RED JACKET OPTIONAL; SERVICE CLUB GALA HONORS MYRA; COSTUME COUNCIL SALUTES MARCHESA; SAVE-A-PET'S TUXEDO FOR TAILS; ZOOLA; UNICEF'S HUMANITARIAN AWARDS; ONE FOXY MASQUERADE PARTY; TALKIN' CELEB NEWS ON FOX-32; A LOVING TRIBUTE TO MARION SIMON; CHICAGO CUT HOSTS A VERY SPECIAL PRIVATE PARTY; COMMON THREADS' COOK-OFF; HAPPY BD TOM!; CHICAGO'S OWN DIVA LYNNE; AN EDGY RUDOLPH FROM HELL IN A HANDBAG; WINE CONVERSATIONS WITH JESS; CEASE FIRE; GREEN COAT GALA; HERMENE'S HOT BOOK LAUNCH; RUSH'S GLOW DEBUT; CUTE VIDEOS AND SO MUCH MORE!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially at Macy's State Street, where on Friday, November 3, the Magic of Macy's came to life in the Walnut Room. Excited guests arrived early to queue up for a tradition that has been
around for 110 years--experiencing the lighting of the Great Tree! (See tree lighting here!) This year's celebrity host was none other than The Voice winner, Jordan Smith. His crystal clear voice filled the room with holiday classics like "Silent Night,", "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow" and, his favorite, "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch." ((Listen here!) He said he was thrilled to be in Chicago on his birthday where, earlier in the day, he was surprised with a cake by Macy's staff. He said the festivities reminded him of experiencing Christmas in his hometown in Kentucky. "The whole town, population 1800,
would all fit here in the Walnut Room," he joked. His upcoming plans include a Christmas Tour with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith. Kim Groth, Macy's State St. VP/Manager, welcomed guests as "fairies"
circulated throughout the room granting wishes to wide-eyed kids. She acknowledged the team, and designer Paul Anthony, who designed, constructed and lit the tree in just 72 hours. She announced that Nov. 3 was also the 50th anniversary of the store's holiday windows. Jeff Gennette, Macy's CEO, said,
"Of all the department stores in the world for the holidays, Macy's on State Street stands out as number one!..."Part of the specialness about this store during the holidays is its architecture and where it's located in the community...It's the
Walnut Room, it's the great tree, it's the windows, it's the trumpets! It's an amazing bit of architecture. The heart of the city is here." During the holidays for the last 14 years, Macy's has been
affiliated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation as its charity partner. Gennette said, "We have granted, on average, about 3 wishes per day, for 14 years, touching 2.5 million kids." During the season, for every wish kids drop in the box at
Macy's, the store donates $1 to Make-A-Wish. Joining Smith in lighting the tree were Make-A-Wish Ambassador, 7 year-old Jack and his slightly younger brother Sean. Jack said he's had the most "fun lighting the tree and sitting by the teddy bear." When asked
what he was planning for Christmas, he replied, "Getting stuff." The 5th floor galleries were brimming with Christmas decor and gifts for both the young and the young-at-heart. The windows are filled with whimsy and the trumpets lining State Street are waiting. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Raising joyous voices in song, the Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC) hosted its annual fall gala, Red Jacket Optional, at The Geraghty on October 20. During the evening, CCC honored three outstanding community partners:
Josephine Robinson (Partner Coordinator, World Vision, Englewood); Erin Roche (Principal, Prescott Elementary, Lincoln Park) and Dr. Susanne Baker (Director, Community Music Division, DePaul
University). “We are about more than teaching performance and theory. We unify the city and create bonds between children of all backgrounds through providing safe spaces for expression. This wouldn’t be possible without close ties to the communities through embedded groups and individuals, ” said Josephine Lee,
president and artistic director of CCC. In 2017 alone, CCC performed in a number acclaimed events, including President Obama’s farewell address, Chance the Rapper’s performance at Lollapalooza, Ravenna and Ravello festivals in Italy, Yo-Yo Ma’s
Concert for Peace at St. Sabina, Van Jones’ WE RISE tour and more. Singers from top ensemble, Voice of Chicago, along with neighborhood choirs performed throughout the gala. “Chicago gets a lot of negative attention. But, go spend time with groups like Chicago Children’s Choir, and you’ll see the good work going on in neighborhoods today and the promise in
tomorrow’s generation of leaders. You’ll be inspired,” said Van Jones, whose recent WE RISE show in Chicago closed with a performance by CCC singers. Since its founding during the height of the Civil Rights Movement in 1956, CCC has grown from a single choir in Hyde Park to now touch students from every Chicago zip code. CCC has in-school choirs embedded in 80 schools across the city,
along with after-school programs in 10 neighborhoods, a unique ensemble for boys with changing voices and the internationally acclaimed Voice of Chicago. Its mission to connect youth from diverse backgrounds is accomplished through dynamic music and education programming centering around excellence in performance and character at every level. Great job and so inspiring. (Pics by Elliot Mandel).
