Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Plans, designs under way for Playhouse event

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2000 | 9:17 a.m.

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

Gathering in the early morning recently were advocates and longtime volunteers of the Nevada Association for the Handicapped. This occasion was the kick-off for Playhouse 2000 Goes Hollywood. Held at WB Stage 16 Restaurant at the Venetian, a most appropriate setting for the Hollywood-themed gala, the breakfast was a rare time for the workers to meet and later listen to comments from guest emcee Steve Schorr. In the crowd were Jon Tullis, Jeannette Cutolo, Charlene Herst, Jackie Brett, Rosemary D'Amato, Renee Gutierrez and Melissa Menke to name just a few.

Builders of the children's playhouses, which are created specifically for this NAH benefit gala, included the Bellagio (represented by Brent Bonner), Luxor (represented by Dede Woolf, Mark Keely and Hilary Bernstein), Nellis Air Force Base (represented by Sgt. Gary Kassford), Southwest Gas (represented by Al O'Neal, Jeff Justice and Larry Brow) and Tate & Snyder Architects (represented by Windom Kimsey). Introduced as well was Steve Roberts of Harris Associates, whose company has the delightful distinction of creating the top seller for each of the past auctions. Roberts, in keeping with previous years' shroud of mystery, was silent when asked about the design of this year's playhouse.

Present were many of the committee leaders, among them Shannon McBeath and Kara Tucker, who will handle table sales; Gordon Jacober, who has agreed to serve as playhouse delivery coordinator; Terri Stucky and Mike Anderson, coordinators of the silent auction; and Julie Gilday Shaffer, producer of the glittering show at the gala.

Michael Maffie, president and CEO of Southwest Gas, and his wife, Tish, are dinner co-chairs for the Oct. 14 dinner at the Mirage. An event designed to create funding for the NAH's Development Child Care Program, the benefit makes possible the special needs care for both preschool and school-age children who cannot be served in traditional day-care programs. The cost for the Playhouse 2000 dinner and auction is $150 per person, with reservations by calling 870-7050.

Honor for Goodman

Carolyn Goodman, first lady of Las Vegas and longtime educational advocate, will be honored with the Pioneer Award on Sept. 8. Goodman, wife of Mayor Oscar Goodman, is founder-president of the Meadows School. Hosted by the International Association of Business Communicators -- Las Vegas chapter, this International Literacy Day Dinner will be held at the Imperial Palace.

Wally "Famous" Amos, spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America for the past 20 years, will be the featured speaker. Well recognized for his Famous Amos chocolate chip cookies, Amos has used his fame to support educational causes, literacy in particular. Richard Sgaglio of St. Rose Dominican Hospital and Karen Bramwell-Thomas of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District are serving as event co-chairs.

Adding their strengths to this most worthy event are Pat Shalmy, Paul Lyle, Steve Schorr, Marsha Lindsey, Dr. Thomas Gutherie, Rod Davis, Gov. Kenny Guinn and Ed Crispell, general manager of the Imperial Palace. All proceeds from the dinner will be directed to literacy outreach programs in Southern Nevada. To make a reservation, please call 914-7180 or fax a request to 566-9157.

Opening affair

Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steak House burst onto the local scene with great gusto, running nearly a week of private parties as it prepared for its public debut on Restaurant Row at the Hughes Center. Taking over the building formerly operated as Nicky Blair's, the Dallas-originated concern did massive restructuring of the interior, with handsome art deco influences and original artwork in the elegant dining and lounge areas.

Chosen for their warmth and enthusiasm, the staff explained the finer points of their Del Frisco's training, all the while serving delectable menu selections to guests including Millie Clark, Judge Nancy Oesterle, Rob Powers, Esther Quisenberry and City Councilman Lawrence Weekly. Table-hopping between dinner courses were members of 4-NOW, a hot, new band which recently struck gold in performance at the Hard Rock. Others enjoying the party included Phyllis and Dorothy McGuire, Tommy Lasorda, George Togliatti, Rene O'Reilly with her daughter, Mollie, David Madsen, Jerry and Lottie Polis and Trish Williamson, with her brother, Gregory Williamson, and John Bastian.

Clint Holmes, a fast-emerging cheerleader for fine arts education in our community, took time out from his performance schedule at Harrah's to attend the party. On behalf of the Las Vegas Academy for the Performing Arts, a magnet high school within the Clark County School District, Holmes accepted a check for $10,000. Providing the generous donation as a special way to mark their opening in Las Vegas were Del Frisco owners Jamie and Dee Coulter, joined by their Las Vegas restaurant manager, Kim Owens.