11,000 Feet and Three Reasons to Go

Picture this: You’re driving on a quiet road. On each side of you, towering pines fly past, lining the edges of the two-lane highway. In your car, you are toasty warm but the land outside is a still winter wonderland under a bed of snow, glistening in the sunshine. You can almost smell the freshness of the air, and feel the crisp winter sting on your face. Visions of hot toddys dance in your head and you, quite literally, feel on top of the world.

Suddenly, the view of a dramatic A-frame roof and a grand lodge appears in the landscape. The once peaceful, snowy scene is transformed into a flurry of action as skiers zip past and are whisked upward in a gondola. The feeling of ski boots lingers on your feet, and you know you’re in for a great weekend.

Why Mammoth 

It may sound too good to be true, but this winter fairytale is less than a day’s drive from our beloved desert landscape, nestled in the heart of Mono County between hot springs and national parks, in the form of Mammoth Lakes, California. We went, we saw, we conquered and came back with three reasons why you should definitely give this place a try for your next weekend vacation.

#1 Skiing and Ski Culture

OK – we get a big, collective “duh” from local skiers and boarders for this one, but with the tallest peak in California (we weren’t kidding with 11,053 feet) and an average snowfall  of 400 inches per year,  Mammoth is one of the premier ski/snowboarding resorts in the United States. Translation: the skiing here rocks.  Boasting wide open, well-groomed runs and perfect powder, the variety of ski terrain rivals other big dogs in Tahoe, Colorado and Utah…but closer to home.  Throw in mostly sunny climate, a dash of moderate weather and a large helping of extra days to enjoy the snowy runs and you’ve just landed great t-shirt skiing through late May.   At $99 per day during peak season (Jan 6. – Apr. 20) the lift ticket price is about as steep as the mountain’s 3,000 plus vertical drop, but the recreation and views of the Minarets are worth the trip.  

During ski hours, the mountain offers a handful of lodges, restaurants and bars with yummy food and libation for those seeking liquid courage…or warmth.   As darkness takes the mountain and you cease to feel your fingertips, be comforted knowing your après ski options are vast, spanning from on-mountain bars to gourmet eats, community fire pits and nightclubs at the relatively new Mammoth Village (www.mammothmountain.com), and beyond. 

Our pick for a well-deserved brewski will find you among fellow skiers as well as locals at the Mammoth Mountain Brewing Company Tasting Room. Across the main drag from The Village a tiny, nondescript entry opens into a large warehouse space with an extended horseshoe bar and lots of beanie-covered heads tasting mainstays and rotating custom brews produced just a couple blocks away. Try the Real McCoy Amber for a smooth, balanced arrangement of local flavors and the 9.5 percent Lair of the Bear Russian Imperial Stout if you’ve had a rough day on the mountain.  The tasting room is open from 10-6 p.m. Prices vary for pints and growlers, and kegs are also available (www.mammothbrewingco.com).  

Finally, get your strength back by carb-loading on pizza and handmade pasta at the newest restaurant in The Village, Campo Mammoth (www.campomammoth.com). Self-proclaimed “rustic Italian” the laid back, group-friendly atmosphere fits nicely with the fresh organic ingredients used to create authentic, wood-fired treats like the V.P.N. Margherita Pizza (think big, gooey drops of mozzarella), pasta and other entrees. The mouthwatering Salumi Board features artisan meats, cured in-house, and the Roasted Cauliflower starter with garlic and a little kick of chili are to die for. Prices range from mid-teens for entrees and pizza to $29 for a Blackened Rib Eye.       

Wherever you end up, you’re bound to find an eclectic mix of SoCal (this is a staple mountain for LA) and ski bums, all with a cool vibe and flavor for fun.

#2 Romance

Harken back to the scene as you pull up to the mountain. Now, picture your special someone in the passenger seat, bundled up and ready for a romantic snow holiday. Believe us, Mammoth will not disappoint.  

