Lolita Kelley
By Callie Thomas
This year, the advertising for back to school supplies, backpacks, shoes and clothing started even before the last of the Fourth of July fireworks had fizzled out. Retailers wanted to get a jump on the school year, hoping to increase consumer sales. From crayons to khakis, the discounts were already in full force. Even old school programs like “layaway” have been offered to make it easier for parents to gear up for another school year, a sign that even more families might be struggling with getting their kids ready for the first school bell. Thanks to the efforts of 89144 resident Lolita Kelley and other committed volunteers throughout the community, families in need are able to clothe their children for school through an important program called Operation School Bell.
Kelley’s family moved to Vegas in 1972 when her husband got transferred with the Hilton Hotel Corporation. Kelley had been involved with the Lions Club Ladies Auxiliary and her children’s PTA, as well as an auxiliary of the Assistance League of Southern California in her hometown. After moving to Las Vegas, a friend asked Kelley to join the Assistance League chapter in the area, which, in 1983, was still in its infancy. “Our main philanthropic program was Operation School Bell to help clothe needy children in grades K-8 recommended through the Clark County School District,” she said. “We started in a decorated classroom in a junior high in North Las Vegas. All of our clothing at the time was nearly new, donated by our members.” Kelley and other volunteers sorted through the many donated bags of clothing and took them home to be washed and mended. They clothed 350 children in that first year. Today the league provides clothing, shoes and supplies to more than 7300 students in Clark County each year. “The Assistance League does this with no paid staff,” says Kelley. “All of our members are volunteers. I have never known so many caring women, and being a part of this group has been a privilege.”
Throughout her membership, Kelley has also held various board positions and chaired several committees. In 1996, through its Fund Development Committee, the organization received a $1.67 million grant from the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation. The grant required that the group raise matching funds, and the dedicated team rose to the occasion to help build the league’s facility, which today still houses Operation School Bell, the Thrift Shop and meeting space at 6446 West Charleston. “I loved being the Chairman of Operation School Bell, working hands on with the children,” notes Kelley. “Nothing compares to seeing the delight on small faces when they receive brand new clothing, shoes and supplies for school that they were able to pick out from a stylish selection. This has given me an amazing sense of satisfaction.”
ast year, Kelley held the position of Fourth Vice President, Chairman of Fund Resources. “This has not been an easy year for any charity with the state economy, but we have been blessed with so many hard working volunteer members,” she said. This year, the League will partner with the International Academy of Design & Technology to inspire donations for Operation School Bell. In the words of Project Runway host Tim Gunn, the group will “make it happen” by creating a giant outfit that will be displayed in shopping malls and at media interviews across the valley. The oversized outfit will include a pair of 6-foot-tall jeans, a 4-foot-long shirt and a 5-foot-long hoodie.
Lolita Kelley has inspired others to reach out and lend a helping hand throughout the community, which includes her own three children. “I’m proud of all the wonderful projects that Assistance League does for our community. We have been very fortunate to live in such a caring and giving city.” For information on Operation School Bell, call 870-2002 or visit www.allv.org.
Meet the Neighbor – Todd Gainley
By Callie Thomas
What do you get when you combine Little League Baseball with Justin Timberlake? In this case, it isn’t the makings of a new movie concept, although it would be easy to envision Timberlake playing the role of a baseball coach to a minion of little leaguers. The common denominator in this scenario is resident Todd Gainley, and yes, he IS a Little League Baseball coach, but that’s just one of the many hats he wears to help kids and families throughout the community.
By trade, Gainley wears another hat–that of a Mortgage Sales Manager with U.S. Bank, and he’s been in the financial services industry since graduating from college in 1984. At present, he’s busy putting together a team of loan officers to help better serve the bank branches and the community at large. Aside from fostering his career in finance, you might very well find Gainley out on the school baseball field, donning a baseball cap as coach, stat keeper and parent while motivating young players to give it their all. If that weren’t enough, he’s dedicated his time and talent to help Shriners Hospitals raise awareness and funds to support their mission. The group provides the highest quality care to children with neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries and other special healthcare needs within a compassionate, family-centered and collaborative care environment. The organization also supports innovative research and exemplary teaching programs with funds raised through their annual golf event hosted by…you guessed it…Justin Timberlake.
