Boys Town Nevada celebrated its 25th anniversary at the 12th annual Journey of Hope Gala on Friday, May 6 at the Venetian Resort, Hotel, and Casino in Las Vegas. Approximately 380 guests attended the event, including President and National Executive Director Father Steven Boes and Bob Batt from the Boys Town National Board of Directors.
The evening began with a private cocktail reception for special guests, honorees, and major sponsors of the event, followed by a cocktail reception, silent auction, cash call, live auction, dinner, and program. The guests, dressed in formal attire, enjoyed evening entertainment by a jazz quartet from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts. Guests were also inspired by guest speaker and Boys Town alumna Christiana Martin.
Each year, the gala honors someone who has made a significant impact on children in our community. The 2016 Hope Award Recipients were Diana Bennett and Scott Menke, co-founders of Paragon Gaming. As President of the Bennett Family Foundation, Diana Bennett supports various youth and women’s organizations throughout the Southern Nevada area such as Three Square Food Bank, Noah’s House at the Shade Tree Women’s Shelter, Communities in Schools, Child Focus and The Children’s Heart Foundation. Mr. Menke is also very involved in the community. He is a supporter and past president of the Children’s Heart Association and supports Boys Town Nevada and Three Square.
In total, the event raised approximately $400,000, which will help Boys Town continue to meet the needs of Nevada’s children and families.
“This year’s Journey of Hope was an incredible culmination of 25 years of commitment to the more than 15,000 children served in Nevada,” said Denise Biben, Executive Director, Boys Town Nevada. “The evening was attended by more people, received more auction items, and raised more than in any previous year. Our development team, led by Donna Pacella and incorporating our dedicated board, did a fantastic job of choreographing an outstanding celebration!”
Thank you to everyone who helped make this event a success!