There are quite a few options for romantic lodging in the area. For ski-in, ski-out, a fireplace and balcony with mountain views hit up Juniper Springs Resort condominiums. At about $249/night during the winter season, these condos are stocked with a full kitchen and the studio sleeps four in case it’s a double date (www.juniperspringsmammoth.com). Tamarack Lodge (www.tamaracklodge.com) provides rustic cabins just 10 minutes from the Main Lodge. Starting at $199, if you’re in the mood for cross-country you can start your trail from your door. Either way, once you’re tired of the cold you can snuggle up in front of the fireplace with a bottle of wine or some hot cocoa. Check out www.visitmammoth.com for a full list of accommodations.   

During the day, take your better half up the Panorama Gondola for crystal clear views that seem almost too perfect (www.mammothmountain.com), or head over to the Mammoth Ice Rink (www.visitmammoth.com) for figure eights and handholding. A full day is $10.50 per person, or you can go the extra mile and rent the entire facility for an hour (swoon) for $200.  Finally, be sure to check out one of the natural hot springs around the area. Ask locals about Hilltop Tub or Wild Willy’s to get directions.

Top the night off with a five-star dinner and hot mulled wine at the Lakefront Restaurant just minutes from town at Tamarack Lodge. The cozy, ten table arrangement offers a regularly changing menu, but expect the likes of local duck breast with white bean stew, or a local beef with Yukon potato puree and seasonal vegetables. The restaurant is priced on the upper end ($50+ per person), but if you get there before sunset to see the views of Twin Lakes, it’s totally worth it. Be sure to check hours and make a reservation at (760) 934-2442.  

#3 Year-Round Adventure 

One of the best surprises we found on our trip was that Mammoth is NOT just a ski town. During the summer season you’ll find world class mountain biking, hiking, golf and horseback riding close to the Main Lodge (www.mammothmountain.com). In addition, within an hour you could be trout fishing or kayaking at one of the many lakes or streams around the area, hiking to waterfalls and the one-of-a-kind rock formation called Devil’s Postpile, or you could find yourself at the mouth of Yosemite National Park. Many of the restaurants and shops in town are open year-round, but check before you go to ensure you don’t fall in the dreaded off season. You can call (888) 466-2666 or visit www.visitmammoth.com to find out more.

Whether it’s a peaceful and romantic retreat you desire, or you’re an action seeking powder hound, the quaint and beautiful setting at Mammoth Lakes should satisfy.

Words of Wisdom for Your Trip

If you go, here are some things you should know:

• The drive to Mammoth Lakes can take between 5 and 6 hours from the Las Vegas Strip.   
  A four-wheel drive vehicle is a MUST if you make this drive during the winter.
• Runs at Mammoth Mountain range from bunnies to black diamonds, with plenty of options for beginners. The recent installation of RFID tags makes lines manageable everywhere.  Lessons for the “newb” in your group can be purchased starting at $189 for an adult at the Mammoth Mountain Ski and Snowboard School (www.mammothmountain.com).
• One downfall to the high elevation of Mammoth is high winds. Be sure to wear layers and check the weather before you head up to the hill. You can even download the Mammoth Mountain App for iPhone or Android to get up-to-date weather conditions, deals and more! 

Parker Rost

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014

Parker Rost is serious about two things: football, and his plans for the future. As the quarterback and Offensive MVP for Palo Verde High School’s football team, Parker has earned respect and developed character beyond his years. As a student and philanthropist, he has honed his goals for years to come, including serving the United States with his focus, passion and abilities. Parker’s dedication and hard work are impressive, and will no doubt take him where he wants to go; however, his loyalty and passion for the bigger picture and the world around us place him – A Step Above.  

