Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2003 | 8:29 a.m.
Joyce Mack and hostess Phyllis McGuire must be saluted for giving a spectacular opening to our city's social season. In creating an A-list event without equal, the ladies cleverly drew attention -- and significant funding -- to the needs of Las Vegas Art Museum.
Held on Thursday at McGuire's Rancho Circle estate, the gala drew VIPs galore. The guests happily mixed and mingled while viewing the massive glass cabinets containing McGuire's famed jewelry collection and the displayed array of vintage couture gowns.
Buck and Aurora Wong, next-door neighbor Fred Veraretta, Steve and Elaine Wynn, Cliff and Donna Findlay with Cliff's dad, Pete Findlay, Andy Katz, John and Rene O'Reilly, Nancy and Jack Weinstein and Chic and Gail Hecht were among those introduced to comic and artist Phyllis Diller, who was the honored guest at the affair.
Many toured McGuire's massive wardrobe suite to view the gowns, among them Brian and Debbie Munch, former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones, Corrine Sidney, Jim Marsh and Julie Burns joined by Marilyn Mack, Ted Rodriguez, Jim Jimmerson, Larry Finuf, Terry Graves, Burton and Linda Cohen and neighbors Kell and Nancy Houssels.
Bob Maheu, busy at work on a new book with co-author David Fisher, also spoke of a recent interview taped for the Discovery Channel with Sandra and Tito Tiberti, Cathy Ray and Sandy Nathan.
Dinner, a shining affair prepared by Rainbow Catering, found Wendy and Richard Plaster discussing Nevada Ballet Theatre's Black and White Ball, a splendid affair which will honor Celine Dion on Jan. 24, with Patricia and Richard Wright, Jill and Tony Curtis, Zoey Brown, Becky Behnen and Nevada's first lady, Dema Guinn.
Others gracing the evening were Mark Juliani, Joy Jaeggers, Dr. Keith Boman, Frank Schreck, Debbie Rhodes, Paul Derounian with his bride, Liz Wickersham, Lynn Weisner and Lovee and Bob Arum. Departing guests were gifted with new signature fragrances from Mandalay Bay, fine chocolates and notecards created by Diller.
Island miracle
Remarkably, in the midst of a snowstorm of media attention, James "Bucky" Buchanan, attorney for a defendant in the 311 Boyz case, managed a miracle with the chic, ultra-elegant wedding of his daughter Misty Ann over the weekend.
The private ceremony and dinner dance reception held lakeside at Reflection Bay Golf Club in Lake Las Vegas Saturday was an island of celebration and grace as Misty, the daughter of Denise Miranda and Buchanan, married Joseph Paul Wykes.
The wedding began with a prelude by harpist Karen Gott and the fairy tale arrival of the bride and her attendants aboard a gleaming white boat sailing across Reflection Bay. Chief attendant was Misty's twin sister, Christy Reid, with her daughter, Ashley Reid, 3, serving as flower girl.
The couple, who met in Manhattan Beach, will honeymoon in Bali and reside in London, where Joseph is chief sales director for Percussion Software.
Further festivities were hosted on Sunday by Bucky and his wife, Giana Buchanan, at their Sunrise Mountain home. To give a special flair to the day, a western theme was chosen to provide the many British wedding guests a sense of the "wild, wild West."
Well-known bail bondsman Dave Kent prepared a chuckwagon feast for the afternoon crowd with help from the Buchanan sons, J.J. and Jack. Well-wishers saluting the couple included Don and Madeleine Andress, Marjorie Fields, Cindi Doumani, Susan Graves, Mark and Suzanne Van Aken and Rose and Gian Orlandi.
Golden opportunity
The Sept. 27 "Miss Kitty's Jeans to Jewels" cowboy evening at the Bitter Root Ranch was a great success. An annual fund-raiser to benefit the mentally disabled clients of Opportunity Village, this family affair provides great food, country dancing and an evening of relaxation for all involved.
Frank and Bonnie Martin and son Guy, owners of the Bitter Root Ranch in the northwest region of our valley, were gracious hosts to 700 attendees. Arrivals came by way of pick-ups and limousines to enjoy the balmy night under the stars.
Kitty Rodman, longtime patroness of Opportunity Village, for whom the event is named, greeted arrivals, including Thom and Mari Landers, Brenda Haynes with David Griego, Bob Fowler, university Regents Thalia Dondero and Jack Scofield, Dee and George Mehocic and Cathy Dinkelman.
The barbecued ribs, chicken and side dishes were provided by Station Casinos, and the margaritas were from Border Grill. Exploring the ranch were fellow supporters Susie Bachman, Paul Standish, Julie Warren, Paul Workman, Dr. Roger and Diana Wilson and Ray Tutland.
Good medicine
This Saturday the Nevada College of Pharmacy will host its annual scholarship gala at the Monte Carlo. An occasion to assist students and provide funding for the expansion of the college's library collection as well as other learning resources, the evening promises a rich array of auction items.
Rep. Jon Porter will be keynote speaker during the dinner program, sharing the podium with Thomas Wiser, Dean of the Nevada College of Pharmacy. Call event chairwoman Jackie Seip at 968-2020 for reservations. The Nevada College of Pharmacy, established in 2001, specializes in preparing students for pharmaceutical careers. For more details, go online at www.nvcp.edu.
Tea and charity
And on the horizon is the Oct. 23 event to assist HELP of Southern Nevada, a community based agency dedicated to helping individuals and families become self-sufficient.
"Tea, trends & Tranquility," an afternoon affair at Stirling Club inside Turnberry Place, will include a classic English tea provided by the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. Guests will also view a fashion show presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and a tranquility-themed silent auction.
Proceeds will provide support for HELP's programs, which include Travelers' Aid, Community Alternative Sentencing, Displaced Homemakers and Emergency Resource Services.
Tickets are $85. For reservations, call 369-4357, ext. 238.
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