Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2004 | 8:24 a.m.
Developer Jim Rhodes, longtime benefactor and involved volunteer for the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, was honored at the 16th annual Festival of Trees & Lights at Paris Las Vegas on Saturday.
Attending with his bride, Glynda, and his mother, Betsy, Rhodes was given a glowing introduction by his brother, Dr. John Rhodes, and nephew Clayton Rhodes, a Down syndrome child who inspired Jim Rhodes to become an active member of the organization.
Involved in the planning of the dinner along with the creation, display and sale of richly decorated trees, wreaths and holiday baskets, were Jamie Schwartz, JoEllen Ritzo, Shelley Rhodes, Andy Anderson, Julie Banbury, Robert Treants, Laurie Myers, Sandy Farris, Joe Craddock, Steve Bougan, Dena and Liza Dzierbicki, Amanda Zachrison, Sandy Windom, Dale and Jeanette Shoemaker, Karen Scherer and Kolana Dixon.
Auctioneer Robert Diero (Diero and Associates), another longtime supporter, attended with his bride, Romy, and led the live auction to grand results with bidders Kevin Wright, Tim Scherer, Jan and Owen Nitz, attorney Richard Wright and wife Patricia, Mary Satkowiak, and Dr. Jonathan Bakatari (Pulmonary Associates), who attended with Lisa Windom (Dior at the Forum Shops).
Once more lending his talents as emcee for the charitable evening was KLAS Channel 8 newsman Dave Courvoisier, who introduced the multitalented Glenn Smith and the Arnie Webster Orchestra for a special performance.
Seen enjoying this early holiday affair were Wayne Steed, Jeanne Greenawalt, Susan Sawyer with Claudine Williams and Kitty Rodman, Realtor Rita DeSimone, Kristy and Nick Willden and Jennifer Schmidt. Present as well was Stephanie Chisolm, part of Eric Weisberg's catering team at Bally's-Paris, who chose to create a tree and won a special award for her artistry.
The Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada works to educate the general public in addition to providing support for families and individuals affected by Down syndrome.
Merger celebrated
Spirits ran high Nov. 10 during welcoming festivities for celebrity attorney Johnnie Cochran Jr. as The Cochran Firm joined forces with Mainor Eglet Cottle in Las Vegas.
Hosts of the lavish party to celebrate this new association were partners W. Randall Mainor, Robert T. Eglet, Tracy A. Eglet, Robert W. Adams, Bradley S. Mainor, David A. Francis and Jennifer Willis, all of whom occupy an 18,000-square-foot suite on South Fourth Street in downtown Las Vegas.
With clever commentary and witty tributes to Cochran and his new partners by Robin Leach, the mood was decidedly champagne in nature. Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman followed in similar spirit as he addressed more than 300 legal colleagues and clients before presenting a key to the city and helping with ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
Also participating were members of the Vannah Costello Vannah and Ganz firm, who, along with the host firm, enjoy luxurious sixth-floor quarters styled in White House-motif items and authentic pieces selected by Tracey Eglet.
In the Cabinet Room, the firm's state-of-the-art conference room, Master Chef Raimund Hoffman (he served President Reagan in both of Reagan's terms) provided desserts favored by Presidents Reagan, Johnson, Carter, Nixon, Ford and Franklin Roosevelt. Each dessert was displayed with a descriptor of when the special dish was first introduced.
Assisting were culinary staff and students from the Culinary Institute of Las Vegas. Dining on the pastries as well as the fine dinner offerings created at the party by Wild Truffles were Dr. Brian Cram with attorney son Roger, Mel and Marilyn Larson, attorney Alice Denton with husband Judge Mark Denton, bankers Jason Awad and Tom Powers (Business Bank of Nevada), Kenny Bayless (a Nevada boxing referee), Carlo Chavez, Richard Segerblom, Judge Valorie Vega, Jeff and Tamika Clemmons (Northwest Mutual Life) and Dr. Victor and Yolanda Muro.
James "Bucky" Buchanan spoke of his "Vegas Law" television program, currently in production by Howard Schultz (producer of "Extreme Makeover"), with Mary-Jean O'Rafferty and Jennifer Hedden (Brighton-Corsa), David Kasdan, Jane Sams and Judge Gil and Edythe Yarchever.
Others glimpsed in the throng of well-wishers speaking with Cochran and his attending associates included Richard Morgan, Dean of UNLV's Boyd College of Law, attorneys Nancy Allf and Gloria Sturman, joined by Steve Caruso, comedian David Brenner, Federal Judge Johnnie Rawlinson, builders Robert and Leroy Loerwald, Mary Lou Turpin and Keegan Eglett.
Opening benefit
Angie and Murli Melwani, owners of Versace Home Collection at the Forum Shops, used the occasion of their new store's opening to benefit the Las Vegas Philharmonic Kids to Concert fund.
The private reception Thursday was invitation only and featured auction items from the Versace Limited Edition collection, including exquisite china tableware, crystal stemware and serving pieces.
With support of the Melwanis and other significant sponsors including Cox Communications and generous individuals and businesses, the philharmonic is able to conduct master classes with young musicians learning from the orchestra's renowned guest artists.
In addition, they offer a Youth Concert Series that has provided a free symphonic experience for 14,000 schoolchildren and a Young Artists Competition, whose winners peform solos in the Concert series.
Responding to the chance to preview the spacious home goods store were Versace devotees including Rene and Bill Marion (Purdue-Marion & Associates), attorney Dirk Ravenholt and wife Cynthia, Tom Tate (Lake Las Vegas), Gerald Schlesinger (Segafredo/Caffe at Trevi Fountain), Las Vegas Philharmonic board member Sandra Mulkey and husband Dr. David Mulkey, Mary Ann Najjar, Farid and Rochelle Matraki (Fred Paris Jewels) and Lloyd and Jackie Atkinson (Aventi).
Shalom Stella (55 Degrees Wine + Design) was seen with Bob Stewart, Tom and Marilyn Stark, John Clare and Philip Koslow as they discussed the upcoming Nov. 20 concert by the Las Vegas Philharmonic at UNLV.
Oops!
Last week's column mentioned Linda Lysakowski, an honoree during Philanthrophy Day ceremonies. Her correct title is president/chief executive officer of Capital Venture, a fundraising consulting firm.
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