Vegas Happenings | Child Advocacy Dinner | Gaming Hall of Fame | Absinthe | Winder Farms | Pawn Stars

Mayors Carolyn and Oscar Goodman Honored at 21st Annual Child Advocacy Recognition Dinner

Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Foundation honored current Las Vegas Mayor Carolyn Goodman and her husband, former Mayor Oscar Goodman as Child Advocates of the Year at the 21st Annual Child Advocacy Recognition Dinner on Oct. 22, at The Venetian Las Vegas. KLAS – TV 8 anchor Gary Waddell acted as Master of Ceremonies for the evening, which served to recognize numerous CASA volunteers and members for their outstanding contributions to the organization.

Other award recipients included: Raymond L. Giddens Jr. of Unity Village, Outstanding Caregiver Award; PJ Moore, Outstanding Case Worker Award, Deborah Abdulla, Ted Hartwell, Danielle Hofer, Alisa Mann and Betty Schmitz, Outstanding Newcomer Award; Jann Evans, Kevin Golob, Robert Gunnoe, Scott Jelinek, Deniece Lopez, Ruth Merrill, Deborah Willis-French, CASA Outstanding Service Award; Lorrie Curriden, CASA Excellence Award and Judge Frank L. Sullivan, Presidents Award.

CASA Foundation raised funds to benefit the foundation’s initiative of providing abused and neglected foster care children with clothing, tutoring, school supplies, scholarships and other necessities while they make their journey to a permanent home.

KLAS – TV 8 anchor Gary Waddell, pictured with Child Advocates of the Year Mayors Carolyn and Oscar Goodman, CASA Program Administrator Shelia Parks and CASA Foundation President Laura Norton.
Photo credit: Brian Janis


KLAS – TV 8 anchor Gary Waddell, pictured with CASA Program Administrator Shelia Parks, Dependency Court Judge and CASA Presidents Award recipient Frank L. Sullivan and CASA Foundation President Laura Norton.
Photo credit: Brian Janis


Presiding Family Court Judge, The Honorable Gloria Sanchez, pictured with Hearing Master Brigid Duffy and Sean Duffy.
Photo credit: Brian Janis

Gaming Hall of Fame Honors New Members at Gala Event

Sheldon G. Adelson, Blue Man Group, Charlie Palmer and Dr. William Eadington were honored for their unique achievements and contributions to the gaming industry at the 23rd annual Gaming Hall of Fame Charity Dinner and Induction Ceremony on Tuesday, November 1. The event was held at the Venetian.

Sheldon Adelson (third from left)

Induction into the Gaming Hall of Fame is the highest honor accorded by the gaming-entertainment industry.  Each year, individuals who have distinguished themselves through significant contributions to the industry receive this honor. Proceeds from the event benefited the National Center for Responsible Gaming (NCRG), the only national organization devoted exclusively to public education about and funding of peer-reviewed research on gambling disorders.

Sheldon G. Adelson, chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp., a company with world-class gaming properties in Las Vegas, Macau, Singapore and Bethlehem, Pa., is widely credited with helping transform the city of Las Vegas from a gaming-centric regional location into an international business and leisure destination, and laying the groundwork to turn Macau and Singapore into two of the world’s most lucrative gaming markets.

“Our industry was built by iconoclasts – visionary, creative and confident risk-takers who challenged conventional wisdom, people whose strong convictions, self-confidence and ability to bring their dreams to fruition propelled them to the peak of their profession,” said Gary Loveman, chairman, president and CEO of Caesars Entertainment Corp. “Anyone who has had first-hand experience in dealing with him can attest that each of these descriptions applies to Sheldon Adelson.”

In his acceptance remarks, Adelson noted that “we are all so much more than the label ‘gaming industry,’” noting that hotels, shows, spas, restaurants, meeting space and shopping are now integral to the business.  He also gave praise to the industry’s most valuable – and often forgotten – asset: industry employees.

