Nevada Neuroscience Foundation sponsors annual gala

Dr. Jack Burks, a professor at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Reno, was the keynote speaker during the second annual gala of the Nevada Neuroscience Foundation Oct. 25 at JW Marriott.

Burks, a clinical professor of medicine, also is a neurologist, researcher, author and one of the foremost authorities on multiple sclerosis. He shared his experiences with the devastating effects of neurologic disease from a physician's perspective.

Vincent Schettler, president of the Nevada Neuroscience Foundation Board of Directors, spoke about how the organization assists patients with everyday problems associated with Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's chorea and muscular dystrophy.

Dr. Steven Glyman, medical adviser to the foundation and chief of neurology at the University of Nevada School of Medicine in Las Vegas, also spoke about the foundation's work. A short film about people who have benefited from the organization was shown.

About 300 guests attended the fundraiser, where luxury items including NASCAR tickets, fine jewelry, sports memorabilia and works of art were up for bid in the silent auction.

Flutes of champagne were served to bidders Patsy and Robert Brinton, Stan Hunterton and Barbara Mulholland, David Kasdan, Sharon Christal, Linda Moncrief, Angie and Pete Becker, Nancy and Robert Joslin, Pat and Stan Baldwin, Selma Bartlett, Doris and John McNally, Dr. David Ginsberg and Debbie Ginsburg, Wendy and Steve Kalb, Jennifer and Robbie Brinton, Suriva and Robert Fischer, and Karen Diamond.

The event's mistress of ceremonies was Sophia Choi of KVBC-TV, Channel 3.

The evening concluded with a drawing and live auction conducted by comedian Carol Siskind featuring a KISS guitar won by Kevin Buckley and a bichon frise puppy that went home with high bidder Angie Becker.

Karla Jay and Wendee Johns coordinated the event.

Recognition dinner: The Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children Foundation had its 17th annual Child Advocacy Recognition Dinner Oct. 20 at The Venetian. Honored were Senior District Court Judge John McGroarty and Dr. Miriam Adelson and Sheldon Adelson.

Gary Waddell of KLAS-TV, Channel 8, served as master of ceremonies.

Among the guests in attendance were Norman Kirshman, Jim Marsh, Sandra Tiffany, Laura Rodriguez, Hilary Green, Ellie Zuliani, Beth Marchiano, Kristin Gene, Jane Fallon, Cheryl Haney, Jeanne Von Tobel and Charlotte Hill.

Also among the guests were Nancy McGroarty, the judge's wife, along with his mother, Ruth McGroarty, and sister, Mary Thomas.

Guests participated in a silent auction, which included a painting by Martin Kreloff, who was in attendance.

Entertainment was by ventriloquist Ronn Lucas.

Packing up for school: The Assistance League of Las Vegas had a brunch and silent auction to benefit its Operation School Bell Oct. 16 at the Summerlin home of Denise and Peter Walsh.

Operation School Bell provides new clothing, shoes and book bags to children in need.

Personal chef Tina Rech served her popular cheese salmon and minted peas, and the scones were baked by hostesses Joele Corrigan and Denise Walsh.

Guests included Judy Mace, Kelli Brandner, Emily Goodman, Mindy Hansen, Carla Remond, Victoria Otter, Jeanne Rozek, Laurel Andrew, Reena Durkin, Chris Flaharty, Linda Smith and Dana Lee.

Among the auction items were several dinners at Vintner Grill, Agave and Sedona restaurants donated by the Corrigan family; a Dee Berkley necklace donated by the designer; and a multistrand malachite choker given by guest Franceen Dunn.

Several guests including Jacqueline Lee, Marcelle Frey, Tracy Hirsberg, Susan Sutherland, Jean Gray and Linda Sklar committed time to work on-site at Operation School Bell.

Assistance League President Mary McCarthy greeted guests along with Assistance League volunteers Tina Morgan, Elizabeth Nietling and Carolyn Glaser.

The at-home silent auction raised $16,000.