Making a Difference – Massage Envy
The crippling effects of arthritis are felt by millions of adults and hundreds of thousands of children each year. Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation share a common understanding of both the disease’s drastic consequences and the potential for massage therapy to help alleviate its symptoms. Through their second annual Healing Hands for Arthritis event, Massage Envy helped to further the Arthritis Foundation’s mission to prevent, control and cure the affliction.
During the one day event, Massage Envy donated ten dollars from every massage and facial to the Arthritis Foundation, raising more than $12,000 at their twelve clinics in Las Vegas and nearly $680,000 nationwide. Murad, Massage Envy Spa’s exclusive skin care partner, also donated ten percent of all sales from their products sold at Massage Envy Spa Locations to the Arthritis Foundation. In addition, Massage Envy serves as a national sponsor of the foundation’s annual Arthritis Walk, where Massage Envy owners from around the country share information about the benefits of massage therapy and help support the Arthritis Foundation’s cause.
“The support we received from our local community for Healing Hands for Arthritis was incredible,” said Steve Cook, Massage Envy’s regional developer for Arizona and Las Vegas. By joining together, Massage Envy and the Arthritis Foundation have each done a huge part to help provide relief and improve the lives of all those suffering from this debilitating burden.
For more information on the Arthritis Foundation, visit www.arthritis.org.
Making a Difference
Martin Lawrence Galleries
Trauma care is one of the most important services a community can provide to its citizens, particularly for those suffering from burn injuries. If these resources don’t operate efficiently, it can mean the difference between life and death. Thanks to a generous gift from Martin Lawrence Galleries, patients at UMC’s Trauma and Burn Care Center will continue to have a fighting chance.
Located inside The Forum Shops at Caesars, Martin Lawrence Galleries is one of the world’s largest privately owned galleries, and their recent donation shows their commitment to helping the lives of others. The gallery recently presented representatives from UMC’s Trauma and Burn Care Center with a check for $5,669, a donation gathered through proceeds from ticket sales and a raffle from the recent “Art of the Party” gala hosted inside the impressive location. Furthering the partnership between the two organizations, a portion of proceeds raised through sales at a public art auction held on September 29th also went to support the life saving work of the Trauma and Burn Care Center, which is Nevada’s only Level One trauma facility.
The worlds of fine art and emergency medicine don’t often collide, but thanks to the giving people at Martin Lawrence Galleries, UMC’s Trauma and Burn Care Center will continue to provide attentive, state of the art care for those suffering from unforeseen tragedies.
For more information on Martin Lawrence Galleries, visit www.martinlawrence.com.
Winder Farms, Mac King & The Public Education Foundation
We’re always told that reading is fundamental, but students at Gordon M. McCaw Elementary School learned just how fun it can be as well. The school received a special treat on October 16th as Winder Farms, comedy magician Mac King and The Public Education Foundation surprised them with a visit that included lots of new and used books and a generous monetary donation.
The visit marked the culmination of the Second Annual Delivering Magic Book Drive, which has provided local public elementary schools with much needed funds and books. Winder Farms customers donated books and were rewarded with free tickets to Mac King’s Comedy Magic Show along with the chance to help direct money toward the public elementary school of their choice. McCaw Elementary received a donation of $2,500 as part of a special assembly that featured a performance by King, who delighted the crowd with magic tricks and spoke about the importance of reading. Winder Farms representatives were also on hand to pass out fresh fruit and chocolate milk, and students were able to meet “Mookie” the Winder Farms mascot.
For students across the valley, the importance of literacy will always be paramount. Thanks to help from people such as Mac King and groups like Winder Farms and The Public Education Foundation, local children will continue to experience all the wonder books have to offer.
For more information on the Public Education Foundation, visit www.thepef.org.
Making A Difference – Freed’s Bakery
Freed’s Bakery has been providing tasty treats to people all across the valley for many years, baking cakes, cookies and other confections to satisfy any sweet tooth. But Freed’s has also been deeply involved in the community, spending as much time engaging in important charity work as they do in crafting their delectable desserts.
This past September, Freed’s hosted a special promotion called A Drive for Danny, a charity effort to benefit longtime employee Danny O’Briant, who is recovering from an auto-immune disorder that has limited the use of his hands, feet, arms and legs. O’Briant has worked for Freed’s since 1977, starting out cleaning the shop and working his way up to head baker in just a few short years. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the bakery’s cupcake sales went towards helping O’Briant and his family pay for physical, occupational and speech therapies at local medical facilities. All told, Freed’s sold more than 3,000 cupcakes at $1 per item and also received nearly $500 in additional donations from customers moved by O’Briant’s courageous story.
“We are touched by the outpour of communal support for Danny,” said Max Jacobson-Fried, owner and operator of Freed’s Bakery. “We will certainly be creating other opportunities at the bakery for the community to donate to Danny’s rehabilitation.”
