Henry’s Place Foundation
Metro Sergeant Henry Prendes was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call in 2006. Since then, Sergeant Prendes’ widow Dawn has helped honor her husband’s sacrifice and dedication to his job and community through Henry’s Place Foundation, which recently held its 7th Annual Henry Prendes Charity Golf Classic at SouthShore Golf Club.
All told, the event raised $16,000 for Henry’s Place, a camp facility for underprivileged local youth currently being developed in Cedar City, Utah. Highlights from the evening included a cocktail walk sponsored by Southern Wine & Spirits, a zip line sponsored in part by the MonteLago Village Association and a benefit concert featuring live entertainment. The Foundation will also donate partial proceeds to the Injured Police Officers Fund on behalf of Officer David Vanbuskirk, who recently sacrificed his life in the line of duty. Officer Vanbuskirk was also honored at the event with the “Golf Balls from Heaven” fundraiser, where a Metro Search & Rescue helicopter dropped 1,000 pre-numbered, pre-sold golf balls over the green.
“Through the continuous support of our community, we are finally able to turn our dream into a reality when we break ground on the camp site in October,” said Dawn Prendes. “I am truly grateful for Sheriff Gillespie and Metro’s involvement, all the golfers who participated, the generous donations of so many local businesses and the media who help us promote our efforts.”
For more information on Henry’s Place Foundation, visit www.henrysplace.org.
Professional Firefighters of Nevada & The Public Education Foundation
Education is one of the most worthy causes in Southern Nevada, particularly when we are facing a drastic high school dropout rate. Fortunately, we have generous organizations such as the Professional Firefighters of Nevada (PFFN) whose recent donation to the Public Education Foundation will help foster their continuing mission to improve classroom life across the board.
PFFN’s recent donation of $10,000 will help provide scholarships for Nevada students thanks to the organization’s longstanding partnership with the Public Education Foundation. They weren’t the only ones feeling generous, either. The North Las Vegas Professional Fire Fighters, the Las Vegas Professional Fire Fighters, and Henderson Professional Firefighters all made donations as well, bringing the grand total to $19,000 in scholarships. Working with teachers, administrators, community organizations and local citizens, the Public Education Foundation will use the scholarships to help get students back on the right track and help our schools find better standing.
Rusty McAllister, president of the PFFN, is proud of the donations. “It is a great feeling knowing the money we have raised is going back to such a worthy organization and cause,” McAllister said. “Education is so important, and it is through scholarships like these that many students are able to go on to college.” Those opportunities may be few and far between for some kids, but the Public Education Foundation and its firefighter partners are striving to help improve those odds.
For more information on the Public Education Foundation, visit www.ccpef.org.
Chapman Chrysler Jeep Ram & Lights 4 Love
In any emergency medical situation, a quick response time can mean the difference between life and death. Lights 4 Love is hoping to make that response time faster by donating special red light bulbs that can help signal paramedics and other first responders. Thanks to a generous gift from Chapman Chrysler Jeep Ram, those lights of hope will keep on shining for those who need them.
Lights 4 Love founder James Bryant was inspired to create the nonprofit when he was diagnosed with late stage emphysema and COPD and forced to rely on hospice care at home. His caregivers were able to find his condo complex but often unable to find his unit, forcing James to have to flag them down in his weakened condition. Then he had a (literally) bright idea. He placed a bright red light bulb in his patio light fixture as a means of signaling his caregivers. Since then, Lights 4 Love has donated red light bulbs to heart and cancer patients, hospice patients, first responders, EMTs, firefighters and more to help ensure a timely response for emergency care.
Chapman Chrysler Jeep Dodge has helped to further the cause through a generous gift. Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen and members of the Henderson Fire Department were on hand when the car dealership presented Lights 4 Love with a $2,000 donation to help keep the program going, giving peace of mind to critical care patients throughout our entire community.
For more information on Lights 4 Love, visit www.lights4love.org.
Golden Rainbow’s “Ribbon of Life”
Men, women and children living with HIV and AIDS face a constant uphill battle against an unforgiving enemy. Here in Southern Nevada, Golden Rainbow has long been one of their greatest allies, offering housing, direct financial assistance and great fundraisers like the 27th Annual “Ribbon of Life” held this past June at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts.
