Fr. Mugagga Lule
By Callie Thomas
“No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” – John 15:13
As Fr. Mugagga Lule sees it, “If we are able to make the little sacrifices every day for the sake of love, all of us together can transform the world into a far better place.” The Henderson resident and Catholic priest has done much to encourage others to open their hearts throughout his 15 year career providing spiritual guidance and caring for others. He has taught in seminary, high school, done parish work and, in particular, spent a great deal of time assisting disadvantaged children. “My work as a priest gives me numerous opportunities to work directly with people from every walk of life,” Fr. Mugagga said. “It gave me the wonderful opportunity to become involved with disadvantaged girls in Uganda.”
Father is associated with the St. Elizabeth Girl’s Academy and Home, an organization founded in 1997 to assist orphaned girls in Uganda, East Africa. “Due to the many unfortunate circumstances we find ourselves in (war, disease, poverty), Uganda has had two million orphans in the past 20 years, mostly due to AIDS and war,” he said. The home is a small effort to help give orphaned girls a chance at a better life by rescuing street children ranging from birth to 21 years old. The goal is to promote the survival, protection, and development of these unfortunate children. St. Elizabeth’s Girls Academy empowers them with survival skills for self reliance. Vocational training skills are offered including catering, tailoring, home economics, computer skills, agriculture, and the breeding of livestock. Students receive needed physical and emotional support, and each girl may attend two counseling and guidance sessions which are provided each week. “The girls also attend mass four times per week and clean and care for the facility on an on-going basis,” says Fr. Mugagga. “In addition, we provide social and spiritual development and support, recreational activities and girl”s sports programs.”
Fr. Mugagga has first-hand knowledge of the challenges in Uganda, having been born there as the youngest of nine children. Since founding the home, many of the girls have acquired the skills they need to succeed in a tough environment like Uganda. “There is an orphan who was helped by our academy and now she owns a restaurant. Some have graduated from college and are living relatively decent lives,” says the Father. “We have others in different schools learning a variety of skills and trades.”
Fr. Mugagga is also closely associated with a Las Vegas based nonprofit organization called Hope for Hearts, which provides important funding for the academy. The school relies on private donations and the sale of Hope for Hearts products, which include one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry created with beads from recycled paper. The necklaces, bracelets and earrings are eco-friendly, and proceeds from the sales benefit the students.
Since the academy’s inception, an average of 200 girls live in tents and dilapidated buildings on a one acre piece of land. If larger facilities were available, the number could grow to well over 1,000. Fr. Mugagga and the academy hope to someday build a campus called SEGA on a 50 acre piece of land.
Fr. Mugagga Lule is proud of the achievements reached by the many orphaned girls that have been assisted through the academy and who have gone on to live healthier, happier, productive lives. Father believes that this success is built on the efforts of a community of loving, caring people rather than his own. “My success depends on others doing their part. Success does not depend on any one person, but by every person fulfilling their responsibility to give back to the whole. As humans we are independent, but we are not meant to live in solitude, but in a living and loving communion with others.” For more information on Hope for Hearts, visit www.hope4hearts.org or call 412-6571.
Linda Fogg Phillips
By Callie Thomas
It seems as though everyone has gone “social.” Who’d have thought that in six short years, 500 million web users would become active in what has been deemed by Compete.com as the most widely used social network in the world? Yes, Facebook has emerged as the new way for young and old alike to connect, and anyone age thirteen and up can join in on the “friendly exchange.” With that fun, however, comes a whole new set of rules for participating safely in the information super highway. Furthermore, there are some important safe guards that everyone, especially parents, should know of in order to protect their young ones. Resident of 89148, author, public speaker, philanthropist, wife and mom of eight, Linda Fogg Phillips has made it her career to ensure the safety of our children online. “One of my objectives is to help parents understand Facebook and other forms of technology that their children use,” says Phillips. “I also teach parents and adults best practices when using social media and how to protect their children online.”
