The ho-ho-holidays are coming early this year with Las Vegas’ favorite charity, Opportunity Village’s, first ever “Christmas in July.” To kick off registration for the annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run® this December, Opportunity Village and its community partners will host three events in support of the impactful non-profit’s programs.
The festivities commence Thursday, July 19 and will continue throughout the weekend, including:
- Thursday, July 19: “World Santa Challenge” Media Kickoff at New York-New York
The New York-New York rollercoaster platform will be transformed into a winter wonderland when Vegas’ “World Santa Challenge” Liverpool rivals travel from across the pond to return the Santa Challenge trophy to its rightful home – a result of last year’s record-setting participation. The Strip’s quintessential showgirls and local celebrities will liven up the ceremonies in support of Opportunity Village. Blitzen, Rudolph and the rest of the reindeer will be given the day off as dozens of Santas are whisked around the New York-New York rollercoaster. Great Santa Run team captains, sponsors and media are invited to the kickoff after party at The Sporting House. To learn more about the “World Santa Challenge,” visit www.worldsantachallenge.com.
- Saturday, July 21: Little Black Dress Party at Blue Martini in Town Square
Blue Martini’s most anticipated event of the year is back, this time with a holiday twist! Leave your Christmas sweater in the closet and show off that little black dress for an evening full of food, drinks and nonstop entertainment. Ladies that register on-site for the Great Santa Run will receive a complimentary cocktail from 8-11 p.m. and guests can enter to win fabulous fashion items and extravagant hotel packages in the raffle, with a portion of the proceeds going to Opportunity Village. Doors open at 8 p.m.
- Sunday, July 22: Santa Baby Spa Event at Body Spa in Green Valley and Boca Park
Santa’s white, grizzly beard may look fine in the winter, but July is the time to primp and be pampered. For one day only, Body Spa patrons will enjoy discounted spa and salon services, complimentary champagne and hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and holiday cheer. Special treatment prices include $25 men’s haircuts, $35 for women’s cut & style, $40 facials, $10 manicures and more, with all of the proceeds to benefit Opportunity Village. The fundraiser will take place on Sunday, July 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at two Body Spa locations: Boca Park (8751 W. Charleston Blvd. Ste. 170, Las Vegas 89117; 702-368-2639) and Green Valley (2261 N. Green Valley Pkwy., Henderson 89014; 702-776-0536). Appointments are encouraged and can be made starting Wednesday, July 11 by calling the respective locations. Book early; appointments will fill up fast!
“Christmas in July’s” summer jingling and cheer is not without purpose. The eighth annual Las Vegas Great Santa Run will raise funds and awareness for Opportunity Village, providing unparalleled opportunities, enrichment and support to its nearly 2,000 citizens with disabilities and their families throughout the Las Vegas Valley.
Last year, the Great Santa Run set unprecedented attendance numbers with nearly 10,000 participants, winning back the “World Santa Challenge” title. For 2012, Opportunity Village is raising the bar in pursuit of the Guinness World Record for the largest Santa gathering and is looking to Las Vegans for support.
Since it’s never too early to secure your spot on Santa’s “nice list,” register your team for the Las Vegas Great Santa Run during “Christmas in July” or through the Opportunity Village website.
About Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people in our community with significant intellectual disabilities, enriching their lives and the lives of the families who love them by providing meaningful work and life experiences. Opportunity Village is Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities and serves nearly 2000 individuals annually, providing vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services that make their lives more productive and interesting.
HAVE A HOLLY JOLLY JULY WITH OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE
Vegas’ Favorite Charity Pursues the World Record for the 2012 Great Santa Run with “Christmas in July”
