Several residents honored for work, community service
Senoras of Excellence/Senores of Distinction held its annual awards gala May 10 at The Mirage. The event was created to honor women and men who have excelled in their professional careers as well as have contributed to the enrichment of our community.
The event’s proceeds benefit the Latin Chamber of Commerce Foundation Scholarship Fund overseen by Maggie Arias Petrel, chair of the honoree nomination and scholarship committee, and Jenny Rosado, foundation treasurer.
Special guest Gov. Brian Sandoval celebrated the honorees at a pre-gala cocktail reception and again at the formal dinner that followed the grand reception for more than 700 guests.
The Lifetime Achievement Senora Award honoree was Dr. Parvin Modaber Jacobs, while attorney Waldo De Castroverde of the De Castroverde Law Group received the Senore Lifetime Achievement Award.
Boxer Mike Tyson was presented with the International Senore of Distinction Award.
The 2014 Senoras of Excellence were Phyllis James, executive vice president special counsel-litigation and chief diversity officer for MGM Resorts International, and Elizabeth Gallagher, founder and CEO of Gallagher Group International. Senores of Distinction were Rossi Ralenkotter, president and CEO of Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority; Peter Guzman, president and owner of Opa Group; and Jack Weinstein, president and owner of Tower of Jewels.
The Corporation of Distinction Award went to NV Energy, accepted by Paul Caudill, president of NV Energy, and Tony Sanchez, NV Energy senior vice president of government and community strategy.
A video, dance number or speech preceded the introduction of each honoree. Master of ceremonies was R.J. Peltyn.
The gala was coordinated by Sandy Peltyn, Karen Cashman and Ellie Hirschfeld.
An elaborate silent auction with hosted bar and passed canapes allowed time to socialize for guests including former U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan and Bonnie Bryan, Janet and Andy Blumen, Jeri and Rick Crawford, Gary W. Wattie, Florence and Gard Jameson, Lovee Arum, Leslie and Kelley Jones, Debbie and Drew Levy, Susan Molasky, Dee and Don Snyder, Elaine Newton, Otto Merida, Annee Nounna, Cindy Doumani, Siegfried Fischbacher, Roy Horn, Lynette Chapell, Leslie and Bill Shoemaker, Loring Jacobs, Consul Aner Iglesias, Kathy and John Keating, Fred Keeton, and Valentina and Joel Bergman.
Responsible for the ballroom’s fabulous decor were Laurie Travis and NextLevel Events.
More guests enjoying the evening were Mary Jo Ralenkotter, Robert Dolan, Alma Garcia Vinnin, Carol McCullough, Eva Mendoza, Judy Fleischman, Carlos Araujo, Joe Jackson, and Dawn Gibbons and James Hooban.