Since 1983, the annual PGA Open has taken place to benefit Shriners Children’s Hospitals. The tournament allows fans to get up close and personal with the PGA Tour players, sometimes going inside the ropes and standing right in the middle of the action. Gainley leads a team of volunteers that support the event. “I have had as many as 18 committees on my team,” he said. “Volunteering is an opportunity to give back and bring something to the community that we might not get to see.”
The 2011 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open starts with community events beginning September 26th and runs through October 3rd, when the Tough Day Challenge wraps up the tournament festivities. The event exemplifies the ongoing commitment between Timberlake and Shriners Hospitals for Children to continue the tradition of the PGA Tour event in Las Vegas. Over 100 well-known golfers will participate in the competition at TPC Summerlin. Every aspect of the event is supported by the volunteers who are responsible for everything from accompanying the professionals during the tour and displaying their scores to managing security, recording distances and more. Gainley is proud of the many wonderful experiences he has had by supporting the group. “One experience in particular is when my son met golf pro Billy Mayfair. He made a point to get eye to eye with my five year old,” he said. “Mayfair gave him a golf ball and made him feel special. That is the theme of volunteers…we work hard to breathe life into the tournament, and at the end of the day, we laugh and share our stories with each other.”
Todd Gainley is a parent that leads by example by lending his talents to the community. “I’m proud of the team we’ve put together at the Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Organization to support children in need. A good friend has always told me that many hands make for light work. Without the 700-1,000 volunteers, the event would not happen and many families would not have the care that the Shriners Hospitals offer.”
Rossi Ralenkotter
By Callie Thomas
Perhaps it is the commitment of a 60-year resident that truly happens in Las Vegas and stays in Las Vegas. This particular resident has not only helped to shape the face of the city, but has worked tirelessly to market its excitement to millions of visitors annually, supporting our local economic goals in the meantime. He has also contributed to making Las Vegas a better place to live and raise a family through his volunteer efforts with a variety of charitable organizations. Meet 89117 resident Rossi Ralenkotter, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA).
Born in Kentucky, Ralenkotter moved to Las Vegas in 1951, attended local schools, graduated from Bishop Gorman High School and then served in the U.S. Air Force. He holds a bachelor of science degree in marketing from Arizona State University and a master’s degree in business administration from UNLV. Ralenkotter began working for the LVCVA 38 years ago as a research analyst, and prior to becoming President & CEO in 2004, he was the Authority’s Executive Vice President and Senior Vice President of Marketing. His marketing expertise and collaboration with R&R Advertising led to the creation of the most successful branding campaign in tourism history. The phrase “What happens here, stays here™” has been integrated into everyday vernacular, commonly heard around the globe from news media to television sitcoms and major motion pictures.
“I’m proud of my professional achievements,” says Ralenkotter. “When I started my career at the LVCVA, I founded the Research Department, which is what shapes everything we do from marketing and advertising to our sales efforts.” Consumer research the LVCVA conducted was used in developing the “Vegas Stories” campaign which launched the now legendary phrase. As a result of the campaign, Ralenkotter was selected as “Co-Brand Marketer of the Year” by the prestigious Brandweek Magazine. He continues to serve as chair of the U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and is the incoming Chair on the Board of Directors for the U.S. Travel Association.
When he’s not traveling to promote the city or focusing on national and international travel policies, Ralenkotter devotes his time to charitable organizations to benefit the community. “There is a tremendous sense of pride in this community, and it’s only natural that those who live here continually strive to improve the quality of life in Southern Nevada.” Organizations that have benefitted from Ralenkotter’s support include St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, United Way and March of Dimes. He and wife Mary Jo are parents to five and grandparents to nine, so opportunities to assist kids are particularly special. He has assisted local schools including Bishop Gorman, St. Anne’s and St. Viators and is the Board Chair for Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas supports the development of children by instilling in them a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. There are an increasing number of children who are at home with no adult care or supervision and who are left to find their own recreation and companionship in the streets. The organization teaches young people the skills they need to succeed in life through programs in three core areas: academic success, character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. Ralenkotter has lent his marketing and branding expertise to the organization by arranging for a community assessment which has enabled the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas to realize their needs for family services. “I’ve been fortunate to live and work with a lot of caring, dedicated people over the years and some wonderful charities and organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.” This month, the Fourth Annual Clark County Association of Health Underwriters Charity Golf Tournament will take place at Paiute Golf Resort to benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas.
