Every year, we give to the ADL (because it’s a wonderful organization; and – as a Jewish family – it’s what one does, however one can).  Then, every year, I come-up with some reason why I cannot attend.  Why?  Because solemn occasions really aren’t my jam – and let’s face it, the battle against hatred and discrimination doesn’t tend to inspire frivolity.  Also, those speeches can seemingly go on, ad infinitum; I’ve got ADHD; and I’m not a big drinker.  But this year, this year was another story; and in retrospect, I’m so glad I attended.

For one thing, Nevada Regional Director, Jolie Brislin had promised all of us that she’d have us outta there, by 9:30pm.  I didn’t know if she’d pull it off, but I was hopefully optimistic.  Which leads me to the main reason I was there – the evening’s honorees; and a funny story. 

When I heard that Lovee & Bob Arum were receiving the Americanism Award, I whipped-up an ad that – even by my verbose standards – was pretty gushy.  But not only am I fond of the Arums (having been their guest at any number of Break the Fasts and Top Rank bouts) and their kids and their grandkids; but Bob actually makes an appearance (in animated form) in a project I’ve been shepherding over the past couple of years – so I happened to have a terrific sketch of Bob by the artist Bernard Chang, just hanging around.  So, before you could say Bippity Boppity Boo, I’d whipped-up an ad for the evening’s tribute journal, and didn’t think anything of it, for weeks. 

Fast-forward to the week before the gala.  After joining me for an evening of music at VISTA Cocktail Lounge at Caesars Palace, some friends and I meandered over to Searsucker, for a late supper.  There, Matthew Frazier asked if I’d like to join him at the John C. Kish Foundation’s table, at the upcoming ADL gala; to which I said something along the lines of “Well, bless your heart, Matthew.  I’m Jewish, and I find these things painfully tedious.  Why on Earth are you going?”  Matthew looked at me and said simply “Because we’re being honored.” 

So, after choking down a bite of Grilled Cheese sandwich dipped in Tomato Soup, I cleared my throat, turned to face Matthew, and said “First, I’d love to join you.  Second, I have to tell you that I had no idea you were being honored; so please know ahead of time that not only does my family have a full-page color ad in the tribute journal, but it’s a veritable ode to the good works of Lovee and Bob Arum, with no mention of the Kish Foundation.”  He just laughed and assured me that my company was good enough for him. 

Needless to say, I went.  I shook the dust off of one of my more conservative navy wool suits (that evoked so much commentary, from men and women alike; that at dinner with a friend a couple of nights later, I asked what people were expecting me to wear to such an occasion?  Culottes and a poncho?) 

The evening was actually pretty fun, and the affair was filled to the rim with a number of my favorite Las Vegans.  There were Molaskys and Goldsteins and Shorrs – oh, my!  There were Saltmans and Greenspuns and a flock o’ Fines.  Elaine Wynn was there, as was George Foreman (and George Foreman, Jr. who’s a really charming fellow, and wore a tie covered in Stars of David – and we all know my thoughts about anyone who dresses with a theme!).  The Arums and duBoefs and Roths were there, representing three generations (though little Quinn and baby Caroline just made cocktail reception cameos).  There was one Pascal, two Humes (one looking stunning, in archival Vionnet, and one looking kinda creepy, in a moustache grown for charity), and my favorite grumpy chef and his lovely wife.  There was a gaggle of gays and allies, including my favorite young gay couple, direct from Athens, G-A; and more Jews than you could shake a lulav at!  There was my favorite candidate, Susie Lee (whose wants nothing more than to “get shit done”) with husband, Dan; and the always upbeat Shelley Berkley. 

Also – three cheers for Larry Ruvo and his team of elves at Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada; because I tried the evening’s specialty cocktail – The ADL Knockout Punch – and it delivered on all fronts.  Not only do I adore a bit of clever wordplay, but the drink itself (a fruity take on the Moscow Mule) was delicious!  I had three, before I realized I hadn’t yet eaten, and had to slow my role. 

At the end of the night, which came at roughly 9:25pm – not only had Jolie lived-up to her promise, but had provided a lovely evening, to boot!  (I even enjoyed my halibut.) 

ADL 2015 Fight Against Hate Gala
Thursday, November 19th
Paris Las Vegas
Click HERE for info

Get into it!