Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005 | 8:39 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at [email protected].
When I first began to write this column (with my mother, the late Ann Valder) my daughter Alicia had barely entered kindergarten. Today, at 27, she's just survived Hurricane Rita and returned to her duties as marine biologist for Galveston Bay Foundation in Texas.
My years at the Las Vegas Sun have been punctuated by the loss of my parents, a home destroyed by fire and, most recently, a new position with Las Vegas Life magazine as its society editor. After 22 years, this is the final On The Scene column in the Sun.
Through my position as the Sun's society writer I have been witness to stunning acts of generosity and heroic volunteerism, met fascinating people from around the world and remained dazzled as our town has grown into a city of note. Believe me when I say, "No one does it better than Vegas."
Thank you --- I remain grateful to each of you who have been my readers, colleagues, worked with me as volunteers and been my inspiration. I will miss you all.
Hospice event
Six years strong and still going, the Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation Wine Tasting Extravaganza on Thursday was attended by more than 250 guests.
Once again hosted by Gary Ackerman at Gaudin Jaguar-Porsche-Aston Martin of Las Vegas, the venue for the charitable affair was a gleaming white marble and mahogany showroom. A crowd of supporters that included Dr. Jim and Sandra Franks, Mike and Beverly Mykisen, Larry and Heidi Canarelli, Roger Blazic and Kelli Ware-Barnes browsed through the splendid assemblage of luxury autos as they entered.
Hosting members of the Golden Monarch Committee, an organization of supportive professional women led by event coordinator Laura Coleman, coordinated the fundraiser. Lending their efforts to the success of the evening were Carol Ann Hale, Ann Furno, Ginger Walker, Debbie Frost, Julie Semola, Sandy Marsh, Shirley Jackson, Carol Cline-Ong, Joan Brooks, Stacy Altergott, Eunice Kamer, Susan Little, Sylvia Durham, Lisa Loerwald, Colleen Bevilacqua, Jackie Logue and Nancy Franzen.
Enjoying the jazz notes from the Kevin Lyon Trio were Holly Lobelson and husband Rob Silvestri; Gladys Comer and daughter Jennifer; Staci Truesdell and her mom, Trish; the Rev. Mel and Lillian Pekrul; and George Claussen.
Many bid upon artwork, landscape services, interior design, spa treatments and more during the live and silent auctions with proceeds benefiting pediatric care programs at the three Nathan Adelson Hospice facilities.
Johnson Brothers provided the wine array while dining temptations abounded at serving stations manned by chefs from The Carmel Room at Rampart Casino, Harley Davidson Cafe and Sammy's Woodfired Pizza, to name just a few.
For further information on services provided by the hospice or to assist as a volunteer, go to www.nah.org.
Ruvo honored
A huge success by any standards, the Public Education Foundation's tribute dinner honoring Larry Ruvo (Education Hero) and Bill Martin (Lifetime Education Achievement) was a wonderful evening.
Held at Four Seasons, the capacity crowd of nearly 600 raised more than $750,000 with the live auction representing $105,000 of this amount. Much of the hotly bid action came with the purchase of two pedigreed puppies resulting in pet ownership for David Chesnoff (a boxer pup) and Battista Locatelli (a Yorkie) and the unannounced donation of a $30,000 custom pool by Jim Alexander of Renaissance Pools.
Tony Bennett's gracious appearance, arranged by Tim Poster and Tom Breitling, further added to the magic of the affair.
In the throng of supporters were Sig and Lori Rogich, Tamara and Jay Kornmayer, Sheldon and Dr. Miriam Adelson, Tom and Mary Kay Gallagher with Jayne and Art Marshall, Todd Rentchler with wife Desiree Locatelli, Jeff and Carol Silver, Linda Lee with Frank Schreck, and Dr. Ted and Parvin Modaber Jacobs. Present as well were honorees' family members Denise Martin, Angie and Camille Ruvo, Olga Tursi and Ruvo's daughters Nicole, Lauren and Brianna.
Since 1991, the Public Education Foundation has raised more than $38 million on behalf of public schools in the Clark County system. Students and teachers benefit from innovative classroom programs funded through mini-grants, supportive technology programs, scholarships and ongoing endeavors to raise academic standards.