Sports/Clubs/Community Service

• Varsity Football, 2011-2013; Captain, 2012-2013
• Junior Varsity Football Captain, 2010
• Palo Verde Student Council Representative, 2011-2012
• Summerlin’s 4^th of July Parade Volunteer, 2010-2013
• HOPE Scholarship Basketball Game for PVHS, 2011-2013
• Assisting Palo Verde High School coaches at the Freshman and Junior Varsity levels, 2011-2013
• Collecting and donating clothing and miscellaneous items to a family in need, 2011-2013
• Stocking Stuffers for US Soldiers, 2013
• Dental hygiene bags for Impoverished Youth with PVHS Student Council, 2013
• Spooktacular Loomis Elementary School Fall Carnival volunteer, 2012
• Patriotic Posters for US Veterans, 2012

Scholarships/Awards

• Northwest League Offensive MVP – 2013
• Northwest League 1^st Team Quarterback – 2013
• Football Varsity Letter, 2010-2013
• Scholar Athlete, 2010-2013
• Honor Roll, 2010-2013
• Northwest League Champions, 2011 and 2013
• NIAA Scholar Athlete, 2011-2012
• Panther Award

We see you have very noble plans for after graduation. I aspire to attend the United States Naval Academy with the ultimate goal of becoming a US Naval Officer.  I am interested in pursuing a degree in the fields of Cyber Warfare or Operations Research. I see myself defending our nation and providing humanitarian aid to those in need.   

There is a person in your life who has made a profound impact on you. I look up to my father as I have watched him work hard to become a prominent coach in Southern Nevada.  My father comes from humble beginnings and has modeled a work ethic that I aspire to emulate.  I have been lucky to be a part of the Palo Verde High School Football program for many years and have learned that hard work pays off.

Your sport has influenced a lot of your character. Being the quarterback for a football team has greatly influenced who I am as a person at this point in time.  Oftentimes, the quarterback gets the blame when things are not going well for a team whether he deserves it or not.  I have elected to live by the mantra that regardless of what others may think or say, keep your head high, keep working hard and eventually results will come.

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? I could see myself as the president of a nonprofit organization targeting our nation’s military and their families.  The servicemen and women in our Armed Forces make daily sacrifices to protect our nation and the freedom of others.  Unfortunately, some end up giving the ultimate sacrifice – their lives – and I strongly feel we owe them more than we currently give to them.

Brandon DeWitte

Palo Verde High School
Class of 2014

In Brandon DeWitte, one finds ability, benevolence and an understanding of balance that most working adults are still trying to achieve. The senior at Palo Verde High School strives for quality in all he does, practicing and dedicating himself to surpassing his goals, and his hunger for bettering the world around him through philanthropy and meaningful service is uplifting. The skilled musician appreciates the need for a joyful outlet in a world sometimes consumed with work, and in turn creates a gift for the rest of us, placing him – A Step Above.  

Music/Scholarship

• Palo Verde Wind Ensemble, 2010-Present
• Pep Band, Jazz Band, 2010- Present
• Marching Band, 2010-Present
• Clark County School District Honor Band, 2013
• Clark County School District Honor Jazz Band, 2013
• Low Reed Section Leader, 2011-2012
• Palo Verde Band Librarian, 2011-2012

Awards/Community Service

• Letter and Pin for Band
• 5 Superior Ratings in Solo & Ensemble, 2012-2013
• Most outstanding Concert Band member, 2010-2011
• 2 Excellent Ratings in Solo & Ensemble, 2011
• Northwest Youth Empowerment Council (NYEC), 2011-Present; Mayor, 2013-2014
• City of Las Vegas Youth Neighborhood Association Partnership Program Board (YNAPP), 2012-Present

You have a great outlook on balance as you enter your college years: “My main goal at the moment is to go to college and study engineering, music, or both. I hope to never have anything come in the way of my ability to play music because it is something that I have always enjoyed. My future goal is to achieve a job that I enjoy to work at and that I also have a passion for. In 10 years, I see myself having a career that I’ve worked hard to achieve. I want to use all of the life skills I have learned as a teenager to be successful as an adult. With this, I also see myself having a family with a great family relationship.”

