Candid Candace

UNCERTAIN TIMES CAN'T STOP US: PAWS CHICAGO'S BIG, BAD VIRTUAL BEACH PARTY

Plus: Memories of Jerry Taft, Regis Philbin and Rep. John Lewis; Princess Beatrice's intimate Royal wedding; Planning Service Club of Chicago's first virtual "Day on the Terrace"; Caylei's Cancer Wellness Mag; Deerpath Inn is WINNING; Larry Wert shares ALL in Chicago mag; Statues, here today, gone tomorrow; The BEST Covid response; Common Threads is on the Chopping Block; 1st Gen Scholarship Gala with John Robak; Artadia photography award finalists are BIG DEALS; April and Miguel's happy news; See Chicago Dance has reason to celebrate; Richard Driehaus' Summer Party; Drive 'N Drag with RuPaul; Dance for Life 2020; LSCRF's Fall Benefit; This & That; Inspiring videos and SO much MORE!

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Tinsley Mortimer

PAWS Chicago presented its first virtual fundraiser on Thursday, July 23. The 18th annual Beach Party had viewers/supporters tuning in from across the country to help save the lives of homeless pets. I loved the fact that PAWS' amazing team put this event together with such finesse and enthusiasm and so quickly too! The bulk of the socially distanced event was filmed at Gravity Well Studio, 1701 W. Hubbard. This full-service, state-of-the-art studio DONATED all of their

Fox 32's Jake Hamilton

services to support PAWS! I was thrilled to be invited to appear as a co-host for the opening segment, a Red Carpet event, with Phillip Emigh (co-owner Tails in the City). The adorable catwalk/dogwalk included

Fox 32's Brittney Payton (photo by Mark Olley).

appearances from Indra, who Phillip held in his arms during the filming. She is a 5 year-old Shih Tzu who was picked up by an Animal Control Officer after her owner passed away. She was severely matted and required a full shave down. My little Rooney was also featured but, at age 14, he prefers the comfort of his own home to a studio. He is a PAWS rescue too. Other rescues featured in the opening segment included Wolfgang (owned by David and Vasoula Rekhson; Shayna Madela, owned by board member

Tails in the City's Phillip Emigh. (Photo by Mark Olley)

Elly Greenphan; cats Danny and Toby owned by Level 3

The HOFF, David Hasselhoff.

PAWS volunteer extraordinaire Joan Marie Dauber; Jodee and Chewie, pups owned by Darae McNair; Lucy, a pup owned by Nancy Sterling who found her at Beach Party 2007; and Gus Homan, the darling rescue owned by Chicago magazine's Susanna Homan, the mag was the print media sponsor for the event. A special tribute was given to Abigail, an adorable Chihuahua owned by Michele Mistovich, who crossed over the Rainbow Bridge earlier this month. Fox 32's Jake Hamilton and Brittney Payton emceed the event. Jake was in the studio brimming with

Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel and their son.

energy and Brittney had pre-recorded her segment. Jake thanked sponsor Merrick Pet Care, which has been PAWS Chicago's exclusive feeding partner since 2013, providing nutritious pet food to every homeless animal from the moment they arrive at PAWS to their adoptive home. Merrick donated an additional $10,000 since PAWs reached/surpassed its fundraising goal. Brittney's segment featured an adoptable cat parade with Fred ("Fred and Angi" on 103.5 KISS FM) and Lisa Dent, an award-winning

PAWS Chicago founder Paula Fasseas in mid-sentence. (Sorry Paula!)

country music on-air personality, providing commentary. Next up, was Barrio's general manager/mixologist Pepe Fernandez, who demonstrated how to create a tasty PAW-garita. An adoptable dog parade followed presented by Brittney.

Country star Brett Eldridge.

There were so many moving parts which is exactly what you need for a successful virtual fundraiser. Celebrity guests included surprise appearances by THE HOFF, David Hasselhoff; Billy Corgan, Chloe Mendel and their son (along with their rescue cats) and Real Housewives' Tinsley Mortimer. WGN-TV's Pat Tomasulo introduced an adorable beach bod competition (each winner received a Merrick Pet Care pack and more) that was won by Chompers (a tiny, adorable Yorkie); surf dog Charlie and Tilly Cat. During the live taping, PAWS founder Paula Fasseas shared some exciting info. She said, "During this

Leigh Primack, Wendy Elstien, Phillip Emigh and Angie DeMars at a viewing party.

Chompers, a teacup yorkie, won the Beach Bod bikini competition.

Covid-19 crisis, PAWS Chicago never closed its doors to pets in need. In fact, we expanded our services to support the community. We launched a virtual adoption process, offered virtual dog training classes, adapted community outreach programs by establishing a mobile Pet Food Pantry, and provided Telehealth appointments for pet owners in Englewood, West Englewood and Back of the Yards (who would otherwise have no access to veterinary services); created a Crisis Care Foster Initiative; and continued to operate the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic. Country music star Brett Eldridge performed his beautiful hit song "Gabrielle (from the Heartland") to close the show. The event raised $73,225 for PAWS Chicago (with NO overhead!). If you're interested in more info or to donate, please click here! And watch PAWS' Virtual Beach Party below:

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I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jerry Taft, the much loved and long time ABC-7 weatherman who retired in 2018. Besides being a great reporter, his sense of humor is what I'll remember most. He used to host the most wonderful Christmas parties at his home, DJing from a perch in his living room. He was loved by one and all and so well respected by his many peers. Take a look at the wonderful video tribute below to see him in action. RIP dear Jerry.

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Regis Philbin with his longtime friend and former producer, Rob Morhaim, at a Notre Dame game.

Another much loved legend in the world of television, Regis Philbin, passed away at the age of 88. He held the Guinness Book of World Records for having the "Most Hours on Camera"! He set the record on his August 20, 2004 Live show (replacing Hugh Downs), which gave him a total of 15,188 hours on television (at that time). I was honored to be invited to be in WCIU's "You & Me"

Reeg, with "You & Me" co-hosts Melissa Forman and Jeanne Sparrow during their "Regis Special."

audience in September of 2015 for a "Regis Special" produced by his longtime friend and his former ABC Live executive producer, Rob Morhaim, who was senior executive producer at Weigel Broadcasting at the time. It was a complete love fest with every single person on set acting like giggling kids over Reeg's larger-than-life presence. He couldn't have been kinder or more in-the-moment. That's one of the things, I think, that made him so special.

Regis poses with the entire WCIU "You & Me" crew during his special taping.

He was ALWAYS in the moment and bubbling over with enthusiasm and he was never acting. He obviously loved what he did and lived for it. Rob and Regis were great, long-time friends who met in 2003 when Rob became the ED of his show. They immediately hit it off and their working relationship quickly grew into a deeply personal one. Rob said one of his favorite moments with  Regis was this particular special WCIU show with co-hosts Jeanne Sparrow and Melissa Forman. Rob said, "When he agreed to come,  I said to him, now pick a weekend when Notre Dame is playing football at home and we’ll spend the

Pals Regis Philbin and our own Rob Morhaim.

weekend there. He jumped at the idea and I set it all up. You have no idea what it’s like to accompany Regis during a football weekend at Notre Dame. We were treated like royalty, met with the team in the locker room, watched from the field and had lunch with the President of the University. We even went to his old dorm room and knocked on the door. The kid who was living there at the time almost passed out because he was told it was

RIP dear Regis...you brought so much joy to so many.

Regis’s room and Lo and behold there he was. I always knew I was with a TV legend but I will always remember him as my great friend." Beautiful memories Rob, thanks for sharing this and for bringing him to CHICAGO!!!  What Rob didn't mention, that I remember well, is that a tricked up car was hired to drive Reeg around town...when he got in it the car bounced up and down like a rap star's! Lol!

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RIP Rep. John Lewis, may you continue to make "good trouble."

It was so moving watching the "Lion" John Lewis crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge for the last time. Lewis, a former U.S. Representative from Georgia and a civil rights champion, will be the first African American to lie in state at the US Capitol rotunda. In

Rep. Lewis' final trip over the Edmund Pettus Bridge which may be renamed in his honor.

1965, at the height of the civil rights movement, activists organized a march for voting rights from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. Lewis suffered a skull fracture following a beating by police. He said, "I regret that I have but one cracked skull to give for my people." He was arrested over 40 times and felt good about getting into "good trouble" as he called it. The caisson holding Lewis' body crossed the bridge atop rose petals and amid gospel singing surrounded by his family. Rest in power Mr. Lewis.

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Newlyweds Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. 

I will admit it, I'm a sucker for Royal Weddings and I just loved the beauty and simplicity of Princess Beatrice's, 31, who tied the knot with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in Windsor on Friday, July 17. The low-key royal wedding was kept secret from the public until afterwards. According to Express, the nuptials were attended by just 20 guests including Queen Elizabeth

Socially distancing with the Queen and Prince Phillip.

II, 94, and Prince Philip, 99. (Her parents, Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York, were not in attendance). Typically, the Queen has bestowed new royal titles on newlyweds like her grandsons and their wives, but there was no need in the case of our Bea. Through her royal husband, she will be known as "Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice, Mrs. Edoardo

Queen Mary in her Fringe Tiara that Princess Beatrice wore in her wedding.

Mapelli Mozzi." Bea also inherited other titles from her husband's side of the family, becoming an Italian 'Contessa' or 'Nobile Donna' (noblewoman). Edoardo's father Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, 68, descends from Italian aristocracy. He told Mail Online prior to the wedding: "Edoardo is the only male descendent taking the family into the next generation. “He is a count – his wife will be a countess automatically and any of their children

Cover stars, of course!

will be counts or nobile donna." The Queen did give Beatrice a very special wedding honor in that she loaned her one of her own gorgeous Norman Hartnell gowns to get married in. The gown was previously worn by the Queen in the 1960s. Bea also wore her great grandmother's vintage tiara, the Queen Mary Diamond Fringe, that was also worn by Queen Elizabeth at her wedding to Prince Philip in 1947.

Close-up of the spectacular Queen Mary Fringe Tiara, which can also be worn as a necklace.

Beatrice and Edoardo were due to marry at St James’s Chapel on May 29 but their original wedding plans had to be changed due to Covid. While Bea’s secret big day may have stunned royal fans she was always expected to have a low-key royal wedding. Speaking about the special day, a friend of the couple told the Sun: "A

Edoardo and Beatrice, happy at last!

massive wedding was out of the question because of coronavirus. "They were obviously very keen for the Queen to come so the wedding had to happen before she goes up to Balmoral, so this was a great opportunity. "So many guests were

Princess Beatrice, beautiful in her grandmother's dress and her great grandmother's tiara. Love her respect for tradition.

disappointed not to make the big day but understood the reason for it. "They needed to make the wedding COVID-secure and safe for the Queen so what better way than the All Saints Chapel with a reception on-site at the Royal Lodge." The ceremony took place at 11 AM, and was followed by a low-key reception. According to The Sun, the celebration was held outside the property, complying with social distancing rules, and it featured a marquee named 'The Duke of York' which was filled with sofas, a jukebox, draft beer and a dartboard. They also offered guests specialty cocktails and custom catering. The bride and groom had clearly thought of everything and even hired a bouncy castle which was no doubt enjoyed by Edoardo's four-year-old son Wolfie.

