Where I Stand — Hank Greenspun: Las Vegas and UNLV important part of Sinatra’s world

Friday, May 15, 1998 | 9:58 a.m.

WHETHER IT'S LAS VEGAS, Cairo, Jerusalem or the Far East -- wherever you go, you'll most likely see a project that is there because of the generosity and humanity of Frank Sinatra.

A couple of months ago, we took pictures of a building in Cairo known as the Frank Sinatra International Youth Center.

About 10 days back, we stood with a crowd in Jerusalem as Sinatra dedicated the Frank Sinatra International Student Center at Hebrew University, and we have been to the Boys Home he endowed in Nazareth.

Years ago, I was with Frank when he gave concerts to build homes for orphans in Japan and Hong Kong.

In almost every country you visit, Sinatra has made contributions to orphans, the poor, the less fortunate of our society; and has given financial support to educational institutions around the world.

It was an historic event when we traveled with him to Israel to participate in his latest philanthropic venture.

A scheduled visit with the prime minister for many of the luminaries on the Frank Sinatra Caravan was changed at the last minute to a select group of four, at Sinatra's request. He didn't want to burden the prime minister with a large crowd.

I realized Sinatra's decision changed what could have been a Hollywood-type occasion with flash bulbs, television lights, etc., into a very significant meeting.

Sinatra has that quality of making a commonplace occasion become a historic event, so instead of everyone posing for pictures, the visit with the prime minister turned into a serious discussion with Begin.

"They say I'm obstructing peace," the prime minister said. "Who wants peace more than Israel?"

It was a great moment in which Begin made us privy to his most innermost thoughts.

The kind of consideration Sinatra showed for Begin is one of the reasons he has stayed on top all these years.

I tell this story to reveal a side of the man that isn't often seen by his multitudinous fans, who might never have witnessed the compassion on his face and the sincerity of purpose when he is involved in any project that benefits mankind.

Frank Sinatra is a dedicated champion of the underdog, a spokesman for the underprivileged of our society.

The state of Nevada owes much to him. He has been the single greatest boon to our economy, and a Sinatra appearance, even in the slowest months of the year, almost guarantees sellout crowds at every Strip hotel.

Few entertainers have taken more blows or achieved greater success; and none has equalled the joy and delight he has brought into the lives of all who have heard him, whether in night clubs or on television and in the movies.

Frank understands people, for he has been up on top and back down again, only to persevere until he again reached the top.

A legend in Las Vegas, his name is magic on a marquee and his appearance at any charitable event is assurance of success.

An honorary doctorate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, is evidence of the esteem in which he is held by our community and state.

And on Tuesday, Frank Sinatra will continue his good works for the university when he presents a special "thank you" concert for the athletic scholarship donors in the Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts.

For four years, Sinatra has hosted the annual affair and invited several of his famous friends to share the stage with him. It is expected the concert will help bring the scholarship fund drive well over last year's record.

With Frank on stage will be Pat Boone and his daughter Debby, whose rendition of "You Light Up My Life" at the Academy Awards was so impressive.

Las Vegas' own lovable Totie Fields will be there and Ed McMahon is scheduled to do the honors as master of ceremonies.

The star attraction will be Dr. Frank Sinatra in what has been billed as "Another Evening with Frank Sinatra and Friends."

Tickets for the gala event are on sale at the Aladdin box office and the UNLV athletic ticket office on campus.

Frank is still doing it his way, and, where UNLV is concerned, it's good enough for me. I'll get my hat and go with him.

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