Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada and Jamba Juice
Kindness is contagious, and thanks to the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada and Jamba Juice, it’s delicious as well! In recognition of Random Acts of Kindness Week, held February 14-20, local do-gooders were treated to an original sized smoothie for reporting what they did to put a smile on someone else’s face.
To help encourage good deeds, the Volunteer Center provided ideas on their website, as well as posted inspirational messages on Facebook and Twitter. “Random Acts of Kindness Week was about seeing what small efforts you can do to make a big difference within your community,” said Robin Kelley, director of the Volunteer Center of Southern Nevada. “Ideas ranged from greeting people with a smile, or complimenting everyone you encountered on a single day, to donating blood or volunteering time through our center.”
Collecting a refreshing reward was simply icing on the cake, with local Jamba Juice locations offering up their own blend of good cheer. “We were proud to take part in this partnership with United Way’s Volunteer Center and promote the pay-it-forward concept during Random Acts of Kindness Week,” said Cary Karrer, district manager of Jamba Juice Las Vegas. “We are always looking for ways to give back to the community.” For information on future volunteer opportunities, visit United Way’s Volunteer Center at www.uwsn.org/volunteer.
Las Vegas Jiffy Lube
Change your oil; change a life. That was the sentiment behind Jiffy Lube Service Centers’ recent event to kick off their ongoing Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) campaign. The event held on February 12th invited vehicle owners to make two important changes; one for their car’s health, and one for children and adults fighting muscle disease.
Participants were encouraged to visit one of 18 Jiffy Lube Service Centers to receive $10 off a signature service oil change. In addition, those who contributed $3 or more to MDA received a special Make a Muscle, Make a Difference coupon book with over $85 in preventative vehicle maintenance coupons. ‘We are pleased to offer our customers the chance to make a difference and enjoy incredible savings,’ said Julie Jensen, Jiffy Lube Market Manager.
Donations collected will benefit over 455 families in Southern Nevada fighting neuromuscular disease. It’s all part of Jiffy Lube’s new national effort to raise more than $500,000 to help accelerate MDA-funded worldwide research seeking treatments and cures, while simultaneously providing comprehensive medical and health care services to individuals affected by neuromuscular diseases. Jiffy Lube will continue to accept donations through March 20th. Car maintenance and charity in a jiffy? We like it. To learn more about the campaign, visit www.jiffylubecharity.com.
Bottles of Hope
We’ve all heard of a message in a bottle, but hope in a bottle? That takes some ingenuity, but, as volunteers working with the Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) recently proved at the Bottles of Hope program, anything is possible.
On Saturday, January 15th, more than 30 NVCI patients, friends and loved ones, along with generous community volunteers gathered together to transform chemotherapy bottles into things of beauty. With the help of members of the Las Vegas Polymer Clay Guild, volunteers wrapped the small glass bottles from NVCI’s treatment center in a thin sheet of clay, then sculpted, painted and ultimately fashioned the bottles into unique works of art.
Adorned with flowers, leaves, animals, lace and stamps, the bottles became more than discard items and even more than art. These unique gifts to future cancer patients and survivors are symbols of hope and resilience, beautiful to behold and inspirational for the soul. It just goes to show how far a little bit of imagination and compassion truly go. Want to get involved? The next Bottles of Hope event will be held March 19th at NVCI’s Sunflower Café from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. For more information, visit www.nevadacancerinstitute.org or call 822-LIFE.
Green Valley National Charity League
Just as the love between a mother and child knows no bounds, neither does the philanthropic work of the Green Valley National Charity League. The nonprofit organization brings mothers and daughters together through community involvement to help foster a sense of community responsibility and strengthen the mother-daughter relationship.
Their goals are evident in events like November’s Mother Daughter “Tea in Paris”, during which the women of the GVNCL collected over $1,100 worth of art supplies for the Boys & Girls Club. And yet so many more have benefitted from their efforts, like the family of six that the class of 2011 adopted through the Children’s Heart Foundation. Or the Clark County Public Education Foundation, for which the class of 2012 purchased board games and hosted an annual benefit fashion show.
The classes of 2013 through 2016 are hard at work as well, volunteering at Candlelighters Childhood Cancer events; bringing holiday cheer to the Henderson Senior Center; adopting residents of the Delmar Gardens rehabilitation center and much more. By the end of 2010, the group logged 16,582 hours of philanthropic service for a dollar value of $334,190. Through their work, they will continue to fulfill a legacy of community pride, and for that, we thank them. For more information, visit www.nclgreenvalley.org.
Smashburger
Ordinarily, eating a 100% certified Angus beef burger topped with a fried egg, applewood smoked bacon, American cheese, grilled onions, haystack onions and special sauce wouldn’t seem like a great way to start out the new year. Las Vegas Smashburger locations, however, took some of the guilt out of those juicy pleasures by teaming up with the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).
