MARY BALDASANO / Special to the PVT From left, Willi Baer, Veronica Sommer, Joyce Schnelzer, Jaime Hall and Vicky Parker perform Sweet Violets. Advertisement

The 2008 production of the Blue Butterfly Coffeehouse was absolutely a resounding success.

Held July 12 at the Pahrump Nugget, the event was fantastic and just keeps getting better and better year after year.

Although the live auction item this year was not a puppy, the large remote-controlled jeep donated by Saitta Trudeau actually brought in more money ($900).

Winners were Don and Judy Zeuli. Asked what they plan to do with the rather large toy, Don said, "We will probably give it to our great-grandson Dominick." Judy added, "He is four years old and lives in Illinois."

Both Zeulis are volunteers for Nathan Adelson Hospice and have attended all four Butterfly Coffeehouses. "The event is just wonderful. We enjoy being here. All four have been just fabulous," said Judy.

The coffeehouse is held as a fundraiser for the hospice here in Pahrump.

The more funds raised, the more funds will be available to help NAH help those with terminal illnesses. Services include round-the-clock availability of nursing care, volunteer assistance and spiritual counseling.

Tonya Brum, community relations manager for the hospice was thrilled to announce, "The coffeehouse grossed $9,444 for the evening with a net income of $8,378, which would not have been possible without the Pahrump Nugget's full support. Their donation of the room and finger food, as well as access to a no-host bar, added to our success."

Brum continued, "We made more money than last year, about $1,000 more, even in this difficult economic environment. What brought us over the top were three very generous and unexpected donations, which made up for our lower-than-normal sponsorship dollars.

She also announced, "A $1,000 donation was received from Leo Dobrzynski, whose wife of 47 years was cared for by NAH. A $1,000 donation came from Harold Tokerud, and a $500 donation was received from Scott Anderson. All had family members who received NAH care."

There were many raffles, prizes and silent auction items donated, as well as a door prize donated by the Nugget for a dinner for two at their steakhouse.

Karen Ruvel, vice president of development for the NAH Foundation, said, "It's wonderful to see how much the community supports the hospice in Pahrump. The volunteers did a great job putting the coffeehouse together. This is truly an exciting event; its reception by the community is fabulous. Of all the available charities that Pahrump could choose to support, it's wonderful that they chose our hospice."

There were butterflies flittering around on stage for several acts. The audience really got into Peggy Thompson's performance of "One Tin Soldier," "Both Sides Now" and "Motorcycle Mama."

By the looks on the faces of the audience, and the silence during the performance, you could tell memories were also in attendance. At the end, the applause was truly deafening.

Anita Butler's comedic repartee of "Uncle Fudd" is always a hit at the coffeehouse. The story is about a young girl in very rural America, where parentage could and sometimes does come into question.

In this case, the girl finds out that her Uncle Fudd is not only her uncle but also her father and cousin.

Of course royalty was in attendance with the participation of Ms. Senior Golden Years 2008 Eileen DeCosta; first runner up Maxine Brown; Ms. Senior America Nye County Lynnette Schlager; Ms. Senior Golden Years 2007; Linda Turner; and Ms. Senior Golden Years 2004 Mitzi Sears.

The ladies added a touch of elegance to the event, except for Schlager who decided to relive her earlier golden years with miniskirt, go-go boots and flowers and ribbons in her hair. She did sell over $400 in raffle tickets, so the outfit must have worked.

Audience member LaRae Moore said "I love it, it's the best yet, almost perfect."

Jan Lindsay, of the Pahrump Arts Council, remarked, "Dan Rodriguez is a wonderful master of ceremony, his jokes are really funny."

Even David Feltenderger, whose mother received care from NAH, said "Dan Rodriguez is really great. All the performers are great."

The Golden Monarchs Council, fundraising organization for NAH, put together a skit, "Sweet Violets," written by Willi Baer. The story involves a farmer (portrayed by Veronica Sommers), a young girl (Jaime Hall), her father (Joyce Schnelzer) and a cab driver (Vicky Parker). In this case, the farmer is the bad guy and loses out in the end.

After the second break, Brian Nelson sang "Bad Moon Rising," and other 1960s goodies which were also received with great applause.

Comedian Arlene Heidmeyer, member of Soroptomist International Pahrump Valley, read the story of "The Cremation of Sam McGee." It's about a gold minor that went to Alaska but hated the cold. He asked to be cremated upon his death so he would be warm again.

The evening closed with Thompson, cast and audience members singing together, "Get Together." Everyone was upbeat and happy even at the end of a long evening.

Brum said, "The evening was a resounding success, even though it went longer than we hoped. The council tries to keep it short, but for some reason it just doesn't come out that way. I feel everyone had fun though."

Corporate host sponsor was the Pahrump Nugget, which was instrumental in the event's success.

Haight-Ashbury Cool Sponsors included Frazier Furniture, Focus Group and St. Martin's in the Desert Episcopal Church.

Other donors and contributors included: Linda DeMeo for Justice of the Peace, Special Dee's screen printing and Muriel Areno, graphic design.

According to Brum, "I want to thank everyone. We really couldn't do it without your generosity and participation. I'm exhausted."