Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Knight’s night brings out a host of power players

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 12, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

Amost elegant reception honoring University of Nevada, Las Vegas golf coach Dwaine Knight was recently hosted by UNLV President Carol Harter and Athletic Director John Robinson.

Knight is the head coach of the UNLV men's golf team and is enjoying his 16th year with the program. He guided the Rebels to their first NCAA golf title in 1998 and has the distinction of having coached more than 30 All-Americans in his career.

Knight was inducted into the National Golf Coaches Hall of Fame in January during ceremonies held at the annual PGA Show in Orlando, Fla. He is known for his remarkable putting knowledge that has helped players such as Jeremy Anderson, Chad Campbell, Ed Pryatt and Chris Riley turn professional.

The festivities recognizing this accomplishment and marking his development of the outstanding program at UNLV were held at Southern Highlands Golf Club. Home of the Rebel golf program, the magnificent country club with its panoramic views of the lush course has become, in the words of coach Knight, "an unmatched recruitment tool" as he and fellow coaches seek to recruit only the best young players.

It is a favorite golf course to several U.S. presidents, along with professional golfers, entertainers and celebrities.

Supporters, many of whom date to Knight's arrival in the fall of 1987, included guests Joe and Hope Anstett, Pattie and Ed Oligives, Don Snyder, Dr. Hugo Paulson, Bruce Snyder, Allen Duncan and University Regent Stavros Anthony.

Special guest was Ted Quirk, who was present in Orlando with wife Maria for Knight's Hall of Fame induction.

Quirk, a fundamental part of the UNLV Golf Foundation from the start, gave Knight's induction speech.

Speakers at the well-attended dinner reception included Garry Goett, key UNLV supporter and developer-executive of Southern Highlands Golf Club. Goett, who had great praise for the coach and his well-mannered players, presented Knight with an honorary membership at Southern Highlands.

Other well-wishers included Jerry Tarkanian, Michael Harter, Jack Scofield, Brad and Suzanne Rothermel, Susie Smith, John Gallagher and Knight's wife, Debbie.

Oscar alert

Oscar is coming ... Oscar is coming ... once again Caesars Palace will host Las Vegas' only Academy Awards-sanctioned Oscar Night America party.

Benefitting the Arthritis Foundation of Southern Nevada, the celebration will begin at 4 p.m. in the hotel's spectacular Pavilion Center with entertainment, fine food and plenty of star power for all. Sandy and Roger Peltyn, with co-chair Lisa Heck, have arranged a marvelous evening, with each guest to receive the same official program distributed to celebrities and industry leaders attending the ceremonies in Hollywood.

Sponsors include Montecristo Rum, FRED-Paris Jewelers, Encore Productions, Coca-Cola, the Forum Shops at Caesars and the Shadow Cigar Lounge hosted by Caesars Shadow Bar concierges.

Robin Leach will serve as celebrity master of ceremonies.

Dinner will be a "tasting of Caesars" as presented by four of the resort's finest restaurants and their masterful chefs.

Guests will have easy viewing from four enormous screens and be included in a posh After-Glow party in the new Cypress Street MarketPlace imediately following the Academy Awards presentation. Ticket sales are being handled by the Arthritis Foundation at 367-1626.

Norm in form

Recent celebrations to mark Norm Johnson's 70th birthday spilled over into the wee hours as media and entertainment friends gathered to enjoy the festivities. Hosted by Norm's former bride Cathy Bittinger with friends Jackie Brett and Mel Carter at their home, the affair was a rare evening of relaxed comfort for all.

Bobby Capozzoli's well-trained team from his Casa Di Amore restaurant catered the dinner, serving the tantilizing food and libations to attendees Breck Wall, Jim and Helen Sax, Mel and Marilyn Larson, Denny Weddle with Louise Helton, Terry and Barbara Nosek, Bobby Katz, George Gennawey and Norm's former racing partner CPA Clark Bingham.

Robert Goulet, a longtime client and friend of Johnson's, attended with his wife, Vera, and later led the birthday song and introduction of other entertainers. Stepping to the microphone as their gift to Norm was singer-comedian Carme, Brenda Bochard and Patricia Welch to name just a few.

In the crowd of well-wishers were Bill and Jeanne Acosta, producer Mike Merreck, Denny Denman, Jeff Motley of Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Tony Sacca and Norm's daughters Denise, Lisa and Robin Johnson, all of Las Vegas.

Teen fashion

With the expansion of the Fashion Show mall we have even greater opportunities to enjoy well-planned events of a fashionable nature. On March 23, with the sponsorship of Nordstrom, Nevada Ballet Theatre will host its annual Teen Fashion Show.

Starting with breakfast at 9 a.m., served on the first floor of the spacious store, the event will then move guests upstairs to a runway staging area where 75 of our city's nicest teens will present the latest fashions for young men and women. Alan Morrell, manger of Nordstrom Las Vegas, is working closely with event co-chairs Lee Medick and Denise Cashman.

Choosing designs from leading names in fashion for the show, they have planned a beautiful event with great vitality and spirit. Featured will be an array of prom and special occasion looks from a selection of leading designers. Tickets and all the details by calling Nevada Ballet Theatre at 243-2623, ext. 230.

Sunday luncheon

A note from Barbara Figler has alerted us to the Hadassah "Celebration of Life" luncheon to be held Sunday at noon at Forunato's Restaurant at 3430 E. Tropicana Ave. Sponsored by the Hadassah of Southern Nevada, Rishona chapter, the luncheon will honor matriarchs of the chapter, Alice Goldberg and Anne Cohen.

Entertainment will include Tony Sacca, now appearing at the Riviera, plus a nostalgic program by the famed DeCastro Sisters and other surprises. Proceeds will assist with the Hadassah Hospital Emergency Fund.

Contact Marcia (434-9030) or Barbara (735-8725) for luncheon reservations and membership details.