Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Anthony Quinn to unveil art collection in LVM

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 1999 | 9:40 a.m.

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

Artist-actor-living legend Anthony Quinn will introduce his private art collection at the Tradewinds Ballroom of Mandalay Bay on Oct. 21. The champagne reception, a benefit for the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center, promises to be a festive occasion and the rare chance to mix and mingle with the artist. During the evening Quinn will be presented with the highly prestigious Golden Dragon award for Outstanding International Cultural Achievement as well as the first Las Vegas Performing Arts Center award given for lifetime achievement in entertainment and the arts.

Donald Kemp, organization president, has announced that tickets to the event are $100. All ticket sales and a percentage of all proceeds from the Quinn collection will benefit the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center. Contact Kemp at 457-7919 for reservations.

'Run,' don't walk

Begun in 1995 by local business and professional car enthusiasts, the Las Vegas Super Run, a classic car experience, has become a generous fund-raiser for local children's charities. This year, with the continued sponsorship of Boyd Gaming and Main Street Station, as well as Pepsi, the Las Vegas Fire Department and others, the "run" drew more than 400 entries and scores of attending car buffs. Proceeds, earmarked for charities including the University Rotary's Happy Feet program, which provides shoes for needy kids and Learning for Life, a literary effort by the Boy Scouts, will reach nearly $15,000.

Many of the exhibitors participated in a rolling competition on Friday evening, judged by Nevada Assembly members Mark Manendo, Ellen Koisvisto and Vonne Chowning, joined by Julie Whitacre of Sen. Richard Bryan's Washington, D.C. staff and Sheila Lambert of state Sen. Jon Porter's office. The event was announced by Tony Thomas of the Las Vegas Fire Department, and competitors, among them Steve Baylor, Mike Miller, Dennis Gomez, Bill Reeves, Carlos Sandoval and Randy McPhearson, drove their magnificent vehicles past the judging stands. The free event ran for three days at Main Street Station and was directed by Charles Monticelli.

Russian repast

A Russian lavish supper "by the bite" served with fine caviar and vodka, and the stunning artwork, blended to create the most elegant of evenings at the Marc Chagall Opening Gala. Well-displayed in the Las Vegas Art Museum, a facility adjacent to the West Sahara Library, this extraordinary collection is already turning a national spotlight on our city's growing art reputation. Made possible by the kindness of art collectors David and Leslee Rogath, working with art dealer Carter Tutwiler, this assemblage of Chagall's art is an unmatched opportunity for all to view through Nov. 14.

The gala opening, chaired by Sue Lowden and Gloria Fine, drew an influential crowd, among them David and Laura Carver, Jerry and Lotty Polis, Richard and Wendy Plaster, Fran Fine, Jennifer Tuttle with Brian Chilton, Ted and Maria Quirk, Nancy Allf, Lynn Shoen and Gloria Sturman. Sipping vodka while enjoying the caviar offerings were Steven and Debra Shaiken, museum board member James Zeitner, Andreas Barbero, Larry du Boef, Bob and Kay Stodahl and Dorrie and Donald Kemp.

Spreading out through the central and side galleries to view the Chagall oils and prints were exhibition sponsors Edythe and Gil Yarchever, as well as Jane Schorr, Janice Gaudy, Bob and Ann Langevin, Colleen Monroe, Annie Yendrick, Dickie Smothers, Zoey Brown and art collector George Sturman. Steve Schorr served as emcee for the elegant reception and coordinated the live broadcast, which introduced the Chagall collection to Southern Nevada.

Adding an authentic Russian flair to the evening was special guest Tatiana Fabrege, the last living heir of Peter Carl Fabrege, jeweler to the Czar and creator of the dazzling eggs that bear his name. Tatiana, accompanied by Teri Monseur, general manager of Neiman Marcus, and publicist Diana Scardilli, was on her first U.S. tour and with N-M sponsorship provided Las Vegans with an opportunity to view a priceless Fabrege tea service and other bejeweled collectibles.

