Las Vegas Sun

March 18, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Rodman honored for years of philanthropic work

Kitty Rodman, a leading builder of resorts, schools and professional buildings in Southern Nevada, was this year's recipient of the Autrui award Friday at the annual Black Tie Gala at Wynn Las Vegas.

The gala, presented by the Food & Beverage Directors Association of Las Vegas, funds the organization's scholarships for students pursuing careers in culinary and hospitality. The benefit also covers costs for educational outreach at high schools with culinary programs and provides gifts to charities serving underprivileged youth.

Rodman received the award for her philanthropic efforts and support of education.

Also in the spotlight for special recognition in culinary achievement was Andre Rochat, a noted Las Vegas chef and restaurateur of 30 years who owns and operates Andre's French Restaurant (a Las Vegas landmark), Alize atop the Palms and Andre's at the Monte Carlo. He has served as a mentor and supporter to many of our city's finest chefs and executives in the food and beverage field.

Opening with a flamboyant air, guests enjoyed "Martinis with the Mayor," with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, who was seen with organization President Siegfried Plumberger, event planner Richard Beers, and Lloyd Wentzel, Jasmine Shaw and Lauri DiGrande, who coordinated the silent auction.

Sipping the signature martinis created by master mixologist Francesco Lafranconi were Craig and Meredith Johnson, Claudine Williams with her niece Susan Sawyer, Tony Goitia, Kim Owens, Glen McElroy, Dr. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs, Linda LaRue, University Regent Thalia Dondero, Amy and Doug Hardy, and Ashley Rea with R.J. Peltyn.

Among those present to honor Rodman were Gina Polovina, president of the Opportunity Village board of directors, and husband Ira Sternberg, joined by Opportunity Village representatives Linda Smith, Cary Harned, Ed Guthrie, Karen Fell and Kurt Weinrich.

Dinner, a gourmet treat involving four courses, was further enriched by comedian Rita Rudner and singer Darren Ames, who performed with Vince Falcone and his orchestra. Vintage footage of now-vanished resorts, hotel implosions and early stars of the Strip were enjoyed prior to Richard Lee's presentation on the Las Vegas of tomorrow.

Glimpsed in the crowd were Jim Powell, Dave Williamson, Andy Klein, Dennis and Mary Carlton, Denise and Gustav Mauler, Kim and Lisa Ratigan, Bill and Libby Hiers and Don Ross.

Divine event

American Help Foundation, committed to changing lives through long-term education, counseling and training solutions, on Saturday hosted a Divine Wine Soiree.

Wines for the event, held at Christopher Homes' showcase residence inside the Enclave at Southern Highlands Golf Club, were provided by Frank Melis of Cannery Winery Cellars and Ten James Winery, who also organized a wine hunt for attendees.

Neiman Marcus General Manager Bill Terry arranged for the chefs of Mariposa to prepare and serve the bountiful feast.

Cindy Braden and Sarah Guindy co-chaired the event, working with Sal Guy, executive director of the foundation, and board members Greg Dean, Lance Bradford and Beverly House-Myers. Music, played from the spacious rear balcony of the handsome home, was provided by jazz artists including Ernie George and Gus Mancuso with soloist Annie Frances.

Supporters seen at the summer gathering included Phil Simmons, Dr. Randal Peoples with Michelle Hurley, Cathy Ray, Dr. Robert Braden, Joe Prosida, Linda Fleming, Stacey Hertz, Solveig Thorsrud and Realtor Teresa Tebbs.

Opera and barbecue

Opera Las Vegas supporters will be hosted by Tom and Terri Eden at their Canyon Gate home on July 2. Titled "Diamonds in the Sky in the Garden of Eden," this special fundraiser will include a musical program by the artists of Opera Las Vegas and an all-American dinner prepared on the grill.

Fireworks and festivities are planned, with membership opportunities and future events to be announced by the fine arts organization. For details and reservations, contact Alvida Lane at 459-6353.

Happy grads

Graduation ceremonies last week were particularly sweet for three June 2005 high school graduates: Sabrina Karic (Valley High School), Cody Hinckley (Silverado High School) and Martha Morales (Rancho/Area Technical Trade Center). Each were awarded college scholarships by the Epicurean Club of Las Vegas, as announced by organization Vice President Joe Essa (Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group).

The scholarships are renewable for up to three years with recipients required to maintain a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 at the college level. Each scholarship winner was selected by application, transcripts, a career goal statement and letter of recommendation from an Epicurean Club member.

Awards were based on academic merit, financial need and other criteria. Scholarship recipients must major in hotel management or food & beverage programs. Karic and Morales will enter UNLV this fall, while Hinckley will attend The Culinary Institute of America in New York City.

This year's event, complete with world-class chefs and celebrity entertainment, will include a concert by Sheryl Crow on Oct. 22 at the Hard Rock Hotel. Jim and Heather Murren, co-founders of the Nevada Cancer Institute, will be honored at the gala. For further information, contact Jaclyn Ford at 248-3312.

The Epicurean Club of Las Vegas funds the scholarships as well as internships and enrichment programs through its annual fundraising dinner.

Second chance

Second Chance Foundation held its first major fundraiser on June 13. A golf tournament at Rio Secco Golf Club, the event was a memorial tribute to Mark Ricciardi Jr., an infant who died in December while waiting for a triple organ transplant.

Mark and Sara Ricciardi chaired the event in honor of their son. Serving as members of their committee were attorneys Tom Stark and Lynn Kirsch, joined by Ken Richardson (Nevada Donor Network), Paul Workman (BankWest of Nevada) and Hank Israel (Prudential Americana Group Realtors).

Dr. Larry Lehrner, a Second Chance Foundation board member, his wife, Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev., and Rep. Jon Porter, R-Nev., were honorary chairs of the tournament. Major sponsors included the Rio Secco Golf Club, Bechtel-Nevada, MERIN (Medical and Research Institute of Nevada) and the Venetian.

Taking top honors were team members from Fremont Medical Centers: Ernest Barela, Dirk Feinblatt, Bill Moore and Dave Bondurant, while Steven Friedman won the player's award. Dr. David Fadell was the high bidder on the slot machine donated by International Gaming Technology.

After a morning on the links, players enjoyed a barbecue lunch hosted by MERIN and words of welcome from Eric Duff, course manager at Rio Secco, and Sue Cvijanovich, events manager.

The mission of Second Chance Foundation is to support efforts to expand organ and tissue transplantation in Nevada, to increase the number of Nevadans who are registered as organ and tissue donors and to provide supportive services to Nevada organ and tissue transplant patients. For more information, contact director Robert Mirisch at 369-5876.

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