WYNN LAS VEGAS was the setting for an extraordinary event when The National Jewish Medical and Research Center hosted a gala to honor a truly remarkable woman, Sandy Colón Peltyn. Money raised at the event benefited the National Jewish Center, a nonprofit and nonsectarian internationally acclaimed research center. Founded in 1899, NJM&RC is the only institution in the country that focuses solely on the treatment and research on patient care and education in respiratory, allergy and immune system diseases, including Cancer, Asthma, Lung Infections, Cystic Fibrosis, Lupus and AIDS. National Jewish was ranked as the #1 respiratory hospital in the country for the ninth consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. Over the years, more than 10,000 Nevadans have directly benefited from their services and many more are helped by the groundbreaking research into disease and treatment conducted by scientists at National Jewish Center.
Siegfried and Roy who were the honorary co-chairs said, "We want to be part of the celebration that recognizes Sandy Peltyn for her exemplary philanthropic commitment to the Las Vegas Community…" Sandy Colón Peltyn was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and has performed throughout the world as a singer. She has hosted and produced award-winning television talk shows in both her native country and in New York. After moving to Las Vegas in 1981 with her husband, the late Roger Peltyn, she became involved in cultural activities and philanthropic fundraising, helping to raise over $4 million for charity. Sandy is involved with more than a dozen organizations, including the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Opera Las Vegas, the Arthritis Foundation, Safe House, the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and more. She was appointed by President George W. Bush as a member of the President's Advisory Committee on the Arts at the Kennedy Center. She is currently in charge of business development and community affairs for the firm of DeSimone Consulting Engineers. Fluent in three languages, she is also a volunteer substitute Spanish teacher. Sandy has one son R.J., a baby grandson, Antonio, and a stepson, Michael.
Because I am a columnist, I have had the opportunity to attend numerous fantastic events, however, this Grand Dame's event outdid any of the others as she was being honored by the National Jewish Medical & Research Center. (Sandy was knighted as a Dame of Grace in 
the Order of St. John for her humanitarian endeavors by Prince Henri Constantine de Vigo Paleologo and carries the title Dame Sandy Colón Peltyn). Siegfried & Roy, the very much loved and respected larger-than-life. "Magicians of the Century" presented the event that was called, 'SPRINGTIME at the COPA.'
Sandy Peltyn was being honored with the prestigious National Jewish Humanitarian Award. The event committee co-chairs were Lynette Chapelle and Dr. Parvin & Ted Jacobs. I would venture to say that this was the most fabulous event I have been to in my twenty-five years in Las Vegas. Truly, I did expect it to be so with the aforementioned Sandy Peltyn receiving such a deserving honor, but the event surpassed even more than I had expected. There was so much going on, and so much to tell, I hardly know where to begin, but I will now start at the beginning of this extravaganza.
The lovely honoree, Sandy Peltyn, attired in a lovely white ensemble with a white rose in her hair (see picture above) greeted guests as they entering the Lafitte Ballroom for the "Springtime at the Copa" social cocktail hour. Upon entering, guests experienced being in a beautiful garden with a carnival atmosphere. They were instantaneously struck by myriads of gorgeous flowering birdcages with a 
larger domed gazebo filled with 35,000 hand-wired opalescent beads, flowers and animated birds centering the Ballroom. A towering stilt figure and dancers in carnival attire roamed the room (see picture) and a talented little monkey (Don Juan) dressed in gold and black performed to the delight of guests. There was ongoing entertainment by singer Ramona Espariza and guitarist Ricardo Griego as they performed nuveo Flamenco. Beautifully adorned guests were given pesos to buy gifts for themselves at a marketplace called El Mercado headed by Sandy's good friend, the incredible Mona Orr. Each person was given the opportunity to have their picture taken, and along with the picture they were given a ribboned gift box that had a lovely frame enclosed. Larry Hart and Michael Flach of Botanica Las Vegas were responsible for the donation and creation of all this splendor.
After the social cocktail hour, guests walked through feathery white overhead adornments as they entered the Margaux Ballroom where dinner, ceremonial awards and ongoing fabulous non-stop entertainment ensued. The entire room was gloriously draped in white chiffon with white-feathered long-stemmed floral décor surrounded by small frosted polka-dot candles on each table. The décor of this room was designed by Don Schmidt's EventScapes. 
At each table setting there was a beautifully boxed gift of an aroma candle that was supplied by Suzy Perrine.
Sandy Peltyn was formally ushered in. Next came the venerable Siegfried and Roy, who in their three-plus decades in Las Vegas have performed for more than 25 million people. Speeches by representatives of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center and a painting of Sandy by Ed Rivera was unveiled as Sandy was awarded the prestigious National Jewish Humanitarian Award. Siegfried & Roy both made some wonderful speeches honoring Sandy, and the audience was thrilled to see Roy walking by himself and talking clearly.
Sandy changed her attire for dinner and was dressed in a lovely black and white gown (see picture). The carnival atmosphere continued as guests were given Boa's and Beads.
I sat with Phyllis McGuire, Suzy Perrine, Phyllis Schwartz and entertainer Tom Dane (see picture). Dinner, served on lovely plates over Pearl Charger Plates started with Gratineed Spring Spinach. Lasagnett, Morel Fricaseo and Heirloom Tomato "Panzanella." This was followed by blood orange sorbet in a Martini glass.
West Side Story in honor of Sandy's Puerto Rican heritage. Clint is always great, but never greater than at this event. During dinner and afterwards there was ongoing musical entertainment, first by an eleven-piece orchestra Latin Breeze with singer Rosie, and then a band called Essence continued for dancing.
One Special Moment was when Roy danced with Sandy and was joined by their friends, architect Joel Bergman and his wife Maria, Winnie and Bob Schulman, Lana and Vincent DeSimone and Mr. & Mrs. Barry Rappaport.
An exciting part of the evening was the winner of a raffle of a diamond worth over $10,000 that was donated by Jack Weinstein of Tower of Jewels.
As if this wasn't enough, the party continued after 11 until about 1:30 a.m. in the adjoining Red Velvet Lounge. Once again, Sandy changed attire to a red outfit (see picture). A great band, with singers and surprise entertainment included Dennis Bono, Lt. Governor Lorraine Hunt, and the marvelous actress/singer Maria Conchetta Alonso. Sandy and others sang a birthday surprise to Ellie Hirschfeld of the Friedmutter Group. I was fortunate to connect with Maria Conchetta and took her back to her hotel. What a doll!
What an evening and what a deserving honor to the exceptional Sandy C. Peltyn for her tireless humanitarian and philanthropic service to better the lives of individuals. Congratulations Sandy. You are appreciated and loved!
