Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Summer party transformed into fund-raiser

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2004 | 8:16 a.m.

Summer can be a difficult season for charities. Having learned of SafeNest's need for baby clothing and products, however, drama teacher Helen Sax of Del Sol High School and Realtor Wende Bell turned their summer party for friends into a baby shower to benefit the domestic crisis shelter.

With support from guests Brenda O'Boyle (Caesars Entertainment), Pat Marchese (Clark County Parks and Leisure Services), Pamela Puppel (Molasky Family Properties), Jennifer Hedden and Emiko Schneider (Brighton Collectibles), and CPA Joan Ryan, the casual evening became a triumph for the children at SafeNest.

Stopping by with baskets and large bags containing diapers, baby clothes and more, were Theresa Minden (Michael E. Minden Jewelers); Judge Mark Denton with his parents, Ralph and Sara Denton; and Karin Tomcik and Solveig Thorsrud (The Firm).

Cynthia Josef (Roni Josef Salons and Spas) donated complete makeovers for five SafeNest women re-entering the workplace, while John Clare (Las Vegas Chamber Music Society) served as bartender to fellow guests and contributed a basket of children's music CDs.

Jennifer Schmidt, newly appointed volunteer coordinator for the Shade Tree Shelter, attended with her mother, Sandy Windom (Down's Syndrome of Southern Nevada), and her sister, Lisa Windom (Dior Boutique). Joining them were Judy Hetherington (Nevada state controller's office), Mary Germain (Assistance League) and Juvenile Court Judge Bob Gaston, longtime SafeNest board member and advisor.

Others contributing to the array of baby goods collected were James Woodrow and wife Michele Tell (Preferred Public Relations), Jim McCoy (Opportunity Village), Fuilala Riley (HELP of Southern Nevada), Phil Hagen, Dr. Neil Carmena, Realtor Paul Bell and SafeNest Director of Development Beverly Carlino-Banta.

Assisting hostesses Bell and Sax by arranging the use of the Quail Estates West clubhouse were Beverly Laird, board president, and residents Vivian Lightfoot and Cornelia Kopp. Earlier this year residents of the age-restricted development also held a toy drive to benefit the children at SafeNest.

Tea and charity

One of fall's most elegant affairs is HELP of Southern Nevada's "Tea, Trends and Tranquility," a benefit to assist the charity's many efforts on behalf of Southern Nevada residents.

Slated for Sept. 30 at Red Rock Country Club, the afternoon will also serve as a goodbye to retiring executive director Deni Conrad. During her 12-year tenure, Conrad has transformed HELP from an agency with a $900,000 budget serving 16,000 clients to one with a funding level of more than $4 million with care provided to 66,000 clients annually.

HELP's programs include weatherization, Travelers' Aid, Community Alternative Sentencing, Displaced Homemaker, Emergency Resource Services and Holiday Assistance. Funding is derived from special events, grants, governmental agencies, corporate funding and private donors, with all monies staying in Southern Nevada. Tickets to the lovely tea are $90 with reservations by calling Fuilala Riley (369-4357 ext. 238).

Way of the dinosaur

A stellar dinner committee including Kirk Clausen, Jacque Matthews, Commissioner Rory Reid, Henderson Mayor James Gibson, Kitty Boeddeker, Jenny DesVaux Oakes and Lou Emmert will present the 12th annual Dinosaur Ball, a dinner-dance at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, on Sept. 11.

The evening to benefit the Las Vegas Natural History Museum will be led by master of ceremonies Steve Schorr. Carolyn Sparks will be honored with the DINO Philanthrophy award while MGM MIRAGE and the Voice Foundation will receive the Corporate DINO award.

Guests will enjoy a fine dinner, a chance to bid on an array of silent auction treasures, the program and dancing. Details and reservations by calling the Las Vegas Natural History Museum at 384-3466.

Finishing touches

Millard and Linda Fuller, who founded Habitat for Humanity International while living in South Africa, will be in Las Vegas on Saturday and participate in the ceremonial raising of the final wall of a home under construction in West Las Vegas.

They will join Hugh McColl Jr., former chairman and CEO of the Bank of America and longtime Habitat for Humanity advocate, at the home site near Lake Mead and Martin Luther King Boulevard.

McColl, who helped initiate Bank of America's involvement with the ecumenical housing ministry, will be joined at the podium (and in the construction crew) by Millard Fuller. Their speeches will carry the message of the nonprofit's mission of advocacy for decent, affordable housing for all.

Habitat for Humanity Las Vegas is part of an international effort that has resulted in the construction of more than 175,000 houses around the world since its inception in 1976. Those wishing further details or wishing to volunteer may contact the local agency at 638-6477.

Teeing off

Kilroy's Hockey Club will sponsor its sixth Steve Rigazio Golf Tournament on Saturday, with all the action and fun planned for Siena Golf Club. Proceeds will benefit Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis research.

Rigazio was president of Nevada Power Co. and deeply involved in the Las Vegas community. He lost his battle with ALS -- for decades known as Lou Gehrig's Disease -- in December 2001.

Rigazio was a member of Kilroy's Hockey Club and coached when he was no longer able to play.

Working together to create the Steve Rigazio Golf Tournament and provide funding for ALS research are Jeff Bruckner, Paul Lampi, K.J. Howe, Eric Nadeau and Bill Shepherd. Go online to www.kilroys-hockey.org or call 325-7772 to register.