Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Runners up for Cirque du Soleil fundraiser

Run Away With Cirque du Soleil -- a 5K Run and 1-Mile Fun Walk, celebrated its fifth anniversary on Labor Day. Breaking previous records, the family-oriented occasion drew more than 1,000 with 603 registrants for the race and walk.

Hosted by Cirque du Soleil, the annual race benefits the Center for Independent Living. This nonprofit facility was begun in 1994 and serves Nevada's disadvantaged youths, ages 16-20, working to provide each with opportunities to develop independent living skills.

Held on the spacious grounds of Paseo Verde Park in Green Valley, the early morning gathering was made festive by the comedic antics of many Cirque artists who worked the crowd in full costume and exotic makeup.

Additionally representing cast and staff from "Zumanity," "Ka," "O" and "Mystere" were volunteers who helped register and entertain race entrants. For the younger set, face-painting, games and healthy snacks were also provided.

Race director Adam Chan, with race coordinators Nancy Gillis and Todd Toresdahl, worked with committee members including Meredith Delay, Anita Nelving, John McCoy, Meggan Riley, Diana Hewitt and Felissa Lindsay. Russ Petroni, Cirque's assistant company manager, served as master of ceremonies while Krista Monson, artistic coordinator, led the warm-up exercises prior to the race.

Notable among the sponsors were Naked Juice, Findlay Volkswagen, Graphics 2000, Gold's Gym, Vegas.com, Tri-A-Run Inc., Luxor and Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, On Stage Audio, city of Henderson Parks & Recreation, New York-New York and many others.

Participants seen at the charitable event were George and Elaine Walker, Rick Parker, Art Stewart, Bradley Miller, Kris and Peggy Rumstein, Linda and Wes Bangor, Chuck Jones and Lindsay James.

Events of a similar note include Northern 10K Exposure Run and 2-Mile Walk at Seastrand Park in North Las Vegas on Oct. 8. Featured at the race will be adoption-ready dogs and cats from Lied Animal Shelter.

Volunteers interested in helping with the race event as well as working with the animals are asked to contact Kara Kidwell at 384-6333, extension 21. For race registration go to www.active.com.

And still another opportunity to run for a worthy cause will be presented Oct. 29 at Four Seasons Las Vegas. Considered one of the most lavish runs, the Halloween Monster 5K Run for Charity will be jointly hosted by the Las Vegas Running Team. Following the race, participants will enjoy a bountiful breakfast prepared by Four Seasons' chefs.

Proceeds benefit the UNLV Cancer Research Center. Details are online at www.lasvegasrunningclub.com

Education Hero Award

The Public Education Foundation's elegant Education Hero Award Dinner will again be held Sept. 24 at the Four Seasons. Honored at the black-tie affair will be Larry Ruvo, senior managing director of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and a founder of the Lou Ruvo Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Brain Aging.

A generous benefactor to dozens of worthy causes, Ruvo was selected as the 2005 Education Hero. Also to be recognized at the exclusive gathering will be William "Bill" Martin, chairman, president, chief executive of Nevada State Bank and an active member of many community boards and charities. Martin will receive the Lifetime Education Achievement Award in recognition of his efforts to improve education and educational services in Clark County.

Reservations are a must, with all the details by calling 799-1042 or at www.ccpef.org.

Our business

Bravo to Wells Fargo Bank for its recent generosity to UNLV's College of Business. Representing the bank at presentation ceremonies were Kirk Clausen and Jay Kornmayer, who helped shape the mission of the inaugural Wells Fargo Distinguished Speaker Series and Las Vegas Business Forum.

Accepting the funding was Richard Flaherty, dean of the College of Business, and Carol Harter, UNLV president.

The Distinguished Speaker Series will host prominent business leaders who will provide insight to their leadership and the factors behind their decisions in the national and international marketplace.

The Las Vegas Business Forum will provide a platform centering on current business issues and their effect on the local community. For details on the upcoming programs, call the UNLV College of Business at 895-3904.

Signature event

Offering the rare chance to meet and interact with our city's most celebrated chefs -- all the while enjoying their favorite dishes from cooking stations -- Signature Chefs of Las Vegas will again present a fabulous affair on Sept. 17 at the Rio.

A favorite among "foodies" and "wine buffs," the charitable evening will benefit March of Dimes and its mission to develop new treatments for birth defects and other infant health problems.

Glynda Rhodes of Rhodes Homes is event chair, and together with her committee, has enlisted distinguished chefs including John LaGrone (Postrio), Hector Nunez (Buzio's), Wendy and Michael Jordan (Rosemary's), Stan Carroll (Cili), Mark Hopper (Bouchon) and dozens more who preside over our city's finest restaurants.

Included in the evening will be entertainment and music, fine wines and a chef's auction of special meals and treasures. Tickets and details on this dining delight are available by calling March of Dimes Southern Nevada at 732-9255.

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