Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Desert Inn has a blast celebrating No. 50

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 26, 2000 | 9:59 a.m.

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

Fifty never looked better as a sleekly luxurious Desert Inn Resort celebrated its golden anniversary. A true oasis that combines the nuances of gaming with world-class golf, tennis and spas in the grandest manner, the much-revered resort opened April 24, 1950, as the fifth property on the Las Vegas Strip.

The gracious anniversary gathering of Las Vegas notables and venerable entertainers was an intimate, most enjoyable evening. Guests, among them Burton Cohen, Irwin Molasky and entertainment legends Steve Lawrence and Sonny King, as well as both original and successive architects Hugh Taylor and Paul Steelman, were ushered into the Crystal Showroom for a memorable evening.

Mingling at the invitation-only party were sparkling stars, among them Tony Curtis, Buddy Greco with Lezlie Anders, Keeley Smith, Rich Little and Dick Van Patten, as well as the sultry Lanie Kazan, who may well be back in the Las Vegas spotlight soon. Others glimpsed in the throng included developers Mac and Frances MacDonald, Myrna Williams, David Atwell, Roger and Sandy Peltyn, Anne Menzel, School District Trustee Lois Tarkanian with her hubby, coach Jerry Tarkanian, and theatrical agent Jakie Baskow. Blackie Hunt, looking fit and ready to enjoy the festivities, attended with his bride, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, joined by Gov. Guinn's executive aide, Bud Cranor.

Mark LeFever, COO-CFO of the Desert Inn, opened the program, sharing words of welcome with Mayor Oscar Goodman. Celebrated for their presence at the resort's opening were Sun Publisher Barbara Greenspun and Toni Clark. Greenspun, whose late husband, Hank Greenspun, began his Las Vegas odyssey as the Desert Inn's director of public relations and marketing, and later became founder-publisher of the Las Vegas Sun, attended with family. Toni Clark, widow of Desert Inn founder Wilbur Clark, was presented with a bouquet of creamy white roses by her godson, state Sen. David Goldwater, and given a standing ovation by her many friends and fellow guests. With Toni on this special evening was Larry Finuf, as well as Robert and Yvette Maheu, who discussed the film adaptation and screenplay of Robert Maheu's successful book, "Next to Hughes," which may go into producti on before year's end.

Executive Chef Arnaud Briand presided over the meal, which replicated the first dinner in the Crystal Showroom 50 years ago. Table hopping between the courses were: state Sen. Bill Raggio, Rob Powers, Dr. Lonnie Hammargren and Ira Sternberg, who were seen with Dr. Tom Wright and state Sen. Dina Titus, ESPN's Al Bernstein, Joan and Van Hefner of the Nevada Restaurant Association, Rossi and Mary Jo Ralenkotter and Sig Sakowitz with John Astor.

Lorna Luft, easily proving she's equal in talent to her late mother, Judy Garland, gave a stirring, well-received concert for the private gathering. Luft's soaring voice, at times intertwined with her mother's image and recordings, called forth a host of memories for many guests. Adding a golden finish to the evening was the leisurely walk through the gardens and lagoon-like courtyard to the resort's handsome new country club. There, while sipping flutes of champagne, guests enjoyed a glorious song-filled fireworks display. Savoring the balmy evening were guests Michael and Michele Berk, Maryanne Steelman, state Sen. Ann O'Connell, Chuck and Marie George and John Browning.

Chefs For Kids

Popular local actor-traffic guru Mike McCartney will be master of ceremonies while Christian Kolberg does duty as auctioneer for Saturday's Chefs For Kids dinner at Mandalay Bay. An occasion to honor longtime supporters Sen. Richard and Bonnie Bryan, the worthy fund-raiser supports efforts by the Fraternity of Executive Chefs, who work with children in our community's most at-risk elementary schools. Monthly the chefs prepare healthy breakfasts and work with teachers and nutritionists to improve food choices and nutritional patterns.

Presiding over the dinner will be Executive Chef David Kellaway, assisted by 400 of our community's finest culinarians. The theme will be "Calypso Cruiser" and feature cuisine from many ports of call. On the block for the live auction will be more elaborate packages, among them a private dinner created by chefs Gustav Mauler and Emilio La Scala at Spiedini Ristorante at the Regent, an elaborate power lunch at Antonio's at the Rio prepared by Chef William Chinnock and other delights.

Chef Terry Henderson, chairman of Chefs For Kids, has a stellar committee, among them Linda and Gary Vause, Mike and Barbara Niggli, Jan and Owen Nitz, Fred and Jan Allen and Chuck and Liz Lenzie, to name just a few. For further information and reservations, please call 258-8011.

Budding journalists

Circus Circus recently hosted a fun night for student journalists, including the budding writers among the working press and event planners who were invited with their families. A high-spirited occasion, the gathering in the Adventuredome was a splashy welcome to its latest attraction: ReBoot-the Ride. The new IMAX ride-film is an all-engrossing ride through cyber city, using motion simulation, special effects and animation to entertain.

Tom Bruny, director of marketing, spoke glowingly of the resort's friendly relationship with local student journalists and their publications. Bruny, himself a student editor of his high school newspaper, previously worked as a frontline journalist and is known for giving a supportive hand to young writers, regularly including them at press conferences and events.

Among those enjoying Circus Circus hospitality were Shirin Hosseini and Katie Stemen, co-editors at Horizon West High School, as well as other young representatives of local schools including Alice Woods, Ryan Sax, John Porley, Marianne Charter, Maxine Palmer, Cyra Gipson, Shakita Williams and Justine Johnson.

Guests enjoyed free run of the five-acre domed park that now boasts 18 attractions, including the Xtreme Zone, where those who dare try their skills at bungee jumping and rock climbing. Waterfalls, running streams, roller coasters (my favorite) and multiple food and speciality booths dot the terrain.

For the gathering, Executive Chef Bob O'Brien, who was named 1999 Chef of the Year, worked with his staff to prepare an array reflective of the hotel's many fine restaurants. Tom Nolan, director of theme park operations, spoke of their summer employment job fair to be held May 8 and, with public relations manager Reggie Burton, played genial host for the party. Having the time of their lives as they challenged the games of skills were James Stanton, Dorrie Spidell with Norm Johnson, Krystal Hsomer, Blake Bradley, Jan Murray, Linda Johnson, Paul Spiers and Donna Powell.