Las Vegas Market Hosts 8th Gift For Life Fundraiser

June 7, 2018  by Jason Schneider in Business Strategy, Community / Charitable Support, Designer Weekly, Industry, Las Vegas, Market, Special Events   

The 2018 fundraiser will be themed “Erase Hate: A Celebration of Love,” in connection with the 20th anniversary of the death of murder victim Matthew Shepard, an event that galvanized support for the gay and lesbian community.

“Las Vegas Market is deeply committed to the industry’s chosen charity, Gift For Life, and its critical mission to raise funds for HIV/AIDS treatment, prevention, education, and advocacy,” said Esther Ossei-Anto, senior marketing manager, International Market Centers and a newly appointed Gift For Life board member.

“This year, our supportive efforts take on a new dimension, with the theme of ‘Erase Hate: A Celebration of Love,’ memorializing the 20th anniversary of Matthew Shepard’s murder, a turning point in the American conversation about hate and how we as a people address our fears around things we do not know or understand,” she added. “Las Vegas Market is proud to lend our voices to this dialogue and to demonstrate our continuing dedication to the industry charity.”

Judy Shepard, Matthew’s mother, will attend the Summer 2018 Las Vegas Market and the Up on the Roof benefit. Multi-line sales agency Fine Lines will host a special meet-and-greet with Shepard on Monday, July 30 from 12-4 p.m. in its showroom on C10, including a special signing of her book, “The Meaning of Matthew, My Son’s Murder in Laramie and A World Transformed.” 

The 2018 Up On the Roof event will be held on Monday, July 30, from 6-8 p.m. in the WorldView Ballroom on the 16th Floor of Building B. Party-goers will enjoy a full bar, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, a silent auction, entertainment, and an opportunity to purchase The Chavez for Charity Matthew Shepard 20th anniversary commemorative bracelets and “Erase Hate” T-shirts. 

Up on the Roof tickets, which cost $25 each or five for $100, are available online at https://splashthat.com/sites/view/upontheroof2018.splashthat.com and at specially designated kiosks onsite in the Grand Plaza, C10 and in the Pavilions during Las Vegas Market.

Proceeds from the 2018 event will benefit DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS and The Matthew Shepard Foundation.