A Weekend To Remember (TWRS Gala, 3-0 & Gender Reveal)

My Team (Left- Camera Art Cohen, Supervising Producer Sheryl Rosen, Executive Producer/ Host ME-Whitney Reynolds, PR Janiece Noel, Director Gary Brook, Assistant TD Dennis King). PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON/ DRESS- Teri Jon Dresses

This past weekend was the first ever "A Night With The Whitney Reynolds Show" Gala! It was extremely special because our family, friends and viewers had a chance to come together and get to know the show better. We featured topics close to heart and also raised money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! Cherry on top- it was my big 3-0 birthday and at 9 PM we found out our twins' genders with everyone who attended.

We had the most amazing food vendors in Chicago bring their favorite dishes. BIG THANKS to- Johnny Van's Smokehouse, Kitty O'Sheas, Heartfelt Catering, Beef and Barley, Kenmare Catering, Rachel Rosenberg Arbonne Treats, Reggies Live, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Goddess and Grocer. Take a look at my 30th birthday cake provided by Windy City Savories and Sweets!

PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON

The live piano music was flowing thanks to David Rothstein and the flower arrangements from Stems made the evening complete. On each table we featured topics that have aired on our show over the years. Some of them included Domestic Violence, Fear and Cancer. This whole event was a chance for our 250 guests to understand what we are all about and that is: creating a show that provokes positive change through tough topics.

PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON

Since the event fell so close to our 20 week ultrasound (2 days before) we decided not to find out the genders until the gala. At 9 PM we called everyone to the front and unwrapped two boxes with our twins' genders. WATCH- https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyReynoldsW3/videos/vb.9203122/10102604877591313/?type=3&theater

PHOTO CREDIT- RAY THOMPSON

PHOTO CREDIT- ANDREA PLECKO

As you can see from the pictures above we are OVER THE MOON for our little Twin A- Marlowe McKinnley Heiner and Twin B- David Acheson Heiner III "Acher." It was special to share this moment with everyone who attended.

We rounded out the night with raising just shy of $3,000 for LLS and announced our new season coming to Lakeshore PBS April 25th at 6:30 PM.

This was an evening I will cherish forever and it wouldn't have been possible without support from all our sponsors (especially Volvo Of Oak Park), my loving husband and each of YOU.

XOXO,

Whitney

(Don't forget to get your ticket for our next live event on April 30th. Sit in our studio audience by requesting tickets to tickets@thewhitneyreynoldsshow.com).

Season Premier- Veterans

Hello and welcome to our season premier blog! I want to give you a little background on our guests for Monday’s show. We will have some familiar faces like Senator Richard Durban and Son's Of Anarchy Star, Theo Rossi on set, yet we will also introduce you to a new wave of Veterans that are dedicated to making an impact here at home.

First up in the studio we have Todd Connor who created the organization known as The Bunker. The Bunker is a start-up company that works to help veterans turn their experience and skills into entrepreneurship. They’ve already helped launch 19 companies! Todd's interview is full of "outside the box" ideas and packed with info for the entrepreneur in us all.

SSgt. Johnny Joey Jones and Meghan McDermott will be speaking to us about The Boot Campaign and Camp Southern Ground. The Boot Campaign is an organization that raises money for wounded soldiers and those returning with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). They provide assistance to military personal, past and present along, with their families. One of the ways they raise funds and awareness for the campaign is by selling combat boots. The Boot Campaign is known for having celebrities, athletes and more, lace up boots and show their support. Even I strapped some on-

SSgt. Johnny Joey Jones not only informs us about the campaign but his interview is a must see. The impact he made overseas and here at home is huge and I am super excited for you to learn more about his courageous journey!

Let’s talk BBQ. Have you tried Johnny Van Smoke House yet? If not, you’re definitely missing out!  Johnny Van and his wife, BK, started Johnny Van Smokehouse back in 2012 when they decided to share their love for barbecue with as many people as they can reach. And get this: Johnny Van is a veteran himself! On the show he shares how his military journey and passion for food collided to create a business that is now helping vets here at home. Johnny Van Smoke House has been kind enough to share a recipe with all of us. Don’t hesitate to try it out!

Does that not sound incredible?! That recipe has taken Johnny Van to the semi-finals of the World Championship of Food! Not only is it insanely delicious it’s a great recipe when you’re in a pinch. Just place the rolled up meat in a shallow baking pan and pop it in the oven.

Thank you for reading! I hope this little preview has made you all as excited about the upcoming episode as I am. Remember: the show has moved its time slot! Be sure to tune in Monday at 6:30 PM on Lakeshore Public Media (WYIN)

Channels

• Chicago| COMCAST 329 | RCN 4 | DISH/DIRECT/ATT 56
• The Quad Cities | WQPT CHANNEL 24

My Move To Weeknights

I am thrilled to announce we are moving to weeknights across Chicagoland! Starting April 6th our show is moving to Monday's at 6:30 PM CST on Lakeshore Public Television. (Comcast 239, RCN 4, Dish/Direct/AT&T 56).

This move comes with mixed emotions because my show has always played on the weekends. When we switched channels from NBC to PBS back in 2012 we became dedicated to tough topics. I decided to use our platform to shine light on subjects that sometimes get lost. Having a serious show air on Saturday afternoons was tough and we are extremely excited for our new night and time. The lineup on PBS that surrounds our show is amazing and we are thrilled to reach more viewers this season.

The switch to Monday nights did not happen overnight (No pun intended lol) in fact, it took some serious meetings and loyal viewers to make this change. I want to encourage you to have patience with your dreams yet work towards the end goal daily. Stepping out of your comfort zone is hard, but standing on this side of things, it is totally worth it.

THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for believing in and watching our show. I want to thank Chicagoland by throwing a launch party! Tickets are free but there's limited space. Email tickets@thewhitneyreynoldsshow.com for a fun night of: show watching, food and drinks! Our friends from Action Booth will be taking pictures and my first magazine cover will be revealed. If you live in The Quad Cities (our 2nd market/ WQPT) you also are invited so RSVP & COME!

Remember to set your DVR before the party and get ready for a fabulous season of fresh topics!

Coming up this season: Veterans, Be The Change, Puppy Mills, Survivor, Fears and A Life Story: The Holocaust.

Excited to be back in your living rooms next month!

Xx -Whitney

Season Preview

Ready. Set. It's Preview Time! Season 4 of The Whitney Reynolds Show is coming out soon. This season the topics are tough: Veterans, A Life Story (Holocaust Survivor), Be The Change, Fears, Puppy Mills and Survivor . We dive into issues that matter and have stacked each show with the best of the best. Here's a sneak peek at what's to come.