Lincolnwood Review

MARCH 2012 EVENTS

Story Image

Gail Joseph, Region Projects Chair and Bobbi Raffel, Owner of Runway in Deerfield are participating in PasspORT to Savings Week, March 9-17. All monies raised will help support ORT schools and programs around the world. See calendar for complete details.

storyidforme: 23643918
tmspicid: 9503765
fileheaderid: 4361346
Article Extras
Story Image

Updated: March 23, 2012 8:08PM

Children’s Memorial Hospital 2nd Annual March “Month of Giving” fundraising campaign: Through March 28. Joining forces with 28 Jersey Mike’s Subs restaurants throughout the Chicago area for the to help make a difference in children’s lives. Customers can make a donation to Children’s Memorial Hospital at any area Jersey Mike’s restaurant. Then on March 28, a special nationwide celebration, “Make a Difference Day,” will take place at all Jersey Mike’s locations to benefit 74 different charities with a mission to help children. That day, Chicago area residents are invited to make aminimum $2 contribution to Children’s Memorial Hospital in exchange for afree regular sized sub. For a list of participating restaurants in your area and for more information on our charity partners, see jerseymikes.com/news Contact Sarah Hepner with any questions sehepner@yahoo.com.

The Woman’s Club of Evanston’s (WCE) annual benefit show, “Working Nine to W(h)ine…It’s Five O’clock Somewhere”: 8 p.m., March 15, 16 and 17, at The Woman’s Club of Evanston, 1702 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Metered street parking, lot, and garage are conveniently located within walking distance of the club. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting wcofe.org and clicking on “Benefit Show.” Tickets are $32.50 each. Additionally, premium seating tickets can be purchased for $40.00. Proceeds from this year’s production will fund the Youth Job Center of Evanston, Inc. (YJC), a nonprofit agency that assists job seekers ages 14-25 in finding employment. The YJC also works with employers to help them meet their staffing needs by referring applicants who are trained in basic job skills and ready to get to work. The benefit show consists of 34 humorous song parodies on a variety of topics ranging from Charlie Sheen, to “naughty” Scrabble, and men that can’t dance. The benefit show is written, directed, choreographed, and performed by WCE members and friends. Approximately 1,800 people come to see the WCE’s benefit show each year. For more information about The Woman’s Club of Evanston, see wcofe.org.

Catholic Charities St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: 6:30-9:30 p.m. March 8. This early celebration features hearty Irish fare, beer, wine, soda, a silent auction and raffle, and Irish entertainers at FitzGerald’s, 6615 Roosevelt Road, Berwyn. Proceeds benefit the New Hope Housing Program in the western suburbs. Cost is $50 until March 7, $60 after. Call Esmeralda Zepeda at (708) 329-4022, e-mail ezepeda@catholiccharities.net or visit catholiccharities.net/stpats.

Metropolis Fundraiser: 6-9 p.m. March 8, Rockit Bar & Grill, 22 W. Hubbard, Chicago. Metropolis teams up with Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (F.A.M.E.) to benefit Metropolis School of the Performing Arts (SOPA). The event will feature performances from SOPA student Steffan Argus and the Metropolis Limelight Singers, SOPA’s new show choir group. There will also be a performance from the winners of F.A.M.E.’s Chicagoland talent search. Tickets: $100, includes wine, soda, appetizers and a parking voucher. Available online at fame-chicago.org. Metropolis is located at 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights (metropolisarts.com).

PasspORT to Savings Week: Through March 17 with over 135 suburban and Chicago stores participating. All monies raised will help support ORT schools and programs around the world. ORT America supports schools and training programs in 61 countries with over 3 million graduates. ORT America is committed to strengthening communities throughout the world by educating people against all odds and obstacles. The PasspORT to Savings shopping card entitles the purchaser to a twenty percent discount on non-sale merchandise at participating stores. Duxler Complete Auto Care is this year’s Lead Sponsor and Sunset Foods is this year’s Supporting Sponsor. Duxler will be offering a special on an oil change and tire rotation at their participating stores, and Sunset Foods will offer a reusable shopping bag free at their participating stores throughout PasspORT week for those showing their PasspORT cards. Cards can be pre-purchased at The Claire and Bob Mazer Family Metropolitan Chicago Region Office and at many participating stores during PasspORT week. This year’s region Projects Chair is Gail Joseph of Deerfield and PasspORT to Savings chair is Diane Katz of Northbrook. The region Executive Vice President is Lori Kahn of Deerfield and the region President is Karen Fine of Northbrook. Please contact the Region office at (847) 291-0475 or e-mail Barbara Statland at bstatland@ortamerica.org or see ortamerica.org for more information.

Winnetka Community House Vintage Wine and Beer Tasting and Fundraiser: 7 p.m. March 9, Matz Hall, room 101, 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Third annual wine tasting and sale features over 50 superb wines to taste, plus added microbrew and premium beers along with pairings of savory hors d’oeuvres, cheese and chocolates. Co-sponsoring vendor, The International House of Wine and Cheese. All wine and beer will be sale-priced plus case discounts and free delivery for pick up in Winnetka. During the tasting, take a break, fill your plate, and socialize in our relaxing “lounge,” sponsored by Lee’s Antiques. Lee Thinnes sells exquisite antiques, vintage furniture, lighting and accessories from Europe and America (leesantiques.net). Tickets: $45; $55 door. Register at winnetkacommunityhouse.org. or call (847)-446-0537.

Community Church of Wilmette “La Bella Notte” Benefit for A Just Harvest: 6:30 p.m. March 10, in the church fellowship hall, 1020 Forest Avenue, Wilmette. Benefits A Just Harvest, the community kitchen located in Rogers Park that has been serving hot meals nightly since 1983. In that same spirit the evening will feature the same menu, prepared and served at A Just Harvest by members of our church. Dinner will be accompanied by wine, beer and soft drinks. Entertainment will be provided by students from the DePaul vocal studio of renowned soprano, Winifred Brown, director of the CCW choir and Matt Long on piano. Auctions. Tickets: $10. For more information call the church office at (847) 251-4370. To donate directly to A Just Harvest go to ajustharvest.org.

Connections for Abused Women and Their Children (CAWC) 26th Annual “Sounds of Silence” Gala: 6–11 p.m. March 10, Crystal Ballroom of the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., Chicago. Black tie optional. This year’s gala commemorates 35 years of CAWC’s exceptional services to the Chicago area in helping thousands of victims and their children rebuild their lives and renew their hopes for violence free futures. Features a cocktail hour with silent auction and mystery wine raffle, followed by a seated dinner, live auction and dancing. CAWC will present its Champion Award to Adams Street Partners. Individual ticket prices begin at $250, and VIP tickets can be purchased for $500 a piece. Corporate sponsorships range from $3,000 to $5,000, which includes a table for eight. For more sponsorship and ticket information, contact Anne Borg at aborg@cawc.org or call 773.489.9081, ext. 21 or see cawc.org.

Giggle Gigs Benefit Concert: 8 p.m.-2 am. March 10, Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd., Chicago. Sponsored by Giveable Giggles. Featured acts include headliner MountBlood, a Los Angeles based EDM artist which is gaining acclaim, RKTR, Jeekoos and Subvice. Jessica Steinberg, founder of Giveable Giggles, will be leading a Giveable Giggles effort in Argentina this summer where the group will be helping disadvantaged youth in Buenos Aires and various rural locations in the South American country. Tickets: $20 advance. A portion of the proceeds will be used to purchase supplies in Argentina to be used in that country. For more information, see giveablegiggles.org. or call Jessica Steinberg at (312) 893-9607.

Haven Youth and Family Services Haven annual spring benefit: 6 p.m., March 10, North Shore Country Club, 1340 Glenview Rd., Glenview. “Jazz it Up for Haven” will feature dinner, a live band, dancing to the music of Flat Cats, raffles and open bar (beer and wine). live and silent auction will be available for guests, including a diverse array of items such as sports memorabilia, vacations to Naples and Keystone, an iPad and spa packages. Tickets: $160 individual; $80 Young adult board member; sponsorships at $1500, $2500, $5000 and $10,000. Proceeds will go toward funding the agency’s outreach and crisis intervention programs. All Haven services are available to New Trier Township residents, free of charge. Haven Youth and Family Services is a non-profit organization helping today’s youth and families during crisis. Haven offers specialized programs focused on prevention, intervention and private counseling services. For more information, details and tickets, havenforyouth.org or call (847) 251-6630.

