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 CELEBRATES51ST; 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/Chicagoannounced 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 Kutzaeven lent his own form to create a crime scene victim outline onthe 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 Museumand Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch also coincided with Harry's 100th birthday celebration. This star-studded VIP Grand Opening on April 1st 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 Shawrequired 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, actorsJames 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!)
And now for some exciting West Coast news! The Nelson Mandela Family was honored with the “True Grit” Humanitarian Award at the 29th 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 51st 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 7th 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!)
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 18th 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 9th 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 ConradHamather, 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 Hanafor 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!
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!)
PLUS "INTO THE WILD" AT THE BEAR TIE BALL; RMHC'S NEW HOUSE; AN EVENING IN BLOOM; JAY AND DAVID'S HUMANITIES HONOR; LEGENDARY LANDMARKS 2014; FOUR STARS FOR ST. JUDE; CHICAGO FILM FESTIVAL TV AWARDS; JOFFREY SPRING GALA; MERIT SCHOOL OF MUSIC HONORS RENEE; ZARADA AND MARK'S FURRY FUNDRAISER; JEN WEIGEL'S EMPOWER HOUR; CHEFS & THE CITY; A STYLISH STYLIST'S WORKSHOP; TWO CHICAGO HOTELS ON IT LIST; BARRINGTON'S RUN FOR THE DERBY PARTY; CHICAGO FIRE AND P.D.'S WRAP PARTY; BIRTHDAY WISHES FOR FRIENDS AND SO MUCH MORE!
Redmoon Theater's Spectacle Lunatique is one of the most visually exciting fundraisers in town and, this year, they honored tech entrepreneur Howard Tullman with the Galvanizer Award for his contributions to the "vibrancy of Chicago." The ceremony surrounding his introduction to the crowd was straight out of Julius Caesar! Preceded by a 30 piece drummer band, Howard arrived on a rickshaw pulled by Redmoon theater members. Talk about an entrance! Spotlights followed him around the 18,000 square-foot warehouse space in Pilsen before he climbed the ladder of a sky-high podium where a video played behind him thanking him for his contributions to Chicago and beyond. The rest of the evening was equally as exciting beginning with a gigantic swing-set where guests were encouraged to take turns upon their arrival. I saw pool playing bears, cocktail servers dressed as tables and some in Victorian garb offering drinks from ancient looking bicycles. Bright red balloons carried hors d'oeuvres as well as tiny remote controlled drones that delivered sweets to attendees! I felt like I had truly fallen down the rabbit hole just like Alice. Several of Chicago's top chefs presented their culinary creations at tasting stations, including Luca Corazzin (312Chicago), Thai Dang of Embeya, Jerl Griffin of Flemming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Mark Mendez of Vera and Jason Vincent of Nightwood, to name a few. Aerial artists from Redmoon and Aerial Dance Chicago performed overhead and aided the chefs in presenting their creations from the sky to the mouth. At 8 pm, executive artistic director Jim Lasko and producing artistic director Frank Maugeri greeted the crowd via video, sharing a preview of the Great Chicago Fire Festival, which launches this summer with a series of community workshops in 15 different Chicago neighborhoods, culminating in a grand finale river procession on the Chicago River, October 4. Throughout the evening, guests had a chance to enjoy a private 10-minute tasting dinner prepared by Michael Carlson of Schwa complete with a serenading opera singer for a donation of $1000 (I saw the Mayor and wife Amy Rule partaking), or a private birthday party for two with a bear, fireworks and Redmoon performers for a $250 donation. The night continued with an open bar, sweet and savory bits, and music and dancing. Matt and Lucy Moog served as co-chairs for this fantasy-filled gala that attracted 750 and raised nearly $400,000 for Redmoon's free public summer programming. (Photos by Al Zayed).
