10/21/2021
Supporting the Arts
Annette and Larry Carter’s roots in Las Vegas run deep.
A native of Germany, Annette moved to Southern Nevada in 1958, and spent her youth dazzled by shows on the Las Vegas Strip. Larry moved to town from Michigan in 1973, when he opened his very first car dealership.
“We both love Las Vegas, and would not want to live anywhere else,” Larry says.
Both contributed to the growth of their city. Annette became a highly successful realtor, helping to usher in and settle Las Vegas’ booming population throughout the years.
Larry meanwhile expanded his business efforts to eventually own three car dealerships, a lumber company, a powersports store and additional small businesses across Southern Nevada.
Still devoted to the growth and success of their longtime home, the Carters now support Las Vegas’ ongoing evolution as donors of The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization.
“The Smith Center has really brought a great variety of entertainment to Las Vegas,” Larry says. “We want The Smith Center to be available in perpetuity, and we want to do our part to make sure that happens.”
Longing for the Arts in Vegas
Both Larry and Annette can attest that the performing arts play a strong role in their lives.
The father of Annette’s best friend growing up oversaw lighting for “Folies Bergère,” and snuck the two girls in to see the show.
“I just loved seeing the dancing, the live music and the staging,” she remembers. “I grew up wanting to be a show girl, but never got taller than 5'5.’”
She and Larry have always loved live music, Larry adds, but they both found a lack of live entertainment options in Las Vegas for years.
“We rarely had the opportunity to see live Broadway shows,” he says. “While we both enjoy the theater and live music, there were not any places to go if you did not want to go to one of the Strip hotels.”
Naturally, both felt elated when they learned of plans to build The Smith Center and meet this cultural demand, Larry says. They also wanted to help make it happen.
“We knew that we would definitely get involved,” Larry says. “We also thought that it was about time that Las Vegas had a theater for the performing arts. It was about time for us to include some culture in our city.”
A New Cultural Home
The Carters don’t have to wish for more culture in Las Vegas anymore.
“The Smith Center brought real class to our city,” Annette says. “We always wanted a theater like The Smith Center, and are thrilled that we now have it.”
The couple especially enjoys the center’s Broadway Las Vegas® Series, as well as concerts with top entertainers like music icon Paul Anka.
“We often attend Myron's at The Smith Center, and we enjoy the coziness of that small theater,” Larry says, adding that they also sometimes visit the elegant Founders Room available to Smith Center donors.
No wonder they recommend others to visit and support The Smith Center, too.
“We work on that all the time,” Larry says. “We tell people about The Smith Center, and those who were not familiar with it are very grateful.”
Support The Smith Center
As a nonprofit, The Smith Center relies on donor support to help with the following:
- Presenting world-class performances at accessible prices
- Offering arts education experiences for over 70,000 students each year
- Maintaining The Smith Center campus
To learn more about ways to support The Smith Center, click here.