Vegas Happenings | United Way | Black & White Party | AFAN | Angel Awards

United Way of Southern Nevada Honors 45 National Service Members at Special Recognition Ceremony

United Way of Southern Nevada honored 45 national service members (38 AmeriCorps and seven AmeriCorps VISTA) for their commitment to service with a special recognition ceremony held at Desert Rose Adult High School on Friday, Aug. 19. In attendance were Nevada Congresswoman Shelley Berkeley and Henderson Councilwoman Gerri Schroder who commended volunteers for their work in the Las Vegas community.

During the ceremony, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA members shared heartfelt messages about the importance of volunteering, the impact it has on their lives and those in need. One of the highlighted members included Meagan HoChing who served at HELP of Southern Nevada, a nonprofit organization offering resources to individuals seeking self-sufficiency.

“I wish every college student would participate on an AmeriCorps service team; it is such a great opportunity to learn about the community,” said Fuilala Riley, Chief Operating Officer for HELP of Southern Nevada. “There are thousands of families that are better off because of Meagan’s work at HELP of Southern Nevada. In her two years, she raised more than $1,000,000 worth of in-kind donations including food, toys, turkeys, furniture and household and personal hygiene items.”

AmeriCorps members provide 900 hours of service for programs designed to assist at-risk youth, unemployed and working families, disaster preparedness, community service and volunteer recruitment. AmeriCorps VISTA members serve fulltime for 12 months and assist with grant development, volunteer recruitment, donations management, training and capacity building tasks at their assigned nonprofit. In total, AmeriCorps and AmeriCorps VISTA members have dedicated more than 43,000 hours of service to the community, a value of $832,523 in equitable salaries.

The mission of the United Way of Southern Nevada’s AmeriCorps Program is to provide direct services for nonprofit agencies, build agency capacity and promote community collaboration. As a community partner, United Way understands the importance of supporting agencies that serve vital needs to Southern Nevadans. Through highly motivated, talented AmeriCorps members, nonprofit agencies are better able to serve those in need of social services.

The 25th Annual Black & White Party To Benefit AFAN Draws 3,000 Supporters

The 25th annual Black & White Party to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada was held on Saturday night, August 28 at the Boulevard Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. More than 3,000 guests including supporters and Vegas entertainers attended the event that featured delicious tastings, chilling libations and entertainment that can only be found on the Vegas Strip.

The evening began with a VIP pre-party at the Boom Box room inside the stunning Marquee Nightclub, where 200 of Vegas’ elite sipped on specialty VIVID Vodka AFAN-tinis and enjoyed tastings from The Cosmopolitan’s trendy steakhouse, STK while listening to music spun by Marquee’s Resident DJ Lisa Pittman.  AFAN Executive Director Jennifer Morss took a moment to recognize supporters as well as the Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada. A portion of the proceeds from the VIP party were donated back to the CCC and Morss presented Deputy Director Antioco Carrillo with an oversized check for $8,000.  Dina Titus then congratulated AFAN on all its successes while pledging her support for years to come.

Absinthe and Chris Saldana
Photo credit: PBTH.Beckie Payne


Check Presentation
Photo credit: PBTH.Beckie Payne


Aerial view
Photo credit: PBTH.Tonya Harvey


Le Reve performers
Photo credit: PBTH.Tonya Harvey


Jennifer Morss, Board Member Scott Washburn, Board President Patricia Saavedra, Earl Shelton
Photo credit: PBTH.Tonya Harvey

As it grew closer to 9 p.m., hundreds of partygoers lined up outside the Boulevard Pool entrance, where ladies with live parrots and men on stilts walked the line, stopping to pose fo photos with enthusiastic fans,  As the doors opened, partygoers were engulfed in a multisensory experience that brought on waves of strolling entertainment, staged performances and enticing aromas from prominent Vegas restaurants.

