PLUS THE PURPLE AFFAIR FOR THE BEAR; VALENTINE'S DAY MEMORIES; WOMEN DRIVING EXCELLENCE; WEDDINGS; STEPHANIE IZARD'S NEW RESTAURANT; CYCLE FOR SURVIVAL; HOWARD'S LATEST HONOR; LURIE'S SNOWBALL; FUN VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
Vanille president Sophie Evanoff and friends.
Tickled Pink for Bright Pink celebrated its 10th anniversary at Morgan Manufacturing with more than 1200 partygoers, most wearing various shades of pink in honor of this organization's mission to focus and raise awareness for the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer. The festive atmosphere could be felt from the street as guests pulled up in front of this pre-Chicago fire,
Paul Lee, Jon and Andrew Landan, Rachel Haley and Brenda Arelano (Pic courtesy of the Landan Twins)
32,000 sq. ft. warehouse that glowed pink from within. Pulsing music, swirling lights and creative decor put me on sensory overload from the moment I walked through the door. Everywhere you looked, there were fabulous food stations from more than
Jodi Fyfe surrounded by supporters
50 Chicago hotspots. I particularly loved the sky-high pink cake decorated with breast cancer ribbons in sugar from Vanille patisserie. To add even more fun to the festivities, Vanille president Sophie Evanoff and her two cute
Danielle Javier, Justin Jacobson and Kit Masoud
co-workers had donned pink page-boy wigs! The Chicago Players band had everyone on the dance floor including some dramatic looking female impersonators who everyone wanted to grab a selfie with. The 10th anniversary theme was prominent throughout with exciting event decor by Justin Jacobson's Platinum Events that featured oversized ice
Kay Yasin and Marcus Riley
sculptures at various bar stations carved with the number "10" and unusual floating pink designs hanging from the ceiling. Windy City Live's Val Warner served as the event emcee again this year and was hurrying home when we ran into her having been up since 5 am. (And she still looked FAB!) She introduced hosts Jodi Fyfe, founder of Tickled Pink, and Lindsay Avner, founder
Samantha Thomas and Joshua James with performers.
of Bright Pink. Fyfe created Tickled Pink in 2005 in honor of her cousin Carrie Kenney, who died from breast cancer at age 35. She said: "Carrie's whole thing was living for today and appreciating every moment.
Rob Christopher and Christina Thomas
Tonight isn't about being sad, it's about celebrating your lives here and now." Avner spoke about the importance of early detection and said, "Because of your support, Bright Pink will have the opportunity to expand our breast and ovarian health educational programming to reach more young women and save
Jodi Fyfe and son Ethan Fyfe
more lives." A silent auction, upstairs and downstairs lounges and photo booths offered guests more opportunities to mingle and raise funds for this great cause. Congrats to Jodi and Lindsay for all the good they do in Chicago and beyond!
Snapping selfies the Purple Affair for the Bear!
The Auxiliary Board of Bear Necessities hosted its Purple Affair for the Bear party at Parliament with more than 375 guests in attendance, all with a common goal--to raise funds for Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation. The party
Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Fndtn. Auxiliary Board
had a masquerade theme and guests were happy to oblige, decked out in beautiful masks that coordinated with their purple attire. WKSC/KISS FM's Jordan Gorman emceed the event that also included moving comments
Elena Samokhina (center) with friends.
by Kyle Loughlin, 15. Kyle spoke about his experience going through chemo treatments due to a brain tumor and how Bear Necessities helped him cope by taking his mind off his illness with a shopping spree and tickets to Bears and Cubs games. (He is now doing great!) The party
Kyle, Marty, Connor and Debbie Loughlin
also included a silent auction and raffle as well as a live band, Slap Happy, a hometown top 40 pop/rock group. Guests dined on delicious tastings from top Chicago restaurants that included Mercadito Counter, Mercadito Fish,
Courtney Krupa, Hillary Fash, Wendy Kazlusky
Summer House Santa Monica and Reggie's Chicago. The evening raised more than $72,000 for Bear Necessities. The organization's largest fundraiser, The Bear Tie Ball (themed "Latin Nights"), will be held this coming Saturday at Union Station. Co-chaired by Nina
Mariano and Paul Iacono, the event will include the presentation of the 2015 Hope Awards to The Langham Hotel-Chicago and O’Hare-Midway Limousine Service; a heartwarming story of strength from the honorary Bear Hug Ambassador, Emily Crabtree; and remarks from Bear Necessities founder & CEO, Kathleen Casey. For tickets and more info, click here!)
