Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Starry, Starry Night event brightens lives

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 24, 2000 | 9:27 a.m.

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

Architects Brad Friedmutter and Bill Snyder and volunteers Dawn Merritt, Tom McCartney, Dominic Gentile, Mary Ann Ferguson, Sandee Comito and Roger Peltyn were the live auction models who brought great style and panache to Saturday evening's Starry, Starry Night event.

A benefit for the Nevada Association of the Handicapped's (NAH) specialized child-care facility and other programs, the elegant affair at Paris Las Vegas featured celebrity-created chefs' aprons, which drew large bids in silent and live auctions. Paul Pusateri, president of Paris Las Vegas, and his wife Lucy, served with Roger and Sandy Peltyn as the guiding lights of the evening.

Honored was Rino Armeni, executive marketing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. A special recognition award also was bestowed upon Jon Tullis for his many efforts to NAH and other community charities. Both gentlemen received original artwork from portrait artist Steve Kaufman, who attended the dinner and contributed to the artistic mood of the evening with generous donations.

Bob and Mary Fowler, Rod and Kara Tucker, Jeanne Hood, Andy and Janet Blumen, Mona Orr, Cindy Williams and Executive Chef Arnauld Briand with his bride Stacey, reflected the wide-reaching appeal of NAH, which serves clients of all ages and disabilities. Table-hopping between courses of the superb meal were Paul and Sharon Carelli with Dr. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs and Mike and Sandy Starr, Alicie Mauricio and Gary and Jennifer Brennen, who are bringing a true taste of New Orleans to our city with their Commander's Palace Restaurant, slated to open in August at the Aladdin's Desert Passage mall.

Taking an interest in the "Bellagio Bugaboo," the fantasy playhouse on display, were Tim and Sharry Quillin, Michael Severino and Jeri Packe with her design associate, Amir Zussman, who learned Playhouse 2000 has been scheduled for Oct. 14. Others seen in the capacity crowd included Dagny and Scott Rotheiser, Dr. Leo and Sandy Spaccavento, Norm Ferguson, Julie Gilday-Shafer, Michael Colby with Papote Varet and Isabel Colon.

"Baywatch" producer Michael Berk reported his wife, Michelle, was still away at the Cannes Film Festival with several of her own productions having been entered in the competition.

Buca opening

As is traditional with all Buca di Beppo restaurants, the opening festivities took on a decidedly charitable flavor while assisting a local charity, specifically the Shade Tree Shelter. This pleasurable evening, hosted by Steven Rich, restaurant general manager and "paisano partner," celebrated the opening of the second restaurant of the chain at East Flamingo and Paradise roads. Brenda Dizon, executive director for the Shade Tree Shelter and Debbie De Souza, director of community development, were on hand to greet guests and explain the progress on the shelter's new building for homeless women and their children.

The boisterious group of diners, all of them supporting the charity by their presence, included Terri and Kevin Janison, Jackie and Roy Delaney, Pamela Benjamin, Diane, Roger and Diana Wilson, Sandy Windom and Richard Holley, Judy Robinson and Nancy Katz.

Buca di Beppo, an Italian eatery known for its family-sized meals and campy decor, generously funded the event with all proceeds to assist the Shade Tree Shelter.

D.I. to host event

A stellar dinner committee composed of Mike Sloan, Billy Vassiliades, Jack Jeffrey, Audrey Arnold, Councilman Michael McDonald, Chuck Ruthe and others, are responsible for the upcoming National Jewish Medical and Research Center dinner. Slated for Saturday, June 3, at the Desert Inn hotel-casino, the evening will honor Richard Bunker, past president of the Nevada Resort Association. The National Jewish Medical and Research Center is a world leader in the research and treatment of lung, allergic and immune diseases and is the only such center in our nation devoted exclusively to these diseases.

Founded in 1899, the nonprofit, nonsectarian hospital serves patients with tuberculosis and other chronic lung diseases as well as immune system disorders and allergic problems. For further information on the dinner or the hospital's many programs, please call Cynthia Short at (800) 821-3670.

Vegas Verdes fete

School Board Trustee Lois Tarkanian recently played angel to Vegas Verdes Elementary School as it celebrated its 40th anniversary. Tarkanian's lovely gift of a large ornamental fountain for the school's interior courtyard complements the recent renovations led by principal Faye Welch.

Anniversary celebrations included a delightful, often humorous speech by stockbroker Ron Leavitt, a former student. Taking part as well were Glynda Roberts and Sondra Fountain, who coordinated the creation of a commemorative quilt which will grace the entry of the school office. Present was former principal Dr. Carla Steinforth, now associate superintendent, anf CCSD Zone Director Eva Simmons and past principals Robert Throckmorton, Dr. Dayle Rust and William Partier.

Veteran educator Isabelle Marshall, widow of the much-loved Kenneth Marshall, principal of Vegas Verdes when it opened in 1960, attended as did Lynn Lobel, Mike and Ann Monahan, Kim Esrey of the Parent Council, Geri Kodey and dozens of parents, students and teachers. Built in an era of boomng expansion, Vegas Verdes School, near West Oakey and Valley View boulevards, serves 750 students, grades kindergarten through 6.

Humanitarians honored

Chin's Humanitarian of the Year Millennium Celebration honoring all past recipients will be held next Wednesday on the floor of Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV.

An event to benefit the Southern Nevada Chapter of the Muscular Dystrophy Association, proceeds will help to fund their medical clinic at the University of Nevada School of Medicine as well as their outreach and education programs, summer camps for children and the purchase of wheelchairs for MD patients.

The lively evening will recognize past honorees, including Sue and Paul Lowden, Pete and Cliff Findlay, Jay Bingham, Larry Ruvo and other Las Vegas notables. Contact MDA of Southern Nevada at 822-6920 for all the details and reservations.