It all began a few years ago, at a birthday party, down Mexico-way; at the spectacular home of Mike Meldman (Chairman/CEO of Discovery Land Company – the developer of El Dorado Golf & Beach Club).  It was November 2012, and the second night of Lynn Weidner’s 60th Birthday Weekend was in full-swing.  Somewhere between the fireworks and the tequila, I was introduced to the legendary Debbie Allen.  We hit it off, immediately – and not just because we were dressed alike.

Fast-forward to roughly one year later.  As a member of the “Florence” committee, responsible for putting-together Nevada Ballet Theatre’s 30th Annual Black & White Ball, honoring Florence Henderson as the 2014 Woman of the Year, I was in a conference room at NBT’s headquarters; when a thought occurred to me, that I immediately shared with the rest of the committee:

“You know what, Ladies?  It’s been thirty years…  If y'all don’t honor a black woman (and soon), you’re gonna have to change the name to the White Ball!”

Never one to be put-off by my moxie, NBT co-founder, Nancy Houssels looked at me with those sparkling eyes, and said “Okay Michael, do you have anyone in mind?”

When I mentioned that Debbie Allen had some very dear friends in Las Vegas, dating back to her time as a judge for Miss America; and that I would be happy to make some phone calls – I got the “high” sign from Miss Nancy, to proceed.

What followed was a very amusing yet drawn-out phone-chain that included me, Jodi Fonfa, NBA-great Norm Nixon (aka Mr. Debbie Allen), Jenn Kratochwill and Beth Barbre (NBT), the convention team at ARIA, and I’m sure a few others, until a date was set – then changed, then set, once again - and Debbie Allen was confirmed to be honored as Nevada Ballet Theatre’s 2015 Woman of the Year.  Ta-dah!

And the event was marvelous.  With Jodi and Lynn co-chairing the affair; Lanvin hosting a swanky VIP cocktail party preceding the big event; Diana Bennett receiving the first “Nancy” award (designed by Lalique, the “Nancy” recognizes a leading community philanthropist); an engraved bottle of Tequila Ávion, for the winner of each Live Auction package; performances by Desmond Richardson, the NBT dancers, and the FutureDance kids; and no less a personage than Motown founder, Berry Gordy introducing the guest of honor (which was kept a surprise, from Allen, until that night) – well, you can imagine just how wonderful of an evening it was.

Debbie Allen|2015 Woman of the Year
Nevada Ballet Theatre
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