Spring Garden Party gives Opportunity Village clients chance to sparkle

It was a fling into spring when more than 300 people came out for Opportunity Village’s third annual “IT’s Spring” Garden Party at the organization’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus.

The event was organized by the IT girls, a group of dynamic women participating in Opportunity Village’s fundraising events.

Rachel Smith and Sean McAllister, co-hosts of KVVU-TV, Channel 5’s “More” show, hosted the event.

KVVU morning news anchor Monica Jackson, an IT girl, also attended.

“The good thing is that these supporters know their money is going to stay right here,” donor Joyce Mack said.

Upon registering, guests received a pink fan with a large table number on it. They were instructed to hold up their fan to purchase the clothes the Opportunity Village VIP models were wearing. The first fan raised allowed the model to go home with her outfit (all from the Opportunity Village Thrift Shop). Each additional fan held up raised money to support the Madi Peck Endowment at Opportunity Village, which helps provide scholarships for adults with the most profound disabilities.

Attending were Opportunity Village board members Lucy Stewart, Cliff Miller and Terri Peck. IT girls present included Brenda Hengel, Brenda Bogue, Sandie Boyadjian, Chris Richards, Joan Hammer, Cheryl Brune, Donna Hash, Karen Godfrey, Terri Hansen, AraLee Stinson, Amanda Flangas and Michele Johnston. Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske also attended.

Walking into the center was like entering a classy shopping bazaar. Women in hats dressed in the latest spring suits and dresses shopped among vendors with purses, hats, jewelry and perfume.

The models on the runway were all clients of Opportunity Village, escorted by men of the UNLV Army and Air Force ROTC.

Sarah Brown, 25, was all smiles as she modeled a beaded beige evening gown with a rhinestone tiara. She’s one of 3,000 clients Opportunity Village serves annually. Founded in 1954 the four campuses provide vocational, employment and life skills training. Their mission is to reduce the need for public services and to enrich the lives of people with disabilities.

Sarah’s mother, Melinda Brown, said after her daughter had a series of seizures that resulted in decreased mental capacity, doctors encouraged her to place Sarah in an institution.

“Obviously we didn’t listen,” Melinda Brown said. “She’s so happy at home and she lives like a princess on her own terms.”

Kenna Cooper works closely with her husband, Jeff, chairman of the Opportunity Village Foundation board. “A lot of these clients would be home doing nothing because of their disability, but now they can participate in art, music and drama at the Opportunity Village campuses,” she said.

Terri Peck’s daughter, Madi, also modeled and obviously had fun.

“It means more than you can ever imagine,” said Terri Peck, who founded the Madi Peck Endowment fund at Opportunity Village. “My daughter has special friends here and if you visit here, you will see they are the heart of the program.”

Major sponsors included MJ Christensen Diamonds, Channel 5, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Luxury magazine, Station Casinos, Culinary Arts Catering, Southern Wine &Spirits and Style.