Gala features celebrity chefs, auctions
The ninth annual gala benefiting the Nevada Cancer Institute took place Nov. 11 at CityCenter's Aria. Since this year's theme was "Xtreme Green," invitations and party decor were environmentally friendly.
Celebrity arrivals were announced on the "green" carpet before they entered the ballroom to join guests at the cocktail reception, where celebrity chefs David Robins and Eric Klein of Wolfgang Puck's Pizzeria & Cucina prepared assorted hors d'oeuvres for guests, including Joan and Jim Hammer, Wendy and Bill Hornbuckle, Bobbi and Peter Feinstein, Sandy and Stan Mallin, Arlene and Jerry Blut, Louise and Felix Rappaport, Tamara and Jay Kornmayer, Camille and Larry Ruvo, Diana and David Chesnoff, Brett Torino, MaryKaye Cashman, Victoria Fertitta, Frank Fertitta III, Debbie and Gary Ackerman, JoAnn and Richard Sturm, Frank Schreck, Janice Allen, Ellen Whittemore and Jeff Patterson, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Dee and Don Snyder, and the two people responsible for the Nevada Cancer Institute: Heather and Jim Murren.
The dinner's master of ceremonies was broadcasting personality Larry King. The silent auction featured art, sculptures, cuisine, parties, jewelry and other items.
King introduced Dr. John C. Ruckdeschel, the institute's director and chief executive officer. A video showcased the institute's vision for the future. The gala's event chair, Eva Longoria-Parker, was introduced.
Dinner was served family style by celebrity chefs Todd English, Shawn McClain, Bernard Ibarra, and Jean-Philippe Maury. The live auction was conducted by Peter Stremmel of Reno.
Auction packages included four VIP tickets to Andrea Bocelli for $9,000; an Xtreme Green Transport Pro utility terrain vehicle for $18,000; a chance to join the cast of Cirque du Soleil to experience a day in the life of a Cirque performer attracted a bid of $9,000; dinner in your home by chefs Todd English and Shawn McClain with nine friends sold twice for $35,000 each; four admissions to the finals of "American Idol," including a VIP wine and dine after-party and two rooms at the SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills, Calif., sold for $11,000; and a package that included an Omega Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Limited Edition watch and air, hotel and ground transportation for four people to NASA's Johnson's Space Center in Houston with a behind-the-scenes tour with private guide astronaut Lt. Gen. Tom Stafford sold for $24,000.
Sammy Hagar, a musician who also is known as the founder of the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand and restaurant empire, offered a package for dinner and drinks at his Cabo Wabo Cantina at Planet Hollywood Resort and the Sammy Hagar Rockin' Trip for two on Delta to Los Cabos, Mexico, lodging at Plamilla Beach Front Terrace and an evening at the original Cabo Wabo Cantina. It sold for for $18,000.
Two eighth row tickets for the recent Manny Pacquiao-Antonio Margarito fight in Dallas, VIP pre-party and one-night stay at the Hotel ZaZa sold in advance. The gala's entertainment was a Sammy Hagar concert.
Among the 800 guests were Shawn King, Keith Boman, Linda and Robert Faiss, Mariam and Rokh Afshai, Debbie DeLanoy and Richard Ditton, Patricia and Richard Wright, Michael Shulman, Mari and Thom Landers, Dawn Russi, Patricia Pieper Fink and Louis Fink, Dawn Woodhouse, Danylle and Stuart Hitchen, and Gregory Swift.
