Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Foundation’s dinner a night of heroes, inspiration

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 | 8:22 a.m.

Clark County Public Education Foundation's Heroes Award Dinner on Saturday was an occasion for both thanks and inspiration.

For a night entitled "A Tribute to Siegfried and Roy," guests at the Four Seasons enjoyed an unscripted discussion of the past year's life lessons by both Roy Horn and Siegfried Fischbacher. Horn, a longtime friend of Sun publisher Barbara Greenspun, bantered to her from the stage, looking out to her front-row table, where she enjoyed the evening with family.

Greenspun saluted Horn's recovery and applauded as he walked carefully off the stage.

Equally cheered as she accepted her award was gaming pioneer and philanthropist Claudine Williams (Harrah's Gaming). She was presented with the 2004 Lifetime Education Award by past award recipient Ann Lynch, Marlyn Winn and Brian Greenspun.

Established in 1991, the Clark County Public Education Foundation is dedicated to improving student performance and promoting educational excellence. Its mission is to mobilize community resources to support and enhance public education through projects and initiatives designed to prepare students for the challenges of this century.

Electing to support these endeavors was Caesars Entertainment, represented by Robert Stewart, senior vice president of Caesars Communications, who attended with his wife, Deborah, and Brenda O'Boyle, Caesars Entertainment Foundation director, who was accompanied by David Griego. Their table guests included Elizabeth Van Deusen and Charles Salter of "Teach for America," school board trustee Mary Beth Scow with husband Steve Scow, and teacher Marcus Mason and wife Beverly.

Nearby, Bridget and Dave Kirvin (Kirvin Doak Communications Group) enjoyed dinner conversation with tablemates Robert and Vera Goulet, and between dining courses were treated to visits by Bernie Yuman and Alan Feldman, as well as newly appointed St. Rose Hospital Foundation Executive Director Laura Clontz.

District Court Judge Nancy Saitta, the evening's top bidder for the precious wheaten terrier puppy, was seen receiving congratulations from developer Jim Rhodes and bride Glynda, themselves the victorious bidders who will enjoy a private party at the Secret Garden of Siegfried and Roy along with a dazzling Meyer diamond watch.

The Rhodeses were joined by Billy and Rosemary Vassiliadis (R&R Partners), who outbid the ballroom of competitors in their quest for an exclusive dinner to be prepared by Chef Mark Ferguson of Trattoria del Lupo.

Other attendees included former Nevada Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa, Dr. Joe and Lisa Heck, Dr. Brian and Suzanne Cram, principal Susan Tsukmoko (Rogich Junior High School) and daughter Rebecca Soong (Las Vegas Academy), Vicki and Bruce Herman, Amy Ayoub and former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones with her husband.

Community leaders

Rose McKinney-James' performance of the national anthem gave a bright beginning to the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce's Community Achievement Awards Dinner.

Dedicated to honoring exceptional individuals and businesses that have committed themselves to the pursuit of excellence in their professions as well as to community service, the dinner at The Rio on Friday was well-attended.

Honoree Peter O'Neill, vice president of Sierra Health Services, was recognized in the field of communications.

Jenny DesVaux Oakes, also a vice president of Sierra, was seen at the gathering with Kara Kelley, president/chief executive of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, who attended with husband Paul Larson. Joining them were Bonnie Bryan and Las Vegas Fire Chief David Washington and his wife, Marcia Washington, a Nevada State Board of Education member.

Attorney David LeBrand (Hale, Lane) attended with wife Roberta and client L.C. Salinas (Elton's at Mandalay Place). In the mix of supporters, Chris and Anita Murray were seen with Kimberly and Mickey Roemer (Bally Gaming), Realtor-broker Jack Woodcock, Buck Wong and daughter Nancy, Kell and Nancy Houssels, Tom Axtell (KLVX Channel 10), Jane Hollingsworth, Wade and Laura Simpson and Beth Sandoval (Clark County Reads!). Laurie Porter, founder of Kids-to-Kids, came from Washington, D.C., to attend with Debbie Carroll and Lisa Habighorst, who work with the Southern Nevada literacy program.

Comedians Tony and Lloyd of Rhinestone Entertainment gave a high-spirited twist to their roles as emcees. Straying often (and with good humor) from the script, the duo gave kindly introductions to Community Achievement Award recipients Dr. Anthony L. Pollard, Rainbow Medical Centers (Medical & Health Services), Thomas Tait, Lake Las Vegas Resort (Tourism), Jean Peyton, Calm Talk Mediation Services (Non-Profit), Dale Puhl, Southwest Title (Real Estate & Land Development), Clint Holmes (Arts & Entertainment), David Dahan of Orgill/Singer & Associates (Business Person) and Dr. Harry Rosenberg, president of the University of Southern Nevada (Education), in addition to GES Exposition Services (Large Business) and Hands Ink Advertising/PS Media (Small Business).

Art world

Las Vegas resident Ruby Mazur was recently featured in an exclusive exhibit at Art de Vignettes Fine Art Gallery at the Fashion Show mall. Mazur is known for his outrageous and often startling works, including the art he's created for more than 3,000 album covers in addition to corporate logos, book cover designs and magazine concepts.

Best recognized for his "tongue and lips" logo embraced by the Rolling Stones, Mazur began his career as art director for Paramount Records, and is a graduate of the Philadelphia College of Art.

Hosting the party for Mazur were gallery owners Barbara Lee and Bruce Woollen, who welcomed guests including Martin Stein, Sylke Finnegan (Golden Nugget), artist Jerry Mikso, attorney John Curtas, Bill Fayne, singer-comedian Kelly Clinton and Jeff Beacher (Hard Rock Hotel). Mazur's exhibition will continue throughout September.

Art for camp

On Thursday, Art de Vignettes Gallery will sponsor an evening of art, wine and hors d'ouevres to benefit the Las Vegas Sun Summer Camp Fund from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

Not a mere fund-raiser, the reception and art auction will celebrate the organizations's 35-year commitment to provide economically disadvantaged children an opportunity to attend summer camp. For many of these children, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that has profoundly improved their lives.

Featured artist will be Jim Stallings, known as the "painter of music," who is recognized for his interpretations of music on canvas. Stallings will create a colorful work of art for the auction, while Chef-restaurateur Gustav Mauler will serve and prepare a selection of fine wines and hors d'ouevres.

Tickets are $100 each. For reservations and further details call Dee McConnell at 259-4097 or visit dee@lasvegassun.com.