ANGELS WITH TAILS; CHENOWETH CHARMS; IZZY AND THE PRINCE; NMMA GALA DE ARTE 2014; JASON DERULO AT GLAM 2014; MOTHERS IN THE MILLS BENEFIT; KUTZA DOES CANNES; KEVIN KLINE SET FOR CHICAGO INTL. FILM FEST'S 50TH; UNICEF'S MESSAGE OF HOPE; BUTTERFLY BALL; MOSAIC; SHERRILL AND CHARLES ARE EYE-BANK HONOREES; 12 MUST-ATTEND EVENTS; AND SO MUCH MORE!
Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, one of the world’s premier dance organizations, together with event chair Richard L. Rodes and Meg Siegler Callahan, chair of Hubbard Street’s board of directors, hosted the Season 36 Spotlight Ball on Monday, May 19 at the Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park. The event raised more than $775,000 for Hubbard Street’s artistic, community-focused, education and youth programming. Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel attended to present Hubbard Street’s Spotlight Award to renowned performer Mikhail Baryshnikov for his innumerable contributions to dance appreciation and artistic excellence in the United States. More than 550 guests attended including Nora Daley Conroy, senior advisor at Metropolis Strategies and chair of Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s board of trustees; Sean Conroy, vice president of Grosvenor Capital Management; Kenneth Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel LLC; Steve “Mac” MacLellan, Central Region president for Northern Trust Wealth Management; Gabrielle Rousso, executive and school director for the Art Center–Highland Park; fashion designer Kahindo Mateene, season 12 contestant on Project Runway; and Peter Taub, director of performance programs at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Cocktails and a VIP reception with Mr. Baryshnikov began at 6 pm. It was followed by hosts’ remarks and a video produced by Emmy Award–winning HMS Media which featured Hubbard Street’s 18-member main company of dancers. Attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Astrolabe wines, plus an exclusive sneak preview of Hubbard Street’s collaboration in progress with The Second City, to premiere October 16–19 at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance. Introducing the preview performance, Artistic Director Glenn Edgerton said,“It is significant to note as well all the other collaborations with our peer organizations around the world, in dance and the performing arts, and those incredible individuals who are advocates for the importance of what we do. Thanks to all of you here tonight for being a part of the collaboration called Hubbard Street.” Calling Hubbard Street among “the greatest ambassadors around the country and around the world for the cultural quality of life we have here in the city of Chicago,” Mayor Emanuel welcomed Mr. Baryshnikov to the stage. For a select few performers, observed Emanuel, “the world is their audience. You have been one of those artists.” Mr. Baryshnikov then accepted the company’s Spotlight Award, thanking Emanuel for advocating for the importance of the arts, and praising Hubbard Street for building “a brand name” recognized around the world. “It’s a stamp of excellence,” said the Tony- and Oscar-nominated performer, 2000 Kennedy Center Honoree and recipient of the National Medal of Honor. Ellie Bednarz, a fourth grade student at Ellen Mitchell Elementary School, where Hubbard Street provides in-classroom dance education, said, “I get to make my own choreography and learn how to be an effective collaborator and leader. Even if I don’t become a dancer, I will still be able use those skills in whatever I choose to do.” Cynthia Bednarz explained that fostering her daughter’s interest in dance, by enrolling her in Hubbard Street’s Youth Dance Program, “wasn’t in our budget, but Ellie’s scholarship made it possible. There are hundreds of families like ours, all over the city of Chicago, who love how Hubbard Street strengthens our communities and enriches all of our lives through the experience of dance.” Silent bidding and a live auction helmed by Jason Lamoreaux raised more than $150,000 the night of the event, by offering VIP access to Lollapalooza, the Emmy Awards and Watch What Happens Live with Bravo TV star Andy Cohen; the opportunity to run dinner service at award-winning Chicago restaurant Embeya, luxury getaways and more. The gala evening concluded with dancing to music by DJ Konsept. More images here!
PAWS Chicago hosted its annual Angels With Tails adoption event recently and the red and yellow bandanas were out in force! For this successful event PAWS Chicago had 65 adoptions which surpassed 2013’s adoption total of 59. In addition to finding forever homes for our furry friends, Development Board members were instrumental in engaging the public about PAWS' mission, programs and upcoming events, and were very successful in their fundraising efforts, raising nearly $3000. This year was a little more challenging as they couldn't accept donations outside the stores along Michigan Avenue due to flash mob concerns, so had to focus fundraising efforts along Oak and Delaware. Longtime PAWS board members/supporters Bonnie Spurlock and Judy Tullman along with Wayne Gallis won the fundraising prize for their efforts at TODS raising nearly half of the fundraising total! Another standout was Linda Leahy who raised $340 during her shift at Tails in the City. Check out photos from this fun-filled event here and congrats for all of your good work PAWS Chicago!
