Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Spago’s anniversary festivities mark a perfect 10

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2003 | 8:23 a.m.

Few declined the invitation-only evening at Spago to celebrate its 10-year anniversary at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

Hosting the party were a gathering of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group managing partners and chefs, including Tom Kaplan, David Robins, Matt Dickerson, John LaGrone and other key executives.

Flowing freely was Spago's signature cocktail, the "ten-tini," a delectable creation fit for the lively event. Butler-passed appetizers, the splendid Spago pizzas and more were offered to attendees including Frank Arcella, Rick Becker, Robin Leach, Rob Powers, Roger and Lynn Saunders, Alan Waxler, Suzy Nagle, Stephanie Wilson and Von Heinz with Priscilla Campbell.

Seen with friends were Mike Sloan and Barbara Molasky along with Roger and Sandy Peltyn, John Schadler, Monterey Brookman, Carrie Henderson, Terri Lanni, Jim and Linda Wade and M.J. and Jack Harvey.

Assistance stance

The sun shines a bit brighter for Assistance League of Las Vegas as it celebrates a generous $50,000 contribution received from Mandalay Resort Group.

The Assistance League is a charitable organization that works to meet the needs of children and adults through community-wide volunteer projects.

John Marz, senior vice president for marketing, events and public relations at Mandalay Resort Group, presented the donation check at the Assistance League office and thrift store, 6646 W. Charleston Blvd.

Funds provided by the community are used for Assistance League's various projects including Operation School Bell, which supplies new clothing to underprviledged children whose school attendance and performance is affected by inadequate clothing. These children are referred to OSB by Clark County School District attendance officers, counselors and teachers. Assistance League of Las Vegas, with its motto of "Informed -- Involved -- In Touch," was established over 25 years ago.

The organization exists through the generosity of personal and corporate donations, grants, gifts and volunteer efforts at its thrift shop. ALLV's membership and staff is comprised solely of community service volunteers.

Good Ladds

Parties and warm social gatherings abounded in December with one of the most congenial hosted by Ken and Dee Ladd at their Green Valley home.

Dee, a true Christmas enthusiast who has clever ideas and the talent to see them bloom, choses a new concept for her trees and home decor each season, this year selecting an extraordinary peacock theme for holiday expression.

Ken, quite the master with lighting and displays, even included his prized Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the entryway decorations. Both worked to properly display a growing collection of Santa's village buildings with tiny moving figures and enchanting vistas.

Delighted to view this wonderous display were the three young daughters of Michael and Theresa Minden along with Peggy and Somer Hollingsworth, Ann Lynch, Frank and Bonnie Martin, Phil Peckman, Eileen and Brad Horn and Kathy and William Ochs.

Also enjoying the festive party and the dinner buffet prepared by The Butler Did It catering were Steve and Jeanne Garofalo, Jerry and Maryanna Herbst with their sons, Ken and Carolyn Sparks and Allen and Carol Stipe.

NOT not bad

Dr. Dennis and Jean Gordon hosted a lovely reception to benefit the Tove Allen Memorial Opera Scholarship Fund.

Opera patrons, many of them longstanding contributors to Nevada Opera Theatre, included Robert Clark, Ann Nichols, Judy Davis, Anna Fascinelli, Patti Morrow and Rhonda Blau.

Eileen Hayes, founder-director of NOT, introduced the NOT Chorus, which performed holiday carols and favorites with music by Maria Russell. Joining in song were Vivienne Sario, Mike and Beverly Mykisen, Jerry Morgan, Marie Francis and Sandra Dinsmore. In the crowd were Patricia and Dominique Price, Dr. Carol Atlman, Karen Scherer, Barbara Wood, Sondra Lynch, Regina Campell and NOT President Dr. Morton Hyson and his wife, Nichole.

Proceeds from the musical event will assist with scholarships for graduating high school seniors who plan to major in vocal performance at the university level. This scholarship is administered by the Nevada Community Foundation.

Upcoming events

Our year's social calendar is in full bloom. On Saturday the Safari Club International, Desert-Las Vegas chapter, will host its annual banquet and fundraiser auction in the grand ballroom of the Stardust.

Local outdoor enthusiasts including Tommy and Judy Ford, George Kalb and Allan and Kay Browne will participate. In attendance as well will be Bucky and Giana Buchanan, who married while on safari in Africa several years ago. David Small, president of SCI Desert-Las Vegas chapter, has all the details and can take your reservations (731-2330).

Next Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity-Las Vegas Inc. will host a recognition luncheon for volunteers and donors at Alexis Park. Featured will be special guest speaker Millard Fuller, the founder and president of Habitat for Humanity International. Fuller and his wife Linda founded Habitat in 1976. The Las Vegas agency has been partnering with low-income families in Clark County since 1991, with some 32 homes completed and six planned for construction in the coming months.

For additional information about the luncheon or how to become involved in this worthy endeavor, call Susan Mackert (638-6477, ext. 7).

On Jan. 24 Paris-Las Vegas will be filled with opera lovers attending "Opera In Paris," a splendid evening planned by Chairman Denny Weddle for Nevada Opera Theatre. Honored guests will include France's Consul General Jean-Luc Sibiude of Los Angeles and Andre Portal, honorary Consul of France for Nevada. Sponsors include Valentino, Paris-Las Vegas and Judith Leiber. For details and reservations, call 731-3370.