Guests gather at Chocolate Affair to raise funds for American Heart Association

More than 1,200 guests gathered for KSNE-FM, 106.5's fourth annual Chocolate Affair on Feb. 10 at the South Point's Grand Ballroom. The event, which raised funds for the Nevada affiliate of the American Heart Association, featured a variety of chocolate delicacies, wine tastings and live music.

Guests were greeted by the station's morning show hosts, Michael Neal and Melanie. A silent auction offered 20 packages for bid, including dinner by Wolfgang Puck, "Mamma Mia!" tickets, a Freed Bakery cake, lunch at the Springs Cafe at the Springs Preserve, dinner at Envy Steakhouse and flowers from Ivy Florist. Funds raised from the silent auction benefited the American Heart Association.

Background music was by Rocky Gordon and the KGBs, as guests Hannah Johnston, Madeleine Ciaramello, Allison Carboni, Amanda and Christopher Zunno, and Carole and Burt Fink joined Tom Chase and John Berry of KSNE-FM in sampling desserts from Leopold's Bakery, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Winder Farms and brownies from Port of Subs.

Cheesecake and Crime, which calls itself a mystery book shop and cheesecake joint and is located at 10545 S. Eastern Ave. in Henderson, served a sample of their gourmet cheesecakes.

More decorated booths offered chocolate fondue from the Melting Pot and treats from Sin City Confections. Edible & Memorable displayed their personalized chocolate gifts and party favors.

There were libations as well. Lee's Discount Liquor served Mirassou Varietals, Rosenblum Desiree Chocolate Port and Merry's Strawberry or White Chocolate Creme Liqueur. Vegas Passport poured TY KU from an illuminated bottle and Vegas Vino showcased Las Vegas Vodka. There was Little Black Dress wines and Korbel Champagne, topped off with Chambord Black Raspberry. Anheuser-Busch offered Amber Bock beer. Grappi's Chocolate Liqueur made an irresistible Grappi-tini.

More guests attending were Lynda Tache, Ilene Mascaro, Virginia Mendez, Sue Guilliams and Deanne Pope.

Changing Lives: Goodwill of Southern Nevada had their 2008 Community Recognition Luncheon on Feb. 13 at Texas Station's Dallas Ballroom. The luncheon honored supporters and clients of Goodwill.

Goodwill's mission is to provide education, training, employment and job placement services for people with disabilities and other special needs.

Steve Chartrand, president and CEO of Goodwill, introduced board members and talked about the donated clothing and home items that Goodwill receives from the public that can change a person's life.

This year, payback on donated goods enabled 633 citizens with disabilities and barriers to become gainfully employed, saving the state more than $1 million.

The Rev. Lisle Stewart gave the invocation. Valerie Murzl, vice president of human resources and training for Station Casinos, was the keynote speaker.

Magda Hirsch, Goodwill's director of workforce development and volunteer services, bestowed awards upon Adam Banania as achiever of the year; Elizabeth Hydrusko, graduate of the year; Tommy Peters, the Carl Haag Spirit Award; James DiFrancisco, Perseverance Award; Christopher Abagat, Community-Based Training Program Transition Student of the Year Award; Ann Gallegos, Office CBT trainee of the year award; Ron Suyeishi, Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor of the Year Award; Latasha DiPietro, Desert Regional Center Client of the Year Award; Mike Cannon, Desert Regional Center Service Coordinator of the Year Award; Vunita James, Community Service Worker of the Year Award; Christine Douglas, Career Connections Customer of the Year Award; Ron Mathes, the Gung Ho Award; students and teachers of Burke High School received the Student Volunteers of the Year Award; Penny Mendlovic, the Nick Pandelis Award for Board Achievement; Station Casinos won the 2008 Employer of the Year Award.

Recipients of the Unsung Hero Award were Goodwill board members: David Flatt, David Sommer, Stavros Anthony, Valerie Murzl, Ron McMenemy and board chairman Larry R. Seedig. Four-year board member Jim Stroh received the humanitarian of the year award, citing his vision, passion, tenacity and generosity.

Seen among the luncheon participants were Bill Goff, Jan Craddock, David Medley, Chris Ries, Audrey Diaz, Mark Sprinkler, Andres Moses and Jan Hogan.