Bidding for Thailand

I don't know much about basketball, but if March Madness includes trips to Thailand and Bhutan, I'm claiming it, Italian leather goods, and kick-off receptions to even bigger galas and events, then I wanna be like Mike!

The Women's Board of the Joffrey Ballet's Spring Gala hosted a reception at Tiffany's on Michigan Ave. 2011 Spring Gala Co-chairs Wendy L. Chronister and Courtney A. Thompson along with Tiffany's Group Director Liza Zito welcomed guests to an evening of cocktails and fine jewelry; not a bad combination. Ten percent from the sales from the evening went to benefit the Joffrey Ballet. The event served as a kick-off for the Joffrey Spring Gala on Friday, April 29th; tickets for the gala start at $600 while tables range from $6,000 to $25,000. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception in the Auditorium of Roosevelt University and a first ever live auction with the featured item of a luxury trip to Thailand and Bhutan, courtesy of Amanresorts. I'm going to be brutally honest and say that I doubt I'll participate in the live auction. However, to the future winning bidder, if you're reading this that is – feel free to bring me along. I pack light, come prepared with tasty snacks, I hope you like Hostess' ho hos and gummy bears, I'm great company, and I'll even let you have the window seat on the plane. It's just something to consider…ya know, just saying. Guests will also enjoy a seat down dinner at the Palmer House Hilton after the Joffrey Ballet performance. Either way, as a new member of the Joffrey Auxiliary Board, I'm looking forward to the gala and my hopefully luxury trip to Thailand and Bhutan…please?

Now to prepare for my potential trip to Thailand and Bhutan, I'm going to have to get some shopping done, which was why my invite to Shrine's VIP shopping event was perfecto timing. Shrine Haberdashers, 47 E. Oak, is the newest kid on the block on Oak Street. Shrine specializes in high-end accessories and leather goods that include bags, ties, fedoras, and cufflinks. Local designers such as Lee Allison are represented at the loft boutique as well. According to owner, Rafik, the boutique does not mass produce any of the merchandise and all the products are custom made. "It's about quality. It's about the way things are suppose to be made," said Rafik. I couldn't agree more! When I wasn't eyeing the food tray, I was playing goo goo eye with this brown leather bag, in the picture above, that would certainly send me to Thailand and Bhutan in style. Be sure to check out this leather good oasis when you get the chance!

Art enthusiasts and young philanthropists all gathered at Saks Fifth Avenue for the Red and White Kick-off Party. The evening featured a fashion show, modeled by Steppenwolf actors and actresses, shopping deals, and a special appearance by jewelry designer and Council of Fashion Designers of America's 2010 Accessory Designer of the Year Alexis Bittar. The event supported Steppenwolf for Young Adults, a nationally recognized education program that serves over 15,000 young adults, families, and teachers. The evening served as a kick-off for the Red and White Ball at Salvage One, 1840 W. Hubbard on April 8. Individual tickets are going for $130, while VIP tickets are going for $250, and virtual tables (10 tickets) are going for $1,000. However, if you mention my name or my column to my friend Philip Chang, a Steppenwolf Executive Board member, he can get you individual tickets for only $100 until April 1. Feel free to contact him at psc@strongerbonds.com or follow him on twitter at borderlinephil. I'm sure that co-chairs Kristopher J. Anderson, Kim Davis, and Stephen C. George have a wonderful evening planned for guests!

Until next time, with love from Thailand and Bhutan..PLEASE!?