The smoldering evening was cooled with libations from six different liquor vendors all offering a unique drinks. Booths including Jose Cuervo, Montecristo Rum, Moet Champagne, Trader Joe’s, Absolut Vodka and Ketel One were spread across the multilevel pool allowing for guests to pursue the venue at their leisure. Ice bars were a unique way of chilling beverages prior to quenching the thirst of partygoers and offered comical photo ops with their creative designs.

One of the many highlights of the evening was the tasting provided by some of the best restaurants in town. The Cosmopolitan brought in some of its very own restaurants to offer small dishes from Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill, Comme Ça, D.O.C.G., Holsteins, and STK. Other extraordinary restaurants featured delectable bites including BOA Steakhouse, Sushi Roku, BRIO Tuscan Grill, Rubio’s, P. F. Chang’s, Outback, The Cupcakery, The Cookie Zoo and Winder Farms; each serving up their signature plates.

Entertainment was provided in the form of strolling and staged performances. With two stages to view acts on, partygoers enjoyed a fire fan show and a Lady Gaga impersonation on the secondary stage while Wynn Las Vegas’ Le Rêve provided a breathtaking synchronized swimming routine in the pool. Lighting up the entire venue with their vibrant red ensembles, the ladies of Le Rêve did a water tango that left the crowd begging for more. Host and emcee Chris Saldana took to the main stage multiple times throughout the evening, informing guest of new entertainment and even jumped in the pool to join the Le Rêve ladies following their performance.

Longtime supporters, Penn & Teller announced to the crowd that the annual party had already raised $60,000 from presale tickets and donations. The duo then held a poolside meet and greet, where they signed autographs and took pictures with reveling fans.

Absinthe’s Melody Sweets closed the evening center stage to give partygoers a sultry taste of what they can experience at Ceasar's stripside show. Dressed in all black and white, she pranced across the stage while singing her signature opening act tune. Angel Porrino, who does a tap dancing routine in the avant-garde circus show, joined Chris Saldana on stage to show her support for AFAN as an injured knee hindered her performance.

As the event came to a close shortly after 1 a.m, AFAN thanked partygoers for their continual support and attendance at the charitable event.

Philanthropic Leaders in Southern Nevada Honored at 2011 Angel Awards Ceremonies

The 2011 Angel Awards took place at Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip on Wednesday, Aug. 24. The event was presented by VEGAS INC in  recognition of outstanding individuals and businesses making a difference in the community.  Attendees including many nonprofit executives celebrated the night and mingled over passed hors d’oeuvres, wine and dinner. Honorees shared inspiring messages about their commitment to giving and helping those in need. During the ceremony,  Greenspun Media Group Publisher Bruce Spotleson commended the efforts of the most dedicated philanthropists in Las Vegas.

Greenspun Media Group Publisher Bruce Spotleson with representatives from Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada


Guests enjoying VEGAS INCs 2011 Angel Awards


Representatives from Make-A-Wish Foundation winner of Foundation of The Year


Volunteer of the Year recipient Theresa King and family

Those honored with a 2011 Angel Award include Thomas Kaplan of Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group for Humanitarian of the Year, Theresa King of Aid for Aids of Nevada (AFAN) for Volunteer of the Year ,  Headliner Terry Fator of The Mirage Hotel & Casino for Cultural Advocate of the Year, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada for Nonprofit of the Year, Hard Rock Cafe Las Vegas for Philanthropic Business of the Year – Corporate, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada for Philanthropic Business of the Year – Private and Make-A-Wish Foundation for  Foundation of the Year. Award recipients are featured in the “Giving Guide” special publication, which is included in the Aug. 22 edition of VEGAS INC.

Additional recent and upcoming “happenings” in and around Las Vegas includes:

Wednesday night, August 30,  guests of Celebrity Chef Kerry Simon at his eatery KGB, located inside Harrah's, dined on Summer Salad Parfait, Kerry’s Sliders made famous on “Iron Chef,” Cotton Candy, Breakfast cupcakes and more; sipped on KGB’s signature cocktails; and purchased raffle tickets for the chance to win fabulous prizes, all while raising enough funds to provide 10,974 meals to hungry Southern Nevadans.

