Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2002 | 8:37 a.m.
Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, our city's AAA Five Diamond resort, hosted the Terry Fox Gala to solely benefit the UNLV Cancer Institute. Festivities spread through the weekend, including a 5K run, and began on Friday evening with a lavish dinner prepared by signature chefs from Four Seasons and Mandalay Bay restaurants.
Much beloved for its unmatched travel packages offered by many of the Four Seasons around the globe, sold to serious bidders by both silent and live auction, this event is considered a true must-do by those in the know.
Terry Fox was a young Canadian who lost his leg to cancer at age 18. In 1980 Terry ran his Marathon of Hope to raise awareness of and funds for cancer research. He ran across Canada on an artificial leg, running some 26 miles each day. After 143 days and 3,339 miles, Terry was forced to quit as the cancer had spread through his body and shortly thereafter claimed his life.
Every year, each of the 55 Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide, in 22 countries, hosts an event in honor of Terry Fox. To date, more than $3 million has been raised for cancer research. The Las Vegas gala will fund the UNLV Cancer Institute that has as its mission the advancement of knowledge through collaborative cancer research and educational efforts.
George Cordon, manager of Four Seasons, and Dr. Stephen Carper, director of the UNLV Cancer Institute, served as event co-chairs while community leader Susan Molasky and UNLV President Carol Harter were honorary co-chairs of the vibrant affair.
Assisting as well were Larry Ruvo (Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada), Dennis Khanh (Mandalay Bay), Debbie Pattillo (American Airlines), Joyce Sherman (Destinations by Design) and Charles Van Vechten (Van Vechten Creative Communications).
Among those who wouldn't miss this delightful dinner were Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Bob Frank, Judy Tannen, Dr. Kent and Connie McBeath and auctioneer Christian Kolberg as well as Coco Salah, David Sullivan, Penny Levin and Michael Harter of the University of Nevada, School of Medicine. Kelly Messina, director of Reservations and Yield Management for the Four Seasons attended with her mother, Pat Kery, and family friend Pat Messina.
Others glimpsed in the crowd included David and Jacque Matthews, Greg Goin, John Gray and over a dozen noted chefs including Four Seasons executive chef Wolfgang Von Weiser and restauranteur Charlie Palmer.
Good sports
Lush, lavish and designed to please the most discriminating the new 10,000-square-foot, $7.5-million custom showcase home built by Christopher Home in the gated privacy of the Enclave at Southern Highlands Golf Club was a fitting setting for the second annual UNLV Athletics Gala.
Rebel football coach John Robinson, along with Charlie Spoonhour and leading athletics contributors, turned out for the splendid party.
The unseasonably warm evening proved perfect as 400 guests tourned the Moorish-style home with its hidden courtyards, private retreats and lavish accouterments. Many enjoyed the buffet supper prepared by Spago and did a bit of early holiday shopping from the shining collection of jewels displayed by Fred Leighton.
Linda Robinson, joined by Lynn Wiesner, Dema and Kenny Guinn, Dr. Wendy Scheer with Doug Hitt and Sharry Quillin, admired the holiday ornaments made by Christopher Radko.
Departing guests were presented gift bags containing the fragile ornaments, made popular by their use at both the White House and vice-president's residence and other notable homes.
Seen on the patio viewing the Southern Highlands Golf Club and the beauty of the city beyond were Doree and George Dickerson, Steve Swisher and Lisa Dove with Nevada State College President Kerry Romesburg.
Nearby sampling the ample selection of Rebel-named martinis were Ted and Maria Quirk, Kathy and Ernie Becker Jr., Tom Letizia, Jeff Silver, Troy and Selma Bartlett and Bill Martin. Mingling in the crowd were loyal supporters John and Dottie Wanderer, Dr. Joseph and Paula Quagliana, Fafie Moore, Terry Wright, Susan Graves and Hope and Joe Anstett.
Also attending this spirited holiday party were Terrence Lanni, William McBeath, Mel Wolzinger and Bob McMongle.
The home, concieved by a team of accomplished architects and designers, is magnificent and shows to advantage every dollar spent in the building.
Opened for this exclusive event, the $7.5 million property will remain closed to public until its unveiling as the official Showcase Home for the International Builders Show in January.
Opportunity knocks
Ever more sparkling, even more magical, the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village was on early view to those attending Saturday's "Camelot" gala. Held at O.V.'s main campus on West Oakey Boulevard, the glittering evening began with champagne cocktails, delectable hors d'oeuvres and tours through the richly decorated fairyland.
Early arrivals included Liz and Pete Gibson, Pam Holloway, William Taylor, Liz Torre and Ira David Sternberg with his fiancee Gina Polovina who posed with Santa for pictures and whispered their wishes for holiday gifts.
Nearby, Clark County School District Superintendent Carlos Garcia and his wife, Gail, greeted state Sen. Mike and Candy Schneider as well as Linda Tannenbaum, Wally and Charlene Peterson and Linda Smith, O.V.'s vice president for development who attended with her son, Chris.
The grand ballroom was royally decorated in scarlet and purple as befitting the knighting ceremonies honoring Elaine and Steve Wynn, Assemblyman Richard Perkins and state Sen. William Raggio. Dinner, presided over by Nate Tannenbaum as King Arthur and Sue Manteris, Lady Guinevere, was a four-course gourmet meal prepared by chefs, including Scott Sharkey (The Venetian), Mark Fleming (Treasure Island), James Perillo (Caesars Palace), Olivier Dubreuil (Bally's-Paris Las Vegas) and William Becker (The Rio).
Servers and support staff, each of them volunteers, gave special attention to each guest and represented our city's finest resorts.
Adding a truly magical moment to the night was the surprise gift made by Steve and Elaine Wynn. Their $150,000 contribution will provide the final funding necessary for opening Opportunity Village's culinary institute. A decade-long dream, the institute will train mentally retarded citizens for hostel and restaurant positions including food preparation and serving.
Other significant contributors to this facility include Kitty Rodman, Billy Walters, Claudine Williams, Garry Goett and members of the Las Vegas Founders Club.
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