Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Stars think ‘Pink’ as LV launches awareness campaign

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2004 | 7:51 a.m.

From first blush to final bloom, the "Hot Pink" event Thursday at the Venetian illuminated an international effort to support breast cancer awareness, treatment and research projects.

Joining Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson was Evelyn Lauder of Estee Lauder Companies, actress-supermodel Elizabeth Hurley and tennis great Andre Agassi.

Arriving by gondola on the resort's front canal, the group transformed the Venetian's entire structure by hitting switches that bathed the resort with vibrant pink lights, thus kicking off October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Adding a special touch was a satellite broadcast of the Venetian's Asian property, the Sands Macau, on enormous outdoors signs, also showing the shining pink lights in support of the international effort. Around the globe, other landmark structures participated in similar pink style.

Prior to the illumination guests experienced an "In the Pink" fashion extravaganza on St. Marks Square at the Grand Canal Shops, also to benefit Evelyn Lauder's Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Established in 1992, with Estee Lauder spokesmodel Hurley involved from the beginning, the foundation has raised more than $100 million. Reflecting the rich diversity of fashion offerings were runway models wearing designs selected by Grand Canal Shops owners, among them Lloyd and Jackie Atkinson with their partners Rene and Jenny Badaoui of Amore European lingerie, Jennifer Hedden of Brighton Collectibles and Ronnie Simayof and David Kasdan of Simayof Jewelers, to name just a few.

Interestingly, David Sturm of Pal Zileri-PZ, which offers men's clothing exclusively, was a major supporter, dressing the male models and creating a special pink look for emcee Robin Leach, who wore a PZ rose-tinted dress shirt.

Seen in the audience were supporters Michael Severino, Michele Tell, Lynn and Bill Weidner (the Venetian), Perry Rogers (Agassi's manager), attorney Bucky Buchanan and wife Giana and Elaina Bhattacharyya with Mitch Truswell.

Dr. Miriam Adelson, hostess for the evening, attended with daughter Sivan, and was among those using the hot pink roses from the fashion show's centerpieces for boutonnieres on friends, including Jeff Fine (Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf).

Working behind the scenes to orchestrate the charitable event were Dawn Britt and Jamie Golladay, both of General Growth Properties, owners of the Grand Canal Shops.

Guests later progressed to an exclusive cocktail-and-dinner event at Bouchon with chef-restaurateur Thomas Keller (also owner of the renowned French Laundry) in the exquisitely appointed Venezia Tower in the Venetian. On hand were Steven and Chantal Cloobeck, Flora Mason, Camille and Larry Ruvo, Ross Hanley (the Venetian) with fiancee Gina Nelson, Randi Ingram and Jason Tate.

Ed Rogich (IGT) with wife Kathy, and Sean Rivera and Brenda Boudreaux (both of IGT) were seen enjoying the signature martinis and pink champagne served as guests explored the hidden gardens of the tower prior to dinner.

Steve Beyer (Steve Beyer Productions-Entertainment) attended with wife Kathleen and friends Geary and Bonnie Rindels (Las Vegas Arts & Entertainment), joined by Susan McDonald, whose husband, Dave McElroy, directed the illumination process. Nearby, Judge Michael Cherry with Cheryl Kogan enjoyed the superb meal and array of fine items auctioned for the charity by Leach during dinner.

Costs for dinner at Bouchon were underwritten by Sheldon Adelson, allowing the $500 ticket price per guest to directly benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Time to celebrate

Celebrating life and savoring the quiet moments and the routines and joys of normal living, stem-cell transplant survivors, along with their families and supportive friends, were hosted to an informal luncheon with comedian and cancer survivor Robert Schimmel.

The Sept. 18 gathering was hosted by Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada at its South Eastern Avenue facility and included Schimmel's own style of humor and positive attitude toward stem-cell and bone marrow transplant.

CCCN is Nevada's only adult stem-cell transplant program, and involves outpatient care, using the patient's own blood and cells. Stem cells enable the body to fight infection.

Schimmel, a survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, shared his experiences with a stand-up performance for attendees. While he frequently appears at the Monte Carlo, this Las Vegas visit was reserved exclusively for guests at this "Celebration of Life" luncheon.

Also speaking at the event was oncologist Shamoon Ahmad, M.D., who established the transplant program in 1999, joined by Dr. Beata Kwiat of United Blood Services.

Coordinating the luncheon were Sheila Barela, Peggy Lahiff, Jackie Tschernia, Susan Grove, Deborah Byrnes, executive director Bill Moore and transplant coordinator Jane James. Paula Sennes, a licensed clinical social worker, was among those providing literature and details about support groups and special services to transplant clients and their caregivers.

'Star' power

"Star Chefs" will shine bright Friday as the March of Dimes benefit gala is presented at the Rio.

Helping raise funds to develop new treatments for birth defects and infant health problems are a celebrated assemblage of "star" chefs representing elite restaurants and resorts. Attending supporters will enjoy a self-paced meal of signature dishes, select wines and superb desserts.

"Art As Life" -- a new show that brings masterpieces of art to life -- will provide the evening's entertainment and reflect the artistry of those who previously performed in "Mystere" and other Cirque du Soleil productions. For tickets and other details, call March of Dimes at 732-9255.

Remembrance

Nevada Women's History Project, Southern Region, met Sept. 11 for a luncheon meeting at the Golden Steer Restaurant. President Ann Reck opened the meeting with Rose O'Grady, past Nevada State Regent of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), leading the Pledge of Allegiance. A time of reflection and contemplation honoring the 9/11 victims followed the pledge and opening prayer.

Introduced at the meeting were new members Dr. Jean Migliorato, Peggy Priest, Gwen Den Hooven, Susan Houston, Kathy Lindsay, Dianne Steele, Dorothy Bokelmann, Lillian Davis, Nancy Sansone, Colleen Hall-Patton and Karen Foster.

Joan LeMere, state president of the Nevada Women's History Project, installed officers for 2004-2005, including Ann Reck (president), Mary Gafford (lst vice president), Kaye Gray, (second vice resident), Patricia McNutt (recording secretary), Jean Baker (corresponding secretary) and Sue Kim Chung (treasurer).

LeMere also accepted a check for the Sarah Winnemucca Statuary Hall Fund from the Nevada DAR. The placement of the statue, to be dedicated on March 9, 2005, is the result of much effort and fundraising on the part of this organization.

Discussing the dedication plans as well as the Biographical Encyclopedia of 100 Outstanding Southern Nevada Women, a project designed to celebrate Las Vegas' centennial, were attending members Jane Olive, Mary Ann Eggleston, Kelly Chung, Persia Golden, Sandy Frank, Dr. Marlene Adrienne, Joan Brown, Ruth Lillis, Jeanne Greenawalt and Mary Ann Hantout.