Celebrating the co-founders of Marchesa, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig, the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum presented Craig (Chapman was not in attendance) with its first-ever Presidents’ Circle Honors on October 25 at the
Women’s Athletic Club. The event was chaired by Kathleen Haines-Finley along with co-chairs Michelle Bibergal, Sherrill Bodine, Paula Borg, Annette
Findling, Heather Farley Ingram, Judy Lockhart, Mark Olley, and Pauline Kurtides Sheehan. Marchesa, a rising haute couture star, was honored in a ceremonial luncheon as a new initiative of the Costume Council. This new award honors designers who are currently making an indelible mark in the fashion world and is in honor of the 14 former
presidents of the Costume Council. British born Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig have built a fashion empire defined by elegant eveningwear and one of a kind couture designs. The duo met at Chelsea College of Art and Design in
London. Chapman’s draping and design expertise paired with Craig’s textile creations resulted in a business partnership and the establishment of Marchesa in 2004. With the
extravagant and eccentric fashion icon and Italian heiress as their muse, their beautifully crafted runway collections and accessories line fuse exquisite
detailing with supreme femininity. Coveted not only by celebrities, but by women of all ages, Marchesa continues to be the centerpiece of iconic red carpet moments and high end fashion alike. Based in New York, the Marchesa collections are presently available
world-wide. The luncheon featured a silent auction, raffle and in-conversation with the night’s honorees. Joining the honorees on stage was Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, and Petra
Slinkard, curator of costume at the Chicago History Museum. Immediately following the luncheon all guests high-tailed it to Neiman's on Michigan Avenue to view Marchesa's Spring 2018 trunk show with Craig and Downing. (Pics by Sean Su).
The Service Club of Chicago hosted its annual grand gala, this year at the Ritz-Carlton. Over 300 black-tie clad guests came out
to support the evening's honoree, the much loved Myra Reilly! Themed "Making Magic Happen," the event was co-chaired by SC members Pamella Capitanini, Cheryl Rhodes Coleman and Kristine Farra. SC president Simona Garcia kicked off the evening and welcomed Myra. (See Myra's moving
speech here). Simona joked that during Myra's long involvement with the organization (38 years!) she has served in every single position, including 3 terms as president, for the Club. Decor by Kehoe Designs, as
always, wowed the crowd. To say she is popular, is a gross understatement! Over-sized sparkling tabletop decor referenced the "magical" theme with images of Houdini, packs of cards and other fun stuff. Musical mentalist Sidney Friedman continued the theme. Stanley Paul and his Orchestra kept the beat alive on the dance floor. Elegant guests included
Sharyl Mackey, Rudy Savala, Mark Olley, Sheryl Dyer, Sherry Lea Holson, Hazel Barr, Greg Hyder and Jim Smith, Craig Hogan, Mamie Walton, Rochelle Trotter, Simona Garcia,
Lynda Silverman, Vonita Reescer, Marit and Jacques Bohbit, Susan Gohl, Dusty Stemer, Sue Caray and so many more! The Service
Club of Chicago is one of the oldest women's volunteer organizations in the country, this year celebrating 127 years. Every dollar raised, on this night over $450,000, going directly to the Philanthropic Grant program that provides funds for necessities for non-profits.