It was a lovefest at the UIC Forum for the 21st annual Bear Tie Ball, "Into the Wild, a Road to the Cure" benefitting Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundationon Saturday, March 8. More than 600 suppporters turned out to raise funds for this organization that was founded in 1993 by Kathleen Casey in honor of her dear son, Barrett "Bear" Krupa. Bear passed away at age 8 after battling a form of pediatric cancer called Wilms tumor, all through his illness he showed more concern for other young patients than he did for himself. Inspired by his compassion, his mother Kathleen founded Bear Necessities in his honor. Bear passed away not long after the Foundation was formed but his loving legacy will live on through the dedication and compassion of his loving mom, sister Courtney Krupa and legions of friends and supporters. So this night wasn't only a fundraiser, but also a celebration of the "Bear". The evening began in the ginormous Pavilion where guests had a chance to bid on an extensive silent auction. The auction had many creative items but my favorite part was the children's artwork. Painted by young cancer patients, the pieces included a Chicago Blackhawk portrait by Dominic Damato, an owl painting by Alysn Kee and a darling child's chair painted, again in honor of the Blackhawks, by the talented Giselle Fernandez. NBC-5's Peggy Kusinski was the emcee for the evening and did a fabulous job, as she always does. She wears her passion on her sleeves for so many worthy events around town and it was wonderful to see her at the podium. She acknowledged special guests Alderman Bob Fioretti(with his beautiful Nicki Pecori), Cheryl and Mario Tricoci, Sandy and Gary Fencik, designer Mark Roscoe, Anna Davlantes and longtime supporters Tracy and Ross Scurto, Jr. She went on to say, " The Foundation has become a national leader raising more than $16.9 million for critical research and support services with a presence in 36 states, Canada, and as far away as Germany. Amazingly, Bear Necessities receives NO funding from any state or federal agencies. Every dollar they raise comes directly from donations and events like this." Father Paul White, Bear's parish priest, delivered the invocation. He has a wonderful demeanor and knows how to present just the right balance of seriousness and humor. He ended his prayer with a plea for the Cubs and the crowd loved it and him. Auction Chair Kristine Farra did a great job with the live auction! There were such exciting packages like a guitar signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood and Charlie Watts (that sold for $5K, I think somebody got a steal!). A darling Labradoodle named Parker almost went home with Paul Iacono who drove the bidding up to $12K but, in the end, the perky pup was won by Shea and John Bubeck for $12,500. A moving video featured young cancer patients and their wishes for the future. Kathleen and Courtney presented the William J. Casey Hope Awards, named in honor of Bear's grandpa, to the Magellan Group and Dr. Stewart Goldman. Bob Arthur, president of Magellan, accepted the award on his company's behalf and said, "The mission of Bear Necessities is a righteous one." Dr. Goldman, a neuro-oncologist at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, was one of Bear's doctors. Kathleen introduced him by saying, "From squirt gun fights to the worst jokes, he bribes kids to get motivated. He gets it when others don't. He was there with me through Bear's scans and delivered a heartfelt speech at his memorial. We must further our commitment to funding research and we need more Stewart Goldmans!" Dr. Goldman responded, "Knowing Bear was always about knowing fun. I learned about courage, strength and giving back from him." It was such a moving part of the evening and I was so proud and honored to serve as the event chair. Goldman then introduced Bear Hug Ambassador Abigail Phillips, 25, who was his patient. She was diagnosed with brain cancer at 13 and is now working on her master's degree. She joked that the doctors advised her to "milk this for all its worth." She said she "owed her life" to "Dr. Stew" and that "he always tried to find a better way to treat cancer so kids wouldn't have to suffer the way I did." A Fund a Bear auction and raffle followed before dancing and dessert began. Wonderful supporter Jacob Neminarz of Sugar Hills Bakery supplied tasty cookies shaped like, what else, a bear! More than $650,000 was raised to support the programs of Bear Necessities, the Bear Hug program which provides customized experiences for kids battling cancer, and the Bear Discoveries Program which provides grants to researchers. There are lots of ways to help, so please check out their website and become a Bear-lanthropist, too! (Congrats to last year's co-chairs Nina Mariano and Tracy Scurto). Thanks to Buccellati for my beautiful jewels, too! (Photos by Mila Samokhina).
The 50th AnnualChicago International Film Festival Television Awards will return to the Radisson Blu Aqua (221 N. Columbus Dr.) on Thursday, April 10. Co-hosted by Mary Ann Childers and Jay Levin, this evening will also honor Chicago Fire actor Jesse Spencer with the 2014 Artistic Achievement Award. "CSI" executive producer Carol Mendelsohn, will receive this year's Commitment to Excellence Award for Television and production company STORY will receive the Commitment to Excellence Award for Television Commercials. (For tickets, $100, and more info, click here, or call (312) 683-0121). Hope to see YOU there!
