Latin chamber honors men, women of distinction

The Senoras of Excellence and Senores of Distinction 2011 Awards Gala, a fundraiser for the Latin Chamber of Commerce Community Foundation Scholarship Fund, featured fine dining, libations and dancing May 7 in the Latour Ballroom at Wynn Las Vegas.

The event was hosted by its founder Sandy Colon-Peltyn and Alma Garcia Vining to honor women and men who have excelled in their careers as well as having contributed to the enrichment of our community.

Guests enjoyed a silent auction and cocktail reception with entertainment provided by the Clark High School Chamber Orchestra, Isabel Trelles, Jean Nedell and DJ Rico.

Master of ceremonies R.J. Peltyn was joined by Punam Mathur in introducing the evening's honorees.

Senoras of Excellence were Karen Cashman, president of retail division, Cashman Photo Enterprises, and Victoria Napoles-Laza, senior executive vice president, Latin Chamber of Commerce. (Karen Cashman was ill, so her husband/partner, Morgan Cashman, accepted her award.)

Senores of Distinction were Jason Awad, attorney and entrepreneur, and Dr. Art M. Cambeiro, philanthropist.

Entertainer Tito Jackson, who with his brothers, including Michael, comprised the Jackson 5, was named Honorary Senore of Distinction. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman.

Other awards included the Institution of Excellence, received by St. Rose Dominican Hospitals -- Siena Campus (accepted by Rod Davis, chief executive officer and president of the Southern Nevada Market Area St. Rose Dominican Hospitals) and the Corporation of Distinction, presented to Perini Building Co. (accepted by Dick Rizzo).

The Epicurean Charitable Foundation presented a check for $20,000 for Latin Chamber scholarships.

Grammy Award-winner Larry Hart sang a selection from "Sisterella," a stage musical written by Hart in collaboration with the late Michael Jackson.

Among the dignitaries in attendance were Congressman Joe Heck and Lisa Heck, Councilman Steve Ross and Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian. Other guests included Jim Hooban, Tibi and Jeff Ellis, Isabel Pfeifer, Parvin Jacobs, Loring Jacobs, Angie Wallin, Laura Hoenemeyer and James Barrett, Judy Fleischman, Eva Garcia Mendoza and John Mendoza, Janet and Andy Blumen and Annee Nounna.

Additional guests attending were Paul Murad, Dayaisi and Carlos Collado, Dawn Russi, Eleanore and Edward Doumani, Gayle Anderson, Carolyn Sparks, Tom Rodriquez, Annie and Alex Garza, Gina Tulimero, Meredith and Craig Johnson, Nancy and Jack Weinstein, Larry Mason, Michael Flach and Trish Williamson.