Gala raises funds for Discovery Children’s Museum

The 29th annual Fantasy Gala benefiting the Lied Discovery Children's Museum Oct. 22 at The Mirage also served as the kickoff for a wider community campaign for a new museum.

The new Discovery Children's Museum is set to open in November 2012 at the Donald W. Reynolds Discovery Center in Symphony Park.

Michael Mathis, president of the museum's board, presented the museum's 12th annual Great Friend to Kids award to the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The foundation has played a pivotal role in securing the museum's move. The award was received by Steven Anderson, president of the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation.

In recent years, the Fantasy Gala, one of the city's oldest, has evolved into a costumed or black-tie affair. This year's theme was "Dream of the Possibilities," and guests were requested to wear costumes inspired by their childhood dreams.

The event began with a silent auction followed by dinner and entertainment by Mirage headliner, ventriloquist Terry Fator.

Gala co-chairs Judy Cebulko and Carrie Henderson welcomed the 600 guests and spoke about the museum's exciting plans before introducing the event's emcees, KLAS-TV news anchors Paula Francis and Gary Waddell.

A live auction raised more than $75,000, while raise the paddle donations brought in $49,850.

Among the costume winners were Deepen Kothari, dressed as a Wheaties cereal box; and Capt. Demetri Kouretas and his Pan Am Flight Crew.

Guests enjoying the evening included Laura Schmitt, Denise Cashman, Joyce and Steve Schneider, Bridget Phillips, Mikey Bilbray, Joan and Jim Hammer, Terri and Rollie Sturm, Ed Cebulko, Sonja and Michael Saltman, Whitney and Larry duBoef, Robert Glaser and Lee Ann Incidomi, Janet and Steve Linder, Tom Axtell, Judy and Jim Kropid, Judy and Scott Machabee, David Goldwater, Tanya and Jeff Bennett, and Tifferney White.

Among the officials attending were state Sen. Steven Horsford, Assemblyman Mark Manendo, Assemblywoman Marilyn Dondero Loop and Linda Quinn, the museum's CEO.

Harbor Lights played for dancing.