Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: HELP fund-raiser fits Southern Nevada to a tea

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2002 | 8:15 a.m.

One of the November's most treasured events was HELP of Southern Nevada's Tea, Trends and Tranquility. An afternoon of gentle pleasures and high style, the fashionable gathering was hosted by Mari Landers, general manager of Saks Fifth Avenue, in the store's private events room at Fashion Show mall.

Sponsoring the formal tea was Jeff Fine of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, who arranged for an informative talk on the wonders of tea by Bonnie Ladou.

Silent auction treasures followed a "pamper-me, indulge yourself" theme, drawing healthy bids from guests Margaret McMillan, Bonnie Bryan, Jacque Matthews, Toni Jones, Rebecca Baumann, joined by Deidre Page, Cameron Dow, Kathy Augustine, Helen Sax and Jan Nitz.

HELP executive director Deni Conrad attended with her mother, Evelyn Libby, and was seen complimenting event co-chairs Sidra Kain and Ruth Urbantke. Giving a certain "pink" mood to the afternoon was honorary tea chair Rita Rudner, an admitted shop-a-holic who provided a clever warm-up to the lovely holiday collection shown by Saks.

Working behind the scenes were committee members Linda Robinson, Ceres Hill, Christina Lizotte, Stacy Bloom, Jane Armstrong, Terri and Kelli Maruca, Abby Geyer and Lynn Moran of Ethel M, who provided table favors, centerpieces and auction baskets.

Complimented on the success of the afternoon was HELP development officer Sara Besser, seen with Pat Mitchell, Susan Chandler, Angie Lewis and Mercedes Warrick.

HELP of Southern Nevada, serving our community for 32 years, operates six local programs to assist at-risk working families, the hungry and homeless, the elderly and re-entry women.

Odyssey event

Saturday evening's American Rarities Auction and Dinner with the Masters was a splendid occasion celebrating the finest of wines and foods in the comfort of the JW Marriott Las Vegas.

A black-tie affair, the event was part of the Las Vegas Odyssey 2002, a four-day celebration of wine, food and art. It opened with a wine tasting and martini party where guests previewed the spectacular auction items, including original pieces by featured artist Yuroz, a commercial WOLF gas range and oven, Sub-Zero wine cabinets, special reserve wines, private dinners by master chefs, cooking lessons and rare trips to private retreats and select wineries.

This gathering embraced both locals and visitors who contributed greatly to the auction benefitting the Las Vegas Chapter of the Susan E. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

In the mix were Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Alana and Joey Vassallo, Andrea Fehry with Terry Storms, Cheryl Constantine and Joy Nakanishi, as well as Dr. Donnelle Freedman, Pamela and Doug Puppel, Denise Mauler, Chuck Tedrick and Mark Karakasevic of Charbay Vodkas and winemaker Marco Cappelli of Swanson Vineyards.

Attending also was Terry Daly, whose husband, John Daly, lent his talents as master of ceremonies.

Mingling easily with guests in the pleasant gathering was actor-writer Alan Thicke, who is well-remembered for his role as Jason Seaver in "Growing Pains." Entertainment included the Rembrandts, who sang "I'll Be There for You," their famous theme song from "Friends," as well as other hits.

Following the early evening auction guests were escorted to the grand dinner in the Marriott's circular ballroom with its spectacular city views. Seen at the table was Las Vegas Sun food editor and restaurant reviewer Muriel Stevens with friend Bea Levinson, who were greeted warmly by participating chefs Terence Fong, Wolfgang von Wiesner, Michael Jordan, Carlos Guia and Luciano Pellegrini as well as John LaGrone, Joe Romano, Russell Gabe, Arnauld Briand and Gustav Mauler.

Making the rounds as well to visit with attendees were Las Vegas Odyssey co-founders Mark and Virginia Thompson-Martino, volunteers Maureen Buffman and fiance Corey Goldman and executives from Audi of America, the event's foremost sponsor.

Village people

As we approach the threshold of the holiday season those clever folks at Opportunity Village are putting the finishing touches on the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.

Celebrating its 10th season of welcoming families, this winter wonderland will open Nov. 28 for nightly magic through Dec. 28. A pre-event gala, "Camelot at the Magical Forest" is scheduled for Saturday with special flourishes and a superb meal just part of the magic.

And this year, in addition to the train rides, hot cider, cookies and cocoa, there will be holiday gifts to purchase in the Ye Merry Olde Craft Cottage and even the opportunity for business, family or corporate holiday parties to arrange private parties in the Gingerbread Ballroom and Great Hall.

Volunteers make this huge undertaking possible, with many helping hands needed. Get all the details about volunteering by calling 258-3741 or other specifics on the Magical Forest (225-8733).