“The most important part of who we are as a business is probably the last thing people think of when they think of us: the hard-working, caring people who work hard to provide for their families and keep customers coming back for more.”

Blue Man Group has been a Las Vegas headliner for more than a decade and during that time has become one of the Las Vegas Strip’s most popular acts.  The wildly successful show began its Las Vegas run at the Luxor Las Vegas before moving to The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino.  Starting in the fall of 2012, Blue Man Group will entertain guests at a third Strip property – the Monte Carlo Las Vegas Resort and Casino.

“Blue Man Group was born from the collaboration of three friends, Philip Stanton, Chris Wink and Matt Goldman, who were seeking to celebrate the human spirit with their performance,” said Frank Fahrenkopf, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association (AGA). “Today, the result of that effort is truly astounding,”

Stanton noted that performing in Las Vegas has given his group the confidence and opportunity to demonstrate that its performances could resonate worldwide. “I can’t imagine what Blue Man Group would be without Las Vegas,” he said. “Las Vegas is America, and it’s also the world. You can find the true Everyman here, and that’s who we are trying to reach with our performances.”

Charlie Palmer has received critical acclaim for his signature progressive American cooking, and over the years, has opened 13 notable restaurants across the country – including five associated with gaming properties. Las Vegas visitors can experience Mr. Palmer’s handiwork at Michelin-starred Aureole at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and Charlie Palmer Steak at the Four Seasons, Las Vegas; and while in Reno they can visit Charlie Palmer Steak, Fin Fish and Briscola, all in the Grand Sierra Resort and Casino.

“He is a straightforward gentleman and understands that the true secret of being a successful restaurateur is having respect for the hospitality necessary to bring customers back,” said Fahrenkopf.  “While Charlie has received critical acclaim for his signature progressive cooking, it’s not just about the food with Charlie. It’s about the feeling he gives customers; he is an expert at making his customers feel special and welcomed.”

Palmer talked about being part of the early culinary renaissance in Las Vegas a decade ago.

“To be a part of the growth of entertainment and to help bring the level of food here to where it is now is fantastic,” he said. “Las Vegas is now one of the top three food cities in the U.S. I truly believe that. To be on the forefront of all of this is truly humbling.”

Dr. William Eadington is a professor of economics and director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). He is an internationally recognized authority on the legalization and regulation of commercial gaming and has written extensively on issues relating to the economic and social impacts of the industry.

“We owe Bill much of the credit for our current understanding of the economic and social impacts of commercial gaming,” said Keith Smith, president and CEO of Boyd Gaming Corporation and chairman of the AGA. “His deep knowledge of the industry’s economics and his insights on the legalization and regulation of commercial gaming have been invaluable. Indeed, his work has not only served our industry; it also has served the countless communities that have benefited from commercial gaming.”

Dr. Eadington reflected on his career in gaming education and the many colleagues who have contributed to his achievements.

“I’ve been able to collaborate with innovative educators and training programs and observe the entrepreneurs who have transformed the gaming industry and the way the world looks at it,” he said. “This award is an honor, and I have high hopes for the future of gaming education.”

Nearly 350 people attended the Gaming Hall of Fame dinner.

Absinthe returns to Ceasars Palace

Las Vegas’ “Best New Show” Absinthe returned to the Roman Plaza at Caesars Palace with new performances on Oct. 21.

Back on the strip and better than ever, Absinthe, staged under a big tent in a theatre in the round setting, is like no other show in Las Vegas. For starters, if you are easily offended by explicit X rated language, be forewarned, because you are in store for a lot of raunchy, bawdy and no holes barred behavior from the Master of Ceremonies, foul-mouthed Gazillionaire and his raucous assistant Penny Pibbets. Nothing is sacred for this wacky, and deliciously hysterical pair who interact with the audience in ways that are too funny for words.

