One of the great things about this time of year in Las Vegas is that a person is never at a loss for something to do or somewhere to go.  The flip side of this, for someone like me, is that it gets a bit exhausting and I don't have as many opportunities to pass all of the travails of my bon vivantism onto y'all.

So, for this article, I'm serving-up images from four events that transpired over the past week that show the very best that Las Vegas has to offer: a real spirit of philanthropy, an inate grasp of consumerism, and a supreme passion for hospitality and service.

I don't care what the pundits say: Vegas is back, Baby!

Get into it!

Make-a-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada's annual luncheon
Spago - Thursday, November 4th

Wolfgang Puck's Tom Kaplan seen here mugging with his wife, Liz, and Ellen Schanner

Allyn Shulman and Randi Sarno put the kibosh on the kibbitzing to smile for the camera

Mother-daughter team, Melissa Akkaway and Linda Richardson, announce the raffle

2nd Annual Stand Up for Skateparks
Wynn Las Vegas - Saturday, November 6th

Dawn Hume, Ava Altschul, and Jane Schorr - a tasty trio of Wynn-ing women.

The real reason we all support this great cause - the kids.

Camelot at the Magical Forest
Opportunity Village - Saturday, November 6th

Entrance to the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.  It was a winter wonderland at a balmy 70ºF.  Kind of the desert version of a Mele Kalikimaka.  Regardless, it is spectacular, and worth checking-out!

The angelic Betty Bonanno (aka "Pepper B.") with my adorable mister, Jacob Mitchell

Lisa and Scott Henry with Andy and Jodi Fonfa - Cheers!

The Family Goldstein strikes a pose for philanthropy.  One of the evening's funnier moments occured when, in response to my seeing his wife and declaring "Love the gown.  Chanel?" Rob G casually replied "Of course.  What else would it be?"  Ladies, if your man only knows one word of French, and that word is Chanel, you're doing just fine.

The Silent Auction gauntlet was transformed into a spectacular tunnel of lights.

The Macks are one of Las Vegas' truly great examples of multigenerational altruism.  (Plus, Joyce M. owns one of my paintings, so you know she's got taste AND is a patron of the Arts.)

Auction Chair Whitney duBoef, Event co-Chair Robin Greenspun, and Marsha Miller-Schaul

Those are some sweet Nutcrackers!

When Donatella Versace decreed "Beige is the opposite of fashion!" she'd obviously never met the lovely Lovee Arum, seen here teaching the children how it's done, with the singularly stylish Sonja Saltman.

You just know that Roger Thomas and Arthur Libera aren't wearing clip-ons!

Just when I think I've seen the limits of Alex Yemenidjian's Continental flair, he shows-up in an impeccably tailored eight-button double-breated dinner jacket; while his beautiful wife Arda holds her own in majestic midnight blue.  Kinda makes me wonder what they wear to the market...

Camille Ruvo looks far more fabulous in a single-strand of multi-colored pearls than Nancy Pelosi did on her best day as Speaker of the House; while Dr. Joel Lubritz (seen here working a navy tux) is perhaps one of this city's best-liked citizens.

I love this shot of Leora Blau and Jodi Fonfa.  It's like "Charlie's Charity Angels" (which I suppose made me Bosley.  Hmmm...)

This pair is modeling two of the evening's big Live Auction selections.  She's in a Chanel suit with the Hermès handbag described by Elaine Wynn as "a starter Birkin" - while he's displaying Cartier's Ballon Bleu watch in 18kt gold.  Before we realized she was a model, Jacob informed me how sad it made him that she was wearing a perfectly lovely day-suit at a decidedly evening affair.  Funny: yes.  True: absolutely!

Emcee Clint Holmes, presenter Elaine Wynn, and auctioneer Marc Schorr took their duties leading the Live Auction very seriously.

Considering his motto is "Ho! Ho! Ho!" I think Las Vegas must be one of Santa's favorite towns!

Launch of Dom Pérignon’s limited edition Andy Warhol Tribute
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas - November 10th

PEEPSHOW's Josh Strickland flanked by the evening's hostesses, Dom Pérignon beauties, Nicole Ruvo and Julia Fitzroy

Party-planning powerhouse Colin Cowie and A-list publicity machine Susan Magrino

The Cosmopolitan's PR dynamo, Amy Rossetti

Models strike color-coordinated poses with the limited edition DP Andy Warhol Tribute bottle