Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: NBT’s season launches with Black and White Ball

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2003 | 8:26 a.m.

First in the social season of the new year and always first in the hearts of many, the ever elegant Black and White Ball presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre remains a shining star for our city.

Sponsored by Cartier Las Vegas, the gala was chaired by Donna Baldwin with committee members Kitty Boeddeker, Phyllis McGuire, Sharon Bader, Harriet Cox, Carolyn Morledge Sparks, Wendy Plaster, Susie Perrine, Melissa Warren, Nancy Houssels and Cartier General Manager Mariam Afshai.

Platinum and Gold level patrons of the splendid evening were hosted to early evening festivities at the Faberge exhibit in the Bellagio Gallery of Art.

Mingling with Woman of the Year honoree Carol Channing were newlyweds Gina Polovina and Ira David Sternberg as well as Ron and Kitty Boeddeker, Jayne Meadows, Clint and Brenda Holmes, Lynn and Frank Cremen, Susan and Tom Schoeman, Mari and Thom Landers, Michael and Theresa Minden, Toni Hart, Dr. John Watkins and Wendy and Richard Plaster with Dr. Al and Linda Dushman, Jack and Pearl Berman, Richard and Patricia Wright, Michael and Denise Severino and Sherri and Gary Cavendar, to name just a few.

Present during the champagne reception and later seated with fellow patrons were individual and corporate sponsors reflecting the widespread support for Nevada Ballet Theatre, among them James Murren, Jonathan and Mary Swain, Jan and Owen Nitz, Peg Crockett with J.A. Tiberti and Ginette Jaramillo and Dr. Bob and Betty Robinson. Also on hand were Kim and George Duckworth, state Sen. Randolph and Robyn Townsend with Jewel Brooks, Joel and Maria Bergman, Steve and Gladys Comer, Joyce and Steve Schneider, Kenny and Diane Epstein, past Woman of the Year honoree Jeanne Hood and Steve Schorr with Steve and Stephanie Stallworth.

Ryan Kingston, general manager of the Stirling Club, with his wife, Dawn, was among those hosting a table with their guests including Josh and Tracy Hirschbery, Peter and Catherine Lacey and Jim Navarro.

A splendid meal, delightful orchestra and exquisite ballet sequences presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre artists were woven into a fine program prior to Channing's celebrity-packed award presentations.

Channing, looking absolutely wonderful, appeared onstage to the tune of "Hello, Dolly!" escorted by Bruce Steivel, artistic director and Harry Ferris, executive director, both of Nevada Ballet Theatre.

Proceeds from the evening will further NBT's extensive scholarship and community outreach programs which serve underpriviledged youngsters and bring cultural events to our schools and the public throughout the year.

Friedmutter honored

Recently Temple Beth Sholom honored its architect Brad Friedmutter at a gala Man of the Year evening attended by some 300 friends and family. On approach to the temple in Summerlin, guests were greeted by the sight of beautiful projections on the building courtesy of Aric Rosenberg of Desert Design Group, a concept used further within the ballroom walls.

Co-chaired by Barbara Molasky and Sandy Mallin, the occasion included a large silent auction and entertainment by Mullaney's Angels. Attendees included Kitty Rodman, Claudine Williams, Kay and Max Seelig, Sonia and Steve Walther, Priscilla and Abe Hodes, Sheila Beaton, Joel Goot and Marci and Ed Seltzer.

Bidding was brisk on the assembled treasures with one of the most sought-after items a "Happy Hour with His Honor Mayor Oscar Goodman," won by high bidders Ron and Jackie Turshinsky.

Gently moving the generous crowd into the live auction mode were Arlene and Jerry Blut, who conducted the bidding for a diamond bracelet donated by The Jewelry Salon at Four Seasons and a Once-In-A-Lifetime Dinner catered by the Wolfgang Puck chefs in the luxurious private dining room of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada.

Vincent DeSimone carried home the precious jewels while Ellis Landau and Mike Sloan will share the dinner for 10. Glimpsed enjoying the dinner catered by Majestic Caterers were Sidney and Shirley Chaplin, Lily and Henry Kronberg, Kenny and Lil Glicken and Stan Mallin as well as Sharon Sigesmund, Pete Segal, Jim Kukasiewicz, Mona and Charles Silverman and Linda Fresh.