Music and band rank high on your accomplishment list:  “The accomplishments that I am most proud of are being selected for the 2013 CCSD Honor Band, and the 2013 CCSD Honor Jazz Band. It allowed me to set a goal with a date, and to create a step-by-step process in order to achieve. Both bands had blind auditions in order to be selected and were open to all high school students. A couple weeks after the auditions, I found out that I was selected for both CCSD Honor Band and Honor Jazz Band.  This was a great accomplishment because several hundred students auditioned.”

What is a key issue facing young adults today and how might you be a part of the solution? “This question is something we constantly ask in the NW Youth Council.  The NW Youth Council focuses on problems that are affecting youth in the northwest portion of the valley. What we’ve come to realize is that there are over 6,800 CCSD students that are homeless in Las Vegas, with 1,100 of those students being high school students. For some reason, high school students are ignored by society more often than those in elementary or middle school.  For this reason, the NW Youth Council often selects community service projects that will help less fortunate high school students in our valley.”

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? “I would like to be president of Project 150. The organization reaches out the local schools in the valley to help less fortunate students. They collect donations to help feed homeless students and their families. They also collect clothing donations that they give away at their warehouse.”

Favorite Quote to Live By:

“Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” –Oscar Wilde

Mason Scott

Cimarron–Memorial High School
Class of 2014

Mason Scott is a doer, plain and simple. If the senior at Cimarron—Memorial High School sees something that can be improved, expanded upon or built (literally and figuratively), he’ll do it without so much as a blink. With “Founder & President” already under his belt, Mason’s aspirations know no limits, and the high bar he places for himself only serves as inspiration for any challenge that awaits him.  With a matter-of-fact viewpoint, pragmatism well beyond many his age and a motivating outlook on changing the way the world works, Mason rises – A Step Above.  

Work/Community Service

• Nikkiso Cryogenics, 2013-Present
• United Students of FIRST: The Las Vegas Chapter – President & Founder, 2013-Present
• Nevada FIRST FLL Student Advisory Committee – Leader, 2011-2013
  • Nevada FIRST FLL Tournament Student Host, 2011-2013
  • Nevada FIRST FLL Coaches Workshop – Lead position & presenter, 2011-2013
  • FRC Workshop Host, 2012-2013

Sports/Clubs/Awards

• Cimarron – Memorial High School Robotics Team 987, The HighRollers, 2011-Present; Vice President, 2012-2013; President, 2013-2014
• FIRST Team World Championship, 2007 and 2012-2013; Winners, 2007; Finalists, 2012; Division Finalists, 2013

Your goals focus around mechanical engineering? I would say my biggest goal in life is to be successful to my standards. I am pursuing a career in mechanical engineering and I aim to have my masters before I turn 25. Mechanical engineering will always intrigue me, and somebody will always need something built! I would say my biggest aspiration is to start an engineering firm at some point in time.

Tell us about the United Students of FIRST Chapter You Founded Here:  Here in Las Vegas FIRST robotics is trying to grow, but FRC (the high school section of FIRST) is very costly and many teams find it hard to be self-sustaining or willing to put in the amount of work it takes to build a good team. I noticed that even when teams did communicate, it was never student to student. It was always mentors just emailing mentors, and no one was really working together. I wanted to start an organization specifically for students, by students. We host meetings where students on all of the teams in Southern Nevada can get together and discuss different things ranging from finances, robot designs, all the way to leadership and team construction. Most people don’t realize that students on FIRST teams are the ones who run the team. Mentors work with us, they’re not doing the work for us. This was a way for everyone to collaborate and build off of each other in order to create a stronger community. 

You have a great outlook on failure. Failure is something to learn from and it inspires me. Everywhere I look there’s a reason to continue pursuing my career, my personal aspirations, and the things I want as strongly as I do. An object in motion tends to stay in motion, right? Inertia? That means if I stop doing what I’m doing, it’ll just be that much harder to try again. So, why let a little failure stop me dead in my tracks when I can use that failure to fuel myself? Nothing is too difficult until you give up.

