By BOBBIE GREEN
The Progress
Dramatic skies and an impressive sunset was the setting for the annual Kids for Sports Foundation Wine Fest Fundraiser held on Wednesday night, Oct. 6 on the lower terrace at the Wolf Creek Golf Club.
The $100-per-person dinner was accompanied by a silent auction for an array of donated items. Drawing tickets were being sold to willing participants in arm length streamers.
The weather was perfect, and the attendees were in a generous mood for a generous cause.
Musician Mike Rye provided the entertainment.
The efforts made to put on this event did not go unheeded. The Kids for Sports Foundation raised $13,500 that will go toward grants to local kids. This amount was higher than past fundraisers.
“I am always amazed at the generosity of this community,” said City Councilwoman Sandra Ramaker who was in attendance at the event. “They are always ready to help others.”
The event was well attended by city officials. Mrs. Nevada 2021, Dr Leslie Smith and her spouse were in attendance. “I am happy to be here and support such a good cause,” she said. “Sports will always be a part of my life.”
Smith gave a short speech giving specifics on how sports have affected her life. She also reminded the crowd that she is competing for the Mrs. America Title.
Cory Clements, co-owner of Wolf Creek Golf Club, Founder and President of the Kids for Sports Foundation welcomed everyone and revisited how the foundation got started in November 2013 with his $5,000 donation. Clements thanked the local community and business leaders that immediately chipped in to help with the startup. The foundation was launched in January of 2014.
The nonprofit foundation works to remove financial and other barriers that might prevent kids from participating in sports.
Clements explained that participating in public school sports means parent must buy all sports equipment required to play, pay for the travel to and from games, and cover the cost of special sports camps. Some schools charge a fee each time the student goes to a practice session, to pay for lighting and more. This can get pricey for working class parents, he said..
“It is our mission to ensure all kids are given the opportunity to experience the pastime benefits of playing organized sports,” the Kids for Sports mission statement says.
Attendees at the event said that they had a great time.
“I am here to support Kids for Sports because my spouse Dean says it is the best charity in town,” said guest Dr. Leigh Roessner.
Guest Carolyn McVey say she has been supporting Kids for Sports for four years now. “There needs to be more activities for kids to do in Mesquite,” she added.
The Executive Director for this event was Nancy Hewett. Clements commended Hewett for the efficient job done through the year. Her expertise in organizing was very apparent throughout the lovely evening.
Clements also expressed appreciation to the servers, all employees of Wolf Creek, who were donating their time and service for this event.
The Mesquite Showgirls were there to greet and sell drawing tickets along with many other community volunteers donating time to make this event successful for the foundation and an enjoyable evening for all the guests.
