![Circus_Couture2017©JerryMetellus; childhood cancer](http://nonprofitnews.vegas/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Screen-Shot-2017-10-09-at-7.55.30-AM.png)
LAS VEGAS – October 9, 2017 – An incredible $272,095 was raised to support children facing cancer in Nevada at the 8th annual Circus Couture “PRYSM” event on Friday, September 29, 2017, at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel Las Vegas.
Thanks to the gracious and enthusiastic community support of Circus Couture, the event has raised a total of $1.46 million over the past eight years for childhood cancer causes.
Circus Couture is a vibrant collection of performers, artists, costumers, fashion designers, makeup artists, models and technicians, who in their professional lives work in many of Las Vegas’ well-known production shows. In the months leading up to Circus Couture, this group of talented participants dedicates their off-hours to rehearsals, meetings, fittings and collaborative sessions to make the one-night event a success.
![Circus Couture, childhood cancer](http://nonprofitnews.vegas/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Circus_Couture2017©JerryMetellus-129-1024x683.jpeg)
Proceeds from Circus Couture “PRSYM” benefit the Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada, the state’s only nonprofit outpatient treatment center for children affected by cancer and many other life-threatening conditions.
One of the heart-stopping moments during Circus Couture’s live auction occurred when magician Criss Angel of MINDFREAK® LIVE at the Luxor Hotel & Casino, bid $100,000 for a painting envisioned by Taylor H. a patient of the Children’s Specialty Center. The painting on canvas was a collaboration between Taylor and KD Matheson and Alex P. Huerta.
![Circus Couture; childhood cancer](http://nonprofitnews.vegas/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Circus_Couture2017©JerryMetellus-220-300x200.jpeg)
Other noteworthy auction items included:
- Dream Dinner for 25 people donated and catered by celebrity chef Johnny Church; $20,000
- Hand sculpted metal and glass “PRYSM Warrior” created by Larry and Barbara Domsky of Domsky Glass; $4,000
- All season outdoor UltraView™ television donated by Peerless AV; $4,000
- A year’s worth of Krispy Kreme doughnuts donated by Feel Good Brands; $1,200
“Everyone who has supported us through the years represents a hue of compassion and you all matter sincerely to the families that count on that light,” said Erica Linz, President of Circus Couture and co-founder of the event. “It is with great admiration that we have watched you take something that could swallow light and instead insist on creating rainbows. For eight years it has been our privilege to celebrate the many hues that color the kiddo’s fight with hope. Thank you.”
The Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada, a program of Cure 4 the Kids Foundation, is the only outpatient clinic in Nevada which treats children diagnosed with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No child is ever turned away from treatment for financial reasons, including those without medical insurance and those unable to pay for treatment.
The Children’s Specialty Center is also a member of the Children’s Oncology Group, a collaborative association of the country’s leading childhood cancer treatment centers and physicians. This allows Nevada patients to enroll in appropriate clinical trials, which have helped to dramatically improve childhood cancer treatment over the years.
Circus Couture Board Members include Erica Linz, President/Creator/Senior Director; Dawn Marie Bernhard, Board Chair/Business Manager; Lisa Hearting, Board Member/Public Relations; Cathy Poochigian, Board Member/Production Manager; Ashley Sutherland-Winch, Board Member/Art Auction Director; Benoit Beaufils, Board Member/Artistic Director; Becky Stephenson, Board Member/Volunteer Manager.
Established in 2010, Circus Couture is a Nevada non-profit organization raising critical funds for pediatric cancer care and research through the annual circus, fashion and art events. Proceeds are donated to the Children’s Specialty Center of Nevada, the only clinic in the state that treats kids with cancer regardless of their family’s ability to pay for services. Circus Couture is a volunteer-based organization comprised primarily of performers, technicians, and employees from shows on the Las Vegas strip and local fine artists. Circus Couture is a grassroots organization with no affiliation with any company or corporation.