Not everyone gets to meet Prince Charles, but then, not everyone is Israel Idonije! On Wednesday, May 21, this Chicago Bear received Manitoba's highest honor, the Order of Manitoba, from Prince Charles in an investiture ceremony that took place at the Legislature in Winnipeg. Established under special legislation, the Order of Manitoba is the province’s highest honor. It recognizes individuals who have "demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavor, benefiting in an outstanding manner the social, cultural or economic well-being of Manitoba and its residents." Izzy has long been philanthropically bent. His Israel Idonije Foundation, established in 2007, helps to impact and improve the lives of those in underserved communities with programs that focus on social and emotional life skills. The Foundation serves people in Chicago, Winnipeg and West Africa---all of the places Izzy has called home. On June 10, 2013, he was also awarded the "Humanitarian Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy" by All Sports United, which recognizes one athlete per year that demonstrates exceptional commitment to public service. Recipients for the Order of Manitoba are selected by an independent advisory council that evaluates all nominations received and then recommends the candidates each year to the chancellor. Once inducted into the order, members may use the initials O.M. after their names for life. What an honor for a special athlete who is always thinking of ways to give back. Congrats Israel Idonije, O.M.! (Or OMG! :-)
One of my favorite fashion events in Chicago is Macy’s Passport Presents Glamorama, Fashion Rocks! This year, on Friday, August 8, this popular event will feature Jason Derulo at the Harris Theater in Millennium Park. Derulo has sold 30 million singles worldwide, with over 1 billion views on You Tube and five Top 5 U.S. Radio Singles in the Top 40 format. Macy’s Glamorama is an hour-long high-end fashion show that showcases thrilling musical production, the latest fashions from the hottest designers and incredible musical performances by chart-topping artists. The evening will conclude with an over-the-top after-party (that is included with a ticket purchase of $175 or more) on the Rooftop Terrace at Millennium Park. (This ticket price will also include the Glam Launch Party set for Thursday, June 19 at Chez Chicago, 247 E. Ontario). The event will once again benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana(RMHC-CNI). For 30 years, American Express has been the Founding Partner of this event. Ticket prices are $75 for show only; $175 and $285 for show and after-party; $1,000 for VIP show and after-party. Beginning June 6th tickets will be available for purchase to the public through the RMHC-CNI charity here!
The Puppy Mill Project continued its annual tradition of honoring mother dogs left behind in puppy mills with its “Mothers in the Mills” benefit. This year’s event, which took place on Saturday evening, May 10th at John Barleycorn in River North honored Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza, Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey, Bernie Berlin (founder of A Place to Bark) and 11-year old Jane Clarke, recipient of the first ever Kindness to Animals “Kids for Kanines” award. Janet Davies, ABC 7’s Entertainment Reporter and Host of 190 North, served as the evening’s guest emcee. Nearly 300 people attended the festivities. The “Mothers in the Mills” event was purposefully scheduled on the Saturday night before Mother’s Day to remind people about the mother dogs that are still trapped in cages in puppy mills throughout the country. “We don’t want anyone to forget the horrible animal cruelty going on every minute of every day in those mills, which targets breeding mothers most of all,” explains Cari Meyers, founder and president of The Puppy Mill Project. “These mothers are forced to breed and breed until they die or are killed because they can breed no longer,” she adds. “We must tell their story and do everything we can to put an end to this horrible abuse.” The money raised from the “Mothers in the Mills” fundraiser (over $40,000) will allow The Puppy Mill Project to continue its mission of educating the public and raising awareness about the cruelty of puppy mills, and their direct connection to pet stores, Internet sites and newspaper ads that sell dogs. The evening also included an extensive dinner buffet, open bar, live entertainment by the Out of Control Band and a live and silent auction (that included concert tickets for Lady Gaga and Katy Perry, a Carrie Underwood signed guitar, and a ring from Graziela Gems, whose jewelry has been worn by major celebs.
