Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Catholic school fundraiser a success

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, May 11, 2005 | 8:10 a.m.

More than 1,000 people attended the 11th annual Wine and Beer Tasting event, a benefit for Bishop Gorman High School, at the Las Vegas Hilton on Saturday.

The event was sponsored by DeLuca Liquor and Wine, Las Vegas Hilton and Encore Productions.

As they arrived, guests were presented wine glasses and guides to the fine vintages and brews by Patty Schmitt and Jeanne Hamrick of the school's development team. Welcomed by school principal Connie Gerber were Mike and Debbie Miller, Albert Flangas, Metro Captain Randy and Dawn Oaks, Mike Morrisey, Brian Buckley, Samm Owens, Rick Garcia, Randy Taylor, Mitzi Hiegel and Stephen Miller with fiancee Stephanie Davis.

Bishop Gorman High School is in the midst of a campaign to fund its soon-to-be-built campus in southwest Las Vegas. On display was an elaborate model of the new campus (slated to open in fall 2006), viewed with interest by supporters Jim and Lee Medick (MRC Group Research Institute), Julie Pfeiffer, Thomas Patchin, Ron Hartsell, Debbie and Rocky Brandonisio, Dave Kennedy, and Bridget and Steve Phillips.

Andrew James provided a melodious touch with his Frank Sinatra-styled songs, while Gary Ordish later served as auctioneer.

Other attendees included Dr. Jerry and Judy Sylvain, Dena DuBoef, Ted and Maria Quirk, Mary Ann Rivera, Dr. Wendy Scheer with Doug Hitt, Sandee Tiberti and attorney John Mowbray, whose photographs of Red Rock Canyon were included in the enormous silent auction.

Horse sense

The Legacy Society hosted Kentucky Derby festivities at Commander's Palace on Saturday to benefit the more than 12,000 Southern Nevada children served by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.

Founded three years ago to encourage philanthropy among young professionals, the Legacy Society presents spirited events throughout the year.

Among those making a fashion statement at Commander's Palace were chairman Terri Maruca and her sister, Kelli, vice-chair of the organization, who welcomed Mark Ashworth, Rob Kolesar, David Watts, Gene Marshall and Sarah and Ike Prinsloo.

Wendy Albert was event chair and worked with Michael Smith, general manager of Commander's Palace, to plan the delectable menu of Derby Day treats. Favorites included the crayfish vichyssoise, prepared by Executive Chef Carlos Guia, smoked Andouille sausage, truffle goat cheese canapes and Derby Pie.

Eric Blank, Nicole Tuttle, Adrienne Hester, Rene Rietgraf, Laurie Ruegamer, Gina Nelson and Linda Dickie enjoyed the festivities at tables adorned with scarlet and butter-yellow roses. Sipping mint juleps and cheering on her favorite horse was Kate Turner, who won the getaway weekend to New Orleans.

Sponsors of the charitable event included Sin City Beer, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada, Red Bull North America, Blondies and Nevada Litho Color.

Grand tasting

Balmy weather and jazz under the stars were the perfect match for the magnificence of the foods and wine provided at Bon Appetit Magazine's grand tasting at Lake Las Vegas Resort and the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas on Friday.

The kickoff to the magazine's "Wine and Spirits Focus" served as a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nevada. Serving stations from the city's most elite restaurants and wineries of note were set along the lake and between shops in MonteLago Village.

The night drew locals John Shadler and Ellen Curtis, Dr. Pamela Moore, Deanne Sheehan (Lotus Broadcasting) with daughter Kelli Sheehan (Lund & Manasse), Edward and Eleanore Doumani (Majestic Tower), Bob Guinn (Blackstone), Jamie Delaney (Virgin Advertising) with her mother, Priscilla Brogan, and Nico Chessa (Valentino).

Ron Boeddeker, developer of Lake Las Vegas Resort, was seen with Albert Reynolds, the former prime minister of the Republic of Ireland (1992-1995), as they enjoyed ribs from Memphis Barbecue and pralines from Commander's Palace. With the men was Reynolds' wife, Kathleen, and attorney John O'Reilly.

Nearby comparing favorites from the evening's program-recipe book were Beverly and Mike Mykisen with Chef Joseph Keller (Como's at MonteLago Village), joined by Nancy Katz and Walt Hommerdink. Jennifer Tuttle, executive director of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Nevada, answered questions about the organization's mission to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions.

Hosting friends to an after-hours party at Sunset & Vines were investors Brad and Pat Nelson. Joining them at the MonteLago Village wine bar were Robert and Deborah Holgate, Judy Robinson, Mari and Thom Landers, Matt and Cari Boeddeker and wine bar manager Robert Cross and wife Rosemarie.