For more information on Freed’s Bakery, visit www.freedsbakery.com.
Making a Difference – Tronox
Engineering students are growing up to change the face of technology, an endeavor to which the students of Basic High School’s Robotics Team clearly aspire. Thanks to a generous donation from Henderson company Tronox, this enterprising young group continues making strides toward new innovations.
The Basic High School Robotics Team teaches students the engineering components of robotics and how to build robots through advanced production methods. Tronox recently contributed a $5,000 donation to benefit the team and has also asked engineering leaders from its Henderson plant to help mentor participants. A global leader in the production and marketing of titanium products, Tronox has made numerous contributions to local schools and charities over the years.
“We are grateful to have Tronox as a community sponsor and partner of the team,” says Mark Reed, head of the Robotics Team. “It is through partnerships like these that we can foster educational growth in our students, and it is something we wouldn’t otherwise have the funding for.” Rick Stater, Henderson Plant Manager for Tronox, added, “We are proud to be contributing to such an admirable cause. At Tronox, we place a particularly high level of importance on helping to fund educational extracurricular efforts.”
Thanks to the giving spirit of local companies such as Tronox, students from southern Nevada high schools will continue to excel and make progress toward a better future for everyone, turning good will and generosity into results that can change the world.
For more information on Tronox, visit www.tronox.com.
Making a Difference
Polar Shades Sun Control and Henderson Professional Firefighters & Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association
As the fall season returns and kids head back to school, many will do so without the necessary clothes and supplies needed to make it through the year. HopeLink of Southern Nevada’s Back 2 School Drive, held this past summer, set out to change that with help from some generous donations.
Since 1991, HopeLink of Southern Nevada has strived to provide support for the working poor in the community. Since then, it has grown from an all volunteer group to having a full time staff of thirteen. As part of their mission to help the needy, HopeLink hosts the annual “Back 2 School” fundraising event to encourage local residents and organizations to donate school supplies and outfits to economically challenged students for the upcoming school year. And thanks to selfless donors such as Polar Shades Sun Control and the members of the Henderson Professional Firefighters and Henderson Firefighters Benevolent Association (HFBA), the school year is already looking brighter for disadvantaged students across the valley.
Polar Shades Sun Control donated $250 worth of supplies to the Back 2 School program this year. The supplies were delivered to the HopeLink office by representatives Lynn Groesbeck and Steve Mevius, owner of Polar Shades, a family owned small manufacturer that supplies retractable sun shades worldwide. “It is an honor to be able to give back to the community,” says Mevius, “especially children in need of supplies for the upcoming school year. As a profitable small business owner in Henderson, I believe it is important to give to those who are going through financial hardships during these tough economic times.” Karen Kyger, Executive Director of HopeLink added, “We are grateful to have businesses like Polar Shades who understand the importance of our program and are willing to donate supplies.”
Another charitable donation of $500 was given through a joint effort by the Henderson Professional Firefighters and the HFBA, with the gift once again being personally delivered to HopeLink by members of both organizations. Community service remains a key component of the Henderson Professional Firefighters as they continue to fundraise and donate directly to nonprofit groups throughout the valley, including the American Red Cross, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Henderson Boys and Girls Club, Safe Nest and many more. The HFBA is primarily focused on providing charitable assistance to its members and local charities and was pleased for the opportunity to participate in HopeLink’s fundraiser as well.
School should be a fun and educational experience for all children, not a stressful time where less fortunate kids are forced to struggle with basic needs. Thanks to help from Polar Shades Sun Control, the Henderson Professional Firefighters and the HFBA, the dream of making school a rewarding experience for all children is coming true through the dedication of HopeLink.
For more information on HopeLink of Southern Nevada, visit www.link2hope.org.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort & Spring Mountains Volunteer Association
The Spring Mountains National Recreation Area, better known to locals as Mount Charleston, is one of southern Nevada’s greatest outdoor resources. Thanks to a recent donation from the Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort (LVSSR), the local nonprofit Spring Mountains Volunteer Association (SMVA) will continue its mission to preserve and improve the area’s environment.
Working in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the SMVA manages the construction and maintenance of trails and assists the Forest Service with its educational programs such as litter awareness and clean up, not to mention fire prevention. This year’s annual Festival in the Pines, held this past August at the LVSSR, helped raise $2,000 for SMVA. This is the largest donation SMVA has received in the 21-year history of the event, which was created as a fundraiser to support the nonprofit. Guests who attended the festival enjoyed arts and crafts from local vendors, live entertainment, scenic chairlift rides, a visit from U.S. Forest Service mascot Smokey Bear and more. Funds were raised via a prize raffle with additional proceeds coming from food and beverage sales and chairlift rides.
“Spring Mountains Volunteer Association plays a critical role in maintaining and preserving the beauty of this area,” says Kevin Stickelman, LVSSR president and general manager. “We are thrilled to be able to bring the community together to celebrate and support SMVA’s efforts.”
