Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Community says ‘Hats Off’ to arts patron Snyder

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, March 23, 2005 | 8:14 a.m.

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@prodigy.net.

Don Snyder, retiring president of Boyd Gaming Corp., was honored with a party March 16 beneath the neon canopy of the Fremont Street Experience.

Done with a special warmth and fond regard, "Hats Off to Don" stressed Snyder's progression from corporate leader to endeavors on behalf of the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center and the UNLV Foundation.

Community leaders were plentiful in the mix of well-wishers, among them Rudy Prieto (Las Vegas Hilton), Frank Fahrenkopf (American Gaming Association), Terry Murphy (Strategic Solutions), Alan and Tina Feldman (MGM Mirage), Betsy Fretwell (city of Las Vegas), Bret Bicoy (Nevada Community Foundation), Tom Axtell (KLVX Channel 10) and Steve Stallworth (Orleans Arena).

A host of prominent attorneys also attended, including Frank Schreck, Ted Quirk, Mike Rumbolz and Kim Sinatra, who attended with Harry Haggarty. Present as well was Snyder's wife, Dee, his mother, Margaret, and mother-in-law Dorothy Brown, joined by Councilmen Larry Brown and Gary Reese and former Las Vegas City Manager Ashley Hall.

Friends, colleagues and those who have served on dozens of community boards with Snyder enjoyed the evening's speeches, which were given from the 3rd Street stage. Speakers included Bill Boyd of Boyd Gaming Corp., Mayor Oscar Goodman, Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates, County Manager Tom Reilly, and Dr. Keith Boman and Myron Martin, both of the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center.

Boyd announced the establishment of the Dee and Don Snyder "Founders Room" at the Las Vegas Performing Arts Center. A colorful video describing the need for the center was shown overhead on the screens of the Fremont Street Experience and was viewed by hundreds of guests, tourists and nearby gaming property employees.

Enjoying Snyder's event were UNLV President Carol Harter and Brenda O'Boyle (both of UNLV), consultant Deborah Campbell, former University Regent Carolyn Sparks, Alyssa Nave and her father, Dr. Jim Nave, Ted Flaum, Joyce Mack (UNLV Foundation board member), Steve Comer (Deloitte & Touche LLP) with wife, Gladys, and Aurora and Buck Wong (Arcata Associates).

Model citizens

Nordstrom at the Fashion Show mall was filled with an early-morning buzz of the very best sort on March 13 as Nevada Ballet Theatre presented its annual Teen Fashion Show.

Supporters of the benefit breakfast and fashion event included Barb Merrill and daughter Angela in matching ensembles, and Jane Kadoich and her elder son, Kai, who came to watch his brother, Jeremy, model.

Nearby were fashion co-chairs Lee Medick (her teenagers Alex and Meagan both modeled) and Denise Cashman (mother of teen model Ali) and auction coordinator Paula Riordan (her daughter Meagan also modeled), who worked with Nordstrom General Manager Alan Morrell to create the morning's special event.

Fresh juice and mimosas were served with breakfast, catered by Gustav International at tables set in a private staging area adjacent to the store.

Seen on the runway were 100 teen models from area schools, among them Christen Garcia, Andrew and Marietta Maffey, Lauren Hoenmeyer, Kristin Coolman, Kelley Mulroy and Cameron Findley. Present at the fundraiser for Nevada Ballet Theatre's extensive educational outreach program were Diane Bigelow, Sandee Tiberti, Sheila DeSimone, Pressley Howard, Martha Coolman and son Nathan, Clare Mon and Ron and Sherry Hill.

That's Amore

Fresh, feminine and served with a tasteful dollop of allure, the opening party of Amore Fine European Lingerie in the Grand Canal Shops at the Venetian, a benefit for the Nevada Cancer Institute, was a treat for the eye.

The champagne and caviar gathering was hosted by owners Lloyd and Jackie Atkinson and their partners Rene and Jennie Badoui. Money from the evening's sales, which included a silent auction, went directly to NCI's building fund.

In addition to the alluring lingerie, the ultrasexy models were adorned with diamond pieces selected by David Kasdan of Simayof Diamond Cutters & Jewelers, also in the Grand Canal Shops. Contributed for the evening's offerings by auction was a spectacular 3.37-carat diamond ring ($16,000), as well as the finest of lingerie and nightwear.

Shopping as they dined on gourmet delectables from Wolfgang Puck's catering team were Dr. Victor and Yolanda Muro, Tom and Marilyn Starks, Terry Camarana (Plise Development), Jimmy Wilson with Nicole Maroe, custom home builder Tim Stonestreet, Bob and Jen Margison, Jessica Tobin, Farid Matraki (Fred Jewelers) and wife Rochelle, and Joshua Harmon with Traci Tran.

Stopping in for a glass of his favorite bubbly was Robin Leach, who toasted Amore and then turned his attention to some serious shopping for the lovely ladies in his life. Representing Nevada Cancer Institute at the party was Lori Goodwine, newly appointed volunteer program manager.

Fall collection

Invitations are in the mail for one of spring's finest evenings, with designer Carolina Herrera, a dinner and fashion event slated for April 1 in the Venetian's Palazzo Ballroom.

Jointly presented by Saks Fifth Avenue and the Las Vegas Philharmonic, the evening promises to be particularly lovely as Herrera's fall 2005 collection will be unveiled and later made available for a review. A gourmet dinner, glittering auction and a special cigar and brandy bar are just part of the festivities.

Call 217-6303 for all the details and reservations.