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana and partner Cadence Health broke ground on the 5th Ronald McDonald House at the site of the western suburbs’ first House on Tuesday, March 18. As the snow melted at 25 Winfield Road – the address of the new home, directly across the street from Central DuPage Hospital – it was clear that spring, and construction on the new home, are just around the corner. Guests of the event were encouraged to write messages of hope and togetherness in metallic ink on small, smooth stones. The stones will greet families staying at the new home, and guests will be encouraged to take a stone as they leave, after their stay, as a source of ongoing inspiration for their families’ recovery and journey of healing. A model of the beautiful two-story, $6.25 million Ronald McDonald House near Cadence Health was a focal point at the event. The new House will feature 12 family-size bedrooms, laundry and kitchen facilities. Families of patients at CDH, Delnor Hospital in Geneva and the CDH Proton Center in Warrenville will be able to use the facility. Construction is expected to be completed in early 2015. Congrats RMHC!! (www.ronaldhouse.org)
Former Chicago Bear Jerry Azumah and The Azumah Student Assistance Program Fund are teaming up with Laugh Factory Chicago to bring you some of the best comedians in Chicago on Tuesday, April 8, at the Laugh Factory (3175 Broadway)! "Laugh Out Loud," will be hosted by WGCI's Leon Rogers, and will feature well known comedians including Tony Sculfield, Brian Babylon, Vanessa Fraction, Liza Treyger and Clark Jones. VIP ticket holders will enjoy an hour-long pre-event private cocktail reception with comedians and hosts beginning at 6:30 pm that will include light fare and preferred show seating. (General admission seating will begin at 7 pm with the comedy show beginning at 8:00 pm). For tickets, beginning at $25, click here! (Experience the fun from last year on my Watch312.com video with co-hosts Jerry Azumah and Israel Idonije!!!
After this long, cold Chicago winter, spring’s coming-out party, an "Evening in Bloom", showcased the eye-candy colors and sweet fragrances of the season. The benefit and preview of the Chicago Flower & Garden Show kicked off the season in style inside Navy Pier’s Festival Hall on March 14. Bob and Nina Mariano, of Mariano’s, presenting sponsor, co-chaired the event. Honoring the show’s theme, “Do Green. Do Good.”, the event benefitted several local nonprofit organizations and businesses including the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs, Chicago Gateway Green, Garden Gallery & Studio, Peterson Garden Project and Urban Alliance. Congrats Nina and Bob! I love this event that makes us all dream of the light at the end of the winter tunnel. www.chicagoflower.com.
The ninth annual Legendary Landmarks awards honored Theaster Gates, Joseph Antunovich, and the corporate landmark, John A. Terlato and Terlato Wines with Landmark status. The awards were given at Landmarks Illinois’ Legendary Landmarks Celebration on Thursday, March 13 at the Four Seasons Chicago. Former CBS anchor Bill Kurtis, a legend himself,was Master of Ceremonies.The event co-chairs were Richard Driehaus and Dan McCaffery. The Celebration Committee included Shelley Gorson and Janet Rotner, co-chairs, Madeline Gelis, Frieda Ireland, Karen Prieur, and Sandra Rand. This labor of love and landmarks paid off since this event was the organization's largest one to date with more than 600 guests, raising the most funds, over $660,000! There were 11 Legendary Landmarks in attendance besides the evening's honorees. They included Richard Driehaus, Leslie Hindman, Richard Gray, Michael Kutza, Susan and Lew Manilow, John W. McCarter, Jr., John Vinci, Father Jack Wall, Lee Flaherty and Jane Nicholl Sahlins. Congrats to all! (Photos by Diane Alexander White Photography).
The Illinois Humanities Council (IHC) has announced it will be honoring Jay Franke and David Herro with the 2014 Public Humanities Award at the IHC’s annual benefit luncheon on Tuesday, May 20, at the Palmer House Hilton. Given annually by the IHC since 1984, the Public Humanities Award recognizes individuals and organizations who have helped transform lives and strengthened communities through the humanities. Together, Jay and David have played an instrumental role in the founding and growth of the Chicago Dance Festival, the only free festival of its kind in the nation. Since 2006, the Festival has since grown to present more than 55 exceptional dance companies from Chicago and cities throughout the country as well as abroad, and performed before more than 60,000 people while maintaining free admission for all. Co-Chairs are Antonio Gracias, Sabrina Gracias, Alton Harris, Andrea Kramer, Susan and Lew Manilow and Kerryann Haase Minton and Josef Minton. (For tickets or more info, call Monika Collins at 312.422.5584 or visit www.prairie.org/PHA. (All proceeds from the luncheon will support the Illinois Humanities Council).