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? I would love to be the President of a charitable organization that helped get young people on their feet when they have no other support, like young adults who have lost both their parents, or don’t have the funds to go to college and pursue a better career and better themselves. I believe everyone should have the opportunity to better themselves, as long as they are willing to work for it. But how can somebody pursue something if they can barely make ends meet?

Cindy Rivera

Spring Valley High School
Class of 2014

When it comes to education, college and planning a future there are students who are set on a path from a young age, and there are those who blaze their own trail. Cindy Rivera, a senior at Spring Valley High School, is the latter. As one of the first in her family to attend college, Cindy is realizing a lifelong dream and far surpassing it with a focus on medicine. And, better yet, she is pulling it off with style and class. Her passion, thoughtfulness, spirit and concern for others will not only garner success in the medical world and in her life, but also places her – A Step Above.    

Scholarships/Awards

• Spring Valley High School Honor Roll, 2011-2013
• UC Irvine Position Paper Award, 2012-2013
• Paris Model United Nations Honorable Mention, 2013
• AP Scholar with Honor, 2013
• Brigham Young University Position Paper Award, 2012
• Benedict College Presidential Scholarship
• Whitworth University Presidential Scholarship
• Virginia State University Presidential Scholarship

Clubs/Community Service/Sports

• Model United Nations, 2011-2013; Secretary, 2012; Vice President, 2013
• Advancement Via Individual Determination Club, 2011-2013; Vice President, 2011; President, 2012
• Mu Alpha Theta, 2012-2013; Historian, 2013
• Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), 2011-2014; Team Captain, 2011; Co-Chair, 2012; Event Chair, 2013-2014
• Varsity Bowling Member, 2011-2012 

You are very focused on your future in medicine. My biggest current goal is to be able to go to a good university for free and take the burden off of my parents. In the future, I plan to attend medical school and specialize in neuroscience to become a surgeon. Ten years from now, I see myself completely independent. My career will be in its foundations and I will be creating a name for myself in the field of medicine.

Your family has a huge influence on you. I look up to my mother. She has been through so much adversity in her life and is the strongest woman I know. She puts 100% into everything she does and is always my biggest fan, because she knows I do the same. My biggest accomplishment is making my family proud of the person I am becoming. Being one of the first in my family to go to college, I am living out the dreams they have had for me since I was born.

Education is very important to you. Young adults today do not understand the significant value that education holds on one’s future. If I could get every teenager to see the difference between life with an education, and life without one, I would.

Picture this: You’re the President of a non-profit…what would it be? I would be the President of the American Cancer Society. Being a part of Relay for Life, I have witnessed first hand the immense impact the organization makes on cancer patients and survivors. It is truly inspirational.

Favorite quote to live by: “You can waste your life drawing lines or you can live your life crossing them.”

Once is not enough: The Importance of Frequency in Advertising

“I just want to try advertising once to see what kind of results I will get.”

This is a statement I hear from business owners all too often that will, in the end, cause a huge deal of aggravation, wasted expense and ultimately disappointment with an advertising campaign. What’s the reason for this? In advertising, once is just not enough.

A successful advertising campaign has so many variables to consider: Where do you advertise? What size is the ad? What product or service are you advertising? How does your message and call to action relate with your target audience? These are all important questions, but one of the most important (yet often overlooked) questions when considering the effectiveness of your campaign is: What is your ad frequency?

How often you advertise and how consistently your target audience engages with your brand through advertisement is one of the keys to a successful program.

A Common Misconception

We all advertise for the same reason, right? We want to bring customers through the door and sell more products (or services)! Most business owners I have spoken with over the years grasp that concept. What I’ve noticed, however, is those same business owners don’t truly understand the process a customer goes through, starting way before seeing an advertisement, leading up to purchase. In their minds it’s a seemingly simple equation:

–  I take out an advertisement.
–  Targeted potential customer, John, sees the advertisement.
–  John walks in to my store and buys my goods or services. 

