Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Magical Forest gala ushers in holiday season

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2000 | 9:16 a.m.

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

Few evenings have the enduring charm and, yes, the magic of Opportunity Village's Camelot at the Magical Forest gala, an event that ushers in the yuletide season and awakens the child in us all. The opening reception of the gala, held in the crisp air of the Magical Forest, was peopled by guests in their finery and richly costumed characters from the pages of "King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table" mingling as they toured the fairy-tale forest with its many glittering lights and holiday ornaments.

Bellagio chef Tony Abou-Ganin, who created the celebration champagne cocktails offered to attendees, was seen under the royal canopy serving guests Doug and Laurie Carson, artist Steve Kaufman with Jim McCoy, Beth and Bruce Pope and Jerry and Katherine Scott, who attended with Colleen and Joe Infuso. Michael Minden, jewelry designer of Opportunity Village's new commemorative pin, was present with his wife, Theresa. Knighted for their outstanding efforts on behalf of Opportunity Village and its clients were community leaders Claudine Williams and Don Snyder, both longtime contributors to the work of this unique education and employment center for mentally challenged citizens.

Also in the spotlight was retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan, sung to by Phyllis McGuire in a manner reminiscent of Marilyn Monroe's famous "Happy Birthday."

Enjoying the rich spectacle of the evening were Ray and Laurie Newmiller, representing longtime Opportunity Village sponsors Martin-Harris Construction as well as Randy Campanale, Lorraine Gorman, Wayne and Peggy Bernath with son Derek, John and Carmen Gallagher, Helen Sax and Van and Shirley Nostrand. Dinner, a gourmet repast, was created with sponsored courses prepared by our city's finest chefs with ingredients provided by the Venetian, Station Casinos, Caesars Palace, Bally's/Paris Las Vegas and Granello Bakery. Serving personnel, each of them a volunteer, provided a gracious complement to the fine meal.

Ballet benefits

The Nevada Ballet Theatre was the benefit recipient as L.G. Gallery Liberty Glenn hosted an elegant champagne reception to welcome the Christmas season with its classical offerings of fine jewelry, china, glassware, art and other treasures for the home. Each sale for the evening helped the ballet company with production costs, as well as its academy program for young dance students. Adding a depth and richness to the evening gathering were costumed dancers from Nevada Ballet's Corps de Ballet, matched by a backdrop of chamber music and, of course, generous amounts of champagne and delectable hors d' oeuvres.

Luana Murphy, gallery owner, was hostess for the party, and was helped greatly by NBT's executive committee co-chairwomen, Wendy Plaster and Nancy Houssels. Seen in the sparkling crowd were Charlie Mead, Peter and Michele Jaraniello, Shirley Urgenson, Sara and Patricia Prosser, NBT Artistic Director Bruce Steivel and Stephen Dahlquist. Present as well was NBT Board Trustee Richard Plaster, joined by Shirley Kaplan, Connie Hughes, Beth Hardcastle, Sandra Ferraro and NBT Executive Director Harry Ferris and wife Janet.

NBT, founded in 1972, will celebrate the season with its ever-popular "Nutcracker" offering performances Dec. 14-26. Evening shows and matinees are scheduled for the family favorite, with tickets a must by calling 895-ARTS.

Wynn honored

Elaine Wynn was honored during Fantasy Gala 2000, a benefit gala to support the Lied Discovery Children's Museum. Its most successful event to date, the occasion was also a 10th birthday for the museum, marking a full decade since the doors opened on the popular learning center. The proceeds, which approached $135,000, will be used to support hands-on exhibits and educational programs for children. Fantasy Gala 2000 featured its famed (and quite lavish) silent auction, the raffle of a diamond watch (won by Bardia Nezhati), a superb meal and dancing into the wee hours.

