Record set for Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

A record $1 million was raised during the Nevada chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s 2014 Hope Gala on May 9 at The Venetian.

The foundation is the leading global organization funding research for Type 1 diabetes.

The party was themed “Disco Jam” and included live entertainment, an extensive silent auction, live auction, gourmet dinner and dancing. Kami Smith and Matt Smith of Matt Smith Physical Therapy were honored.

More than 700 guests attended including Shelli and Bill Gialketsis, Barbara Gialketsis, Flora Mason, Linda and Lou Silvestri, Nicole and Perry Rogers, Mikey and Jim Bilbray, Shannon Axelrod, Gus Flangas, Laura and George Burns, Julie Gialketsis, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, Albert Flangas, Tom Argunese, Angela Gialketsis, Gina Marku, Bryan O’Reilly, Stephanie and Todd Bice, Kate Hibbard, Billy Gaines, Clara and Brian Cruden, Cathy Haase and Chris Hasse, board president of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Nevada chapter.

Rhonda and Jeff Wyatt directed the dinner.

Master of ceremonies was Chet Buchanan, and a live auction for 12 exclusive packages was conducted by Andy Parnell. Auction items included a 1972 Chevy Camaro that sold for $32,000, a holiday in Napa, Calif., for three couples that sold for $30,000 and a getaway for two to Switzerland that sold for $20,000.

Other auction items were a Jean Francois painting that sold for $18,000, a trip to Atlantis Resort at the Cove Paradise Island, Bahamas, that sold for $17,000, a trip to Costa Rica that sold for $14,000 and a Labradoodle puppy that went to a good home for $12,000.

The auctioneer also offered donor funding levels for the charity that partygoers could agree to support, starting at $50,000.

Dress for Success: The second annual spring luncheon gala took place May 2 at the Four Seasons to benefit the organization that helps local women seeking employment with career development, a support network and professional attire.

The Kentucky Derby-themed event included a three-course meal with Champagne, silent auction and fashion show featuring hats by world-renowned designer Louisa Voisine.

Among the guests at the sold-out event were Elaine Sanchez, Bernadette Anthony, Claudia Ramos, Dorothy Kemp, Steve Schorr, Ann Santiago, Cindy Santilena, Liz Gaiter, Melissa Arias, Lia Roberts and Laurie Sabol.

Voisine, a Henderson resident, has created custom hats for celebrities, royals and society women from around the world. The Kentucky Derby is a favorite place for her creations to be seen.

Models wore Voisine’s hats with the classic “little black dress” as well as cocktail wear and evening gowns. Judyann Price introduced Voisine after the show.

Emceeing the event was Olivia Fierro of KVVU-TV, Channel 5. She introduced Paula Lawrence, executive director of Dress for Success; Paige Candee, founder and advisory council president; and Shelli Ryan, board chairwoman. Event chairwoman was Monica Coburn.

Other guests included Tamara Chorberg, Kimberly Miles, Christa Casper, Monica Garin, Karen Cruey, Christy Echols, Cynthia Harris, Araxie Grant, Monica Moore, Trish Acevedo and Anuja Dass.