Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Local organizations to benefit from Saks opening

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, June 12, 2002 | 8:27 a.m.

Hard hats and high fashion merged for a perfect planning luncheon last week. The meeting, sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue, brought together the two charities that will benefit from the opening party of the spacious new Saks store Oct. 30 at Fashion Show mall.

Charities selected are the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada. Welcomed by Mari Landers, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, the first order of business was a tour of the soon-to-be completed building. Hard hats were issued, along with delightful details about the luxurious new store and the fashions it will showcase.

Landers, in arranging for Spago to cater the luncheon gathering, provided an ideal setting for this meeting of key charitable leaders. Representing the philharmonic were Susan Tompkins with her chairwomen, Lynn Weidner and Sheila Beaton.

From Make-A-Wish Foundation was executive director Jennifer Tuttle and chairperson Linda Richardson. Present as well was Abby Geyer, special events manager for Saks Fifth Avenue, who has all the details on this gala evening. Call 733-8300.

Giving thanks

Expanding its influence on the cultural life of Southern Nevada, Nevada Ballet Theatre is celebrating a new pledge by Cox Communications.

Announced by Steve Schorr, Cox Communications' vice president of public and government affairs, the pledge is a three-pronged plan to support NBT's performances and education and outreach programs. The plan includes a minimum of $50,000 of free air time on the Cox cable channels; new financial support for education and outreach programs including Future Dance, Smart Steps and School Time Matinee Series; and the purchasing of tickets for each performance during the 2002-2003 season, to be given to students at the Andre Agassi Preparatory Academy.

Schorr, honored during Nevada Ballet Theatre's recent Above and Beyond awards dinner, was one of the many individuals and corporations lauded for their outstanding leadership and support of NBT.

Also recognized in ceremonies were IGT and Wells Fargo (corporate leadership); Saltz Family Foundation (foundation leadership); Carolyn and Ken Sparks (individual leadership); Nevada Community Foundation and the Summerlin Children's Forum (community leadership); Tiberti Family Foundation (new donor); KNPR 89.5-FM, Lamar Advertising and the Merica Agency (media services); Denise Cashman and Maggie Moazez (volunteer efforts); Susie Perrine, Saks Fifth Avenue and Stirling Club (in-kind services); Clint Holmes (celebrity support); and Dolly Kelepecz with Denise Tuscello (special thanks).

'Decadent' affair

Themed The Decadent Bacchanalia, the 2002 Epicurean Affair, an annual presentation by Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association and the Nevada Restaurant Association, will be held June 19 at Caesars Palace.

With an astonishing list of chefs and participating fine restaurants, the poolside evening will be a strolling dinner affair most certain to enchant attending locals as well as conference delegates to the Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Convention.

Created to allow guests and culinary experts the chance to mix and mingle while sampling the cuisine and beverages, this is also a benefit event. Proceeds will fund scholarships for Nevada students seeking hospitality industry careers and further educational outreach programs across our state. Advance tickets and all the details are available by calling 878-2313 or 878-9272.

School help

Our community has a heart-warming tradition of quiet kindness and generosity, with a shining example presented by the eight-year relationship between Texas Station and C.P. Squires Elementary School.

Instituted during the tenure of then-principal Betty Roqueni, with the client-community needs matching efforts of publicist Laura Herlovich of P.R. Plus, this at-risk elementary school was adopted by Texas Station.

Unceasing volunteer efforts by employees, corporate gifts ranging from computers and software to art supplies and ongoing sponsorship of parent-student events at the school have made a great impact on the lives of the children and their extended families.

Last week a new fund-raising effort was launched at Austin's Steakhouse inside Texas Station. The brainchild of Executive Chef Bryan Dillon with Food and Beverage Director John Civitello and General Manager Steve Arcana, the elegant wine dinner was well-received by supporters, teaching staff and hotel suppliers.

C.P. Squires principal Carol Lark and her husband, William, were present to welcome guests including Andrea Goeglin, Robert Lillis, Joy Ruby, Jennifer Covey, Kelly Flynn, Jon and Laurie Porter, Lesley Pittman and Steve and Janet Linder as well as Dusty Jaquins with Barbara and Frank Tegano.

Guests were ushered to a showing of student artwork from the classroom of art specialist Cindy McDonald. While enjoying appetizers with wine provided by Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, many chose favorite pieces and began the bidding process for these paintings, part of the fund-raiser evening.

Sponsoring the food for the fine dinner was Outwest Meats, while thanks and the brief program was led by Chef Dillon with commentary by principal Lark and Texas Station's Arcana. All proceeds from the evening were donated to the school for classroom needs.