There is no one answer to the question “What goes on, at these committee meetings you attend?”  Some are very casual affairs, where members are asked to go out and acquire items for the event’s raffle or auction.  Others are more hands-on, and members are required to sell a table or bring in a large donor.  Others just want use of your name.  And while all are enlisting the members to promote the event, the nitty-gritty changes with the organization.  Herein, a look at a few that I’m involved with, in the first half of 2016.

Nevada Ballet Theatre names its committees after the honoree of that year’s Woman of the Year.  Thus, the committee for January’s Black & White Ball honoring Olivia Newton-John as 2016 Woman of the Year was the “Olivia” Committee.  Held at NBT’s offices at the Reynolds Center in Summerlin, this is a very hands-on committee.  Members are responsible for planning the décor, procuring the auction items, and selling tables; and the meetings are upbeat and accomplish quite a lot.  This year’s event was a particularly fun affair, and Olivia Newton-John was delightful, and quite easy to work with.  I’ve been a member of this committee for a half-dozen years, or so.

One Night for One Drop is an anomaly in Las Vegas, as a higher proportion of its guests come in from out of town, than any of the other large philanthropic events in Las Vegas.  This year, as the event will be taking place at The Smith Center, the meetings have been held there, as well.  At a meeting, last month, when we all went around the table, saying who we were and a little bit about ourselves, I jokingly said “I’m Michael Shulman; and I was told there’d be pie.”  This brought a round of laughter from the assemblage (which was the point).  Then, at the last meeting, playing upon this, the head of the Culinary Committee, Harvey Stern (Bellagio’s Executive Director of Catering & Banquets) had his merry team of elves prepare a delightful Alice in Wonderland-inspired display of pastry, with a Shrinky-Dink version of me, wondering “Where’s the Pie?”  Cheers, Harvey!  With its goal of bringing sustainable drinking water to underdeveloped parts of the world, I’m honored to be serving this committee for the third year in a row.  Also, I have mini-Shulman stationed in an arrangement of flowers, in my living room.

I’d probably follow Susie Molasky into a burning building.  Add to that the fact that I am very partial to the Nathan Adelson Hospice because it’s one of the few organizations where you can physically witness the people who benefit from the organization, and it’s no wonder why I’m so devoted to this group, and have been for nearly a decade.  Susie – along with her co-Chairs Jane Schorr, Beth Weinberger, and Sharon Jenkins – brings her committee together for one annual meeting.  There, the presenting sponsor of that year’s fashion presentation, tells about the collection being shown (this year, Saks Fifth Avenue will be presenting the FW16 collection from Etro).  Then, over bagels and assorted pastries, the committee members brainstorm new ideas for items that can be included in the raffle, while seated around the table in one of the meeting rooms at the Hospice’s facility on Swenson.

Few people are as great an inspiration for a cause they truly believe in, as Camille & Larry Ruvo with Keep Memory Alive; and after more than a half-dozen years, it’s still an honor to work with them, and Anna Robins and Dawn Russi on the Steering Committee for KMA’s annual “Power of Love” gala.  This event (taking place, once again, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, this year’s event is celebrating Tony Bennett’s 90th birthday) has brought Las Vegas philanthropy to the attention of the nation, and has become one of the city’s signature events.  With a full-time staff that works year-round on this event, the role of the committee members varies.  And while we’re all tasked with procuring auction items and selling tables, I also roll-up my sleeves editing the collateral materials and the extensive auction catalogue.  And while a recent meeting was held over lunch, in the private dining room, at Spago; most of our meetings are held telephonically via conference-call.

At the end of the day, each of these organizations does wonderful work.  And while my involvement is often ephemeral at best, I’m proud that each finds me an asset.  Because these folks really work their respected asses off, to ensure that these events raise the much needed funds to keep their respective organizations going.  And while I pitch-in with a necklace here and a handbag there, there are full-time people with each organization who work tirelessly, year-round, planning and organizing these luncheons and dinners and galas.  So, the next time you’re gussied-up at one of these happenings, look around at everything that went into it – because none of it just happens.  Someone worked his or her ass off, making sure you have the best time possible, and – with any luck – are inspired to donate.  And at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.

One Night for One Drop – The Smith Center – Friday, March 18th – Click HERE for info
Nathan Adelson Hospice’s Flair for Care – Wynn Las Vegas – Friday, May 13th – Click HERE for info
KMA’s Power of Love gala – MGM Grand Garden Arena – Saturday, May 22nd – Click HERE for info

Get into it!
#Vegas