RECORD-BREAKING BEAR TIE BALL; HEROES AWARDS; PRESENCE BALL; 90TH OSCARS (MY TAKE); UNION LEAGUE BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS YOUTH OF THE YEAR AWARDS; CONDOLENCES FOR CHEF ART AND HIS FAMILY; BECKY AND TARA WRITE A BOOK; DUPAGE CHILDREN'S MUSEUM BENEFIT BALL; AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY'S DISCOVERY BALL; BARNEY'S HOSTS UNICEF; BONNIE AND JIM CELEBRATE 46!; CONGRATS TO EMILY BARR; F.A.M.E. RECOGNIZES CHICAGO TALENT; RUSH AT GRAFF; LOVEBIRDS LAURA AND SUSAN; BATON SHOW LOUNGE CELEBRATES 49; THE GNOME COLONY; STYLE RIVALS; MAGELLAN/SAKS HOSTS FASHION SHOW FOR GIORDANO DANCE; VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), a global leader in art and design education, raised more than $615,000 at its first faculty and student art auction and benefit! Proceeds from the first-of-its-kind auction contribute to Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC, an initiative to raise $50 million for increased
scholarship opportunities, faculty support, and programming. Highlights from the auction and benefit included: Soundsuit, 2012, prized artwork by Nick Cave that fetched the highest donation, $85,000! New,
young collectors purchased limited edition pins by fashion designer Maria Pinto, artists Diane Simpson, Phyllis Bramson and others. “As we near the finish line of the $50 million Beautiful/Work fundraising campaign, we are so thankful for the generosity of
alumni, the SAIC community, and donors whose contributions will support SAIC students and future generations of artists and designers,” said Elissa Tenny, SAIC’s president. “As our alumni and students know well, developing a voice as an artist takes the courage to pursue the questions that challenge our beliefs, seek perspectives different from our own, and innovate new ways of being that show humanity the way forward. The money raised
tonight gives students the financial freedom to be bold, take risks, and just create.” Other notable purchases included Untitled Anxious Drawing, 2017, a work by Rashid Johnson which was auctioned live at the event by Sotheby's Gary Metzner. (It fetched
$17,000). Other notable works by Sterling Ruby, Rashid Johnson and LaToya Ruby Frazier brought in great prices too. Since the start of the public phase of the Beautiful/Work campaign, more than 75 percent of current and incoming students have received scholarship support, and for the fiscal year
2016–17, the School awarded a record number of scholarships totaling approximately $42 million. More than 1,800 individual donors have made contributions and alumni have donated a record $11 million, a significant increase over alumni giving prior
to the campaign. To date, Beautiful/Work: The Campaign for SAIC has established more than 30 new endowment scholarship funds that support undergraduate and graduate students including eight merit scholarships that cover the full cost of tuition for graduate students; Established seven faculty support endowments, including four full professorships, one directorship, and two part-time faculty awards; Supported nearly 90 Chicago Public High School students through scholarships and financial assistance from the Walter and Shirley Massey Chicago Scholarship Fund, SAIC’s College Arts Access Program, and SAIC’s Bank of America Scholars program. (For those still looking to participate in this fundraising event, select works are available and inquiries can be directed to SAIC via
Janelle Beaird, [email protected] ). (Photos by Robert Carl)
The Bear Tie Ball (presented this year by Marcia and David
Knuepfer) benefiting Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, just gets better and better! This 25th year, it broke fundraising records at The Geraghty bringing in over $900,000 with more than 600 avid supporters. I always love attending this event as it is, not only tons of fun, but it is also such an inspiring night for a great cause--supporting pediatric cancer research and those kids who are touched by this horrible
disease. The foundation was started by Kathleen Casey, a tireless proponent of finding a cure, after she lost her son Barrett "Bear" Krupa at the tender age of 8 to Wilm's Tumor (a cancer of the kidney). During her gala
speech, she said, "Bear sat with me for countless hours thinking of things we could do to make life a little bit better for kids just like him. His compassion for others was unwavering. His
bravery was beyond belief. He always thought of others before himself and never once did he say 'why me'?" She added, "This year, over 15,780 children will learn they have cancer...My last memory of Bear was holding him in my arms and telling him to stop fighting. I don't want any other parent to have that
memory." Father Paul White ministered to Bear and his family at Children's Memorial Hospital during this difficult time. In 25 years, Father Paul has never missed a Bear Tie Ball and, deservedly, he was one of the evening's Hope Award recipients. He dedicated his award to Courtney Krupa, a co-chair along with Tiffany Marshall and Kathleen's
