Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI) Presents…

For more information, visit www.MHAI.org, or call Dave Kunicki at 312-368-9070 x327

Save the date! The next Divo Series event is Wednesday, April 24th, 6-9PM at HOB Foundation Room! – Illustration by Rosemary Fanti - http://www.rosemaryfanti.com

If only there was The Divo Bunch….

Divo: {dee-voh}, celebrita: A Divo is an Italian word used to describe male superstars

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 27, 2013 | 6-9PM
HOUSE OF BLUES | 329 NORTH DEARBORN

Join us as we celebrate the Divo Series – Honoring Successful Men!

The male counterpart to the Diva Series was launched in 2009 and we’ve honored so many successful men over the years! We plan on further developing the concept in 2013!

CLICK HERE FOR FACEBOOK INVITE

Featuring DJ Madrid

*Benjamin Cottrell – Owner at Benjamin Cottrell Designs

*Christian Banach – Principal / Vice President – Operations & Business Development, Global Adrenaline

*Erick E. Moreno – CEO of EurekaChicago.com

*Chef Fredo Outlaw – Chef/Founder at Little Angels Culinary

*Justin J. Kumar – Financial Advisor at Wells Fargo Advisors

*Madrid Perry – Co-Owner of White Label DJs

*Ryan Jolliffe – MHAI Junior Board President

*Troy Tarr – Partner, Sales and Operations at Wrigley View Rooftop

*Vin Puppala– Anesthesiologist / Interventional Pain Physician

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

It’s time for “Diva to Meet Divo” again as we will honor our GUYS & DOLLS for this special Valentine’s Day party! 

DOLLS….bat your lashes, GUYS…tip your hat….

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH | 6-9PM

25 DEGREES | 736 NORTH CLARK

di•va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

Divo: {dee-voh}, celebrita: A Divo is an Italian word used to describe male superstars

GUYS

*Adam Johnson – Director of Operations at Kumbuya
*Andrew Hill – President of Hill Models
*Arthur Holmer – Managing Principal of Wells Street Companies
*Chef Fredo Outlaw – Chef/Founder of Little Angels Culinary 
*Hennessy Williams – Founder of Dream Photography
*John Abels – Department Chair – Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Chicago
*Jason Tippy – Automotive Broker
*Joe Boumaroun – Co-Owner of 25 Degrees Chicago
*Mac Boumaroun – Co-Owner of 25 Degrees Chicago
*Mookie Lee – Founder of Monarc Brand | www.shopmonarc.com
*Noel Catarina – Account Executive and Online Coach
*Shane Robert Kalminski – Assistant Interior Designer of Benjamin Cottrell Designs

DOLLS

*Amy Litterski – Writer at ChicagoNow.com
*Christine Khasho – Professional Freelance Makeup Artist, Makeup Artist on VH1′s House of Consignment, Social Media Director for BloOuts Blow Dry Bar Salon
*Christine Rosko – Founder of Life With A Side Of Coffee blog and Events and Communications Consultant
*Dawgelene “Dr Dawj” Sangster- Philanthropist/Photojournalist/Blogger
Think Royally Inc/ Rolling Out Magazine/ Examiner.com and Six Brown Chickswww.thinkroyally.org and sixbrownchicks.com
*Elena Lugo – Marketing Director 
*Emilie Babicz – SEO Specialist, Fashion Philosopher, a fancy nerd in Tom Ford glasses, Style Philosopher
*Hope Bertram – Emmy Nominated Social Media Strategist and Host of Everything Healthy TV
*Janiece Noel – Principal/Publicist of J. Noel Public Relations – Fashion, Lifestyle and Luxu
*Jenny Taylor – Owner and Founder of Jenny Taylor Photography & Boudoirs
*Leah Chavie – Owner at Leah Chavie Skincare Boutique – www.leahchavie.com
*Lora Michael – Owner of Lora Michael Cosmetic Artisty
*Nichole Pullen – Pearson Education Publishing Representative and Fundraiser for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
*Nicole Price – Founder of Around Chicago Events 
*Robin Kwiecinski – Fashion Stylist at The Trunk Club
*Rosemary Fanti – Nationally Published Fashion Illustrator – RosemaryFanti.com
*Shelly Patoff-Becker – Owner of 3 Hearts Boutique 

