Basch Construction & Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation
Children and families who fall victim to fires often have a long road to recovery ahead of them. In an effort to help alleviate some of their suffering, Basch Construction held its 2nd Annual Golf Classic Tournament to help support the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation.
The tournament was held on June 22nd at Siena Golf Course with firefighters from all departments in Southern Nevada and generous members of the community teeing up and driving down the fairway to benefit the Burn Foundation and its ongoing mission to help the helpless. “The Foundation is a group whose efforts make our communities stronger,” said Jim Baschnagel, owner of Basch Construction. “While fighting fires, firefighters witness burn victims and their families suffer physically and emotionally. Events like the Golf Classic Tournament help generate funds supporting the children and families who have been victims of fires.”
The Foundation hopes to use the funds raised to help send young burn victims to Camp Beyond the Scars, a summer program that gives children who are burn victims a chance to enjoy a positive experience. Since its inception in 1987, the camp has made a difference in the lives of more than 1,600 burned children, placing an emphasis on self esteem and overcoming negativity.
For more information on the Firefighters of Southern Nevada Burn Foundation, visit www.theburnfoundation.org.
Making a Difference
Create a Change Now and Whole Foods Market
Childhood obesity has become a rampant problem in America, but thanks to dedicated organizations such as local nonprofit group Create a Change Now, disadvantaged children in Las Vegas have a brighter and much healthier future ahead of them.
As part of “Community Support Day” this past April 10th, local residents were invited to shop at any Whole Foods Market in Las Vegas, where five percent of the day’s net sales were donated to Create a Change Now. Over $14,000 was raised thanks to the initiative; the funds will be used to help create several fall edible gardens at underserved Las Vegas elementary schools and allow Create a Change Now to instill the tools needed to guide students in planting, nurturing and sustaining their schools’ edible gardens. The organization also helps promote healthy living by partnering with local chefs, who teach students how to prepare and cook the food they harvest.
“We are grateful to all who have helped make this possible and are so excited to create several edible gardens, including one in the name of Whole Foods,” said Candace Maddin, founder of Create a Change Now. “The next generation is what this is all about, and watching a child relish the fruits of their labor is priceless. We cannot thank everyone enough for supporting this effort.”
For more information on Create a Change Now, visit www.createachangenow.org.
Couture for Causes
With such a high dropout rate in Southern Nevada, encouraging kids to stay in school is of particular importance to an organization such as Communities in Schools of Nevada. This past April, the 4th Annual Couture for Causes event brought together more than 400 fashionistas and their families for an afternoon shopping soiree to help support CISN’s mission to help local youth.
Event hosts Bree and Jason Goldwater transformed their ranch into an upscale flea market featuring a fashion tent filled with exquisite garments and accessories donated by local residents and boutique shops, the sale of which helped benefit CISN. The gathering also included a backyard cocktail reception area, a children’s activity corner and a phenomenal array of dining and libation offerings. Chefs from Wynn Las Vegas supplied miniature sliders, edamame, specialty tater tots and sushi, while mixologists from The Cosmopolitan manned a signature Bloody Mary Bar. Entertainment was provided by the talented performers of Wynn’s Le Rêve – The Dream, dancers from the Nevada Ballet Theatre and much more.
All told, the event raised $28,943 for Communities in Schools of Nevada, making this year’s Couture for Causes a great success. CISN hopes to see that same level of accomplishment passed on to students around the valley by fostering a community of support for education.
For more information on Communities in Schools of Nevada, visit www.cisnevada.org.
Making A Difference
Henderson International School
For victims of domestic violence, finding help can sometimes be difficult. Since 1977, those who have suffered domestic abuse in Las Vegas have been able to turn to Safe Nest for support, shelter, advocacy and more. Thanks to a clothing drive held on April 10th by the Henderson International School, Safe Nest received some basic necessities to help those in their care.
The clothing drive, held by students and staff as part of the school’s “Kindness Week,” began with donors dropping off clothes at the school’s campus. Students then arranged the clothes on the football field to spell out the words “Be Kind” for all to see, a stunning visual representation of the power of generosity. In fact, so many clothes were collected during the drive that the words turned out larger than anyone thought they would! The initiative was inspired by the Josh Stevens Foundation, a local charity organization that inspires everyone to take time out to be kind to others.
While some of us may not give a second thought to things like the clothes in our closets, those seeking help from Safe Nest are sure to appreciate the compassion and dedication of the Henderson International School in ensuring that some of their basic needs are provided for.
For more information on how you can help Safe Nest, visit www.safenest.org.