“Being involved in worthwhile charitable causes, as well as the youth of Las Vegas, is very gratifying. All of us need to be a part of our community through these endeavors.”
Gordie Brown
By Callie Thomas
Just watching this high octane Las Vegas performer masterfully combine comedy, music and impressions is dizzyingly exhilarating. In each of his action-packed shows, he pays homage, albeit in the most comical way, to celebs, politicians and pop culture superstars by switching easily into his “alter-egos”. Resident Gordie Brown not only puts smiles on audience’s faces nightly at the Golden Nugget, he helps give hope to residents in need by sharing his talents to raise funds for numerous charitable organizations throughout the community.
Brown was born and raised in Montreal, Canada. While working as a political cartoonist for the Ottawa Sunday Herald, his co-workers thought it would be a good idea if they entered him in a talent contest. The hunch paid off; Brown took first place. “My co-workers entered me in this lip-syncing contest without telling me,” Brown said. “After winning the competition I decided I wanted to learn the real voices and not just lip-syncing.” The aspiring comedian and impressionist sat front row at a Rich Little show in Ottawa and became transfixed with building a career like Little’s. He made his way south to Vegas where his goal was to break into the business and work with legendary Canadian performers Paul Anka and Rich Little. Less than two years later, Brown hit the Vegas jackpot. He was opening for not only Anka and Little, but other headliners including Jay Leno, Louie Anderson, Kenny Rogers, Randy Travis, Barry Manilow and Jerry Seinfeld.
Since then, Gordie Brown has won numerous awards, including the coveted “Entertainer of the Year”, and racked up several television appearances with stints on Letterman, Craig Ferguson, EXTRA!, a co-hosting spot on NBC’s “Friday Night Videos” and a starring role in the dramatic series “Twice in a Lifetime.” When he’s not appearing on stage or on television he fosters his song writing abilities and recently completed his first entirely original CD called “As I Am.” So what does this extraordinary performer do for an encore? Well, when the husband and family man isn’t spending time with his wife and five beautiful children, he gives back to the community by doing everything he can to support local organizations that make a difference. “I think every charity is important, and I am always willing to participate whenever I can,” said Brown. The list of charities is lengthy and includes Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, St. Rose Dominican Hospital, Eye Care 4 Kids, Veterans of Boulder City, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation, and the recent NF Hope Concert, to name a few.
NF Hope serves families and individuals with neurofibromatosis (NF), a genetic disorder of the nervous system that results in an ineffective tumor suppressor gene, allowing for tumors to grow on any nerve in the body. The benefit concert provided an opportunity to raise awareness and inform attendees that NF is one of the most common genetic disorders. Affecting more than 100,000 Americans, it’s more widespread than cystic fibrosis, hereditary Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and Tay-Sachs combined. Although it is a common disorder, it receives no federal funding, and very few people are aware of it. Gordie was among the list of celebrity performers to support NF, Inc., giving them a glimpse into his Golden Nugget repertoire.
Even though the funnyman, impressionist, writer, cartoonist and family man lives a whirlwind lifestyle, his genuine and giving nature can be felt throughout the community. “I care about people, and it is always a good feeling to participate in the events. I’ve made many lasting memories over the years.”
Terry Winnick
By Callie Thomas
“A great architect is not made by way of a brain nearly so much as he is made by way of a cultivated, enriched heart.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
Back in the late 80s Universal Studios Theme Park executives had determined that it wasn’t enough to just watch the great film Back to the Future–people wanted more. And so a team of architects and designers from MCA Recreation Services, including 89074 resident Terry Winnick as producer, came up with a plan. They found a way to put you in the movie, let you travel through time with Doc Brown, shake you around, then let you return safely to your day at the studio. Thus “Ride the Movies” became an icon in the attractions arena.
Terry had been a Project Manager/Owner’s Rep for major projects for MCA Recreation Services for more than 18 years and later served as Senior Vice President. He was responsible for the design and development at Universal Studios’ Hollywood, California and Orlando, Florida theme parks, where he oversaw the design and construction of other larger than life attractions, including Jaws. Winnick’s efforts earned him the position of Executive VP and General Manager of Universal Studios Hollywood.
