L e a r n a b o u t C o m f o r t C a r e a t
w w w. F o u t z D e n t a l . c o m
Nevada State Bank has served the banking needs of families and businesses across Nevada for more than 60 years. With branches from north to south, urban to rural, and with more than half a century of Nevada banking experience, we’re here for you.
Your bank should help you succeed. Your bank should be NSB. To learn more, call 866.706.4508 or visit nsbank.com.
IT MATTERS WHO YOU BANK WITH ®
We laugh that those were the words my husband shared with his assistant the morning after our first date, but they’re also the exact words I use when talking about our city.
My cousin recently moved to Las Vegas, and while I was showing her around some of my favorite spots, she stopped and said, “You’re George Banks from Father of the Bride — ‘I laid those bricks with my own two hands. I planted those plants.’” And honestly? She wasn’t wrong. I can barely go anywhere without having a story to share or a memory from the various chapters of my life.
I’ve spent my entire adulthood within a seven-mile radius of St. Rose and Eastern, watching Henderson grow and evolve, and have always felt an unexplainable connection to our city and a feeling that this was where I belong. I remember when my first apartment off Jeffreys Street in 2005 felt like the edge of everything. I’m not even super handy, but we were so excited to get a Lowes!
Growing up in this community has been a gift. While some may call Las Vegas a transient town, those who have stayed know a different story: one of roots, resilience, opportunity, and a community that continually gives back to the people who invest in it.
In this issue, we explore the many ways love shows up locally. We meet a pilot extraordinaire who’s sharing the love nationwide by flying a Henderson-based Pink Jet in air shows to promote breast cancer awareness. We chat with local wedding officiant Wanda Tracey, who has officiated more than 15,000 weddings and believes the key to finding love starts with loving yourself first. We step inside the heart behind the hallways of Green Valley Christian School to see what makes it such a special place for local students, and we indulge in incredible wine and chocolate pairings from our friends at Charleston Peak Winery.
Whether you’re celebrating love, community, or simply the place you call home, we hope this issue invites you to pause and appreciate all that makes our city so special.
Love,
CRISSIE J. BOWN, PUBLISHER
February 2026
PUBLISHER
Crissie Bown | crissie.bown@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Patranya Bhoolsuwan, Jennifer Florendo, Eve Bushman, Vivian Greggory, Paige Candee, Alexander Fraser, Andres Molina
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Casey Jade, Michael Roberts, Chezaray Photography, Rachita Dhakal
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Treat yourself to a February escape at Atwell Suites Henderson — modern comfort, warm style, and all the space to unwind.
Then stroll to Wine on Water Street for cozy pours and shared plates.
No resort fee. Free parking. Just easy, effortless comfort.
Partner
Henderson Libraries’ annual Crafting for a Cause program drew strong participation from residents, resulting in more than 450 handmade items donated for neighbors in need. Ninety crafters created hats, scarves, dolls, and other winter accessories for local nonprofits, including Friends in the Desert, Living Grace Homes, and the Las Vegas Rescue Mission. Library staff and volunteers sorted and delivered the contributions, continuing a tradition of community creativity and generosity across Henderson.
United Way of Southern Nevada’s Women United is hosting its 18th annual suit drive during the month of February, collecting new and gently used professional attire for women across Southern Nevada. The effort gathers business suits, dresses, hospital scrubs, coats, shoes, handbags, and accessories at multiple drop-off locations. Donations support women preparing for employment and career advancement. Visit uwsn.org for dropoff locations across Southern Nevada.
Photography by United Way of Southern Nevada
Lazy Dog Restaurant introduced a Mindful Meals lineup this year featuring balanced, protein-rich dishes aimed at diners seeking satisfying but lighter fare. The collection included a new Protein Crunch Bowl alongside guest favorites such as the Thai Chicken Salad and WildCaught Sea Bass. Complementing the menu, the restaurant also expanded its selection of handcrafted zero-proof mocktails made with real fruit purées and house-made elixirs.
Fletcher Jones Imports Earns National Inclusion Excellence Award
Fletcher Jones Imports MercedesBenz received the 2025 National Disability Employment Awareness Month Inclusion Excellence Award in recognition of its ongoing support of and partnership with Opportunity Village. The honor underscores the dealership’s commitment to inclusive employment practices and workforce development. The group employs several graduates of Opportunity Village’s Job Discovery program and provides ongoing employment training.
