Columnist Muriel Stevens: Employee of the Year dinner at Treasure Island is divine

Friday, April 9, 1999 | 11:47 a.m.

There are many reasons why Mirage Resorts is recognized as being one of the country's 10 best companies for which to work.

The annual Employee of the Year dinners that take place at each of the Mirage Resort properties are exceptional events. It is the ultimate recognition for a job well done.

For the past few years it has been my pleasure to attend the Treasure Island awards dinners.

"From beginning to end," Employee Services Manager Cindy Schwarzkopf said, "it takes almost an entire year to plan this event." Not surprising, since this is a major production complete with a theme, a celebrity host and a celebrity speaker. Not just any guest host or speaker: These are world-renowned personalities.

This year's theme, the "People's Choice Awards," was carried out to the nth degree. All of the nominees and their guests arrived in limousines provided by Treasure Island.

The valet attendants, dressed in tuxedos, directed guests to a "celebrity walk of fame," a star-studded red carpeted entrance -- each star bore a nominee's name. "Paparazzi" at the entrance took photographs and yelled questions at the nominees and their guests as they arrived. The "paparazzi" were students from UNLV's School of Performing Arts. They were terrific.

To be in contention for the Employee of the Year Award, finalists must first be named Employee of the Month. Supervisors who nominate the employees base their choices on overall job performance, attitude and enthusiasm.

Each month a special committee selects a winner. At the end of the year, another special committee that includes Treasure Island President Bill McBeath considers all of the candidates for this singular honor and makes the final decision.

The finalists come from many departments: Catherine Siefert is a VIP Service representative; John Janssen, a valet attendant; Trish D'Addario, a fitness instructor; Rene Flores, a Buccaneer Bay Club bus person; Mary Warden, a Look Out Cafe food server; Maureen Meci, a blackjack dealer; Dan Legg, a race and sports mutuel clerk; Sheila Childs, a PABX attendant; Shelley Churnick, a Watch Shoppe sales clerk; John Del Giorna, a banquet bartender; and Nils Boas, a security officer.

There were more than 500 in attendance, including Steve and Elaine Wynn, McBeath, and executives representing all Mirage Resorts properties, Treasure Island managers and executives, the Mirage Resorts board of directors and other special guests.

The dinner is always a dazzling event. The Treasure Island Ballroom was a gorgeous sight. Huge photographs of the 12 nominees adorned the walls (they get to take them home). The tables were glorious, with purple and wisteria satin chair covers and tablecloths. Tucked into the chair's bows were fresh flowers -- and fresh flowers overflowed the centerpieces. At each place setting was a small, silver, teardrop-shaped vase filled with a rose and blue iris. These charming vases were souvenirs to take home.

The smashing room decor was the work of Vice President of Mirage Events Cheryl Fish, Director of Special Events Stefanie Ishii, Director of Mirage Events Tim Koch, Mirage Events Manager Allison Radoff and Director of Entertainment Jules Lauve. Quite a team.

Claude Cevasco, director of food and beverage, and his banquet staff presented an epicurean repast that was beautiful to behold and delicious. A divine lobster fricassee bisque, under pastry, had everyone swooning. A goat cheese brioche adorned the salad of baby greens dressed with a truffle oil vinaigrette. The intermezzo, the bridge between courses, was a crunchy champagne granita, a refreshing Italian-style ice. Lobster with lobster sauce, a filet mignon with a robust veneur sauce and a garden of vegetables was the entree.

Dessert was an irresistible marble chocolate mousse bombe with mango and raspberry sauces.

Host Dennis Miller, a personal favorite entertainer, really got into this gig. Before the event, he'd requested biographical information on all the nominees so that he could personally write all of their introductions. Throughout the evening he was his irreverent best, touching on the news of the day and zinging our political leaders.

Each nominee was celebrated and joshed by Miller. Then came the big moment. And the winner was ... banquet bartender John Del Giorno, a loquacious, personable young man who was funny and sweet and not a bit intimidated by being onstage with Wynn and McBeath. Del Giorno, who is in his 20s, worked his way up to his position and no doubt will continue to rise.

As the Employee of the Year, Del Giorno received a multi-island trip for two to Hawaii, $2,500 and a commemorative Baccarat crystal award (all of the other nominees received $1,000, a trip for two to Honolulu and a commemorative Baccarat crystal award).

Then came the surprise speaker -- one who brought everyone to their feet ... the one and only, Elizabeth Taylor! With snow-white hair, that beautiful ageless face and her voluptuous figure, she was a splendid sight. I've never thought of Taylor in terms of a motivational speaker, but this is one female who could motivate a dying man.

And so ended another splendid Treasure Island Employee of the Year Award party. How are they ever going to top this one?

Short orders

UNLVino: More than 100 wineries will participate in the 25th anniversary of UNLVino, Saturday at Bally's. This is Nevada's largest and oldest wine tasting. All proceeds benefit the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration Scholarship Fund. A selection of foods is included. Remember, you must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets, $25, are available in advance through Ticketmaster or at local wine retailers. If bought at the door, tickets cost $40.