Suzanne LeBlanc, executive director of the museum, presented Wynn with the first Great Friend to Kids Award and was followed by Steve Wynn, who honored his wife with a speech of warmth and tribute. Elaine Wynn's award, designed by JMA Architecture Studios, was accompanied by a special gift of an original oil portrait of herself painted by acclaimed artist Giovanna Raccosta, as well as a newly designed lapel pin from Michael E. Minden and Co. Jewelers.

Supporters at the well-attended benefit included Dr. Barry and Judy Markman, Laura Andrew and Victor Onufrieff, Lamar and Pat Marchese, state Controller Kathy Augustine, Tony and Linda Bonnici, Kenny and Dale Wynn and Lou and Jerry Emmert, as well as Barbara Molasky, Susan and Tom Schoeman and Stu and Jane Engs Jr. and Phil Peckman.

Also present were Assemblyman David and Chelli Goldwater, Gillian and Peter Early, Barbara and Thomas McDonald, Allan and Carol Stipe, Anthony and Jennifer Zuiker, Sandy and Mark Tratos and Myong and Willie Boyd, Tim and Denise Cashman, Amy and Larry Close and Ed Cebulko. Co-chairing the gala were Dee Snyder, Judy Kropid and Judy Cebulko with stellar committee members including Dandy Coppedge, Peggy King, Allison Copening, Doreen Alvardo, LeBlanc and Emily Newberry.

Hospice opening

Expanding its facilities to match the needs of our growing community, Nathan Adelson Hospice recently celebrated the opening of its second in-patient center for the hospice. The new 12-bed facility, at 3391 N. Buffalo Drive, will provide the same compassionate and comprehensive services as the original Swenson Street facility. Both offer health care and support for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of less than six months, and also provide health-support services for home hospice patients.

Participating in the ceremonial ribbon-cutting that marked the opening of the new center were Susan and Irwin Molasky, longtime supporters and volunteers who have devoted time to the hospice board of trustees. Others included fellow trustee Michael Fauci; volunteers Dolores and John Kelly; Rick Kilburn, CEO of the hospice; Judith Hantin, NAH Foundation Director; and Dr. Terri Hanlon, medical director for the new Buffalo Drive center.

Founded in 1978, Nathan Adelson Hospice is Southern Nevada's only nonprofit hospice, providing comfort and care without regard to a patient's age, gender, race, disability or ability to pay. For information or how to become a volunteer, please call 733-0320.

Gold Ball

Looking to the new year and events ahead, the American Heart Association has named Dr. Gregory Uhl of Cardiology Associates of Lake Mead, and James Murren, president and chief financial officer of MGM Mirage, as chairmen of the15th annual American Heart Association Heart of Gold Ball 2001. Proceeds of this annual gala are devoted to cardiovascular research and public education.

Uhl, a dedicated Heart Association volunteer for the past 12 years, has concentrated on public education with particular emphasis on good heart health for women and those at risk for stroke. Murren, drawn to the organization for personal reasons, seeks to help increase the visibility of the American Heart Association's mission.

The Heart of Gold Ball will be held Feb. 3 at the Aladdin and will once again feature a luxury auction of most elegant goods, among them jewelry, artwork, travel packages and special offerings. Tickets would make a delightful holiday gift and can be arranged by calling Rose Blair at 367-1366.

Antique fair

Advertised around the world in arts and antiques publications, the Las Vegas International Antique Fair, Dec. 7-10, will also be a charitable event to benefit the Nevada Museums, Library and Arts Foundation. An opening reception and first look at antiques dating from ancient times through the 19th and early 20th century, will be held from 5-10 p.m. Dec. 7. Fine examples of English and European furniture, art, silver, jewelry and other fine goods will be displayed throughout the Sands Expo Center. Tickets to the benefit reception are $40 in advance, $50 at the door, and will provide a pass for the entire run of the fair. To purchase tickets call Beverly Carlino-Banta at 486-5205, or mail checks to the Nevada Museums, Library and Arts Foundation at 700 Twin Lakes Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89107.