By Ogilvie Zavala | Arts Editor
Richard Chiang | Resident Media Director, Sum Lau | Photographer

On Friday, November 16, 2012, Girls on the Run-Chicago (GOTRC) celebrated its commitment as a non-profit organization to helping over 27,000 girls engage in a healthy lifestyle at its 13th Annual Sparkle & Shine Gala at the Drake Hotel. Funds raised from the event will go towards scholarships for participants of GOTRC and support program expansion initiatives in diverse communities in the Chicagoland area.

During the Sparkle & Shine Gala, GOTRC hosted live music and several silent auctions. A few items that were auctioned included a weekend in a Porsche Panamera, a private flight in a WWII plane, tickets to the Jay Leno Show, Windy City Live, The New Ricki Lake Show, dinner for two at Girl & the Goat, and several other wonderful items.

Throughout the night, attendees had the privilege of enjoying a decadent selection of wine, beer, signature drinks, and fabulous hors d'oeuvres. Additionally a photo booth was staged near the entrance of the gala, with long lines of guests trickling in and out with giant smiles and laughter.

GOTRC is a non-profit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. Using a fun, experience-based after school curriculum which creatively integrates running, the innovative program for girls in grades 3-8 combines training for a 5k event with interactive lessons that encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development. The program culminates in a 5k event, which gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as the framework for setting and achieving life goals, athletic or otherwise.

“We have just finished conducting our annual evaluation which has shown, with statistical significance, that girls who complete the program have a stronger sense of identity, a greater acceptance of themselves, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be physically and emotionally healthy.” Said Kristen Kainer-Turner, GOTRC Senior Program Manager.

Jeanne Wrenn, GOTR Chicago Board President, mentioned her excitement for the evening. "GOTR Chicago does so much to help girls across the board. Our annual gala is very exciting." There are two programs that comprise GOTR Chicago: Girls on the Run, designed for girls in grades 3 through 5; and Girls on Track, designed for girls in grades 6 through 8. Led by volunteer coaches, Girls on the Run-Chicago’s program is divided into three core concepts, each of which encompasses roughly a four-week period.

With a vibrant mix of guests, appetizers, cocktails, and goals, the Girls On The Run Chicago's 13th Annual Sparkle and Shine Gala was truly a key momentum for 2012. A guest at the event captured the evening's essence quite well. "We came here to raise funds for the girls, our girls, the future of our city," stated Meredith, one of the sponsor's guests. "While all the funds are going to charity, we are also having a great time. I'm glad I came out for this one."

Cathy Kruse, Communications Manager for GOTR Chicago, Jeanne Wrenn, and the entire GOTR Chicago team's diligence and effort were present. Great job, ladies: we look forward to the next one.

By Jorge G. Zavala | Creative Director
Richard Chiang | Resident Media Director, Paul Ko | Media Contributor

The Polish American Association hosted it's 90th Anniversary Gala and Benefit Auction at The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago on November 10th, 2012. 

The evening began with a sophisticated cocktail reception with notable guests, including the evening's honorees Arie and Bozena Zweig, major supporters of charitable and cultural organizations in the United States, Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Consul General of the Republic of Poland in Chicago Paulina Kapuscinska, Global Fashionista and Designer Ogilvie, and Justice of the Appellate Court of Illinois Aurelia Pucinski, among other high-profile individuals.

Arie and Bozena Zweig were honored and recognized for their generous philanthropic contributions to the Polish and Jewish community. The Zweigs are recognized supporters of diverse organizations within the United States, Poland, and Israel. Founder and CEO of R.A.Zweig, Inc., Arie Zweig most recently was awarded a special commendation by the President of Poland during the President’s visit to Chicago. Bozena Zweig is an accomplished musician who pursued a successful career in Poland prior to her move to the United States. Currently, she is a member of the Polish American Association Board of Directors in addition to her other memberships and activities.

