Record contributions from honorees Shannon and Bill McBeath, corporate sponsors, and James Beard Award winner Chef Paul Bartolotta will benefit more than 90,000 Nevada students
View Event Highlight Video: https://youtu.be/2CDC4_TwB8s
Communities In Schools of Nevada (CIS) announced today that it raised a record $1 million at its largest annual fundraiser, Today for Tomorrow, held October 15 at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas. The record-breaking amount will support more than 90,000 high school students throughout Nevada, and further the organization’s mission to surround students with a community of support while empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
More than 400 guests filled The Cosmopolitan’s Chelsea Theater for the 2022 Today for Tomorrow gala, with the generous support of the evening’s sponsors – including Blackstone, PLAYSTUDIOS, Top Rank, MGM Resorts International and honorees, Shannon and Bill McBeath – helping secure $975,000 toward the organization’s fundraising goal. Soon after the event, two-time winner and four-time James Beard Award nominee Chef Paul Bartolotta announced a gift of a private, in-home epicurean experience for up to eight people – matching his authentic culinary talent with his unwavering commitment to CIS. Chef Bartolotta’s gift helped propel the evening’s contributions into the record books, achieving $1 million raised.
“We are beyond grateful for the support of everyone who helped us raise $1 million during our annual Today for Tomorrow 2022 campaign,” says Tami Hance-Lehr, CEO and State Director of Communities In Schools of Nevada. “The evening and the abundant generosity of our donors and supporters – from our incredible honorees Shannon and Bill McBeath to our corporate sponsors to our friend and longtime supporter Chef Paul Bartolotta — makes it evident that the Spirit of Vegas is stronger than ever. The overwhelming support is helping us to make a lasting difference in the lives of the more than 90,000 students we serve statewide.”
The theme of this year’s Today for Tomorrow paid tribute to the remarkable evolution of Las Vegas over the decades, including the uncompromising effort put forth by people in various industries, and how their impact has paved the way for positive change and growth. Among them, longtime gaming executive and former President and Chief Executive Officer of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Bill McBeath and esteemed entrepreneur and philanthropist Shannon McBeath. Combined, the pair has provided more than four decades of leadership in the hospitality industry and substantial charitable contributions to Las Vegas and those who call the city home. In partnering with the McBeath’s, CIS is able to sustain its programs and meet the growing demand for more services, reaching students that may otherwise not fully realize their true potential.
As the Today for Tomorrow gala is recognized as much for its spectacle and pageantry as it is for its incredible fundraising ability, guests in attendance drew inspiration for their wardrobe from memorable moments, and memorable people, that have made Las Vegas one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Culinary offerings provided by The Cosmopolitan’s restaurant partners included Holsteins, China Poblano, STK Las Vegas, Momofuku and Scarpetta, among others, with CIS board member and KSNV News 3 personality, Krystal Allan, serving as the evening’s emcee. Throughout the evening, guests celebrated the successes of CIS programs and students that have demonstrated great achievement with the help of the organization, including a young student named Antonio, who shared his story alongside site coordinator and principal from Canyon Springs High School.
The event was made possible thanks to numerous partners including, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Breakthru Beverage, Destinations by Design, Encore, Cashman Photo, Tequila Casa Dragones, and The Abbi Agency, among others.
