Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Couture met classics at Philharmonic benefit

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 18, 1998 | 11:32 a.m.

Phyllis McGuire, popular entertainer and Las Vegas resident, graciously lent her support to the recent evening of classical music and Escada couture. A benefit for the newly formed Las Vegas Philharmonic, the elegant gathering at the Escada boutique at the Forum Shops began with a champagne reception.

Gilbert Rebillet, president of Escada Retail USA, attended and provided commentary for the 1999 spring Escada couture collection. Arriving guests -- among them Donny and Madeleine Andress, Denise Reichartz, Susan Molasky, Lovee Arum and Nancy Deaner -- were equally charmed by a violinist from the Las Vegas Philharmonic and the bounty of fashions inside the spacious boutique.

Philharmonic director Harold "Hal" Weller, who relocated here from California, met many of the guests and answered questions about the 95 piece orchestra. Speaking informally were Susan and Andy Tompkins, who have taken on the role of "angels" to the Las Vegas Philharmonic, as well as a host of other charitable and fine arts efforts in our community.

The Philharmonic organization, with offices at KNPR 89.5-FM's new center, will provide a youth concert series this spring, and on May 8th will present "Mahler's Resurrection" at UNLV's Ham Hall.

Taking fashion notes from discussions with store director Sharon Bader during the modeling of the Escada ball gowns, casual and day wear were guests including: Wendy Plaster, Bob Walsh, Bill Marion, Nancy Houssels, Debbie Banker and her daughter, Blaine, Sue Richard and Joy Bell. Chinois provided the delectable appetizers and temptations while Southern Wine and Spirits served fine champagne. Parting gifts included Escada cologne and art glass paperweights.

Locals honored

Mona and Charles Silverman will be honored by Temple Beth Sholom at its "L'Chaim to Life" gala Dec. 6 at the Bellagio. The couple will be recognized for the active role they play not only at the temple, but within the community.

The annual fund-raising dinner will include entertainment as well as a live and silent auction. Of particular note is the prize of a spectacular two-week Mediterranean cruise with stops in Israel, Egypt and other North African ports which has been provided by Seabourne Cruises and Preferred Travel Services.

The honorees, Las Vegas residents since 1993, have been part of the local business community for more than 30 years. Charles Silverman, as president of Yates-Silverman, has been instrumental in the interior design of many hotel-casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. His weekly trips from Southern California have resulted in the splendid decor of properties including New York-New York, Excalibur and Luxor, Colorado Belle, Primm Valley (formerly Primadonna), Trump Plaza and Trump Taj Mahal and his present project, Paris. Contact Temple Beth Sholom (804 -1333) for gala reservations.

Scholarships awarded

Providing a most splendid opportunity to enjoy the exquisite comfort of Bellagio's private dining rooms and convention areas, the Nevada Restaurant Association recently hosted its first scholarship awards dinner.

Inspired by the French Impressionist in both mood and motif, the Monet Room, with its expansive terrace, provided a gracious gathering point for the throng of supporters. Stepping out into the balmy evening to admire the view of the Italian gardens and European-designed pool area were: Michael Getto, Frank and Judy Brusa, Lauren Barr, Victoria Soberinsky and Shirley Guinn-Blair. Nearby, Brian Menzel, who now serves the Mirage Resort in its international marketing division, attended with his wife, and was seen with Sujoy Brahma, Charlette and Eliot Krane, Lillian McMorris and Lawry's manager Dick Powell and his bride, Nancy.

Mingling easily in the crowd was Nevada Restaurant Association president Van Heffner and his wife, Joan, joined by Ellis Island general manager Karen Dorsey, who later charmed the audience as she sang with the One Plus One band. Greeting friends and colleagues were: Gary and Cindy Ellis, Dr. Richard and Susan Moore, Gary and Chrissie Waddell, Chef Ed Kane and Marcia and Tola Chin, as well as Jesse and Dolores Vargas and fellow Jack-in-the-Box executives Danny and Denise Flores. Others glimpsed at the well-attended event were Dick Fletcher, Ken Baxter, Brian O'Shields, Jerry Schneider, Walt Carey and Dale Davidson.

Sam Facchini, of Metro Pizza, who serves as NRA's chairman of the board, led the evening's ceremonies. Assisting was newly-elected Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt and the evening's speaker, Governor-elect Kenny Guinn, who was honored as NRA's Educator of the Year. Awarded scholarships were students from community colleges and universities across the state, among them: Lisa Holley, Eric Sontgerath, Christy Morgan, Angie Ameling, Julie Wirth, Holly Mae Sparks and Dianne Malone. These winning students competed for the scholarships on the basis of academic performance in the fields of hospitality and food service programs.

Donors who made these $1,000 checks to the students possible included: Las Vegas Athletic Club, Prestige Cigar Company, Mt. Charleston Lodge, Bellagio, Colorado Belle, The Tillerman and a host of others. Sponsoring the scholarship award dinner were: American Express, Coca-Cola USA, Budweiser, Kenyon Press, Southern Wine and Spirits and Bellagio Resort.

Quarter-century of thanks

Wells Fargo and the UNLV Alumni Association recently honored UNLV faculty and professional staff employees with 25 years of dedicated service to the university at their most festive UNLV 25 Year Club Luncheon, held at the Tam Alumni Center.

While enjoying a tasty meal of chicken picatta with linguini, guests also were provided with roasted comments of praise, good humor and appreciation for academic achievements of the new members by their fellow club members and colleagues. New members inducted into the club were: Dr. Donald Baepler, former UNLV president and current executive director of the Majorie Barrick Museum at the university, James Abbey, professor of tourism and convention administration, Donald Carns, professor of sociology, Lawrence Dandurand, professor of marketing, Ray Goldsworthy, assistant of sociology, Jerry Simich, associate professor of political science, John Swetnam, professor of anthropology and David Weide, professor of geoscience.

Sharing their insights and giving a touch of added humor to the event as they assisted in presenting the inductees with their 25 year pins were: Joseph McCullough, Jr., distinguished professor of English, Jerome Vallen, emeritus professor of hotel administration, John Horvath, assistant professor of criminal justice, Bernard Malamud, professor of economics, Paul Aizley, dean of the college of extended studies, Donald Schmiedel, associate professor of foreign languages, Vern Mattson, associate professor of history, Robert Dodge, professor of English, Tom Wright, professor of history and UNLV Registrar Jeffry Halverson. Provost Douglas Ferraro accepted Dr. David Weide's 25 year pin on his behalf as Dr. Weide was away at a conference.