PLUS CHEFS HALL OF FAME; CRYSTAL HEART BALL; GRAND CHEFS GALA; AN ICONIC AUCTION; OSCAR VIEWING PARTIES; DWYANE'S NIGHT OF FASHION; LANGSTON HUGHES CELEBRATION; JUNIOR LEAGUE'S MASQUERADE BALL; VICTOR AND GREG ARE HONORED; PAWS' ANIMAL MAGNETISM; CHICAGO LIGHTS GALA OF HOPE; A VERY CHIC PRIVATE TOUR; THIS & THAT; HEARTWARMING VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
What do you get when you combine top wedding and party planners with the city's hottest shops? "Love is Love" was one cool, inclusive wedding event to celebrate diversity and CS Modern Luxury Weddings magazine at The 900 North Michigan Shops. Where other wedding events have been
targeted to either traditional brides or the LGBTQ audience, this event was intended for ALL those planning a wedding and who understand,
at the end of the day, "Love IS Love"! Over 300 guests attended this first ever event where all proceeds benefited Equality Illinois, of course! It was a moveable, visual feast for wedding planners and guests alike. Kehoe Designs provided a lush backdrop for all the fun that occurred on the mezzanine level with retail merchandise styling by Marc Sievers. There were live performances by Harp
Duo (who played under a canopy of hanging lilacs), TJC Quartet, J Livi & The Party and Legacy Drumline (there was even a marching band!!!) Teams from Mario Tricocci were on hand providing beauty touch-ups; the Four Seasons Hotel provided
delicious light bites and models wearing fashions from Azeeza and J. Toor mingled with the crowd. Wedding cakes on display were like nothing I've ever seen. Using crystals and precious stones as an inspiration, cakes
from Amy Beck Cake Design, Urban Icing, Toni Patisserie & Cafe, Bittersweet Pastry Shop and Elysia Root Cakes made me drool. (To see video, click here). Vignettes scattered throughout the floor represented key moments in weddings:
The Proposal, The Registry, The Celebration and The Getaway (where guests entered to win a "Twilight Tour for Two" from Chicago Helicopter Experience). Modern Luxury Brides
magazine recently changed its title to "Modern Luxury Weddings" to be more inclusive to grooms as well as to same sex couples. In light of this, "Love is Love" was born as a way to host a universal celebration of love and indeed it was! Congrats to all who participated in this
unique event!
The Grand Chefs Gala was held on February 3 at Navy Pier to celebrate our fabulous culinary community and to benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The night honored legendary restaurateur Rich Melman with the Chicago Classic Award. During the first course of the evening, guests mingled among tasting tables hosted by some of Chicago's top restaurants/chefs. Gene & Georgetti
(last year's Chicago Classic winner) served up roasted eggplant fritters; Chef Charles Welch of Honey's offered poached shrimp with passion fruit; Eataly served fresh, house-made
mozzarella and The Blanchard's duck tart with winter fruits was a hit with the crowd. Hosted by the Food Network's Jeff Mauro, the event included a live auction conducted by David Goodman. Boka Group's Kevin Boehm was on hand to help auction off a progressive dinner at several
of his restaurants that sold for $3K; a Hotel Del Coronado package included a concert on the beach with Gary Sinise that sold for $8500 and a Maine experience with
chef Ryan McCaskey sold for $6K. Melman was introduced by Tony Durpetti and his daughter Michelle. She said, "Rich has received two James Beard Foundation Awards and a lifetime achievement award before tonight's honor. He places enormous value on relationships and people and cultivates and maintains them, both in his
brand and outside of it. The contributions that Mr. Melman, his family and his restaurants make to our industry has spanned decades and impacted countless
lives. We are thrilled to know that they will continue to share their knowledge, good work and love of food with the world for years to come." St. Lou's Assembly, a West Loop cafeteria-style, comfort food restaurant won the People's Choice Award.
Chef Carlos Cruz' winning dish was a foie gras soup with candied walnuts and pomegranates. This event, co-chaired by Eurest's Jim Kallas and his wife Rose, was founded in 1997 by a group of philanthropic-minded friends--Wayne Harth, Tom Kehoe, Judi Gorman, Sylvie Margulies, Michael Pagliuco and Christine Stevens. Over $670,000 was raised to benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. (To see more pics, click here!)
