Carlos Santana and Hermes Music Donate Instruments to Opportunity Village’s Fine and Performing Arts Program
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 16, 2015
Carlos Santana and Hermes Music Donate Instruments to Opportunity Village’s Fine and Performing Arts Program
LAS VEGAS – Yesterday legendary musician Carlos Santana visited the Engelstad Campus of Las Vegas’ most notable charity – Opportunity Village. After a heartfelt and touching tour of the facility with Opportunity Village executives Ed Guthrie and Linda Smith, Santana was treated to a moving performance by Opportunity Village’s new performing arts group, The OVertones. The group performed a special medley of some of Santana’s greatest hits, which he was truly honored and humbled to experience. The visit featured a donation of more than 60 musical instruments from Santana and longtime associate Hermes Music, including acoustic guitars, tambourines and cowbells for Opportunity Village’s Fine and Performing Arts Program.
Santana has been a big supporter of the Las Vegas community and it has become his tradition before each of his House of Blues runs to visit charitable organizations that make our city thrive, or recognize local groups or schools that are doing great things for our community. The House of Blues headliner returns to shows at the House of Blues on September 16.
***PHOTOS ATTACHED***
PHOTO CREDIT: ERIK KABIK
Photo #1
Carlos Santana interacts with OVIPs during a visit to Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, where he and longtime associate Hermes Music donated more than 60 instruments.
Photo #2
Carlos Santana tours Opportunity Village’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus and meets with OVIPs on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, where he and longtime associate Hermes Music donated more than 60 instruments.
Photo #3
Carlos Santana meets Opportunity Village’s band The OVertones after they performed a Santana music medley during his visit to the organization’s Ralph and Betty Engelstad Campus on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, where he and longtime associate Hermes Music donated more than 60 instruments.
Link to all photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s51nigzaf047fz9/AACg20qThugniHQDOrmq9rYYa?dl=0
About Opportunity Village
Mission: Opportunity Village is a not-for-profit organization that serves people within our community with significant intellectual disabilities, to improve their lives and the lives of their families.
Opportunity Village was founded in 1954 by seven families who were determined to give their children with disabilities the best lives possible. Now, more than 60 years later, Opportunity Village is one of the most recognized and respected organizations of its type in the United States.
Nevada’s largest employer of people with disabilities (who we call OVIPs), Opportunity Village serves nearly 2,000 individuals annually, providing vocational training, employment, habilitation and social recreation programs and services that make their lives more purposeful and interesting.
Opportunity Village citizens – individuals who were previously considered unemployable – work at Opportunity Village’s Employment Resource Centers and in jobs throughout the community, collectively earning wages amounting to more than $3.9 million in 2014. They are hard-working and diligent, proudly paying taxes and happily leading more fulfilling lives.
Primarily a self-funded organization, Opportunity Village generates the majority of its operational funding through its employment contracts and fundraising efforts such as the Magical Forest and Great Santa Run, saving Nevada taxpayers nearly $35 million annually.