Gans gives locals a break

Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004 | 8:22 a.m.

Impressionist Danny Gans continues to do his impression of an all-around good guy.

On the third anniversary of the 9/11 attacks Gans invited 500 firefighters and police officers to attend his performance at The Mirage for free, which has become a tradition since the tragedy that struck three years ago.

Sunday he followed another tradition of his, "Local Appreciation Night" -- a fund-raiser in which the 1,280 seats in his showroom are reserved for local residents, who pay only $25 for the tickets (which usually cost $100 apiece).

A second appreciation night for local fans is scheduled for Oct. 24.

Gans began his tradition of paying tribute to locals after debuting at The Stratosphere in 1996.

Gans spokeswoman Melanie VanBurch said guests for the two charitable events are selected randomly.

"An ad appears in the Sunday paper with a coupon," she said. "Everyone who wants tickets fills out the coupon and sends it in and then the guests are selected at random, sort of like a lottery -- we receive enough requests to fill the room five, six or seven times over."

Money raised by Sunday's performance will benefit the Danny Gans Junior Golf Academy, which funds a program to teach Las Vegas children ages 6 to 12 how to play golf -- and at the same time teaching them lessons important in their everyday lives.

Funds from the October show will help the Lili Claire Foundation.

The nonprofit organization benefits people born with neurogenetic disorders, such as Williams syndrome, Down syndrome and autism. It also provides resources and assistance to the families of those who suffer from the disorders.