Rebuilding Together celebrates with annual black-tie soiree

Rebuilding Together (formerly known as Christmas in April) hosted its 12th annual soiree at Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort on Jan. 31.

Rebuilding Together is a nonprofit home repair and rehabilitation organization dedicated to bringing volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners. The organization provides no-cost home repairs to seniors, the disabled and veterans so that they may live in warmth, safety and independence.

The black-tie party began with a champagne and hors d'oeuvres reception, and a silent auction chaired by Ellerie and Charles Cleveland in the resort's Casablanca Room.

Attending board members, including Barbara Barron with Don Schlander, Al and Myrtle O'Neal, Jeff Sanchez, Amy Sandquist, Jennifer Gross, Dorotha Easler, Clayton Nicolas, Lauren Gross, Melissa Elliott, John Sheehan, Eleissa Lavelle, Gloria Valencia, Teri Williams, Ann Velier and Maria Chenes, were greeted by Rebuilding Together's president Drew Zidzik and executive director Cynthia Baca.

A Mediterranean dinner was prepared by Loews' Chef Chad at tables decorated by English Garden Floral. Nellis Air Force Base Color Guard presented the colors.

Zidzik introduced a video showing the progress of Rebuilding Together's 203 affiliates across the United States. A second video featured the volunteer efforts on 30 homes in Southern Nevada that took place at the 2008 National Rebuilding Together Day. April 25 is the next date for National Rebuilding Together Day.

Seen among the organization's supporters and guests were Ray D'Ambrosio, Chuck Ruiter, Cal and Marian Hinebaugh, Gil Lempert-Schwartz, Clayton Nicholas, Phil and Amber Varricchio, Andrew Baca and Megan Daseler, Janellen Radoff, Christina Duke, Bernadette and Stavros Anthony, Sidney Green, Mina Burk, Irene Butler, Teri and Josh Williams, Nicole and Ted Dake, Eloiza Martinez, Dawn LaBonte, Steve Adams, Mary Rourke, Esther Norton, Don Gilbert, Therese Elliott, Jerry and Gene Burk, Connie and Dave Ballard, Manya and Dan Goulet, Carrie Maddox, Gilbert Baca, Linda and Larry Seedig and Par Sandquist.