Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Reagan, Borgnine and Daly team to host luncheon

Talk show host Maureen Reagan and beauty expert/author Tova Borgnine have teamed up for the Alzheimer's Association annual luncheon and fashion show at Bally's on Sept. 24th. Joining Reagan and Borgnine as a host is Las Vegan John Daly of "Real TV," who splits his time between his home in Las Vegas and the Los Angeles production studio.

Reagan, who also serves as a political analyst, talk show host and best-selling author, recently published "First Father, First Daughter: A Memoir," which contains never-before-told anecdotes about her father, Ronald Reagan. Borgnine, wife of actor Ernest Borgnine, is recognized for her writings and beauty expertise, and often appears with her product line on the QVC Shopping Network. Daly has been a journalist since 1981, and is seen daily by nearly 4 million people in both the domestic and international markets in which "Real TV" is seen.

"The Art of Fashion," a superbly choreographed runway fashion show, has been developed for the occasion by David Cardoza of Neiman Marcus and will be presented with the latest designs for fall, winter and the holiday season. The silent auction and raffle promise to be among the most incredible ever assembled in our city, with daily deliveries from generous benefactors still pouring in.

Luncheon tickets are priced at $75 per person, with reserved seating a must. Contact the Alzheimer's Association of Southern Nevada at 248-2770 while seats are still available. Proceeds from the fashion luncheon will provide support and assistance for people with Alzheimer's disease, their families and caregivers.

Putting about

The University of Southern California Club of Southern Nevada will host its fourth annual Golf Putting Tournament on Sept. 25th. The early evening tournament begins with registration at 5:30 p.m. and a shotgun start at 6:30 p.m. The location is Angel Park Golf Club's putting course, 100 South Rampart. The USC Club offers this casual evening to members, family, friends and fellow USC supporters.

The format is "two person best ball," with the option of registering with or without a partner. Cost is $30 per person for dinner and green fees, or $20 per person for dinner alone. Proceeds will benefit the club's scholarship fund, which annually assists students from Southern Nevada who chose to attend USC. For additional information, call the USC Club voice mail at 387-7532.

'Playhouse' fun

"Playhouse '98 Goes Caribbean," held last Saturday in the Mirage ballroom, was truly a magnificent event to benefit the Nevada Association for the Handicapped. With an outstanding dinner and Caribbean-flavored entertainment, this is a unique concept for a charitable event, which features the auction of life-sized children's playhouses. The high-spirited auction of these custom creations provided a riveting experience for all in attendance.

Eleven Southern Nevada businesses and organizations built playhouses for "Playhouse '98," each configured to a size of 6' x 8' x 6' or larger, conveying an original theme and showing to perfection the loving hands which jointly built them. Companies sponsoring plahyouses included Caesars Palace, Czarnowski Exhibit Serivces, Desert Inn Hotel, Harris Associates, JMA Architecture Services, Mirage Resorts, Nellis Air Force Base, Sho-Link, Tate & Snyder Architects, Treasure Island Hotel and Zo'calos Rustic and Custom Interiors.

The evening opened with mood-setting Caribbean tunes and planters punch offered to guests, including Eric Apodoca, Dennis Harvey, Patricia Etter, Ed Spoon, Bob Linden and Shenandoah Merrick with hubby Ed Janov. A galaxy of choices in the silent auction area drew bidders Betty Ann Jones, Donn Cupp, Gayle Roberts, Eileen Hayes, Collen Schroeder and Sally Wathen, to name just a few. Kara Tucker, who chaired the massive silent auction, worked diligently throughout the event with assistance from her committee and hubby Rodney Tucker, all while deftly fielding questions on the imminent arrival of their third child.

Strolling through the colorful dining room to view the wondrous playhouses were guests and supporters, including Neil Holder of All-American Van and Storage, and James Burford of Jake's Crane, who were instrumental in delivery and placement of these coveted houses. Joining them was Christian Kolberg, the evening's auctioneer and his wife Laura, who announced that their first child is due in late January. Also on hand were dinner committeee members, among them Mike Ensign, Bill and Paula Hornbuckle, Roger and Sandy Peltyn, Jon Tullis and dinner chair Donna Baldwin with husband Bobby Baldwin. Donna's good friend and golfing buddy, the ever-lovely Susan Anton, lent her assistance to the evening by sharing mistress of ceremonies duties.

Overseeing the splendid arrangements for the dinner was NAH's Angie Wallin, director of development and special events. With Wallin was Carlos Collado, catering director for the Mirage, and his sweetheart Zarina. Directing staff and keeping things on an even keel for this special event were John Ellingwood, assistant banquet manager, and Lothar Gernhuber, banquet services manager. Sahwnee Smith, Miss Nevada, also provided assistance and support.

Tables were bedecked in alternating tropic cloths and sherbert colored linens with citrus and exotic flower centerpieces. Enjoying a relaxing meal and discussing their bidding strategies were guests including Sen. Harry and Landra Reid, Rose Dominguez, Isabel Pfeifer, Dr. Rob and Lynne Hunter with friends, and Dr. Leo and Sandy Spacavento, as well as Edward and Eleanore Doumani, Joy Jaeggers, Don and Dee Snyder, Dr. Howard Hoffman, Barbara and Mike Pinjuv and Debbie Tarrantino.

Accepting best wishes from friends regarding her new position as manager of the retail shops for Bellagio was Sherry Chandler, formerly of Treasure Island Resort. Taking an avid interest in the playhouse auction were Joseph Palermo, president, and James Mann, curator of the Las Vegas Art Museum. Leading the way for the start of each bidding segment was Julie Gilday-Shafer, chairman of the facilities committee, who glowed with delight over the hugely successful (and high) bids.

Crowning the evening was the $15,000 sale of "The High Roller," a fantasy for kids created by Harris Associates with support from other civic-minded businesses and individuals. Proceeds from the evening will be used to assist individuals with handicaps and provide support services to their families and caregivers.

Rain-out

Living in the desert, one does not normally expect events to be billed as "possibly cancelled due to rain," so nothing of this sort was added to the UNLV Foundation's invitation to its annual cookout. Jointly hosted by the UNLV Foundation's board of trustees and Jan and Owen Nitz, the garden party was slated for last Friday evening. Expecting the best of balmy evenings, plans were underway for a splendid evening under the stars at the Nitz's ranch estate home. When torrential rains shut down the city and flood warnings abounded, the party was quickly cancelled.

Schulyer Richards of the UNLV Foundation reports that this annual cookout, always a popular event for university supporters, will be re-scheduled with a suitable date to be selected by Dr. Carol Harter and the foundation trustees. Schulyer further reports that each of the foundation members and their guests will be notified shorty of the new date and time.

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