Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Fashion show, luncheon a benefit for hospice

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2001 | 8:16 a.m.

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

The splashy reception, fashion show and luncheon at Four Seasons was sponsored by Neiman Marcus, with Susan Molasky, Beth Weinberger and Teresa Fertitta as co-chairwomen for Nathan Adelson Hospice, joined by Terri Monsour, general manager for Neiman Marcus in Las Vegas. The elegant affair honoring Elaine Wynn drew an enormous response from the fashionable women of Southern Nevada.

Gathering for the early reception and preview of raffle treasures were Marilyn Moran and longtime friend Janice Seiler, Pam Rothman with Arlene Selznick, Mary Louise Sloan, Andrea Thomas with Helene Walker, Joan Deiro seen with Frances MacDonald and Francine Pulliam Graves, as well as Lovee Arum, Rene O'Reilly and Margie Conway. Finding their assigned seats for the runway fashion show were Avis Jansen and Thalia Dondero, Becky Boman, Peggie Groon with Debbie Munch, Rose Rogers and Anna Rydell, joined in the congenial audience by Sue Becker, Hope Anstett, Chantal Cloobeck, Lottie Polis, Judith Harriman and Claudine Williams.

Proceeds from the splendid event will be used to support the many health and family programs of the Nathan Adelson Hospice, our community's only nonprofit hospice since 1978.

Ready to ride

The coming weeks will bring some terrific events to help the less fortunate of our city. On Saturday the annual Just 4 Kids Motorcycle Toy Run, in conjunction with Police Officers Riding 4 Kids (P.O.R.K.), will offer a pleasant mix of celebrities and local dignitaries to participate. Branscombe Richmond, who portrayed Bobby Sixkiller in the long-running television series "Renegade," plans to return for the event, which drew more than 400 riders and garnered many toys and cash donations for needy kids last year. Mayor Oscar Goodman will open the ride from atop an antique fire truck. Riders will gather for breakfast and registration at Buffalo Bill's in Primm 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., with full details by calling A.C. Coin Nevada at 361-4451.

Shalmy honored

Given the name the Big Gala, the recent evening to honor Donald "Pat" Shalmy, retiring president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, was a special occasion indeed. A fund-raiser to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada, the evening put the spotlight on this worthy organization that matches adults and children for long-term mentoring.

Gathering at Caesars Palace for the pre-event reception were Councilman Larry Brown, Jeff Silver, Berlyn and Mollie Miller, Heidi Watt, Jim and Judy Kropid and retired Gen. Billy McCoy with wife Linda. Many bid on the sensational items offered at silent auction, including Rick Holmes, Dee and Don Snyder, Dawn and Randy Oakes and Big Brothers Big Sisters chairman-elect Larry Singer.

The gala dinner-dance, chaired by Ed Crispell of Imperial Palace and his wife, Terry, included an inspirational program by Sahara headliner, magician Steve Wyrick, who spoke of his own years as a "little brother" after his father died. In the audience were many who danced and later enjoyed the program honoring Shalmy, his wife, Joy, and their many community efforts.

Seen in the crowd were gala co-chairs Peggy Sanders and Steve Des Champs, Farrow and Helen Smith, County Commissioner Bruce Woodbury and his wife, as well as board member Solveig Thorsrud, Kara Kelley, Lillian McMorris and former Las Vegas newsman and Big Brothers advocate Dave Courvoisier, who came from Missouri to once again champion this worthy cause.

Angel luncheon

Mesquite Club's community services committee recently presented an angel-themed luncheon chaired by Mary Ann Hantout with vice chairwoman Ruth Egan. An early preview of the shining holiday season ahead, the luncheon at the Mesquite Clubhouse was made especially lovely by the use of angel centerpieces created by Trish Heinzman, Lydia Zeller, Agnes Canfield and Sandy Gibbons.

Committee members organizing the well-attended luncheon included Betty Relyea, Joan Smallwood, Jane Price, Rita Collins, Maggie Ellman, Velma Haselton, Lois Evora and Peggy Broxterman.

The delectable luncheon featuring recipes from Mesquite Club's successful cookbook was prepared with great skill by other committee members, including Mary Snow, Nora Wieland, Nancy Zangl, Ardene Larson and Mollie Murphy, while Marion Kohler, Karen Lobach, Barbara Parker, Doris Balducci and Ginny Alvarez took on other hospitality duties. Attendees included Evelyn Baird, Betty Rennwick, Ann Kleinert, Mary Lou Braun, Emanel Milligan, Doris Wartman and Golda Tobler and Maureen Schnitzer, as well as Rita Isom, Alice Pearson, Lois Freeman and Sara Southard.