For more information on the Spring Mountains Volunteer Association, visit www.smva.info.
Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing & Catholic Charities
The sweltering heat in Las Vegas can sometimes be too much to bear, especially for our more elderly residents. With triple digit temperatures often carrying over into September, it’s important for seniors to have functioning air conditioning in their homes. Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing has teamed up with Catholic Charities to make this important issue a priority.
This past summer, Yes! launched its Yes! Cares Senior Program, a community outreach effort offering support and resources to seniors throughout the valley. As part of the program, Yes! technicians have visited homes to change air filters and program thermostats free of charge. Last month, Catholic Charities helped arrange a visit from Yes! for 77-year-old Peggy Hart, who has found it difficult to keep up with daily housework following surgery to fix a broken rib. Peggy and many seniors across the valley sincerely appreciate the efforts of Yes! and Catholic Charities to assist struggling elderly residents so that they can remain healthy and independent.
For many local seniors, getting through the routine of day to day life can be difficult enough under normal circumstances. Throw in a broken air conditioner in triple digit weather and things can literally become a life or death situation. Thankfully, Yes! Air Conditioning and Plumbing and Catholic Charities are doing all they can to help keep things cool.
For more information on the Yes! Cares Senior Program, visit www.theyesmancan.com.
Colliers International – Las Vegas & Links for Life Foundation
Golfing is a way of life for many residents of Las Vegas, but it’s also a fantastic way to raise money for a good cause. That’s exactly what commercial real estate company Colliers International – Las Vegas did this past May when they hosted their 17th Annual Links for Life golf tournament to help benefit various local children’s charities.
Held at the Las Vegas Country Club golf course, the theme of this year’s tournament was “Old Vegas, Baby!” Approximately 130 “goodfellas” took to the course to help raise money for the Links for Life Foundation, the nonprofit giving project of Colliers International, which supports various children’s charities in Southern Nevada. All told, the tournament raised $54,000, just a part of the more than $2 million raised for regional charities by the Links for Life tournament since its inception in 1993. Local organizations such as Three Square Food Bank, Candlelighters, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, Aid for AIDS of Nevada and many more have all benefitted from the generosity of the Links for Life Foundation.
“The Links for Life golf tournament has become one of Southern Nevada’s most anticipated charity events,” said Mike Mixer, managing partner of Colliers International – Las Vegas. “The proceeds from this year’s tournament will help us continue our ongoing support to various children’s charities throughout the valley.”
For more information on Links for Life Foundation, visit www.linksforlifefoundation.org.
The Ogden Foundation & LA Boxing
Providing sports programs and nutritional education to at-risk youth is one of the best ways to help the fight against childhood obesity. That’s the mission of The Ogden Foundation, who recently teamed up with LA Boxing to help raise money and awareness for this worthy cause.
On June 30th, LA Boxing Anthem hosted “A Fighting Chance,” a boxing charity event with a fight card of 20 contenders fighting to represent their sponsors. Proceeds from the event went to support The Ogden Foundation’s Summer Fitness Camp for children in the Family Promise Program for homeless and low income families. The six-week program offers mentoring by professional athletes and trainers to help children engage in exercise and understand the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. To help provide additional support for the Fitness Camp, The Ogden Foundation and LA Boxing also combined forces to open a fundraising fireworks stand from June 28th to July 4th at LA Boxing Anthem and held a summer sports equipment drive to accept donations of sporting goods to help encourage childhood exercise.
At-risk children don’t have the same opportunities as everyone else and can be more prone to setbacks such as obesity and poor health. Thanks to the efforts of The Ogden Foundation and LA Boxing, there looks to be a brighter and healthier future ahead for local underprivileged kids.
For more information on The Ogden Foundation, visit www.caampogden.com.
Ellie Smith
Bullying is one of the most difficult problems young people face today, be it online or in person. Fifteen-year-old Ellie Smith experienced a significant amount of bullying herself, but she’s turning that experience into something positive by encouraging local kids to find strength within themselves.
Ellie’s “Don’t Let it Get to You” anti-bullying campaign began in the Clark County School District and has been presented to over 50 schools and more than 25,000 students. The program is now being launched nationally to help reach young people across the nation. Ellie talks about her own experiences being bullied and how the intense pressure to be part of the “in crowd” turned other kids against her. By seeking help from her parents and building up her own self-esteem, she was able to move past it, and she’s inspiring kids across the valley to do the same. A talented singer and actress, Ellie even made a music video that she shares with her audience as part of her presentation, reaching out through song to change people’s lives.
Bullying will always be a part of growing up for some kids, but thanks to the efforts of peers such as Ellie Smith, it doesn’t have to be such a long, lonely road for children in Clark County.
For more information on Ellie Smith and “Don’t Let it Get to You,” visit www.elliesmith.com.
