Museum’s Dinosaur Ball raises money for variety of programs

The Las Vegas Natural History Museum held its 23rd annual Dinosaur Ball Oct. 24 at the Red Rock Resort, attracting about 370 guests. The benefit raised money for the museum's many programs, including the busing of schoolchildren to see exhibits at the museum.

Guests included former Gov. Bob Miller and Sandy Miller with their daughter, Megan, Councilman Steve Ross and Kelli Ross, City Manager Betsy Fretwell, Thalia Dondero, Sari and Paul Aizley, Melissa Warren, Fafie and Jeff Moore, Sallie Doebler, Chris Klineburger, Grace Mathis, and Cathi and Doug Suerdieck.

The silent auction offered many unusual trips, such as accompanying paleontologist Josh Bonde on a fossil dig at Tule Springs. There was a shadow box of autographed items from Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong. For $25, a person could purchase Critter Care to go toward feeding the fish and 80 live animals at the museum. In return, the buyer received a plush dinosaur. The auction also featured designer handbags, sets of china and restaurant dinners.

The museum's board of directors seen socializing were Matt Engle (chair), Stephanie Stallworth (vice chair), Donald Polednak (treasurer) and members Zachery Conine, William Beam, Bonde, Robert Bulmer, Heather Fitzgerald, Kevin Gerachty, Carol Levins, Gregory Pike, Michele Tell, Joel Schwarz, Joe Tumminia and Dianne Weeks.

Masters of ceremonies were Kim and Dana Wagner, co-hosts of the morning news program on KSNV-TV, Channel 3.

The museum's Executive Director Marilyn Gillespie talked about the museum's humble beginnings and how it has drastically changed over the years. She thanked the community for its support in making the Las Vegas Natural History Museum an important cultural center.

Paul Scally, a transplant comedian from the UK, performed and the Steel Benders, a blues and rock party band, played for dancing. A video titled "Take the Day Off and Be a KID Again" was produced and shown by Kendall Tenney.

Other guests enjoying the Dinosaur Ball were Helen Mortenson, Chris Robinson, Bobbi Gillespie, Chris Creigh, Cathy Poer, Linda Wojcik, Laura Pike, Carrie Paldi, Sue Wirshing, Steve Stallworth, Emma Williams.

The evening concluded with a concert by the seven-member Bella Electric Strings.