Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: No shortage of glamour, style at Oscar party

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 27, 2002 | 8:34 a.m.

Oscar night done in true Las Vegas style was a glamorous occasion, filled with all the excitement expected of the film awards.

Hosted by the Arthritis Foundation and sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the Sunday spectacular at Caesars Palace and Wolfgang Puck's Spago was elegantly planned to pamper guests. Waiting at the end of the red-carpet entrance were event co-chairs Roger and Sandy Peltyn and Lexy and Rand Capp, and with them were an army of white-gloved servers with champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Arrivals, among them Elizabeth Brennan, former Gov. Bob Miller with daughter Meghan, Abbey Friedman, Gianni Russo, Vivica Marshall, Stephanie Wilson and Tom Haughinberry, president of Montecristo Rums, were soon drawn into the high-spirited fun of the evening and to the tables of movie-related silent-auction treasures.

In the mix of supporters were many film buffs, among them doctors Ted and Parvin Modaber-Jacobs, Isabel Pfiefer, Russ Kuch and Valerie Murzl with Pierre Jovan, who discussed their favorite stars and directors who would later appear on the enormous viewing screens showing the Oscar ceremony, placed for easy vantage across the spacious Roman Ballroom.

Encore Productions, longtime supporters of this worthy annual event, and the evening's commitment to the community award honoree, provided the screens and sound equipment for the event. Robin Leach, with his magnificent voice and presentation style, was a masterful emcee, graciously leading the program with the able assistance of KTNV Channel 13 news anchors Cathy Ray and Ross Becker.

Of particular note was the special presentation made to John Groom, president of Caesars Palace, whose generous spirit made possible the over-the-top feeling of the fund-raiser. He also made possible the gourmet array of serving stations from the hotel-casino's Neros, 808, Terrazza and Hyakumi restaurants.

Moving comfortably from their tables to greet friends and select their dining choices were Sen. Jon Porter with wife Laurie, Paul and Sue Lowden, Michael Berk, Sandy and Jimmy Comito, Dr. Mohamed Ahmed, Sondra Lynch, artist Steve Kaufman and Dr. Leo and Sandy Spaccavento.

Many guests enjoyed the adjacent cigar and rum lounge created by Montecristo Rum as its contribution, where a provocative bit of Caesars Palace's Shadow Bar entertainment awaited. Spago at the Forum Shops later hosted an intimate after-party for the Oscar-night guests, where music and more delectable libations kept the party lively into the wee hours.

Sweet 16

Judge Ron and Leslie Parraguirre recently hosted a fun-filled "Sweet 16" party for daughter Cali Hall, with dozens of teens and close friends in attendance.

With party decor by Laurie Travis of LT Event Group, the Parraguirre home and patio took on a decidedly retro-'70s look with the colors of lime green, orange and fuchsia used with great panache, enhanced by the added touches of the era's signature butterflies and daisies.

A lavish Mexican buffet, prepared by family friend Maria Gurrola, was enjoyed by the guests. Entertainment beckoned in the back yard, where inflatable games including a boxing ring, jousting court and sumo wrestling were offered. More than a few tried the karaoke, or danced to the music spun by a DJ.

In the crowd were Parraguirre pals including Rob and MaryAnn Dondero, Cali's godmother Erika Waroe with daughter Mackenzie, Jessica Dahl and September Bauer, as well as Cali's lifelong friends Shanna Stuhmer, Katie Thompson and Alex Caldwell.

Opera opening

A new venue and a renewed promise of excellence were evident at Nevada Opera Theatre's recent production of "La Traviata."

Presented for the first time on the Strip, the musical evening at Paris Las Vegas began with a pre-concert champagne reception, where NOT president Dr. Morton Hyson and his wife, Nichole, were seen welcoming supporters including Leezie and Kadell Kramer, Gloria and Keith Field, Zachary Adelson, Irene Bass and Stan Khury, as well as Dr. Charles and Nancy Vinnik, Karen Scherer, Dr. Monte and Jeanne Greenawalt, Elisa del Prado, Anna Nateece, Dr. John Watkins and Rose de Leon.

