Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Celebrity photos make for picture-perfect night

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 26, 2004 | 8:25 a.m.

Frank Dumont's elegant lakeside home at Desert Shores in Summerlin was an ideal setting for a reception celebrating what would have been George Hurrell's 100th birthday.

A Hollywood glamour photographer whose portraits of Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Johnny Weissmuller, Jean Harlow and James Cagney are instantly recognizable, Hurrell's legacy from the 1930s era is unmatched.

Organized by Dr. Jeffrey Koep, dean of UNLV's College of Fine Arts, and Joel Strote, president of the Liberace Foundation, the evening included a private viewing and sale of Hurrell's works to benefit both organizations.

Equally compelling were the more contemporary works by Harry Langdon, who was present for the occasion. Langdon's artful photographs of George Clooney, Sharon Stone, Cher and fellow guest Tony Curtis were enjoyed by Dr. Tom and Nell Cinque with daughter Gina, Dr. Craig and Tina Hamilton, Judy Bryer, Peter Doolan with Kristina Hayden, Max Bryer, Janet Ferris and Mark Walker.

Michael Tylo, who appeared on "Days of Our Lives" for more than a decade, assisted with the evening and explained he now teaches a class called "Acting on Television" at UNLV.

In the crowd of purchasers were art photography buffs Pat and Lamar Marchese, Judge Gil and Edythe Yarchever, Michel Hugo, Elizabeth Herridge of the Guggenheim Hermitage Museum, Shaun Sewell, Dr. John Watkins with Anna Nateece of the Liberace Foundation and George Warrings. Seen as well were Bob and Debbie Bush, Ed Portello, Janice Piercy, Jill Curtis, Thom Taft, Roger Yanagita, Grant Griffin, Larry Matzin and Linda Kristy.

Spirited discussion

Geoff Colvin, senior editor-at-large of Fortune magazine and co-anchor of "Wall Street Week with Fortune magazine," gave a presentation on economic trends at Roy's Hawaiian restaurant May 18.

Colvin's presentation was followed by a lively discussion with guests about gas prices, China's economy, estate taxes and more. Taking part were Hank Gordon, Iruka and Andras Barbero, Sidra Kain, Rob McCoy, Rob and Wendy Bollick, Richard Malm, Alan Strebreck, Fred Bergendorf and Mike and Susi Lantz, as well as Tom Axtell, general manager of KLVX Channel 10.

Hosted by KLVX Channel 10, with underwriting by Roy Yamaguchi, owner of Roy's Hawaiian restaurant, the event included members of KLVX's Corporate Council. Representing the Howard Hughes Corp. were Daniel Van Epp and Tom Warden with wife Susan, while Brad Nelson and wife Pat of Lake Las Vegas were joined by auto dealer/businessman Jim Marsh, M.J. and Jack Harvey, Jay Kornmayer of Wells Fargo and Steve and Gladys Comer of DeLoitte and Touche.

Girls' day

Girls' Day 2004 was held at Lied Memorial Boys and Girls Club on May 8. A Saturday event for the past 23 years, Girls' Day pairs women in our valley with girls between the ages of 7 and 17 for an afternoon of entertainment and games, followed by lunch provided by Applebee's Neighborhood Grill.

Adding their own magic to the day were women members of the Air Force Thunderbirds, joined for pictures by community mascots Summerlin Sam, KB Homes' Happy Home and Deputy Drip from the Southern Nevada Water Authority.

Southwest Gas Corp. took the lead sponsorship role for the day, with strong participation by Citibank, Brenden Theatres, BankWest of Nevada, St. Rose Dominican Hospitals, International Gaming Technology, American Family Insurance and Bechtel SAIC. Making donations of both money and time for the worthwhile occasion were Sarah Thornton, Mary Kaye Cashman, Faith Quick, Janine Gill, Barbara Bell, Kim Geary, Christine Johnson, Kim Russell and Rachel Smith, to name just a few.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas, with 12 facilities in Southern Nevada, served more than 12,500 children last year. They offer 120 programs that emphasize character and leadership, education and career, health and life skills, the arts and sports, fitness and recreation.

Special evening

On May 14 the MacCall Youth Tennis Foundation hosted "An Evening With Ted and George," recognizing Dr. Ted Jacobs for his continuing support and generosity. Held at Park Towers, the gathering was arranged by board member and former tennis pro Sandee Comito, who also planned the annual charity tournament that followed on UNLV on May 15.

Founded in 1988, the MacCall Youth Tennis Foundation brings together professional instructors, quality equipment and facilities to provide tennis opportunities for children of all income levels across the community. George MacCall, captain of the 1965-'67 U.S. Davis Cup Team and former World Team Tennis commissioner, is a noted player who has multiple senior titles.

Attendees included Jeff Foley, a tennis pro at Red Rock Country Club, his wife, Sandy, of the Nevada Tennis Association, board members Susie Lee, former executive of the Inner City Games, Dr. Sid Franklin of the United Way, Dr. Leslie Jacobs and daughters, Danny Toscano, Dr. Victor and Yolanda Muro, Jim Gould, Mona Orr, Bill Donahoe, tennis pro Bob Randolph of the Stirling Club with Sharon Sills, and Irwin and Susan Molasky.

Other guests included Linda Lee with Frank Schreck, Lovee and Bob Arum, Jane Schorr, Robie Parlade, Jim and Judy Delisse and Marie Geklin. A light dinner, prepared by Rossi's Italian Cuisine, was appropriately paired with ballads performed by Steve Rossi.