Paradise at one of 10 Fontainebleau pools.
Twice a year Chuck went fishing with his friends, on Valentine's Day and my birthday in May. If I were a more sensitive type, I would be slightly offended but, the truth of the matter is, he had been taking these trips for years with childhood friends before we even met. Happily, during his absences, I was lucky to be able
Legendary Fontainebleau in Miami Beach
to take trips of my own with my mom, Elsa Mae Stott. We always chose Miami, in particular, the Fontainebleau at 4441 Collins Avenue. Even in May, when it was so hot, we had more fun than a barrel of monkeys. The weather was never a factor,
La Piaggia with Michel Desjardins, Deb Walters, Chuck, Jan Melk, Pierre Desy and Joanne.
although it was really, really nice to see palm trees. The most important thing was the fun-filled times we spent together there....in paradise. The Fontainebleau has a rich history. It was designed by Morris Lapidus, opened in 1954
Dramatic Fontainebleau lobby after a 1 billion reno.
and instantly became a celeb hotspot (it still is). The Rat Pack performed there and Jerry Lewis filmed his comedy, The Bellboy, there, too. The James Bond film Goldfinger featured the hotel in the sweeping aerial shots that follows the opening credits and the pool
Sexy guy, sexy car
figured prominently in the film Scarface among many, many others. My mom and I always had a routine when we came. I would check in after seating her in the Lobby Bar. That's when my hunt for the perfect room began, which could sometimes last longer than a
At La Piaggia Beach Club with Michel Desjardins, Pepe Conforme, Ken Norgan, Pierre Desy and friend
couple of cocktails. On one occasion, Chuck splurged and reserved the penthouse for us. For this memorable trip, I included my cousin Donna Mae Watson (who was like a sister to my mom) and OMGoodness--fun reigned supreme. Those were wonderful times that I'll never, ever
Star Wars inspired Fontainebleau lobby
forget. Now, this year, for the very first time, I celebrated Valentine's Day at the Fontainebleau with my husband--finally. His fishing trips have gone by the wayside, which is good news, bad news. I know he missed the boys, but I think he had a great time. :-) Hope you all
Dramatic "moving" bar at Hakkasan rest. at the Fontainebleau
made wonderful Valentine's Day memories, too!. (The Fontainebleau has undergone a $1 billion reno and added some great restaurants plus 10 pools! These are my current top picks for hotspots in Miami Beach--Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau had
Scarpetta bar at Fontainebleau
some of the best gourmet Chinese food we've had in a long time. The "moving" bar there is a must-see! We also loved Villa Azur (309 23rd St, Miami
Chuck met an angel at Villa Azur!
Beach). I don't even have enough room to write about how cool this place is and, of course, our favorite beach club outside of St. Tropez, La Piaggia at 1000 S. Pointe Drive. We loved meeting up with good friends there, too, like Ken Norgan, Pepe Conforme, Jan Melk, Deb Walters, Pierre Desy and Michel Desjardins. Old friends are the best friends!
WDE 2015 honorees Anita Alvarez, Debi Lilly, Dr. Suzet McKinney, Janet Davies, Lucy Moy-Bartosik and Dorri McWhorter
Congrats to this year's honorees for Women Driving Excellence hosted by Chicagonista Live!'s Beth Rosen, Nancy Loo, MJ Tam and Duong Online. The afternoon event held at the Chicago Auto show was hosted by fitness expert Andrea Metcalf and honored Dr. Suzet McKinney (Deputy Commission, Public Health Preparedness & Emergency Response); Anita Alvarez (State's Attorney, Cook County);
Jessica Zweig marries Brian Fisher in Mexico
Debi Lilly (Chief Eventeur, A Perfect Event); Dorri McWhorter (CEO, YWCA Chicago); Lucy Moy-Bartosik (Commander, CPD) and Janet Davies (Host ABC-7 and 190 North). Congrats to all!
