Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Event benefits Alzheimer’s research

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 23, 2001 | 8:24 a.m.

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

Perhaps it is only natural for a city known for beating impossible odds to be taking on the most insidious of diseases, Alzheimer's disease. Last week the fifth annual, hugely successful benefit for Alzheimer's disease research was held at Postrio in the Venetian.

Jointly presented by Wolfgang Puck, Robert "Bobby" Baldwin, Kenny Epstein, Madison Graves II and Larry Ruvo, the exclusive evening drew a monied group of private citizens, philanthropists and celebrities, even the esteemed researcher Dr. Leon Thal, chairman of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California, San Diego's School of Medicine.

Swirling through the tropical entry, past the leopard skin-attired beauties and security in colonial garb were Anne and Brian Menzel, Lynn and Bill Weidner, Linda Fresh with Brad Friedmutter, Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, Mike Sloan, Jack and Nancy Weinstein and participating celebrities including Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme, Phyllis McGuire, Angie Dickinson and Paul Anka.

Sold out from the moment the save-the-date cards arrived, the $1,200-a-ticket event was so graciously supported by both attendees and absentee well-wishers that $500,000 was made before dinner was served. The merriment and generosity displayed at the treasure-packed auctions pushed the evening's proceeds beyond dreams to a cool $1 million.

In the early crush many viewed architectural renderings of Phase One of the Lou Ruvo Alzheimer's Center, a planned Las Vegas center designed for residents with family support services on site. Viewing the designs were Ellen and Frank Arcella, Stan Bell, Steve Mathis, Bill Richardson with son Billy, Robin Brooks Townsend with her mother Jewel Brooks, and Katherine Sullivan.

Dining on the exquisite meal prepared at Postrio by Puck, with support from partners David Robins, Tom Kaplan, Joe Essa and Greg Harrington, were Gov. Kenny Guinn with wife and Nevada first lady Dema, Heidi and Larry Canarelli, Pete and Angie Becker, Stan and Angeliki Fulton, Steve and Elaine Wynn, Drs. Ted and Parvin Modaber-Jacobs, Sandy and Roger Peltyn and Kenny and Ginger Kuykenda.

Creating the smooth flow of the evening with their careful planning were the Steering Committee members, led by Donna Baldwin with volunteer support by Kara Tucker, Michael Severino, Damon Gross, Cheryl Fish, Andrew Hagopian and Kimberly Gora. Proceeds directly impact research, education, family support and care of those affected by Alzheimer's disease, America's fourth leading cause of death.

Chapter reception

Executive Women International's Las Vegas chapter recently enjoyed a cocktail reception and program hosted by El Portal Collections at the El Portal store at Mandalay Bay. Julie Taus, comptroller for Manpower in Southern Nevada, and chapter president, greeted attendees including Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Alma Fulford, Patty Taylor-Land, Diana Hart, Diane West, Gina Miller, Jeri Nolan and 30-year member Bea Waite, who attended with her husband, Howie Waite.

Giving an overview of the El Portal Group, a national concern now boasting of 160 luxury leather goods stores and headquartered in Las Vegas, was Jim Borsack, vice president of marketing. His speech on customer profiles, public service and select merchandise, coupled with corporate expansion and opportunity, was fascinating -- as evidenced by the attentive audience including Mark Anderson, Andy Katz, Peggy Brewer, Donna Parker, Paula Christensen, Kitty Rodman, Jodi Cohen and Steve Cuomo.

Present for their son's speech were corporate founders Don and Lois Borsack, also of Las Vegas, who began operations in 1936 as our city's first air-conditioned retail business. Later mingling with their guests, the Borsacks were joined by executives including their granddaughter, Hillary Borsack, who serves as store manager for the Mandalay Bay location, as well as regional manager John Jackson and Jennifer Hedden, assistant to company president Donny Borsack.

Fund-raising event

Girls Day, a special fund-raising event of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, matches women from the business community and girls from single-parent, disadvantaged homes for a day of fun, games, food and prizes. Funds for the event, which is free to the young girls, are raised by participating contributors and companies that send $40 for each woman who participates. For the May 12 event (the twentieth annual) the major sponsors included Southwest Gas, NOS Communications and PacificCare.

Following an entertaining welcome by members of Las Vegas' own boy band, 4-NOW, and performances by the Doolittle Community Center Jam Squad, teams were formed and games began. Wearing Girls Day T-shirts in the club colors of sage and purple, the young members and women played several hours of fun, competitive games. Lunch straight from the barbecue was served by board members Alan Duncan (Prudential Securities), Norm Jenkins (Sav-Mor Rental Cars/Sporting House) and Paul Marsh (Unit Director at the D.W. Reynolds Club).

Planning the day to smooth-running perfection was chair Kristi Becker with committee members Rebecca Johnson, Stefanie Bodnar, Karen Johnson, Tina Alhona, Lindsay Fredricks, Jessie Brown, Sara Costello, Linda Udall and Christy Daffren. Others lending their time included Kim Harney, Dawn Gearhear, Kathy Whittaker, Jacque Griffin, Katherine Speck and Monica Demore. Participating as well were Joyce Luman, Ashley Rotundo, Kari Kuh, Stacey Lied, Nina Radetich and Kathleen Foley, to name just a few.

Awards, farewells and the surprise distribution of goodie bags to each girl, filled with donated items from our generous business community, concluded the day.