PLUS SERVICE CLUB'S HOLIDAY LUNCHEON; SWEET HOME CHICAGO; SHERRY, MARIA, NANCY, MIKA AND TOM CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN GRAND STYLE; ALLEGREZZA "GLOWS"; THE CONVERSATION; AMERICAN WRITERS MUSEUM HONORS DYLAN; CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDENS' "ALL ABOARD!"; CELEBRITY CHEF BALL; SUPERHERO BENEFIT AND ANTIQUES ROADSHOW; ULBGC'S "MADE IN CHICAGO"; GREEN COAT GALA; BEST HOLIDAY POP-UP BARS; MISERICORDIA'S HEART OF MERCY BALL; MPOWER THE NIGHT GALA; NATIONAL HELLENIC MUSEUM'S KOUZINA 2018; SYMPHONY BALL; CHICAGO POLICE FOUNDATION'S TRUE BLUE EVENT; DARLING VIDEO AND SO MUCH MORE!
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Midwest’s largest social services agency, hosted its 17th annual Gala of the Arts with this year’s theme of Oh What a Night in the historic Navy Pier Grand Ballroom. More than 515 of Chicago’s most philanthropic, civic and community leaders enjoyed cocktails, dinner, raffle prizes and an Art Show and Sale featuring locally and nationally
recognized artists with Peggy Kusinski (NBC 5) serving as the emcee. This year, the art show and program raised over $340,000 (a record!) and was chaired by Dennis and Kristina Kelleher. Making their Gala of the
Arts debut was The Doo Wop Project. Described as 3 parts Jersey Boys, 2 parts Motown: The Musical and "not your grandma's doo wop", these five charismatic, handsome, triple threat Broadway
stars had guests dancing all night long. Catholic Charities presented the 2018 Gala of the Arts Mandatum Award to James and Molly Perry for their living example of fulfilling Christ’s mandate to serve the poor through sustained acts of charity. This coveted
award given annually at the Gala of the Arts is the most prestigious honor that Catholic Charities awards each year. The Art Show & Sale of the gala featured original artwork, photographs and "giclee" (high quality reproductions) by artists that included
Cousandra Armstrong, Carol Bilder, Jacqueline Blatchford, Constance Coultry, Tom DeMint, Molly Hayden, Jason E. Jones, Dena Lyons, Mark McMahon, Mary Ellen Mueller, Dennis B. O’Malley, Zsófia Ötvös, Jim Parks and many others. All of the artists donated a percentage of their
sales to benefit Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Programs. Proceeds from Gala of the Arts directly helps people in need by giving them a chance to move from helplessness to self-sufficiency, with 92 cents of every dollar going directly to programming and services. The Family Stabilization Efforts provide a safe place for people to go to find emergency shelter, emergency financial assistance, food, clothing, short-term case management, and referrals for long-term help. Last
year, the Family Stabilization Efforts served 1.8 million meals through eight food pantries and screened nearly 1,200 people for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The department also received 74,000 requests for rent and utility assistance. Without the assistance provided by Catholic Charities, some of the most vulnerable people in our area would have nowhere else to turn for basic human needs.
Every year, the Service Club of Chicago hosts a beautiful holiday luncheon, always with a philanthropic bent. This year, as in a few year's past, it was held in the magnificent Cathedral Room of the University Club of Chicago (on December 4). The room boasts a soaring 2-story ceiling and stained glass windows that would make the Vatican
weep. It's truly one of my favorite rooms in the city and, the guests (all 200+ of them) came dressed to the nines for the occasion. Red designer outfits were everywhere you looked adding
even more festivity to the occasion. Co-chaired by SC members Lezley Hodes, Marcia Northup LaBarge and Karen Peters, the event was another sellout for the organization. SC president Tracey Tarantino DiBuono welcomed the crowd and offered a
quote from the recently departed former President George W. Bush who said, "Service and hard work are your own rewards." The co-chairs acknowledged the late Gabrielle Weisberg, an SC member who was slated to be a co-chair before her untimely passing. Many of the touches for the event
were conceptualized by her, including the fabulous carolers from The Caroling Connection. It was a very touching moment as everyone in the room knew and loved her. For the event, guests were requested to
bring a gift for The Women's Treatment Center, a nonprofit that provides women with the recovery tools and parenting skills necessary to maintain a
sober lifestyle. A huge table was piled high with toys, books, educational DVDs, babycare items, diapers, coats and gift cards. A highlight of the event is the excellent selection of vendors who showcase their wares during a sipping/shopping reception prior to the luncheon. A newbie
this year was one of my favorites, The Gnome Colony (owner Michael Perich) who had, earlier in the year, donated 500 branded lip glosses for the Day on the Terrace crowd. Other favorites included Mary Mary,
Lulu's Vintage, Alioto's Gift Shop. Dena Lyons, Hinsdale Furriers, Toria Rose and TSG Designs, among others. The event raised over $35,000 for the Service Club, one of the oldest philanthropic organizations in the city, that provides grants for deserving nonprofits.
