Providence hosts Walk MS today

The Providence master-planned community in the northwest valley plays host today to the 2008 Walk MS, benefiting the Nevada Division of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The 1-mile walk starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Providence Information Center.

Those who are not pre-registered but want to participate will be allowed to sign up right until the start time, according to event organizers. Those who miss the walk may still take part in a lunch and children's activities that follow the walk. For donations or to learn more about the Nevada chapter of the National MS Society, visit walknvl.nationalmssociety.org, or call 736-1478, ext. 203.

The Walk MS course will wind through Providence, which is located at the intersection of Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, and Hualapai Road, giving participants views of the community, including mountains to the west and the city skyline to the east.

Walk MS participants will share their achievement with more than 250,000 other walkers in more than 700 cities across the country. Walk MS is the signature fundraising event of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and participants will make a difference by raising funds for research and services provided by the organization for people suffering from MS.

The 2008 Walk MS will be a family oriented event with educational booths along the way as well as inspirational signs, cheering and treats for participants. Those who attend are encouraged to stay after the walk for the family picnic and lunch for only a $2 donation, which includes children's activities and entertainment.

"Providence is thrilled to join other communities across the country by playing host to this year's Walk MS, which has such an impact on lives of people here in the Las Vegas Valley," said Deonna Stocker, manager of information center operations at the Providence Information Center. "The National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Nevada Division is dedicated to creating a world free from MS, and walks such as these are an important role in accomplishing their critical mission."

The mission of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society is to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis. Founded in 1946, the society remains the only voluntary health organization dedicated to the prevention, treatment, alleviation and cure of multiple sclerosis.

The society is the only voluntary MS organization that meets the standards of all major agencies that rate nonprofit groups. Seventy-six percent of dollars raised go directly to support programs and services, society officials said.

"Events like Walk MS that support such wonderful organizations are great for our community and help showcase what life is like here at Providence," Stocker said. "We take great pride in our community and we hope that a lot of people come out to Providence and support such a worthy cause."

In addition to the Walk MS event, Providence hosts activities throughout the year designed to help build a strong community. Last month, Providence hosted a Children's Literacy Festival featuring an inaugural bed race competition, called Race the Bed to Read, in support of Spread the Word Nevada: Kids to Kids.

Events like the MS Walk, the bed race and others planned throughout the year give visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle they can expect when purchasing a home at Providence, according to Stocker. Part of the appeal of Providence comes from the community's strong American Traditions theme that includes wide tree-lined boulevards and a large central promenade, she said.

To name the parks at Providence, Focus Property Group utilized names of American literary and historical icons.

One of the signature parks, Huckleberry Park, drew its name from Mark Twain's classic character, Huckleberry Finn. Providence's Knickerbocker Park was named in honor of literary great Washington Irving.

Along with the community's celebration of the history of literature, Providence is dedicated to preserving the future with a strong commitment to the preservation of natural resources. With that in mind, Providence ultimately will be planted with an estimated 4,000 mature desert-adaptable shade and specimen trees, along with drought-tolerant shrubs and plants.

The landscaping palate at Providence includes dozens of different types and varieties, to provide a comfortable, shaded and colorful community for its residents, while keeping water conservation a high priority.

Visitors can see examples of the drought-tolerant plant palette in the community's Demonstration Garden located on the west side of the information center.

When completely built out, Providence will comprise an estimated 7,500 single- and multi-family units in 39 subdivisions. The community is planned to have two parks and miles of trails, as well as two elementary schools and a middle school.

Home builders actively selling at Providence are Avante Homes, Beazer Homes, KB Home, Kimball Hill Homes, Lennar Homes, Meritage Homes, Pulte Homes, Ryland Homes, Toll Brothers, Warmington Homes Nevada and Woodside Homes.

Fairview Residential is expected to open in the coming months. The master plan has more than 70 model homes open for viewing.

To learn more about Providence, prospective home buyers may visit the community's Information Center, open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, or call 433-5084.

For more information on Providence and Focus Property Group, visit providencelv.com or focuspropertygroup.com.