Walking Again

Diane and Roy Woofter once again hosted a benefit evening in support of the Help Them Walk Again Foundation. With an estimated 3.5 million Americans suffering from chronic post-traumatic paralysis, there are many needs for these citizens. In 1982 the HTWA clinic, which serves the Greater Las Vegas community, came into being under the auspices of the University of Nevada School of Medicine. Clients are drawn from those injured by accident, as well as those afflicted with spina bifida and multiple sclerosis, and stroke victims. Clinic services are diverse, including gait training, biofeedback, counseling, recreational activities, physical therapy, bike and leg stimulation, and more.

As in past years the evening party was done with a Mexican fiesta theme, a concept greatly enhanced by the spacious beauty of the Woofters' hacienda-styled home. Guests Milton and Abigail Schwartz, Beverly Bartlett, Maggie Joseph with David Mackey, state Controller Kathy Augustine and Judge Gary and Betty Redmon enjoyed the relaxing nature of the poolside gathering.

Tiny lights twinkled overhead and the festive pinatas dangled from the trees to enchant guests of all ages. On the recessed porches, Roy's large neon sign collection gave ample light to those seeking fresh margaritas and other libations. Nearby, the outdoor kitchen was in full use with the preparation of steaks and chicken. Helping at the buffet tables with traditional Mexican dishes were Betty Maguire and her sweetheart, Art Archambault, who served favorites to District Judge Michael Cherry, Cheryl Kogan, Randy and Ileen Spoor and Michelle Hammerhand, joined by Vicki Ham and her son, Art, and Cheryl Carpenter. Judge Bob Gaston, seen in attendance, came directly from the airport following a three-day court improvement conference in Baltimore.

Glimpsed in the crowd with HTWA Founder/Director Joanne Toadvine were Catharina Costa and Don Sommer. Others, including attorneys Lillian Sondegroth and James Kimsey, toured the spacious guest house and commented on Roy's well-remembered "Flying Dutchman" bar, a remmant from his days as co-owner of a very popular '70s watering hole. Lending her considerable musical talents to the benefit was singer Jamie Welch, a student at Trinity High School. Volunteers in the crowd also included the energetic members of the Clark High School's Key Club and Bonanza High School's Honor Society.

Jump 'n Jive,

Joining hands to create a new type of event to benefit Nevada Ballet Theatre were Neiman Marcus, Charlie Palmer's Aureole at Mandalay Bay and the young girls and teens from area middle and high schools. Working under the direction of chair Debra Shaiken and her teammates Debbie Hawkins and Wendy Plaster, "Jump n' Jive @ Aureole" was planned to perfection. A Sunday luncheon designed to appeal to fathers, siblings, friends and grandparents, the fashion event drew a happy crowd, including Felix Rappaport with daughter, Briana, who cheered on elder daughter, Alex, a model.

Attending with family was Debbie Levy with her mother-in-law, Lois Zellers, as well as her own mom, Jean Cheek, who fondly watched Debbie's daughters, Jenna and Sarah, as they modeled. Other proud papas and mamas in the crowd to observe their model daughters included Dr. Martin and Jennifer Safko (Elyse), Steve Shaiken (Stephanie), Tom Letizia (Harmony), Bill Hornbuckle (Lindsey), and Joy Mandevic (Alex), as well as Mary Ann Rivera (Anne), Lynn Cremen (Carolyn), Sandi Tiberti (Courtney) and Marcia Chin (Audrey), to name just a few. Coached by Neiman Marcus fashion coordinator Anne Yendrick and given a private coaching session with Bobbie Brown cosmetic specialists, the teen models were drawn from schools across the city.

Attending guests were greeted by NBT President Nancy Houssels, who chatted with arrivals as they found their way to tables scattered throughout the tony restaurant. A delectable luncheon prepared by Joe Romano, Aureole's executive chef, was enjoyed, as were the delightful fashions and a performance by Nevada Ballet Theatre dancers. Seen relaxing with friends were Celeste Downey, Susan Simmons, Becky Binion Behnen, Amanda Powell and Christine Gaynor, who attended with CPA Lindy Mendekic.