He has since furthered his career developing, designing and supervising the construction of projects in the areas of entertainment, resort, specialty/retail, restaurant, golf courses and theme parks worldwide. He has also served as General Manager for the world-famous San Diego Zoological Society. “I have had a very unique architectural design career,” Winnick said. His resume boasts planning and designing more than 30,000 hotel rooms and 15 major casino properties in 7 states for Circus Circus Enterprises and Grand Casinos. Taking full advantage of the skill set he’s developed over the years, he’s currently making dreams come true for those in the community in another way–by lending his expertise to the Foundation for Positively Kids, a charitable organization that’s close to his heart.
“The Las Vegas based nonprofit provides important services for medically fragile children in our community,” he said. “This includes early intervention services, skilled nursing services, respite care, sibling care and more. I am assisting them with the design of a new 148 bed pediatric skilled nursing facility which will be breaking ground this December.”
Each year 15% of the 35,000 babies born in Clark County will have a long-term chronic illness. An additional 5,000 children are diagnosed each month due to injury or illness. Currently these children are often sent out of state for long-term care. Foundation for Positively Kid’s CEO Fred Schultz is grateful for Terry’s help with the project. “For the first time families will be able to get long-term care for their children right here in Clark County without having to travel out of state,” Fred said.
The 110,000 square foot fully sustainable “medical home” will offer a multi-disciplinary clinic with pediatric skilled nursing, medical daycare, long and short term respite care, a healing room and a family information center. But that’s not all. It will become a first of its kind in Nevada, where the word “home” won’t be taken loosely. “The rooms will be furnished and decorated like their rooms would be in a normal residence,” he said. “They will be colorful, fun and filled with personal items. There will be televisions, computer desks, book cases, carpet and soft furniture for visiting family members as well as other favorite things that will give the children comfort and encouragement.” The medical home will include family areas complete with kitchens so that parents can cook dinner for their child and “living rooms” where families can talk and play together. The design also incorporates showers, a dressing area and accommodations for parents that need to stay for long periods.
Out of all of Terry Winnick’s accomplishments, he feels giving back to the community has made him most successful. “These kids deserve and need all the assistance we can give them. It is a pleasure to volunteer and make a dream come true for them.”
Meet the Neighbor – Bruce Familian
By Callie Thomas
“A man always has two reasons for doing anything: a good reason and the real reason.”
-J.P. Morgan
When resident Bruce Familian decided to lend his support to local charities both personally and through his businesses, it was the real deal. In fact, Familian couldn’t see a reason NOT to find a way to help others. “I really enjoy helping people that may be less fortunate or need a second chance,” he said. “Giving back to the community is an essential responsibility that I take very seriously.”
The 16-year Vegas resident is an established developer, boasting the creation of over 100 commercial and industrial buildings since he made this city his home. He is the founder of the City Stop local convenience stores of which there are currently 11 in the Valley. In addition, Familian operates a local slot route company named Nevada Gaming Partners which installs slot products in many local grocery markets, convenience stores, laundromats, taverns and carwashes. Even amidst all these endeavors, this enterprising Las Vegan has also found many ways to support our local charities, including being actively involved on the Advisory Board for the Southern Nevada Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics organization provides free year-round sports training and competition through a variety of sports for those five years of age and older with developmental disabilities. Participation in the sports program is about more than winning; it is about improving quality of life. Special Olympics Nevada services help to build physical fitness, improve social skills and provide an atmosphere where participants interact with other athletes and with the community.
The Nevada chapter of the organization not only offers free sports training and competition opportunities for participation in 12 different sports, it also offers local support and motivation for its participants. “I really enjoy working with the athletes,” Familian said. “It’s rewarding to see all the athletes having so much fun, and for most, it’s what they look forward to all year long.”
City Stop convenience stores sponsor the annual fundraiser for the organization called “Bowl for the Gold”. Special Olympics Nevada is entirely self-funded and doesn’t receive any state, federal or United Way money, so events like City Stop’s Bowl for the Gold are what make the difference. “It’s my favorite fundraiser for the year, and City Stop continues to raise money from our customer’s spare change year round,” he said. “So drop your change in next time you’re there and know you are helping the athletes.” Upcoming events for the Special Olympics include Bowl for the Gold, a cycling event, an extreme rappelling event at the RIO, and fall training and competition in bowling, soccer, softball and golf. Information is available at www.sonv.org.
