Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: LV Boys & Girls Clubs celebrate anniversary

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 9, 2001 | 8:19 a.m.

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

James Cashman Jr. and Jackie Gaughan Sr. were honored by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas Foundation during its recent 40th anniversary celebration and fund-raising event.

The invitation-only evening to applaud these two founding board members was hosted by Denise and Tim Cashman at their home in Tournament Hills. Speaking on behalf of the foundation was Anniversary Committee Chairman Phil Peckman, who praised supporters for helping recognize the pioneering spirit that brought about the formation of this vital youth organization.

Former Sen. Richard Bryan spoke of the club's fledgling efforts in 1961 with a mere 50 members, a sharp contrast to today's service to 12,200 children at 12 neighborhood sites, with special concern for those from disadvantaged situations. Boys & Girls Clubs work to build character, help children to gain skills to improve behavior and attitude through youth activities. Young people of all nationalities, races and creeds join together in wholesome recreation, education and companionship.

Looking on during the ceremonies with particular interest were community leaders including Dr. Donald Dombrowski with Evelyn Kitt, Ted and Maria Quirk, George and Diane Kneeland, Wayne and Doris Williams, Dr. Dwight Meirhenry, Jan and Herb Jones, Angie and Pete Becker and Alan and Beverly Duncan.

Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner and a delectable array of desserts, prepared by Wild Sage Cafe and spirits from Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, all served at tables graced by tropical arrangements provided by Flower Fair. Attending board members and their wives instrumental in planning the dinner were Steve and Wendy Kalb, Ken and Tracey Knauss, Stuart and Jane Engs and incoming Foundation President Dan and Jane Russell. Laura Fritz and Cindy Klein assisted with final details and greeted arriving guests, among them Michael and Paula Gaughan, Leah and Michael Benjamin, Mary Kaye Cashman with husband Chief Justice William Maupin of the Nevada Supreme Court, and Diane and Kenny Epstein.

Much of the balmy spring evening was spent on the patio overlooking the Tournament Players Club Golf Course. Seen in the crowd were Gerald Gillock, Richard Crane, Jerry Herbst, Kitty Rodman, Robert Shay, Jennifer Hitt, Bob Stupak, Mike Weber, Wayde Klein and Mark and Linda McKinley. Others supporting the event included Patty and Emmett Sullivan, Mel Wolzinger, Lynn and Tom Wiesner, Michael and Nancy Corrigan, Bonnie and Joseph Blasco, Tamara and Si Redd, Claudine Williams, Bill Moore, Evelyn and Jack Libby and Kathy and Ernie Becker Jr.

Evening with Gans

Sparkle and substance went hand-in-hand at "An Evening with Danny Gans and Friends," the Lili Claire Foundation gala at the Mirage. Opening with a splendid cocktail reception in the Mirage's grand ballroom, guests were indulged with the finest offerings from the hotel's restaurants, including Renoir, Mikado, Kokomo's and California Pizza Kitchen.

Spotted in the elegant crowd was UNLV football coach John Robinson, Stephanie Boixo, Bernie Yuman, Norm Jenkins, Michael Wilkiens, Ken Henderson and Lana Trevisan. Celebrities, among them Jane Kaczmarek, Angie Dickinson, Shari Belafonte, Kevin Sorbo, Jenny McCarthy and Ivan Sergei, mingled easily with guests and graciously posed for photos on the red-carpet entry and throughout the evening.

The Lili Claire Foundation was founded three years ago by "Friends" casting director Leslie Litt Resnick and her husband Keith Resnick when their daughter, Lili Claire, died of Williams Syndrome. A neurogenetic birth defect resulting in serious physical problems as well as severe-to-moderate retardation, Williams Syndrome can place enormous burdens on the families of afflicted children.

The Lili Claire Foundation creates programs and services for those diagnosed with Williams syndrome, as well as those with Down syndrome and autism. Proceeds from the Las Vegas event will directly benefit the Lili Claire/UNLV Life Skills Center, a facility soon to be constructed, which will be instrumental in providing life skills and vocational training for young adults.

The evening continued with a show in the Danny Gans Theatre with entertainment by Jeff Probst and Gans, followed by a sparkling after-party, once more in the grand ballroom, which had been transformed into a nightclub. Guests danced into the wee hours to the sounds of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, the Young Dubliners, Coolio and Vinx. International coffees, liqueurs and fine desserts concluded the evening.

Artful students

Last week District Court Judge Michael L. Douglas had the distinct pleasure of hosting the award ceremonies for the 11th annual Spirit of Nevada art contest. Held in his courtroom, the event was the culmination of a program designed to identify, recognize and reward young art talent in our community. The top three winners received letters and prize money of $50, $75 and $100, personally provided by Douglas.

Interestingly, this year all three winners were students of Bob Nicholson at Palo Verde High School. Taking first place was Orlando Montenegm, (grade 12), while Madeline Tremaine (grade 10) placed second, followed by Brandon Lopez (grade 12) in third place. The student artwork, with framing provided by Ryan Gallery, will be exhibited in the courtroom and jury orientation area. The Spirit of Nevada art contest was begun by the late District Court Judge Addeliar D. Guy III in 1989.

Volunteer efforts

Christmas in April, in its eighth year, was celebrated by 37 Las Vegas homeowners as 3,000 volunteers worked jointly to rehabilitate homes throughout our community. Corporate volunteers, first identifying homeowners who need assistance with their property, have as their goal safe and secure housing so qualified participants may live independently in their homes.

Christmas in April is the leading community rehabilitation agency, providing home repair services to the elderly and disabled through a variety of programs including this annual event. Over the years some 200 local homeowners have been served, with the typical home project costing $5,000, which is leveraged with volunteer efforts to provide nearly $20,000 in services.

Taking major leadership roles in coordinating this massive undertaking are citizens including Barbara Helgren, Darcy Neighbors, Al O'Neal, Carmen Rodriguez, Margaret Stanish, Joy Whitecotton and Sandy Thompson, joined by Keith Lane, executive director of Christmas in April, and fellow staffer Therese Elliot.

Fund-raiser scheduled

The Las Vegas branch of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society is seeking individuals to serve as celebrity waiters at the upcoming Planet Hollywood Celebrity Waiter dinner. Slated for Monday at 6 p.m. at the restaurant, the evening is an ideal time to gather friends and help raise funds for a most worthy cause. Tickets are $50 each for the evening, which will include a slice of humor from Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman. He will be joined by radio personalities Chet Buchanan, Amy Sweet and Dangerboy of KLUC 98.5-FM, plus surprise appearances by Strip entertainers and opportunities for prizes and auction treasures. Contact Deann Cline of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, at 436-4220 for all the details.

Correction

An error appeared in last week's column, in the story concerning the Desert Passage luncheon, with an incorrect spelling of Kelly Vega's name. My sincere apologies to Vega and all Sun readers.