Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Claire Foundation fund-raiser a star-studded event

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, June 11, 2003 | 8:14 a.m.

Few events burst onto the social scene with the distinctive flair of the Lili Claire Foundation fund-raiser. Their first benefit gala at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, was smoothly planned by dinner chairs Stephanie Hughes, Michael Minden, Lisa Mayo-DeRiso, Laura Herlovich and Tracy Elliot.

A galaxy of stars and Las Vegas notables attended, among them David Griego with Brenda Haynes, Brad Friedmutter with Linda Fresh, Lara and Christian Kolberg, Jeff Hein, Lee Medick, Valerie Muerz, Marie Claire Armeni, Gary Ackerman, Lois and Chuck Backrach, Deana Campbell and Michael Politz.

The Lili Claire Foundation creates resources for people living with Williams syndrome and other neurogenetic disorders such as Down syndrome and autism.

In our community, their programs include the Lili Claire-UNLV Life Skills Center for job training and placement, and will also house a family resource center to provide counseling and advocacy to families.

A delicious affair

One of the city's largest charitable events is also one of the most spectacular, allowing both the public and the restaurant industry to enjoy the most splendid of food and beverages.

The Epicurean Affair, slated Tuesday, will begin at 7:30 p.m. poolside at the Garden of the Gods -- Caesars Palace pool area. The evening is a kickoff for the Las Vegas International Hotel and Restaurant Show, but remains open to the public, with tickets available by calling 878-9272.

Guests will rub shoulders with chefs and restaurateurs and enjoy generous samplings of fine dishes, wines and even enjoy a slice of our best lounges and nightclubs as they offer their speciality drinks, sexy serving staff and dancers.

Proceeds from the evening, including the silent auction, will assist with the scholarship and educational programs offered by the Nevada Hotel and Lodging Association and the Nevada Restaurant Association.

Happy birthday

Best wishes to Barbara Robinson, who recently returned from a glorious week's visit to New York City. Celebrations for her 60th birthday spread across several days with meetings of friends near and dear.

Some 70 gathered at Bistro 1018, on the upper west side, just north of Central Park, for a festive dinner hosted by Barbara's husband, Andres Costas, M.D.

Guests came from across New England, Washington, D.C., and the far West, including a goodly number of Las Vegas residents. In the throng were Robinson's Vegas friends Chester Richardson, Las Vegas Fire Chief David Washington and wife Marcia, Dave Thomas with wife Nancy Allf, Gloria Sturman and Beverly Neyland.

Sending party favors of T-shirts adorned with Robinson's baby pictures were Roger and Sandy Peltyn, who were unable to attend. Among her birthday presents was a mayoral proclamation from Oscar Goodman, declaring a day in her honor for the city of Las Vegas.

Further festivities arranged by Dr. Costas meant a guided bus tour to Ground Zero and shopping on Canal Street, followed by dinner at Sylvia's in Harlem.

Prior to making her home in Las Vegas, Robinson was employed at the New York Stock Exchange, where she was one of the first black clerks. She later graduated from Hunter College and served as an assistant Dean at Trinity College before departing the city for a law degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., followed by a stint as a Dean for Boston College's School of Law.