Williams shines
Vanessa Williams -- the jewel in the crown of this season's "Stars on the Lake" -- gave a superb performance Friday evening. Appearing with members of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, including Lee Richey, cello soloist, the songstress fed her audience a delicious blend of ballads, jazz, blues, salsa and beloved songs from her award-winning albums and Broadway performances.
An idyllic evening under the stars, the floating stage gave an excellent vantage point for guests both on the beach and picnicking across the grassy knolls. Seen in the crowd were Jeff Sipes, Dr. Keith Boman, Wanda and Ernie Spickler, Carolyn Sparks, Caty Crockett, Debbie Hall, Barbara Nosek, Bobbie Katz, Audrey Dempsey, Phil Koslow and Chuck and Jeri Stone.
Relaxing with champagne and a plate of chocolate-drenched strawberries were Dee and Ken Ladd, who chose to celebrate her birthday at the Reflection Bay concert at Lake Las Vegas.
Others enjoying the balmy evening included Gail Carey, Stacey Hamilton, Jerry Metullus and Glen Ali as well as Sally Dewhurst and Cary Kurkowski, both part of the Lake Las Vegas Resort team who created the "Stars on the Lake" concert series.
Planning forum
Preparations are under way for the Las Vegas Sun's 50th annual Sun Youth Forum. Begun with a modest 96 kids from two area high schools, the Forum embraces more than 1,000 students drawn from 50 high schools. Jointly supported from the beginning by the Junior League of Las Vegas, the program provides teens a chance to speak openly about subjects that affect their lives.
As announced by Sheila Dillon, Sun Youth Forum coordinator, the daylong event uses adults solely as registrars and moderators. On Sept. 20 a kickoff luncheon was hosted by the Las Vegas Sun at the Las Vegas Country Club.
Present were principals Paul Oisboid (Palo Verde), Lorraine Alderman (Burk Academic Center) and Thurban Warrick (Trinity), joined by counselors Erin Varela and Derald Grauberger, along with School Board Trustee Shirley Barber and co-interim superintendent Walt Rulffes.
Phil Cooper, representing Greenspun Media Group, addressed the luncheon crowd and spoke with great warmth about the value of public education. He also introduced community volunteers Dr. Robert McCord, Jon Ralston, Mike Ault and Bob Fisher, who are among those to serve as moderators.
Recognized too were Junior League sustaining members Donna Andress, Jan Allen and University Regent Thalia Dondero, who will again assist with registration at the 50th Sun Youth Forum on Nov. 22 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
SST makes plans
Maria Sauter had the fun of planning the recent 30th anniversary celebration for Super Summer Theatre. A thriving theatre group begun by the Junior League and later turned over to a community board after five years, Super Summer Theatre quickly established a place in the hearts of Southern Nevada.
Known for its popular musical productions, which run three times each summer, it also hosts late-spring's Woodsy Owl Festival, assists with Opportunity Village's Magical Forest, and has plans for educational outreach to the schools.
Attending as special guests were Judy Sylvain and Carolyn Sparks, Junior League members who co-chaired the early seasons for Super Summer Theatre and later served as charter board members and longtime volunteers.
Gathering for the dinner program at the Imperial Palace were producers who were responsible for the family-oriented musicals, among them Betty Sullivan-Cleary, Phil Shelburne and Helen and Jim Sax.
Happily chatting with fellow guests and sharing stories of past adventures in theatre were longtime board members and past officers Ray Eicher, Christy and Bobby Miller, Adrienne and John O'Donoghue, Harold Smith, Mary Gafford, Terrance Little, Denny Weddle and Todd and Sue Harbach.
Suzi and Nick Rissman represented their late parents, Alice and Homer Rissman, benefactors and volunteers to the organization for many years. Jerry Brooks, chairman of the Super Summer Theatre Board served as emcee for the evening's program.
Beach party
Among the most intriguing evenings ahead is "Beach Party Under the Stars" -- a gala evening planned for Oct. 22 and presented by the Epicurean Club to benefit a host of scholarships for hotel and restaurant students.
Our city's premiere chefs will cook for this distinguished gathering, serving from stations set beside the Wave Pool at Mandalay Place. Leisurely dining from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. will be followed by a private concert with Sheryl Crow. Rino Armeni of Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada is planning this benefit with co-chair Sandy Colon Peltyn, joined by Epicurean Club officers Bart Mahoney, Joe Essa, Scott Farber and Brian Lerner. Call 248-3312 for details and reservations.
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