Fine Italian leather and Florentine jewelry designers host American trunk show in Chicago Nov. 18-22

The fine leather wear of NOI Firenze along with The Vettori Jewelry designs of Sada Gold and Trade Gold are showcasing their new Italian designs at an exclusive Chicago trunk show 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 18 through Sunday, November 22 at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel (17 E. Monroe St., Ste. 9150, Chicago). Based in Florence, Italy these designers bring their creations to the United States with a unique opportunity to showcase their fashion and design expertise.

“NOI Firenze is committed to branching out into the American leather market,” says co-principal owner Francesco Donati. “We’re happy to introduce our Spring 2010 and Winter 2010 collections, as well as classic quality favorites for both men and women at the Chicago trunk show.”

The experienced NOI Firenze professional team has worked in the leather clothing and leather accessory business for more than 40 years, and attracted the attention of many high-profile clients including singer Tony Bennett. NOI Firenze’s Italian boutique showroom is located in the heart of Florence’s historical center not far from the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Using only the finest quality leather from its tannery, the NOI Firenze team understands current and classic fashion and offers its products at competitive prices.

Joining the fine leather goods of NOI Firenze are Sada Gold and Trade Gold, available at The Vettori Jewelry Shop located at the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. The store offers a line of timeless jewelry, maintaining high standards and specializations of master goldsmiths without losing sight of the evolution of style. A collaboration of five historical families with centuries of experience hand crafting spectacular jewelry, Sada Gold and Trade Gold offer 18 karat gold with quality precious stones, each piece a token of Florence.

Five unique traditions have led to the creation of the collection offered by Sada Gold and Trade Gold. Each piece is designed to make every woman feel special and to acknowledge every individual taste. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, the Sada Gold and Trade Gold team are experts in helping customers find their own personal treasures.

The Chicago trunk show, which is free to attend, runs November 18-22 at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel (17 E. Monroe St., Ste. 9150). For more information about NOI Firenze’s leather clothing and accessories, please call (312) 994-2620, or visit www.noi-firenze.com. To learn more about The Vettori Jewelry Shop where Sada Gold and Trade Gold are sold, please visit www.vetterigioielli.com.

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Fiera Italiana preview fashion show on ABC 7

Tracey Tarantino of ZZAZZ Productions and Dominic DiFrisco of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) appeared on ABC 7’s 11 a.m. news broadcast to promote Fiera Italiana, a five-day festival happening next week at Daley Plaza.

Anchors Sylvia Perez and Linda Yu had front row seats for a preview fashion show featuring designs from local Italian designers Paul Sisti and Melissa Serpico. A similar fashion show will kick off Fiera Italiana on Monday, October 5 at noon. The event runs through Friday, October 9, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily with the noon hour featuring live entertainment each day. Italian food vendors, jewelry designers and more will be onsite displaying and selling their goods. Fiera Italiana, hosted by the JCCIA, is the kick off celebration to the Columbus Day Parade held Monday, October 12.

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.jccia.com or contact the event producers at (312) 994-2620.

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Fiera Italiana brings Italian culture, entertainment to Daley Plaza Oct. 5-9

In honor of Chicago’s rich Italian American heritage, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is hosting Fiera Italiana from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 5 – 9 at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Ave.). This outdoor festival-style event brings food, drink, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. The festivities will be the kick off to the tradition that is the annual Columbus Day Parade on October 12.

“This year, we have a new addition born from the passion and excitement that drives us,” says Jo Ann Serpico, President of the JCCIA. “Fiera Italiana contributes to the character and vitality of our Columbus Day extravaganza.”

