Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Hammer’s summer party the end-all, be-all

Elizabeth Foyt

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005 | 8:10 a.m.

Like a chapter taken from an F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, Jim and Joan Hammer's Summer's End party was idyllic. Balmy skies, fine wines and fruity drinks with tiny umbrellas, great food from Bellagio and a plentitude of places to relax in the ambiance of the evening.

The now-annual event, which was hosted with friends Terry and Dana Wright and Randy and Kathy Black, the tropic-themed party has transformed itself into a significant fundraiser on behalf of Nevada Cancer Institute.

As Clark Dumont, vice president of communication of NCI, said in a statement: "We are honored and humbled by the level of community support exhibited at the event by our hosts and their sponsoring friends, which raised more than $1 million for Nevada Cancer Institute. Many of the attendees also made significant additional commitments. All of the funds raised will be matched by the challenge grant set forth by the Greenspun Foundation."

Six months in the planning, this single evening brought together more than 700 guests at $750 each, all to enjoy a private performance by the legendary Beach Boys and the '70s stylings of Boogie Nights. The Hammer home was transformed for the occasion, adding serving bars and buffet tables throughout the grounds.

Seen wearing their favorite beach togs on the dance floor were Lee and Jim Medick with their neighbors Rhonda and Mike Mona, joined by Fafie and Jeff Moore, Perry and Rose Rogers, Rollie and Terri Sturm and newlyweds Albert and Trudy Flangas. Nearby Jim and Heather Murren were seen with Camille and Larry Ruvo, Chrisse and Gary Waddell, Pete and Heather Wu, John and Rene O'Reilly and Mel and Marilyn Larson with Richard Lee.

Enjoying the concert from the upper leisure deck of the enormous home were Dr. Andrea Goeglein, Marie Claire and Rino Armeni, Andy Katz, Allen Kaercher, Dr. Victor and Yolanda Muro, Laura Herbst and Ron and Charlene Proto.

Goodman art celebrated

Laura B. Goodman, celebrated for her wide-ranging abilities in art, was remembered with great fondness at opening ceremonies for her Las Vegas Art Museum retrospective show.

The Friday evening party was hugely attended by community leaders, among them Aurora and Buck Wong, Joyce Mack, Ric and Trish Truesdell, Jan Allen, University Regent Thalia Dondero, Gloria Sturman with Sharon Gwin, Jay Barrett, Michael Novick and Phyllis McGuire, who was a previous host of a significant benefit evening for the museum.

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, attending with wife Carolyn and family members, spoke eloquently as he remembered his late mother's efforts on behalf of the fine arts, troubled kids and in her later years, Las Vegas Art Museum. Joining him in the informal tribute was Jerry Facciani, president of the museum's board of trustees, who added commentary on Laura Goodman's many hours as a volunteer.

In the throng of supporters were Jerry and Lottie Polis, Michael Severino, Dr. Otto and Barbara Ravenholt, Carolyn and Jack Solomon, Hannah An, Doris and Ted Lee, Howard Bullock, Joyce and Steve Schneider, Patrick Duffy and Wally Goodman.

Bruce and Barbara Lee Woollen of Art de Vignettes gallery were present and provided Las Vegas commemorative prints of "Vegas Galactica" for the gift bags to departing guests. The Laura B. Goodman retrospective exhibition continues through Sept. 25.

Gladiator camp

One of the most creative endeavors devoted to Hurricane Katrina relief efforts comes from the Las Vegas Gladiators, who will hold a one-day youth football and junior dance camp on Sept. 24 at Sam Boyd Stadium.

A $25 donation for children ages 3-18 will provide entry to the camp, lunch, a commemorative T-shirt and two vouchers to attend a 2006 Arena Football League Las Vegas Gladiators game.

Head coach Ron James, along with his staff and players, will teach youngsters the skills and drills of football. In addition, the 2006 Gladiator Goddesses dance team will showcase their dance moves and teach routines to all future Goddesses. For details, visit www.lvgladiators.com or call 731-4977.

CCSD event

Needs closer to home, but nonetheless important, were met at Thursday's benefit for the Clark County School District's Title I -- Hope Program, which serves homeless schoolchildren in our region. Host for the past five years to this worthy event was Joe Vassallo, president of Paragon Pools.

Calling upon friends, family, business associates and government officials, Vassallo with wife and Alana and their son Joey, opened their offices to the collection of much-needed school supply donations.

Arranging an auction to raise further funds, Vassallo recruited jeweler Michael Minden, who provided eight tempting pieces, and a TPC Summerlin golf package, which drew the bidding interest of Hank and Joanne Wiesenthal and daughters Reyna and Taylor, T.J. Payne with Megan Drabek and Holly Lobelson with hubby Rob Silvestri and their twins Olivia and Ella.

Equally generous in their bids were Tony Tegano, Vincent and Sondra Ianuzzi, John and Carol Tomassello, Michael DeMartino, Ryan Martin, Mary Vail with her children Sean and Ashley and Frank Shaw.

Speaking about our community's homeless children was Myra Berkovitz, Title I -- Hope Program coordinator, who spoke of the coming swell of children from the ravaged hurricane areas who will join the 3,500 homeless children already identified this school year within the Clark County School District.

Answering questions as well were teachers Suzanne Della Iacona and Erica Hendrickson, who further emphasized their appreciation for the backpacks, school supplies, toiletries and gift cards provided at the fundraiser.

Last school year more than 3,100 local children were identified as living in shelters, motels, in multifamily situations and in cars, parks or on the street.

Also present and contributing to this worthy event were Peggy Rescheske, Joyce Cianella, Trish and Chris Johnson, David Heuleman, Marilyn Johansson, Gail and Bill Sachanko, Rhiannon Caldwell, John and Brandi Ianuzzi and Michael and Mary Paradis.