Proceeds from tickets to the event as well at 50 percent of all proceeds from KGB logo’d merchandise were combined with raffle and auction funds to reach the staggering donation of almost 11,000 meals.

Since the inception of this Restaurant Week event last year, KGB has increased funds donated by more than 468 percent. The gourmet burger restaurant will continue to raise money for Three Square until Sept. 11 by offering both a lunch and dinner menu as part of Restaurant Week.

Actor and comedian PAUL RODRIGUEZ, along with special guest, MURRAY LANGSTON, THE UNKNOWN COMIC, will be bringing their quick wit and hilarious standup style to the Riviera Hotel & Casino’s Starlite Theatre, performing Wednesday-Sunday, August 31-September 11.Shows will run nightly Wednesday through Sunday at 7:30pm in the Starlite Theatre. Tickets are $39.95 for preferred seating and $59.95 for VIP seating. All prices are exclusive of tax and fees..

RAACK N ROLL, THE hot new topless review opens September 2nd at Hooters Casino Hotel. Every Friday-Sunday night at 8:30pm in the Night Owl Showroom, the women of Raack N Roll become everything from nurses to school teachers while dancing to some of the greatest rock songs of all time. The show also features comedy impressionist Robert Nash. Seating options range from general admission to VIP seating. Tickets go on sale beginning Wednesday August 31st. Ticket prices are $39.99 for General Admission and $49.99 for VIP Admission.

The MARYLAND PARKWAY MUSIC FESTIVAL will take place Labor Day weekend, September 2nd, 3rd and 4th. The festival will feature bands, art, poets, vendors and demonstrations. The events are taking place along Maryland Parkway, as well as around the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) district and will showcase the diverse cultures, talents, businesses and people of this street and its neighborhoods.

Labor Day weekend“Nina Blackwood’s Absolutely 80s” music festival at Fremont Street Experience presents a FREE concert by HOWARD JONES Saturday, Sept. 3 at 9 p.m. on the 3rd Street Stage. Throughout the weekend visitors can also enjoy a stage extravaganza from The Nancy Rayguns; the original production show “VJ Invasion: Launch Date 8.1.81”; Las Vegas based premier cover band Venus Rising; the end of Blackwood’s countdown of her 100 greatest songs of the 80s on Viva Vision and a chance to travel Back to the Future with a rare 80s icon, a DeLorean DMC-12.

In honor of Crystals at CityCenter’s “Fashion’s Night Out” celebration, DONNA KARAN NEW YORK is donating 10 percent of every purchase to United Way of Southern Nevada from 6 to 11 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 8. United Way supporters are invited to indulge in complimentary champagne and the latest DONNA KARAN NEW YORK apparel and accessories including the stunning fall 2011 collection.

During the evening at Crystals, shoppers will be treated to a performance by Los Angeles-based indie band Fitz and The Tantrums and enjoy delectable tastes from restaurants including Todd English P.U.B., Mastro’s Ocean Club, Eva Longoria’s Beso Steakhouse and Social House all while supporting great causes. Several Las Vegas nonprofits are also partnering with select retailers for the event.

CHEF LES KINCAID celebrates the 10th Anniversary of his radio wine show, Les’ Wines & Vines on Thursday September 8th.  This radio wine show was founded in 2001 as a place where people interested in learning about wine and were already in love with wine could go for great direction and guidance. Discover new wines, winemakers, sommeliers, upscale restaurants and good food to pair with wine, on the air each Thursday evening from 7 to 8 PM Pacific on Cable Radio Network www.crni.net.