Fiera Italiana, an open-to-the-public event, is an opportunity for the JCCIA along with assistance from area businesses, to share its mission and celebrate Italian American heritage. Live entertainment is planned for each day of the festival during the busy lunch hour between noon and 1 p.m. The midday entertainment kicks off Monday, October 5 with a live fashion show from ZZAZZ Productions under the direction of Italian American, Tracey Tarantino. The high energy fashion show features Italian runway music and professional models showcasing the designs of Italian designers like Paul Sisti and Melissa Serpico. Musical entertainment throughout the week includes performances by Paul Ciminello and young, up-and-comer singer/songwriter Franco Campanella, plus Paul Miuccio, Tony Spavone, Enzo Incandella and Paul Motondo.

In addition to top performers from the Chicago area, visitors enjoy shopping, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, dining, artistic showcases and strolling performers on the plaza. Fiera Italiana participating merchants include jewelry designs from Amber Treasures, Carol Akiyama and Maria Marchese. Also prominent during the festival are several local Italian food and beverage vendors including Palermo Bakery, Rex Italian Foods, Massa Italian Café & Gelateria and Suparossa.

The parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is also onsite, and the JCCIA has a booth selling Italian flags, t-shirts and other Italian themed paraphernalia. Members of Italidea are also on-hand further promoting the Italian culture by distributing information about its Italian language instruction courses and school programs. Attendees may also receive information from the Italian Cultural Institute and Illinois Department of Human Rights, who will both have representatives available.

Sponsoring the event this year is Italian Steakhouse Gene & Georgetti, Rago Brothers Funeral Homes, Tony’s Finer Foods and Turano Baking Company. In addition to being a sponsor partner, Supreme Lobster and Seafood Company is also a featured food vendor at Fiera Italiana. The CEO of Supreme Lobster, Dominic Stramaglia, is the Chairman of this year’s Columbus Day Parade.

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent non-profit association dedicated to preserving Italian American heritage and providing a unified voice for metropolitan Chicago’s Italian American community. Founded in 1952, the JCCIA serves as a congress for more than 65 Italian American organizations, as well as a clearinghouse for information about the Chicago area Italian American community. Working alongside the JCCIA are its three divisions: the Women’s Division, West Suburban Women’s Division and Young Professionals Division.

“The goal of Fiera Italiana is for the JCCIA to showcase the culture of Italy and the Italian American heritage to Chicagoans and visitors of Daley Plaza,” says event producer Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates. “As an Italian American myself, it is an honor to be a part of such a great event that everyone can enjoy.”

For more information about Fiera Italiana, contact McGowan Durpetti & Associates at (312) 994-2620. For more information about the JCCIA, visit www.jccia.com.

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Schmooze and Booze at McGowan Durpetti & Associate’s 1st Annual Pub Crawl

Why walk when you can crawl? Schmooze and Booze at the 1st annual networking pub crawl pub crawl for professionals in the events industry -hosted by McGowan Durpetti & Associates and SYN Vodka- on Friday, Sept. 11, 2009 from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. All proceeds from this networking event will go to Sarah’s Inn: Freedom from Domestic Violence (www.sarahsinn.org).

Introductions will begin at Wellington’s Tavern (1300 W. Wellington Ave., Chicago, Ill.) before heading off to:

• Hi-Tops (2426 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Ill.)
• John Barleycorn (658 W. Belden Ave., Chicago, Ill.)
• Wise Fools Pub (2270 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago Ill.)

The $30 wrist band donation will include the first round of drinks at Wellington’s, Hi-Tops and John Barleycorn, as well as appetizers at Wellington’s and pizza at Wise Fools Pub. All drinks will be $4 or under with drink specials at each participating bar.

The format is all about having fun while getting to nkow others in the events industry.

RSVP to Haley Lertola at haley@mcgowandurpetti.com or (312)994-2620.

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Fiera Italiana brings Italian culture to Chicago’s Daley Plaza October 5-9

In honor of Chicago’s rich Italian American heritage, the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA) is hosting Fiera Italiana from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., October 5 – 9 at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington Ave.) This outdoor festival-style event brings food, drink, performing arts, entertainment, fashion and more in celebration of the culture of Italy. The festivities will be the kick off to the tradition that is Chicago’s annual Columbus Day Parade on October 12.