If the first-time ad doesn’t go according to this equation, then the advertising doesn’t work and I just lost money. In fact the only true part of that last sentence is – If you only ran the ad one time, you probably did just waste your money. In reality, your advertising did better than you thought, but without frequency you never got the chance to experience it.

So, why is frequency so important?

It all comes down to the buying cycle.  Research shows a consumer goes through a similar process every time they consider a purchase.  The higher the ticket price or the more personal it is, the longer the buying cycle.  A typical buying cycle a new advertiser must take into account is:

#1 – Awareness – Before a potential customer even enters the buying cycle they must know you exist. This means they will consider your company once they enter the cycle and also allows you the ability to bring potential customers into the purchase cycle for your product or service (See #2).

#2 – Interest – After your customer realizes you exist; you have the opportunity to then influence the buying cycle by creating interest in what you are selling.

#3 – Need – If you have done a good job of creating interest, it will push the customer to determine if they have a need for your product or service.

#4 – Comparison – This is the point at which knowing your competitor is crucial. The value of the product and buying risk for the customer will determine how thorough this stage will be.

#5 – Purchase – The customer has satisfied the previous four steps and makes the purchase.

#6 – Satisfaction – Once the purchase is made the customer then enters post-purchase mode, in which they determine whether the product lives up to their expectations.

#7 – Referrals – This is also a post-purchase activity, but extremely important with the rise of websites like Yelp (a recent study showed nearly 90% of customers are influenced by a positive review online). If everything is as “advertised” customers will gladly send their friends and family to you. Momentum begins from this point.

So what does frequency have to do with the buying cycle?  Depending on budget and urgency there could be weeks, months or years between Step 1 and Step 5. Frequency in advertising is what pushes you through the steps and why the more you advertise consistently, the better your results become. Different studies have suggested the frequency of advertising should range from three to seven times depending on the product, cost, target audience and medium. Industry opinion can dictate up to eleven impressions before action is taken.  After this, however, consistent advertising serves to reinforce your brand, and provide top of mind awareness among your current customers while simultaneously engaging new customers in the buying cycle.  

Here today gone tomorrow advertising is one of the most expensive actions that a business owner can take.  Patience and effective frequency pays off in the long run, generating new business and building a sustainable foundation for your brand. 

Blue Star Mothers and The City of Henderson

As we sit down with our families during the holidays and, for some, watch our children excitedly rustle through holiday stockings, it’s important to remember that many brave men and women are not home, but are abroad and at times in danger, serving our country. Those soldiers have volunteered to forego the warmth and love of their families at home to protect the freedom and safety of ours.

A local non-profit, Blue Star Mothers of Southern Nevada, worked to ensure that local troops who are currently deployed overseas do not go without a stocking this holiday season. Working with the City of Henderson and local volunteers, the group of mothers (all of whom have a child who has honorably served in the military) collected items representing the “comforts of home” for our troops abroad. “As mothers, we have always been there to protect our kids. But today, they are the ones protecting us,” said Blue Star Mothers President Chere’ Pederson. “Many of our sons and daughters are serving their country by defending our freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan and other areas referred to as the War Zone. As the holidays draw near, we think about the traditions and comfort that we enjoy at this time and are glad to be able to send our kids a little ‘Home’ for the holidays.”

City of Henderson representatives and students from McCaw Elementary School gathered to assemble the over 1,000 stockings with items collected from local residents. Our local heroes serving overseas can rest easy knowing we are here thinking of them. To learn more about Blue Star Mothers of America visit www.bluestarmothers.org.

Young Men’s Service League’s “Ultimate Gift” Benefits Project 150

November was National Philanthropy Month and, considering this time of year also tends to be one of the hardest for those in need, it’s fortunate to have an influx of assistance, support and partnership from charitable organizations in the city.

