Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Chefs for Kids cooks up enjoyable evening

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 10, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.

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

Chefs for Kids, presented in fine Calypso style this year at Mandalay Bay, provided a most pleasurable evening. Opening with an elaborate cocktail party, this ninth annual fund-raiser benefits the children's nutritional outreach program of the Fraternity of Executive Chefs of Las Vegas.

Working in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno, these busy executive chefs volunteer their time to improve the lives of less fortunate children. The Chefs for Kids chairman, Executive Chef Terry Henderson of the Barbary Coast, organizes a monthly breakfast for children enrolled in severely at-risk schools in Southern Nevada. Funds raised at the Chefs for Kids benefit underwrite costs for nutrition teachers from Cooperative Extension, who work with the children to improve nutrition and instill healthy eating habits.

Gathering early with friends were Linda and Gary Vause, Helen Daseler, Rio Chef Brenda Hitchins, Dr. Martin and Jennifer Safko, Chef Ed Kane, Paula Lewis, Michael and Theresa Minden and Jim and Judy Kropid. Dorothy Kemp of the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center was seen discussing the latest developments with Owen and Jan Nitz, as well as their daughter, Ashley Nitz, attending with Michael Enoch. Bidding on the glorious dining and party packages created for donation by member chefs were Marilyn and Tom Starks with Judy and Rick Eisenrich, as well as Tony Musso, Allen Ogle and Bob Ukelley.

Twinkling steel drum melodies set the Calypso mood during the reception and later ushered guests into the ballroom for an incredible dining experience. Supporters taking their places for dinner and the program honoring Sen. Richard Bryan and wife Bonnie included Norma and Dick Land, Dr. Leonard Carpi and Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson, as well as University Regent Mark Alden with Larry and Terrie Gamby, former University Regent James "Bucky" Buchanan with Gianna Orlandi, Debbie and Orlando Sandoval and Rex and Sandy Windom.

Nearby with friends were Spiedini partners Gustav and Denise Mauler and Paul and Maryanne Steelman, joined by Ed Janov and his wife, Shenandoah Merrick, Ted and Janice Ross, Maria and Ted Quirk, Barbara and Mike Niggli and Janice and Fred Allen. In from Reno for this special occasion was University of Nevada, Reno President Joe Crowley and wife Joy, accompanied by Jean Perry, dean of UNR's College of Human and Community Science, and Karen Hinton, dean of Nevada Cooperative Extension.

In the spotlight for worthy applause for his masterful coordination of the divine food was David P. Kellaway, certified master chef/master culinary educator and executive chef of Mandalay Bay. Kellaway, a real renaissance man, is a writer, teacher, chef and culinary judge who supervises a culinary staff of 400 for the hotel.

Make A Wish

Those who help children are indeed the stars of the universe. Honored recently during Make A Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada's Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at the Regent Las Vegas were more than 100 Southern Nevadans. Nate Tannenbaum was a gracious master of ceremonies while physician/musicians and their families, many of whom play professionally, serenaded the guests. Dr. Rosemary Viray-Nowins, an internist and gynecologist, her sister, Rachel Viray, and Dr. Sam Mujica, a pediatrician, sang selections from "Les Miserables." Dr. Lambert Abey, saxophonist and general surgeon, was accompanied in his Kenny G-styled performance by family members JoJo and Dayani Rathnaweera.

Giving their own heartfelt thanks for the work of Make a Wish were Michael and Maureen Holevars. Their young son, Jacob, a "wish child," was recently granted a trip to Disney World, with the trip commemorated on a special poster the Holevars presented at the banquet.

Kathy Hopper, executive director, working with Beth Sandoz, program services coordinator, and Sharon Emery, office administrator, presented each volunteer with a certificate of appreciation and "goodie" bags made possible by kind donations from Angel Park Golf Course, the Las Vegas Stars baseball team and Outback restaurants, as well as New York-New York, Texas Stations, Z'Tejas Grill and Bertolini's.

In addition, special "star"-themed awards were presented to Anne Griffith (north star), Marla Letizia (rising star), Marti Williams (shooting star), Venitia Portillo (shining star), Walter and Gerri Szymanski (all-star), Kendall Tenney (community constellation) and Ryan Lang (a star is born). The latter award is bestowed upon a former wish child who has made a contribution to the foundation. Ryan speaks on behalf of Make A Wish at many events, serving as a special cheerleader for the worthy organization.

NCCF at Morton's

Sweet charity continues to bloom as events planned with an eye to please are announced. On Friday the grand opening celebration for the new Morton's of Chicago-The Steakhouse, will be an elegant fund-raiser for the benefit of the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation (NCCF). One hundred percent of the proceeds from the cocktail reception and strolling dinner party will go to NCCF for the support of Camp Cartwheel, a special camp for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. Contact Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation at 735-8434 for reservations to the opening benefit.

Of note as well is the approaching evening honoring Jan Jones, senior vice president of communications and government relations for Harrah's Enterprise. Slated for special recognition as well will be Gustav Mauler, well-recognized chef and restaurateur, who will be recognized for culinary achievement.

Presented on May 26 by the Food and Beverage Directors Association of Nevada, the black-tie gala is considered a must-do for those in the know. No expense, no special touch will be overlooked in the planning of this splendid affair. Scott Ringwood, food and beverage director at the Tropicana, is president of the organization and his resort will host the lavish evening, which opens with an elegant champagne reception, followed by a superb gourmet dinner and, lastly, a fine cigar and cognac offering.

Proceeds stay in our state, assisting underprivileged children, as well as the Nevada Food and Beverage Directors' extensive scholarship program. Call Scott Ringwood (739-3560) for reservations.