A special thanks to friend and fellow real estate agent, Sam Wagmeister, who wrote this article and is diligent about keeping the public informed of these very special events. My brother Doug, while not Downs Syndrome, is a special mentally challenged man, and he would absolutely love to be part of a program like this. One of his favorite things to do is to buzz cut his hair, put on his white jacket and shades and pretend to be Tom Cruise in Top Gun.
Kathleen "Kat"
Ray, the reigning Ms. Senior Nevada, stepped to the stage just over two years
ago clutching the hand of a Down Syndrome teenage girl and the two greeted the
audience in song. Responding with teary eyes, the spectators burst into a
standing ovation as the final notes reverberated through the theater.
Sunday afternoon Life Long Dreams will present great
entertainment with an Open House in their new offices. The cast of performers
is reminiscent of that earlier inspirational presentation. Life Long Dreams is
a non-profit struggling in today's economy to help kids "transform
disability into special ability through the arts." This year, the stage,
the theater seating, the theatrical lighting will be gone but... the level of
performance, the quality of the performers and the commitment of the
organization remains as strong as ever. Among those contributing their time and
talents to raise needed funds for these great, talented disabled kids
are:
- Lambus Dean, star of the 1-man Sammy Davis tribute
- Ronnie Rose perennial vocal favorite
- BMA award winner Genevieve
- Ramon Scruggs, Motown and R&B vocalist
- Woody Woods, pianist and composer
- Bee J Kunkle, former Mouseketeer
- Greg Austin, lead singer in Magic of Motown at South Point
- Mark OToole, crooner and host of The Vegas Voice Afternoon Affair at Sunset Station
- Jazzin' Jeannie Brie, jazz and swing era singer
- Willie Fish, drummer
- Vita Corimbi of Menopause the Musical
- Lisa Gay, vocalist
- Tony Drake, guitarist with Lou Rawls and others
- LJ Harness, Helping Hands of Las Vegas 'Man of the Year' Honoree
- Tribute artist Peter Pavone
- Saxophonist Martin Mancuso
- ...and more to come
Life Long Dreams inspires the disabled children and young
adults to follow their dream and express their creativity through performing
and visual arts. Many of the children's and young adult's paintings will be on
display and available for purchase. A silent auction is planned and
refreshments will be served.
100% of all proceeds will go to the continuing operation of
Life Long Dreams.
The Open House is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 24, 2:00-4:00
PM in the new offices of Life Long Dreams, 1785 E. Sahara Av., between Maryland
Parkway and Eastern. Look for Suite 360. Admission is a $10 donation and
refreshments will be provided.
For a deeper meaning of what Life Long Dreams brings to
their kids, grab a box of Kleenex and spend 10 minutes watching this video...click
here.
Please plan to attend, or donate by clicking here and locating
the Donate button at the top of the page.
Special thanks to Genevieve Dew for her tireless efforts in
helping to keep for these great kids their Life Long Dreams.
