Now I had the time of my life…and I owe it all to you. GREAT event!
Here are a few highlights:
The Villas at GVR were amazing! Flawless event execution by Don Richardson and the staff at Green Valley Ranch Station. Beautiful 5,000 square foot suite that is only available to high rollers….er, players.
Appetizers and open bar provided by Microsoft and Anexeon
60 of the most amazing people in Las Vegas
Surprise performances by Skip Martin (Kool & the Gang) and Mark Martin (Dancetime Entertainment)
Johnny "Elvis" Thompson performing "Can’t Help Falling in Love:"
Gene Siroren and Heidi Thompson (formerly with Legends in Concert) performing "You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling" with Heidi desperately trying to steal the limelight as a back-up singer.
Benjamin Kuntz of CareerBuilder, Ken Ciancimino of the Las Vegas Hilton and Ben Kalb bringing tears to everyone’s eyes when they each donated $1,000 to Make-A-Wish
Bruce Spotleson giving us an impromptu history lesson on the career of Billy Hinsche
Phantom of the Opera ticket giveaway courtesy of BASE Entertainment
Autographed Zappos book giveaway courtesy Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh
Gene and Heidi literally bringing the house down at the conclusion of the evening with my favorite song from my favorite movie – "I Had The Time of My Life" from Dirty Dancing. Incredible!!
Check out pictures from the event at http://www.flickr.com/photos/godfatherlv.
Here are a few of the attendees:
Solveig Thorsgud-Allen, President, The Firm
Jennifer Delange (SVP) and Michelle Sharples (Director), BASE ENTERTAINMENT
Ken Ciancimino, EVP, Las Vegas Hilton
Scot Campbell, SVP, MGM Mirage Hospitality
Rich McGough, SVP, Credit One
Tracey Chernay, SVP, Transact Technologies
David Reese, VP, Caesar’s Palace
Brad Warga, VP, Harrah’s Entertainment
Sherri Gilligan, SVP, MGM Resorts International
Sheri Long, VP, Palms
Charly Paelinck, VP, Harrah’s Entertainment
Renee Rivera-Shaffer, Former Deputy Chief, Gaming Control Board
Michael Starr, EVP, Primm Resorts
Lori Nelson, Director, Station Casinos
Doug Taylor, Executive Producer, Rebel Bingo
Howard Toy, SVP, Treasure Island
Don Richardson, GM, Green Valley Ranch Station
Gary Kapral, SVP, Bally Technologies
Dan Stark, VP, Boyd Gaming
Bruce Spotleson, Group Publisher, Greenspun Media
Brent Bell, President, Bell Transportation
Actress Cassandra Hepburn and Model Minnie Foxx
Kendall Tenney, 10e PR and Chairman of Make-A-Wish
John Daly, TV Host
Billy Hinsche, The Beach Boys
Skip Martin, The Dazz Band, Kool & The Gang
Mike Flanagan, Retired ASAC, US Department of Justice – DEA
Magician Steve Dacri – Although he was unable to join us in person, we know he was with us in spirit. Get well soon buddy!
I am truly grateful to the following:
God. First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity to spend time with all of you. I am both honored and exceedingly blessed!
Microsoft – Lori Kopczynski, Marc Baxer and Rodney Williams of Microsoft sponsored F&B. Thank you!
Anexeon – The Las Vegas leader in managed technology services. Thank you Michael McGhee and Curt Miller!
Green Valley Ranch Station – Don Richardson, Tina Randall and Entire Staff – One of the best produced Godfather events ever!
Rocky Nash (www.rockynashpr.com) for taking all the wonderful photos of the evening. God bless you Rocky, and have fun in China – we’ll miss you!
Mark Martin (www.dancetimeentertainment.com) for his great work on the sound board and wireless microphone. A dramatic improvement over previous events where we did not have a mic.
Scot Campbell – Thank you for swapping chains at the minute so my new cross was highly visible on the Zoot Suit.
My Clients – Without my clients, there would be no Godfather, no Godfather events and certainly no opportunity for me to support church, charity and community. I am exceedingly blessed and grateful for your support!