In addition to Special Olympics, Bruce is on the Board of Congregation Ner Tamid where he and his family, including wife Sarah and sons Alex and Cortland, are members. Familian has seen to it that his companies are very active in the community and lend their support to the Nevada Cancer Institute, YMCA, Race for the Cure, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and local baseball teams. “When I can make a difference, either by someone getting a necessary medical treatment or just putting a smile on their face for completing an event, it is a humbling and rewarding experience knowing that I’ve made a difference.”
While the accomplishment that Bruce Familian is most proud of is his family, he has also touched the lives of our community through his dedication and giving persona. “I always treat people the way I want to be treated, and I’ll continue to give back to help those in need.”
Angela Edgeworth
By Callie Thomas
A baby’s first shoes are a treasured reminder of how far our little ones have come. Particularly when you’re showing them to your baby-now-teenager with nostalgia while they dismiss the keepsake by rolling their eyes before sprinting out of the house on their size ten feet. Believe it or not, even baby shoes have come a long way. Doctors are recommending that barefoot walking or soft leather sole shoes are best for infants and toddlers. In 2004, resident Angela Edgeworth started thinking a lot about children’s footwear and the kind of shoes that would be best after she and her husband Brian had their first daughter Caroline. “We began looking for comfortable and stylish shoes with soft, leather soles. After we couldn’t find what we were looking for, we designed some shoes for our daughter and had some prototypes made,” said Edgeworth. “We would constantly get asked where we got the shoes.” And so, pediped footwear was born, along with a foundation that would support the needs of children in our community.
The couple already had a strong background in business, so starting their own was a natural. Angela graduated from the University of Western Ontario with an honors degree in business and had started a cosmetics company in her early 20s. Brian, a Harvard Business School graduate, had already worked on Wall Street for eight years before entering private enterprise with pediped footwear. It started by attending a tradeshow and obtaining their first few accounts. Today, the company is currently selling to over 2,500 retailers in 50 countries. “From the onset, we made a commitment to serve our customers, our employees and, most of all, our community,” Angela said.
The pediped foundation was established in 2010 with the goal of expanding the philanthropic activities of pediped footwear. Since the company’s beginning they have donated nearly $1,000,000 worth of products and monetary support to children across the globe. The first charitable organization they have and continue to support is the Make-a-Wish Foundation. “We chose them because they enhance the lives of children, and my husband had worked with them previously when he worked on Wall Street,” she said. “It was amazing to him how many high powered Wall Street executives appreciated a donation on their behalf instead of a corporate gift. It means that the charity is doing something right. It was a fit with our company.”
The Make-a-Wish Foundation provides hope, strength and joy to children with life-threatening medical conditions. They grant a child’s wish in the United States and its territories every 40 minutes. Each wish takes $7,000 for the foundation to grant. The pediped foundation has granted almost 70 wishes with their support. “It is amazing to hear each child’s story, know that we were able to make a dream come true and make their life better in a really tangible way,” she said.
The foundation has also assisted other charities, including Soles for Souls, K.I.D.S, Children’s Heart Foundation of Nevada, Sunrise Hospital Foundation, Southern Nevada Urban League WIC program and Operation Home Front, to name a few, although they have worked with hundreds of charities with product donations. Some have included donations of $80,000 in products to child victims of the earthquakes in Haiti and Japan. They also donated shoes to Operation Shower, which throws baby showers for military women whose husbands are deployed overseas. “These charities all assist children or mothers and are a good fit with our philosophy to enhance the lives of children everywhere,” said Angela.
Angela Edgeworth and her husband Brian hope to instill their giving spirit in their own two girls, Caroline, who is now seven, and Lauren, age six. “Everyone has the capacity to give in some small or large measure. It’s about making it a priority in your life, and it is very fulfilling and rewarding in itself.”
