Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Mardi Gras Gala benefits St. Rose Dominican

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2002 | 8:25 a.m.

Dan and Mary Stewart, for the second time in three years, chaired the highlysuccessful Mardi Gras Ball to benefit St. Rose Dominican Hospital.

A tradition for 45 years, the elegant evening remains Southern Nevada's most enduring fund-raiser and well illustrates the depth of support and appreciation enjoyed by the medical center. St. Rose is the only nonprofit, non-tax supported, religiously affiliated hospital in our region.

Held at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino, the evening opened with a lavish hosted-cocktail reception, with guests including past Mardi Gras kings and queens Dr. Ralph and Sandra Litton and Troy and Selma Bartlett among the royalty greeting 2002 honorees Howard and Joni Mann.

In the mix of guests from medicine and commerce were Steve and Vicki Van Meetran, Bob and Pat Campbell, Dr. Kent and Connie McBeath, Cathy Bittinger with Norm Johnson, Renee and Bill Marion with Kathleen Richards, Maria and Ted Quirk, Assemblywoman Sandra Tiffany and Dr. Paul and Dana Wiesner of Radiology Associates of Nevada, who were gracious donors of the wine selections for the dinner.

St. Rose's attorney, John Bailey, attending with wife Terri, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Bob Bailey and tablemates Dave and Melinda Gass, were among those enjoying the program led by John O'Reilly, hospital president Rod Davis and KLAS Channel 8 weatherman Mark Pfister. Nearby Gary and Linda Vause, Dr. Jerry and Cheryl Routh, John and Linda Robinson, Sen. Jon and Laurie Porter, Pat and Brad Nelson, Paul and Sharon Carelli and University Regent Mark Alden dined on the gourmet meal created by Green Valley Ranch Station Casino chefs.

Many guests, while relaxing with friends and colleagues, also bid in the interactive video auction by use of special telephones placed at each table.

Dancing and further festivities in true Mardi Gras fashion were enjoyed late into the night. Parting gifts, provided by Ethel M and the Landwell Company, included fine chocolates and engraved silver paperweights.

Dini dinner

On Saturday Nevada Arts Advocates will host its third Arts Advocacy Gala at The Mirage. Honored will be Assemblyman Joe Dini Jr.

Last year Dini was recognized as Speaker Emeritus of the state Legislature, a first for a Nevada lawmaker. He served in the state Legislature for a record 18 regular sessions and five special sessions, and was selected Speaker of the Assembly for an unprecedented eight times. Dini is well-recognized for his support of the arts in Nevada.

Chairing the dinner dance is Walter Higgins of Sierra Pacific Resources, with Michael Brown of Barrick Gold Corporation.

Nevada Arts Advocates is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing cultural arts in our state through education and advocacy.

Reservations for the dinner are a must with all the details available by calling 362-8885.

Birthday celebration

Bernard K. Passman, world-reknown sculptor and artist of black coral, jewels and precious metals, recently celebrated his 86th birthday with a surprise birthday party at his only Nevada gallery, the Bernard K. Passman Galleries at the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian.

Joining the celebration were dear friends and art collectors, as well as Passman's wife Bette. Among those at the party were Nadine Gurley, Mr. and Mrs. Hal Kaminske, Gene Fabio, Cheryl Ross, Rori Hughes and Mrs. Hans Dorweiler.

Mesquite tea

In its 91st year of service to our community, Mesquite Club members recently gathered for a gracious Silver Tea event.

President Phyllis Noblitt introduced 24 of the organization's past presidents, among them Alice Boyer, Coleen Haycock, Patricia Duncombe, Billie Kenney, Beverly Sawinsky, Alice Pearson, Velma Haselton, Iown Gifford and Naomi Papworth.

Recognized with a special tribute were 35-year members Alice Eubank, Iva McDonald and Golda Tobler, as well as 25-year members Jean Hager and Polly Deming. The well-attended event was chaired by Ida Ambrose and co-chair Maureen Schnitzer with the helping hands of committee members Rita Isom, Jean Slaughter, Juanita Mendoza, Doris Balducci, Angie Dunlap and Trish Heinzman, as well as Lucina LaGrange, Helen Holmes, Regina Larsen and Joan Smallwood.

Each tea table for eight was adorned with a white rose-decorated cake, creating an intimate setting inside the Mesquite Club's clubhouse, on East St. Louis Avenue, for the 150 attending members and their guests. Watercolor artist Mary Shaw, showing a distinct flair for the dramatic side of the fine arts, directed "Following the Money Trail," a delightful skit about the club's nine decades, that was presented at the tea.

Mesquite Club's community efforts over the years have included fund-raising and securing donations for our public libraries and parks, efforts on behalf of Nevada's abused children and, most recently, efforts to assist the Women's Development Center by helping furnish and fund its operations. Other service projects include the Nevada Women's History Project and ongoing funds for Girls' State and other youth-oriented programs.