This year’s stellar lineup included Grammy winner Jon Secada, Michael Grimm from America’s Got Talent, Clint Holmes, The Las Vegas Tenors, cast members from some of the biggest shows on the Las Vegas Strip and more. TV personality Chris Saldana and Edie of Cirque du Soleil’s Zumanity served as hosts for the grand affair, which also included tributes to artists such as Elvis Presley and The Beatles and films such as Dirty Dancing and Funny Girl. Golden Rainbow also hosted a silent auction with exclusive prizes that included tickets to Las Vegas shows, dinner at some of the best local restaurants and getaways to premier destinations. The celebration continued at Mingo Kitchen & Lounge with an after party honoring the show’s great success.
Proceeds from last year’s show helped provide 8,184 nights of shelter, 527 days of utility assistance, over one thousand days of transportation and medical and dental assistance to more than 500 households. This year’s take of over $152,000 should go a long way toward helping Golden Rainbow continue its charitable work for those facing such a difficult road ahead.
For more information on Golden Rainbow, visit www.goldenrainbow.org.
United Way of Southern Nevada & DT|LV Dynamos
Downtown Las Vegas has undergone a transformation in recent years, shedding its old image in a dynamic display of urban renewal. United Way of Southern Nevada is offering local residents the chance to be a part of the revolution by serving as volunteer DT|LV Dynamos, helpful heroes of downtown Las Vegas who will function as ultimate ambassadors for the revived scene.
DT|LV Dynamos will receive training to earn their stripes and will learn all about downtown so that they can give directions, answer questions, provide recommendations or assistance and much more to locals and visitors alike. As leaders in the urban renaissance, DT|LV Dynamos will be doing everything they can to help make anyone’s visit to downtown Las Vegas more enjoyable. DT|LV Dynamos will also have the opportunity to participate in DT|LV Dynamo Days, transforming city blocks with “clean-ups” meant to improve local business conditions, safety and morale while giving children and families a wonderful place to escape and bond.
“United Way’s work in health, education and financial stability has been supporting the residents and the visitors of downtown for years,” said Cass Palmer, United Way of Southern Nevada President and CEO. “By catalyzing community efforts, we are supporting the creative thinkers and unique businesses while helping to continue the integral history of downtown.”
For more information on United Way and DT|LV Dynamos, visit www.uwsn.org/dynamos.
Freedom Friday
With the 4th of July on the horizon, it’s important to think of our fighting men and women who help keep our country free. Unfortunately, when veterans of our armed forces return from overseas, they often have trouble finding ways to support themselves and their families. Local dentist Todd Newton has sought to give these struggling soldiers a hand up by putting together Freedom Friday, which provides comprehensive dental care to unemployed veterans thanks to an initiative enacted by Newton’s equal partners Warm Springs Dental and Anthem Village Dental.
Since its inception a year ago, Freedom Friday has treated and/or completely restored the neglected mouths of sixteen returned Clark County veterans, an emotional experience for both the veterans and the dental team at Freedom Friday. The program seeks to provide extraordinary care that these recipients would not normally receive from the VA system, free from the endless red tape that can put a frustrating hold on important services. Veterans have received everything from root canals to dentures to extractions, all of it pro bono thanks to the generous efforts of Todd Newton and his colleagues. In today’s economic times, the complimentary care has been a godsend and improved lives through bright and shining smiles.
To help achieve his goal, Newton reached out and got full commitments from twelve specialists and/or suppliers to help provide resources for his efforts, including Anthem Periodontics, Nevada Oral Facial Surgeons, Invisalign and more. He was also fortunate enough to make connections with local organizations America Helping Heroes and the Urban League of Las Vegas who helped Newton and his team connect with the veterans who so desperately needed their care.
Ever the optimist, Newton hopes to see the program catch on and grow into something larger so that unemployed veterans across the country can experience the same kind of care. Newton’s generous spirit and sense of compassion are certainly large enough to make a strong impression on people in every walk of life. With that kind of inspiration on display, it would not be surprising to see other generous souls stepping up to the plate and helping some of our more downtrodden veterans find the smiles they need to gain the confidence that leads to success.