Touted as one of Southern Nevada’s largest Hawaiian and Pacific Islander celebrations,the PRINCE KUHIO HO'OLAULE'A FESTIVAL will be held Saturday, September 10 – Sunday, September 11, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., daily, at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. The event will feature a mixture of musical performances, dance routines and island delicacies. Additionally, the festival will include a Healthy Living Pavilion and Na Mea Village, where natives and islanders-at-heart will have a chance to learn how to make crafts such as a haku lei, ribbon leis, kukui nut keychains, lei hulu and kapa stamping. Admission is complimentary. For the first time, Holunape, one of Hawaii’s premier music groups, will headline at this year’s festival,  The award-winning trio will perform at 12 p.m., both Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11.

Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International have announced they will temporarily close VIVA ELVIS at Aria Resort & Casino to make it less of a biographical representation of Elvis and more of an acrobatic Cirque du Soleil production.

In addition, as a result of the recent earthquake in Japan, Cirque du Soleil has decided to close its permanent show ZED by the end of this year. "ZED features some of the most impressive acrobatic acts ever presented on stage and we truly wish to continue bringing these performances to our audience," says Renée-Claude, Senior Director, Public Relations. "In the last weeks, we have reviewed the possibilities and have decided to fully integrate these beautiful acts in Viva Elvis and to present them to the millions of people who visit Las Vegas annually."

To ensure the integration is done well and fully respects its artistic objects, Cirque du Soleil and MGM Resorts International have agreed that Viva Elvis will take an extended dark date beginning in January 2012. This integration is expected to be completed by the end of the first quarter.


Celebrity Sightings:

Tuesday, August 24...

Rev Run was spotted with two friends Marquee Dayclub.

Later that night Rev Run entertained at the Hudson/Creative Recreation party at Marquee Nightclub, joining DJs ATB, Vice, DLux, Ruckus, DJMK and Lema to thrill the club.  Vanessa Hudgens, Cheryl Burke and Joey Fatone were spotted taking in the scene and dancing.  Also in the club were Tito Ortiz, and at another table Wutang Clan who made their way to the BoomBox room.

Patrick Schwarzenegger was spotted dining with male and female friends at TAO.

Also at TAO, Phife Dawg  of a Tribe Called Quest and DJ and producer Dion Liverpool dined with friends.

DJ and Electric Violinist Duo Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe dined at LAVO before heading up to the club where they performed.

Ami James of NY Ink and Miami Ink hosted at LAVO Nightclub in celebration of his new clothing line Ami James Ink.

Cheryl Burke at MARQUEE
Photo credit: Al Powers


Hudson Creative Recreation
Photo credit: Al Powers


Ami James at LAVO
Photo credit: Brenton Ho


Ami James with cake at LAVO
Photo credit: Brenton Ho


Caitlin Moe and Mia Moretti at LAVO
Photo credit: Brenton Ho

Pop rock princess Avril Lavigne hosted her official Abbey Dawn after-party during MAGIC at PURE Nightclub at Caesars Palace. Dressed head-to-toe in her clothing line from her Spring 2012  collection, the petite artist was greeted by fans and stopped to pose for photos before walking the red carpet.

Once escorted inside with her large entourage of friends the singer was joined by her longtime beau Brody Jenner.

“System Of A Down” drummer, John Dolmayan, joined the duo at their VIP table on the main stage.

Avril Lavigne
Photo credit: Ethan Miller/Wire Image.

Several stars showed up at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas for Twilight star Kellan Lutz' Official Project after party to celebrate the launch of the spring 2012 collections of Dylan George & Co. Abbot + Main collections.  

Newlyweds Brooke Burke and David Charvert joined the party.

Also in attendance was Vanessa Hudgens, who hung out with the Abbot + Main crew. Suge Knight also brought his dancing shoes as he made his way to the main dance floor.

Sorority Row star, Caroline D'Amore, actress and model, partied in the luxurious VIP section with her sister
and friends.

D’Amore also enjoyed a bite at Sugar Factory American Brasserie  at Paris Las Vegas.