Sacred Heart School St. Patrick’s Day Party: 4-8 p.m. March 10, Sacred Heart Gym, 1095 Gage Street, Winnetka. 4-4:30 p.m., musical greeting by bagpiper; 4:30-5:30 p.m. Sheila Tully Irish dancers; 5:30-7:30 p.m. rish music live by Trillium; 5:30 p.m. Irish meal of corned beef, cabbage, mashed potatoes provided by Bridie McKenna’s Irish Pub; 5:30 p.m., kid’s hot dog meal, kid-friendly games, beverages. Order online by March 6 and receive a pair of complimentary drink tickets. At the door tickets aaiable for purchse by cash or check only. $60 per family; $20 individual. events.org/sacredheartstpats, (847) 446-0005.

Tamar-Modin Hadassah Choir Boys Benefit Concert: March 10, Moose Lodge in Morton Grove. Sponsored in part by Christy Metals,Inc; Hakimian Imports, Inc; and Webster Dental Care, NorthSuburban, Ltd. Tickets: $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit Hadassah Hospitals in Israel and stem cell research. For more information and tickets contact Sandi at (847) 965-0678.

Avenues to Independence (AI) “15th annual Irish Fest” and Benefit: 2-6 p.m., March 11, Meridian Banquets, 1701 Algonquin Road, Rolling Meadows. Traditional corned beef dinner, chicken or vegetarian entrees, pot o-gold raffle, silent auction. Entertainment by The Academy of Irish Music, Weber Dance Company, Irish Heritage Singers and harpist Maraysue Redmann. Tickets are $60 for adults, $20 for children under 12. Proceeds benefit AI, a not-for-profit organization providing homes, jobs and daily living skills for adults with intellectual, physical and developmental disabilities. Contact Ann Marie Ehrlich, (847) 292-0870, x108 or see avenuestoindependence.org.

Chicago Opera Theater (COT) 38th Anniversary Gala “A Celebration Less Ordinary”: 6-9 p.m., March 11, Carnivale, 702 West Fulton, Chicago. The 2012 Gala committee, led by COT board members and Gala co-chairmen Dorothy Osborn Walton and Robert E. Shapiro, will honor General Director Brian Dickie on his final season with COT and inaugurate The Brian Dickie Outstanding Young Singer Award. Serving as Master of Ceremonies, and performing exclusively for guests of the gala, is two-time Grammy Award winner and regional Emmy winner Sylvia McNair. Guests will enjoy a behind the scenes peek into the world of Chicago Opera Theater filled with Latin-inspired bites and beats from Carnivale; a pulse-raising live auction; a tribute performance by COT performers; and live music provided by Fig Media. Festive cocktail attire requested. Tickets: $100 gala reception (cocktails, small bites, access to live and silent auction, a live musical performance, dancing) for Young Professionals (21-45); $200 gala reception (includes cocktails, small bites, access to live and silent auction, a live musical performance and dancing); $375 for gala dinner (includes cocktails, appetizers, seated dinner, access to live and silent auction, a live musical performance, and dancing), tables of 10 are available at $5,000, $10,000 and $25,000; sponsorship packages for $1,000 and $2,500. See chicagooperatheater.org or call (312) 704-8420 x 214 to purchase tickets.

Luggage for Freedom collection drive: 9:30-11:30 a.m, March 11, at Extra Space Storage, 1620 Old Deerfield Road, Highland Park. An initiative of the National Council of Jewish Women, we will be collecting donations of new or gently used luggage (NO oversized or garment bags please), children’s backpacks, purses and children’s books, as well as NEW sheets, NEW towels, NEW toiletries and NEW stuffed animals to assist women and children leaving domestic violence shelters. For more information please call (847) 853-8889 or e-mail luggageforfreedom@ncjwcns.org.

“Rockin’ For a Cause,” a Five Band, Two Charity and One Event concert: noon-4 p.m. March 11, The Cubby Bear North, Lincolnshire. Presented by The Music Gallery of Highland Park, and The North Shore Music Institute in cooperation with Savi Productions. Event will feature five local area bands playing classic, alternative and proressive rock covers, raffle prizes including lessons for guitar, bass and drums donated by the events’ sponsors. Tickets: $10 door, includes raffle ticket. All profits will benefit The Free wheelchair Mission and Ericka’s Lighthouse. Call (847) 441-4150 or see rockinforacause.org.

