Holiday season fetes open with Opportunity Village gala

Opportunity Village opened the holiday social season Nov. 7 with the grandest gala of them all, Camelot at the Magical Forest.

Opportunity Village is Nevada’s largest organization providing programs for people with intellectual disabilities. The group serves more than 3,000 people a year at its three campuses.

The gala’s proceeds will go toward housing for clients when they outlive their parents or guardian. Honoree Barrick Gold Corp. announced a $1 million donation, and the event also raised $321,000 through a live auction.

A reception and silent auction took place amid holiday decor. Guests included Gov. Brian Sandoval, County Commissioner Steve Sisolak, Mary Kaye Cashman, Phyllis and Jack Binion, Madeleine and Don Andress, Robyne and Randolph Townsend, Mari and Thom Landers, Patricia and Richard Wright, Jack and Carol Sheehan, Nicole and Perry Rogers, Kenna and Jeff Cooper, and Patty and Mike Morrissey.

Bill Walters and Scott Sibella were the 2013 Camelot’s chairmen. Mistress of ceremonies was Monica Jackson, co-anchor at KVVU-TV, Channel 5. Veronic, Bally’s singing sensation, entertained.

Dinner under the supervision of Don Ross followed. Chefs from MGM Grand, The Venetian, Rio and Caesars Palace prepared the three-course dinner. Jean Hertzman of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ hotel college managed the student serving staff. All services were donated.

Christian Kolberg conducted the live auction. A 2014 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon sold for $60,000 and a three-night stay in the presidential suite at The Venetian went for $50,000. A three-night trip to the Kentucky Derby with Bill and Susan Walters, including preparty, horse farm tour and dinners, sold twice for $90,000 each.

Opportunity Village’s Linda Smith introduced the gala’s honoree, Barrick Gold Corp., represented by Kelvin Dushnisky, senior executive vice president, and Michael J. Brown, vice president of corporate and external affairs.

Other guests included Charlie Guida, Leslie and Tom Kenny, Todd Gilligan, Michael Schulman, Lani Tally, Bruce Zupancic, Dave Griffin, Mike Peck, Joel Larson, Lee Vanderpool, Darlee and Cliff Miller, Ed Guthrie, Kimberly and Brad Friedmutter, John Grant, Joyce Sherman, Blake Fechser, Tami Hance, Tory Cooper and Joan Hammer.

■ Nevada Arts Advocates Gala: Rock and jazz producer and promoter Michael Schivo was honored during the 14th annual party recently at Santa Fe Station. Schivo also is the founder and producer of the Las Vegas City of Lights Jazz and R&B Festival and Jazz Under the Stars. He received the Arts Advocacy Award.

SPI Entertainment founder and CEO Adam Steck received the Leadership Award. He has produced numerous resident shows on the Strip and 10 shows internationally.

Director and conductor Douglas Peterson received the Legend Award. Peterson has been the Southern Nevada Musical Arts Society’s music director for 45 years. He also served as associate professor of music at UNLV for 36 years.

Radio and TV personality Lark Williams was the event’s master of ceremonies; gala co-chairwomen were Trish Williamson and Lynn Garlock-Wright.

The Clark High School Chamber Orchestra, the Australian Bee Gees and Spyro Gyra entertained attendees.