I met Jessica Zweig and Erica Bethe Levin as the "Cheeky Chicago" girls and, even though Jessica is now the founder of The Simply Be
Jessica Zweig Fisher in her Azeeza wedding gown
Agency, I still think of them as my "Cheeky" friends. Jessica recently married the love of her life, Brian Fisher, in an elegant ceremony at a private villa at La Casa Que Canta in Mexico wearing a dress designed by Chicago's own Azeeza Khan. Erica married her longtime
Erica Bethe Levin marries Terry Kane, the kiss!
love, Terry Kane, in October in a beautiful outdoor ceremony in the ivy-covered garden of Pops for Champagne officiated by two of their best friends. After the vows, everyone rode in
Mr. and Mrs. Terry Kane.
double decker buses (following a mini Chicago tour) to the reception at bellyQ where 150 friends enjoyed a dinner created by renowned Chef Bill Kim. Congrats to these two cuties who will always be "Cheeky" to me!
LaRoyce Hawkins, Marina Squerciati and friend
Cycle for Survival, the national movement to beat rare cancers, returned to Chicago on Feb. 21 and 22 for the 6th consecutive year of its annual indoor team cycling event at Equinox The Loop. Special guests/actors from Chicago Fire and Chicago PD included LaRoyce Hawkins, Marina Squerciati,Joe Minoso and David Eigenberg. Instructors from Equinox, Cycle for Survival's founding partner, led the more than 1,600 participants in rides at these all-day, family friendly events where 100% of every dollar raised funds rare cancer research and clinical trials led by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. To date, this national movement has raised more than $64,000,000 for the cause. In 2015, more than 20,000 riders in 13 cities across the country will participate in Cycle for Survival.
2015 Public Humanities Award honoree Howard Tullman
2014 Public Humanities Award honorees Jay Franke and David Herro
David Herro. Congrats to ALL of these great guys who give back so much to the community and beyond! (For tickets and more info, click here).
With Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow talking Oscar parties
Big thanks to WCIU's "You & Me This Morning" for having me back! I talked about my top Oscar party picks from around town and had a little surprise for hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow at
Mane in Heaven's miniature therapy horse Lunar
the end of the segment. The show also featured miniature therapy horses from Mane in Heaven that put everyone on cuteness overload. If you don't tune into this fun-filled show M-F from 6-9 am, you are really missing out!
Duck Duck Goat
I love anything by Chef Stephanie Izard, so I was thrilled to hear her next restaurant, Duck, Duck GOAT, will open in the summer at 857 W. Fulton Market featuring Chinese food! Boka Restaurant Group's Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm "leaked" the fact that
Jumping for joy with the Boka Boys!
they were partnering with Izard in a new restaurant venture at the Jean Banchet Awards recently.....so now we know! Can't wait!
And last but not least, I hope you enjoy this video that will restore your faith in mankind. I love this life-saving boost for a fine feathered friend!
Hope you enjoyed the Oscars and that your favorites all won!
P.S. If you missed my Candid Candace column in Sunday's Chicago Tribune, here's a link. The Snowball benefited Lurie Children's Hospital and attracted nearly 2000 cute partygoers! And, as you can see, EVERYONE reads Candid Candace and I hope you do, too! LOL!
PLUS GRAND CHEFS GALA; LADIES IN RED HONOR BUNKY; BUCCELLATI AND COSTUME COUNCIL'S LUX AFTERNOON; FIRST COUPLE HONORED AT STANLEY PAUL BENEFIT; BLACK CREATIVITY GALA; TOP OSCAR PARTY PICKS; DANCING WITH CHICAGO CELEBS; GLITZ AND GLAMOUR FOR A SILVER LINING; ART FOR ALL GALA; BLOHAUTE COMES TO YOU!; CARRIE'S NEW GIG; MILA SHOOTS ERNIE; GIRLS IN THE GAME GALA CELEBRATES 20; HEART-WARMING VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
Dr. Kornelia Krol (event chair, 2nd from L) and friends.
