PLUS CHICAGO INTL. FILM FEST'S 50TH; BRIGHT PINK'S FABFEST; GARTH LOVES CHICAGO; FERRAGAMO'S 606 PARTY; LATINO FASHION WEEK; JOFFREY'S SWAN LAKE LUNCHEON; YWCA'S NEW LOOK OF LEADERSHIP; FIORETTI'S MAYORAL BID; VONITA'S HONOR; KERRY AND SARAH GO COUNTRY; CHEEKY/BENTLEY SOIREE; LANGHAM CHICAGO'S SWEET TOOTH; WCIU'S FUN VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
It's always a beautiful day in the country for the Evergreen Invitational, a biennial equestrian Grand Prix horse show jumping competition and luncheon hosted by MK and JB Pritzker and the Woman's Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. For this 5th event, more than 700 guests made their way to MK and JB's beautiful Evergreen Farm, a 230-acre horse farm in Bristol,
Wisconsin. Co-chaired by Ms. Charenton Zelov Drake and Ms. Jennifer Dunne, this by- invitation-only event is one of the most sought-after tickets of the fall season. Guests came to support a wonderful cause and witness nationally ranked riders
compete for the $25,000 Junior/Amateur Owner Classic and $75,000 Grand Prix prizes. Attendees enjoyed an elegant buffet as well as the "Promenade of Shops" that included a GRAFF boutique displaying exquisite jewels hand selected for the event by GRAFF store director Eve Rogers. Other retailers
included Ralph Lauren, Donald Stuart Antiques, J. McLaughlin, Terlato Kitchen and Lee Allison Company. For the driving enthusiasts, automotive sponsor Lake Forest Sportscars displayed several 2015 Maserati Ghibli sports cars that
were available for test drives around the spectacular property. Partygoers included Jana and Eric Schreuder, Lisa and Curt Bailey, Joan and Charles Moore, Elissa and Edward Kovas,
Joan and Bill Brodsky, Laura and Matthew Anderson, Neal Zucker, Marko Iglendza, Trisha Rooney Alden, Mayari Pritzker, Meredith Bluhm Wolf, Jamee Field, Mario and Traci Tricoci, Kathy Brock, and
Suzette and Allan Bulley. Northwestern Medicine was represented by Dean Harrison (CEO Northwestern Memorial HealthCare), Stephen Falk (president of the Northwestern Memorial Foundation), Thomas
McAfee (President of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital) and Eric Neilson (MD, Dean of the Feinberg School of Medicine, NorthwesternUniversity). The event benefited the women's health programs at NMH.
In an innovative move honoring the Chicago International Film Festival's 50th anniversary, legendary photographer Victor Skrebneski, in collaboration with Festival founder Michael Kutza, created an entirely new look for the
Fest's iconic poster. An unveiling at Expo 72 on September 10 featured a reimagining of the iconic 1974 Festival "t-shirt" poster. Titled "The Next Generation", this year's image featured a playful photo of Noah Warren (4) and Braden Crothers (5)--- the first time in history that children have been featured! The
original "t-shirt" poster is the centerpiece of a special gallery exhibition showcasing 50 years of the Festival at Expo 72 ( 72 E. Randolph), "Because Everybody Loves Movies". It features an expansive display of posters, images and
videos from the Festival's venerable five-decade history. Guests also enjoyed viewing Skrebneski photographs of celebrities and a video compilation of the Fest's trailers. Produced in partnership with the Department of Cultural
Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) and sponsored by Dark Horse Wine, the exhibition also presents candid glimpses from behind the scenes, memorabilia and posters from other festivals around the world. The exhibit will be on display until October 30. (Photos by Timothy M. Schmidt)
Bright Pink hosted FabFest 2014, an inspirational, action packed health and wellness experience with more than 600 in attendance on Sunday, September 14. During the event, participants took fitness to an entirely new level by building their own perfect health day from a series of high-energy work-outs led
by some of the city's most coveted instructors including renowned yoga specialist Kathryn Budig. The event has raised more than $400,000 to date and included breast and ovarian health and wellness workshops, healthy treats and more. Fundraising is open until October 7, 2014. For more info, click here! (Photos by Phil Farber)
As we all know, Garth Brooks' "Last Chicago Concert" was one for the books. He performed to rave reviews and always gives it his all and then some. So, we all know he can sing, but did you know he can fly, too? Garth took members of his band,
his family and friends to iFly, an indoor skydiving spot in Rosemont for some "after concert" fun! And another aspect of Chicago that he apparently loves is Giordano's Pizza! After his concert, he requested 20 pies to be
served at his official after-party at King's Bowling Alley. Don't cha just love him?
