The UNIVERSITY of SOUTHERN NEVADA held its 7th Annual Scholarship Gala in the beautiful RITZ CARLTON HOTEL GRAND BALLROOM at Lake Las Vegas.

The event honored NEVADA’s CHAMPIONS of HEALTH CARE in EDUCATION. This was a most lavish and exceptional Gala. The theme was “Horray for Hollywood” and the entire ballroom was decorated with memorabilia of Hollywood’s greats from times gone by.  

Three awards were given to outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the health, wellness and education of Nevadans.

The honorees were: Claudine Williams (Philanthropist and Harrah’s Entertainment), Dr. Florence Jameson (Obstetrician/Gynecologist) and Paula Francis (KLAS Channel 8 News Anchor). The entertainment for the evening was by the incomparable Rich Little. 

The evening started with a cocktail reception and silent auction in an outer ballroom filled with Hollywood memorabilia.  Concert Artist, Michael Cooney played during the reception. Afterwards, guests were ushered into the Grand Ballroom and were welcomed by Dinner Chair Pat Shalmy. Master of Ceremonies, Bruce Spotleson of Greenspun Media Group then introduced Dr. Harry Rosenberg, President of the University of Southern Nevada and Diana Bond, Chair of University of Southern Nevada Board of Trustees.

The 2009 Champion of Health Care in Education Awards were presented.

Honoree, Dr. FLORENCE JAMESON has been on the forefront for change in her profession for many years.  She promoted Tort Reform and the Good Samaritan Act before the Nevada State Legislature. Dr. Jameson was deeply moved by the vast numbers of un-insured and underserved in our community, and with her strength, courage and vision, she created the Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada where she serves as President and CEO.  She has recruited over 60 physicians, 20 nurses, lab techs, social workers and others to help her in this endeavor, all as volunteers.  Her organization will be providing medical care for those without such care.

Honoree, PAULA FRANCIS anchors the 5, 6, and 11 p.m. newscasts at KLAS-TV. Paula was inducted into the KLAS-TV Hall of Fame in July 2000, an honor shared with Howard Hughes, Bob Bailey, and Jack Lehman among others.  She is on the Community Advisory Board for the Assistance League and has received a number of humanitarian awards for her community involvement, especially her campaign for breast cancer awareness, Buddy Check 8.  She has won numerous awards for medical reporting. Paula loves reading to students during Nevada Reading Week and speaking to community groups about health issues.

Honoree, CLAUDINE WILLIAMS is an active member of the Las Vegas community who has received many honors for her service and generosity to the community.  She currently serves on several boards and committees in the city of Las Vegas and the state of Nevada. She was co-owner of the Silver Slipper Casino from 1965 until its sale to Howard Hughes in 1969. Unfortunately Claudine Williams was ill and unable to attend.

Two Scholarship Recipients were brought onstage.  They were: THERESA STONE: Nursing Scholarship Recipient and ADAM ZOLD: Pharmacy Scholarship Recipient

A scrumptious dinner was served starting with Honey chard miniature peas, wild baby arugula and gorgonzola bleu cheese salad with spiced pecans and sherry vinaigrette.

A Passion fruit mango sorbet was served to cleanse the palate.

Entrée was: Roasted tenderloin of beef and tiger prawn with garden vegetables, seared risotto parmesan with a duo of sauces

Dessert was special and almost too beautiful to eat.

Executive Pastry Chef and Food Network WORLD PASTRY CHAMPION CHRIS HAMMER designed a duo of hazelnut chocolate crisp with vanilla caramel sauce and mango tower. 

Guests were treated to the entertainment of the evening by RICH LITTLE – Dean of Impersonators and man of over 200 voices. (Rich Little had his charcoal drawings of celebrity portraits displayed, and for sale, during the silent auction.) As the theme was Hollywood Nights, movie memorabilia continued on the stage background. 

A Live Auction and USN 50-50 Scholarship Raffle Drawing was also part of the evening’s program.                                                                                                                              

Congratulations to BARBARA WOOD and her staff for making this a most memorable event.

Barbara Wood