On Tuesday, April 8, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital will host its 20th annual Four Stars of Chicago Restaurant Extravaganza at the Sheraton Hotel & Towers. Since its inception, Four Stars has raised more than $7.9 million for the kids of St. Jude. This year's event will feature more than 20 of Chicago’s top restaurants with NBC 5 Chicago's Allison Rosati returning as emcee. Ron Boire, EVP, Chief Merchandising Officer and President, Sears & Kmart, will be the honorary chair. (For tickets and more info, visit www.stjude.org)
The Women's Board of The Joffrey Ballet will host its 12th Annual Spring Gala on Friday, April 25th at the Chicago Hilton. This year's theme, "We All Speak Dance," will be a celebration of the international language of dance, the company, and its educational programs. Through its Community Engagement and Joffrey Academy of Dance programs, the organization impacts the lives of thousands of children, teens and young adults, including more than 5,000 Chicago Public School children. The black-tie event will begin at 6:30 PM at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University (50 East Congress Parkway) with a special, one hour performance featuring dancers from the company as well as student dancers fromits programs. The performance will be followed by a trolley ride to the Hilton to enjoy cocktails, dinner and dancing. After dinner, the evening will continue with entertainment from the Bill Pollack Orchestra, as guests join the Joffrey company members on the dance floor. Tom Kehoe of Kehoe Designs will transform the historic Hilton ballroom with spectacular images from the Joffrey archives. The event’s co-chairs are Women’s Board members Elisabeth Adams and Dana Hokin Garvey. (www.joffrey.org/gala )
If you love animals, then I hope you can join me on Tuesday, April 22nd, for a concert to benefit Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) at Fourth Presbyterian Church (Anderson Hall), 126 E. Chestnut. Zarada Gowenlock and RL Restaurant will team up for this evening of music that will feature wine, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment provided by Mark Longo. Zarada has been volunteering for CACC for years and, after the success of the last RL Concert Series benefitting Ronald McDonald House Charities (and hosted by Ken Norgan), she thought this would be a great idea to raise some money for the Medical Fund of CACC to procure diagnostics and treatments for animals in need. For tickets ($100) and more info, email [email protected].
It will be a star-filled night in Chicago when DuSable Museum of African American History presents it's annual "Night of 100 Stars Gala" on Saturday, April 5, at the South Shore Cultural Center. Honorees who have made outstanding contributions to society include Linda Johnson Rice, Kyndal Buchanan, Pastor Charles Jenkins, Dr. Carol Lee, Haki Madhubuti and Michael Wilbon. Val Warner and Charles Thomas will emcee. (For tix and more info, click here).
Merit School of Music will honor world renowned soprano Renee Fleming at its 35th Anniversary Gala on Thursday, May 8, at the Palmer House Hilton. Co-chaired by Judith Istock and Richard Thomas, the event will also include entertainment by Merit Honors Jazz Ensemble. For tickets, $500, and more info, click here.
Two hotels in town were included in Travel & Leisure's 2014 IT List! Congrats to the Langham Chicago and the Thompson Chicago hotels! Love them both!
Thanks to Darby Hills for bringing the Run for the Roses Derby Party to my attention! Save the date for this 4th annual event presented by Barrington Children's Charities on Saturday, May 3, at Old Barrington Farm, 26059 W. Scott Road in Barrington. (For tickets, $100, and more info, click here).
I'm thrilled to be an honorary co-chair, along with RL's Rich Varnes, for the annual Chefs and the City event on Wednesday, April 23, at the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd. from 6-9 pm. Participating restaurants include Jellyfish, bellyQ, RPM Italian, Vincent, Sepia, Swirlz, Tanta, Azzurra EnoTavola, Karyn's Cooked, Mexique, The Lobby and Tre Soldi. This evening of elegance will feature creative cocktails, with an appetizer and four-course tasting menu prepared by these exceptional chefs to benefit Vital Bridges on Chronic Care Center. (For tickets and more info, click here). Hope to see you there!
Class is in session! Celebrity fashion stylist and creative director for Zendaya Coleman, Law “Luxury” Roach, and former Miss Universe Organization Fashion Director, Alisha Crutchfield, are set to kick-off their first five-city Midwest tour for StyleWise Academy. The Academy will offer a crash course for would-be and wanna-be fashion stylists focusing on style kit necessities, how to win clients, secure paying jobs and more. Its first stop will be in Chicago on Saturday, April 12, at the Columbia College campus from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Attendees will also be provided with lunch and have a meet-and-greet with the instructors. To register for a seat, receive updates and learn more information about tour dates, click here.
