Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: LV elite meets at Park Towers

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 7, 2004 | 8:25 a.m.

Park Towers was abuzz with activity March 25 as Elahe Omidyar, mother of eBay founder Pierre Omidyar, hosted an intimate dinner gathering for visiting friend Jan Schneider at the Grand Salon at the exclusive tower residence.

Park Towers residents Dr. Parvin Modaber Jacobs (Elahe's cousin) and her husband, Dr. Ted Jacobs, co-hosted the event. Guests included Susan and Alan Feurstman, Bill Kanter, Judy Robinson, Susan and Irwin Molasky and Bob and Lovee Arum.

Pierre was in attendance, speaking to Schneider about her plans for a political race in Sarasota, Fla. Enjoying the dinner affair as well were Joanne Turner, Dr. Michael Rosenbaum with Josh Michaely, Isabel Pfeiffer, Nancy Alamo with Carlos Collado and Dr. Keith Boman, trustee for the Reynolds Foundation.

Mesquite meet

Spring showers Friday did little to deter Mesquite Club members from attendance at the club's Eastertide luncheon.

The event was a colorful gathering, with many of the 150 guests wearing elegant hats. The luncheon at the Mesquite Clubhouse was presided over by Mesquite Club President Maureen Schnitzer and Ways and Means Committee Chairwoman Elsa Torgerson.

A Las Vegas institution since the 1930s, the Mesquite Club combines social activities with meaningful civic contributions. Efforts through the years include the founding of the first public library, parks and rose gardens, The Blind Center and leading legislative efforts to assist victims of child abuse and rape.

The Easter-themed luncheon was prepared and served by committee members Alice Eubank, Joan LeMere, Judy Furano, Bette Ault, Pam Clark, Joan Powell and Ann Keinart, joined by Emanel Milligan, Doris Johnson, Arlene Parkinson, Joan O'Connor Braun, Bette Butler, Phyllis Ockerman and Laurie Porter. A fashion show followed with Paula Mendenhall, Sara Southard, Persia Golden, Lois Freeman, Golda Tobler, Doris Wartman, Katherine Everson, Doris Balducci, Charlotte Barnes and Marilyn Essex among those enjoying the occasion.

Model Billie Kenney wore a stylish top hat, a family heirloom her grandfather purchased for his turn-of-the-century wedding day. Others in equally elegant vintage and modern creations were Marion Kohler, Lois Mahood, Joanne Vaughn, Sandra Frank, Blanche Bozarth, Dorothy Craighead, Joan Doubrava, Max Failing, Joan Fragakis and Sharon Kautzman. Alex Kohler cut a fashionable figure as he escorted models on stage.

A F.I.T. tribute

Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (F.I.T.) celebrated its continued progress and saluted the legion of supporters who make it possible at the annual Citizens of Distinction luncheon in the grand ballroom of the Stardust on March 26.

Honored with special distinction was 83-year-old Florence McClure, a pioneer in advocacy who used her bright intelligence on behalf of victims of rape and incarcerated women. Also in the spotlight for stellar efforts was longtime government official Myla Florence, director of Nevada's Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation.

Sherrie Coverdell, a former F.I.T client, was saluted for having come "full circle" -- from client to successful employee. After Coverall was let go from her job after 13 years, the foundation program provided the training and re-education necessary for a position with Metro Police.

F.I.T. is a nonprofit corporation that provides under-employed and unemployed Nevadans with education to move them into skilled, higher-paying employment. Supportive individuals and local businesses make this possible and offer a helping hand for post-training employment opportunities.

Recognized during the luncheon were leading employers and companies who assist F.I.T., among them Ed Zub and Jim Dufault (Southwest Gas), Michael Ryan (Citibank Nevada), Kathleen Porter (YMCA), Nancy Wells (Manpower), Justin Sommer (Old Republic Title) and Robin Henderson (Caesars Entertainment), to name just a few.

Seen in the bustling crowd was Andy Blumen, who attended with wife Janet Blumen, founder-president of F.I.T., Thomas Boyce, Karen Winckler, Dee Ladd, Paula Francis and luncheon chair Joanne Blystone, also a F.I.T. founding member and board trustee.

Helping out

Rags-to-Riches Marketplace, to be presented by Nevada Ballet Theatre, needs donations and volunteers.

A fund-raiser and shoppers' paradise with everything from plants to pearls and much more, Rags-to-Riches has been slated for June 12 at Nevada Ballet Theatre's building on Inner Circle Drive in Summerlin.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the youth programs of Nevada Ballet Theatre, including classical training, educational outreach and performances.

Harriet Kaufman, event coordinator, has put out the call for contributions. Gently used clothing, art and antiques, books, housewares, jewelry, toys and baby goods, furniture and more are requested. High-end items will be selected for a silent auction. And to assist with the massive project, an army of volunteers is needed to sort, price and display all of the many treasures as they arrive.

Contact Harriet at 243-2633 to volunteer or to arrange for free pick-up of large donations.

Diamonds, denim

A Night of Diamonds and Denim has been selected as the theme for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's annual gala honoring Station Casinos for its community involvement.

Planned for April 17, the evening in the Dallas Ballroom at Texas Station includes dinner, dancing, entertainment and the excitement of both live and silent auctions.

For ticket information and details on the gala, call 732-4795.