If you know an unemployed Clark County veteran who is in need of dental care, please contact either Angela Alegna at America Helping Heroes (www.americahelpingheroes.org) or Karen Lewis at the Las Vegas Urban League (www.lasvegasurbanleague.org). Veterans must qualify through one of these organizations to participate in the program.
For more information on Freedom Friday, visit www.freedomfriday.org.
Making a Difference
Dr. David Mason & Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center
Shelter dogs often face a more difficult life than many other four legged friends as many of them typically have a history of abuse, neglect and serious health problems. Thanks to the noble efforts of Dr. David Mason, a practicing partner at the Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty center, an aptly named, year-and-a-half old Shih Tzu mix named Chance is getting a new lease on life.
When Chance met Dr. Mason, he was suffering from a birth defect that made it difficult to walk and exercise. Already a “tripod dog” due to a crippled front leg, he needed surgery to help restore mobility to his back legs. Thanks to Dr. Mason’s pro-bono work, Chance has returned to “tripod” status with full use of three legs and is expected to make a full recovery. The brave canine was even able to compete this past April at Best in Show, The Animal Foundation’s annual dog show and fundraising event, where adoptable and adorable shelter dogs compete to win hearts and new homes. Chance was fortunate enough to capture some attention and found a loving family to care for him.
“As a special needs dog, we realized that Chance’s best opportunity for adoption would be during Best in Show,” said Dr. Mason. “We were happy to contribute to this year’s event by giving this special dog another chance at a normal life.”
For more information on The Animal Foundation, visit www.animalfoundation.com
Henderson International School
Suffering from a serious heart condition is difficult for anyone, but even more so for children, who don’t always get the care and resources they need to fight back. The American Heart Association has dedicated itself to raising life saving donations to help provide these children with a better life, and they got a big boost recently from Henderson International School.
A private preschool through eighth grade college preparatory school, Henderson International School recently announced a $23,112.08 donation to the American Heart Association. The funds were collected through the Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart programs, where students raised money through pledges they collected from family and community members this past March. The programs enabled students to help out during physical education classes at school, where they jumped rope and shot basketballs to raise much needed funds for children with heart disease. Giving is nothing new for Henderson International School, as they are ranked as one of the top schools in the nation for both online and overall donations.
The donation was presented to Shelly Belland, youth marketing director of the American Heart Association, while Henderson International School Headmaster Seth Ahlborn also honored the students who helped raise the much needed funds. “Thank you so much for all your hard work,” Ahlborn said. “Everything you did for Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart will really make a difference in a lot of people’s lives.”
For more information about the American Heart Association, visit www.heart.org.
Heather Marianna
The epidemic of homeless youth is a problem that has long existed in Las Vegas, one that requires important resources to help young people overcome adversity and build new lives for themselves. The Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY) has always sought to help with this endeavor, and they recently got a hand up from a fashionable and dedicated individual.
Heather Marianna, beauty guru and host of the popular Beauty Kitchen YouTube video channel, held a barbecue this past May to coincide with a life skills class at NPHY. Marianna spent time with the young adults at the organization, teaching them how to make their own soaps, a skill that the group’s teens and young adults could actually take with them and utilize when away from the NPHY’s William Fry Drop-In Center. Marianna also grilled up burgers and brats for the event, offering the young attendees not only good food to go along with the class but also a sense of bonding and togetherness that is often foreign to those dealing with homelessness.
Marianna’s efforts to reach out to the local young homeless population through NPHY have not only helped to teach the youth important life skills, but her spirit and dedication also show a strong sense of community and caring that help to give homeless youth the lift up they desperately need.
For more information on Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, visit www.nphy.org.
Las Vegas Corvettes Association
Metro Sergeant Henry Prendes was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call in 2006. Touched by his sacrifice, the Las Vegas Corvettes Association (LVCA) offered their support to Henry’s Place Foundation, a group formed by Sergeant Prendes’ widow Dawn to help honor her husband’s commitment and dedication to his job and community.
The LVCA is the largest group of Corvette enthusiasts in Las Vegas, and they take great pride in their annual fundraising efforts. Each year, members and friends attend a Las Vegas Wranglers hockey game and donate a portion of their group ticket sales to Henry’s Place. Earlier this month, the LVCA joined with several members of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department to purchase 130 tickets and donated $1,000 to the nonprofit. This was the highest single amount raised over the last five years. Since the LVCA began supporting Henry’s Place, they have raised $4,200 in total donations. The money will go toward establishing a youth camp in Henry’s honor.
