Heroes honored at annual Public Education Foundation dinner

The Public Education Foundation presented its 13th annual Education Heroes Award Dinner on Sept. 12 at the Four Seasons.

Under the direction of foundation president Judi Steele, the organization works to improve the quality of education in Southern Nevada. The gala recognizes members of the community who have made contributions to education in Nevada.

The 2009 honorees were Pat Mulroy, William H. "Bob" Bailey and Marie Osmond. Sue Manteris of KVBC-TV, Channel 3 and entertainer Clint Holmes served as the event's masters of ceremonies.

The silent and live auctions attracted guests such as U.S. Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus, Justice Michael L. Douglas, Assemblyman Harvey Munford, Councilwoman Lois Tarkanian, Councilman Stavros Anthony and Clark County School Superintendent Walt Rulffes.

Also attending the event were Ann Lynch, Jan Jones, Rosemary and Billy Vassiliadis, Helen Foley, Carole and Richard Bunker, Barbara Lee and Bruce Woollen, Robert Forbuss, Mary Kay and Tom Gallagher, Randy Campanale, Linda Faiss, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Michael J. Brown, Hilary Crowley, Mark Fine, Marie Soldo, Mark James, Susie Lee, Melissa Warren, Bridget and Steve Phillips, Jon Ralston, Erin Smith, Josh Griffin, and Candace and Bernie Yuman.

The dinner entertainment featured Tony and Dana Delgado and members of the Delgado Dance Studio, Clint Holmes and Kelly Clinton, the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Ensemble, Victory Baptist Choir, Lohan School of Shaolin, Lyrical Dance and a Palo Verde High School marimba duo. There also was a student choir from Palo Verde, Green Valley High School, Goynes Elementary School and Staton Elementary School.

Bailey was presented with the Lifetime Education Achievement Award. He arrived in Las Vegas in 1955 to appear at the Moulin Rouge. Through the years he has advocated education, created career opportunities and fought for civil rights laws. Mulroy was the recipient of the Education Hero Award. She was born in Germany and was educated there and at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. In 1978, she went to work for Clark County and in 1985 she joined the Las Vegas Valley Water District as deputy general manager. Four years later, Mulroy was appointed general manager.

This year, the foundation started a new tradition with the Champion of Children Award, and the inaugural recipient was entertainer, author, entrepreneur and mother of eight Marie Osmond. Through the Children's Miracle Network, she has helped to raise millions of dollars to support and improve health care for children.

Others attending were Louise Helton, Antonio Vargas, Susan Knoll, Theresa and Michael Minden, Angie Wallin, Leigh Zimerman and Domenick Allen, Mark Merino, Anna Bailey, Robert Mulroy, Merle Berman, Julie Wilcox, Kim and Joel Laub, Danny Tarkanian, Sandra O'Dell and Doug Ferraro.