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James Beard Awards

James Beard Awards Reception Brings Out Culinary Elite

James Beard Foundation Awards and the culinary community was out in full force the weekend leading up to the Monday, May 4, ceremony extravaganza.  One of the most anticipated pre-award parties was Sepia’s reception hosted by owner Emmanuel Nony and JBF four-time award nominee, Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman.  Past award …

Luminary Award Dinner

Luminary Award Dinner

Luminary Award Dinner, held at the Union League Club on Thursday, May 7, honored Alderman Edward Burke & Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke for their work as child advocates. During their 40 years of distinguished service, the Burkes have tirelessly worked to keep children safe in Chicago and throughout …

Future Foundation’s Associate Board

Face the Future Foundation’s Associate Board

Face the Future Foundation’s Associate Board’s 6th annual Derby Party at the Fortnightly Club. Held the first Saturday of May, and known as the first jewel of the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby brings out fashion and horse racing fans alike. Over 150 of Chicago’s most fashionable young …

Pilot Light's

Pilot Light’s “Feed Your Mind”

Join Honorary Chair Governor Pat Quinn and Special Guest Sam Kass, President Barak Obama’s Senior Policy Advisor on Nutrition Policy and Executive Director of “Let’s Move”, along with Chicago’s most notable chefs at Pilot Light’s second annual fundraiser, “Feed Your Mind”.

Gracious House

Gracious House Introduces Its Chicago Designer Show House

Gracious House Introduces Its Chicago Designer Show House it was a balmy night for a party when guests turned out to support Gracious House, a non-for-profit which works with others in the design industries and support their launch of the Chicago Designer Show House. The party, held at Cosentino Center …

The Crystal Ball Kick-off

The Crystal Ball Kick-off

The Crystal Ball Kickoff started with Colombian-born handbag designer, Nancy Gonzalez, was the evening’s special guest when Neiman Marcus hosted a kick-off party for DIFFA/Chicago’s (The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS) upcoming Gala, The Crystal Ball Kick-off. Neiman Marcus GM Wendy Krimins and Public Relations Manager Tina Koegel, along with …

A Night in Tokyo

A Night in Tokyo, beginning the evening with Japanese inspired cocktails and a buffet spread of tempura, makki rolls, a ramen noodle bar and Saki- poached shrimp shooters. The event, co-chaired by Kimberly Palmisano and Patrick Callahan, was attended by The Consul General of Japan in Chicago Masaharu Yoshida and …

Bear Tie Ball - Into the Wild, A Road to the Cure

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  Everyone was more than ready to leave the winter weather outdoors and join like-minded friends and advocates dedicated to making a positive difference for children affected by cancer and support this year’s event “Into the Wild, A Road to the Cure.” As soon as guests entered the UIC …

Laura Schwartz – The Savvy Networker

Laura Schwartz was seen by colleagues, friends, and family that turned out to toast the ultimate social networker,, on her Smart Meetings magazine February cover and feature story. (Laura was the keynote speaker at The Smart Meeting in Palm Springs in February). Nomi restaurant’s private lounge at the Park Hyatt was the setting …

The Museum of Science and Industry

Museum of Science and Industry

The Museum of Science and Industry (MSI).  Co-chaired by Cheri Chappelle, director of diversity and inclusion for Illinois Tool Works (ITW) and MSI Trustee Frank Clark, retired chairman and CEO of ComEd, the Gala raised around $360,000 for Black Creativity programming and events which pay tribute to the culture, heritage …