Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Annual ‘Miss America-Bashing Party’ a success

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 1999 | 9:05 a.m.

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

Fast becoming a tradition with friends dear to Shenandoah Merrick, her fifth annual Miss America "Bashing" Party was again a howling success. Held at the home of Shenandoah and her husband, Ed Janov, the girls-only gathering was celebrated in true American fashion with decorations of red, white and blue. Flags, sparkling stars and floating balloons dazzled the eyes of new arrivals Allison Copening, Leah Roberts, Theresa Minden, Monterey Brookman, Sara Ohlson and Lisa Wellborne. Shared glory was provided by way of rhinestone-studded tiaras and crowns worn by all the Miss America critics who viewed the program on several large screen televisions.

Edible delights included escargot puff canapes, Shenandoah's private recipe, Valley pudding cake and South Seas chicken wings, all washed down with Mums champagne and sparkling peach wines. Spirits were high as each guest cheered on their own "state" entrant and contributed to the monetary award won by "Miss Kentucky," a k a Robbie McClain. In the crowd of women were Natalie Ross, Laurie Bohn-Magnant, Deborah Clayton, Kristina Swallow, Lisa Barras, Joan Ehlen, Carole Shapiro, Denise Rose and Kathie Faccinto. Some guests, previous title holders in beauty competitions in their youth, wore their original crowns and shared stories of their own pageant experiences.

Supporting music

Saks Fifth Avenue and the Fashion Show mall are presenting "A Celebration of the Las Vegas Philharmonic," a monthlong salute to the music of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. An opening reception on Oct. 9 will feature live performances and brief remarks by music enthusiasts including Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Commissioner Myrna Williams and Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt.

Saks Fifth Avenue will also host special receptions, provide informational displays and offer special merchandising throughout the store. Saks' manager has commented that "Saks Fifth Avenue is deeply committed to the growth of cultural institutions in this great city." Those wishing further information on October events or the Philharmonic's season are asked to call its offices at 369-0704.

Healthy issues

Health issues for women were foremost in presentations given by Southwest Medical Associate and the Women's Division of Jewish Federation. Southwest Medical Associates' Breast Cancer Center, with co-sponsorship by Wyeth-Ayerst Global Pharmaceuticals, is hosting an educational forum on the benefits and risks of estrogen replacement therapy options. Slated for Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the conference center of the Resort At Summerlin, the evening will feature keynote speaker Judy C. Kneece. A certified oncology nurse with a specialty in breast cancer, Kneece is also author of "Your Breast Cancer Treatment Handbook." Joining her will be a panel of health care specialists. Register early by calling 240-8848 for this free offering.

Equally appealing is "Women and Wellness," a presentation provided by the Women's Division of the Jewish Federation. Featured will be Geri Lynn Grossan, registered dietitian of Canyon Ranch Spa Club. This program at the Venetian will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday in the Venetian's Palazzo E Room on the casino level. Admission is $10 and includes a dessert reception and an optional tour of the spa facility. Pre-register by calling 732-0556.

"Jeans and Jewels"

Among the best loved of the September events is Opportunity Village's annual "Miss Kitty" evening at J.W. Ranch in Paradise Valley. Named for benefactress Kitty Rodman, the "Jeans to Jewels" occasion is a great favorite among supporters of all ages including Laura Kolberg, Commissioner Mary Kincaid, Billy Walters, Carmen Gonzalez with fiance John Gallagher and Linda McCoy with Charlotte Hill.

Casually dressed in boots and jeans, the crowd enjoyed exhibitions of expert riding and roping directed by Bob and Connie Armentrout. Many of the children in attendance gleefully engaged in sack races and other games. Watching from the rim of the corral was host John Wasserberger, who proudly held his baby grandson, Dakota. Later in the evening Wasserberger and Rodman were recognized for their long-term efforts to assist Opportunity Village's mentally-challenged clients.