Steppenwolf Theatre Steppenwolf Salutes Women in the Arts: noon March 12. This third annual luncheon will honor actress Julianna Marguiles during the fundraising luncheon at the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $200. Proceeds benefit Steppenwolf’s Professional Leadership Program. Call (312) 654-5632 or visit steppenwolf.org/luncheon.

The Keep On Keeping On Foundation (KOKO) Benefit: March 13, 6:30 p.m. doors open, Highland Park Theater, 445 Central Ave., Highland Park. Very limited seating, supports KOKO featuring the Chicago film premiere of the movie “The Keeper of the Keys” with author and keynote speaker, Steve Olsher. Fifty percent of net proceeds benefit KOKO, which assists those with severe physical disabilities. Tickets: $60 includes 6 p.m. VIP Part, Meet and Greet with stars from the film, Preferred Seating, Film Admission, Gift Bag, DVD of “The Keeper of the Keys,” Autographed copy of Steve Olsher’s award-winning book “Journey to You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Who You Were Born to Be”; $25 general admission includes Film Admission, Gift Bag. See eventbee.com/v/steveolsher/event?eid=872079383 for tickets and more information.

The Northwest Circle of Friends Social Club luncheon and benefit: 11:30 a.m. March 13, Durty Nellies, 180 North Smith Street, Palatine. Cost is $25.00 which includes lunch and program. Joyce Grattoni of Flowers by Grattoni will demonstrate how to spruce up our springtime and Easter tables with some colorful accents. We will raffle off the decorative elements of the tablescapes including the centerpieces proceeds to benefit the Palatine Food Pantry. Reservations are due by Friday, March 9 to Edna, (847) 991-9521 .The Northwest Circle of Friends Social Club offers over 22 various activities a month. For more information see nwcircleoffriends.com. or call Denise at (847) 514-8843.

WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) 5th Annual Resale Fashion Show & Benefit: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., March 14, The Meadows Club, 2950 West Golf Road, Rolling Meadows. Event features an afternoon of food, fashion, silent auction, grand raffle and more. Tickets are $45 individual; $400 for a table of 10 and $50 at the door. See wingsprogram.com/events.

The Glencoe/Northbrook/Winnetka Group of Hadassah North Shore Chapter All Game Day Event: Coffee and registration starts at 10:30 a.m., March 15, Pavilion Restaurant, 577 Waukegan Rd.., Northbrook. Bring your friends, make new friends, and games for a fun afternoon to support Youth Aliyah and Camp Judaea. A complete lunch will be served at noon. Tickets are $25 per person. Presidents are Leona Swirsky of Glencoe and Marcia Weiland of Northbrook. For more information contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900, E-mail: northshore@hadassah.org or see northshore.hadassah.org.

Chicago Master Singers’ annual benefit gala: 5:30 p.m., March 17, Wynstone Golf Club, One South Wynstone Drive, North Barrington. “White Nights: A Russian Fantasy,” celebrating the chorus’s upcoming tour to Latvia, Estonia, and St. Petersburg, Russia, features fine dining, entertainment, silent and live auctions with many one-of-a-kind items, such as a vacation in a Tuscan Villa near Florence, Italy, and original paintings, as well as a hand-made Tabriz oriental rug. The Russian folk music ensemble Golosá of Chicago will provide the entertainment. Tickets are $125 through March 5, or $140 after that date, of which $25 is tax-deductible. See chicagomastersingers.org for more information and to order tickets.

Les Turner ALS Foundation 25th Annual “Hope Through Caring” Award Dinner Dance: 6:30 p.m. reception, 7:45 p.m. dinner, March 17, Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware Place, Chicago. Honors the family of A. William Haarlow III. Tickets: $350-$500 per person; $5,000 per table. Proceeds will be used to support medical research; the Les Turner/Lois Insolia ALS Center; patient services such as support group meetings and respite grants and educational programs. Liz Melvin, (847) 679-3311, Lmelvin@lesturnerals.org, Lesturnerals.org.

