Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: HELP volunteers rewarded for service to community

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 4, 1999 | 9:31 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoytsimmons@prodigy.net.

HELP of Southern Nevada recently hosted a Volunteer Appreciation Party at Nevada Palace hotel-casino.

In sponsoring the event, Nevada Palace made every effort to honor volunteers who have given of their time and skills. Each volunteer was treated to a sumptuous buffet prepared under the direction of Herman Leuch, director of food and beverage, as well as recognized with a certificate of appreciation and a gift.

HELP volunteers make it possible for the organization to impact the less fortunate in our community, assisting with projects including the Thanksgiving dinner basket program, which involved sorting and distributing 20,000 pounds of food to more than 500 families, as well as directly feeding 2,000 people on Thanksgiving Day.

These worthy volunteers also donated their time and money for the Adopt-A-Family program and Toy Drive at Christmas. More than 250 families were adopted, with 850 children benefiting, as well as the separate Toy Drive, which gladdened the hearts of another 1,100 little ones.

HELP fund-raisers are also served by the volunteers who assisted this past year with "An Evening with the Best of Las Vegas" and the fifth annual Golfers' Roundup.

HELP of Southern Nevada has been serving our community for 29 years. Its five major programs include Community Alternative Sentencing, Displaced Homemaker Program, Emergency Resource Services, Family Resource Centers and Weatherization. HELP's mission is to assist people in finding solutions for self-sufficiency and not relying on government social programs. HELP funding remains entirely in Southern Nevada.

Exhibit opening

Come enjoy and experience the new "Explore Africa" exhibit at the Las Vegas Natural History Museum! Bring your friends, your children, your fellow workers and see what all the fuss is about.

Consider it a must-see for all of your future visitors on your tour route of the city. The space devoted to this huge exhibit is impressive, with very realistic settings for the many represented animals. Plan to stay a while and tour the entire museum; enjoy the richness of what it offers.

Opening night ceremonies for "Explore Africa" were led by Lillian McMorris, mistress of ceremonies, who assisted in spotlighting the efforts of numerous individuals and corporations. Stepping into the spotlight for their generosity were guests including Ken and Carolyn Sparks, Randy Campanale (Wells Fargo Bank), Bob Potter (Affordable Concepts), Richard Hooker (Nevada Arts Council) and Ron Clawson (Looking Glass). Also thanked for their supportive efforts were the Lyle Jensen Family, Chris Byrd, of the Las Vegas Founders' Golf Association, and Joe Pohorsky, from the Silver State Chapter of Safari Club International.

Taking part as well were local dignitaries, among them Councilman Gary Reese, Dale Erquiaga, director of Nevada's Department of Museums, Libraries and Art, and Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany.

Mingling in the crowd were museum board members Charlie and Denise Ivy, newlyweds who used the handsome facility last year for their wedding reception. Also present were fellow board members Chuck and Chris Creigh, Doug and Lauren Bradford, Cliff Evarts and Chairman Mike Davidson.

New home

A real sense of thanks and homecoming was in the air as Nevada Ballet Theatre settled into its new home inside the Donald W. Reynolds Cultural Center in Summerlin. The 36,000-square-foot building, with all of its glorious space and intrinsic design, is a perfect fit for the professional dance company and its extensive programs.

Built on land donated by Hughes Corp., the center was built with funds granted from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. Tom Schoeman, of JMA Architects, designed the spacious building with an eye to meet the diverse needs of Nevada Ballet Theatre, including work space for set and costume construction, dance studios to serve both adults and students, and administrative staff space. Classes are taught on-site and include ballet, tap, jazz, ballroom and hip-hop, as well as yoga instruction and body conditioning.

Nancy Houssels, president and founder of NBT, in speaking of the dance company's new home, gave thanks for past use of facilities at UNLV where the company was in residence for its first 16 years.

In addition, Houssels delighted in introducing sculptor Mario Jason, who created nine bronze statues that enhance the building. Jason, with assistance from Houssels, unveiled the magnificent "Pas de Deux," a soaring 14- foot bronze, which graces the entrance courtyard of Nevada Ballet Theatre's new quarters.

Giving spirit

Heroes abound in this city, as evidenced by the actions of the Las Vegas Founders' Golf Foundation, which came to the rescue of M.A.S.H. Village this past winter. Its $60,000 check was used to purchase the tent structure constructed to house some 250 homeless men nightly. Last week Father Joe Carroll, M.A.S.H. Village president, and his advisory board members made a special ceremony of recognition to thank foundation chair Ted Wiens and his fine organization's special efforts.

The Las Vegas Golf Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Las Vegas Founders' Club. Established in 1982 the nonprofit group has a membership of individuals deeply devoted to supporting and promoting quality aspects of our community. The Founders' Club acts as the governing body of the Las Vegas Senior Classic and the Las Vegas Invitational. Over the years the foundation has responded to numerous community efforts.

Student send-off

Calling all Notre Dame alumni and supporters: The annual Notre Dame Club of Las Vegas' "student send-off" will be held on Aug. 14.

An evening gathering, the informal potluck supper and garden party will be a salute to students preparing to leave our community and attend Notre Dame University. Don Jaye (385-4007) is fielding all the questions for the family event.

Also cause for celebration is a salute to Father John McShane on the occasion of his 25th anniversary in the priesthood. Call Al Faber (641-3760) for details and reservations to the anniversary Mass at Holy Redeemer Shrine and dinner at the Excalibur hotel.

On the calendar

With the summer heat in full bloom it seems hard to imagine the cooler temperatures of fall and the many social events scheduled. Already in the final planning stage is the Clark County Public Education Foundation's Education Heros dinner. Slated for Sept. 18, at the Four Seasons hotel, the evening will honor Gov. Kenny Guinn.

Other dates to circle on your calendar include Opportunity Village's "Miss Kitty's Jeans & Jewels." The date is Sept. 11 at the JW Ranch, and lots of good country fun is planned for the evening, with a chuck wagon buffet, dancing and elaborate silent auction just a part of this most worthy fund-raising effort.