*Illustrations by Rosemary Fanti - www.rosemaryfanti.com
As a nationally published fashion illustrator, Rosemary Fanti also illustrates some of the world’s most fashionable people, premier weddings, and special events. She captures a unique likeness of her subjects with the style of a savvy fashion illustration. Whether it’s on the runway or walking down the aisle, Rosemary captures events in motion with her fabulous illustrations. rosemaryfanti.com

GUYS – Suits. Ties. Pressed shirts. Vests. Fedora hats. Tweed and pinstripe suits, zoot suit

DOLLS – Flapper chic, vintage dresses, pin-up girl, classic beauties, Hollywood glam, starlet

Photography by Dream Photography - http://www.facebook.com/onedreamphotography

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

Join us as we celebrate the Divo Series – Honoring Successful Men!

The male counterpart to the Diva Series was launched in 2009 and we’ve honored so many successful men over the years! We plan on further developing the concept in 2013!

Divo: {dee-voh}, celebrita: A Divo is an Italian word used to describe male superstars

www.DivoSeries.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013 | 9PM
HOUSE OF BLUES | 329 NORTH DEARBORN

Featuring DJ Madrid

Photography by Dream Photography – Hennessy Williams – williamshennessy@yahoo.com | https://www.facebook.com/onedreamphotography

***FEATURED DIVOS AND MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON***

Dwayne Hirsh – Chief Operating Officer of Premium Energy VIP Energy Drink

Eric Bolf – Midwest Launch Manager at GMR Marketing

Exavier Pope – Principal/Owner at The Pope Law Firm

Hennessy Williams – Owner of Dream Photography

Madrid Perry – Co-Founder of White Label DJs and Official Divo Series DJ

Marco Foster – Producer of Fashion and Philanthropic Events | Founder of Chicago Models

Omar Martinez – Executive Pastry Chef/Owner at Dessert Concepts

Patrick Snyder – Community and Media Releations for Columbia College – Columbia Missouri’s Four Illinois Campuses

Raj Sai – Vice President – Corporate & Investment Bank at JPMorgan Chase

Shane Robert Kalminski – Assistant Interior Designer of Benjamin Cottrell Designs

Tariq Khwaja – Managing Partner | Chicago LPO at Evolve Bank & Trust

Will English IV – Web Developer at WillEnglishIV.com

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

Join us as we celebrate the Divo Series – Honoring Successful Men! 

The male counterpart to the Diva Series was launched in 2009 and we’ve honored so many successful men over the years! We plan on further developing the concept in 2013!

Divo: {dee-voh}, celebrita: A Divo is an Italian word used to describe male superstars

www.DivoSeries.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2013 | 9PM
HOUSE OF BLUES | 329 NORTH DEARBORN

Featuring DJ Madrid

Photography by Dream Photography – Hennessy Williams – williamshennessy@yahoo.com | https://www.facebook.com/onedreamphotography

***FEATURED DIVOS***

Dwayne Hirsh – Chief Operating Officer of Premium Energy VIP Energy Drink

Eric Bolf – Midwest Launch Manager at GMR Marketing

Exavier Pope – Principal/Owner at The Pope Law Firm

Hennessy Williams – Owner of Dream Photography

Madrid Perry – Co-Founder of White Label DJs and Official Divo Series DJ

Marco Foster – Producer of Fashion and Philanthropic Events | Founder of Chicago Models

Omar Martinez – Executive Pastry Chef/Owner at Dessert Concepts

Patrick Snyder – Community and Media Releations for Columbia College – Columbia Missouri’s Four Illinois Campuses

Raj Sai – Vice President – Corporate & Investment Bank at JPMorgan Chase 

Shane Robert Kalminski – Assistant Interior Designer of Benjamin Cottrell Designs

Tariq Khwaja – Managing Partner | Chicago LPO at Evolve Bank & Trust

Will English IV – Web Developer at WillEnglishIV.com

RSVP to sarah@maven-chicago.com

Have you been naughty or nice? It’s time for “Diva to Meet Divo” – we will honor our ANGEL Divas and ALL-STAR Divos!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20TH | 9PM

HOUSE OF BLUES FOUNDATION ROOM | 329 NORTH DEARBORN

DJ Madrid, fun guest hosts, holiday cheer, mistletoe and surprises.

di•va – [dee-vuh, -vah] noun, distinguished female singer; prima donna. Goddess, fine lady.