“The goal of Fiera Italiana is for the JCCIA to showcase the culture of Italy and the Italian American heritage to Chicagoans and visitors of Daley Plaza,” says event producer Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates. “As an Italian American myself, it is an honor to be a part of such a great event that everyone can enjoy.”

Fiera Italiana, an open-to-the-public event, is an opportunity for the JCCIA along with assistance from area businesses, to share its mission and celebrate Italian American heritage. Live entertainment is planned for each day of the festival during the busy lunch hour between noon and 1 p.m. In addition to top performers from the Chicago area, visitors enjoy shopping, wine tasting, culinary demonstrations, dining, fashion events, artistic showcases, musical recordings and strolling performers on the plaza.

The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans is an independent non-profit association dedicated to preserving Italian American heritage and providing a unified voice for metropolitan Chicago’s Italian American community. Founded in 1952, the JCCIA serves as a congress for more than 65 Italian American organizations, as well as a clearinghouse for information about the Chicago area Italian American community. Working alongside the JCCIA are its three divisions: the Women’s Division, West Suburban Women’s Division and Young Professionals Division.

For more information about Fiera Italiana, contact McGowan Durpetti & Associates at (312) 994-2620. For more information about the JCCIA, visit www.jccia.com.

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, selected for Exhibit City News’ 40 Under 40

After reviewing numerous nominations, Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm, has been selected for Exhibit City News’ 40 under 40. To qualify, honorees needed at least 5 years of experience in trade show and association-related industries and show ingenuity, creativity and leadership in his or her career.

Durpetti, 30, has always enjoyed event planning and hoped of owning her own event company one day. In March 2008, Durpetti launched McGowan Durpetti & Associates with business partner, Denise McGowan.

With 10 years experience, she is a driven and dedicated woman to her company. Her attention to detail and witty personality are added benefits to working with Durpetti. The firm has produced events of all sizes, including Chicago Gateway Green’s Green Tie Ball in 2007 and 2008, and most recently the 4^th Annual Texas Hold’Em charity tournament which raised a record $35,000.

This honor will be featured in the August issue of Exhibit City News. In the meantime, check out McGowan Durpetti’s website at http://www.mcgowandurpeti.com/

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

Chicago Gateway Green’s 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament Raises Record Total

On Wednesday, July 15, 2009, Chicago Gateway Green hosted its 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St.) to help raise money and promote awareness of its efforts to green and beautify Chicago. The World Series of Poker qualifying tournament hosted approximately 300 attendees and raised a record total of nearly $35,000, the highest amount in the tournament’s four-year history.

Participants in this year’s event played for the grand prize donated by Horseshoe Casino: a spot in the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev. This year’s winner was Moses Chung of Chicago. Other prizes were given to top ten finalists and other players. Due to the charitable nature of this tournament, no cash was awarded.

The celebrity packed event included poker enthusiasts and supporters of Chicago Gateway Green, including former Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah, NBA star Chris Duhon, State Representative John Fritchey, Ward 33 Alderman Richard F. Mell, Survivor: Fiji’s Mookie Lee and Survivor: Palau’s Gregg Carey. Other media personalities included Kelli Zink of CelebTV, Jackie Tranchida of Metromix on CLTV, Natalie Martinez of NBC 5, Marcus Riley of 24/7 Chicago and NBC Chicago, President Obama impersonator and NBC-5 Street Team member Reggie Brown, Hannah Stanley of ESPN Radio and Audarshia Townsend, the 312 Dining Diva. The event was emceed by B96 afternoon radio personalities Doug Stylz and Justin Roman.

Ginger Zee and Rob Elgas of Chicago’s NBC 5 also attended the event to announce they are the co-chairs of Green Tie Ball 2009, Chicago Gateway Green’s annual gala happening Saturday, September 26 at Chicago Illuminating Company and surrounding vicinity (2110 S. Wabash in the South Loop).