Lycée Francais de Chicago Annual Soirée Nuit du Film Noir: 6:30 p.m. March 17. This year’s soiree pays tribute to the black-and-white films of the 1940s and ’50s at the Chicago Hilton and Towers, 720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. The evening includes a cocktail reception, dinner, silent and live auctions, music and dancing. Tickets are $300. Proceeds benefit need-based student scholarships, teacher development, and academic support for the Lycée Francais de Chicago. Call (773) 665-0066, ext. 24, or visit lyceechicago.org.

Misericordia Home St. Patrick’s Day Celebration: 1-5 p.m. March 17. Father Jack Clair is the “Guest of Honor” for the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Parade. Join Sister Rosemary at Quartino Ristorante, 626 N. State St., Chicago, after the parade for live entertainment, corned beef, cabbage, pizza, pasta, desserts, soft drinks and beer specials. Cost is $30 advance; $40 door; kids 12 and under are free. One hundred percent of proceeds benefits Misericordia Home. Call Dorie Finnegan, (773) 273-4178 or dorief@misericordia.com. misericordia.org.

Autohaus on Edens Driving Fashion Forward event/fundraiser: 5-7:30 p.m. March 18, 1600 Frontage Road, Northbrook. Autohaus on Edens, along with their elite Ambassador Partners, are honored to host the Launch 2012 event. Guests are invited to enjoy an evening of cocktails from Knightsbridge, light bites from Carlos’ new restaurant Nieto’s, and a preview of North Shore Spring fashions from the finest boutiques in the North Shore, all in the Mercedes showroom. Headlining the show are national designers debuting the season’s hottest new looks, including evening wear, sportswear, shoes, handbags, jewelry from Bett’s, Frances Heffernan, Jolie Femme, Shelle Jewelers, Shirise Shoes, Three Sisters and Walleska Eco-Chicc. Hair and make-up by Red Door Spa. After an initial internal competition, eight Columbia College fashion students will be participating as well, each bringing one look from their collection to model to the panel of judges. One lucky student will be announced winner live at the conclusion of the show. This student will also receive a $5000 scholarship courtesy of Autohaus On Edens to put toward a semester in school or launching their collection. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a teenage style party dress to donate to the event’s “Party Dress Project” for a free raffle ticket to win an all-inclusive trip to New York’s Fall Fashion week (raffle ticket value is $50). All proceeds from the raffle will go to A Safe Place to benefit victims of domestic violence. Tickets are $45; VIP tickets are $65; raffle tickets $50. Space limited. See dogoodersdodah.com.

Wendy’s Fundraiser for Community Protestant Church: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. March 18, Wendy’s, Rt. 176, Mundelein. Have lunch or a tasty snack and a percentage of your purchase goes to benefit the local and global ministries of Community Protestant Church, UCC in Mundelein. For information call (847) 566-4000.

Lambs Farm Fundraiser: 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., March 20, If you dine at any Francesca’s restaurants and mention Lambs Farm, fifteen percent of your bill will be donated to Lambs Farm. Reservations are recommended. See miafrancesca.com. for all Francesca’s locations.

Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation (LSCRF) Charitable Wine Tasting: 5:30-7:30 p.m. March 20, Eduardo’s Enoteca, 1212 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Special guest host Justin Jacobson, LSCRF board member and president of the award-winning strategic marketing, experiential events and production firm Platinum Events. Guests will enjoy five pours from various wine regions of Italy and passed Italian fare. Eduardo’s Enoteca will also offer a themed, hand-crafted cocktail, Pink Lemonade Spirit with sage infusion, with proceeds to LSCRF. Tickets, which include a gift bag, are $55 per person and a percentage of proceeds will benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation. Reservations are recommended and can be made by e-mailing eduardosenoteca@bravorestaurants.com. lynnsage.org, EduardosEnoteca.com.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University American Ballet Theatre (ABT) Benefit: March 21, Ivy Room, Three Studios, 12 E. Ohio St., Chicago. 5:30 p.m. cocktail reception, 6:30 p.m. dinner. ABT Ballet Theatre (ABT) returns to Chicago after 17 years. Tickets: $350 event only; $500, event and performance of Giselle (March 22-25); $5,000 tables includes performance; $3,500 event only. Proceeds benefit Auditorium Theatre. Amanda Martinez Byrne, (312) 922-2110, x368. amartinez@auditoriumtheatre.org.

