The Wheel For January 16, 2020
The Wheel
Jeff Civillico – 10 Things You Should Know…
1) Jeff Produces and Headlines his own one-man clean comedy show in Las Vegas – at the iconic Paris Las Vegas, a Caesars Entertainment property. Learn more about Jeff’s Vegas show / Buy tickets.
2) Jeff’s Vegas show at Paris Las Vegas “Comedy in Action” is highly-acclaimed: 3x winner of the “Best of Las Vegas” awards by the Las Vegas Review Journal, Named one of the “Top 10 Things To Do In Vegas” by Total Vegas Guide, Named #1 place to “Kick it with the Kids in Vegas” in 2015 by Las Vegas Magazine, Named 2015 “Cultural Advocate / Entertainer of the Year” by Vegas Inc, etc. Learn more about Jeff’s Vegas show / Buy tickets.
3) Jeff has extensive TV experience as a host personality. He has hosted national programs on ABC, NBC, ESPN, Travel Channel, Cooking Channel, etc. He is a regular guest host of “The Morning Blend” on KTNV-Las Vegas. Learn more about Jeff’s TV work.
4) Jeff is Founder and Chairman of Win-Win Entertainment, his non-profit which connects performers and charities in Las Vegas; responsible for arranging 250+ charity events in 2015. Win-Win Entertainment’s “Headliners Bash” has become a signature event celebrating philanthropy in the entertainment industry in Las Vegas. Learn more about Win-Win Entertainment.
5) Jeff is in high demand in the corporate / convention market not only as an Entertainer, but also an Emcee and Keynote Speaker. Jeff has presented for countless companies including Disney, OSHA, AT&T, Verizon, Caterpillar, Grainger, AAA, Honeywell, Culver’s, Auntie Anne’s, Rite Aid, Cisco, and A&W. Learn more about Jeff’s corporate work / Book Jeff.
6) Jeff is the Creator of “Give Back Sundays” program at his show where he gives back 50% of ticket sales to a different local nonprofit on designated Sundays. Jeff has arranged “Give Back Sundays” events for ALS of Nevada, Spread the Word Nevada, Create a Change Now, Three Square Food Bank, dozens of nonprofits.
7) Jeff is the Creator and Host of “Showbiz Academy” – a unique experience in Las Vegas for high school students interested in learning about the creative and business aspects of show business from top Las Vegas entertainment professionals. This intensive master class features private performances, keynote speeches, question & answer sessions, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops from major industry players in Las Vegas.
8) Jeff is an avid professional member of the National Speakers Association, having served as the Marketing Chair and Membership Chair of that organization for the local Vegas chapter for many years. He most recently was Entertainer / Speaker for the NSA Foundation Event at the 2015 NSA National Conference in Washington, D.C.
9) Jeff remains very committed to his alma mater Georgetown University. He is President of the local Georgetown University Alumni Club of Las Vegas, and sits on the Board of Governors for the University Alumni Association at large.
10) Jeff is ridiculous. He holds a world record for bungee jumping on his unicycle off a cliff in New Zealand, and goes “joggling” for fun. “Joggling” = juggling while jogging. He raised $5000+ as a team member of “Athletes for Special Kids” by joggling all 26.2 miles of the Disney Marathon.
Message From The President
After hearing Jeff Civillico speak at one of our meetings a few years ago, I placed him on my list of speakers for my year as President. His energy, enthusiasm and obvious talent made a real impression on the membership that day. Is it no wonder that he has founded a non-profit that connects performers with direct service opportunities, performing for hospital patients, seniors, servicemen and women, and those with special needs? Not to be confused with Mark Shunock and his Mondays Dark. Although both are charitable organizations, they differ in their approach with booking performers. Both entities are very successful in our city.
What is the Las Vegas history of giving? Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator wrote an article in July of 2018 listing their top 5 Nevada charities. And, to my surprise and delight, one of the top 5 is an organization that our Club supports, Spread the Word Nevada. They received the highest possible rating of 4 stars with a near-perfect score. How many of you are aware that our own Rotary International Foundation is on their list of perfect scores? Four stars and 100% achievement in all their categories? So, as we move deeper into improving early childhood literacy with the new signature project of our Foundation, Together, We Read and partnering with Spread the Word Nevada, imagine how we will impact the lives of children, parents, and grandparents!
Most of you are aware that our local sports team, the Vegas Golden Knights and the soon to be Las Vegas Raiders, both have charitable foundations. Where have these foundations been awarding their contributions? 
To bring attention to the global day of giving fueled by #GivingTuesday, the Raiders Foundation,
for the third straight year, helped kick start the giving season with surprise “blitzes” to three Las Vegas nonprofit organizations: Wreaths Across America, Spread the Word Nevada and Southern Nevada Pop Warner Football. Notice who is among this list? The Vegas Golden Knights Foundation focuses in specific areas such as, kids’ growth through sports, health and wellness, public schools teaching and learning. Military, first responders, hunger and homelessness in Las Vegas round out the list of recipients.
I have asked my programs chair, Dr Andy to book a few more non-profits. It is my hope that our club membership will find the information from the carefully selected speakers worth hearing and will open our eyes to previous unknown information.