Throughout the month of January, the nationally acclaimed “better burger” restaurant donated $1 from the sale of each Sin City Smashburger and Smashchicken sandwich to JDRF. “We are pleased to partner with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to create awareness about this disease and help generate funds to further the JDRF mission,” said Smashburger Founder Tom Ryan.
JDRF is the worldwide leader for research to cure type one diabetes. Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with type one diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than $1.5 billion to diabetes research, including $107 million last year. It is with the help of donors like Smashburger that they are able to contribute so much to the cause. That’s the kind of charity we can sink our teeth into. For more info, visit www.jdrf.org or www.smashburger.com.
Humana Crafters for Charity
Humana Crafters for Charity have been hard at work warming the hearts and bodies of veterans and children undergoing cancer treatment. The group, consisting of eight women, is diverse in age and skill level, but the one thing they all share is a love of giving back to the community through crafting. On December 20th and 21st they showed their true mosaic of talent and altruistic colors by making two donations of their handy-work.
To the VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System, they donated 42 hand-made blankets, 19 hats, 18 scarves and a quilt featuring an original poem commemorating the anniversary of 9/11. VA Southern Nevada Healthcare System is an organization that provides health care services to more than 35,000 veterans yearly.
As for the children? Quilter Carol Hoyt, age 70, crafted eight blankets for oncology patients at Sunrise Children’s Hospital. Each blanket featured embroidered jokes and riddles in English and Spanish that Hoyt hopes will “brighten the day of children undergoing cancer treatments as much as my day is brightened by working with others…on these quilts.” It’s enough to give you the warm and fuzzies just thinking about it. For information on the Humana Guidance Center in Henderson, or to join the crafters, call 269-5200.
Maddux/Harmon Celebrity International
Indeed, million dollar business deals have been made on the golf course. With the Greg Maddux-Butch Harmon Invitational, however, it’s not so much business as usual as big time charity for a good cause. A long-time Vegas resident, Greg Maddux formed the Gregg Maddux Foundation to quietly raise funds and awareness for several worthy Las Vegas charities. In 2001, Maddux teamed up with fellow Las Vegas resident, accomplished PGA player and golf instructor Butch Harmon to hold the Maddux/Harmon Celebrity Invitational.
Since its inception, the celebrity invitational has been bringing world-class athletes and entertainers to Las Vegas to compete in the golf tournament, not to mention raise much needed funds for local charities. This year’s event was held on October 23rd-25th at the Spanish Trail Golf and Country Club. The 2010 invitational turned out to be a benchmark for the celebrity duo’s endeavors, pushing the benefit tally to over $1 million.
“This is what it’s all about for me,” says Maddux. “This is our home and we are thrilled to have an event that can continue to support local charities and our community.” Boys and Girls Clubs, Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer and Child Haven are among the benefactors for the 2010 event. Visit www.eventiausa.com/lvci/index.asp to learn more about the Maddux Foundation.
Bank of America Charitable Foundation and Three Square
Three Square Food Bank was established to end hunger in the valley by providing wholesome, nutritious food to nonprofit organizations in Southern Nevada. Alone, their efforts have been valiant with far reaching effects; by joining forces with other charitable organizations, their impact is even greater. Their Wall of Fame, filled with stars representing the contributions of these partners in philanthropy, shines brighter each day.
Recently, a new gold star was added in recognition of Bank of America’s ongoing support. As part of a $1.1 million donation to Feeding America–a nonprofit dedicated to connecting low-income families with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)–the Bank of America Charitable Foundation presented a $50,000 grant to Three Square.
In Nevada, only 52% of those eligible for SNAP benefits actually receive them. This grant will allow Three Square to increase SNAP outreach and visibility in the community as well as enable more comprehensive application assistance outreach through the Las Vegas Valley and rural Southern Nevada locations. That’s what we like to call a star performance. For more information, visit www.threesquare.org or www.bankofamerica.com/foundation.
American Heroes Challenge
On the big screen, superheroes are a dime a dozen, possessing mysterious powers of flight, webbing and awesome crime-fighting gadgets. In the real world, our heroes have no such sci-fi magic, only carefully honed skills and the courage to put their lives on the line to protect their country and communities. On November 6th and 7th, residents got to see these real heroes in action at the American Heroes Challenge.Held at the Clark County Shooting Park, American Heroes Challenge participants competed in a two-day, multi-stage live fire firearms and tactics competition. Twelve teams of five competed in seven stages including live fire skills test, live fire stress course, post raid search, sniper challenge, tactical shooting team relay, informant contingency rescue and active attacker response and trauma care. Approximately 8,000 people attended the unique event, making it the largest of its kind, as well as the only one to benefit charity.