The 65th annual Physician's Ball honored the best of the best at a black-tie event hosted by the Polish-American Medical Society (PAMS) at the Ritz-Carlton recently with more than 750 guests in attendance. Even the new Governor, Bruce Rauner, was on hand to accept the Amicus Poloniae (Friend of Poland) Award from the Consul General for the Republic of Poland in Chicago, Paulina Kapuscinska, (on behalf of the Ambassador of Poland). The elegant affair was expertly chaired by
Governor Rauner meets the guests.
PAMS President, Dr. Kornelia Krol, who presented Professor Krzysztof Matyjaszewski (the guest of honor) with an award for his extraordinary contributions in the field of medicine and beyond. Matyjaszewski has an impressive list of achievements as a Professor of Chemistry at Carnegie-Mellon.
Twin brothers Pawel and Lukasz Golec
He's the founder/director at the Center for Macromolecular Engineering at Pittsburgh; a recipient of over 20 prestigious awards in 7 countries including the Polish Nobel Prize and the Wolf Award; the author of 18 books and the recipient of 7 Honoris Causa degrees from universities in 5 countries! He's a
Wici Song & Dance Company performing the Polonaise
remarkably humble man for all these achievements and offered a humorous acceptance speech. Since this WAS a party, he jokingly commented on a study that found "the best tasting vodka needs to be between 40 and 45% alcohol, no more, no less." Lol!
Eva and Cezary Jakubowski (far R) and friends.
Dr. Izabela Roman was honored with the Bene Merito Prize for her outstanding community and charity work in the U.S. and Poland. Four honorary memberships to PAMS were awarded at the Gala: Dr. Ewa Ellenberg;
Governor Rauner and friends
Dr. Kazimierz Nowak; Dr. Miroslaw Wielgos and Dr. Michael Hibner. The crowd came alive for an exhilerating performance by Wici Song and Dance Company. Their exotic costumes and intricate dance moves had the audience entranced. Choreographed by
Joanna Dobecka's elegant gown.
Magdalena Solarz, the dancers engaged the audience in their most beautiful Polish dance, the Polonaise. Following a dinner of braised short ribs, poached lobster, truffled asparagus and Brussels sprouts with Riesling sauce, a sensational rock group from Warsaw, Golec u'Orkiestra, performed a high energy concert. The dance floor filled with people
Golec's dramatic opening number
snapping pics from every corner of the room as the group played tirelessly and flawlessly with multiple instruments. It was an honor to co-host this elegant, high-powered event with ABC 7's Alan Krashesky. He was a
Guest of honor Professor Krzysztof Matyjaszewski.
sheer delight to share the podium with and I was grateful for his Polish heritage as he whizzed through the difficult sounding names with ease! The Polish American Medical Society is the world's largest organization of Polish doctors outside of Poland
Co-emceeing with Alan Krashesky
and has been in existence since 1946. Funds from the event benefited medical, veterinary and dental students of Polish descent as well as a $5000 grant to the Polish Scouting Organization of Illinois. Congrats to all!
Gene & Georgetti's Richard Ciota, Tony, Michelle and Marion Durpetti with Dominic DiFrisco
It was culinary overload at the Grand Chefs Gala on January 30th when dozens of our town's top chefs, restaurants, mixologists and sommeliers were honored with Jean Banchet Awards! More than 900
Eurest group with Jim Kallas (3rd from R)
guests were in attendance at this 18th annual Oscars-style event benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the inaugural Chicago Classic Award, which went
Carol and Dominic DiFrisco
to Gene & Georgetti restaurant. Dominic DiFrisco (beloved dad of Nina Mariano) presented the award to family members Michelle, Marion and Tony Durpetti and Richard Ciota. He said, "This family has created a safe harbor for generations of Chicagoans and around-the-world visitors. The restaurant gives you
Presenting Boka Boys Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz Best Restaurant Design for Momotaro with Susanna Negovan.
