Events, organizations raise funds for victims

By Emily Richmond

Friday, Sept. 21, 2001 | 10:42 a.m.

Local opportunities abound for Las Vegans looking for a way to help in the wake of terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Las Vegas-based Anchor Gaming has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross disaster relief fund and pledged to match the total amount donated by Anchor Gaming employees this month.

A fund-raising effort co-sponsored by KLAS-TV Channel 8 and Nevada State Bank has generated more than $1 million in donations and pledges. KTNV Channel 13 and Wells Fargo Bank have teamed to raise more than $100,000.

Upcoming fund-raisers include:

* The Hard Rock Cafe will host a Red, White & Blues Festival, featuring local musicians, today at 9:30 p.m. Proceeds will benefit the widow and children's fund of the New York City Fire Department. A $5 donation will be taken at the door.

* Lee Greenwood, whose song "Proud to be an American" has topped play lists around the country since Sept. 11, will donate proceeds from his show tonight at 7 p.m. at the Fiesta. Tickets are $17.50 and the money has been earmarked for New York firefighter and police office memorials and the American Red Cross. The event is sponsored by Clear Channel radio station KWNR New Country 95.5.

* The Excalibur will donate all proceeds from Sunday's 7:30 p.m. show at the Catch a Rising Star comedy club to the American Red Cross. The show will feature five comedians. Tickets are $16.95 and available at the box office or by calling 597-7600.

* Summerlin's 12th annual All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Willows Park at Town Center Drive and Marigold Lane. Tickets are $4 for adults, $3 for seniors and $2 for children. A portion of the proceeds will go to the American Red Cross.

* The Las Vegas Motor Speedway's "Night of Champions" will feature an American Red Cross donation booth. The track opens Saturday at 5 p.m. for the week's final NASCAR points race of the weekly series. All members of the military, police and firefighters will be admitted free of charge.

* The Orleans will host a bachelor's auction Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. in Brendan's Irish Pub. Proceeds will benefit memorial funds for New York firefighters and police officers. The event will feature doctors, lawyers, firefighters, police officers and NASCAR race driver Brendan Gaughan, for whom the pub is named. There is no cost to participate and bidding will begin at $5. Each winning bidder will receive a package of dinner for two at La Louisiane and tickets to see an upcoming headliner show at the Orleans. Ladies' drinks will be served all night for $1. For more information, call 365-7111.

* Animal Society Inc. of Las Vegas is raising money to assist the many animals that are either participating in rescue and recovery efforts or that were left homeless when tragedy struck their owners. Those interested in donating to this cause may send money to: Animal Society, 723 S. Casino Center Blvd., 2nd Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89101. The Animal Society is a nonprofit organization. For more information, call 316-3874, e-mail to support@AnimalSociety.org, or log on to www.AnimalSociety.org.