Las Vegas-Clark County Urban League sponsors benefit
The Las Vegas-Clark County Urban League sponsored a gala Saturday at Bellagio to raise money for the endowment to fund programs at the Dr. William U. Pearson Community Center.
The local affiliate of the National Urban League focuses its efforts on education, economic development, employment, health and community empowerment for blacks, other minorities and anyone who is disadvantaged.
The theme of the event was “A Tribute to Our Own … Elected Nevada Leadership.” It was chaired by Ida Gaines, a member of the Affiliate Council Board, with Sen. Majority Leader Harry Reid as honorary chairman, and Elaine Wynn, of Wynn Las Vegas, as the honorary event chairwoman.
Elected officials serving on the Honorary Committee included Sen. John Ensign; Reps. Shelley Berkley and Jon Porter; Gov. Jim Gibbons; state Sens. Steven Horsford and Morse Arberry; County Commission Chairman Rory Reid; and Mayor Oscar Goodman.
The gala began with a VIP cocktail reception where Ray Clarke, president and chief executive officer of the Las Vegas affiliate, Gaines and board members welcomed Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani and her husband, Gary Gray; Assemblyman Mark Manendo and Robin Reddle; Joe Hogan and his wife, Sandy; and Harry Mortenson and his wife, Helen.
Other guests included Adeline Jordan, Yvonne and Napoleon McCallum, Jacque Hall, Cynthia and Larry Mosley, Karma Rodgers-Butler, Leroy Ervin, Randy Myricks, and Margie and Michael Thomas.
The Brothers Ali provided the musical background.
A large reception, featuring the Woody Woods Quartet, took place in the Tower Ballroom. Guests including Paulette DeSuzia, Aaron Arrington, Larry Lehrner, Jacqueline Holloway, Robert Fowler, Sharon Carson, Alice Wilson, Bennie Palmer, Beverly Bouchee, Diane and Mansur Abdullah, Gladys McKinney and Lorraine Winn, guild president of the Las Vegas-Clark County Urban League socialized before going into the main ballroom for dinner.
Masters of ceremonies included Councilman Ricki Barlow, Fred Keeton of Harrah’s Entertainment and Adrienne Augustus of KLAS-TV, Channel 8.
Gaines welcomed the 521 guests and introduced a video from Harry Reid, who was unable to attend.
Several awards were presented, including the Spirit of Las Vegas Award, presented to Mayor Goodman by Councilman Lawrence Weekly, and the Board Chairman Award to Elaine Wynn — who was unable to attend — presented by Steve Schorr, vice president of Cox Communications and the Urban League’s board chairman.
Bobby Siller, former agent in charge of the FBI in Las Vegas, presented the Vernon E. Jordan Civic Award to Harry Reid, who was represented by aide Jackie Holm.
Berkley received the Dr. William U. Pearson Community Center Award. The Founder Award went to Jacqulyn Shropshire for her 50 years of service to the National Urban League and for being a founder of the local affiliate.
After dinner, singer Freda Payne and her band performed a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald.
Hawaiian celebration: Longtime Las Vegans Michael and Arlene Mack traveled to Maui in June to celebrate their birthdays and their 45th wedding anniversary.
Joining them were six friends from their college days at the University of Southern California. The group stayed in condos on the beach at Kahana and spent time golfing, sightseeing and eating at restaurants such as the Hula Grill in Whalers Village, Longi’s, Kimo’s, the Haliimaile General Store and the Gazebo at Napili Shores for those macadamia nut pancakes.
Michael Mack’s birthday celebration took place at Roy’s Restaurant, where guests began their evening with champagne toasts and topped off the party with chocolate souffles.
DOROTHY HUFFEYMORE COLUMNS