prime meats, old world service and a warm nook to escape the harsh realities of a stressed out society." Michelle shared, "My grandfather and founder of G &
Moto's Richie Farina and Christian Sia
G, Gene Michelotti, thought the more he did, the better life became. I think that applies to work and to giving back to your community." And they certainly do this in spades! Congrats G & G! Other big wins that night included the Boka Boys (Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm) who
Elegant Ballroom decor
won for Rising Pastry Chef (Genie Kwon, Boka/GT Fish & Oyster); Chef of the Year (Lee Wolen, Boka) and Restaurant of the Year (Boka). Windy City Live's Ji Suk Yi and Grace Restaurant's Michael Muser co-emceed the evening that also included entertainment by Matt Lewis
Billy Rairigh and Amanda Puck
and the Union. I was also thrilled to share the podium as a presenter with Sun-Times' Susanna Negovan. We presented Momotaro with a win for Best Restaurant Design. Other highlights included the People's Choice Award that went to
Matt Lewis and the Union performs.
Prime and Provisions; Best New Restaurant to Parachute and Best Neighborhood Restaurant to La Sirena Clandestina. (To see ALL the award winners, click here!) Congrats to ALL! Chicago is the King of Culinary! (And to see my coverage in the Chicago Tribune, click here!)
Jacques and Marit Bohbot and Alberto Milani
The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted a luxurious reception at Spiaggia restaurant on the Magnificent Mile to welcome the CEO of Milanese fine jewelry house, Buccellati, Alberto Milani. Nena Ivon, president of the Chicago Costume Council, welcomed the
Executive Chef Chris Marchino
crowd and introduced Mr. Milani who shared his extensive knowledge and experience (and humor) in a lecture called Buccellati:Timeless Beauty in Today’s Luxury Society. A video offered guests a peek inside the world-renowned house and its position in today’s jewelry industry. With success as a world-class
Martha Melman, Jacques Bohbot and Nena Ivon.
innovator and communicator of ideas within the luxury jewelry industry, Milani shared his insights. “The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum holds true the same value as that of Buccellati; the
Exquisite Pharmacy at Buccellati Oak Street!
preservation and interpretation of history. I am truly honored for this opportunity to share my knowledge and tenure of the luxury jewelry market and to allow those in attendance to discover Buccellati and its masterful designs." He was dressed
Michelle Rousseff-Kemp, Sophie Bross and Susu Block
impeccably, of course, and was wearing the most beautiful watch I had ever seen. The presentation featured breathtaking images of some of Buccellati's iconic pieces. More than 75% of the handmade creations are one of a kind, according to Milani, which sets Buccellati apart from other jewelers. The
Noren Ungaretti, Jacques Bohbot and Susu Block
afternoon began with a reception at the newly redesigned Italian fine dining restaurant, Spiaggia, where attendees mixed and mingled amidst the dramatic decor. During the luncheon, Mr. Milani spoke about the unrivaled craftsmanship of Buccellati and how the brand fits in with the world’s most
Connie and Katherine Saville with Leslie Zentner.
legendary jewelry brands as a ‘Master of Dreams.’ The afternoon was co-hosted by Marit and Jacques Bohbot, the loving, delightful couple behind the Buccellati boutique at 108 E. Oak St., along with Noren Ungaretti, Susu Block, Melissa McNally, Stuart Mesires, Mel Muoio and Pauline Sheehan. Following the luncheon, the event moved to
Dramatic decor at Spiaggia.
the nearby boutique where a Prosecco and Petit Fours reception took place, allowing guests the opportunity to explore the brand's breathtaking jewelry and silver firsthand. If you haven't visited this jewel on Oak Street, you are really missing
Sophie Bross, Christine Nappo Melissa McNally, Liz Ryan and Ruth Thurston.
something very special. Besides the exquisite inventory, the "Pharmacy" in the rear is from 18th century Venice and a sight to behold. You can even see watermarks near the bottom of the display cabinets from that city's notorious floods.
Co-hosts Myra Reilly and Zarada Gowenlock with Bunky.
Bunky Cushing has been a fixture on the social scene of Chicago for as long as I can remember. His by-invite-only events raise funds for charities close to his heart and are much coveted. His annual Valentine's Day Teas and Handbags & Halos luncheons benefit the
Melissa Babcock, Leslie Zentner, Rebecca Besser, Lynda Silverman and Tina Weller.
