Join a sea of Santas for a good cause? The answer is a resounding ho, ho, ho

After all, Opportunity Village is one of the oldest and most respected charities in Southern Nevada. Started in 1954 by a small collection of parents under the name the Clark County Association for Retarded Children, Opportunity Village provides a place for people with developmental delays to learn life skills and to work.

Want a little Las Vegas trivia? Those scarves that Elvis Presley gave away to his adoring fans during concerts were made at Opportunity Village. So were thousands of his “Elvis Live” buttons.

Like Elvis, Opportunity is a Las Vegas legend.

Chief Development Officer Linda Smith and her friends do their jobs so well that 80 percent of the operation’s $24 million annual budget is self-funded through numerous work contracts and events such as the Magical Forest, which last year drew 160,000 people to the Opportunity Village campus at 6300 W. Oakey Blvd.

“That truly makes us unique in the world,” she says with pride.

They regularly are approached by individuals and groups from across the country and around the world hoping to emulate their structure and success. Celine Dion has helped friends in Montreal make the connection with Opportunity Village. U.S. District Judge Lloyd George is assisting a group from Guam to create its own charity.

When contingents from China and Japan knock on your door asking to tour your facility, you must be doing something right.

One trip to the campus is enough to make you a fan for life. It’s also bound to open your eyes to the possibilities of a world that includes and encourages mentally disabled adults.

Obviously, I’m a fan of Opportunity Village. And so when I received a call from Smith requesting my presence, I couldn’t wait to learn my assignment. Surely it would be something befitting my lofty status in the community, something that would not only help the charity but also make use of my many and varied professional skills. I figured someone probably wants me to go into know-it-all overdrive on the news events of the day or presidential politics or some other complex subject. My hot air has filled blimps to bursting.

Anything to oblige.

“Actually, John, we think you’re the only one big enough to fit into the Santa suit,” Smith said. At least, I think she said it. I was a little overwhelmed.

You mean that because I’ve gained a bunch of weight, I finally qualify for a really, really BIG job this holiday season. I get to play Santa Claus. Well, I guess that’s not so bad. I kind of like the idea.

“Well, yes and no,” came the reply. “Santa, yes. But not the only Santa.”

Well, I understand. Even a man of my energy can’t be expected to be the only Santa at a major gathering. A backup Santa makes good sense. Throw in an elf or two if it makes you feel good. The more the merrier, I always say.

“That’s the spirit,” she said.

If that Santa suit fits, wear it.

Before I knew it I was signed up to play Santa with an estimated 4,000 others on Dec. 1 at the Fremont Street Experience. The event is called the Las Vegas Great Santa Run, and all proceeds benefit Opportunity Village. I’m in, and my daughter Amelia has agreed to participate, too.

For $45 for adults and $25 for children, participants receive a Santa suit and a goodie bag valued at more than $100. Participants can try the 5K fun run or go on the 1-mile walk. (Sign up at opportunityvillage.org.) There’s even a contest for the best-dressed Santa dog.

Look for me. I’ll be the guy in the red suit.

Mayor Oscar Goodman will be joined by Siegfried & Roy in the sea of Santas. The event not only raises funds for charity, but participants will get the chance to make history and set a world’s record for most Santas in one place.

Yes, there’s a world record for that. It’s certified by Guinness, and come to think of it so is my beer belly. But the point is, this is not only a fun fund-raiser, it’s a genuine competition. Las Vegas is competing against the bloomin’ likes of Liverpool, England, and Glasgow, Scotland. I suppose the competition will be as fierce as one involving thousands of people in red suits can be.

There’s still time to sign up as an individual Santa or a Claus team.

It’s for a great cause. It could set a world’s record. It will give you and thousands of your neighbors a chance to crank up the holiday spirit.

What’s more to like?

If you see me on the street come Dec. 1, don’t be surprised if I ask you a simple question:

Does this suit make me look fat?

John L. Smith’s column appears Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday.. E-mail him at Smith@reviewjournal.com or call (702) 383-0295.