Jillettes honored at Opportunity Village gala

Penn and Emily Jillette were honored Nov. 8 during the Camelot-themed fundraiser at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest.

Sixty years ago, seven families came together for support, because no school or social service programs were available to help them cope with their children’s intellectual disabilities.

Because of immense community support from businesses to individuals in the years since, Opportunity Village has earned a gold- standard reputation for giving many of its clients feelings of self-worth and a chance at productive employment.

Today, the nonprofit organization serves more than 3,000 people and their families every day. This year’s Camelot benefit was another sold-out black-tie event.

The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction that took place at the Magical Forest entrance where guests including Annemarie and Fletcher Jones III, Susan and Bill Walters, Phyllis and Jack Binion, Kimberly and Brad Friedmutter, Michael Brown, Jeri and Rick Crawford, Darlene and Cliff Miller, Patty and Mike Morrissey, Patrick Duffy, Missy Young, Bev and Michael Bolognini, and Carl Rowe socialized at the fall season’s premiere event.

Dinner and entertainment took place in the multipurpose room that Destinations by Design had transformed into a Winter Wonderland.

Mistress of ceremonies was Monica Jackson of KVVU-TV, Channel 5. The Lon Bronson All Star Band with honoree Penn Jillette singing onstage opened the evening’s program.

The dinner was made possible through the generosity of world-renowned chefs, food purveyors, servers and the dedicated kitchen staff. Don Ross, Caesars Entertainment Corp.’s vice president of catering, oversaw the outstanding dinner prepared by Master Chef Olivier Dubreuil of France and of The Venetian and Palazzo hotels. Jean Hertzman, associate professor and assistant dean of operations for the William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration at UNLV, managed Camelot’s food service volunteers from the university. Celebrity chefs Sean O’Connell and Alex Stratta were also involved in the presentation of Camelot’s reception and dinner.

The successful live auction was conducted by Christian Kolberg. A VIP trip for two to the Kentucky Derby, including a gala, tours, dinner at the Iroquois Hunt Club, finish-line seats for the race, five-star lodging and first-class air tickets sold twice for $100,000 apiece. A loaded 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee sold for $60,000.

An exclusive visit for two to any National Football League pregame show, including watching a game from the VIP room at Fox studios in Los Angeles, brought in $16,000.

A gourmet dinner in the bidder’s home by chef Alex Stratta sold for $13,000. A gourmet dinner for 12 in the top bidder’s home by Chef Vic, a former contestant on the “Next Food Network Star” and the owner of Vic’s in Anthem, went for $9,000. A private dinner party in the Magical Forest for 50 guests sold for $2,000.

The MGM experience, featuring one night for four in a two-bedroom Skyloft Suite with dinner at Craftsteak and golf at Shadow Creek went for $6,000. An artwork by Opportunity Village artist Alyssa called “The Face” sold for $1,700.

Magician Penn Jillette spent two seasons on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” TV show, with his winnings going to Opportunity Village. Camelot guests received his Vanilla &Chocolate Magic Swirtle ice cream as favors. Emily and Penn Jillette continue to be big supporters of Opportunity Village.

More guests attending were Jillette’s magician partner Teller, Dorothy Flagler, Judy Cebulko, Brian Burton, Linda Smith, Tifferney White, Amy Wiles, John Shoemaker, Pauline Rinker, Mari and Thom Landers, Patricia and Richard Wright, Dee and George Mehocic, Melinda and Bob Brown, Ed Guthrie, Whitney and Larry duBoef, Mark Fine, and Robin Leach.

The after-party was in a deluxe white tent where Billy Krause entertained with his hyperkinetic piano stylings.