Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2000 | 10:04 a.m.
Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at elizabethfoyt@ prodigy.net.
Ida Grieco recently served as chairwoman of the annual luncheon and fashion show for the Women's Auxiliary of the Salvation Army. Held at the Monte Carlo, the event was sponsored by Dillard's and coordinated by Beverly Carpenter. Guests arrived for a pre-event reception and quickly joined the bidding for an array of silent auction treasures. Historic artist Rick W. Harlow donated several of his best-known lithographs and also served as auction announcer. Phyllis Roberts, auxiliary president who led the committee for the silent auction, also provided welcoming remarks and gave an overview of the auxiliary's many activities in Southern Nevada.
Proceeds from the fashion luncheon will be used to furnish a residence for low-income seniors. Assisting with the afternoon were Lt. Col. Dianne Hogan and Lt. Col. Maude Sullivan, both of the Salvation Army. Members of the luncheon committee included Jeanette Giannosa, Kay Turturro and Connie Puertollano, who created the topiary centerpieces for each of the luncheon tables.
On the air
Dayvid Figler, a capital defense attorney for Clark County and 1998 recipient of the Nevada Arts Fellowship for Performance Art, is now a weekly fixture on public radio in Las Vegas. His commentary can be heard on KNPR 89.5-FM Thursdays during "Morning Edition."
Figler's new program was given a proper welcome by KNPR staff and supporters at a casual dinner party at Jazzed Cafe at the Lakes. The launching of Figler's "Ain't Necessarily So" show was hosted by KNPR director Lamar Marchese with development director Nancy Gott. Among the well-wishers was attorney Andras Babero with Iruka Atamoh, Patricia Marchese, Norm Johnson and Crystal McIntyre. Figler provided some creative commentary and later performed with the Nines, a jazz-fusion group appearing at the cafe on West Sahara Avenue.
Open house
A recent open house for Neonopolis, the planned retail center at the Fremont Street Experience, provided an early look at the architectural plans, anticipated retail operations and design options for the downtown property. Hosted by Chardell Steves, leasing director, the party drew casino executives including Daniel Shumny and Greg Yochum as well as members of the business community including designer Lisa Dove, Richard Harrison, Mark C. Weaver and George Wilkers. Mayor Oscar Goodman was seen in genial conversation with Paul Bordogna, fund manager for Prudential Investments, and Joyce Stevers Storm, both key players in the Neonopolis' development plans.
Weekend events
The weekend ahead is rich with events themed to garner the best of Halloween. On Monday the Joint at the Hard Rock will host the Sam Schmidt Foundation's first HallowEve bash and fund-raiser.
Open to the public, the two-part evening will raise funds for the foundation formed after Indy Racing League star Sam Schmidt was paralyzed in a January racing accident. Schmidt, a Henderson resident, won the 1999 IRL race in Las Vegas just months before the accident. His foundation is dedicated to assisting those with spinal injuries to live a better life through scientific research, medical treatment and rehabilitation as well as the uses of new medical technology. Schmidt has stated, "We chose Las Vegas for this event because this is my home and as everyone knows, it's a great place to have a party."
The Monday event at the Joint will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a lavish dinner with guests to include two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk and other racing celebrities. A performance by Las Vegas headliner Andre-Philippe Gagnon is part of the Halloween entertainment. VIP tickets are $250 each with details on the fund-raiser or the Sam Schmidt Foundation available by calling (317) 387-0888. For those on the prowl for late-night fun, the Joint will offer more HallowEve fun starting at 11 p.m. Tickets are $25 with plenty of dance music and costume contests in the mix.
In similarly charitable fashion, the Auction, a special exposition and sale of antique and classic automobiles, will help the Wheelchairs for the World Foundation. For each of the 700 vehicles sold at the event Saturday and Sunday at the Imperial Palace, a wheelchair will be donated to the foundation's worldwide efforts. Further details are available by calling 794-3174.
Nothing will match the costumed revelry of late Sunday night at MGM Grand's Studio 54 when the Beaux Arts Ball kicks off at 10 p.m. Celebrity judges invited to participate in the judging of the spectacular costume contest include David Cassidy, Penn and Teller, Clint Holmes and Steve Wyrick. This almost-legendary gathering will bring together competitors in such categories as Best Celebrity Look-Alike, Best Drag, Best Group, Best Male and Best Female, among others, for trophies and cash prizes. Ticket sales for the event, which is open to the public, will benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada and are $15 in advance; $20 at the door, with advance sales by calling AFAN at 382-2326.
Nevada women
In its second year, the Women's Research Institute of Nevada continues with a goal of improving the lives of women in our state through research and education. Recently the Institute hosted an opening reception at new UNLV Foundation Building.
Honored were Claudine Williams, chairwoman of the board of Harrah's and UNLV Foundation trustee; Florence McClure, co-founder of Community Action Against Rape, advocate for the Southern Nevada Women's Correctional Facility and a community adviser to the Women's Research Institute; Thalia Dondero, Nevada University regent, former Clark County Commissioner and Nevada Women's Archives Advisory Board member; Kitty Rodman, partner in Sierra Construction Company, UNLV Foundation Board of Trustees and philanthropist; and Emilie Wanderer, founder of Wanderer & Wanderer, first woman to practice law in Las Vegas (in 1947) and supporter of the Las Vegas Women's Oral History Project.
Taking part in the introduction of these outstanding women were Berlyn Miller, state Sen. Dina Titus, Renee Diamond, Carolyn Sparks and Justice Nancy Becker. Also serving on the reception committee were Joanne Blystone, Professor Andy Fry, Ann Casados-Mueller, Faye Duncan-Daniel and Adrienne Cox. Present for the ceremonies were prominent Southern Nevadans, among them Dr. Maria Chairez, Lillian Sondegroth, Liz Warren, Dorothy Eisenberg, Joan Swift, Luci Klinkhammer, Maureen and Harvey Schnitzer and state Sen. Valerie Wiener.
Young women from Girl Scout Troop 163 of Green Valley, led by Traci Button, assisted with hostess duties during the afternoon reception. Others seen in the attending crowd were Dorothy Wright, Susan Houston, Jackie Brett, Dr. Barbara Cloud, Conee Spano, Dr. Cheryl Routh, Beverly Carlino-Banta and Barbara Oates, as well as Kirk Douglas, Edythe Yarchever, Patrick and Mollie Murphy and Fritz Reese.
archive