And on a similar culinary note, the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame announced the induction of Chef Fabio Viviani as Chef of the Year; Chef Sebastien Canonne
as Pastry Chef of the Year; Chef Pierre Pollin as Legendary Chef; Jim Kallas as Industry Leader and Charlie Mok as Industry Legend. This esteemed group of honorees will be celebrated at a gala fundraiser,
the 2017 Chefs Hall of Fame Culinary Experience, on Wednesday, March 8, at the Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier. The event promotes Chicago's food scene, raises funds for the Museum and awards scholarships to student chefs. For tickets and more info, click here.
The Little Company of Mary Hospital’s (LCMH) Foundation hosted its annual Crystal Heart Ball on February 4 at the Field Museum. The emcees were Little Company of Mary’s very own baby alum, Patrick Elwood, and Nancy Loo, both with WGN News. More than 800
guests danced the night away to the music of the Indigo Orchestra while experiencing international cultures and observing artifacts from all over the world. The 2017 Venerable Mary Potter Humanitarian Award was presented to Ed and Amy McNicholas – Live Like John Foundation. On March 31, 2010, Ed and Amy’s 15-year-old son, John, woke up complaining of a headache focused over one eye. Before he could even finish explaining the pain, John began vomiting on the
bathroom floor. In the emergency room, their worst fears were confirmed: A brain tumor. Ed and Amy went into fight mode with the mission to save their son. Unfortunately, John passed away on January 7, 2011, only 10 months from his diagnosis. Today, it has been Ed and Amy’s mission to raise awareness and change the experience for those who follow them down this unimaginable path by offering guidance and resources to those families who are forced to endure the same journey they endured. They strive to offer comfort, peace,
empathy and, ultimately, a cure. The 2017 Sister Nancy Boyle Award for Excellence was presented to Rev. Charles T. Rubey – Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) Program. Co-chaired by Drs. Michael and Karen O’Mara, this premiere gala (the largest on Chicago’s Southwest side) raised more than $445,000 to benefit the Behavioral Health Department at Little Company of Mary Hospital.
On Sunday, February 26, the Gene Siskel Film Center will host its popular annual Oscar viewing party, "Hollywood on State," with co-hosts Tommy Walton and NK Gutierrez. Join them, along with co-chairs Mary Walker Kilwien and Chuck Droege, as they enjoy film, food and fashion at 164 N. State Street! For tix
and more info, click here!
And another great Oscar viewing party, "A Walk Down the Red Carpet," will be hosted by Common Threads' board members Margaret and Bob Rainone on Sunday, February 26, at the Davis Theater (4614 N. Lincoln Ave). Beginning with a 6 pm Red Carpet, the event will feature food from celebrity chefs, Oscar ballots, gourmet truffle popcorn and
beverages from Moet & Chandon. A portion of the proceeds will support CT's cooking and nutrition programs aimed at reversing childhood obesity. (For tix and more info, click here!)
The annual gala benefiting the Junior League of Chicago returns with a Masquerade Ball hosted at the Lyric Opera on Saturday, Feb. 25. The black-tie event will feature a live performance from Green Fourteen, gourmet Italian cuisine samplings, a reception style dinner, an open bar and silent auction. Funds raised will support the League's mission to empower local, at-risk families through programming aimed at child's health and development issues, illiteracy
and homelessness. For tickets and more info, click here.
"Bright Light, DARKROOM", an annual benefit supporting MoCP (Museum of Contemporary Photography), will be held on Thursday, March 2, at Venue Six10 (610 S. Michigan Ave.) The evening will honor legendary lensman Victor Skrebneski with the Silver Camera Award. An auction will feature pieces from top artists including Dawoud Bey, Terry Evans, Clarissa Bonet and Victor. A VIP reception will take place at MoCP (600 S. Michigan) from 5:30 to 6:30 with the benefit auction and party following at Venue Six10. (For tickets, beginning at $150, and more info, click here.)
On Friday, March 24, PAWS Chicago will host its annual "Animal Magnetism" benefit at Morgan Manufacturing. This year's party with a purpose will be co-hosted by Fox-32's Jenny Milkowski and Jake Hamilton and will include darling dogs and cats that will be available for adoption, a silent auction, fabulous food and so much more. For tickets and more info, click here. And to see all the fun from last year's event, see below!
Chicago Bulls’ Dwyane Wade will host "A Night on the RunWade" on Sunday, March 19, at Revel Fulton Market. Presented by DSquared2, the event will showcase Wade's passion for fashion and raise funds to benefit the Wade’s World Foundation, a non-profit that provides support to community-based organizations that promote education, health and social skills for kids in at-risk situations. The event will feature runway looks from DSquared2's fall/winter 2017 collection, a VIP reception, cocktails, light bites, entertainment, auction items and special surprises. Tickets begin
at $175. (For tix/info, click here).
