Niles Herald-Spectator

On the bright side: Color is key to summer accessories

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:08:01 -0500

Lemon, tangerine, lime, orange. No, that’s not a grocery list. It’s a short list of some of the hottest color trends this summer. Choose whatever fruit you like.

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:33:14 -0500

Trying to find that perfect and perfectly fitting swimsuit can be painful, but it doesn’t have to be. We asked some local fashion experts about cool looks for a hot summer day at the beach, and got good news for shoppers. For one thing, says Pam Hillman of Posh Essentials in Highland Park, “This year there are more options with swimsuits. Bright colors and patterns are big this summer, along with details like ruffles and embellishments. Also, one piece suits have become much more stylish.” All of which is encouraging, because bright, vibrant colors are ideal for all skin tones, …

Elegant musical evening benefits Ars Viva

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 16:30:01 -0500

Rarely do we have a chance to experience a true musical salon, an intimate performance of small pieces that charm and delight us. Yet that is exactly what happened at Exmoor Country Club in Highland Park the evening of April 30, when some top area musicians performed for a crowd of nearly 100 guests to benefit the Ars Viva Symphony Orchestra. The party started out like all galas. Gayle Heatherington, Ars Viva’s executive director and wife of its founder and music director Alan Heatherington, thanked supporters. She then spoke about the orchestra’s innovative Music for Life program, which brings children …

Celebration raises $110,000 for Holy Family Villa Expansion Project

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:04:54 -0500

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, along with Holy Family Villa and the Bishop Lyne Residence, hosted “An Evening to Honor Bishop Timothy J. Lyne” on April 13. Bishop Lyne was presented with the Holy Family Caritas Sanctae Familiae Award in recognition of his 70 years of the ordination to the priesthood, 30 years of his ordination as bishop and for his love and dedication to the people of the Archdiocese of Chicago. The event took place at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, 301 E. North Water, with a 6 p.m. reception and 7 p.m. dinner and program, …

Delta Delta Delta send gifts, messages to soldiers

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 13:28:01 -0500

Twelve members of the Chicago Northwest Suburban Alumnae Chapter of Delta Delta Delta gathered at the home of member Janeen Winnike of Long Grove on April 9 to make cards, write messages on signs and fill care packages to send to our soldiers. They received information about some soldiers currently deployed in Afghanistan and collected items for donation. With all the items donated, they were able to fill over 20 USPS APO boxes to send to their adopted soldiers. Items sent included magazines, crossword puzzle books, decks of cards, packs of pens; Personal care products, drinks and snacks. Each recipient …

‘Animals around the Whirl’ raises $1.24 million for Brookfield Zoo

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:33:15 -0500

The Women’s Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, in partnership with the Society’s Board of Trustees, hosted the 32nd annual Whirl at Brookfield Zoo on April 20. The theme for this year’s black-tie fundraiser was “Animals around the Whirl,” which highlighted the Society’s legacy of animal care, conservation, and education. The gala, which drew approximately 625 business and civic leaders from Chicagoland, began with cocktails and the opportunity to meet a variety of creatures from Brookfield Zoo’s Animal Ambassador Program. The event featured dinner, dancing to the music of Maggie Speaks, a paddle raise, raffle and live auction. Proceeds which …

New ways to exercise your fashion sense

Thu, 30 May 2013 06:59:17 -0500

Style is not your first thought when you head to the gym, pool or your favorite running track. But the world of fashion has been making inroads into the athletic apparel industry, which is showing up as numerous lines of luxe exercise merchandise. Of course a good deal of this “luxe” is due to advancements in technology of fabrics and design that make workout clothes more comfortable and safe, as well as colorful and attractive. For instance, says Leanne Konicek from the Barrington Running Co. in Barrington there is now special triathlon apparel made with wetsuit material. This alleviates drag …

Tall Grass Beef Benefit sends 70 kids to camp

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:45:23 -0500

The Happ Inn in Northfield, along with owners Al and Suzy Friedman, hosted an evening in support of Staddle Camp at Brush Creek Ranch in Wyoming, on May 28. Co-hosted along with Bruce and Beth White, camp founders, and journalist-turned-rancher Bill Kurtis and Donna LaPietra, 250 guests enjoyed a three-course menu featuring dishes from Kurtis’ Prairie Table Cookbook. One hundred percent of the evening’s $35,000 in proceeds went to benefit the Camp via Big Shoulders Fund, a non-profit organization which has been carrying out the dreams of some 24,000 students at 93 inner-city Chicago Catholic schools for the past 26 …