To support families touched by domestic violence, WINGS celebrated it's 15th annual "Sweet Home Chicago" benefit on December 9 at the Four Seasons Hotel. Founded by Rita and John Canning (who attended
with 10 of their 11 grandchildren!), the Sunday brunch benefit raised over $800,000 and was attended by 400 supporters and 200 children who enjoyed creating gingerbread houses, interacting with balloon artists, visiting
with Santa and Mrs. Claus, posing for a family portrait by Curtis Newborn, dancing to music performed by Ralph's World and relaxing with K-9 support dogs from Lutheran Church Charities. As if this weren't enough, it's one of the best brunch buffets I've ever tasted! During
2018, WINGS has helped 702 adults and children as their safety net and road to recovery from domestic violence and has raised $8.8 million since 2004 to support safe houses and
programs. (Photos by Waldemar Reichert)
Sherry Lea (Fox) Holson hosted her 16th annual holiday luncheon on December 14 at Knollwood Country Club in Lake Forest. Over 125 FOS (Friends of Sherry) showed up in force and finery to help her ring in the
holidays. Guests were encouraged to bring a gift for one of her favorite charities, Fill-a-Heart 4 Kids, a nonprofit that works with vulnerable children who have been abused, abandoned, trafficked or are runaways. Sherry says over 25,000 children in Chicago will
"benefit greatly by your generosity." Awwwww! The afternoon was filled with nonstop fun, activities, food and photos. The ladies met in the elegant entry room that was decorated top to toe in holiday cheer beginning with the elegant tree. The candles
were lit and the champagne was poured.....When the bells chimed, guests made their way into the main dining room where the Christmas cheer brought gasps from the crowd. Tables were draped in bright red
tablecloths topped with lush red and green florals. Pine scented candles made me feel like I'd entered an enchanted forest. Tables against the wall were covered with gifts that will be
included inside "Project Christmas Stockings" for 350 homeless, teenage kids in Illinois. Requested items included warm socks, blankets, hair brushes, toothbrush and toothpaste, gift cards and more--all things that many of us take for granted. It was a feel
good day all around for this woman who is known for her philanthropy and I was honored to be there among her many other friends that included Mary Pat Burns, Sharyl Mackey, Tracey Tarantino, Darby Hills, Peggy Martay, Tina Weller, Dusty Stemer, Felicia Winiecke, Vonita Reescer, Bobbi Panter, Terri Lee Ryan, Cathy Bartholomew, Pam Capitanini, Kathy Piccone, Leah Chavie, Jean Antoniou, Paula Borg,
April Schwartz, Julie Barrish, Kristina McGrath and her twin Korinna Egglehardt, Myra Reilly, Lynda Silverman, Rhonda Sanderson, Simona Garcia, Charlene Seaman, Sherrill Bodine, Heather Johnston, Karen Peters, Sue Marsland, Lezley Hodes and so many more. In true Sherry-style, every detail was attended to right down to the awesome musical group who was put through their paces during the very competitive holiday song competition. Each table chose a holiday song to perform in front of the crowd. Many, including our table, even
practiced in the hallway before being called up. In the end, two tables tied--our table (Mary Pat Burns, Tracey Tarantino, Sharyl Mackey, Peggy Martay, Rhonda Sanderson, Kristina McGrath and Korinna Egglehardt and Abby Lipton) and the one led by Tina Weller (with Jean Antoniou, Dusty Stemer, Kathy Piccone and others) who ingeniously had planned WAY ahead bringing
reindeer and Santa costumes for her entire group. In full disclosure, we were pretty lucky to have a choreographer (Tracey!) at our table to help us! Lol! It was a joyous afternoon and I had the honor of announcing that Sherry will be the next Eversight Illinois Woman of Vision, slated for October 24, 2019 (watch for exciting details coming soon!). Thanks again SLF for making all of our holidays even Merrier & Brighter! (To find out more about Fill-A-Heart 4 Kids, click here!)
