Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Venetian gala benefits Nevada Opera Theatre

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2000 | 9:19 a.m.

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

Exquisite in presentation, notable for the sweetness of music and dance, the recent Nevada Opera Theatre gala -- Vienna in Venice at the Venetian -- was splendid indeed. Laura Shulte, president/CEO of Wells Fargo Bank of Nevada, served as dinner chairman and with NOT president, Denny Weddle, bestowed Lia Roberts with the Ambassador of Opera award.

The early evening found the gathering's guests enjoying a champagne reception while responding to the beauty and bounty of the silent auction. Chaired by Maryann Hantout, the auction ultimately raised $10,000 for NOT's Opera in the Schools outreach program. Happy bidders included Dr. Sundar Raj, Elaine Fish, Joseph Roberts, Mike and Beverly Mykisen, Rachel Mercer, Sally Wathen and Mike Sexton, as well as Margie Conway, Phil and Dawn Beuth, Dr. Morton Hyson and Kadell and Leezie Kremer. Moving into the very lovely ballroom for dinner, guests including Jewel Brooks with Bonnie Nolan, John Tipton, Ann Nichols, Isabel Pfeifer, Rolly Brawn and Mary and Beverly Richards were among those presented with bejeweled masks crafted for the occasion by the very talented Elissa del Prado, NOT Guild president. M.J. and Jack Harvey wore distinctive masks created for the mi llennium year, gifts of their hosts during a recent stay in Venice.

The formal dinner, truly a gourmet repast, began with the Grand March entrance of dignitaries, including General Consul Werner Brandstetter of Austria, a member of the Los Angeles Consular Corps. Honored speaker was the Venetian's creator/owner Sheldon Adelson, who spoke in glowing terms of his latest venture, the 70,000-square-foot Hermitage-Guggenheim museum complex. As he explained, the first pieces, many never shown in the United States, are planned for display in the spring. Special arrangements will be made for student tours of the exhibits, which will change every six months. Attending with Adelson was his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, as well as Bill Weidner, president/CEO of Las Vegas Sands Inc., and his wife, Lynn.

Gaming reception

Las Vegas, epicenter of gaming, was host city to the recent World Gaming Conference and Expo. Thousands attended, learning about the latest trends and technology, networking with fellow executives and working with colleagues to determine the future of this expanding field. Partnering with WOCE and International Game Technology for the first time were Mark Bradley and Michael Berk, partner-owners in PlayersNetwork.com. At each session, the new approach to convention communications provided live-streaming Internet broadcasts direct from the convention floor. Interviewed guests were many, among them Max Baer, former actor-turned-gaming executive, daredevil Evel Knievel, Alex Trebek of "Jeopardy" and Frank Fahrenkopf, lobbyist for the American Gaming Association.

Broadcasts continued through the excitement of the Gaming Hall of Fame reception and dinner honoring MGM Grand's Terry Lanni, the celebrated Wayne Newton, Harrah's Entertainment and the late Del Webb. Industry leaders and VIPs glimpsed in the swirl at Mandalay Bay included Mike Sloan, Felix Rappaport, Ralph Lamb, Tony Marnell and family and Gov. Kenny Guinn, as well as Carolyn and Ken Sparks, Rob Powers and former Gov. Bob and Sandy Miller. Rino Armeni and Sandy Peltyn co-chaired the huge event that benefited Las Vegas' own SafeNest, a temporary assistance shelter for abused women and children.

Also funded by the annual dinner, the National Center for Responsible Gaming remains the only organization dedicated to scientific research on pathological and youth gaming.

Groundbreaking

Best wishes to George Maloof Jr. and family for their future success with Palms. The hotel-casino rising on the West Flamingo Road gaming corridor jumped ahead of its construction schedule, with the structure in clear view at groundbreaking ceremonies last week. Inside the hospitality tent, guests -- including Marilyn and John Moran Jr., David Griego, Bill Curran, Father Bill Kenny, John O'Reilly, Patricia Martinelli-Price, Barry Becker, Christine Maguire and Ed Skonicki -- enjoyed the hearty luncheon of Southwest specialities prepared by Garduno's and Andre's.

