Vegas Magazine - Niche Media - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
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Show & Shine Car Show Benefting Speedway Children's Charities, which provides for children in educational, fnancial, social, or medical need, the Show & Shine Car Show is a full- day event featuring a display of new and classic cars, an awards ceremony, food trucks, and games for the entire family. Best of all, attendees receive complimen- tary admission for four to that night's installment of Nascar's Whelen All-American Series. When: Saturday, August 22, at 12 pm Where: Las Vegas Motor Speedway Contact: 702-632-8242; speedwaycharities.org BlaCk & white Party Celebrate Aid for AIDS of Nevada at the nonproft organization's 29th annual Black & White Party, a massive event bringing together more than 3,500 Las Vegans for an evening of fne food, top-shelf spirits, and costumed revelry at the Hard Rock concert theater The Joint, all in support of Nevada's preeminent AIDS advocacy group. Just be sure to wear your fnest black- and-white ensemble and bring plenty of energy, as a late-night afterparty and Sunday afternoon pool party follow the main event. When: Saturday, August 29, at 9 pm Where: The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Contact: 702-382-2326; afanlv.org BrinGinG liGht to the FiGht The Springs Preserve hosts the Light of the World Childhood Cancer Foundation's annual gala Bringing Light to the Fight, raising funds for the nonproft organization's diverse initiatives supporting families with children who have been diagnosed with cancer. This night under the stars includes a buffet dinner, a silent auction, and live entertainment, plus testimonials from Light of the World's founder, Mary Ricciardi, and families who have benefted from its services. When: Friday, September 4, at 6 pm Where: Springs Preserve Contact: lightoftheworldnv.org advertiSinG Community talent Show Now a Vegas tradition, the Advertising Community Talent Show invites performers of all types—singers, dancers, jugglers, magicians, and others—to step into the spotlight for an evening of charitable live entertainment. All acts must include at least one member of the local advertising industry, and ticket sales beneft Safe Nest, Nevada's leading philanthropic support organization for victims of domestic violence. When: Friday, September 11, at 6 pm Where: Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station Contact: 702-877-0133; actslv.org Bite at the muSeum Explore the Nevada State Museum's exhibits after hours while celebrating the 25th anniversary of Community Counseling Center of Southern Nevada—one of Las Vegas's most valuable resources for the treatment of sub- stance abuse, mental health issues, and HIV/AIDS—at its ffth annual Bite at the Museum. Guests will enjoy cocktails, a sit-down dinner prepared by Vegas culinary talents, a live auction, and an awards ceremony honoring the local donors who have contributed to the center's work. When: Saturday, September 12, at 6:30 pm Where: Nevada State Museum Contact: cccofsn.org BBQ at the Bitter root ranCh Wave goodbye to summer at one of Opportunity Village's most popular fundraising events, the annual end-of- season barbecue held at the picturesque Bitter Root Ranch, with proceeds helping to fnance the orga- nization's life-enhancing initiatives for adults with intellectual disabilities. The Western-themed evening kicks off with a cocktail reception and includes all- you-can-eat barbecue cooked in an open pit, live country music, raffes, and a horse exhibition. When: Saturday, September 19, at 5:30 pm Where: Bitter Root Ranch Contact: 702-880-4068; opportunityvillage.org FlavorS oF the heart Join a group of Las Vegas's top chefs at Downtown's World Market Center in supporting the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association's mul- tifaceted awareness programs. Now a yearly tradition, Flavors of the Heart invites foodies to sample fne wines and dishes from more than 25 local restaurants, all of which have been tasked with highlighting heart-healthy ingredients and promoting more informed dietary choices. When: Saturday, September 19, at 7 pm Where: World Market Center Contact: favorsoftheheart.com deSSert BeFore dinner Organized by the Girl Scouts of Southern Nevada, this year's Dessert Before Dinner event recognizes seven high-profle women for their philanthropic work in the community and for mentoring the young Girl Scouts they've been paired with. As part of the festivities, sev- eral Vegas-based pastry chefs will face off against one another in a friendly competition that has them create desserts based on a Girl Scout cookie. This year's cookie: the shortbread-style Lemonade. When: Saturday, September 26, at 6 pm Where: Caesars Palace Contact: dessertbeforedinner.org "people say , 'that would never happen to me,' but the truth is, it can happen to anyone." —christine marie katas Christine and Tolga's efforts will be spotlighted in a new Lifetime reality series. Charity register Opportunities to give. ON PROSTITUTION, POLYGAMY, AND TRAFFIC ING Christine: Patriarchal, religiously mandated polygamy is not free choice. The United Nations considers polygamy to be a source of inequality and oppression. But here in America, we have shows like Sister Wives making [plural marriage] seem normal, and people assume those women really want to be there. People say, "That would never happen to me" or "That person must be stu- pid not to leave." But the truth is, it can happen to anyone —male, female, young or old—because every person has vulnerabilities [that a pimp, polygamist, or exploiter can prey on]. You don't need physical violence to be a victim of trafficking. It can be entirely through psychological coercion. Tolga: And when they get you spiritually, there's nothing you can do. You can't go to the police and say, "He screwed up my mind." Christine: If any woman feels empowered engaging in prostitution, I say more power to her. But she's one of the rare ones. People think of trafficking victims as girls brought in from another country, but there are trafficking victims all around us who are invisible. Human traffick- ing can take place without someone leaving the city of Las Vegas. It has nothing to do with move- ment; it has to do with exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion. I would also say this: Stop judging and start helping. To get involved with Voices for Dignity, call 702-305- 2220 or visit voicesfordignity.com. V vegasmagazine.com 69