Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Epicurean Club feeds educational needs at dinner

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004 | 8:24 a.m.

The Epicurean Club presented its third annual dinner, a scholarship benefit for the organization's educational foundation, for more than 700 guests at Caesars Palace on Friday.

Led by President Joe Essa (Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining), the evening honored Wally Barr, president and chief executive officer of Caesars Entertainment. Supporters seen at the event included Bobby Yee (Bally's Paris), Janet and Andy Blumen, Mark Juliano (Caesars Palace), Claudio Cabetta (Venus Distribution), Lynn Wirth with Jeff Watjinks, Realtor Chuck Ruthe, Victoria Otter, Scott Farber (Emeril's) and Lloyd Wentzell of the Riviera, who spoke of the resort's 50th anniversary plans for spring 2005.

Founding member Rino Armeni chaired the benefit, working with co-chair Sandy Peltyn along with Margaret Kurtz, Brian Lerner, Greg Waldron (Caesars Palace), Chris Coaley and emcee Cathy Ray (Channel 13).

Introduced were young scholarship recipients, all graduates of Clark County School District vocational training high schools who received funding during 2003.

A memorial scholarship named for Roger Peltyn, who worked on many resort projects, was announced, as was Barr's $50,000 donation in memory of his mentor, William Weinberger, of Caesars Palace.

Robin Leach lent his efforts as auctioneer for more scholarship dollars by encouraging ever-larger bids on luxury goods and trips from Larry Ruvo (Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada), Felix Rappaport (New York-New York), Frank Fertitta (Station Casinos), Emilio Viscomi and Jim Murren (MGM Grand).

The central core of 30 members of the Epicurean Club represent major resorts and suppliers in our city's food and beverage industry.

Hart to Hart

Lutece at the Venetian was the setting for an elite cocktail reception giving a Las Vegas welcome to Lindy Hart, wife of sculptor Frederick Hart, whose massive pieces are on exhibit through Dec. 19 at Las Vegas Art Museum (LVAM).

Lindy Hart, currently in our city to film a documentary on her husband's work, spent the day at the West Sahara museum, where she was joined by Francois Gilot, favored companion of Pablo Picasso and mother of designer Paloma Picasso, herself a gifted artist.

Gilot, who will open an exhibit at LVAM in 2005, was whisked away by Steve and Elaine Wynn for dinner and missed the Lutece reception.

Gerald "Jerry" Facciani, president of the LVAM board, returned from a spa retreat at Canyon Ranch near Tucson to host the gathering.

Introducing Hart to board members and donors was museum director Karen Barrett, seen with Realtor Jack Woodcock, Aurora and Buck Wong, Dave Carver, Meg MacFarlane, Tom Smiley, John Matthew Smith (managing director -- DeLuca Liquor & Wines) and Tom and Bonnie Lawyer.

Present was Blanche Mesel, also a board member, who coordinates more than 250 trained docents and educational outreach volunteers, joined by Jerry and Lottie Polis, Nick Niarchos and Fred and Jan Allen.

Seen discussing art with Lindy Hart was Libby Rhodes, a longtime Frederick Hart devotee who has collected his major works over the years and has loaned "Daughters of Odessa" to the LVAM for the current exhibition.

Founder honored

Jay Kornmayer of Wells Fargo was recognized Nov. 23 for his role as founding member of the Springs Preserve Foundation. A leader in the historic preservation project under way near Meadows mall, Kornmayer was honored in festivities held at Tiffany & Co. at Bellagio.

Suzy Nagle, Tiffany's Las Vegas director, was host to the party, greeting guests who included Commissioner Lynette Boggs McDonald, Richard Wimmer (deputy general manager of the Las Vegas Valley Water District), University Regent Thalia Dondero, developer Tito Tiberti, Vince Alberta, business consultant Amy Ayoub, Rebecca Cope, Caro Vernon (Wells Fargo) and Frances Breland, director of the Springs Preserve.

The project is planned as a park and learning center. Guests were given a splendid preview of Springs Preserve by means of a 3-D video. All donned the special glasses to enjoy a short tour through the buildings and desert gardens under construction, then discussed the presentation while enjoying the catered offerings of Sushi Roku.

Many lingered to view Tiffany's traveling exhibition of 35 unique timepieces dating from the mid-1800s to the present. Kornmayer's recognition gift, a watch presented by Tiffany's, was designed in keeping with this special Heritage in Time collection.

Holiday surprise

Claudine Williams, chairman of the board of Harrah's Las Vegas and the first woman to be inducted into the prestigious International Gaming Hall of Fame, provided Harrah's employees with a splendid holiday surprise Nov. 17.

Inviting everyone to a meeting by e-mail, Williams told a crowd of nearly 1,000 employees of her gift of $1 million to create an educational fund for their children.

The announcement was celebrated with a buffet and assorted refreshments served in Harrah's Improv Comedy Club theater. Williams, who in 1983 opened Harrah's Las Vegas as the Holiday Casino with her late husband, Shelby Williams, is a respected pioneer in the gaming industry.

Her philanthropy in this and many other endeavors was praised in comments by Tom Jenkin, president of Harrah's Western division, and Marilyn Winn, senior vice president/general manager of Harrah's Las Vegas.

Present for the announcement and celebration party was Williams' niece Susan Sawyer, joined by Madeleine Weekley, Gloria DeGonzales, Heather Robbins, Adeana Shendal, Bonnie Michelle and other Harrah's employees.

The Claudine Williams Harrah's Las Vegas Employee Scholarship Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation of Western Nevada and is open only to the children of Harrah's employees who meet the eligibility requirements.

Each scholarship is renewable for four years and will awarded based on academics, financial need, honors and activities, as well as acceptance into an accredited college or university.