Cast of Absinthe
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


The Gazillionaire
Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn


Photo credit: Stephen Thorburn

As others who have seen Absinthe will attest, the show is a cross between Cirque du Soleil, Rocky Horror Show and burlesque featuring an eclectic assortment of eccentric, alluring performers including a vampy songstress, an almost nude tape dancer in a giant balloon, a high wire act, human sculptures, and other jaw-dropping acts. In a class all its own, Absinthe is a show you have to experience for an evening of tremendous fun, laughter and acts that are guaranteed to amaze.

““ABSINTHE has truly made its mark in Las Vegas; delivering show-stopping and awe-inspiring entertainment each and every night” said Scott Zeiger, co-chief executive officer of BASE Entertainment.

Spiegelworld Impresario, Ross Mollison stated, “Las Vegas is the perfect place for us!  With ABSINTHE being so well received by both the critics and audiences alike, we felt that we needed to extend this production and make a home here at Caesars Palace.”

ABSINTHE performs Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. and Wednesday and Sunday at 8:00 p.m., with no show on Monday. The schedule is subject to change without notice.

General admission tickets are available for $79 + tax, with a VIP package available at $109 + tax per person. The VIP package includes early entrance into the Spiegeltent for special reserved seating and a free drink.

Winder Farms and Comedy-Magician Mac King Deliver Magic To Elementary School Students

The students at Dr. C. Owen Roundy Elementary School received a special surprise visit from Winder Farms, Comedy-Magician Mac King and The Public Education Foundation on Thursday, Nov. 3.

During a special assembly, Winder Farms and the winner of the “Delivering Magic” Book Drive & Contest, Crystal Oliver, presented the school’s principal Rod Knowles with a $2,000 check to help support the school’s various programs. Immediately afterwards, the students enjoyed a special performance by Harrah’s Headliner and Comedy-Magician Mac King who performed some magic tricks and talked with the students about the importance of reading and the impact it had on his life. King attributes his career in magic to his love for reading magic books as a kid. Following the assembly, Winder Farms representatives were on site to hand out fresh fruit and milk to the students for a special treat.

Winder Farms partnered with Mac King’s Magical Literacy Tour and Clark County READS to provide local public elementary schools with much needed funds and books.  The three-week initiative collected an astounding 1,500 new and gently used books for local elementary school children.  Book donors were rewarded for their generosity with free tickets to The Mac King Comedy Magic Show, and a chance to win free groceries and the opportunity to direct money to the public elementary school of their choice.

Later, Mac King & Winder Farms made a second stop at The Public Education Foundation’s Book Depot to deliver the more than 1,500 books collected during the book drive. Through the foundation’s Book Re-Use Program, first and second year teachers can get free books from the Book Depot to fill their classroom libraries and hand out to students as prizes.

Winder Farms Marketing Director Tyler Wallis and “Delivering Magic” Book Drive Winner Crystal Oliver present the $2,000 check to the Principal of Dr. Owen C. Roundy Elementary School, Rod Knowles and Shari Scheele and Roxanne Gums of The Public Education Foundation. Pictured left to right: Tyler Wallis, Rod Knowles, Crystal Oliver, Shari Scheele and Roxanne Gums.
Photo credit: Preferred Public Relations

Winder Farms representatives “deliver magic” to students at Dr. C. Owen Roundy Elementary School passing out milk and fresh fruit after an assembly where the company presented the school with a $2,000 check.
Photo credit: Preferred Public Relations

Mac King and Tyler Wallis, Marketing Director for Winder Farms deliver more than 1,500 books to The Public Education Foundation’s Book Depot. Through the foundation’s Book Re-Use Program, first and second year teachers can get free books from the Book Depot to fill their classroom libraries and hand out to students as prizes.
Photo credit: Preferred Public Relations

“Pawn Stars" Gold & Silver Pawn Shop Donates $11,500 to Shriners Hospitals for Children

Monday afternoon, November 7, Gold & Silver Pawn Shop employees including Rick Harrison and Austin “Chumlee” Russel, best known for their roles on History’s “Pawn Stars” series, presented a donation of $11,500 to members of the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children tournament staff at the Las Vegas pawn store on behalf of the network of the 22 hospitals.

