After-School All-Stars’ parties cheer youngsters in need

The 9,000 employees of Wynn Las Vegas dug into their pockets to help make the holidays special for local youth. For the third straight year, Wynn Las Vegas asked workers to donate toys for at-risk youth participating in the After-School All-Stars program at valley schools.

The After-School All-Stars' mission is to provide programs to keep underprivileged children safe and help them achieve in school and in life. After-school and summer activities are offered in sports, education, and cultural and community enrichment to build confidence and self-esteem.

Thousands of toys were collected for a series of holiday parties hosted in partnership with Wynn Las Vegas, After-School All-Stars and each participating school. The parties included treats, carols and a special appearance from Mr. & Mrs. Claus leading up to the distribution of gifts to the children.

Jackie Locks, executive director of After-School All-Stars, coordinated the activities, and the first party took place at Bell Elementary School, which has been involved with the program for five years. In that time, more than 1,600 children have participated in the program's activities.

The second party took place at Roundy Elementary School, which opened in August and has 250 students participating in After-School All-Stars.

A third party took place at Wynn Elementary School, where more than 1,100 children have been served during the program's three years there.

These three schools are considered at risk with poverty rates higher than most valley schools. It is believed the involvement of the After-School All-Stars in the schools has contributed to an increase in students' grades and attendance.

In all, the After-School All-Stars serve 15 schools in the Las Vegas Valley.

Since its inception, the Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Star program has positively affected the lives of more than 100,000 Southern Nevada youth.

Seasonal gatherings: The holidays are the time to enjoy good friends, good food and good music and all of that was in abundance across the valley recently.

Mari and Thom Landers were joined by Mari's sister, Deni Conrad, and her husband, Steve, in hosting their ninth annual holiday party at the Landers home.

Every room in the house and casita featured Christmas-themed animated figures and animals. Even the master bath's shower showcased a penguin skiing down a snow hill.

During the party, Thom Landers prepared his latest recipe for all to try. A favorite is the barbecued marinated baby lamb chops.

Dee and Ken Ladd celebrated the holidays with their open house in Green Valley's Grand Legacy. They had three elaborately decorated Christmas trees.

The Assistance League of Las Vegas had its annual Angel Dreams Holiday Bazaar at its facility, where members and invited guests bid on holiday-themed items donated by the membership.

Items included decor, crafts, gift and food baskets, jewelry and baked goods. The affair was catered and all proceeds benefit the league's many community projects.

A big crowd turned out for the holiday cheer party hosted by Emily Aguero, Nancy Gasho, Susan Maddox, Bob Fromm and Bob Williams at Maddox's Henderson home. The extensive party fare included the early English beverage of wassail.

Bonnie and Doug Crosby invited friends to their Paradise Valley home for a gala holiday buffet.

Phyllis and Hugh Roberts had a yuletide open house in their Summerlin home, featuring eggnog accompanied by hors d'oeuvres and sweets.

Luminarias lit the walkway to the Torrey Pines home of Jani and Bill Titus. Guests eagerly gathered around the dining room buffet to sample all of the homemade Christmas specialties made by the hostess.