Gala event honors couple, Howard Hughes Corp.

The Las Vegas Philharmonic and Saks Fifth Avenue presented an Evening of Elegance and Style on Friday in honor of Kevin and Diana Orrock and the Howard Hughes Corp. The gala, which was attended by more than 600 black-tie guests, was at The Venetian Ballroom.

A cocktail reception and elaborate silent auction beckoned patrons Joyce Mack, Diane Carlson and Bill Freyd, Nancy and Kell Houssels, Barbara Lee Woollen and Bruce Woollen, Susan and Tom Schoeman, Laura and David Mulkey, Dee and Ken Ladd, Jeanne Greenawalt and Irwin Kishner, Elizabeth Herridge and Roy Burry, Sue and Paul Lowden, Alisa Nave and Rob Worth, CJ and Art Woolston, Wendy and Richard Plaster, Denny Weddle, and Renee and Bill Marion. This was the sixth year Saks Fifth Avenue has teamed up with the philharmonic for the benefit.

Sherry Swensk, of KLAS-TV, Channel 8, was the mistress of ceremonies, welcoming the crowd and introducing Mari Landers, Saks general manager. The fashion show featured the "Best of Spring."

Among those enjoying the veal shank and polenta dinner were state Sen. Mike Schneider, D-Las Vegas, Miriam and Sheldon Adelson, Patsy and Robert Brinton, Holly and Steve Schorr, Sandra and Jim Frank, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, Persia and James Golden, Betsy and Hal Weller, Renee and Tony Marlon, Karen and Bill Goff, and Dottie and Bob Sperling.

Trustee Barbara Lee Woollen, representing Gov. Jim Gibbons, presented a commemorative plaque to the philharmonic. Auctioneer Christian Kolberg conducted a live auction for six packages, raising $49,500.

Tom Warden and David Mulkey made the award presentation to Diana and Kevin Orrock and the Howard Hughes Corp. Kevin Orrock began his affiliation with Howard Hughes more than 30 years ago as an accountant at the Desert Inn. He is now the top division executive of the corporation. The Orrocks are active in the community, serving on numerous community boards.

Medical luncheon: The Clark County Medical Society Alliance hosted its seventh annual fashion show luncheon and silent auction. This year's proceeds will benefit Shade Tree shelter.

The event for 420 guests took place on April 9 at the Four Seasons. The spring and summer Emilio Pucci fashion collection, showcasing a Southwest flavor with guest model Sarah Larson, was featured.

Master and mistress of ceremonies were Mark and Mercedes of KMXB-FM, 94.1. Adding commentary about Shade Tree was Kevin Janison of KVBC-TV, Channel 3. Alliance co-presidents Wendy Agrawal and Estela Hansen introduced Cliff Miller of M.J. Christensen Diamonds, who introduced jewelry by Hearts on Fire Diamonds and H. Stern.

Enjoying the afternoon were past president Pauline Lee, Ann Evans, Darlene Miller, Pearl Kim, Chinyee Ke Young, Ann Marie DeJong, Kat Higgins, Roz Meservey, and District Court Judges Diane Steele and Elissa Cadish. Also, Carolyn Saldi, Cristine Lefkowitz, Eunjoo Kim, Jodie Diamant, Helene Walker, Linda Wiley, Nell Clinque and Emily Neville.

Winner of the H. Stern necklace was Trudi Flangas and winning the Pucci tote was Denise Cashman.

Jacqueline Nguyen-Lee chaired the fashion show and the presenting sponsor was Premier Physician's Insurance Co.

Chefs for Kids: The 17th annual dinner and auction benefiting students in high-needs schools in Clark County took place at Mandalay Bay on Saturday. More than 600 guests attended, raising funds for Chefs for Kids, which is a joint venture of local chefs and the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension. The group works to eliminate malnutrition and hunger through education and awareness.

The Chefs for Kids Gala gives 100 percent of its proceeds to the nutrition program that is offered to second-grade children.

They also provide Thanksgiving meals and holiday food gift cards, and a Mother's Day luncheon and Christmas Eve breakfast at Shade Tree shelter.

This year's gala honored UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger and his wife, Barbara. The Krugers have been active in the community, giving their time to help kids. Lon Kruger is involved in youth sports and assists the Nevada Cancer Institute and the Southern Nevada Health District with the issue of childhood obesity. Barbara Kruger serves on the Safe Nest Domestic Violence Shelter's board of directors and is chairwoman for the Las Vegas Paradise Sertoma's basketball clinic for deaf and hard of hearing students. She also is an active board member of the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth.

This year's gala featured a Hawaiian theme. Orchid leis were given at the party's entrance and colorful Hawaiian florals were displayed throughout the reception's silent auction and dining room, where Hawaiian dancers performed and the dining tables boasted centerpieces of feathered parrots.

Mandalay Bay chefs, under executive chef Sean DiCicco and executive pastry chef Vincent Pilon, presented a gourmet dinner.

Christian Kolberg conducted the live auction, consisting of 15 one-of-a-kind dinners prepared by top chefs that raised more than $100,000.

Dancing to the music of Harbor Lights concluded the event.