As fans and customers gathered outside, Russel and Harrison joined fellow employees and members of the tournament staff to take photos and express their support for the hospital’s exceptional medical efforts provided to children with burns, orthopedic conditions, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate.

The staff members of the shop, which has become a tourist hot spot, pledged $1 of every t-shirt sold in the month of September to the Shriners Hospitals for Children for its continued dedication to providing advanced care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs for children regardless of their ability to pay.

“We strongly support the mission of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and it is an honor to have the opportunity to give back to an organization that serves numerous children and their families across Southern Nevada,” said Rick Harrison, owner of Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. “We were thrilled with the commitment displayed by the community and loyal customers who purchased t-shirts throughout September to assist in our contribution to the hospitals.”

For more information on how to get involved with the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the 2012 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, Oct. 1—7, 2012 at TPC Summerlin in Las Vegas, visit www.jtshrinersopen.com

Rick Harrison, Stephanie Maes, Mike Siegel, Donna Millwood, Austin Chumlee, Russell 2011
Photo credit: Denise Truscello/WireImage.com.

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

Andre Agassi's 16th Annual GRAND SLAM FOR CHILDREN fundraiser took place at Wynn Las Vegas on October 29th . The event featured entertainment by Michael Buble, Gladys Knight, Smokey Robinson, Martina McBride, Jimmy Kimmel and Train and raised $26.1 million, including $18 million donated by billionaire, Kirk Kerkorian. The proceeds will benefit the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education and the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas.

Grammy award winning country artist LEANN RIMES postponed her special acoustic performance at Green Valley Ranch, scheduled for Nov. 3, due to illness. The sold-out performance has been rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Chrome Showroom inside Santa Fe Station. Proceeds from the performance will benefit StandUp For Kids, a national non-profit charitable organization committed to ending the cycle of youth homelessness throughout the United States. Tickets purchased for the Nov. 3 performance can be used for rescheduled date. If needed, refunds will be available at the original point of purchase.

The 63rd Regional Support Command will be hosting a FREE concert in honor of Veteran’s Day at Fremont Street Experience on the Fremont Street Stage in downtown Las Vegas on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 5 p.m. A combined United States Army Reserve band will be performing in celebration of a “Salute To Veterans” night.Expected to attend are Councilman Bob Coffin, Las Vegas USO representative and Downtown Las Vegas Rotary members.

Theater owner David Saxe is offering FREE SHOW TICKETS to the men and women who serve our country this Veterans Day. All veterans and active-duty military who present proof of military service will receive a complimentary ticket to see any one of four shows at Saxe Theater & V Theater inside Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino including V THE ULTIMATE VARIETY SHOW, BEATLESHOW!, THE MENTALIST and VEGAS! THE SHOW. The complimentary show tickets will be issued on a first come, first serve basis Friday, November 11th at the Saxe Theater and V Theater box offices and will be valid for any of the shows that day. Proof of military service includes a U.S. Uniform Services I.D. Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, current Leave and Earning Statement, photograph in uniform, Veterans Organization Card (American Legion, VFW, etc.) and DD214.

VEGAS StrEATs, which is brought to the Las Vegas community by Slidin’ Thru in partnership with the El Cortez Hotel & Casino and Insert Coin(s) will take place

in the Fremont Street East district of Downtown Las Vegas, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 and Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011. This monthly food, arts & entertainment celebration features food vendors including WTF Pizza, Sno Ono, Pops, Grouchy Johns and others along with local artists and retailers. The event began in March 2011 and has become a local hot spot with a number of different food trucks, art vendors, live music, DJs, drinks and fun. The goal of this event is to provide a platform and opportunity for local businesses to shine. The event is FREE to attend and the food and activities are specially priced.

