Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stylish party marks Longfellow’s 45th birthday

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 5, 2000 | 9:10 a.m.

Each year at dozens of charitable events the array of silent auction treasures convince guests to reach generously into their pockets. Frequently these artful and all-too-appealing displays are created by Gary Longfellow and his life companion, Jon Tullis. Similarly, evidence of their creative efforts are seen gracing the dining tables and setting a themed mood for the gala evenings.

Gary, a travel agent by trade, recently found himself in the spotlight when friends gathered for his 45th birthday. Arranged at Arizona Charlie's by Isabel Pfiefer, Jeri Packe, Lulu Babion, Sandy Peltyn and the very energetic Mariah, party DJ, the gathering was held in the ballroom. Using a fanciful martini theme with clever cut-away invitations, drink selections and the martini-patterned silk shirt of the honoree, the dinner dance was a high-spirited occasion.

Centerpieces were enormous martini glasses with live goldfish swimming among olive-like pebbles. Party favors were martini glasses filled with tiny goldfish crackers, wrapped in shiny paper and tied with scarlet and black ribbons.

Guests glimpsed in the crowd were Drs. Ted and Parvin Modaber-Jacobs, Andrea Thomas, Olga Scheel, Carlos Collado and his bride, Zarina, Roger Peltyn, Papote Varet, John Clark and Chuck Knight. Colleagues from Prestige Travel at Summerlin included Eddie Ball, Edie Gupton, Marjory Barrett, Michelle Galaino, Tee Terese and Roz Walker. Joining the festivities as well was Gary's brother, Chet Longfellow, his wife, Faith, and daughter, Kimberly, as well as Jon's sister, Joann Quarles, and family members Bobby and Teresa Robbins and Jennifer Seltzer.

Schreck Memorial

The recent open house to introduce the Bonnie Schreck Memorial Comfort Care Program at Nathan Adelson Hospice was an occasion for many to learn of their expanded services. The Bonnie Schreck Memorial Comfort Care Program was established in February 1999 with funds donated in Shreck's memory. A longtime resident of Las Vegas, Schreck was known for her many philanthropic efforts on behalf of local charities. She died February 11, 1999, following an 18-month battle with cancer.

During the open house representatives and demonstration stations reflecting each of the Comfort program's therapies were explored, among them water therapy for relaxation, and music therapy for mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health, as well as pain alleviation and, lastly, pet therapy, which involves specially trained dogs for the comfort of patients and their families. Additionally, attendees received aromatheraphy hand massages, another of the Comfort program's ongoing efforts for its clients and families.

Attending the early evening session were Frank Schreck with his children, Sydney and Derek, as well as Nathan Adelson Board of Trustee members Mike Rumbolz and Don Snyder. Others seen at the open house included Andy Katz, Carolyn Goodman, Dee Snyder and Andy and Marlene Wheeler, who brought their dog, Bud, with them. Present to answer questions were Karen Hanner and Heather Kantor, co-chairs of the Comfort Care Program, as well as Rick Kilburn, interim CEO at Nathan Adelson Hospice.

Nathan Adelson Hospice, a nonprofit hospice, provides quality care and compassionate support for patients who have been diagnosed as having a terminal illness. Hospice offers care to patients and their families without regard for age, nationality, race, gender, diagnosis or ability to pay. For information, call 733-0320.

Showing class

Long after completing their program, the members of the Leadership Las Vegas Class of 1998 continue to work as a group to help the less fortunate. During the past two years the class members have participated in several service projects for Child Haven. Initially they planted trees and shrubbery in the playground area and later commissioned Scenic Technologies Designs to plan and construct a huge 30-foot play castle.

Recently the Class of 1998 hosted a celebration luncheon and ribbon-cutting to mark the grand opening of the completed playcastle on the "Links for Life" playground area at Child Haven. Serving more than 3,000 children annually, Child Haven provides care and protection for children placed in protective custody. Their campus has six cottages, activity and school centers and administrative buildings.

Tim Quillin, president of Quillin and Associates Advertising and Public Relations, and Tim Wong, president and CEO of Arcata Associates, Inc., served as co-chairs for the Leadership Las Vegas Child Haven Project, and spearheaded the funding drive that made the plantings and the playhouse possible.

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Las Vegas is an intensive 10-month program devoted to strengthening and educating community leaders. Graduates of the program gain great awareness of community issues affecting Southern Nevada.

Royal fete

NAH -- the Nevada Association for the Handicapped -- and its kind sponsor, the Imperial Palace hotel-casino, recently hosted their annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon in the Royal Hall of the Imperial Palace. The well-organized gathering opened with musical entertainment by the Bonanza High School Chamber Orchestra and speedily moved to awards ceremonies honoring Julie Gilday Shaffer (hero award), Tate and Snyder Architects (partnership award), Sandy Peltyn (distinquished citizen award) and Donna Schick (above and beyond award).

Justly recognized for his continuing support was Ed Crispell, Imperial Palace's general manager and luncheon host, who spoke informally of his admiration for NAH's many educational outreach and vocational programs. Receiving plaques in recognition of their ongoing efforts were volunteers Sallie Grippo, Eryn Rice, Neil Holder, Brenda Epperson Doumani, Christian Kolberg, Jon Tullis and the Bonanza High School Chamber Orchestra.

Honored with five-year volunteer awards were Kara and Rodney Tucker, Tiffany Tiberti, Steve Roberts, Julie Gilday Shaffer and Donna Schick. Special thanks were directed to those who shaped the successful "Playhouse '99" auction and gala, among them Kevin Perron, Norm Nusbaum, Shawn Story, Vince Shaffer and David Cherkis.

In her closing remarks, Angie Wallin, NAH development director, reminded all of the May 20 "Starry Starry Night" fund-raiser at Paris Las Vegas hotel-casino. Present for the awards luncheon were Bret Bonner, Eryn Gross, Vicki Duncan, Terri Stucky, DeDe Woolf, Vern Powers, Bob and Belinda Schauer and Karen Knox, as well as Tina Jacobs, Shannon McBeath and Paula Plander.