Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas

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October: The True Month of Giving in Las Vegas

October 30, 2012 in Client news | No comments

The critics may tell you that December is the month of giving, but after a busy October I would challenge anyone to tell me that the true month of giving in Las Vegas isn’t October.   This month has been filled with a variety of worthwhile events that support wonderful causes across the Valley.  However, I have my list of favorite charitable events in October and they are:

  1.  2nd Annual Kickoff Your Heels Luncheon to benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open
  2. HELP of Southern Nevada’s Tea, Trends & Tranquility
  3. Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas’ Sneaker Ball celebrating today’s youth
  4. 2nd Annual Harvest for Hope to benefit Communities In Schools of Nevada
  5. Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas’ 41st Annual Boys Nite Out

Granted you can’t support all of them, but discover your passion and then donate your time and dollars to make a difference in our community.  It will definitely make you feel better and it just might make someone else’s year! 

“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank

 

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˜Terri Maruca

 

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Turns out, Sin City has its Angels

August 22, 2012 in Kirvin Doak News | No comments

Yesterday, I had two events at Kirvin Doak Communications, and when that might sound quite stressful, it was actually a lovely day. Both events were in two completely different settings, but ironically, they were quite parallel in their set up and goals.

The first event was put together to celebrate KDC’s 10 Year Anniversary. To do so, our managers put together a Day of Service to give back to the community that has been so good to us.

The day started out with a feast of bagels from Einstein’s, salad and cookies. Then our staff split up into seven groups and we headed out to all the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas’ locations to volunteer.

Everyone in our staff had so much KDC spirit and love; it was really neat to watch us all come together for a cause.

The second event was put together to celebrate the 5th annual VEGAS INC Angel Awards. Every year, VEGAS INC puts together a publication to honor those who give back to the community that has been so good to them.

The night started off with a feast of hors’ d oeuvres, dinner and cocktails. Then, Rob Langrell of VEGAS INC brought up the sponsors for the night, and later they announced the eight winners of the 2012 Angel Awards.

The winners, volunteers, donors all had so much spirit and love for the city of Vegas; it was really touching to see the community’s leaders come together for a cause.

During the night, a peculiar man approached one of my colleagues and joked, “How, can there be Angels in a town called Sin City?”

We all were a little taken back by his comment, but continued talking amongst ourselves. It was a little hard to hear after all the work our co-workers and peers in the room had gone through to better Las Vegas. 

Later, Bruce Spotelson, editor-in-chief of VEGAS INC, approached the microphone and said, “So much cultural change comes from great American businesses like the ones here tonight.”

Couldn’t have said it better myself, Bruce. KDC and VEGAS INC’s Angels are definitely a part of those great businesses, and it’s that passion for change that helps make KDC such a great place to work and Las Vegas a better place to live. After that realization, it was even clearer that Vegas may have its “sinners,” but it also has its “Angels,” lots of them.  

-Laura Bucklin

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A lesson of etiquette and grace: BGCLV’s Steak & Burger

March 16, 2012 in Client news | 2 comments

Last week I had the pleasure of attending the second annual Steak & Burger event for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas at the Renaissance Hotel. Walking in, I anticipated a wonderful event as I have previously attended Girls Day and am familiar with the powerful mission of the clubs. Little did I know, however, how moved I would be by the courage and sheer grace displayed by a group of teens.  

The evening began with a quick introduction by master of ceremonies, Chet Buchanan, who asked us all at the table to introduce ourselves with our name, where you work/which club you attend and what our career aspirations are. As the teens listed off impressive dreams of becoming a professional soccer player, a video game designer or an oncologist, I took a second to reflect that these aspirations are truly inspired by the guidance of the Boys & Girls Clubs.

As conversations continued, I got to know a little bit more about the importance of the clubs to these kids, and what it means for them in their lives. The gratitude exuded throughout the room, as the teens discussed their experiences at their respective club. Many look to the volunteers as mentors and, most times, as an adult figure in their lives to lead them down the right path in life. It’s hard to imagine not having someone like that in your life growing up as a kid while being exposed to constant pressures such as peer approval, let alone gangs and drugs. It warms my heart knowing that even though some of these kids may not have the luxuries I did growing up, someone out there is willing to take a chance on them and give them an opportunity to achieve their dreams. And it makes me want to be one of those people.

The evening was meant to serve as a lesson in etiquette and teach the young adults proper dining techniques as well as conversation tips for future career networking opportunities. And not to say this wasn’t accomplished but I think many of the adults in the room left with an important lesson or reminder; the importance of our youth and the power of giving back.

For those who may also be interested in getting involved, I encourage you to check out the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas website, or stop by the Club Blue Las Vegas mixer for professionals under 40 on April 12 at 6 p.m.

˜Shandi Huber

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It’s Boys Nite

October 31, 2011 in Client news | No comments

Each year, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas host their annual Boys Nite Out celebration. I started participating in this event last year and couldn’t wait for it to come around again in 2011. Well, last Wednesday, Oct. 26 was the big day as more than 150 boys were paired with men from throughout the Las Vegas community for a night of entertainment, sports and great memories.

My partner in crime for Boys Nite Out 2011 was Andrew, an 8-year-old who spends his time at the Lied Clubhouse when participating in Boys & Girls Club activities. While slightly shy at first, Andrew came out of his shell as soon as we started playing the various games set up throughout the gym. His favorite game was the soccer challenge where

First prize in the “Wiffle Ball Shot Put”

he even showed me a few tips on properly kicking the ball. It’s always humbling to get your butt kicked by an 8-year-old! In fact, he beat me in quite a few of the events, and together we brought home first prize in the “Wiffle Ball Shot Put.”