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Covid gets personal. Friends, if you suspect you might have Covid, THIS is THE textbook study in how you should respond responsibly and transparently. A close friend of mine contracted the virus and this is the message they shared with friends. "Friends, I'm announcing this as a PSA to all. After exhibiting COVID symptoms on Sat, and getting tested Sun am, I got the official result today I'm positive. I'm quarantined for 2 weeks. This after masking, scrubbing, washing freaking groceries, etc, the damn thing still managed to find me. Was I perfect in my precautions? No, not 100% , particularly in these warmer months-and neither have you been. But I've been pretty darn close. Not unlike STDs (where you are with not just with the other person, but also everyone they've been with) with Covid dangers you are socializing, not only with a fixed number of people at your table, but also with all of the fixed number of people they've socialized with over the past week. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. I announce this only as a reminder to ALL that we are FAR from out of the woods on this thing. It's not political . And for those who think you're safer because you cross the border to Indiana, you're fooling yourself. God willing , I will be fine. Today was the first day of no symptoms, yet of course I will remain quarantined. Finally and most importantly, please continue to take the full precautions, if not for yourself, but then for the elderly and the immune-compromised around you. And should you exhibit any Covid symptoms, or have been around others who have, you have a moral obligation to act as quickly as possible and notify all appropriate people. Anything short is reckless and selfish."

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Kathy Piccone wearing Elda de la Rosa (Photo by John Reilly)

The Service Club of Chicago is busy as a bee planning its upcoming Monday, August 3, "Day on the Terrace" virtual fundraiser! A socially distanced taping was held at the Geraghty on July 20 where Tom Kehoe and his

Show producer and event co-chair Tracey DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions) safely supervising the taping.

team had created a colorful dream set. Co-chairs Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou, Jamie Thorsen and show producer Tracey Tarantino (ZZAZZ Productions) had to limit their models this year to around 28 but that didn't stop the fabulous fashions from flowing down the runway from the city's top retailers and designers, including Elda de la Rosa, Sylwia Designs,

Co-chairs Tracey Tarantino, Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen. (Photo by John Reilly)

Maximilian Furs at Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus (Michigan Avenue), Mira Couture, Max Mara  and so many more! And I just received the Day on the Terrace's "Look Book," expertly planned by Myra Reilly (with backup support from Kevin Sullivan) and produced by Scott Bobek. IT IS GORGEOUS! If you sign up for the event, you will receive one as part of the package. It's well worth the ticket price, believe me! I loved this message from the co-chairs too, "Fashion may change with each new season, but generosity, kindness and assistance to those in need, never go out of style." There are loving tribute pages dedicated to those we've lost--John Bodine, Dorothy Whealan and Hazel Barr. Sign up here now to register and to receive your own Look Book! (Cover art by Elda de la Rosa)

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The award-winning Deer Path Inn in Lake Forest.

If you're not following Deer Path Inn (@deerpathinn) on Instagram, you are missing one of the best accounts out there! The creativity is off the charts and shows a

Deer Path Inn GM Matt Barba in one of the hotel's adorable Instagram posts.

very talented, humble staff working in an exquisite environment (described this way on its Insta account, "From roaring fireplaces to hallways lined with wellies, the mannerly traditions of English innkeeping come brilliantly to life at Deer Path Inn.") They have lots of

Deer Path Inn ranking #1 two years running for Best Resort Hotel in the Midwest by Travel & Leisure.

reasons to celebrate too. They were named #1 on Travel & Leisure's list of best resort hotels in the Midwest; the #2 resort in the U.S. and ranked #18 on the list of top hotels in the WORLD! Matt Barba, the hotel's genius GM, said, "In a year that has been incredibly tough

Deer Path Inn dessert.

on the tourism industry, our team has continued to go above  and beyond, dedicating themselves to providing our guests with a comfortable and safe place to come, no matter the occasion. The win is for them." They were also featured in Forbes, "This Midwest Hotel's Hilarious Instagram Feed Is What We All Need Right Now."  The Peninsula Chicago was ranked #1 among the top hotels in Chicago. Congrats to both of these local treasures!

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In partnership with Chicago State University, the Chicago State Foundation will host a live broadcast of the inaugural 1stGEN Scholarship Gala: Transformation presented by Greeley and Hansen on the evening of Friday, October 2, at 7 pm. Laser-focused on education and socio-economic equity, Chicago State University has created an intentional campus community that

Gala chair, John C. Robak, CEO Greeley & Hansen.

delivers a carefully curated suite of wraparound supports designed to propel the success of first-generation and non-traditional students from diverse populations. In addition to celebrating the young student scholars who will be the beneficiaries of 1stGEN Scholarships, special highlights of the gala will include the presentation of the first-ever Cougar Servant Leadership Awards to former Illinois Senate President, and long-time CSU champion, Emil Jones, Jr., Chicago Public Schools CEO and CSU Alumna, Dr. Janice Jackson, and longtime education and Arts advocate, and Bronzeville Children's Museum founder, Peggy Montes. Gala chair will be the ever popular John C. Robak, CEO Greeley and Hansen. (To register and for more details, click here!) Honorary chairs will be Andrea and Bill Zopp and Angelique David and Jerry Richmond.

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Citizen app keeps you aware of your surroundings.

A friend of mine suggested I get the Citizens app on my iphone so I would be aware of what's happening near me. Well, I almost wish I hadn't...there's been break-ins, a report of clown-masked passengers in a car flashing a gun, a report of a nude man armed with gun at the Greyhound bus terminal and so on and so on. I worried all day

One of the two Columbus statues that were taken down.

yesterday after hearing about a toddler locked in a car on Oak Street. And don't even get me started about the protesters and eventual takedown of Chicago's two Christopher Columbus statues. Mayor Lightfoot said this was done in an effort to "protect public safety." Crews were seen taking down the statues in Grant Park and the city's Little Italy neighborhood and, by 6 AM, only the pedestal remained in Grant Park, where the statue stood since 1933 after being dedicated during Chicago's second World Fair. "The city of Chicago—at Mayor

Dominic DiFrisco (front R), friend to all people.

Lightfoot’s direction—has temporarily removed the Christopher Columbus statues in Grant Park and Arrigo Park until further notice," the Mayor's office said in a statement. "This action was taken after consultation with various stakeholders. It comes in response to

Pasquale Dominic Gianni at Italian Heritage Celebration in Arrigo Park.

demonstrations that became unsafe for both protesters and police, as well as efforts by individuals to independently pull the Grant Park statue down in an extremely dangerous manner." Personally, I don't agree with the removal of past history but would think/hope that everyone could reach a compromise. In one news report, a high ranking Black educator suggested keeping the statues and using them as "teachable moments" with plaques or stand-alone podiums with info covering the entire history of said statue, both good and bad. I also think we need to add MORE statues to

Blurry photo of Maurice Perkins, founder Inner City Youth & Adult Foundation, speaking at Italian Heritage Celebration.

represent today's heroes, especially in communities that are under-represented. I love history, and even though it's most certainly not all good, I think, as George Santayana so eloquently said, "To forget the past is to be condemned to repeat it. " I wonder what my friend, the late Dominic DiFrisco would think of the removal of the Columbus statues. He was the greatest champion, not only of Italian Americans, but of all peoples. His grandson, Pasquale Gianni (Nina Mariano's son), presided over an Italian Heritage Celebration on Sunday, July 26, in Arrigo Park. (See video here) He said, "Between the Italian American community and the African American community, there's more that unites us than divides us in the final analysis." He introduced Maurice Perkins, president of the Inner City Youth & Adult Foundation who said, "When this whole matter first began, I thought of my friend Mr. Dominic DiFrisco and that he must be spinning in his grave...I believe, at this point, that part of the Black Lives Matter movement has been co-opted by anarchists." He ended with, "We had 15 people shot at a funeral and we don't need anymore enemies.".... There must be a happy medium somewhere....right?

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Larry Wert, recently profiled in Chicago magazine.

Congrats to Larry Wert, Chicago's gift to the radio and TV

Larry Wert illustration by Kathryn Rathke.

industry. Larry was recently profiled by Chicago magazine in its popular "Backroom" article by John Thomas (with illustration by Kathryn Rathke). In the in-depth Q&A, Larry talks about firing Howard Stern, running the Loop, battling anxiety and so much more. Read it here!

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The Chopping Block is hosting a virtual cooking class in collaboration with Common Threads and Top Box Foods on Wednesday, August 12 at 5:30 pm. Learn how to make Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Panzanella with The Chopping Block's owner Chef Shelley Young. Tickets are $30, and half of the proceeds will benefit Common Threads' work in cooking and nutrition education for children and families. Chicago residents can get all of their groceries for the class delivered  from Top Box Foods for $45. Grocery boxes contain enough food for the virtual class, plus at least one or two more meals! Order by Monday, Aug. 3 for delivery on Saturday, Aug. 8. Just love you CT!

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Joffrey dancers April Daley and Miguel Blanco expecting their first child in November.

Love and congrats to much loved Joffrey Ballet star, April Daley! She is expecting her first child, a boy, in November with husband Miguel Blanco, also a popular Joffrey dancer.

And on another dance-related note, See Chicago Dance has a new executive director, Julia Mayer. Julia joins SCD

Congrats to See Chicago Dance's new executive director Julia Mayer.

after previously serving as Manager of Development for 3Arts, a local nonprofit that advocates for Chicago's women artists, artists of color and artists with disabilities who work in the performing, teaching and visual arts. Thanks for the heads-up Brian Smith, board president of See Chicago Dance, a nonprofit that shares in and spreads the power of dance in Chicago. (Visit website here for more info!)

Driehaus Summer Party 2019

Nothing, not even a limitless bank account, can protect you from being affected by Covid. Case in point, the yearly much-coveted invitation to hedge fund manager/philanthropist Richard Driehaus' annual party at his "estate on the lake" in Lake Geneva.

With the always adorable Smothers Brothers at the Driehaus Summer Party 2019.

There are parties and then there are DRIEHAUS parties of which there is a world of difference. As a matter of fact, Richard just may well be the Hugh Hefner of our age sans Bunnies! His party last year attracted 1,100 and was his largest one yet. It celebrated his 77th birthday with entertainer Diana Ross, no less! This year, it was a bit different. Only 18 people were invited although he still kept his spectacular fireworks display which I'm sure his fellow residents were grateful for. We hope to see you back in full force next year Richard! Thanks for all you do for so many!

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Recent Cancer Wellness magazine cover.

Thank you Cancer Wellness magazine for including me in your cover story feature "The Loudest Voices" (in Chicago media). I shot with well known photographer

Caylei Vogalzang--founder Cancer Wellness magazine.