HEAVEN CAN WAIT ANIMAL SOCIETY is holding a garage sale Thursday through Saturday, November 10, 11 and 12 from 9 a.m to 3 p.m and Sunday, November 13 from 9 a.m to noon (when everything will be ½ price) at 2900 East Patrick Lane, Suite 1, located between Pecos and Eastern. All proceeds from the sale of clothing, furniture, jewelry, appliances, electronics, books and more will go to help saving the lives of animals in Las Vegas.

In his continued efforts to contribute to the community of Las Vegas, CARLOS SANTANA is once again partnering with THREE SQUARE FOOD BANK to help gather food and cash donations for the hungry this Thanksgiving season. His residency ended in April but Santana is returning to The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for three final shows November 11-13. The donations gathered at the three shows will help provide food in Southern Nevada where one in six families struggle with hunger. For every $1 donated, Three Square can provide 3 meals to Southern Nevadans in need. Concertgoers who bring five non-perishable food items or make a $5 donation to Three Square will receive a coupon for a free drink at LTO and $10 in free slot play at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Representatives from Three Square will be on hand before and after each performance to collect donations from participating fans.

Fit For The Crown will be hosting the SECOND ANNUAL TRUNK SHOW AND PAGEANT EXPO inside the Madrid Room at the Suncoast Hotel & Casino on Saturday, November 12th, from 12:00 - 5:00 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet personally with agents from McKenna Models & Talent Agency and State Pageant Directors for more information and to sign up for upcoming pageant competitions. Local and state titleholders will also be in attendance. Vendors in attendance will include hair and make-up professionals, photographers, choreographers, graphic design/print specialists and health, fitness and beauty experts, as well as several retail vendors showcasing wardrobe, jewelry, accessories, stylish bags and more. General admission for the event is open to the public of all ages for only $10 advance purchase or $15 at the door.  Admission includes entry into a raffle for great prizes provided by vendors & sponsors.

PBR ROCK BAR & GRILL will host a week-long canned food drive to benefit THREE SQAURE FOOD BANK from Monday, Nov. 14, until Tuesday, Nov. 22. Guests who donate two nonperishable items to the Strip-side eatery’s canned food drive will receive a complimentary well drink or domestic draft as a token of appreciation for giving back to the community.

AID FOR AIDS NEVADA (AFAN) and QVEGAS MAGAZINE are hosting an "IT GETS BETTER" VIDEO MAKING RALLY at The Bar + Bistro Patio at The Arts Factory in Downtown Las Vegas from 6- 9 p.m. Tuesday, November 15. Special guest speakers include LGBT activist and creator of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, Cleve Jones and Congresswoman Dina Titus. A moving tribute will also be delivered by Helen Melendez, who recently lost her daughter to suicide caused by bullying at her school.  Mel Goodwin of the Gay & Lesbian Center of Southern Nevada will be the emcee for the evenings full entertainment lineup including a performance by reggae band, Oneness Vibe, and The Toe Tag Monologues, poetry delivered by Juan Espinoza-Cuellar and a dance tribute by the Foothill High School Varsity Dance Team.

Popular comedian and actor JIM GAFFIGAN will perform his hilarious stand-up routine at the Terry Fator Theatre inside The Mirage Friday, Nov. 25 and Saturday, Nov. 26 at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $69.99 and $59.99 (plus tax and service fees). Guests must be 16 years of age or older.

Tickets to the CONTINENTAL TIRE LAS VEGAS INVITATIONAL on November 25-26 at the Orleans Arena at The Orleans Hotel and Casino will be available for a special promotional price on November 11 for 24 hours only.  Anyone purchasing a one-day pass at regular price on November 11 can purchase a second for just $11.11. Use or mention promotional code "TIRE11" to receive the discount. The $11.11 offer is good through 12:01 a.m. PST through 11:59 p.m. PST on November 11, 2011 only. The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels will be taking on the University of Southern California at the tournament, and could have a shot at taking on top-ranked University of North Carolina at the two-day conference.