Design/event guru Tom Kehoe hosted another incredible holiday party that same night, Dec. 14, at the Geraghty (2520 S. Hoyne). Themed "Cocktails, Candy Canes & Mischievous Merriment", the event was a Christmas cornucopia that featured a 30 minute
performance by the incredibly talented Chicago Children's Choir, led by the dynamic Josephine Lee. The decor, as you can imagine, was breathtaking with lighted, oversized
snowflakes twinkling across the soaring ceiling, festive photo opps and video screens depicting falling snow. Nearly 300 guests enjoyed a mulled wine
station and decadent buffet as they mixed and mingled. Seen on the scene were Tony Abruscato, Bob and Dawn Davis, Alicia Skruba, Stacey Kolios, Zachary Heller, Pierre Lockett, Joshua Blake Carter and so many others. Thanks for always bringing the fun Tom! :-)
More holiday merriment took place at the Chicago Temple when the Allegrezza singers (accompanied by pianist
Stephen Uhl) filled the night with songs of Christmas at its annual GLOW recital. Stephen C. Edwards, artistic director and founder, said, "Allegrezza is a dream come true. Nothing embodies joy, hope and love like a choir. Allegrezza not only exemplifies these characteristics, but they also have the rare opportunity of giving these gifts back to our audiences and supporters." The program began with "Alleluia, Venite Gaudete" and included a solo during the "White Christmas (Choral Medley) by tenor/friend Greg Hyder. The evening ended with "O Holy Night" and not a dry eye in the house. (The group performed that Sunday in Hinsdale as well). Click here for
upcoming performances!
And even more parties! Media darling Mika Stambaugh hosed her annual Media Friends party at Moe's Cantina on December 7. No one could miss this dynamo in her sparkling silver dress with a hoodie attached--she "sleighed"! She mixed and mingled with friends that included Lisa Fielding, Jon Hansen, Brenda Langstraat, Molly Louthan, Shruthi
Reddy, Jeanne Arens, Pat McDonald, Hope Bertram, Connie Johnson, Lisa Kosty, Robin Monsky, Shannan Bunting, Aga Rhodes, Jean Medina, Tom McElroy, Dan Kotowski, Joann Fakhouri, Jon and Andrew Landan, Steve Bernas, Mark Roscoe, Chuck Jordan and so many more! Thanks for connecting all of us Mika! Ho! Ho! Ho! (Photos by Barb Levant)
And even more connections were made at the 3rd annual "Conversation", a mixer organized by Agency H5 founder Kathleen Kenehan Henson and Tarrah Cooper (managing partner Rise Strategy Group). The event was held at the Hampton Social Streeterville and was intended to inspire and connect influential women in Chicago. Seen on the scene were Abigail Zoe Martin, Amanda Horowitz, An-An Ku, Becka Bates, Carmin Awadzi, Dawn Reese, Donna Mondi, Dorian Carter, Elitsa Bizios, Emily Henson, Holly Buckendahl, Jana Jones, Joanna Sobran, Kara Bachman,
Kendra Gilliams, Lisa Bennett, Lolly Bowean, Meredith Merrill, Mihira Patel, Sabina Bokhari, Tara Swords, Terika Richardson and yours truly. Each woman introduced herself and shared her passion/passions with the group. As a parting gift, guests were presented with a beautiful coffee table book by Carol Bernick (CEO Polished Nickel Capital Management), "Gather as You Go--Sharing Lessons Learned Along the Way." (Proceeds from the sales of the book benefits Enchanted Backpack, a nonprofit that provides books and school supplies to under-resourced elementary and middle schools
in the Chicagoland area.)
Interior designer extraordinaire, Nancy Traylor, hosted an
intimate holiday gathering at her uber-elegant Gold Coast home where well-heeled guests mixed and mingled while a pianist and a cellist played softly in the background. A dazzling buffet, firelight and candles completed the perfect, glamorous night. And, always the most gracious hostess, Nancy greeted guests in a top hat with a sprig of holly. Deeee-lightful!
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas hosted her annual holiday party on December 7 at the Cook County Building where guests were surrounded by beautifully decorated trees from every nation. This was the 16th year for the
"Christmas Trees from Around the World" display, with each tree decorated by ethnic communities from across Chicagoland. Maria played piano while partygoers enjoyed the scenery, sweets and sing-a-longs in a variety of languages. She is a force! Keep up the great work Maria! We love you!
