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You are here: Home / Blog / Recap – The Chicago Auto Show First Look For Charity Gala

Recap – The Chicago Auto Show First Look For Charity Gala

February 14, 2017 by Chi@glance

Tavi J and Liz Traines

Roses are Red, Violets are Blue….I had so much fun at the First Look for Charity Auto show Gala that I want to share with YOU! Corny….I know, but I do have some exciting news regarding the 2017 Chicago Auto Show. First off….It’s going on NOW! The show started on Saturday, February 11th and goes through February 20th at McCormick Place. The Chicago Auto show started in 1901 and is the longest and largest running auto show in North America. 2017 marks the 109th annual show.

As I always say….before every show there’s a pre party and the First Look For Charity Gala is the official kick-off party for the Chicago Auto show. What’s better than getting a first look at the cars while supporting several good causes. First Look for Charity is one of Chicago’s greatest one day fundraisers. The event raises more than $2.5MM for 18 area non- profits.  Stylish attendee’s get all dressed up to enjoy live entertainment, fine dining food, and get to preview ALL there is to offer at the auto show FIRST! If that isn’t enough attendee’s get a chance to win a 2017 Acura TLX or Lexus NX. It’s such a fun night and ALL for a good cause.

Jeep Ride and Drive

The Chicago Auto Show exhibits include nearly a 1000 domestic and imported vehicles. There are numerous interactive exhibits, concept vehicles, and antique and collector cars. I want to give you some insight on what to see at the auto show, so here’s my FAVS!

I had to start off with my dream high school car….the Chevrolet Camaro.

Chevy Camaro

This car screams rugged and sexy to me. I never owned one, but I always thought they were so sleek looking. The Camaro this year celebrates it’s 50th year anniversary and is still looking better than ever. The base price for this beauty is $27,300.

Toyota – CH-R

Moving on we strolled over to the Toyota section cause hey they were giving out Cubs World Championship Beanies and we had to get our hands on one of those! Also my sister is a huge fan of Toyota and owns a Toyota Camry. We got to take a test drive in Toyota debut vehicle the CH-R. The Toyota CH-R is an all NEW crossover from the brand. We had so much fun during the test drive. My take away was this vehicle would be PERFECT for San Francisco and all the hilly landscape there. There’s smart phones and I would say this is a “smart car”. Make sure to take the test drive and check out ALL the cool features it brings to the table.

Not featured…..cause I don’t want to spoil the surprise (and my camera ran out of picture space) 🙂 is the 2017 Chevrolet Lego Batmobile. This concept car was AWESOME!!!! It’s a life size version of the Lego Batmobile and constructed from more than 350,000 lego bricks. You must check it out! It took 222 hours to design and 1,833 hours to build. Now that’s some dedication!!!

Next year I really implore you to check out the First Look For Charity Auto Show. Don’t get me wrong I love the Chicago Auto Show, but seeing it in a more intimate environment can’t be beat. Plus it’s so much fun to be dressy around all these stylish vehicles. The show room floor is huge, but companies like Cadillac help the ladies out by supplying us with slippers. 🙂 I was hoping they did this again this year. I lasted about a good 2 hours in my heels and then it was slippers the rest of the night. 🙂

Live band

There was live musical entertainment, food from several fine dining establishments, and my favorite the Don Julio Truck! Ooooh I could go for another Red Headed Stranger drink (Don Julio Blanco, Fresh Watermelon Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Agave Syrup, and watermelon wedge).

#HanktheRebot

Last, but not least for those with kiddo’s and even without should check out Ford’s  #HanktheRobot. Hank has been to several of the auto show’s. He keeps the kids entertained and offers some comedic relief.

Make sure to head on over to the Chicago Auto Show and check the site for details. It’s helpful having the map to navigate and make sure you don’t miss anything.

How did I get my look for the First Look For Charity Black Tie Gala?!? Well I couldn’t have done it without the following……..

