PLAYSTUDIOS to serve as Presenting ‘Together’ Sponsor for the 11th annual gala benefiting schools statewide; sponsorships and tickets now available
LAS VEGAS, NEV. – Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS), the fifth largest state office of the nation’s leading dropout prevention organization with affiliate offices in in the Clark, Elko, Humboldt and Washoe County school districts, announces the theme for its annual gala, Today for Tomorrow: Together. The theme celebrates the commitment of everyone who has come together during these past two unprecedented years to serve the 75,000-plus vulnerable students statewide who rely on CIS for social-emotional and basic needs, academic supports, mentorship — and sometimes just a caring and trusted adult to turn to on campus.
The much-anticipated event will honor Elaine Wynn, CIS’ founding chairperson and current chairperson for Communities In Schools (national) at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 11 at The Chelsea inside The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The event is currently sold out but you can donate by visiting: https://one.bidpal.net/tft21/browse/donation.
“Education has long been my personal passion given that it is foundational to both students’ personal wellbeing and community stability,” said Wynn. “Knowledge and learning are key to opening doors and unlocking opportunity. But for many children, the barriers to learning and staying in school are significant. And that’s where Communities In Schools comes in. Working with 100-plus community partners statewide, our organization provides a network of support to help kids stay focused with an eye on graduation. It’s taken only four decades for Communities In Schools to become an overnight sensation. While I am grateful to be honored and recognized for my work with Communities In Schools, it is the organization itself and its stellar staff of superhero site coordinators who are the true difference-makers. Their quiet behind-the-scenes work is magnificently transformational. To them I say, ‘Bravo!’”
For nearly two decades, Wynn has been actively engaged with CIS National, the organization that serves 1.7 million children in more than 2,900 schools in 26 states, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. A member of the national board since 1999, Wynn was elected chairperson in 2007, a position she proudly holds today. An indomitable crusader for children’s welfare and an influential philanthropist, her commitment to improving children’s lives through education has engaged her in numerous leadership roles at local, state, and national levels.
“This year’s annual fundraising gala – Today for Tomorrow: Together – is much more than just an event. It represents a celebration of the extraordinary dedication and uncompromised hard work put forth by so many groups during these unique times, including our diverse community network, longstanding and new corporate partners, the three school districts we work hand-in-hand with statewide and, of course, the CIS staff,” said Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and State Director, Communities In Schools of Nevada. “Today for Tomorrow will provide an opportunity to applaud the wonderful work of all stakeholders, no matter how small or large their contributions, as well as the invaluable contributions made by Elaine Wynn. The funds raised during this campaign mean so much to students we serve across the Silver State, especially as we gear up for our first full year of in-person learning since the pandemic. I want to especially acknowledge PLAYSTUDIOS for coming on as a presenting sponsor and recognize The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas for once again donating the venue which will make this event possible this year.”
“PLAYSTUDIOS is honored to support the work of Communities In Schools and we celebrate the organization and their network of support in their commitment to improving educational outcomes,” says PLAYSTUDIOS Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Pascal. “We believe it is our shared responsibility to ensure that all of our K through 12 students have the resources and guidance they need to succeed–through graduation and beyond. We are also looking forward to recognizing Elaine Wynn for her leadership and indefatigable efforts to help CIS make a positive impact on the lives of children and families they serve.”
CIS currently serves more than 75,000 students in 81 schools statewide and achieved a high school graduation rate of 90 percent for the 2019-2020 school year, a remarkable accomplishment given they are among our state’s most vulnerable students.
To continue serving its mission, CIS seeks companies and individuals to join the nonprofit at one of the following sponsor levels: All In ($7,500), Today ($12,500), Tomorrow ($25,000), and Together ($50,000). For sponsorship and VIP opportunities, contact Nicole Neal at [email protected].
The work of CIS is critical given that Nevada ranks 45th in the nation for education, according to the KIDS COUNT data book released by the Annie E. Casey Foundation for 2020-2021. CIS literally brings the community into schools to provide students with the services and resources they need to alleviate outside pressures and encourage them to stay in school. CIS’ long-term vision is for every child enrolled in a Title I School to have access to a site coordinator and an Integrated Student Support, otherwise known as wraparound services.
