Smith Center Blog

Supporting the Arts

Vegas Couple Finds Peace of Mind with Planned Giving

When Las Vegas resident Judy and her husband Ben decided they wanted to leave their resources in a trust to something they believe in, it wasn’t initially obvious what that would be. That is, until they went to Branford Marsalis’ show at The Smith Center, and witnessed local students brought in for a special visit with the iconic musician.

Supporting the Arts / Community Impact

From Dust Bowl Farmer to Community Leader: Smith Center Founder Selma Bartlett

Selma Bartlett has helped Southern Nevada grow as a community leader. As the community grew through the years, however, Bartlett saw a lack of local entertainment for all ages. That’s why she didn’t hesitate when Don Snyder, chairman of The Smith Center board, asked her to donate in support of constructing the world-class performing arts center.

Supporting the Arts

Member Q&A: Nehme E. Abouzeid and Dr. Nina Mirzayan Abouzeid

"Writer Kahlil Gibran once wrote 'pity the nation whose sages are dumb with years and whose strongmen are yet in the cradle.' I’ve always interpreted that to mean that a city or nation is only as good as the people and institutions that represent it. Vegas can be assured that The Smith Center will give it a strong and vibrant performing arts core," says Smith Center donor Nehme E. Abouzeid.

Supporting the Arts

Donor Q & A - Bob and Alison Kasner

"We believe the arts allow children to have experiences that are unique and everlasting. Creativity weaves through all aspects of life. The arts provide the opportunity to go beyond the boundaries of their homes, schools and community. Live theater exposes them to another world and allows children to dream," says Smith Center donor Alison Kasner.

Supporting the Arts

Q&A with Donor Alisa Nave-Worth and Family

My husband Robb and I believe that instilling a love of the arts in a child is an invaluable gift and we can’t wait to bring out daughter, Sydney, to The Smith Center. It’s precisely why we invest in The Smith Center as an institution. We want to do all we can to make sure that Sydney and the children of Las Vegas have access to the arts.

Supporting the Arts

Q&A with Donors Chris and Amy Emanuel and Family

"As parents of three children, it’s a priority for us to provide our children the experience and participation within the arts. An early education opens the door to unlimited creativity, confidence and passion. Our children beam with curiosity and wonderment when they attend a production at The Smith Center," say Smith Center donors Chris and Amy Emanuel.

Supporting the Arts

Q&A with donors Rick and Lori Kavadas

Whether it’s discussing what’s next at The Smith Center or their two awesome kids, Rick and Lori exude that warm-hearted, genuine passion to everyone who crosses their path. Having made Vegas their home since the late ‘90s, The Smith Center is truly grateful that the Kavadas family has chosen to make us a part of their personal passion.

Supporting the Arts

Donor Q&A with Benson Riseman

Benson Riseman has a flair for creativity as seen in the renovation of his Veer Towers penthouse – which has been featured in publications from Vegas magazine to The Wall Street Journal – that could rival even the most elaborate Broadway set design to grace the stage of Reynolds Hall.

Supporting the Arts

Donor Q&A with Carol Benchley

Carol Benchley is a regular patron at The Smith Center, but she is a standout in the crowd recognized for her quick smile and irresistible enthusiasm for every show she attends. We are privileged to have her support our Education and Outreach programs in the many ways The Smith Center touches the lives of students and educators.

Supporting the Arts

Time to Meet a Donor – Les and Andi Silver

Les and Andi Rothschild Silver have an infectious enthusiasm for the performing arts and an encyclopedic knowledge of “all things Broadway.” Talking with these two aficionados is like taking a crash course in Performance 101 and we are tremendously grateful – and fortunate – to have them as a part of The Smith Center family.