Nevada Wild Fest to benefit Lili Claire Foundation

To raise money for the Lili Claire Foundation, the Nevada Wild Fest plans to kick off a four-day festival Thursday through Sunday at a new location.

For the past nine years, Keith Resnick has been raising awareness and funds for families of children with medical disorders through the Lili Claire Foundation. Like the families who come to the organization, Resnick knows the struggle of watching a child suffer with medical conditions.

Resnick's daughter, Lili Claire, was born Oct. 18, 1997, with a heart condition called Williams s yndrome. She died when she was 18 months old.

"This foundation is in honor of her memory," Resnick said.

The organization partners with hospitals around the country to provide support services such as medical genetics clinics, which provide diagnostic evaluations and treatment; workshops for siblings of sick children; and a variety of clinics to help people understand their child's illness and go through a medical plan.

One way Resnick said the organization gets funds is through the Nevada Wild Fest.

"One hundred percent of the revenue goes to the Lili Claire Foundation," Resnick said.

This year, the foundation's goal is to raise $975,000 .

"That way we can be fully funded for 2013," Resnick said.

The event previously was held at the Henderson Pavilion, where about 30,000 people attended in 2011 .

"We outgrew the venue," Resnick said.

Resnick said his goal was to have a more centrally located event to host the growing festival. He is excited to have the new location.

"Our hope this year is 60,000 people," Resnick said.

Nevada Wild Fest features carnival games, a haunted maze, a beer garden, trick-or-treating, presentations from celebrity chefs and food and craft vendors.

Entertainment features acts such as Cody Simpson, The Farm and Against The Grain.

Another new addition is a Zumbathon, where people can try out the Latin dance-inspired workout program. It is being sponsored by the Las Vegas Athletic Club.

"Zumba is a party, and the Nevada Wild Fest is a party," said Bret FitzGerald, vice president of corporate communications for the Las Vegas Athletic Club. "Let's combine them together and have an even crazier party."

FitzGerald and Resnick's wife, Leslie Litt-Resnick, were high school friends. After he realized the connection and heard the Resnicks' story , he wanted to get involved, sharing a workout style he enjoys.

"Zumba is one of those things people love to do," FitzGerald said.

The Zumbathon is a two-hour session - normally an hour long - and features the top instructor from the Las Vegas Athletic Club.

"This is a special festival," Resnick said. "We hope people come out and have a good time."

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 702-387-5201.