Las Vegas' Leading Lights To Make Life Brighter For Those In Greatest Need

"Lights of Compassion" weekend honoring Congressman Joe Heck, Wayne Newton, "Real Housewives" star Lisa Vanderpump, and Mrs. Howard Hughes, and starring Frankie Moreno, NBC anchors Jim Snyder and Jessica Moore, and Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter Carol Connors to raise funds for American Humane Association, local animal rescue, and Wags4Warriors

Fashion show at Bellagio and Great Gatsby-themed benefit at a private Anthem Country Club estate underscores that compassion is always in style

LAS VEGAS, April 9, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During the weekend of May 17-18, some of Las Vegas' leading lights will be turning up the city's already dazzling star wattage to make life a bit brighter for those in need. A star-studded collection of public figures, philanthropists, entertainers, and television and movie stars are coming together in a constellation of compassion to raise funds for American Humane Association, the country's first national humane organization, local animal rescue efforts, and wounded warriors who need the healing care of a therapy dog.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO)

On Friday, May 17 the "Lights of Compassion" weekend will kick off with an Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show at Bellagio to demonstrate that compassion is always in fashion. Guests will be treated to a fabulous lineup of adult, child and even animal models showing off Elie Tahari and Fifi and Romeo creations during an elegant afternoon showcasing the talents of Las Vegas "Headliner of the Year" Frankie Moreno, star of "Dancing with the Stars" and "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Lisa Vanderpump with her dog Giggy, and two-time Oscar-nominated singer/songwriter Carol Connors. Paul Mitchell The School – Las Vegas will be donating hair and makeup services for talent.

On Saturday, May 18 Bruce and Barbara Lee Woollen will host a Great Gatsby-themed gala at their Anthem Country Club estate in Henderson. The evening will feature elegantly clad ladies and tuxedoed gentlemen, classic cars provided by Jim and Beverly Rogers' Sunbelt Classic and Antique Automobile Museum, exquisite jewelry from the Hollywood Collection of Kazanjian of Beverly Hills, entertainment by renowned concert pianist Lola Astanova and classical guitarist Eric Castro, a live and silent auction, and lively emceeing by NBC-TV anchors Jim Snyder and Jessica Moore. A roster of VIPs will be honored, including U.S. Congressman Joe Heck, who has been active in veterans' affairs, Wayne Newton, Lisa Vanderpump, Mrs. Howard Hughes (actress Terry Moore), and Christine Robinson of Las Vegas' The Animal Foundation. 

Proceeds from both events will establish a disaster preparedness program for the rescue of animals in Nevada and American Humane Association's Wags4Warriors program benefitting our military veterans through the healing power of animal-assisted therapy.

Tickets for the May 17 Afternoon Tea and Fashion Show are $150 each.  Individual tickets for the Gatsby Gala are $350.  Sponsorships with VIP seating and features in the program, as well as program advertising are available. Tickets and sponsorships are tax-deductible to the extent allowable by law.

For tickets or more information, please call 866-242-1877 or email [email protected] .

American Humane Association President and CEO Dr. Robin Ganzert said, "We are immensely grateful to Bruce and Barbara Lee Woollen, Congressman Heck and his lovely wife Lisa, Jim Snyder and Jessica Moore, Frankie Moreno, Lisa Vanderpump, Terry Moore, Carol Connors, and the many talented stars who are coming together to raise funds to brighten the lives of those in the greatest need.  Thank you!"

Dinner Chair Barbara Lee Woollen said, "Each year, American Humane Association works to protect more than 400 million children and animals, and helps our nation's military families cope with the impact of service. We cannot think of a more worthy cause to support and ask for our friends and the entire Las Vegas community to support their work here in Nevada, across the country, and around the world. You'll be supporting an important cause while enjoying a wonderful evening."

Dinner Chairs: Bruce and Barbara Lee Woollen

Host Committee: Jaki Baskow, Bob Benzo, Lisa Bobak, Mayor Andy A. Hafen, Eileen Hayes, Congressman Joe Heck and Lisa Heck, Dorothy Huffey, Sally Kimball, Christian W. Kolberg, Jeanne Marie Korn, Ken and Dianne Merkey, Cheryl Purdue, David Rangel, Laurence Ring, Esq. and Caren Caty, PhD, Jim and Beverly Rogers

About American Humane Association

American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

SOURCE American Humane Association