beautiful daughter. As White stood at the podium with his arms draped around both mother and daughter, he said, "It was Bill Casey's faith that turned tragedy into a triumph." (Bill Casey was Kathleen's father/ Courtney's grandpa and the Hope
Award is named in his honor). He added, "Bear taught me how to take care of children and each other. These kids show us the face of God every day." Another deserving Hope
Award recipient was Greg Kosinski, Casey's husband. Courtney introduced him saying, "Little did Greg know that a blind date 25 years ago would turn him into a volunteer extraordinaire. He has a heart of gold and is always there to help children and families in any way possible." Other William J. Casey Hope Award recipients were Eric and Jean Lundstrom, the Palumbo Family Foundation (award
accepted by Mary and Sam Palumbo), the Wakerly Family Foundation (award accepted by Ralph Wakerly and his niece Gina Rich). Bear Hug Ambassador, Lukas Pawlowski, 18, spoke about his struggle with Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lukas, an avid baseball fan, was able to donate $2000 worth of sporting equipment to underprivileged kids thanks to
BN's Bear Hugs Program (that grants wishes to sick kids). During Lukas' speech, he quoted Babe Ruth, "You just can't beat the person who never gives up." He announced that his cancer scan came back clear and that he's currently finished with treatments. He said, "I've learned to live in the moment. What's happening in the
present is what matters most. Other than beating cancer and aspiring to be a screenwriter, the future is not on my mind." An exciting live auction featured a mini-Labradoodle puppy--friends had to tie Paul Iacono's hands behind his back so he wouldn't buy another pup! This lucky dog sold to Mr. and Mrs. Pete Hassen for $4K. The top prize, a 2017 Jeep Renegade (donated by Marino
Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram) sold for $27K to Alan and Sarah Walker. A unique auction prize, original artwork by the "Bear, " sold for $7K! The party was a who's who of Chicago and included Paul Iacono, Frances and Chris Renk, Whitney and Kadmiel Christmas, Nicki and Bob Fioretti, Joan and
Bob Clifford, Mario and Cheryl Tricoci, Saira Mohan and Chris Cooper, Tracy and Russ Scurto, Adam Marshall, Nina Mariano, Donna Rotunno, Kirk Williams, Todd Hatoff, Donna and Jon Kleinman, Justyna and Craig Della Valle, Zak Stemer, Liza Sweitzer, George Houlihan and Joyce Winnecke,
Jennifer Goodwin and so many more! A cute side note, 25 years ago Kathleen co-chaired the first Bear Tie Ball with her bestie, Tracy Scurto, and for the 25th anniversary, their darling daughters, Courtney Krupa and Tiffany Marshall, were at the helm! Awwww! (For more info on Bear Necessities and all the good it does, click here). (Photos by Mila Samokhina)
The Heroes Awards are presented annually at the Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Chicago’s Gala held, this year, on February 23 at the Museum of Science and Industry. The evening included a reception, silent and live auctions, live entertainment and a private viewing of the museum's fabulous exhibits. Hamilton star Miguel Cervantes and his wife Kelly were presented with the evening’s highest honor, the Richard N. Rovner Hero Award for their outstanding community contributions in the field of epilepsy. Miguel has starred
as the lead role in Hamilton since the production debuted in Chicago in 2016. As thrilling as it might be to be cast as Alexander Hamilton, the Cervantes family had other concerns to contend with.Their daughter, Adelaide, had recently been diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of seven months. Soon after, they learned that Adelaide had a particularly devastating form of epilepsy that can lead to severe developmental and cognitive delays. Their frustration only grew when they found out there was no cure for epilepsy. “You get an epilepsy diagnosis, and you hear, ‘I’m sorry, there’s no cure. Let’s start throwing darts at a board to see which drugs might help,’” says Kelly. In August, Miguel attended the Epilepsy Foundation’s Tee Off for Camp Blackhawk
at the Kemper Lakes Golf Club in Kildeer, IL. He also attended the Epilepsy Foundation’s annual Consumer Conference with Kelly and Adelaide at his side. At the conference, he helped relaunch the #MyShotAtEpilepsy social media campaign to help raise awareness about the disorder. He knows that epilepsy deserves more attention. “The end game is to put epilepsy in the same conversation as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s and ALS.” Marvin Rossi, MD, PhD of Rush University Medical Center was also honored with the Hero Award for Inspirational Commitment. Dr. Rossi is a board-certified neurologist and epileptologist with a doctorate in molecular biophysics. The event attracted over 300 guests and raised $190,000 to help fund local Epilepsy Foundation programs
and services that serve 43 counties in Illinois.