TRONOX LLC
Mining has always been a large part of Nevada’s history, so it’s important for local youth to learn about its heritage as well as the hazards of abandoned mines. This past April, TRONOX LLC sponsored and participated in the McCaw School of Mines Golf Tournament and 15th Annual Dinner and Auction to help show their continued support for the school.
Since the inception of the McCaw School of Mines, which is built on the campus of the Gordon McCaw Elementary School in Henderson, TRONOX LLC has donated equipment to help construct the school’s mine exhibits. One such exhibit features a reproduction of an actual mine designed to educate students about mining and the dangers of abandoned mine entrances. “The McCaw School of Mines gives students an interactive experience to become familiar with Nevada’s mining history and safety initiatives,” says Rick Stater, Henderson Plant Manager for TRONOX LLC. “We look forward to expanding the program through our commitment in continued funding.”
Proceeds from the golf tournament, dinner and auction will go towards the upkeep, maintenance and expansion of the McCaw
School of Mines. Thanks in great part to the charitable contributions of TRONOX LLC, students from around the valley can participate in this hands-on experience and learn more about one of our state’s great legacies.
For more information on the McCaw School of Mines, visit www.mccawschoolofmines.org.
Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour
Entertaining crowds at Harrah’s is only a small part of what comedy magician Mac King enjoys doing. He’s also been finding time to help encourage kids to read with Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour. As part of Nevada Reading Week 2012, Mac made a special visit to five local elementary schools, bringing his message to hundreds of children across the valley.
A longtime supporter of childhood literacy, King held assemblies at each school, where he read short stories to the students, performed tricks from his show and discussed the importance of reading. During his scheduled visits, he hand delivered books collected from book drives held throughout February of this year with the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team, the Springs Preserve, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and the Public Education Foundation. Donations helped benefit Clark County READS, the literacy initiative of the Public Education Foundation. Since its inception in 2011, Mac’s program has collected more than 6,000 books for local elementary school students.
“I’d like to thank the community partners that helped make Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour: Nevada Reading Week 2012 really special,” said King. “I greatly enjoyed sharing the love of reading with my new pals and the enthusiasm was priceless. I look forward to making new pals next year.”
For more information on Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour, visit www.mackingshow.com.
Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Operator Association
McDonald’s may be best known for its Quarter Pounders, Chicken McNuggets and a smiling clown named Ronald, but the Greater Las Vegas McDonald’s Operator Association has proved there’s more to the fast food chain than just hamburgers and fries. This past March, the Association presented a check awarding over $10,000 to the local winners of the MAC Grants.
Southern Nevada teachers were in stiff competition when they applied for a number of MAC Grants from the home of the Golden Arches. This special program is designed to “Make Activities Count” for students and teachers, helping to raise money for distinctive, hands on projects that classes would like to do but often lack the money to fund. Teachers submit applications along with a project description and proposed budget, and final selections are made based on those that offer the most unique and exceptional learning experience. Grants were awarded to elementary and middle schools across the valley in amounts up to $500 for programs and items such as books, fitness equipment, science kits, musical instruments and much more.
“It’s a great way to support our schools and to show our commitment to kids’ education,” says Tom Arlt, President of the local McDonald’s Owner/Operator Association. “It’s amazing to hear about some of the great projects the teachers and kids are involved with.”
Chenin Orthodontics
The problem with old formal wear is that it rarely serves more than a single purpose. Prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses and other types of elegant clothing are often worn once and then left to hang in the closet to collect dust and take up space. Thanks to Chenin Orthodontics, those forgotten fancy duds are getting new life and giving others something to smile about.
Project Prom Dress, a charity drive spearheaded by Chenin Orthodontics, collected gently worn evening gowns, formal wear and accessories throughout the month of March. Along with help from the Clark County School District, Chenin donated the gowns and accessories to needy high school students throughout the Las Vegas area, giving many a chance to attend their prom or other formal occasion. The donations were made in conjunction with the Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE), an initiative that provides critical support services for the ever growing number of homeless students in Southern Nevada. No stranger to giving back, Chenin has also participated in toy drives, candy buy back programs and many other charity services.
While Chenin Orthodontics may specialize in bringing brighter smiles to people’s faces through their dental practice, they’re also changing lives with their generous efforts in the community, making prom dreams come true for less fortunate young ladies across the valley.
Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour
Entertaining crowds at Harrah’s is only a small part of what comedy magician Mac King enjoys doing. He’s also been finding time to help encourage kids to read with Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour. As part of Nevada Reading Week 2012, Mac made a special visit to five local elementary schools, bringing his message to hundreds of children across the valley.
