Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Benefit reads well for Clark County schools

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2004 | 8:09 a.m.

More than a beautiful evening or a milestone achieved for a much-loved production show, the celebration surrounding the 10 millionth guests -- Connie and John Rakoske of Ipswich, Mass. -- at "Jubilee!" was a victory for Clark County children.

Held in Bally's lovely Seasons restaurant, the pre-show reception was a benefit occasion for Clark County Reads!, an ongoing program to enrich Clark County schools with books from the Clark County Public Education Foundation.

Working in partnership on this endeavor with Donn Arden's "Jubilee!" cast members and hotel executives throughout the Caesars Entertainment Group are Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Southern Nevada, led by Leigh-Ann Melton, Southern Nevada community relations manager of the popular bookstore chain.

The goal is to raise 10 million words worth of books for our public school students.

Arriving guests at the cocktail party were generous, providing dozens of new books for readers of all ages. Dropping off their donations to the statuesque showgirls in the glittering, Bob Mackie-designed costumes were Tom Bruny, Breck Wall, Jeff Sipes, Renee Hate, Ben Jones, Pat Parks, Dr. Keith Boman, comic magician (and now comic-strip character) Mac King of Harrah's, Greg Weiler, Stan Jenkins, Tim Searcy and school principals Gary and Patricia Earl.

Many bid on the Teddy Bears in showgirl costumes at the silent auction to benefit Clark County Reads!, or admired the "Jubilee!" headdresses and other costume pieces on display.

Joyce Woodhouse, director of the School-Community Partnership Program, was seen with Mel Carter, Jackie Brett, "Jubilee!" box office manager Sandy Peck, David Crist, Stephanie Parker and Lu Webb of the Clark County Public Education Foundation.

Sampling the champagne, appetizers and sweets provided for invited guests were foundation trustees Andy Katz, Robert L. Forbuss and Stan Fuke. In the crowd as well were Mel Ozeki, Deanna Pettit, Brenda O'Boyle with David Griego, Jack and Marilyn Bulavsky, Monte Rock III, Stacy Solovey, Moranda Stephens and Jeff Dupre, who spoke of his work-in-progress on a documentary about Las Vegas.

To assist Clark County Reads! in this mammoth book drive, contact Beth Sandoval of the Clark County Public Education Foundation at 799-1042.

Fall ball

It might only be August, but the fall social season is already heating up. Planned for Sept. 30 is Nathan Adelson Hospice's Golden Monarch Council Wine Tasting and Food Extravaganza.

Now in its fifth year, the ever-popular event will be presented from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Gaudin Jaguar/Porsche/Aston Martin, 7200 W. Sahara Ave. Complete with fast cars, fine wines and marvelous foods, the evening promises to be an enchanting benefit occasion.

Participating restaurants include Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, Rosemary's Restaurant, the Carmel Room at the Rampart Casino, Benedict's Bistro, Harley Davidson Cafe and Panera Bread Company. Tickets are $40 per person at the door.

The Sept. 30 event will raise money for the newly formed "Silk Butterflies" program, an outreach effort offering supportive services to dying children and their families. Services will be provided in hospitals, nursing homes and specialized-care facilities.

The Golden Monarch Council assists the Southern Nevada community as an auxiliary effort to Nathan Adelson Hospice, the region's only not-for-profit hospice.

Laura Coleman has all the details and can be reached at 349-3948.