Presence Health hosted more than 800 guests at its annual Presence Ball, raising $1.175 million for the
organization’s new Founding Congregations Fund, which supports initiatives caring for the vulnerable in our communities, transformation and global ministry. Special guests for the evening included Cardinal Blase J.
Cupich, the Honorable Anne Burke and her hubby Alderman Ed Burke. Entertainment was provided by The Temptations Review featuring Theo Peoples. (Photos by Nelson Timothy)
Let's talk about the 90th Academy Awards, even though you're probably sick of them by now. I actually enjoyed the show this year, much to my surprise. I was happy to see that most of
the attendees arrived dressed to thrill and I loved the list of winners. Chuck and I saw almost every nominated film, except for "Get Out", and our favorite won for Best Picture, "Shape of Water." I know it had its detractors but I'm a sucker for a love story and especially one with a bit of fantasy thrown in. I thought
Jane Fonda, whether you like her or not, stunned on the Red Carpet in a form-fitting white gown. I also loved seeing her present with one of my favorite
actresses, Helen Mirren. (Side note, Helen Melchior and I were honored to co-chair an event in her honor for the Chicago International Film Festival and she is just as she seems--a pure delight and a real dame!) I thought Jennifer Garner, in that electric blue dress, must've brought tears to her ex, Ben Affleck's, eyes (what was he thinking?!). I loved Allison Janney's opening comment when she won for Best Supporting
Actress, "I did it all myself!" I thought Jimmy Kimmel did an okay job but didn't like the silliness taking Oscar attendees across the street to a theater (for what, to shoot hotdogs into the crowd?
Lame in my opinion). I also was disappointed that so many actors/actresses were left out of the "In Memoriam" segment like John Mahoney, Dorothy Malone, Glen Campbell, Mary Tyler Moore, John Gavin, Adam West, Dina Merrill and so many others. I just adored seeing Rita Moreno, 86, wearing the same glam gown she accepted her Oscar in 60 years ago!
Moments like this make me want to come back and watch again next year! The speeches were blissfully short, only a couple went to the buzzer, and I thought they were very thoughtful. Best Actress winner
Frances McDormand got all the women in the audience to stand and be recognized, led by Meryl Streep, and, even though it was long (4 hours), I enjoyed (almost) every minute of it! My fav fashionista? Zendaya, stunning in a chocolate, flowing Giambattista Valli one-shouldered gown! Until next year dear Oscars but please get a few more eyeballs
on that "In Memoriam" list, would ya?
More than 225 guests joined the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs for its annual Youth of the Year Dinner held at the ULCC on February 22. The Youth of the Year
recognition, the highest honor a Club member can achieve, celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrated exceptional character and accomplishments. This year, La’Tea Day won Youth of
the Year honors and Jalissa Bowers won the Junior honor. Day will represent the ULBGC at the state competition. The five regional winners will then meet in our nation’s
capital in September where they will compete for the National Youth of the Year title. Nancy Ross, the nonprofit’s board president, also honored CBS Chicago’s Derrick Young for his involvement in the opening of the Club’s Englewood expansion. (Photos by Francis Son Photography)
There are so many great books for kids around these days! I particularly love the recent one written by Becky Cattie and her sister Tara Luebbe! The duo first collaborated in 2014, and within 2 years, they had sold six picture book manuscripts to major publishing
houses! Their first two books will publish within weeks of each other this spring: I AM FAMOUS, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Albert Whitman and Company, March 1, 2018) and SHARK NATE-O, illustrated by Daniel Duncan (Little Bee Books, April 3, 2018). They’ve got three books scheduled for 2019, including CONAN THE LIBRARIAN from Roaring Brook Press, and another book scheduled to publish in 2020. Congrats, congrats, congrats! Wow!
The DuPage Children’s Museum (DCM) will host its annual Benefit Ball on Saturday, April 7, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Naperville. This year’s black-tie event, themed “AWE Inspiring Moments,” will present the Great Friend to Kids Award to Robert A. Livingston, president/CEO of Dover Corp. The Dover Foundation, the charitable arm of Dover, granted DCM $500,000, which helped complete the Museum’s AWEsome Energy exhibit in June of 2017. Dover, its leadership, and employees continue to remain engaged with the Museum to help provide important early learning STEM experiences to hundreds of thousands of
children and the important adults in their lives. For tickets/more info, click here!
