Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: De la Renta designs shine at benefit

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, June 6, 2001 | 8:26 a.m.

Susan and Andrew Tompkins' exquisite home in Rancho Circle was the perfect backdrop for the splendors of the recent Las Vegas Philharmonic benefit. Their Mediterranean-style villa, with its graceful terrace and sweeping lawns and gardens provided an ideal venue for the exclusive gathering of 100 patrons.

Oscar de la Renta, the world-renowned fashion designer, in his first personal appearance in our city, proved to be a gracious presence who easily conversed with guests and later presented his fall and holiday 2001 collection to the audience. Master Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso at Bellagio, preparing his grandmother's favorite paella at the garden cooking center of the home, received acclaim for the Spanish-flavored dinner.

Sharon Bader, chairwoman, and honorary chair Pat Lionel with husband Sam Lionel mingled with arrivals including Scott and Esther Wallace with Dr. Neil Carmena, Paul and Char Hejmanowski, Dr. Jim and Caty Jones, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Becky Binion Behnen and Jane Bob Fielden, as well as Kathleen and Wayne Newton, Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, Michael Schulman and Sue and Paul Lowden.

The fashions, classically beautiful in design and appeal, were presented poolside following dinner. Taking careful notes of the colors and stylings were Bill and Lynn Weidner, who later won the three-day New York City trip for de la Renta's spring 2002 fashion preview.

Equally enchanted by the beautiful clothing were Rohk and Mariam Afshai, Jewel Brooks with Susan Sullivan, Farag Asaad, Dorothy and Don Kemp, Nancy and Kell Houssels, Jim Carter, Bill Thomas and Andrea Marnell with Tita Loza. In the audience as well was Bill Marion, Las Vegas Philharmonic's officer for development, and his fiancee, Renee Haught, who discussed plans for their fall wedding with Terri Monsour of Neiman Marcus, which sponsored the enchanted evening.

Nathan honored

Arte Nathan, a beloved member of the Las Vegas community, was honored at the recent Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada gala held at Bellagio. Jointly chaired by Brad Friedmutter, Alan Feldman, Paul Bodner and Richard Aarenau, the evening put the spotlight on Nathan, a nationally recognized human resource professional, community volunteer and family man.

Early arrivals at the successful event gathered on the garden terrace, among them Ruth and Andy Urban, Mary Bel Hernandez with Jimmy Sanders, Larry and Roberta Brown, Dr. Larry Lehrner with wife Congresswoman Shelley Berkley and Randi and Robert Lampert with Julie Kingsley. Many previewed the auction treasures that included art photography by Nathan's wife, Kathleen, an award-winning photographer.

Visiting with friends and associates as they waited to congratulate the honoree were Mel Wolzinger, Linda Fresh, Ginger and Helen Bruner and May Muskin with Chuck King and Carlo Celoni. Committee members attending with friends included Dr. Don and Sandy McHenry, Mujahid Ramadan and Nancy Katz, joined by retired Judge Gil and Edythe Yarchever, who were seen with Dottie Nathan, mother of the honoree.

Dinner, a sumptuous meal, was served at tables draped with golden damask cloth and adorned with centerpieces of spring roses and lilacs. Opening ceremonies included comments by JCC board member Brad Friedmutter who reported, "This is my first year on the gala committee. I am impressed by the level of willing participation and contributions." Presenting the evening's award to Nathan was JCC president Carole Pockey.