A longtime supporter of childhood literacy, King held assemblies at each school, where he read short stories to the students, performed tricks from his show and discussed the importance of reading. During his scheduled visits, he hand delivered books collected from book drives held throughout February of this year with the Las Vegas Wranglers hockey team, the Springs Preserve, Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada and the Public Education Foundation. Donations helped benefit Clark County READS, the literacy initiative of the Public Education Foundation. Since its inception in 2011, Mac’s program has collected more than 6,000 books for local elementary school students.
“I’d like to thank the community partners that helped make Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour: Nevada Reading Week 2012 really special,” said King. “I greatly enjoyed sharing the love of reading with my new pals and the enthusiasm was priceless. I look forward to making new pals next year.”
For more information on Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour, visit www.mackingshow.com.
Smiles for Survivors Foundation
Forty percent of all cancer patients suffer debilitating oral side effects as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments. With medical bills piling up, many can’t afford to pay for dental work. That’s what inspired Summerlin based dentist Dr. Olya Banchik to create Smiles for Survivors Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of cancer’s impact on oral health and providing dental treatment to breast cancer patients and survivors.
Smiles for Survivors held the Smile in Style benefit on February 23rd at Neiman Marcus as a kickoff to the store’s annual Beauty Week. The evening included a cocktail hour with beauty clinics and makeovers, along with a Spring 2012 fashion trends presentation and raffle that included gifts donated by Laura Mercier, Bobbi Brown, Lancome and Yves Saint Laurent. More than 100 people attended, raising nearly $7,000 to support the nonprofit’s mission.
As Dr. Banchik continues her mission to improve the quality of life for women undergoing cancer treatment, she’s proud to have another strong partner at her side. “Neiman Marcus has been a tremendous ally in raising awareness of the potentially devastating oral impact of cancer treatments and in assisting local breast cancer patients and survivors,” says Banchik. “We are grateful to have a partner so committed to the well being of women in our community.”
For more information on Smiles for Survivors, visit www.smilesforsurvivors.org.
Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort and Centennial Hills Hospital
The proportion of skiing and snowboarding head injuries is higher in children than any other age group. To help emphasize the importance of ski slope safety, Las Vegas Ski & Snowboard Resort and Centennial Hills Hospital teamed up to provide hundreds of free ski helmets to local children throughout the month of January in conjunction with Lids on Kids, a national ski and snowboard safety education program.
Now in its fourth year, the program has donated a significant number of ski and snowboard helmets to help local youth get the safeguards they need while enjoying their favorite winter sports. “Fit is critical to a helmet’s ability to perform its intended function in the event of an accident,” says Kevin Stickelman, president and general manager at LVSSR, so to help ensure proper protection, trained volunteers were on hand to fit toddlers through pre-teens for their complimentary helmets. Then, before heading to the lift, children and parents participated in a short education program on ski slope safety and responsibility as part of the free service.
“In today’s troubled economy, LVSSR wants to ensure that cost doesn’t interfere with safety,” says Stickelman, “so while most resorts only offer helmet education, LVSSR takes it one step further. We believe that the health and safety of our kids is priceless.”
For more information on Lids on Kids, visit www.skilasvegas.com or www.lidsonkids.org.
Roses Inc. and Taxi Ads Las Vegas
When we stop to consider all the disadvantaged people who share the Las Vegas Valley with us, it’s often easy to forget the younger members of the neighborhood in need. Thanks to local organizations Roses Inc. and Taxi Ads Las Vegas, a school full of underprivileged children received some wonderful gifts and found a new ray of hope this holiday season.
Christine Preus of Taxi Ads and her cousin Dan Lynch of Roses Inc. began with a simple mission: to help each child at Laura Dearing Elementary receive an age appropriate book for Christmas. Fifteen percent of the school’s students are homeless, moving from one temporary residence to the next to stay afloat, so just having a book to read means the world to them. Through generous donations from the community, the program was a rousing success, but Christine and Dan didn’t stop there. Using extra funds from the book drive, they brought in charity organization Goodie Two Shoes to pass out new socks and shoes to over 400 kids, including top brands such as Skechers and Converse.
Thanks to the kind hearts of area residents, the compassion of Goodie Two Shoes and the vision of Christine and Dan, some local children had a brighter holiday than usual, proving that even the smallest gift can make hundreds of young people excited and grateful to be alive.
For more information, visit Goodie Two Shoes at www.goodietwoshoes.org.
