Wednesday, July 7, 2004 | 8:13 a.m.
A select group of Las Vegas' elite enjoyed a private, invitation-only reception prior to the debut Saturday of the "Stars on the Lake" concert series at the Lake Las Vegas Resort.
Guests enjoyed the hospitality of the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas in the resort's private Ponte Vecchio, a parklike enclave on the lakefront often chosen for weddings and elegant gatherings.
The balmy evening drew a crowd of notables, among them Lake Las Vegas developer Ron Boeddeker with wife Kitty, Troy and Selma Bartlett, Erin and Bud Cranor, Andre Rochat with Mary Jane Jarvis, Jim McCoy with radio personality "Melanie," Lloyd Matheson and Mary Kay Beck.
Also seen with friends were Rene and John O'Reilly, Michael Handy, Brad and Pat Nelson, Phyllis McGuire, Barbara and Terry Nosek, Beverly and Mike Mykisen and Mary and Vince Durocher. Following the reception guests joined concertgoers on the lawns of Monte-Lago Village.
Showing thanks
Las Vegas Country Club was the gathering point for Sunrise Children's Foundation as it hosted its Special Volunteer Appreciation luncheon June 30.
Dee Ladd, president/chief executive officer of the foundation, welcomed a crowd of more than 45 key volunteers and employees who have taken leadership roles in the organization's events and activities over the past year.
David Rangel, originally a volunteer who joined the foundation staff three years ago and now serves as special events director, led the awards program. His witty script brought smiles and laughter to honored volunteers, including Lisa Heck, Mary Ballard, Jen Critchlow, Bill Fansler, Debbie Ladd, Faye Murphy, Oneita Mitchell, Caroline Rohrer and high school student Nicole Galante, the foundation's youngest volunteer.
Also in the spotlight to receive special thanks were Matthew Lilley, Janis Jackson, Angela Triche, Mary King, Vivian Pyle, Lisa Holtzclaw, Kathy Ochs, Elyse Voris and Pat Lopes.
Recognized in special ceremonies were Volunteer of the Year Lucille Clavier, President's Award winner Joanne Evans, Golden Hour Award winner Mary Russo and Kohl's Department Store for its efforts to support the Sunrise Children's Foundation through its "Kohl's Care for Kids" program.
Others included in the luncheon program were Inga Ririe, Pat Nation, Virginia Stiles, Josh Ashton, Chelsea and Monica Heck, Gerri Groubert, Candy Krauseman, Sue Smith and Betti Jo Spotte, as well as Lisa Luevanos, Doreen Cardinale, Ken Ladd, Nancy O'Herron and Marie Blinder.
Sunrise Children's Foundation provides a multitude of programs to help children lead healthier lives. Last month the foundation unveiled a Health Education Center on the Agassi Academy campus to serve the students at the school and the surrounding community. This fall the health education center will begin to offer anti-smoking and teen pregnancy prevention programs in addition to assisting with general health services.
Music, fireworks
Fourth of July festivities at Hills Park in Summerlin were organized by the Las Vegas Philharmonic under the direction of conductor Harold "Hal" Weller.
The splendid concert under the stars and fireworks show was supported in part by the Las Vegas Philharmonic Guild, led by president Hugh Roberts. Presenting a $15,000 check during the program, Roberts explained the year-old organization has grown to more than 200 members and exists to support the Philharmonic and its many outreach programs.
A recent fund-raiser at Lake Las Vegas was one of the guild's many events and included a luxury cruise around the lake followed by a gourmet dinner at the Ritz-Carlton, Lake Las Vegas.
Assisting at the Fourth of July concert, guild members were among the volunteers greeting supporters Harry and Sue Richard, Paul and Char Hejmanowski, Pat and Diane Clary, Brenda Holmes, Mary Ellen Heise, Dennis Ortwein, Jean Wright and Audrey Dempsey.
Toasting the Philharmonic as they saluted America and the organization's own 6th anniversary were Renee and Bill Marion, Dr. Pattie Craddock, Melva Coburn, Frank Sullivan, Sondra Lynch, Dr. Jeffrey and Monterey Brookman, Sean Sheehan, Naomi Youmans and Laura Oldham.
The Las Vegas Philharmonic, now preparing for its 2004/2005 season, welcomes inquiries about season tickets and scheduled performances. Call 895-2787.
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