Linda Fogg Phillips is the author of two books, Facebook for Parents: Answers to the Top 25 Questions and The Facebook Guide for Parents, which will be released in March. Additionally, for the Online Therapy Institute, she writes the Facebook curriculum for Psychologists and Parents. “I personally had the need to understand and learn more about the virtual world that our children live in and are natives of in order to ensure their safety,” she said. “This motivated me to jump into social media and study it from a parent’s perspective.” Phillips was invited to Stanford University to both teach a course and conduct new research on her subject through the Persuasive Technology Lab called Facebook for Parents. As the main headquarters for the social media giants is in Palo Alto, California–mere minutes from the University–her regular commute from Las Vegas to Stanford University has proved very fruitful. She has developed a strong working relationship with the network. “Facebook recognizes me as their strongest critic and greatest advocate.”
With children aged 12 to 27, Linda has no shortage of experience in the highs and the lows of parenting. “I have had much experience raising children with challenges–children with learning disabilities, ADHD, leukemia and the loss of my 20 year old son in 2008 to an accidental overdose.” That devastating experience became a catalyst for Linda’s overall aim: reaching out to parents and helping them understand the needs of their children whilst strengthening their relationships. It is also why Phillips chooses to support charitable organizations that benefit children in need. PTAs, PTOs, church youth groups, Candlelighters, Best Buddies and Team in Training are just a few of her charitable outings. Linda has also coached girl’s softball and currently runs equine horse camps for children.
A specific organization that holds a special place in her heart is CHOICE Humanitarian where she is a very active board member. The aim of this group is to provide sustainable development in third world countries. “I’m responsible for the development in Guatemala,” Phillips said. “We take people to remote villages where the natives do not have electricity, running water and live on dirt floors in small huts. We build schools, medical clinics, churches, water systems and bring in medical care when needed.” She has also been known to bring her children with her on expeditions “so they can learn to serve others that are not as fortunate as they are,” Linda said. “It has helped to teach my children how one person can make a positive difference in someone’s life.”
Besides being a mother, humanitarian and advocate for security within the social media realm, Linda Fogg Phillips speaks to and teaches groups both big and small here in Las Vegas and all over the map. Her favorite quote is, “Service is the rent we pay for living,” but those are just words; her actions speak much louder. “The best way to help a child build his self esteem is by providing him opportunities to serve his community. Example is the best teacher.”
Maria Silva
By Callie Thomas
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” – Eleanor Roosevelt.
It is most likely that growing up, 89144 resident Maria Silva never dreamed she would become the first news anchor, reporter and executive producer at Univision Las Vegas, a Spanish-language television station. But she did. It is also most likely she obtained that position through hard work and determination, becoming fluent in two languages and letting her powerful need to make her family proud guide her to the successful career she has today.
Silva is a nearly native Las Vegan (a resident for almost 30 years) and is currently part of Fox 5’s MORE team. “I’ve been in the business more than 11 years now,” says Silva. “I’ve been fortunate to start my career at Univision in Las Vegas and continue my career at Fox 5. I used to say I was an entertainment reporter trapped in the body of a hard news reporter. Now I’m doing entertainment news! The best part of my job is that it allows me to get involved in the community as a whole. Las Vegas is my home!”
Silva is an active supporter of many local organizations, including Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, Shade Tree, Safe Nest, Salvation Army, Goodwill, Opportunity Village, Adams Place for Grief and Extended Hands Cancer Ministries, to name a few. There are some, though, that have struck a chord with Silva on a personal level. One is the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network.
One of Silva’s close friends, Stacey Escalante, former news reporter at KSNV and skin cancer survivor, has encouraged her to become involved with the Action Network. The group directly advocates the goals of the American Cancer Society. Efforts are targeted at specific cancer-related issues including Access to Healthcare, Cancer Research Funding, Tobacco Regulation, the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program and Judicial Advocacy Initiatives. Silva will assist by participating in events and making time to support initiatives. “It will be a special way to honor my beautiful Mama’s memory,” says Silva. “I lost my amazing Mama to cancer November 9, 2007. She was my biggest supporter and I miss her advice. I still live to make her proud.”
