Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stars shined at gala, golf tourney for St. Jude Hospital

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 3, 1999 | 9:20 a.m.

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

The Resort at Summerlin came to full bloom last weekend as it hosted the first St. Jude Las Vegas Gala and Celebrity Golf Tournament to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's research and treatment of catastrophic childhood diseases. St. Jude's, founded in 1952 by the late Danny Thomas, remains the world's premier biomedical research center dedicated to finding cures for catastrophic childhood diseases such as cancer and pediatric AIDS. Patients are treated regardless of their ability to pay, with the hospital's fund-raising arm covering all costs beyond those covered by insurers. Brian McMullan, president and CEO of the Resort at Summerlin, was host for the three-day gathering and delighted in this opportunity to showcase the property while assisting in funding the research of St. Jude, which benefits children worldwide.

Drawing upon both local and national celebrities, as well as generous supporters, the gala weekend began with "Just Jazz Desserts," a pairings party for those who were to play in Saturday's tournament at Badlands Golf Club. The casual assemblage was held on the spacious upper terrace with delightful music, far too-tempting desserts and coffees and glittering views of the city below. Guests Tom Waddell, Fred Gallegos, Brenda Epperson Doumani and Steve Beyer were joined by Bob Sidell, Kent and Cynthia Dial and Ann Shepphird.

Sue and Joe Kaufenberg, who donated highly prized sports memorabilia to the treasure trove of silent auction items, were seen with Preston Pearson, a legendary Dallas Cowboys player, as well as Kent Kramer (Vikings/Eagles), Chris Badillo and NFL Hall of Famer Jim Taylor. In the crowd was a generous bidder who paid $20,000 for the 1999 U.S. Open 18th hole golf pin signed by Payne Stewart. Stewart, a longtime St. Jude supporter, had sent this contribution prior to his untimely death. Others seen checking their golf foursome matchings included Las Vegas favorite Hal Linden, who took a break from his role in "Chicago" at Mandalay Bay to participate, as well as Anthony Lefort and Sue and Steve Zabel (Eagles/Patriots).

Exquisitely gowned Marlo Thomas, who serves as national outreach director for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and husband Phil Donahue set the tone for the black-tie reception and gala on Saturday evening. Arriving guests, among them the ever-elegant Anthony Quinn as well as Jim and Kristina Ruggles, Wil Shriner, Craig Grammer, Leanne and Ken Agran and Gina Brochtrop, were given a royal welcome by the Resort staff which offered champagne and delectable appetizers including Maine lobster in crispy phyllo, crab salad on Belgium endive and ginger duck on scallion pancakes. These delectables and the gourmet dinner for 600 attending guests were prepared in grand style by Executive Chef Joseph Mulligan and his talented team.

Moving into the ballroom for dinner with friends were Sheldon and Eleanor Lubin, Susanna and Dave Stewart, Tom McNeil, Helen and Tim Taylor and Ginger Grant. The gracious pace of the five course dinner permitted much table-hopping between servings with boxing great Ken Norton, actor David Leisure and film director Tom Shadyac -- just a few seen on the move. Bob Goen of 'Entertainment Tonight' shared our table, sporting a slight sunburn from his golf game. Stopping by to chat with Goen and tablemate James Worthy (L.A. Lakers) was Clint Holmes who will open the millennium at Harrah's and who later dazzled the St. Jude audience with his splendid voice. Chatting with Laura Herlovich was Mark Hoban, general manager of the Regent Grand Palms, who spoke of the very elegant, more formal hotel property slated to open at the Resort at Summerlin in mid-December.

Nearby, super model Beverly Johnson discussed fashion trends with Las Vegas costume designer Sandy Windom and Barbara Chernetz, McCall's magazine food editor. Others seen enjoying the extraordinary evening included Lou and Linda Silvestri, Brenda Holmes, Thomas Klimick, Mike and Beverly Mykiesen, Judge Nancy Saitta, Judy Bryer, special assistant to Brian McMullan, and Donald and Dorothy Kemp. Entertainment was superb and featured Summerlin resident Rita Rudner, who included Jerry Emmert and his wife, Lou, in her comedy skit about men and their cars. On stage as well were Ray Romano, Clint Holmes and Tony Orlando.

Providing direct inspiration for this weekend was the presence of two young St. Jude patients. Wendy Davis, first admitted at age 2 with acutelymphoblastic leukemia, has now progressed to St. Jude's After Completion of Therapy (ACT) program for those who have passed their greatest risk of relapse and treatment-related toxicity. Amy Lyon, who was diagnosed with a tumor on her brain stem in 1994, has undergone extensive chemotherapy and radiation at St. Jude which has slowed the progression of the disease, although she is not yet considered to be in remission.

Guests participating in this now-annual gala enjoyed the hospitality of the Regent Grand Spa hotel and full run of the Resort's delectable restaurants, among them Nick Nicholas' new Nevada Nick's, Gustav Mauler's Spiedini Ristorante and the charming J.C. Wooloughan's, an Irish pub dismantled and brough intact to the Resort.

Lend a hand

'Tis the season for giving and sharing with others less fortunate. HELP of Southern Nevada is asking for the public's help as it prepares for the holidays and the many needs of its Adopt-A-Family program. Designed to match donors with families, HELP completes a qualification process for participating families using the requirements established by Clark County. Each family completes a wish list including the ages of children, clothing sizes and their special needs. HELP needs the support of local residents and the business community to make the program work. Individuals, organizations and businesses are most welcome to adopt families or provide other items including food items, toys or holiday decorations. Please contact Laramie Roberts at 369-4357, ext. 233, for all the details on how to participate.

Sprucing things up

A whimsical letter of invitation arrived recently announcing the building project for the Mesquite Clubhouse. Well used as a gathering point for many civic and social events over the past 30 years the popular building, on East St. Louis Avenue, is preparing for a dip in "the fountain of youth." Joan Doubrava is chairing the five-year project, which led off with a "Build Up Bucks" gift bazaar and luncheon.

Guests were met at the door by Mesquite Club member Jo Waters, who introduced newly-installed Mesquite Club President Beverly Cochran. Mixing and mingling at the congenial event were Joan Deiro with Clair Zeto, Paula Mendenhall, Golda Tobler, Marilyn Essex, Doris Wartman and Mary Lowman. Adding their skills to the fund-raiser were Alice Eubanks, Betty Miller, Ruth Vogliotti, Billie Kenny, Pat Duncombe and Phyllis Casey.