Columnist Elizabeth Foyt: Shaolin Monks' party proves to be a grand time

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

Saturday evening found the management of the MGM Grand giving a lavish welcome to the Shaolin Monks as they opened their two- week engagement in the Hollywood Theatre. Arriving early were those who spoke by translators to the grand master and young student monks. Known internationally for their physical undertakings, the Shaolin Monks rarely leave their secluded monastery in China. Their lifelong studies seek a perfect balance between the physical world and spiritual harmony and allow the monks to perform incredible feats of strength.

Guests, including many devotees of the martial arts, were entranced as the 20 or so monks performed great acts of strength and agility, virtually applying the concept of mind over matter as they broke marble slabs, steel pipes and stout wooden pieces. Their introduction by Bob Wall, a former world professional karate champion, gave a cultural perspective to the performance, explaining the kung fu moves that mimic the ferocity of wild animals and have evolved into fearsome techniques for hand-to-hand combat.

Following the opening-night performance, invited guests were escorted to the sumptuous atmosphere of the 29th floor, where a massive suite stood open for an elaborate reception. Actor Wesley Snipes and producer Andre Morgan were among those greeted by MGM executives Felix Rappaport, Tina Chura, Shelley Mansholt and Shana Frahm, as well as Dave Kirvin of Kirvin Communications Group. Guests mingled with the orange-garbed monks who graciously posed for photographs and spoke easily through their interpreters.

A dinner buffet served under the direction of head butler John Buttons offered sushi, dim sum, ribs, shrimp dishes, spring rolls and other Asian delicacies, all much enjoyed by Thomas Jones, Lydia Walker, Sue and Joe Kaufenberg, Richard Gubbe, Patty Drake, Nick Marquardt, Joyce Kotnik, Judy and Dennise Hetherington, Darlene Sacca and Dr. Robert Wesley, Jr.

Speaking with Nichole Matteo of Kirvin Communication Group at the party, we learned she had been the media guide for the Shaolin Monks since they arrived in California earlier this month. Her task, made easier by their easygoing natures, was to facilitate their appearances on "The Tonight Show" with Jay Leno and other national television appearances. The Shaolin Monks wil appear twice nightly at the MGM through Feb. 23.

Dali work en route

Once again the eyes of the world will turn to Las Vegas for a major arts event when Dali's Millennium Premiere Celebration opens on March 2. The debut of the most extensive exhibition worldwide of artwork by Salvador Dali, this spectacular offering will be hosted by the Las Vegas Art Museum, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. The opening gala, with tickets priced at $100 per person, promises a most elegant experience with authentic Spanish dishes and sangira to be served. Seafood paella provided by Mark Miller's Coyote Cafe at the MGM will be prepared by Master Chef Tommy Birdwell and his staff while entertainment will include Flamenco guitarist Michael Olsen and Latin sounds by Native Tongue. Performance art will be featured as well with Touch International Productions creating the magic.

Dana Pretner and Teresa Eyre are co-chairing the gala fund-raiser for the Las Vegas Art Museum. Fellow committee members include Angie Wallin, Sharry Quillin, Victoria Otter, Wendy Schnept, Tina Sheldon, Lotty Polis, Julie Bauman, Jodi Fonfa, Colleen Munro and Bert Lancon. Also serving are Kimberly McElhaney, Lynelle Berkey, Judy Maggiore, Gloria Fine, Debra Heiser and Virginia Thompson, as well as William Whatley, Mimosa Jones and Carrie Robertson. Space is limited for this opening event, with advance reservations (360-8000) recommended.

Royal ball

Ever dream of attending a royal ball? Dining and celebrating with international guests? Or witnessing the majesty of a formal knighting ceremony? Your opportunity to enjoy the rich pageantry of the Imperial Byzantine Ball 2000 with Prince Henri Constantine De Vigo Paleologo and Princess Francoise awaits you on Sunday. This richly-costumed gala at Paris Las Vegas will benefit the Las Vegas chapter of Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer.

Las Vegans, the Count and Countess Guido Roberto Deiro (Italy) are hosts for this royal event. Count Deiro has explained that the investiture is complimentary with theater-type seating, but those wishing to attend the gala ball and dinner will need to make reservations, with the price set at $275 per person. All details and arrangements are being handled by the Las Vegas Chapter of "Candlelighters for Children" at 737-1919.

GFWC grows

GFWC -- the General Federation of Women's Clubs -- is America's largest network of women's civic organizations, with a fine heritage of community efforts including the founding of many public libraries and museums. Recently GFWC expanded once more, with the chartering ceremony of the GFWC Desert Community Women's Club. Held at the Green Valley Library, the program opened with a flag ceremony led by Las Vegas Juniorette Club members Katie Seeley and Kelly Wilcock. GFWC Nevada state officers Betty Miller, Mary Bucholtz, Nannette White and Linda Wilcock performed the chartering ceremony and welcomed 26 new club members.

Sharen Ward, GFWC Western State Region president, then installed club officers for 2000, with Carol White (president), Laura Asgarian (vice president), Dolores Topp (treasurer) and Jackie Lester (secretary) elected to serve.

Taking part in the ceremonies were representatives from sister organizations, among them Beverly Cochran, president of Mesquite Club, as well as Patti Paluzzi, president of Junior Mesquite Club and Mary Ann Hantout, president of the Past Presidents' Club of Southern Nevada. Also adding their gifts and best wishes were Sandy Foertsch, president of the Lamoille (Nevada) Women's Club and Katie Seeley, president Las Vegas Juniorette Club.

Present for the chartering ceremonies were past GFWC Nevada State presidents, including Alice Eubank, Colleen Haycock, Rose Irwin and Cathi Poer Smith. The new organization, GFWC Desert Community Women's Club, meets the fourth Tuesday of each month in the Sunset Room of the Green Valley Library. It is open to all women who wish to improve their community through volunteer projects and programs. Contact Nannette White at 435-1735 for further information on membership.

Gourmet Games

Saturday promises to be a splendid opportunity for those of us who love fine food and wines as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Nevada and the Muriel Stevens UNLV Scholarship Fund present the second annual Gourmet Games. The daytime offering will be held at Caesars Palace and feature culinary competitions among noted chefs, restaurants and hotels across our glittering city. The samplings, displays of creative foods and fine dishes promise a wonderful time for all in attendance.

Cystic Fibrosis is our nation's most common fatal genetic disease. The CF Foundation is recognized as the most efficient nonprofit health research agency, with 90.5 cents of every dollar raised going directly to research and patient care. The Muriel Stevens UNLV Scholarship Fund, named for the Sun's own food editor, author and noted gourmet judge, benefits culinary students attending UNLV's William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration.

On Saturday the doors will open at 11:30 a.m. for the private tasting offered to those with $100 reserved tickets. At 12:30 p.m. the event will start for the general public with general admission ticket prices at $35 per person, with special $20 tickets offered to students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at all 25 area Ticketmaster outlets.

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