Howard Brown Clinic as well as the Jane Addams Senior Caucus. The Chicago Tribune has called Bunky “an arbiter of style for the creme de la creme of Chicago society,” and Vogue magazine has called him “Chicago’s social tugboat.” He
Tortoise Club decor in the Red Room.
has been associated with Ralph Lauren for over 25 years as a consultant, his time with the company taking him to New York, Miami, and finally settling in Chicago in 1990. So it
Dusty Stemer and Toni Canada.
was no surprise when a few of his dear friends turned the tables and honored him for all his good work. The snow was thick on the ground when around 30 women wended their way to the Tortoise Club, a cozy spot owned by Megan and Keene Addington at 350 N. State. Co-hosted by Myra Reilly and Zarada Gowenlock, the elegant luncheon was held in the fire
Eileen-Howard Weinberg, Peggy Martay, Cathy Bell Bartholomay, Rebecca Besser
engine red dining room by a blazing fireplace. Gorgeous floral arrangements, donated by longtime Lady in Red and Bunky Bestie, Sherry Lea Holson, dotted every table and made the room look like something out of a magical fairytale. A menu placed at each table had a photo of
Sherry Lea Holson with Bunky.
Bunky in a heart--so appropriate--and the food was out of this world! On this day, the menu consisted of wild mushroom and roasted asparagus soup, mixed green salad and your choice of a Maine lobster roll, roasted chicken salad or salmon. Myra thanked everyone for coming
Cute menu!
in her delicate lady-like voice and then Bunky shared his thoughts, "I've always loved women and having women for friends. They're always there for me and have never judged me. This is the nicest treat and the best Valentine's present I could have." And we all love you right back Bunky! (His Squire of Society column, is not to be
2015 Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Benefit honorees Myra and John Reilly.
missed!
I can't wait! The annual Stanley Paul-Raelene Mittelman Foundation Benefit, hosted in conjunction with the Apparel Industry Board, Inc., will honor one of our town's favorite couples, Myra and John Reilly, on Wednesday, April 22, at the Casino (195 E. Delaware). This dynamic duo will be the first couple so honored by the organization that raises funds for scholarships for students aspiring to careers in
Stanley Paul
the world of fashion. The Scholarship Fund was established in 1990 by Stanley in honor of his sister, Raelene Mittelman, who was a great lover of fashion and had a strong belief that we must aid the future by supporting the education of its students. Tickets will go fast, so get yours now here!
Dr. Walt Whitman and the Soul Children of Chicago
The Black Creativity Gala hosted 750 supporters at the Museum of Science and Industry on January 24. Co-chaired by Cheryl Harris (senior VP of Allstate Insurance) and Anne Pramaggiore (Pres/CEO ComEd), the event
Black Creativity Gala in Chicago Tribune
paid tribute to black culture and heritage and raised more than $500,000 to support Black Creativity programming and events to motivate youth in the fields of math, science, technology, engineering and medicine (STEM). A highlight of this black-tie gala was a soul stirring performance by Dr. Walt Whitman and the
Co-chairs Anne Pramaggiore and Cheryl Harris
Soul Children of Chicago. I've never seen a more enthusiastic group of such talented kids! They had the crowd dancing all over the place with their toe-tapping performance of Pharrell Williams' hit song, "Happy." (To learn more, click here!)
The segment that I appeared in on The
Darling makeover subject, Wendy Gross.
Steve Harvey Show aired on February 3 and I just want to thank all my friends for the wonderful comments. As I mentioned in my previous blog, it was an experience I'll never forget! Everyone involved couldn't have been more professional or kind. If you missed it and would like to check out my " Class Act" segment, click here!
Lots of cool Oscar parties coming up! Are you attending any? If so, let me know so I can share them on my next WCIU "You & Me This Morning" segment on Friday, February
The late, great film critic Gene Siskel
20. Here's a few of my top picks! State Street turns into a Red Carpet extravaganza on Sunday, February 22 when the Gene Siskel Film Center (GSFC) of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) hosts Chicago’s longest-running awards show viewing party, “Hollywood on State: A Red Carpet Celebration,” for the 87th Academy Awards. Guests are invited to dress in their finest Oscar garb, enjoy delicious food and festive drinks all while watching the star-studded event on the Film Center’s state-of-the-art BIG screens. Chicago filmmakers Bob Hercules, Seth McClellan, Daniel Nearing, Jennifer Reeder and Frank Ross will also be recognized for their contributions to film by the GSFC. Doors open at 6 p.m. The Awards telecast begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets
Photo by Jerry Nunn-Windy City Media Group.
