Plus: True Blue benefits our brave Chicago Police; Ping Pong for Jackson Chance Foundation; Leslie's BIG BD party; Auditorium Theatre Gala; 3Arts Awards Celebration; BMO/Mag Mile Lights Festival with MyEyeDr; American Craft Exhibition party at the Botanic Garden; Top shops for Christmas gifts; DIFFA Chicago's Art for Life; Bear Necessities' first Little Black Dress Luncheon; Chicago Children's Museum gala; Izzy introduces FBRK Impact House, a new home for charities; The one and only Mamie Walton; Sheryl Dyer's love-filled afternoon; James R. Jordan Foundation's "Bags for Kids"'; A knighthood for Joe Monastero; Mpower the Night; The delicious Robert's Pizza and Dough Co.; Money for Funny, Music for Free; Common Threads in the news; O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree; Chicago's top pop-up Christmas bars; An amazing Video; This & That and SOOO much more!
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In 1976, Newsweek named Diane von Furstenberg ‘the most marketable woman since Coco Chanel’. In a one-of-a-kind Executives’ Club of Chicago Signature Series discussion on November 14, fashion mogul Furstenberg shared highlights from her decades long career in fashion and philanthropy during a sold-out luncheon at the Radisson Blu Aqua. Clad in a chic knit leopard print sweater and skirt with black boots, the fashion icon was joined by moderator, Kristina O’Neill, WSJ Magazine, editor and veteran of the New York magazine industry, who conducted the hour long interview. Diane shared her most recent philanthropic work as chair of the fund-raising for the much anticipated Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island in New York City. They discussed the importance of utilizing one’s voice, knowledge and connections to uplift
liberties and freedoms in this country and in particular for women empowerment. Margaret Mueller, ECC president/CEO and Tracie Morris, US Chief HR and Inclusion Officer BMO Financial Group, welcomed the crowd along with new ECC Chief
Content and Communications Officer, Eva Penar. Diane has dedicated her life to empowering women all over the world through her philanthropic efforts. She was born of Belgian Jewish parents. Her mother survived Auschwitz, being liberated weighing only 49 pounds. 18 months later, Diane was born. She told the crowd, after her mother suffered in the camp, she never allowed Diane to show fear even going so far as locking her in the closet when she was afraid of the dark. In 1974, Furstenberg introduced the wrap dress that would make her world famous at 23 years of age. By the time she was 28, she had 18 licensing agreements. She shared many words of wisdom with the rapt crowd including the following: 1) "I promise you, the most important relationship you have is with yourself. Once you have that, every other relationship is a plus and not a must." 2) The only thing you have 100% control over is your character. You can lose your health but you never lose your character." 3) "The secret to life is owning it. If you own your
imperfections, they become an asset and if you own your vulnerability, it becomes your strength." 4) "At least twice a week I wake up feeling like a loser. The only people who don't feel this way are the losers." 5) "Make sure you engage with
someone once a week that no one pays attention to. It will expand your universe and theirs." 6) "Serving as a mentor is a nice way to stay relevant as you grow older and it works because you're not a threat to them then." 7) "It's very important that we fight violence, abuse and inequality." 8) "I did an interview and was asked what I wanted to be now, I told them I wanted to be an oracle." She ended her fascinating discussion with this. "If I'm lucky, I'm in the autumn of my life and it's great because in the autumn, the foliage is the most beautiful. It's a wonderful time. I have a lot to give and share." She received thunderous applause and a standing ovation. What a great afternoon! (To learn more about the Executive's Club of Chicago and its upcoming (exciting) speakers' schedule, please click here). (Watch her interesting convo below)
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The Chicago Police Foundation’s 5th annual True Blue Event was held at the Four Seasons Hotel on November
2. Special guest Adam Wazny, a Chicago police officer whose life was saved by using a Law Enforcement Medical and Rescue kit (LEMAR) donated by the Chicago Police Foundation, was greeted with a standing ovation when he was introduced. Mayor Lori Lightfoot welcomed everyone and thanked supporters. She specifically recognized Officer Wazny’s service to the city, stressing the importance of the
