Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Mardi Gras event blooms for St. Rose Dominican

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 5, 2003 | 8:29 a.m.

Magnificently supported by the business and medical communities of Green Valley, Henderson and beyond, the 46th annual Mardi Gras to benefit St. Rose Dominician Hospital was successful beyond dreams.

The first of many elegant affairs at Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, the evening was jointly chaired by Kitty and Ron Boeddeker with Joni and Howard Mann.

Themed "A Bridge to the Future," the gala began with a lavish hosted reception in the resort's ballroom, where guests included Dr. Jerry and Cheryl Routh, Lottie and Jerry Polis, Mel and Marilyn Larson, Dan and Denise Reichartz, Sharry and Tim Quillin, state Sen. Sandra Tiffany and Claire and Richard MacDonald attending with daughter and son-in-law Paige and Rocco Tucker.

Mixing and mingling at the first of three treasure-full auctions were Brad and Pat Nelson, Jim and Judy Kropid, Anna and Bob Bailey, Jeff Silver and Michael and Clarisse Johnston.

Jetting home in time for the event was Michael Minden, who spent the week on the set with the Fox network's new "Married In America" series as resident jeweler.

Dr. Ralph Litton and his wife, Sandra, attended with daughter and son-in-law Liz and Pete Gibson and were among the many family and business groups in the crowd.

Greeting guests as they progressed to dinner were Henderson Mayor Jim and Lora Gibson, the crowned king and queen of the Mardi Gras for 2003. Moving briskly in the chilly air as they crossed the resort's courtyard were Troy and Selma Bartlett, Pat and Bob Campbell, Paul and Sharon Carelli, Hugh and Denise Anderson, Mary and Dan Stewart, Dr. Howard and Rose Coker, Vicky and Steve Van Meetren, Don and Dee Snyder, Parmod and Adarsh Garg, Mr. and Mrs. Don Fair, Francine Pulliam and Terry Graves.

Dinner, expertly prepared and served by a fine waitstaff, was enjoyed while John O'Reilly led the live auction program. The fine wines served with the multicourse dinner were donated by Dr. J. Paul Wiesner and his wife, Dana, as part of their ongoing support of St. Rose Dominician.

Dancing between courses and following dinner was done to the delightful sounds of the Peter Duchin Orchestra.

Funds generated by the gala will assist St. Rose's expanding scholarship program for employees and students pursuing nursing and other health care careers.

Viva 'Vivaldi'

"Vivaldi to Pink Floyd," a spectacular evening presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre, was prefaced by a special patrons' dinner at Spiedini. Welcoming arrivals was Bruce Steivel, artistic director of NBT, with chef-owner Gustav Mauler of Spiedini.

The early evening gathering drew members of NBT's Gold Circle, among them Lynn and Frank Cremen, Debbie Munch of Park Place Entertainment, Richard Plaster, Debra and John Myers, Ron Dykes, Jay and Alisa Coon, Louis and Donna Castle, Robert Dick, Sonia Winter, state Sen. Harry and Helen Mortenson and J.K. and Nancy Houssels with son and daughter-in-law Eric and Sonja.

The honored guest was noted San Francisco choreographer Val Caniparoli, who premiered his "Going for Baroque" piece later at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas' Judy Bayley Theatre.

Presented for the first time as well was Steivel's new work "Ballet Concertante."

Other patrons enjoying this blissful blend of ballet and fine food included Irv and Gloria Bransky, Theresa Scarrone, David and Roberta Jenkins, Debbie Stewart, Mary and Terry Connelly and Mendy Elliot.

James B. Coon, vice president and regional manager of private client services for Wells Fargo, was host and special sponsor of the elegant affair.

Taking it Literary

The Literary Society of Las Vegas can be justly proud of its success in bringing emerging authors to our city. During intimate luncheon meetings held at Four Seasons, members and guests meet the authors, listen to the journey of their writings and enjoy a rich question-and-answer period.

Promising young writers from local high schools are included as well, attending as guests of the society and enjoying a round-table discussion with each author prior to the luncheon.

February's speaker, Fern Schumer Chapman, in presenting her book, "Motherland," elicited the largest audience to date, as she spoke of her mother, a child sent away by parents who perished in the Holocaust.

Present for the luncheon were Arlene Blut, Linda Leavitt, Linda Vause, Randee Kelley, Dr. George and Mary Jane Wirges, Lynn Schnepper, Stefani Evans and Pat Campbell with Midge Rubinson.

Opening the program was Patrick Everett, representing Northern Trust, the group's sponsor, along with Dr. Joe McCullough, literary professor at UNLV.

Speaking of their pleasure with the book (soon to be a Hallmark Entertainment film) were Ty Hilbrecht, Susie Perrine, Judy Applebaum, Gisela Fox, Dan Otter, Betty Founce, Cynthia Montoya and John Bullis.

The Literacy Society will meet Monday, when Jamie O'Neil talks about writing the book "At Swim, Two Boys." Jennifer Feltner (304-6800) is handling all reservations for the luncheon event.