Katrina Wittkamp in my lobby and hope the pics are what they need. Very honored to be included with media stars Zoraida Sambolin, Roz Varon, LeeAnn Trotter, Tracy Butler and Whitney Reynolds. This quarterly lifestyle magazine serves those affected by cancer as well as offering up-to-the-minute nonprofit coverage, dining updates, fashion, health and wellness and so much more. Congrats and thanks to founder and editor-in-chief Caylei Vogelzang and her team for creating this much needed resource. (Check it out here!)

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Artadia Award finalist Yvette Maria Dostatni beside her work "Medieval Times."

So thrilled to see my friend/photographer Yvette Dostatni, receiving the recognition she deserves for doing what she loves!  She is one of only 5 finalists for the 2020 Artadia Awards, a national non-profit organization that awards artists with unrestricted grants followed by a lifetime of program opportunities. As arts communities continue to be deeply

Artadia Award finalist Yvette Mayorga.

impacted by COVID-19, with many artists losing exhibition opportunities, access to their studios and having their livelihoods jeopardized, Artadia's mission to support artists is more critical than ever before. (YEAH!) Besides Yvette, the finalists are Azadeh Gholizadeh, Caroline Kent, Yvette Mayorga and Eliza Myrie. Yvette said of the honor, "To be an artist is to be a voice. To be nominated and recognized by such a highly esteemed panel of judges as one of 5 critical and risk-taking contemporary artists--all women-- during such a crucial turning point in history and viewed as a voice that needs to be witnessed is an award within itself." The panel of judges included Jennifer Carty, Associate Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art, The

Artadia Award finalist Azadeh Gholizadeh.

Smart Museum at University of Chicago; Daonne Huff , Director, Public Programs & Community Engagement, The Studio Museum in Harlem and Laura Mott, Senior Curator of Contemporary Art and Design, Cranbrook Art Museum. Artadia is unique in that it allows any artist to apply, engages nationally recognized artists and curators to review work and culminates in direct grants. Since 1999, Artadia has awarded over $5 million to more than 340 artists in Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. This is Artadia’s eleventh Award cycle in Chicago. The application was open to all visual artists living in Cook County, IL for over two years, working in any media, and at any stage of their career. The 2020 Chicago Artadia Awards are generously supported by the LeRoy Neiman and Janet Byrne Neiman Foundation, Liberty Mutual insurance, the Artadia Board of Directors, Artadia Council Members and individual donors across the country. Congrats to ALL!

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WVON-TV!

Details are still being finalized, but look for Midway Broadcasting news/talk WVON 1690-AM to supplement its lineup with news reports from BIN: Black Information Network, the 24/7 national audio news service recently launched by iHeartMedia. “It’s a perfect complement to our Black talk format,” said

Melody-Spann Cooper with her late dad Pervis Spann, the "all-night blues man."

Melody Spann Cooper, chair and CEO of Midway Broadcasting. “WVON is hyper-local, but what impacts Black America impacts us here in Chicago, where we represent one-third of the city’s population. Enhanced news is needed and iHeart’s timing is perfect.” Since June 30, the network has also been carried in Chicago on the HD-2 subchannel of WVAZ 102.7-FM, the iHeartMedia RB station. Congrats WVON, Melody and team!

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Voss Events’ Drive 'N Drag with RuPaul's Drag Race Stars is coming to Chicago August 7-9 at Soldier Field. The series will star RuPaul’s Drag Race fan favorites Yvie Oddly, Naomi Smalls, Jaida Essence Hall, Aquaria, Gigi Goode and many more. Attendees will get the live theatrical experience from the safety of their cars (inside or on top) with concert-style stage and lighting, Jumbotron screens and sound pumped outside and through every car via FM transmitters. Multiple shows will run all weekend long from 12 pm to 11 pm. Food and beverages will be available for purchase and early shows will include Voss Events’ famous Drag Brunch with a special brunch menu. Drive ’N Drag ticket are $60 per car for two people. 100 VIP spots, closest to the stage are available for $120 per spot. Additional passengers are $20 each.

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Dance for Life will shift from a live event to a digital event from August 10-15. See works archived from Dance for Life performances during the past 29 years featuring Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago and many others. The digital event will culminate with a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to Covid-19 with dancers from throughout the Chicago area. For all the details, click here!

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Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation will host a (FREE) virtual Fall Benefit on Thursday, October 22. The event will include inspiring survivor stories, updates on the latest LSCRF funded research and more. Help them fund life-changing breakthroughs in breast cancer research by reserving your virtual spot here!

 

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And, if after all of this reading, you have tired or irritated eyes, check out the "blue light" protection glasses ($40, shop and ship, and up to 4+ strength) at MyEyeDr., my go-to spot for eyecare needs. I especially love my doctor, Dr. Scott Amoruso although they're all good (and so nice) there too. To make an appt. or place an order, click here!

That's all folks. Thanks for reading and, if not a subscriber, please sign up here. My list is never shared, only treasured. And, if you have any events you would like me to share, please send them my way! The more good news, the better! Stay safe, sane and sensible.

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. I'd gladly stand up next to you......:-)

KRISTIN CHENOWETH ADDS STAR POWER TO RAVINIA FESTIVAL'S FIRST VIRTUAL LIVING ROOM LAWN PARTY

PLUS: Nobu Hotel Chicago's chic opening; Delicious Chefs' Night with Peggy and Harriet; Losing soulmates; Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, a sneak peek; Dr. Joaquin honored; They call it Firefly, a sweet retreat in Harbor Country; The TOP Chicago penthouse for sale; Monsters among us; Katie set to perform for Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Soiree; Chicago Lighthouse ready for virtual lift-off; Big Shoulders Fund set to honor Beth and Bruce; Bronzeville Art District hosts virtual tour; Pups in pup-kinis, PAWS Chicago's Virtual Beach Party; WINGS Purple Tie Ball with Melissa and Debby; This & That; Fun videos and SOOO much more!  

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Kristin Chenoweth, Ravinia Festival Living Room Virtual Lawn Party host, with her pianist Michael Orland.

Congrats to Ravinia Festival on its first virtual Living Room Lawn Party! Typically, we would all be picnicking on the beautiful lawn at Ravinia listening to some of the top musical talents in the world but, sadly, Covid changed all of that. However, kudos to Ravinia and its beautiful, talented hostess, Tony Award-winning actress Kristen Chenoweth, for reimagining the music in such a special new way! The hour long event went off without a hitch and was so entertaining. Viewers enjoyed performances by pianist Kenneth Cole, an award-winning concert performer, who opened the show with Cole Porter songs. During the event's

Michelle DeYoung, classical vocalist.

"pre-party," we learned about Ravinia's Reach+Teach+Play programming, that serves over 85,000 community members from neighborhoods on Chicago's West Side to schools in Waukegan and the Lake County area. RTP initiatives include music education programs for 18,000 public school students; a music discovery program for over 4,500 K-3rd grade children in under resourced Chicago Public Schools; the Sistema Ravinia Orchestra Program (that provides free instruments and ongoing music instruction for kids); guest artists in classrooms; jazz scholar programs and so much more. Chenoweth appeared onscreen wearing jeans and

Welz Kaufman, Ravinia Festival president/CEO.

a simple top in a beautiful apartment with a patio and her beloved pianist,

Patricia Racette, award-winning soprano.

Michael Orland, by her side. She sang "Till There Was You." (from "The Music Man.") She said, "Not-for-profit Ravinia depends on ticket revenue for more than half of its annual operating budget....We need your support so Ravinia can come roaring back as soon as we can contain the global health crisis that has silenced our summer." Welz Kaufman, Ravinia's president/CEO, introduced a video showing kids in the Sistema Ravinia program, among others. Jazz legend Ramsey Lewis, a Ravinia Steans Music Institute alum, played a piece he wrote called "Blessings" on his piano from his home that was topped with photos of loved ones. Other musical performances were presented by Marquis Hill (a Jazz Scholars alum who played a piece on his trumpet that he learned in the Reach+Teach+Play program); Michelle DeYoung (a Ravinia Steans Institute alum) sang "Liebestod" from "Trisan und Isolde" and award-winning soprano Patricia Racette sang Edith Piaf's "Mon Dieu". Lewis and Hill shared a convo about the lack of music and arts education in the schools now

I hope we can get back to this soon!

and how important it was for Ravinia to step up and help close this gap with its much needed programming. Chenoweth closed the show singing on a split screen with Mary Mitchell Campbell, Crystal Monaie Hall and Marisa Rosen. They sang a song titled "Reasons for Hope" written by Campbell and Hall. The lyrics, in part read: "In the blackest night, in the coldest season, we will find the light, we will find the reason to believe." Amen to that. Also, another great pivot for Ravinia, conceived by Nick Pullia (Ravinia's Director of Communications), is Ravinia TV, a recently launched 20-minute weekly variety show/webcast on Ravinia's YouTube channel and Facebook page (every Friday at 7 pm, CDT). See details here! And watch trailer below!

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Nobu Hotel Chicago ribbon cutting on July 1.

After a groundbreaking in 2016 that brought Robert De Niro, an investor/owner (and other principals to town), Nobu Hotel Chicago opened its doors on July 1, even welcoming its first guests (from Michigan). Fans and media peeps gathered in front of the hotel at 155 N. Peoria for a ribbon cutting attended by Alderman Walter Burnett Jr., Michael Chin (regional director and GM Nobu Hotel Chicago) and Deputy Mayor Samir Mayekar. Emily Cornelious (NHC director of sales and marketing) welcomed the crowd and introduced the speakers. Mayekar spoke on behalf of Mayor Lightfoot, "To say that we've been hurting as a city is an understatement. Covid 19 has been an economic earthquake and the ripple effects are still

Nobu Restaurant, beautiful but not open yet.

Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. and Emily Cornelious, NHC sales and marketing director.

being felt throughout the city. But, for all the damage that has been done to our economy, no industry has been hit quite as hard as hospitality and tourism. This is what makes today so special as it gives us hope that we need as a city. This investment represents a strong vote of confidence in Chicago and our future." Burnett spoke next and congratulated NHC for bringing in "hundreds of jobs." He said he looks forward to the restaurant opening (which hasn't been announced yet) so he can "kick it back with De Niro again." Following a ribbon

Michael Chin, NHC regional director and GM, with Alderman Walter Burnett Jr. on left.

cutting, guests moved (socially distanced and masked) to the 11th floor Rooftop at Nobu. There, stunning

Chuck enjoying a lychee martini on Rooftop at Nobu.

views of the city served as a backdrop to the stark, Japanese style decor done in dark shades with furniture to match. Tours were given of the Sake Suite and we got a chance for a sneak peek into a "regular" room. Both were stunning and would make for a helluva stay-cation. My tastes don't typically run to such a minimalist style but here, it was chic, sexy and elegant with every detail attended to, including heated floors in the bathrooms. The rooms have 11-foot ceilings with dramatic multi-paned windows looking out over the West Loop. A Japanese wooden

It wouldn't be a party without DJ Akib!

soaking tub was a wonderful surprise in the Sake Suite, which rents for around $350. The Nobu Suite goes for

The elegant Sake Suite.

around $800 and the Villa rents for $3500 (more or less). There is something for everyone here at every price point! The opening VIP party on the Rooftop included wines from event sponsor Fresh Vine Wine, Danica Patrick's brand new (fabulous) rosé and the always wonderful DJ Akib! Appetizers gave us a sample of what's to come when the restaurant opens and included a mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors. Small plates will include nori tacos, black cod lettuce cups, and skewered Kushiyaki. Sushi will also be

Delicious appetizers overseen by Chef Gregorio Stephenson.

available with the yellow tail topped with jalapeno being a standout for me. I spoke to Nobu's Corporate Chef Gregorio Stephenson (who many people will remember from his time at Coco Pazzo). He said, "We wanted to make Nobu Hotel Chicago all about the

Pretty party people!

locals. We used local contractors, artists, architects and designers. We're coming from the outside but we want our clients to feel at home. It's their town and all we want to do is make people happy." I think you've achieved your goal!  The brand has a presence on 5 continents including its first at

Nobu Corporate Chef Gregorio Stephenson.

Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas (which opened in 2013), Manila, Miami Beach, Malibu, London Shoreditch, Palo Alto, Los Cabos, Barcelona and Ibiza Bay. Opening this year, besides the Chicago property, will be outposts in Toronto, Sao Paulo, Atlanta, Warsaw, Riyadh and Tel Aviv. Nobu is a collaboration between De Niro, Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and film producer/entrepreneur Meir Teper. The first Nobu restaurant opened in 1994 in New York. (For more details and reservations, click here!)

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The always fabulous Peggy Kusinski was the perfect host.

Another successful virtual fundraiser, Chef's Night, was held recently by the Center for Enriched Living (CEL). Hosted by sports commentator Peggy Kusinski on June 29, the hour long event was shown on Facebook Live and YouTube and replaced the nonprofit's normal event that would've taken place in May with over 700 guests.

Chef Tim Minefee (Barilla chef/product development) often donates his time for CEL.

The physical event would've hosted 40 restaurants and raised over $500,000 for the organization. As Peggy said, "We've made lemonade out of lemons." The event opened with Christine Honeywell singing "Be Our Guest" (from "Beauty & the Beast"). Zach Overstreet, resident mixologist at the Koval Distillery, created a gin smash for viewers made with lemons, herbs and syrup. Harriet Levy, CEL CEO, welcomed guests and explained the work of the nonprofit

Harriet Levy, CEL CEO, presents Peggy with flowers at the end of the show.

which provides support and programming for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She said, "We are 100% privately funded. Our budget is $4 million. When you give, we can do more." And despite the fact that CEL's residents couldn't meet due to Covid, the org pivoted and planned its programming for virtual viewing--7 days a week from morning to night. A touching video showed residents speaking about how CEL has impacted their lives. Micah Montondol, a fireman with the Deerfield Bannockburn Fire Dept., lamented

Zach Overstreet, Koval Distillery resident mixologist, created a gin smash for viewers.

the fact that his crew wouldn't be cooking up nachos this year at the actual event. We also heard from longtime

Rachel Bernstein shared her inspiring story.

volunteers Ellyn and Gary Podolsky who have been volunteering for the past 13 years. They shared their recipe for a colorful veggie and fruit appetizer tray. Rachel Bernstein, a resident born with spina bifada, shared her love of the virtual programming where she learns sign language and Spanish. Her mom Amy said, "It's heartbreaking as a parent to see your child isolated like this. The virtual classes have been a lifeline... It's wonderful

Longtime CEL supporters Ellyn and Gary Podolsky.

knowing our children can go to a program where the staff is loving, caring, devoted and creative." Chef Tim Minefee

Joan Cannon, incoming CEL board president.

(from Barilla) prepared a penne pasta with pork tenderloin, green onion, poblano peppers, black beans, cherry tomatoes and cilantro. Dan Ripes, current board president, and Joan Cannon, incoming board president, both shared their thoughts on CEL. At the end of the show, Harriet presented Peggy with roses as they both celebrated busting their goal of $51,823 by raising $62,906! (For more info about this wonderful nonprofit, click here!) KUDOS on a job well done!

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Sherrill with her late husband John Royal Bodine.

A love match made in heaven was the happy situation between much loved author and Service Club president Sherrill Bodine and her dear John Royal Bodine. John passed away on June 28 at age 76 in her arms and, if you were lucky enough to have been around these two, you would've felt the love since it always filled any

Always dancing to the same beat.

room they inhabited. She was his rock and he was hers. During his last days, Sherrill creatively prepared meals with themes from the many trips they had taken together. Their love was a goal everyone hoped to reach. Here is John's obit of a life well lived: John Royal Bodine, 76, passed away on Sunday June 28 in the arms of his loving wife of 56 years. He and his sister were reared in River Forest by parents, Mary Jane and Royal Bodine. John received his BA and Master’s Degree from Purdue

Baby John and Baby Sherrill.

University and had a fellowship to work on his PHD at the University of California Riverside. John was a

John with his "other" baby.

Renaissance Man who started his career as a Political Science professor and Crew Coach at the University of West Virginia Charleston, Columbia in New York City and Purdue University. He joined his family’s 115 year old company Bodine Electric in 1983 and moved to the Northshore. He served as President and CEO for 27 years and the last 3 years as Chairman of the Board. He loved traveling with friends and showing his children and grandchildren the world which he did as often as possible. A beautiful Celebration of Life was held at the picturesque Wilmette Harbor Club where Sherrill and her family were surrounded by love and support. Besides his adored wife, John is survived by daughter Heidi Anderson; sons Alan and Michael Bodine; daughter Kate Huff; fourteen beloved grandchildren and one great -grandchild. Donations in his memory may be made to the Service Club of Chicago at https://theserviceclubofchicago.org/donate/ (RIP dear John)

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Denise Tomasello and her late husband, Don Conover.

Couples who have truly found their soul-mates are rarer than hen's teeth. Cabaret queen Denise Tomasello and her husband Don Conover was another one of those lucky couples, inseparable and completely dedicated to each other. Don lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on June 21, after 18 years of marriage. Here's part of Denise's loving tribute to him: YESTERDAY, I LOST THE LOVE OF MY LIFE. My husband Don Conover passed away from stage 4 pancreatic cancer which he’s been fighting since November 2019. (He was misdiagnosed in September which caused us to lose precious time). I am beyond devastated and heartbroken. I am at a loss for words to try to explain the pain I’m in. I don’t know how I’m going to continue my life without him. Don and I were connected in a way that was beyond romance and beyond friendship.

Denise and Don, oh happy day!

The relationship we had was a once-in-a-lifetime. A forever connection that could only exist with our true love. Don and I met 18 years ago at Bally’s health club in Des Plaines and these five words changed my life forever, “Don’t drink all the water”,

Always arm in arm.

when I was at the water fountain. I turned around and saw the most charismatic, handsome, masculine man smiling at me. That was the beginning of our incredible love story.  For those of you that don’t know my husband’s history… Don was born in Brooklyn and was the youngest of four brothers and a sister. He grew up in a poor Italian neighborhood on Fort Hamilton Parkway and 36th with his Italian mother and grandparents. He lived in a cold water flat with an environment that allowed him to be too hot, too cold and sometimes hungry. Sometimes they had as many as

On the street where he lived in Brooklyn.

12 people living in a flat with only 1 bathroom, in conditions where there were rats and roaches. He learned to dress in a particular manner where needs were most important and hand me downs were welcome gifts. His

Denise fell for Don from the very beginning.

main entertainment came from his and his siblings thoughts, ideas, actions or gifts that they all shared. Radios, television, telephones and refrigerators were not available during their early years. But that didn’t stop Don, he was always motivated. Despite his rough upbringing, Don’s ingenuity earned him three degrees, all while holding down a job and going to night school. When Don was 40 years old, he moved to Chicago with his family to be the Head of Research and Development at Stepan Chemical. They gave him a small house with a carport and a salary of $40,000, which was millions to him coming from such a poor background. Don said he walked out in the backyard and yelled, “I MADE IT! While Don was at Stepan, he invented the scent for

Eye to eye and heart to heart.

LEMON PLEDGE without using the lemon peel. This was quite an accomplishment few could ever do. He always laughed and said the bonus from Stepan, for his invention, was a fishing rod.  A couple years later he knew he was destined for greater things, so he and two partners opened up Belle Aire Fragrances, a 1200-square-foot facility. Probably the equivalent of a two bedroom apartment. Don poured his heart and soul into every area of the business. Working tirelessly, from creating fragrances to marketing and sales. Well, that facility now consists of two buildings, 22,000-square-feet and 9400-square-feet, located across from one another in Mundelein, which employs 60-70 people. He treated every employee with respect and they admired him for all of his wonderful traits and loved working for him.  Recently the company name was changed to Belle Aire Creations due to Don’s new inventions and patents. They are used in oral care products, which are being used in eight different countries. There are so many products of Don’s fragrances and odor modifiers that you use in your every day lives, from detergents to perfumes. It would be impossible to list. Don owned 80% of this successful company and he did it ALL ON HIS OWN. He was never left a dime, not even a cent. His hard work and motivation allowed him to achieve this huge accomplishment without any help from family. As a little boy he was heartbroken when his father left when he was just 5 years old. He didn’t see much of him and then his father passed away when he was only 15 years old. Don took care of his mother, his sister and even my mother. He loved nothing more than providing for the people he cared for. If I told him a friend was in trouble that he didn’t even know, he was the first to volunteer to send a monetary gift. He required very little for himself. In fact, I had to force him to let me buy him more

Don and Denise at Gene & Georgetti's opening in Rosemont.

designer clothes. He always said he had enough and didn’t need anything. I guess it’s because of his upbringing in Brooklyn, he learned to be appreciative for what he had.  His two passions were boxing and gambling. In his late teens he was a boxer. Don took care of his body physically. He worked out 3 times a week 2-1/2 hours each day. Taking every vitamin you can think of. He treated his body like a temple. His other favorite thing to do was gamble. My husband was a big dice player but he was never irresponsible with his finances. Playing dice made him the happiest. When Don and I first met we use to go to Vegas four times a year. Don was so crazy about my mother that he invited her to join us on our very first trip. The two of them had a very special bond. They would gamble together, cook together, and laugh together. Don treated my mother as if she was his own. My mother adored him, he was the son she never had. Don was our hero. When I

Don looking fit on vacation.

first met Don he told me he was my archangel, but he was all that and more. Don was one of the most handsome, powerful, charismatic, witty, funny, smartest men I had ever known. Most of all he was generous with a heart of gold.  Don and I had a powerful connection, a fairytale marriage. A relationship that people only dream of. The past 18 years Don wanted to make all my dreams come true. He never denied me anything. 10 years ago he bought me my dream home at the Carlyle. He let me turn it into an Art Deco/Hollywood Regency Palace. It was our second residence and we would spend weekends there. We had so much in common, we were both night people. We loved hanging out at Gibsons and The Drake Hotel, into the wee small hours of the morning.

