Wonder what THE "SIDEWAYS" EFFECT ON THE WORLD OF PINOT NOIR has been? Alan Gordon, a former wine buyer for Marshall Field's, will give you his opinion at the Chicago Yacht Club. His lecture is part of a vino-themed fundraiser for Chicago Commons, a local non-profit aiming to end poverty. The evening includes a wine tasting and silent auction. Feb. 24, 2006 at 6:30 p.m., tastings begin, 7:00 p.m., discussion, 8:30 p.m., silent auction closes. Cost is $100. Belmont Harbor, 773-826-4256, www.chicagocommons.org