Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Star-studded event set for Saturday

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 17, 2000 | 9:33 a.m.

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

A note from Angie Wallin, development director for the NAH (Nevada Association for the Handicapped), reminds us that the Starry, Starry Night Dinner and Auction will be held Saturday at Paris Las Vegas.

Paul Pusateri, president of Paris, and his lovely wife, Lucy, have graciously taken on duties as event co-chairs, while Roger and Sandy Peltyn are serving as this year's dinner coordinators. In the spotlight during the evening will be Rino Armeni, executive marketing director with Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, which has long been a guiding light and supportive friend to charities in Southern Nevada.

Among the evening's highlights will be the live auction of celebrity-decorated chef's aprons. These artful aprons boast the work and signatures of Clint Black and Lisa Hartman Black, Vince Gill, Rosie O'Donnell, Sharon Stone, cast members of "Diagnosis Murder" and other entertainment notables. Proceeds from the auction, as well as the evening, will be devoted to assisting the NAH with the handicapped of all ages and disabilities. Tickets and further details are available by calling the NAH office at 870-7050.

'Backstage' approaching

Also ahead in the near future is a lovely evening of music with a fine dinner. Nevada Opera Theatre has planned "Backstage at the Opera," for May 26 at UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a hosted cocktail reception followed by dinner and entertainment on stage in the Judy Bayley Theatre. All proceeds will benefit NOT's production of "Don Pasquale."

To receive all the details contact Eileen Hayes at 699-9775.

Mother of the Year

The recent ceremonies for Clark County Mother of the Year 2000 marked the 30th year of this community effort founded by the late Fedora Bontempi Simpkin. A total of 280 women have been honored in categories reflecting their own special gifts and efforts to help both their families and our community.

Joining the committee this year was Fedora's longtime friend, Ida Ambrose, who brings with her a host of charitable resources and knowledge. Mayor Oscar Goodman, speaking of his own mother in the keynote speech, stressed how her nurturing love and support, like those of the mothers honored, gave him the foundation for personal success.

Lending his own special spin to the ceremonies was magician/comedian Mac King. Demonstrating his own zany style and presentation, the entertainer enchanted the audience. His appearance was his own "gift" and tribute to the mothers of Clark County.

Cocktail time

The Jewish Federation of Las Vegas' business and professional division recently hosted an evening networking event, "Let's Do Cocktails: The Hollywood Connection" at Chinois at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

The mixer was a huge success and featured Mimosa Jones, president-CEO of the Entertainment Development Corp. of Nevada. Jones, along with Danny Greenspun, who serves as a principal on the board of EDC, gave a thought- provoking overview of the impact our city's growth has had on the booming entertainment industry. EDC is a nonprofit organization of more than 90 members devoted to creating a second entertainment economy in Las Vegas.

EDC fosters the development of multiple soundstages, production facilities and educational programs dedicated to the growing film and television industry of Southern Nevada. Attending the insightful program as well as the social mixer were Karen Gordon, Gary Lehman, Dana Pretner, Marvin Snyder, David Atwell, Nancy Katz and Howard Stutz, who was recently named vice president of public relations for AMS Marketing Solutions.

In brief remarks Debra Cohen, president of the federation's business and professional division, spoke of her pleasure in seeing the capacity crowd at Chinois and bade farewell as she closed out her third term of office. Paul Bogner, speaking on behalf of the organization, praised Cohen's successful efforts to increase membership as well as participation and presented her with a crystal plaque in recognition.

Attending members included Fran Fine, Lottie Pollis, Zoe Brown, Scott Gorman, Ruth Urban and Helen Edell, as well as Adele and Phil Engel, Ruth and Michael Furman and Beth Miller of the Jewish Federation of Las Vegas.

Time for tea

The Mesquite Club's recent Garden Tea was a delightful gathering hosted by Jeanne Greenawalt at her Spanish Trail home. With co-hosts Ruth Einerwold and Kaye Gray, Greenawalt planned the elaborate tea, which drew a fashionable crowd including Persia Golden, Linda Baxter, Iown Gifford, Alice Pearson, Beverly Sawinsky, Marilyn Essex, Ruth Busser of Judith Leiber, the handbag company, and Maureen Schnitzer.

At the guest book, helping with the greeting of guests and friends were longtime members and past presidents, among them Alice Boyer, Velma Haselton, Audrey Wickman and Joyce Murdy, later joined by Mary Lowman, Marion Kohler and Golda Tobler.

With little effort, guests settled into the comfort of the Greenawalts' spacious garden house, a pavilion built specifically for parties and receptions, which sits adjacent to their home. The sunny day drew others outside to the patios overlooking the golf course, including Lois Freeman, Janice Lennartz, Betty Fulton, Blanche Bozarth, artist Lucy Foley and Alice Eubanks.

Helping with the elegant afternoon tea were committee members including Bernice Fischer, Beth Stewart, Flo Mlynarczyk, Mary Buchholz, artist Mary Shaw, Colleen Haycock and Joanne Vaughn. Taking photos for the Mesquite Club scrapbook was Sally Wathen, while fresh tea, punch and light temptations were kept in ready supply by Jonell Polansky, Barbara Hunter, Rosemary Dehn, Paula Mendenhall, Trist Heinzmann and Virginia Longley.