On the Scene -- Elizabeth Foyt: Hawaiian-style party benefits Shade Tree shelter

Elizabeth Foyt's social column appears Wednesdays. Reach her at [email protected].

Summer doesn't seem to slow the efforts of our community's finest when it comes to helping others. Recently the Social Register of Las Vegas held an authentic Hawaiian luau dinner event that resulted in hundreds of lovely donations for the Shade Tree Emergency Shelter. Hosted by members Mr. and Mrs. Marc St. Louis, the occasion drew a large response from members and their friends, with each attendee generously providing donations of needed items or funds to help Shade Tree.

Arrivals were met by gloriously costumed hula and Samoan fire dancers who presented beautiful leis, which were flown in from Hawaii specifically for their pleasure. Guided onward to the lush pool area, guests found themselves in an island atmosphere where they enjoyed exotic drinks and indulged in the wonders of the traditional Hawaiian luau feast. Hot Lava gave a splendid musical performance that drew dancers to their feet into the wee hours. Adding that authentic touch as well were the performances of the hula and Samoan fire dancers.

Shade Tree's 24-hour emergency shelter is a nonprofit agency serving homeless women and women with children. Also cared for are victims of domestic violence and street violence, as well as the physically disabled and senior citizens who can reside at Shade Tree in an emergency situation for up to 90 days. Among the services provided on site are crisis counseling, job bank placements, medical and mental health care and activities for the school-age children residing at Shade Tree. All donations collected at the luau were given to this local agency. Currently the Social Register of Las Vegas has a membership of more than 1,600 residents and hosts monthly charitable events to benefit myriad worthy causes in our community.

Benefit performance

Lance Burton and friends will host an exclusive never-before-seen magic show at 5 p.m. on Aug. 22 at the Monte Carlo hotel-casino in the Lance Burton Theatre. A benefit occasion to assist the Zelzah Shrine Temple with its local efforts, the special show is perfect for audiences of all ages. Tickets, priced at $20 per person, are being sold at Wal-Mart stores throughout Clark County at special booths manned by Shriners. Tickets can also be purchased at the Zelzah Shrine Temple, at 2222 W. Bonanza, weekdays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Funds raised will help the Shriners continue to assist Las Vegas area children who are in need of medical care.

Appearing with Burton will be his personal manager, Peter Reveen, a noted hypnotist, The Pendragons, who are regular headliners at Caesars Magical Empire, as well as comic-magician Fielding West, who performs in Branson, Mo., and Greg Frewin, a Canadian magician known for his work with disappearing doves.

Scholarships awarded

When you're heading off to college there are no sweeter words than those awarding you scholarship funds. Recently Sunset Station hotel-casino and the Southern Nevada Junior Golf Association held ceremonies awarding college scholarships to Zach VanCleve and Molly Groebe. VanCleve graduated from Bishop Gorman High School and will attend the University of Nevada, Reno. Groebe is a graduate of Durango High School and will attend the University of Oregon. Both new graduates received a $1,000 scholarship award check from Sunset Station and the Junior Golf Association.

New positions

Best wishes to the 1999-00 officers of Soroptimist International of Greater Las Vegas, who were recently installed at a special dinner meeting. New SIGLV officers include Kathy Speck, president; Christine Worrell, president elect; Lexy Shabet, vice president; Claire Kurlinski, recording secretary; Trude McMahan, treasurer; Catherine Bellver, immediate past president; Christine Bodo, director; Stella Butterfield, two-year delegate; and Judie Boyer, one-year delegate.

Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organization for executive women in business and professions. There are more than 100,000 members in 100 countries. Members, organized for service to the community, work for responsible social and environmental change at club, regional and international levels. Call 259-7691 for details on membership in this most worthy organization.

Members wanted

Nannette White, General Federation of Women's Clubs of Nevada's vice president of membership, alerted us to a membership event slated for Monday. GFWC is seeking women 21 and older for its new club in the Henderson/Green Valley area. A salad supper for women interested in volunteer community service is planned for 6:30 p.m. at the Green Valley Library. An informative session about membership will be given, as well as a short program on nutrition and healthy eating.

GFWC is the world's largest and oldest nonprofit service organization with a network of more than 6,500 clubs in the United States and 20 other countries. GFWC is responsible for the establishment of 75 percent of America's public libraries and has made a $12.5 million commitment in books and school materials to public schools and libraries by 2000 as part of its participation in the President's Summit for America's Future.

"This club is for women who want to be involved in the community and give back to the community," White explained. Club projects and programs are selected in the areas of art, education, health and home life, and are designed to best serve the needs and interests of club members and their communities. "There are currently three other GFWC clubs in the valley but the Henderson/Green Valley area has grown to warrant its own GFWC club." The new club will meet the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Green Valley Library. Interested women are invited to contact White at 435-1735.

Anniversary tour

Chancellor Gardens of the Lakes recently marked its six-month anniversary with a community appreciation party. Hosted by executive director Janet West, the afternoon gathering was a gracious tribute to its professional health-care partners, vendors and clients. Chancellor Gardens, an assisted living and Alzheimer's care community, is part of a national network that prides itself on home-style care and comforts.

Tours of the facility were given by key personnel including Judy Hetherington, community relations coordinator, and Ellen Cloud, retirement counselor, with guests Merna Drab, Janet Delaney, Cheryl Rittenhouse and Dr. Mark Miller taking a leisurely look at the library and lounges, beauty and barber shops, private apartments and other amenities. Taking a special look at the spacious "Sara's Garden" area, which is devoted to the care of Alzheimer's patients, were Helen Sax, banker Michael Sexton, Bob LeDell, Carleen Sadewasser and Chris Davenport.

Planning ahead

Looking ahead to fall and the cavalcade of social events? You may wish to take note of two rather wonderful benefits, both slated for Oct. 3. At noon "Jump 'n' Jive @ Aureole," a teen fashion show at Mandalay Bay, will be presented for an intended audience of teens, men and women. A benefit for Nevada Ballet Theatre, the luncheon will feature 60 of our community's top teens wearing the latest fashions from Neiman Marcus. Contact Nevada Ballet Theatre (804-0244) for tickets.

Evening will find an elegant crowd in black tie for the Las Vegas Philharmonic's Celebration Reception. Planned with the gracious assistance of Saks Fifth Avenue, the early evening affair will be held at Saks in the Fashion Show mall. Early whispers indicate this is one evening you won't wish to miss. Anita Meyer at the Las Vegas Philharmonic office (258-5438) has all the details.

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