Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Surgeon Vinnik surprised by birthday celebration

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 10, 2002 | 8:23 a.m.

Dr. Charles Vinnik, a well-recognized cosmetic surgeon and longtime supporter of fine arts in Southern Nevada, was dually honored with a birthday party and retirement celebration given by his wife, Nancy Vinnik, and their daughter, Suzanne.

Vinnik, who recently closed his local offices and now spends several days each week at a Beverly Hills, Calif., surgery center, was truly taken aback by the surprise gathering planned with great detail by his wife. Told that he was joining his in-laws, William and Virginia Olson, for dinner, he drove his family to Tinoco's Bistro West on South Jones Boulevard, where dozens of friends awaited.

In the crowd of well-wishers were Judge Mark and Alice Denton, Neil and Elaine Galatz, Dr. Jeffrey and Vicki Cichon, Carla and Dan Berry, Joshua and Kimberly Waddilove, Denny and Janet Gray, Robert and Marie Burstein and Dr. Gary and Rosi Markewicz.

Family members in attendance at the party also included Nancy's sister Carol Olson, with fiance Steve York and daughter Jennifer Olson. Nearby Dr. Peter and Myrle Loke, Dr. Phil LaKier with wife Dr. Lynn Miller, and Dr. Neil Carmena conversed with the birthday celebrant and listened to his summer sailing plans.

Suzanne Vinnik, an accomplished singer-composer at age 15, performed several special songs for her dad and his guests and later answered questions about her studies at Las Vegas Academy.

Seen at the dinner party were Jerry Morgan, Elisa Del Prado, Ron and Paulette Surdzial and Liz Suckow with her children, Terry and Sara.

Starry Night event

Get out your books and prepare to kick up your heels when Endeavor, formerly known as Nevada Association for the Handicapped, presents its annual Starry, Starry Night Dinner and Auction. Slated for April 27 at The Rio's Pavilion, the event will be chaired by Michael Severino of Southern Wine and Spirits.

Done with a western theme this year, the casual evening will include entertainment by western two-step dancers and rope twirlers, as well as a live auction of celebrity-created aprons. Honored in the evening's festivities will be Cynthia Jay-Brennan, Julie Gilday-Shaffer and Donna Schick, each noteworthy for their efforts on behalf of the nonprofit agency.

Endeavor, while providing resources for persons of all ages and disabilities, also operates Nevada's only licensed child-care facility designed to provide developmental care for children with disabilities. Both preschoolers and school-age children are served.

All proceeds from Starry, Starry Night will benefit this much-needed child-care center. Please contact Endeavor at 870-9050 for details on this very special evening.

Shopping for a cause

Much awaited, certainly anticipated, the completion of Las Vegas' first Nordstrom store at Fashion Show mall will be a special occasion for rejoicing among the legions of shoppers in our community.

A first look, a first opportunity to browse and buy, will be offered at a pre-opening event Oct. 29. The evening gala will assist Nevada Ballet Theatre and Opportunity Village and serve as the first of the grand events celebrating the expansion of the shopping mecca. Attending guests will enjoy a lavish array of fine food, drink and entertainment, all while seeing the glories of the store before it officially opens.

Phyllis McGuire, of Nevada Ballet Theatre, and Kathleen Newton, representing Opportunity Village, will work together as honorary co-chairs of the charitable evening. Quite generously, Nordstrom will underwrite the costs of the gala, allowing the generated funds to be divided between these worthy local endeavors.

Nevada Ballet Theatre will use the funds for the successful completion of its Turning Pointe Campaign, an endowment that allows the dance company to continue expanding its many outreach and scholarship programs. Opportunity Village has chosen to use the funds to further its services to people with intellectual disabilities, including employment and recreational efforts and related family support programs.

Tickets for the gala begin at $150 per person with reservations available by calling Nevada Ballet Theatre at 243-2623, ext. 234.

Walkers needed

A note from Randy Reinoso, executive director of Aid for AIDS of Nevada, alerted us to the vital need for teams of participants and volunteers to participate in the annual AIDS Walk scheduled for April 28.

A fund-raiser to help those with HIV/AIDS, the annual walk provides the necessary means to provide ongoing care of AFAN's 1,100 clients. While many in our community are served through educational and prevention programs, others receive support services and are helped with AFAN's food, housing and transportation programs.

Participants, along with grand marshals Rita Rudner and County Commissioner Dario Herrera, will enjoy the walk and the after-party featuring local entertainers and foods provided by many of our city's best restaurants.

Those wishing to participate are asked to call 382-2326 or visit insideafan.org.

Ball rolling along

Invitations are in the mail for the Heart of Gold Ball, one of our city's finest and most beloved events. Scheduled for May 4 at The Rio, the evening will generate funds for cardiovascular research and public- education campaigns.

Dr. Harry M. Thomas Jr., of the Heart Institute of Nevada, and John F. O'Reilly, of Mangels, Butler, Marmaro & O'Reilly, will serve as co-chairs of the rock 'n' roll-themed event. Key committee chairs include Leslie Caprow, Michael Clayton, Irene Fenton, Bob and Laura Frankenberg, Mary Grear, Gina Morrello, Jeanne Mullen, Claude Rosenthal, Kori Rowsell and Beverly Thomas.

Dancing, fine dining and more will be offered in grand style while the program will honor Dr. James Mock, of Cardiovascular Consultants, for accomplishments in health care; Mike Maffie, president and chief executive officer of Southwest Gas (for business support); and KVBC Channel 3 (for communications achievements). Please call 367-1366 for further details and the necessary reservations.