Celebrities help raise money for missing children

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children held its 10th annual Canon USA Customer Appreciation Gala for 700 invited guests on Jan. 8 at the Bellagio's Tower Ballroom. On Jan. 9, the group had its celebrity golf tournament at Tournament Players Club.

Since 1997, Canon USA and the center have collaborated to educate the public about child abduction. Canon USA donates products to help law enforcement provide photos and information about missing children, produces public service announcements with missing children photos and educates parents about tips for taking updated photos of their children.

John Walsh, co-founder of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and host of TV's "America's Most Wanted," was the featured guest speaker, noting that since the inception of his organization, more than 138,000 children have been recovered.

The gala rolled out the red carpet, where more than 25 visiting celebrities were interviewed by magician/comedian Murray SawChuck.

Guests, including former Gov. Bob Miller and Sandy Miller, Secretary of State Ross Miller, Bob Fisher, Teri Daly, Lisa and Heinz Lauer, Heather Estus, Patricia and Richard Wright, Ernie Allen, Sheila Arnos, former astronaut Walt Cunningham and Dot Cunningham and former U.S. Sen. Dennis DeConcini of Arizona, participated in the reception's silent auction.

Master of ceremonies John Daly introduced John Armos Sr., consultant to Canon USA and special adviser to the president of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Arnos represented Joe Adachi, president and chief executive officer of Canon USA.

Daly introduced celebrities from the ballroom's stage, including Alice Cooper, Cheech Marin, Rick Faugno, Chris and Eva Rich, John Hollins, Gary Mule Deer, Molly Culver, Richard Burgi, Natalie Gulbis, Rudy Gatlin, Grandma Lee, Kevin Dobson, Joe Regalbuto, Paula Trickey, Gordon Clapp, Domenick Allen and Leigh Zimmerman, Taylor Barton, Willie Gault, Rollie Fingers, Angelica Bridges, Steven Root, Michael Storm, Rick Harrison and Kevin Sorbo.

Christian Kolberg conducted a live auction for dinners, vacation getaways, jewelry and sporting events. The event generated more than $367,000.

Buffets by Bellagio offered cooked-to-order pasta, including lobster ravioli, turkey with all the trimmings, filet of beef with garlic potatoes and white and dark chocolate dipping fountains enjoyed by Loretta and Mark Hellrung, Janet and Ben Spano, Chuck Baker, Joyce and Carl Bongiovanni and Lynn and Tony Madonia. The L.A. All-Stars Band entertained.