Congrats are in order for Greg Hyder, The Peninsula's Director of Style and Community Relations! He will be honored on Sunday night, April 23, at the CEC (Catering Executive Club) Scholarship Ball at LondonHouse! Details to follow, save the date! (Photo by
Caitlin Saville Collins)
"Happy Birthday Langston Hughes: A Celebration In Poetry, Prose And Song" was held on February 1 at City Winery.
The joyous evening kicked off Black History Month by celebrating the 115th birthday of legendary American author, activist and thinker Langston Hughes. The event
included readings of Hughes’ poetry and music that he wrote, was inspired by and enjoyed. Special guests included Golden Globe Award-winning actress Regina Taylor; critically-acclaimed spoken word artist J. Ivy; the “Empress of Soul” Terisa Griffin; acclaimed actor Jussie Smollett, Chicago chanteuse and City Winery Chicago favorite Lynne Jordan; local poet, activist, educator and
musician Malcolm London, Internationally renowned actress, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, and actor, educator and director, Runako Jahi. A portion of the night's net proceeds benefited Donda’s House, a not-for-profit founded by Che "Rhymefest" Smith and Donnie Smith. (Congrats to event producers Randy Crumpton, Regina Taylor and City Winery on a stellar night).
The Chicago Lights Gala of Hope will take place on Friday, February 24, at the Hyatt Regency. The event will benefit the non-profit's five community outreach programs that impact over 4,000 low-income and at-risk individuals each year. For tickets and more info, click here.
Due to popular demand and rave reviews, performances of "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," (presented by Pride Films & Plays) will be extended through Sunday, March 12, at The Broadway, part of the Pride Arts Center, at 4139 N Broadway. Beloved entertainers Honey West, Jordan Phelps, and Luke Meierdiercks lead a cast of 16 all-stars, and music director Robert Ollis leads a band of 5! David Zak and Derek Van Barham co-direct, with choreography by Jon Martinez. For tickets and more info, click here.
On Tuesday, February 21, join Chicago History Museum curator Petra Slinkard, for a private, guided tour of the current exhibit, "Making Mainbocher: The First American Couturier." Tickets are only $35 for non-members; $25 for members and will be sold until Feb. 15. For info, click here.
I have a lot of friends who met and eventually married thanks to the iconic Butch McGuire's bar on Division Street. On Saturday, March 4, Treadway Toomey Auctions in Oak Park will sell memorabilia from the estate of the late, great personality, Robert E. "Butch" McGuire
and his iconic saloon. I knew Butch and he had a great eye for antiques so I'm sure the 200 lots being offered in this sale will be HIGHLY collectible! To view catalog and for more deets, click here. (Good luck to lead auctioneers John Walcher and Joe Stanfield).
Join host Felicia Winiecki and her host committee on Wed., March 1, at Pagoda Red for Holiday Heroes, a benefit for The Holiday Heroes Foundation. This non-profit partners with hospitals, businesses, celebrities and others to give children who are hospitalized due to a critical or chronic illness, a well-needed and deserved dose of fun through a wide variety of themed
parties and celebrations. For more info, click here!
This & That: A very happy 36th anniversary to Cary Frank and John Cannon (Feb. 8)! And happy birthday
wishes to friends Maureen Dwyer Smith (Feb. 8); Mimi Marks (Feb. 11); Charles Ifergan (my beloved hairdresser for over 30 years! Feb. 13); Dr. Osmar Steinwald (who celebrated his 80th on Feb. 11); Marilou York Hamill (Feb. 11); Marsha
Bieber English (Feb. 10); Quenten Schumacher (Feb. 10); William Holdeman (Feb. 10); Reute Butler (Feb. 13) and Meredith Burkitt (Feb. 12). Love them ALL!
I hope you've enjoyed this week's Candid Candace and, as always, if not a subscriber, please sign up here. My list is spam-free, never shared and greatly treasured!
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Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. This is one of the most touching videos I've seen. Oakland mom, Lindsay Chapman-Carroll, shared this video of her daughter Leah who has overcome two bone marrow transplants and has spent the last 322 days away from her family and mostly in the hospital due to complications. Her mom said, "However, she has the joy of the Lord and a love for music. The song Overcomer is one of her all time favs! She is such a light to all she meets and I hope she brings a smile to your face, too!" She sure did Lindsay...what an inspiration! This puts EVERYTHING into perspective. (See video here).
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