Another favorite organization is Kids to Kids. The nonprofit group collects new and gently-used books and gives them to at-risk students. Some of the children have never owned their own book. “Laurie Porter and her crew have done such an amazing job putting books into the hands of deserving kids. I’ve been fortunate enough to emcee some of their fundraising events,” says Silva.
Maria especially enjoys helping organizations that help kids. She has also supported the Las Vegas Youth Orchestra by emceeing several of their fall concerts. “I hope to do more for them–they are about to lose their rehearsal location.”
She also co-founded an organization called Si Se Puede Education Foundation with her close friends, mom and daughter team Nora and Chelsea Campbell, to help Hispanic children learn English as a second language. Unfortunately, the project was stalled after each of the founders had lost loved ones, but they hope to start the program up again in the near future, adding services for not only Hispanic children but other non-English speaking children as well.
Maria Silva remains part of a large family. Her family at home–which includes two brothers, four sisters, six nieces and four nephews–as well as her community family both inspire her to be a better person within the community. She is proud to serve as a positive role model for our children. “I tell them about my family’s struggles and hardships. We didn’t have much growing up. We’ve overcome so much adversity. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, UNLV. I make sure to tell kids, ‘If I can do it, so can you!’”
Dr. Darian Parker
By Callie Thomas
They call him Dr. D. “D” for Darian, but more likely for his dedication and determination in becoming a positive influence toward the overall health and welfare of our community. The 89135 resident has made it his life’s mission to lead others down the path of health and well-being.
“I grew up in a very athletic household where my parents encouraged me to be physically active in sports and recreation,” says Dr. Parker. “I played sports throughout high school and received a track and field scholarship from James Madison University. I ran track for JMU for four years while majoring in Kinesiology.”
Kinesiology is the study and detailed understanding of how the human body works, moves and responds to mental messages–that the mind and body are inexplicitly linked and that one has a vital affect on the other. Darian graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology, obtained his Master’s Degree and eventually earned his P.h.D. in Sports Education Leadership here in Las Vegas at UNLV. “I never felt done with school so I decided, with the encouragement of my family and professors, to pursue my P.h.D.,” said Parker.
While on his educational journey, Darian worked as both a university/career college instructor and a personal trainer. In 2007 he decided to focus his energies on the personal training and fitness management side. He earned a position with WTS International (a spa, fitness activities consulting and management firm) as a personal trainer at Club Ridges, a private residential fitness facility located within the gates of The Ridges in Summerlin. After three years, Dr. Parker became the General Manager of Club Ridges. He also is a Regional Account Specialist for WTS International. “My jobs with WTS allow me great flexibility to get out into the community and network with a variety of people inside and outside my industry,” Darian said. Through those relationships he realized the need to better the community and developed a program for advocacy and the continuing education of local health and fitness professionals. He founded a nonprofit, community organization called Connect to Fitness. The group offers helpful resources including job postings, seminars and networking events. “I chose to create Connect to Fitness because I felt there was and is a need for fitness professionals to come together to help each other become more successful. I wanted to create something where we could all give back to each other, which in turn created a tremendous opportunity to give back to the community at large.”
Since its inception a year and a half ago, the group has seen enormous growth and great success in landing jobs and opportunities for hundreds of locals interested in health and wellness. Today, Dr. D manages the needs of hundreds of members, guiding them, providing networking opportunities and job placement. In addition, he continues to serve his peers and the industry by circulating health tips and advice through his regular email blasts, website and social media networks. “So many people have seen their lives change because they now have steady employment. I love it when Connect to Fitness members contact me and tell me how the organization has given them so many new outlets for work, education and volunteering.”
