"Whelan on the Scene," by Frank Whelan, includes mention of DeSales' black-tie gala on Saturday, March 19. The theme of this year's event is  "Viva Las Vegas!" Its inspiration is the glamorous Vegas of the "Rat Pack" years. Proceeds from the annual dinner dance benefit financial aid. Last year's event netted $136,537. To date, about $1.5 million has been raised to benefit worthy students. The evening's festivities will be held in Billera Hall and begin with cocktails at 7 p.m., followed by a gourmet dinner at 8 p.m. Guests can dance until midnight, to the music of the Carmen Dee Orchestra, a swing band.