Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Auction bolsters Sunrise Children’s Hospital

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 19, 2000 | 9:23 a.m.

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

A much anticipated event of spring, "Color Us Friends Around the World," is a solidly popular gala that serves to fund a dozen ongoing programs developed by the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation.

Featured artist was Patrick Antonelle, often referred to as an "American Renoir," who accepted the invitation to attend with his wife, Teri, and presided over a wide-ranging array of significant art prior to the dinner auction led by Christian Kolberg.

First on the agenda for arriving guests Ken and Carolyn Sparks, Jim and Mary Louise Chaisson, David Rangel, Brett and Anna Maly and Jo Sittig were the 20 country-themed silent auction groupings, which were called out to bidders most enticingly. Conceived, collected and cunningly displayed by creative volunteer teams, the lush offerings were enhanced by celebrity drawings, gourmet dinner packages, home furnishings and more.

Sprinkled through the crowd were working members of the dinner committee. Among them were Jacques and Barbara Desrochers, Keith and Darlene Hannah, Carole Bellmyre, Ken Ladd, Eryn Rice and Suzie and Ron Cameron, as well as Teresa and Mark Weber, Betty and Richard Hanseen, Bill and Deddie Ladd and Michael and Teresa Minden, who were responsible for the stunning jewelry pieces created for the gala.

Dinner, a gracious repast prepared by Paris Las Vegas chefs, found Bill and Sylvia Noonan, Nevada Controller Kathy Augustine, Steve Philpot and artist Carol Kolberg with husband Wally, enjoying the spirited mood and merriment of the live auction. Dee Ladd, president/CEO of the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation, spoke of the mission to further pediatric education and research, touching lightly on programs such as "Lids On Kids," which protects young bicycle riders, "Signing For Kids," where elementary students learn American sign language, and "Starbright," an interactive computer network for hospitalized children.

Supporters of the black-tie gala included J.K. "Kell" Houssels and his wife, Nancy, accompanied by Nevada Ballet Theatre's new executive director, Harry Ferris, his wife, Janet Ferris, and friends Myrle and Steve Taylor. In the crowd as well were Ann Lynch, Somer Hollingsworth, Geri Zobrist, Dr. Parker Kurlinskin, Carol Spriggs and Pat Nation.

Friendship luncheon

Jackie Allen, newly elected president of Nevada Opera Theatre Guild, chaired the International Friendship Luncheon on Palm Sunday at the Bellagio resort. A much beloved annual event, the gracious gathering honored Beverly and Mike Mykisen and Lia Roberts, recognizing the supportive trio for their exceptional patronage on behalf of Nevada Opera Theatre.

An opening reception on Bellagio's grand balcony set the mood for the musically rich affair attended by M.J. and Jack Harvey, Kathy Slaughter, Elaine Fish, Isabel Pfiefer, Arlene De Mille and Dr. and Mrs. Scott Brown. Honorees Beverly and Mike Mykisen were seen with NOT President Denny Weddle and guild founder-past president Tova Allen and her granddaughter, Traci Allen. Fellow honoree Lia Roberts, honorary consul of Romania, was accompanied by her husband, Joseph Roberts, as well as her son- and daughter-in-law, George and Yolanda Arnold. Joining their circle of friends as well was Lia's special guest Dr. Nicolae Constantinescu, consul general of Romania, who resides in Beverly Hills and made a special trip to honor his friend.

Guest artists Demetra George and Jose Medina gave a superb program enjoyed by Elissa del Prado, Sheila McKay, Peggy Polvino Brown, Gayle Anderson and Toni Reiser, as well as Leezie and Kadell Kremer, Isabel Colon, Sondra Lynch, Jean Dileo and Michelle Gurschke. Floss Schumacher, founding member of NOT's new Divas organization, spoke briefly on that organization's mission to underwrite appearances by guest soloists. Seen in the audience were supporters Mojgan Rahaban Ross, Margie Conway, June Brennan, Gregg and Maggie Schiffbauer and David Grieggo, who served as the master of ceremonies for the luncheon.

Auto pilots

Don Williams and Richie Clyne, who turned their love of classic and rare automobiles from a consuming hobby into a vast collection and most successful concern, recently hosted the "Evening of Vintage Opulence" inside their new World of Rolling Art and Collectibles Showroom. Well-attended, the Friday evening gathering drew a crowd of local and international car buffs who leisurely toured the fifth floor of the Auto Collection Building at the Imperial Palace hotel-casino.

Guests, among them Don and Dee Snyder with son Matthew, as well as David Atwell and Beverly and Terry Nosek, lingered at each shining display to view the classic automobiles and read their descriptive legends. On hand to discuss the restoration techniques were many of the Imperial Palace Auto Collection staff, who also explained the details for bidding in the spring auction, as well as purchasing those vehicles which were tagged for direct sale. Enjoying the most pleasant party were auto aficionados Judge Bill and Nora Jansen, Suzanne and Frank Faracci, Eileen Hayes, Jackie Brett with Mel Carter, Judy Robinson and Samuel Kephart with his client, X-rated hypnotist "Dr. Naughty."

Fertitta honored

Vicki Fertitta, a longtime advocate and supporter of the Nathan Adelson Hospice, will be honored at "A Flair for Care," a benefit fashion luncheon slated for Tuesday at the Four Seasons Hotel. A preview showing of the fall 2000 collection of Richard Tyler, this charitable occasion is sponsored by Neiman Marcus. Ticket prices are $150 per person with sponsorships also available. Proceeds will benefit the Nathan Adelson Hospice, the only nonprofit hospice serving Southern Nevada. Call 796-3133 or 796-3112 for reservations.

Wake up the echoes

"Echoes from the Past," the Nevada State Women's History Project, was recently held at the Riviera hotel-casino. Rose Irwin, president of the NWHP-Southern Region and president-elect of the state organization, opened the two-day conference by welcoming a statewide assemblage of members and guests. Friday's luncheon featured Rep. Shelley Berkley as keynote speaker, while the evening reception was enlivened by cameo appearances of noted Nevada women in Chautauqua-style performances. Appearing in historic costume were Marie Pellichoneg (as Olive Lake), Kathleen Noneman (as Bird Wilson), Eva Stowers (as Edith Head), Carrie Townley Porter (as Helen J. Stewart) and a very elegant Frankie Williams (as Fanny Soss).

Mingling at the reception as well were historical presenters Joyce Marshall (First Ladies of Nevada), Alexandra Voorhees (Sarah Winnemucca), Joan McSweeney (who presented pioneer recipes) and Mary Gafford, who joined forces with Williams to speak of the golden era of the Moulin Rouge Resort. Southern Nevada women participating included Jean Spiller with Arlene Southard, Lilly Fong, Louise Banks, Lorraine Scatena, Florence McClure and Rosanne Sirody of SafeNest. Present as well was attorney Kathleen England, Anne Beck, Betty Miller, Deanne Peacock Cardinelli and Beverly Carlino-Banta.