Angel Awards: Recognizing those who give, lead and inspire

The Vegas Inc Angel Awards honors the individuals, businesses and organizations whose generosity and commitment to service make Southern Nevada a better place to live. Each honoree reflects the spirit of giving that defines our community by supporting those in need, creating opportunities and inspiring others to give back.

Philanthropy remains at the heart of the Las Vegas Valley. As you read about this year’s honorees, you’ll see the many ways they have strengthened our region and changed lives. Their example reminds us that everyone has the ability to help—whether through time, resources or a simple act of kindness.

The 2025 Vegas Inc Angel Awards originally appeared in a special issue of Vegas Inc’s Giving Guide. Sign up to get each of Vegas Inc’s special publications delivered to your inbox on the day of their release.

Cultural Advocate of the Year: André C. Wade

State Director, Silver State Equality

André C. Wade is the State Director for Silver State Equality, where he leads legislative advocacy, political engagement, fundraising and community initiatives across Nevada. With more than 25 years of experience in human services and LGBTQ+ advocacy, Wade is a recognized leader working to advance equality and inclusion.

A Las Vegas native, Wade holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in public administration from UNLV, along with a certificate in policy advocacy from Cornell University.

Silver State Equality’s mission is to bring the voices of LGBTQ+ people and allies to institutions of power to build a healthier, more just and fully equal Nevada. The organization advocates for pro-equality legislation, endorses inclusive candidates and addresses disparities in LGBTQ+ health through education and policy.

Its local impact includes educating communities on HIV, COVID-19 and MPOX, and supporting LGBTQ+ students through a Student Advisory Council. The organization also trains future leaders and hosts events that strengthen civic engagement and volunteerism across the state.

“There are many projects that I am proud of at Silver State Equality. The one I am most proud of is the LGBTQ+ Student Advisory Council,” said Wade. “[It] was designed on the promising practice of engaging young people through a virtual program that would give them an outlet for engagement, action and learning, while also providing access to adult mentors.”

Nonprofit of the Year (Large): Goodwill of Southern Nevada

Celebrating 50 years of service, Goodwill of Southern Nevada has become a cornerstone of workforce development and poverty alleviation in the state. From its humble beginnings, Goodwill has grown into one of Southern Nevada’s largest nonprofit employers, with more than 800 team members across 17 retail stores, three attended donation centers, two career centers and the Goodwill Training Academy.

At the heart of its mission—to reduce the impact of poverty through employment and upward mobility—Goodwill delivers innovative job training and placement services that respond to the region’s evolving workforce needs. Its signature “Training Sprints” offers accelerated pathways into high-demand sectors such as health care. In 2024 alone, Goodwill’s Career Services supported more than 11,000 Nevadans and placed nearly 3,500 individuals into employment—including 856 veterans and military family members.

More than 90% of every dollar earned from the sale of donated goods is reinvested into programs supporting local job seekers, making Goodwill a powerful force in regional economic stability. In honor of its 50th anniversary, Goodwill launched the Care-to-Care fundraising program, a year-long community impact campaign, partnering with 12 fellow nonprofits to raise funds and awareness through monthly in-store initiatives.

Through strong partnerships, innovative training and a deep commitment to community, Goodwill of Southern Nevada continues to transform lives and strengthen Nevada’s workforce for the next 50 years.

Volunteer of the Year: Laura Coleman

Nathan Adelson Hospice

Laura Coleman has dedicated her life to service, combining personal compassion with sustained community impact. Inspired by her mother’s philanthropic endeavors and the care her family received during difficult times, Laura began volunteering with Nathan Adelson Hospice in 1990. Her warmth, energy and consistency brought comfort to countless families, making her a fixture of the organization’s volunteer community.

Coleman’s commitment expanded in 1999 when she launched the Food & Wine Tasting Extravaganza, which has become one of Nathan Adelson Hospice’s largest fundraising events—raising millions of dollars and welcoming more than 150,000 attendees.

As former owner of Poker Palace Casino, Coleman is deeply rooted in the North Las Vegas community. Her work includes volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada and founding Al’s Birthday Club, an initiative that brings birthday celebrations—complete with pizza, cake and gifts—to underserved youth. In 2014, she co-founded Armed Forces and Military Appreciation Incorporated, hosting an annual event honoring active-duty military members, veterans, first responders and their families.

Coleman’s connection to Nathan Adelson Hospice remains personal and profound. She continues to give back, even delivering food on New Year’s Eve to staff working late shifts. Her life’s work reflects one core value: service rooted in love and lived experience.

Foundation of the Year: Easy Day Foundation

Founded on Veterans Day in 2023 by Frank J. Fertitta IV, left, and Landon Gyulay, far left, the Easy Day Foundation is a dynamic nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting U.S. Veterans during the critical transition from military to civilian life. In less than a year, EDF has already made a significant impact. It has directly supported more than 4,000 veterans and their families, and has raised more than $1.3 million for leading nonprofit partners who provide mental health services, job training and family assistance programs.

Built on three core pillars—mental health counseling, job training and placement, and family support—EDF uses a unique, entertainment-driven fundraising model. At least 80% of all funds raised are directed to high-impact programs, with nationally respected beneficiaries including the Bob Woodruff Foundation, Team Rubicon, Fisher House Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the Congressional Medal of Honor Society.

