Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Chefs for Kids event a sold-out success

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 5, 2004 | 9:16 a.m.

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

Using a "cruise" theme, Chefs for Kids, a local effort to feed, nurture, educate -- and yes, coax -- at-risk children into good nutritional choices, celebrated its 13th annual gala at the Four Seasons on April 24.

Marilyn Ming and Jill Ukeiley were dinner co-chairs, working with Executive Chef Christopher Johns, chairman of Chefs for Kids Inc.

So enthusiastic are the supporters of this annual favorite that the evening sold out, and nearly 100 late responders met with disappointment.

Lush silent auction packages ranged from superb meals and chef-created evenings to ever-more-opulent offerings, some with travel, all with fabulous foods and unique presentations.

Seen in the elegantly attired throng were Kirk and Rhonda Clausen, Pat and Jill Shalmy, Gustav and Denise Mauler with David and Mary Vail, Chef Brenda Hitchins, Jewel Brooks, Owen and Jan Nitz, Jan and Fred Allen, Karamjeet Gill of Gaylord India Restaurant and Dr. Richard and Sherry Colquitt.

Terry Graves and Francine Pulliam attended with friends, as did Sondra Lynch, Harry and Janet Ferris, Dr. Corey Brown, Jon Tullis, Eldon and Jeanette Davis, Carolyn Sparks, Corrinne Sidney and Dr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Koep.

Honored during dinner ceremonies were Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and his wife, Carolyn, just one of the many couples seen on the dance floor during the tasteful evening. Educators representing the at-risk schools served by Chefs for Kids included Bridgette Bilbray-Phillips, her husband, Steve Phillips, with Carol Mark and Dr. Paul and Anna Webb, joined by Clark County School Superintendent Carlos Garcia and his wife, Gail.

Chefs for Kids works with local schoolchildren, feeding them at regularly scheduled breakfasts held at the schools, followed by an instructional program developed by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Service.

All food used for these wildly popular student breakfasts is donated or provided at discounted prices to the participating chefs and their staffs who serve as volunteers across our school system in at-risk schools. Proceeds stay in Clark County to help the most needy children.

Donors honored

Michael and Sonja Saltman, the city of Las Vegas, the Monsanto Company, Sierra Health Services/Health Plan of Nevada and Sun Microsystems were all praised by UNLV President Carol Harter as each was installed as a new member of the Palladium Society, a membership of individuals and companies who have given $1 million or more to UNLV.

Ceremonies for the Palladium Society were held April 17 at the UNLV Foundation dinner at Bellagio.

By invitation only, this single night brought together a splendid assemblage of Las Vegas notables, including Wing Fong with Charlotte Jularbal, Jay Kornmayer, Jeff Silver, Boyd School of Law Dean Richard and Tina Miller, Dr. Pat Goodall and Mark Brown.

Also present were Sherry and Bruce Layne, Judge Jack and Lulu Lehman and Dr. Ralph and Sandy Litton and family, joined by Andrea Thomas, Vern and Dottie Ratslaff and Dee and Don Snyder.

The guest list was a who's who of generous local benefactors, among them Jim and Beverly Rogers, Ted and Maria Quirk with Joe and Hope Anstett, Aurora and Buck Wong, Jim and Judy Kropid, Steve and Joyce Schneider, Judy Boyer, Bob Potter with Becky Pintar, Jerry and Sharlene Engel, Mike and Jeri Rumbolz and Christine and Mike Walker.

Also included as donors of note for the dinner and special presentation by former NASA astronaut Sally Ride and Terry Wright, chairman of the UNLV Foundation, were Steve and Gladys Comer, Dr. David and Laura Mulkey, Kathy and Ernie Becker, Helen Daseler, Selma and Troy Bartlett, Helen Foley, Mel Wolzinger and M.J. and Jack Harvey.

Wells Fargo Bank and Home Mortgage with Brown and Partners Advertising, Public Relations and Public Affairs served as sponsors for the appearance by Ride, the evening's distinguished speaker.

Top chefs gather

Bon Appetit magazine returns to Southern Nevada on Friday evening with a grand tasting party, an occasion to sample the best dishes prepared by more than 30 of Las Vegas' top chefs at the Montelago Village at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas.

First in a series of fine meals, tastings, seminars and classes to be held at the resort May 7 through May 9, the Grand Tasting is a fund-raiser to benefit local Make-A-Wish Foundation efforts.

Each of the weekend's lavish offerings will further Make-A-Wish's efforts on behalf of children who have life-threatening diseases. For details on the many events, including a spectacular Mother's Day Champagne Brunch in the Florentine Garden at the Ritz-Carlton, please call (888) 34-FOCUS or visit the Web site at www.bonappetitfocus.com. Listed as well are special room rates and other related activities at the resort.

In concert

Richard and Wendy Plaster will be honored during the Las Vegas Philharmonic's gala fund-raiser slated for Friday at the Stirling Club at Turnberry Place. The event will help underwrite the Philharmonic's many concert presentations and educational outreach projects across Southern Nevada.

Richard Plaster is current president of the Las Vegas Philharmonic while his wife chairs the Nevada Ballet Theatre board of directors and also serves on the Philharmonic board.

The couple, both longtime business leaders in Southern Nevada, are recognized for their endeavors on behalf of the arts, education and health issues.

Saks Fifth Avenue, major sponsor for the evening, will present a fashion collection entitled "The Best of Europe" during the gourmet dinner. Included in plans for the event is a champagne, brandy and cigar bar, as well as a live auction and entertainment. For further information please call Bill Marion, director of development, at 283-0813 or the Las Vegas Philharmonic office at 258-5438, ext. 221.