Chicago Police Foundation’s donation to the CPD. "These kits are critical and living proof that LEMAR works to save lives," Lightfoot said. In addition to exciting silent and live auctions, a DASH Game was introduced as a new way to engage with guests and raised more donations for the CPD. During the live auction, guests were given the opportunity to bid on four one-of-a-kind ride-alongs with the CPD--in a police squad car, with a marine unit, with a mounted horse
patrol and in a helicopter. With 325 guests in attendance, the event raised over $500,000 that will fund outreach programs, equipment and additional resources that are not included in the city of Chicago’s budget. Chairman John Robak, COO of Greeley and
Hansen, thanked the Board of Directors and all the sponsors who continually support the organization. Other VIPs in attendance included Mary Ann Rose (CPF executive director), Kimberly Bares (chairman/CEO Magnificent Mile), Officer Danny Diaz, Arica Hilton (board member), Robin Robinson (media darling and WVON radio host), Eddy Johnson (retired police superintendent) and his wife Nakia Fenner Johnson, among others. Congrats to all involved in this noble effort to support our men and women in blue who put their lives on the line for us. (To donate or learn more about the Chicago Police Foundation, please click here). (Photos by Mila Samokhina)
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More than 600 guests “paddled up” for Jackson Chance Foundation’s 7th annual Ping Pong Ball presented by JOOLA USA on November 14th at the St. Jane Hotel. The event surpassed the nonprofit’s
fundraising record by raising more than $450,000 for its mission to remove the financial burden of parking for families with critically ill babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU.) This year’s star-filled Ping Pong Ball was led by an all-star team including co-chair and former Chicago
Cub Ryan Dempster, VIP reception emcee Kye Martin, main event emcee Pat Tomasulo and fundraising chair Ed Kruschka. The annual Ping Pong Ball features everything from a table tennis tournament with celebrities and athletes, to exciting activities like fashion illustrations, edible “selffee” cookies, fun
Jackson Chance Foundation swag, culinary treats and cocktails including the popular “Parking Fairy” cocktail provided by Mr. Brown's Lounge and Free Rein. Kye Martin emceed the celebrity ping pong tournament including players
such as Jackson Chance Foundation founders, Carrie and Terry Meghie, Ryan Dempster and his father Wally, Ryan Baker (CBS Chicago) with wife Jessa, Jerry Azumah (former Chicago Bear) with fundraising chair Ed Kruschka, Adam Hoge (WGN-AM) and Pat Tomasulo (WGN-TV) and of course returning champs Susanna Homan (Chicago Magazine) and Eric
Ferguson (WTMX The Mix.) The bragging rights went to Adam Hoge and Pat Tomasulo as this year’s celebrity tournament champs. During the main event, guests enjoyed a fun evening of mixing and mingling with celebrities, playing table tennis and bidding on unique silent auction items. This
year Jason Fishbein won the main event ping pong ball tournament! In addition, crowd-favorite, top- ranked young pro and NICU alum, Nandan Naresh, and his brother Sid dazzled guests with their table tennis skills. Other celebs picking up a paddle or just joining the fun included Charles Tillman (former Chicago Bear/last
year’s honorary chair), Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire), Kelvin Hayden (former Chicago Bear), Lourdes Duarte (WGN-TV), Lou Canellis (Fox Chicago), Angi Taylor (KISS-FM), Pierre Thomas (former New Orleans Saint),
Val Warner and Ryan Chiaverini (ABC 7’s Windy City Live), Roe Conn (WGN-AM), Melissa McGurren (WTMX The Mix) and Mike Berman (NBC Chicago.) Another highlight of the evening was the coveted Owl Give Award presented to Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital NICU nurse, Carrie Prather. The public nominated their favorite NICU nurse nationwide to win an all-expense paid vacation and four annual VIP tickets to the Ping Pong Ball for life. (Photos: Francis Son Photography and Marcin Cymmer Photography)
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It was a complete takeover of the elegant Marchesa restaurant at 535 N. Wells on Thursday, November 21 when auction maven Leslie Hindman threw a spectacular
