Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Silent auction benefits Red Cross efforts

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2001 | 9:36 a.m.

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

Caviarteria and Amandari jointly hosted a benefit evening for the American Red Cross' New York Relief Fund. On display and offered for silent auction were exquisite pieces of Indonesian art from Amandari including paintings, sculpture and tapestries.

Held at Caviarteria, the champagne and caviar bar at the Forum Shops at Caesars, arriving guests including Tina Chura, Sandy Windom with daughter Jennifer Schmidt, Betty Vander Kloot, Robert Ballance Jr., Donna and Tim Lafferty and Patricia Martinelli-Price, quickly joined the crowd spread through the two floors to view the offered pieces.

Many were warmly welcomed by Amadari owner Marilee Latham with her husband, Larry Latham, and her partner, Sam Harlan, who explained 100 percent of the auction proceeds would be given to the American Red Cross for its relief efforts.

In the bidding crowd was Dale Thompson, owner of Grammy's -- The Art of Music, a new venture at the Forum Shops that will replace the Warner Brothers store later this fall. In the mix as well were Brenda Holmes, attorney Andras Barbero, Deborah De Fouza, Patty Morrow and Jeannette Carrillo, joined by interior designers Michele Dahdah, David Copenhaver and Roberta Elbo.

Hoedown happenings

Frank and Bonnie Martin, at home on their estate-like Bitter Root Ranch, were generous hosts of the recent Miss Kitty's Jeans to Jewels western hoedown and barbecue. An occasion to support Opportunity Village, the family-styled evening was a roaring success, beginning with the drive down the ranch road where a herd of genuine Longhorn cattle peered peacefully over the pasture fences.

Attending with their friends and families were Liz and Pete Gibson, Sharry Quillin, Ken and Dee Ladd, Floss Schumacher with Sondra Lynch, Thom and Mari Landers, Judge Bill Jansen, Lynn and Dr. Rob Hunter, Dee and Don Snyder, Jane and Tommy Krobe and Brad and Pat Nelson.

Under a crescent moon, guests basked in the finest of late summer evenings, many taking part in country-western dancing and riding exhibitions. Dining from a very tasty barbecue supper provided by Station Casinos and served by UNLV Hotel College students, guests sipped margaritas and specialty beers from Border Grill, all the while relaxing on the Martins' spacious lawns and adjoining paddocks.

In the crowd of 700 was John Wasserburger, past host to the first eight Miss Kitty events. Miss Kitty herself -- philanthropist Kitty Rodman -- was seen with University Regent Thalia Dondero, Claudine Williams, Denise and George Mehocic, Jeff and Monica Guinn, Carl Rowe and the evening's emcee, Jack Sheehan. Music during dinner was a classical guitar program by Miguel De Hoyas, who came from Mexico to provide this special gift of music to Opportunity Village.

Anniversary show

Steve Wyrick's recent first anniversary party at the Sahara began with a short talk by Wyrick, who expressed sympathy over the recent national tragedies and encouraged attendees to follow the advice of President Bush and resume normalcy in their lives. Wyrick's early evening performance was followed by a lavish reception at the Sahara's Golden Room, where guests were treated to a charming video of Wyrick at age 9 in his early magician performances.

In honor of the occasion several presentations were made to Wyrick by Craig Hodgkins, president of the Sahara, and Willie Baer, president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of area children.

Extending their best wishes during the dinner reception were fellow magicians Penn Jillette and Lance Burton, joined by cast members of the "Rat Pack Is Back," attorney Kristina Wildevelt, Steve's mother Billie Wyrick, and Craig Cavileer, president of Silverton.

'Les Mis'

Well attended by locals and visitors alike, "Les Miserables" at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts was a blissfully pleasant evening. Filled with songs, each of which can stand alone in their charm, this classic story was well told in music and accompanied by a live orchestra.

Certainly the audience response was a glowing tribute to the voices, the handsome staging, illustrating once more the growing success of cultural events in Las Vegas and across the United States. Many, including Chrisse Waddell with Jacque and Greg Halstead, Margaret and Dean Walker, Miriam Johnson and James Clyson, spent the intermission picking dates for the 2001-2002 schedule of musicals.

Planned at the Aladdin Theatre for the Performing Arts are "Cats," "Blast," "Guys and Dolls," "Rent" and "Tommy."

Shalmy honored

Worthy events ahead include Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nevada's special evening to honor Donald "Pat" Shalmy, retiring president of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. Given the event name -- the Big Gala -- this celebration will begin at 6 p.m. Nov. 3 in the Palace Ballroom at Caesars Palace, with sponsorship by Wells Fargo bank.

Willi Baer, BBBSN president, reports, "This is our way of saying thank you to Pat for all the wonderful years of service to our organization and to the Southern Nevada community." Dinner, dancing and entertainment are just part of this evening, with further details and reservations available by calling 731-2227, ext. 438.