Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Fund-raiser at Mandalay Bay a success

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 30, 2001 | 8:21 a.m.

Ever wonder how gala events turn out? Do organizers really raise the money they hope to see devoted to worthy causes? Certainly among the most successful recent evening was the Spring Gala hosted by the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.

In its 17th year, the event was held in conjunction with the Andrea Bocelli concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Guests were included in splendid pre- and post-concert receptions, enjoyed fine seats for the magnificent concert and had the opportunity to bid on a luxurious trove of silent-auction packages.

Honored during the festivities was Charles N. Mathewson, chairman of the board for IGT (International Game Technology). Bob and Joni McMonigle were co-chairs for the successful evening, which raised $400,000 to be used for research for a cure for juvenile diabetes. Guests attending the fund-raiser included Dr. John Shephard, former Gov. Bob and Sandy Miller, Michael Severino, Sandy and Mike Mecca, Kim and Ron Rivera and former Gov. Robert and Polly List.

Organization honors

Assisteens Auxiliary of Assistance League of Las Vegas recently honored its graduating seniors with a luncheon event held at the Suncoast. Luncheon chairs were Martha Edwards and daughter Melissa, who coordinated the menu, seating and program for the 70 attending Assisteens, mothers and members of the Assistance League of Las Vegas.

A philanthropic auxiliary serving the Assistance League in Las Vegas, the organization is composed of young women in grades 8-12 who donate their time and talent to community-service projects. Following national guidelines in the formative years, students in 7th grade were also included among the 29 charter members, with the last of these young pioneers finishing their senior year of high school.

Recognized in luncheon ceremonies were these special girls, including Adrianna Evans (chapter chairwoman for 1998-99). Joining her on the dias were Carly Besuden, Maria Gomez, Amanda Hawkins, Paula Maffey (chairwoman 2000-2001), Nicole Millison (chairwoman 1999-2000) and Colleen O'Donnell. Honored as they finished their senior year of service as well were fellow members Carly Besuden, Ashley Costello, Chelsea Fowl, Jessica Giguere, Maria Gomez, Anna Hersel, Amber Wolfram and Monica Wuebker.

Awarded special recognition with the first-annual Coordinators' Choice awards for outstanding service were Kristen Findley, Erin Groebe and Kara Wattoo, while Lynsay Wolfe was recognized for having provided the greatest amount of volunteer hours.

Hospital benefit

Color Us Friends, two days of events to benefit the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation, opened with a congenial luncheon at the MGM Grand Convention Center.

Chaired by Candy Krauseman with committee members including Joanne Evans, Sue Smith, Debbie Ladd, Sherry Comerio, Pat Nation, Linda Schlauder and Virginia Stiles, the luncheon and the gala dinner on Saturday used the theme "From Room To Room."

Ramon Parmenter, this year's featured artist, who works in many artistic mediums including paintings and sculpture, was present and mingled easily with guests Jackie and Paula Izzi, Sue Brandt, Dr. Olivia Lucero-Purdie, Jan Garcia, Mark and Beverly Richards, Pamela Newell and Lincoln and Sarah Spoor.

The Color Us Friends gala, which also featured the art of Parmenter, also served as a benefit occasion to further the multiage community outreach programs of the foundation. The black-tie dinner and art auction was presented by the Sunrise Children's Hospital Foundation board and Dee Ladd, president/CEO.

Among those working tirelessly to create the festive evening were committee members Allan and Carol Stipe, Dave and Helen Brom, Ken Ladd, Eryn Rice, Judy Royer and Richard and Betty Hanseen, with Jacques and Barbara Desrochers. Gathering in formal attire for the pre-dinner reception at the MGM Grand were Doug and Judy Ducharme, Deb and Jordan Primack, Pat Ciccollella, Allen Freer and state Sen. Dina Titus with husband Dr. Tom Wright. Making bids on the silent auction while giving a careful look to the artwork were Steve and Susan Philpott, Maureen and Richard Romito, Somer and Peggy Hollingsworth, Dr. Brad Karon and his wife, and Annette and Russell Spriggs, joined by Kathy and Richard Crews, Ted and Kayleen Willoughby and Carrie and Jose Sanchez.

Auctioneer Christian Kolberg, attending with wife Lara, discussed the bidding process with Joseph and Leanne McLaughlin, John and Teri Cahlan, Dr. Dennis Headings, Ron and Suzie Cameron and Dr. Marjo Hendrickson. Relaxing at dinner and later cheering on the bidders were foundation board members including Dr. Parker Kurlinski, Peggy Smith, Ann Lynch, Dr. William Evans, Sue Brandt, Michael and Theresa Minden, Steven Rigazio and others.