THE FIELD MUSEUM GALA; CHICAGO URBAN LEAGUE'S GOLDEN FELLOWSHIP DINNER; GIORDANO DANCE CHICAGO THRILLS AT THE HARRIS; EISENBERG FOUNDATION'S RECORD-BREAKER; DIFFA'S ART FOR LIFE; A SAFE PLACE GALA CELEBRATES 40; CRAFTS FOR HEALTH AT BOTANIC GARDEN; CHRISTIE HONORED BY BGA; JASON WU HONORED BY COSTUME COUNCIL; THE GRINCH AND MAKE-A-WISH KICK OFF MACY'S "BELIEVE" CAMPAIGN; HALLOWEEN 2018; AN ENCHANTING CANDLELIGHT TOUR IN PULLMAN; CHRISTKINDLMARKET 2018; CASL'S "WINTER SOCIAL"; WHY CHRISTMAS MATTERS; HOLIDAY CHEER FOR THE MART; HOUNDSTOOTH BALL WITH TINSLEY MORTIMER; A DESIGNER YOU SHOULD KNOW; THREE OAKS SNOWFLAKE STROLL; CUTE VIDEOS AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!
Chicago Children’s Choir (CCC), the largest children’s choir in the country, hosted its annual Red Jacket Optional Gala, where more than 600 guests gathered to raise funds in support of CCC programs in 90 Chicago schools and after-school programs in 10 Chicago neighborhoods, impacting 5,000 youth. This year, an unprecedented $1.37 million was raised!
“Each year we are truly blown away by the overwhelming love and support that is shown by our supporters and the community,” said CCC president/artistic director, Josephine Lee. For the third year, Red Jacket
Optional was hosted at The Geraghty, a stunning event space in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood (and one of my favorites!). Tom Kehoe, owner of The Geraghty and president of Kehoe Designs, also served as this
year’s gala design chair. Guests were greeted by CCC singers ages 8-12 (from across the city) as they arrived and enjoyed cocktails on the red carpet before dinner prepared by BOKA Catering Group Executive Chef, Giuseppe Tentori. CCC’s renowned top ensemble, Voice of Chicago, gave multiple performances in a true display
of the hard work and dedication that CCC instills in its members. In addition to the performances, outgoing CCC Board Chairman, Bob Fealy and his wife Rose were honored in a special ceremony recognizing their tireless dedication to CCC. (Elliot Mandell Photos)
More than 1,500 supporters attended the Chicago Urban League's 57th Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner, co-chaired by Charles Matthews (president/CEO Peoples Gas) and Melvin Williams (president Nicor Gas) at the Hilton Chicago on November 3. The black-tie gala, the organization's
largest fundraiser of the year, raised more than $2 million in donations and pledges to support the League’s work to help people find jobs, secure affordable housing, pursue educational opportunities and launch or grow their businesses. Hosted by Chicago comedian Damon Williams for a seventh year, the gala focused on the theme #CurrentSituation: Our Race to Equity, which emphasizes the long-running
economic and social disparities faced by Black communities in Chicago, as well as the League’s progress and ongoing efforts toward achieving equity for African Americans in several realms, including employment, housing and education. Interim president/CEO Barbara Lumpkin expressed her delight and gratitude over the event's success. National Urban League
president/CEO Marc Morial delivered the gala’s keynote address and shared strong words about suffrage and democracy. "The last couple of years have been a challenging time for us as a nation, and as a civil rights and racial justice community," said Morial. "As Urban Leaguers, we have not yet seen a
challenge we did not rise to meet. I believe most Americans believe in the one-person, one-vote principle of democracy. Democracy. Diversity. Dignity. This is what America
truly represents. If we commit ourselves to upholding 'the Three Ds,' we can be the country we truly are meant to be." The coveted Edwin C. “Bill” Berry Award was presented to longtime businessman John W. Rogers, Jr. (Chairman/CEO/Chief Investment Officer of Ariel Investments).The League’s Lester H. McKeever, Jr. Individual Service Award was presented to Dorothy Leavell (National Newspaper Publishers Association chairman/publisher of the Chicago Crusader and Gary Crusader newspapers). The event ended on a high note with a rousing performance by Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, who performed crowd favorites including "Joy and Pain," "Happy Feelings" and "Before I Let Go."