birthday party for her 65th with around 120 FOLs (friends of Leslie's) in attendance! Everybody who was anybody was there including the Governor and his MK, Linda Johnson Rice, Neal Zucker and Marko Iglendza, Robin and Mark Tebbe, Ken Norgan, Michael Kutza, Mary Lou Gorno, Trish Rooney, Les Coney, Suzette and Alan Bulley, Michael Sneed, Judy Erwin, Don and Maron Hindman,
Christie Hefner, Helen Melchior and so many others. The party began in the intimate wine room on the lower level. There, a duo sang and played French music as chicly clad guests mixed and mingled. Then the party moved
to the main floor where tables were topped in crystal and silver with gorgeous white flowers. Place cards directed guests to their seats--not happy about being separated from Chuck but was grateful to be included. Loving toasts were presented by her brother Don and her longtime friend Mike Sneed, among others. Everyone sang the praises of this loyal, much loved friend
before a birthday cake sailed out of the kitchen amid blazing sparklers. Dinner, prepared by Chef Didier Durand, was exquisite, as one would expect from this top rated French restaurant. Desserts were served on the top floor, which is my favorite. There, the decor makes you feel
like you're in a 19th century French chateau--all antiques and oil paintings (many from Leslie's auction house). Singer Bradford Newquist, whose real job is Director of Development for the wonderful Gilda's Club, performed hits from the Great American Songbook dressed in a bright red vest, so perfect for the evening. The love in the space was palpable for Leslie whose next chapter, I hope, is filled with all of the joy she's so freely and lavishly given to others. Here's to 65 more Leslie! (Congrats and thanks to Marchesa owners Kathryn Alvera and Jason Clark on yet another great night in their beautiful restaurant)
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The Auditorium Theatre hosted its annual Fall Gala on November 16 with 240 in attendance. The event raised over $230,000 for the theatre's programming, creative engagement, and
restoration efforts. The night began with a cocktail reception in the State Ballroom at the Palmer House Hilton, with music provided by students from Roosevelt University's Chicago College of Performing Arts. Guests continued on to the Palmer
House's Red Lacquer Room for a three-course dinner featuring a Bibb lettuce salad, filet of beef and a crab cake, and raspberry silk cake. The event included the presentation of the fourth
annual Adler & Sullivan Award to Patti Eylar and Charlie Gardner, honoring them for their longtime commitment to the Auditorium Theatre and the arts in Chicago. Gardner, who was the Chair of the Auditorium Theatre Board of Directors from 2016-2018 and is now an Emeritus Director, served as the President and CEO of the Chicago Dock & Canal Trust. Eylar, a former dancer for the Lyric Opera Ballet (later the Chicago City Ballet) and Ballet Chicago, is the co-director of Chicago Ballet Arts and a teacher at the Lou Conte Dance Studio. She joined the Auditorium Theatre's
Board of Directors in 2019. Eylar and Gardner were presented with the Adler & Sullivan Award by Rich Regan, Auditorium Theatre CEO, and gala co-chairs Pamela Crutchfield, Helen Melchior and Dia and Edward Weil, Jr. A
proclamation from Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared November 16, 2019 as "Patti Eylar Day" and "Charles Gardner Day" in their honor. Following the award presentation, guests traveled by bus to the Auditorium Theatre for the performance of Chicago Celebrates Sondheim!, featuring some of Chicago's brightest musical talents performing the legendary composer and lyricist's songs. (Photos by Bob Carl and Brett Beiner)
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3Arts, the Chicago-based nonprofit grant-making organization, awarded 20 Chicago artists with unrestricted grants at the 12th annual 3Arts Awards Celebration, which
took place November 4 at the Museum of Contemporary Art. The celebration honored ten 3Arts Awards recipients with $25,000 cash grants, and ten additional artists with $2,000 cash grants through Make a Wave—an unprecedented artist-to-artist giving initiative in which each of the previous year’s 3Arts awardees select another artist to receive a surprise grant, sending a “wave” of support through Chicago’s cultural communities. The 2019
recipients of $25,000 3Arts Awards are: Dance artists Laksha Dantran and Jumaane Taylor;
musicians Sam Trump and Bethany Thomas; teaching artists Ivelisse Diaz and Damon Locks; theater artists Richard Costes and Stephanie Diaz; and visual artists Norman Teague and Santiago X. The recipients of this year’s Make a Wave grants were selected by 2018 3Arts awardees and were announced at the November 4 event: Rebecca Beachy, Jacinda