‘Party at the Clarke’ raises $45,000 for Art Center

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 04:55:11 -0500

Evanston Art Center’s 26th annual spring benefit “Party at the Clarke” took place on May 18. The art-loving public had and opportunity to view and bid on paintings, drawings, photographs, ceramics, sculpture, prints and other artworks donated by more than 120 leading Chicago-area artists. Two hundred fifty guests attended the event and raised $45,000 that will benefit scholarship, exhibition and outreach programs at the Evanston Art Center, 2603 Sheridan Road, Evanston. (847) 475-5300 or see evanstonartcenter.org. …

“A Night on the Red Carpet” raises $20,000 for Park Ridge Civic Orchestra

Thu, 30 May 2013 16:00:02 -0500

One hundred fifty guests attended “A Night on the Red Carpet” held March 2 at Café La Cave, Des Plaines. The event raised $20,000 to support the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra. The evening featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, raffle and dancing. …

Changes afoot: Bright, bold shoes for summer

Wed, 29 May 2013 13:01:46 -0500

“Shoes transform your body language and attitude. They lift you physically and emotionally.” That wisdom — no surprise — comes from Christian Louboutin, famous shoe designer with those infamous red soles. He’s right. Who doesn’t stand taller in a great pair of heels? No pun intended! “There’s something for everyone this season no matter what your age,” stated Janine Galante from Lori’s Shoes in Highland Park. “There are a huge variety of shoe trends this year compared to other seasons. There are more choices for women.” You’ll still see super high heels, but heels are getting lower. It’s one of …

Philanthropy a Lehman family affair

Thu, 30 May 2013 06:53:49 -0500

It’s always a thrill when someone is honored by a major charity or organization. But when consecutive generations are awarded for their combined effort, something special is going on. Such was the case on May 2 when three generations of the Lehman family of Wilmette were honored at Planned Parenthood of Illinois’ Generations Gala. Members of the Lehman family have served on the boards of Planned Parenthood of Illinois and of Massachusetts. They have chaired events, volunteered their time and given financially. And recognizing that service is often inspired by family, Betsy Lehman Levisay credits her grandparents, Elliot and Frances …

Fine foods, wines help fight blindness

Thu, 30 May 2013 06:59:46 -0500

Now in its 12th year, the Artistry of Wine is a much-anticipated wine-tasting event created to further a great cause. At the event, hosted by the Chicago chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, more than a dozen restaurants and wineries from around Chicago and the North Shore will offer high-end wines and epicurean nibbles in an effort to raise critical research funds for vision-robbing retinal diseases. “It is a really tasty evening of food and wine pairings (with the) sole purpose to fundraise for the Foundation for Fighting Blindness,” said Amanda Clayton of Buffalo Grove, FFB events assistant. “Everything we …

American Cancer Society Discovery Ball raises $2.1 Million

Thu, 06 Jun 2013 05:37:20 -0500

Nearly 900 guests and volunteers gathered on April 27 for the 7th annual American Cancer Society Discovery Ball at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel in Chicago. The evening raised $2.1 million for cancer research. More than 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds were generated from the nearly 170 silent auction items, eight live auction packages and a raffle. Actor and comedian Billy Gardell, star of the CBS comedy “Mike & Molly,” performed. ABC7 news anchor Ron Magers served as emcee. For more information, call (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org. Next year’s American Cancer Society Discovery Ball will be held on …

MYA marks 20 years with musical dreamscape

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:42:01 -0500

Let’s be careful how we use the word “amazing.” It is applied to so many subjects that it has nearly lost its power to — well, amaze, so that when something truly amazing comes along, we are at a loss for words. Midwest Young Artists of Highwood celebrated its 20th anniversary with a spring benefit the evening of April 20 at the Sanfilippo “Place de la Musique” in Barrington. The party started with a free-wheeling tour of the vast Sanfilippo mansion, home to the family’s immense collection of antique music machines, phonographs, player pianos, arcade games, music boxes, chandeliers, art …

Haven gala supports hope and help for homeless

Thu, 23 May 2013 05:47:17 -0500

Ending homelessness may be a gray area, but supporting Lake County Haven’s Black and White Gala on April 13 was a good start. Hosted annually by the Haven Women’s Auxiliary, the dinner and dancing event at Ravinia Green Country Club in Riverwoods raised much-needed dollars for programming to empower homeless women and their children achieve independence. Some 210 supporters were on hand for the evening. For the past two decades, the Haven has delivered social services — including education, affordable housing and employment services — to struggling families. Approximately 950 homeless people live in the Lake County. “I wanted to …