Epicurean foundation raises funds, honors KLVX-TV
The Epicurean Charitable Foundation had its eighth annual scholarship fundraiser Oct. 9 at the M Resort.
Founded in 2001 by Rino Armeni, the foundation's primary endeavor is educational support for students seeking a career in the hospitality and culinary industries. This year's affair took place around the pool area at M Resort, where more than 700 guests sampled specialties from 35 Las Vegas restaurants and participated in a silent auction while singer Al Green performed.
Before the entertainment, the foundation's 2009 Imperium Award was bestowed by the organization's board chairman David McIntyre of MGM Grand and chairwoman Christina Clifton of The Mirage. Honored was KLVX-TV, Channel 10 for its commitment to the education of Nevada's students through its virtual high school, the largest of any type in the state with more than 7,000 students each year.
Under the leadership of Tom Axtell, KLVX-TV is committed to education through its various resources, including its "Keeping Kids Fit" initiative to fight childhood obesity.
Seen socializing were Charlotte Hill, Sue and Grover Ferguson, Zaki and Jim Page, Heather and Doug Swedinovich, Lisa and Allen Kaercher, Ann and Reggie Burton, Roberta Gardner, Denise Valdez, Christa and Rick Darnold, Shawn Ritchie, Brad Brennen, Judy Robinson, Suzann Chabre, Kori Kloberdanz, Elizabeth Muto, and Rhonda and David Funderlich. Other guests included former Nevada Gov. Robert List and wife, Polly; 2005's Humanitas Award honorees Jim and Heather Murren; and 2008's Imperium Award recipient UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger with wife, Barbara.
NOTTE DI CARNEVALE: Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow had its 12th annual benefit Oct. 10 at Wynn Las Vegas. By the end of this year, FIT will have secured stable employment for more than 1,000 clients.
Foundation founders and FIT chairmen Janet and Andy Blumen welcomed 350 guests to a reception featuring hors d'oeuvres, specialty cocktails, gourmet dinner and a silent auction chaired by Sandy Peltyn.
Caroline Ciocca chaired the dinner committee that included Amy Ayoub, Juanita and David Wasserman, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Diane Carlson and Bill Freyd, Florence and Gard Jamison, Irais and Robert Kolesar, Barbara Mulholland, Jim Nelson, Irene Vogel, Jack Weinstein, and Jan and Owen Nitz.
Former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan introduced the event's honoree, Rory Reid, chairman of the Clark County Commission. He received the Civitas Laurel Award for service to the community.
Among the guests were Jeri and Rick Crawford, Beverly and Mike Mykisen, Bonnie Bryan, Cindy Reid, Stan Hunterton, Susan Petersen and Tom Warden, Karen and Bill Goff, Cindy Gorino, Colleen May and Steven Budin, U.S. Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus, Nevada Supreme Court Justice Nancy Saitta, Fafie and Jeff Moore, Wende and Paul Bell, Parvin Modaber Jacobs, Tammy and Steve Gephardt, Michael Schulman, Gayle Anderson, CJ and Art Woolston, Myrna Williams, Marsha and Dick Larson, Hilary Crowley and Lance Coburn.
