Las Vegas families enjoyed a hands‑on charity day Saturday at the Silverton Casino, where the annual Construction vs. Cancer fundraiser turned the casino’s event floor into a playground of real construction equipment. Children aged five to twelve were invited to sit in the operator’s seats of authentic backhoes, diggers and excavators, giving them a taste of the job site while raising money for the American Cancer Society’s childhood‑cancer research and support programs.
Event highlights
The carnival‑style gathering featured more than just heavy machinery. A giant sandbox let kids dig and build, while a scaffolding lookout tower offered a high‑up view of the bustling scene. Participants earned tickets for completing mini‑challenges, which could be exchanged for prizes ranging from toys to gift‑card vouchers. A collaborative “Wall of Hope” art project invited families to add painted tiles, each representing a wish or prayer for children battling cancer.
Supporting a vital cause
All proceeds from the day’s activities go directly to the American Cancer Society, a nonprofit organization that funds cutting‑edge research, provides financial assistance, and offers counseling services to families affected by childhood cancer. Organizers highlighted that donations from the event will help expand the Society’s outreach programs in Nevada, ensuring more families receive the support they need during treatment.
Community response
Local parents praised the event for its blend of fun and philanthropy. “It’s wonderful to see our kids learning about real‑world jobs while we contribute to a cause that hits close to home,” said Maria Gonzales, a mother of two who attended with her children. Volunteers from the casino and the American Cancer Society staffed the equipment stations, ensuring safety protocols were followed and that each child received a brief orientation before operating the machines.
Looking ahead
Organizers announced plans to expand the Construction vs. Cancer fundraiser to additional venues across Nevada next year, hoping to involve more families and raise greater funds for childhood‑cancer initiatives. The event’s success this year underscores the community’s willingness to rally behind a cause that protects the health and future of its youngest members.
For families interested in future events or wishing to donate directly, details are available on the American Cancer Society’s Nevada chapter website.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
