April 4, 2008–Earth, Wind and Fire is sweeping through Southern Highlands Golf Club, the final golf masterpiece created by the father/son design duo of Robert Trent Jones, Jr. and Sr., iconic golf architects on the worldwide stage. The nationally-ranked course, that elegantly mingles within the Southern Highlands community, is home this weekend to the Governor's Black Tie Invitational, an event that raises millions for area charities. Southern Highlands Golf Club is headed by president Garry Goett and his Olympia Development business partner, Guy Inzalaco, and has a long history of generosity. The course is donated as the home of the nationally-ranked UNLV Men's golf team, and hosts several charity events annually, highlighted by the Governor's event–in honor of Nevada governor Jim Gibbons–that this year features performances by Earth, Wind and Fire in addition to ventriloquest Terry Fator, recent winner of America's Got Talent.
“Last year’s Black-Tie Invitational was one of our best yet,” says Goett. “With the continued support of Governor Gibbons … and the hard work of everyone involved with the weekend festivities, I expect this event to continue to grow and help more charity organizations throughout Nevada.”
Since 2003, the event has honored other Southern Nevadans who have given back to the community with the Governor's Philanthropist of the Year Award, and this year's honorees are Kitty Rodman and Claudene Williams, who join an impressive list that includes the Greenspun Family, Larry Ruvo, Andre Agassi, Elaine Wynn and Terry Lanni.
“Kitty Rodman’s philanthropic work and longtime support to UNLV has endeared her to many Southern Nevada residents and makes her a fitting recipient of this award,” says Gibbons. “In addition, the work done by Claudine Williams for education and child welfare, as well as her charitable contributions are unparalleled in our state, and it is an honor to recognize her at this year’s event.”
About Southern Highlands
Southern Highlands is an oasis of exclusive living, hidden away in the scenic foothills of Southern Nevada. The community features distinct residential options to suit a prestigious lifestyle, with an extraordinary selection of homes priced from the $400,000s and custom estate lots priced from the $600,000s to over a million. Southern Highlands offers an ideal setting for families of all ages with the finest amenities, a convenient, luxurious environment, and unforgettable views of the valley and city lights.
About Southern Highlands Charitable Foundation
The Southern Highlands Golf Club Charitable Foundation established the annual Governor’s Black-Tie Invitational as a special golf and social event that contributes to the Southern Highlands Boy’s & Girl’s Club, Assistance League of Las Vegas, Candlelighters for Childhood Cancer, Opportunity Village, Project Sunshine, Epicurean Club of Las Vegas, The Shade Tree, and Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southern Nevada, by providing millions of dollars in contributions.
Started in 2003, the prestigious Governor’s Philanthropist of the Year award is given out at the event to promote and recognize local philanthropy. The award is presented annually during this event to a local philanthropist for their exceptional generosity to the community and the state of Nevada.
In addition to the Governor’s Black-Tie Invitational, the Southern Highlands Charitable Foundation also sponsors the Fall Festival 5K Run, park openings and holiday events throughout the Southern Highlands community to raise impressive donations for local children’s, teen’s and women’s organizations.
Since its inception the Governor’s Black-Tie Invitational has raised more than $5 million for local charities.