Jarrett Payton, son of the late Pro Football Hall of Famer Walter Payton, is a radio host, businessman, philanthropist, motivational speaker, former NFL and CFL running back and
devoted husband and father, but did you know he's also a jewelry designer?! In collaboration with Cy Fredrics, a Chicago destination for fine jewelry and watches, Jarrett's JP Collection includes men's and
ladies' pieces in five limited edition custom designs. Bracelets, cufflinks and pendants are crafted in sterling silver and white gold with diamonds. The launch party, that took place at The Chop Shop on North Avenue, included fashion loving
friends like sister Brittney and wife Trisha, Julee White, Patty Nalepa, Exavier Pope, Dustin, Michael and Jordan Lemick, Meredith Rooney, Maria and Emily Neuman,Kate and Dan Aliaga, Chicago Bear Charles "Peanut" Tillman, Nick Moretti, Kevin Smith, Deanna Dugo, Stacie Kreag, Kacy and
Dan Raffe, Julie Stevens and others. "Creating this jewelry line provides yet another great opportunity for me to not only honor my father, but also raise funds to help
important members of our society, adolescents and children," Payton said. A portion of the proceedswill benefit The Jarrett Payton Foundation. Cy Fredrics, a third generation family-owned jeweler for 55 years, has deep roots in Chicago as are
those of Jarrott Payton and his family. Jarrett is currently the co-host of the "Jarrett, Harry and Spike" radio show on Chicago's The Game 87.7FM. Payton is also a partner with Chicago based Argus Brewery where he is actively involved in the production, promotion and sales of his own
beer: Jarrett Payton’s All-American Wheat Ale. He and his wife Trisha are the co-founders of The Jarrett Payton Foundation and he also dedicates time to The Walter & Connie Payton Foundation.
Salvatore Ferragamo, along with Caroline
Keating Crown, Bethany McLean and Sean Berkowitz, hosted a private cocktail reception in its newly renovated Magnificent Mile boutique in celebration of The 606, a project that is transforming nearly three miles of unused rail
line into a park and trail system for the Chicago community. Ferragamo highlighted the Fall/Winter 2014 runway collection and premiered the Fiamma handbag from Creative Director, Massimiliano Giometti. VIP guests
enjoyed music by DJ Heaven Malone and a Vosges Haut-Chocolat Super Dark Truffle tasting. A percentage of the sales benefited The 606. Seen on the scene were Jena Gambaccini, Alessandra
Branca, Kara Mann, Meredith Wood-Prince, Coco Meers, Matt Roan, Maria Ponce Berre, Julie Latsko, Gary Metzner, Melanie Madigan, Susu Block and Eve Rogers.
Celebrating the theme BEYOND EXCEPTIONAL, Latino Fashion Week, now in its 8th year, will present a fashion showcase from the Latino Fashion Industry beginning Wednesday, October 1, at Block 37 with an opening night event. This five day event will include runway shows, celebrity appearances, VIP receptions, fashion lounges, pop-up stores and more! For tickets and more details, click here!
The Joffrey Ballet Women's Board will present Swan Lake Luncheon on Wednesday, October 1 at RPM Steak, 66 W. Kinzie. Co-chaired by Ellie Formanand Kathleen Henson, the event will feature a conversation with Joffrey Dancer Victoria Jaiani and Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. There will be chances to win luxurious experiences and a special gift from Burberry! For tickets and more info, click here!
The Ed Paschke Art Center honored legendary photojournalist Steve Schapiro at the Chicago
debut of his new exhibition entitled Warhol, Reed, and Bowie. Featuring some of Schapiro’s most iconic images of the 20th century’s most prominent pop
cultural figures, these eloquent documentary photographs take viewers behind the scenes of the golden age of photojournalism during the 1960’s and 70’s.
Beginning Saturday, 9/13 and running through 11/15, the Ed Paschke Art Center (5415 W. Higgins Ave., Chicago IL) will exhibit Schapiro’s most notable photographs of artist Andy Warhol and musicians Lou Reed and David Bowie. Viewers will be able
to step in to Schapiro’s world and experience more than 20 of his photographs. “Steve Schapiro is a legend in the world of photojournalism, with his work being prominently featured in galleries worldwide,” said Vesna Stelcer, chair of the
Ed Paschke Foundation. “We are truly honored that Steve Schapiro will be calling the Ed Paschke Art Center ‘home’ for this exhibit.”
Anniversary greetings to Embeya (564 W. Randolph St.), the fabulous Asian restaurant by Attila and Komal Guilai and Chef Thai Dang! It recently celebrated its 2nd
year in business! Congrats to all!
Another fabulous celebration was held at the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago for the 20th anniversary of CS Magazine! Wow, 20 years....it seems like just yesterday you took the city by storm! Congrats CS! Here's to many, many more years of success! (It was an over-the-top bash!)
More congrats are in order for the Chicago Tribune's
John Barron who was recently promoted to general manager of Tribune Content Agency, the rapidly growing syndication and licensing unit of Tribune Publishing. Just love him and his lovely wife Maureen!
