6/10/2021
Supporting the Arts
The Smith Center hosted approximately 60 select donors and Nevada High School Musical Theater Award nominees to an exclusive, advance screening of the highly anticipated film adaptation for Lin Manuel-Miranda’s smash musical “In the Heights” at AMC Town Square 18 theater.
12/9/2020
Supporting the Arts
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, signed into law on March 27, 2020, includes several provisions that may impact your charitable giving this year. Beginning in 2020, individuals can deduct $300 in charitable contributions from their gross income even if they do not itemize their deductions. Although the permissible amount is modest, it is a new benefit available to donors with more restricted budgets.
10/12/2020
Supporting the Arts
Growing up in Southern Nevada, Cliff Findlay — now Findlay Automotive Group president — had a vision for what Las Vegas could become. This included a thriving city with successful businesses, top schools and robust arts and culture. Now this vision continues, with the Toyota Dealers Association sponsoring The Smith Center’s Broadway Las Vegas Series.
10/8/2020
Supporting the Arts
“I just love it there,” says Jerry Carney, a Smith Center staff member who recently created a Facebook fundraiser to help raise money for The Smith Center during its extended closure. Carney is one of several friends of The Smith Center who have successfully leveraged their Facebook networks to support The Smith Center’s mission.
8/10/2020
Supporting the Arts / Community Impact
The Smith Center’s stages may be dark, but that hasn’t stopped several of the center’s veteran volunteers lending a listening ear. “With The Smith Center experiencing such a financial setback, our need to raise money is critical,” says Director of Annual Fund Carol Hollatz. “That’s why we enlisted some of our most dedicated volunteers."
6/30/2020
Supporting the Arts
Ever since Jillian Stewart sparked an interest in theater at age 12, the Vegas resident idolized Broadway and television star Sutton Foster. “I looked up to Sutton Foster, not only for her talent but most importantly for her character,” says Stewart, a student at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas whose family supports The Smith Center as donors.
6/10/2020
Supporting the Arts
Lynne Lerner takes great pride in being involved with The Smith Center from its beginning. “The opening night is still my favorite event there,” says Lynne, whose contributions with her husband Mark helped support the opening of The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization.
6/5/2020
Supporting the Arts
When the pandemic halted normal business operations earlier this year, The Smith Center’s development team feared the nonprofit might lose some of its grant support from corporations, a vital source of revenue. That’s exactly when Ameriprise Financial decided to throw a lifeline to its nonprofit partners, including The Smith Center.
4/29/2020
Supporting the Arts
If you’re among those who have generously supported The Smith Center through a donation of $500 or more, then you are probably the proud owner of a commemorative Smith Center mug. Made of ceramic and featuring The Smith Center logo, your mug might be useful for toasting The Smith Center with your coffee each morning, or for serving as a reminder of your favorite shows every time you drop your best pens inside it.
4/3/2020
Supporting the Arts
Beginning with appearing in an award-winning production of Man of La Mancha in Chicago in her 20s, Helen B. Arnold began a lifelong passion for music and the performing arts that continues today. Arnold, a dedicated patron and generous supporter of The Smith Center, views the performing arts as “food for the soul."