The Frock Shop Dress Rental – Dress by Clarisse

The Frock Shop
2150 S Canal Port Ave, #3A-10
Chicago, IL 60608
877-376-2571

Amazing Lash Chicago – Lash Extensions

Amazing Lash Chicago
334 E Ohio Street
Chicago, IL 60611
872-228-5274

Hair: Van Cleef Hair Studio
Hair Stylist: Rahni
56 W Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60654
312-751-2456

Makeup: Sephora (Water Tower Place)
Make Up Artist: Jasmine
845 N Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-335-9391

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Community/Volunteering, Diary, Entertainment, Events, Health and Beauty, Restaurants/Dining, Reviews Tagged With: Blog, Community /Volunteering, Diary, Entertainment, Events, Health and Beauty, Restaurants/dining, Reviews

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Memorial Day weekend is coming up and what better Memorial Day weekend is coming up and what better way to kick off summer than… on a BOAT! Yesterday I joined Chicago Line Cruises on their signature architecture river tour. We did a 90 minute cruise down the river as our expert guide discussed the history, impact, and legacy of Chicago’s renowned architecture. 𝑨𝑵𝑫 on Thursdays they’ll be hosting wine and whisky tastings. Congrats to 40 years on the historic Ogden Strip! Get your tickets TODAY!
@chicagolinecruises 📍465 N McClurg Court

#Chicago #chicagotastings #architecture #chicagoboating #chicagoarchitecturetour
I slept in a treehouse last night and what an adve I slept in a treehouse last night and what an adventure! @Kalahariresortswisconsindells unveiled a collection of luxury Treehouses created in partnership with Pete Nelson of @NelsonTreehouse, widely known as the host of Animal Planet’s 𝑻𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝑴𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒔. 

I attended an intimate media preview. Pete Nelson and Todd Nelson, founder of @Kalahariresorts, shared the inspiration, craftsmanship, and vision behind the Treehouses on our guided tour. The treehouses provide an elevated escape. They’re a nature-forward expansion celebrating the beauty of the Dells and the magic of living among the trees. Also onsite is a relaxing pool and hot tub.

The evening concluded with a beautiful experience on the shores of Lake Delton. We had an amazing dinner at the brand New restaurant @Daylenessupperclub. Such cozy vibes, delicious food, and tasty cocktails. 𝙄𝙩’𝙨 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙣 𝙔𝙊𝙐𝙍 𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙮!

#Kalahariresorts #treehousemasters #Wisconsindells #lovekalahari #TravelWI
The National Restaurant Association Show is going The National Restaurant Association Show is going on NOW! (May 16th - 19th). I’ve been going since 2018 and this is one of my favorite shows to cover. The NRA show brings professionals from across the globe to discover innovations, build connections, and drive the industry forward. 

@nationalrestaurantshow has 53,000+ attendees, 2,300+ exhibitors, and features 900+ categories. 

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒅 𝑰 𝒈𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒇𝒂𝒓?

✅ Walked the show room floor to discover new innovative technology gadgets. 

✅ Culinary demo and tasting with celebrity chef @chefchriscosentino. (Winner of Top Chef Masters).

✅ Each year love picking up my personalized bottle of ketchup from @Heinz.

✅ Walking the show room floor for tasty bites from companies like @Hormelfoods. That spam dog! 😋 AND the Brisket grilled cheeses from @jtm_food_service And the refreshing tonics from @drinktractor 

#2026RestaurantShow #Chicago #Keynote #celebritychef #chicagorestaurants
Last night I kicked off the National Restaurant As Last night I kicked off the National Restaurant Association show by attending the @Menumastersawards ceremony. The 29th annual celebration is the restaurants industry premier recognition of menu innovation excellence. The event is by invitation only and for restaurant executives. Congrats to the Hall of Fame winner Chef @grant_achatz.  The competition recognizes R&D leaders for their groundbreaking achievements and lasting contributions to food service.

The event offered a one-night-only culinary experience. The tasting menu was crafted exclusively for this celebration.