Rick McGough
By Callie Thomas
Resident Rick McGough is at the epicenter of Las Vegas communication. As the Vice President of Contact Center Operations for MGM Resorts International, the native Las Vegan knows a thing or two about people, addressing their needs and, most of all, being a great listener. “A wise man I worked for long ago said that you never learn anything when your mouth is the one moving,” McGough recalled. His ability to listen to the needs of those around him as well as those of the community, coupled with his passion for making the city the best it can be, has led to his volunteering his time, talent and compassion to a long list of charitable organizations.
Before his recent appointment at MGM Resorts, McGough had honed his talents for over fifteen years with Credit One Bank, a local entity which distributes credit cards nationally. Rick was involved in the initial startup of Credit One by helping to form and grow the inbound call center division that would become customer service for the company. During his tenure, he was also the Community Reinvestment Officer for the bank. This position helped put McGough at the center of the needs of the community and initiated his involvement with nonprofit organizations. “Once I was introduced to the nonprofit world, it felt only natural to get involved and give back in some way,” he said. “I have to believe my commitment stems from my mother having instilled in me a compassion for humans, especially in their time of need.”
When McGough decided to get involved, he did it in a big way. Not just a few helpful initiatives here and there but more like over 50 affiliations. From board and committee memberships with HELP of Southern Nevada and the Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, to his involvement with the YMCA, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Nevada Fair Housing, Police and Fire Emerald Society, the Downtown Community Development Corporation, the LVMPD Search and Rescue Team and a dozen or so other organizations, Rick has been an undeniable influence throughout the community. Still, there is one organization that continues to capture a piece of his heart year after year. “Each year I am blessed with the opportunity to participate as a counselor at Camp Firefly, a summer event put on by Candelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation,” Rick said.
The nonprofit group, of which Rick is the Chairman of the Board, provides critical support to families of children with cancer. It helps educate, assist and provide direct support through programs and services dedicated to children and adolescents with cancer, their families and the professionals who care for them.
Each summer the four day Camp Firefly takes place in the mountains with approximately 100 kids ranging from cancer survivors to those still in treatment and their siblings. “While the intent of the camp is to provide a getaway for the kids, I feel that I and my fellow volunteers are the ones who truly benefit from the experience,” says McGough. “The resilience, life and enthusiasm exhibited by these amazing kids are nothing short of inspirational and reaffirming of our belief in the human spirit.”
Rick McGough continues to be inspired by his interactions with the people of our community, and thanks his mother, Betty, for igniting a lifelong desire to “leave it better than you found it,” whether it be the sharing of ideas, financial donations or giving of one’s time. “We as a society are only as strong, enriched and complete as our weakest members. It only serves to reason that each of us would give of ourselves.”
John D. Bentham
By Callie Thomas
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein
Ethel Merman once sang, “There’s no business like show business.” That has never been truer than for resident John Bentham. At the age of four he would watch as his mother acted at the military base where his father was currently stationed. “I would go along and observe and be a part of the crew, as much as you could do anything at age four,” says Bentham. “From that point on, I was involved in some sort of theater, whether it be on stage or behind the scenes.” In 1999 he got a job with the Magic of David Copperfield, which brought him to Las Vegas. He spent the next four years touring the world and learning about Vegas entertainment. “The city has gone through several paradigm shifts since I first arrived, and the transition has really been quite fascinating.”
Bentham continues to share the magic of the entertainment world in Las Vegas as the producer of several shows in the city, including Defending the Caveman at Harrah’s, Marriage Can Be Murder at Fitzgerald’s, Kevin Burke: Fitz of Laughter also at Fitzgerald’s, and Country Superstars Tribute at the Golden Nugget. Bentham also consults with several shows, including The Lion King at Mandalay Bay in a variety of areas. Being in the entertainment field has enriched his life in more ways than one. Entertainment has opened the door to numerous charitable organizations in which the shows have helped to raise funds either through performances or directly donating to assist causes. “I love to be in the position to help out whenever possible,” he said.
In addition to volunteering at several children’s theaters around the country, John has lent his time to the Boy Scouts of America, Make a Wish Foundation and Junior Achievement of Las Vegas. As a father of three boys that he takes pride in raising with wife Shannon, one organization that has particularly won his heart is the Children’s Heart Foundation of Nevada, where Bentham serves on the foundation’s Community Advisory Board.
