Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Opportunity Village grateful for supporters

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2001 | 8:29 a.m.

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

Chartered in 1954 Opportunity Village continues to be faithful to the mission of serving people with mental retardation, working to improve their lives and those of their families. Its efforts depend greatly on a host of kind philanthropists, generous business partners and a virtual army of volunteers who make possible the daily operations, as well as take leadership roles in the fund-raisers and special events that keep the community agency afloat.

Recently O.V. hosted its annual Awards Breakfast at the West Oakey Boulevard campus, and led the morning with opening remarks by Executive Director Ed Guthrie and board of directors member Carl Rowe. Marcia Westover, sister of a longtime O.V. client, gave a heartfelt speech of thanks to the assembled benefactors and volunteers, explaining her family's gratitude and her sister's enduring joy at being part of the sheltered workshop community.

The lively breakfast program honored many, among them Ronald K. Remington, Community College of Southern Nevada president (Good Neighbor), University Regent Thalia Dondero (Community Hero), the U.S. Department of Energy (Employer of the Year), Border Grill at Mandalay Bay (Heart and Soul) and Kitty Rodman (Presidents).

Also stepping forward to accept the bronze award statues were Frank and Maureen Morely (Volunteer), David and Linda Kluth of Advantage Parking (Good Samaritan), Wayne Bernath representing Lance Burton (Humanitarian), Tony Bond (Spirit) and Rotary Clubs of Southern Nevada (Distinguished Service). Los Angeles artist Steve Kaufman, former assistant to the late Andy Warhol, was present for his Angel award and praised for his multiple donations of valuable artwork and support.

Announced as well was Station Casinos' gift of exotic animal displays from its newly acquired Reserve property, which will further enhance the Magical Forest at O.V. this holiday season. Station Casinos' award (Corporation of the Year) was accepted by Scott Nielson, executive vice president. Irene Gillespie (Employee of the Year) was roundly praised for her efforts that resulted in a $2 million bequest to O.V. In the spotlight as well were Beth Cook (Woman of the Year) and Steve Koscica (Man of the Year), both O.V. client workers.

Adding a superb musical interlude to the morning was classical guitarist Miguel De Hoyos, who traveled from Mexico for the occasion at the invitation of Linda Smith, O.V.'s director of development. Concluding the early morning gathering were tours of the workshops, button and souvenir factories and other work stations at O.V. by guests including Nate Tannenbaum, John Bastian, Judy Ray, Paul Standish, Teri Monsour, Don Wilson and others.

Eatery opening

NOBHILL, a new restaurant at the MGM Grand, is another sparkling star for our its city and its famed Las Vegas Strip. Set apart from other eateries at the hotel and replacing the former Gatsby's, NOBHILL is remarkable in both taste and design, incorporating contemporary comfort with excellent food choices.

Opening festivities drew a select crowd of attendees, among them Howard Stutz, Sharon Christal, Nancy Katz, Dave Kirvin, Myram Borders and Tina Chura, who serves as MGM Grand's assistant vice president for advertising and production services.

Generous menu selections abounded as did such beverages as Bay Area favorite Anchor Steam and other microbrews, and the light-tasting-but-certainly-potent Trolley Car martinis.

Executive Chef Michael Mina and partner Charles T. Condy, already an acclaimed presence in our city for their Aqua restaurant at Bellagio as well as original Aqua in San Francisco, were genial hosts for the party. Accompanied by Debbie Puccinelli (Aqua Corporations's director of marketing and public relations), the men explained that further expansion plans include a third Aqua to open in Dana Point, Calif., at the St. Regis Monarch Beach and Redwood Park, a tavern-inspired restaurant at the base of San Francisco's TransAmerica building.

Upcoming event

While summer heat sizzles, the social life of our city continues to flourish and expand. Noteworthy in the coming weeks is the Wine Affair, a charitable benefit evening for research funding in the fight against cystic fibrosis. DeLuca Liquor & Wine is providing an outstanding array of fine vintages for the Aug. 25 evening at the Hard Rock Hotel. Dr. Art and Monica Taylor are chairs for the event, which includes a lavish hors d'oeuvres buffet, entertainment, many sparkling items for both silent and live auctions and commentary by emcee Mark Pfister.

Serving on the county-wide committee are Joe and Laura Essa, Mark Jantz, Keri King, Kim Becker Riggs, Trudy and John Farrell and Ann Shapiro, as well as Roger and Melissa Foster. Mary Merritt, executive director of the Nevada chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 383-5000, has the details on table and ticket reservations for this most worthy event.

Applications accepted

Expanding its efforts and impact in its third year of local operation, the Las Vegas chapter of Speedway Children's Charities has begun to accept grant applications from child-related causes and foundations in our region.

Last December this generous charity awarded more than $100,000 in grants at its second Christmas tree lighting and awards ceremony at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Grant checks were given to 10 local charities that directly impact the lives of children, including Nevada Association for the Handicapped, Child Haven, WestCare, Boys and Girls Clubs, Candlelighters, STEPS Diversion Program, Amerindian, Las Vegas Natural History Museum, Sam Schmidt Foundation and Culture Shock youth dance troupe.

SCC volunteers raise funds for local causes through NASCAR driver auctions, celebrity golf tournaments, wine-tasting parties, raffles and celebrity Go-Kart races. Sept. 21 is the deadline for grant applications, with all details and forms available by contacting Lesley Albers at 632-8253.