Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Community DAREs to make a difference

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 2, 2005 | 8:16 a.m.

As part of their national conference in our city, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) hosted a Mardi Gras-themed gala at the Rio on Saturday evening.

Tim Wilmott, chief operating officer of Harrah's Entertainment, was honored for his continued contribution to the youth of America.

Welcoming guests to the carnival atmosphere (complete with the Cajun band Zydacats) were committee members Claudine Williams (Harrah's Entertainment), the ever-exuberant Scintas (Chrissi, Frankie, Joey and Pete), comic magician Mac King (who later served as emcee), Harrah's Las Vegas executives Marilyn Winn and Madeleine Weekley, and Michael Catalano and Gary Malmstrom (both of Harrah's Entertainment).

Seen at the $500-a-plate fundraiser were Mark Juliano (Caesars Palace), Nancy Dunn, Steven Horsford, Mark Sharp and James Woodrow with wife Michele Tell (Preferred Public Relations & Marketing). They, along with Stephen Miller, Aimee Miller, Renee Rietgraf, Gina Yager, Matthew Metcalf, Nancy Scarborough, Chandra Knee and Sheria Spleen, were responsible for the display and management of the massive silent-auction collection.

Former Las Vegas Mayor Jan Jones and Gary Loveman (both of Harrah's Entertainment) served with Lloyd D. Levenson (Cooper Levenson) as gala chairs, with Levenson later auctioning a massive oil painting of the Las Vegas skyline by the artist Lassen, and a handful of other select treasures offered to the assembled dinner guests.

In the audience for the program, which included a performance by Tony Orlando, were Susan Nelson, Dale Brown, Kitty Rodman, Kris Brendard, Dena Radner, Robert Yukes, Kyle Stephens, Bob and Joni McMonigle, Kathy and Ed Rogich (IGT) and Bill Voelkner.

Creating a stir and envious attention at the gala was Linda Lee, wearing her magnificent new diamond-and-pearl necklace. Purchased Feb. 12 by her sweetheart, Frank Schreck, the necklace was among the glittering items offered for bids at Keep Memory Alive, the $6 million fundraiser for Alzheimer Research. Among those admiring the stunning piece were Lisa Vargas, Monterey Brookman and Sandy Windom, all of the Junior League of Las Vegas, an organization responsible for the establishment of DARE in Clark County schools.

The DARE program, which has spread across America and onto 63 countries around the world, is a substance abuse prevention education program designed to equip school children with the skills for resisting peer pressure to experiment with tobacco, drugs and alcohol, and to engage in gang or criminal activity.

In Clark County, more than 15,000 students participate in the program annually, with instruction by both teachers and Metro officers. Proceeds from the DARE gala will assist with local costs.

Oscar-worthy event

"Oscar Night America," a 10-year tradition in Las Vegas to benefit the Southern Nevada Branch of the Arthritis Foundation, was celebrated Sunday evening at Caesars Palace. Our community's only official Academy Awards party, the sparkling evening was chaired by Sandy Peltyn with her son, R.J. Peltyn (Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada), and Vincent and Lana Desimone.

A red carpet, pretty girls in lavish gowns and the flash of cameras greeted arrivals who walked through a display of vintage Academy Awards posters to find a vast movie-themed silent auction and champagne reception awaiting.

Attorney John Wanderer and wife Dottie, Victor Chaltiel, Rod and Kara Tucker, Lisa Heck with daughter Monica, Edward and Caroline Swindell and School Board trustee Shirley Barber were seen in the swirl of guests placing bids on items.

The dinner program, held between slices of news fed directly from the Oscar ceremonies in California to the enormous monitors around the ballroom, was led by Robin Leach and Beth Fisher (KVBC Channel 3).

Honored with Commitment to Community awards were physicians Steven Saunders and Christianne Yung, both longtime volunteers and advisors to local arthritis efforts. Fred Nassiri, a local businessman who has an abiding interest in music and performance, was also recognized for his endeavors and recent $10,000 donation to assist Camp Sol, a summer program for local children afflicted by arthritis.

In the spotlight to receive a framed "Oscar Night America" award was Jack Weinstein (Tower of Jewels) for his efforts on behalf of this charity and many others.

Glimpsed enjoying the meal and festivities were Phyllis McGuire, Fred Veraretta, Jeff Fowler, Dr. Larry Hart and his mother, Toni, Steven Bessen, Ty McMillen, Lucy Stewan, Dr. Andras Costas and his wife, attorney Barbara Robinson, Sandee and Jimmy Comito, Meredith and Craig Johnson, Brenda Holmes, Patricia Martinelli Price, John Tullis and Sondra Lynch, Ron and Sinni Richardson (Ballerina Homes), Mona Orr, Robert and Debra Holgate and Greg and Katrina Phelps.

Many lingered on after the Academy Awards ceremonies, moving on with friends to the "After-Glow Party" in Caesars' Pure Nightclub. All departing guests were given copies of the official "Oscar Night America" booklet, the 2005 poster and reminder cards for next year's event.

Women honored

Now a seven-year tradition, "Women of Distinction" will recognize distinguished women of wide-ranging professional endeavors from across the community on March 12 at the Rio Pavilion Center.

Presented by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), the dinner also includes awards for special endeavors, including the Glass Ceiling Award for those women who have progressed in innovative fields, and the Rising Star Award for up-and-coming businesswomen.

As is traditional with this organization, proceeds from the dinner will assist with the Women's Development Center, whose goal is to end the cycle of poverty by helping women and their families reach complete self-sufficiency.

Reservations and all the details on participating as a sponsor or guest are available by calling 571-0462 or going online at wod@nawbolasvegas.org.