Divo: {dee-voh}, celebrita: A Divo is an Italian word used to describe male superstars

ANGELS – Women in Philanthropy, Healing, Health, Beauty, Nutrition, Nursing, Healthcare Teaching and Psychology.

ALL-STARS – Some bright and star-studded Divo men over the years!

****DIVA ANGELS****

Alexxis Avalon – Fashion Stylist and Design Consultant

Ania Kalembasa – Founder of KCG Consulting Co-Founder of ARTS4KIDS and Marketing Director for Oak Park District

Ashley Thorpe – Founder, Socially Speaking

Hillary Schoninger – Clinical Social Work/Therapist MSW – LCSW

Isabell Daniel – Owner of Kalliste Clean Beauty

Jeannette Kravitz, CEO Peace Spa Products, Executive Director sponsorKIDS Charities – www.peacespaproducts.org

Jeannette Cherie Pawula – Founder and Executive Director at Charity4LIFE

Jenny Vincent – Middle School Social Science Teacher at Alcott College Prep, a PreK-12 school, Career Day Director and Founder of Creating Connections

Jessica George – Executive Director and Founder of The Aparecio Foundation, Founder of Felix Magazine and Owner of Hasana, Inc.

Jessica Marie – Certified Health Coach & Healthy Living Expert

Jessica Stacy – Director of Development for Charity4LIFE

Julia Jacobs-Sanford – Vice President, Business Development of The Waterford Nursing and Rehabilitation Centre

Lillian Harris – Founder and President for Advocates for Adolescent Mothers

Lisa Walt – Health and Social Psychologist, Director of Clinical Research at Prevail Health Solutions and Project Coordinator for Rush University Medical Center.

Nichole Pullen – Pearson Education Publishing Representative and Fundraiser for Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

Nicole LaCross – Founder of Wrist Wishes

Rachel Martz – Communications Director of Charity4LIFE

Sarah Raskey – Founder and Owner of the Giving Gallery and Artist/Art Therapist/Psychotherapist – www.SarahRaskey.com

Sarah Sobieski – Founder and CEO at PREMIER3

Tressa Thomas – CEO & Artistic Director of ThYck Troupe Organization, NFPA 501(c)(3) Performing Arts Company

Weronika Bobula – Site Coordinator, Flashes of Hope & Stylist at Salon Soca

****DIVO ALL-STARS****

Andrew Hill – Financial Engineer

Anthony Navarro – Founder of Liven It Up Events

Benjamin Cottrell – President of Benjamin Cottrell Designs

Borris Powell – Fashion Designer and Oscar Designer Challenge Winner 2011 – www.borrispowell.com

Brian Tomkins – CEO of Amplibuzz & Focused Online Marketing, 2012 Tournament Director of Medinah Patriot Day

Christopher Foltz – Founder of Christopher Foltz & Company

Chris Mahlmann – Founder and Strategy Lead at Mahlmann Media

Corey Sanford – Owner of Music Masters Entertainment & CS Designs www.musicmastersrock.com and www.csdesignschicago.com

David Rothstein – Owner/ President at David Rothstein Music – www.drsmusic.com

Eric Michael Vazquez – Principal – Oso Mobile Financial Services

Exavier Pope – Principal/Owner at The Pope Law Firm

Glenn Murray – Founder of 220 Communications

James Rosko – Stylist at Aniko Salon and Spa (Sarah’s Angel)

Lawrence Brown – Director of Client Relations at Valeo Spa & Fitness Center at the JW Marriott, Founder/CEO of TBEChicago and CCCAT (Cornerstone Chicago Center – Arts and Technology) Board Member

Madrid Perry – Co-Founder of White Label DJs and Official Divo Series DJ

Marcus Riley – Multimedia Entertainment Reporter at NBCUniversal

Marcel Krawczyk – Founder of Little Jack Marketing and PR

Michael Pottern – Director of Rentals at X Plus Real Estate and Advisor for Travel720

Omar Villalobos – Fashion Marketing Specialist & Burberry Employee

Shane Robert Kalminski – Assistant Interior Designer of Benjamin Cottrell Designs

Steve Green – Founder and President of NetUpNow and Creator of #Foodiechats – The Twitter Show

Please note we will start at 9pm – later than usual! Let’s get the party started!