Save-A-Pet’s 31st annual fundraising gala event, Tuxedos for Tails, was held Saturday, October 21 with 200 guests in attendance. The event raised funds for Save-A-Pet, a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter and
adoption center in Grayslake, Illinois. Emceed by Joe Tominaro, the event included dinner, a live auction and a Wine Pull raffle. The Business Partner of the Year award was presented to Podolsky Circle
CORFAC International (accepted by Alissa Adler) for its generous donation of goods and services to ensure the completion of Save-A-Pet’s much needed Exterior Kennel Enclosure project, and for two consecutive years of support as a Gold Sponsor of an annual golf outing that benefits Save-A-Pet. This year’s Fund-A- Cause portion of the event centered on
Save-A-Pet’s need for a new minivan to transport animals to veterinary appointments, handle supply runs, travel to Humane Investigation sites and transport volunteers to community events. Guests were very generous and donated about 75% of the cost of a new van. Proceeds from the event will
allow Save-A-Pet to continue to provide a safe haven for abused, neglected, injured, lost, or animals who have escaped euthanasia. Save-A-Pet never puts a limit on the amount of care provided for an animal in order to give them the best chance at life.
The Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo gathered over 150 guests for ZooLA 2017, a philanthropic live auction, on Nov. 2. The annual event raised more than $270,000.00 and took place at a private club adorned with swan motifs that mirrored the gift of two swans
that inspired the formation of Lincoln Park Zoo. The exclusive evening, hosted by event co-chairs Sarah Beardsley and Katie Gledhill, began with a festive and lively cocktail hour. Following the reception, prominent business, social and civic leaders raised their paddles at the live
auction to support the city’s treasured landmark. Notable attendees included Caroline Huebner (Women’s Board of Lincoln Park Zoo president); Kevin Bell (Lincoln Park Zoo president/CEO); S. Biff Bowman (Chairman of the
Board); Maureen Maher-Pendry and Tom Pendry; Carrie and Matt Parr; Mary and Greg Pearlman and Abby Funk. The live auction, directed by auctioneer John Fornengo, tempted guests with enticing treasures that included passes to the 2018 Masters and a
stay for three nights in a private home in Augusta; a premium package to “Hamilton” including hotel, dinner and backstage tour, one-of-a-kind opportunities exclusive to Lincoln Park Zoo, such as a private party
to illuminate ZooLights; a two nights’ stay at White Oak Conservation Center; a private tour of the National Air and Space Museum conducted by seasoned NASA Astronaut Captain Scott Altman; red carpet
bleacher seats at the 2018 Oscar Awards and a winner’s choice of one of three spectacular destination vacations from Kipling & Clark that included mysterious Morocco, breathtaking
Patagonia, or exotic Vietnam and Cambodia. Beardsley, event co-chair, looked back on the successful evening, “We are so thankful for the support we received for
this year’s auction. Lincoln Park Zoo has a special place in so many Chicagoan’s childhood memories and beyond. This helps keep it free for all.”
The UNICEF USA Midwest Regional office USA
hosted its 7th annual UNICEF Chicago Humanitarian Awards Luncheon, honoring four Chicagoans who are contributing locally and internationally to the improvement of children’s
lives: Maria Woltjen, Director & Founder of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights, Suzanne Akhras Sahloul, Founder & President of the Syrian Community Network, Zaher Sahloul, Founder of the American Relief Coalition for Syria and past President and Senior Advisor of the Syrian American Medical
Society and UNICEF’S Next Generation Humanitarian Award recipient Steve Lehmann, Founder, Threadies and Assistant Director, University of Chicago Innovation Fund. This year’s
luncheon, which hosted over 460 guests, focused on the global migrant and refugee crisis and encouraged guests to support UNICEF’s lifesaving programs and
be a part of the movement to put children
first. Attendees were also joined by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and heard a keynote address from UNICEF Mexico Representative, Christian Skoog, who spoke about
how to help children affected by the global migrant crisis and his experiences working on human rights, humanitarian crises and emergencies. UNICEF USA wants all children to have a happy, healthy childhood no matter where they are. UNICEF works in more than 190 countries and territories to put
children first, and has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization. Awwwww, just love this!
