Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Fund-raiser benefits American Heart Association

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2001 | 8:45 a.m.

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

A glittering evening with more than 900 formally-attired guests present, the Heart of Gold Ball was celebrated with great style on Saturday at the Aladdin. A benefit for the American Heart Association, the elegant dinner dance was co-chaired by Dr. Gregory Uhl, of Cardiology Associates of Lake Mead, and James Murren, president and CFO of MGM MIRAGE.

Proceeds will fund heart education efforts in Southern Nevada, as well as expand placement of electronic defibrillators used on heart-attack victims and assist with research to combat cardiovascular disease, the No. 1 cause of death in the United States.

In keeping with the evening's Arabian Nights theme, a silent auction with all its many treasures was adorned with bronze coins, silken cloths and exotic lamps. Drawn to the bidding tables were Dr. Joel and Carol Bower, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed with Annie Ben-David, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Dr. Jeffrey and Monterey Brookman, Bill Boyd with Judy Vieths, Gina Polovino and Ira Sternberg.

Mixing congenially with the enormous crowd were key gala committee volunteers, including Gillian Silver (communications), Tim Boatman (entertainment), Nancy Patton and Jeanine Warren-Newman (ballroom decor), Gina Morrello (graphics and printing), Bob and Laura Frankenberg (journal), Joanna Wares (auction) and Geri Clark (reservations). Nearby with friends were Rob and Lynne Hunter, David and Jacque Matthews, past honoree Dr. Jerry Routh and his wife, Cheryl, Dr. Paul and April Stewart, newlyweds Trish Williamson and John Bastian, and Ed Zub seen with Mike Sloan.

Among those purchasing a table for the gala was cardiologist Dr. Leo Spaccavento with his wife, Sandy, who celebrated their 28th anniversary that evening. Toasting the couple were friends Drs. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs, Sandy and Roger Peltyn and Jerry and Phyllis Shore. Others enjoying the occasion included Gary and Chrisse Waddell, Laurie and John Haley, Larry Rodis, Kelly Culverson and Michele Richardson, assistant city manager of North Las Vegas.

Dinner event

Music and a fine meal set among elegant surroundings will be offered at a splendid dinner event planned for Saturday by Pacesetters co-chairs Dr. Neville and Esther Pokroy, with Dr. Joseph and Bat-Sheva Shalev and Dr. Geoffrey and Charlene Sher.

Slated to begin at 6:15 p.m. at the Four Seasons, the evening will feature Peter Yarrow, performing with his daughter Bethany. Peter, a legendary talent who rose to prominence as a leading member of the folk group Peter, Paul and Mary, and Bethany will share stories and songs with attending guests. Their inspirational program is a special evening for donors who contribute $1,000 or more to the 2001 Jewish Federation of Las Vegas Annual Campaign. For further details and reservations, contact Lauren Eisenberg at 732-0556.

Donation presented

Joan LeMere, president of the Las Vegas branch of the National League of American Pen Women, had the recent pleasure of presenting a $500 donation to the Nevada Women's History Project.

Jane Olive, Southern Region president of NWHP, in accepting the check, explained the funds will provide support for research of history about the roles and contributions of Nevada women. A national organization with some 4,000 members, American Pen Women was founded in 1897 to promote and enhance the lives of professional women in the arts, letters and music, and has maintained a chapter in Las Vegas since 1951. Its endeavors include the sponsorship of a Writer's Seminar on March 10 at UNLV, as well as statewide art competitions.

Check presentation ceremonies were held during a recent luncheon gathering at Cafe Nicolle and were attended by Carole Bellmyre, Nevada State president of the National League of Pen Women, as well as political activist Florence McClure, former state legislator Gene Segerblom and noted artist Noreen Pico.

Members and guests also included Maureen Schnitzer, Vicki Williams, Elizabeth Perry, Marge Lotspeich, Connie Shelton, Marion Kohler, Gwen Burg, Jean Baker, Margaret Loyd and Heather Latimer. Others seen at the luncheon included Barbara Hunter, Joan Maule, Jan Jellins, Mary Gafford, Joanne Trahan, Bea Ratcliff, Joyce Murdy and Rose Irwin, state president of the Nevada Women's History Project.

Frankie Williams, in full- character costume, presented a chautauqua performance about the late Judy Belt Bayley, fondly remembered as the first lady of gaming, for whom UNLV's Judy Bayley Theatre is named. Bayley, wife/partner and, later, widow of the former owner of the Hacienda, Warren "Doc" Bayley, was a generous philanthropist who donated to many community causes including animal rescue efforts. Prior to her husband's death she worked behind the scenes to create our city's famed hospitality style, helped to implement the original concept of the "flying cocktail gambler flights" to the city and later took over control of the Hacienda's corporate group.

In the 1960s these holdings included six hotels, three casinos, two development companies and a 750,000-acre ranch, as well as the New Frontier in Las Vegas.