Mary Ann Hantout chaired the silent auction, where bargains abounded and found happy bidders including Vicki Wright, who won the cruise to Mexico and the Bahamas, as well as Barry Tannenbaum with his season tickets to the opera company's series of future presentations.

Speaking briefly at the reception was conductor Frank Fetta, who gave a synopsis of the evening's opera and the delights in store for attendees. NOT artists Suzanne Vinnik and Ineza Goudinov performed several arias. In the crowd were patrons Anita Murry, Isabel and Santiago Quiroga, Ubaldo and Vivian Castroverde, Gloria and Jonathan Amozig and Leslie Trayor.

Prior to the program in Le Theatre des Arts was the presentation of a special award of thanks to Chris Nelson, entertainment director for Bally's and Paris Las Vegas, for his generous help in presenting "La Traviata" as well as future NOT productions of "Gigi" and "Can Can."

In the audience were Monica Fuller, Phyllis Haley, Ann Nichols and Betsy Fione, as well as Jim and Judy Kropid, Edie Downs, Bill Marion, Margaret Conway and Charles Walker. A backstage reception followed the opera and was made lively by the champagne toast made by Papote Varet in celebration of NOT's 2002 season.

Enjoying the party were Jennifer and Anthony Barton, Jerry Morgan, Diane Ladd, Patricia and Dominque Martinelli-Price, Mark Richards and Demtra George, who has frequently graced NOT events with her lovely voice.

Foundation benefit

A gracious evening to further the endeavors of the Foundation for Positively Kids was hosted by organization officers Fred and Sue Schultz and Lyn Hoefer, who wish to spread the message of the need in Southern Nevada for a 24-hour facility to serve medically fragile and terminally ill children ages birth to 18.

Held at the exquisite home of Jane and Floyd Popple in Canyon Gate Country Club, the gathering was a rare, private performance by internationally acclaimed classical guitarist Christian Thomas Lee, with a viewing of select art pieces from Lee's his extensive art collection including works by Picasso, Pasqualini and Faberge.

An intimate evening, the occasion was limited to 50 guests and provided each an opportunity to meet the guest artist and his wife, Ann, while enjoying a light buffet and other refreshments at the Popple home. Present among the guests were Dr. Ruppert Perrin, Barry Gore, Richard Ziskind, Kathy Shippen, June Seid, Rob Knight, Sandra Dinsomore, Dr. Avi Ostrowsky, Cathy Tisdale and Stephanie Markham, as well as Terry and Steve Szostek, Kristy Thompson and Robert Dennerlin.

Learning more about Positively Kids and plans for the facility were Claire and Michael Zeto, Heather Popple, Ileana Drobkin, Evelen Sanmaroc, Dr. and Mrs. Don Tyner, Kristen Widdifield and Mike Cowart. Supporting the event with contributions of wine and food were Deluca Liquor and Wine and Viaggio Italian Cuisine and Wine Shop.

A nod for Mom

Is your mother a special person? Truly a shining example of what motherhood means? Or do you know a woman of extraordinary distinction and kindness? Please consider the opportunity to honor her by nominating her for the Clark County Mother of the Year Awards.

To nominate a deserving woman, write a detailed letter listing her accomplishments in regard to her children and family, and her achievements in the community or career endeavors. Explain how her life has impacted your own and what obstacles she has had to face.

Please remember to include your own name, address and phone number, as well as those of the woman being nominated. Send the letter to: Clark County Mother of the Year Awards Committee, c/o Sandy Thompson, 2275 Corporate Circle Drive, Suite 300, Henderson, 89074. The deadline is April 17.

In place since 1970, this awards program has honored more than 300 women in categories ranging from community service and politics to business, military, education and inspirational. For further details call 259-4025.