Birthday wishes are in order for two Chicago notables. Handsome man-about-town/philanthropist Paul Iacono celebrated with a birthday bash organized by friends Katie McLenaghan and Beth Feiwell. Beth's beautiful West Lakeview home was filled to bursting with FOP's (Friends of Paul's). I saw Peter and Cynthia Au, William Holdeman, Frances Renk, Laura Dantuma, Franco LaMarca, Marcus Boggs, Alex Vasileski, Kadmiel Christmas and Whitney Ariese, Juliane and John Donohue, Connie Dec and Jake Elvey, Jeff Shea and Melissa Hopgood, Jennifer and Joaquin Brieva, Margaret O' Connor and Michael O'Meara, Lori Allen and Chad Sodorholm, Cadey O'Leary Hershoff, Jeffrey Schwarz and Jacqui Rovirosa, Rachel DeMarte, Rhonda Sanderson and Samantha Amato. Photographer Lori Allen snapped pics which, much to the delight of the guests, were framed as take-away gifts at the end of the evening. Happy birthday Paul!
I was happy to celebrate my dear friend Rhonda Sanderson's birthday recently at Table 52 with her beautiful daughter (my goddaughter) Samantha Amato and her sister Debbie Pickus. Chef Art Smith's Sunday brunch menu made us weep it was so good. Happy to see Jesus Salgueiro dining there as well with Erica Mann Ramis, Harold Ramis' lovely widow. Happy BD Rhonda!!!
And last, but not least, Marc Brooks, president/CEO of Hyde Park Hospitality, celebrated his birthday with friends recently at the Godfrey Hotel. He had so many pals there I couldn't fit them all in one photo! They looked like they came straight from Central Casting, so cute!! Happy birthday Marc!
NBC’s Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. celebrated the end of their taping with a wrap party at the Montgomery Club on Saturday, March 15th. Chicago Fire cast members in attendance included Taylor Kinney, Monica Raymund, Lauren German, Charlie Barnett, Christian Stolte and David Eigenberg. Jon Seda, Patrick John Flueger, Archie Kao, Elias Koteas and Amy Morton attended from Chicago P.D. NBC recently announced the renewal of both shows and is ranked No. 1 for adults aged 18 to 49, a demographic favored by advertisers. Everyone enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from Gibson's Restaurant Group. Congrats to both!
The Women's Board and the Board of Trustees of the Chicago Zoological Society are hosting their annual Gala to benefit the Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 26. This black tie event, themed "Around the Whirl in 80 Years" will celebrate the 80th anniversary of this venerable city treasure at 3300 Golf Road in Brookfield, Ill. beginning at 6:30 pm. A. Marek Fine Jewelry is the presenting sponsor. For tickets and more info, call (312) 553-2000.
The “Women’s Empower Hour” at Metropolitan Capital (9 E. Ontario St.) welcomes Jenniffer Weigel (two f's, not a typo), Emmy-Award winning broadcast journalist, author and columnist for the Chicago Tribune, to host a discussion and Q&A on “Lessons for Life: Love Yourself and Align Yourself Spiritually,” at a complimentary luncheon on Wednesday, April 23, from 11:30 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Jen has been a broadcast journalist in Chicago since 1995 starting in radio and then moving to television. She won an Emmy Award for her on-camera reporting at CBS, and is now a columnist and video contributor for the Chicago Tribune. She has written three books: Stay Tuned, I’m Spiritual, Dammit! and This Isn’t the Life I Ordered. Her one woman show “I’m Spiritual, Dammit!” had three successful runs on the Chicago stage. Jenniffer writes the Lessons for Life column for the Chicago Tribune. The “Women’s Empower Hour” series, featured quarterly throughout the year, offers informative workshops for proactive women in the Chicagoland area to learn and share ideas, stories and information. To RSVP for this complimentary event, please e-mail [email protected].
Honoring diverse cultures will be the order of the day at the International Women Associates (IWA)Gala on Friday, April 11, in the Gold Coast Room of the Drake Hotel. "Sail Away with IWA" will take you on a virtual cruise that will include "ports of call" in Greece, Italy, Morocco and Turkey. Shop in these countries' colorful "bazaars" to bid on unique silent auction souvenirs of your trip. A portion of this year's proceeds will be directed to IWA's philanthropic programs including tutoring CPS students at Swift Elementary School, which has a large immigrant population. For tickets and more info, click here!
A pre-preview party was recently held in the Baker Furniture showroom at the Merchandise Mart to announce the 17th annual Preview Party for the Chicago International Art, Antique & Jewelry Show on April 24. The party will honor the 60th anniversary of the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. The show will run from 4/24 to 28 and will feature exhibitors from around the world. (For Preview Party tickets and/or more info, call 312.238.6023.
Hope you're enjoying our warmer weather! I have happy feet just anticipating what's to come!