In May 2025, EDF became the official philanthropic partner of the American Music Awards, amplifying its mission on a national stage. On a local level, initiatives like “Heroes Hired,” created in partnership with UNLV’s Military and Veteran Services Center, Mastroianni Fashions, and Vasari Las Vegas, exemplify EDF’s commitment to dignity and opportunity—offering tailored suits, career coaching and resume support to student veterans.

More than a nonprofit, EDF is a growing movement—uniting communities, restoring purpose and honoring the sacrifice of those who have served.

Nonprofit of the Year (Small): Serving Our Kids Foundation

According to Feeding America, one in four students in Clark County faces food insecurity, which is more than 100,000 students arriving at school each day without reliable access to meals. Serving Our Kids Foundation is on a mission to change that.

Founded in 2013, the organization began as a grassroots initiative and has grown into a vital force in the fight against child hunger in Southern Nevada. During the 2024–2025 school year, Serving Our Kids Foundation provided 4,150 weekend meal bags every week across 98 schools. This year, its goal is even more ambitious: 5,000 children served weekly.

With 72% of all donations going directly toward food purchases, and a nearly all-volunteer team—including its CEO—Serving Our Kids exemplifies efficient, community-driven impact. Since its inception, it has delivered more than 500,000 meal bags to local students in need.

“The Las Vegas Valley, specifically Clark County, has one of the highest child food insecurity rates across the United States,” said Laurie Tanakaya, CEO of Serving Our Kids Foundation. “These children are our community’s future. Supporting them today builds stronger leaders for tomorrow.”

Serving Our Kids Foundation’s mission to “feed their dreams” is about more than food—it’s about ensuring that children have the physical nourishment, emotional stability and academic support they need to thrive.

Philanthropic Business of the Year (Public): Southwest Gas

Southwest Gas stands as a leader in corporate philanthropy, with community service and social responsibility deeply embedded in its company culture. For nearly 60 years, the Southwest Gas Foundation has dedicated itself to supporting communities and enhancing the well-being of residents across its service territories.

In 2024, more than 77% of Southwest Gas employees participated in the Fuel For Life giving campaign, pledging $2.4 million in total. Nearly $980,000 of these funds were directed to Southern Nevada nonprofits including the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter, Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, and SafeNest. Since 2012, employees have contributed more than $24.5 million to more than 2,400 organizations.

Volunteerism is a core value at Southwest Gas. Through the Building Lives Up Everywhere program, employees contributed more than 4,000 volunteer hours in 2024, benefiting more than 40 community organizations. Recent initiatives include partnering with the Vegas Golden Knights to build beds for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and collaborating with The Just One Project to host Pop Up and Give events that provided free groceries to those in need.

“Our efforts help strengthen and enrich communities across Southern Nevada, ensuring residents not only have access to safe, reliable energy services but also the resources to thrive,” said Karen Haller, President and CEO of Southwest Gas Corporation. 

Philanthropic Business of the Year (Private): SAHARA Las Vegas

Sahara Las Vegas demonstrates its commitment to the Southern Nevada community through Sahara Cares—a team member-led philanthropic initiative focused on education, youth empowerment and hands-on giving. The program reflects the resort’s broader mission to foster meaningful community impact through active engagement and collaboration.

In 2025, Sahara expanded its outreach across Clark County, with a focus on supporting children, families and educators. A highlight of the year was the return of Project 150’s Prom Closet, hosted at Sahara Las Vegas. The event offered free prom attire and accessories to high school students in need. In addition to volunteer support, Sahara contributed $20,568 to Project 150 to further its mission of serving homeless and disadvantaged youth.

The resort’s long-standing partnership with Robert E. Lake Elementary School remains central to its community efforts. In 2024, Sahara adopted 33 families (105 children), providing each child with four wrapped holiday gifts, gift cards and essential household items. Gifts were personally delivered to families’ homes by Sahara team members.

Additional efforts included sponsorship and participation in the third-annual Sahara Cares Awards, Teacher Appreciation Week Lunch, Spring Fling Carnival sponsorship, testing week incentives and an etiquette lunch for high-achieving students.

“Philanthropy isn’t just a corporate value—it’s part of our culture,” said Stacy King, Vice President of Human Resources at Sahara Las Vegas.

Humanitarian of the Year: Garry Goett

CEO of Olympia Companies and Founder of the Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation

For 25 years, Garry Goett, Founder of the Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation, has demonstrated a deep, personal commitment to serving Southern Nevada. Beyond financial giving, Goett leads with compassion, consistency and hands-on engagement—volunteering his time and leveraging his leadership to make a meaningful difference.

Since its founding, the Olympia Companies Charitable Foundation has raised more than $30 million, supporting dozens of local nonprofits, including Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, Opportunity Village, Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation, Children’s Heart Foundation, Assistance League of Las Vegas, Candlelighters and DISCOVERY Children’s Museum. Goett has also served in advisory and leadership roles with several of these organizations, reflecting his deep connection to their missions.

The foundation’s community impact is significant: more than 10,000 critically ill children have attended summer camps, more than 7,500 paychecks have gone to individuals with disabilities, 10,000 students have received new clothing, and thousands of families have gained access to school supplies, tutoring and basic needs.

“From funding critical medical care, to supporting summer camps and students in the Clark County School District with clothing, school supplies and tutoring services, our goal is to uplift those in need and create lasting positive impact in our community,” said Goett. Grounded in a vision of long-term impact and a belief in giving back through purposeful action, Goett continues to serve Southern Nevada.