Fox Ford Lincoln hosted a festive, interactive Masquerade Party to celebrate the unveiling of its new, redesigned Lincoln Continental. Attendees enjoyed a variety of circus acts including Acrobatica and Infiniti Circus, all set to live music performed by the Jazz Faculty. There was never a dull moment in the large indoor showroom on the dealership's third floor where the party was held. Customers were encouraged to interact with the vehicles and explore
the features. Guests also enjoyed catering by All Natural Catering and photo memories by Memories in Minutes. The event was by-invite-only and was shared with Fox's VIP clients as well as local connections.
I'm not a big fan of video games but I sure am now! A friend recently contacted me to let me know my Playboy February '79 cover was the inspiration for Princess Daphne in the popular Dragon's Lair video game! You just never know where Flat Stanley (me!) will pop up! (I come in at 1:55 on this video)! LOL!
What a thrill to be invited to appear on "Good Day Chicago" (Fox 32) to chat about Royal celeb news! I served as the in-house expert on Prince Harry's recent (first) trip to Chicago with co-anchors Scott Schneider and Anita Padilla. Harry attended the first Obama Foundation Summit at the Marriott, followed by a
dinner that night at the Field Museum. The summit closed with an exciting ceremony at Wintrust Arena that featured performances by Chance the Rapper, Gloria Estefan and The National. During his stay here, he did get a chance to break out enjoying both deep dish and thin crust pizza! If you recall, Harry's mum, Princess Diana, made her first and only trip to Chicago in 1996 and charmed us all!
Thanks to Sun-Time's star columnist Mike Sneed, we learned about the awesome party at Chicago Cut Steakhouse recently! As she reported, producer Dick Wolf reserved the entire space for 60 people on Tuesday, October 24, to celebrate the success of his TV hits "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago P.D."! On hand were Taylor Kinney, Jesse Spencer, Monica Raymund, Randy Flagler, Laroyce Hawkins and Eamonn Walker, to name a few. That's a whole lotta cuteness in one room!
A very special and much loved man celebrated his 50th in style at the Geraghty recently. Tom Kehoe threw a party that reflected his style--low key, chic and intimate. The
space was divided into multiple, cozy spaces that truly felt like a maze as guests were moved from room to room--each more elegant and surprising than the next. The end result was a darkly lit 21st century disco with sexy men and women dancing onstage and mingling with the crowd. A ginormous gilded tree surrounded by a banquette served as the dramatic centerpiece. All I can say is WOW and happy BD dear Tom!
“Lets Make The Cure Contagious," a first time fundraiser for Cease Fire, the Chicago branch of the Cure Violence Organization, raised over $200,000. This global non-profit reduces violence using disease control and behavior change methods. Held at the Arts Club, the event drew some big time movers and shakers who found the concept of treating violence as a mental health disease to be totally compelling.
Gala co-chair Jeremy Kaufman said, "It was great to see people so interested in effecting change, many who previously thought of violence in our communities as being intractable with
no solution to an impossible problem, now see hope because of the message that violence can be transmitted AND because of the proof that it’s not just an idea – but a concept [developed by Chicago’s Dr. Gary Slutkin] that is working in 23 cities and 13 countries.” The response was so great that there will be a subsequent conversation on Cease Fire at the Standard Club in early December. You could hear a pin drop during the eloquent account given by Cease Fire worker Jaylon Arthur who lived a violent life for which he served jail time.