American Writers Museum board members, sponsors, major donors and members got a first ever public glimpse of "The Most Infamous Guitar in Rock & Roll" during a special sneak preview of Bob Dylan: Electric on November 15. The exhibit, curated by multi award-winning music journalist Alan Light, showcases rare music memorabilia, handwritten song lyrics, and unique artifacts from Bob Dylan's lifetime of work. Attendees were treated to the unveiling of a piece that had never before been on public display - the Fender
Stratocaster guitar Bob Dylan played at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965. This electric performance, the first by the folk music icon, was met with outrage from the crowd and the guitar mysteriously went missing for nearly 50 years! It was discovered in the attic by the family of Bob Dylan's private pilot. The guitar was purchased at auction for nearly $1 million by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and graciously loaned
to American Writers Museum. Wowza!
The Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society raised over $310,000 at its 13th annual All Aboard! gala, co-chaired by Nicole Peterson and Katie Ford, on November 30, at the Chicago Botanic Garden. More than 340 guests enjoyed the
event that supports Windy City Harvest, the Garden’s urban agriculture, education, and jobs-training initiative. This program helps to grow a local Chicago food system, to create healthier communities, and build a greener economy.
Guests were greeted with cider Moscow mules and a quartet of carolers before entering the Wonderland Express exhibition to explore illuminated landscapes, stunning plant displays, garden-scale trains and miniature replicas of Chicago landmarks. Guests mingled in
the Krehbiel Gallery with the option to enter a raffle for 1-carat diamond stud earrings. Kehoe Designs created the themed dining rooms, that included “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow,” and “Star Light, Star Bright.” Following a delicious dinner prepared by The Entertaining Company, guests departed with hot chocolate, star wand cookies, Garden Freak gardening gloves and paperwhite bulbs.
BNY Mellon Wealth Management and Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ hosted a Superhero Benefit and Antiques Road Show that helped make dreams come true for Fill a Heart 4 Kids, an organization that helps more than 1,300 unaccompanied homeless youth and rescued children living in Cook and Lake Counties. The magical fundraising event was held on Nov. 30, at the historic Glen Rowan Home in Lake Forest where more than 150 guests enjoyed an evening of festive fare, viewing of a rare Leslie Hindman Auctioneers’ jewelry exhibition, the sounds of string quartet Music in the Loop and a spirited live auction with a flurry of paddles raising and a bidding war over a decadent 30lb chocolate Santa that sold for a $1,700! The event also featured a one-of-a-kind “antiques roadshow,” giving guests an exclusive opportunity to receive appraisals on their own prized possessions by a Leslie Hindman auctioneer specialist.(Fill a Heart 4 Kids has many opportunities to volunteer and donate throughout the year. Programs include Survival BacPacs 4 Homeless Kids, Locker Homes 4 Homeless Kids, food Gift Cards 4 Homeless Kids, and events and experiences, such as
movie nights, birthday and holiday parties. For more info, click here!)
More than 300 guests joined the Union League Boys & Girls Clubs on November 3 as the nonprofit kicked off its upcoming 100th anniversary with an evening of dinner, dancing and diamonds at its 41st annual Gala, “MADE IN CHICAGO” held at the Union League Club. Led by event
chair Margaret Jahn, the event raised more than $300,000 to benefit youth served by the nonprofit’s after-school programs in some of Chicago’s most vulnerable neighborhoods. WGN-TV’s Micah Materre emceed the gala that included a live auction and a unique “Diamond
Drop Drawing”, where guests were invited to “buy” one of 100 glasses of fine champagne for a chance at winning diamond jewelry valued at nearly $8,000 donated by C.D. Peacock. The evening was capped off with dancing and an ‘After-Glow’ dessert bar. In
2017 alone, Union League Boys and Girls Clubs served over 14,000 youth members at its professionally-staffed inner-city clubs located in the Pilsen, West Town, Humboldt Park, Bucktown, South Lawndale and Englewood communities. (The ULBGC is a separate organization from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago although both are chartered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.)
