Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Celebrities, notables celebrate Riviera’s 50th

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, April 27, 2005 | 8:17 a.m.

The Riviera celebrated its 50th anniversary in grand fashion Thursday, with tributes to past headliners highlighting an old Vegas-style dinner.

Celebrities attending the intimate dinner included Phyllis McGuire, Ruth Buzzi, Barry Corbin, Marty Allen and Bernie Kopell. They were joined by former Sen. Chic and Gail Hecht, Edward and Eleanore Doumani, former Rep. Jim and Mikey Bilbray, Dennis Bono with Lt. Gov. Lorraine Hunt, Irwin Kishner, former Sen. Richard and Bonnie Bryan, Kat Bowers, Stephen Molasky, Rossi and Mary Jo Ralenkotter, Robert and Nancy Vannucci, and Arlene Bates.

Robert Vannucci, Riviera's president and chief operating officer, and William Westerman, chairman of the board, were hosts of last week's celebration, which on Wednesday included a replication of the hotel's original ribbon-cutting, speeches and champagne.

George Staresinc, Riviera director of advertising and public relations, created a splendid video of classic performances by Riviera stars, among them Orson Welles, Bobby Darin, George Burns and Liberace in onstage moments with Elvis Presley, Barbra Streisand, Bing Crosby, Dolly Parton, Don Rickles and a host of others.

On display at the dinner and later moved to the casino was a large collection of photographs covering the entire 50 years of legendary performers. Adding a special warmth in his time onstage was former Gov. Bob Miller, whose late father, Ross Miller, was president of the resort.

Miller told charming stories of his teen years, when he worked as a hotel lifeguard. Also appearing at the dinner was Frank Marino with members of "An Evening at La Cage," as well as cast members of "Splash" and "Crazy Girls," who shared the stage with the Glenn Williams Band and Liberace scholar David Lomascola.

Seen attending the special event were Stephen and Chantal Cloobeck, Cindy Doumani, Anna Nateece (Liberace Foundation), Wayne Bernath, Catherine Cortez Masto, Virginia Valentine and Jim Marsh.

30 years of caring

Olive Crest celebrated 30 years of caring for abused children at an April 19 luncheon at the Stirling Club.

The luncheon, hosted by Tom and Mary Gallagher, included testimonials by former Olive Crest clients and board member Roberta Lange, herself an abused child.

Attendees Marilyn Molitch (Nevada Rose Foundation) and District Court Judge Michael Cherry, the two original board members of Olive Crest in Southern Nevada, were seen with guests Brenda O'Boyle (UNLV Foundation), Jaci Zweig (Crescent Properties), Ileen Spoor, Carlos Castro, Karen Rubel and University Regent Thalia Dondero, in addition to board members Madeleine Weekley (Harrah's), Sheriff Bill Young and Steve Ewing.

The gathering also launched a "blue ribbon" campaign to engage public support for child abuse prevention. Olive Crest's most recent endeavor is the construction of a center for youth and families where young adults will be helped to transition to independent lives with life skills and vocational instructions.

The facility will also work with troubled families and assist with parenting techniques and family counseling.

For additional information about Olive Crest, call 221-6224.

Wine down under

"Auss-some & Then Some" drew a large crowd to the Cili restaurant at the Bali Hai Golf Club on Friday.

The event, courtesy of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, featured an offering of select Australian, New Zealand and South African wines. It is a precursor to UNLVino, a benefit for scholarship funds assisting students at the College of Hotel Administration.

Lisa Sheehan, general manager of Cili, was a gracious co-sponsor who kept the kitchen at full throttle to feed the crowd.

The event was well-attended by guests, including Chris Fain with wife Kelly O'Hanlan Fain, Cynthia and Roni Josef, Denise and Michael Severino, Chris Siconolfi, Bob Fowler, architect Brad Friedmutter, developer David Atwell, Dan Holbrook, Marvin Walker and Stan Martin.

Sampling the venison and other delectables was Corrina Ryan, newly appointed information specialist for UNLV, seen with Tony Goitia and Sean Youmans (both of Southern Wine & Spirits), C.J. Joseph (W.J. Deutsch & Sons fine wine merchants), Jennifer Hedden (Brighton Collectibles) and John and Teri Daly.

Two fundraisers

With 11 outreach programs annually serving more than 150,000 children age 18 and under across Southern Nevada, Sunrise Children's Foundation lives up to its mission to help children fulfill their potential of safe, healthy and educated lives.

This past weekend foundation President Dee Ladd supervised dual fundraisers for the local charity. The first was a Friday luncheon, followed by a black-tie gala Saturday, both at the MGM Conference Center.

Themed "Color Us Friends -- A Toast to the ABC's," the events were spirited occasions. Luncheon supporters included Stephanie Evans, Julie Murray and Julie Pippenger (both of Agassi Foundation), Peggy Smith (Hands Ink Advertising), University Regent Mark Alden, Kathy Ochs, Suzy Jones (Pampered Chef), Diana Orrock, Mary Ballard, Joanne Evans and Jeff Stiles, who will chair the foundation's Zany Zoo Picnic in August.

The black-tie gala was done with an emphasis on art, with support by local gallery owners and artists, among them Carolyn and Jack Solomon (SoHo Lofts & owner S2 Art Group), Jim Sammarco (Hot Glass Works) and Carole Bellmyre (Jazz Las Vegas).

Barbara Lee and Bruce Woollen (Art de Vignettes) contributed an original piece by Barbara Lee as well as "Vegas Galactica" by Andrew Anneberg, the latest Las Vegas Centennial poster, to a deluxe dining, wine and art package for six at their Regency Towers penthouse. That package was purchased at auction by Bucky and Giana Buchanan for $6,000.

Fellow bidders at the dinner were Realtors Frank and Laurie Napoli, Ken Ladd (U.S. Bank), Theresa and Michael Minden, Judge Nancy Oesterle, Nancy Gasho, Marilyn Gillespie (LV Natural History Museum), Carol and Alan Stipe, Dr. Philip Rydell and wife Carolyn Bailey, Steve and Susan Philpott, Tim and Sharry Quillin (Q Advertising & Public Relations), Maureen Kane, state Sen. Dr. Joe and Lisa Heck with their children, and Sunrise Children's Foundation chairman-elect Lincoln Spoor (Krispy Kreme Donuts).