Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: ‘Dinosaur Ball’ plans are springing to life

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Aug. 31, 2005 | 8:21 a.m.

Members of the 2005 "Dinosaur Ball" committee gathered Thursday at Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, to select the most delectable menu items from an array of tasting selections prepared by Chef Trevor Shaw and Patrick Coston.

This charitable event, a benefit evening for Las Vegas Natural History Museum, is co-chaired by Christina Feldman and Stephanie Stallworth. Slated for Oct. 22 at the resort, the evening will honor Siegfried & Roy for their efforts to save endangered species and educate children to the beauties of the animal kingdom.

Committee members serving this year include Cathi Poer Smith, Linda Wilcock, Mary Pedley, Toni Reiser and museum board members Jacque Matthews (Community College of Southern Nevada) and Roz Santangelo (Southwest Airlines). Adding their efforts to the event are museum executive Marilyn Gillespie, art director Margaret Orsburn and development officer Bonnie Abramson.

For details on the Dinosaur Ball or exhibitions, call (384)-3466, ext. 223.

Colorful party

The Palms was rocking Saturday night as supporters in record numbers gathered to "Party for a Cause" at the Black & White Party to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN).

A Las Vegas tradition for the past 19 years, the once-modest charitable affair has grown to be a significant event and a major source of income to AFAN for its food pantry and client services programs.

Opening with a VIP pre-event party at ghostbar, the crowd was an eclectic mix, with many choosing to design costumes for the occasion, keeping with the requested black-and-white theme. Hosted by Palms owner George Maloof, guests enjoyed cocktails provided by Tim Haughinberry, president of Montecristo Rum, in addition to those created from Pravada Vodka and CaboWabo Tequila.

Seen on the ghostbar deck were Amy Ayoub, Catherine Cortez Masto, Dr. Luke Blanchard, County Manager Thom Reilly, Misty Teater, Nancy Katz, Noralene Reese and Marteen Moore. Former Councilman Michael McDonald and his fiancee, Jennifer Simich, attended with friends Dan and Marcia Turner, Justin Cruz, Andrea Roqueni, Be-Be Adams and Philip Muller. Sia Amiri, owner of Crave nightclub, was present with son Amiri and club manager Bill Higgins.

Nearby were Merrell Virgen, Maurella Bell and Andrew Hosak, all of Virgen Advertising, AFAN's hardworking media sponsor that created the distinctive invitations and press materials for the Black & White Party.

The poolside party began at 8 p.m. at the Skin Pool Lounge, drawing more than 2,000 attendees. Entertainment, costumed revelers and ample food and drink from generous sponsors gave the evening quite the feel of New Orleans during Mardi Gras.

Poker: Kosher

"KPIII -- Revenge of Kosher Poker" was hosted by Jewish Federation of Las Vegas' Young Adult Division on Sunday afternoon. Created three years ago by members Michael Rosenblum and Eric Polis, both accomplished players, this event has been a successful means to attract new residents and members to this United Jewish Community organization.

Jackie Graybill, poker room manager at Sunset Station, arranged for the professional dealers as well as the use of Club Madrid for the tournament and luncheon. Amy Henry, Nicki Nichols and Jackie Fleekop, all of Jewish Federation, assisted with registration.

Poker, a runaway favorite among Americans of all ages, brought together a goodly number of families who chose to participate, including Dr. Neil and Joyce Straus with son David and daughter-in-law Heidi Sarno Strauss and Realtors Debbie and Jordan Primack with son Brett and his wife Christina.

Others drawn to the poker fest included Charles Kallick, attorney Eric Blank, Alisa Nave, Jon Ralston, Mark Cherry, Richard Blut, Seth Udof, Rachel Kanter, Ian Norwood, Vicki Belford and Nicole Moore with Gregg Bloom.

Cindy Perrin and fiance Barry Cohen, who became engaged during a break in play at the 2004 Kosher Poker, attended as well.

Jewish Federation/United Jewish Community serve the Las Vegas community through programs including Senior Lifeline, Kosher Meals on Wheels, prescription assistance, medical transport and more. For information on future events or services, call 732-0556 or visit www.jewishlasvegas.com.

Jazzy affair

Bravo to all involved in bringing the Newport Pacific Jazz Festival to Dragon Ridge Country Club over the weekend. With combined crowds exceeding the 4,000 mark, this first festival was hosted by Rich and Claire McDonald, with executive producers Margaret White and Fred Fowler, who worked with a stellar volunteer team.

Art, food and superb music were enjoyed on the grounds of Dragon Ridge Country Club, with a handsome array of celebrated artists appearing on the stage above the gently sloping greens of the golf course.

Guests were given a choice to relax in chairs, on beach blankets or the well-groomed lawns. Restaurant partners for the affair included Commanders Palace with Chef Carlos Guia, Martin Nevarez of Martino's BBQ & Mexican Grill and Floyd Johnson of Mr. J's Fish Market, to name just a few.

Attending guests glimpsed in the crowd included Zoey Brown, Frances and Mac McDonald with grandson Douglas McDonald and Dennis Elliot with Bruce and Barbara Lee Woollen as well as Barry Ross, Dick McGee and Terry Richards.