Golf great Mark O'Meara was the featured guest on Nov. 2 at the Western Golf Association’s seventh 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 O'Meara, a two-time major champion and member of the World Golf Hall of Fame. All proceeds benefited the ESF, a nonprofit administered by the WGA, which provides full college tuition and housing scholarships to caddies. Currently, a record 985 Evans
Scholars are attending 18 universities nationwide. At the Gala, veteran NBC/Golf Channel commentator and emcee Mark Rolfing held a “fireside chat” with O'Meara, where they touched on topics including the importance of caddies to the game of golf, the Ryder Cup and the game’s young stars. The event also featured a speech by Nick (Ohio State '19) and Ellyn
(Notre Dame '22) Jarrell who spoke about overcoming family tragedy to caddie and earn the Evans Scholarship. The funds raised from the 2018 event will help send caddies to college – at a time when a record number of applicants are applying for the Evans Scholarship. The Evans Scholars Program is expanding from coast to coast, with leaders planning to have 1,000 caddies in school by the year 2020.
Kohl Children’s Museum of Greater Chicago welcomed nearly 400 guests to its annual “An Evening to Imagine” gala. Co-chaired by Gina Gooden, Megan Dorsay and Carrie and Brad Hughes, the event raised more than $400,000 to support the Museum’s educational programming, exhibits, services for children with special needs and outreach to children and families in low-income communities. Guests
enjoyed an evening of dining, music, dancing and live entertainment beginning at Kohl Children’s Museum, followed by a surprise trip to a nearby venue decorated to resemble a rustic Southern mansion. Guests, who were invited to dress up for the “masquerade” theme, were entertained by the band Spoken
Four and enjoyed a dinner prepared by J&L Catering. The evening honored outgoing Museum president/CEO, Sheridan Turner, who after 20 years in her leadership role will be stepping down to return to England and establish an animal physical therapy practice. Turner was given a heartfelt send off in remarks from both Board of Trustees chair Jack Ball and
board member Carrie Hughes, before they awarded her the Power of Play award in recognition of her many contributions to the Chicagoland community. “Thank you all for your support of the Museum’s mission to provide playful experiences that inspire every child,” said Turner during her acceptance speech. “It has truly been an honor to be a part of this amazingly impactful institution, and I look forward to see it continue to grow, especially as
we raise funds for and execute the Play it Forward campaign over the coming months, which has already received more than half of its funding." Founded by Dolores Kohl in 1985, Kohl Children’s Museum opened in Wilmette to provide interactive exhibits and hands-on programs that promote learning through play for very young children ages birth to 8. Since 1998, under the stewardship of Turner, the Museum has placed itself at the forefront of providing exhibits and programs that are aligned to the Illinois Early Learning and Development Standards and have become a national model for children’s museums.
The Meals on Wheels Celebrity Chef Ball marked its 30th anniversary at Morgan Manufacturing with WTTW Check Please! host and restaurateur Alpana Singh serving as honorary chair/emcee and this year’s featured chefs Cory Morris (Boleo), Devon Quinn (Eden),
Paul Virant (Vie/Vistro), Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven) among others. The Ball included two parties: VIP Chef’s Table and the Chef’s Tasting Party. The VIP event
included a pre-event cocktail reception followed by an intimate dining experience. Seated in small clusters, each served by three chefs and a mixologist, guests enjoyed a six-course dinner, an array of pastry specialties, and a live auction. The VIP ticket also
included entry to the Chef’s Tasting Party where attendees enjoyed a dine-around of over 40 chef and cocktail stations, along with a raffle, silent auction, and dancing. Sampling signature dishes and specialty cocktails, guests had the opportunity to interact with each chef. Proceeds from the event supported Meals on Wheels Chicago's mission to promote independence for Chicago seniors and individuals with disabilities through meal delivery.
