Vegas Food Drive Named USA Weekend-Make A Difference Day 2014 All-Star Award Finalist
Online, February 20, 2014 (Newswire.com) - A Las Vegas Food Drive benefiting the Salvation Army Food Bank, as part of the national USA Weekend Magazine Make A Difference Day has been named a finalist of the 2014 All-Star Award. The winner of the coveted award and a $10,000 grant for the charity will be determined by an on-line vote off with the five finalists at http://www.makeadifferenceday.com/vote-now. Voters may cast 1 (one) vote per day from February 19th through March 4th. Nevada residents are encouraged to rally their family, friends, and associates to show their community spirit by sharing the link and vote (everyday)!
The Food Drive, a project hosted by Philanthropist Mary Vail celebrated its 15th annual participation with the yearly Make A Difference Day event. Previously recognized in 2012, the food drive was eligible for the 2014 All-Star Award because of its continuing efforts with the program.
Vail, who operates a public relations firm has found success with the food drive because of the overwhelming generosity of the community including Smith's Food and Drug Stores who has been the host site every year, as well as, longtime sponsors Paragon Pools, ABC KTNV-13, Pictographics, and KVVU Fox-5. Vail also credits the enthusiasm for the food drive with repeat appearances from noted Las Vegas personalities including Celebrity Blogger Robin Leach (VegasDeluxe.com), Chief Meteorologist Ted Pretty (FOX-5) and his wife Philanthropist Heidi Hayes, News Anchor Casey Smith (KTNV-13), Mayor Pro Tem Stavros Anthony (City of Las Vegas), Lifestyle-Design Author Joseph M. Vassallo and Entertainment Reporter Maria Silva (The MORE Show).
Over the years, the food drive has also seen appearances by Comedian/Actor George Wallace (The Flamingo), Entertainer/Singer Pia Zadora, Celebrity/Fashion Photographer Jerry Metellus (Americas Next Top Model), Sports Star Napoleon McCallum (LA Raiders), Mrs. United States Michelle Berk, The Men of Chippendales (The RIO Hotel), Hypnotist Anthony Cools (Paris Hotel), Fantasy (Luxor), Chef Jean Paul Labadie (Extreme Chef), The Thunder From Down Under (Excalibur), Equality (X Factor), Writer/Producer John Daly (Real TV, HGTV House Detective), Film Maker Monty Lapica, and support from fellow public relations professionals Laura Herlovich (PR Plus) and Penny Levin (SPI Entertainment).
Vail's husband David and children Sean and Ashley have also played an important role in keeping the drive going for 15 years.
To date the food drive has collected over 26 tons for the Salvation Army Food Bank, a much appreciated resource of non-perishable items for the food bank that services over 200 families a day, 52 weeks a year.