Governor’s fundraising event raises millions for organizations

The ninth annual Governor's Black-Tie Invitational golf and social event raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations supporting children, teens and women in need.

The three-day event began with the Governor's Philanthropist of the Year Award Dinner on March 26. The Invitational Golf Tournament on the Southern Highlands course commenced March 27 with an evening concert by Huey Lewis and the News. On March 28, golf continued and Neiman Marcus hosted a ladies luncheon and fashion show, followed by a reception and presentation of golf awards.

The opening event, the Black Tie Gala at the Southern Highlands clubhouse, began with a reception and silent auction where Gov. Jim Gibbons and event chair Garry Goett greeted guests Bill Maupin, Donna and Chuck Ruthe, Jack Woodcock, Kelly and Brian Iriye, Heidi and Larry Canarelli, Joan and Jim Hammer, Ron Lurie, Helen Edell and Mel Baron, Colleen and Ed Bevilaqua, Steve Schorr, Karen and James Duddleston, as all enjoyed gourmet fare and specialty cocktails.

Jack Sheehan was the evening's master of ceremonies for the dinner and concert by Michael Cavanaugh that took place in a tent on the green for 450 guests, including Wendy and Neil Daseler, Carolyn and John Glaser, Cindy and Doug Hensley, Jennifer Bradley and Rick McGough, Jessica and Jeff Canarelli, Darilyne Goett, Nancy and Jason Jones, Brett Goett, Guy Inzalaco, Kelly and Steve Brockman, Darlene and Cliff Miller, Ron Rivera, Dave Suder, Gail Boyle, Jill Langerman, Jason Thomas, Nick Mamula and Bernie Schiappa.

The recipient of the Governor's Philanthropist 2009 Award was William S. Boyd, executive chairman and co-founder of Boyd Gaming Corporation. Boyd was unable to attend, and accepting for him was Keith Smith, current chief executive officer of Boyd Gaming.

Christian Kolberg conducted the live auction for 13 packages, raising more than $230,000, not including an anonymous donation of $150,000.

St. Viator Gala: The 21st annual St. Viator Foundation Dinner and Auction was March 29 at South Point. The gala benefited St. Viator Catholic School. Entertainer Clint Holmes was the event's master of ceremonies.

The event honored Sonja and John Brouwers and Barbara and John Alderfer. The two families have been involved with the school for decades, and Barbara Alderfer taught at the school before her retirement in 2006. Gala chairs Pat Ellis and David Bax joined the Rev. Richard Rinn, pastor of St. Viator Catholic Community, and school principal Kathleen Daulton in welcoming the 400 guests.

Tom DiNardo conducted the live auction for 18 packages, which included foreign trips, a trip to New York Fashion Week and one-year prime parking spaces at the school that sold three times for $4,500 each.

Among the guests were Diane and Tom Keating, Rita Ware, Donette Robare, Pat and Bob Mulroy, Suzanne and Greg Hafen, Pat and Frank Ellis, Jolene Wieczoek, Kitty and Dale Parantala, Jennifer and Patrick Miller, Jeanne and John Kilduff, Mary Jo and Rosi Ralenkotter, Kathy and Carlos Velasco, Pat Patzer, Susan and Stan Wasserkrug, Connie and Terry Bombard, Maddie Gugino, Dorothy Roberts, Joy Velasco-Post, Lisa Antram and the Rev. William Haesaert.