Pediatric Brain Tumor group raises money for research

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation honored Alex Nietrzeba during its annual gala July 16 at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab restaurant in the Forum Shops at Caesars.

Nietrzeba, a recipient of the foundation's scholarship, is a brain tumor survivor. He is employed by R&R Partners.

The Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation is the largest nongovernmental funder of brain tumor research in the world. The foundation relies on the generosity of individuals through events such as this dinner and a motorcycle "Ride for Kids" planned for Oct. 2.

Mistress of ceremonies Charli Carter spoke about the foundation's dedication to supporting research into the cause and cure of childhood brain tumors, a leading cause of cancer deaths in kids.

Violinist Adrienne Schreiner entertained during the reception, which featured champagne, passed hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction.

Guests included Denise and Michael Severino, Peggy Sanders, Willi Baer, Brea Ferguson, Sylvia and Orlando Saenz, Susan Houston, Dee and George Mehocic, and Sheila and John Arnos.

The dinner included king crab legs, and a choice among ahi tuna, crab cakes or filet mignon accompanied by selected wines from Southern Wine & Spirits. Desserts were Key lime pie, warm chocolate fudge cake and banana cream pie with Foster sauce.

A live auction conducted by John Arnos Jr. included a large bottle of Toasted Head wine that sold three times through being donated back for bidding, raising $219, $600 and $1,300. A bottle of Kendall Jackson Chardonnay went for $200, and a bottle of Red Guitar wine sold for $210. A Snuggle Hug robe with a martini went for $300.

The Wells Fargo Bank stuffed horse brought in $160. A week's time-share condo in Vail, Colo., raised $1,000. Diamond Resorts offered a week in a condo with the bidder making a choice among eight countries that received a winning $1,000 bid.

The event's featured artist was Jennifer Main. During the evening, Main painted a one-of-a-kind artwork titled "There's Strength in Love" that sold for $1,550.

Balloons could be purchased for $20 containing various prizes and show tickets to David Saxe Productions.

Seen among the sold-out crowd of 92 guests were Dave Carter, Marcia and Tola Chin, Mark Wayman, Elizabeth Foyt and John Wanderer, Judy Robinson, Tami Belt and Rob Dunn, Alissa Kelly, Ed LePere, Judy Owen, Helen and Jim Sax, Lorri Jackson, Bertie Tettamanti, Kelly and Sean Connery, Annette and Larry Carter, Ron Kline, Lynn and Tony Madonia, Patti and Charlie Peters, Bonnie and Enrique Rosselli, and David Quillen.