Through the group, Dr. Parker has had the opportunity to work with charitable organizations including Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Relay for Life. He serves as a fundraiser and participant in the yearly breast cancer walk and enjoys setting up and cleaning up as well as participating in the Relay for Life event. “Being married to my wonderful wife Michelle has also been influential and a changing moment in my life because it let me know that I needed to think beyond myself and be more aware of giving back; not only on a large scale, but on a smaller scale every day. It’s how you treat others that matters. If you are building giving relationships versus taking relationships then you are truly thinking beyond yourself.”
Sandy Marsh
By Callie Thomas
“Never tell me the sky’s the limit when there are footprints on the moon.” – Author Unknown
For 89113 resident Sandy Marsh, shooting for the moon is an everyday occurrence. In fact, just covering the bases isn’t enough for this impassioned Vegas resident. At least, not until every four-legged creature that roams our community has a loving and forever home–even if it is just one paw at a time.
Before Marsh began helping abused and abandoned pets in the Valley through the not-for-profit organization Foreclosed Upon Pets, Inc. (FUPI), she led a successful career in the newspaper business. It began while she was in college working in the advertising department for the San Mateo Times in California. She remained there for sixteen years until moving to Southern California, then to Las Vegas where she continued her career at the Las Vegas Review Journal until her retirement. In addition to her work at the papers, Marsh and her husband Paul have always stayed busy, hosting over 30 exchange students through the Lion’s Club in California; racing their sailboat out of Newport Beach; giving tours through the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village to over 5,000 children on school field trips; and being a Weight Watchers leader for 15 years in our community.
Dedication and hard work have not only been a part of Marsh’s daily life, they are important aspects of her being. “When I retired from the Review Journal I wondered what I was going to do to keep busy. Not anymore,” Marsh said. “Unfortunately Las Vegas still ranks as number one in the foreclosure market and people are still losing not only their homes but their jobs and their pets.” With that cause close to her heart, it seemed only natural that Sandy found the perfect fit with the FUPI organization, dedicated to the rescue of domesticated animals that have been abused and/or abandoned by their owners due to economic hardship, home foreclosures, loss of employment or death and illness.
Although Sandy won’t tell you she’s a founder of FUPI, it’s pretty safe to say she has played an important role in the success of the organization, along with one of the original Co-Founders, Everett Croxson. On the ground floor of the organization nearly three years ago, she helped FUPI build its foundation by securing donated materials such as flooring, paint and other items integral to the creation of the organization”s main headquarters. Once a five bedroom foreclosed home at Eastern and Bonanza, the house is now a comfortable, temporary home for the city’s abandoned animals.
In her position as a board member, Marsh tackles the marketing efforts for the group, spearheading adoption events as well as training and overseeing her volunteers (which she praises as among the best) each weekend at various Petsmart and Petco locations. In addition, Marsh heads up several other adoption outlets such as segments on KLAS Channel 8 each Thursday and on KTNV Channel 13’s Morning Blend show every other Wednesday. She has also forged a relationship with the real estate community, meeting regularly with the teams who notify the group when they find abandoned pets at foreclosed homes. “It is also important to remember to make arrangements for your pets in your will,” recommends Marsh. “People forget to do this and these members of your family are left without homes.”
While FUPI has a main headquarters, the group primarily relies on foster homes and is in need of more foster volunteers. Sandy and her husband Paul are already parents to three “fur kids”, Lhasa Apsos Max, Molly and Bobby, a FUPI puppy from a foreclosed home. “I’m passionate about finding homes for these abandoned ones–foster and forever. It means everything to me.” For further information, visit www.forecloseduponpets.org; email forecloseduponpets@hotmail.com or call (702) 272-0010.
Nora Luna
By Callie Thomas
The first and most widely thought associated with the Girl Scouts organization is…the cookies. We look forward to that time of year when they seem to be just about everywhere; in front of grocery stores, at the office and even at your door. While we stock up on our all-time favorites, we may not consider that those delicious morsels are also an opportunity for young girls to build confidence and people skills as well as support developmental programs that have made an indelible impact on young girls for nearly 100 years. Resident Nora Luna sees the importance of the Girls Scouts of America, which is 10,000 strong in Southern Nevada. She has become a pioneering force in encouraging girls in our community, including young Latinas, to join the scouting experience.
