48°F
weather icon Mostly Clear

PHOTOS: Soroptomist Mardis Gras party at Pahrump Nugget

Updated February 9, 2023 - 12:44 pm

Mardi Gras opened to a nearly sold-out crowd the evening of Saturday, Feb. 4 as community members turned out in force to support Soroptimist International Pahrump Valley.

Pahrump Nugget Events Center was transformed into one bathed in purple and green light, with glittering masks adorning many faces and carnival-themed garb seen at every turn. Laughter and chatter filled with air as guests settled in for the night’s festivities, which included a prime-rib dinner and a “Dessert Dash”, both live and silent auctions, raffles, entertainment and plenty of door prizes.

When all the fun and excitement came to an end and Soroptimist members were able to calculate the revenue from the fundraiser, they were thrilled to announced that the 2023 Mardi Gras brought in a total of $22,855.

“The Mardi Gras event went very well!” Soroptimist International Pahrump Valley President Linda Fitzgibbons enthused. “Every year we set a goal to raise more funds, do new activities and give away more money to our scholarship winners, and we were able to accomplish all of those goals.”

Of the more than $22,000 raised, $2,460 came from the silent auction and a further $3,970 was garnered through the live auction. The Dessert Dash, featuring a variety of homemade confections, brought in $3,120.

The “Purse-a-Palooza” was comprised of an enormous purse filled with an assortment of gift certificates, and was a new feature incorporated this year, which raised $1,880 and the the 50/50 raffle brought in $640.

“The winner of the 50/50, John Wehrly, even donated his portion back to the club,” Fitzgibbons remarked with evident delight.

Aside from raising money to help continue its charitable efforts, the Mardi Gras event served as an opportunity to honor some special ladies in the community. Fitzgibbons said this was a big highlight of the evening and a great representation of the aim of Soroptimist International.

“We were able to provide two scholarships this year to our ‘Live Your Dream’ award winners, Shauna ‘Shay’ Dragna and Dana Pasko,” Fitzgibbons detailed. “Our Ruby Award went to Patti Vitz, owner of Sunflower Fashions, and our Community Award went to Lynn Peterson, singer and community volunteer. These awards go hand-in-hand with what Soroptimist International Pahrump Valley is all about and supports our mission of improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.”

As Fitzgibbons noted, putting together the group’s annual Mardi Gras fundraiser is no walk in the park, taking a large amount of energy and dedication to get done. “This event is a huge undertaking and our chair Willi Baer and her committee did an outstanding job,” Fitzgibbons raved. “We had 30 Soroptimist members in attendance who were there to make sure everyone was having a good time.”

Baer and her fellow event committee members may have done a wonderful job on their end but they could not have pulled Mardi Gras off with such success without some substantial contributions from the community. Fitzgibbons took a moment to ensure that those who generously offered their time, talent and sponsorship knew just how appreciative she and the entire club are.

“We had amazing support for our sponsors this year,” she stated. “The Gold Sponsors were Gunny’s A/C and Heating and Valley Electric. Our Silver Sponsors were Living Free Health and Fitness and Global Network International. Our Bronze Sponsors included Judge Kim Wanker, Nevada Home Builders, Nye County Commissioner Debra Strickland, Bolton Wines & Wine Down, the Nevada Silver Tappers, Inspirations Senior Living, Classic Realty and Marianna Yoffee and Pelican Psychiatry.

“Of course, we also had our live auction sponsors of Marty Greenfield, Margaret Ibbotson ‘Silver Fox Trust’, Wagner Allstate Insurance, South Point Hotel and Casino, Dina Williamson-Erdag and Artesian Cellars,” Fitzgibbons continued. “And we couldn’t have provided the whole fun experience without the donation of time from many people, including Lynn Peterson, our vocal entertainer for the evening, and Todd and Elena from Pahrump Photography who provided our patrons with beautiful, professional pictures. We wouldn’t be able to do this event without all of our sponsors. A huge thank you to them all!”

As if $22,000-plus raised and a fabulous time had by all was not enough, Fitzgibbons noted that Mardi Gras also resulted in an extra cherry on top, that of new membership. “The bonus was that we also got three new members from the event. Our club is now 42 members strong,” she detailed. “If anyone is interested in learning more about Soroptimist Pahrump Valley and what we do, we have a new website www.SoroptimistPV.com or you can call me, the club president, at 775-765-1261.”

Contact reporter Robin Hebrock at rhebrock@pvtimes.com

Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook.
THE LATEST
TOWN HALL: Assemblyman Hafen talks voter ID bill, solar energy, parking perks for veterans

Nevada Assemblyman Greg Hafen II (R-Pahrump) hosted his first Live Town Hall of the 2023 Legislative Session last month, discussing a wide variety of topics with his constituents, including solar farms, his proposed voter ID requirement, a veterans’ bill he is sponsoring and more.

Dishwasher saves choking diner at Pahrump Senior Center

Adrienne Fors says she was eating pork and rice when she literally bit off more than she could chew. “When I tried to swallow, it went down my throat and then then it got caught with the curve of my throat. Thank goodness Troy was there to do the Heimlich on me.”

Ruling: Former Nye County commissioner benefited from his vote to increase pandemic-relief funds

The Nevada State Ethics Commissions found earlier this week that former Nye County Commissioner Leo Blundo had failed to disclose his financial interests ahead of a vote to increase pandemic-relief funds to local small business owners. He benefited about $35,000 from the deal, according to the finding of a state ethics panel.

Celebrate life at this popular butterfly release

The event is sponsored by Nathan Adelson Hospice and comforts those who are grieving the loss of a loved ones.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Basin and Blagg intersection closure starts Monday

The construction currently underway on Basin Avenue has been focused on the intersection at Blagg Road for the last few weeks and Nye County Public Works will soon have that intersection back to full use but first, the department will need to close it to regular traffic, a fact which area motorists will want to take note.

SNEAK PEEK: Go inside ‘The Bagel Lady’s’ new Pahrump shop – PHOTOS

Shelly Fisher AKA “The Bagel Lady” is opening Shelly’s NY Bagels on March 25. Fisher has customized the corner suite at 1190 E. Highway 372 and will serve breakfast and lunch there. She tells the Pahrump Valley Times how the local community has helped grow her operation and gave our Faye Burdzinski and John Clausen an inside look at her new operation.

Pahrump fugitive arrested after months on the run

Anthony Bell evaded a SWAT-team standoff earlier this month. Footage shows the suspect brandished a rifle outside Pahrump casino following a fight in December.

LOVE FADING: See what’s become of the notorious Love Ranch brothel – PHOTOS

A year after the Love Ranch sold as part of a $1.3-million acquisition of 23 properties that included this Nye County brothel where NBA star Lamar Odom was famously found passed out from an apparent drug overdose, there’s been little effort to reopen or restore the iconic site. Photojournalist John Clausen went inside to “show us the Love.”