Wednesday, May 14, 2003 | 8:33 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at [email protected].
"One Cool Night," a benefit for Alzheimer's research to "Keep Memory Alive," was again a time to see many put their considerable resources toward funding successful research to prevent and cure this disease.
Larry Ruvo, Maddy Graves, Kenny Epstein and Bobby Baldwin, bound by this shared goal, founded this event some six years ago and have combined their strengths to push forth research and also provide for building of a local treatment and residential center.
With no barrier to ethnicity, gender or financial status, this disease has encroached into the heart of all American families and stands as the fourth leading cause of death among adults. It is estimated that some 14 million Americans will be afflicted by 2050.
Last week's gathering at Postrio at The Venetian was a glorious dinner and a hugely successful fund-raiser with $2.5 million-plus garnered in this single evening.
Muhammad Ali, with wife Lonnie, arrived in the style of beloved royalty to join Camille Ruvo, Lovee and Bob Arum, Drs. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs, Susan Graves, Diane Epstein, Robert and Marcelle Frey, Sheryl and Rob Goldstein, winemakers Don Carano and Robert Mondavi, Dr. Tony and Charlene Carter and others in the glittering crowd of contributors.
Event co-chairs Donna Baldwin and Michael Severino were everywhere in the flower-filled rooms of Postrio as this year's event began with an auction preview and specialty cocktail reception inside the spacious restaurant.
Dinner, a glorious affair created by Wolfgang Puck and Alain Ducasse, with Postrio's own John LaGrone and his staff assisting, was served in the tented patio where the high bidding went unchecked.
Mingling with the crowd were Gov. Kenny and Dema Guinn, seen with Phyllis McGuire, Sheriff Bill Young, Bernie and Candace Yuman, Bill and Susan Walters, Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, the Fertitta family and Marc and Jane Schorr.
Working to present this truly remarkable evening were steering committee members Frank Roskowski, Cheryl Fish, Anna Cohen, Susan Fleitz, Kimberly Gora and Chris Coaley.
Among the leading lights of Las Vegas society sipping Dom Perignon provided by Larry and Camille Ruvo for the mega-fund-raiser were Frank Schreck with Linda Lee, George Maloof, Sandy and Roger Peltyn, Jackie Gaughan, Bill and Linda Richardson, Skip Avansino, newlyweds state Sen. and Mrs. Bill Raggio, Linda and Gary Ackerman, Anne and Brian Menzel and Chantal and Stephen Cloobeck.
Representing the Las Vegas Alzheimer's Association were board members Linda Branch, Roxy Peper, Carol Siskand and regional director Brandy Gregg.
One hundred percent of monies raised by tickets and auction bids will be spent for research.
Bon temps
After the winds, after the storms, the gods of weather (and wine) seemed to smile upon Bon Appetit's Wine and Spirits Focus on Friday evening.
Held in the splendor of the Hard Rock Hotel's multi-tiered pool enclosure, the evening served as a benefit for Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada.
Presented with the sponsorship of Viking Ranges, the self-paced sipping and sampling occasion took guests to the private cabanas, where our best local chefs and a multitude of vintners awaited.
Music wafted across the balmy evening, where guests including Dirk and Cynthia Ravenholt with his father, Dr. Otto Ravenholt, and wife Barbara, compared notes on cuisine, vintages and a suprising array of luxury vacation spots.
Howard and Sherry Ickes, David Robins, Wolfgang von Wiesner with Jennifer Linsky, Tony Goitia, Rich Moreno, Sam Spaulding, Mary and Bob Apple, James Woodrow with Chef Kevin Wu, Brian Chilton, Gladys Comer, Dr. Pam Moore, Carlos Guia and Laura Herlovich were also seen in the blended crowd of locals and visitors.
Many, alerted to the worthy event to fund the wishes of terminally ill children, also attended Bon Appetit's seminars, cooking classes and special events throughout the weekend.
Nancy Katz, attending with colleagues Lindsay Hansen and Lauren Frank, all of R&R Partners, was seen bidding in the Make-A-Wish auction area, while many purchased the "wish" teddy bears that also benefitted the childrens' charity. Others gravitated to the wine tables, where winemaker Amelia Moran Ceja, a pioneer woman in the industry, spoke of her Ceja Vineyards in Napa Valley.
Ernest effort
Actor Ernest Borgnine, well-remembered for his roles in the films "Marty" and "From Here to Eternity," along with television programs "McHale's Navy" and "Airwolf," is a frequent visitor to Las Vegas.
Through the efforts of longtime friends Mel and Marilyn Larson, both leaders in the Animal Foundation organization, Borgnine agreed to appear as keynote speaker for the recent Animal Foundation luncheon at Cili inside Bali Hai Golf Club.
Arranged by Marilyn Larson with committee members Joy Jones, Kelleen Cota, Sue Jurecki and Vivica Marshall, the gracious gathering began with drinks on the terrace overlooking the waterfalls of the lush course.
Arriving with friends were Cindy Barry and Linda Favero, Nerissa Tedesco with her mother, Rose, and Liz Sedeno, as well as Sharry Quillin with her mother, Estie MacAlister, Sue Lalli and Deborah Stout, who serves as the foundation's treasurer.
A select array of silent auction items drew the attention of Billy McCoy, Helen Daseler, bride-to-be Linda Smith of Opportunity Village and John and Rene O'Reilly, who attended with son Bryan.
Far and away the most popular items for bid were pedigree animals, a King Charles spaniel and Persian kitten, prime examples of the beautiful animals available through the Animal Foundation, which operates the Lied Animal Shelter for the city of Las Vegas.
Many took a close look at the architectural drawings of an expanded shelter and treatment center, among them Ray Bertolino, Cili's banquet manager, who was the top bidder to adopt the Persian kitten. Comedian Dick Smothers, joined by Andy and Marlene Wheeler, Joe Brown and Kitty Rodman with Claudine Williams were among those who applauded Bernice Taitz, who took home the King Charles spaniel.
Taking a special pleasure in the afternoon were Judy Santelman, Bob Orgil, Richie Cline, Linda Harlow and Judy Taggart.
Speaking briefly was Maureen Peckman, who will chair a Westminister-style dog show at The Orleans Arena on June l. The "Best in Show" event will feature pound and rescued dogs, offering many for adoption. Sponsors are needed to prepare dogs for this big event and help the Foundation find new homes for these pets. Details on "Best in Show" and the many efforts of the Animal Foundation can be obtained by calling 384-3333.
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