The Union League Club of Chicago hosted its annual “Salute to Patriotism” event celebrating George Washington’s birthday with keynote speaker Governor
John Kasich on February 9. More than 180 members and their guests enjoyed this signature event that honored our nation’s first president at this traditional annual event. The evening
began with a cocktail reception followed by dinner and a program. Musical entertainment was provided by an ensemble from the renowned Navy Band Great Lakes and the Mark Streder Jazz Group. An after-party followed in the Main Lounge. (For more info about the ULC, click here!)
The American Cancer Society of Illinois will host its annual Discovery Ball (this year themed "Impact from Every Angle") on Saturday, April 21, at the Swissôtel Chicago! Chaired by Maurice Smith, Blue Cross/Blue Shield Illinois president, the event is always a sellout in the fight against cancer. For tickets and more info,
please call 312.279.7213. Hope to see you there!
The Barneys New York Foundation, along with Tina Trott, Susie Silich and Martha Metz,
celebrated UNICEF with a private luncheon and conversation on March 8, International Women’s Day. Moderated by Barneys’ Creative Ambassador-at-Large, Simon Doonan, the panel focused on featured designer Lisa Perry, shoe designer Nicolo Beretta of Giannico, jeweler Ana Khouri, and Sterling McDavid
of the Starling Project. Caryl Stern, UNICEF CEO, spoke about UNICEF's vital work in helping women around the world and introduced the panel. Following the discussion, guests joined the designers for a shopping event
in support of UNICEF. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more.
Happy 46th anniversary wishes to one of the loveliest and most philanthropic couples I know, Bonnie and Jim Spurlock! They were original supporters of PAWS Chicago where they found their "son", the handsome cat Remi! Their numerous hairstyle publications, under the Associated Publications, Inc. umbrella, are the go-to source for
the latest trends! Love and congrats!
More congrats are in order for Emily Barr, formerly pres/GM ABC-7, who recently received the Broadcasters Foundation of America's 2018 Golden Mike Award at a gala in NYC last week!
On Saturday, April 28, F.A.M.E. (Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment) will host its 7th annual "Recognizing Chicago Talent" gala at the Chicago Yacht Club. The evening will include a talent competition, that will allow the audience the opportunity to vote for its favorite dancer and singer, a cocktail reception, dinner, dancing, DJ, live entertainment and so much more, all for the low ticket price of only $75! (Cash only tickets will be available at the door). I'm thrilled to be a judge alongside Giordano Dance Chicago's executive director Michael McStraw, renowned talent agent Donald O'Connor and chanteuse extraordinaire Denise Tomasello! Notorious comedian Kelsie Huff will emcee this jam-packed night
of supporting local talent! (For tickets/more info, click here!
The Rush University Medical Center Woman’s Board hosted an elegant kick-off party at GRAFF on Chicago’s Oak Street on February 7 to officially launch
the 24th Annual Spring Luncheon set for May 3. GRAFF is the Patron Sponsor of the Spring Luncheon, which will feature keynote speaker, Dr.
Madeleine Albright. As a nod to Dr. Albright’s love of pins, some very special jewels were flown in from GRAFF's London headquarters for the occasion, including a
butterfly brooch featuring over 40 carats of diamonds. The store event was hosted by Eve Rogers, Director of GRAFF Chicago, together with Debra Beck, President of the Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center, and Spring Luncheon co-chairs Lindsey Axel and Kate Mursau. (For tickets to the luncheon and
more info, click here!)
Huge congrats to my friend Michael Perich! Besides bearing the longtime title of Cosmetics King, he is now the proud owner/founder/creator of The Gnome Colony, "a store full of love, whimsy and wishes" located at 485 N. Main St. in downtown Glen Ellyn.
Owner Perich says, “I designed my store to be everything I LOVE in life and to share every ounce of that with women! The Gnome Colony offers beautiful pieces of clothing, jewelry, accessories, makeup, skincare, and home décor. I love classic fashions with elements that can take everything up a notch that are not only extremely versatile, but very-multi seasonal as well. Nothing pleases me more than to see a self-assured confident woman lifting up another woman in my store. The world is a cruel place and I have created a
sanctuary for them to escape reality for a moment while they have a visual treat for the eyes during their shopping experience...My career, currently at 23 years and counting in the beauty business as a makeup artist, has run from one end of the spectrum to the other. I'm beyond excited to announce my new line PERICH Skincare & Makeup that is exclusively available at The Gnome Colony. I do offer a full e-commerce website for those who can't come into the store. I want to be able to say on my last day, in my last breath I did it, took chances, made mistakes, grew from them, chased dreams and made women love themselves even more." Good luck with love Michael! See you soon!