Scan to read more
Major
to make its mark on the local music scene with a mission rooted in artistic freedom and purpose. The independent label manages every step of production in-house, nurturing emerging artists and fostering genuine creativity over commercial conformity. Guided by Cleveland’s scholarly background and community-driven vision, the team’s commitment to self-reliance and soul-centered music continues to shape the valley’s evolving creative landscape.
M Resort Spa Casino commemorated the completion of its major expansion with the grand opening of its new East Tower. Executives, city leaders, and guests gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the resort’s growth and the addition of 375 guest rooms, expanded convention space, and casino enhancements. The LEED-certified tower reflected the resort’s commitment to sustainability while creating 120 new jobs. The evening concluded with fireworks and a performance by Jefferson Starship. themresort.com
ARTICLE BY PAIGE CANDEE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASEY JADE
What began as a reporting assignment for Stephanie Goetz quickly became a firsthand experience when she took the controls of an airplane. An award-winning television news anchor, she climbed into the cockpit for a segment on aviation and felt her world tilt as the runway fell away. “The moment I put my hands on the yoke and felt the airplane lift off for the first time, something clicked,” she said. “I thought, ‘Where has this been all my life?’”
That assignment rewrote her script. Years later, Stephanie is no longer telling stories from behind a news desk; she is writing them across the desert sky in a streak of pink. As president and pilot of The Pink Jet, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, she leads a female team flying a bold pink L-39 Albatros to promote breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support at airshows and events across North America. From her home base in Las Vegas, she has turned aviation into both a calling and a commitment to her adopted city.
“Flying The Pink Jet has become far more than piloting an iconic aircraft, it’s become a powerful, highly visible way to rally Southern Nevada, and every community we fly in, around breast cancer awareness, early detection and supporting survivors,” Stephanie said. “As a Las Vegan, I intentionally bring this mission into Southern Nevada— flying the jet in and out of Las Vegas, showing up in the community, and using this unmistakable pink aircraft to spark conversations that matter locally.”
It is hard to ignore a former military trainer jet painted in high-gloss pink. On airport ramps and at airshows, The Pink Jet pulls people in first with spectacle, then with something more disarming. “When people see the Pink Jet in our skies or on airport ramps, it wonderfully stops them,” she said. “It creates awareness in a way that’s emotional, memorable, and impossible to ignore. It reminds our community that breast cancer impacts people right here: our friends, families, and neighbors.” For Stephanie, what started as an airplane has become “a symbol of resilience, hope, and collective action.”
That symbol is rooted in a deeply personal story. Stephanie’s mother is a stage 3 breast cancer survivor, and her diagnosis reshaped her daughter’s sense of urgency. “My mom’s journey was very eye-opening and incredibly difficult to watch her go through,” Stephanie said. A doctor initially dismissed her mother’s concerns after a painful mammogram and told her there was nothing to worry about. Two years later, another mammogram revealed a nine millimeter tumor and cancer that had spread into her lymph nodes. “It is a lesson that I share with everyone to be your own advocate and to fight for yourself when you feel there is something off.”
Her mother’s double mastectomy and radiation put the family into a season of uncertainty and grit. Stephanie carries that perseverance and determination with her in every takeoff. “It has helped me relate with and support survivors on a much deeper level because I have gone through it myself through my mom’s experience,” she said. The Pink Jet’s flights, with their tight turns and high-G climbs, are more than airshow choreography; they are an airborne reminder that early detection matters and that survivorship deserves to be seen from miles away.
From the ground, the team refers to themselves as the Aerial Angels, women pilots with thousands of hours in civilian and
aerobatic aircraft. “What happens around the Pink Jet goes far beyond the performance in the sky,” Stephanie said. “The flying draws people in, but it’s the representation that stays with them. When someone sees a woman step out of a bright pink jet—confident, capable, unapologetically in her place—it quietly rewrites what feels possible.”