The after party presented by @Ventura_Foods is not to be missed. We were treated to high energy entertainment, music, dancing, snacks, desserts, cocktails, AND a special gift! We each got a signed autographed copy of 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗳 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝗰𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘇 book, 𝘓𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘦. What a fun evening! #MenuMasters

#2026Restaurantshow #chefgrantachatz #chicagorestaurants #foodblogger
YOU deserve a staycation! I headed about 30 miles YOU deserve a staycation! I headed about 30 miles outside downtown Chicago to 𝐖𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝. @Wcsouthland is a luxurious escape from the city. The state of the art hotel opened in 2025 and has over 255 rooms and 43+ suites. There’s a pool, fitness center, and a full service luxury spa @wcsouthlandspa that spans 11,665 square feet. The 70,000 square foot casino offers 1,412 slot machines, 56 table games, poker room, and the newly opened - Sportsbook. Sportsbook is a high energy, 24/7 destination for sports fans to watch and wager. 

As a foodie my FAVORITE part is well the FOOD. 😆 I loved my dinner at Chef @Fabioviviani restaurant @altosteakhouse. We also enjoyed the Food Bazaar located on the ground floor. There’s six restaurants within the food bazaar and they’re all you can eat. I highly recommend heading to Chicago Southland for a staycation @wcsouthland.
📍17300 S Halsted St, East Hazel Crest, IL

#Findyourwinningmoment #Chicagofoodie #chicagohotel #chicagostaycation #chicago @Visitsouthland 👈🏽
I had one of the BEST spa experiences at Wind Cree I had one of the BEST spa experiences at Wind Creek Southland Spa. 😌

@Wcsouthlandspa is 11,000+ square feet and overlooks the Chicago skyline. The peaceful retreat is guided by a deep commitment to holistic wellness and relaxation. I started off in the heated jacuzzi whirl pool and then had a a rejuvenating facial. My skin was glowing immediately! My friend decided to do a cupping massage for the first time and she could feel the detoxification running through her body. 

Afterwards we both enjoyed the sauna and relaxed with some refreshing fruit infused water while overlooking the skyline. It was the perfect Sunday Funday. Check them out! 📍17300 S Halsted St, Hazel Crest, IL located inside @Wcsouthland

#FindYourWinningMoment #chicagospa #Chicagosouthland #Chicagostaycation #Chicagohotel @visitsouthland
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#Nobuchicago #chicagorestaurants #chicagoevents #chicagohotels #legendary
I ventured back to @Altosteakhouse by Chef @Fabiov I ventured back to @Altosteakhouse by Chef @Fabioviviani located inside @Wcsouthland.
This time we went on Saturday night for an 𝑨𝑴𝑨𝒁𝑰𝑵𝑮 dinner and live entertainment. Have you been?
📍17300 S Halsted St, East Hazel Crest, Illinois

We had: 

🦪 Oysters Rockefeller 
🍣 Tuna Tartare 
🦀 Blue Crab Cakes
N’duja Mussels
Baked Gnocchi 
🍤 Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Grilled Asparagus, Hollandaise
🧀 Mac n Cheese
Creamed Spinach, crispy onions
🥩 Filet 10oz (added lump crab and Bleu Cheese encrusted)
🐟 Mediterranean Sea Bass
🍨 Various Desserts 

#Steakhouse #FindYourWinningMoment #Windcreekchicagosouthland #celebritychef
#Chicagosouthland @visitsouthland
Mother’s Day is coming up and I have the perfect g Mother’s Day is coming up and I have the perfect gift! 🎁 @Thecandlevault in Frankfort, Illinois is a one-of-a-kind candle making experience. 

There’s 100+ premium fragrance oils to choose from and blend together to create your custom scent. The candles are made with natural soy wax, organic cotton wicks, and clean-burning fragrance oils. This combination provides the cleanest burn, the strongest scent throw, and longest burn time. 📍114 Kansas St, Frankfort, IL 

#Shoplocal #Thecandlevault #Mothersday #ChicagoSouthland #soycandles @VisitSouthland
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