Candace Jordan

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation, the Chicago-based non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating pediatric cancer and providing hope and support to those who are touched by it, has put a hold on individualized Bear Hug experiences due to COVID-19 social distancing. Children and families affected by pediatric cancer in 18 Midwest-area hospitals and at home received a giant virtual Bear Hug today, through the efforts of celebrities and Chicagoans.

Michael Kutza, Founder and CEO of Cinema/Chicago, the presenting organization of the Chicago International Film Festival, today announced that he will be retiring from his role at the end of 2018.

Gilda's Club Chicago, a cancer support organization that ensures no one faces cancer alone, hosted its annual 'Night of a Thousand Noogies,' at Park West on October 15. Chicago's own Second City comedians performed signature sketch comedy routines and improv skits, with the help of emcee TJ Shanoff. All money raised from the event supports the 350 free activities each month at the downtown Clubhouse and satellite locations. 

Steppenwolf Theatre Company's world-renowned ensemble was joined by more than 550 members of Chicago's corporate, civic and cultural communities for Gala 2015 on Saturday, May 9, 2015, raising more than $1.2 million for Steppenwolf's artistic, educational and community programming. Scroll down for photos!

Author, humorist and panelist on National Public Radio's Wait Wait, Don't Tell Me program Roy Blount, Jr., plus Chicago media personalities Janet Davies (ABC7) and Steve Downes (WDRV-FM, The Drive) are the latest not-so-old, not-necessarily-Jewish joke tellers making one-night-only appearances in the hit comedy, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, to raise funds for the charities of their choice. A popular addition to the hit comedy production since launching in mid-December, celebrities are making a cameo appearance with their own comedic shtick during the OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES show, with a portion of proceeds from that performance donated to the non-profit charity of the celebrity's choice.

Nationally acclaimed authors Scott Turow and Sara Paretsky, Illinois Senate President John Cullerton (6th District), Illinois State Representative (12th District) Sara Feigenholtz and Chicago society scribe "Candid Candace" Jordan are among some of Chicago's favorite not-so-old, not-necessarily-Jewish joke tellers making one-night-only appearances in the hit comedy, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, to raise funds for the charities of their choice. Officially launching on Tuesday evening, Dec. 17, and continuing at various performances through the coming months, a local celebrity will make a cameo appearance with their own comedic shtick during the OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES show, and a portion of proceeds from that performance will be donated to the non-profit charity of the celebrity's choice.

Fear No ART Chicago presents at Chicago City Winery on April 1st and May 6, 2013. April 1st will feature guests Chef John Manion of La Sirina Clandestina cooks for Frank Orrall of Poi Dog Pondering, the only Artist in Residence at the Field Museum,Peggy MacNamara, comedian and Vocalo radio host Brian Babylon and all audience members before joining the conversation himself! Manion's appetizer and entree tastings will be paired with a wine tasting from City Winery and chocolate from Vosges. The opening act is Ballet Chicago's resident choreographer, Ted Seymour.

Fear No ART Chicago presents at Chicago City Winery on April 1st and May 6, 2013. April 1st will feature guests Chef John Manion of La Sirina Clandestina cooks for Frank Orrall of Poi Dog Pondering, the only Artist in Residence at the Field Museum,Peggy MacNamara, comedian and Vocalo radio host Brian Babylon and all audience members before joining the conversation himself! Manion's appetizer and entree tastings will be paired with a wine tasting from City Winery and chocolate from Vosges. The opening act is Ballet Chicago's resident choreographer, Ted Seymour.

April 1st Guests: Chef John Manion of La Sirina Clandestina cooks for Frank Orrall of Poi Dog Pondering, the only Artist in Residence at the Field Museum, Peggy MacNamara, comedian and Vocalo radio host Brian Babylon and all audience members before joining the conversation himself! Manion's appetizer and entree tastings will be paired with a wine tasting and chocolate from Vosges. Opening act is Chicago Ballet choreographer and dancer, Ted Seymour.

Steppenwolf is pleased to announce ensemble member and three-time Tony® and Emmy® nominee Martha Plimpton will be the guest of honor at the 2nd annual Steppenwolf Salutes WOMEN IN THE ARTS fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm at The W Chicago - City Center, 172 West Adams St. Ms.

Steppenwolf ensemble member and three-time Tony® and Emmy® nominee Martha Plimpton will be the guest of honor at the 2nd annual Steppenwolf Salutes WOMEN IN THE ARTS fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm at The W Chicago - City Center, 172 West Adams St.

Steppenwolf ensemble member and three-time Tony® and Emmy® nominee Martha Plimpton will be the guest of honor at the 2nd annual Steppenwolf Salutes WOMEN IN THE ARTS fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm at The W Chicago - City Center, 172 West Adams St. Ms. Plimpton will be interviewed about her stage, television and film career by Steppenwolf Artistic Director Martha Lavey in a format similar toInside the Actors Studio. Ensemble member Joan Allen was honored at last year's inaugural Steppenwolf Salutes WOMEN IN THE ARTS fundraiser.

Steppenwolf is pleased to announce ensemble member and three-time Tony® and Emmy® nominee Martha Plimpton will be the guest of honor at the 2nd annual Steppenwolf Salutes WOMEN IN THE ARTS fundraising luncheon on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 12:00 pm at The W Chicago - City Center, 172 West Adams St. Ms.

Come meet the voices behind the city's one-stop-spot for the hottest dialogs on trends, events, news and happenings in Chicago -- ChicagoNow.com. Now's your chance to join the conversation and engage with the blogosphere in person when Chicago's network of bloggers unite on Thursday, September 24 from 5 - 7 p.m., at 'Blogapalooza', presented by the new ChicagoNow and The 900 Shops. Complimentary spirits, food and music!

Come meet the voices behind the city's one-stop-spot for the hottest dialogs on trends, events, news and happenings in Chicago -- ChicagoNow.com. Now's your chance to join the conversation and engage with the blogosphere in person when Chicago's network of bloggers unite on Thursday, September 24 from 5 - 7 p.m., at 'Blogapalooza', presented by the new ChicagoNow and The 900 Shops. Complimentary spirits, food and music!