“We hear daily from young girls who suddenly see aviation as a space for them. From student pilots who say they were on the verge of giving up, until they watched one of our Pink Jet pilots climb out of the jet and realized they belonged in this field too.” For breast cancer survivors and families, the connection is even more intimate. “They approach us, often emotional, sharing how seeing a symbol of strength, resilience, and hope in the air made them feel seen,” Stephanie said. “For those who are currently undergoing treatment, standing beside the jet is incredibly powerful.”
Off the ramp, Stephanie funnels her intensity into supporting aspiring aviators. “In Las Vegas, aviation dreams aren’t a distant dream. They are possible,” she said. “Through scholarships, mentorship, and coaching, I try to help turn access into opportunity—helping students from all walks of life see a real pathway forward, not just an aspiration. ‘Love Local’ means
“It creates awareness in a way that’s emotional, memorable, and impossible to ignore. It reminds our community that breast cancer impacts people right here: our friends, families, and neighbors.”
taking everything this journey has demanded of me—grit, sacrifice, persistence—and intentionally circling it back into the community that surrounds me.”
Her version of “Love Local” is built on a simple belief: “We believe that talent exists everywhere, that background doesn’t define altitude, and that with the right support, someone local can build a future in aviation that once felt impossible.” In a city built on reinvention, her path from news anchor to Bombardier Global 6000 pilot to L-39 instructor and nonprofit leader feels particularly at home.
The work is fueled by donors and sponsors who keep engines turning and the mission airborne. “The Pink Jet and its mission is only possible by the support and donations of individuals and sponsors,” Stephanie said. “We would love to have locals join the fight against breast cancer, supporting survivors, and empower young women to get into aviation through supporting the Pink Jet.” For those who want to be part of the story, contributions can be made at thepinkjet.org or by following @thepinkjet and @jetgirlstephanie on social media, a way to help keep this pink streak of hope in the air, circling back over the city that calls it home.
A beautifully organized space sets the tone for how you move through your day. Our custom closet systems combine luxury craftsmanship with intentional design— featuring boutique-style shelving, elegant drawers, and integrated lighting— creating organization that feels effortless and refined.
One local wedding officiant shares how to create the foundation for meaningful companionship, and why love begins long before the first date
Self-love isn’t a buzzword to Wanda Tracey, the Henderson-based matchmaker and officiant known for her thoughtful, introspective approach to pairing people. It is, she explains, the starting line for every healthy relationship. “Self-love is the foundation for everything,” she says. It shows up in companionship, friendship, and romantic partnerships; reflected in the people we choose and the way we allow ourselves to be treated.
The journey toward self-love begins with one simple but powerful practice: observing your inner dialogue. Wanda encourages clients to pay attention to the thoughts they have about themselves and the immediate effect those thoughts have on their bodies. “Mind your thoughts without judging, just observe,” she says. When we look for companionship, we tend to gravitate to what feels familiar. “Nothing is more familiar to us than our own internal dialogue.” In other words, our thoughts shape the relationships we attract.
That introspection becomes especially important when someone tells her they’re ready to date. Wanda’s first step is to clarify what readiness means to them. Her work isn’t about casual dating; it’s about helping people find a true match. She evaluates whether a client is truly ready for a lasting relationship or simply eager to get back out there. “There’s a significant difference between being ready to date and being ready to match,” she explains. If someone is still in the exploratory phase, she encourages them to use dating apps or social groups to gain experience. That period of active dating teaches self-awareness and helps them understand what they want, what they don’t want, and who they are when showing up for someone else. Only when a client is committed to the deeper process does Wanda begin the journey toward matching.
Many people who come to her are healing from breakups, divorce, or long stretches of being single, and she sees the same emotional hurdles appear repeatedly. The biggest fears? Rejection and trust. Rejection fuels the worry of not being enough or not being lovable; trust brings its own tangle of questions: Can I trust myself? Can I trust someone new? Can I trust the process?
Then there’s vulnerability; the hallmark of true connection, yet often the most challenging step. “It’s the gateway to love,” she says. “But it’s also the biggest block to experiencing love.”
Wanda offers a reframe on gifting yourself companionship, even before you meet a partner. The gift, she says, is presence. It’s the act of listening to your own thoughts, welcoming them—even the messy ones—and asking how
CONTINUED >
those thoughts might look if they transformed into love. The practice isn’t about perfection; it’s about awareness, acceptance, and gentle correction.
