Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Master chefs show magic at fund-raising gala

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 16, 2003 | 8:52 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@prodigy.net.

Celebrating its 13th year, Chefs for Kids is both a well-recognized community effort and a notable culinary event.

Ever expanding, ever planning to reach out to more children, Chefs for Kids is a joint venture of the Fraternity of Executive Chefs of Las Vegas and the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. Working directly with students at nine of our community's highest-risk elementary schools, chefs and their staffs volunteer their time to directly impact children and help them make good food choices.

Lessons in classrooms reinforce the tastes and experiences of the meals provided by the chefs and expand upon nutritional concepts. In the past year 7,400 students were fed at Chefs for Kids breakfasts while a learning video to support classroom instruction was made available to all area elementary schools. In addition, a snack program has been introduced, again to teach healthy choice-making to those who might otherwise be subject to malnutrition and hunger.

All proceeds from the annual Chefs for Kids dinner and auction remain in Clark County.

For 2003 Chefs for Kids presented "The Magic of Master Chefs" gala with the meal created by Chef Michael Goodman (of Four Seasons) with certified master chefs David Kellaway, Raimund Hofmeister and Gustav Mauler.

Serving on the 2003 planning committee for the black-tie evening were Jill Ukeiley and Marilyn Ming, co-chairs with members Jon Tullis, Francine Pulliam, Denise Mauler, Susan Lednicky, Sally McKinney, Peggy Bostian, Cheryl Purdue, Carolyn Leontos, Linda Givens and Lorraine Marchetti, as well as Chefs for Kids directors Eric Rutsky, Buzz Thurber, Scott Ramin and Kitti Sanderson.

Taking an active role as well were Linda Montoya, Carla Skornik, Dave Simmons, Brenda Meehan, Dorothy Huffey, Ana Wood, Bill McGreevy, Christopher Johns and Sue Bryan with April Reid, Donna Musso, Nancy Connelly, Patti Freund, Robin Schoemaker and Kim Ungar.

The opening reception gave guests an early look at large posters describing the opulent dining and catering packages offered during the evening's program by auctioneer Christian Kolberg. Also drawing much attention were silent auction packages for intimate dinners, travel get-aways, party events, even a wedding cake.

Supporters crowding the bidding tables included Carlos and Gail Garcia, Jan and Fred Allen, Dr. Richard and Sherry Colquitt, Gary and Linda Vause, former congressman Jimmy and Mikey Bilbray, Kathy and Ernie Becker, Owen and Jan Nitz with their family, Sally Wathen with Gwen Den Dooven, Bob Ward, Dr. Roger and Diana Wilson and Farid and Rochelle Matraki with Sharon Christal. Mary Ellen Heise with fellow executives from the Art Institute of Las Vegas attended, as did George and Doree Dickerson with Helen Daseler, joined by Dr. Ron and Kathy Slaughter, as well as Roger and Sandy Peltyn with friends Lucy and Paul Pusatari and Craig and Meredith Johnson.

Others in the congenial crowd included Dr. Leonard and Betty Carpi, Joanne Blystone, Michael Ty, Carlos Collado with Nancy Alamo, Lara Kolberg, Dr. Richard Small, Lou and Jerry Emmert with Margaret McMullin and husband Richard Minnear and Sandra Dinsmore with fiancee Jim Franks.

Garlock lauded

Bride-to-be Lynn Garlock was honored by a high-spirited bridal shower held April 4 in a luxury suite on the 34th floor of the Excalibur. Garlock, president and CEO of "Catch A Rising Star" comedy club, married insurance executive Craig Wright in private ceremonies last weekend.

The shower, a finely organized gathering under the direction of Chrisse Waddell, was done in a decidedly "purple" theme with guests encouraged to select lingerie, accessories and other gifts in the bride's favorite color. Present for the traditional opening of gifts plus cake and champagne were Louise Berlin, Jackie Brett, Trish Williamson, Katie Cassedy, Shelly Stepanek, Janice Keiserman, Darlene Sacca and Judy Robinson, joined by Lena Walther and Marie Cody.

Stage two of the all-girl party included a scavenger hunt at the Foundation Room atop Mandalay Bay, an activity enjoyed by many who were relaxing in the lounge overlooking the city.

Divas Las Vegas

Spring was given a gracious welcome by the Divas of Nevada Opera Theatre, a support organization assisting Nevada Opera Theatre. Selecting the Ritz-Carlton at Lake Las Vegas for their spring luncheon, members and their guests enjoyed the hospitality of the new resort.

Enjoying the pre-luncheon champagne reception were Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Opera Guild president Karen Scherer, Joan Davis, Maya Varma, Marie Frances, Joan Gresser and Rene Victoria Bowen, joined by Dr. Morton and Nicole Hyson, Pamela McMillan, Barbara Wood and Dr. Carol Altman.

Also present were Judith Cameron, Dr. Marilyn Hamlin, Beata Bray and NOT Executive Director Eileen Hayes. Sharon Allen, executive director of the MonteLago Village, was keynote speaker and provided detailed information about Nevada Opera Theatre's plans for an opera festival at the Village in October.

Allen later led a tour of property, explaining about the new shops and other amenities of the resort. Performing was tenor Ingvar Estrada with accompanist Mari Russell, resident pianist at the Ritz-Carlton. Listening with enjoyment were members Mary Ann Hantout, Marion Kohler, Gloria Lewicki, Vaughn Lowther, William Freyd and Leslie Tryer.

Among the lucky ones winning prizes during the opportunity drawing were Jim Franks and fiancee Sandra Dinsmore, who received tickets to "The Producers" in Los Angeles.

Nevada Opera Theatre is planning a trip to the Santa Fe Opera this summer as well as an excursion to Los Angeles for "The Producers." For details, call 731-3370.

Pearls event set

April 26 at the MGM Grand Conference Center, Sunrise Children's Foundation will host "Pearls of Wisdom," 10th in their annual series of Color Us Friends dinner and fine art auctions to benefit the many programs served by this local foundation.

Planned by committee members Jacques and Barbara Desrochers, Carol and Allan Stipe, Bruce and Barbara Woollen, Ken Ladd, Theresa and Michael Minden and Richard and Betty Hansen, the evening will feature an auction of contemporary art and a superb dinner. A black-tie event of note, this special evening requires reservations (369-3635).