He talked about his turn-around and his commitment to help cease the violence. Wintrust Bank upped its commitment and offered its facility for future Cease Fire events. Honoree Ramsey Lewis heralded the work being done by the organization and gave a very touching account of how his mother kept him off the streets by insisting he practice his music. (Lucky us!) Attendees included John McKinnon (Chairman of Wintrust Bank), Janice Feinberg (Pres. of Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation), Richard Weinberg, Barbara Kipper, Laura Zianni, Steven Sacks, Linda and Richard Robin, Kevin McGirr and Lynne and Allen Reich.
Golf great Justin Leonard was the featured guest Nov. 3 at the Western Golf Association’s 7th annual Green Coat Gala, one of the largest annual fundraisers for the Evans Scholars Foundation. More than 350 supporters attended the black-tie affair at The Peninsula Chicago, which was headlined by Leonard, winner of the 1997 Open Championship and a three-time member of the U.S. Ryder Cup team. He is one of only five players ever to win the prestigious
Western Amateur, the U.S. Amateur and the NCAA Championship. He was similarly successful on the PGA TOUR, where he won 12 times, including at the 1997 Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club. In 1999, he made one of the most famous putts in Ryder Cup history. His 45-footer for birdie on the 17th hole at the Country Club in Brookline capped an improbable comeback victory for the United States,
which had trailed 10-6 heading into the final round. At the Gala, veteran NBC/Golf Channel commentator and emcee Mark Rolfing held a “fireside chat” with Leonard, where they touched on topics including the importance of caddies to the game of golf, his Ryder Cup appearances and the game’s young stars. The event also featured a speech by Michigan State Evans
Scholar alum Lauren Farhart. A former caddie at Meadowbrook Country Club in Northville, Michigan, Lauren shared her story of caddying with a prosthetic leg.
She was born with a condition that caused her right leg to be significantly shorter than her left. When she was 7, a portion of her leg was amputated, creating the ability for her to use a prosthetic. She recalled sitting in hospital beds as a child, worrying between multiple surgeries, about her future. “I often wondered if I was ever going to be able to do anything, if there was ever going to be anything good to come out of this. Caddying and the
Evans Scholarship have given me a future and have helped me to live a part of my life that I had always hoped for.” All proceeds benefit the ESF, a nonprofit administered by the WGA, which provides full college tuition and housing scholarships to caddies. Currently, a record 965 Evans Scholars are attending 19 universities nationwide. The event was co-chaired by Tim and Stacey Cavanagh, Mick and Karen O’Rourke, Mike and Sharyl Mackey and Bill Rogers.
Recently my friend Peter Martino shared details about a woman everyone should know, Marion Simon. I was ashamed to admit that I didn't. She passed away on November 4 at age 99. She was definitely an original Grand Dame. Peter wrote a lovely tribute to her on his Facebook page and I'd like to share this excerpt here:
Marion Simon was a true hero- she raised many millions of dollars in resources for countless charities. She was one of the FIRST patient rights activists in the world, starting in the 1950's. She helped found the Brookfield Zoo, supported many
educational and arts groups, especially Roosevelt University. She single handedly got support and underwriting for the first traveling "Kidney Mobile" in the USA. She felt
underserved people needed access to dialysis more than anyone. The list is endless! Marion was offered contracts by movie studios and turned them down, dated some of the most influential men of the 20th century, traveled, lost 2 daughters to disease (and then in their honor raised
millions of dollars so others wouldn't suffer from them!) She wrote an autobiographical book at 90 wiith proceeds going to Brookfield Zoo. She could count among her friends some of the most powerful and renowned people
in the world. When Marion called, they picked up.They treasured her friendship as much as her doorman or care giver. Marion knew NO boundaries for friendship or love...Good Bye to a REAL Chicago legend, institution, role model and much loved friend!
Everybody's favorite DIVA, Lynne Jordan, will be performing a first staged reading from her one woman show, "A Great Big Diva, Lynne Jordan." She has put her heart and soul into this so I hope everyone can come! The show begins at 1 pm at City Winery Chicago, on Saturday, Dec. 2! Click here for tickets and more info!