Dinner, a chuck wagon spread provided by Frank Fertita III and Station Casinos, was bountiful, with a richness of tender ribs and chicken served with all the country-style trimmings and side dishes. Joe Anstett, in hat and full western gear, was seen in the chow line with his wife, Hope, and dear friends Owen and Jan Nitz, soon joined by Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, Lucy Stewart with Sandy Avants, Jared Shafer and Greg Korte.

Seated nearby at tables adorned with blue jean and daisy centerpieces were supporters Thom and Mari Landers, Dale and Carl Rowe, Russ Dorn, Cara and Rod Tucker and Linda and Ron Harris. Others who found their way to "Miss Kitty's" delightful evening included Jerilyn Clayton, Tony Bonnici, Tom and Leslie Thomas, George McCabe with Alexandra Goranson and Giana Orlandi with Bucky Buchanan. Adding their talents and donations to the event were dozens of volunteers, among them Air Force Sgt. Bobby Hunt, Bo Ramos, Sara and Jessica Kishner, Roger Maxwell, Michelle Rothstein and Rudy McMillan.

Golf gala

Moving onto the national scene very quickly is the Resort At Summerlin, which will host the first St. Jude-Las Vegas Gala and Celebrity Golf Tournament Oct. 29-31. Both the gala and the golf tournament will benefit the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital's study and treatment of childhood catastrophic diseases. Celebrities confirmed to attend include Ray Romano ("Everybody Loves Raymond"), Rita Rudner, James Worthy (Los Angeles Lakers), Hal Linden ("Chicago"), Kevin Sorbo ("Hercules"), Tony Thomas, Michael Storm ("One Life to Live") and dozens of other sports, television and film celebrities.

"We are proud to host St. Jude's first Las Vegas Gala," Brian McMullan, the Resort's president and CEO, said. "It is our first chance to really show off The Resort At Summerlin" and to help raise money to benefit millions of children worldwide at the same time. The St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is the world's premier biomedical research center dedicated to finding cures for illness such as cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease, cholera and tuberculosis.

The gala ticket price is $200 while golf entries are priced at $250 (available for gala guests only). Sponsorship opportunities range from $5,000 to $20,000. The weekend will open with "Just Jazz Desserts," a celebrity pairings party for golfers, and a fabulous silent auction for gala sponsors. Saturday morning will be the tee-off for golfers at Badlands Country Club, followed by an awards luncheon. The gala in the Grand Ballroom at The Resort will be held on Saturday evening (Oct. 30) with comedienne Rita Rudner, singer Clint Holmes and a host of other entertainment confirmed. Those wishing to participate are encouraged to contact Shoshana Grammer at (800) 227-6737.

Artistic endeavors

Gateway Arts Association (GAA) recently hosted a champagne and desserts party in Studio West at The Arts Factory, a warehouse at 107 E. Charleston Blvd., which houses many arts and design professionals. A new organization, GAA has been formed as a nucleus for the funding of the visual and performing arts in the downtown Las Vegas area. It hopes to encourage the development of young artists in both the visual and performing arts, as well as sponsor cultural events for the public.

Attending the early fall event were supporters Mike Forche, Jerry and Arlene Blut, Peggy Brown, Jennifer Tuttle with Brian Chilton and Tom Schoeman. Mingling in the many galleries that comprise The Arts Factory were Kevin Buckley, Debbie Levy, Rob and Marci Murdock, Terri Marcua and Stacey Lied, newly appointed vice president of City Center Development Corporation.

Harry Davis, of Mermaid Cafe and Art Gallery, provided the wine and serving staff for the evening, adding to the enjoyment of Victoria Otter, Maria Campbell with Leslie Jacobs and Denny Weddle. Small Works Gallery owner Kathleen Nathan with her husband, Artie, and her partner, Jim Stafford, greeted Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. Others in the crowd included GAA's board of director members Jodi Fonfa, Barbara Molasky, Leanadams Dorris and Nancy Deaner. Assisting as special events coordinator was Abby Geye.