LAS VEGAS PRIDE CELEBRATES 30TH ANNIVERSARY WITH DINNER GALA

Las Vegas, Nevada, June 25, 2013 — In celebration of its 30th Anniversary, Las Vegas PRIDE will be hosting a 30th Anniversary Dinner Gala. “We are thrilled to be hosting PRIDE’s first Dinner Gala” said Ernie Yuen, President of Las Vegas PRIDE. “We felt that celebrating PRIDE for 30 years in Las Vegas was a wonderful reason to have this special night. We are excited to acknowledge contributions the LGBT community has made in the valley as well as recognize the allies that have been there by our side.”

Sponsored by MGM International, our Dinner Gala will be hosted in the Circus Circus Grand Ballroom. We wanted this to be an early kick off to PRIDE 2013 and therefore set the date for Saturday, August 18, 2013. Chef Bob O’Brian and his culinary team are planning an amazing dinner with multi-action stations of delicious food, desserts, and interaction with the chefs. This will not be your typical sit down dinner; guests will be able to pick and choose and socialize all at the same time.

Throughout the evening Las Vegas PRIDE will honor amazing allies that have made significant contributions to the LGBT community. “These individuals all have a special place in the hearts of our community,” said Yuen. “They are a true inspiration to many of us here in the Las Vegas LGBT Community and are deserving of this recognition.”

The first honoree is Phyllis James, being honored as a “Community Champion.” Phyllis is the Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer for MGM Resorts International. She has been a strong supporter of the mission and goals of SNAPI for years and as a result has ensured that MGM Resorts has continued to be a major sponsor and friend of the community and PRIDE. Phyllis’ personal interaction with the community has inspired many other gaming companies and businesses to become PRIDE supporters and contributors. Phyllis is a true friend and an amazing ally.

Kelly and Michael Smith are being honored as “Community Pioneers”. Kelly and Michael are the former owners of Stonewall Publishing, commonly referred to as Q Vegas Magazine. They have always been there to support Las Vegas PRIDE and other local community organizations. Through their personal efforts, PRIDE is still in existence today and continues to get stronger and stronger every year. As the LGBT movement has progressed, Kelly and Michael have stood by the community as an active voice encouraging acceptance and awareness. Over the years they evolved Q Vegas Magazine to speak not only to our local community, but nationwide. This effort helped put Las Vegas on the map as one of the most traveled to destinations for the LGBT market. Q Vegas Magazine has been the main form of LGBT communication to share community news for well over a decade. Kelly and Michael have continuously made sacrifices in order to move the LGBT community forward and SNAPI is proud to recognize their contributions.

The “Heart of the Community” honoree, Arlene Cooper, is someone who is always giving of her love to the Las Vegas LGBT Community. Serving as the Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator of the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, Arlene touches the lives of many people and makes a strong impact with many in the community. She is always the first to volunteer at our community events, bringing such a joy to everyone in attendance. You can always count on a warm greeting, smile and hug whenever you see Arlene. She not only makes you feel welcome but she has a very caring and compassionate side. She will be the first to sit down with someone who is having a tough day and lend her shoulder for them to cry on. She never judges, but listens and offers sincere words of encouragement. Arlene is truly a ray of sunshine in the community.

SNAPI will also be recognizing many of their valued sponsors and contributors. Don’t miss the fantastic line-up of entertainment including the “Walk of Royalty from the past 30 years” and other special surprises.

This will be a night of celebration, entertainment, delicious food and good times. What a great way to head into Las Vegas PRIDE 2013.

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If you’d like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Ernie Yuen, please e-mail him at president@LasVegasPRIDE.org. For more information about SNAPI or Las Vegas PRIDE, visit www.LasVegasPRIDE.org.

The primary objectives and purposes of SNAPI are: To educate the general public to the needs and issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; to provide educational outreach to persons directly or indirectly involved in the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; to advocate and facilitate the exchange of ideas and resources between the various non‐profit Nevada lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or related organizations; to promote a positive image of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and PRIDE; to provide inclusive and diverse representation within the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community; to recognize and celebrate the substantial achievements in our community.