Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Rogich gets memorable 60th birthday party

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, June 9, 2004 | 8:42 a.m.

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

Sig Rogich was the unsuspecting recipient of a surprise 60th birthday party last month.

Planned by his wife, Lori, the May 23 dinner event at Ferraro's Italian Restaurant and Lounge followed christening ceremonies for his infant son, Sig Rogich Jr., at Saint Joseph, Husband of Mary Roman Catholic Church.

Larry Ruvo and Karen Meyers, godparents to the baby, took part in the surprise and planning, as did Sig's oldest daughters Britton and Erin, who helped Sig's youngest daughter Olivia and Lori's daughter, Jessie, enjoy the event as well.

Helping with the invitations and planning of the formal dinner with selection of special wines for each course was Camille Ruvo. Guests were asked to provide personal recollections, special stories and tales of adventure. A handwritten letter from former President George Bush was read aloud.

Rogich, a Las Vegas resident since childhood and graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno, is a former U.S. ambassador to Iceland and an advisor to Presidents Ronald Reagan and both Bushes. He has been influential among those who serve in our nation's commerce and financial fields, as well as governmental leaders.

In planning the surprise party, Lori Rogich had cleverly deflected her husband's attention by arranging a small party at Rogich Communications Group, leaving him to believe this minor fanfare would suffice.

Attending the private party were Mike Sloan with Barbara Molasky, Kitty Rodman, Amy Ayoub, Gov. Kenny and Dema Guinn, Claudine Williams and Frank Schreck with Linda Lee. Well-wishers at the intimate gathering included Sen. Harry and Landra Reid, Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis, Myra and Brian Greenspun, Marc Ratner, Joe and Pam Brown and Gordon and Susan Sarret, as well as Regent Maddy Graves and wife Susan Graves. Present for the early toasts and happy greetings of the occasion were Steve and Elaine Wynn.

Fond memories

Roger Peltyn, who passed away on Thursday, will be long remembered for his generous spirit and unflagging enthusiasm on behalf of Nevada's arts, charitable causes and economic opportunities.

Just one week prior to his death, Peltyn was selected the 2004 honoree by Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow. The F.I.T. gala, "Notte di Carnevale," is slated for Oct. 16, and will also provide a tribute to longtime benefactor Peg Crockett.

The splendid evening, now in its seventh year, provides much of the funding for this local foundation to educate and financially elevate those trapped in poverty and public assistance.

The announcement reception in Peltyn's honor was hosted by Janet Blumen, founder-president of F.I.T., and her husband, Andy Blumen, at their Park Tower residence. Attending were Stan Hunterton with Barbara Molasky, Valerie Freshwater, Lou Emmert, Caty Crockett, attorney Richard Jost, Jewel Brooks with Peg Crockett, Zoe Brown and Fafie Moore.

Ilona Nagy, community outreach manager for F.I.T., explained the educational evaluation process, selection of classes and client counseling to supporters Jim and Melinda Cook, Don Pitchford, Isabel Pfeiffer and Dr. Frank De Lee.

Susie Molasky, co-chairwoman of the recent Nathan Adelson Hospice fashion luncheon, attended with her developer husband, Irwin Molasky, and accepted compliments on her successful fund-raiser from Marie Claire Armeni, Barbara Robinson with husband Dr. Andras Costas, Dr. Parvin Modaber Jacobs, Carlos Collado and Bob Cranston with Kandra Perriera.

Representing his father at the announcement reception was R.J. Peltyn, a spirits account executive for Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada. Roger's widow, Sandy Colon Peltyn, will chair the Oct. 16 fund-raiser. For details on the F.I.T. gala, to participate as a sponsor or patron, as well as to learn about their programs, call 362-8544. F.I.T. has more than 700 employed graduates working in our community to date.

Annual gathering

June 19 will find leaders in the hospitality industry attending the annual Food & Beverage Directors Association of Nevada gala black tie dinner at The Venetian.

Proceeds from this over-the-top gathering, with its lavish opening reception, notable gourmet dinner menu plus fine wines and spirits, will fund scholarships for students at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, the training center at Opportunity Village and other culinary education programs for Nevada students.

Jim Rogers will be recognized with the Autrui Award for his generous contributions to Nevada's public schools and university systems. Rogers, the chairman and chief executive of Sunbelt Communications, now serves as interim chancellor for the University and Community College System of Nevada.

Sharing the spotlight on June 19 will be Christopher Johns, executive chef at The Orleans, who will receive the "Culinary Achievement" award for his efforts on behalf of training and education of students.

Details and reservations are available by calling 203-1130.

Benefit for Lili

On Saturday the Lili Claire Foundation will present its 2nd Celebrity Benefit Dinner and Auction at the Bellagio.

Sponsored by Chrysler and hosted by the ever-charming Jason Alexander -- known mostly for his role as George Costanza on "Seinfeld" -- the evening begins at 5 p.m. with the arrival of celebrities on the red carpet.

Opening festivities include a cocktail reception featuring a martini bar, wine tasting selection from California's best wineries and a Hollywood-themed silent auction with rarely offered treasures from the film, television and music industry. Dinner, a delectable repast, will be punctuated with musical performances and celebrity guests.

The Lili Claire-UNLV Life Skills Center, housed in the Danny Gans Building, is designed to empower young adults living with neurogenetic birth defects such as autism, Down syndrome and Williams syndrome to lead productive and fulfilling lives through job training and placement.

Funds generated from the gala evening will assist in the work of the center at UNLV. Recognized that evening for their efforts on behalf of the Lili Claire Foundation will be Danny Gans, Gaudin Automotive Group, Nevada State Bank and Skylar Neil Memorial Foundation. Through their efforts and generosity, the new Life Skills Center will open this summer.

Details on the special evening and the programs to be offered at the Life Skills Center are available by calling 604-6633 or (888) 999-5454.