Nevada Donor Network Hosted 2022 Inspire Gala in Downtown Arts District

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Nevada Donor Network (NDN) and the Molasky Family hosted the 2022 Inspire Gala on August 27th in the Downtown Arts District. The annual Inspire Gala helps the nonprofit to raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and raises funds for expanding transplantation capabilities in Nevada. NDN President and CEO Joe Ferreira and NDN Foundation President Steven Peralta welcomed guests and spoke about the nonprofit's mission, accomplishment, and vision.

Special guests included Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Former U.S. Representative Shelley Berkley, City of Las Vegas Councilman Brian Knudsen, Nevada Mining Association President and CEO Tyre Gray, Vegas Golden Knights President and CEO Kerry Bubolz, and more.

Photo 1: Nevada First Lady Kathy Sisolak, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak, Jennifer Simich, and Heather Brown. Photo 2: Minja Yan, John Pior, Leslie Nino, and Max Berkley. Photo 3: Steven Peralta and guest. Photo 4: City of Las Vegas Councilman Brian Knudsen and Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak (Photos by Alex Strawser)

All proceeds from the event are helping to fund Nevada Donor Network Foundation’s “End the Wait” campaign, aimed at raising $35 million to expand transplantation in Nevada. Once achieved, Nevada residents would be able to be evaluated, transplanted, and cared for locally. Currently, 618 local Nevadans are waiting for a lifesaving transplant.

At the event, the following awards were presented:

Governor’s Award – Donor Hero, Trooper Micah May (accepted by his wife Joanna May)
Hope Award - Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center
Strength Award – Nevada Mining Association
Life Award - Lauren Molasky Fierst, Lung Recipient

Jan Jones Blackhurst, Board of Director of NDN and former City of Las Vegas Mayor, spoke on the reason why she decided to serve on the board and her experience of helping the nonprofit.

Jan Jones Blackhurst speaking at the 2020 Inspire Gala hosted by Nevada Donor Network and Molasky Family (Photo by Alex Strawser)

This month, Nevada Donor Network announced “Golden Hearts” partnership with Nevada Mining Association. Representing more than 41,000 Nevadans working throughout the mining industry, Nevada Mining Association will educate and engage miners and suppliers about the mission of Nevada Donor Network.

Nevada Mining Association President Tyre Gray and Vegas Golden Knights President and CEO Kerry Bubolz with guests (Photo by Alex Strawser)

“Simply put, organ donation gives people a second chance at life,” said Nevada Mining Association President, Tyre Gray. “The kidney transplant I received in 2012 has allowed me to start a family, graduate law school, and become the first African American to lead a major trade association in Nevada history. The Nevada Donor Network’s mission is near and dear to my heart, and I am excited to spread the importance of organ donation to the mining community.”

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