Columnist Muriel Stevens: Fashionable fund-raiser for Animal Foundation

It had been 10 years since the Animal Foundation hosted its last benefit, but not even the windy weather that chased the event indoors instead of poolside at Caesars Palace could put a damper on the fun-filled event.

These cats really know how to put on a party, even if it did take them 10 years to recover from the first one. Using the formula that worked so well for the first fund-raiser, co-chairwomen Janie Gale and Marilyn Larson once again gathered up their talented friends for an evening of merriment, music and munching.

A lavish hors d'oeuvre buffet was set up in the middle of the room where guests could circulate and visit with the other guests. The relaxed formality made it seem more like a party at home and just as comfortable. Before the fashion show, a celebrity band performed -- Jeff Gale, guitar; Paul Lowden, organ; Mike Rector, bass guitar; Eddy Garcia, drums; Peter Thoeness, guitar; Oswaldo Rodrigues with wife, Norika, percussion; and Greg Guiffria, keyboard. Christy Molasky was the lead singer; backing her were Janie, Sue Lowden and April Guiffria -- they were sensational.

Veterinarian Dr. James Nave received the award for being the Veterinarian of the Year. Nave works tirelessly to further the cause of the Animal Foundation. Recognition was also given to William Bennett for his generous financial support. It was through his generosity that the Animal Foundation opened its first low-cost spay and neuter clinic in November 1988. To date, the clinic has performed over 100,000 surgeries, "dramatically reducing euthanasia in the Las Vegas Valley." Clinics modeled after the Las Vegas clinic have opened across the country. The City of Las Vegas was recognized for its ongoing support. When the new 35,000-square-foot animal shelter is built, it will sit on two acres of land on Mojave Road, leased rent-free to the Animal Foundation. Mary Herro and her husband Richard, who run the shelter, were acknowledged for their commitment and dedication. As Janie said, "The Herros do everything."

Following the awards program was the fashion show, featuring Kenny Kerr of "Boylesque" fame as a witty, irreverent emcee. Modeling the fashions were local luminaries Sue Lowden, Margo Rogich, Dale Wynn, Mary Louise Sloan, Vivi Marshall, Cari Marshall, April Giuffria, Sandy du Boef, Lynn Weidner, Carol Primm, Sandra Tiffany, Diane Pollard and Patty Zimmer. They dazzled the audience with their expert turns and professional strutting down the runway. Wearing fashions from Shauna Stein in the Forum Shops, and bathing suits from the Paradiso shop in Caesars Appian Way, they were captivating and funny.

Among those enjoying their antics were the evening's hosts, Karla and Peter Boynton, Kenny Wynn, Barbara Greenspun, Sig Rogich, Mike Sloan, Alan Molasky, Mel Larson, Jayn and Art Marshall, Donna Epstein, Beth Weinberger, Niki Devine, Rebecca Rosen, Joy Jones, Barbara Darling, Juliet Thai, Ethel Berry and Marlene and Andy Wheeler.

When the new Animal Foundation Shelter is built, Las Vegas will become the first city to eliminate animal euthanasia as a method of controlling over-population. It will be the only municipality with a no-kill policy. The biggest problems at the animal shelter are space, disease and time. Among the innovative features of the new shelter, designed by Holmes Sabatini Architects, are many that address these problems. There will be 370 runs, each with an air filter. An aggressive adoption program, already in place, will shorten the time animals are kept so they'll have a better chance to survive.

Donations to the Animal Foundation Building Fund may be sent to Norwest Bank, Account 6661470821, c/o Las Vegas City Treasurer Michael K. Olson. To earmark any contribution, call the Animal Foundation (384-3333) for a list of the shelter components that need angels.

Cashman earns degree

Jennifer Cashman, the daughter of Mary Kaye and the late Jim Cashman III, recently received a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Colorado State University's College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Jennifer is the first in her pioneer family to earn a doctorate degree. Alas, the young veterinarian will not practice in her hometown. She plans to treat animals in the Bozeman, Mont. area. Just wait until she hears about the work of the Animal Foundation. She might change her mind.

KNPR goes green

KNPR has added "The Thistle and Shamrock" to its Saturday night lineup. Hosted by Fiona Ritchie, "The Thistle and Shamrock" offers lively reels and jigs, nostalgic ballads and more. You don't have to be Irish to appreciate this award-winning show, which airs Saturday nights at 8.

Hospice camp

Space is still available at Camp Mariposa, a unique weekend camp devoted to the needs of children who have experienced the death of a family member. The camp date is July 31-Aug. 2.

Now in its eighth year, Camp Mariposa offers camping activities and counseling under the guidance of specially-trained counselors and therapists from the Nathan Adelson Hospice. A staff of nearly 70 adults makes it likely that there will be a one-to-one ratio of counselors to campers.

There is a camp fee of $75, but no child will be turned away, as scholarships are available. Learning to handle grief, yet encouraging fun and laughter helps children deal with their feelings and the mourning process.

For registration forms or additional information stop, by the Nathan Adelson Hospice at 4141 S. Swenson St., or call 796-3153.

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