One such organization came together to make a huge impact on our local high school youth. The Young Men’s Service League (YMSL) Las Vegas, in conjunction with a chapter-wide YMSL program known as the “Ultimate Gift,” chose local non-profit organization Project 150 as the recipient of a huge kindness. Taking the first weekend of November, mothers and sons gathered to clean, paint, decorate and stock pantries full of food for three “resource” rooms at Desert Pines High School, Mohave High School and Western High School. The rooms will provide a welcoming environment for homeless students who may not have anywhere to go before or after school. “Our Chapter chose Project 150 as the recipient of the Ultimate Gift because it speaks to a need in the Clark County School District,” said YMSL Las Vegas Chapter founder and president, Kristen Beling-Dougherty. “Supporting homeless students to help them stay in school is one of the driving forces behind YMSL’s support.  We understand the value and importance of what a high school diploma will mean to the future of these teens.” 

The YMSL is newly established in Las Vegas. The non-profit initiates and encourages high school aged young men and their mothers to assist, serve, and support those who are in need in their communities. To learn more visit www.ymsllasvegas.org. For information on Project 150 and to assist local homeless high school students visit www.project150.org. 

Guns and Ammo Garage Supports Nevada Special Olympics

The Nevada Special Olympics seeks to teach sportsmanship and acceptance, while instilling valuable confidence in people with intellectual and physical disabilities. In a time where bullying is more rampant than ever and ignorance seems just as prevalent, the organization seeks to empower not only its athletes, but also thousands of volunteers, coaches, students and others through sports and local programs and by shining a light on the unique beauty of each human being.

In October the PBR World Finals Rodeo celebrated its 20^th year in Nevada, including its annual Celebrity Classic at Bear’s Best Las Vegas, benefitting the Nevada Special Olympics. Specifically, funds were raised for the Special Olympics Schools Partnership Program, which connects disabled and non-disabled young students in the mission to spread understanding and acceptance. Local company Guns and Ammo Garage participated in the tournament as a Gold Sponsor, donating over $18,000 to the non-profit at a ceremony during the rodeo. “Because of the generosity of Guns and Ammo Garage, this money will allow us to sponsor 72 children and adults with special needs to be able to participate in various programs throughout the community,” says Maggie Schwarz, Regional Vice President of Special Olympics Nevada. “We are so appreciative of their support and know that this money will go a long way.” 

This is the second year Guns and Ammo Garage has partnered to support the Nevada Special Olympics, which at its core, allows free participation for 3,000 disabled athletes to compete in 19 competitions around the region.  To learn more about support the Nevada Special Olympics visit www.sonv.org. For more information on Guns and Ammo Garage visit www.gunsandammogarage.com. 

Healing Hands for Arthritis – Massage Envy

Nearly a quarter of Nevadans are afflicted by arthritis, suffering daily from joint pain that at times is debilitating without the promise of relief. The disease affects nearly 50 million people nationwide (a surprising two-thirds majority under the age of 65) including 300,000 children, and is the leading cause of disability in the U.S.   

One source of potential reprieve for arthritis sufferers is massage, creating a perfect union for Massage Envy to partner with the Arthritis Foundation, which works to raise awareness and funds for a cure.   In September, Massage Envy, including 12 local clinics, participated in the 3^rd Annual Healing Hands for Arthritis. Each clinic donated $10 from every massage and facial booked on September 18, as well as a portion of proceeds from certain salon products sold that day. “Through personal experience, watching my mother suffer from the debilitating affects of arthritis, and seeing so many guests obtain relief from our services, I am very proud to be a part of this amazing event,” said Theresa Lahrs of Massage Envy in Anthem. “The funds raised by Massage Envy nationally, will assist the Arthritis Foundation to create awareness, find new treatments and a cure for the disease. Healing Hands For Arthritis exemplifies Massage Envy’s vision – ‘Better lives. Better families. Better communities. A better world…through our hands.’”

Locally, Massage Envy raised over $14,000 for Arthritis Foundation. Nationally, that number trumped $898,000.  Not a bad day’s work, considering participants generated the funds while getting pampered at the spa! To learn more about Arthritis Foundation visit www.arthritis.org. For information about Massage Envy and the Healing Hands for Arthritis program visit www.massageenvy.com.