For anyone who suspects they’re not quite ready to date, Wanda recommends three powerful actions: seek support from a coach or therapist; explore guided self-inquiry with
“THERE’S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BEING READY TO DATE AND BEING READY TO MATCH. REAL READINESS COMES FROM SELF-AWARENESS, HEALED EXPECTATIONS, AND A WILLINGNESS TO SHOW UP VULNERABLY FOR THE KIND OF LOVE YOU TRULY WANT.”
tools such as Dean Graziosi’s transformative “7 Levels Deep” exercise; and commit to one month of intentional self-observation. “Your thoughts reveal everything you need to know about companionship,” she says.
Her matchmaking work is exclusive to locals, giving her a front-row seat to the emotional landscape of the Henderson/Las Vegas community. And while the region’s dating culture often gets a reputation for being difficult, Wanda sees it differently. “The seer will see what they are able to see,” she says. “Some focus on the desert, bleak and barren. Others see life, love, and abundance. The real challenge isn’t finding love; it’s being open to welcoming it, starting with yourself.”
This Valentine’s season, Wanda leaves readers with a simple but profound invitation: download the 7 Levels Deep exercise and try it. “I challenge you to do it and see what happens,” she says. Because the path to love begins long before a match, sometimes with nothing more than a single honest question.
Perched atop a hill at Sunset and Valle Verde, Green Valley Christian School has been a cornerstone of the Henderson community for more than four decades. What began as a small preschool in 1991 has flourished into a vibrant infantthrough-12th-grade campus serving more than 850 students. For Executive Pastor Rebekah “Bekah” Withey, who has been part of the school for 25 years, the true magic of GV Christian School lies in its sense of belonging, a quality she says families feel the moment they step onto campus.
“My parents started the church in 1982, and I’ve been full time staff and part of this campus for a quarter-century,” Pastor Bekah shares. “I’ve watched the school grow from a single preschool classroom to a full K–12 program. Through it all, we’ve remained committed to one mission: Creating a safe, Biblical values-driven environment where students feel seen, known, and supported.”
Connection and community are woven into every aspect of campus life. GV Christian offers infant care starting at six weeks old, classrooms with large viewing windows, and small class sizes with a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio in our elementary classrooms. Families often describe the environment as warm, nurturing, and deeply personal, qualities that have become hallmarks of school culture.
“Parents are entrusting us with their babies,” Pastor Bekah says. “Transparency matters. Community matters.”
GV Christian is a preparatory school where students consistently test two to three grade levels ahead. A Kinder-Prep program bridges early learners into the rigorous K–12 curriculum, and prospective students test into the program to ensure readiness.
“But we don’t just turn children away,” Pastor Bekah emphasizes. “If a student is eager to join, we connect families with tutors and resources to help them succeed. Our goal is always to support the whole student.”
Developing well-rounded young people is central to the school’s mission. GV Christian focuses on academics, spiritual growth, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal skills.
“In today’s world, students need more than strong grades,” Pastor Bekah notes. “They need the ability to communicate, collaborate, and build meaningful relationships. These skills are essential for success in life.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many families sought in-person learning options, leading to growth in enrollment. Yet, Pastor Bekah acknowledges the lasting impact of that period.
“Students across the country faced social and scholastic challenges after COVID. Most are academically capable but scholastically behind due to COVID and they need academic help and help rebuilding faceto-face relationship skills,” she explains.
The school’s impact is evident in its alumni. Former students return to coach, volunteer, and teach, reinforcing the sense of continuity and community.
“Our alumni don’t just graduate and disappear,” Pastor Bekah says. “They come back for homecomings, games, and to mentor the next generation. That lifelong connection is something we cherish.”
“We want students to be prepared for college and careers not just on paper, but as confident, empathetic young adults.”
— Rebekah Withey
GV Christian addresses this through small groups, student-led discussions, partnership projects, and chapel experiences designed to foster conversation and community. While technology is used strategically, non-digital interaction remains a priority.
“We want students to be prepared for college and careers not just on paper,” Pastor Bekah says, “but as confident, empathetic young adults.”
