August 2005 - Contractors Sprucing Up Magical Forest
By Mandi Harding, FCA Executive Director

With southern Nevada temperatures approaching the 120s, Santa Claus, whimsical, colorful displays and holiday cheer are the last things on most people’s minds. That is, unless you are involved with Opportunity Village’s Magical Forest display.

“This is a critical time of year,” said Forest Head Elf Buffy McKinney. “We have about nine months of opportunity each year to refurbish existing displays, add new displays and make overall construction improvements to the forest. All of which is donated or volunteered by local construction companies and suppliers via the Magical Forest Construction committee.”

Chris Thomas from Gary G. Day Construction is no exception to the volunteer network. When the original contractor slated to build the extension to the train depot was derailed by another forest project, Thomas stepped in to get it done. Thanks to the generosity of Martin-Harris Construction all of the materials and roof shingles were provided, and Thomas was able to focus on mobilizing the crew.

“The project was small and we were able to get it handled in under two days. Our biggest delay was waiting for the roof shingles to arrive,” said Thomas. “We are always happy to volunteer our expertise for worthy causes like Opportunity Village.”

Dubbed ‘Las Vegas’ Favorite Charity’, Opportunity Village has excelled in making a niche in the nonprofit sector. In 1954, there were only two options available to Las Vegans with mental retardation, either long term care by family members or placement in an institution. Seven families of children with severe intellectual disabilities recognized the need for an organization that could help people with disabilities and so, the Clark County Association for Retarded Children was formed. In 1963 the organization was renamed to Opportunity Village.

While the name has changed the organization’s mission to serve and improve the quality of life for individuals with mental retardation and the lives of their families remains the same. Nationally recognized for its programs, facilities and its unique 100 percent self-funded approach, Opportunity Village represents the benchmark for similar organizations across the country.

Whether its contract work, the thrift stores, community events or fundraising efforts like the Magical Forest, the success of Opportunity Village is only possible through the continued support of the local community and is measured by the millions of dollars it generates annually to offset the shortfalls from state-granted subsidies.

Magical Forest renovations are scheduled to be completed in early October in time for Opportunity Village’s Safe Street an event geared for children under 12 and their families to trick-or-treat in a safe environment beginning October 28. The Magical Forest will open for visitors this year on November 24, and will be open seven days a week through December 30. Tickets for the Magical Forest may be purchased online at www.opportunityvillage.org.

“Last year we raised $1.3 million at the Magical Forest,” said McKinney. “This year our goal is to generate $2 million so we will be able to expand some of our current services.”

Other Associated General Contractor and Framing Contractors Association members that have contributed to the 2005 Magical Forest renovations include ADT, M&H Specialties, Dielco Crane, YESCO, Dynaelectric Company, Amazon Masonry, Valley Crest, Southern Nevada Paving, Century Steel and Nevada Ready Mix.