Governor’s Philanthropist of the Year named at gala

Don Snyder received the Governor’s Philanthropist of the Year award for his involvement in numerous charitable organizations in Nevada during the Governor’s Black-tie Invitational Gala April 11 at Southern Highlands Country Club.

The invitational was the 13th annual three-day golf and social event endorsed by the governor of Nevada and sponsored by the Southern Highlands Charitable Foundation, which has donated more than $14 million to local charities benefiting children.

More than 600 guests began their evening in the beautiful private Southern Highlands Clubhouse, enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on extraordinary silent auction items.

Seen socializing were Dema Guinn, Diana Bennett, Scott Menke, Jeri and Rick Crawford, Pam and Joe Brown, Nancy and Ken Leslie, Jill and Scott Gragson, Steve Kaplan, Linda Smith, Melinda and Bob Brown, and Brenda and Michael Hengel.

Also, Judy and Ed Cebulko, Kris Friedrich, Mike Luzich, Dan Dulton, Marvin May, Carol and Rob Gross, Marsha and Larry Gilmore, Jonna and Larry Gilmore Jr., Laureen and Glenn McKay, and Toni and John Fitts.

A formal dinner by the culinary team under Executive Chef Michael Goodman of the Four Seasons followed on the golf course in an elegantly decorated white tent. Violin music played by the Bella Quartet filled the air. The outstanding dinner, with wine donated by Wirtz Beverage, was served on white sequin tables topped with all-white hydrangea bouquets.

Jack Sheehan was the program’s master of ceremonies. He introduced the event’s founder and chairman, Garry Goett, who then introduced co-chairs: Joyce Sherman, Jim Nelson, Sonia Anderson and Kim and Joel Laub.

Also recognized were all of the event’s platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsors and the eight benefiting charities: Boys & Girls Club Southern Highlands, Opportunity Village, Children’s Heart Foundation, Candlelighters, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, Assistance League’s Operation School Bell, Discovery Children’s Museum and the Andson Foundation for tutoring and mentoring children.

Christian Kolberg conducted a live auction for 12 items including a Mercedes 2014 E-Class Sedan. The live auction raised more than $160,000.

Seen among the guests were Julie Murray, Jerry Nadal, Fafie Moore, Harry Turner, Linda Quinn, Don Ross, BeBe Adams, Rich McGough, Joy Bell, Geneva Bell, Jennifer Fields, Barbara and Tommy Bell, Heidi and Larry Canarelli, Charlotte and Wally Besuden, Kari and Bert Arnlund, Christa and Todd Morse, UNLV President Neal Smatresk, Katelyn and Ryan McCullough, Donna and Chris McCullough, Phil Peckman, and Bev and Mike Bolognimi.