Our Las Vegas
Although each of us came originally from east of here, we love Las Vegas — its variety, the mix of people, great restaurants, the easy access to entertainment and we don’t even mind the climate.
Since so many of you come here to see Tom, we thought we’d share some of our favorite people and places and link you to some interesting attractions in case you want to do a bit of exploring between shows. We’ve linked to many of the places we talk about so it’s easier for you to check them out.
If you have anything to add, please do and, if you choose to go someplace we recommend based on our recommendation, please let us know what you thought of it. We’ll be adding more very often.
And, to stay up-to-date with the local community — especially if you are considering a move here — check out Vegas Community Online. Our friend Marleen Marino has the best community site in the city — no cheesy gossip, just lots of news and columns that cover every facet of life here. Check it out!
— Ellen & Ursula
Not Tom-Related, But A Very Worthy Las Vegas Cause
Sunday, October 7th, 2007
Appearing at an amazing concert we went to last night were Tony Bennett (still all elegance and his version of Fly Me To The Moon was a wonder to hear), Jerry Seinfeld, Rob Thomas and Matchbox Twenty, Carlos Santana, Kelly Clarkson, the Goo Goo Dolls and David Foster, serving as host and musical director. Also on the bill was George Wallace, whom many of us first heard when he used to open for Tom.
It might have taken place at MGM’s Grand Garden Arena, but the concert proves that there is life off The Strip in Las Vegas. There is a thriving community full of concerned people. To prove it, we’re writing this post even though we rarely — if ever — post information that is not related to Sir Tom, but we are making an exception for an extraordinary cause: The Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation.
Agassi is a Las Vegas native who defines the concept of “giving back.” His foundation operates what is judged by educators to be one of the best schools in the nation. Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy is a public charter K through 12 school serving students in the poorest area of our city. Another Academy is set to open in Camden, New Jersey There’s a good chance that the Foundation, or an organization like it, may help in your community someday.
The Agassi Foundation also supports a range of very worthwhile projects and causes that exist to ensure that, in fact, no child is left behind because of any economic or social deprivation. President Bill Clinton just included information on the Agassi Foundation in his new book, Giving.
To fund the Academy and its other projects, the Foundation each year hosts The Grand Slam for Children, a huge concert. Tickets for floor tables at this 12th annual event (including dinner and an amazing auction) go for up to $75,000 a table. The auction included such items as a Chihuly sculpture, a visit to the set of Entourage with a luxury stay in LA, a trip to one of Richard Branson’s islands and…..well, you get the idea.
The auction and concert raised $9.1 million dollars.
In all, a great night for a great cause — one that deserves support all year round from all over. And, hopefully, we’ll see Tom at one of the future Grand Slams for Children.
—Ellen & Ursula
Photo of Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf at last night’s auction from the Las Vegas Review Journal.
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