Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2001 | 8:19 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfyt@ prodigy.net.
Sandy and Stan Mallin were honored by the congregation of Temple Beth Sholom during a splendid gala held in the temple's new ballroom. Guests numbering 350 entered through a tent decorated by Paige Dixon of Subrose, who also designed the table centerpieces for the gourmet dinner.
The magnificent marble and mosaic entry hall was laden with ice and food sculptures all lit by customized lighting created by Aric Rosenberg of Lighting F/X, which replicated the hats-off logo chosen for the event. Majestic Catering of Las Vegas and Los Angeles provided carving stations, Chinese-food serving isles and both sushi- and cold-appetizer tables, while scores of waiting staff passed with trays of delectable temptations. Sidney Chaplin of Southern Wine and Spirits donated all the liquor and wines for the evening. Playing during the cocktail hour was the Meshuggins Klezmorium band.
In the gathering crowd of the silent auction circle were Carol and Jeff Zucker, Steve and Dawn Mack, Abigail and Milton Schwartz, Joyce and Mort Galane, Sandy Mecca and Joanie and Bob McMonigle. Competing for such items as a Hugo Boss tuxedo and Swarovsky crystal bag from Neiman Marcus were Ambassador Chic and Mrs. Hecht, Lynne and Arne Rosencrantz, Tom and Marla Letizia, Fleta and Leonard Goldstein and Yvette and Ellis Landau. Marcy Saxe chaired the construction-themed silent auction.
Dinner guests were amused by the clever antics of Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman as he auctioned off a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, which his wife Carolyn was bidding on, but which was finally won by Dr. Jerry and Reesa Niznick. Other generous winners in the luxury competition included Mitch and Melissa Ogron (a black enamel-and-diamond necklace donated by Mayor's Jewelry) and Regina and Robert Raphaelson (a Fred Lieghton diamond watch).
Co-chairing the gala were Mona Silverman and Arlene Blut, joined in the careful planning by attorney Jerry Blut, who served as a very amusing master of ceremonies. Entertainment included a most unusual "guest appearance" by God and songs sung in Yiddish by a Mandy Patinkin look-alike, portrayed by Cantor Daniel Friedman. The Mallins were honored with gifts from the temple including the establishment of a scholarship to the temple preschool in their names to be used by underprivileged children. Recognizing the couple as well were Rabbie Felipe Goodman, Rep. Shelley Berkley and Sen. Harry Reid.
Unfortunately detained in New York by snowstorms, several of the Mallin children were absent from this special evening. Pleased to be present, however, was daughter Jessica Mallin, joined by Stan's sister and brother-in-law Adrienne and Ronnie Rosenberg of Oklahoma. Also in the crowd were Ron and Judy Mack, Lil and Ken Glicken, Lillian and Henry Kronberg, Dr. Leon Steinberg, Emily and Mike Novick, Las Vegas Councilman Michael Mack and Scott and Susan Langsner. The Mallins were responsible for raising the nearly $9 million necessary to build the new Temple Beth Sholom in Summerlin this year.
Standing corrected
On a personal note, may I say that starting the New Year with an error in this column was never my intention.
Laurie Kendrick was mentioned with a spelling error in her name last week. Kendrick, who recently directed the Wild Sage Cafe staff in its delectable catering efforts for the Junior League of Las Vegas, created the perfect ambiance for the elegant affair at the home of Denise and Tim Cashman. With great aplomb, Kendrick and her well-prepared team balanced this event with dozens more during the holiday season, all while keeping the restaurant in Green Valley filled with equally happy clients. I remain a fan of her style and creative menus.
Association assists
One of the most heart-warming stories to emerge from the yuletide season past was the selfless volunteer effort provided by the Food and Beverage Directors Association of Nevada. In an industry that never slows down, and at the height of a demanding holiday entertainment and banquet schedule, these members once again set aside personal time to serve at Opportunity Village's Magical Forest. From Thanksgiving through New Year's Eve, this association handled full operations of the food booth inside the Forest each evening, garnering a record $76,500 to benefit the mentally challenged clients of Opportunity Village.
Association Chairman Kurt Weinrich, assistant food and beverage director of Boyd Gaming's California hotel-casino, committed 42 evenings to work in the booth and supervise volunteers. With fellow members, Weinrich helped to fund and solicit product donations from local businesses for the food booth in addition to recruiting volunteers for the work force needed nightly. The Food and Beverage Directors Association of Nevada is a nonprofit association committed to donating its time and collective expertise for the enrichment of the community, primarily through education. Its efforts have resulted in $200,000 for scholarships at UNLV, Vo-Tech, the Community College of Southern Nevada and Area Tech.
Vacation tales
On the move in recent weeks were Realtors Paul and Wende Bell, who flew to sunny Spain accompanied by son Jarrett. The couple used the 10-day trip to visit with son Paul Jr., an exchange student attending a sister school to George Washington University in Madrid. A graduate of Bishop Gorman High School, Paul Jr. is using his junior year in Spain to hone his language and international business skills. He will return to complete his undergraduate degree at Auburn University in June.
The Bell family enjoyed a royal tour of historic cities, including a memorable New Year's Eve in Marbella, and then a tour of Ronda on New Year's Day. The time spent in Barcelona, Granada and Seville brought back special memories to Wende, who had also spent her junior year in Spain. Interestingly, the couple still kept business cooking at home, closing three property deals by using Internet cafes during their travels.
Also flying the friendly skies for a delightful vacation were Gary and Chrisse Waddell, who relaxed during their time in Belize. They report wonderful experiences in the English-speaking country, with unexpectedly terrific food, pristine beaches and restful moments. They chose several eco-tours of the interior, including touring Mayan ruins and an orangutan preserve, finding their guides quite proud of their nation's stellar reputation for environmental preservation.
Delayed almost to the point of cancellation, attorney Nancy Allf and husband Dave Thomas finally departed Las Vegas for a planned escape to Costa Rica. Dave, a political consultant who ran statewide congressional races around the West, had planned the trip as a second honeymoon for his bride of two years. Fighting off a dreaded virus on his part and work overload on hers, the couple eventually arrived in Costa Rica without luggage, without cares or plans. Theirs was a leisurely vacation with many hours spent reading on the beach and pleasant dinners spent with law school friends who also joined them on a deep-sea fishing excursion.
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