As a native Las Vegan and board member of the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, Luna believes strongly in the mission of the organization, “Girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.” But it is perhaps her extensive knowledge and hands-on expertise in educational and developmental programs through her work with the University of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension that allows her to see the potential of influencing our youth for a brighter future through the scouting program. “Throughout my career, I have developed, implemented and evaluated youth development programs aimed at parents and youth to promote school success and prevention of adolescent problem behaviors, such as teen pregnancy, gangs, dropout, substance abuse and delinquency,” says Luna. “Scouting provides guidance and support and a preventative program that is part of the key in solving our societal problems with our youth.”
Nora garnered her first-hand knowledge while establishing her career. She began as an intern for the LVMPD “Kids in Action” program where she worked with Officer Cindy Rodriguez and helped implement school dropout prevention programs in at-risk neighborhoods. “This experience changed my career path,” she said. “After graduating from UNLV I worked for the YMCA of Southern Nevada as a Prevention Specialist. In order to effectively implement the necessary programs I coordinated with many agencies including the Clark County School District, Clark County Juvenile Justice services and many others.” She later moved to Reno and worked for UNR’s Center for Substance Abuse Technologies for 10 years conducting training and effective substance abuse prevention strategies to state and local agency personnel over the western region and the U.S./Mexico border area.
Luna believes she can utilize her cultural intuition by drawing from her own experiences as a young Latina to help reach more girls and encourage them to join the Girl Scouts. “I recently participated in a Hispanic Heritage Family Celebration where we provided fun cultural arts and crafts activities, had several speakers, food, entertainment provided by high school mariachi bands and a folkloric ballet. This event exposed many young girls and families to scouting, corrected misperceptions and helped spark an interest in it among girls who otherwise would not have been interested,” she said.
Nora has found many ways of assisting the community and its youth through a variety of organizations including the Alliance of Latinas in Teen Action & Solidarity, the Read and Succeed program, the Nevada School-to-Work Transition System, Family Advocates for Community Empowerment Consortium and even as a Cub Master for Boy Scouts of America.
When she’s not spending time with our youth, Luna adores spending time with her family, including her parents, sister, brother and young nephews who usually gather at her house on Sundays for lunch. She feels blessed to be close with her family who has been so influential in her life.
“So many people, including my parents, teachers and other mentors, gave me time, skills and resources to help me along the way. Giving back, to me, is like paying it forward.”
Mayor Andy A. Hafen
By Callie Thomas
The numbers say it all. He worked for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for 23 years and has served Henderson for over 22. His favorite retreat is a ranch near Caliente that’s been in the family for 7 generations. He’s been married for over 37 years and is the father of 6 children and 9 grandchildren. Mayor Andy Hafen brings a sense of dependability, stability and loyalty to the city of Henderson.
Born in Boulder City, Nevada, Mayor Hafen has lived in the city all of his life (with the exception of just one year.) He began serving the community working as a clerk for the FBI and later served with Metro in the Special Investigations Division where he conducted background investigations on privileged applications. He was elected to the City Council in 1987 representing Ward II and served on the council for 22 years before his election to Mayor in June of last year. During his elected service he has seen Henderson become the second largest city in Nevada, the population grow by over 460% and be named one of the top 20 places in the United States to live by Money Magazine.
As Mayor, Hafen is responsible for setting policies and making decisions concerning many different aspects of local government along with fellow council members. He is steadfast in his commitment to initiating and supporting community programs to help families and local businesses. “It’s the families and the neighborhoods in Henderson that add to our sense of community and the decisions we make as a city council affect those families,” said Hafen.
After his appointment, Hafen began Neighborhood Connection Meetings within each ward. The town-hall style meetings provide each council member one on one interaction with residents within their ward. “We’ve been through our first year and each time we meet we see greater success. About 100 residents attend each session, and we make sure everyone receives an answer to their question.”