Presented by the Misericordia Women's Board, the always inspiring Heart of Mercy Ball was held on November 16 at the Chicago Hilton & Towers with over 800 guests in attendance. The event supported
Misericordia, home to over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, located on the north side of Chicago in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Raising over $1 million, the funds will
help provide a wide range of residential options on Misericordia's 31-acre Chicago campus and in the community as well as a
variety of programs, including work opportunities and therapy programs, that are provided to residents on a daily basis. The event honored Andy Gloor (Sterling Bay) with the Heart of
Mercy Award; Jay Doherty (City Club of Chicago) and Colleen Doherty with the Sister Rosemary Connelly Service Medallion Award and ComEd with the Pillars of the Community Award, that was accepted by its CEO Anne Pramaggiore. (Photos by Robert F. Kusel)
Arne Duncan led a riveting discussion Nov. 10 in front of a crowd of over 450 attendees at Metropolitan Family Services’ Mpower the Night Gala. Moderated by Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini (ABC 7’s Windy City Live) the
wide-ranging discussion touched on violence in Chicago, the work of Chicago CRED in helping ex-offenders find work and what businesses and the community must do to help address violence in the city. Arne participated in Mpower the Night at the request of Ric Estrada, president/CEO of Metropolitan
Family Services, and also joined a panel discussion with leaders from the Metropolitan-convened “Communities Partnering 4 Peace,” better known as CP4P, a collective of Chicago’s top street outreach/violence interruption organizations who are working on the ground to
reduce violence in the top nine Chicago communities most impacted by violence. Several CP4P representatives participated in the panel including Vaughn Bryant (CP4P director); Jorge Matos (associate director of Violence Prevention Programs, the Alliance of
Local Service Organizations (ALSO); and Rodney Phillips (Outreach Worker, Target Area Development Corporation). The event was chaired by ULTA Beauty chief store operations manager Kecia Steelman, who also is a Metropolitan Board Member. Highlights included the presentation of the organization's Legacy Award to Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL (accepted by president Maurice Smith). The event raised $1.1 million to support programs and services provided by Metropolitan Family Services, the city’s legacy human services agency that reaches almost 80,000 families and individuals throughout Chicago, Cook and DuPage counties with services that empower
people to learn, earn, heal and thrive.
The National Hellenic Museum hosted its longstanding fundraiser, NHM Kouzina 2018, “A Twist on the Classics,” on November 1 at the Museum. The event celebrated the culinary prowess of Chicago and raised funds in support of its educational and cultural programming. Hundreds of
food lovers, hospitality insiders and more enjoyed a night of mingling, drinking and dining with Chicago's culinary elite. One of Chicago’s most exciting, “hidden gem” culinary events, Kouzina introduced guests to both classic and innovative Mediterranean flavors offering guests the chance to taste their way
through bites from several of the city’s best chefs.
The Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA) and the Symphony Ball Committee hosted Symphony Ball, the CSOA’s largest annual fundraiser on October 6. Zell Music
Director Riccardo Muti led the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in a festive gala concert program of music by Brahms, Puccini, Josef Strauss and Johann Strauss Jr. Celebrated pianist David Fray also joined Muti and the Orchestra as soloist in Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24. The elegant benefit raised more than $1.3 million and welcomed more than 525 guests for the post-concert gala at the Palmer House. (CSOA
Women’s Board member Leigh Ann Herman and her husband, Casey Herman, served as chairs for Symphony Ball 2018, and CSOA Trustee Donna L. Kendall and CSOA Life Trustee David E. McNeel served as co-chairs. As part of the evening’s program, CSOA President Jeff Alexander and Board Chair Helen Zell welcomed guests with greetings of gratitude and recognized Lady Solti, widow of former CSO Music Director Sir Georg Solti, who was in attendance. Alexander and Zell also introduced a special tribute video to Dick and Helen Thomas, who were honored for their longtime support of the orchestra. (Photos by Todd Rosenberg Photos)
The Chicago Police Foundation hosted its 4th annual True Blue Event which took place November 3 at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. The evening consisted of a cocktail reception that featured demonstrations by various Chicago Police Department
divisions including SWAT, LEMART, K-9, Mounted Unit, Marine Unit, Honor Guard, Bomb Squad, Firearms Instructors and more. Upon conclusion of the reception, Superintendent Eddie Johnson and Nakia Fenner-Johnson led the Emerald Society
Pipe & Drums along with the Honor Guard into the Ballroom where guests enjoyed a unique live auction followed by a delicious dinner, upbeat live music and dancing. The CPF raised over $200,000, all of which goes directly
towards supporting its mission of improving the city of Chicago’s public safety by supporting and funding programs that supplement resources and equipment available to the Chicago Police Department. (Since there are no paid salaries at the Chicago Police Foundation, every dime raised goes directly towards
our heroes in blue.)
If you're planning on visiting any of the holiday pop-up bars, I would like to recommend Santa Baby Bar at 3505 N. Clark Street. Elf'd UP, is another cute one right next door but Santa Baby is so lit it can be seen
from outer space!
Hope your holidays are shining brightly and that all your loved ones are happy, healthy and safe. Here's looking forward to a stellar 2019 for one and all!
Until next year,
Love,
Candace
[email protected]
P.S. As always, something to leave you with a smile!