Bullie, Laura Crotte, Crystle Diño, Star Dixon, Uriel Gómez, A. Martinez, AJ McClenon, Ciera McKissick,
Marcela Torres. This year, Make a Wave grants doubled to $2,000 per artist, thanks to the generous partnership of the Siragusa Family Foundation and additional support from the Reva & David Logan Foundation. 3Arts has distributed more than $3.4 million in total funding to more than 900 Chicago artists over the past eleven years and awarded $270,000 on November 4 alone. (Photos by Robin Subar)
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The BMO/Magnificent Mile Lights Festival was truly something to behold, especially from the unique perspective Chuck and I got to see it from! Thanks to the generosity of MyEyeDr, we got a ride-along on
MyEyeDr's first ever appearance in the parade atop it's magnificent, gaily decorated double-decker bus! Decked out in shades of blue, MyEyeDr's signature color, and twinkling lights, the bus (designed by Michael Caputo) was themed "See the Joy" and boy did we ever! The record-breaking crowd didn't seem to mind the drop in temperature to around 38 degrees and were thrilled to receive the blue light wands and flashing
blue shades that the team members were distributing to the crowd. All up and down the Avenue the MyEyeDr members, wearing matching blue jackets, lit up both sides of the street in
shades of blue as the bus wound its way up Oak Street, down Michigan Avenue and east on Wacker Drive. The parade culminated with a fireworks display over the Chicago River. It was so exciting to see all the holiday cheer with the young
and young-at-heart dressed in festive attire and wildly waving their hands. MyEyeDr has over 38 offices in the Chicagoland area, providing full-service, comprehensive eye care and a great selection of frames. Please make sure to get in and see them before year's end when the FSA/vision insurance benefits end. If you don't use them, you will lose them as they don't roll over! (For more info on MyEyeDr, click here!) Ho! Ho! Ho!
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The Auxiliary of NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) celebrated the 35th anniversary of its signature fundraiser the American Craft Exhibition (ACE) with more than 6,000 guests in attendance at the Chicago
Botanic Garden. Attendees shopped for unique pieces and luxury collections created by 150 craft artists. The weekend kicked off with the Benefit Preview Party, where 1,000 guests had
a sneak peek at the museum-quality artwork. The event raised more than $570,000 that, combined with last year’s total, will provide a cumulative $1.13 million to benefit increased access to mental health services at NorthShore through the new Psychiatric Urgent Care Program and Collaborative Care Model. These programs aim to reduce wait times for those in need of urgent psychiatric care and to increase access to these services by making them more readily available through primary care physicians. “The number of NorthShore
area hospital patients with depression and other mental health issues has skyrocketed in recent years,” said Nancy Semerdjian, ACE co-chair and former chief nursing officer at NorthShore. ACE is a highly competitive juried show and features hand-crafted work in 12 different media. Though NorthShore does not receive
proceeds from artist sales, many artists chose to support NorthShore by participating in the voluntary ‘Craft for a Cause’ program, whereby artists make a contribution to ACE’s
funding cause. This year’s exhibition was organized by ACE 2019 co-chairs Buggie O’Grady and Nancy Semerdjian and their volunteer planning committee. Next year’s ACE will be October 2-4, 2020 with a Benefit Preview Party on October 1, again at the Chicago Botanic Garden. NorthShore University HealthSystem is an integrated healthcare delivery system consistently ranked as a Top 15 Teaching Hospital in the U.S. The NorthShore system, headquartered in Evanston, IL, includes four hospitals – Evanston, Glenbrook, Highland Park and Skokie (For more info, click here!)
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There are lots of beautiful Christmas gift shops around town
like Mary, Mary (706 N. Dearborn), Brimfield (5219 N. Clark) but, most recently, we visited Kenneth Ludwig at 2217 W. Roscoe. As the charming owner declared when we entered, "Christmas threw up in here!" The shop is filled to the brim with enchanting gifts and Christmas decor. Love these shops and hope you try them ALLLLL!