In Nevada, it is estimated that more than 350 children are born each year with heart disease that requires either intensive medications or surgery. The Children’s Heart Foundation is committed to empowering heart families through emotional, educational and financial support and to creating a better quality of life for children with heart conditions. The nonprofit organization hosts an annual camp experience called Camp Mend-a-Heart. The four day event is where children that have been born with heart conditions or have developed heart problems have the opportunity to build relationships, gain hope and create important memories. The camp is medically supervised, and those invited to participate enjoy fun activities like crafts, water fun, hiking, obstacle courses and more with other children with similar conditions. “Each year I volunteer at the camp and other events,” Bentham said. “Giving back to the community is really what makes me feel complete.”
John also works directly with Catholic Charities of Nevada to raise funds for meal programs through some of the shows he produces. “I am always giving show tickets to many local charities to support their cause. I love this community and will always do what I can to support it.”
John Bentham continues to help make miracles happen by giving back to the community that means so much to him and his family. “I was always taught that you make a living by what you earn and a life by what you give. All I have ever wanted to do is leave the world better than I found it.”
Kirstin Von Sydow-Mincin
By Callie Thomas
According to Nike company lore, one of the most famous and easily recognized slogans in advertising history was coined at a 1988 meeting of Nike’s ad agency and a group of Nike employees. While speaking of Nike’s can-do attitude, the agency’s principal reportedly said, “You Nike guys, you just do it.” The rest, as they say, is (advertising) history. But this phrase has come to mean much more, not just to the famous brand, but for mainstream society to push beyond what they think they can accomplish in order to achieve their dreams. Resident Kirstin Von Sydow-Mincin is one of those that “just do it” every day. Not only for herself and her family but for all those families with members that suffer from food allergy anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can be fatal.
The six-year Las Vegas resident originally hailed from San Diego and is a teacher at heart. “I hold a master’s degree in education with an emphasis in Cross Cultural Language Acquisition,” Kirstin said. “I love teaching children. I taught elementary in Clark County, Nevada and in Chula Vista, California.” Von Sydow-Mincin uses those skills in her personal life as a stay at home mom raising her two sons, David, age four, and Nicholas, age two, with husband David, as well as in her quest to build awareness about food allergies to residents throughout the community.
Von Sydow-Mincin is currently a Logistics Chair for the 2011 FAAN (Food Allergy Anaphylaxis Network) Walk in Las Vegas. The nationwide event raised more than 2.5 million dollars last year to benefit FAAN. This year’s event takes place at the District at Green Valley on October 1st.
Educating others about the illness has become a personal passion for Von Sydow-Mincin. On one fateful day Kirstin inadvertently touched her son Nicholas’ face with a trace of peanut butter on her hand. “His little faced swelled up within a minute. We were terrified. A pediatric allergist diagnosed our son with anaphylaxis to peanuts, tree nuts and sesame.” After the episode, she read everything she could about food allergies, which led her to FAAN.
The nonprofit organization provides education, research and advocacy for people with food allergies. It is the most trusted source for information, programs and resources related to food allergies and anaphylaxis. The organization is made up of families, dietitians, nurses, physicians, school staff and representatives from government agencies and the food and pharmaceutical industries. “I only knew one person with a food allergy before my son,” Kirstin said. “He was a student at my school in Chula Vista. I remember the day he picked up a Snickers wrapper and went into shock. His teacher saved his life by giving him epinephrine.” FAAN reports that 1 in 25 people have a food allergy, with children under the age of 3 having a slightly higher chance of susceptibility. There is currently no cure, so strict avoidance of the allergen is imperative, and education is essential to keep people safe.
“I am committed to doing everything I can to help find a cure for food allergies. To keep my son and others safe means I have to do the work to educate anyone who will listen about food allergies.”
Through FAAN Von Sydow-Mincin also found FAPE (Food Allergy Parent Education), which helps parents connect with others who share the burden of dealing with food allergies. She is currently on the FAPE’s School Advocacy and Education Task Force and was one of the presenters in a food allergy education session at a Family-to-Family Connection event. “The task force is working with Clark County Schools to create a policy that will allow students with food allergies to be safe at school.”
Kirstin Von Sydow-Mincin has always been involved with charitable organizations locally. Giving back is just her way of connecting with others. “It gives me a sense that we are all in this together. Everyone counts. We can make a difference for the better if we choose to help.”
