As you all know I have staged a couple of benefits for a close friend or two over the years of living in a town filled with a bunch of great “Angels.” And just who are the “Angels” I’m speaking about: The vast number of entertainers, musicians and hotels that have a huge heart for reaching out to those of us who suddenly need a helping hand. I could name over a thousand of them and still not name them all. You know who they are, ‘cause if you have read this column for the last 30 plus years, then you have read their names.
Now comes another benefit where five of my personal favorite “Angels,” and I mean close friends, plus a giant “Angel,” who will be conducting for five more “Angels, to assist a beautiful lady named Cathy L. MacLellan at the Italian American Club on Sunday, Sept. 27. See, Cathy has been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis for over 30 years. MacLellan found this autoimmune disease taking over her relationships, athleticism, career and her life. Even after 17 surgeries (8 of them on her back), Cathy lives in daily pain from inflammation and fatigue from battling this illness. Cathy’s medication co-pays totals over $800 a month, and she is responsible for 20% of all other medical costs. Knowing that she has three more surgeries before the year ends (including a total knee replacement) she has reached out to a friend for help, Patricia Dockswell, who works backstage for “Frank-The Man-The Music,” show at the Palazzo Hotel. Every cent raised from this event will go towards helping Cathy cover the expense of surgery and medication.
“I can’t imagine my life without these medications. I just need a little help so that my remaining days will be good. I can only hope they find a cure for this crippling disease,” Cathy said. “I put on a happy face & hope for some quality of life, which these medications provide.”
Now as to those special “Angels,” who will provide the “Angel Dust” for the evening? A young and beautiful entertainer Miss Kelly Clinton Holmes will be the very special host. Her husband (a guy who is one of the first to jump in when asked for assistance,) Clint Holmes will be up there singing his heart out. Bob Anderson, who stars in the show at the Palazzo as Frank Sinatra will definitely be there with his special presentation. And what can you say about Frankie Scinta and the Scinta Family. They just sweat “Angel Dust,” at just about every benefit there is. Chadwick Johnson has joined the group of “Angels,” and will be a special treat. Now as to the Giant I spoke about earlier, it can only mean one man in my mind, and that is Vince Falcone who conducts for Anderson nightly (and who conducted for Mr. Sinatra for nearly 10 years). His selected “Angels” are: Jess Gopen on drums, Mike Clark on keyboard, Bob Sachs on bass, Keith Neal on lead guitar, Paul Von Adam on trombone, and Falcone on piano.
I’m sure you will agree that this is “One hell-of-a-special group of whom I call, ‘My Angels.’” However, credit has to go to Ms. Dockswell who put this show together. Oh, yes, the Italian American Club (IAC) has donated the main showroom, including a small buffet which gets underway at 6:00 p.m., Sunday. Showtime is 7:00 p.m. till 9:00 p.m. with tickets priced at $25.00 includes the lite buffet.
Pick up a ticket at IAC or by calling Patricia 702-326-8278. Here is how you may purchase tickets or make a donation:
- PayPal account by copying & pasting the link: http://bit.ly/1NWONcZ
- Go in or call your local Nevada State Bank: Cathy L. MacLellan donation account (routing # 122400779 / account# 5792375155)
- Mail a check to Cathy MacLellan: c/o Cathy MacLellan donation account, 324 Wild Plum Lane, Las Vegas, NV 89107
- Email or call Patricia Dockswell or stop by the Italian American Club.
I’m sure there are a lot of you special “Angels” out there who feel the urge to help our friend. Just do what your heart tells you, and of course only what you can afford. By the way every person involved with the event is purchasing a ticket, including any media attending the party filled with “Angel Dust!”
THIS AND THAT QUICKLY
The 39th annual Mrs. America Pageant will return to its original home at the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino this fall. Hosted by actress Florence Henderson, star of classic show “The Brady Bunch,” the 2015 Mrs. America Pageant will be held Sunday, Sept. 20 through Thursday, Sept. 24 inside the International Theater. Tickets start at $50 and are on sale now. Preliminaries for the 2015 Mrs. America Pageant will be held Sunday, Sept. 20 through Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. A winner will be crowned during the final competition on Thursday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The winner of the 2015 Mrs. America Pageant will go on to represent the United States in the internationally-televised Mrs. World Pageant.
The Mrs. America Pageant, is rich in history, and was created by created by public relations executive Bert Nevins in 1936, as a promotion for his client, Palisades Amusement Park in New Jersey. When Nevins sold the pageant in 1963, and went dormant in 1968. At the time it was the only nationally-televised beauty pageant for married women. Revived after a nine-year hiatus in 1977 at the-then Las Vegas Hilton by David Marmel, who after a career in professional athletics and as an independent television producer, helped transform the pageant into the multifaceted event it is today. The event was the first and remains the foremost competition for the married woman of the United States. For nearly four decades, Mrs. America has epitomized excellence, professionalism and the celebration of family values. Tickets are available for purchase by phone at 310-829-9902 and in-person the day of the show.
Get ready for the return of two very popular National Atomic Testing Museum speakers, as Alejandro Rojas and Ben McGee deliver fantastic talks during September’s edition of the “Conversations at the National Atomic Testing Museum” series! Alejandro is currently the engaging host of Open Minds Radio & a renowned UFO investigator, while Ben is a well-known TV personality & highly successful space scientist working for Bigelow Aerospace.
On Friday, September 18 at 7:00 pm, Alejandro will present “Area 51 & Aliens: Another UFO Disinformation Scandal?” Given that recent reports seem to suggest that the famous Bob Lazar is part of a UFO disinformation scandal, Alejandro will dig deeper into Lazar’s specific case and reveal the truth behind the rumors! The very next night, Saturday, September 19 at 7:00 pm, Ben will discuss the influential and monumental NERVA rocket program in “NERVA: To Mars & Beyond!” The program saw the U.S. test powerful experimental nuclear rocket engines at the Nevada Test Site in hopes of reaching Mars & winning the space race! Costs for the events are: FREE for National Atomic Testing Museum Members, and Non-Members can join in the experience for $10. Please RSVP by calling (702) 794-5151. Ask about upcoming events and the benefits of Museum Membership! The National Atomic Testing Museum is located at 755 E. Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 8912. Contact at (702) 794-5151.
Well, gang, that’s about it for this week.
Join the Angels.