Pediatric hospice fundraiser gets designer touch

A group of compassionate area residents are literally putting their designs on helping children with terminal illnesses.

Top interior design trends will share the spotlight with some of the valley's finest foods and wines during Nathan Adelson Hospice Foundation's 10th annual Wine and Food Tasting Extravaganza to benefit the pediatric hospice program.

The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15 at Gaudin Jaguar Porsche Aston Martin.

"I love to help and get involved," said Peggy Scinta of P. Scinta Designs in Las Vegas, who is spearheading a designer tribute and auction at the fundraiser.

Scinta said she was asked to help set the stage for the fundraiser by event organizers who wanted something special for the anniversary event. She added that she felt it was important to raise awareness of the pediatric hospice program, something most people don't think about when they think of hospice.

The pediatric hospice program's services include 24-hour care for the child and his or her family, goodie bags for siblings and memento opportunities for the entire family.

Touched by the opportunity to aid young children, members of the design community, particularly showrooms at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas, have donated designer furnishings and accessories that will be set up in vignette and auctioned during the evening's festivities.

Among the items to be featured are a Candice Olson-designed Pyper sofa and Hollace daybed from Charles Ray & Associates, six-drawer dresser and matching mirror from Brownstone, cocktail table by RC Willey, acrylic sculpture donated by H. Studio by Shlomi Haziza, and artwork on canvas donated by local faux finisher and artist Suzi Popov. Scinta's company is donating custom decorative pillows for the sofa and daybed.

Charles Ray, whose company is the largest distributor of Olson's products nationwide, said Scinta had originally just sought to borrow pieces to transform the automotive showroom into a designer showcase, but as people began to hear about the event they wanted to do more and the items were donated so they could be auctioned to raise additional funds.

"It just tugged at my heartstrings," said Ray, adding that he was a premature baby who wasn't expected to live and how much he appreciates the professionals who care for ill children.

Scinta also helped coordinate table linens from RSVP and floral arrangements by English Garden Florist to complete the elegant ambiance.

The wine and food tasting extravaganza is open to the public and will feature a variety of wines courtesy of Johnson Bros. of Nevada and foods prepared by chefs from The Carmel Room, JR's Place Italian Kitchen, Mantra Masala, Yassou Greek Grill and Sugars Bakery.

Additionally, there will be silent and live auctions and entertainment by the Turning Point Band.

Tickets to the event are $50 and can be obtained by calling 938-3910.

Gaudin Jaguar Porsche Aston Martin is located at 7200 W. Sahara Ave.