Fifth Third Bank, in partnership with the Anti-Cruelty Society and Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, came up with a great idea to show support for our veterans and those on active duty in the military. The Pets for Vets campaign will underwrite the cost of adoptions of available dogs and cats to veterans on Monday, October 27 (2 weeks from Veteran's Day). Congrats Andrew Hayes! Just love this!
YWCA Metropolitan Chicago's Ambassadors Council will host its 3rd annual New Look of Leadership fashion event on Tuesday, September 30, from 5:30 to 8 pm at Macy's on State Street in the Narcissus Room. The event will feature a fashion show with fall styles from Macy's to raise awareness for the YWCA and its mission of eliminating racism and empowering women. Models will include Karyn Calabrese, Melissa Clark, Kathleen Henson, Amy Hilliard, Steve Pemberton, Ji Suk Yi, Whitney Reynolds.
Kara Wright, Sherman Wright and more. For tickets and more info, please email [email protected] or click here.
As we all know, Alderman Bob Fioretti (2nd Ward) announced his bid for Mayor of Chicago last week. Chuck and I attended the rally,
which had to be moved from its original location at the Wabash YWCA to a larger venue at the East West University. The event kicked off with a fabulous gospel choir as Bob's legion of supporters waved "Fioretti for Mayor" signs. The guy standing next to me had a great
campaign slogan..."Are you ready for Fioretti?" It was a lovefest and the crowd roared at every comment. "We need one Chicago, not two. And to get there, we need a leader who will focus on bringing everyone together to deliver results that improve the lives of every Chicago family, " said Fioretti, a Pullman native. I loved the fact he was introduced by longtime love Nicki Pecori. It was a heartfelt, kick-ass speech. Are YOU ready for Fioretti"! :-) Here's a video from his announcement by the Illinois Center for Broadcasting.
A Flair fashion show and luncheon fundraiser was held in honor of beloved philanthropist Vonita Reescer that benefited the Lighthouse for the Blind at the Fairmont on September 9. All proceeds supported the organization's 28 programs and services for people who
are blind or visually impaired. Emceed by Bill Zwecker, the afternoon fashions from Winnetka boutique Frances Heffernan wowed the crowd. A surprise donation of $25K came from Rochelle Trotter in honor of her late husband, Charlie Trotter. Congrats Vonita! Love you!
Chicago Cub legend Kerry Wood and wife Sarah are planning another fun fundraiser, this time goin' country at Joe's Bar (940 W. Weed St.) on Wednesday, October 22, when they host "Woody's Western Roundup"! Country
singing sensation Chris Young will headline this event that will include live music, full bar and food stations. The event will benefit the Wood Family Foundation's efforts to support kids and their families in underserved neighborhoods. For tickets and more info, click here!
Bentley Chicago was the elegant venue for a recent Cheeky Chicago party to celebrate the launch of its exclusive and limited edition collection of Bentley
Handbags! Joe Perillo will donate 20% of the proceeds from the sale of this beautiful bag until 12/31 to Independent Awakening, a charity that empowers teenage girls through
after-school and summer programming. Neeta Bhushan, charity founder, gave the keynote speech before a crowd of more than 200 attendees. I was honored to be a co-host of this event along with Molly Melman, Corri McFadden,
Monika Dixon and Pat Perillo. Models wearing chic fall fashions from Neiman Marcus carried the handbags throughout the venue in an informal presentation.
The Langham Chicago has come up with a unique twist on the "ice cream parlor"! An adult ice cream concept, Parlour at the Pavilion, will launch on Wed. Sept. 24 and
feature a selection of extravagant sundaes and floats designed to evoke the nostalgia of a favorite childhood treat. A stand-out of Executive Pastry Chef Scott Green's offerings is the Victoria. This decadent treat costs $1000 and includes Tahitian vanilla ice cream, 24K gold leaf, carmelized golden peanuts, 24K gold dust, Hennessey VSOP (and more) all served in a Wedgewood crystal bowl and a bottle of Dom Perignon, 2003. Wowza!
The Friends of Conservation hosted a kick-off party for its Gala at Del Frisco's recently. Hosted by FOC co-founder Reute Butler and committee chair Vonita Reescer, the event included a video presentation by Manuela Hung. The main event will be at the Four Seasons on October 10 co-chaired by
Reute and longtime supporter Zoraida Sambolin. This is always an exciting event that includes the best live auction packages around courtesy of Abercrombie & Kent! For tickets and more info, click here!
Thanks to WCIU's "You & Me This Morning"! I loved co-hosting this now 3 hour show with Jeanne Sparrow recently! We had a lot of laughs including during this clip for the "Sleeper Scarf".....Lucy and Ethel have nothing on us! Hope you enjoy this clip here! And the
following week, I brought some of my Playboy memorabilia to the show and shared my recent Antiques Roadshow experience with Melissa Forman and Jeanne. See this clip here!
Thanks so much for checking in with me this week! I hoped you've enjoyed all this fun news from the WindyCity!
Love, as always,
Candace
[email protected]