Players and spectators enjoyed culinary treats from Galleria Marchetti and an open bar with premium liquor, including cocktails by event partner SYN Vodka. Other partners for the tournament include Horseshoe Casino, Chicago Magazine, WBBM-AM, 96.3 WBBM-FM, Votre Vu, Diva Limousine, 316 Barber Spa, Joseph A. Bank and Kurman Communications, Inc. The event was produced by McGowan Durpetti & Associates for the third consecutive year.
River North’s newest hot spot, Bull & Bear (431 N. Wells St.) hosted the official after-party of the tournament, donating $5 for each player that attended.

About Chicago Gateway Green
Chicago Gateway Green is a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to the greening and beautification of expressways, gateways and neighborhoods of Chicago for more than 20 years. For more information about the organization, call (312) 540-9930 or visit http://www.gatewaygreen.org/.

(Photos by Wayne Ward)

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Bull and Bear hosts official after-party for Chicago Gateway Green

As if the impressive celebrity participation and once-in-a-lifetime grand prize weren’t enough to entice you to play in this charity tournament, Chicago Gateway Green is happy to announce that River North’s newest luxury hot spot, Bull & Bear (431 N. Wells St., 312-527-5973) will host the official after-party for the July 15 event.

Every player will receive a wristband and complimentary drink ticket to redeem at Bull & Bear, plus a guaranteed no wait in line. For every player that attends the after-party, Bull & Bear will donate $5 to Chicago Gateway Green.

There’s still time to purchase tickets! Visit www.greenpoker.eventbrite.com to get the hottest ticket in town.

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McGowan Durpetti & Associates featured in BizBash

The July/August issue of BizBash magazine profiles Denise McGowan and Michelle Durpetti of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm best known for producing Chicago Gateway Green’s annual Green Tie Ball for the past two years.

“One summer night in 2007, a fortuitous thing happened while Michelle Durpetti–then an independent event planner–was on a riverboat cruise in Chicago. After years as a publicist at event planning and public affairs firm Jasculca/Terman and Associates, Durpetti had one thing left on her dream-job list: She wanted to work on Chicago’s Green Tie Ball. ‘I would have swept out bathrooms to work on that event,’ she says of the Gateway Green’s annual fund-raiser. ‘It just seemed like the biggest and brightest and best of the social galas–I really wanted to be a part of it.’

Then, on that summertime cruise, Durpetti and Denise McGowan, another independent planner with 30 years of experience–including a nine-year stint as Navy Pier’s entertainment director–who was then overseeing logistics for that summer’s Green Tie Ball. A few days later, the two were working side by side as associate producers of the 3,000-guest event.” –Jenny Berg, BizBash

The MD&A team is currently working on Chicago Gateway Green‘s 4th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament Wednesday, July 15 at Galleria Marchetti, and is set to once again produce the 2009 Green Tie Ball event for the third consecutive year. To read the complete BizBash article, press here.

For more information about the July 15 event, visit http://texasholdemtournamentchicago.blogspot.com.

(Photo: Nicole Radja, BizBash)

Post provided by Kurman Communications, Inc., a world leader in lifestyle public relations and marketing…Providing cutting-edge creativity, out-of-the-box thinking, brand mastery, media strategy, social networking, and word-of-mouth marketing since 1983. Visit http://www.kurman.com or write to kurmanstaff@kurman.com to learn more.

Chicago Gateway Green Announces Fourth Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament presented by Horseshoe Casino July 15

Chicago Gateway Green announces its Fourth Annual Texas Hold ‘Em charity tournament beginning at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at Galleria Marchetti (825 W. Erie St., Chicago). Texas Hold ‘Em players buy-in with a $150 donation, which earns them $5,000 in chips and the chance to win the grand prize donated by Horseshoe Casino, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago: a spot in the 2010 World Series of Poker Tournament in Las Vegas, Nev.

