Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Herrera gets royal treatment at philharmonic benefit

Elegance prevailed as Saks Fifth Avenue and the Las Vegas Philharmonic jointly hosted noted designer Carolina Herrera as she presented her Fall 2003 collection to the discerning eye of the elite assemblage.

The dinner event at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas, was originally planned for the picturesque Pontevecchio Bridge, but was wisely moved to the comforts of the ballroom when daily temperatures took an upward turn.

Among those greeted by dinner committee members Sheila Beaton, Doris Lee, Wendy Plaster, JoAnn Sturm and Lynn Weidner were philharmonic patrons Felix and Louise Rappaport, Judge Ron and Leslie Parraguirre, Gil and Cathy Cohen, Sue and Paul Lowden, Sandee and Tito Tiberti, Chip and Helen Johnson and Saundra and Emmett Munley.

Discussing his role with the newly opened casino operation at the resort was Dan Reichartz with wife Denise, joined by Richard Plaster, M.J. and Jack Harvey, Richard and Tina Morgan, Patrick and Diane Clary and Richard Wright.

Introducing Herrera to attending guests was Saks General Manager Mari Landers with husband Thom Landers. Herrera graciously posed for photos and answered fashion questions from devotees including Bernice Fischer, who conversed in fluent Spanish with the designer about her favorites from the designer's fine perfumes and colognes.

Dinner, a leisurely affair, was complemented by informal modeling of the elegant, distinctly feminine fashions created by Herrera for the fall season. Taking note of favorites were Dr. Michael and Julie Baron, Joan and John Witmer, Dale Feist, Bill and Lynn Weidner, Sharon Bader and Pat and Brad Nelson.

Following dinner and the lavish fashion parade, each of the ladies was invited backstage to see the designs close-up and discuss their wardrobe needs with the designer. Equally entertained in pleasant style were all the gentlemen, who were offered cigars and cognac in the resort's gardens.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Las Vegas Philharmonic's efforts to provide our community (and young students) with quality musical performance.

Puttin' on the dog

A perfect Sunday afternoon was enjoyed by all attending the Animal Foundation's "Best in Show," a showcase for dogs from the Lied Animal Shelter. Supporters and businesses spent a month with the featured animals, giving them grooming, care and most certainly nurturing in preparation for their turn in the arena's central stage and adoption to a new home.

Also in the spotlight were "alumni" dogs adopted from the shelter, including Gershwin, a French papillon owned by newlyweds Gina and Ira David Sternberg, and an older Yorkshire terrier Mark Fierro has nursed back to health.

A true family event, the afternoon was created to allow families the chance to visit with the ready-for-adoption dogs as well as observe the judging process. Present with friends and family were Janet and Garett Meadows with sister-in-law Sharry Quillin, Bill Martin, Staci Columbo, Claudine Williams with Kitty Rodman and Amy Ayoub, Stephanie and Steve Stallworth with their children, Terry Magnani, Mel and Marilyn Larson, John and Marilyn Moran, Craig Caples, Misti and Tom Kaplan, Ann Lalli and Lucinda and Bruce Stanley.

Serving as sponsors for the dogs were generous benefactors who paid a $500 fee, among them Robin Brooks Townsend, Tim Quillin of "Q" Advertising, Wheeler's RV, Stout Management, Mandalay Bay, Dr. Stephanie Youngblood and the Wolfgang Puck Dining Group.

Steve Schorr of Cox Communications was emcee while his wife, Holly Schorr, was enlisted to give a pre-event workshop for all the novice handlers and their canine charges. Announced during the program was Philippe Neraud's recent $9,000 donation. Neraud, district manager for Giorgio Armani at Bellagio, is a star in the galaxy of benefactors who keep the shelter's $2 million annual expenses paid.

Under contract to the city of Las Vegas as the operators of the Lied Animal Shelter, the foundation is paid $400,000 yearly for such services. All other funds to feed and protect the abandoned cats, dogs, birds and exotic animals, plus provide sterilization and veterinarian services, are generated from other sources. Also discussed was Purina's ongoing efforts to assist by contributions of pet foods. The Lied Animal Shelter routinely intakes some 80 to 100 animals daily.

A grand effort

Hats off to Mike Kinney and Bob Simkins, who have taken a simple pleasure and turned it to good purpose for the children of our community.

In 2000 Mike and Bob, neighbors on Hollowbluff Avenue in North Las Vegas, decided to celebrate their birthdays with a "block party" car show, a small event with seven cars and a handful of friends present. Last year, with ever-growing success, the pair moved the event to Eldorado Park and included some 250 cars of all types to a crowd of some 1,000 people.

This year's event garnered $10,600, featured '50s and '60s music and offered hundreds of door prizes donated by businesses and 18 NHRA racing teams. All proceeds from the car show registrations, vendors and drawings were donated to the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities.

The non-profit foundation, part of a countrywide effort based in Charlotte, N.C., is well recognized for its efforts on behalf of children's medical, emotional and social services needs. To date, its national distributions have exceeded $8 million since 1984.

In December the Las Vegas Chapter of Speedway Children's Charities distributed $228,000 to 31 local children's charities, including Classroom on Wheels, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, YMCA of Southern Nevada, Opportunity Village, Assistance League of Las Vegas and Miracle Flights for Kids, as well as Shade Tree Shelter, Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer and others. Fund-raisers of all types are held throughout the year.

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