Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2003 | 8:27 a.m.
Nordstrom celebrated its first year in Las Vegas in style, holding a fund-raising gala to benefit Opportunity Village.
The Saturday night event, "Viva La Moda!," was much more than an anniversary celebration for the Fashion Show retailer and certainly a shopping adventure for the 400 guests who showed up to enjoy the hunt for fine clothing and home fashions.
Nordstrom General Manager Alan Morrell involved himself and the staff in the planning of the fund-raiser, welcoming each guest by way of a huge receiving line as the party began.
In every department, special shopping opportunities, tastings and alluring fashions were offered as treats to the eye and palate. Keys to a series of treasure chests were given to each person. Prizes included a facial microdermabrasion and cosmetics package for Brenda Haynes and David Griego, and a Marc Jacobs handbag for Mary Ann Royer.
The casually elegant affair was planned by Master Chef Gustav Mauler and his partner/wife, Denise. With the lure of Cuban-influenced dining stations and specialty libations, the party drew guests into every corner of the spacious, three-level store.
Palm reading, salsa dancing, hand-rolled cigars, jewel and fashion experts awaited those who enjoyed the after-hours atmosphere.
Getting into the spirit of the party were Opportunity Village benefactors Susan and Billy Walters, seen with O.V. Executive Director Ed Guthrie and wife Sharyl, joined by committee members Zoe Brown, Donna Ruthe with husband Chuck, Dee Covington, Kimberly Maxson-Rushton, Lynne Foster and others.
Patricia and Richard Wright, Charlotte Hill, Janet Kiff, Jack Woodcock, Helen Sax, Irene Montisano and Kathy Bracale were also among the select group enjoying the evening.
Proceeds from the anniversary party will assist Opportunity Village's efforts to provide training and support for mentally challenged citizens and their families in Southern Nevada.
Puck party
The Orleans Arena threw a red-carpet party Oct. 21 to introduce the Las Vegas Wranglers and applaud those who have come out in support of Las Vegas' newest professional team.
Using the arena's spacious conference area, invited guests including Larry Lee, Elaine Wynn, Mike Varney, Lamar Marchese, Brian Gavan, Judy Robinson, David Sheladda and Sue Sharp enjoyed a tasty buffet and cocktail reception.
There were also plenty of pro hockey fans in attendance, including Michelle Hull, a Justice Court staff attorney, who attended the game with husband and fellow attorney Michael Kirstof, along with Judge Nancy Oesterle and Art Ellison.
Hull is also the daughter of NHL Hall of Famer Bobby Hull and sister of Brett Hull, star of the Detroit Red Wings.
Mixing and mingling with arriving fans were team owners Charles Davenport IV and Jonathan Fleisig, joined by Orleans Arena executives Windy Lawson and Steve Stallworth. Seen enjoying the party were Brian O'Reilly with his parents, Rene and John O'Reilly, Eric Grill with Tommy Hadlow, John Clare and state Sen. Sandra Tiffany with Jim Marsh.
Museum gets reel
The Lied Discovery Children's Museum held its annual fantasy fund-raiser, "The Reel Gala," at The Mirage on Friday. This year's theme was film and television, and Anthony Zuiker, the creator/executive producer of "CSI" and "CSI Miami," who was granted an honorary doctorate title by UNLV in recognition of his entertainment achievements, truly dazzled the crowd with his enthusiasm for the mission of the museum, and personally gifted the gala with high-selling auction items.
A favorite event for many, the fund-raiser is also notable for its fine entertainment. This year's acts included the graceful Doucette Dance Troupe, which performed to James Bond film themes, with cameo appearances by the Scintas, Mac King and "Spirit of the Dance," arranged by James Woodrow and Michele Tell of Preferred Public Relations.
Arrivals Nancy Baker Lamb, Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Debra and Robert Holgate, Jim Donofrio, Bob Weaver, Susan and Tom Schoeman, state Sen. Ray and Linda Rawson and David and Jacque Matthews enjoyed an early look at auction treasures, planning their strategies for the live bidding directed by Zuiker in tandem with Christian Kolberg.
Items included exclusive trips to island hideaways and a multitude of walk-on parts in "CSI" and "CSI Miami."
Dinner, a splendid affair, was enjoyed by Gladys and Steve Comer, Denise Waddell, Arlene Jouni, USAF General Billy (ret.) and Linda McCoy, Dr. Keith Boman with Jeff Sipes, Lara Kolberg and Tommy and Jane Krobe. Nearby were Patrick Everett, Bob and Kay Stoldal, Bob Clark, Lied Museum board trustees Laura Rehberger and John Sparer and state Sen. Dina Thomas with husband Dr. Tom Wright.
Dance band Harbour Lights kept many on the dance floor between dinner courses and after the program. Dee Snyder, Judy Kropid and Judy Cebulko, co-chairpersons of the gala, led the program honoring MGM MIRAGE with the Museum's Great Friend to Kids Award in recognition of the corporation's many years of unstinting support and contributions.
Lied Discovery Children's Museum is recognized nationally for the quality of its offerings and the service provided to the young minds of our community.
Serving up a classic
A note from Ann Rockwell, pro at Bally's Tennis Center, reminds us the season of giving is approaching and preparations are under way for Bally's fund-raising Holiday Charity Tennis Classic, scheduled from Thursday to Nov. 9.
A portion of the proceeds will help fund the 12 programs operated by the Sunrise Children's Foundation, whose mission is helping children fulfill their potential of safe, healthy and educated lives.
For the tennis tournament, singles, doubles and mixed-doubles players are all encouraged to participate, with all the details arranged by David Pate, tournament director. Call 967-4598 to register.
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