Hafen stays active within many city organizations, including the Nevada State College Foundation which supports Henderson’s commitment to education. He and the city team members also support dozens of charities through various activities and fund-raising events. “We also invite Boy Scouts to our council meetings who are trying to achieve their citizenship badge,” he said. “We support the efforts of these youth and hope they might one day serve their community on a board, commission or council.” He is a proud supporter of the APPLE Partnership where the city partners with the Clark County School District, Henderson District Public Libraries and other community organizations to promote literacy. “There is an incentive program that encourages children to log reading hours after school and with their families,” he said. “You should see how a child’s face lights up when he gets an award for logging the most hours.”
Mayor Hafen also hosted this year’s Super Run Classic Car Show in the Water Street District, which honors America’s love for classic automobiles and music. As part of this year’s event, Henderson partnered with the Henderson Chamber of Commerce and became the kick off location for the National 2010 Fireball Run Adventurally and its Race to Recover America’s Missing Children. The race is partnered with the KlaasKids Foundation which has helped recover 32 missing kids in the U.S. by featuring a missing child on their cars and distributing information along the 3,500 mile, 18-city route to raise awareness. “It was an honor to raise the green flag at the National Road Rally to help increase awareness of these missing children.”
Mayor Andy Hafen hopes that by giving back he can pass on all that he and his family have received from the city. “The Henderson community has been so good to me and my family. We have benefitted greatly from living here. It’s a safe community with vast educational opportunities and truly maintains that small town feel.”
Mayor Andy A. Hafen
Mayor Andy A. Hafen
Jim Nelson
By Callie Thomas
People are always saying that communication is key. That bit of advice rings true whether it is between co-workers, customers, friends or family. Without it, life tends to operate like a malfunctioning traffic light, creating anxiety, uncertainty and chaos, not to mention outright danger. Good communication skills lead to understanding, education and the ability to move mountains. Enter 89148 resident Jim Nelson, whose passion it is to not only promote skillful communication, but to provide kids in our community with the necessary programs and tools that give them the best education possible.
Although Jim, his wife Bonnie and their two children have been Las Vegas residents for over eight years, the family originally hailed from Fargo, North Dakota. “Yah, you betcha,” the very same Fargo made famous in the Academy Award-winning movie by the Coen brothers. Nelson began his career as a social worker for adolescent boys at the State Hospital in Jamestown. After obtaining his M.S. degree, he worked as a guidance counselor for ten years within the public schools of West Fargo. At the urgings of a friend, Nelson made a career change that landed him in the insurance industry, which required a bit of communication amongst the young couple before making the big move. “We made a decision in 1984 that I would go into the insurance industry as an agent and Bonnie would stay at home with our one year old daughter and three year old son,” recalls Nelson. “Basically, that summer we went from two incomes to virtually none with two small children!”
Through hard work and determination, the change paid off. Nelson rose amongst the ranks and is currently Independent Regional Vice President for Partners Advantage Insurance Services. Jim’s focus is on recruiting agents and agencies to one of the fastest growing independent marketing organizations in the country. Nelson owes his successes to having a great deal of faith as well as good communication skills. “Both Bonnie and I grew up in strong Lutheran families and developed our faith as young children. Both of our mothers were elementary teachers for over 40 years, and perhaps it is fate, but now Bonnie and our son Justin both work at Faith Lutheran Jr/Sr High School. Bonnie is a guidance counselor and Justin is a Spanish and Social Studies teacher.”
Faith Lutheran is not only Nevada’s largest non-public school, it is the largest Lutheran school in the U.S. For the past four years Jim has been on the Business Advisory Council for the school. This group of prominent local business leaders helps fund the technology needs at Faith Lutheran through their membership dues and by holding awareness/networking events, including an upcoming breakfast featuring Matthew T. Crosson, President and CEO of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce on September 21. The public is welcome, and the event will be held at the Kalb Student Center at the school. To date, the Business Advisory Council has donated over $350,000, funds that have enabled the school to build state-of-the-art science and computer labs, purchase a series of mobile classrooms–carts that hold and recharge up to 25 laptop computers–as well as install digital projectors for teachers to use in their classrooms.