All proceeds from the event go toward the goal of raising at least $1 million for the construction of the world-class Las Vegas Veterans Memorial, which is designed to honor past, present and future veterans and their families. For more information on the American Heroes Challenge nonprofit organization, visit www.americanheroeschallenge.com.
Making a Difference
Windermere Real Estate
Windermere Real Estate is getting out and doing good with their Community Service Day project. Each year, agents, staff and family members from Windermere’s three Southern Nevada locations join forces to volunteer a full day of work to benefit a project that best serves the needs of the local community. On October 15th, they worked to help HomeAid Southern Nevada’s partner, the WestCare organization, make things a little brighter for at-risk teens.
During this year’s project, the team headed out to the Stepping Stones wing of the WestCare facility, which provides shelter and assistance to the city’s homeless youth. Team members spent the day making the center more comfortable for its teen residents by splashing fresh coats of paint on the walls, replacing old bedding with new linens and assembling dressers for each of the bedrooms.
“Windermere received applications for a number of worthy causes, but the Community Service Day Committee was collectively and immediately drawn to HomeAid’s Stepping Stones project,” said Robyn Yates, vice president of Windermere Services Nevada. “We are honored to align ourselves with this cause and donate our time to brightening the living space at the WestCare facility.” That they did! For more information about the Windermere Community Service Day, visit www.choosewindermere.com.
Make a Difference Day Food Drive
Make a Difference Day has come and gone, and once again it’s made a tremendous impact on the lives of those less fortunate in the Las Vegas community. With the diligent work of philanthropist Mary Vail, OSG, who hosts the event each year, along with the help of some very gracious sponsors, 6,680 lbs of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items were collected during the 12th Annual Food Drive.
As is tradition with the food drive, celebrities and local personalities showed their support for the cause by making appearances, providing contributions and encouraging donations from shoppers. Flamingo headlining Comedian George Wallace, Chippendales’ Men Chaun Thomas and Juan DeAngelo, Author Joe Vassallo, FOX-5’s Morning News team Dave Hall, Heidi Hayes and Ted Pretty, MORE Show Producer/Host Maria Silva, Marche Bacchus Executive Chef Jean Paul Labadie and ABC-KTNV TV-13 Morning News Anchor Casey Smith rounded out the hefty list of celebrity supporters.
Smith’s Food & Drug has proudly been the host site for the food drive all 12 years. In addition to hosting, they also provide a generous donation. This year, their contribution was a $1000 gift card. To date, the yearly food drive has collected over 40,600 lbs of nonperishable food and personal hygiene items. That’s a lot of bragging rights. For more information, visit www.maryvailpublicist.com.
9037 Salon
Picture this: the faces of young boys and girls beaming with excitement after receiving free haircuts. Not just any young children, but those who have been left to care for themselves and wouldn’t otherwise have the means of getting a professional haircut. It’s a pretty picture in so many ways, and those children have 9037 Salon to thank for that little bit of luxury so many of us take for granted.
On November 1st, stylists at 9037 Salon volunteered their day to provide haircuts and styles to members of the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas. Each child took a turn sitting in the styling chairs to receive a professional haircut and style. “To be able to be a part of these kids’ lives and to make a positive impression on them was such a great experience,” remarked Lyle Malapit, a 9037 Salon stylist. “To see their huge smiles after they got their hair styled was so touching.”
9037 Salon chose to partner with the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas because they believe in their mission to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens. For more info about 9037 Salon, contact Amberly Hagen at 570-7108. For info on the Boys and Girls Club of Las Vegas, call 367-5282.
The Rat Pack is Back!
The Rat Pack is Back! and sweeter than ever with their Candyman promotion. The melodic cast and producer, Dick Feeney, launched the “Candyman” promotion at the end of September for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In conjunction with the annual Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation’s Haunted Hotel Halloween Bash, patrons were asked to bring candy to The Rat Pack is Back’s nightly show. Frank, Sammy and Joey visited the Halloween carnival and entertained the children as they passed out collected candy.
Continuing their support of Candlelighters, The Rat Pack is Back! donated $10 to the foundation for every guest who mentioned “candy” when calling or visiting the Box Office to purchase tickets for their November 18th show at the Plaza Hotel and Casino.
“We are grateful to the entire cast of The Rat Pack is Back! for choosing Candlelighters as the beneficiary for the Candyman promotion,” said Melissa Cipriano, Executive Director of Candlelighters. “Community partnerships are so important to us, not only to help raise awareness for childhood cancer, but also to help raise much needed funding for an important cause.” That important cause is to provide emotional, educational and financial assistance to alleviate isolation, uncertainty and loneliness felt by families facing childhood cancer. For more info, visit www.candlelightersnv.org.