The Annual Gala is the Polish American Association's largest fundraising event of the year, with all proceeds benefiting the organization’s 28 programs serving 3,000 clients monthly. Currently in its 90th year as an organization, the Polish American Association was established by a group of prominent businessmen to help immigrant families. From an initial focus on youth, the PAA has greatly expanded its operations and now offers 28 programs in four major areas: clinical services, support services, education/employment, and immigration. The organization has extensive partnerships and collaborations which allow it to offer its services throughout the great Chicago area.

In 2011, the PAA helped a diverse set of individuals and families receive help and support in such areas as counseling for victims of domestic violence and substance abuse; help for the homeless; access to benefits; and education and employment.

Guests, representing a wide array of industries, enjoyed an evening filled with savory champagne, delectable salmon, and cultural performances representing Polish American culture.

Alan Krashesky, ABC 7 Chicago Reporter, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The award ceremony - honoring both Arie and Bozena - began promptly at 9pm.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel greeted guests and offered words of wisdom to youth.

A choir of young children performed numerous songs, charming the evening with their youthful energy, talent, and vibrance.

Daniel Szefer, a young pianist, performed for guests during dinner.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Richard Chiang
Resident Media Director

Lights, camera, Lily's!

Lily's Talent Agency celebrated its 30th anniversary with a beautiful fête held at The Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago. Lily's Talent Agency along with the Foundation of Artists Mentored in Entertainment (FAME) invited guests to indulge in savory champagne, the latest trends in fashion by a diverse array of local designers, and the chic who's who of Chicago's socialites. 

The exclusive invite-only event began promptly at 6:30pm, allowing guests to meet, mingle, and bask in the ambiance du nuit. Featured designers of the evening included Horacio Nieto, Boyeon Kim, and Keisha Anderson Kirkland-Smith, among others. Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit and Taylor Mallory were the emcees for the evening, providing both style and grace.

The crowd mingles while the models, designers, and make-up artists work their magic in the back lounge.

Models gracing the catwalk sported a combination of nouvelle tenue professionnelle and modern cuts emphasizing the body's handsome physique.

Guests characterized the evening's models as confident with a dose of elegance.

Ogilvie Zavala, Associate Arts Editor for Le Prestige du Monde, and Hoang Lam.

Male models made their presence quite visible, with regards masculins and forte strides that allowed guests to focus on both the designs and the diverse looks of each gentleman.

Nancy To, Miss Illinois US 2012, and Jorge Zavala Sr., Director of Investor Relations of Le Prestige du Monde, share a moment while admiring the styles and trends of the evening.

Fall and winter collections were showcased, paying homage to the unique Chicago blend of sentir à l'aise while looking good.

Hair and make-up artists, after an evening of working oh-so-diligently, took the time to unwind after a successful presentation with friends, a glass of champagne, and plenty of photographs.

Lily Liu, President of Lily's Talent Agency, took a moment to acknowledge the effort and determination of each and everyone who's made the team a success.

The Misses. Miss Illinois US 2012 Nancy To, Miss Illinois US 2012 (yes, there are two) Amber Autumn, and Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit prepare to call out the names of the evening's raffle winners.

Lily's Talent Agency has grown into its 30th, displaying a great attitude and a determined team that keeps a la mode so as to grow in life, fun, and fashion. We are looking forward to the next 30, Lily.

By Domínica Rodríguez
Mexico City Correspondent

Music meets young professionals in the trendy Polanco neighborhood of Mexico City. A great mix of recent-grads, designers, musicians, businessmen and women, and wine connoisseurs gathered to enjoy avant-garde decor in a casual yet chic environment. Props to Miguel and Chayo for their great pictures!

I don't know what this is exactly, but the colors were great and really stole the attention of the crowd.

A necklace I found in my mom's closet: she's so vintage!

The furniture seemed a bit of out place but the pillows gave it some flair. I loved the checkered table and the use of blue hues throughout the room.

Carrying a divine purse and some gorgeous accessories. Gold appears to be in this season.

Conviviendo.

The crowd consisted of some very influential people. Here they are mingling after a presentation on art and design in contemporary Mexico. While the event could have used more wine (they ran out nearly halfway during the event), it was a nice time and a great opportunity for new friends to be made.