Las Vegas Weekly

August 5, 2010 · 9:45 AM

Terry Fator’s $1 million pledge extends into the future for O.V.

By Robin Leach

Terry Fator and Opportunity Village's Linda Smith, center, discuss his $1 million donation to Opportunity Village with an attendee on Aug. 4, 2010.

Photo: Stephen Miller/Opportunity Village

Entertainer Terry Fator coupled his $1 million promise to Opportunity Village yesterday with another extraordinary gesture: “Once we’ve reached that commitment, we’ll set another goal!”

Board members of the beloved local charity, staff at the O.V. Engelstad Family campus and the people with intellectual disabilities served there all gave The Mirage headliner a standing ovation at the official celebration when he joined as a partner and spokesman.

“There is no time frame,” Terry said. “We’ll just keep going.” We posted a story about Terry’s latest charitable effort yesterday morning before the official announcement.

The singer, impressionist and ventriloquist is donating his own funds along with special benefit performances at his Strip theater, as well as special appearances including at the annual fundraising events Magical Forest and Great Santa Run for Opportunity Village.

He focused on the immediacy of helping out the rebuilding of the charity’s Thrift Store that was heavily damaged in a recent downtown fire. Terry filmed a Public Service Announcement that will be screened by local TV stations as of today asking for donations and help to replenish the items lost in the blaze.

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

Follow Robin Leach on Twitter at Twitter.com/Robin_Leach.

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