Staff longevity mirrors this commitment, with many employees serving for 20 years or more. With 12 acres and more than 40 years atop the hill, GV Christian has grown alongside Henderson itself. Staff serve as chaplains with the Henderson Police Department, and students participate in community cleanups and service projects.
“We’ve been here all along,” Pastor Bekah says with a smile. “Being a part of Henderson means giving back to Henderson.”
As GV Christian prepares for another year of growth, the mission remains steadfast: providing a safe, academically strong, and communitydriven environment for families seeking something more.
“If parents want a place where their children are truly seen and heard,” Pastor Bekah concludes, “this is the place. We’re committed to excellence, to values, and to raising well-rounded young people who are ready for the world.”
• Rediscover your energy, clarity and confidence again
• Dr Tanita (Board-Certified OBGYN) and his team are experts in treating symptoms of fatigue, brain fog, anxiety and declining sexual wellness & sleep
HendersonWomensCare.com | (702) 847-6252 | 1348 Paseo Verde Pkwy, STE
LOVE CHOCOLATE? LOVE WINE? GET TIPS ON PAIRING THE TWO FOR VALENTINE’S DAY OR ANY SWEET DAY OF THE YEAR!
ARTICLE BY EVE BUSHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RACHITA DHAKAL
What happens when a winemaker and a chocolatier come together—and invite their teams to share expertise? The result is a thoughtfully crafted pairing, designed with intention from first sip to final bite. Welcome to a unique styling headed by local winemaker Steven Bowen for Charleston Peak Winery and local chocolatier Jean-Marie Auboine.
“We were inspired after seeing wine and chocolate pairing experiences in New Jersey,” said General Manager Jennifer Sela Bowen. “We tried theirs first, then searched for a local chocolatier and were thrilled to find Jean-Marie, who offers 40 to 50 flavors. We tasted so many. The process was enjoyable and a great experience for both our team—cellar, restaurant and tasting room staff—and Jean-Marie’s team.”
“Our vineyard is about 45 minutes away from Las Vegas, and we also manage another in Northern Nevada,” Jennifer continued. “We moved here from Napa and brought our passion with us. Visitors are really enjoying the pairing, and beyond the tasting options, we also offer additional chocolates for sale along with a pairing guide.”
This Valentine’s Day, or any day you choose to celebrate with a loved one, take a scenic drive through mountain vistas, with snow often crowning Charleston Peak, before arriving at the expansive and welcoming Charleston Peak Winery. Here is what they have to offer in the pairing, and more:
Think you know wine and chocolate pairings? Think again. These curated matches—evaluated by the combined expertise of Charleston Peak Winery’s team and Las Vegas chocolatier Jean-Marie Auboine—redefine how red and white wines can complement chocolate.
Winery team members note that the dark chocolate selections are a favorite, as they work well for dairy-restricted diets. All chocolates are handmade and hand-painted. For those who want more, there are four more chocolates to explore, and with the help of winery staff, more pairings. For those that prefer a bite before the sweets know that the owners of Charleston Peak Winery also own Amari Italian Kitchen so there is a special curated menu of dishes to go with wines by the glass or flight. Overall, the wine tasting menu includes two sparkling wines, five whites, two rosé, four reds, wine cocktails, and mocktails.
3810 Winery Road
Pahrump, NV 89048
Open 11 AM to 7 PM daily, closed Tuesdays. charlestonpeakwinery.com
For years, Las Vegas readers have seen the world through Casey Jade’s eyes, creating portraits of Valley residents that feel like they are finally exhaling. But ask her what she really does now, and the answer reaches far beyond the camera.
She has evolved her business into Highest Self Studios, which she describes as “a transformational photography and coaching studio for high-achieving women who are ready to be seen more fully, confidently, and authentically.”
Photography is still part of the work, but the intention behind it has deepened. “I offer intentional portrait experiences, personal branding photography, boudoir-inspired sessions, and integrated coaching containers that blend mindset work, nervous system regulation, and other proven personal development tools I’ve gathered along the way,” she said. “The work goes far beyond photos, it’s about helping women reconnect to themselves, reclaim their voice, and embody who they are becoming.”