A young Don Conover.

We lived a simple life in the suburbs, we enjoyed watching television and preparing meals together. We loved each other’s company so much that we only had one television so that we would never be separate.  Don was so supportive of me and my career. My husband loved attending my concerts and his eyes would just beam at me my entire show. People would come up to me and tell me how adoring it was watching him watch me. In my business, I’m known as the Queen of Cabaret and, in his business, he is the King of Fragrance. I am still in shock and beyond devastated. I never knew how awful cancer was until I watched him try to fight this cruel and ugly disease. For those of you that don’t know, pancreatic cancer is called the silent killer. There are no symptoms until you are in stage 4 which makes it the hardest cancer to beat or live with. We never knew how horrific chemotherapy would be until my husband went through such a painful experience. He didn’t want to do chemo but he did it for me because he loved me so much. He fought and hardly complained even through the pain. Throughout Don’s life, he had a lot of health issues and had survived quadruple open heart surgery, a new aorta 10 years ago and colon cancer 3 years ago. Then he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in November. The doctors were so optimistic that they could prolong his life for a couple more years with treatment. Don being the strong man he is took it like a soldier. He was hopeful until the very end. He was trying a new treatment and decided he no longer wanted to experience the horrific side effects of chemotherapy. After stopping treatment, our only option was to start hospice care 2-1/2 weeks ago, in which we thought we would be able to prolong his life for another 6 months. For those of you who’ve had friends or relatives in a hospice facility, I’m sure you had a wonderful experience. But hospice at home, is almost next to nothing. They come in two times a week for twenty minutes. I was extremely disappointed in what they had to offer and would not recommend it to anyone. It was a huge disappointment and lack of care. His passing yesterday was totally unexpected. I am still in shock! Unfortunately, his body just couldn’t take it anymore and it started to give out. I am so grateful that God allowed me to be with Don when he took his last breath. Holding him and saying goodbye was heart wrenching. A feeling I will never forget. I am beyond devastated and hate thinking about

RIP Don.....

facing my life without him. He was my EVERYTHING. He was my best friend, my soulmate, my protector and now he’s my guardian angel. I have the biggest hole in my heart and I can’t tell you how much I miss him already. I know he’s up in heaven with mine and his family ordering everyone around. Who knows there’s probably a dice table up there too. Rest In Peace my loving husband. You’ll be with me in my heart and soul, every second of every day. I love you more than words could ever express. God took you away from me way too soon. I’ll be looking at the moon but I’ll be seeing you. (Donations in Don's honor can be made to www.PanCan.org (for pancreatic cancer research) or The Service Club of Chicago.) RIP Don, what a grand life you led....

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Dr. Joaquin Brieva.

Huge congrats to Dr. Joaquin C. Brieva on his recent high

Dr. Joaquin and Jennifer Brieva.

honor! On June 17, during the annual resident graduation ceremony (done on Zoom this year) Joaquin was presented with the Northwestern University Department of Dermatology Teacher of the Year award! It's a very special award since it's voted on and presented by the residents. Thanks to proud wife, Jennifer Sutton Brieva, for sharing her love's wonderful achievement!

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Shelley Johnstone Design.

You won't want to miss this year's Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens that opens Saturday, July 11 and runs through Sunday, August 9 (benefiting the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago). The historic Pullman Estate in Lake Forest has been transformed into a magical wonderland by 33 interior designers and 7 landscape designers. What I loved most was the color, color, color! No all-beige decor for this 11,000-square-foot beauty nestled on magnificent grounds with boxwood that are the genesis of our own Chicago Botanic Garden! The creativity is off the charts with painted floors, ceilings and even book jackets that all coordinate beautifully with each other. Every room, although very

Dining room design by Paloma Contreras, event chair.

different, somehow flows seamlessly into the next. It's a big rambling 7 bedroom, 8.5 bath home with delightful nooks and crannies, now decorated to a

Sarah Vaile & Lindsay Baker Design.

turn! Paloma Contreras, an award-winning interior decorator, tastemaker and design blogger based in Houston, is the honorary chair of the Showhouse. As mentioned in a previous blog post, many of the items in the designer rooms will be for sale with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Participating designers include: The ABL Group, Alexandra Kaehler Design, Annie Liddle Design, Cynthia McCullough Interiors, Dovetails Cabinetry, DP Home Design, Edyta & Co. Elizabeth Kreuger Design, Ilene Chase Design, James Thomas, Jen Talbot Design, Joey Leicht Design, Kelly Hurliman Design, Konstant Home, Lori Lennon & Associates,

Ilene Chase Design.

M&M Interior Design, Mark David Design, Michele Frigon, Nora C. Marra Interiors, North Shore Nest,

Soledad Zitzewitz Interiors.

Paloma Contreras Design (honorary event chair), Park & Oak, Relativity Textiles, Sarah Vaile Design, Savarie Interiors, Shelley Johnstone Design, Soledad Zitzewitz Interiors, Stephanie Kaslow Interiors, Studio CAK, Studio Gild, Teresa Manns Design and Wendy Labrum Interiors. Landscape designers: Bories and Shearron, Bulley and Andrews, JLC Landscaping, JMR Landscape, Mariani Landscape, Schmechtig Landscapers and Scott Byron & Co. Co-chaired by Jennifer Mower (president of the Lake Forest Infant

The ABL Group, Dovetail Cabinetry, George Markoutsas and Jennifer Bruek, Ewa Pasek Riley.

Welfare Society of Chicago), Chrissy Davis, Sarah Georgi and Jen Horan, the bi-annual event has raised over $4.5 million for the organization. The colonial-style home, which sits on 3 acres, was originally designed by Frost & Granger in 1906 and completely renovated by architect Stanley Anderson in the late 1920s for investment banker William Allan Pinkerton Pullman, the grand-nephew of George M. Pullman, the developer and manufacturer of Pullman cars. W.A.P. Pullman is also the co-founder of the Chicago Botanic Garden. The home is for sale for $3.5 million (see listing here) To purchase tickets for the Showhouse, click here! (Congrats to CO-OP PR , Whitley Bouma Herbert and Susu Block, for their great work promoting this exciting event, among others!)

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With Covid severely limiting most people's travel plans, we have turned to a longtime love of ours, ROADTRIPS! A few weekends ago, we popped into Lake Geneva for a change of scenery and, recently, we returned to Michigan's Harbor Country for another little adventure. For the first time, we stayed at Firefly Resort (15657 Lakeshore Road, Union Pier, 269-469-0245), a group of cottages built in the 1930s as

One of the cottages at Firefly Resort in Union Pier, Michigan.

a place for city dwellers to escape and relax. It fills the same bill today. The Firefly offers 18 one and two bedroom cottages, all restored, featuring living rooms, kitchenettes and bathrooms. Residents can enjoy outdoor grills, picnic nooks, pretty gardens and

Tricky but beautiful path to the private beach.

VERY close beach access. A private beach is 900' away and the public beach is a bit closer. We chose the public beach because the stairs down to the private one were pretty hard to navigate (see video here). Now, I must stress that this is definitely NOT luxury lodging--it is true lakeside, cottage living--simple, basic and small. But still such a delightful getaway in a great location. The managers and guests could not have been sweeter. They all made you feel like family AND, one of the best parts, is that certain cottages are PET-FRIENDLY! We had great rag-top weather so this made the short, two day trip even better. We visited all the familiar spots, Drier's Meat Market for liver sausage, Nancy's for ice cream and hot dogs, Brewster's

Brewster's Italian Cafe in New Buffalo.

Italian Cafe for the best pizza and Timothy's (a close spot for

Timothy's patio (with the moving tree) in Union Pier.

great dining and a bit of whimsy). Timothy's Restaurant, 16409 Red Arrow Hwy, is very close to Firefly and had just opened, albeit cautiously, when we arrived. We sat on a huge patio with gorgeous, landscaped grounds for a backdrop. (Rooney was NOT in my bag by my side, wink, wink). As we enjoyed cocktails, Chuck turned to me and said, "I saw that tree move." I was afraid the beers had gone to his head but, as I watched, a 9-foot pine tree moved slowly 3 feet to the left. I was dumbfounded. We asked our waiter and he told us the story behind the "magical moving tree." On Dec. 31, 2016, owner/chef Timothy Sizer bought the 2.7

Peace on a porch.

acre site on Red Arrow, including the former Wine Sellers building, a large parking lot and wooded backyard. Sizer

Nancy's at nightfall in New Buffalo.

quickly began work on restoring the pond and large gardens including night lighting for the tall trees. He said the outdoor dining and tiki bar, along with lawn games like croquet, will be offered shortly. The previous owner came up with the concept of the "moving tree" to delight watchful diners and Timothy decided to keep the tradition alive. It was fun and captured our attention for the rest of the evening! LOL! I'm thinking about renting an RV next......:-)

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Chicago's most magnificent penthouse, at 1500 N. Lake Shore Drive, is for sale for the first time in 45 years! The home was purchased in 1975 by Michael Wilkie, who is board chair of DGI Supply, a company manufacturing industrial products that is part of his DoALL Company founded by his family in 1927. Wilkie is the guy who

Michael and Teri Wilkie.

famously danced with Princess Diana when she was in Chicago as guest of honor at a gala held at the Field Museum on June 5, 1996. The world press went crazy but Wilkie was not out of line as he had been in contact with the Princess and

Mike Wilkie and Princess Diana, 1996.

told her he would be wearing a flower in his lapel at the gala when he invited her to dance. She was all smiles. But I digress. His penthouse is one of the most spectacular homes I've ever seen. He has decorated the 8,000-square-foot space in Old World style with antiques, malachite-encrusted objets d'art, pricey paintings, marble statuary, taxidermy and more. It was built by famed architect Rosario Candela in 1929 and boasts 6 bedrooms, 6/12 bathrooms, a two-story living room and a 5,200-square-foot lawn with views of the lake from three sides. According to a Wall Street Journal article about the home sale, Wilkie said he's changed little about the grand space except for redoing the kitchen. Compass Real Estate has the listing for $24.5 million. Wilkie said he and wife Teresa plan on relocating to Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida to "avoid Chicago winters."

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Jeffrey Epstein

Monsters among us......I don't know if I've ever been more disgusted over anything as I have been watching the sickening saga of child molester Jeffrey Epstein. I was sorry he "committed suicide" as I would've loved to see him rot in jail. And now we have his accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, being tracked down, finally. If

Ghislaine Maxwell

anything, her sins are even worse to me because she's a woman. She knows how this would affect these young girls and how it would haunt them for the rest of their lives. And she also knew the girls would be more willing with a female doing the procuring. The whole thing is diabolical. I was thrilled when armed agents arrested her and it was quite a production too, 15 vehicles with

Ghislaine Maxwell and Prince Andrew.

spy planes and 24 armed FBI agents stormed the property, named "Tuckedaway", at 4:20 am. They were backed by NY cops, local officers and New Hampshire's gang task force. (Obviously, they weren't taking any chances.) They used bolt cutters to break the lock on the metal gate and found her inside in sweatpants and a top. I hope she gets locked away and the key thrown away and that her "black book" is revealed to all with the names of the other perverts involved. Reportedly, she has a secret stash of the pedophile's sex tapes that could implicate the world's most powerful and she will try to use them to save herself. I pray that all the victims get the justice they deserve.

