UNLV recognizes philanthropic support at annual dinner

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas held its 19th annual dinner to recognize philanthropic support Nov. 1 at the Bellagio Tower Ballroom.

A hosted reception gave invited guests including two previous presidents of UNLV in attendance, Dr. Pat Goodall and his wife, Lois; and Dr. Carol Harter, and her husband, Mike Harter, an opportunity to socialize before going into the dining room for a lovely dinner planned by Kitty Rodman, chair of the foundation's special projects committee. The reception's music was provided by the Liberace Foundation Jazz Quartet and the dinner music was by the UNLV Jazz Ensemble 1. Ted Quirk, UNLV Foundation chairman welcomed the crowd of 585 supporters thanking all for their monetary support in helping to create UNLV's future. Quirk requested a moment of silence in memory of one of UNLV's earliest supporters and founding member of the UNLV Foundation. Marjorie Barrick, funded the Barrick Lecture Series as well as the Barrick Graduate Fellowships and Barrick Research Scholars Fund. The University has come a long way in its 50-year history. An anticipated part of the program is the awarding of the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award which Ted Quirk presented to faculty member Dr. Christopher Kearney, professor of psychology, currently serving as director of the UNLV Child School Refusal and Anxiety Disorders Clinic. President Ashley spoke about the university's "Invent the Future" current campaign supported by donors providing the opportunities to recruit top chairs, professors and researchers and built the needed facilities to attract top students and train them to become future leaders of our community. The event honored the new inductee to the Palladium Society (donors who have given $1 million or more to UNLV) the 2007 honoree was Southwest Gas Corporation, a UNLV supporter since 1986 -- representing Southwest Gas was CEO Jeff Shaw. Special recognition went to Debbie Faiman Shoofey for her planned gift of $20 million and to Helen and Chip Johnson for their gift of $10 million for the Heritage Circle. The evening concluded with political satirist and entertainer Mark Russell as the dinner speaker sponsored by Mark Brown of 'Your Buyer' and Randy Garcia of The Investment Counsel Company.

Make-A-Wish ... A luncheon and fashion show chaired by Linda and Melissa Richardson benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada took place Nov. 1 at Wolfgang Puck's Spago in The Forum Shops at Caesars. The Foundation directed by President Karen Iglesias has granted more than 150 wishes this year for our local children suffering severe health disorders. Guests adopted wishes making special memories for the afflicted children, purchased many raffle tickets for 37 fabulous prizes that included winners, Robyne Townsend, Trish Truesdale, Helene Follmer, Dana Weisner, Louise Rappaport, Heidi Sarno Straus, and Nancy Houssels, Sharon Jenkins, Mariam Afshai and Wendy Plaster purchased a magical wish for a child. A live auction consisted of a Judith Ripka gold and diamond cuff bracelet that sold for $3,000 to Robin Greenspun and high bidder for the Laguna Beach Luxury Weekend on a private jet at the Montage Resort was purchased for $6,000 by Susie Molasky. Lovely day jackets and evening gowns by Oscar de la Renta at Wynn Las Vegas were modeled during the luncheon.

Notte Di Carnevale... The Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow a foundation for helping Nevadans who want to work and support their family founded by Janet and Andy Blumen, held their black tie benefit Saturday at the Bellagio. The 10th annual awarding of the Civitas Laurel which translates from Latin as "Citizenship," was a classical tradition embraced through the Renaissance honoring dedication of those who have given the full measure of their talent to benefit their community. This gala sponsored by FIT honored the founders of Nevada Women's Philanthropy a group of women reinventing community giving by building a powerful association of community investors. Honored with the 2007 Civitas Laurel were: Heather duBoef, Dena duBoef, Marcelle Frey, Dana Lee, Trina Pascal and Tawny Sanders. While participating in an over-the-top silent auction by Sandy Peltyn, supporters including Susan and Monte Miller, Margaret Crockett, Karen and Morgan Cashman, Doris and Theodore Lee, Jewel Brooks, Karen and Bill Goff, Sharon and Norm Jenkins, Susan and Irvin Molasky, Juanita and David Wasserman, Claire Walker, Norma and Richard Land, Francine and Terry Graves, Caty Crockett, Irais and Robert Kolesar, Kelda and Carroll Johnston, Kevin Buckley, Melinda and Tom Cook, Fafie and Jeff Moore, and the Owen Nitz family enjoyed canapes, hosted bar and music by the Phat Strad violinists. A gourmet dinner took place in a ballroom decorated with walls covered in white chiffon curtains with crimson sashes and fancy black picture frames by chairwoman Joyce Sherman and Jim Nelson of Destinations by Design. The dining tables were covered in white and black paisley satin with modern black ceramic centerpieces filled with pink rosebuds. Dancing to the music of the Patty Janura Band concluded the evening for Melinda and Tom Cook, Connie and Don Pitchford, Kellie and Marv Rubin, Eleanore and Edward Doumani, Gianna and Bucky Buchanan, Parvin and Ted Jacobs. Last year, FIT delivered 14,279 units of service serving 1,256 clients. FIT had 1,654 inquiry calls and 365 people were referred to collaborating agencies.