Long before anyone steps in front of the lens, Casey is already creating change. “The most important part is what happens before the shoot,” she said. “I love to say, ‘It’s not the photographer or the edits you don’t like; it’s something you see in yourself.’” That belief is what led her to integrate coaching into her process. “By starting with my visibility and confidence coaching, we get down to who they see themselves as versus who they want to be seen as and bridge that gap.”
When session day arrives, the energy in the room is intentional and unhurried. “When it comes to the actual shoot, I don’t start with posing, I start with safety,” she said. “Most women come into a session carrying years of self-criticism, comparison, and pressure to ‘get it right.’ My approach is relational and intentional.”
Rather than directing from behind the camera, Casey focuses on presence. “I slow the process down, help clients regulate their nervous system, and create an environment where they don’t have to perform or impress. We talk. We breathe. We laugh.”
“I guide rather than direct, and I’m watching for the moments when someone drops their guard: when their shoulders soften, their breath deepens, and they stop trying to be what they think they should be. That’s when the real images happen,” she said. The resulting portraits aren’t about perfection; they capture the moment a woman allows herself to be seen.
That transformation often begins with nerves. “When a woman books, she’s often excited but terrified, worried about how she’ll look, whether she’s ‘ready,’ or if she’ll be exposed,” Casey said. “My 14 years of experience in the field coupled with my grounded coaching practices enable my clients to create huge shifts in their identities and what they see as possible in their lives.”
By the time clients receive their final images, something subtle but powerful settles in. “Something clicks. She recognizes herself in a way she hasn’t before: unfiltered, unpolished, yet powerful, grounded, and real.”
Those images often ripple outward. “Many women tell me the coaching and photos change how they show up in their relationships, their business, and even how they speak to themselves,” she said. “The images become evidence of who they already are, not who they’re trying to become.”
And the work doesn’t require a camera. “No matter if they book me to photograph them or they choose to work with someone else, my coaching supports them in shifting how they see themselves and how they walk into any future shoot.”
Casey’s work resonates deeply with recovering people-pleasers and women stuck in codependent patterns, a focus shaped by her own lived experience. “For most of my life, I was praised for being easy, accommodating, and selfless, but underneath that was fear of disappointing people and losing connection,” she said. “I learned early how to read the room, adjust, and over give. It looked like success on the outside, but it came with burnout, resentment, and a quiet disconnection from myself.”
Her healing became the foundation for her work. “My own healing required learning how to set boundaries, tolerate discomfort, and choose myself without guilt,” Casey said. “That journey changed everything and it’s why I’m so passionate about supporting women who are high functioning on the surface, but exhausted underneath.”
Today, she describes her role with clarity and care. “I help women remember who they are underneath the roles, expectations, and coping patterns they’ve built to survive,” she said. “Photography is the doorway, but the work is about identity, embodiment, and self-trust.”
Every experience is designed with that intention in mind. “I create experiences where women feel safe enough to be honest, seen enough to soften, and supported enough to step into alignment with their truth.”
Looking ahead, Casey sees Highest Self Studios as something living and evolving. “I see Highest Self Studios becoming a sanctuary, both physically and energetically, for women who are ready for real transformation,” she said. “Beyond photography and visibility coaching, I am expanding into deeper coaching containers, collaborations, retreats, and community experiences that support long-term integration, not just a single moment.”
Her hope is not a fleeting confidence boost, but something that lasts. “My hope is that women leave this work not just feeling confident but also anchored. More clear in who they are, more trusting of themselves, and more willing to abandon their needs for approval.”
“I help women remember who they are underneath the roles, expectations, and coping patterns they’ve built to survive.”
Many of the women who seek her out are quietly holding an invisible weight. “Perfectionism, self-doubt, and the fear of being truly seen,” she said. They are navigating imposter syndrome and emotional exhaustion, feeling valued more for what they provide than who they are. They’ve mastered productivity but lost touch with pleasure, rest, and intuition. Often, what they need isn’t more motivation, but permission to slow down, soften, and reconnect with themselves.
If there is one message Casey hopes resonates, it’s this: transformation doesn’t have to be loud. “Transformation doesn’t always look dramatic,” she said. “Sometimes it looks like a woman finally exhaling, seeing herself with compassion, and realizing she doesn’t need to become someone else to be worthy. She just needs to come home to herself and it’s an honor to hold space for that moment.”
