LAS VEGAS – Circus Couture, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s signature fundraising event, raised an impressive $300,000 while entertaining more than 1,200 attendees at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel. Proceeds will support treatment of childhood cancer patients, including those underinsured, uninsured or unable to pay for services.
Now in its tenth year, Circus Couture attracts Southern Nevada’s most talented performers, fashion designers, artists, stage, production, and technical crews to present a world-class night of entertainment and inspiration. More than 260 professionals volunteered their time and talents in preparation for the annual event.
“Although Circus Couture happens on one night every year, I know to be successful, it requires months of planning, participation and hours of work from all involved,” said Annette Logan-Parker, President & CEO, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. “I am so incredibly thankful for the outstanding event they continue to provide, and for the level of commitment these volunteers have for our current and future patients — who will ultimately benefit from Circus Couture.”
Circus Couture supports the critical services provided by Cure 4 The Kids Foundation to childhood cancer patients and those affected by sickle cell disease, rare and ultra-rare diseases, inherited bleeding disorders, and rheumatological conditions. As part of its mission, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation does not turn any child away from treatment for financial reasons.
While most of the night’s dramatic events occurred on stage, the silent auction also brought its share of excitement to the venue. Gwen Stefani, who received the Philanthropist of the Year Award but was unable to attend the event due to a scheduling conflict, offered her auction item as relayed to the audience by Cure 4 The Kids Foundation President and CEO Annette Logan-Parker. The concert tickets, meet and greet with Gwen Stefani, and backstage experience quickly escalated in bidding interest, ultimately being purchased by Shawn Nason of The Nason Group for $17,000.
Larry and Barbara Domsky of Domsky Glass, who received the Community Partner of the Year Award, also contributed a one-of-a-kind glass and metal art piece to the auction. After a spirited bidding back-and-forth, Jim Medick of Las Vegas took home the Domsky artwork with a winning bid of $15,000. Although not the winning bidders, Wayne and Catherine Laska, of StoryBook Homes, announced they would commission the Domsky’s to create another memorable glass art piece with the funds going to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation.
Other notable auction items include:
$14,000 for the Raiders Weekend package, consisting of four tickets to a Raiders game, and staycation at the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Casino
$10,000 for the Metamorphose collaborative painting completed by eight C4TK patients
$10,000 Celebrity Chef Experience for six guests provided by Chef Bryan-David Scott
One of the night’s unscripted and impactful moments occurred toward the end of the live auction. That’s when 10-year-old Alex, one of the younger performers in Circus Couture, donated $20 to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation and asked the audience if anyone would care to join him in the donation. The heartfelt request brought a crush of people from the audience, quickly overwhelming the small top hat used to collect donations. The final tally from the twenty-dollar bill collection was $3,400.
Also announced at the event was a $25,000 pledge from the Andre Agassi Foundation specifically earmarked for educational programs at Cure 4 The Kids Foundation. Shawn Nason of The Nason Group agreed to match the donation.
Since its founding in 2009, Circus Couture has raised more than $1.7 million for childhood cancer causes.
PHOTO CREDIT: JERRY METELLUS
Pictured (L to R): Benoit Beaufils, Co-Artistic Director; Amber Williams, Auction & VIP Sponsorship Manager; Ross Gibson, Co-Artistic Director.
About Cure 4 The Kids Foundation
Founded in Las Vegas in 2007, Cure 4 The Kids Foundation exists to provide high-quality, research-focused medical treatment to children battling cancer and many other life-threatening conditions. Cure 4 The Kids Foundation operates the only outpatient childhood cancer treatment center in the State of Nevada and is proudly accredited by The Joint Commission. This stringent medical accreditation and the required unannounced inspections ensure that patients are getting the best care possible. From the beginning, the mission of Cure 4 The Kids Foundation has been to bring increased community access to these specialized treatments that are leading the way to improved patient outcomes. Cure 4 The Kids Foundation’s Charity Care Program provides high-quality treatment to those who are underinsured, uninsured, or unable to pay for services. No patient is ever turned away from treatment for financial reasons. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. www.cure4thekids.org