Chicago International Film Festival founder Michael Kutza calls the Cannes Film Festival "the best place to look for films and to make contacts." He has attended this Festival 50 times! He's been on juries there and has reviewed films that have premiered there for numerous publications. There has been tons of press on this global event that can make or break a film, so I thought it would be nice to get an insider's viewpoint on this year's big event. Here's Michael's comments: "There are so many film festivals in the world, probably one new one every day of the year! Cannes is truly original. This year is no exception. The festival orchestrates a non-stop parade of films and film stars for 10 days. Even if they have nothing to do with a film, people are here in some form of cross-promotion for a future film! Always a five-ring circus of excitement and this year is no exception. Cannes also treats film as an ART, every performance is presented as an Opening Night. You must even dress for the occasion - black tie for the men and gowns for women. It is cinema and it is France! It has all the glitz, glam and champagne that you expect, plus more stars and better films than usual. It's looking like a banner year for Cannes. This is still the place to discover the world." He also shared this bit of news about the Opening Night film, "Grace of Monaco", which received the most boos. "Poor Nicole Kidman. People didn't get it! It was a fairy tale for God's sake! Critics only wanted the facts. She was terrific in the role!"More Cannes Film Fest news: Another highlight of the Film Festival is amFAR's annual Cinema Against AIDS dinner hosted by Sharon Stone. Movie moguls, supermodels, Russian billionaires and more moneyed types gather together at the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc for a good cause. This year, Russian billionaire Igor Sosin shelled out $4.9 million for 42 red designer dresses curated for a runway show by Vogue Paris editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld. Leonard Blavatnik spent $15.3 to acquire a skeleton of a wooly mammoth that had been gilded by artist Damien Hirst and a trip to outer space on Virgin Galactic with Leonardo DiCaprio sold for $975K. Robin Thicke performed "Blurred Lines" for this well heeled crowd. Nice work if you can get it! (To read Michael's complete interview, click here).
Mark your calendars now to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL! The Summer Gala will honor Kevin Kline on Saturday, June 28, at the Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware. It will be co-chaired by Jeanne Randall Malkin and Penelope Steiner. (For tickets and more info, call 312.683.0121, x131 or click here.)
Petite, 4'11," Tony and Emmy award-winner Kristen Chenoweth captured the crowd with her oversized talent at the recent Goodman Theatre Gala, themed "Dream", held on May 17 at the Hilton Chicago. Chenoweth had 600 guests in the palm of her hand during her 45 minute, ten-song set, that included many Broadway favorites. She said one of her "top entertainers" is Dolly Parton. Before singing Parton's touching "Little Sparrow", she said, "Some of you might think I'm stepping out of the box but I'm actually getting closer to my roots." Chenoweth is from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She wore a striking pale blue gown from H & M that matched the "Dream" themed created by Kehoe Designs. After her performance, she posed for pics with VIP guests on a Red Carpet in a private room. I was so touched by the amount of time she spent with the students from the Goodman's community outreach programs. She told the rapt young fans, "Let's make one serious face and another crazy face" and then shared this advice, "Work hard, have fun and don't get arrested." They loved her, everyone did. A true megawatt star. The gala raised more than $1 million for the Goodman Theatre's programming.
The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA), the largest Latino cultural organization in the U.S and the only Latino museum accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, honoredMayor Rahm Emanuel with the Arthur R. Velasquez Award for outstanding civic service in the revitalization of the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan at its fourth annual gala on May 2 at the Fairmont Hotel. This year’s NMMA Gala de Arte 2014, themed Suenos y Esperanzas (Hopes and Dreams), was presented by Corporate Gala Chair, Anne Pramaggiore, President & CEO of Commonwealth Edison (ComEd) and Board Trustee Gala Co-Chairs, Jessica Priego and Yolanda (Dusty) Stemer. NMMA’s one-of-a-kind annual event brought together more than 700 to celebrate and support the mission of this world-class institution to showcase the beauty and richness of Mexican culture through special events and exhibitions. The festive gala, with event decor by Kehoe Designs, offered guests the finest Mexican cuisine, live music, dancing and majestic art for viewing. Grammy nominated Trio Ellas, an all-female mariachi band from LA, and the Dick Judson Orchestra provided the evening's entertainment. The Gala raised more than $610K.
More than 350 supporters attended the 7th annual UNICEF’s Message of Hope Galarecently. Held at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, the evening raised a record breaking $1.1 million for UNICEF’s work through The Eliminate Project! This is the first time a Midwest event has ever raised more than $1 million for UNICEF’s work. The Gala was part of a two-year Midwest campaign to raise $3 million for The Eliminate Project, a partnership between UNICEF and Kiwanis Internationalto eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus (MNT) from the face of the earth by 2015. The funds raised through Message of Hope will help to protect over 620,000 women and all of their future newborns against this painful disease. Caryl Stern, president and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, served as the evening’s key note speaker. The evening included a cocktail hour, silent auction and raffle and entertainment by Gentleman of Leisure. The live auction included two sets of tickets to Elton John’s Oscar viewing party that went for $50,000 each. 150 guests attended an exclusive after-party hosted by UNICEF’s Next Generation Chicago Steering Committee led by co-chairs Lisey Waters and Erin Guffey. Congrats to Gala co-chairs RobertT. Brown, Carol Dawley, Linda Havlin and Wendy Serrino as well as the After Party co-chairs on a record-breaking job! (For more info, click here).
