Spread the Word Nevada Hosts 10th Anniversary Storybook Gala at Venetian

Sep. 17 , 2011 - The 10th Anniversary Storybook Gala, entitled "One Enchanted Evening," was hosted by Spread the Word Nevada at the Venetian Hotel on Sep. 17, 2011.

Proceeds from the annual fundraising event support Spread the Word Nevada's literacy efforts, including the distribution of books to at-risk children in the Las Vegas Valley.

Majestic Realty Foundation was honored at the gala for years of dedication to helping Spread the Word Nevada advance its literacy initiatives.

The event was emceed by four-time Emmy Award-winning news anchor, and President of 10e Public Relations, Kendall Tenney (below left). Vegas news personality Maria Silva (at right), was also in attendance at the event.

The gala began with guests enjoying cocktails provided by Lee's Discount Liquor and wine from Southern Wine and Spirits of Nevada.

Here's some great video coverage of the gala from Veronica Bonazza and Chezaray Photography.

During the reception, attendees were surprised with entertainment from a flash mob (below) featuring a song and dance performance by UNLV's Dance and Theater Program students.

Here's a video of the flash mob from rehearsal to how the unannounced performance unfolded at the event. Students blended in the with crowd, acting as waitstaff or gala guests.

Live music was orchestrated by a string trio from the Las Vegas Academy.

The "Library of Dreams," where guests have a chance to make a donation and possibly win donated merchandise and services, is always a popular part of the gala.

The evening's program included a song by Cambeiro Elementary School students, one of 24 schools adopted by Spread the Word Nevada.

Wendy Moss, UNLV School of Music, entertained guests with another song, "The Climb."

VIPs in attendance included Nevada Assemblyman Scott Hammond, Former Governor Robert List, Assemblywoman Marilyn Dondero Loop, Assemblywoman April Mastroluca, Senator Michael Roberson, and Senator Mike Schneider.

Above, Spread the Word Nevada volunteer Kit Cox and Executive Director Lisa Habighorst, with some silent auction items.

A live auction raised more than $34,000, with the assistance of master auctioneer, Christian Kolberg. Up for bids were a "Pawn Stars" package, Cupcakery experience, trips to Napa and Washington DC, courtside seats at the BNP Paribas Open, and a five-course dinner for 10 prepared by "Extreme Chef" winner, Chef Jean Paul Labadie.

Volunteers included Foothill High School's Young Empowered Skilled, Inc. (YES) students and National Charity League Green Valley Chapter members.

Imperial Crown table sponsors included SuperPawn and The Tony and Renee Marlon Charitable Foundation.

Above, Spread the Word Nevada founder Laurie Hartig wraps up the evening's festivities. This was the organization's ninth gala, and tenth year of bringing books to the Valley's children.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this year's Storybook Gala such a resounding success.

And special thanks to volunteer Norm Johnsen for the great photos.

 

More Photos

Cortez Elementary School Adoption
(5/12/11)

Cambeiro Elementary School Adoption
(12/10/10)

2010 Storybook Gala
(9/11/10)

Inaugural Suitcase Party
(5/14/10)

Ruby Thomas Elementary Joins Program
(4/26/10)

Seventh Annual Storybook Gala
(9/12/09)

Seniors in Boulder City Clean 200,000th Book
(6/12/09)

Donny Osmond Joins Launch at Dean Petersen Development School
(5/21/09)

50,000 Books Distributed to Local At-Risk Children
(2/21/09)

Kids to Kids Joins With Barnes & Noble for Book Distribution
(1/14/09)

Seventeenth School Adopted: Elbert Edwards Elementary
(12/19/08)

Kids to Kids Distributes One Millionth Book
(9/15/08)

Salesforce.com Organizes Book Cleaning (1/14/09)

Sixth Annual Storybook Gala (9/27/08)

Kids to Kids Hosts Literacy Festival (4/12/08)

Harrah's Hosts Book Cleaning (4/2/08)

Program Launches at C.T. Sewell (3/14/08)

Community Pride Day at Springs Preserve (3/1/08)

Kids to Kids Adopts Paul E. Culley Elementary (10/30/07)

2007 Storybook Gala (9/22/07)

Volunteer Appreciation Lunch (6/3/07)

Program Launch at 100 Academy of Excellence (5/22/07)

Lamar Donates Billboard to Kids to Kids (4/12/07)

Kids to Kids Sixth Birthday Bash (3/3/07)

Kids to Kids Launches at Myrtle Tate (1/11/07)

2006 Birthday Celebration at Providence (6/3/06)

Kids to Kids Launches at Whitney (4/3/06)

Kids to Kids Lends a Hand at J.D. Smith Middle School (4/6/06)

Kids to Kids Has a New Van (3/29/06)

Books From Badges Expands to North Las Vegas (1/25/06)

Goddesses Help Promote Kids to Kids (3/04/06)

Volunteers at the Lieburn Senior Center Do Their Part For Kids to Kids (2/1/06)

Live Broadcast at Lexus Las Vegas Brings in Books and Donations (1/28/06)

Seniors Clean Their 100,000th Book (12/20/05)

Kids to Kids Launches at Jay W. Jeffers Elementary School (12/10/05)

 

        © Copyright 2011. Spread the Word Nevada.