Kellan Lutz arrives at the red carpet for the Dylan George and Abbot + Main Spring 2012 Launch at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken


Kellan Lutz in the DJ booth at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens for the Dylan George and Abbot + Main Spring 2012 Launch.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken


David Charvet and Brooke Burke inside Chateau Nightclub & Gardens for the Dylan George and Abbot + Main Spring 2012 Launch.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken


Suge Knight parties at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens for the Dylan George and Abbot + Main Spring 2012 Launch.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken


Actress Caroline D’Amore dining at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken


Caroline D’Amore inside the Sugar Factory retail store at Paris Las Vegas.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken

Friday night, August 26...

Charlie Sheen's former “goddess” Bree Olson celebrated her August Playboy pictorial spread at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas.

Bree Olson arrive at the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken


Bree Olson in the DJ booth at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
Photo credit: WireImage/Isaac Brekken

Olympic Gold Medal swimmer, Michael Phelps was spotted at LAVO. After dinner he headed upstairs to take in the sounds of special guest DJ Politik.

Earlier in the day he took over a cabana at TAO Beach and got into the festivities of Skam Artist Fridays.

‘Jersey Shore’ star Jenni “JWoww” Farley hosted an evening at Las Vegas hotspot PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace. The reality TV star arrived at the award-winning nightclub close to 12:30 a.m. with boyfriend Roger Matthews in tow.

Michael Phelps
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/RETNA


Michael Phelps
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/RETNA

Saturday, August 27...

Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett, star of her self-titled hit E! series ‘Kendra,’ spent the afternoon partying with girlfriends Holly Madison and Jessica Hall at WET REPUBLIC at MGM Grand. T

Kendra Wilkinson - Baskett
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/RETNA


Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson - Baskett and Jessica Hall
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/RETNA

Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps  partied at Marquee Dayclub, taking in the sounds of DJs Matt Darey and Larry Tee. At night he dined at TAO Asian Bistro before heading upstairs to TAO Nightclub where he was later joined by fellow Olympian, speed skater Apolo Ohno.

Melissa Rycroft-Strickland and her husband Tye dined at TAO.

At TAO Beach Tyson Chandler of the Dallas Mavericks soaked in the sun with friends.

Kelly Rowland, R&B sensation, put on a flawless performance at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens at Paris Las Vegas.

Making an appearance to catch Rowland's performance were Allan Payne and Christopher Williams  and NBA star forward, Leon Powe.

Kelly Rowland smiles for the camera on the red carpet at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
PHOTO CREDIT: Isaac Brekken/WireImage


Kelly Rowland sings her heart out during her performance at Chateau Nightclub & Gardens.
PHOTO CREDIT: Isaac Brekken/WireImage

Sunday night, August 28...

Olympian Apolo Ohno was spotted at LAVO checking out the 2nd annual Moonwalk Competition remembering the birthday of the King of Pop.

Professional boxer Sergio Martinez was spotted enjoying Blue Man Group at The Venetian.

drawing a wide range of familiar faces to the after-dark pool party.

Bachelor Pad winners Natalie Getz and Dave Good were spotted poolside at XS nightclub's weekly Night Swim event, with fellow co-star Jesse Kovacs, during Manufactured Superstars DJ set.

In a separate group, UFC star Tito Ortiz and wife Jenna Jameson hung out on stage during the event.

Manufactured Superstars
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub.


Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub.


Natalie Getz
Photo credit: Danny Mahoney/XS Nightclub.

Tuesday night, August 30...

Actress Kelly Preston (wife of John Travolta) and her 11 year old daughter Ella Bleu stopped in to Sugar Factory American Brasserie  at Paris Las Vegas with a couple of friends.

Ella Blue and Kelly Preston with Sugar Factory Couture Pops at Sugar Factory inside Paris Las Vegas
Photo credit: Sugar Factory

MTV’s “Jersey Shore” star Jenni "JWOWW" Farley was spotted at the Linkin Park concert inside The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The reality star enjoyed the Grammy Award-winning band from a VIP suite with her boyfriend Roger and several friends.

Group Photo
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA


Linkin Park performance
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA


Linkin Park performance
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA


Linkin Park performance
Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA