Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Reception leaves guests dreaming of new homes

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2000 | 9:52 a.m.

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

Certainly all new homes carry a promise of dreams fulfilled, but Kaufman and Broad go more than a step beyond with Dream Home Studio. Manager Pat Sullivan and a small army of design consultants work with all Kaufman and Broad home buyers in Southern Nevada, helping them create a truly custom feel for each new property. The huge showroom (more than 15,000 square feet) is filled with designer options and home upgrades, including flooring, wall coverings, doors, media rooms, cabinetry, bath fixtures and more.

Earlier this month Dream Home Studio hosted a splendid reception for construction specialists, designers and the real estate community. Bedazzled guests who toured the South Industrial Road center came away with their own dreams of a new home. In the bustle of the opening party were Sandy Rose, Henry Lewis, Ryan Smythe, Tina Ballard, Marie Miller, Charles Waterson and George McCabe. An Affair to Remember catered the lavish gathering, and served Jesse Jensen, Brian Goldmarker, Will Brooks, Christina Greenbaum and Sandra Clarke. Carrie Sanchez, of Kaufman and Broad, speaking of the handsome meeting room within the center, talked of her company's desire to provide a free meeting room for use by civic groups and charities.

Grand opening

From Singapore to Chicago and points around the globe, Bice provides impeccably prepared classic Italian dishes in the finest settings. Opening recently in Desert Passage at the Aladdin, the elegant eatery has a feel of Morocco in its most golden moments. The design as well as an extensive menu and, of course, the well-trained wait staff are part of this special ambiance. Owner Roberto Ruggeri came from Milan, Italy, to personally supervise the grand opening. In residence for the inaugural month, Ruggeri is accompanied by his movie star-handsome son, Rafaele, who is serving with Michele Rotandi, as manager of the Las Vegas operation.

An exclusive guest list was prepared for the private opening with Corinne and J.A. Tiberti, Si Redd, Suzanne and Mark Van Aken, Haskel and Tova Iny, Gustav and Denise Mauler, Joan Kolsar with Rene O'Reilly, Thom and Mari Landers, Andy and Janet Blumen, Matt Waymire and Cheryl and Bert Purdue among those responding. Opening with a fine wine reception, white-gloved servers offered Italian appetizers in bountiful fashion as the party spread through the ample dining rooms and lounge. Meeting the guests were Executive Chef Paul Luna and Bice Maitre'd Alessandro Negrette, who explained the restaurant, founded in 1926, is named for Ruggeri's mother, Beatrice who was nicknamed "Bice."

Relaxing over the gracious and quite generous meal were guests Linda Medonia, Rex and Sandy Windom, Joan Deiro with daughter Deanna, Tena Houser, Joan and Dennis Stein with Barbara and Stan Jones, Dorothy and Danny Lee and Joe Caruso, as well as Irwin Kishner, Aletha and David Atwell and Cliff Conedy with Kim Brice. Catching the refreshing Desert Passage thunderstorms from the dining patio were Jon Tullis with Angie Wallin, Mary Gilday and Lulu Bubion, joined by Sharon and Paul Carelli, Eleanore Doumani, Judge Bill and Nora Jansen and Gilma and Kenny Brownlee.

The evening took a charitable turn with the auction of a signed Versace art plate. A gift to Ruggeri from the late Gianni Versace, the plate was sold to Dr. Toni Hart. All proceeds were given to Chefs for Kids, a Southern Nevada program where chefs donate their time to cook and teach at-risk children about nutrition.

With honors

Planned to perfection with a fast-moving program and huge crowd in attendance, the recent Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce Community Achievement Awards was an evening of high expectations and pleasure for all involved. Recognized were 18 top business and organization leaders chosen from a field of 54 finalists, each exceptional individuals who have strong commitment to improving the quality of life in our community. Awards were presented to one man and one woman in each of nine categories. Honored for their achievements were Elana Hatch and Judge Robert Gaston (public service); Dr. Ikram Khan and Joyce Malaskovitz (professional services); Susan Tompkins and Michael Berk (arts and entertainment); Eva White and Wayne Tanaka (education); Dr. Jim Christensen and Mary Vail (humanitarian); Angelea Pernatozzi and Richard Arnold (nonprofit); Frank Martin and Catherin e Lucchesi (business achievement); Keith Sheldon and Sharon Rorman (communications).

In the audience were colleagues, loved ones and past honorees including Ruth Urban, Juanita and Greg Mendoza, Ann Lynch, Dr. Robert and Sandy McHenry, Hank Osterhaudt, Ashley Hall, Susan Chenin with Susan Turner, Bill Marion and Sue and John Mowbray. Others in the crowd of 1.000 attendees were Sue Strand, Phil and Dawn Bleuth, Bob and Sandy Miller and Len Paul as well as Beverly and Mike Mykiesen, John Oseguarra, Joanna Brooks, Ritchine and Dawn Coyle, Matt and Kay Davis, Jacque and David Matthews and Dr. Dwyte and Sue Brooks.

Shop for a cause

Saks Fifth Avenue in Las Vegas will again sponsor a four-day long shopping spree to benefit the Las Vegas affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Opening with a private shopping evening, art show and silent auction, the event is from 6-9 p.m. Thursday Saks in the FashionShow mall. Mayor Oscar Goodman, joined by entertainer Clint Holmes and cancer survivor Janet McCue, will take part in the brief program. All purchases, in addition to special products from sponsoring designers, will be featured at Saks during the weekend, with a donations made to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation for support services to cancer patients, breast cancer research and education outreach programs.