For more than a decade, now, the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada’s annual Fashion Show Luncheon has been one of Las Vegas’ most anticipated daytime fundraisers.  This year – the event’s eleventh – was held at Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, where the talented Chef Eric Klein and his team sent-out course after course of delicious autumn fare, culminating in a fabulous carrot cake that guests are not likely to forget anytime soon.

The fashion show, produced by Neiman Marcus, featured clothing and accessories for men and women, by such designers as Roland Mouret, KaufmanFranco, Roberto Cavalli, Valentino, Alice+Olivia, Versace, Stella McCartney, Hervé Léger, Fendi (handbags and shoes), and Charlotte Olympia (shoes); and was presented in an interactive salon-style.

Wish Child Vanessa came to the podium and told her story, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house, so it was up to yours truly to lift the cumulative spirits of the assembled while leading the Wish Auction, which, I’m delighted to announce, raised roughly $200,000 that will go towards providing wishes for terminally-ill children – pushing the total amount brought-in north of the quarter-million dollar mark (when added to ticket sales, raffle, etc.).

This is one of the organizations I really enjoy working with, for a few reasons.  First, you can see tangible proof of where (or rather, whom) your donation is going to help.  Second, Make-A-Wish (like other Las Vegas non-profits Nathan Adelson Hospice and Keep Memory Alive) recognizes how disease touches not only the patients, but also their families and caregivers.

Finally, because of the wonderful example set by Linda Richardson, she could step aside anytime, and leave the fund-raising of this worthwhile organization in the capable hands of her daughter Melissa Richardson Akkaway and daughter-in-law, Noey Richardson.  Unfortunately, this is not the case with many of the philanthropic organizations in Las Vegas that MUST address the issue of where they plan to be in five, ten, and fifteen years down the road.  But enough about that, for now…

To my co-Committee members, Melissa Warren and the Board, and of course, Miss Linda; it’s an honor to be affiliated with this deserving organization, and I’m already looking forward to next year’s affair.

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada
Click HERE for info

Get into it!