The popular Style Rivals competition returns on Thursday, March 29, this year to Low Res Studio, 1821 W. Hubbard. Local stylists compete for prizes--styling their own looks with their own models--before a panel of judges! Last year, 10 competitors vied for the crown with Brittani Franklin coming out on top! Join us this year and support our local stylists and the fashion community! I'll see you there as a judge! (For tickets/more
info, click here!)
The Magellan Development Group, in collaboration with Saks Fifth Avenue, will host a fashion show to benefit Giordano Dance Chicago on Thursday, April 26, at VISTA, 345 Upper E. Wacker Dr. This show is sure to thrill! For tickets/more info, click here!
The Women's Board of the Field Museum will host its annual Women in Science Luncheon at the Sheraton Grand on Tuesday, April 3, with keynote speaker Dr. Jane Goodall, the "chimp whisperer"! Her groundbreaking field research revolutionized the world of primatology and redefined the relationship between humans and animals. I can't wait and am so geeked out to hear her speak! If you're interested in hearing this world renowned scientist speak about her amazing life, click here for tickets/more info!
Condolences go out to Chef Art Smith and his family. He recently lost his beloved mom, Addie Mae Smith, to Alzheimer's. She was his biggest fan and there was always a look of love and pride in her eyes in every single photo I ever saw of her. I was lucky to meet her briefly at Art and Jesus Salgueiro's beautiful wedding in Washington, D.C. and it's no surprise that Art is the wonderful man that he is. In a post, Art said," She was that Steel Magnolia that taught me to keep my chin up when I was bullied and taught me that great art of listening." RIP dear Addie Mae.....
Actress/author/producer/director Leslie Zemeckis will make an appearance at the Chicago
History Museum on Sunday, March 25 beginning at 1:30! She will premiere her latest film, "Mabel, Mabel Tiger Trainer," the story of Mabel Stark, the first female tiger trainer, with a Q & A following. Stark was a superstar in the steel arena and was told no WOMAN could train tigers, but undaunted and with
no training, she stepped into the arena and worked up an act that included up to 20 tigers! The film uncovers the real story behind the most famous woman of her time, as told in her words, from her relatives, her protégés, and today’s female tiger trainers who follow in her footsteps. I'm proud to host this exciting afternoon and I hope you can join us! (For tickets, $19, and more info, click here, and see trailer below!)
I have such happy news to share! I'm sure most of you know Laura Schwartz (professional speaker, author of bestselling book "Eat, Drink & Succeed", TV commentator, fill-in host for Larry King, White House Director of Events for President Clinton and all-
around great gal)! Well, she is officially engaged to Susan Santiago (SVP at Hyatt Corporation where she started as a server in Tampa over 26 years ago! Susan was recently named one of Fortune Magazine's "Top 50 Most Powerful Latinas in Business"!). Their proposals were right out of a
fairytale! Susan surprised Laura going down on one knee in the snow on New Year's Eve behind Laura's parents' house in Plymouth WI (Laura's fav spot in the world!). In turn, Laura surprised Susan at the
Lookingglass Theater, where they first met. Susan thought she was attending one of Laura's many speaking engagements but, instead, she entered the room and Laura was onstage under a spotlight holding out a ring box. I tear up just writing this....Such thrilling news for a much loved couple! As Kup used to say, long may they love!
CONGRATS, congrats, congrats!
The Baton Show Lounge celebrated its 49th anniversary on
March 14 with a packed house at 436 N. Clark. Longtime fans (including a 93 year-old Cubs fan) enjoyed a new show featuring the reigning Mr. and Mrs. Continentals, Ramon Ventura and Shantell D'Marco. Owner Jim Flint reflected on his many years in the business at the "world's best female impersonator show" before the evening kicked off with Ginger Grant serving as emcee. (For a sneak peek of the performances, click here!) Congrats,
with love Jim to you and your wonderful team!
That's the scoop for this week! I hope you've enjoyed this latest edition. Remember, if you have any news you would like me to share, please send it to [email protected]! And, if you're not a subscriber, please sign up here! My list is never shared, only treasured!
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. A loving, unbreakable bond.....:-)
