More than 600 guests herded together for the 4th annual Boys Town Nevada Journey of Hope Gala May 8 at the Las Vegas Hilton. The memorable Western-themed denim and diamonds evening generated thousands of dollars to help severely at-risk, abused, abandoned and neglected youth in Nevada.
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Event Co-Chair Winnie Schulman hugs one of the Boys Town Nevada youth speakers

“The hard work and commitment of our Board, staff and volunteers helped to make this an outstanding fundraising gala,” said Tom Waite, Boys Town Nevada Executive Director. “Being successful is accomplished by having an efficient and effective team and everyone contributed to making the event great.”

The recipient of this year’s HOPE award was Bill Boyd and his family for their generosity and compassion in the Las Vegas community. Bill Boyd has been a major donor to Boys Town Nevada and has worked for decades to improve the quality of life for southern Nevada’s residents. Bill spoke briefly about how he had the pleasure of having dinner in a Family Home of Boys Town Nevada.

“Boys Town Treatment Family Homes provide a real home and a real loving family to kids in need,” said Boyd. “Boys Town gives kids a second chance at childhood.” Bill Boyd then surprised the crowd by presenting Boys Town Nevada with a check for $25,000, “for the significant impact the organization makes on the community.”

2008 HOPE Award

The evening began with complimentary line dancing lessons at 5 p.m., in which many guests took part, followed by the silent and live auctions. The highlight of the event was when past and present youth at Boys Town Nevada shared stories of struggle and hope, describing the impact Boys Town has had on their lives and their futures.

“When I was 4-years-old, my mother left me at a daycare center and never came back,” said Tami, a Boys Town Nevada alumna. “When I came to Boys Town Nevada, I experienced what it meant to be a part of a real family for the first time in my life.”

To continue the mission of saving children and healing families, Boys Town Nevada auctioned sought after items, such as a women’s Harry Winston watch and a fully-loaded 2008 Yukon Denali. All money raised from the Journey of Hope will go directly to the programs and care of youth and families at Boys Town Nevada.