NBCF Celebrates 8th Annual Ladybug Ball

LAS VEGAS – It was an evening of celebration and surprises Saturday, April 22 as the Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation (NBCF) hosted its annual Ladybug Ball at the Red Rock Casino Resort Spa. The evening recognized Dr Marietta Nelson, an important part of the Southern Nevada medical community for more than 30 years, serving as past president of the Nevada State Medical Association, board member for the Southern Nevada Health District, and one of the few ophthalmologists serving children in the community.

“Nevada Blind Children’s Foundation is so grateful for the impact Dr Nelson has made for our students with visual impairments,” said Emily Smith, Executive Director at NBCF. “NBCF works to ensure every child has the resources they need to reach their fullest potential, which is why it is our great honor to recognize a woman who shares our mission, and whose work in the medical community has meant so much to our children and their families, Dr Marietta Nelson.”

The evening began with the piano stylings of blind jazz pianist Alex Kallao during the silent auction and hosted cocktail reception provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirts. Youth NBCF ambassadors had the opportunity to greet guests, hand out personal trading cards, and sell raffle tickets for a chance to win a diamond pendant donated by MJ Christensen. Following, guests were treated to a gourmet multicourse meal prepared by culinary teams from Red Rock restaurants including 8 Noodle Bar, T-Bones, and Red Rock Banquets. The event, coordinated by Tory Cooper of Tory L Cooper Weddings and Events, and designed exclusively by Flora Couture, By Dzign, and AFR Las Vegas, featured creative décor in red, black and white, custom linens, and modern centerpieces. Celebrity auctioneer Chet Buchanan presented eight live auction packages ranging from Green Bay Packers tickets to a week’s stay in a private condo in Puerto Vallerta. Kahn Consulting LLC sponsored a sweet treat for guests with individual boxes of chocolate from Desage Chocolates. The evening concluded with a rocking VIP after-party, styled by Living Spaces with plush couches, modern end tables, and other eclectic accessories, and featured a piano bar atmosphere with Dave Mauk tickling the ivories, a hosted bar, and mini desserts by Nothing Bundt Cakes.

Guests in attendance included Dr Goesel Anson, Janet Clark, Spencer Ballif, Cliff and Darlene Miller, Franz Kallao, Buzz and Elizabeth Shafer, Vincent Souza, Dr. Helga Pizio, Jared and Nicole Kahn, Elaine Wenger-Roesener, Dr. Yevgeni Khavkin, and Dr. Rudy Manthei.