Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Las Vegas reception fetes famed glass artist

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 7, 2001 | 8:42 a.m.

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

Extensive, exciting, enticing -- all this and more can be used to describe "Glass Comes to Life: Dale Chihuly: The George R. Stroemple Collection." Certain to be hugely popular, the magnificent multi-decade collection will be on exhibit at the Las Vegas Art Museum through April 30.

A comprehensive look at the genius of glass artist Chihuly, the showing opened with a sparkling gala to benefit the museum. Guests were introduced to the artist, often recognized for his signature floral chandelier at the Bellagio. He was then seen with Judge Gil and Edythe Yarchever, museum director Joe Palermo, Gerald Ehrens, Milton and Abigail Schwartz, Sandy Kastel and Jane Radoff with Roger Thomas -- just a few of the multitude complimenting Chihuly on his displayed works.

Touring the exhibit rooms were Frank Schreck, Lynn Schoen with Gloria Sturman, museum trustee Joyce Mack, Rep. Shelley Berkley with husband Dr. Larry Lehrner and sponsors including architects Ed Vance and partner Tom Schoeman of JMA Studios.

The cocktail reception, complete with a popular martini bar and selected wines, was compliments of Deluca Liquor and Wine, Ltd., while the catering and banquet department of the Regent Las Vegas created an elaborate buffet spanning several rooms that was much enjoyed by attendees Cam Fehrenbach and wife Mary McCarthy, John Curtas with Hanh Le, Jerri-Ann and Gary Jacobs, Aubrey and Joanne Goldberg with Dr. Neil Carmena and Barbara Robinson with husband Dr. Andres Costas.

Present as well was Philippe Neraud of Giorgio Armani at the Bellagio, host of a special event the evening prior, also in honor of Chihuly and benefitting the Las Vegas Art Museum. Attending with Neraud was Suzanne Gilmore, joined by Sondra Lynch and husband Robert Mann, Dana Pretner with Todd Andrew, Jeanne Cutolo and Robyn and Mike Phillips.

Benefit success

"2001: A Mardi Gras Odyssey" was an occasion embraced by Southern Nevadans. Supporting the benefit for St. Rose Dominican Hospital in Henderson were physicians and business executives alike who gathered at the Bellagio's grand ballroom for St. Rose's 44th annual gala. Crowned as 2001 Mardi Gras king and queen were former Sen. Richard and Bonnie Bryan.

The opening reception, sponsored by Randall Jones with Howard and Joni Mann, warmed the crowd to the bidding process for luxury goods and travel packages. Verizon Wireless telephones placed at each table later carried the auction into the dining room where spirited action by guests Carol and Ed Zub, Grant Traub with Lori Ferrario and Dr. Gregory Uhl with Lana Barclay, as well as Liane and Alan Perlmutter, Greg and Sharon Carlson, Dr. Patrick and Jocelyn Boland and Robert and Joanne Croke, made the evening a success.

Dr. J. Paul Wiesner and his wife, Dana, chairs of the gala, also served as benefactors as they once again provided the fine wines selected to accompany the gourmet dinner. Serving with the Wiesners were co-chairs Dee and Bill Hunt, along with committee members Kitty Boeddeker, Dr. Karen Thornton, Rod Davis, Sharon Carelli, Frank Rinaldo and others. Paul C. Fisher, inventor of the space pen, who gifted guests with his newest creation, a roller ball pen, attended with Nancy Lee Romonaco and his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Ashley Fisher. Others enjoying the dinner-dance were Frances and Mac MacDonald with Dema Guinn, Dr. Joel and Carol Bower, Brad and Pat Nelson, Jack Wallis, Bud Cranor and Assemblyman David and Chelli Goldwater.

Songs for a cure

"One Night, One Voice, One Goal ... to find a Cure," a splendid evening of fine music slated for March 24 at Mandalay Bay Events Center, will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Renowned tenor Italian Andrea Bocelli, of Tuscany region, accompanied by the 78-piece Russian Symphony Orchestra, will perform at this, the only scheduled West Coast appearance on the tour.

And while the concert is sold out through normal channels, the generosity of the Mandalay Bay Resort Group has shone through in its kind efforts to provide still another block of tickets for use by the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Those purchasing tickets through the charity will enjoy a lavish pre-concert reception honoring International Gaming Technology and its chairman of the board, Charles N. Matthewson, and later enjoy a hosted reception featuring fine desserts, coffees and liqueurs. Tickets and corporate sponsorships for the special evening are available by calling 732-4795.