“I am so grateful for the on-going support we receive from the Las Vegas Corvettes Association each year,” said Dawn Prendes. “It’s a fun way to honor Henry’s memory and work toward the camp becoming a reality. I always look forward to our night with the Wranglers and, of course, making next year’s group game night even bigger and better.”
For more information on Henry’s Place Foundation, visit www.henrysplace.org.
Making a Difference – Make-A-Wish Foundation & Sky Combat Ace
This time last year, Kiran was undergoing chemotherapy for bone cancer. But now, thanks to the efforts of Make-A-Wish and Sky Combat Ace, this young adrenaline junkie’s dream of flying an aerobatic airplane came true this past March as he took to the skies over the desert.
Just in time for his sixteenth birthday, Kiran traveled all the way from New York for the first time in his life to have his wish granted right here in Las Vegas. He was taken on the thrill ride of a lifetime by the expert stunt pilots at Sky Combat Ace, Nevada’s only civilian aerial combat training center. The exhilarating experience sent Kiran soaring 3,000 feet above Nevada’s desert playground and put him behind the controls as he competed in an aerial dogfight against his mom and cousins at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour. For a young man suffering through the trials of cancer, it was truly a chance for him to fly high above the challenges of his illness.
Make-A-Wish has been dedicated to bringing the dreams of children with life threatening illnesses to life. Thanks to some help from Sky Combat Ace, they were able to launch one young man off into the wild blue yonder for a trip he’ll never forget.
For more information on Make-A-Wish, visit www.wish.org.
Making a Difference
Generation Vegas
Education is one of the most important things in any child’s life, and having easy access to books and library resources is a big part of the learning process. Thanks to a generous gift from Generation Vegas this past February, students at Mabel Hoggard Elementary School received an impressive enhancement to their library that will continue to make improvements in education.
Hundreds of updated, nonfiction books were added to the library as part of the upgrade, which is sure to help open up a whole new world of learning for the students. The Hoggard library dedication is the first of several upcoming library enhancements at public schools in Clark County funded by a $50,000 donation made by Generation Vegas to The Public Education Foundation last December. Founded in 2012, Generation Vegas is a new organization that has been working to ensure a brighter future for today’s youth. Their mission is to make the Las Vegas valley a better place for future generations through education, leadership and community. Donations such as the library enhancement are the first step toward building better education.
“As business owners and as parents raising our children here, working to improve the educational experience in Las Vegas is important to us,” said Emily Morris, president of the Generation Vegas Board of Directors and Managing Partner of MorrisMadsen. “We are thrilled that as a new organization, we are able to help in such a significant way.”
For more information on Generation Vegas, visit www.generationvegas.org.
Tronox
As part of the 2013 Solar Decathlon, the student-run UNLV Solar Decathlon Team will have the opportunity to design, plan, construct and maintain a prototype house in the Mojave Desert, taking advantage of renewable resources to create a self reliant dwelling. Thanks to local electrolytic chemical manufacturer Tronox and some other neighborhood businesses, the team received some much needed donations to help them achieve their mission.
Tronox, along with ten community partners, donated construction tools to the UNLV Solar Decathlon Team on Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at the Paradise Campus. Gift cards to Lowe’s and The Home Depot were also part of the contribution to help fulfill any future need for supplies. The Henderson-based Tronox donated funding and also facilitated additional donations by reaching out to their vendors and suppliers asking for their support of the project. Additional donors included Gibson Construction, Urban Jungle Contractors, Bearing Belt Chain, Silver Dollar Recycling, Grove Madsen Industries and many more. Their time, efforts and dedication helped to provide a huge push to the Solar Decathlon Team to keep the project moving forward.
“This is an exceptional project,” said Rick Stater, Henderson Plant Manager for Tronox, “and it is our pleasure to donate to such a deserving group of students. Without the help of our partners, we would not have been able to fulfill all of their tool needs, so I would like to personally thank all of them for their support.”
For more information on Tronox, visit www.tronox.com.
