Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: LV elite lend a helping paw to furry friends

Luxury isn't limited to humans -- or so The Animal Foundation's adoptable kittens and dogs learned during a charitable evening at Bloomingdale's at Fashion Show mall Oct. 1.

The combination pet auction/fund-raiser, co-sponsored by linen legend Pratesi, benefitted Lied Animal Shelter. The no-kill facility at 655 N. Mojave Road is scheduled for expansion soon, and more money is needed.

The "adoption-ready" pets auctioned at the affair all went to new homes with a rare treat: a custom-made dog bed, crafted from Pratesi's 600-count Egyptian linen sheets.

In addition, a portion of proceeds from sales went directly to the Animal Foundation, which operates the shelter.

Assisting the pets to find new homes were Robin Brooks Townsend and her mother, Jewel Brooks, joined by board members Marilyn Larson, Vivica Marshall, Deborah Stout and Keleen Kota.

Special guest Nino Di Bari, president of Pratesi (USA), spoke on the romantic history of the century-old Italian linen company.

Animal Foundation supporters Barbara Stout, Patricia and Richard Wright, Sandy Tueller, Amy Ayoub, Mel Larson, Tom Kaplan and Kellie and Marv Rubin surveyed the display of architectural renderings for the Lied Animal Shelter's much-needed expansion.

Discussing the funding and direct donation needs were board members Bill and Karen Edwards, Doug Crosby and Randy Spitzmessa, seen with organization president Janie Greenspun Gale and Bloomingdale executives Kerri Frame and Julie Reynolds.

Saying thanks

Upbeat and entertaining, the KLVX Channel 10 Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon on Sept. 23 gave credit where it was due.

The event at Carrabba's, 10160 S. Eastern Ave., underwritten by owner-manager Bob Brown, was a well-deserved thank you to the 80-plus volunteers attending. Vicki Dueker, with luncheon committee members Karen Loback, Madeleine Johnsen, Roxella Williams, Victoria Lum, Rhonda Moore, Valerie Weinberg and Mary Ritzberg, helped register arriving volunteers.

The luncheon was also a celebration of fund-raising efforts. As explained by Kurt Mische, development director, the public television station receives 70 percent of its $9 million budget in direct contributions and another $1 million from donated time and services.

Linda Mandonia and sister-in-law Sara Alexander, both of Great Buns bakery, Dale Loveall of Rebel Subs, Al O'Neal of Southwest Gas and Grace Devitt of Krispy Kreme Donuts were recognized for their outstanding efforts to help their community by feeding volunteers during the KLVX Channel 10 pledge drive and other occasions throughout the year.

Tom Axtell, KLVX general manager and leader of the program, honored retired teacher Valerie Weinberg as Volunteer of the Year and thanked Barbara Woolbright of Camille La Vie for the fashion show at the luncheon.

Enjoying the comedic talents of zany Harrah's magician Mac King over lunch were Dr. Craig Kadlub, Las Vegas Fire Chief David Washington, Lucille Lockwood, Mitch Fox, Betty Strauss and Myron Martin, who has just signed on to work on the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center project in downtown Las Vegas.

Rob Harbaugh, Andras Barbero, Peggy Smith, Sarah Walker and Charlotte Hill represented members of the Friends of KLXV Channel 10.

Big shots

Two local charities got a big shot in the arm last month from the "Songs for Today, Dreams for Tomorrow" benefit on Sept. 28. Entertainers Lance Burton, Mac King, Clint Holmes, Carol Siskind, Michael Spadoni and Michael Goudeau took the stage at Sam's Town Live! for Variety, local chapter 39 -- started by entertainers who wanted to make a difference -- and the Boys and Girls Club of Henderson.

The fund-raiser started with a cocktail reception, where Variety's president/chief barker Don Pitchford and wife Connie conversed with Brenda Holmes, Irene and Allen Vogel, Brian Kuth, Jeff Harmon, May Muskin, Lauri Thompson, Charlotte Hill and Kim Spore.

Denise Brodsky, newly appointed executive director of Variety, was seen with husband Mitch, fellow School Board member Shirley Barber and former Nevada legislator Nash Senna.

On the "magic" side of the room was Lance Burton's manager, Peter Reveen (himself also a master magician of international reknown), with his son Peter, Jr., publicist Wayne Bernath with wife Peggy and Burton's son Derrick, joined by Monte Carlo stage manager Allen Bracken, who lent his talents to the charitable undertaking. Joe Fuscaldo, general manager of Sam's Town, was responsible for arranging this event, truly a gift for Southern Nevada's kids.

Notte to remember

Significant, important, vital to our city for its endeavors to change lives, the Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (FIT) makes wise use of the supportive dollars garnered during its annual Notte di Carnevale.

A gala event slated for Oct. 18 at Paris Las Vegas, this shining occasion directly helps people working at low-paying jobs by retraining them in stronger career fields and thereby breaking the cycle of dependency and welfare.

FIT clients have become paralegals, truck drivers, insurance salesmen, certified nursing assistants and computer specialists, and in the process taken their families into stable lives and bright futures. Support during their training and new clothing for new lives are just part of the tailor-made plans given each client. Wallace E. Barr, President/Chief Executive of Park Place Entertainment Corporation, and Nancy Houssels, chairman/founder of Nevada Ballet Theatre, have been selected as 2003 honorees by gala chairs Roger and Sandy Peltyn and FIT president Janet Blumen.

During the program Barr will be recognized for his contributions and given welcome as part of our city's corporate and philanthrophic circle, while Houssels is to be honored for her efforts on behalf of the fine arts, generous gifts and community improvement endeavors. The black-tie dinner dance will open at 6:30 p.m. with a hosted reception. For more information, call 362-8544.

Goodman's goodwill

Graciously allowing both friends and detractors to roast him, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will help "Learning for Life," a charity that teams high school mentors with elementary students in a unique approach to teaching values, responsibility and respect.

Approximately 9,000 Clark County high-need elementary students are participating in the program. Lesley Pittman of Station Casinos and Stephanie Boxio, with the Las Vegas mayor's office, are co-chairs of the Friday night event at Texas Station.

Breck Wall, the irrepressible mad genius/creator of "Bottoms Up," will emcee the dinner program and lead off the roast. Tickets are a must; call 367-2493.

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