Rsvp to sarah@maven-chicago.com

*This event will be dedicated to the memory of our dear friend and Divo, Steve Starr. He will always be a Divo ALL-STAR…ok, ALL-STARR.

Please honor Steve Starr at his event HERE

I announced I would write another blog about Steve the day I found out he died. I knew I would…I had so many great things to say about him. I must admit, I have thought about him a lot but haven’t been in the right mindset to write about him until now. I think a part of me still does not believe he has passed away. I have had so much to say, but I could not say it just yet…til now.  

Tonight (or should we say this morning) as I was inviting my long list of Facebook friends to my Maven Holiday Party “Diva Meets Divo” I looked at the clock. Almost 2am…why must I be such a night owl?! Especially when I have an early morning workout class and plenty to accomplish before that? I do this every time! Ever since I was a child, my creative mind and inspiration would magically turn on at night.

As I tediously clicked on my Chicago friends one by one, I came across Steve Starr’s smiling Facebook profile and due to pure exhaustion almost accidentally selected him to invite him to my event. I stopped in my tracks and realized I would really want to include Steve at our upcoming event where we honor Divo All-Stars. Steve was quite a fixture at my events (and most Chicago social events). I stopped for a second and my heart sank.

I also remembered that during this witching hour Steve and I used to IM each other on Facebook and tell each other to go to bed. But then we would keep on talking and thirty minutes would go by. I guess creative minds work well at night! Oh we used to laugh so much! My eyes welled up with tears as I thought about him, but then I felt a warmth come over me and started to smile. I loved how being around Steve made me feel – like a star, but it was really because of his warmth and light. I remembered all the funny things Steve would say….he would never know where my event was and would sometimes mix up various events, he would jokingly tell me. I remember he told me a story about how he completely mixed up two events, but he always had a way of making it WORK and things would turn out even better than anticipated. Steve really knew how to laugh at himself and that’s one of the qualities I liked about him so much. He really understood deep down inside I did not take myself too seriously…and that bringing people together was more than a job to me – it was a mission.  

And Steve did that too! He captured so many special moments for so many….he was at my birthday party with a camera crew (there is a hilarious video somewhere out there where I definitely had ample servings of champagne before our interview ha ha). He supported countless charity endeavors and was always a part of my events somehow. Steve truly supported me and I feel like we had a mutual understanding and respect for each other from the very beginning. He was always such a joy and light to have at my parties and a big part of the Divo Series family. And I have to say, Steve took amazing pictures! Yes, I did feel like I was doing an isometric hold sometimes because he would take awhile to get the very right one, but it ALWAYS ended up being my profile pic on social media and I would be thanking him again and again with each positive comment I received. There was no better joy than after Steve took a picture, looked at it, sort of looked surprised, shook his head in approval and said, not bad, that’s actually pretty good. He would be pleasantly surprised that we would pull it off and it was the best feeling in the world.

If you know Steve, then that was a great compliment because he was a perfectionist when it came to pictures. But he always made you look your best! After some time, I nailed my poses with him…made sure to stick my neck out, hide my arms and hands and I always SMILED!!! He really wanted people to SMILE! I remember when my Mom came to visit me and she got the Steve posing instructional….she loved his energy and we took some fun and adorable pictures that night!

In this moment at 2AM, I continue to invite the rest of the list with a sense of purpose and joy…with a smile. I know I am continuing my mission to bring people together and make them feel like STARS. As we all know, Steve had his own way of making others feel like STARS too. Steve will be with me in spirit at all of my events to make sure I take the best pictures…oh and that I continue to laugh at myself.  

We will be dedicating Maven’s Holiday Party “Divo Meets Diva” – Angel and All-Stars to our beloved friend, Steve Starr. Oh yes, his STARR will shine on!

 Please honor Steve at his event HERE

Have you been naughty or nice? It’s time for “Diva to Meet Divo” – we will honor our ANGEL Divas and ALL-STAR Divos!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20TH | 9PM

HOUSE OF BLUES FOUNDATION ROOM | 329 NORTH DEARBORN