Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Students get boost from art community

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

A recent benefit at the Four Seasons raised more than $10,000 to establish scholarships for Clark County School District high school seniors.

The "Art for Education" event, sponsored by the Anthony L. Pollard Foundation, was held Nov. 5 and Nov. 6 in the Palm Room, and art was provided by Gallery thirty nine 17 of Houston.

Supporters including Patty Aguilar, Debra Toney, artist Evita Tezemo, Lana Williams and Dr. William and Sherri Sullivan chose from a selection ranging from oil paintings to mixed media collages, sculptures and even painted champagne flutes.

Thirty percent of the proceeds from this year's art sales went to the foundation, which sponsors a major benefit every fall. The foundation's ongoing mission is to enrich the lives of disadvantaged youths by providing financial assistance to students seeking post-secondary educational opportunities that might otherwise not be possible.

The foundation was begun by Dr. Anthony Pollard and his wife, Diane Pollard, founders of Rainbow Medical Centers in Las Vegas.

Jewel of a party

Champagne flowed and guests relaxed during Junior League of Las Vegas's fund-raising party at Michael E. Minden Jewelers on Nov. 21.

Minden, a longtime supporter of Junior League's community projects, chose the organization as the recipient for the celebrations at his new store at the Fashion Show mall.

With wife Theresa Minden, the jeweler worked with Junior League President Kristina Swallow and special events committee members Dr. Bonnie Winkleman, Lisa Windom, Holly Clark and Lisa Sheehan. Cili at Bali Hai, managed by Lisa Sheehan, provided the delectable foods for the party enjoyed by Nancy and Chris Downs, Jan and Fred Allen, Judy Beal, Mitzie Hiegel, Kathy Augustine, Giana Buchanan and Sandy Windom.

Taking home the dazzling diamond ring -- contributed by Minden for the benefit -- was Dr. Kathy Mahan. Member models, who also seemed to be doing a goodly amount of shopping in the process, were Beth Volin, Nazy Habibian and Lisa Windom.

Midweek success

"Every Kid Counts" -- a luncheon hosted by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas -- drew a midweek crowd of 550 supporters at St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church on Nov. 19.

The luncheon was a team effort between attorney Gus Flangas and his brother, Albert, a Realtor, and Mary Kaye Cashman and Ron Hall, co-chairs of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas Foundation.

Wolfgang Puck's Trattoria del Lupo restaurant provided the meal served to attendees in the gracious meeting hall at the church, to which 50 table captains each invited 10 or more business owners, philanthropists and potential supporters.

The program included an explanation of the mission and positive results of the Boys and Girls Clubs and an introduction the Every Kid Counts Multi-year Giving Club -- a new effort to expand programs, add new locations and enrich the lives of children who may otherwise go unmotivated and uninspired.

Listening attentively, and often speaking of their involvement over the years, were Elaine Wynn, Marydean Martin, George Togliatti, Josie Gaines, Marjorie Joss, Marietta Baughn, Margee Purdue Johnson, Amanda and Tamara Flangas, Dan Reichartz and Ann Kolber.

In the mix as well was Chris Pickett of Lamar Outdoor Advertising, who explained the company has a tradition of supporting the Boys and Girls clubs in all cities where they operate, and that in Las Vegas they are donating the use of six billboards.

Other contributors speaking of funding and in-kind donations were Debbie Barone, Sally Dewhurst, Maureen Peckman, Tim Cashman, Sherry Colquitt, Regent Stavros Anthony, Mike Webber, Barbara Mulholland, Robin Rockey and Jan Hogan.

Since it was started in 1961 the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas has served 10,600 children, ages 8 to 18, in 2002. They offer life and health skills, leadership, education and career development, fitness, sports and more, at a dozen sites across Southern Nevada.

Raising the standard

Friday will be a red-letter day in Las Vegas for those attending one of several splendid events. The Epicurean Club, celebrating its second year, will host the "Party of the Year," a high-flying, truly wonderful scholarship fund-raiser, at Paris Las Vegas.

More than a dinner, the evening will sparkle with appearances by Cornell Gunter's Coasters, Beary Hobbs' Drifters, The Platters, extreme artist Jean Francois and Michael Flatley's "Lord of the Dance."

An elaborate reception with serving stations from many of the city's finest restaurants will start the evening, while the four-course dinner will be prepared by celebrity chefs and served with select wines to match the menu. Gov. Kenny Guinn will be honored during the program, as will the Epicurean Club's first four scholarship winners.

Net proceeds from the evening will fund college and internship scholarships for deserving high school seniors who wish to pursue careers as hospitality industry professionals.

Sponsored students will be eligible to receive up to $10,000 yearly for four years of college. Two students with outstanding work ethics and high grade-point averages will be sent to Europe to work in a renowned restaurant. To purchase tickets, please contact Sabrina Martinez at 248-3312.

Musical fantasy

Lisa Heck and Marilyn Moss of The Opus Society report that Friday will also bring a musical evening worth attending.

Teamed with Holiday Lighting Dynamics, the Opus Society will present "Opus Two -- a Holiday Fantasy." The evening will include the singing of old-fashioned carols, a silent auction and holiday dinner at Spanish Trail Country Club.

Guests are encouraged to bring wrapped gifts suitable for the youngsters at Child Haven. Call Alvida at 896-2432.