Wednesday, April 9, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.
The Nevada Law Foundation's recent Silver Ball at Four Seasons -- a charitable event to further the statewide work of the organization -- was a resounding success, with plenty of local notables making appearances.
Established in 1983 to address the need for funding of legal services to the poor and legally disadvantaged, the NLF has distributed more than $3.5 million in the form of direct grants to programs throughout the state.
Making justice possible for those who might otherwise be forgotten, the foundation carries out a mission of developing and maintaining programs that provide legal-related services to the poor, victims of domestic violence and children protected by juvenile court.
While funding in part comes from the interest earned on lawyers' trust accounts, much is given in the form of direct gifts and donations of professional services.
As explained by honorary chair-keynote speaker Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, the NLF in the 2003 calendar year has funded 15 organizations and programs providing legal services and advocacy to 30,000 impoverished and disadvantaged Nevadans. Annually, the NLF hosts a dinner gala to raise funds and recognize the legal "angels" who have helped the work of the foundation become a reality through the years.
Saturday evening ceremonies at Four Seasons included recognition of Hon. Jack Lehman as Patron, while 2003 colleagues named were attorneys Constance Akridge, N. Patrick Flanagan, Dominic Gentile, Rew Goodenow, Goodman, Lynn Shoen and Karen Winckler. Recognized as well as 2003 colleagues were judges Stewart Bell, Michael Cherry, Michelle Leavitt and Jessie Walsh.
Dinner chairs Marilyn and John Moran Jr. were assisted in this elegant evening by committee members Carolyne Myers, Marie Ellerton, Heather Coulthard, Marty Brees, Jan Craddock, James Kimsey, Jodi and J.T. Moran, Nancy Katz and Michael Mushkin, as well as Denyce Tuller, Frances-Ann Fine, Elizabeth Gibson, Stephanie Markham, Lynn Shoen and Susan Thompson.
At the helm, making the ceremonies insightful and the program lively, was Rich Myers, chairman of the NLF, and Suzan Baucum, executive director. The sparkling evening began with champagne and cocktails among the silent auction treasures, with Ralph and Sara Denton attending with their son, District Judge Mark Denton, wife Alice and granddaughter Marianne Denton, a junior staffer at NLF.
Sprinkled through the crowd were Nevada Supreme Court justices, including Chief Justice Deborah Agosti with fellow Justices Miriam Shearing, Bill Maupin and Myron Leavitt, joined by Howard Stutz with wife Judge Valorie Vega, Cheryl Kogan with Judge Michael Cherry, Harkey Jewett with Jennica Ursic and T.K. Crabb with fiance Judge Donald Mosley.
Making the rounds with friends were John and Dottie Wanderer with Marilyn and Tom Starks, Christine and Sonny McDoniel with daughter Erin, Dr. John and Marie Ellerton with son Ryan Creel and Sheriff Bill and Sandy Young, as well as Gloria Sturman, Nancy Allf, Robert Maddox, John Mowbray and Michael and Barbara Costa.
Introduced during the evening was NLF's first cookbook, "Recipes of Nevada," an ongoing fund-raiser sold through its Las Vegas offices.
Opportunity knocks
Entrepreneur Bill Walters was recently honored by the Southern Nevada community at a dinner for his support and contributions to the mentally challenged clients served through Opportunity Village's many work and enrichment programs.
Known as an individual who thrives under pressure and often against great odds, Walters has also been a generous benefactor to the less fortunate in Southern Nevada. With wife Susan, Walters made the lead gift to create O.V.'s gleaming new center in Henderson, a facility that has been named the Walters Family Campus.
Over the years, in support of O.V., Walters has consistently stepped up to volunteer time, resources and manpower for the many special events, and expanded training and work programs operated on behalf of the mentally challenged clients served by the organization.
Last week's dinner was hosted by the O.V. board of directors with special underwriting sponsorship at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino provided by Station Casinos and the Fertitta family.
Balmy weather provided the perfect backdrop to the pre-dinner reception on the terrace of Whiskey Bar at Green Valley Ranch Station Casino. In the crowd of well-wishers were Ted and Maria Quirk, Jerry and Diane Snyder, Tom Schoeman, state Sen. Mike and Candy Schneider, Mike Mecca, Manny and JoAnna Cortez with Michelle and Tony Santo and former Las Vegas Mayor Ron Lurie.
Perry Rogers, attending with wife Rose, spoke informally about the new Tennis Channel, set to premiere on Cox cable with a launching party planned at the Agassi Academy later this spring.
Enjoying the dinner event were Charlotte Hill, Terry Cottle and Rino and Marie Claire Armeni, as well as Maurella Bell with fellow Virgin Advertising executives Andy Hosak, Anne Marie Lonteen and Merell Virgen.
Seen with Kurt Weinrich, chief operating officer for Opportunity Village, were two beloved benefactors, Kitty Rodman and Claudine Williams, joined by Wayne and Peggy Bernath, Susan Sullivan and Edward and Eleanore Doumani.
A strong 85
Gene Wines Segerblom, a fourth-generation Nevadan and retired Nevada assemblywoman, celebrated her 85th birthday with a reception hosted by son and daughter-in-law Richard "Tick" and Sharon Segerblom at their Scotch 80s home.
Present were many dear and distinquished members of the Democratic Party, including Judge Mark and Alice Denton and his parents, Ralph and Sara Denton, who have been close friends and neighbors to Gene in Boulder City for 40 years.
Present at the congenial party were Jean Block and granddaughter Leslie Block, Judge Lee Gates and his wife, Clark County Commissioner Yvonne Atkinson Gates; Delwin and Eloise Blue, Louise Saunders, Judge Donald Mosley and Nevada Assembly members Vonne Chowning and David Parks.
Well-wishers included former judge -- now public administrator -- Dan Ahlstrom with his bride, and fellow attorney, Pandora Rider, joined by his mom, Dr. Faye Ahlstrom, as well as Gene's sister-in-law, Virginia Wines, Federal Public Defender John LamBrose and trial attorney Laura Fitzsimmons.
Gene, widow of noted artist Cliff Segerblom, who originally came to Nevada as official photographer for the construction of Hoover Dam, has had a distinguished history of service to our state. After retiring from teaching at Boulder City High School, Gene served as a member of the Boulder City Council and later was elected to several terms in the Nevada Legislature. She remains a strong advocate for the arts throughout our state.
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