Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stars shine at opening for Stirling Club

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2001 | 8:29 a.m.

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

Hosted by developers Don and Jeffrey Soffer, the festivities lived up to every expectation, providing open access to the 80,000-square-foot club, including the spa, fitness center, nightclub, private dining rooms and more.

Arrivals, greeted by Stirling manager Asad Faraq, included former U.S. Ambassador Chic Hecht with wife Gail, Mike and Geri Rumbolz, Stirling Club board of directors member Phyllis McGuire, Robert Shay, Steve Burnstine and Dr. Martin and Phyllis Schwartz, in addition to Eleanore and Edward Doumani, Harry and Sue Richard with Donna Curry, Norm Peterson and Dr. Tony and Charlene Carter with Dr. Tony and Renee Marlon.

The reception rooms on the upper level, each with delightful views of the Strip, were amply furnished with serving stations offering fine caviar, seafood, sushi and other delights enjoyed by Jeff and Carol Silver, Dr. and Mrs. Raj Chanderraj, Roger and Sandy Peltyn, Angie Wallin with George Bignotti, Liz Gibson, Patrick Everett, Liz Ackerman, Andy Katz and Annette and Doug Di Silva with Theresa and Michael Minden, as well as Dr. David and Laura Mulkey, Jewel Brooks with Susan Sullivan, Jason Dauphin with Kristi Gurney and Susie Chenin with fiance John Blink.

Celebrities abounded with supermodel Cheryl Tiegs, Alana Stewart, James Caan and Jack Nicholson among the famous faces who made the occasion a must-do in this busy season. Departing guests, tucked into their vehicles by the valet team, found treasure bags filled with Dunhill ties and cigars, fine colognes and perfumes, Cartier stationary and fine French chocolates, sweet reminders of the splendid beginning for the Stirling Club.

Honoring the legend

Sinatra -- his name brings forth an image of Las Vegas at its best -- was once more remembered and honored during festivities proclaiming Dec. 12 as Frank Sinatra Day.

As a part of the celebration, MGM Grand and IGT's Sinatra Slots sponsored a free concert at MGM Grand featuring the late legend's son, Frank Sinatra, Jr. Prior to the concert a star-studded reception at Olio! was held for invited guests, many of them lifelong friends and fellow entertainers of the beloved Las Vegas icon.

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt and husband Blackie attended the reception and concert, as did longtime Sinatra friend Sonny King, joined by Tony Curtis, Robert Goulet, Buddy Grecco and Bernie Allen. Ed Rogich, IGT vice president of marketing, was emcee for the brief program, sharing the stage with fellow IGT executives Tom Baker and Chuck Matthewson. Present were Sinatra's children -- Frank Jr., Tina and Nancy -- along with their mother, Nancy Sinatra and granddaughter Amanda Erlinger.

Seen as well was Las Vegas resident Altovise Davis, widow of the late Sammy Davis Jr., joined by Rich Little, Pat Cooper, Freddie Bell, Marty Allen, Bob Anderson and Steve Rossi, in addition to Rossi Ralenkotter and Rob Powers of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Philharmonic benefit

Showcasing the best of winter's pleasures, Wendy and Richard Plaster recently hosted a Russian reception with sponsor Saks Fifth Avenue, to benefit the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Cossacks served as greeters at the Plasters' Queensridge home, where a lush holiday selection of jewels and furs from Saks were shown and sold that evening, with a percentage of every sale benefiting the philharmonic.

Guests were given vodkas and champagnes while partaking of the Russian-esque menu at the caviar station, smoked salmon board and dessert table. The mood of the evening suited the high spirits of Denise and Dan Reichartz, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Richard Geyer, Josie Snow, Chip and Helen Johnson, Sandra Dinsmore, Kevin and Rosanna Kass and Hilary Berman. Other supporters seen included Margie Conway, Charles Lipshitz, Suzanne Kloud, Aldonna Leskys, James King and Mari and Thom Landers representing Saks.

Holiday party

Super Summer Theatre, the energetic company that brings live theater to Spring Mountain Ranch each summer, met for its Christmas session at the Sunrise Mountain home of longtime supporter Rose Carvey.

Dazzled by the view of the city below, arrivals Rita and Tom Hester, with friends Bill Palmer, Dean Yeager, Cynthia Zeidner and Susan Kastner, were drawn to the balcony for a moment of silent admiration. Nearby SST board members Tish and Harold Smith were doing their clever magic over the food, providing a catered supper served to guests including Anne Brew, Art Baker, Sal and Cindy Garcia, Dee and Myron Thorn and Kathy Gritis accompanied by June Parazinsi.

Socializing were Sue Linda Hill, Alice Rissman, Adrienne O'Donoghue with Ray and Adele Eicher and Mary Gafford. Assisting Nell Baker in arrangements for the auction were Ernst and Shirl Wohlwill, Alice and Rich Altman, Sue and Jim McNutt, Jean Braman and Bethanie and Chris Gist. SST Chairman Jerry Brooks gave an informal program and introduced newly elected advisory board member Bobby Miller, whose wife Christy Miller has long served as coordinator of Super Summer Theatre's production committee.