Siegfried and Roy honored at Diamonds are Forever Gala

The Las Vegas Philharmonic and presenting sponsor Graff Diamonds honored Siegfried and Roy at their Diamonds are Forever Gala on March 1 at Aria.

The magical event began with a cocktail reception featuring harpists Tara Ogden-Skouson and Kristie Smith, and a silent auction centered around mannequins beautifully dressed in ball gowns from Saks Fifth Avenue.

Guests socializing while enjoying specialty drinks and butler-passed canapes included Dorothy Flagler, Judy and Ed Cebulko, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Bob Boughner, Dominik Kuna, Joyce and Lee Beard, Donna and Gavin Isaacs, Bridget and Charles Guida, Andrea and Dan Waite, Mike and Beverly Bolognini, Laura Hoenemeyer and Jay Barrett, Jennifer Scott, Debby and Ken Howe, Alisa Nave-Worth and Robert Worth, Sandra Frank, Kimberly and Brad Friedmutter, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, Jewel Brooks, Patricia and Richard Wright, Mari and Thom Landers, Kay and Bruce Spotleson, Denise and George Mehocic, and the president of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, Jeri Crawford, with husband Rick Crawford.

The Doral Academy Elementary Honor Choir opened the program.

Master of ceremonies RJ Peltyn introduced the Las Vegas Philharmonic’s Young Artists’ Concert Competition winner, 16-year-old cellist Devon Zubka, who won the Bolognini Competition of Southern Nevada and the Henderson Symphony Concerto Competition.

Musicians Miguel Rodriguez, Geoff Neuman, Alex Stopa, Tom Wright, John Matteson and Pat Brown entertained during dinner.

The house lights dimmed as the event’s tribute to Siegfried and Roy began. Violinist Taras Krysa played “Meditation” from “Thais” by Jules Massenet. For Roy Horn, “Meditation” was the prelude for the tiger’s entrance in their show at The Mirage. Roy was seriously injured when bitten by a tiger during a show.

Siegfried Fischbacher spoke emotionally of playing “Meditation” for Roy in the hospital after the injury. When Siegfried saw a tear roll down Roy’s face, he knew Roy would somehow be able to overcome his injury.

Auctioneer Aaron Bastian conducted the live auction. One package in particular, a seven-night luxury adventure to Machu Picchu for two, sold twice for $12,000 each.

Ellie Hirschfeld chaired the gala. Red carpet hosts were Joey Galon and Elena Jacob.

More black-tie guests attending were Carolyn Sparks, James Canfield, Laurie Travis, Tanya Murray, Prisca and David Crawford, Lynette Chappell, Annee Nounna, Sandy Peltyn, Geri and Rick Smith, Karen and Randy Campanale, Shelley and Jimmy Gitomer, Beverly and Mike Mykison, Juliana and Matthew McRae, Sondra Lynch, Tiffany Tiberti, Dan Tuntland, Kathy Hussey, Valentina and Joel Bergman, Geri and Mike Rumbolz, and Kristine and Rob Sheridan.

Proceeds from the gala support concerts as well as education and community outreach programs.