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DIFFA/Chicago hosted its 3rd annual art auction, Art for Life Chicago, on October 24 at Venue West. Over 300 guests celebrated the power and beauty of art and raised $110,000 to benefit those living with and
vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. As one of DIFFA/Chicago’s signature events, Art for Life Chicago supports HIV/AIDS education and local service organizations. Guests celebrated emerging and established artists shaping today’s cultural landscape with their visionary artwork. “Each year, we are proud to showcase the artwork of extremely talented artists recognized on both a local and national level,” said Todd Baisch, DIFFA/Chicago board chair. More than 80 pieces of art, from paintings to mixed media works, were donated by artists and collectors and exhibited as part of the
silent and live auctions that took place throughout the evening. A distinguished jury of industry
luminaries hand-selected this year’s impressive group of participating artists including well-known creatives Nikko Washington, Gail Mancuso and CJ Hungerman. Prior to doors opening, 60 VIP ticket-holders gathered at an exclusive reception where they mingled with the event’s artists, grant recipients and sponsors. VIP attendees were treated to hand-crafted cocktails
and delicious bites while they enjoyed a special sneak preview of the artwork that would be auctioned off later in the evening. 2019 juror Sergio Gomez, participating artist Gail Mancuso, “Off the Wall” artist and DIFFA/Chicago board member Franklin Riley, and DIFFA/Chicago board member Oliver Aguilar provided welcoming
remarks and an overview of some of the night’s most impressive works. During the main portion of the event, the always popular “Off the Wall” feature, sponsored by Fulton Market Gallery and Mancuso Motorsports, allowed guests to choose their own piece of a larger canvas to take home as a personal keepsake. DJ Greg #Feelgood provided the soundtrack to the evening with libations and food provided by J&L Catering, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Anheuser-Busch. Art for Life Chicago joins additional Art for Life benefits across the U.S. and abroad with a common goal to improve the lives of individuals affected by serious illness. Founded in 1984, DIFFA has granted more than $45 million to hundreds of community-based organizations nationwide.
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Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation hosted the Little Black Dress Luncheon on November 6 at the
Skokie Country Club. The Little Black Dress Luncheon brought together women and supporters of Bear Necessities for an afternoon to honor children who are fighting and those who have lost their battle to pediatric cancer. With nearly 100 guests in attendance and donning their best “LBDs,” the event raised $24,000 for pediatric cancer research and programs for those affected. The event was emceed by talk show host Whitney Reynolds, who welcomed guests and shared her connection to Bear Necessities throughout the program. Bear Necessities Founder/CEO
Kathleen Casey inspired guests with the foundation’s
mission to end pediatric cancer while giving hope to families affected. Reynolds introduced 13-year-old survivor and Bear Hug Ambassador, Maddie Coyle, who spoke about her personal Bear Hug experience with the Chicago Cubs. All funds raised will benefit pediatric cancer research grants through Bear
Discoveries and memories through Bear Hugs. Event sponsors included Marquette Hamlin Group, D’aprile Properties, Midwest Lending and Tony’s Italian Deli & Subs. (BNPCF was founded in 1992 by Casey, after losing her son “Bear” to pediatric cancer. Twenty-six years later, the organization is dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and to providing hope and support to those who are touched by it. (Photos by Timothy Hiatt)
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The Chicago Children’s Museum (CCM) held its annual fundraising gala on November 9 in the Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. The event, co-chaired by
Colleen Kelly Gomos and William J. Kelley Jr., welcomed over 500 guests and raised more than $850,000 to support the museum’s unique child-centered exhibits, community inclusion initiatives and educationally-charged programming. “Each year our Gala helps ensure that
more children have access to art, science, climbing, pretending, exploring and learning,” said Jennifer Farrington, CCM president/CEO. The evening’s theme, Cirque!, invited guests to revel in the wonder of childhood while celebrating the museum’s commitment to providing opportunities for self-expression, creativity, discovery and hands-on learning to all children, both in the museum and within the community. Guests showed their support by bidding on auction prizes, buying raffle tickets and just enjoying the party. "The funds we raise help Chicago Children’s
Museum stand as a positive force in the city we love and for the people we serve,” said Jeffery Perry, CCM board chair. Highlights from the evening included aerial silk acrobatics, jugglers and pantomimes and other circus art performers. Guests danced the night away to the music of Rush Street Rhythm, and enjoyed a short film introducing the many programs unique to Chicago Children’s Museum– all in the service of children. The evening's live auction, conducted by David Goodman, brought in an impressive $18,000 bid for the La Dolce Vita package which included a week-long tour of Italy for eight through Amalfi, Rome, and Tuscany. (Mark your calendars now for next year’s event, which will be held on November 14, 2020.)
