Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2003 | 8:16 a.m.
Las Vegas can be justly proud of Nathan Adelson Hospice, a source of compassionate care of the terminally ill and their loved ones.
Established in 1978, this center has become an inspiration to similar institutions and has served as the focal point of a national conference attended by representatives of 150 hospice programs in Las Vegas in March.
On Saturday, Nathan Adelson Hospice celebrated its 25th anniversary with an elegant dinner at Cili at Bali Hai Golf Club.
Hospice co-founder Irwin Molasky was at the helm of the program, speaking eloquently of the hospice's ever-expanding programs, home-care services and inpatient facilities.
From a dream that began 25 years ago as a tribute to his late friend, Nathan Adelson, this caring organization has grown to 267 employees, serving 2,100 terminally ill patients in 2002. It now cares for 350 a day.
Notably, $1 million in free care was provided through the hospice's Indigent Care Fund. A volunteer force of approximately 250 contributed 27,000 hours of service last year.
The anniversary dinner began with a champagne reception and grew to include fierce bidding on ceramic platters decorated in artistic style by entertainers and notables, including Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, KLAS Channel 8 news anchor Paula Francis, Phyllis McGuire and Debbie Reynolds.
In the mix of bidders were Billy and Susan Walters, joined by Lou and Linda Silvestri, Maria and Ted Quirk, Alan Duncan, Terry Graves with wife Francine Pulliam, Catherine Luce, Mike and Jeri Rumbolz and Bill Terry, newly appointed general manager for Neiman Marcus.
County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates and Rhonda Friday, representing event sponsor Lancome, were seen with Miriam Afshai, Linda Lee and Frank Schreck.
Dinner, a lavish chefs' fantasy prepared by Eduardo Perez (Spago), Gustav Mauler (BullShrimp), Patton Robertson (Cili) and Bridget Lief (Mariposa), was much enjoyed by Linda and Steve Casey, Phil Hernandez, Ann and Bruce Evans, Ken and Mary Woloson, Scott MacTaggart, Sandy Mecca, Stuart and Flora Mason, Vivica Marshall and Burton and Linda Cohen.
Jackie Burrow and Gail Chomisch of "All Fired Up" explained how their firm helped prepare the ceramic platters for sale at the anniversary dinner as well as their ongoing efforts with the remembrance tiles used to decorate the patio and meeting rooms at the hospice's Compassionate Care Center.
Haven-ly
Established in 1973 by the Clark County Division of Family and Youth Services, Child Haven is the temporary home for abused, neglected and abandoned children.
Today 300 to 400 children are housed on the Child Haven campus each month, with an average stay of 28 days, but some remaining several months. Most need clothing, counseling and medical care, and are often turned over to the foster care system.
As the population of needy children grows, so does the need for community involvement and support. Stepping in to make a difference in the past five years, Southwest Engineering established Through the Eyes of a Child Foundation, and has annually hosted a charity event to benefit these vulnerable children.
Southwest Engineering has an ongoing presence at Child Haven, hosting such special events as an annual Easter egg hunt and barbecue at the campus. Southwest Engineering is a Las Vegas-based company serving high-profile developers with services including civil engineering, project management, land development and surveying.
Friday the foundation's annual fund-raiser, also called "Through the Eyes of a Child," was held at Red Rock Country Club. In addition to a successful golf tournament with pro golfer Stephanie Louden participating, a high tea and fashion show was held.
Chairing the tea was Flora Jackson, director of business development for Southwest Engineering, who serves as president and director of the foundation.
Lending their support were co-sponsors St. Rose Dominican Hospital, U.S. Home Corporation, Republic Services, MassMedia/Vanguard, Mercury/LDO and Dot Printer.
Proceeds from both the tea and the golf tournament will be used by the foundation to provide special-needs grants for children at Child Haven.
Entertainer Earl Turner, formerly of The Rio and now a headliner at Harrah's Laughlin, was a well-chosen emcee for the tea and fashion show. Turner and his wife, Christine, are the parents of an adopted child once sheltered at Child Haven and later assigned to foster care.
Turner was also responsible for a well-received appearance by his friend, master magician Lance Burton, who dazzled the crowd with assistance from a young volunteer, Hayden McTernan.
Relaxing as they enjoyed the delectable high tea were Cassi Eisinger, Janet Ferris, Christine Turner, David Watts, Victoria Otter, Debbie Valdez, Roger Gerber, Bruce Clarke and Katerina Ferry. Fashions from the Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian were modeled by volunteers, including several foster care teens.
Shown during a pause in the fashion parade was a video on Child Haven with interviews of board members R.R. "Casey" Jones, Andrew Abboud, Brad Schnepf and others, each speaking of why they stay involved with and support Child Haven.
Sallie Doebler, creator of the frothy teapot, lace and ivy centerpieces used at the tea, was complimented by Maggie Allred, Wayne Bernath and Betsy Fretwell, as well as Nina Lemansky, Pam Newell, Rena Whitehead, Linda Hopton, Debbie Smith and Meaghan Madrigan, the current Miss Rodeo Nevada, who spoke during the program.
Maiden voyage
Gisela and Morton Fox hosted the first meeting of the newly formed Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild on Oct. 25 at their Scotch 80s home.
Hugh Roberts, charter president of the guild, announced the group has 120 members, but wishes to encourage others to participate. During his welcoming speech he introduced officers and board members Judith Heck (secretary), Ann Kaplan (historian), Libby Bjerke (membership), Fred Bergendorff (publicity), Jerry Speen (photographer), Sandra Frank (arrangements), Robert Heck (treasurer) and Phyllis Roberts (vice president).
Music director Harold "Hal" Weller and Philip Koslow, executive director of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, spoke of upcoming events and special events for the 2003-04 season.
Anita Meyer, administrative manager, provided further details to guests Karl and Mary Bruner, Kerin Rodgers, Sandra Avants, David and Beth Ann Mathis, Abigail Schwartz and Kathy Fox.
Julian McRae, Dr. James Frank, Melva James, Henry Barjert, Dee Gillette, Mel and Judy Walker, Betsy Weller, Gloria Speen and Carter and Valerie Ferrari were also among those attending the afternoon gathering.
For membership information about the new guild or specifics about Las Vegas Philharmonic events, please call 258-5438.
Correction: Last week's report of the private dinner and tour of the new Guggenheim Hermitage exhibition at The Venetian incorrectly credited resort owner Sheldon Adelson and his wife, Dr. Miriam Adelson, as hosts and underwriters. While the couple were attending supporters, the evening was in fact hosted by the Guggenheim Foundation, with guests paying $350 each.
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