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I'm so excited to be hosting the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center's Virtual Soiree on Wednesday, September 2 at 7 pm CDT! The event will feature a performance by The Voice finalist, Katie Kadan as well as inspiring stories from Holocaust survivors. The mission of the IHMEC is expressed in its founding principle: Remember the Past, Transform the Future. The Museum is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference. The

The Voice star Katie Kadan will perform!

Museum, which is located in Skokie at 9603 Woods Drive, fulfills its mission through the exhibition, preservation and interpretation of its collections and through education programs and initiatives that foster the promotion of human rights and the elimination of genocide. The Museum, a 65,000-square-foot space, opened April 19, 2009 and is a culmination of 30 years of hard work by the local Holocaust survivor community. According to President Emeritus Sam Harris, “We dreamt of creating a place that would not only serve as a memorial to our families that perished and the millions lost, but also where young minds could learn the terrible dangers of prejudice and hatred.” Amen to that! For tickets/more info, please click here!  

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The Chicago Lighthouse is charging ahead with its many events, albeit virtually to support people who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and Veterans. Its annual Seeing What's Possible Gala will be held on Saturday, September 12; the fabulous Flair Fashion Show will take place on Friday, October 16 and the House & Garden Walk is scheduled for October 1 to the 10th. To learn more about these events and the nonprofit, click here.   

The Big Shoulders Fund's 2020 "Reach for the Stars" Humanitarian Awards Dinner is slated for Friday, October 23 (it was moved from a May date). The event will be held at the Hilton Chicago and honor Beth and Bruce White. These dinners don't happen on an annual basis so each one is critical to the nonprofit's success with funds raised going towards scholarships, academic and enrichment programs, instructional equipment, school improvements, faculty support, operating grants and more. Most recently, the org set a record at its 2018 Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian Award Dinner honoring Kimberly Querrey and Lou Simpson by raising $14.1 million. (For tickets, more info, click here!)

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The largest African American Art District in the country, the Bronzeville Art District, will offer its annual Trolley Tour virtually this year starting Friday, July 17. at 7 pm. Experience art, culture and more from six top galleries, art institutions and art studios in the historic Bronzeville Community. The galleries featured on the virtual tour include Blanc Gallery, Bronzeville Artist Lofts, Faie African Art in Bronzeville, Little Black Pearl, South Side Community Art Center and (my favorite) Gallery Guichard with the Mayor and First Lady of Bronzeville, Frances and Andre Guichard. After the July 17 kick-off, the tour will take place every 3rd Friday of the month (Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 20, Dec. 18). Sign up (for FREE) here and join in the fun!

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I'm so excited to be co-hosting PAWS Chicago's Red Carpet for its virtual Beach Party on Thursday, July 23 with Phillip Emigh (Tails in the City)! This fun-filled party will

Excited to co-host PAWS Beach Party's Red Carpet with Phillip Emigh! (Bruce Haas on right.)

take place at 7 pm with surprise appearances, "arrival" coverage, a beach bod pet competition, PAW-garitas and so much more! A silent auction will include a custom illustration of your pet by

Bid on an exquisite portrait of your pet by artist Rosemary Fanti!

award-winning fashion illustrator Rosemary Fanti. Purchase a Party Pack for only $75 (with a portion of the proceeds donated back to PAWS) that includes four tacos with chips, guac, salsa, street corn and churro bites. A PAW-garita kit, $55, includes everything you need to fuel the fun for 10-12 people! As of today, PAWS has made 1,923 adoptions, with the majority of these happening through their virtual adoption process! Help PAWS continue their No-Kill work by joining us! (To register for FREE (donations encouraged, of course, click here!)

WINGS Program will host its 20th Purple Tie Ball (virtually) this year on Saturday, October 3, to commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The event will feature great music, powerful stories from domestic violence survivors,

WINGS Program honorees Melissa Canning and Debby Jackson.

an auction, a virtual cooking demo and more! For major sponsors, WINGS will also offer in-home dinner parties catered by a local chef. The event will honor Melissa Canning and Debby Jackson. For more info, click here!

I finally ventured out for a little retail therapy and almost wished I hadn't. I know things are different now, and may never return to the normal we knew before, but still.....I had hope in my heart that my little trip to a department store might restore my battered soul. I was never a big shopper, but I've always been a big socializer. I have friends in almost every department of every store around town and was anxious to get out and say hello (masked of course). Sadly, not to be....the stores I visited seemed to have lost their

Cynthia Holbrook, retired but never forgotten, from Neiman Marcus Michigan Avenue.

hearts (for now) and I'm sure many of them have since they probably had to lay off staff, put others on furlough or whatever they needed to do for cost-saving measures. These times make it difficult for anyone to make money especially with looky loos like me who aren't buying anything. One retail loss that I really took to heart was the retirement of long-time Neiman Marcus (Michigan Avenue) personal shopper Cynthia Holbrook. I know she certainly deserves to finally get some rest, she's been in this business for a decade or more but Cynthia was so much more than her title. She was a friend to EVERYONE, a shoulder to lean on, someone to laugh with who just happened to know EVERYTHING there was to know about the fashion world. I'm happy for her but selfishly sad for me. I wish her the best and I know I will run into her somewhere soon. She will be dressed in the latest looks head-to-toe, of course, and I will probably be in sweat pants and a raggedy t-shirt.

Here's to a brighter future, hopefully soon, for us all.

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com  

P.S. It's gonna be a long year in Kindergarten....

VIRTUAL FUNDRAISERS: GETTING CREATIVE WITH MISERICORDIA, A SILVER LINING FOUNDATION AND OTHERS

Plus: Tasting Stars with A Silver Lining; Misericordia's 60th Family Association Benefit raises BIG bucks; Dressing Barbie; Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens; Doorstep Divas bring the party to YOU!; A look back and forward at Service Club's Day on the Terrace fashion show; RefuSHE's Fashion Challenge 2020; Chicago House helps "Raise Your Voices"; Carpool Concerts' exciting outdoor schedule; IG LIVE with Tracey!; Virtual Chefs Night; American Heart Association's Heart Ball; Lana's Largesse; NOBU Hotel Chicago opens in West Loop; The very latest in Mask-Wear by Elda; Dance for Life 2020; Life, Laughter, Happiness with Playmate Barbara Moore; THIS & THAT; Fun videos and so much MORE!

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"These are the times that try men's souls." Amen to that Thomas Paine. This crisis and moment in time will be life-changing for many. In a recent (Monmouth University) poll, 61% of people say they will be making permanent changes moving forward. I don't know what

Designer Virgil Abloh.

this new normal will look like and it's unnerving for a control freak like me. I don't know how comfortable people will be in larger crowds so where will that leave nonprofits and their critical fundraisers? Virgil Abloh, Off-White founder and Louis Vuitton men's artistic director, spoke about the pandemic and our changing world from a fashion point of view. "I'm inspired that fashion can mean something different out of the end of this. It doesn't feel like it did a year ago. Today it seems useless, in a way: a

Michelle Alegria (Fox 32) relaxes with yoga.

new handbag, a pair of shoes. Getting groceries seems more important than buying a new garment that I already have 30 of in a closet," he said. I tend to

Dairyland in Dupo, Illinois.

agree. Buying more stuff won't be the answer for me either. Lots of my friends are focusing more on wellness with meditation (hello Michelle Alegria!) and yoga. The quarantine cooking group seems to be going strong with some fabulous dishes and recipes being shared there (Paul Iacono, Greg Hyder, Beth Heller, Mark Olley and Thomas O'Gorman being standouts). With the future of the newspaper industry in question, I'm focusing more on survival. Who knows what's going to happen

Small towns look pretty appealing now. (Waterloo, Illinois)

A train runs through it. (Dupo, Illinois)

there? I'm so blessed to have this blog where I can still shine a spotlight on all the good things happening around town. Other friends are planning their exit strategies although I'm not sure where someone can hide from all of this. I think hunkering down with the survival mentality of a pioneer might be the way to go. I'm over hoarding food and supplies but sort of wish I had an underground bunker ready and waiting. I find myself needing to connect more with my good friends. Part of this is missing my normal socializing but another part is

Flat Creek Baptist Church in E. Carondelet, Illinois.

just needing to be around the ones I love. All of this uncertainty and chaos makes me yearn for the normalcy of the old days back in my small

How 'bout cocktails and a pizza with this view? (Sunset Overlook in Columbia, Illinois)

hometown of Dupo, Illinois. At the time, I felt so stifled and bored--I couldn't wait to get out and explore the world. Now, I wish I could go back home and relive it all again--helping Mary and Jim Johnson in their huge garden (that they shared with their small community); ordering snow cones from Dairyland and dancing to the songs on the jukebox; dancing

Ordering a milk shake and "death burger" at Dairyland during a No Class Reunion.

at Teen Town with my high school girlfriends in skintight jeans; enjoying the seedy drive-in in Cahokia; getting excited about shopping with my Mom at J.C. Penney's in South County; the smell of Toni York's mom's beauty shop where my Mom and all her friends went; weekends at my Dad's house in E. St. Louis where my stepmother Blanche tried to teach me to cook; buying peaches, tomatoes and corn at Eckert's farm stand in Columbia; going to church at Flat Creek Baptist Church and experiencing such joy; buying snuff for Mama Mary Johnson at the little confectionery on the corner in East Carondelet; driving to the levy to see how high the flood waters were from the Mississippi River; the fabulous donuts at the Phillip's 66 station in

Mary Johnson (and Spotty) in her and her husband Jim's beautiful garden in E. Carondelet.

town; dinner at Greenfield's in Columbia with the family; high school picnics with Mary's fried chicken in the Chain O' Lakes park; Dad and Jim both trying to teach me how to live in the world; Mom trying to get me to not worry so much.....All of these memories that are the foundation of our lives are what's important to me now. That's what I'm going to try to focus on....Hope you have something similar to help you put everything in perspective.

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Sister Rosemary Connelly, the heart of the "Heart of Mercy".

