Public television backers turn out for Splendor in the Glass

The 25th annual Splendor in the Glass wine and beer tasting fundraiser for KLVX-TV, Channel 10, took place Feb. 8 at LVH, with more than 700 guests sampling the finest wines and beers from more than 60 wineries and brewers.

Longtime PBS supporter Southern Wine &Spirits of Nevada provided the wines and beers, which were accompanied by a variety of cheeses and appetizers. The Woody Woods Jazz trio provided the entertainment.

“Southern Nevada Public Television and the participating wineries and brewers have assisted Vegas PBS in raising more than $1.8 million for educational and cultural programming,” Charlotte Hill, event chairwoman, said. Hill helped found Friends of Channel 10, a volunteer arm now called Southern Nevada Public Television.

“PBS is more than just TV programs,” she added.

Community Outreach programs for preschool, workforce development, health care and a virtual high school are just some of the successful services offered in Clark County through Vegas PBS.

Vegas PBS General Manager Tom Axtell presented awards to Michael Severino and Tony Goitia of Southern Wine and Spirits for their continued support.

A live wine auction and a silent auction also helped raise money. An unusual item up for bid was lunch and conversation with “Nevada Week in Review” TV hosts: Mitch Fox, Steve Sebelius and Jon Ralston. (Sebelius is a Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist.)

Another item was lunch at Hubert Keller’s Fleur restaurant at Mandalay Bay for the bidder and two guests. Other auction items included dinners at the Four Seasons’ restaurants, golf and spa packages, and a $2,600 Domsky glass bowl, among others.

Nationally known chef Charlie Palmer, owner of 12 restaurants, including Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons and Aureole at Mandalay Bay, demonstrated one of his most popular dishes, beef Wellington with foie gras combined with $400 truffles. He also signed copies of his book, with proceeds donated to Vegas PBS.

Sarah Sheppeck and Danny Campbell echoed the comments of many of the PBS supporters in attendance. Their favorite show on PBS is “Downton Abbey.” Campbell, a teacher at Mojave High School, who grew up watching PBS Kids, said, “If more people watched PBS, they would be smarter.”

“This annual wine tasting event is a great opportunity to bring our supporters together to celebrate the success of Vegas PBS in the community,” Vegas PBS Board President Lori Lea said.

Also attending were board members Bill Curran, Dante Pistone and Irene Vogel, and Southern Nevada Public Television Community Council member Peggy Smith. Women’s Engagement Council members Jenny Care and Quinn Rivers joined the festivities, too.

Other guests included Jetter Robinson, Sandi Herrera, Leon and Gerry Walker, Shirley Waugh, Gloria Gonzalez, Gail Ream, Sandi Herrera, Sharon Moret, Kathleen Montes and Brian Lopez.