After cruising through the Mojave Desert and stopping at the world-famous Alien Fresh Jerky store in Baker, California, I finally made my way across the casino-lined border of Nevada. Once again, the topography didn't change much -- except for the subtle shade of browns in the mountains. When one thinks of the Las Vegas area, they don't usually think of the beauty surrounding the city. I'd actually rank Las Vegas as more scenic than Phoenix and Albuquerque in the category of desert locals, if such a thing actually existed.

I was offered a place to stay by a high school friend of mine, Macy Anderson, who was one of the first people to extend a warm invite for me to come and volunteer in her community. Beside being spoiled with my own guest suite (bathroom, king-sized bed, stocked refrigerator, those fancy little bath soaps, and all the peanut butter bars I could eat), I was in for a bigger treat when I was introduced to her network of friends and family. They were so kind and very generous in both words and gifts – BIG kudos to thee!

Macy was also instrumental in finding all-star charities for me to be involved with. I strongly believe the locals know their communities best, so on Tuesday, I introduced myself to Opportunity Village. This organization came highly recommended and has a great reputation in the community. I quickly came to experience why.

“Opportunity Village is dedicated to helping people with severe intellectual and related disabilities become the very best they can be. Through vocational training, employment, day services, advocacy, arts and social recreation, people with severe disabilities are able to find new friends, realize future career paths, seek independence and community integration and unleash creative passions.” They have an unbelievable staff who cares for the individuals and helps them develop skills and abilities to make it after they graduate from the public schools. Whether it be wrapping plastic utensils in napkins for an airline industry, creating promotions for the casinos, or recycling hotel towels into sellable dishcloths, they are given good jobs that help their communities and themselves succeed.

Because there is a series of background and safety checks in order to work directly with the disabled, I was directed to the Magical Forest. The Forest is located on an acre and a half property connected to one of the work centers. The event is huge and somehow gets bigger every year. They boast in having over three million lights and in providing the perfect atmosphere to get anyone into the holiday spirit. This event runs from the Sunday before Thanksgiving to the second of January and is the organization's largest fundraiser. I worked on a variety of projects -- stringing trees, connecting walkway rings to the power grid, taping lines, decorating a corporate tree, sanding and prepping a giant light switch -- just to name a few. Whenever I introduce myself to an organization, I always tell them I would like to help serve in "any capacity", and this definitely fell in that category.

Outside of being awestruck by this monumental event, I was blown away with the commitment to this project by people like Jack, Blaire, and Alfredo. Jack was a restaurateur who got connected to Opportunity Village by doing some catering work for them and later hosting a meatball fundraiser. He was asked to joined the staff and is now in charge of making the Magical Forest...(wait for it)...magical. Blaire comes down from Canada and Alfredo comes up from Mexico, both give over three months to setting up, running, and tearing down the event and have been doing so for many years. I enjoyed hearing their uniques stories of how they got involved with Opportunity Village and their adventures in working in the Forest.

It truly was a privilege to see what Opportunity Village is all about and to work along side those who are making a huge difference, caring for those who cannot always care for themselves. They do so with such joy and would be happy to get you involved using your talents. I know that after making it to the forty-eight scheduled states, I will eventually make it back here to help them continue their work.

If you live in the Las Vegas area, start a tradition and go spend a evening in the Magical Forest.  There's something for the whole family and you'll be helping a really great cause.

Part two will be up tomorrow. Let's just say that even though Nevada is known as the Silver State, it was nothing but gold in the people I worked alongside of and the good works they are doing in a challenging community. Make sure you take time this weekend to hear all about it.