The dinner was made possible through the generosity of world-renowned chefs, food purveyors, servers and the dedicated kitchen staff. The Lon Bronson All Star Band with honoree Penn Jillette singing onstage opened the evening’s program. Mistress of ceremonies was Monica Jackson of KVVU-TV, Channel 5. The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction that took place at the Magical Forest entrance where guests including Annemarie and Fletcher Jones III, Susan and Bill Walters, Phyllis and Jack Binion, Kimberly and Brad Friedmutter, Michael Brown, Jeri and Rick Crawford, Darlene and Cliff Miller, Patty and Mike Morrissey, Patrick Duffy, Missy Young, Bev and Michael Bolognini, and Carl Rowe socialized at the fall season’s premiere event.ĭinner and entertainment took place in the multipurpose room that Destinations by Design had transformed into a Winter Wonderland. This year’s Camelot benefit was another sold-out black-tie event. ![]() Today, the nonprofit organization serves more than 3,000 people and their families every day. Sixty years ago, seven families came together for support, because no school or social service programs were available to help them cope with their children’s intellectual disabilities.īecause of immense community support from businesses to individuals in the years since, Opportunity Village has earned a gold- standard reputation for giving many of its clients feelings of self-worth and a chance at productive employment. 8 during the Camelot-themed fundraiser at Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest. Penn and Emily Jillette were honored Nov. Here, and for charities across the valley.Jack and Phyllis Binion (Marian Umhoefer/Las Vegas Review-Journal) Their communication skills, their physical skills because they’re not as active and doing as much during the day.”īrown says the plan is to re-light the forest next year.īut for now, the pathways are quiet, and the train sits empty.Įxpect a tough holiday season. “And what we really saw a lot of our clients when they’re at home, their skills degrade. The world has changed and they're not quite sure why,” says Brown. “Our clients, a lot of them have a hard time understanding what's going on. In the meantime, the OV campuses themselves can only operate at 50% capacity by state mandate. ![]() Another big fundraiser, the annual Santa Run, will be a virtual event this year. Without money from the Magical Forest, it’s hoped the community will support Opportunity Village in other ways: a purchase at the thrift store, or an online donation. “Everything goes to pay them, and keep them employed and give them the training they need to succeed in the community,” adds store manager, Todd Riechers. “They hang the clothes and then bring them to us right here and we tag and size them.” “There's a lot to do,” she says, while helping sort through donations. ![]() Money raised through both events helps provide vocational training and job placement for people with intellectual disabilities.Ĭlients like Gracie Salazar who’s worked at the Opportunity Village Thrift store on South Decatur for ten years. “We were halfway through that project and it just wasn't right, we can't do it.” “We had a really exciting haunted house we were going to do,” says Brown. The annual HallOVeen celebration is canceled too. “This is such a community event, the Magical Forest is a gift we give the Las Vegas community every holiday season.”īrown says it came down to safety, with major concerns about social distancing and crowd control. “This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make,” says President & CEO Bob Brown. ![]() The popular attraction has been welcoming families for more than 30 years and generates nearly $1 million a season for the non-profit. The Magical Forest at Opportunity Village won’t be opening in 2020 due to COVID-19.
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