($100 General Admission, $200 VIP) can be purchased online at siskelfilmcenter.org or by calling 312.846.2072.
Center on Halsted’s On the Red Carpet party welcomes donors, patrons and supporters to enjoy the Academy Awards presentation in a fun and festive atmosphere that includes cocktail service, reserved seating, buffet dinner, silent auction and a raffle drawing. In 2014, On the Red Carpet
Sheryl Dyer, David Brandt, Paul Rehder and Nicole Jacob Delahanty at past COH Oscar Party
was attended by 425 participants and raised more than $70,000 to support the many programs and services of the Center. Tickets start at $40 and there will be a cash prize for a Predict-the-Winner contest. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for Red Carpet arrivals at the Center (3656 N. Halsted). For more info, contact Dustin Erikstrup, Manager of Special Events, at [email protected] or call at 773.661.0957.
Bruno Abate
Beloved chef/owner Bruno Abate will also host his annual Oscar Party for Chic(agoans) at his restaurant, Tocco, 1266 N. Milwaukee. For only $25 enjoy a small set menu with one drink while viewing the Oscars and party with this darling Italian! And speaking of Bruno, I would like to send a shout-out of congrats for the good work he's doing to help rehabilitate inmates in our local prisons. This great article in Huff Po, explains it all, but in a nutshell, he's teaching inmates how to cook as
Bruno teaching culinary arts in the prison system
well as helping them regain confidence and skills to enable them to return as a viable citizen once they've been released. #GivingBack (For Oscar Party tickets, call 773.687.8895)
Amanda Diedrich works her magic!
Here's some great news for all of my party girlfriends! Too busy to make it to BlowTique in this miserable snow? Well, this new service comes right to YOU! Founded by a friend of a friend of mine, Amanda Diedrich, Blohaute is an on-demand beauty service that sends a beauty expert right to your door! Right now they're just offering hair services (blowouts, up-dos, braids and keratin
Amanda and a satisfied customer
treatments) but, makeup, nails, and other spa services will be included later this year. "Blohaute will essentially be the Uber of Beauty,"shared Diedrich. They will be releasing an iOS app mid February and then android will follow shortly, so stay tuned! Good Stuff Amanda! (To make an appt., click here and follow her@Blohaute!)
My favorite model
A lot of my hometown friends have asked where I found the cool Dupo, Illinois, sweatshirt that says, "DUPO, It's Where My Story Begins". Well, I'm sharing a photo of my favorite model in it and you can purchase this (or a T-shirt) at www.SunFrogShirts.com. :-)))
Dancing with Chicago Celebrities is back and bigger than ever! This fun, fundraising event, now in its 10th year, is similar to a Dancing With the Stars competition but, in this case, local celebrities pair up with Arthur Murray Pros to put on a wonderful show, compete for a gold trophy and, most importantly, raise funds in the critical fight against breast cancer. This year they have a wonderful line up of local TV news personalities, Bears players, celebrity chefs and corporate superstars. The event is March 13th at the Hyatt Regency Chicago and I hope you can come out for some fun on the dance floor! (I hear Dina Bair is pretty hard to beat though!) (For tickets and more info, click here!)
Urban Gateways is excited to host its annual Art for All Gala in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago for the second consecutive year. This colorful evening of cocktails and dinner, incredible live performances, and exciting live auction prizes helps Urban Gateways bring more high-quality arts programs to Chicago youth. Performers will include jazz trio The Second Hand Three (featuring Urban Gateways teaching artist Michael Riendeau); Urban Gateways touring group Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater; Urban Gateways touring magician Walker King Jr. (The Spellbinder) and Urban Gateways students performing West African Music & Culture with teaching artist Josh Guy. For tickets and more info, please contact Brian Foster, Director of Marketing and Sales at Urban Gateways - (312) 445-2749 or [email protected].