Common Threads' 7th Annual Chicago Cook-Off hosted more than three dozen chefs and mixologists from the best restaurants across the city on October 5. They came together in support of healthy cooking, eating and living for Chicago's
children at Revel Fulton Market. Restaurants competed in five categories - the garden, the pasture, the seed, the barn, or the barrel - to win the hearts and stomachs of its guests. Congratulations to the winning restaurants - Barrio, The Florentine, Son of a Butcher, Travelle and Whisk. The event raised over $95,000 to help Chicago's children learn how to cook for life!
I recently discovered a refrigerator magnet on Ebay bearing my image from an early pinup poster. You just never know where I'm going to turn up! It's Flat Stanley all over again! LOL!
More fun for the holidays! Hell in a Handbag Productions will conclude its 15th anniversary season with its most popular show ever: the holiday hit RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER 2017 by David Cerda, co-directed by Becca
Holloway and AJ Wright. Handbag’s irreverent parody of the 1967 Rankin Bass children’s television special will play
November 25 – December 30, 2017 at Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark St. in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood. Tickets are currently available here (through Brown Paper Tickets) or by calling (800) 838-3006. Chicago’s favorite cross-dressing reindeer is
back and he’s 20 years old! RUDOLPH THE RED-HOSED REINDEER had its first reading in 1996 and has evolved into one of the city's most popular anti-holiday, holiday shows. Join Rudolph and all of his misfit friends as they struggle with fitting in and being ‘normal’ in an increasingly abnormal world. (Playwright David Cerda always adjusts the show to fit the current social climate).
Congrats to the Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center on its very first gala following a 90 year run of its uber-successful Rush Fashion Show! Event chair Pamela Fitzgerald, along with her stellar committee, raised
over $450,000 to fund a mental health initiative for underserved communities on the West Side of Chicago near the Center. (To read more and see videos, check my Chicago Tribune column here!)
Congrats to N'DIGO'S Magapaper's Hermene Hartmann on the launch of her latest book, N'DIGO Legacy Black Luxe 110, a collection of African American icons.
As Hermene says, "The mistold and untold that need to be retold!". Her recent book party at Marshall Pierce on Michigan Avenue brought out more press than I've seen
in a long time. Every station was there to cover it as well as familiar and much loved faces like Quinton D'Alexander (who is featured prominently in the book), George Daniels, Chaz Ebert, Congressman Bobby Rush, Diana Palomar, Pastor Corey Brooks, Dorothy Tillman, Elzie Higgenbottom, Dr. Conrad Worrill, John Bellamy (on behalf of the Dick Gregory family) and so many others! Congrats Hermene! It's beautiful! (And what a great Christmas gift too!)
We had such a great night at La Scarola recently talking film and Chicago with
producer/director Robert Zemeckis and his uber
talented wife, author/actress/producer/director
Leslie Zemeckis! They are a true power
couple and we were thrilled to spend time with them and Chicago Film Festival founder Michael Kutza! Let the good times rolllllll!!!
Many thanks and congrats to Wine Channel TV's Jess
Altieri! I was thrilled to be invited on her very first podcast for "Wine Conversations." We talked about EVERYTHING, and yes, wine too! LOL! Check out the fun podcast, listen HERE!
And last but not least, thank you to my new agency, Lily's Talent for my latest comp! I've been modeling since age 13 and have been registered with Wilhelmina (NYC), FORD (Chicago), Shirley Hamilton (Chicago), A+ Talent (Chicago), COVERS Agency (Barcelona), Talent Plus (St. Louis), Playboy Models (Chicago), Geddes (Chicago), David Lee (Chicago).....and I'm just getting started! :-)
Well, this is just about all the fun I can cram into this week's edition! I hope you've enjoyed it as much as I love writing and planning it! Sadly, or happily, there is just sooooo much going on around town that I can't fit it all in this week. Stay tuned for the next edition coming in 2 weeks!
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. And, of course, something to leave you with a smile!
