Kontinent Media Group

Original article posted by Kontinent
Chicago, April 25, 2013) The invitation read the event start time for the Stanley Paul – Raelene Mittelman Scholarship Benefit as 6:00 pm, but a steady stream of guests were already making their way into the tony Gold Coast private club, twenty minutes beforehand. Word had quickly spread this year’s fundraiser was the largest crowd ever to attend (almost 400), and all the rooms at the Casino were being used for seating. Looking to snag a prime table in the main room with this year’s honoree, Candace Collins Jordan, guests were staking out their seating long before the program was set to start.
Guests were given a shiny black pebble and asked to cast their vote for one of the top five finalist to help decide the winner of this year’s scholarship. Two design students from Columbia Collage of Chicago and three from Dominican University were this year’s top five.
Chatter could be heard among the guests as they enjoyed wine and passed beverages; “Which design did you vote for”…”I’m not saying”…”I haven’t decided yet”…”It was between two”…”I liked”… and more.At the door to the main room Candace greeted everyone and — in typical Candace style – everyone got a huge smile and a hug. Candace was the picture of couture in a steel-blue strapless pant ensemble by local designer, Barbara Bates. She completed the look with Van Cleef & Arpels, Flowerlace necklace and earrings set, a fleurette motif of cascading diamonds in elegant white gold. A large portrait of Candace, created by well-known fashion illustrator, Rosemary Fanti, rested on an easel at the entryway. Guests were invited to inscribe their congratulatory comments and well wishes around the perimeter of the artwork. Debi Lilly of A Perfect Event had created floral arrangements of white hydrangeas giving the venue a light, airy feel.
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