Nevada Cancer Institute honors Heather Murren

Nevada Cancer Institute had its eighth annual gala to raise funds to support the group's cancer research program.

This year's event, at The Mirage on Nov. 12, paid tribute to Heather Murren, co-founder, former chief executive officer and chairwoman of the board.

The event commenced with a two-hour cocktail reception within a room designed to resemble a large living room, with leather sofas and coffee tables. Bars were scattered about, with butler-passed trays of appetizers prepared by Wolfgang Puck's Dining Group.

Guests Joan and Jim Hammer, Irais and Robert Kolesar, Patricia and Richard Wright, Mari and Thom Landers, Denise and Tim Cashman, Edna and Bruno Benna, Andrea and Tony Marnell, Mary Kaye Cashman, Jan and Owen Nitz, Faye Ifshin, Judy and Scott Machabee, Gary Ackerman, Ike Kahn, Chantal and Stephen Cloobeck, U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley and former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan participated in the silent auction. The 1,000 guests were asked to wear retro finery, as retro was the theme of the evening.

The ballroom was decorated in pink and lime green lighting fixtures and wall hangings. The silver lamé tabletops displayed pink lilies and roses with green grass and moss balls.

Celebrity chefs Julian Serrano, Jeff Braun, Everett Williams and Brian Massie created the dinner menu. CNN's Larry King emceed and entertainment was by headliners Jay Leno and Terry Fator.

Peter Stremmel conducted a live auction for eight packages, including a 2010 Jaguar XJ with round-trip air fare to England, accommodations at Wychnor Park Country Club and a meeting with Ian Cullum to accessorize the Jaguar.

Other guests enjoying the evening were Louise and Felix Rappaport, Bill Hornbuckle, Robert Shapiro, Eleonore and Ed Doumani, Joanie Shoofey and Steven Miller, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Dan Russell, Mark Russell, Marie Claire and Rino Armeni, Frank Schreck, Bob Faiss, Rebekah Valentine, Dawn Russi, and Angela and John C. Ruckdeschel.

WISHES COME TRUE: The Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada had its annual November luncheon and fashion show at Spago.

Among the capacity crowd of 178 guests were Nancy Houssels, Heidi Straus, Laura Fritz, Terri Monsour, Madeleine Andress, Wendy Plaster, Francine Pulliam, Norma Land, Kristine Creel and Victoria Otter.

Chairwoman Linda Richardson and her committee members -- Melissa Akkaway, Noey Richardson, Corie Sawdon and Barbara Stout -- hosted the afternoon that raised $148,000 for Make-A-Wish.

Entertainment was by client 17-year-old Anthony Green, who sang one of his recordings. Fashions from Beckley, a West Hollywood Boutique, were modeled throughout lunch.

Make-A-Wish President Karen Iglesias welcomed Debbie Swissman, Marla Letizia, Gladys Comer, Trish Truesdell, Marteen Moore, Sandy Tueller, Josie Snow, Deborah Stout, Lovee Arum, Jane Schorr, Susan Molasky, Camille Ruvo, Cindy Wolf, Diane Lee and Mindy Haskins.