Las Vegas Weekly

December 18, 2008 · 2:41 PM

Strip Scribbles: Anonymous donor gives $1 million for Best Buddies charity

By Robin Leach

Coolio.

Photo: Pure Management Group

Christmas has come a little early! A local Las Vegas resident who wishes to remain anonymous has given $1 million for Anthony Kennedy Shriver to open a Nevada office of his Best Buddies International nonprofit charity. Best Buddies enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing both integrated employment opportunities and one-on-one friendships. Local state director Jason Smith said the surprise $1 million donation has enabled them to operate all six of its formal programs -- including the ability to match up our beloved Opportunity Village clients with new friends. Jason was the development director of the Nevada Down Syndrome organization and the Variety Children’s Charity before heading up Best Buddies for Shriver. Luxe Life reported the Best Buddies launch earlier this year when the cast of Stomp Out Loud at Planet Hollywood played host to many of the Valley’s intellectually challenged children and teens. Said Jason: “We’re working hard to end the social isolation of these wonderful citizens. My own brother Chris is one of them, and they are often excluded from society because of their differences -- and that’s an inaccurate view of people with tremendous abilities, gifts and talents. In the end, it’s my hope that thousands of Nevadans with intellectual disabilities will lead socially integrated lives while our children and citizens will be kinder and more considerate of their disabled friends.”

Photo: Pure Management Group

Coolio and DJ Hollywood.

*Eight of the West Coast’s hottest deejays teamed up as the Beatclan to take over the turntables of the DJ booth at Pure nightclub in Caesars Palace, and hip-hop artist Coolio stopped by to perform with his pal DJ Hollywood. Coolio performed his hits “Gangsta’s Paradise” and “1,2,3,4 Sumpin’ New.” All eight deejays took turns jumping behind one another on the wheels of steel as Los Angeles Angels outfielder Tori Hunter joined a crowd that stood somewhat open-jawed at the musical madness.

Photo: Christian Audigier

Ryan Cabrera and friend at Christian Audigier.

Photo: Christian Audigier

Stoney Jackson, Jackie Jackson and friend at Christian Audigier.

Photo: LAX

George Roop at LAX.

Photo: LAX

Joe Rogan at LAX.

Photo: LAX

Elliot Marshall and friend at LAX.

Meantime up at sister nightspot Christian Audigier in Treasure Island, Ryan Cabrera was joined by singer Jackie Jackson, actor Stoney Jackson and illusionist Steve Wyrick for one party. Elsewhere there partying until the early morning hours were UFC fighters Shane Nelson and Joe Lauzon. Down at the other sister LAX nightclub in the Luxor, UFC fighter George Roop hosted a bash for fellow fighter Elliot Marshall along with comedian and UFC commentator Joe Rogan, the host of Fear Factor.

Photo: Larry Edwards

Larry Edwards and Chris "Leave Britney Alone!" Crocker at Piranha.

*One of our most loyal fans and readers who keeps us right up-to-date with the gay happenings in our Las Vegas night whirl is Larry Edwards, the best Tina Turner impersonator of all. Larry is a host at Piranha nightclub in Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile, and he meets some very interesting celebrities. YouTube phenomenon Chris Crocker celebrated his 21st birthday with Larry at Piranha. He’s the blond who screamed “Leave Britney alone!” on video that turned him overnight from an unknown into No. 1 on YouTube and won him appearances on several TV shows, including former Vegas native Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night ABC talker. I’m also going to share Larry’s photos of he and Oscar de la Hoya posing for the camera -- but I’m not going to write anything about that and just leave it to all of you to talk about!

Photo: Larry Edwards

Larry Edwards and gay-friendly Oscar de la Hoya.

Photo: Larry Edwards

Larry Edwards and Oscar de la Hoya.

(Incidentally, our Rio star chef Steve Martorano was the smash sensation on last night’s Kimmel show. He cooked up a storm on set, got asked back by Jimmy for a fast return appearance and even received a catering booking for Jimmy’s next dinner party!)

Photo: Greasie Wheels

Erick Lindgren.

*Poker pro Erick Lindgren added to the excitement of a charity poker tournament in memory of poker star Mindy Trinidad to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Mindy, a mother of two, won the Pot of Gold poker championship and was at the final table of the 2007 World Series of Poker ladies event. She lost her battle to leukemia just two months ago. Erick boosted the prize pool by adding a seat to the $10,000 Main Event in next year’s ultimate WSOP championship! The Poker Jingle tournament at the Hard Rock Hotel’s poker lounge attracted several poker pros including Daniel Negreanu, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Hellmuth, Andy Bloch, Todd Brunson, Jamie Gold, Jennifer Harman, Annie Duke’s partner Joel Reitman and even baseball legend Orel Hershiser. In all, 120-plus players took part and raised more than $50,000 for the charity. Three finalists won valuable Curtis & Co. watches, and the last woman standing, Kelli Griggs, won a pearl necklace donated by Tower of Jewels. Local KDWN radio personality Brian Shapiro was crowned final champion, and the players pledged to make it an annual event in Mindy’s memory.

Tonight’s tip

Lipstick Jungle star Robert Buckley takes a tour of the men’s boutiques and fabulous specialty shops on the Palazzo’s shopping floor to put some sizzle back into holiday shopping. Starting at 6 p.m., you can join him for what’s described as “retail therapy” for three hours. He’ll tell all the girls just exactly what the man in their life is hoping for! … Time for some religious farming when the Lamb of God moves the spirit at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay.

Tomorrow’s tease

We’re all set, after they return from two days at Disneyland, with the double birthday celebration of Believe star Criss Angel and gal pal Holly Madison at LAX nightclub in the Luxor, plus our interview with Paul Anka as he looks back over his extraordinary global career. Pamela Anderson heads into town to auction off her sexy “LoveStream” trailer complete with stripper pole.

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