Sunrise Children’s Foundation honors activists

“Masquerade Extra- vaganza” was the theme for the Sunrise Children’s Foundation’s gala Nov. 1 at the MGM Grand Conference Center.

Artist/dancer Terry Ritter received the Community Award for her work with community organizations. Her artwork is displayed nationally and locally including McCarran International Airport, Town Square and The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.

The formal event began with a reception where Tim Boatman, a composer, lyricist and recording artist, entertained at the piano. Guests including Dee and Ken Ladd, Dawn Gibbons, Torye Boudreaux, Theresa and Michael Minden, Parvin Jacobs, Christa Casper, Amy Saatdjian, Suzy and Tom Jones, Liz Vohwinkel, Angela Triche and Anna Roediger participated in the silent auction bidding on works of art, holiday decor, jewelry, restaurant dinners and travel packages.

The mistress and master of ceremonies were Jessica Moore and Jim Snyder of KSNV-TV, Channel 3.

During dinner, members of the Las Vegas Youth Philharmonic opened the program by playing “America the Beautiful.”

Dave Sanberg, Sunrise Children’s Foundation executive director, spoke about the video that explained what the foundation does.

For 22 years, the organization has worked with the WIC program for women, infants and children, helping with pregnancy support and education, a hotline, breastfeeding information and other services to families with children up to 5 years old.

Also, the READ program provides guidance, materials and curriculum to educate from cradle to kindergarten, and the HIPPY program is home instruction for parents of preschool youngsters ages 3 to 5.

Thanked were the event’s presenters: US Bank, Channel 3 and Southern Wine &Spirits of Nevada.

Albertsons was the corporate honoree for its dedication to the Sunrise Children’s Foundation through its Community Partners Program. Representing Albertsons was Paul Bancroft Turner, who presented a check for $52,735 to the organization.

During the reception, guests could buy a Golden Ticket for $100. Only 150 tickets were sold and lucky winners could choose any of the auction items in the evening’s silent auction.

Among the winners were Elise and Van Voris, who chose the seven-day getaway for a beach vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, plus two $400 Visa cards. Winner Jimmy Grimes chose a two-night stay in an MGM Grand’s Signature Suite, and Colby Powell chose the Grand Canyon tour.

Christian Kolberg conducted the live auction for two tickets to see the Denver Broncos play the Buffalo Bills in Denver with a $1,000 gift certificate for airfare and hotel lodging that sold for $3,000.

A diamond ring with 50 baguette diamonds from Michael Minden Jewelers went for $2,000. The Terry Ritter oil painting titled “Masquerade Dreamers” went for $1,250.

A fully furnished media room with a 51-inch TV plus sofa, love seat, accent chair, ottoman and accessories delivered to the bidder’s home sold for $1,500. The last item up for bid was the best seat in the house for next year’s Sunrise Children’s Foundation event, called the Spotlight Table for 10, and sold twice for the bid of $4,000 each.

Guests enjoying the evening included Nancy Nelson, Dana Moon and Greta Bevill, Wendy Shelton, Bill Miller, Chuck Cummins, Janet Hibbs, Dusty Ritter, Lindsay Diamond, Monica Plaxton-Garin, the foundation’s chairwoman, and David Rangel, the foundation’s development manager.