A lot of us often read and hear how Las Vegas has no sense of community pride and spirit, but with events such as Boys Nite Out, anyone can see that those detractors are so wrong. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas host an amazing event every year (they also host Girls Nite Out every spring) for hundreds of boys who are in need of positive influences in their lives.

At the end of the night, Andrew left with a new friend, a few goodies and a smile, and that smile is what makes Boys Nite Out such a great event.

Andrew & Matt at Boys Nite Out 2011

P.S. A quick shout out to my fellow Kirvin Doaker, Brad Seidel, who was on the planning committee for Boys Nite Out 2011. Another awesome example of how leaders in the community are stepping up for a great cause.

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SF Giant, Sergio Romo Spends Time with the kids from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas at Palms Casino Resort

February 1, 2011 in Client news | No comments

What do you do after you win the 2010 World Series? If you’re Sergio Romo, relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, you give back to the community through philanthropic efforts. Romo made a special trip out to Las Vegas to share a few hours with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas on Friday, Jan. 28.

Hosted by 9 Group and Palms Casino Resort at The Lounge, Romo and the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas spent the afternoon enjoying sugary and salty treats that included Simon at Palms Place Chef Kerry Simon’s signature cotton candy, dyed orange in Romo’s honor, hot dogs by N9NE Steakhouse and popcorn scooped into red and white movie cartons courtesy of Brenden Theatres. The kids were delighted as they were decked out in their signature Boys & Girls Club t-shirts, eating hot dogs loaded with ketchup and of course had sticky fingers due to the sugary fluffy treat.

Romo interacted with the kids as he let them pull on his beard, a signature feature of the 2010 World Series team where the phrase “fear the beard” was coined by all the players having facial hair. The kids talked with Romo about baseball, his beard and other interesting topics that struck their curious nature. As the food disappeared, the kids grew anxious to get Romo’s autograph and were ready to have one-on-one time with the big league player.

A line was formed as groups of 10 stepped up on stage to get a baseball personally signed and their photo taken. In honor of Romo’s beard, 9 Group supplied costume beards for the kids to wear during their group photo with him. All smiles and laughs, the kids were thrilled to look like the World Series champion that sat before them, but they were even more excited to keep the beards.

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Photo credit: © Erik Kabik/ RETNA/ www.erikkabik.com

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Carlos Santana Visits the Lied Memorial Clubhouse

January 22, 2011 in Client news | No comments

Early this month I had an amazing afternoon when Carlos Santana met Imani who was the winner of the Santana t-shirt design contest at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas‘ Lied Memorial Clubhouse. Imani age 12 is a member of the Lied Memorial Clubhouse. During Carlos visit, Imani gave him a tour of the Clubhouse and her favorite place, the art room, of course.

Carlos is an incredible entertainer, but an even better person. He continues to give back to the Las Vegas community every time he returns to perform at The Joint. Over the years, he has partnered with Three Square, Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy and Project Sole.

Don’t miss his final shows inside The Joint at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino this spring. Thank you Carlos for all you do!

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Las Vegas didn’t just walk like a man, it showed up at the crack of dawn, waited patiently and then gave generously like one, too.

September 2, 2010 in Uncategorized | No comments

Saturday was the 1,000th performance of JERSEY BOYS at the Palazzo. It’s a remarkable show enjoying a remarkable run. Check out Trip Advisor’s ratings here http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g45963-d1081728-Reviews-Jersey_Boys-Las_Vegas_Nevada.html if you don’t believe us.

To celebrate the milestone, the show held the Walk Like A Man Shoe Drive to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Nevada. The plan was to give away 1,000 tickets to Saturday night’s show for 1,000 pairs of shoes to benefit underprivileged kids in Las Vegas.

The first ones in line arrived at 5 a.m. Seven hours before we started passing out tickets. By 10 more than 1,000 were in line, which began snaking into the Palazzo casino. By 11:30, it wrapped around the casino and headed into the Venetian. More than 3,000 turned out for the tickets. Many showed up, saw the line, handed over their shoes and said, “Thanks for doing this. We’ll try next time.”

Shoe Drive Benefit for Boys and Girls ClubThe initial 1,000 tickets were gone in 38 minutes. Then the producers of JERSEY BOYS did something extraordinary: they gave the green light to another 1,000. Then more after that. Las Vegas has embraced JERSEY BOYS since opening night, so it was the show’s turn to embrace it right back. If you brought shoes to help a child, you were getting a ticket. Maybe not Saturday night, but some night.

The spirit of giving carried over into that night’s performance. The crowd was electric and the show ran long because the applause after each song wouldn’t stop.

The officials at the Boys and Girls Club said that very often self esteem starts with shoes. It’s hard to feel good about yourself in old, worn-out shoes. Beginning this week, at least 3,000 kids will start feeling better about themselves, thanks to Las Vegas and JERSEY BOYS.

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Congratulations Terri Maruca

December 9, 2009 in Kirvin Doak News | No comments

Terri Maruca featured in the December 2009 issue of VEGAS Magazine

Terri Maruca featured in the December 2009 issue of VEGAS Magazine

A big congratulations to our own Terri Maruca who was honored last night at VEGAS Magazine’s VEGAS Gives Event at the Palazzo!

Not only was Terri one of 12 Valley women who were singled out for their philanthropic ways, but she even won one of the raffle items!!

More importantly though, thanks to the support of many of her colleagues and friends, she was able to earn an additional $1,500 for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas as the honoree with the most supporters in attendance.

 

See more of the VEGAS Magazine spread in the December 2009 issue, and below.

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