Nevada Arts Advocates toasts Southern Wine & Spirits

Nevada Arts Advocates offered "An Evening in Wine Country" Saturday at the MGM Grand Conference Center to honor Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada.

The agency is celebrating 30 years of support and development of the arts in the state.

The Arts Advocacy Award, a bronze of applauding hands created by artist Joe Palermo, was presented by Nevada Arts Advocates Executive Director Angie Wallin and entertainer Clint Holmes to Michael Severino, representing Larry Ruvo and Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada.

Holmes, who serves as the advocates' ambassador of the arts for 2007, and Domenick Allen presented a musical tribute to the company.

Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada was honored for providing wine for more than 300 charity events in Southern Nevada, including wines for the reception and dinner and after-dinner cordials for the event at hand.

The party opened with the Sierra Vista High School Chamber Strings forming a corridor for guests to pass through. The group played popular selections under the direction of Shelly Burger.

Greeting arrivals at the door were Sen. Joe Heck, R-Henderson, and Lisa Heck, dinner chairpersons.

Guests attending the silent auction and reception included Nancy and Kell Houssels, C.J. and Art Woolston, Colette Saltz, John Foley, Diane and Patrick Clary, Diane Carlson and Bill Freyd, Joe Palermo, Susie Perrine and Joe Fabrizio.

Musical entertainment was provided by Maggi Albisani and Joe LaVigna singing Italian love songs.

There was even an opportunity for guests to test their ability at grape stomping -- barefoot in a barrel filled with grapes.

In keeping with the Italian theme, the dinner began with a salad offering prosciutto, roasted peppers, arugula and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The entree was pesto-rubbed chicken breast, red wine braised wilted spinach and portabella polenta cake, followed by a buffet of assorted desserts.

During dinner, the Las Vegas Academy Guitar Ensemble directed by William Swick entertained.

Mistress of ceremonies Julie Gilday-Shaffer introduced Nevada Arts Advocates President Anita Laruy, who spoke about the organization's mission to expand and enhance access to the arts. She also thanked members of the Legislature in attendance: Sen. Dina Titus, D-Las Vegas; Sen. Michael Schneider, D-Las Vegas; Sen. Barbara Cegavske, R-Las Vegas; and Assemblyman Mark Manendo, D-Las Vegas.

The Hecks conducted a live auction for a private jet to the winner's choice of vacation spots at Lake Tahoe, Orange County, Santa Monica or San Diego. Also for bid was a gold and diamond panther necklace by Jack Weinstein.

Music by DJ Axis and Johnny Randall concluded the evening for Joyce LaGrange, Robert Tota, Juliana McRae, Eileen Hayes, Patricia Martinelli-Price, Cindi Doumani, Annee Nounna, Linda Givens, Rose McKinney James, Jack Chappell, Susan Lednicky, Jill and Bob Ukeiley, and Crystal and George Momii.

Cultural sponsors for the event were Embarq, Las Vegas Art Museum, Las Vegas Philharmonic, Nevada Opera Theatre, Opera and Classical Arts Foundation, R&R Live and KLVX-TV, Channel 10.

Hawaiian luau: The University of Hawaii Alumni, Las Vegas Chapter, which has 130 members, had a luau/fundraiser Sunday at the Shadow Lane home of Giselle and Morton Fox.

The special guest was Kevin Takamori, assistant vice president of the UH Alumni Association, who flew in from Honolulu.

Morton Fox, UH professor emeritus, and his wife resided in Hawaii many years before moving to Las Vegas.

Giselle Fox prepared the luau fare, such as kalua pig, lomi salmon, teriyaki chicken, rice, poi and coconut cake.

Gary Haleamau's UaMau Entertainers provided the Hawaiian and Tahitian singers and dancers.

Fox family members in attendance with UH connections included a son, daughter-in-law, daughter and grandson. Also attending were local alumni chapter officers Ben Racelis, president; Phyllis Matsuda, vice president; Pat Gorsch, secretary; Susan Racelis, treasurer; and Merriam Olds, membership chairman.

Among the guests were Marilyn Moss, Gerry Jordan, Peggy Babcock, Warren Stewart, Bill Olds, Don Coehle and Wally Tavares.