In 1977, shortly a week or so after the opening of Studio 54, Halston threw a 30th birthday party for Bianca Jagger.  The intimate affair (think: 20 or so people, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Andy Warhol, Liza Minnelli) was immortalized by photographers like Rose Hartman and Robin Platzer, who took the now-iconic images of Mrs. Jagger (in a sultry off-the-shoulder Halston number, and a pair of Blahniks), on the back of a white horse, being led around the soon-to-be-infamous nightclub, by a lithe mustachioed man, clad only in body-paint and a smile.

Now, Communities In Schools of Nevada has always been partial to costumed affairs (their annual gala began as a family-friendly Halloween party, and morphed into the chef-tacular party it is, today), and this year’s Groovy Nights-themed Today for Tomorrow gala, was no exception – right down to that white horse!  Of course, this wasn’t a real horse.  Rather, a fairly lifelike facsimile, ideal for a fab little photo-op; just outside of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas’ Belmont Ballroom.

A fantastic setting in which we could both honor Governor Brian Sandoval and “Blame It on the Boogie” – the ballroom was thoroughly discofied; with the now-familiar battalion of booths – featuring the numerous restaurants of The Cosmopolitan – lining the walls, on the far end of the room.  One thing about this event that I particularly enjoy, is the lounginess of it all.  Event Chair, Ed Cecchi and his team really outdid themselves, creating a mood perfect for hanging-out, socializing, and sofa-hopping; and ensuring that the atmosphere is conducive to letting one’s hair down (ironic, considering the number of wigs, that night – afros and shags and flips, oh my!).

We got to hear from Jessica, now a sophomore at UNLV, who would never have finished high school were it not for CIS; and her endearing combination of moxie and matter-of-fact sincerity struck a resounding chord, with all of us.

The live auction featured some great experiences, including a private lesson with Wynn Nightlife’s DJ Mighty Mi, dinner with Romeo (aka John Thomas Battagliese of The Palazzo’s infectious BAZ: A Musical Mash-up), and a pair of in-home dinners for ten, prepared by the incredible Chef Paul Bartolotta – who got on stage and implored us to bid (with a delivery that was equal parts Stanley Kowalski, Rudy Reuttiger, and Ratso Rizzo).  And not for nothing, that man makes a White Truffled Langoustine that’ll bring a tear to your eye.  Thanks, Chef (and thanks, too, to that fabulous foodie, Amy Rossetti, whose milkshake first brought all of the chefs to the CIS yard; establishing what’s become a signature of this event)!

Following the Governor’s presentation, the cast of BAZ: A Musical Mash-up performed a few numbers from the popular show (that continues to top numerous “Best of” lists, across the Valley), including “El Tango de Roxanne” (whence a passionate tango is skillfully danced to The Police’s “Roxanne” as in Moulin Rouge!), “Lady Marmalade” (à la the Missy Elliott-produced version, also from Moulin Rouge!, that featured Christina Aguilera, Lil’ Kim, Mya, and P!nk), and “Young and Beautiful” (Lana Del Rey’s haunting torch song, from The Great Gatsby), the last performed as an ensemble number, highlighted by the sensational Ruby Lewis.

By night’s end, more than $400,000 had been raised to support the more than 63,000 Nevada students supported by CIS-Nevada; and that rates an A, in my book, any day.

Today for Tomorrow gala| Communities In Schools of Nevada
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Click HERE for info

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