The Field Museum's annual fundraising gala, co-chaired by Women's Board members Beth Kauffman and Laura Podjasek, raised $2.16 million in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the museum! The funds raised by this October 20 event will support the Museum’s collections-based research and
conservation efforts, education programs and inspiring visitor experiences. The event celebrated milestones over the Museum’s first 125 years, demonstrated the Museum’s vision for the future, and presented a meaningful opportunity to honor The Grainger Foundation and Juli Plant Grainger with
the Marshall Field V Award for Distinguished Leadership in recognition of more than 50 years of exemplary service and philanthropy. “It would be very hard to overstate the impact The Grainger Foundation has had across so many areas of the museum’s work. From public-facing exhibition spaces to scientific
research and the digitization of our vast collections, its generosity has been of enormous importance. Juli Plant Grainger’s significant role and important contributions to this partnership spanned more than 30 years as a Women’s Board member and Life Trustee,” said Museum President and CEO, Richard W. Lariviere. The makeover of iconic Stanley Field Hall, made possible by the generous
support of the Kenneth C. Griffin Charitable Fund, was one of the evening’s main attractions. Guests were greeted by new hanging gardens, a flock of pterosaurs and Máximo the titanosaur, Patagotitan mayorum, the
largest dinosaur ever discovered. Hailing from Patagonia, Argentina, the touchable titanosaur cast reaches 122 feet across Stanley Field Hall and stands 28 feet tall at the head. Opposite Máximo hang four state-of-the-art hanging
gardens featuring more than 1,000 live plants. Made from bioplastics, these clouds are the world’s largest 3D printed garden structures. The evening included a reception, seated dinner, and dancing for 560 guests including Women’s Board members, Trustees, and civic and corporate leaders. The Museum’s young professionals group, the Field Associates, joined the Gala After-Party for dancing. (Photos by Robert Carl and Elliot Mandel)
Giordano Dance Chicago celebrated its 56th anniversary season with back-to-back blockbuster performances at the Harris Theater on October 26 and 27. The theater was packed with supporters, fans and friends on opening night, when we attended, to witness a
performance like none other. "Live in the Momentum" could be marching orders for this tight, dynamic company that shows us again and again new and astonishing talents, both in dance and acting abilities. "Sidecar" opened the evening and the jaw-dropping steps didn't end until the final curtain. I
was particularly interested in seeing the finale, "Soul", choreographed by Ray Leeper, since it was created in my honor. The standing ovations never stopped and I'm happy to let you know it will be performed again during its March 22/23, 2019, performances back at
the Harris. I won't give anything away if you haven't seen it--let's just say it was so moving that my waterproof mascara didn't work. Chuck and I were invited backstage before the performance and participated in the company's
traditional "Circle" which is profoundly moving. I was happy to have my dance mentor Helen Melchior with me as she is the friend responsible for my interest in the world of dance. Afterwards, several company members and friends met up at the Radisson Blu to toast to GDC's success. On Saturday night, an after-party at Jim Karas provided another great opportunity to celebrate. I'm thrilled to be a new board member for this exciting company and can't wait to see where they take us next! (Check this link for performance info!)
Hundreds of stylish art aficionados were in attendance for DIFFA/Chicago’s 2nd annual Art For Life Chicago juried art auction and exhibition at Venue West on Oct. 18. The high energy evening of bidding, beverages and bites featured a stunning array of donated works from well-known established professional and emerging artists, as well as a memoriam for the late artist Kieran McGonnell. One of the Art For Life Chicago highlights
was the sought-after “Off the Wall” opportunity where guests ‘purchased and cut’ a desired piece from a giant art canvas to create their own, one-of- a-kind keepsake from the night. Funds raised at Art For Life Chicago will fund grants for local non-profits and those impacted by HIV/AIDS. DIFFA/Chicago (Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids) is a not-for-profit fundraising and grant-making
foundation that distributes funds to Chicago area HIV/AIDS Service agencies that provide direct services, preventative education and outreach to people who are HIV positive, living with AIDS or at risk for infection. Founded in 1984, DIFFA has granted more than $41 million to hundreds of community-based organizations nationwide.