As the year continues, we will hear from two entities that risk much to provide hope to their area of focus. Their worlds, one locally and one internationally, along with the other charitable organizations we have heard from and those we will hear from, I know will inspire us to think and take action.
Jackie Thornhill
President
Las Vegas Rotary Club
Member Highlights
Ted McAdam was joined for lunch by his wife Diana.
Sergeant At Arms PP Michael Gordon and Marie Walsh pose for a picture.
President Jackie presents our speaker Judith Pinkerton with our “Share What You Can Award”.
PP Steve Linder led us in song with “America the Beautiful”.
PP Jim Tucker introduced the 2020 Superbowl Board.
Our birthday day table included Jerry Engel, Kim Nyomi, Carolyn Sparks, Kathy Mahon, Gwen Hall, Hidden Stu Lipoff and Kirk Alexander.
New Member Mike was joined by his wife Amy.
Kathy Mahon misses the Joker but also won the Lawry Bucks.
John Ingeme gets recognized with a fine for not sitting at the Birthday table.
Janet Lencke brought us up to date on upcoming fund raising party.
Hi Rose Falocco.
At Jackie’s head table was Judith Pinkerton, Cary Grohs and Judy’s husband.
Arleen Sirois started our meeting with her invocation.
Scribe – January 9, 2020
Las Vegas Rotary Club Meeting: Thursday, January 9, 2020
- President Jacqueline Thornhill called the meeting to order.
- Arlene Sirois gave the invocation.
- Past President Steve Linder led the club in singing “America the Beautiful”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
- The Sergeant at Arms was Past President Michael Gordon.
- President Jacqueline Thornhill led the club in the Four Way Test.
- There were 2 International Rotarians, 0 visiting Rotarians and 10 Guest of Rotarians introduced.
- There were 11 Rotarians celebrating their January Birthdays.
- Staca Sadie, Principal from Hollingsworth Elementary and Rigel Painter, Principal from Walter Long Elementary thanked the Club for including kids from their school in the Santa Clothes program. They brought handmade cards with pictures to share with us.
- The drawing began at $3608.00 plus this week’s donations. The Ticket Winner was Kathy Mahon, MD, who received a prize of $10 and the Lawry’s Bucks Winner was also Kathy Mahon, MD.
- Announcements:
- President Jackie Thornhill announced that Somerset Sky Pointe Choir has invited us to their 2nd annual Gala on Sat. Jan. 18 for dinner and entertainment. Shawn to provide more detail.
- Ted McAdam announced that the 4th QTR Weitzel Awards are today at Nellis AF Base at 2:15 PM.
- Marie Walsh announced that Breakfast with Books is scheduled for Tuesday, January 14 at Beckley Elementary. The Polar Express event with Spread the Word Nevada was a huge success.
- President Jackie Thornhill for Director Melanie Jo Muldowney announced that beginning today through the end of June, the Club will begin their Foundation match of 50% or up to 500 points to obtain your first Paul Harris award or to increase your current level. Contact Shawn Norda or Melanie Muldowney for your status.
- Janice Lencke announced Anderson-Miller-Pinkelman as new sponsor for our annual fund raiser on April 25. Tickets go on sale next week. Expect fabulous food and an open bar.
- Past President Karen Whisenhunt announced that the Mayor’s Cup International Soccer Tournament will be held February 15 – 17. We are hosting the Germany team. Please come out and watch them.
- Deb Granda announced a new project partnering with the Red Cross. On February 29 from 10:00 AM to 3:30 PM we will be holding our first Blood Drive at Lawry’s the Prime Rib. Donors and people for logistical help are needed.
- Past President Jim Tucker announced that the Superbowl Board is $50 per square with $2500 in prizes and $2500 to the foundation.
- Rose Falocco reminded everyone to sign up for weekly duties in the Green Book. Also note January 29 is the date set for the 25 Club Graduation at McFadden’s.
- President Jacqueline Thornhill announced:
- Remember to send photos to Jackie for the People of Action Campaign.
- Monthly and Quarterly contributions to the Foundation keep our projects moving. Please consider donating to the permanent fund.
- Reminder that the International convention is June 6-10 and is being held in Hawaii.
- Reminder that the Rotary Leadership Institute is this Saturday from 8:15 – 4:00 at the Windmill Library.
- Remember to recycle the Wheel and tickets.
- District conference is in Pasadena. Registration opens tomorrow Jan. 10.
- Kirk Alexander introduced our program speaker, Judith Pinkerton, Founder, President, CEO of Music 4 Life, Inc.
Judith presented an overview of the music program she has developed which helps individuals overcome anxiety, depression and other health issues through the use of music. The program is intended to help mind, body and spirit. Everyone’s music playlist should include a variety of types of music that evokes a full range of emotion, but the playlist will not be the same for everyone. The individual’s playlist should include music that evokes these 3 feelings: Unsettling, Soothing, or Energizing (USE). A pilot program was created at Shepherds Air Force Base has proved to be very successful and hopefully will grow to other bases such as Creech or Nellis.
- President Jackie Thornhill presented our speaker with a “Share What You Can” award to benefit the local USO and then adjourned the meeting.