Lion’s Club dinner supports local, global charitable efforts

The Summerlin Lions Club held its 11th annual Chinese New Year charity dinner dance on Feb. 25 at the JW Marriott.

Proceeds support local and global charitable efforts, including UMC Lions Burn Center, SightFirst 11 and the Blind Center of Nevada.

Seen among the guests were U.S. Federal Judge Ron Lew and Mamie Lew, Assistant U.S. Attorney Roger Yang, U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Henderson Councilwoman Gerri Schroder, and Esther Louie, Tricia and Scott Pan, Liz Pohe, Susan and Mark Sprengeler, Marilyn and Tom Stark, Myrtle and Bob Knipes, Aurora and Buck Wong, Robert Henry, Alice and Jack Jue, Debbie and Jim Rogers, and Yen and Tai Tran.

All participated in a silent auction for more than 100 items while enjoying entertainment by the Blind Center's bell choir. Susan Abramson, president and event chairwoman, welcomed everyone and introduced Mayor Carolyn Goodman, who talked about the city of Las Vegas' work with Lions Clubs.

Radio and television personality Nate Tannenbaum served as master of ceremonies. Ventriloquist was special guest of honor Terry Fator.

Fator entertained and was presented with an inscribed plaque from the Summerlin Lions Club.

More entertainment came from the Lohan School of Shaolin, performing the ceremonial lion dance. A family-style Chinese dinner followed with music by the Steven Golden Trio, featuring vocalist Ronnie Fabre.

Melody Talbot, manager of University Medical Center's Burn Center, spoke of the club's past district governor Dan Louie and his vision for helping the center, which has now become reality. The Burn Center has entered an agreement with Caesars Palace to receive coins from Caesars' fountains.

Nate and Linda Tannenbaum conducted a live auction for a private wine tasting at Total Wine that sold for $825; a round of golf for four at TPC and lunch at the Grille went for $450; a one-night stay at Napa Valley, Calif.'s Bardessono hotel and dinner sold for $450; a limited edition of Pablo Picasso's "Sculptor and Model" etching print went for $800; two collector's slot machines sold for $550 and $700; two nights at the JW Marriott with two breakfasts and two spa treatments went for $550; and a Morkie (Maltese and Yorkie) puppy went for $750.

More guests attending were Cathy and Leo Downey, Amanda Downey, Linda Kwan, Donna Cutler, Louise Ong, Katie Kwok, Roy Ashton, Edye Risener, Athene Garfield, Mary Doty, Shirley Tam and Lions district governor Roy Madison.