Congrats to Misericordia Heart of Mercy on its first virtual fundraiser held on Saturday, June 20 that raised a whopping $1,405,000! This year marked the 60th Misericordia Family Association Benefit which still turned out to be very clever, heartwarming and fulfilling in terms of dollars raised, albeit virtually. The event had been planned and coordinated by Jim Capraro with support from the benefit committee and staff in less than 90 days! The 90 minute event, with lots of cool moving parts, opened with longtime supporter Lou Manfredini (WGN-TV home repair expert) welcoming guests. The "virtual cocktail session" from 6-7 pm, featured pianists Charlie Carpenter and Holly Jennings (co-chair) and

Misericordia's Lois Gates with auctioneer Greg "G-Man" Dellinger.

guitarist Jim Splithoff, who performed as silent auction items scrolled across the screen. The program portion of the event opened cleverly with the Star Wars theme followed by a video flyover of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels in a salute to Misericordia's essential workers. Father Jack Clair offered a blessing before

Co-chair Holly Jennings with her son, a resident at Misericordia.

a musical salute to Sister Rosemary Connelly (Misericordia's fabulous and much loved executive director for over 50 years) was performed in the Highland Cathedral with the Shannon Rovers and organist Charlie Carpenter. (All appropriately socially distanced). Supporters appearing

Caroline Kennedy congratulated the nonprofit via video.

in the video included Caroline Kennedy, Mike Ditka, Joe Maddon, Mayor Lori Lightfoot, co-chairs Holly Jennings and Beth Merlo (with their families), Laurie and Bill McCarthy (MFA chairs), New York Giants Saquon Barkley and Grant Haley and more. Lois Gates (assistant executive director in charge of development) and Mary Pat O'Brien (director and CFO) joined auctioneer Greg

NY Giants' Saquon Barkley and Grant Haley.

"G-Man" Dellinger during the fundraising portion of the event.  Sister Rosemary said, "Tonight is a celebration of our loving devotion to all our children and adults who call Misericordia home. We have the best family organization in the country. The reason Misericordia is the beautiful home it is today is because we are a community of dreamers. We believe that, not only do our residents have a right to life, but to one worth living. And, although our residents can't create a  good life for themselves, once it is theirs, they

Residents from Misericordia's Walsh Slattery Home help with a raffle.

become the gift-givers. Our residents are being cared for tenderly and lovingly and every day our staff creatively challenges them to remain engaged in personal growth, each to the best of their abilities." To date, Misericordia cares for over 600 children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities with a staff of 1,000+ across a 31-acre campus, with a new drive-by Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery being planned now.

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A Silver Lining founder Dr. Sandy Goldberg and Greg Hines.

I'm a big fan of Dr. Sandy Goldberg and her wonderful A Silver Lining Foundation that provides breast health support for those in need. So, when I heard that the 18th annual Tasting Stars event, which supports ASLF, was going to be virtual, I was at my computer and ready on Saturday, June 13 at 7pm. Paul Lisnek (of WGN-TV) emceed this virtual champagne event that would normally have been held at the DIRTT Environmental Solutions space (325 N. Wells) with magnificent views of the Loop and river. I'm always curious to see how the various nonprofits are able to pivot to virtual for the first time and this one, despite a few technical difficulties, went off without a hitch and was very informative and entertaining. Viewers tuned into YouTube Live for the hour long event

Virtual event host Paul Lisnek.

that opened with jazz pianist Anthony Pocetti (who performed beautiful standards intermittently throughout the presentation). Viewers were able to purchase "French Food Boxes" from the Entertaining Company (a longtime supporter) before the event in keeping

Adiat Baker and Iya Bakare, longtime supporters.

with the event's French theme. Lisnek introduced a video explaining ASLF's impact, how it came to be and the important work it's doing in the community. The video opened with one of the most dynamic singers I know, Opal Staples (of the famed Staples gospel family). Her singing always brings me to tears and this time was no exception. Her rendition of "Rise Up" is mind blowing (see video here). WGN-TV's

Sir Charles Stanfield.

Micah Materre was also a contributor and spoke about the people the organization serves. Dr. Sandy spoke passionately about her nonprofit that was born in 2002 after she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recalled having access to "everything that she needed during that journey." And when she realized others weren't as fortunate, she and her husband, Greg Hines, co-founded the org at their kitchen table with one donation. The programs have grown over the last 17 years to include five programs 1) The Chicagoland Cancer Information Coalition (which

Save the Date! A Sterling Event on Oct. 3

provides research and outreach), 2) Buy A Mom A Mammogram (ASLF now funds all breast health testing, screenings through biopsies for under-insured, un-insured and undocumented women and men). 3) The Evelyn Goldberg Mammography Center (renamed at UI Health in honor of Sandy's late mother) 4) Keep aBreast (a program designed specifically for young people) and 5) Survive to Thrive (a support program for those already diagnosed). Dr. Sandy said, "The women and men we deal with at A Silver Lining Foundation feel like they don't matter. They feel like nobody cares and that they're alone in the world. This is NOT the premise on which this foundation is based. We turn NO ONE away! We need you to RISE UP and help us make sure no one goes unrecognized. We feel everyone deserves a chance to survive." Tasting Stars co-founder (with wife Ann) Brent Carstensen spoke about the nonprofit's champagne partnership with master sommelier, Sir Charles Stanfield. Traditionally, at past events, Sir Charles would "saber" a cork off a bottle of champagne to start the event so, this year, a video was shown of him doing it virtually so the tradition could remain intact. Tasting Stars has raised and distributed

Dr. Sandy Goldberg.

over $600,000 to the cause since its founding 18 years ago. The event closed with Dr. Sandy awarding the annual Evelyn Goldberg Memorial Award to the "Tasting Stars

Ben Carstensen, co-founder Tasting Stars.

Family." In 2019, ASLF stats showed: 15 partner hospitals; 1,487 women served; 227 zip codes served; 1,965 tests funded with 18 diagnoses discovered. ASLF's signature fundraiser, A Sterling Event, will be held on Saturday, October 3. The virtual event closed with a champagne toast and the announcement that the event has raised over $60,000! (And, as Dr. Sandy added, "with no charging for tickets and no silent and live auctions!")

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RefuSHE Fashion Challenge winning designer Concetta Cipriano (lower left) with her design worn by model Eleanor Simon.

RefuSHE hosted its first virtual Fashion Challenge on June 19, in celebration of World Refugee Day, with seven talented, emerging designers: Amy Fenderson, Concetta Cipriano, Fraley Le, Lagi Nadeau,  Kate VanAsten, Taylor Graves and Xochil Herrera Scheer. The concept this year consisted of a virtual fashion show inspired by Project Runway with designers showing their looks using fabrics and materials sourced from RefuSHE's Artisan Collective, a program that fosters leadership and business skills through the production of hand-dyed fabrics and scarves that are created by girls and women in the organization. The nonprofit was co-founded by Anne Sweeney and Talyn Good in East Africa to protect and support separated and orphaned girls and young women who often fell through the gaps of protection,

Colorful and stunning design by Fraley Le.

becoming invisible and vulnerable. They are the first and only organization dedicated to refugee girls in Kenya. The virtual event included remarks from Tamasha Rimba, Associate Director of Case management and Safe House in Kenya. She spoke about the wide range of services the org provides to every girl who comes into the organization with the priority being the provision of basic needs--access to food, clothing, water, shelter and medication. She said, "Most of our girls are survivors of war and sexual-based gender based violence and also young mothers." Tamasha shared the story of a young 15-year-old

Chantale Zuzi shared her moving story of survival.

girl who had been raped and was "heavily pregnant and

Design by Amy Fenderson.

malnourished." She flourished under RefuSHE nurturing and programming. Geoffrey Thige, executive director, took viewers on a virtual journey to Kenya where they saw the campus through the eyes of the women there. He said, "There are more than 18 million displaced people in Sub Saharan West Africa and over half are under the age of 18." Before the runway show, final (powerful)

Design by Xochil Herrera Scheer.

comments were delivered by RefuSHE alumna Chantale Zuzi who told a harrowing story of how she survived as an albino woman in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her mother was encouraged to abort her but she refused. Chantale said albino children were used for sacrificial purposes there and not figured viable in this society. She's now living and thriving in the U.S. while getting an education that she hopes to use to help her people. Judges for the runway show included Cheryle Jackson (CEO of Grit + Grace), Kahindo Mateene (founder/designer of KAHINDO), Monica Singh

Beautiful headpiece by Fraley Le.

(designer and UN Women Youth Ambassador) and Travis Paul Martin (executive director of PR at Skoog). The Fashion Challenge event celebrated the power of philanthropy and fashion's ability to tell a story through art and the stories were colorful, joyful, hopeful and amazing. Each designer was paired with a RefuSHE participant who served as their muses. Viewers voted for their favorite designers donating $20 per vote with designer Concetta Cipriano taking away the win for this year's Challenge with glam model Eleanor Simon. The event raised $124,037 with 100% of proceeds going towards RefuSHE's transformational model of care for young refugee women, girls, and their children in East Africa and around the world. To learn more abut this remarkable nonprofit, click here  and see all of the beautiful designs in photo below.

(To see the fashion show, check out the video below, the show starts at 23:06)

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The late Bunky Cushing and Hazel Barr at DOT in 2010.

With all of my nonprofit fundraisers temporarily suspended, I decided to take a look back at some of the more popular events. One of my favorites is the Service Club of Chicago's "Day on the Terrace" fashion show. It's typically hosted the first Monday in

Kristina McGrath, Heather Farley and Nina Mariano at DOT 2010.

August at the Peninsula. It's such an exciting show because so many of our local men and women (and members) participate--it's sort of like a social family reunion. This year, the event will be virtual on the same date, Monday, August 3 (11 am to 12:30 pm). Join the watch party and enjoy a fabulous production created by co-chairs Jean Antoniou, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, Sharyl Mackey and Jamie Thorsen in collaboration with BlackOak Technical Productions! The ticket price, $100, will include a Look Book that will be mailed out prior to the show (buy a page and advertise your

Sheryl Schmidt, Susanna Homan, Sherill Bodine and Mary Lasky at DOT 2010.

business, salute your friends, etc.) (Fab illustration by Elda De la Rosa) (DOT info here! ) It won't be like being in the same room with friends but it's great that they're soldiering on, as the SC has done for the last 130 years! The SC is unique because of the fact that 100% of the funds raised goes directly to charity. This year, its Philanthropic Grant Program awarded over $440,000 to 38 nonprofits. The organization

Anne Wallace and Jean Antoniou at DOT 2010.

does not give the grantees a check. Instead, they assist, improve and enlarge upon agency programs. The Albany Park Community Center requested (and received) a used van. The Apparel Industry Foundation received laptops and lockers and The Council for Jewish Elderly received security cameras. The grants are awarded across a variety of deserving nonprofits and helps recipients expand facilities, improve equipment and initiate new programs which

DOT goes virtual in 2020 (Illustration by Elda de la Rosa).

will better serve a large number of people in need. I served on the Philanthropic Committee one year and it was life changing. To see the needs that are so great and to know that you've helped somehow in a small or large way is rewarding beyond comprehension. I applaud all the members of this remarkable organization and can't wait till we can all be together again, celebrating another successful event. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these photos from past events. Also, mark your calendars for another SC event, "A Very Patriotic Zoom Cocktail Party" on Thursday, July 2 in collaboration with Steak 48! Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling 312.220.9600.  

