MGM Resorts International has donated $1 million to the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. The gift will support the construction of the Smithsonian’s 19th museum, scheduled to open in 2016.
The nearly 400,000-square-foot museum will reside on a five-acre site adjacent to the Washington Monument, and will be a place where Americans can learn about the richness and diversity of the African American experience. Since its start in 2003, NMAAHC has built a collection of more than 30,000 objects covering major periods of African American history, beginning with the origins in Africa and continuing through slavery, the civil rights era, the Harlem Renaissance, the great migrations north and west and into the 21st century.
MGM Resorts International is building a destination resort on the Potomac River just south of the National Mall. It is expected to open in 2016.
Clint Holmes to be honored at fundraiser
Nevada School of the Arts will be honoring performer Clint Holmes Oct. 16 with the Encore Award for Musical Excellence. The musical celebration begins at 6 p.m. at Ghostbar at The Palms, 4321 W. Flamingo Road. The award will be presented by Beth Fisher. Honorary guests, George and Kathy Garlock, have invited the community to enjoy an exclusive musical evening featuring string instrument performances by NSA students, faculty and guest performers. Tickets are $250 in advance and sponsorships are available. For tickets or more information, contact 702-384-2787.
Las Vegas Business Academy’s fundraiser Oct. 3
The Las Vegas Business Academy will host its fourth annual fundraising event, “Rockin’ on the Strip,” at Bamboo Pool at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas 8 – 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Each year, the Academy recognizes prominent business professionals who serve as an exceptional example for LVBA scholarship recipients. This year’s honorees include Elizabeth Blau, founder and CEO of Blau & Associates, and Alex Epstein, executive vice president of the El Cortez Hotel & Casino.
Amerigroup Nevada, Three Square Food Bank partner
Amerigroup Nevada, Three Square Food Bank and Feeding America worked together to fight food insecurity by distributing nutritious food and providing health screenings for Las Vegas residents during “Hunger Action Month.” Three Square Food Bank was one of 23 food banks to benefit from Amerigroup’s recent donation of $130,000 to the Feeding America network. As part of this national gift, Three Square Food Bank received $5,000 to support the hunger-relief organization’s mobile pantry in Las Vegas and provide food to approximately 450 families. Three Square Food Bank provides food and resources to more than 137,000 men, women and children each month and utilizes mobile pantries to reach those struggling in southern Nevada. Amerigroup has supported the Feeding America network of 200 food banks since 2011. Health screenings on Sept. 16, held at FISH Emergency Assistance, Calvary Southern Baptist Church, were provided by Machuca Family Medicine, vision screenings by The Eyecare Center and dental screenings by Aces Braces and Dental and Owens Dental and Braces. A check presentation followed, along with the distribution of food.
Superhero 5K raises $200,000
More than $200,000 was raised for children with cancer at the recent 25th Anniversary Superhero 5K with Chet Buchanan, a record for the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada, which provides financial assistance for medical costs, travel and living costs for patients and family members. The annual event, held at Exploration Park at the Mountain’s Edge Master Planned Community, also set records with more than 3,000 attendees, 2,300 race and walk participants, and 501 competitive 5K racers. This year, $212,270 was raised with more contributions expected to come. The Centennial Toyota team raised the most money, more than $26,000 through car dealership employees. For a complete list of results, visit candlelighterssnv.org. Individuals and teams raising the most money also were recognized during the award ceremony.
Helping Hands of Vegas Valley’s annual gala supports seniors
The Helping Hands of Vegas Valley’s fifth annual Hearts and Hands Gala, featuring mistress of ceremonies Sherry Swensk of 8 News Now, will be 6 – 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Keep Memory Alive Event Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit essential programs to assist senior citizens in the local community. Guests will be transported back to the golden era of Las Vegas, with entertainment, music and hors d’oeuvres. Commemorating 15 years of service, Helping Hands of Vegas Valley feeds more than 500 low-income seniors each month with home delivered groceries, provides more than 9,000 rides to medical appointments annually and helps more than 500 seniors remain at home with family members through the distribution of respite care vouchers. Tickets are $150, and may purchased online at hhovv.org, under the events page.
Pole Position Raceway charity race raises $4,500
Pole Position Raceway, Undaunted Apparel and Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series teamed up for a special race night Sept. 17 benefitting the Speedway Children’s Charities. The charity go-kart race event featured professional off-road drivers and the partners donated $4,500 to Speedway Children’s Charities. Since its inception in 1999, Speedway Children’s Charities has granted more than $2.5 million to local children’s causes throughout southern Nevada.