Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Gala a dazzling display for children’s charity

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2003 | 8:16 a.m.

"Christmas -- Past, Present, Future" was the theme of Sunrise Children's Foundation's Christmas Box Festival, a gala evening held Nov. 22 at MGM Grand Conference Center.

The event sparkled with thousands of tiny lights used to adorn the for-sale decorated trees along with the themed auction packages in the reception area.

Jan and Brian Maher, eager to purchase items for their home, were met by fellow bidder Ken Ladd, joined by Dr. J. Parker "Curly" and Claire Kurlinski, Ron and Judy McMenemy, Diane and Kevin Orrock, Ann Lynch and Ken and Pam Gustafson.

With ample time to browse and bid, guests investigated the 16 assembled "Christmas Boxes," each of them filled to brimming with a decorated tree, toys, furnishings, decorations, appliances, dining passes and more.

Each team of designers and contributors worked with a theme, and the choices included "Primarily Snowmen" by Candy Krausman and Joanne Evans, "Dickens Christmas" by Lisa Holtzclaw and Cathy Kelley and "Peacock Jewels" by Pami Lange and David Rangel, to name just a few.

Christian Kolberg, again serving as charity auctioneer, attended with wife Lara and his parents, Wally and Carol Kolberg, joined by Dr. Jay and Joleen Ticelaar. Nearby, looking closely at the adventuresome fly fishing and camping package for the live auction were newlyweds Chaz Higgs and his bride, state Controller Kathy Augustine. The couple were married in Hawaii in August and divide their time between Las Vegas and Carson City.

Dinner, festive with floral snowball centerpieces, drew compliments from supporters Bill and Dr. Kathy Mahon, Theresa and Michael Minden, Craig Butler, Allan Stipe, Cheryl Hilton, Megan Jones, Dr. Brian and Suzanne Cram, Sue Brandt, Peggy Smith with Charlotte Hill, Bonnie and Frank Martin and Dr. Richard Minnear with wife Margaret McMullin.

The Sunrise Children's Foundation, led by Dee Ladd, founder-president, operates programs created to educate and safeguard Southern Nevada children. In keeping with this mission, the foundation awarded Carol Stipe a check for $1,000 to be used with Assistance League of Las Vegas' Operation School Bell Program, an ongoing effort to clothe school-age children, which makes a significant impact on school attendance and academic success.

Time in the shade

Thanksgiving Eve seems an unlikely time for opening festivities, but under the guidance of Roger Wagner, chief operating officer of Panera Bread of Las Vegas, a "dine for donations" event became worthwhile for employees, patrons of the bakery-restaurant and The Shade Tree Shelter.

Hungry patrons who each contributed $10 or more spent the day seeking hearth breads, soups and pastries for their Thanksgiving celebrations. The first day's proceeds, $1,900, were donated to The Shade Tree Shelter, a shelter serving homeless women and children, and the first bonds between benefactor and charity were forged.

Shade Tree volunteers and board members Elynne Green and Peggy Hausler were joined by Brenda Dizon, executive director. Other supporters in attendance included Julie Wickett, Charles Greene, Marie Clark, Joan Myers, Robert Alton, James Woodrow, George Trighton and Peggy Lee Haynes.

Taking an early evening break, Wagner sat down with guests and explained Panera Bread bakes and cooks all products fresh daily. The Salvation Army, Catholic Charities and community food banks are given left-overs at the end of each day.

Panera's continued efforts on behalf of The Shade Tree Shelter will include drop-off boxes for paper goods, personal products, diapers and other nonclothing donations.

Temple honors

Bernie Yuman is that most fortunate of men -- successful, in good health and honored by friends, peers, community and family.

Yuman was recognized by Congregation Ner Tamid at its "Man of the Year -- Mensch of the Year" ceremonies Nov. 22 at Caesars Palace, led by Scott Stolberg, congregation president, and Rabbi Sanford Akelsrad.

Those gathered spoke of Yuman's quiet philanthropy, community endeavors, of his role as a family man and his far-reaching efforts on behalf of clients Siegfried and Roy and Muhammad Ali. Brian Greenspun led the champagne toasts and spoke eloquently, as did Jack Rapke, Harvey Gettleson, Candace Yuman, Dr. Manny Porto, Howard Bingham and Dr. Larry Werlin.

Drawn to the event were Art and Jayne Marshall, Tom and Marla Letizia, Bill Paulos, Dave Kirvin, Bill Worthman, District Judge Michael Cherry, Jack and Marilyn Bulavsky, Jaki Baskow and Sandy Peltyn, joined by Larry Ruvo, Richard and JoAnne Sturm and Rep. Shelley Berkley. Attending with friends and family as well were Mindy and James Wadkins, Sandy Stolberg, Lexy Capp, Mary and Michael Zone and Irv Duchowny.

Congregation Ner Tamid was founded in 1974 when a group of Las Vegas residents felt the need to create a new temple embracing Reform Judaism. Nearly 30 years later Ner Tamid maintains a highly regarded preschool, kindergarten and religious school and continues to expand with new programs and new ways to create a presence in the community.

Coffee and comedy

Rita Rudner, known for her zany wit, clever humor and awesome devotion to shopping, will be front and center for Nevada Ballet Theatre's "Nutcracker Breakfast With Rita."

Nordstrom at Fashion Show mall will host the event from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Sunday, and chef-restaurateur Gustav Mauler will prepare breakfast.

Entertainment includes Rudner and appearances by "Nutcracker" stars plus private, store-wide shopping. Contact Nevada Ballet Theatre at 243-2623 for tickets to the breakfast in addition to details on "Nutcracker" performances in the Samba Theatre at The Rio, slated for Dec. 19 to Dec. 23.

Operatic endeavor

With the recent success of the Opera Festival at MonteLago Village, Nevada Opera Theatre is now pressing forward with December presentations, both organized by the Opera Guild.

On Sunday the annual Holiday Celebration Luncheon will welcome the season with music and fine dining. On Dec. 13 a scholarship benefit hosted by Dr. Dennis and Jean Gordon will be held in memory of Tove Allen, a tireless volunteer who gave much of herself to the opera and other fine arts organizations.

Call Nevada Opera Theatre at 731-3370 or 736-7755 for reservations.