A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Canada, Mark is a former member of the Canadian Hockey League. After his hockey days ended, he spent almost 10 years living in New York City performing on Americas premiere stages. He earned a Helen Hayes Nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Timon in DISNEY’S THE LION KING. He recently starred in the smash hit ROCK OF AGES playing at the Venetian/Palazzo in Las Vegas.

He is the creator of MONDAYS DARK, a monthly variety show in Vegas where 100% of all proceeds go to a local charity and feature Headliners from various shows on the strip. To date he has raised over 300k for local Las Vegas charities, one party a month, $20 & 90 minutes at a time. He is the recipient of the 2014 Angel Award for Cultural Advocate/Entertainer of the Year. 2016 Review Journal Philanthropist of the Year. National Philanthropy Day Impact Award Recipient.

Mark recently opened The Space. Vegas’ first Community Driven, Charity Based Arts Complex.

Dear Rotarians,

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then today’s Wheel is worth a million memories! Great job on a highly successful Cars for a Cause Show 2017! We will have a full operational and financial report from the show for our next meeting.

David Thorson
President 2016 -2017
Las Vegas Rotary Club

• President David Thorson called the packed-house meeting to order.

• Jimmelle Siorot gave the invocation. Sidra Kain led the club in singing the National Anthem. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the Sergeant-at-Arms was Larry Tomsic.

• There were (0) International Rotarians, (0) Visiting Rotarians and (1) UNLV Rotaract Member were introduced.

• There was no drawing today due to the Valedictorian program.

• President David Thorson reminded everybody that a Club Board meeting is scheduled today after the meeting in the Vintage Room.

• President Elect Michael Gordon presented three $2,500 checks to Principal Katie Decker to support Bracken, Long and Hollingsworth Schools. Katie reported on great progress and results at all schools!

• Francesca Gilbert reported that our 4 Way Test Speech Contest winner was awarded alternate status for our area. Interestingly, the area winner was present at our meeting representing Palo Verde High School as their valedictorian!

• Larry Rouse announced an upcoming vacancy on the Las Vegas Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees. If you are interested in applying for consideration, please contact Larry.

• President Elect Michael Gordon got us all excited about our Cars for a Cause Show happening this weekend, April 23rd. All Rotarians are asked to participate.

• Tim Mullin reminded us that we are hosting airmen at a 51’s game on May 27th. The Club has already paid for the airmen’s tickets so Rotarians who want to attend only need to buy their own tickets.

• Bill Steiren reminded the club that the Atomic Test Site tour is on May 24, 2017 at 8am.

• Carolyn Sparks announced that our Club will hold a Rotary Foundation 100th anniversary celebration at the Neon Museum on June 6, 2017 5:30-7:30PM.

• Deb Granda discussed the District Conference May 18-21 in Palm Springs. The evening’s theme is ‘Latin Night’. Our Club hospitality theme “Puerto Rican” shirts are available for $30 each.

• Kirk Alexander reminded us of the Corazon Superbuild on May 6th in Tecate, Mexico.

• Past President Mary Ann Avnet kicked off the procession of the valedictorians of 51 participating Clark County Schools. We were inspired by these young men and women as we learned about their academic aspirations and goals.

• Carolyn Sparks introduced our speaker Len Jessup – President of UNLV. Len congratulated the valedictorians and then informed us on the many exciting developments happening at UNLV and discussed the very positive likely effect the Raiders stadium will have on UNLV.

• President David Thorson presented President Jessup with Sole Power Award, congratulated the valedictorians and adjourned the meeting.