Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Andre Agassi charity event again a Grand affair

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2001 | 8:25 a.m.

Splendid, planned to perfection and outstanding in every way, the Andre Agassi Foundation's Grand Slam for Children benefit at MGM Grand drew the eyes of the world to Las Vegas once more.

An elite crowd from around the nation gathered in black-tie finery for spirited bidding on the bountiful silent auction and discussion of the live auction items, including private lessons with tennis greats Stefanie Graf and Agassi.

Seen attending the gala benefit for local efforts to help needy children and the new Agassi Academy were Esther and Scott Wallace, Terry Graves with Francine Pulliam, former Gov. Bob and Sandy Miller, Maureen and Tio DiFederico with the Perry Rogers family, as well as Pam and Joe Brown, Elaine Wynn, Roger Thomas, Sam Harlan, Sheila Beaton, Gary and Sandy Thompson, Ashley Hall and Lou and Jerry Emmert with Clark County Superintendent of Schools Carlos Garcia with wife Gail.

Gracing the occasion with their support as well were Judge Ron and Leslie Parraguirre, Jean and Bill Curran, Carolyn Sparks with attorney-son Robert Sparks, Mel Larson, Stan Hunterton with Barbara Mulholland and Billy Walters, as well as serious auction bidders Ernie and Brian Moody, sportscaster Pat O'Brien and Dr. Joe Thornton with wife Dr. Geraldine Joiner, their daughter Alexis and a table full of friends.

Chefs for Kids

Even as we seek to recover as a nation from the tragedies of Sept. 11, the needs of our community's children continue to be recognized and served by those wishing to make a difference.

Turning out early to help feed and educate at-risk children, chefs from Sam's Town hosted the Chefs for Kids Breakfast at Lois Craig Elementary. Sponsored by the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation, the Fraternity of Executive Chefs is comprised of hotel-casinos including Sam's Town, Arizona Charlie's, Golden Nugget, Riviera, Circus Circus and others. Donating food for the breakfast were local vendors including Desert Gold, A&J Cheese, Redi Spuds and US Foods.

After the meal the young students worked with a licensed nutritionist and related classroom activities geared toward teaching about good food choices.

Festival honors

Recognized for their work on behalf of the Utah Shakespearean Festival, Susan and Andrew Tompkins were recently honored during ceremonies held at the festival in Cedar City, Utah.

The Tompkins, with a longtime commitment to the arts in the southwest, have been instrumental in the success of the 40-year-old festival, frequently accommodating guests for board meetings, conferences and fund development, as well as arranging casting sessions while working closely with festival founder-producer Fred C. Adams. Their Illuminaries Award, given during luncheon ceremonies at the festival at Southern Utah University, reflected the diversity and reach of activities necessary for the ongoing success of the Tony Award-winning summer/fall event.

Pen Women

Joan LeMere recently presided over the opening luncheon for the National League of Pen Women's Las Vegas chapter. The annual fall gathering was held at the Summit restaurant in Summerlin and drew a large attendance. An organization comprised of professional writers, artists, composers and theater-arts women, it also provides a forum and often special events for emerging poets, visual artists and writers.

LeMere, president of the organization, had the pleasure of introducing national president Dr. Wanda Rider, who resides at the Pen Woman's headquarters in historic Georgetown in Washington. Her luncheon speech centered on restoration efforts of the historic building, as well as insights to the ongoing research in women's studies by the national organization.

Present were many notable Las Vegas women, among them Jeanne Williams, Mary Shaw, Carole Bellmyre, Joanne Trahan, Barbara Nosek, Sharon Yanoshak, Geri Strader and Elizabeth Perry, as well as Eleanor Badik, Jonelle Polansky and Barbara Hunter. Membership information is available by calling LeMere at 456-9242.