•
Love is more than a sentiment in the Las Vegas Valley, it is a force that quietly powers families, protects the vulnerable, heals the wounded, and preserves the beauty of the place we call home. Every day, local nonprofits carry that love forward, often in ways the broader community never sees. In this special “Love Local” issue, we highlight four organizations whose missions are rooted in care, connection, and commitment. Whether they are keeping families close in a moment of crisis, protecting wildlife and natural resources, offering safe refuge to children in need, or giving animals the second chance they deserve, these charities remind us how love becomes action and how action builds a stronger Nevada.
ARTICLE BY ALEXANDER FRASER
Love takes many forms, but at Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Las Vegas, it looks like a warm meal, a clean bed, and a comforting space for families navigating the fear and uncertainty of a child’s medical crisis. For parents whose children require intensive treatment far from home, the non-profit organization keeps families close, both physically and emotionally, so they can focus on what matters most: healing. With its long-standing “home-away-from-home” model, the organization provides temporary housing, transportation, and a community of support that eases financial and emotional strain. The result is an environment where families feel anchored during their most vulnerable moments. Ronald McDonald House Charities’ mission is simple but profound: To strengthen family bonds through love, stability, and presence in life’s hardest chapters.
At The Animal Foundation, love is measured in second chances. As one of the highest-volume animal shelters in the country, the organization works tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome thousands of animals each year. From dogs and cats to rabbits, reptiles, and beyond, every creature that enters its doors is met with a commitment to finding a safe, loving home. The shelter’s programs, ranging from low-cost veterinary services to community pet fostering and adoption events, reflect a belief that animals enrich our lives and deserve protection. By reducing overpopulation, expanding access to care, and advocating for responsible pet ownership, The Animal Foundation strengthens the bond between humans and animals, creating a more humane and loving community.
Olive Crest Nevada is rooted in the belief that every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and loved. The organization provides critical services to children and families impacted by abuse, neglect, instability, or crisis. Through foster care programs, family preservation initiatives, mental health support, and youth mentoring, Olive Crest offers pathways to stability and healing. Its mission centers on strengthening families so that children can grow in environments where trust and connection flourish. By equipping caregivers, empowering youth, and offering consistent, trauma-informed care, Olive Crest brings love into some of the hardest and most complex situations. Their work reinforces a powerful truth that when children experience safety and belonging, they can build bright, resilient futures anchored in hope.
For the Nevada Conservation League, love looks like stewardship; an enduring devotion to the land, water, wildlife, and natural spaces that define our state’s identity. The organization champions environmental protections at the local and state levels, ensuring Nevadans have clean air to breathe, protected public lands to explore, and thriving ecosystems to pass on to future generations. Through policy advocacy, community education, and engagement campaigns, the Nevada Conservation League connects everyday residents with the decisions that shape Nevada’s environmental future. Their work reflects a belief that caring for our natural world is not just an ecological responsibility but a form of love: love for place, love for outdoor heritage, and love for the generations who will inherit the landscape we safeguard today.
FEBRUARY 2026
FEBRUARY 13TH
Valley View Recreation Center | 6:00 PM
Step into a night of mystery and imagination at this Masquerade Ball. Find a mask, and wear it well, to keep your true identity a secret as you enjoy an evening filled with magic, music, fun, and make-believe. Register at cityofhenderson.com.
FEBRUARY 26TH
Lee’s Family Forum | 6:00 PM Celebrate 100 years of Globetrotter magic when the Harlem Globetrotters take the court at Lee’s Family Forum on February 26. Featuring their most legendary tour ever, this family-friendly event delivers gravity-defying dunks, nonstop laughs, and unforgettable entertainment. leesfamilyforum.com
FEBRUARY 28TH
11th
Awareness Gala: The Roar of Hope
The Palms Resort & Casino | 5:00 PM
The 11th Annual SHERO Gala will help secure the funds needed to establish the first SHERO Sanctuary Home, a refuge of safety and support for trafficking victims in Las Vegas. This is a black-tie event. Cocktail reception at 5:00 p.m. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. Buy tickets and sponsorships at e.givesmart.com.
Nevada’s Premier Automotive Experience Proudly Serving the Community since 1946.