 

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Pullman Estate in Lake Forest.

The Pullman Estate is set to open as The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens on Saturday, July 11, through Sunday, August 9. The 23-room, 11,000-square-foot, turn-of-the-century east Lake Forest estate has been transformed by over 30 interior and landscape designers. Many of the items at the Showhouse & Gardens will be for sale too! A price list

Pullman Estate in Lake Forest.

of items for sale from furnishings to accessories will be made available in each designer space with 15% of the sale benefiting Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Following State safety guidelines, a restricted number of tickets will be sold per day,

William Allan Pinkerton Pullman (holding shovel).

divided by morning and afternoon sessions, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets for $40 must be purchased in advance here. The home benefits the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, which is celebrating more than 108 years of providing healthcare to Chicago's medically under-served. The colonial-style home was originally designed by Frost & Granger in 1906 and

Showhouse honorary chair Paloma Contreras.

completely renovated by architect Stanley Anderson in the late 1920s for investment banker William Allan Pinkerton Pullman (1901-1988), the grand-nephew of George M. Pullman, the developer and manufacturer of Pullman cars. An avid gardener and co-founder of the Chicago Botanic Garden, William A.P. Pullman worked with New York landscape architect Annette Hoyt in 1937 to create world class gardens on the property. Some of the original plantings still exist - from a Ginkgo tree of epic proportion to rare Chinese maples and Japanese lilacs, as well as the original boxwood hedges - the same ones that inspired others to plant "Pullman boxwood" in formal gardens. Hope to see you there!

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Doorstep Divas Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa. 

Talk about a cool pivot! Congrats to the newly created Doorstep Divas Chicago and its stars Molly Callinan and Caitlin Simone Buffa, for turning lemons into lemonade! With their amazing voices and effervescent personalities these two renowned singers (Molly is a

Molly singing with Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band.

lead singer in Gary Sinise's Lt. Dan Band playing at military bases for the troops as well as fronting the Chicago-based all girl cover band Catfight and Caitlin is a band leader and vocalist at Ken Arlen Music Productions) have figured out a way to survive the lack

Darling Doorstep Divas Caitlin Simone Buffa and Molly Callinan.

of gigs due to the pandemic by forming their very own, social-distancing entertainment venture. The ladies will perform their hearts out at your home for any occasion. Their repertoire is two pages of single-spaced songs that include ballads (Norah Jones "Come Away With Me," etc.); Elvis; Beatles; Prince; disco (Donna Summer's "Bad Girls," etc.); Motown/R&B (Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody", etc.); Contemporary Rock, Swing/Standards and SO MUCH MORE! These ladies do it ALL! So, if you want to spice up a night on your lawn, check out their website here and book 'em! And see them in action here!

 

 

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Chicago House & Social Services replaced its scheduled virtual Pride Variety Show with an event titled Raise Your Voice in honor of Black Lives Matter. The one hour virtual experience was designed to affirm Black lives through the power of storytelling, spoken word and song. The event was

Chicago House trustee Kelly Saulsberry.

co-hosted in collaboration with Chicago House, Affinity Community Services, Brave Space Alliance and the Youth Empowerment Performance Project. Hosted by Chicago House trustee Kelly Saulsberry, the event featured appearances by Barbara McBee, Jakari Earl, Zola Makeda, the Honorable Angelina Nordstrom, Osiris Khepera, Cruel Valentine and Shane Calvin. Lucy Stoole, award-winning drag queen and advocate for gender non-conforming people, served as the

Artist Zola Makeda.

event's emcee. Lucy said, "Black voices need to be heard, black people need to be seen and our talents need to be celebrated

Emcee Lucy Stoole.

across the world, here on the eve of Juneteenth." Poet Zola Makeda delivered a powerful poem titled "Good Hope", about the disappointment, hope and hardships she's faced growing up as transgender and Black. To learn more about Chicago House & Social Services, click here. Founded in 1985, Chicago House is a social service organization that supports individuals impacted by HIV/AIDS and the broader LGBTQ+ community with housing, health, and employment support.

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With photographer Tim Klein.

Special thanks to photographer Tim Klein for including me in his recent project, the "pandemic portfolio." He plans on photographing Chicago "notables during this unprecedented time in history." I've been lucky to have worked with him in the past for a campaign for Burberry. I can't wait to share his photos! Check out his website here!

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Lake County Fairgrounds and Carpool Concerts have teamed up to make your summer extra special! Imagine a grandstand stage, stellar acoustics, big name local cover bands and cars of every make and model and you'll have a very cool live music concert you'll never forget, the summer drive-in Carpool Concert Tour 2020 (in Grayslake, Illinois). Fans can enjoy live music while staying safe and socially distant in their cars. The line-up includes Sixteen Candles Band, Boys Band Review, Trippin' Billies, Infinity, American English, Southern Accents and more! The 75 minute shows are at 4 pm and 7 pm daily from Thursday, June 25 through Sunday, June 28! Check out all the details here!

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Boy, the kid in me is so excited for this virtual fundraiser hosted by the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum! "Dressing Barbie" will feature a Zoom presentation by Carol Spencer, the fashion designer who "dressed Barbie" at Mattel from 1963 until 1998! This virtual event will also include a super fun "Barbie Box" that will feature a signed and personalized "Dressing Barbie" book; the exclusive Zoom link; a Barbie collector card; a mini Barbie Dream House--all the accoutrements you will need to have a fun Barbie-themed Zoom presentation on the history of Barbie's fashion (includes adult and kid friendly contents)!--FOR $100! The event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 15 at 11 am (CST)! To RSVP, please click here!  

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Special thanks to Tracey Tarantino DiBuono for including me in her/our first INSTA LIVE! I think we nailed it! She hosted on her @ZZAZZProductions page and I guested. We had a blast talking about anything and everything--how nonprofits are faring, makeup and fashion tips, my Playboy years and so much more! We've had many requests for a do-over so watch out world, we might be BAAACCKKK!!! Lol! (Follow Tracey on Insta at @ZZAZZProductions and me (please) @CandidCandace!) And watch our segment here!

 

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Nobu Hotel Chicago opens July 1 in the West Loop!

Nobu Hospitality, the globally established lifestyle brand founded by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro and Meir Tepe, announces the preview and opening of Nobu Hotel Chicago in the West Loop (155 N. Peoria) on July 1st. Spanning 12,000 sq. ft., Nobu Hotel Chicago will feature 115 rooms, two private dining rooms, 3,000 sq. ft. of flexible event space - including The Rooftop at Nobu Hotel Chicago and first class amenities. Guests can expect the company’s signature aesthetic - Japanese influence with an ultra-modern design to create a zen oasis in the heart of the city. Trevor Horwell, CEO of Nobu Hospitality commented, "We are so pleased to be introducing our first Nobu Hotel in the Midwest US. Chicago is a world-class mecca of dining and entertainment and we are very proud to provide a new and exciting destination for the local community and visitors." Now accepting reservations here: Nobu Hotel Chicago.  (The phase two opening will occur at a later date which will mark the opening of Nobu restaurant and bar with patio dining.)

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On Monday, June 29, join the Center for Enriched Living for its "Virtual Chefs' Night" from 7 to 8 pm! The Center is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting people with developmental disabilities. An exciting raffle (1/$100 or 3/$275) is featuring a 2020 Lexus UX25OH and only 1,299 tickets will be sold! The event is FREE to view but a suggested donation of $90 is encouraged. For all the details, click here!

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The American Heart Association will host a virtual Heart Ball on Thursday, June 25 from 7-8 pm. The event will be emceed  by Windy City Live's Val Warner and chaired by Linda Imonti. The 2020 Heart of Gold Award recipient will be Pat Magoon, retiring CEO of Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago. The auction (that goes online June 23) and donation portion of the evening will be expertly handled by Greg "G-Man" Dellinger.  To register, click here!

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lana Bramlette, center, with students.

Kudos to Lana Bramlette, fashionable founder of Lana Jewelry, who turned her Columbia education and passion for fine jewelry into a powerhouse brand. Eighteen years ago, she brought gold back into the spotlight by creating

Jewelry designer/philanthropist Lana Bramlette wearing her own designs.

her signature gold hoops worn by A-listers including Michelle Obama, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Madonna and Rihanna. Fast forward to today, Lana gives back to the institution that helped shape her career. In the early 2000s, she founded the Chicago Fashion Foundation with her husband Rob. The two then enlisted other Chicago-based powerhouse women and men in the fashion industry to be a part of this amazing organization. Through Bramlette’s efforts with the CFF, Columbia recently received a gift of more than $540,000 to propel future generations of designers and entrepreneurs in fashion! This gift will provide Columbia Fashion Studies students with scholarship funds and access to learning opportunities that otherwise would have been out of reach. Thank you Lana for your big, chic heart!

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Dance for Life 2019 finale choreographed by Randy Duncan. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg).

Dance for Life 2020 is going virtual! Join them online from Aug. 10-14 and see works archived from past Dance for Life performances during the past 29 years! Pieces from the annual partner dance companies will be presented by Giordano Dance Chicago, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, The Joffrey Ballet, Hanna Brictson and Dancers, Chicago Dance Crash, Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater, Joseph Holmes School of Dance, Luna Negra Dance Theater, Muntu Dance Theatre of Chicago, River North Dance Chicago, Thodos Dance Chicago, Visceral Dance Chicago, and a collaborative

Hubbard Street Dance, Dance for Life 2019. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg).

work by Chicago Human Rhythm Project, Ensemble Espanol Spanish Dance Theater and Trinity Irish Dance Company. Then, on August 15, celebrate with a world premiere! This culminating event, commemorating the originally-planned date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life at the Auditorium Theatre, will feature a world premiere choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19 with dancers from throughout the Chicago area. This year's virtual event will benefit The Dancers' Fund, AIDS Foundation Chicago and Chicago Dancers United. (Details here!)

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Playboy Playmate Barbara Moore, Dec. 1992.

Special thanks to my Playmate sister Barbara Moore (Miss December 1992) who interviewed me for her wonderful

Barbara Moore starring in "Bay Watch."

podcast, Life, Laughter & Happiness." We went wayyyy back with our many memories of Hef, Playboy, the legendary parties and life at the Playboy Mansion. Barbara starred in "Baywatch" and has been an avid ballroom dancer like another beautiful PM friend of mine, Patti McGuire Connors. To listen, click here! (Thanks to her co-host/producer Jonathan Alexander for bringing me on!)

 

 

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With Leslie Hindman wearing masks created by Elda de la Rosa.

Special thanks to all of our local designers who have made the pivot to mask-making! One of my favorite designs was created by Chicago's own Elda de la Rosa! Monogramming is the very latest in mask wear and one of these beauties can be yours for only $25! Contact Elda here!  

That's it for this week. As always, stay safe, sane and civil. Call your friends, bake decadent desserts and read that book that's been in your drawer forever and I'll see you again soon!

Love, as always,

Candace

Candace@CandidCandace.com

P.S. Observations on life.....