WASHINGTON--Feminist icon Gloria Steinem hits Chicago on Wednesday to headline a lunch fund-raiser aimed at women donors for Democratic Senate candidate Alexi Giannoulias at Carnivale Restaurant, 702 W. Fulton Market. Prices from $150 to $4,800; everything can be doubled because of the two Senate contests--one to fill President Obama's remaining days of his term.

Hosts include Bettly Saltzman, Bridget Gainer, Lauren Beth Gash, Judy Gold, Liz Houlihan, Marilyn Katz, Nancy Kohn, and Mia Phifer.

On Sept. 28, Vice President Biden returns to Illinois to be the draw at a funder for Giannoulias; Biden was at a small event earlier in the summer.