In addition to Texas Hold ‘Em, a variety of other gaming has been added to this year’s event including roulette, craps and black jack. There also will be ‘Sit and Go’ tables where eliminated players have the opportunity to buy back in to poker games, although they will no longer be eligible for the grand prize.

For those not trying their luck at the tables, spectator admission is $25. Guests are encouraged to ‘get in the game,’ and take a chance for a great cause.

Due to the charitable nature of this event, no cash is awarded; however, all players are eligible for a variety of prizes for each of the games. All proceeds benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the greening and beautification of Chicago.

“We have poker players from all over the state and across the country play in this tournament,” says Vince Pagone, managing director of Chicago Gateway Green. “It’s for a terrific cause, and the grand prize is really a priceless opportunity. We’re fortunate to have Horseshoe Casino continue their generous support of Chicago Gateway Green for this event.”

In 2008, more than 120 players participated, including local media personality Richard Roeper, columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times as well as other celebrities, including television personalities Mookie Lee from Survivor: Fiji, and Ali Azhar of HGTV fame.

This year’s event promises even more celebrity participation including WBBM-FM B96 afternoon personalities, Stylz and Roman, who serve as celebrity emcees for the event providing special announcements and commentary throughout the evening.

Last year’s event raised more than $30,000 for Chicago Gateway Green to continue their mission of the greening and beautification of Chicago’s expressways, gateways and neighborhoods.

“We are very happy to be working with Chicago Gateway Green and Horseshoe Casino on this charity tournament again this year, and hope to raise even more money for a wonderful cause that improves the quality of life in Chicago,” says event producer Michelle Durpetti, managing partner of McGowan Durpetti & Associates, a Chicago-based event production firm specializing in event management, creative development and production.

Guests at the event also are treated to a lavish appetizer buffet as well as an open bar with soft drinks, beer, wine and premium spirits with the admission fee. An outdoor patio lounge invites guests to take a break from the game and enjoy the lush Marchetti garden setting and other amenities including a professional cigar roller.

Chicago Gateway Green is happy to have a number of charitable donors and partners for this year’s event including Horseshoe Casino, Chicago Magazine, WBBM-AM, 96.3 WBBM-FM, Votre Vu, Diva Limousine, SYN Vodka, 316 Barber Spa, Joseph A. Bank and Kurman Communications, Inc. Special thanks to North Bank whose volunteers are acting as the evening’s charitable gaming cashiers.

About Horseshoe Casino
The all new 500 million-dollar Horseshoe Casino, a Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. property, just 20 minutes from downtown Chicago is the premier entertainment and gaming destination in Chicagoland. Where legendary gaming lives on, Horseshoe boasts more than 350,000 square feet with 3,200 slot machines, nearly 100 table games, the largest poker room in the Midwest, keno and more. The Venue at Horseshoe Casino is proud to offer the ultimate concert and entertainment destination. In conjunction with AEG Live and created by the award-winning designers of Sceno Plus, The Venue offers a premier experience in a flexible space that can hold up to 4,000 guests. Dining elegance is not overlooked and guests can choose from a variety of dining options including; Jack Binion’s Steak House which overlooks Lake Michigan, around-the-globe variety at the Village Square Buffet, a taste of Chicago at Benny’s Home Cookin’, and scrumptious fare at J.B.s Gourmet Sandwiches and Salads. For more information, call 866-711-SHOE or visit www.chicagohorseshoe.com.

About Chicago Gateway Green
The charitable gaming license number for this event is CG-01597. Proceeds from the Texas Hold ‘Em event will benefit Chicago Gateway Green, a non-profit organization that has been dedicated to the greening and beautification of expressways, gateways and neighborhoods of Chicago for more than 20 years. For more information about the organization, call (312) 540-9930 or visit www.gatewaygreen.org.

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