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Israel "Izzy" Idonije, entrepreneur, humanitarian, former NFL player and all-around nice guy, broke ground on the FBRK Impact House at 200 W. Madison Street on November 13. Set to open in March 2020, the 45,000 square-foot space will be the city’s first innovation-focused philanthropy center dedicated to serving and supporting grant makers, family foundations and impact investors. Local foundations, media and notable Chicagoans attended the groundbreaking event, which revealed design plans, reinforced the need for the facility and further discussed the vision for the new space. The event featured remarks from Idonije, as well as Candace Moore, Chief Equity Officer for the City of Chicago, and Angelique Power, President, Field
Foundation. FBRK Impact House, founded by Izzy and friends, is the result of a shared vision between FBRK, Field Foundation, Woods Fund, United States Artists and Forefront, with the core desire to unify Chicago’s Impact Community, break down silos, encourage collaboration and provide greater access to opportunities. FBRK Impact House will serve as
a membership-based work club with a thoughtfully designed ecosystem to provide a balance of private offices, work space, meeting and conference rooms where impact organizations can work together, collaborate and operate with greater efficiency. “Chicago is filled with wonderful people who are committed to making our city better,” said Idonije. “FBRK Impact House will offer an inviting, transparent environment to foster relationships among organizations — a framework in which the philanthropic community will thrive.” According to the most recent Giving in Illinois report, there
are more than 5,200 grant-making institutions in the state, managing more than $39 billion in assets. Together, these organizations have reached a giving record of $4.6 billion in 2016 - collectively nearly tripling the amount of giving since 2006. Despite this, challenges for grant-making institutions often include working in isolation, having laborious application and review practices and being intimidating to approach. FBRK Impact House will provide a creative and safe space for these organizations to meet, conceive ideas and collaborate. The FBRK Impact House will be the first space of its kind in the country. “Our
vision is to create an open, loving community where it is easy to interact with philanthropy,” commented Angelique Power, president of Field Foundation, an anchor tenant of FBRK Impact House. “We’ve created different spaces in the facility to connect - a restaurant, conference rooms, podcast rooms, as well as offering Forefront programming. We are providing various opportunities to exchange ideas, learn from and with each other and to share back-end costs.”
FBRK Impact House will occupy three floors of the 200 W. Madison building owned by Multi-Employer Property Trust (MEPT) advised by BentallGreenOak. It will include a public work lounge and restaurant on the street-level first floor, with membership access to the offices, lounges and amenities on the second and third floors. A reception followed in the party room organized by Kelly Speck and Laurie Dimakos, among others. (To learn more about FBRK Impact House and to access membership, please click here!)
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The Museum of Broadcast Communicationswill host a festive Holiday Bash on Friday, December 13 at the Museum, 360 N. State Street. Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite pop/rockstar or wear their best ugly Christmas sweater. The evening will include DJ Karaoke, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, holiday treats and prizes for best musical performances and best costumes. Proceeds will benefit the Museum's programming. For tickets/more info,click here! (THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED)
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Had a fabulous lunch with the one and only Mamie Walton at RL recently. She rivals my favorite model, Carmen dell'Orefice, in looks and glamour with personality plus. She needs her own reality show. I asked her for some beauty tips and she told me she exercises religiously, at the barre of course! It's no wonder she's so limber. And I raced to Saks following
lunch to buy the same makeup she uses since her skin is so flawless (DIOR Airflash, you're welcome). She is so involved and curious, it's no wonder she looks like she's 50 at age 91. And no, this isn't a typo. She is much loved and endlessly fascinating. On the day we lunched, it was bitter cold outside but she was wrapped in a light (chic) coat. I asked her if she didn't get cold coming from the Peninsula and she told me no since she used the tunnels. WHAT?! My head snapped around since I'd never knew anything like this existed. Well, she was kind enough to walk me through them (not open to the public, just for deliveries and Mamie!) and it was so cool! You can literally walk completely underground from the Pen to RL. Who knew? Now we all do! Lol!
