Wednesday, April 1, 1998 | 10:48 a.m.
FORMER University of Nevada Regent Lilly Fong, in her efforts to once again assist other women in their quest for higher education, served as chair of "Women in the Year 2000" -- an education and equity fund-raiser for the American Association of University Women, Las Vegas Branch. The dinner evening helped fund the two major nonprofit foundations within AAUW, the Educational Foundation and the Legal Advocacy Fund, as well as the branch's local scholarship fund. To date, EF and LAF have helped more than 6,500 women. Last year's successful event, also chaired by Fong, assisted eight local women in continuing their junior- or senior-level studies at UNLV.
In asking for support and continued funding, Fong drew upon the words of Madame Marie Curie, who said, "You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end, each of us must work for his own improvement and, at the same time, share a general responsibility for all humanity." Responding generously were individual and corporate donors, including Carol Harter, Diana Bennett, Kay Miller Browne, Supreme Court Justice Miriam and Dr. Steve Shearing, District Court Justice Sally Loehrer, Myra and Brian Greenspun, Assemblywoman Chris Giunchigliani, Wing Fong and Associates and others.
Held at the Rio hotel-casino, the rainy evening drew a healthy crowd, among them Bob and Pat McNutt, Judy Robinson, Victoria Morgan, Roger Buehrer, Jan Monahan and Bill Thain. The silent auction was presented with a special twist, for each of the items was displayed in a colorful basket and then placed as a centerpiece at the dinner table. Dinner was lively and fun as guests, including Haeran and Ken Fong, Paul and Anne Kellogg, Dr. Tom Wright, Kathleen England, Conee Spano and Helen Daseler, were seen making their bids for cigars, beach condo vacations and great dinners between courses. Not to be outdone, Nanette White, Judy Brusa of Kenny Guinn's staff, state Sen. Kathy Augustine and Judge Kathy Hardcastle kept the pressure on fellow bidders until the event was closed by auction co-chairs Barbara Slivac and Cherie Thomas.
Nevada state Sen. Dina Titus, professor of political science at UNLV, gave an excellent keynote speech, following her introduction by longtime friend Lilly Fong. A historical perspective on the changing status of women, it provided listeners with inspiration for the advances necessary for a more equitable future. Listening attentively were supporters, including Wayne Tanaka, CCSN Provost Christine Chairsell, Selma Bartlett, Nancy Hudson with Charles Hunsberger, Bernice Fischer and Judy Ingham, as well as Laura Leopold, Roz Segal, Bobbie Gang and Assemblyman Harry and Helen Mortenson.
HELP out
On Saturday, the fountain courtyard of Green Valley Town Center will come alive in a distinctly carnival manner. The casual gathering will be held in conjunction with HELP of Southern Nevada's "Hop to Help" fund-raiser. Slated for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the family-oriented event will help support the many services provided by HELP. A nonprofit organization founded nearly 30 years ago, HELP of Southern Nevada works tirelessly to eliminate hunger and homelessness in Southern Nevada by providing assistance and referral. Last year, they served 36,000 clients and anticipate even greater demand in 1998.
Free entertainment, areas for kids to dance or hula hoop and enjoy both face painting and balloon sculpting are just part of the day's fun. Food and refreshments will be sold along with the photos to be taken with the Easter Bunny and child identification services. Barley's Casino and Brewing Co., Henderson Parks and Recreation and American Nevada Corp. are just a few of the many sponsors. "Hope to Help" is seeking participants and volunteers for the hopping competition. Prizes will be awarded to the hoppers who have collected the largest amount of donations. And, while admission is free, registration for the competition is $5. Registration can be picked up at HELP's offices in Commercial Center or at Green Valley Town Center on Saturday. For further details, call 369-4357.
Art auction
Junior Mesquite Club is preparing once more to host its annual art auction for charity. Now in its 20th year, this local favorite continues to be a congenial evening with the opportunity to purchase fine art and meet the contributing artists. A real showcase for the most popular of regional artists, this year's auction will feature the works of Mark Vranesh, Roy Purcell, Annette Chandler, Laura Mann, Lorna Greene and several dozen more. Styles, techniques and media are wide-ranging, with something for every taste.
Slated for Saturday, this benefit evening will provide needed funds for the Candlelighters, a support organization for families of children with cancer. Richard Tam Alumni Center on the UNLV campus will be the locale for the evening sale, which opens at 6 p.m. with an artists' reception. As always, the Junior Mesquite Club members will provide a bountiful table of delectable appetizers, desserts and finger foods for attending guests. The auction will begin at 7 p.m. Commemorative wine glasses bearing artist Mark Vranesh's design will be given to the first 100 guests. Tickets are $10 per person and will be sold at the door.
Giving Hope
Donald "Pat" Shalmy spent a dozen successful years as Clark County manager and now leads the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce as president and general manager. Recently, Shalmy was awarded the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's prestigious Hope Award, an honor bestowed on those who have given our community exemplary service in both professional and charitable endeavors.
Held at the Riviera hotel-casino, this "Dinner of Champions" was a black-tie affair that began with cocktails and a special gaming table auction in a private reception room. Guests, among them Bill and Vivienne Morris, Bruce and Kay Spottleson, Denny Weddle, Judge Nancy Oesterle and Dawn Buffery with Randy Oaks, entered through a serpentine channel, which gave them excellent viewing of all the silent auction treasures. Mingling with friends in the private gaming area were Pat and Charlie Cavagnaro, Leslie Bauscher, Charles Cook, and Kathie and Darwin Paustian, as well as Larry Katz, Mr. and Mrs. Ashley Hall, Mike Silvaggio and Todd Kenner.
Dinner and the awards program were held in the ever-elegant Top of the Riv room, which never fails to draw an appreciative response from guests enjoying its panoramic views of our glittering city. Making their way to assigned tables were Pam and Joe Brown, Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, Sidra Kain, Roger and Jenny Oakes, Milton Doyle and Debra Dyer, as well as Jeanne Hood, Michelle Brosak, Manny and JoAnna Cortez, Rossi and Mary Jo Ralenkotter and Elise Sauer with Mark Stewart.
Chuck Lenzie, a previous Hope Award honoree, spoke briefly before leading the champagne toasts that signaled the beginning of the program. Terry Murphy and Nancy Warren, the evening's co-chairs, spoke in glowing terms of Shalmy's efforts on behalf of our community. Adding their own special touches as well were Helen Foley and Paul Christiansen, as well as emcees Jon Ralston and Cathy Ray.
Bringing the evening's most worthy cause into sharp focus was the video presentation, "Multiple Sclerosis through the Eyes of a Child." Produced for worldwide release in recognition of the MS Society's 50th anniversary, the program describes the lives of children who are impacted when their parent has this debilitating disease. Later, comments by Rick Smith provided facts on MS research and care and reminded us that so often MS patients are young adults just starting their lives, families and careers. Supporters attending the dinner included state Sen. Mark James, Jay Bingham, Punam Mathur, John and Rene O'Reilly, Diane Dickerson Merica, Kitty Rodman, Commissioner Mary Kincaid, Marsha Irvin and the Fiesta hotel-casino, to name just a few.
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