HappyDitto.com/Brave Gowns founder Summer Germann
What is a Brave Gown? A Brave Gown is a gown that a child will wear when going through a treatment that scares them, a horrible shot, a spinal tap, an MRI, an x-ray, a long hospital stay or just a moment that they need to feel BRAVE! "One of the biggest reasons kids love superheroes is the sense of control and power they have on the world," said Brave Gowns founder Summer Germann. These hospital gowns are screen
Summer and friend writing in a Trust Journal
printed like costumes that make children feel brave, like their favorite superhero! When a child walks in to a room for a procedure and they get asked what their favorite character is, they will get to choose which "Brave Gown" to wear. Mickey Mouse, Batman, Superman, a pumpkin, Elf, Princess, a musician, a
Besides Brave Gowns, Germann also donates Trust Journals
cheerleader---anything that represents a piece of the child's personality! No more dingy pastel gowns that make these kids feel hopeless. Children have very limited control in their daily lives and especially when going through treatment for an illness. Becoming a superhero will allow them to access some sense of power during this scary time. If you would like to learn more about this wonderful idea and support Germann's cause, click here! And here's to all the little Superheroes in the world. This one's for you. (See video below). (Thanks to Max Herrick's godmother for this info--HE is my FAV Superhero!) (www.HappyDitto.com)
It's official - Thursday, February 26, is the annual Field of Dreams Gala celebrating 20 years of empowerment in Chicago and beyond for Girls in the Game! This remarkable organization, through participation in sports, gives girls confidence and helps them learn that it’s okay to succeed. It also teaches them that they need to take care of their whole lives – from being a good teammate to doing well in school and taking care of themselves and their health. Every year, Girls in the Game empowers more than 3,500 girls to make healthier choices and develop the confidence and leadership skills they need to succeed on and off the field. 2015 Champions include: Aja Evans-Bronze Medalist in Bobsledding, 2014 Winter Olympic Games; Rochelle Trotter-Charlie Trotter’s Culinary Education Foundation; Beth Brooke-Marciniak, Global Vice-Chair, Public Policy at EY and leader of EY's Women Athletes Business Network. For tickets and
Congrats to Carrie Williams, TCW Magazine's former digital manager! She has landed at the Chicago Tribune and I couldn't be happier for her (and me!) Read all about it here in Robert Feder's great column!
Mila's Sports Illustrated image of Ernie Banks.
Congrats to beloved photographer Mila Samokhina who has a great photo in the recent Sports Illustrated magazine of the legendary Ernie Banks. What a beautiful pic Mila! Congrats on this wonderful achievement!
An afternoon of Glitz and Glamour will benefit A Silver Lining Foundation at the Drake Hotel on Wednesday, March 18. A. Marek Fine Jewelry and Mark Roscoe Couture have partnered to present one HOT fashion show (produced by the one and only TraceyTarantino DiBuono of ZZAZZ Productions) that will feature couture and jewelry collections for Spring 2015. Zoraida Sambolin will emcee this event and Dr. Sandy Goldberg, founder of A Silver Lining Foundation, will speak about the essential services provided by this foundation including access to cancer resource information, quality of life assistance during treatment and beyond, together with cost free mammograms and follow up diagnostic testing. A superb lunch will be served under the direction the Drake's newlywed Shaun Rajah. Concert pianist Ani Gogova will be on hand to entertain you. A must-attend event! For tix and more info, click here!
And under the "now I've seen it all" category, here's a unique gift idea for your Valentine. How about a limited-edition Fifty Shades of Grey Bear from Vermont Teddy Bear? Inspired by the best-selling book, this adult gift is specially designed for fans obsessed with Grey and even comes with his own satin mask and mini handcuffs. ($89/99) Ahhhhhh, nothing says love like handcuffs!
OR, if your Valentine's Day sweetie is a food lover, there's always this gift idea--a heart-shaped pizza from Giordano's!
My final thought: Even though Jackie Robinson West lost their title, they will always be little champions in my book.
Hope you're surviving Snowmageddon! This Minion cartoon says it all!