A brief program included a performance by the Sacramento Kings' own Royal Court dancers, coupled with comments by Ed Fasulo, general manager of the Fiesta. Maloof, president of the new Palms, explained the twin tower property will embrace six restaurants, both an IMAX and a 12-theater movie complex, plus a 12,000-seat special events facility, conference center, casino and 470 view-sited rooms. Deeply involved in the development is KGA Architecture, which has been named AIA-Las Vegas' Architects of the Year.

Sulich farewell

Bon voyage and best wishes are extended to Vassili Sulich, who has been invited by the National Ballet of Brazil to stage two of his works in early December at the Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro. The splendid opera house is a copy of Garnier's Opera House in Paris. Sulich first appeared on this stage in 1958 while touring with Ballet des Etoiles de Paris, and is proud to have been asked to present his choreographies for the prestigious theater.

Sulich will showcase his signature ballet "Mantodea" and the equally acclaimed "La Barre," two of the 50-some ballets he created during his 25 years as artistic director for Nevada Dance Theatre.

Philharmonic party

The Las Vegas Philharmonic opened the Cartier Connoisseur Series of four exclusive musical soirees with a smashing party at Susan and Angelo Stamis' elegant residence at the Fountains in Green Valley. Cartier pages, in their trademark red uniforms, welcomed guests on the candle-lit steps of the home.

On this celebrated return engagement, violinist Stefan Milenkovich, accompanied by pianist Adam Neiman and cellist Jonahs Tauber, performed the glorious music of Haydn, Beethoven and Ravel. The Stamises, noted for entertaining in the Greek style, provided a lavish Mediterranean buffet catered by Madeline Morris. Guests George and Natalie Cohan, Diane Hart, Helene and Ken Walker, Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson, Lou Emmert, and Terri Flynn with Reta Bearfield were among those who enjoyed mingling with the musicians prior to and following the performance. Mariam and Rokh Afshai, representing Cartier, sponsors of the series of soirees, were seen with Susan and Andy Tompkins, Harold and Betsy Weller, Pamelea and George Dials, Peter Vajtai with Eugenia Szontali, Jack and Nichole Fisher, Jane Ryan and Lloyd and Noel Heslip.

Upcoming events

The weeks ahead abound with special events offering terrific entertainment and chances to provide charitable support as well. On Saturday Rapport Leadership International will host a dinner to launch its new nonprofit program for teens, the Rapport Leadership Youth Foundation, at the Rio. The dinner is $100 per person and will support the foundation's leadership training classes for selected 14- to 18-year-olds, who demonstrate leadership potential. Further details are available by calling Heidi Knapp at 697-5334.

Also on Saturday evening the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation will present its Galaxy of Northern Stars at the MGM Grand Conference Center. Honored will be Rodney Smith, Laura Coleman, Eldon Hardy, Colleen Stauffer, Kevin Stone, Ylonda Dickerson and Jacqueline McDowell. Sherry Swensk will emcee this benefit to assist the Las Vegas Boys and Girls Club and North Las Vegas Chamber Community Foundation. Call 642-9595 for specifics.

An Evening of Fashion Elegance to benefit the Arthritis Foundation will present the designs of Alan Del Rosario on Nov. 12 in the splendid new Sterling Club at Turnberry Place. The Sunday evening fund-raiser will begin at 7 p.m. with cocktails, followed by fashions and commentary at 8 p.m. Del Rosario, winner of the Designer of the Year- Social and Eveningwear 2000 award, will be joined by event founders William Whatley, celebrity hairstylist, and Toni Reiser, fashion consultant. Tickets are $25 per person with reservations by calling 256-8669.

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