Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids Hosts Annual Storybook Gala

Sepetmber 23, 2007 - Kids to Kids celebrated its 5th Annual Storybook Gala, "Black Tie Masquerade," at the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino on September 22, 2007. For photos of the event, click here.

The evening's honorees were Hae Un Lee and Kenneth Lee of Lee's Discount Liquor (pictured below).

The Lees have been vital sponsors, donating the first Kids to Kids van for the transportation of books and supporting the program's daily operations, in order to bring new and gently used books into the hands and homes of approximately 14,000 children each month.

In honor of the continuous support from Lee's Discount Liquor, certificates of congressional recognition from Senator John Ensign, Congressman Dean Heller and Congressman Jon Porter were presented to Hae Un Lee and Kenneth Lee.

The evening's other honored guests also included First Lady Dawn Gibbons, former Governor Robert List, State Senator Barbara Cegavske, Assembly Woman Valerie Webber, and Paul Moradkhan representing Congressman Jon Porter's office. (At left are Lisa Habighorst, Executive Director of Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids, First Lady Dawn Gibbons and Susan Miller, Chairman of the Board, Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids.)

Hosted and sponsored by the Venetian Foundation, the gala raised more than $150,000 from the event's Diamond Champagne Experience, live auction and "Legacy" donations in the elegant San Polo Ballroom.

The donor of an exquisite, one-carat diamond solitaire for the silent auction, Diamond Champagne Experience, is The Yerushalmi Family, owners of The Jewelers. All proceeds benefit Kids to Kids.

Gratitude is extended to the following sponsors of this year's spectacular gala: the Las Vegas Review-Journal, EDin08 Strong American Schools and The Ritter Charitable Trust.

The evening's engaging emcees were Sherry Swensk and Denise Valdez of KLAS TV Channel 8 (pictured, left).

A mesmerizing song was performed by Michael Lackey from "The Phantom of the Opera," enchanting the audience. Ballroom dancing and entertainment was provided by Tony Delgado and the Delgado Dance Studio.

Christian Kolberg captivated the guests during a live auction, as he auctioned off eight enticing vacation and entertainment packages. The auction was assisted by student volunteers from Foothill High School's YES, Inc. program.

To help change the lives of children one book at a time, call 702.564.7809.

Special thanks to our $10,000 Imperial Crown sponsors:

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