3, at Soldier Field.  Emmy award winning Meyers is best known for his work on "Saturday Night Live" as well "Late Night with Seth Meyers" that can be seen on NBC weeknights.  This high profile fundraiser will also honor Chicago's professional sports teams for their support of children with life-threatening medical conditions through their wish granting efforts for Make-A-Wish.  The black-tie event will also include a cocktail reception, dinner, a raffle and live and silent auctions.  And for the first time, partygoers will have the chance to dance the night away to live music on the 50 yard line of Soldier Field!  Guests at the event will also hear moving remarks from a local wish family and have the opportunity to meet a few children who will serve as Wish Ambassadors.  Tickets are $600.  For more info, click here or call 312.602.9474 (WISH).  Help make dreams come true for those who need them the most!  

Four hundred of Chicago’s young arts supporters turned out for a high-energy evening of music, dancing, cocktails, impressive local cuisine and a silent auction at Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council's 2014 Red or White Ball recently at Venue One.  The signature event for some of the city’s most active young professionals raised nearly $60,000, benefiting Steppenwolf for Young Adults, the theater’s nationally recognized arts education program, which annually impacts more than 12,000 students, teachers and families. The evening kicked off with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception at 7:30pm, with VIP gift bags, special access to Steppenwolf artists, and delectable tasting stations from CH Distillery, City Winery, Freestyle, Geja’s Café, Goose Island, RA sushi and Summer House Santa Monica. The party continued in the main room where guests enjoyed more scrumptious tastings plus multiple open bars including a superb wine selection from City Winery and beer from Goose Island. Guests danced the evening away to hits spun by MDM Entertainment, enjoyed an Instagram scavenger hunt with live photo feed, and hit the photo booth from Fotio to capture the night’s best moments.  The silent auction featured 30 amazing and diverse packages with something for everyone including a custom suit from the Tom James Company, a getaway to the Grand Geneva resort and a Wrigleyville experience with Cubs tickets. Raffle prizes for the 2014 Ball included a Kindle Fire, a romantic “stay-cation” at Hotel Lincoln with dinner for two at Geja’s Café and an exclusive Steppenwolf Opening Night package with pre-show dinner, opening performance and after-party with artists from the show.  The event’s first ever Live Auction was a hit with packages such as a New York weekend getaway, a Steppenwolf experience for 8 with artists from The Way West and a private rooftop party for 12 from Chicago Specialty Gardens. The 2014 Red or White Ball Honorary Chair was ensemble member Tarell Alvin McCraney, playwright of Head of Passes, which premiered at Steppenwolf last season, and The Brother/Sister Plays, produced at Steppenwolf in 2010. McCraney was also a recipient of a 2013 MacArthur Fellowship and was included in Crain’s Chicago Business’s 2013 “40 under 40.”  The 2014 Red or White Ball Chair was Jennifer Stuart. Co-Chairs included Aimee Graham, Ryan Stafford and Tanya Stanfield. Other notable guests in attendance included Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas and numerous Steppenwolf artists from the 2013/14 season, including Delia Baseman, Judy Blue, Carolyn Braver, Cassie Calderon, Phil de Guzman, Rudy Galvan, Laura Glenn, Aaron Himelstein, Jerry Mackinnon, Clancy McCartney, Caroline Neff, Melanie Neilan, Cole O'Beirne, Zoe Perry, Brennan Stacker, Steve Walker, Brendan Meyer, Ty Olwin, J.J. Phillips, Loretta Rezos, and Gabriel Ruiz. The annual Red or White Ball serves as the primary fundraiser for the Steppenwolf Auxiliary Council, a community of more than 100 dynamic young professionals who strengthen the theater's ability to advance artistic experimentation and collaboration by developing new financial resources and new audiences for the creation and presentation of innovative theater. Since its inception in 2000, the Auxiliary Council has raised more than $1.5 million. (Photos by Jordan Balderas)

The 10th annual La Martina Miami Beach Polo World Cup, the world’s largest and most prestigious Beach Polo competition, will take place from April 24th to April 27th between 20th and 22nd streets on the sands of South Beach, Florida.  General Admission and VIP tickets are available here www.miamipolo.com  with a dedicated Miami Beach Polo World Cup Travel Package available at the newly opened Metropolitan by COMO, Miami Beach – one of the tournament’s Official hotel partners.  

I want to thank master photographer Amie Hana for the thrilling photo shoot recently for her awesome new magazine, Amour!  With expert makeup by Hannah Butz, I felt like a fairy princess!  Amie is talented, creative and can do it ALL!  Stay tuned to see more of her work in upcoming magazines!  To see more of Amour, click here!  Congrats and thanks so much Amie and Hannah!

More thanks are in order for WCIU's "You & Me This Morning"!  I was honored to return as co-host for this fabulous, friendly, down-to-earth show with amazing guests and fun-filled content!  Doing live TV is not for the faint hearted, but thanks to generous hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow, it's always a thrill to be on!  They make it look so easy!  NOT!  LOL!  Tune in every morning to the "U" from 6-8 am if you want to start your day off right!  

In honor of breast cancer awareness, Cubs Charities is planning to “Pink Out” the Budweiser Bleachers for the May 6th evening game at Wrigley Field against the Chicago White Sox. Each fan who purchases a bleacher ticket will receive a “SAVE SECOND BASE” t-shirt to wear, so that eventually the entire outfield turns ‘pink.’  Breast cancer survivors will be honored and featured throughout the game day activities such as throwing out the first pitch, singing the national anthem and the 7th inning stretch.  Love this and am thinking "pink"!

My favorite place for a treasure hunt, Randolph Street Market, will host a cocktail shopping preview party for Modern Vintage Chicago, its spring jewelry, clothing and accessories expo, on Friday, May 2nd, at 1340 W. Washington.   A weekend of fun activities is planned including a lunch on Saturday and Sunday, (May 3 and 4) at noon hosted by fashion legend Nena Ivon.  For the first time, L.A.'s renowned DECADES will offer never-seen-in-Chicago vintage merchandise with darling owners Cameron Silver and Christos Garkinos on hand to offer advice.  A portion of the proceeds from the preview party will benefit The Costume Council of Chicago History Museum!  For tickets and more info, click here or call 312.666.1200. (April's market will be this weekend, 26-27!) 

Happy birthday to the Mackey Twins!  Proud parents Sharyl and Mike Mackey threw a darling 1st birthday party for Reed and Aidan at Ridgemoor Country Club recently
and the world came to celebrate!  Awwwwww.......

Spring is in the air and I thank you for reading/watching Candid Candace!  I hope you had a joyous Easter and are enjoying Spring! 

 

 

 

Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]

P.S. Don't miss the renowned Joffrey Ballet's next big production coming April 30 thru May 11!  Romeo & Juliet will blow you away!  (Tickets and more info here!)