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Sheryl Dyer celebrated her bridal shower with loving friends on Sunday, November 17 in the uber-chic Millennium Park Room at the Peninsula Hotel where a roaring fire mirrored the warm and loving vibes. Guests
included hosts Yvette Cusack, Tracey Tarantino and Mary Pat Burns along with Greg Hyder and Jim Smith, Sherrill Bodine, Myra Reilly, David Nguyen and Duc Ho, Maria Zec, Sherry Lea Holson, Dr. Shari Snow, Leslie Zentner, Bonnie Ricard, Maxine Tropp and moi. Sheryl will be walking down the aisle with Joe Schmidt, Saint Patrick High School president, on Saturday, December 28. Here's to a lifetime of love, good health and happiness! They are just the cutest lovebirds!
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The James R. Jordan Foundation (JRJF) hosted its annual “Bags For Kids” cornhole tournament fundraiser to help launch the next generation of leaders. Held on Nov. 14 at the Palmer House Hilton, the event benefited JRJF, a nonprofit that works with schools in Chicago’s under-served communities to provide children a pathway out of poverty through supportive
networks and academic opportunities such as JRJF educational programs including S.T.E.A.M (science, technology, engineering, art and math)
and Family Space Camp trips. “This special fundraising event shines a light on the importance of our mission to level the playing field and create opportunities for children so they can achieve their full potential,” said Deloris Jordan, JRJF president/founder. “This year’s Bags For Kids featured a special guest appearance by Frank Robb, the man responsible for capturing the famous “Humboldt Park Alligator” affectionately named “Chance the Snapper” by Chicagoans this summer. Robb, an avid cornhole player, took photos with guests and competed in the tournament. Robb said, “I truly
believe being exposed to STEM-based programs early in my life led me to the career I love today. I applaud the James R. Jordan Foundation for its work with Chicago youth and recognize the tremendous impact it will have on their future," he said. The winning team will be recognized with a customized plaque mounted at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse.
A silent auction included a piece of custom artwork featuring a one of a kind “Michael Jordan” serigraph by artist LeRoy Neiman signed by Jordan. Additional auction items included a 20-person penthouse suite for the Bulls vs. L.A. Clippers home game on December 14; a Zach LaVine signed Bulls jersey; a Frank Thomas signed baseball bat; dinner in the Chicago White Sox private owner’s dining room and front row seats on the first baseline; 200 level tickets for the Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets home game on December 13 and fine jewelry and other exciting items. JRJF’s longtime supporter Art Norman, special contributor to NBC 5 News, served as the emcee.
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Congrats in advance to Joe Monastero, who will be honored with a knighthood by the Consul General of Italy, Giuseppe Finocchiaro, for his continued service and support of the Italian community. The ceremony will take place on December 10 at the Italian Consulate Institute. Congratulazioni Sir Joe!
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Metropolitan Family Services hosted Mpower the Night, a gala that attracted over 500 supporters on November 2 at the Radisson Blu Aqua. The event raised $1.27 million to help MFS
provide a wide variety of services (including counseling, legal assistance, mental health services, early learning, after school and job readiness, etc.) designed to benefit children and
families across Chicago and Cook and DuPage Counties. Guests celebrated 162 years of “Mpowering” families with ABC 7’s Alan Krashesky as emcee. Highlights of the event included the presentation of The Family of the Year Award to the Tony Hunter Family for its outstanding philanthropic
leadership in empowering Chicago-area families. Additional highlights included testimonials from the Young Fathers Program and the Altgeld Youth Leadership
Program participants and leadership from the Metropolitan Peace Academy and Domestic Violence services. The gala was co-chaired by Richard Price, executive chairman of Mesirow Financial. MFS empowers families to learn, to earn, to heal, to thrive. Part mentor, part motivator, part advocate, since 1857 Metropolitan Family Services has been the engine of change that empowers Chicago-area families to reach their greatest potential and positively impact their communities.
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Robert's Pizza and Dough Co. isn't exactly new, it opened on May 17, but it was new to us until recently. When we found this charming spot on the river at 465 N. McClurg Ct., we were happy to see its affable co-owner and pizza maverick Robert Garvey hanging out at the bar with customers. He and his charming wife, Dana Hokin Garvey, have been perfecting their/his delicious pizza recipes for a
long, long time--beginning first with a restaurant at the family owned Bitter End Yacht Club, that was lost during the last hurricane but is in the rebuilding process. Robert told me he has tried literally over 1000s of recipes before landing on his top 13 that includes ingredients
like carmelized onions, house-made pepperoni and sausage, Brussels sprouts and bacon, seafood, fennel, duck, the classic and more. The house-made meatballs will give you nighttime cravings. When the pizza restaurant was located at the Bitter End Yacht Club, even Virgin Group's Richard Branson couldn't resist serving Robert's pizzas at his daughter's rehearsal dinner! We highly recommend this spot, that in the spring/summer, will also have an outdoor patio and space for docking boats. (Dine in, carry out or delivery, www.robertspizza.com , 312.265.1328, they take reservations too!)