TIGER MANCINI, the choreographer/director of VEGAS! The Show at Planet Hollywood, created and choreographed one of the huge floats for Office Max that will run in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in NewYork City. There are 35 young tap dancers, who will be dancing to the music of Mannheim Steamroller, along-side and on top of the Office Max "Elf Yourself" float.

THE SCINTAS, the talented performers made up of Buffalo, New York-raised brothers Joey and Frankie, sister Chrissi and “Irish Scinta” Peter O’Donnell, return to the Suncoast Showroom with “A Scinta Christmas,” December 2, 3 and 4, each evening at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start from $29.95, plus tax and convenience fees.

Crazy Horse III, the expansive gentlemen’s club at PLAYGROUND adult nightlife complex, kicks-off its annual TOY DRIVE on Monday, November 28. Patrons who bring in an unwrapped children’s toy between Monday, November 28, and Wednesday, December 7, will receive a $25 gift card which will be valid for drinks at Crazy Horse III and Posh Boutique Nightclub.

JOYSTIXX, the new gamer‟s arcade and sports bar, featuring an array of pool tables, console video gaming and classic arcade games, has opened at the Hooters Casino Hotel.

Celebrity Sightings:

Tuesday, November 1, Carmen Electra took over PURE Nightclub inside Caesars Palace for the 3rd annual ebay Motors RPM XI event. The actress and model was in town for the 2011 SEMA week, and with her love for cars she hosted this exclusive party during Las Vegas' hottest industry night.

Carmen Electra
Photo credit: Judy Eddy.

Wednesday night, November 2...

Hip hop artist, Rev Run, an Old School Wednesday favorite, took over the mic at LAVO. Everyone was singing along, including Matt Kemp of the LA Dodgers, who was spotted flirting with a beauty in his group.

Tim Duncan from the San Antonio Spurs hung out with the crazy cast of Absinthe after enjoying the evening's performance.

Saturday night, November 5... Jersey Shore” starlet, Deena Nicole, her boyfriend Chris Buckner, and "Pretty Little Liars" actress, Lucy Hale were spotted at Sugar Factory American Brasserie at Paris Las Vegas. Hale helped celebrate her best friend, Anne Leonard's 21st birthday.

Earlier in the day, Kendall and Kylie Jenner from E!’s hottest reality TV show “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” stopped by Sugar Factory at The Mirage Hotel & Casino to pick-up a few treats to celebrate Kendall's sweet 16th birthday.

Deena Nicole and boyfriend Chris Buckner sample a Lollipop Passion Goblet at Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Photo credit: Denise Truscello /WireImage


Lucy Hale samples the Blow Pop martini at Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Photo credit: Denise Truscello /WireImage


Lucy Hale and friends (left to right) Sophie Leonard, Sarah Hicks, birthday girl Annie Leonard and Claire Leahy enjoy an assortment of sweet cupcakes at Sugar Factory American Brasserie
Photo credit: Denise Truscello /WireImage

Jersey Shore reality star Deena Nicole accompanied by her boyfriend, Chris Buckner, hosted a party at Gallery Nightclub inside Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Actor Rob Riggle from “The Hangover” and “Stepbrothers,” was also spotted at Gallery Nightclub with a group of fellow actors including Jay Davis, Cort McCown and Jake Johnson.

Tony Dovolani was also seen a the nightspot.

Deena Nicole poses on the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub at Planet Hollywood.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello /WireImage

Rob Riggle poses on the red carpet at Gallery Nightclub.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello /WireImage

Jay Davis, Jake Johnson, Rob Riggle and Cort McCown get silly and blow kisses on the red carpet.
Photo credit: Denise Truscello /WireImage

Sunday evening, November 6, Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas was spotted with a group of friends, that included members of the Jabawockees, at LAVO for Vice Sundays.

Monday, November 7, Singer John Legend, was spotted dining Monday at STK, inside the Cosmopolitan, with Sports Illustrated supermodel Chrissy Teigen.

Tuesday night, November 8, Taboo from the Black Eyed Peas was spotted at LAVO taking in the sounds of DJ Michael Woods