Over 750 people, largely from Chicago’s commercial real estate industry, gathered at the Hilton Chicago for the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation’s 20th Annual Dinner co-chaired by Kevin Wolfberg and Elizabeth O'Brien. The event raised a record-breaking $560,000 to benefit the foundation’s two-pronged mission of funding gastrointestinal (GI) cancer research and advancing real estate education. The Foundation
celebrated 20 years of accomplishments, including the largest single gift in their history, a $1.5M commitment to fund the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation GI Cancer OncoSET program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University. The OncoSET program is an unprecedented initiative to deliver
personalized cancer treatments to patients with very limited options. Regena Florisi shared her personal journey with GI cancer. Two years ago, Regena was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer that spread to her liver, lungs and lymph nodes. Six months ago, Regena came to Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern after not responding to traditional treatments. The
OncoSET Program, funded by the Foundation, has provided options for Regena that were never before possible. On the real estate education side, the Foundation announced the Sheila Eisenberg Scholarship in partnership with Embarc. In addition to the $50,000 awarded in annual scholarships and the several hands-on real estate mentorship opportunities, two $5,000
scholarships will be awarded annually to under-resourced high school students that are interested in pursuing their college studies in the field of real estate. “The support of our board members, sponsors and the powerful commercial real estate industry continue to push us forward in our work to fight GI cancer through cutting-edge personalized medicine,” says executive director, Katie Wales. (The evening’s presenting sponsor was Wintrust and premier sponsors were Clark Street Real Estate, NARE and Old Second Bank.)
More than 300 guests walked past 25 powerful, soul-stirring images created by survivors of domestic violence expressing their personal healing journeys as they entered the “Unmask the Violence: Empowered Voices” Gala to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of A Safe Place on October 6 at the Chicago Marriott Lincolnshire. Along with the art exhibit, cocktail
reception, dinner, fabulous live and silent auction, opportunity drawing, raffle prizes and awards, the event raised over $250,000 for programs and services for victims of domestic violence that include the emergency shelter, permanent housing, legal advocacy, support groups, prevention and education outreach, and more. The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction with unique experiences and luxury items, a fun photo booth,
whiskey tasting, cigars, a wine pull, and live music by Pat McKillen, a Chicago folk, pop, rock singer-songwriter. “This event is critical in raising funds to help give families of domestic violence a better life,” said gala co-chair Andrea Rosengarden. “Abuse affects so many people in our communities, from our own family, coworkers, and neighbors to people we would never even suspect. It is vital that we continue to advocate for victims and open the community’s
eyes, so we can end violence once and for all.” Two worthy community advocates were honored for their ongoing leadership and true spirit of volunteerism that advances the rights of victims of domestic violence. Annick Deubler, creator of the Hermitage Foundation, who has supported A Safe Place every year since 1995, was given the Betty Toser “Angel” Award. The Honorable Veronica M. O’Malley, judge of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court of Lake County was awarded the Joyce Fitzgerald Award. All proceeds support the organization’s lifesaving programs and services for victims of domestic violence and their children, including crisis support, housing, legal advocacy, counseling, community outreach, and education to prevent future abuse. Last year, A Safe Place served over 16,000 of our neighbors. (Photos by Colleen Gallagher)
More than 8,000 craft lovers and enthusiasts attended the 34th annual American Craft Exposition (ACE) at the Chicago Botanic Garden, helping to raise more than $550,000 to support mental health initiatives at NorthShore University HealthSystem. Presented by
The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore), the juried exposition and sale of fine craft featured one-of-a-kind pieces and unique luxury collections from over 140 of the country’s leading craftspeople, including an emerging artists category,
which showcased the work of the most interesting up-and-coming talent. Co-chaired by Leslie Sevcik and Kathy Leighton, ACE took place September 21 through September 23 with a preview party on September 20. “Funds raised will help create a
Psychiatric Urgent Care Program and the implementation of a Collaborative Care Model, which will allow patients to get the help they need as soon as they need it,” said co-chair Leighton. ACE 2019 will take place at the Chicago Botanic Garden September 20-22, and will also support these initiatives, which will vastly minimize the wait times for patients in need of urgent care for mental health concerns. They will also help primary care physicians provide expanded mental health services to families. (Photos by Jonathan Hillenbrand)
The Better Government Association (BGA) celebrated its 95th Anniversary on October 16 by hosting its annual Fall Luncheon at the Hilton Chicago. The event attracted 700 civic and business leaders and raised $2.1M - a fundraising record for a civic luncheon in Chicago. New president/CEO David Greising recounted BGA accomplishments of the past year: high-impact investigative reporting, tireless policy
advocacy work and new civic engagement initiatives including Illinois Votes, a one-stop shop to find reliable, nonpartisan information in advance of upcoming elections. The luncheon featured Judy Woodruff, host of PBS NewsHour, and her husband,
Al Hunt, Bloomberg opinion columnist. In conversation with former BGA president/CEO, Andy Shaw, Woodruff and Hunt spoke to the critical role of a free press in today’s tumultuous political climate. The BGA also honored First Amendment advocate Christie Hefner with the Daniel L. Goodwin Watchdog Award. Many of Hefner’s
family and friends joined her at the luncheon including her mother, Millie Gunn, 92, who drove from Northfield, Illinois, to attend the event. Hefner also was supported by close friend Jill Wine-Banks, a BGA board member, former Watergate prosecutor, and current MSNBC contributor. Greising expressed his gratitude to guests saying, “the BGA fights every day for the cause of good government across Illinois. By your attendance here today, by your support of our mission, you have joined us in the fight. Together, we will get the work done. For the good of our state, we must. Thank you for joining in the effort." (Photos by Kyle Flubacker and Tyler Kaschke)
Designer Jason Wu will be honored with the President's Circle Award by the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum on Friday, November 16, at the Woman's Athletic Club. A Champagne reception begins at 11 am with a luncheon following. A conversation with Wu will be conducted by JP Anderson, editor-in-chief Michigan Avenue Magazine. For tickets, more info, click here!
The Grinch was hard at work at Macy's State Street earlier this week trying to steal their newly placed holiday decor on the 7th floor. Luckily, we stopped him! The tree lighting ceremony and the kick-off to the store's The Believe campaign was held on November 3 with a Chicago theme this year. America's Got Talent runner-up Angelica Hale performed and helped light the tree
alongside Ethan, a special Make-A-Wish child. Angelica had her own wish granted in 2013 when she underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. This year's Great Tree pays homage to some of Chicago's most iconic landmarks, including Macy's on State Street's own Great Clocks. Just like the store's address (111 N. State Street), this year, Macy's celebrates all things 111--
the 111th Great Tree Lighting and the 111th anniversary of the pair of Great Clocks. Don't miss this annual, delightful holiday tradition NOR the "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" musical at the Chicago Theatre, November 16- 23! (Check out Macy's holiday decor in this fun video!)
I hope everyone had a wonderful Halloween! I miss not having kids come to the door now that we live in a high-rise but we still celebrated with "our kid" Rooney at my fave Pumpkin Patch, Bengston's in Homer Glen (13341 W. 151st
St.) It has EVERYTHING you want in a pumpkin farm including apple cider donuts, petting zoo barn, pig races (see video here), kiddie train rides, corn box barn, general store, free family photos, haunted barn, baby animal farm, hayrides, pumpkin chuckers, live music, specialty food stations and so much more! Bengston's Christmas Tree Farm will open soon, I hope. :-)
Speaking of Christmas, I can't wait to experience the Candlelight House Tour in the Pullman Historic District on Sunday, December 9! The event kicks off at the Pullman National Monument Visitor Information Center (11141 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago) with the tour running from 4 pm until 6 pm. A light buffet will be served at the center following the tours. (For tickets, more info, click here!)
Another event, sure to get you inspired for the holidays, will take place in Three Oaks, Michigan, on Saturday, November 9. Harbor Country Holiday Season begins with the annual Snowflake Stroll, an evening that will delight young and old with charming decor, Santa and Mrs. Claus, treats, in-store holiday cheer and so much more! The Village Christmas Parade will be held at 6:30 pm leading to the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Carver Park at 7 pm. (For more details, click here) Ho! Ho! Ho!
And let's not forget the much loved Christkindlmarket coming to Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington) on November 16 and running through December 24! A preview party will take place on November 15 from 5-8:30 pm (tickets are $25 to $140 at
www.christkindlmarket.com ) The market will be open between 11 am and 8 pm Sunday through Thursday and between 11 am and 9 pm on Friday and Saturday. It will close at 4 pm on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve. A hot item this year will be the darling, newly designed souvenir mugs that will be heart-shaped in honor of the market's theme, "Ich liebe Christkindlmarket" or "I love Christkindlmarket"! ($6 each). See you there!
And for even MORE holiday cheer, Art on the Mart will begin projecting a holiday display starting November 17. The imagery will remain through the end of the year! Chicago, I love you!
CASL (Chinese American Service League) will celebrate 40 years of serving the community on Friday, November 30, at its annual "Winter Social." The evening will be held at the Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall and include "game stations", calligraphy and culinary demos and so much more! (For tickets, more info, click here!)
I finally found justification for decorating early for Christmas! In an article written by Murphy Moroney titled "Psychologists Confirm People Who Decorate Christmas Early Are Happier," psychoanalyst
Steve McKeown says, "In a world full of stress and anxiety, people like to associate to things that make them happy, and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of childhood. Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement." So there, amen and let the decorating begin!
Give a few bones and help make Chicago a no-kill city at One Tail at a Time’s 10th annual Houndstooth Ball at Morgan Manufacturing on Nov. 30! The Ball’s
Guest of Honor and VIP Party Host will be The Real Housewives of New York’s Tinsley Mortimer. All proceeds from the event will fund the rescue, rehabilitation and adoption of dogs (and kittens) in need, comprehensive support of adopters and community outreach including humane education and assistance for disadvantaged and low-income families. With this support, OTAT is expected to save over 700 animals this year alone. (For tickets, more info,click here!)
I met an amazing fashion designer at the recent Chicago Lighthouse event. His name is Rye Williams of Rye+Williams Creative Group. He was wearing a most amazing "scarf" (the MULTI-VERSE, 5-in-1 scarf) and I asked him about it. As it turned out, the scarf was wayyyyyy more than just a neckpiece--the faux fur piece had pockets, gloves, a zippered compartment and about a zillion ways to wear it. He customizes it in any style for your specific needs. And, the best part is, besides being so very talented (he's been making clothes since he was 12), he is one helluva do-gooder. He told me, "I don't have much money but I share my time and knowledge as much as possible. I'm especially passionate about helping at-risk youths and the underfed. I also enjoy
supporting medical causes." He described his design passion this way, ""Fashion for everywear" means that your clothes should not only help you express your identity but also ensure that you’re ready for anything. I’m making the most versatile fashion in the world and solving common, everyday HASSLES in a beautiful way. If you think about it, phones, cars, and computers have all gotten better over time. These things help us live our lives in a more seamless way. The fashion industry has not innovated in decades. Why is everything around us getting smarter except the items we never leave home without? I am replacing archaic styles with modern design. It is time." (For more info about this delightful, forward-thinking tech apparel designer, please click here!)
I hope you've enjoyed this week's edition of Candid Candace, the hardest working blog in showbiz! I look forward to finding the most useful, inspiring, exciting news from Chicago and beyond just for YOU! If you have any requests or suggestions, please contact me at [email protected] or [email protected].
Looking forward to our next get-together!
Candace :-)
P.S. And, as always, something to make you smile! Please meet the very patient Maymo and Penny!