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Actors Training Center (ATC) hosted its annual fall fundraiser, Money for Funny, Music for Free, at Viper Alley on November 3 in Lincolnshire. This family friendly comedy and musical event benefited ATC’s scholarship and building fund. Legendary local drag queen Wanda greeted guests and emcee/comedian Tim Soszko welcomed the audience along with
Carole Dibo, ATC founder/ED. Soszko introduced ATC students from both the musical theatre and improv classes who wowed the audience with their skills. Ulises Acosta, one of ATC’s first students spoke of how ATC is more than a place to be
taught. He shared the moving story of how ATC provided him with more than just emotional support during a critical phase of his teenage years but also helped him find legal support and financial assistance. He said “I would not be here if it were not for Carole and all those at ATC.” Carole Dibo added, “It was never how do we tell these students they cannot come but how do we get these students the scholarships they need.” Wanda then returned to the stage to perform with Dueling Pianos leading the audience in sing-a-longs including a special performance of the song “Shallow” performed by Acosta and Bella Andre, one of ATC’s newest students.
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The team at Common Threads are killin' it in the news these days! Founding CEO Linda Novick O'Keefe appeared on the Tamron Hall Show on November 27 with four of the kids who recently went through the nonprofit's healthy eating program. They spoke about how the program has helped them and shared some tips on how to have a healthy holiday season. And Chef Art
Smith, CT co-founder along with his husband Jesus Salgueiro, had a great feature in Sunday's Parade Magazine titled "Life is Sweet." In it, he spoke about his inspirations (his grandmother and mother), and his first talent (a piano player), and his motto "There are no angry people, just hungry people." He also shares the recipe for his famous 12-layer Hummingbird cake recipe! (Find it here!) Congrats Art, Linda, Jesus and Common Threads, a fabulous national healthy cooking and nutrition program for kids in under-served communities.
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I know some would say it's too soon, but our Christmas decor has been up for quite a while now and we're loving every minute of it. I posted a video of Chuck setting up our new Balsam Hill Silverado Slim Flip Tree (watch video here) and I'm telling you, it's
changed our lives. We have struggled with fake (and real) trees, falling apart in too many pieces, failing light strands and so much more for so long, that I was more than ready for change. When we dragged our old one out of storage and it, yet again, failed to light, I almost threw it over the balcony. Coincidentally, this was the same day the Balsam Hill catalog arrived (it was almost
like they knew). I flipped through it and thought the trees looked nice but it wasn't until I came across the flip tree that I became laser focused. I watched their installation video online and was immediately hooked. When it arrived, all it needed was a little branch fluffing to make it look like the Christmas miracle that it is. Every single ornament fit and the branches sweep almost to the floor. I couldn't love it more. Not gonna lie, it was a little pricey but it has a three year warranty so my conscience is clear. We have four small trees on the balcony too, but all I need from them is the glow so I'm good there. Christmas is the happiest time of the year for me. As early as I can remember, I've been enchanted by the decor and it only gets stronger with each passing year. I hope it's the same for you!
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And, thanks to Eater Chicago, for compiling this excellent list of some of Chicago's top pop-up Christmas bars! I highly approve and recommend! Here's the list! Ho! Ho! Ho!
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Here's hoping everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving! We all have so much to be grateful for. I'm thankful for Chuck, my family, sweet Rooney, having our health and food on the table and so much more. Every day, I give thanks, not just on Turkey Day but every day. And to you, I'm forever grateful to have you dear readers along for the ride. I hope you enjoy this newsletter as much as I love bringing it to you.
Love, as always,
Candace
P.S. This is the Belgian Malinois, the same breed as Conan the Hero Dog that helped take down al-Baghdadi. Unbelievable. Baghdadi didn't have a chance. Lol!
