Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Animal Foundation assisted in a million ways

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004 | 8:19 a.m.

The Animal Foundation, operators of the no-kill Lied Animal Shelter, received a surprise donation of $1 million during festivities at Bloomingdale's Home Store at the Fashion Show mall Oct. 6 to honor longtime supporters Marilyn and Mel Larson.

Marilyn, who first joined the Animal Foundation board at the behest of benefactor and late gaming great William Bennett, confessed to having five dogs and two cats -- all shelter animals that have thrived in the Larsons' care.

Following the announcement, Mel presented a $100,000 first installment to foundation president Janie Gale and executive director Diane Orgill, enthusing the crowd.

Invited guests then contributed further, and 10 percent of all purchases that day went to assist the Animal Foundation.

Co-hosted by sponsor Michael Bayer of Pratesi fine linens, the cocktail reception included well-wishers Mac and Frances MacDonald, Jan Churchill, Suzanne and Tom Warner, Joy and George Jones, Laura Fritz, Denny Weddle, Greg Zatina and University Regent Thalia Dondero.

Tom Kaplan, also an Animal Foundation board member, arranged for catering by the Wolfgang Puck Dining Group (with those tiny tasty pizzas), while Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada provided the wines and champagnes for toasting the Larsons and their generosity.

On display were colorful renderings of the Lied Animal Shelter's massive expansion. Architect Randy Spitzmesser of Tate, Snyder and Kimsey talked about the construction already under way with Elliot and Charlotte Krane, joined by Julie Reynolds, regional marketing director for Bloomingdale's. Available for adoption, as is the custom each weekend at Bloomingdale's, were kittens and puppies from the shelter.

Capital event

Nevada Cancer Institute provided a dazzling introduction for the city's elite to Capital Grille, the lofty restaurant perched above the Fashion Show mall, at an Oct. 6 fundraiser.

Guests paid $100 to enjoy the bountiful offerings of Capital Grille's signature steaks, chops, seafood and side dishes, with every dollar contributed to the institute.

John Cunin, managing partner, known to many for his former duties at Bradley Ogden, welcomed guests Lars Klander (Tech Results), Dena duBoef (Dupro), Sharon Bader and husband Norm Jenkins (Stirling Club), Lynn Wirth and Delinda Pistorio (American Nevada), Rick and Connie Vallancourt (D.C. Training) and Realtor Eva Kallick with husband Fred and friends Ira and Adrienne Miller.

In the mix as well was cardiologist Dr. Keith Boman, Christian Kolberg (Reynolds Foundation) and jeweler Michael Minden (Lili Claire Foundation). Nearby, Michael and Sandy Mecca (Aladdin/Planet Hollywood Gaming) sipped pineapple Stoli martinis and looked out at the sparkling vistas of the Las Vegas Strip.

Others, watching the late-evening construction of Wynn Las Vegas across the way, included Stephanie Heller (MGM MIRAGE), event planner Toni Reiser, Jennifer Guia and Marina Clark (IGT). Festivities and special events for Capital Grille continued at lunch and dinner through Sunday.

The Nevada Cancer Institute is a team of dedicated professionals committed to providing world-class, research-linked cancer care to all Nevadans and beyond.

Together, with community partners, the institute is building a comprehensive cancer facility for prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

Star power

Over the top in lavish preparations as well as attendance, Star Chefs, an annual benefit for the March of Dimes, drew a crowd of more than 1,200 supporters Friday at the Rio.

Chaired by Paige Fleming, publisher of Nevada Woman magazine, Star Chefs funds research for birth defects and other infant health problems.

March of Dimes division director Matt Gormley told of preventive measures to avoid premature births and resulting health problems.

Attending with daughter Christy Buchanan Reid and wife Giana was attorney-about-town James "Bucky" Buchanan, who is gearing up for a part in the Ted Binion murder case re-trial.

The event's guests included Nevada Assistant Solicitor General Richard Linstrom and Jan Craddock. A dine-around event rather than a formal sit-down dinner, the occasion saw Chrisse White Waddell and husband Gary in the crowd joined by Julia Grambo.

Sharry Quillin, Dr. J. Parker "Curly" Kurlinski and Chuck Martin were seen at serving islands where our city's finest chefs offered their favorite dishes.

Greeting patrons were Stan Carroll of Cili (formerly of Wild Sage), Barry Dakake of N9NE Steakhouse at the Palms, John LaGrone of Postrio (also a member of the Star Chefs committee), James Benson of Osteria del Circo and Tom Moloney of AquaKnox, to name just a few.

Generously providing the luxury items for both silent and live auctions were supporters Bernard K. Passman (BKP Galleries at the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian), Luciano Pellegrini (Valentino) and the Rio, which offered a Rio Carnivale package, including a three-day stay, unlimited golf at exclusive Rio Secco and both dining and shows at the resort.

Taking a serious interest in the bidding were Heather and Josh Kurlinski, Claudia Briggs, Stephanie Markum, artist Cynthia Josef and attorney Von Heinz with Allen and Priscilla McNeary. Dr. Goesel Anson, attending with friends, was seen discussing favorite items, while Roz Santangelo, David and Megan Sturm, Jim and Lee Medick, Victoria Lum, Norm Johnson and Deborah Campbell enjoyed the time to relax with the fine foods and wine.

Virginia and Mark Martino, who will present the Las Vegas Wine Odyssey from Nov. 4-7, were seen with Andre Rochat, owner of Andre's, Alize at the Palms and now Mistral at the Las Vegas Hilton, which were all represented at Star Chefs.

Executive volunteers from Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada, including Anna Cohen and Bob Fowler, were among the many who assisted with the event.