Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Comic Winters steals the show at special event

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2004 | 9:19 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@prodigy.net.

Barbara Lee Woollen and husband Bruce Woollen are no strangers to the art world, owning galleries in Hawaii as well as Art de Vignettes at the Fashion Show mall.

On Feb. 11 the couple held a dinner reception in honor of Jonathan Winters, inviting select guests to their spectacular Regency Towers penthouse at the Las Vegas Country Club.

While displaying many of Winters' expressive paintings and their own considerable art collection, the couple made welcome Dee and Ken Ladd, attorney Ed Bernstein with his mother, Seenia, former Assemblywoman Merle Berman and Zoe Brown.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, in his presentation of the key to the city, was halted in his speech by Winters, who brought laughter to the forefront as he described his long and winding trail to artistic achievement.

Bemused and charmed by the young-at-heart comedian, who also is well-recognized for his paintings in addition to his book "Winters' Tale," were Gloria and Jim Handelman, Gwyneth and Bob Weiss, Tod Storey of Rep. Shelley Berkley's staff, Van Hefner, Bill Acosta with wife Jeanne Babaro, and Jaki Baskow. Filming at the private gathering were the crew of Rogue Dreams, now in production with a documentary about Winters, intended for broadcast on HBO.

Further magic moments ensued during the gallery reception at Art de Vignettes on Thursday, when the Woollens entertained many art lovers and fans of Winters. Soirees catered the cocktail affair enjoyed by Charlotte Hill, Ann Lynch with her son Ed Lynch, Gary Fisher, Greg McCall, Charles Claussen, Peggy Smith and Salvatore Bua.

Listening to the artist's perspective on "Thoughts of a Matador," one of 15 pieces by Winters sold during the evening, was the happy buyer Don Cutler, joined by Nate and Linda Tannenbaum, Virginia Martino and Giana and Bucky Buchanan.

Also on display in the handsome, two-level gallery were a massive array of Lalique crystal pieces, bronzes by both Howard Jason and Paul Sorvino and the paintings of Jim Stallings, Andrew Annenberg, Yuroz and Jennifer Main.

Winters' work will remain on exhibition at Art de Vignettes through March.

Adoption benefit

The Adoption Exchange found a trio of worthy supporters when Elton's men's wear, assisted by the Art of Shaving and Caffe Giorgio, hosted a benefit evening on Wednesday.

Each of these businesses has recently opened along the plush corridor of Mandalay Place, the linking bridge between Luxor and Mandalay Bay. The fund-raiser was an ideal opportunity for guests to sample the ambience of the new center and assist the Adoption Exchange that operates in Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Missouri, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Wyoming.

District Judge Nancy Saitta, chairwoman of Nevada's Adoption Exchange, gave a special twist to the ribbon-cutting for Elton's when she wore a bright-red necktie, which was then cut with great ceremony by Mayor Goodman with assistance by owner Elton "L.C" Salinas.

Bob Jeswald, KTNV Channel 13 meteorologist, served as emcee and kept attention focused on auction items from Mandalay Place stores, among them Nike Golf's executive package of golf clubs and attire, Elton's alligator belt and wallet set, delectables from the Chocolate Swan and men's grooming accessories from the Art of Shaving.

Chef-partner Luciano Pelligrini of Caffe Giorgio prepared the fine repast enjoyed by Dr. Victor and Yolanda Muro, Melanie Bash with Steve Shapiro, Mike Rogers, Scott and Kim Salinas, Cliff Comedy, Wendy Willis, Alan Duncan, Dr. Vish Sharma, Dorit Schwartz, Tova Iny, Coral Revene, interior designer Gail Huff and shoe designer Donald Pliner.

Listening to plans of an adjacent women's store to be named Nora Blue, in honor of Salinas' mother, were Dr. Tim and Pam Tolam, Virginia Valentine, Carly Marle, John Villiken, state Sen. Barbara Cegasvke, Lee Smith, David LeGrand and Ellen and Paul Plumer with son Adam. Parting gifts for supporters of the Adoption Exchange included certificates for free care treatments at Mandalay Place's new Skinklinic day spa.

New members

Nell Cinque had the pleasure on Jan. 17 of coordinating the installation luncheon for The Women's Club of Summerlin's new officers.

A quietly powerful and certainly mighty alliance of effective women, this group now numbering 150 members makes positive change for Southern Nevada.

In less than a decade this club has raised a remarkable $133,000 in cash donations and met countless other needs for the Shade Tree shelter, assisting homeless women and their children.

Additional projects abound, among them a new Dare-to-Dream grant awarded to Polly Draper to help bridge her training and certification in the health care field. Members are also involved in the Susan Komen Breast Cancer program, assist with Ronald McDonald House and provide literacy support to area schools.

Held at Marc's Authentic Italian Steakhouse in Summerlin, the afternoon began with an informal social hour in which Doris Pietrobono, serving her third term as president, introduced board members Sue Bryan (membership vice president), Ana Maria Dzolan (special projects vice president), Linda Odelson (treasurer) Laurie Heggemeier (secretary) and Judi Booe (grants chairwoman). Installation ceremonies for the officers were conducted by Nell Cinque, who used quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson and other American poets for the occasion.

Brenda Dizon, director for the Shade Tree, and Elynne Greene, chairman of the shelter's board, accepted a $35,000 check, proceeds from the November 2003 gala at the J.W. Marriot.

As explained by Dizon, the much-needed funds will be used to purchase a second transport van for clients as they are shuttled in their job searches, as well as collect food donations for the 414-bed facility.

Attending members Stacey Harrington, Amanda Rogers, Eva Martin, Regina Hauck, Anne Mansour, Connie Bradbury, Bianca Kilbourne and Pam Graven enjoyed a delectable meal assembled by chef-owner Marcus Ritz. On display were club scrapbooks and photos prepared by Peggy Hausler.

Wildlife cause

Enjoy life on the wild side? Sports enthusiasts will gather on Saturday for the 17th annual Safari Club International Desert chapter banquet and auction in the Stardust hotel's ballroom.

Proceeds from this popular evening will be donated for conservation and education on wildlife issues. Recently the organization provided $2,500 to Nevada's Department of Wildlife for reseeding of the Overton Wildlife Management Area.

Autumn Kizerian, a local teacher, was also sponsored by the Desert chapter when she attended the Safari Club International's American Wilderness Leadership School in Jackson Hole, Wyo.

In addition to the superb meal, guests attending the banquet will enjoy a wide range of exhibits from outfitters and guides, custom knifemakers, outdoor gear for every climate and vehicles from Desert Automotive Group. Dave Small, president of Safari Club International Desert chapter, is handling reservations. Call him at 731-2330.

Hunt honored

Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt will be honored as the 2004 Citizen of Note by the Opus Society and Opera Las Vegas on Feb. 28. The fashionable luncheon at Spanish Trail Country Club will include appearances by the Opera Las Vegas Singers and other program delights.

The Opus Society, the fund-raising guild to support Opera Las Vegas, have dedicated proceeds from the event for the Opera's educational outreach programs. Reservations are a must, so please call 259-8620.