The Illinois Eye-Bank will be hosting its 16th annual Gift of Sight Gala, to raise funds for its important work and to recognize those who have played critical roles in the preservation and restoration of sight. Co-chaired by Dr. David Donnersberger and Eileen Howard-Weinberg, the 2014 event, themed "A New Chapter," will be held June 19 from 6-10 pm at the Peninsula Chicago, where Dr. Charles Bouchard and author Sherrill Bodine will be honored for their commitments to Illinois Eye-Banks' efforts and mission. Dr. Bouchard, chairman of ophthalmology at Loyola University Chicago's Stritch School of Medicine, is a leader in the corneal transplant field. Bodine, a best-selling author and active philanthropist, has been a long-term supporter of the Illinois Eye-Bank. (For tickets and more info, click here).
The Chicago Academy of Sciences and its Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum hosted the 16th annual Butterfly Ball on May 2. This spectacular spring gala, themed “Abundant Nature,” complemented the Museum’s newest exhibit, Nature’s Struggle: Survival & Extinction. NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent Anne Thompson served as the Emcee. The Museum presented Illinois Toolworks CEO Scott Santi with the Inaugural Award for Leadership in Support of Science Education. All components of the evening, from the décor by Event Creative to the delicious menu by Calihan Catering, showcased the Nature Museum’s commitment to our urban environment. Co-chaired by Matthew and Lisa Harrington, Rock and Manisha Khanna and Lisa Pollina, the event raised more than $1.523 million to support the Museum and its many projects.
The Chicago Cultural Alliance hosted its fifth annual MOSAIC: A Celebration of Chicago's Communities on May 8 at the Zhou B Art Center. Arts advocate, Janet Carl Smith, was honored with the Chicago Cultural Champion award for her tireless promotion of the arts. She served as Deputy Commissioner in the Dept. of Cultural Affairs until her retirement in 2011. The Alliance also honored community leaders Professor Jose Lopez of the Institute of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture and Joe Yazzie, a Navajo Indian elder with the Trickster Art Gallery. The event was emceed by WBEZ' Steve Bynum, producer of "Worldview." Executive director Suzanne Franklin and Jagriti Ruparel, CCA board president, introduced a special guest for the evening, Chinese master calligrapher Xiong Feng who donated two works he'd created during the event. The evening also included an amazing performance by master P.C. Leung and the Chinese Cultural Center's Lion Dance Team as well as fabulous ethnic cuisine. (For more info, please visit www.ChicagoCulturalAlliance.org).
The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation will celebrate its 3rd annual "Night of Summer Light" soiree at the Ivy Room at Tree Studios (12 E. Ohio), on Thursday, June 19. Co-chaired by Corinne Melchior, Jenna Dauten and Courtney Kennedy, the evening will help the Foundation in its "Quest for the Test", a test to make early detection of Bipolar Disorder in children and adolescents a reality. For tickets and more info, please call 888.944.4408 or email [email protected] .
Please tune into WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" on Friday, June 6, when I return with darling co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman to discuss top events around town like these:
Birthday shout-outs: The most beautiful twins around, Kristina McGrath and Korinna Isselhardt, celebrated their birthdays at Del Frisco's recently with loving friends. Their birthday gifts: Each guest gave 2 of their favorite beauty items to these girls who don't need any help AT ALL in this area!
LOL! More happy birthday wishes for woman-about-town Gale Gottlieb. She also celebrated with loving friends at Tavern on Rush. Love these Ladies!
Congrats to Chef Art Smith and husband Jesus Salgueiro, who recently added four darling kids to their beautiful family! #HappyDays
That's it for this week! I hope you've enjoyed the latest edition and I hope you will sign up here for Candid Candace alerts!
Have a great week!
Love, as always, Candace
P.S. Love and congrats to Max Herrick, who was the fabulous Ambassador for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana! He is an amazing kid and, following surgery in Boston, is shown here enjoying Disneyland and Lego Land. Lots of love to him and his beautiful family who continue to inspire everyone they meet everyday. He's looking forward to Harry Potter's Wizarding World opening in the summer and SO AM I!
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