Highland Park Hadassah Open Meeting Petite Luncheon: 12:15 p.m. March 21, Lakeside Congregation, 1221 County Line Road, Highland Park. Program is Colleen Caron presenting “To Life - Bringing Humor to Life Through Body and Mind.” Tickets: $10, proceeds benefit HMO. Co-chairmen are Maxine Simon and Edith Turner, both of Highland Park, group President is Sally Stiefel of Highland Park. For more information, contact the Hadassah North Shore Chapter office at 847-205-1900 or northshore@hadassah.org.

Henrietta Szold Hadassah Group 100th Birthday party for Hadassah: March 22, Woodlands Club House, 55 Willow Pkwy., Buffalo Grove. The program will be a special candle lighting ceremony to honor the initiative taken by Henrietta Szold in starting Hadassah. Games and Birthday Cake will be served. Program Chairs are Jan Mosoff and Linda Landsberg of Buffalo Grove. President is Risa Kleban of Lake Zurich. For more information contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900, E-mail: northshore@hadassah.org or see northshore.hadassah.org.

Mission Hills Hadassah, North Shore Chapter Annual Game Day End of Winter Event: March 22, Mission Hills Country Club, 1677 Mission Hills Road, Northbrook. Registration, coffee, muffins and games start at 10:30 a.m., followed by a buffet lunch at noon. Tickets are $28, which benefit the Hadassah Medical Organization and their work of healing, teaching and research for all mankind throughout the world. Reservations chair is Helene Gordon of Northbrook. President is Celia Lustig of Northbrook. For more information, contact Hadassah North Shore Chapter office at (847) 205-1900, e-mail northshore@hadassah.org or see northshore.hadassah.org.

Annie Sloan One-Day Workshop and Benefit: March 24, Oak Brook Hills Marriott Resort. British decorative paint expert, author of numerous paint technique books, and creator of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, will be leading the one-day demonstration and overseeing hands-on group sessions. It’s the perfect event for people who love DIY projects, such as furniture makeovers, and are keen to learn new techniques – on furniture, accessories, kitchen cabinets, walls, floors – anything that can be painted. Seats are limited. Tickets are $350, and include all materials, refreshments, and lunch. The event will feature a demonstration by Ms. Sloan, book signings (her most recent, highly rated books, “Creating the French Look” and “Quick and Easy Paint Transformations” are both out in paperback here in the US), and hands-on technique sessions in small groups. Led by local, trained stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and SoftWax, group sessions will teach the myriad techniques and effects that are so easy and fun to create. Annie Sloan will spend time with individuals in each break-out group to offer advice and recommendations. Attendees will end the day with a book signing and social hour with Annie Sloan. A percentage of the workshops’ proceeds will be donated to breast cancer research, and to coincide with this initiative, Annie Sloan Chalk Paint is introducing a new color for the USA: ‘Antoinette’ – a soft pale pink. For full information and to purchase online, go to anniesloanunfolded.com.

Lookingglass Theatre Opening Night Benefit “Rick Bayless in Cascabel: Dinner – Daring – Desire”: 7 p.m. March 24. Lookingglass Theatre, Frontera Grill & Silverguy Entertainment host the culinary and theatrical event with a benefit package for two that includes the production followed by an exclusive post-show cast party with the Cascabel artists at Park Hyatt Chicago and an overnight stay at Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 N. Michigan. Begins at 7 p.m. at Lookingglass Theatre, located inside Chicago’s historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. at Pearson. An unforgettable theatrical adventure featuring a sumptuous feast, world-class circus acts, and a tantalizing love story starring celebrity chef Rick Bayless. The extremely limited engagement is created by Rick Bayless, Artistic Associate and founder of Silverguy Entertainment Tony Hernandez (Hephaestus, Lookingglass Alice), and Lookingglass Ensemble Member Heidi Stillman (Hephaestus, The Brothers Karamazov, Hard Times). The culinary and theatrical experience of the year runs for four weeks only, March 23–April 22, 2012. Tickets: $2,500 for two. Call Sarah Gehrki, Fundraising Events Coordinator, (773) 477-9257 X.116, or e-mail sgehrki@lookingglassthaetre.org.

AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) annual Spring Dinner “An Angel Among Us: An Evening with Pulitzer Prize-winning Playwright Tony Kushner”: March 27, Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave., Chicago. 5:30-6:15 p.m., reception, 6:15–8:30 p.m. dinner and evening program, featuring keynote speaker Tony Kushner; 8:30–9:30 p.m. private reception with Tony Kushner. Renowned, award-winning playwright Tony Kushner, author of Angels in America, will share his insight and perspective on the evolution of an epidemic as the guest of honor. $225, $350, $500. (312) 334-0935. aidschicago.org.

Celebrate Mies van der Rohe’s 126th birthday: 5:30 p.m., March 27, S. R. Crown Hall, designed by famed architect, Mies van der Rohe, on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus (IIT), 3360 South State Street, Chicago, for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Join a group to toast Mies and view architecture by Mies and styling by Sassoon. Maybe even get your hair cut by a Sassoon stylist! This is an unusual approach to design, proving that design prevails in many disciplines. The party is an event mounted by the Mies van der Rohe Society, a group that is dedicated to Art, Culture, and the Preservation of the Mies Legacy in Chicago. For further information, please call (312) 266-8729 or online at mies.iit.edu.

Chai Hadassah Knitters/Crocheters: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays, March 28, April 25, May 30, June 27. Bring your needles and yarn and join them to work on blankets for the Linus Project or the project that has been waiting for you to finish. The meetings are at a member’s home in Highland Park with a $5 donation to Hadassah. For more information contact the Hadassah North Shore office at (847) 205-1900, e-mail northshore@hadassah.org. or see northshore.hadassah.org.

North Shore Senior Center’s Spring Sale: March 30-31. Antiques, collectibles and vintage items will be on sale at the Arthur C. Nielsen Jr. Campus, 161 Northfield Road, Northfield. Proceeds benefit NSSC. Call (847) 784-6000 or visit nssc.org.

Lambs Farm Spring Craft Fair: March 31-April 1, Arlington Park Racecourse, 2200 W. Euclid Ave., Arlington Heights. Hundreds of vendors will offer jewelry, home decor and more, along with Lambs Farm booth featuring preserves, cookies, chocolates and more. March 31, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; April 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7 per person; $6 parking per vehicle. Proceeds benefit Lambs Farm. Save with a cyber coupon - see lambsfarm.org.

Light Opera Works Gala “Broadway and Vine”: March 31, North Shore Country Club, 1340 Glenview Road, Glenview, hosted by The Light Opera Works Benefit Committee. 4:45 p.m. V.I.P. Gourmet Wine Reception, with cast members of the 2012 season, 5:30 p.m cocktails and silent auction, 6:30 p.m dinner, live auction, musical program. A raffle will be held to win a $1000 cash. Raffle chances are 1 for $10, 3 for $25, 7 for $50 and 15 for $100. Tickets: $185; $245 and $380 (both include a special VIP Gourmet Wine Reception with cast members hosted by Catherine Westphal and Gary Raphael of Glencoe). Proceeds will benefit Light Opera Works programming, including the 2012 season, the Musical Theater Summer Workshop, student half-price tickets and Family Talk Backs. Order by phone at (847) 920-5360. light-opera-works.org.

Have a philanthropic cause or event? Send a notice to Trend’s Editorial Assistant, Deborah Hoppe. Her e-mail is dhoppe@pioneerlocal.com. She edits the information and includes it in our Save the Date calendar.

The full version appears online, while a heavily-edited calendar appears in print on the last Thursday of the month.

From calendar items and invitations (by mail or e-mail) I decide which events to cover. [Full disclosure: I like fashion, so I hit more fashion shows and shopping events than galas] Sometimes I assign Trend columnists to various events, but many times, they receive their own invitations.

Since there are more events on the social calendar than we can possibly attend, chairwomen need to provide a post-event press release and high-resolution photographs (with full names and hometowns) of guests. Please include your photographer’s name so we can give proper credit.

We no longer assign photographers to events we don’t cover. Many guests have cameras on their cell phones, and we’re happy to accept those images. — Meg Moore





© 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be copied or distributed without permission. For more information about reprints and permissions, visit www.suntimesreprints.com. To order a reprint of this article, click here.