Jim Nelson could not be more pleased than to support the education of children in the community and in motivating others to do the same. “Due to my family’s commitment to Faith Lutheran, I have been energized to devote time and money to the school to assist in continuing their programs,” says Nelson. “We have contributed to the Faith Lutheran Building Fund and sponsor an education scholarship each year. It goes to a Faith Lutheran senior who has decided to make education their future profession.”
Mary Vail, OSG
By Callie Thomas
The famous 1942 J. Howard Miller poster entitled “We Can Do It” paid homage to the women that went to work and helped support the war effort by producing supplies in manufacturing plants. Resident Mary Vail could easily be considered the modern day inspiration of the positive, motivational and reckoning force in the artist’s depiction and is making a world of difference in our community today.
Mary grew up in rural Texas and later traveled around the world to join her military husband at remote duty stations. “I was exposed to living and health conditions many would deem unsatisfactory,” says Vail. Calling upon her strong family and Christian values, she began organizing initiatives to help children and families in need. Whether it was entertainment events, gathering clothing and food, arranging educational programs or recruiting funds for special interest groups, Mary’s positive outlook and driving force had become the catalyst for change. “I always found great joy and warmth in working with and helping others,” she said.
It’s no surprise that Vail, who’s become known as the “Philanthropic Publicist,” would focus her profession on humanitarian efforts and finding opportunities to improve the educational, physical or socio-economic lifestyle of less fortunate residents of Las Vegas and across the nation. As founder and president of Mary Vail, OSG Publicist, an independent public relations firm, she specializes in image building campaigns and focuses her energies on positive publicity. She has provided pro bono services to help charities and special interest groups from recruitment to fundraising and event planning. Vail strongly encourages her clients and celebrity associates to support charitable organizations and their efforts. “I’ve made it a mandatory company policy that all of my clients must be willing to support non-profit activities through whatever means they can provide,” Vail said. “I believe one of the keys to being successful in both business and philanthropy is being willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done. One should not allow title or task to prevent them from doing the work themselves. If you aren’t willing to do it, then you shouldn’t expect someone else to do it.”
As if assisting existing organizations in their efforts weren’t enough, Mary decided to host her own event for the USA Weekend Magazine’s Make a Difference Day, which encourages the public to make an effort and help one another on the national day of charity. “Having been involved with high profile fundraisers, I was determined to create an event where the average individual or family could participate. I wanted the donor to have a direct impact without being financially intrusive,” she said. The Make a Difference Day Food Drive was born, and this year marks the 12th annual event. She hopes to collect over 15,000 pounds of food for the Salvation Army Food Bank, the beneficiary for the food drive. Mary recruited Smith’s Food and Drug Stores as well as local media partners, news personalities, businesses and celebrities for support.
Smith’s shoppers are asked to purchase one extra can of food for the Make a Difference Day Food Drive. Of course most shoppers donate more than one can and, on occasion, drop off a whole shopping basket full of food. It has become a very personal and emotional experience for Vail. “It’s not the hundreds of cans we collect that is so important; it’s the one can that may feed a family for dinner, that may be all the nourishment a child may get for the entire day, or keeps an infant from crying throughout the night. One can of food may not mean much, but to a struggling family it means someone cares.”
For her efforts, the award-winning publicist received the Paul M. Lund Public Service Award, the highest individual philanthropic award from the Public Relations Society of America, and has been knighted in the Order of St. George. She accounts her success to the love and support of her husband David of 30 years and their two children, Sean and Ashley. Her father, who passed away several years ago, has also been influential in her ongoing philanthropic endeavors. “My father told me there will always be those who have greater and less than yourself. I am determined to follow his path and help those who have less.”
Anyone interested in joining the food drive efforts on Saturday, October 23, 2010, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. can reach her at maryvail@cox.net.
