Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2005 | 8:50 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at [email protected].
The Silverton selected Saturday evening for its charitable benefit on behalf of the William McCool Science Center at Frank Lamping Elementary School.
Hosted by Silverton President Craig Cavileer and his wife, Charlene, the evening included a "Celebration with Kool & The Gang" as well as lavish pre- and post-receptions in the resort's Hootie & The Blowfish Shady Grove Lounge. Contributors also enjoyed VIP seating and beverages during the poolside concert attended by a spirited crowd of more than 1,000.
The school's science center is named for late astronaut William McCool, who perished Feb. l, 2003, while aboard the space shuttle Columbia. Represented at the benefit by his parents, Barry and Audrey McCool, who reside in Southern Nevada, McCool was remembered in speeches made by Cavileer, Lamping Principal Michael O'Dowd and veteran Clark County School District educator Frank Lamping, for whom the school is named.
McCool had planned to retire from NASA one day and become a science teacher.
Among those supporting the fundraiser were Cole Freestone, Cameron Sorensen, Helen Sax, Jason and Lotta Polhemus, John and Deborah Polhemus, and Jim Schilling with Christine McNaught.
Enjoying the delectable spread of fine foods and tempting specialty drinks created by Silverton Chef Bradley Owens and beverage manager David Ushijima were Katerina and Greg Phelps, Jeff and Nicola Levine, Sandy Colon Peltyn, Jimmy and Sandee Comito, Paul and Lorris Baker and R.J. Peltyn.
Super Summer
The song "Luck Be a Lady" was a particular hit among Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce members enjoying a private evening at "Guys & Dolls" on Aug. 16. The musical performance at Super Summer Theatre at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park is an annual outing planned by the chamber's Prospectors, a devoted membership group that nurtures business and economic development across Southern Nevada.
With more than 300 chamber members, guests and families attending, this particular evening was dedicated to the memory of Alice Rissman, longtime Super Summer board member and benefactor. Rissman and her late husband, architect Homer Riss- man, were responsible for the design and construction of the permanent stage.
Super Summer Theatre celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
Prospectors, among them Carl Rowe, Lou Gammage, Joanne Blystone, Jim and Judy Kropid, Jenny and Roger Oakes and real estate agent Fafi Moore, were seen in the cool meadow prior to the performance.
Mingling with guests was Joy Demain of Jade Productions, who shines in her role as Miss Adelaide in the popular musical. Joining her was the talented John Ivanhoff, another solid favorite with the crowds since his featured role in "Forum" several seasons ago.
Supporters Mona Orr, David and Jacque Matthews, Dr. Roger and Diana Wilson, Rand Key, Tai and Bob Walsh, Allen Kaercher and Georgia McNair were seen with their picnic suppers. Leading a brief program was Dawn Oaks, president of the Prospectors, with comments by Peter O'Neil (Sierra Health Services) and member Denny Weddle.
Smiling as she claimed her Red Mountain Spa package was Arlene Mack, top bidder in the evening's auction.
Zany Zoo
Sunrise Children's Foundation had a week of merry activity as it prepared volunteer stations at Kohl's Zany Zoo family event on Saturday. Face and finger painting, fun sporting events and health screenings made the daylong festival in the parking lot of Albertsons on West Lake Mead and Jones boulevards was an event to be savored.
Planned by volunteer Jeff Stiles (an Albertsons manager), the day included information stations about the foundation's health, education and nutrition programs for children throughout the community.
Prizes awarded to children taking aim in the easy paced sports events were stuffed animals from Kohl's Cares for Kids program, normally sold through its stores for the benefit of Sunrise Children's Foundation.
Bill Holson of Kohl's made a midday stop at the event to present Dee Ladd (president of Sunrise Children's Foundation) a $57,600 check, proceeds from last year's sale of stuffed animals and their matching storybooks.
On Thursday a luncheon at Las Vegas Country Club honored volunteers for their yearlong efforts. Led by David Rangel, the Volunteer Appreciation luncheon was underwritten by Ken Ladd of US Bank.
A rare afternoon of relaxation for the productive group, the luncheon honored Christina Cedeno (Volunteer of the Year); Elyse Voris (President's Award); Carol O'Hara (Golden Hour Award); and Jeff Stiles (Over the Top Award).
Joining them in the spotlight was Caroline Rohrer of Elegant Creations & Celebrations, who provides floral centerpieces for each of the foundation events. Other volunteers seen included Hope Walton, Heidi Lee, Joanne Evans, Janis Jackson, Ally Trovaten, Katie Biggs, Mary Russo and Nancy Massruha.
'Girls' Night Out'
Suzy Nagle, director of Tiffany & Co. at Bellagio, hosted a dazzling "Girls' Night Out" party on Thursday. Displaying precious gems on velvet trays offered for view by drop-dead handsome men, the party was a magnet for a fashionable crowd of businesswomen.
BOA Steakhouse prepared martinis, including those made from crushed fresh strawberries, while Sushi Roku passed trays of oh-so-appealing appetizers and desserts. Stephanie Wilson, who has just been named marketing and communications manager for Related Cos., was surrounded by friends Kelli Maruca, Kate Bennett and others who toasted her new position.
Nearby, Karen Barrett was among those examining the violet blue Tanzanite gems while Marie Jenkins took time for a consultation with the tarot card reader.
Invited were many Junior League members, including past president LuAnn Kutch, who was seen with Sheryl Slakey, Debbie Lapping and Britta Carlson with daughter Gabrielle.
Seen discussing their February 2006 "red-tie" gala with Suzy Nagle were Krista Johnson and Rachel Miller, who will co-chair the Junior League event. Tiffany's, as in past years, will participate as a donor-sponsor.
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