De la Renta lends support to Nathan Adelson Hospice

Thursday, May 27, 2004 | 9:53 a.m.

The Nathan Adelson Hospice has been tending to the needs of terminally ill patients and their families for more than 25 years.

Supporters on Wednesday turned out to tend to the needs of the hospice at a fashion show and luncheon, "A Flair for Care," which is expected to bring in more than $400,000 for the nonprofit program.

The hospice, which also now serves Pahrump, was founded in 1978 by family and friends in memory of Nathan Adelson, a local hospital administrator and active community leader and philanthropist who died of cancer in 1977.

It is Southern Nevada's only nonprofit hospice, and during the past 25 years it has cared for more than 30,000 patients.

The fifth annual fund-raiser, sponsored by Neiman Marcus, attracted 630 of the elite from the Las Vegas business and social worlds. The chairwomen of the fund-raising committee were Susan Molasky, Beth Weinberger and Jane Schorr.

"We're sold out every year," said Judith Hantin, vice president of the Adelson Hospice Foundation. "It's a combination of a worthwhile charitable cause, a fabulous fashion show, incredible prizes and a great social event."

Hantin said the fashion show is the foundation's main fund-raising event, but added there are several others, including a golf tournament, a wine-tasting event and a concert that features medical professionals who sing or play musical instruments.

Much of the money at Wednesday's luncheon was raised through a silent auction and raffles for prizes, which included such items as a two-hour design consultation for home or office by Leslie Parraguire Colours, four tickets to Danny Gans' show at The Mirage and dinner for 10 at Crustacean at Desert Passage at the Aladdin.

Clothing designer Oscar de la Renta and his fall and winter lines of clothing for women were featured attractions at this year's event at Four Seasons.

De la Renta met with Steve Wynn on Tuesday night to discuss a retail outlet in Wynn's new resort, scheduled to open next year.

"There are so many wonderful-looking ladies in Las Vegas," de la Renta commented shortly before models began parading his attire before the esteemed guests.

"And fashionable. Since I first came to Vegas in the late '60s, it has become a metropolis."

Neiman Marcus carries the Oscar de la Renta brand of merchandise. It has been the primary sponsor of the fund-raising fashion show since its inception.

Bill Terry, general manager of Neiman Marcus, said the store became involved because many of its customers and employees are so familiar with the hospice.

"They have been involved with it in a very personal way," Terry said.