Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Lavish fund-raiser buoys Opportunity Village

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 14, 2004 | 8:17 a.m.

Caesars Palace President Mark Juliano and Opportunity Village board member Billy Walters were among the major supporters joining Celine Dion and husband Rene Angelil to present Easter Sunday's spectacular fund-raiser to benefit Opportunity Village.

Every cast member and musician, and all members of the support staff who produce "A New Day ...," donated their talents and services, as did Dion for this special performance.

Proceeds from ticket sales at the 4,100-seat Colosseum and related events that evening will be used to enrich the lives of the mentally challenged, providing training, jobs and social activities and helping to build self-esteem.

Festivities began early with many generously supporting the performance as well as the champagne reception in Caesars' Roman Ballroom.

Nordstroms General Manager Alan Morrell, Greg Olafson, banker Bill Martin, Meredith and Craig Johnson, Rep. Shelley Berkley and husband, Dr. Larry Lehrner, County Commissioner Mary Kincaid-Chauncey, Bucky and Giana Buchanan, Brian and Debbie Munch, J.A. Tiberti and Regent Thalia Dondero were among those who mixed and mingled with the Scintas, who also adopted Opportunity Village after arriving in Las Vegas some five years ago.

Gina Polovina, president of Opportunity Village Foundation, attended with husband Ira David Sternberg and brought as special guests her maternal grandparents Julian and Iris Smolen. Julian, celebrating his 80th birthday that evening, is a longtime Las Vegas resident.

A select group, among them benefactors of long standing Claudine Williams and Kitty Rodman, attended an elite pre-concert reception with Dion in one of Caesars' luxury suites.

Happily posing for photos with the superstar were Colette Saltz, Frank and Bonnie Martin, Dale and Carl Rowe, Brad Friedmutter with Linda Fresh, Donna and Bob McDonald, Paul Dykstra of GES-Greyhound Exhibition Services and Terri Sturm. Other major contributors stepping into the limelight with Dion were Dick and Lynne Foster, Cliff and Darlene Miller, Larry and Annette Carter, the Morrissey family and representatives from Station Casinos and Mandalay Resort Group.

Proceeds from the event, including a $150,000 direct gift from Dion and Angelil, netted $930,000. It will be used for the development of a third Opportunity Village campus, which will be built in the northwest region of the valley.

Opportunity Village is celebrating its 50th birthday this June. It was founded in 1954 by seven parents who wished to open a larger world for their children.

Philharmonic fete

Shereen and Jason Awad were gracious hosts at their Queensridge estate as the Las Vegas Philharmonic presented the final Cartier series soiree for the 2003-2004 season.

In recital were Gary Karr, foremost American solo bassist, and pianist Harmon Lewis. Jason Awad, an attorney and entrepreneur, and his wife, Shereen, built their home with a decidedly classic Greek design. They have used graceful domed ceilings and an open-air spaciousness ideal for large-scale entertaining.

Gently tiered steps lead from the home out to the garden and temple-like pool area, adding further appreciation to the peaceful setting of the home.

Gathered prior to the musical program were Laura and Dr. David Mulkey, John Witmer, Elizabeth Herridge and Dan Shewman of the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum at The Venetian, John Guedry, Jan Craddock and Bob Stewart with Karen Haid.

A Mediterrean buffet supper was enjoyed by Bill Marion, Carol Kay with Bob Dick, Alvida Lane, Bill McCarty, Christine Springer, Dee Gillette and Dr. James and Sandra Frank.

Heather and Brad Peel, principal performers for the Las Vegas Philharmonic, were present, as was Philip Koslow, the Philharmonic's executive director, and Kurt Mische of KLVX Channel 10. Enjoying the exquisite program and the balmy night air were Diane Clary, Nancy Nichols, Josephine and Delwin Nanengast, Rosalie Cusimano, Howard Bullock, Esther Greenburg, Tracy Charlton, Mark Philips, Dr. Bashir Chowdry and C.J. Woolston.

Justice of the Peace Nancy Oesterle, law school classmate of Jason Awad at Cal-Western School of Law in San Diego, was among those given a tour of the enormous home.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic presents a season of four classical concerts in addition to Fourth of July celebrations and ongoing educational outreach programs. "An Evening of Elegance and Style," a fund-raiser to assist with performance costs, will be presented May 7 at the Sterling Club inside Turnberry Place.

Wendy and Richard Plaster will be honored at the dinner affair. For details and reservations call Anita Meyer at 258-5438.

'Now' is the time

"Asian Art Now," celebrating its fifth appearance at Las Vegas Art Museum at 9600 W. Sahara Ave., is slated to open April 23.

Vibrant, colorful, contemporary and rare, the exhibition of fine works celebrating the rich cultures of Asia is not to be missed.

Opening night will be a fund-raiser gala for the Las Vegas Art Museum and will feature the color and drama of the Chinese lion dance with dancing drummers, joined by other fine examples of cultural exuberance through music and costumes from across the Asian region and a sumptuous array of foods from fine eateries including Roy's and Osaka. Reservations are a must, so call the Las Vegas Art Museum at 360-8000.

Graphic detail

On April 22 the Las Vegas Craftsman Club will host its first golf tournament at Durango Hills Golf Club to benefit education and scholarship programs.

Created to assist future generations of professionals in the craft of printing and graphic arts, the education program will offer scholarships and a series of lectures for those pursing careers in this field.

Cost for the shotgun golf tourney is $59 per person and includes golf cart, golf balls and a gift certificate for Durango Hills Golf Club. To register go online to lasvegascraftsmen@hotmail.com or call Heidi Johnston at 257-2810, ext. 151.